10 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9f284bcd26c1f8f2229dc407d0726714.pdf b62363123c703e7cf67a98ba0f796ef8 PDF Text Text February 24th - March 9th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 31 (No. 350) advocating justice | Building community Shame in the City: Have We Confused Progress with status Quo?| 3 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Forum Focused on Local Responses To What's Going On in Washington, D.C. | 2 Not Just My History, Our History| 5 Children's Kindness March| 8 Border Stories | 5 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL From the Director: Only Vote for Candidates Who Will Fight for the End of Homelessness in Cincinnati JOSH SPRING H Executive Director omelessness is growing in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Our Member Organizations are seeing growing numbers of single men and women as well as families with children. The need is so high among families with children that at least seventy percent of families seeking shelter assistance, receive no assistance. The Shelterhouse, between the women, men and winter shelter have been seeing over 400 people on recent nights. Families with children have come to the winter shelter with nowhere else to go. Last year the number of people who died because of homelessness was at an all-time high. All of this should be extremely alarming. But more than alarming, all of this must lead to action. As we enter election season in Cincinnati, both for city council and for the mayor, we must make homelessness and affordable housing key issues. Any candidate that does not eagerly show plans for fighting homelessness through housing is not worth considering. Any candidate who can know that single adult shelters are over capacity, youth shelter does not have enough room and that at most only thirty percent of families with children without a home receive assistance - and not address homelessness and housing as a major issue and crisis is not worthy of support. If a candidate says they plan to fight poverty but does not commit to fighting for affordable housing, they are either lying or don’t consider people without homeless human enough to be worth fighting alongside. If a candidate says they plan to lessen child poverty but does not commit to a strategic plan to build affordable housing, it is simply a publicity stunt. If a candidate says they plan to improve the city’s economy, but don’t commit to fighting for an end to homelessness, then they don’t believe people without homes are a part of the city’s economy. Please go to forums, write letters to the editor, speak at City Hall and ask candidates what they plan to do F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 to work for an end to homelessness in Cincinnati. Attend, participate, plan and organize rallies, demonstrations, protests demanding that this city fights to end homelessness. Talk with your friend, neighbors, family, co-workers and tell them to do the same. In short, don’t vote for or support any candidate that does not, through action and commitment show that they believe no girl, man, boy, woman or any other way a person may identify themselves should ever have to be without something as simple as a home. Don’t vote for anyone who does not show through action and commitment that they will work to end the days of children sleeping in shelters, cars, outside or on stranger’s couches. Don’t vote for anyone that tells you fixing problems like homelessness is about changing the attitudes, perspectives, commitment or choices of people experiencing homelessness. Don’t vote for anyone that acts out a belief that progress can include the displacement of people from their homes. Please, only support and vote for candidates whom you can honestly say believe homelessness is a systematic problem, with the systematic solution of affordable housing and that they are willing to fight for the end of homelessness no matter who stops liking, financing or supporting them because the lives of people demand such a fight and more. FORUM FOCUSED ON LOCAL RESPONSES TO WHAT'S GOING ON IN WASHINGTON, D.C. W hat are the local responses to Executive Orders and policy shifts now taking place in Washington, D.C.? At the February 16th Forum at Christ Church Cathedral, a panel described some of these local activities and events. Ismaeel Chartier, Imam of the Clifton Mosque, Brennan Grayson, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center, and Michelle Dillingham, Executive Director of Community Shares, comprised the panel. Imam Chartier led off the discussion with a personal message about how Trump's Executive Order and his other positions about Muslims and immigrants have impacted his life and the Muslim community in Cincinnati. He confided that his diverse Muslim community currently lives in fear, and that he has received seventy-five death threats since he publicly announced that the Clifton Mosque would serve as a sanctuary for people fearing deportation. He noted that his seven-year-old son has asked him questions like: "Why does BILL WOODS Contributing Writer the President hate me." The local response of Chartier and the Muslim community is to reach out to as many allies as possible. He pointed to the press conference at the Clifton Mosque where an interfaith group of congregations, including Christ Church Cathedral, announced their solidarity as "sanctuary spaces." In this time of fear and tension, the (Continued on page 11) Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Dr. Mark Mussman, Key Beck, Mark P. Painter, Sr. Nicole Varnerin, Gretchen Marie Semancik, Robert Park, Ricardo Taylor, Bobby Morris, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/Artwork: Alice Schneider, Dr. Mark Mussman, Biography.com, Gretchen Marie Semancik, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Imam Chartier leads discussion on Executive Orders and bans. Credit: Alice Schneider THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL Shame in the City: Have we confused progress with status quo? 3 No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Between the years of 1934 and 1962, the United States federal government (FHA) issued more than 120 billion dollars in home ownership loans. These loans went to build the suburbs that we have today, and created much of the wealth that Americans enjoy today. If you grew up in a house, you most likely have these loans to thank for that. The loans enabled Americans to build wealth generationally and exponentially. People of color, regardless of economic status, were denied participation in the program through "redlining", which ultimately created a very uneven playing field. In redlining, lines were drawn (on maps) around nonwhite communities and federal Staff Writer poverty, we must also focus on concentrated wealth. The wealthy suburbs were created with restrictive covenants (forbidding the sale of property to non-whites), redlining, and de facto segregation. And none of this ended in the 1960’s – it continues today with banks that partcipate in discriminatory and illegal activity. It also continues in other places like the courthouse, retail outlets, credit cards, mortgages, health care, student loans, environmental racism (DAPL). Today, our federal expenditures are more directed to the support the housing secure, not the housing insecure. When Cincinnati's West End (Kenyon-Barr) neighborhood was When Cincinnati decided that we wanted a way to get to the new shiny (read white) suburbs more quickly so we decided to build a highway through the West End. Not the federal government, but us. We decided to tear down a whole neighborhood, almost exclusively African-American, without a real plan to deal with the displacement. Many were displaced to Avondale and other neighborhoods - most certainly to Over-the-Rhine. Recently, I hear people arguing that the gentrification taking place in Over-the-Rhine right now is just “progress.” It’s clear to me that they are confusing “progress” with “status quo.” Is it progress when powerful people throw people of color (and businesses are closed and storefronts are left vacant for years? Or is this just another way that power shows itself? As Over-the-Rhine shifts further into a bar and parking garage neighborhood, we must ask ourselves if the progress we are seeing is beneficial for our entire community, or is it just beneficial for someone else? As my neighbor put it yesterday – “Every time they build a parking lot, all it says is that we don’t care about the quality of life, about the health, about the environment, in our community.” She showed me how white flight hurts us all, and it seems to me, that sprawl is probably the biggest cumulative environmental catastrophe of the 20th Century. Since density is the future of city life, progress may be in the process of removing our grocery store from the neighborhood. This is where I get my cereal, milk, bread, produce, and snacks. This is where families in the neighborhood shop – mainly because the next closest grocery store is miles away, in Kentucky, and only Rear View of Incoming Condos on Vine with Kroger in background Construction Site on Vine and 15th across from Kroger Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman loans did not penetrate into those communities. Even as I write this, it seems like it was unintentional that people of color were left out of the loans, but redlining should be seen as completely intentional, because it was – less than 2% of the homeownership loans were given to people of color. When we talk about concentrated razed to the ground in the late 1950’s, residents were told to leave their homes. Here was a whole neighborhood, built from the ground up, by African-Americans – many of them had bought themselves and their families out of slavery – full of life, wealth - a truly mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhood. people in poverty) out into the street – or is this just the status quo? Is it progress when public goods (such as sidewalks, streets, parks, alleys, buildings, etc.) become privatized, or do we have enough of a grasp on neoliberalism to know that it is just the status quo of the late 20th Century? Is it progress when small accessible by highway. The demographics in Over-theRhine are changing dramatically, with new housing coming in for wealthy residents coupled with the wide-scale loss of low-income housing. The new residents, with (Continued on page 5) Side View of Incoming Condos on Vine with Kroger in background Sandwiched between two vacant buildings, the activity in front of Kroger Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 �5 LOCAL Not Just My History, Our History No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 KEY BECK Contributing Writer It pains me to think that we have let another year go by without truly acknowledging the significance of Black History. Although every February is designated Black History Month, I personally feel we move further away from recognizing its purpose. If you didn’t know, this month was created to highlight the impact the black Diaspora had on the world from inventions to cultural events. Black History Month started out as “Negro History Week,” and it was imagined by Carter G. Woodson and other African-Americans, such as minister Jesse E. Moorland. It wasn’t fully realized until 1976, when February was officially designated as Black History Month. When first introduced in 1976 by Carter G. Woodson and a number of prominent African Americans, the celebration was known as “Negro History Week.” This was a concerted effort of many to share the historical, social and cultural contributions of the marginalized Black Diaspora. It is important to note that since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. It is important to realize that just like many, if not all, of us get to benefit from the many contributions, we should all celebrate these efforts as well. Often, non-people of color feel this is a “black holiday,” but this is not the case. We cannot afford to ignore the efforts of the marginalized. We should value their findings, support their goals, and share with others what we learn. That means making sure your children understand about black history (the good and bad), sharing accurate information with DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 3) their cars and parking garages, jump on the highway, cross the river, and shop at the Newport Kroger. This isn’t an option for many of us - nor should it be seen as a desirable one. Across Vine Street from our grocery store, Kroger, is where Smitty’s Men’s Fashions was before the fire. Now, there are a few buildings vacant and a few lots empty. Currently, there’s a fence around the sidewalk as another project gears up to fill the void with condos, shops, etc. Rumors started circulating late last year, after a Neighborhood Safety Meeting, where it is rumored to have been suggested by someone invested in the new development, that closing Kroger will deter undesirable street activity, such as drug dealing. To even suggest closing Kroger, our only grocery story, only to change what some people who don't live here (yet) will "see out their windows" when they move in, is a sobering example of the gentrification of Over-theRhine. That this would be seen as a others, and holding our officials responsible for continuing to highlight the lives of black people. In essence, I am saying there is not one way to celebrate Black History Month. There are many ways to show Black Lives Matter and provide recognition of one’s history and struggle is one of them. You could visit a local cultural museum, create an African-American Inventors collage or even read poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Many schools and organizations plan programming and activities to celebrate the black history and the contributions made by black people. This celebration isn’t just a US thang either. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history. In fact, the United Kingdom first celebrated Black History Month 1987 thanks to the organized leadership of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. In Canada, Black History Month was officially recognized in December of 1995, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the viable option for someone shows the disconnect between developers and community members. Displacement doesn’t require emotional labor. Displacement doesn’t require solutions. Displacement doesn’t require building bridges. Displacement is the status quo – it is not progress. So, before someone states that they are glad for the progress in Over-theRhine, remind them that progress is on the backs of more than 2300 low-income families who have been displaced out of the neighborhood in the last 15 years. This is on the backs of small business owners and nonprofits that have been pushed out. This is at the expense of the schools who lose money on new development tax abatements. That it is with the loss of public spaces. This progress may just be the powerful wringing what they can out of the powerless until they have had their fill. This is not progress in the true sense, but simply a continuance of the status quo – sustaining white supremacy. Honourable [sic] Jean Augustine, MP of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. In closing, there are many reasons why Black History Month should be important to all of us. Regardless of the fact that we wouldn’t have traffic lights (Garrett Morgan), modern elevators (Alexander Miles), ironing boards (Sarah Boothe), light bulb filament (Lewis Latimer), or many other inventions. It is important to show the role that black people have played to ensure this country is prosperous. We need to use this time to uplift the forgotten (or ignored) histories of people who help build this country. We need to highlight their role in shaping this democratic nation. With no James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, Malcolm X or Martin Luther King would we even have this current United States of America? Probably, but I am sure it would be a lot less hospitable for many people of color. This is the opportunity to engage the community in the history of the people. As I stated earlier, many inventions today are directly influenced by the black inventors of the past (Eli Whitney – Cotton Gin, Sarah Goode – Folding Cabinet Bed, Granville T. Woods – Multiplex Telegraph and Charles Richard Drew – Blood Cells Separation). These are just a few of the contributions by African-Americans, so it pays to recognize the past to move forward. Carter G. Woodson Credit: Biography.com Want to see what's happening for yourself? Book a Social Justice Walking Tour with the Homeless Coalition - cincihomeless.org [Editor’s Note: On February 15, 2017, a member of the Kroger Media Relations/Corporate Communications Office confirmed that Kroger has no plans to close the store at this time. Over-theRhine Safety Sector meeting notes or minutes are not currently available.] ------------------------ View of Construction Site on Vine and 15th at former Smitty's Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 (Continued on page 12) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �OPINION Former Judge Painter: It’s Time to impeach Trump No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 [This editorial first appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer on February 14. Former Judge Mark P. Painter is a lifelong Cincinnatian. He served as a judge for 30 years.] A s Charles P. Pierce said in Esquire last week, “I swear, it's like we elected the Clampetts, if the Clampetts were grifters.” A president of the United States, on the official POTUS Twitter feed, assails a department store for dropping his daughter’s merchandise. On the same day, the Pentagon is looking to rent space in the Trump Tower. Trump’s son travels to Uganda to make a Trump business deal. And, of course, foreign diplomats will stay at the Trump Hotel. The cash comes marching in. The phony legalisms Trump has said he used to “separate” himself from his businesses – though he still owns them and his sons are running them – will be cited to make this all acceptable. Horsefeathers. No ethical expert could say with a straight face that this is not a classic conflict of interest. Take the news with you. MARK P. PAINTER Contributing Writer Download the Cincinnati.com app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. In any time except our postfactual era, no office holder, much less the president, could get away with any one of the dozens of dazzlingly illegal things Trump has already done. They would forfeit office immediately. The leader of the band of Mad Hatters occupying the White House has already insulted allied world leaders, issued illegal and badly written orders, impugned a “so-called” judge appointed by his own party, and appointed the least-qualified cabinet ever. The first secretary of state was Thomas Jefferson. Trump appointed a big-oil executive with close ties to Russia. The first treasury secretary was Alexander Hamilton. Trump appointed a former Goldman Sachs exec who got rich foreclosing on homeowners. The national security advisor lasted 24 days. And all that’s just at the time I write this. Who knows what happens next. Each new day is a new nightmare. We are still trying to digest one breathtaking assault on America when another is signed, issued, or Tweeted. All this amid constant lies. Constant. Lies. I am a lifelong Republican. I voted for every Republican presidential candidate from 1968 to 2004. But I have watched what once was a sane, center-right party go off the rails, first to the extreme right, then to wherever Trump is, which is in another universe. It’s tough, but we must end this dangerous presidency. Trump must be impeached and removed with all haste. But only Congress can initiate the process. Our congressman, Steve Chabot, has been busy defending Trump from the media, which is simply reporting Trump’s machinations. It’s time for him to man-up and start drafting the articles of impeachment. As I remember, he did it for Clinton for far less than Trump has already done. After the election, many hoped that Trump would “grow up” into the job – that he couldn’t possibly be as bad as some thought. Well, it’s gone the other way. The bully has become a more entitled bully. Anyone disagreeing is attacked. Policy is announced in illiterate tweets. 7 Basic American values – free speech, the rule of law, separation of powers, even common decency – are unknown in this White House. We now have a president who has no concept of separation of powers, or why we have three branches of government. If he knew anything about the Constitution, he would know the framers envisioned just the situation we have now – a would-be dictator. They provided checks and balances – such as an independent judiciary to protect us from presidential tyranny. Enabling a bully is always a mistake. As soon as the Tweet on Nordstrom’s came out, I said that the Republicans would defend the indefensible, and their talking point would be “a father supporting his daughter.” It wasn’t an hour later that Rep Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told CNN it “didn’t bother him.” But even Chaffetz had to choke when Kellyanne Conway urged people to buy Ivanka Trump’s shoes. All the above bothers me and should appall all Americans. We must admit we have elected a president who has immediately proved himself to be a grifter, a pathological liar, a mean-spirited bully and dangerous to American values. This not-ready-forprime-time show is too dangerous to continue. America is at stake. If you need help drafting those articles of impeachment, Steve, I am available. Border Stories SR. NICOLE VARNERIN H Contributing Writer ello, my name is Sr. Nicole Varnerin and I am a Sister of Notre Dame in Covington, KY. I’m still in training, so that means I get to have some pretty neat experiences. This past year I spent every Thursday afternoon at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. I did whatever needed to be done, and made some friends along the way. But now it is time for my next experience. I feel called to be among and with people on the margins, which is why I volunteered with the Coalition this year. But in today’s world and today’s political climate, I feel like the physical border of our country is one of the biggest margins. So for the next 3 months, I will be living on the border, learning Spanish, and ministering with immigrants. Stay tuned for each new issue of Streetvibes where I will share my stories, lessons, and reflections with you. I’m sure I will learn a lot in the next 3 months, and I hope you will too! ------------------------ Coping with Stress In the Trump Era H ow do we cope with the stress caused by the actions and rhetoric of Donald Trump and his Administration? As many of you can attest, this is not a hypothetical question. Every day I seem to meet another person who is feeling stressed about what is happening in Washington, D.C.. They point to periods of stress during waking hours, and to difficulties sleeping at night. Now I must confess from the start that I don't possess any medical or other professional credentials to BILL WOODS Contributing Writer support the following suggestions, but they are based on personal experience or tips from friends and colleagues in the trenches. One suggestion that hasn't worked for me is to avoid all news, social media and personal conversations that deal with the world of Trump. For one thing, such avoidance is nearly impossible because of the current saturation of The Donald's brand. Every newspaper you pick up has at least one front page story with either a headline with the word Trump or a picture of him. Television is even worse! Secondly, for those of us involved with issues that are or will be effected by the actions of the Trump Administration or Congress, we simply must stay informed. The best we can do is not to overdose on the news. Too much time spent hearing everything there is to know about the Muslim travel ban or the plan to deregulate Wall Street will probably be bad for our health. People do need a few ways to totally escape from what's happening in D.C. on a daily basis. Scheduling THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED regular times for exercise can be very helpful. Whether it takes the form of jogging, long walks, or workouts in the gym, this activity can be good for the soul as well as the body. Others report that yoga and meditation can work wonders. Having a method of clearing the mind of everything including everything related to Trump can be cleansing for the spirit. For those of us who can't always get away from the happenings of the Trump era, humor is a necessity. Being able to laugh at the ranting and raving, the Tweets, and other outrageous behavior provides us with a healthy outlet for anger and (Continued on page 12) �8 LOCAL Children’s Kindness March P F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 GRETCHEN MARIE SEMANCIK Contributing Writer arents, children, and supporters gathered downtown on Fountain Square on Saturday, February 18, for the Children’s Kindness March. The demonstration began at 9 A.M. Organizers Sally Tookman O’Callaghan and Bill Hammons set up tables and brought supplies for any parents and children to make posters before that march began. The Play Library, an organization that acts as a “library” for loaning people of all ages toys and games, provided giant Jenga sets, hula hoops, free cookies, and other activities for children to partake in before the march began. Co-organizer Sally Tookman O’Callaghan said Hammons had reached out to her with this “idea of bringing people together in support of kindness”. “I have seen a lot of bullying and negativity happening recently. We felt like we needed to counteract that with something that was showing people that we could still be kind and nice to each other. We had the idea of bringing people together in a show of kindness. We used Mr. Rogers as an inspiration because I can’t think of anyone who is a better luminary for kindness than Mr. Rogers”, she said. A lot of people came and quickly crowded the corner of Vine Street and E. 5th St. of Fountain Square where the organizers were set up. Mayor John Cranley made an appearance with his family and gave a few words of his support for the spread of kindness. Miss Joanie brought her guitar and led group singing with the songs “This Land is Your Land”, “This Little Light of Mine”, “Three Little Birds” by Bod Marley, and “If I Had a Hammer” by Peter, Paul and Mary. The march fell in conjunction with National Random Acts of Kindness Week. National Acts of Kindness Week, in the United States is from February 12 – 18, it’s a week that was inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is an internationally recognized, New Zealand based non-profit organization founded on the beliefs and goals of spreading acts of kindness within schools and throughout communities. By 10 A.M., supporters began their march, starting at Fountain Square and making their way to Smale Park. On the banks, supporters gathered around the “Sing the Queen City” sign and held up their posters for a final declaration of kindness. The march had no political objective, but rather just aimed to be a day of spreading kindness, compassion, and love. ------------------------ Organizers Sally Tookman O’Callaghan and Bill Hammons with Mayor John Cranley. Children's Kindness March sign with Mr. Rogers. Credit: Gretchen Marie Semancik Credit: Gretchen Marie Semancik Children's Kindness March participants on Fountain Square. Children's Kindness March participants walk through downtown. Credit: Gretchen Marie Semancik Credit: Gretchen Marie Semancik “Breakdown Stereotypes” “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Dr. Mark Mussman at MarkMussman@cincihomeless.org. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �WORLD Four famines mean 20 million may starve in the next six months 9 No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 TOM MILES M ore than 20 million people – greater than the population of Romania or Florida – risk dying from starvation within six months in four separate famines, U.N. World Food Programme chief economist Arif Husain says. Wars in Yemen, northeastern Nigeria and South Sudan have devastated households and driven up prices, while a drought in east Africa has ruined the agricultural economy. “In my not quite 15 years with the World Food Programme, this is the first time that we are literally talking about famine in four different parts of the world at the same time,” he told Reuters in an interview. “It’s almost overwhelming to comprehend that in the 21st century people are still experiencing famines of such magnitude. We’re talking about 20 million people, and all this within the next six months, or now. Yemen is now, Nigeria is now, South Sudan is now,” he said. “Somalia, when I look at the indicators in terms of extremely high food prices, falling livestock prices and agricultural wages, it’s going to come pretty fast.” The global humanitarian system is already struggling with a historic surge in migration, huge operations in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, and serious situations in Ukraine, Burundi, Libya and Zimbabwe. “Then you have places like DRC Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo Saida Ahmad Baghili, 18, sits next to her relative at the al-Thawra hospital where she receives treatment for severe acute malnutrition in the Red Sea port city of Houdieda, Yemen October 25, 2016. Credit: REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad northeast Nigeria we’re feeding more than 1 million people and just a few months ago we didn’t even have an office there,” Husain said. There is a glimmer of hope that Somalia’s drought will not be as severe as feared, but in the capital Mogadishu food prices have already risen by a quarter since January and forecasts for the rainy season from March to May are not optimistic. Saida Ahmad Baghili, 18, who is affected by severe acute malnutrition, sits on a bed at the al-Thawra hospital in the Red Sea port city of Houdieda, Yemen October 24, 2016. Credit: REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad (Democratic Republic of Congo), CAR (Central African Republic), Burundi, Mali, Niger, where people are chronically food insecure but ... there’s just not enough resources to go around.” Humanitarian aid is at record high levels but demand is growing even faster, creating a huge gap. “In markets. But people have not been paid, especially the urban population, which is about a third of the total population,” Husain said. “Once they’ve lost their economic assets, it’s almost impossible for them to recover, and that just perpetuates long-term poverty.” Yemen is officially still classed as TOO LATE In 2011, Somalia suffered a famine that killed 260,000 people. The famine was declared in July, but most people had already died by May. “When we declare famine, it means many lives have already been lost,” Husain said. “If we wait to find that out for sure, people are already dead.” Moreover, the 2011 famine followed a good agricultural season. This year’s drought follows two bad seasons that have already sapped people’s resources. In Yemen and South Sudan, economic collapse means people simply cannot afford the food that is available. Prices in South Sudan have risen two to four times in a year, an “emergency”, but famine could be declared within about three months, Husain said. In Nigeria’s Borno state, where millions of people have fled Boko Haram militants, there is simply no commerce, no markets and no movement, leaving people dependent on emergency aid. “They survive outside in camps, Saida Ahmad Baghili, 18, is carried by her cousin at the al-Thawra hospital where she receives treatment for severe acute malnutrition in the Red Sea port city of Houdieda, Yemen October 25, 2016. Credit:REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad and traders from Uganda and Kenya consider the local currency valueless. Yemenis, whose family wealth may be stored in gold or silver or weapons, are being forced to sell off those assets. “I was in Yemen just a couple of weeks ago. There is food in the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 50 degree Centigrade temperatures, living in huts with metal sheets on top, with one water point, with communal kitchens, with one meal per day,” Husain said. “And there’s no end in sight.” (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Tom Heneghan) �10 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 �OPINION The Great Disruption No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 N banks take a hit on their share of a devaluing house? Obama made war on terror permanent instead of asking why are terrorists out to get us. But there was an upside to this: people figured out that the system is rigged (actually years ago… and many stopped voting) but this time they finally did something about it: some of them voted and threw the bums out! Unfortunately, they got it wrong; without the collective wisdom of a party that they owned, that was involved in their daily lives, that spoke for them, to them, and from them, a lot of people made a really bad choice. Making matters worse, the Democratic Party made sure they didn’t have a good alternative choice (that would be Bernie, of course, who was speaking directly to the concerns of Trump voters). If the Democratic Party hadn’t sabotaged Bernie Sanders’ campaign, we’d have a different President and we’d be fighting different battles right now, the right battles: climate change, universal healthcare, student debt, infrastructure/not war. In 1980 there were 18.9 million manufacturing jobs; now there are 12.2 million. In 1980 it took 25 jobs to generate $1 million in manufacturing output; today it takes 5 jobs, and U.S. manufacturing output has increased (see Bernie’s book). Productivity has increased enormously thanks to automation and the profit-driven innovation in information technology (IT). What about trade and immigration? After NAFTA 100,000s of Mexicans lost their farms; they couldn’t compete with subsidized environmentally unsustainable U.S. corporate corn production. When pork imports into Mexico increased 5-fold, 120,000 Mexican lost their jobs. This is a pattern, not an accident: global Capital (World Bank, International Monetary Fund, private banks) likes to force peasants off the land into low wage urban jobs or cheap farm labor in “advanced” economies. After NAFTA and the China trade deal, millions of manufacturing jobs evaporated from America (that was the whole idea). What fair global trade would do (not Trump’s “fair trade”) is improve the situation for workers in both the advanced and developing economies, enforcing strong labor standards defending workers’ rights and tough environmental regulations. How could that work? Well, right now the World Trade Organization, created by and for Capital, gets rid of national regulations that impede profits (that create “unfair” disadvantages). They (the global enforcers) vigorously enforce intellectual property rights of global corporations (software, patents, telecom, music, movies). Assessing worker’s rights in other countries through trade agreements would not be a huge challenge except for the problem that many of these rights are absent for U.S. workers (e.g., organizing unions without employer repression, guaranteeing democratic procedures in unions). They could enlist community and labor organizations around the world to report on bad conditions. They could put the CIA on labor violations instead of targeting Hellfire missiles on pathetic misguided troublemakers. This would greatly reduce the incentives for corporations to export jobs. Some companies are already bringing jobs back because foreign labor isn’t so cheap any more. So there are two major forces driving modern Capital: 1) efficiencies from automation and IT (disruptions), and 2) weak regulation in the global market for cheap labor and environmental destruction. But there’s another problem: we’re spending money on the wrong things. $600 billion a year goes to defense to clean up after decades of wrong foreign policies. Trump wants to spend more. They want to spend one trillion dollars (that’s a million millions) over 10 yr to upgrade our nuclear weapons! How sick is that? it’s like the run-up to WW I when competing elites fought over issues that had no relevance to working peoples, with catastrophic and predicted consequences… including WW II. We’re spending billions on IT gadgetry (cellphone apps to turn on our oven, start our car, drive our car, scan our neighborhood, stream our entertainment, stream our life), on drones (a whole new front for wacked-out terrorists - if FedEx can deliver a package, then, they can too), on massively wasteful private medical insurance, on colonizing the moon, on sending billionaire tourists to Mars. We should be spending money on our urban environments, growing good food locally, energy efficiency. This means changing the price structure: huge taxes on things we don’t need and huge subsidies for GETTING TO the things we do need. Taking our future out of the hands of the IT dot.coms, big ag, big pharma and the hedge funds. Big money. This is a huge challenge for the environmental movement which must address the fundamental needs and interests of the working class, otherwise, it’s all over. We can forget the environment. (Here’s another great book: This Changes Everything, Naomi Klein, 2015.) Environmentalists have to become the conservation contingent in a larger Movement. Example: after Trump revived the XL and DAPL pipelines, there were environmentalists in the media giving reasons why there shouldn’t be jobs for pipelines instead of reasons why there should be jobs for lots of other things (mass transit, storm water management, schools, sustainable energy, etc.). For example, in Cincinnati, the Metropolitan Sewer District project to get sewage out of our public places, including basements, needs to be part of a larger vision for the immigrant workers that his organization serves also feel under attack. However, they are bolstered by and appreciate the support of the rallies and demonstrations that have already taken place in front of City Hall and in Washington Park. So many people coming together, he said, surely had an impact on the Mayor and Council declaring Cincinnati a "sanctuary city." Imagine, he speculated, if everyone had remained quiet and passive after announcements such as Trump's Executive Order banning Muslims from seven countries. In this often confusing, disturbing and unpredictable time in our public life, he concluded, it is important that citizens are willing to come together and speak out for the public values and ideals that have protected this country and made it a beacon of hope. Panelist Michelle Dillingham celebrated the fact that 10,000 people had gathered in Washington Park as part of the national women's marches taking place in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country on January 21st. Coming as it did a day after Trump's Inauguration, it showed the huge opposition organized to protect the rights of women and every other group and progressive policy that seemed to be endangered by the incoming Administration. Dillingham noted that she saw many of her friends and colleagues who were part of the large crowd gathered in Over-the-Rhine. Dillingham, who directs a coalition of diverse non-profit organizations, said that in recent years personnel of human service agencies were trained to be nonpolitical and to focus on delivering their expertise. Before the growth of the hundreds of social services that now exist and are often financed by federal, state, and local dollars, social workers were in the political trenches fighting for the protection of children and health care for the poor. What now is going on in Washington, D.C., suggested Dillingham, requires social workers to return to their early roots. Dillingham is working to make Community Shares, because of its membership of diverse social services, a coalition that will help effectively organize the demonstrations and other public activities necessary to protect "the safety net" and people's rights in general. So much is going on locally, she advocated that Community Shares and other groups create calendars' of events on their web-sites to let activists plan ahead. She concluded by citing an article in The Nation that advised that the local and state levels are now the best places to organize against the reactionary policies that are being concocted in the nation's capital. ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer ot very many years after the Great Recession came the Great Disruption – the election of Donald Trump – with the potential to wreak dramatic, unpredictable changes in America. Most of the titans of the digital universe, the guys that pride themselves on disruption, ha, ha, didn’t see it coming (they were rooting and booting for Hillary). These are the guys that love to destroy jobs (automation), traditions (local retail stores) and lives. But why did Trump win? Was it because of Russian meddling? No. Because the FBI screw-up? No. Was it the result of the Electoral College running interference? No. All these happened but no, he won because the Democratic Party long ago abandoned any pretence of fighting for the Working Class against Capital. A recent amazing book entitled Capital in the Twenty-first Century (by the French economist Thomas Piketty, 2014) laid out the progression of policies and practices on the part of private wealth and their public servants that resulted in the massive and growing concentration of wealth among the global billionaire class. Hillary Clinton and Clinton Inc. were leading the charge for modern Capital in America, but the people saw through it and it failed. It didn’t help that Obama gave the banks a pass after enormous losses to homeowners, small businesses, and pensions (he said “We’re not gonna look back, we’re going to get the system working again”). According to Bernie Sanders (in his book, Our Revolution, 2016): after the meltdown there were 15 million foreclosures and 4.3 million homeowners are still underwater, a huge wrenching assault on the American people. Why don’t the BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) Imam also depicted the coming together of Muslims and Jews. He has established a strong bond with Hebrew Union College, an institution that also experienced an example of the newly unleashed prejudice when a swastika was drawn on one of its buildings shortly after the November election. These coalitions of churches, synagogues, mosques and other progressive groups offer hope that people of good will will stand up to and eventually prevail over the prejudicial and fear producing policies and actions coming from the current Administration. We must foster the public response, emphasized the Imam, that if you are under attack then I am under attack. Brennan Grayson of CIWI applauded the words of Imam Chartier. He declared that the 11 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 12) �12 T STREET VOICE Living like you get down: You’ve heard it! Um; as well as I! he solutions and, or, the remedy for all of our discomforts, or, ills if you will! Yet from a sense of reality, we don’t all have the same issues. However, and I am sure of this! My issues are as confronting, confounding, and pressing as yours! The solutions/remedies for some relief or, alleviation from such are within! Now, if you have a sense of confusion about what I’ve said, then read on. You can then contemplate all your complaints. I have learned and realized, as much as most that many of my life’s discomforts are from myself! It’s like the old misnomer; “you hurt my feelings.” Well, the truth, be as it is, no one, nor any instance can hurt I Am Enough BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer I saw these words on a computer screen and it got me to thinking. Am I Enough? This statement was made based upon having feelings of being unworthy, shameful, and fearful. I live with these feelings daily. I’m not saying I am unique in having these feelings but for me being in Recovery, these feelings at sometimes are debilitating. They put me in a tailspin that I find very hard to pull myself out of. Not feeling that “I AM ENOUGH”, ROBERT PARK (Continued from page 11) future (parks, green spaces, public recreation, public connectivity) built with training programs for local residents leading to living wages and union labor. We have to create that vision; public officials aren’t going to do it for us. Building the Movement that we need means supporting the $15 minimum wage for all employment public and private, promoting local organic farming (attracting people back to the land with modern, relevant technology and innovation) and building the things we need. It means creating funding pathways that claw back obscene wealth using BILL WOODS (Continued from page 8) frustration, and it also levels the playing field and makes Trump and his colleagues beatable. Luckily, we have a lot of humorists out there who are dedicating themselves to making a laughing stock of The Donald and his Administration. Check out Alec Baldwin's impersonation of Trump on Saturday Night Live. Stephen Colbert regularly F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 we the people who live the life of the street are burdened with the ideas and beliefs of others to the degree that we subject ourselves to those ideas and beliefs, as if, this is my plight! That written in stone fallacy that this is how it is and I must accept it as such! Indeed, so preposterous, to accept some of the ills of life without question or reserve of the possibility of change! For many of the street people this seems to be the crux of their existence. Not striving for change or relief in their lives, but, being complacent with the way things are, because, this is how things are!? The argument is; do I have to accept that reality, or can I make a change? An individual has to take charge of their circumstance, seeking those relief points, rather they be in self attitude, or involvement with organizations/programs which offer solutions for those ills and discomforts. Now, I understand and believe that what I have suggested is simple, perhaps for some and difficult or impossible for others, however, I honestly believe that if any of us who suffer from such, want and need relief from our pains have too start with self. Facing and confronting those issues which bring us so much disconnection in our lives begins with self and a look at how we perceive the relationship between self and our worlds. Of course I don’t claim to have all the answers for the misery of some, nor for that matter a remedy for some of my own, yet, I am convinced that to get down as you live one must learn to live as they get down! makes for many bad decisions in my life. I am speaking past and present. I suffer from low-self-esteem most days and it’s only thru my writings that I find self-worth. I must write daily to keep myself focused on who I am and what I choose to accomplish each day. Today for example, a simple “speak up brah” caused me to become fearful. I was afraid I had hurt someone’s feelings because of my rude comment. It wasn’t meant to be harmful, but in that moment in time it was taken that way. For an hour, I trembled inside wondering how can I fix this. My fear in this incident was that I lost a potential friend. I may have ruined the opportunity to build a friendship. Being who I am, friendships are hard to make. You see due to my past, some people already have preconceived thoughts about me, and my mind tells me that by looking at me they know how I was. Being judged and being judgmental causes me to allow my thoughts to go to the most negative part of my mind. The place where all the “Boogey Men” live. I was no saint, oh so many years ago, but my past doesn’t define who I am today. My mind has these thoughts and I tend to believe what my mind tells me. I know these are thoughts and they are not always based in fact but I sometimes hold on to them until it becomes too heavy a load to carry. Focusing on my good attributes has brought me here, right now in a place of serenity. When I ask myself “AM I ENOUGH?” I can look in the mirror or into your eyes and with a sense of Pride and Accomplishment say: YES, I AM ENOUGH!!! What a powerful and warming statement. It allows me to rejoice in the fact that being enough is a positive affirmation that I can continue to use as I go thru my day. Continuing to speak of myself in such a positive way gives me pride and respect for myself that for years I looked in others to give me. People; and their opinions of me do not define me today. Only I can define who I am and how I can be a better person. “I AM ENOUGH!! tools like progressive local income taxes and financial transaction taxes. We need a movement to take back our wealth. There are going to be huge problems with climate change and denial: we will need the right responses, fast. There will be bigger floods, worse droughts, and regional fires (remember that fire last year in Canada near the tar sands area? Climate change and dead trees will create huge risks. There are going to be economic upsets and disasters (really big disruptions). We’ll need demands that help the victims and target the corporate actors. Sarcasm and ridicule of Trump might be entertaining (and therapeutic) for some of us but it just helps Him; we’ve already lost the battle of words. The Republican Party with its distracting wedge issues (abortion, gay marriage) has poisoned the well of intellectual discourse. Public argument is over in part because the Democratic Party never rose to the challenge. We’ve always had fake news from the media, usually more subtle than the bold lies that have become acceptable in Trumpland and on “social” media. How come the Democratic Party never fielded a candidate who wasn’t afraid to make bold outlandish claims (that happened to be true)? We had to wait for Donald Trump for proof of concept? And now some of the organizing against Trump in the streets is being lead by Democratic Party flunkies who still don’t get it, the same ones who delivered America to Trump. The Movement must be clear on this history, candidates and party officials have to be held accountable on it. When things go badly for people in power they divide, conquer and victimize. We have to be ready for race war: when things don’t go His way, He’ll start dividing and conquering with more than just contemptible words. We’ll need immediate acts of solidarity – rapid response SWAT teams for justice. Today we face huge threats but also a great opportunity to wrest a rigged system away from the kleptocapitalists. When we start to do this many pro-Trump supporters will join us. lampoons Trump and his policies for late night viewers, and Gail Collins' New York Times columns are gems at dissecting the absurd machinations taking place in the nation's capital. One of my current favorites is "The Borowitz Report," a fake on-line press release written by Andy Borowitz for The New Yorker Magazine. His headlines are usually laugh-out-loud funny. A recent one read: "World Leaders Receive Crank Calls From Someone Claiming To Be President Of The United States." Even more effective than humor as an antidote to stress is involvement in a citizen initiative focused on opposing some of the scary policies now being launched by this Administration and Congress. Women led the way with the huge marches that took place in Washington and cities across the country. Demonstrations opposing the Muslim travel ban have been the next big events. Citizen efforts are forming around a host of issues such as saving the environment and campaign reform. As single individuals, we can do very little, but together with others we can overcome our fear and stress and make a difference. Such participation shows us we are not alone, and it will show Trump and his team that they cannot run roughshod over so many organized citizens. RICARDO TAYLOR Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer your feelings. Your feelings are yours alone; harvested and controlled by you alone. Too often, at least in my opinion, THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ �13 STREET VOICE No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 THE NEW ENVIRONMENTAL NON-PROTECTION AGENCY Son Son talk to me The United States Senate just blew it Mommy needs to know By confirming EPA Chief Scott Pruitt. What you feel And what you see Son talk to me Preserving clean air's not his cause, And Scott's opposed most EPA laws. Mommy loves you So I don't mean to sound like a scold, With all her heart Seems like we have been drifting apart It’s a feeling, I feel in my heart But curbing climate change is on hold. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer I will never let anything keep us apart In the heart is where we need to start Like the good old days When learning and hoping were part of our start BETTER Better, is everyday above ground Better, is appreciation from everywhere all around... And we would talk Let’s start over son Because you are my heart KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Better, is to upgrade things that are out dated Better, is acknowledging the changes with the recognition that the cost may be out rated Better, is to make downscaled areas be upscaled and look good Better, is to not to neglect the people, RICH or POOR! I thought this you understood... Better, is being able to enjoy life in the park, the library, church or just on the square Better, is when I can enjoy upscaled living in this life without my pockets going bare... Better, is to be able to enjoy and have peace of mind no matter what I hear or what the sound Better, is growing from homelessness into housing and gaining respect from all around.... Better, is for me today even though I have to pay taxes for things I may never understand Better, is knowing God is watching us all good and bad all over this land.... WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 119 Across 1. Theme 6. A small drink 9. Financial obligation 13. Worship 14. Playing card 15. Jockey 16. Tooth 17. Pasture 18. Bird of prey 19. Defend 21. Full 23. Organ of hearing 24. Parasitic insect 25. Vehicle 28. Child's plastic construction set 30. Mollusk with a conical shell 35. Highly excited 37. Swill 39. Established line of travel 40. Fabric interwoven with threads of metal 41. Vegetarian food 43. Rotated 44. A choice or delicious dish 46. Prima donna 47. Team 48. Make attractive or lovable 50. Transmitted 52. Allowed 53. Near 55. Taxi 57. Eight-sided polygon 61. Produced from nonmetallic minerals and fired at high temperatures 65. Inexperienced 66. Fuss 68. Garbage 69. Below 70. Distilled from fermented molasses 71. Spry 72. Oracle 73. Tennis stroke 74. Regenerate Down 1. Pack together 2. Aroma 3. Field sport 4. Very Angry 5. Breakfast food 6. Sodium chloride 7. Frozen water 8. Jewel 9. Clock face 10. A slight competitive advantage 11. Accessory 12. Large woody plant 15. Mend 20. Cruciferous plant 22. Fish 24. Anserine 25. Part of a brass wind instrument 26. Once more 27. Wanderer 29. Happy 31. Nonvascular plant 32. Student 33. Musical composition 34. Religious doctrine 36. DNA segment 38. Cover with stone or concrete 42. Terpsichore 45. Peril 49. South American city, in short 51. Salt used in baking powder 54. Twist into a state of deformity 56. Flatbottom boat 57. Burden 58. Walking stick 59. Periodic rise and fall of sea level 60. Avow 61. Crest 62. Briny 63. Small island 64. Masticate 67. Singing pair SODOKU PUZZLE NO 249 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 349 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 118 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 248- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 350 | F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 Central Access Point 15 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 Bethany House 557-2873 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 352-6364 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 131 E. 12th Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 Salvation Army 762-5660 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Shelter: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 1125 Bank Street 45214 411 Gest St. 45203 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 2121 Vine Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Parkway Center 661-4620 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Starting Over 961-2256 1528 Race St. 45202 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 Northern Kentucky 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Food/Clothing Health 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 961-0600 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 $100 Hamilton/Middletown Joseph House (Veterans) 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Housing: Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 471-1100 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 for 26 issues Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org $150 859-491-8303 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 F e b 2 4 - M a r 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 0 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2017 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspapers Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 24-March 9, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Forum Focused on Local Responses to What’s Going on in Washington D.C. Pg 3: Shame in the City Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Not Just My History, Our History Pg 6: How to respond to Panhandling Pg 7: Former Judge Painter Border Stories Coping with Stress in the Trump Era Pg 8: Children’s Kindness March Pg 9: Four Famines Mean 20 Million May Starve in the Next Six Months Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: The Great Disruption Pg 12: Living Like You Get Down Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 24-March 9, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Dr. Mark Mussman Key Beck Mark P. Painter Sr. Nicole Varnerin Gretchen Marie Semancik Robert Park Ricardo Taylor Bobby Morris Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Alice Schneider Biography.com Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Bill Woods Biography.com Bobby Morris Children’s Kindness March D.C. Donald Trump Dr. Mark Mussman Famines Gretchen Marie Semancik Josh Spring Key Beck Kim Green Mark P. Painter mental illness Ricardo Taylor Robert Park Sr. Nicole Varnerin Washington Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/2c2dcc25658ae498bab208c5fbc674da.pdf a60a19c87ea23a0c2cd174d5ca43decb PDF Text Text February 26th - March 10th 2016 | Vol. 20 Issue 5 (No. 324) advocating justice | Building community Not So Great a Distance: from “The Drop” to the Shelterhouse | 7 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Director: Police Officers are not Social Workers | 2 Black Lives Matter Returns To The Forum | 5 A Crucified Cuba -- Still Lives! | 3 DIY: Taxes and Credit | 5 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 From the Director: Police Officers are not Social Workers JOSH SPRING H ave you ever noticed that often when a person or persons sees an individual or group doing something they personally have never done or believe they would never do, the observer decides the action taken is wrong and should be stopped? There are many examples of this currently and historically. One example that not only frustrates us as an organization but also causes us to wonder about the life perspectives of people involves a regular reaction to people without homes who are sleeping outside. By every winter in Cincinnati the leaves have fallen off of the trees. When this happens the police department receives an increase in calls from people complaining about the existence of camps where people live outside, because with the leaves gone, camps are now visible from a distance. This then results in an increase in police runs and subsequent evictions of people from where they have been finding some safety on public land. Of course, in nearly every situation, the persons that have been pushed out, move to another location outside knowing that eventually they will be removed from there as well. The question is why do the onlookers feel the need to call the police? Sure, some folks may be truly concerned about the hardships folks sleeping outside are facing and believe that the police will somehow be able to assist. That said, most of these calls do not come in as caring calls directed to the wrong agency, but instead as complaints, saying these public lands should be “cleaned” up. So let’s break down what a person’s provocation may be to call the police and complain about a camp, asking that it be “cleaned” up. It is likely that the caller believes those sleeping outside choose to do so and because of that are somehow dangerous or criminal and therefore should not be allowed to sleep in public locations. Also, callers often believe that the people sleeping outside are bad for business, progress and general cleanliness of the city. Finally, the complainer may likely be offended personally by the sight of someone they deem dangerous and unclean and believe they should not have to see such a person in a public setting. Simply put, these complainers are not only very ignorant, but are ego-centric and selfish. How can the simple act of someone seeking sleep and some safety Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on Executive Director economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com Police follow a Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati march Photo: Justin Jeffre out in the open be a hazard to anyone else? How can this act be wrong? How can this be something that is blamed on the person seeking the sleep and safety? Isn’t it considered very natural and normal to seek a place to sleep, keep belongings and have some safety? The selfish and entitled drive of the complainer blinds them to the fact that we live in society that operates within a financial system which creates poverty and homelessness and because of this people are forced to make decisions based on survival. Think about what a person who calls the police to complain about people camping outside is really saying: “I saw a group of people seeking to continue to exist by getting rest and safety. I believe the fact that they are living like this, a way that I would never live, means they are dangerous. I am offended by the sight of them and believe the sight of them will drive away business and opportunity for myself. I demand that you remove them from my sight.” Think about how disgusting this perspective is. Now next thought, why is it that when the police department receives these complaints they believe they must evict the person or person’s seeking rest? Why is it that the police department believes they have an obligation to displace and hide people without a home because of the discomfort of people with a home? I regularly hear stories of people being forced from public spaces for seeking sleep and protection because someone housed complained. I also regularly hear stories from people experiencing poverty or homelessness who seek assistance from the police department in dealing with a difficult or dangerous situations and are either denied service or not given respectful service. This is what you call a double-standard (to put it too nicely). If you are housed and issue a complaint against someone who is not housed, action against the person without housing is taken. If you are not housed and you issue a complaint against someone, it is unlikely that adequate, if any action will be taken. In this I am clearly not writing in regard to every police officer as an individual, I am writing about the institutional and regular behavior of the department. Finally, to the folks that make these calls because you care and want to see more opportunity for people, it is good that you want this. And in emergency situations, calling the police can make sense. But please consider the fact that police officers are not social workers. Officers nor their department is equipped or prepared to properly assist people experiencing homelessness. If your son, daughter, mother, father, aunt, uncle, grandmother or grandfather lost their housing and after staying with every bit of family they could, was finally sleeping outside and you wanted to find assistance for that person, would you call the police? My guess is that you would not, because something would tell you there is a better way. So, instead, please use the list of resources listed in the back of this paper. There are groups of trained, passionate street-outreach workers who will visit people and work with people for real solutions. ------------------------ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Martha Stephens, Robert Park, Jason Haap, Dr. Mark Mussman, Bill Woods, Michael Earl Patton, Jim Luken, Willa Denise Jones, Kim Green, Shanon Johnson Photography/Artwork: Justin Jeffre, Martha Stephens, Jim Luken, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �3 WORLD A Crucified Cuba -- Still Lives! No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 MARTHA STEPHENS Contributing Writer I RETURNED recently from two weeks in Cuba, and I want to remember here some of the workaday Cubans I met there. I should say at the outset that it was painful for me, as I had assumed it would be, to see what our blockade of the island has accomplished. Our group from Cincinnati rode around in an old yellow school bus from Pastors for Peace. On one side it displayed in huge letters this script: End the U. S. Blockade Against Cuba! We know that the U. S. embargo represents the longest set of sanctions any state has ever imposed on another country. For some years this embargo has not been supported by any nation in the U. N. except the state of Israel! Havana has been broken almost to bits, it seems to me -- it’s much as I remember it from my visit 25 years ago. Apartment buildings are in desperate need of repair, ugly and dangerous. Walls sometimes fall in on people. The old cars and buses still smoke up the air everywhere you go. Many sidewalks are still full of holes and broken chunks of concrete; two travelers in our group had falls on them. Pipes are often ancient, pre-revolutionary affairs that need replacing almost everywhere -- the whole kit and caboodle of them. (Imagine that -- if we think we have infrastructure problems in our own impoverished country, and of course we do!) Cubans are used to whatever animals or substances come through their pipes, but for visitors it’s bottled water all the way. Be careful even brushing your teeth, we’re advised. Yet here is the mystery of Cuba we must try to explain: life seems to go on in a spirited sort of way amongst those who remain in the country. They can enjoy still their beautiful arts, their world renowned dance, for instance; their free and responsive healthcare, admired around the world; their opportunities in a tremendous variety of good schools, institutes, and universities. WE SPENT a week in Havana but also traveled southward to Camaguey and the towns in between. I liked taking little walks around our small casas particulars (about $25 a night), and seeing the kids skipping along home from school in their smart yellow and white uniforms, boxing and teasing each other as kids do. There’s plenty of evidence that revolutionary Cuba has never given up on its revolutionary schools -- the small classes, that is, and the well-trained teachers who live in the neighborhoods where they work, just as the doctors and nurses do. (A neighborhood medico at one of our casas examined me right away one day when I came down with an infection.) In 1998 UNESCO carried out an extensive study of elementary school data in language and math in all 13 Latin American countries. They found that Cuba was outpacing all the others. Cuban children scoring in the lower half of the tests were doing better than the upper halves of children elsewhere -- and with scores comparable even to the most developed states of the world. ONE DAY in Camaguey, I got my hair cut in a little house where the front room became, by day, a beauty parlor. My duena at the casa where I stayed, a wonderful woman who became a good friend, helped me line up this excursion. I had gone into her front parlor one night and said, “Eufemia, do you know anyone nearby who could cut my hair?” Yes, she did, she said. The next morning, she was ready to see me off. She said I must go by pedi-cab (or bicycle taxi), and I must pay the pedi-cab one dollar (or one convertible peso). “No mas!“ said she. For my haircut I must also pay one dollar. “No mas!” said my friend. When I got down off the worn seat of the pedi-cab and walked into the front room of a small casa, the olive-skinned woman who would trim my hair was painting, in a smart green color, the nails of a black client. The two women were very much at their ease with each other and very friendly to me. They sat me down in a little rocker and placed in my lap a guinea pig I could pet while I waited my turn. The bespeckled beautician, when she finished her smart job on my hair, and I was looking in my pocket for my pesos, said no, she could accept no pay. She had no English, but we had talked a little in my broken Spanish. “A woman of seventy-nine coming all the way from her country to see us in Cuba? We will not charge you anything! We will honor you!” Bus they traveled on Photo: Martha Stephens IN HAVANA ONE DAY I was told, with regard to comparisons with the U. S., “You know we don’t shoot each other here, and we don’t have a heroin problem.” I was speaking with a leader of the Cuban Council of Churches (yes, there is such a thing and has been for many years). Our group was in Cuba on a religious visa, and we had been honored at a luncheon in the Council offices. I walked about the halls and read the church posters and the ones from the government -- Say No to Violencia Contra La Mujer, i.e. We honored our religious visas by meeting almost daily with local Unitarians and conversing with the ones who rode the bus with us on all our travels. WE ALL KNOW about the Obama “opening” with Cuba, and we all wonder what it will mean; but somehow for a government which has survived as much as this one has, it seems like a good bet that Cuban socialism will also survive this opening -- and the island’s changing relations with the U. S. The U. S. once bought over 85% of the island’s sugar harvest, but within two years of the 1959 revolution, it was buying none at all and hoping, under John F. Kennedy, to “starve” the island into submission. In modern times demon sugar has been yet another cross for Cuba to bear, after the loss of its Soviet trading partner in the 90‘s, for instance, and many attempts are being made to diversify its agriculture. The abandoned sugar cane fields, the broken sugar mills, are a relic, so to speak, going back to the conquistadores and the many Batista-style governments that would come along. Will the tourist trade take over Cuba now -- U. S. investment in general? Will there be vast outcroppings of American-style senior villages across the land? Will the almost pristine environment of mountains and seas be poisoned by us carpetbaggers from the north? THE SUNNY ISLE of Cuba has had tourists throughout its history, and it has them today with a vengeance. Smart air-conditioned busses ply up and down the main thoroughfares. To exchange dollars for pesos, some of us walked from time to time People’s art everywhere Photo: Martha Stephens from our Havana casas to a huge, relatively new hotel nearby, the Melia Oshiba, near the famous Malecon road by the waterfront. Our CubanAmerican leader, Jorge Vila, feels that the Melia Oshiba is at the center of maneuverings by U. S. businessmen and ambitious Cubans. They’re all waiting for the moment when Cuba will burst wide open to global finance. An enormous ocean-front compound for internationals called Veradora has existed in Cuba for many years. Our group stayed two days on its border in a facility run by the Presbyterian Church, and traveled by local bus into this maw of the tourist trade. Was it thrilling to buy four dollar lattes at the coffee bars there? Some of us didn’t really see the point of that, and would have preferred, I think, to visit an organic farm, or a neighborhood health clinic, as I had some years ago. I spoke briefly with a family from Finland and another one from France, and I wanted to ask them this: Do you know anything about the nearby city of Havana and the Cuban Revolution in this land . . .? I wondered what their take on it was, but I didn’t feel I could ask them that. We also spent a long morning at a government medical campus called La Pradera. Cuba needs funds, to be sure, and this campus is set up to treat sick people from around the world. We saw afflicted children getting complex hearing tests, seniors treated “in new ways” for arthritis. Any visitor who arrives in Cuba from abroad can make use of the medical offerings on this estate and enjoy its pools and personal (Continued on page 4) Front room of a small casa that is a “beauty parlor” by day Photo: Martha Stephens THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 OPINION Open letter to the Bern ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer D ear Bernie, Love ya. Love your campaign. You’re showing why some of us didn’t give up. You’re proving why others shouldn’t have given up, and it’s not too late. But we’re worried. There are things you haven’t talked about that are really important. Things that leave you vulnerable to broad-side, blind-side, slam-dunk politics. Here are the things we are so concerned about. 1. War on terror Why are there terrorists? Why are some people around the world abandoning all hope of progress under existing arrangements and going crazy and truly pathological. Do we think the rigged system of the global banks and corporations that abuses Americans is treating the rest of the world any better, especially in poor countries? Do these people not see that American foreign policy has consistently supported and defended the ruling elites with their own rigged economies? Take Egypt for example. We were a major part of the problem all the way until the Arab Spring and then we dithered long enough for the Generals and crony capitalists to take back control again and now we’re right back in the same situation. 2. Small business and the Great Recession Tens of thousands of small businesses went broke because of the Great Recession (with a little help from the IT monsters – Amazon, Google, etc.). These businesses were treated by the banks almost as badly as the people having their homes foreclosed; credit disappeared. These small proprietors are backing the wrong horses – always have. With your political revolution, putting stolen income back into the hands of working people, local markets for small business goods and services will expand. Universal, efficient healthcare, with a level playing field, will be a great benefit to small business and their employees. Increasing minimum wages and even unionization will GROW their businesses. Small businesses thrive in socialist countries in Europe. It’s the big guys we’re after; the little guys should help. 3. Presidential When talking heads ask if you’re Presidential, ask them if they remember Ronald Reagan, the B-film actor who was one of the most successful Presidents ever. His goal was to make rich people richer and weaken the working class, and he was incredibly successful. How did he do it? Was he a closet genius? No. The GOP appointed smart corporate thugs and operatives to positions of power and administrative importance. That’s what you will do: appoint smart, experienced operatives who happen to share YOUR vision behind the political revolution you are advancing. There are lots of qualified candidates for those positions. Start introducing some of them. 4. Economics The media are having a feeding frenzy because they found some “liberal” economists who say your numbers don’t add up. Which of these economists actually is in favor of your political revolution? I suspect none; they’re all establishment flacks, former Democratic Party technicians. If they really cared, they would be helping you engineer the economic revolution that follows the political revolution. It seems like none of them is even willing to affirm that single payer is a huge money saver in our bloated corporate medical delivery system. 5. Iraq and experience You’ve been good at nailing Hilary on Iraq but go further. She has blood on her hands. She followed the advice of the very experienced neocons Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, with years of Cabinet-level involvement. The sanctions and invasion of Iraq have caused the death of over 600,000 Iraqis, not to mention 3500 Americans, and launched the Donald Trump Isn’t The Next Hitler JASON HAAP Contributing Writer G o to YouTube and search for one of the presidential debates featuring Ronald Reagan. If you are like me, the first thing you might notice is the lack of “showmanship.” The cameras hold tight shots on candidates in front of solid-color backgrounds free from headline-style advertisements or slogans. The pacing feels different, too. It feels slower, more calculated. This probably comes as no surprise, as our cultural sense of pacing was very different in 1980 or 1984 than we have come to expect in the globally connected and technological age of 2016. More on this in a moment. Go to Google, and you can be just a few clicks away from tons of articles about the demagoguery of Donald Trump. Most of these articles immediately fall victim to “Godwin’s Law” - which, if you don’t know the term, is an internet premise that states, “As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison in- volving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.” We seem to honestly think that Donald Trump may be capable of causing all of us to look the other way while we murder millions of Mexicans, or Muslims, or something. That’s absurd. Donald Trump is not a mass murderer. He’s a clown, but I don’t mean the term in the derogatory sense you might think. According to Wikipedia, here is some history on the function of “clowns” in global culture: “The comedy that clowns perform is usually in the role of a fool whose everyday actions and tasks become extraordinary—and for whom the ridiculous, for a short while, becomes ordinary. This style of comedy has a long history in many countries and cultures across the world. Some writers have argued that due to the widespread use of such comedy and its long history it is a need that is part of the human condition.” In 1985, late cultural critic Neil Postman wrote a book entitled Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. In short, the book warns that our undoing will not come from an overbearing government that strips us of our rights; instead, he warns that we will become so distracted through the impact technology has on our minds, everything will become reduced to the level of amusement. Serious public discourse will disappear while we demand the kind of soundbites and showmanship for which television was designed. In 1985, the fact that we had a movie star for president, and that televised debates gave only a few minutes for each candidate to speak, were (for Postman) harbingers of our impending downfall. During the LincolnDouglas debates, for example, each candidate had an hour before the opponent’s half-hour rebuttal. Politics were a serious business, and the public expected depth and thoughtful- MARTHA STEPHENS a chance in a million!” people said. “Your ruling class will wipe him completely out!” People were going inside to a tiny strip of kitchen where spaghetti lunches were being made, and I spoke at length with a good-looking young woman of 32 named Leisil. She’s studying English in graduate school and lives in a small house with her mother and grandmother. “I like it that way,” she said, “and my grandmother is like my baby. I told her today, ‘Grandmother, your slippers are dirty, and I’m going to wash them out for you!’” (Continued from page 3) services. A strange contradiction in a way, considering the hardships of normal Havana life, but again, Cuba must live -- somehow. A final note about my afternoon visiting on the tree-lined patio of a small Havana bookstore. Cuba Libro is run by an American woman, and speakers of both Spanish and English like to meet there. I met a Cuban fellow who said he was in love with Bernie Sanders. “But he doesn’t have Note: Many factual details here appear in a book by Salim Lamrani, The Economic War Against Cuba (Monthly Review Press 2011). See also works on Cuba by Julia Sweig of the U. S. Council for Foreign Relations. Martha Stephens hopes to continue her discussion on Cuban life in another issue of Streetvibes. She would like to take note of the Castro brothers, of the magnificent Spanish churches and monuments throughout the island, of the many international THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 current disastrous crises in the Middle East. 6. Defense of Israel Bernie, surely you know that Israel is run by 19 families with their own version of a rigged economy and foreign policy, just like here. The Israeli people and the Palestinians need a political revolution like we do. Why do you uncritically support the “defend Israel” party line and not put forward proposals for real solutions? Why is the one-state solution not on the table? 7. Immigration Why are people trying to come here? It’s part of the same big picture of global corporate behavior. You need to explain how local economies are being destroyed, political solutions crushed and people left with very dismal options. That is what NAFTA, CAFTA, PPT are all about. Lastly, dear Bernie, NEVER navigate toward the MIDDLE (well, OK, maybe with your hair, just a little). If you turn toward the middle you will lose most of your true base including large numbers who don’t quite yet understand that you’re the one, but are coming along nicely, and they are the only way you can make it to the White House. In exchange, you’ll pick up just a few confused liberals and libertarians. It will all be over then. Hopeful in Cincinnati ------------------------ ness. How public consciousness has changed in the post-technology era! Though Postman wrote before everyone was connected to the internet in their pockets, and before the 140 character limit on Twitter, his warnings are more true today than they were in the 1980’s. Donald Trump, for example, is an avid tweeter, which literally means he’s conducting public discourse in a format that disallows anything but the soundbite. Donald Trump is not the next Adolf Hitler. He’s the natural conclusion of our culture’s decade’s long trajectory privileging amusement over serious discourse. The function of our media is no longer to inform, but to entertain - so we favor conflict and spectacle over analysis and substance. Donald Trump has mastered this. I wonder what Postman would think about the difference between a movie star and a reality television star. Reality television, a genre that continues to grow in popularity and influence, is founded on drama and conflict. How can we be surprised that our politics are following suit? -----------------------fairs and conferences, and of two extraordinary Havana museums, the National Gallery of the Arts and The Museum of the Revolution. Stephens can be reached at stephem@ucmail.uc.edu, and she blogs at marthastephens.wordpress.com. A new book of hers, Me and the Grandmas of Baghdad, was reviewed in Streetvibes last year. Streetvibes, as always, welcomes other viewpoints on the same subject. ------------------------ �5 LOCAL No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 DIY: Taxes and Credit DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer P reparing people’s taxes for free is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have this time of year. As a Benefit Bank tax counselor, I was fortunate enough to receive training to learn how to quickly and easily prepare taxes through http://www.thebenefitbank.org/. But did you know that you can do it on your own? If you have a pretty simple tax situation (something like 1 or 2 W2’s and your student loan form), I highly suggest using the Benefit Bank, as it is free, safe, reliable, and there are no hidden strings attached to using it. There are some restrictions, as it is for people who make less than $65,000, and some forms aren’t compatible, but most everyone can use the Benefit Bank. Additionally, the Benefit Bank can connect you to cash assistance, EBT, Medicaid, and other resources based upon your tax return. You can e-file and see past year’s forms as well. The Benefit Bank is really the Do-It-Yourself of tax and benefits. Did you know that one of the oldest (and largest) federal anti-poverty programs helps people get their taxes done for free? The VITA program has been around for many years – perhaps you’ve seen advertisements for “Make Work Pay!” which feature locations where you can get your taxes done for free. In Cincinnati, if you call 2-1-1, the United Way hotline, you can find the locations that will prepare your taxes for free. If you want to learn more on your own, tips on budgeting, credit, taxes, and other resources can be found on the web: http://www.makeworkpay.com/ There are site supervisors at the VITA locations that are friendly and very knowledgeable. Many of them have been doing the VITA program for several years, and they work hard to keep up on any changes in the tax code. Every year there seem to be both complex and simple changes to the tax code. Homeless Coalition members and the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati, have been instrumental in helping keep VITA active in Cincinnati. Call 2-1-1 and ask where the nearest Make Work Pay site is for you! Finally, it’s really important to stay on top of your financial credit situation, no matter if you use credit cards or not. We all know by now that identify theft can be a real problem. Someone might get a hold of your social security number and your name and try to use it to buy something or open up a credit card. So how do you know if someone’s doing this? Well, using Credit Karma (https://www. creditkarma.com/), the only free and Credit Karma helps you keep an eye on your credit. federally sanctioned credit reporting site, will allow you to keep in touch with your credit score in real time. You do not need to sign up for a monthly paid subscription or anything like that, but you will have to register to use it. There may be advertisements for credit cards on the site (they will say, “Looks like this is a good card for you to help build your credit, do you want to sign up?”) but you can easily deny them. Other than that, this is a free-to-use site that you can check your credit score and see if you’ve been a victim of identity theft. I certainly recommend using this site for several reasons, but especially because it does not put a hard credit inquiry on your account. The Benefit Bank, VITA, and Credit Karma are ways that you can keep your money in your pocket and not be swayed into pay-day lending schemes with high interest rates and lots of fine print. Many people don’t The Benefit Bank’s site: use the Self-Serve Option to do it yourself! BILL WOODS Contributing Writer B cilitator, Taylor also fielded questions and led a dialogue with Forum attendees. In the last several years, branches of Black Lives Matter have sprung up in communities across the country. Responding to fatal shootings in Ferguson, Missouri, Cleveland, Ohio, New York City, and other cities, young “Breakdown Stereotypes” ------------------------ Make Work Pay Website Black Lives Matter Returns To The Forum lack Lives Matter: Cincinnati returned to the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on February 11th. Brian Taylor, a local leader and spokesman for the group, gave an update of the organization’s activities and concerns and discussed its purpose and focus. A skilled fa- realize that when they get their “refund” the day they submit their tax return at cash checking places, or corner pop-up tax places, that they are really signing up for a loan. If the federal government denies the tax return, these pop-up tax companies and pay-day lenders will come looking for repayment on their loans, leaving you with fees and interest to pay off. Because so many of us are working poor, we deserve to keep our hard-earned money in our pockets and not give it away when we can do if for free! Take the time to either find a VITA site near you, or do your taxes yourself with the Benefit Bank. Everyone should sign up and use Credit Karma, because it’s best to know what’s going on with your money (or lack of it!) than be wondering what’s happening in the dark. activists banded together to hold rallies, vigils, and forums to protest these events. Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati formed in 2014. When Brian Taylor and other Black Lives Matter members spoke at the Forum a year ago, Cincinnati had not in recent years experienced police actions that led to the tragedies that took place in communities like Ferguson. Attendees noted that after the fatal shooting of Timothy Thomas in 2001, the Collaborative Agreement and other reforms had changed policing in this city. Some even questioned whether the approach of Black Lives Matter was really necessary in Cincinnati because of these reforms. Taylor referred to this former Forum dialogue, and asked whether anyone had changed their minds during the last twelve months? He then (Continued on page 6) “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL Authorizing War: Back to Libya? Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer C lose readers of the news may have noticed that some outlets have quietly mentioned possible expansion of the War on Terror – including American “boots on the ground” – into Libya. The target would be the selfstyled Islamic State, a reprehensible organization that relies on terror and suicide bombers to advance its agenda. Following Russian intervention in Syria and recent setbacks, the IS fighters seem to be expanding their presence in Libya. Libya, of course, no longer has an effective central government after the United States and its allies helped drive Qaddafi from power in 2011 and he was executed. The question here is not whether military escalation is worthwhile, or whether the United States could do it successfully (a necessary question in light of recent history). The question is, does the president already have the authority to expand the area of military operations or does he need specific authorization from Congress? Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war. Article II Section 2 states that the president is the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. If we are talking of something short of an all-out war, how much authority does the president have to commit our troops to battle? In 1973 the War Powers Resolution attempted to limit the authority of the president here by at least putting a time limit on the duration of armed conflict before obtaining authorization from Congress. Presidents generally say that they won’t be limited by this act but for the most part go along with its provisions. In the case of the War on Terror following the attacks of 9/11, Congress did authorize the president to respond. Here is the relevant section from the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Section 2 – Authorization For Use of United States Armed Forces (a) IN GENERALThat the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against BILL WOODS (Continued from page 5) brought up several local fatal police shootings of Black men in the last year including the tragic death of Samuel Dubose. He used these examples to point out that something was still terribly wrong with police practices toward African-Americans even in Cincinnati. Brian Taylor and most Black Lives Matter activists start from the belief that institutional racism is alive and well in most police departments across the country. This institutional racism is at work in the daily practices of these departments as well as in the criminal justice system as a whole. The worst outcomes of this omnipresent factor are the tragic deaths of people such as Timothy Thomas and Samuel Dubose. Black Lives Matter emerged in response to the tragic results of this institutional racism embedded in police departments in Ferguson, New York City, Cleveland, and Cincinnati when young activists felt they must take a stand. The appropriate strategy, according to Taylor, is protest that demands justice for the illegal or criminal actions of the police. Only when members of the police are brought to trial for wrongful acts will the potential for transformational change become possible. Taylor also touched on some positive news. Despite the current flurry of protests against police shootings and other injustices in communities across the U.S., national attitudes about race are improving. He cited surveys that showed a trend toward more tolerance and acceptance among a majority of Americans. Young adults, noted Taylor, lead the way in views that reflect a color blindness and a lack of discrimination toward all groups in the society. This trend, emphasized Taylor, bodes well for the future. Besides his involvement with Black Lives Matter, Taylor is a journalist who has also worked as a union organizer. A those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations or persons. (b) War Powers Resolution Requirements(1) SPECIFIC STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION- Consistent with section 8(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution, the Congress declares that this section is intended to constitute specific statutory authorization within the meaning of section 5(b) of the War Powers Resolution. (2) APPLICABILITY OF OTHER REQUIREMENTSNothing in this resolution supersedes any requirement of the War Powers Resolution. Only one member of either house voted against the bill, on the grounds that its wording was too vague. And Representative Lee may well have been right. Though this was passed in 2001 in response to those specific terrorist acts, this is the authority that that President Obama has used for air attacks against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. (A different authorization was used for the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In a prelude to the current question, there was also no authorization for the 2011 use of the Air Force in Libya.) Government officials have claimed that the Islamic State has been in affiliation with Al-Qaeda, which carried out the September 11 attacks. There are two problems with this. First, the Islamic State opposes Al-Qaeda and says they are not true followers of Islam, often even warring with them. Second, the AUMF states that it extends to those who “planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, … or harbored such organizations or persons…” There is nothing about affiliates, and as for the Islamic State it didn’t even exist in 2001. Democrats in Congress are naturally reluctant to oppose the president on this. On the other hand, most Republicans seem afraid to go on the record with a vote on a new AUMF. A new AUMF would, of course, would mean that they would have to answer questions as to how long, where, and how the War on Terror would continue to be fought. Well, tough. If they don’t want to do their job they shouldn’t have campaigned for it. They seem content to criticize President Obama and his efforts as Commander-in-Chief, but will continue to provide the funding he requests. One more thing. Enlistees in the armed forces take an oath: “I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” Note that both obeying the president and defending the Constitution are a part of the oath. Congress should demonstrate that the Constitution is being followed. ------------------------ Young activists with Brian Taylor and Bill Woods Photo: Justin Jeffre skillful facilitator, he ably fielded questions and conducted a dialogue with Forum attendees. For a video clip of this Forum go to www.airinc.org. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ �LOCAL Not So Great a Distance: from “The Drop” to the Shelterhouse No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer F ull Disclosure: When I headed across town to do a story about the new Drop Inn Center, now on Gest Street (and now named the “Shelterhouse”) I carried a certain amount of negativity along with me. I had been a friend of buddy gray back in “the old days,” when it was called the “Alcoholic Mens’ Drop Inn Center.” I grieved (and ranted) upon learning that “The Drop” would be moved out of Over-The-Rhine, where it had maintained a powerful presence, both actual and symbolic for so many years. The Drop had saved thousands of lives. Now it is housed in the former Butternut Bread factory more that a mile away, surrounded by commercial properties. This is not a neighborhood with houses or apartments, the neighbors living nearby are the people experiencing homelessness who live in the encampments under the overpasses. Upon my arrival, Arlene Nolan, Shelterhouse Executive Director, met me and gave me an extensive tour of the new facility. She explained that the shelter had had its largest number of clients ever (270 men) the night before, a frigid February 10th . I found myself immediately impressed by the cleanliness, lack of chaos, and by relaxed way the men were going about their business. And I was impressed by this vibrant, youngish-director—a transplant from South Africa. Clearly she loved her job. Clearly I could see that she related well to the men. And clearly she was thrilled with the newly remodeled facility. “We knew the things we wanted and needed and we made requests of the developers,” she said. As an example, she pointed out the ice machine. “We didn’t have one before, and the men really wanted it.” It was just after noon. Many of the client-guests were moving through the cafeteria lines. Others were lounging in comfortable chairs or chatting in small clusters in he main lobby area. At one side of Arlene Nolan, Executive Director of Shelterhouse Photo: Jim Luken the lobby was a bank of computers, which the men are encouraged to use in order to keep track of personal matters, like job searches. Nolan described this service as a client “portal,” an on-line service named HIP, the Homeless Internet Partnership. If a client has a problem or an “issue” that he feels the staff should be aware of, he types in his code number and writes out his need, problem, complaint. Someone from the staff then provides timely feedback. Three shelters Nolan explained that there were actually three men’s shelters at the facility as there had been on twelfth street. She walked me through all three. The main one was the “low barrier” or “safe shelter.” Clients who had been processed into the Shelterhouse were assured of having a bed and a locker for their stuff for as long as they chose to stay. There are two other smaller dorms called the “Green Dot” and the “Blue Dot,” each housing about 30 individuals. In the Green Dot, there is a section designated for Veterans. The clients who stay in these “Dot” shelters are men who are working with social workers and with advocates who are assisting them in preparing for more permanent housing. Nolan explained that an individual might remain in these shelter for Arlene Nolan at the winter shelter Photo: Jim Luken THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 7 up to 90 days, or even longer if the man’s situation called for it. I walked through the health clinic which had it’s own outside access. People experiencing homelessness can come to the clinic in the late afternoon or evening, even if they were not in an ongoing relationship with the Shelterhouse. The same is true for those individuals who are accessing alcohol and drug treatment there at the facility. Separate entrances make so much sense. Our last stop was the “winter shelter.” The new building allows for much more space for those seeking safety from the winter weather. The room is huge and barren. “Bare bones,” is how Nolan described it. Men can come in out of the nighttime cold whenever they want. No one is turned down. Each one is issued a plastic-covered foam mat, and a blanket. Couples may come in together. 95 people had slept in this room the previous night (see photo). At mid-day the mats are piled up in adjacent rooms. The big room is totally empty. The Executive Director Arlene Nolan has worked as what she calls an “operations director” on two Continents. A native South African, she was the finance director and de facto director of operations for the SOS Children’s Village in Swaziland, before bringing her skills to the United States 18 years ago. Nolan began work as Chief Operations Officer at “the Drop” 7½ years ago, after working as the chief finance officer for several local nonprofits, including St. Aloysius Orphanage. “I didn’t know much about the Drop Inn Center until I applied to work there,” Nolan admits. “The more I learned, the more it became really intriguing. Honestly, it’s a fascinating place. Residents are really, really interesting.” She became the Director five years ago, succeeding the popular Pat Clifford. “Even though we serve so many people. Truly, everybody’s story is different.” Nolan recognizes that some people weren’t pleased with the fact that the name of the facility was changed with the move to the new location. Nolan explained that, even when it was “The Drop,” the official name was (and remains) the “Shelterhouse Volunteer Group,” doing business then as (DBA) the Drop Inn Center. Now it is DBA The Shelterhouse. Nolan says that the decision to change the name came about painfully. “We were trying to incorporate new services. “The board felt that the (old) name didn’t fit in with all we were trying to accomplish.” The staff, both in house, and those affiliated with other non-profits who come to the Shelterhouse to provide various services has grown from around 50 to nearly 70. Nolan explains that they have an in-house saying which goes, “Stay in your lane,” meaning do the thing you were hired to do, the thing you are good at. In terms of herself, she says, “Early on, I figured out what I am good at. I’m good at operations, at making decisions, at maintaning systems and infrastructure. I’m not the social worker type.” She says that she is here to make sure that the organization stays functional for a long time. Financially stable. In compliance. I had taken a very cold ride to The Shelterhouse that day on my (Continued on page 11) �8 WORLD Professor Green: Can we create a utopia where we end youth homelessness? Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 ADRIAN LOBB www.INSP.ngo / The Big Issue UK W ho are we as a society? What kind of society do we live in if there is no desire to help the people who need it most? Homeless young people really are the most vulnerable people in society. They are someone’s daughter, someone’s son, and something has happened in their life - either by their own hand but quite often not - that has meant they fall between the cracks. We live in a society with very little safety net. But you can’t begin to help anyone without having an understanding. I made my new documentary, Hidden and Homeless, after a man in a suit tutted loudly when he saw me offering money to a young homeless man in Shoreditch. What went wrong in that man’s life to make him react like that? There was such a lack of empathy. We live in a society where some people demonise the most vulnerable, and I find that disturbing. I wondered whether that was everyone’s opinion. I found that everything is set up for people to fail. It is the demonisation of an entire class. There are twice as many people sleeping rough on the streets of Manchester as there were a year ago. And those are just the people who have been counted. And to be included in this statistic means you have to be in a sleeping bag and actually British rap artist Professor Green. Photo: The Big Issue UK asleep when they do the count. They try everything not to put you on that list. And those sleeping rough are not all the people who are homeless. If you are in a hostel, you are homeless. If you are sofa-surfing, crashing on a mate’s couch, you are homeless. It is such a multi-faceted problem. With the benefit cuts to under 25-year-olds, so many young people are going to lose their homes. And what happens then? Government departments are looking at a spreadsheet, ‘here’s how we save some money’. But it is a real short-term fix. Prevention is always better than cure. Can we create a Utopia that will help these young, vulnerable people? It is such a clusterfuck. That has been the hardest part about doing this film - I haven’t come out with any result. I was naive to think we would. The situation as it stands doesn’t look like it’s getting better. But I absolutely have faith in young people. We went into a school. In the beginning, they started out with quite stereotypical ideas of a homeless person as an old man, maybe with a dog and a begging bowl. But within half an hour they began to see them as individuals, as humans. They were really thinking about who a homeless person might be and what might be going through the head of someone who is homeless. Introduce these ideas everywhere and we can change a whole generation’s outlook. You have to encourage it. In the same way hatred is taught, so is compassion. Introduce these Collapse of Iraq’s largest dam could herald national crisis TAYLOR SMITH T he Mosul Dam is in danger of collapse due to increased rainstorms. The resulting flood would be devastating. As Iraq’s largest dam, it would send a 15-foot wall of water down the river to Baghdad, and Mosul would be engulfed in a flood. The immediate impact would result in approximately 500,000 people’s deaths and the environmental impact could severely harm the quality of life for people in the Nineveh, Kirkuk and Salahadin provinces. Specifically, the resulting famine and disease would affect the region for years to come. Maintenance work on the dam is the Iraqi government’s responsibility, but it has not, allegedly, taken place since 2014. The necessary repairs to stop the erosion are estimated to cost $250 million to $500 million, according to members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in the Kurdistan parliament. The threat of demise arises from the soil foundation of the dam. It is built on water-soluble soils that must www.INSP.ngo / Spare Change News USA be constantly replenished to prevent collapse. The combination of gypsum, anhydrite, marl and limestone continually dissolves in water. The Mosul Dam was once known as Saddam Dam. Constructed in 1983, it stands 113 meters high and 3,650 meters long on the Tigris River. It is the second-largest dam in the Middle East and provides electricity to 1.7 million residents in Mosul. Following the immediate wave, disease would surely follow. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, would run rampant. Iraq has already experienced a cholera outbreak in September due to the influx of refugees and internally displaced persons. Floods typically submerge with sewer systems, which would only intensify the outbreak. The strength of the water deluge from the Mosul Dam would also destroy several buildings that could contain an array of toxic materials such as paints and gasoline. The danger of the Mosul Dam isn’t solely structural. In August 2014, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seized the dam, but Kurdish peshmerga forces took it back. Sitting on the frontline, there is no doubt a collapse would have a significant impact on the battle between ISIS and the peshmerga forces. However, Iraqi officials are dismissing the US reports of the danger as alarmist. A US Army Corps of Engineers report stated that decomposition of the soil is occurring at a faster rate than it did before construction in 2007. The report went so far as to call the dam the most dangerous in the world. The comprehensive report reveals that maintenance on the dam has included grouting since inception to stop water from causing the rapid dissolution of foundation soil. If the catastrophic floods in Pakistan are any indication, a flood from the Mosul Dam would affect Iraq for years if not decades to come. The floods in Pakistan disrupted vital supply lines to troops in Afghanistan, which would be of even greater concern in Iraq. Furthermore, there would be an THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ideas everywhere and we can change a whole generation’s outlook. We need to be more compassionate, and remember that these people are human, they have got names and faces. Just say hello. Look people in the eye. See there is a person there. And don’t blame them or make assumptions. They are there for a million different reasons. The bits of hope I saw were in the organisations picking up all the slack for the authorities. Don’t get me wrong, the success stories were few and far between. But the looks on their faces when they told of people who had got off the streets or who had found work was brilliant. A lot of them had been through this situation themselves, seen it first-hand. They have got the patience of saints. That is where you start - as a government, you talk to people working in the sector and learn from the people who actually help. I met a lad teaching sports classes at New Horizon Youth Centre, near King’s Cross [an inner city area of London]. He used to use the facilities there, now he is fully qualified. Talking to the young people there, none would be picked out of a line-up as homeless. But their stories, the things that they have gone through… man, it’s so tough. If this documentary starts the conversation, that makes me proper happy. The thing is to never become preachy. That is not how people take things on board. I am trying to stay smart, introducing people to subjects they otherwise might not give a fuck about, and encouraging compassion. -----------------------increase in the need for foreign aid workers to cope with the situation. When the floods washed over Pakistan, terrorist groups such as the Taliban threatened to attack Western aid workers. Again, this would certainly be a concern if there was a flood in Iraq due to ISIS’s infamous reputation for beheading Western aid workers and broadcasting the actions to the world. If repairs are not carried out as soon as possible, Iraq will have another national crisis to deal with. Nature Iraq, an Iraqi non-governmental organization, has found a potential solution to the impending collapse, but has not received any indication that the country is moving forward with it. The founder and CEO, Dr. Azzam Alwash, believes the repair money would be best spent by leasing the Illisu Dam in Turkey to store Iraq’s water. According to him, the benefits would be twofold. First, the reduced pressure on the Mosul Dam would stop any collapse from being devastating. Second, the evaporation of water in Turkey’s dam would occur at a slower rate than in Mosul. To date, there is no known plan in place if something were to cause the dam to collapse. ------------------------ �WORLD Uneducated women entrepreneurs defeat poverty No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 ALIYA BASHIR www.INSP.ngo M aryam Yousuf, 50, gently washes her hands under a common tap outside her house in Saida Kadal, a grassy middle-class locale encircled by the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir’s capital. She puts on a Pheran, the traditional long loose gown, and holding a large steel bucket walks towards a dimly-lit cowshed, made up of wooden shingles, in a corner of her home backyard. Nearby, children are playing cricket, flaunting wooden sticks as bats, and a flock of chicken cluck and nibble at left-over vegetables. As the milk squirts into the bucket, Maryam says she can’t forget the day when her husband sold all the three cows after she had fallen ill. As a mark of protest, she didn’t eat food for three days. “My cows are very dear to me. They are like my children and when he sold them, I told him to give me back my identity,” she said. Her husband not only brought back the cows, he even purchased another one for her. “It was not less than Eid (an Islamic festival) for me,” added Maryam who has trodden the path of entrepreneurship as a dairy farmer for the last 30 years. In this conflict-ridden Himalayan territory, entrepreneurship has witnessed many a metamorphosis. Initially, it was taken up by the educated upper class men who invested their own money to build their fortunes. Then educated women followed and few have made a significant mark over the years. However, what has not been recognised is that many uneducated women are also enthusiastically raising family incomes through micro ventures and reinvesting their earnings in their families and communities. These women also inspire other women in their localities to pursue their dreams through entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Turning tragedy into opportunity In her community, Maryam is considered an inspirational woman who is making money in dairy farming. She believes that no one can stop a woman other than her own self: “We are managers by default. If we can run a house without doing any course, we can run a business too.” Her journey of entrepreneurship started when her husband fell ill due to strenuous work in carpet weaving. She had to look after six children - five sons and a daughter. “My children help me to manage the accounts. They respect my struggle in life and owe their achievements to it,” she says. Maryam earns Rs 8,000 rupees ($117) each month from each cow. From her three cows, she is able to look after her daily needs and add to her savings. She believes that rearing cows is her asset as she is managing everything from her home-based business. “The thing of satisfaction is that I don’t have to depend on my children. I recently married off my elder son without anyone’s help,” she added proudly. Maryam Yousuf, 50, a dairy farmer spends most of her time looking after her three cows to earn a livelihood for her family. Photo: Aliya Bashir/IPS She sold off her belongings and started her venture with Rs 2,000 rupees ($29). When she first started, Maryam possessed less than one kanal (0.125 acres) of land. Today, she owns three kanals (0.375 acres). Each cow produces 10-18 litres of milk per day and she sells it at a fair price. She also makes cheese, curd, sweets and takes orders on special occasions. Maryam not only generates revenue for her family, she also offers small loans to other women in her community and encourages them to work. She is known by the name of ‘milk woman’. Building Her Dreams Daulat Begum, 65, is inspired by Maryam’s words of encouragement following her husband’s death. She has been growing a household Kashmiri vegetable, Haakh (collard greens) besides several others through conventional farming: animal manures, multi-variety cropping, crop residues, plant nutrients and other natural and sustainable ways of agriculture. Begum’s husband passed away after a brief illness in 1999, leaving behind three daughters and two sons. She Daulat Begum, 65, who grows local vegetables on her land was encouraged towards entrepreneurship from the death of her husband. She is a proud mother who transformed her challenge into opportunity. Photo: Aliya Bashir/IPS THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 took on the entire responsibility of the household on her shoulders as her children were young. Begum started growing vegetables without anyone’s help and learned by her mistakes. “I didn’t want my children to starve,” she says, while picking vegetables in her garden. “I chose to control my own destiny and became what I wanted to become.” Begum never felt sorry for herself. Her passion to become economically independent helped her to nurture her dream. She sells vegetables in the bustling market outside her home near the famous Hazratbal shrine of Srinagar city. “Poverty teaches you much in life,” Begum says. “I learnt the hard way.” Begum resisted family pressure for her decision not to remarry. “In a close-knit society like ours, independence is often synonymous with opposing moral and cultural values. I had already waged a war against my family,” she said, adding that “I was left with no option other than to struggle alone and push myself hard.” Her memories are fresh with past struggles, when her family had nothing to eat for days. But that didn’t deter her and she kept going until she sowed the seeds of her fortune. “I feel so contented not to beg before anyone. People don’t pity me,” Begum says. “I provide them fresh and healthy food to live a happy life.” She owns four kanals (0.5 acres) of land and earns more than Rs 15, 000 rupees ($220) on a monthly basis. “I was very shy. I would struggle even talking to men. But today I have no apprehensions. I believe in myself,” Begum emphasised. Transformational Leaders Kashmir is an agrarian economy with more than 70 per cent of the population depending on agriculture for their livelihood. Even though grassroots female entrepreneurs like Maryam and Begum are not undertaking their businesses at a commercial level, they are breaking barriers and inspiring other women to become selfreliant. Unlike many working women who are finding it difficult to manage their professional and personal life, Maryam and Begum set an example. The trend of women entrepreneurs is substantially increasing in Kashmir, says Dr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies at the Central University of Kashmir: “The uneducated women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, still do not have access to technical and financial support that can give a fillip to their businesses from a domestic to a commercial level.” Dr. Shah has extensively worked in the field of entrepreneurship and published many books and research papers in the field. There are cultural and societal norms that hinder equal participation of women in ventures that men undertake. But women have to contribute to entrepreneurial activities in the best way possible, he argued. ------------------------ �10 LOCAL Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 JIM LUKEN (Continued from page 7) bike. I was aware of the distance (one mile +) from OTR, and from the various amenities that exist for the poor in the downtown area, the library for example. Responding to my question about the new place being a bit far away, Arlene Nolan responded, “Far from where? Where is the starting place?” Nolan explained that clients are coming from places that are further and further away. “We are over capacity,” she said, “so people are getting to us.” Then she laughs, “I come from South Africa where everybody walks. When people talk to me about walking they’re talking to somebody who is not real sympathetic.” Arlene Nolan says she shares with all of us many deep personal memories of the Drop Inn Center. “Certainly people have fond memories of the old place. You miss the neighbors and the energy. But this organization will always have a certain energy. “So many people thank you for your work, thank you for what you do. I feel like, honestly, I get more out of this than...” And her voice drifts off, but her meaning is clear. The Shelterhouse will continue to be a very special place. Three stories: 1. Saved by the Shelterhouse Would you like to meet someone who proves that homelessness can happen to anyone? Then meet Frank Schneider. 55 years old. For 28 years he was a route driver for Coca Cola. Then a DUI ended his career. Bad knees inhibited his re-entry into the workforce. His life fell apart. He describes himself as having been overwhelmed...financially and psychologically. He lived as a homeless man for three years. But now, after six weeks at the Shelterhouse, he feels much better about himself and his situation. “I am totally capable,” he says. “I’ve got more done in the past three and a half months than in the three previous years, all because of the Drop.” Well, 11 the Shelterhouse. I am very happy to be here,” he says. “The Shelterhouse is providing me stability. They have put me on the path to getting permanent housing.” But on this particular day, Frank Schneider is stressed. His anxiety has nothing to do with his living situation. That part is good. It is Hamilton County’s institutional bureaucracy that has him upset. He has been fighting for two weeks to get an updated identification card (similar to a driver’s license) from the BMV, but they won’t budge. He needs the ID in order to get one of several possible jobs that are available to him. Frank shows me his ID card, his picture is on it. It’s definitely him. But several months ago, the ID expired. The BMV is demanding that he prove he has a social security card. He says the card “fell apart” in his threadbare wallet. Not hard to believe. He has his birth certificate, a proof of residence, and the expired ID. He even had a police background check. “It’s a Catch-22. I need a new ID, and I can’t get the ID without a social security card. All they have to do is press a few buttons and they would see that I am who I claim to be. They could easily find my social security number.” Almost in tears he says, “i don’t understand why they are acting the way they are.” Thanks to the staff at the Shelterhouse, Frank Schneider is on the way to a brand new life for himself. He knows it will happen, but he is frustrated that the State of Ohio is putting up unnecessary roadblocks. I tell him this seems like yet another example of the system playing games with the lives of the poor. He nods in agreement. 2. Nine on a Scale of Ten Ricky Gore is 52. When we met on Feb. 11, he had been at the Shelterhouse for just two weeks. He came there directly (almost) from the Madison State Penitentiary in London, Ohio. He had done a hellish year there because of long ago failure to pay off his child support expenses. He said the daughter in question was now 32 years old. “She won’t get a penny of Ricky Gore at the Shelterhouse Photo: Jim Luken Frank Schneider holds up his expired ID Photo: Jim Luken the money I owe. It will all go to the state.” Gore left the pen on January 27 with literally the clothes on his back. No money. “They took my gate pay,” he said. That is what they call the money that a prisoner is supposed to receive on leaving. After spending hia first night of freedom in the Hamilton County jail (as part of the release process), the County charged him $40...which of course he did not have). “Where does it end?” he asks rhetorically. The next day his sister drove him to the Shelterhouse. Gore was already a cheerleader for his new surroundings. He gave it a “9.” He gave the food a “9.5.” “Ninety-five percent of the employees are respectful and helpful. Of the Executive Director, he says, “Miss Arlene in the most approachable person I have ever seen, besides buddy (gray). If there is an issue, she will address it.” So Gore seems quite happy to be camped out in the “Safe” dorm. He described for me the intake process. First: an orientation program. Then a staff member took him around the entire facility, showing him the showers and the sleeping quarters, etc.. Then, they went over the rules and regulations. The whole thing took “an hour or so.” After that, he received a mental health assessment. He looked forward to moving from the safe dorm to one of the long term, colored “dot” dorms, because this would mean that he was further along the path to establishing a new life out in the so-called “real world.” Although I spent less than an hour with him, Ricky Gore appeared to be competent a quite capable of creating this new life for himself. But a huge cloud hung over his future. A financial cloud. Gore owed the State some $15,000 for his failures to pay child support. If he finds a decent job he must repay the State $250 a month. If he fails to do so, he can be sent back to jail. The Shelterhouse is providing many services to its client-residents. Will there be a solution available that he and someone at the Shelterhouse can access to help him deal with such a huge indebtedness, along with all THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED the other obligations that come with leading so-called “normal life?” Gore introduces me to one of the staff members. He describes her as being “the hardest working person in the Shelterhouse.” 3. A View from One Employee Meet Laura Rudowitz, resident advisor at the Drop Inn/Shelterhouse for past two years. So Laura was among those who helped in the move from 12th Street (The Drop Inn Center) to Gest Street (The Shelterhouse). “It was a really good transition,” she says, “and it’s really good to be able to offer the residents all we have now.” Rudowitz recalls the location in Over the Rhine with mixed feelings, “That place has a history we can never forget, but we’ve come a long way now. I think this is better for the men.” “Miss Laura” believes that after four months, most of the staff feels the way she does. Most are happy with working in the new facility. She obviously has a special rapport with many of the clients. “It’s a courageous thing to walk in and to ask for help. You have to understand that anyone can fall under these circumstances.” Rudowitz seems to have a clear, personal notion of what lies beyond her job description. “It’s all a matter of just taking the time to hear, to listen. Five minutes of listening can go along way in terms of making the men feel like people. We provide the supplies they need, and emotionally we try to make them feel like people.” Ricky Gore had been one of the people she had listened to. He was one of her biggest fans. The most recent effort to move the Drop Inn Center started for political reasons, led by those who have a very exclusive vision for Over-the-Rhine and did not want the region’s largest shelter in that vision. What I saw clearly during my visit is that the successes of the Drop Inn Center/ Shelterhouse has everything to do with its heritage; its hard-working, creative and caring staff and its strong, resilient, hard-working client-guests. Despite all of the struggles, the staff of the Shelterhouse continue to serve the many people they meet with dignity and urgency. ------------------------ �12 LOCAL The Catalyst for change: new street paper launches in the US Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 LAURA KELLY A merica’s newest street paper has just launched in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Catalyst was unveiled on 23 February at a council meeting, where the team behind it explained the street paper ethos to local representatives and media. Immediately afterwards, the paper went on sale for the first time on the steps of the town hall. A handful of homeless vendors will continue to sell the paper within the community. “It’s about dignity and empowerment. Vendors of The Catalyst can become micro-enterprises,” says Ryan White, the man behind the new project, adding that he hopes to see vendor numbers rise quickly. Two thousand copies of the first edition of The Catalyst will be available. Vendors will buy each paper for 40 cents and sell them for a dollar. Ryan says that the title of the paper refers both to the change he hopes to bring to its vendors’ lives - and to the increase in empathy that he hopes to drive in the broader community. “My wife is in biotechnology and she deals with chemical catalysts. It’s a compound that you add to other chemicals, which creates a change but the catalyst agent stays the same,” he explains. “We want to be the change agent in people’s lives and propel them forward. There’s this quote that’s often attributed to Gandhi: ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’ So www.INSP.ngo there’s also the opportunity for the customer to be part of the vendor’s story - to be part of their catalyst story beyond poverty or marginalisation.” Ryan began working on The Catalyst almost a year ago, following a visit to a nearby homeless outreach centre which changed his views. “Before this point, I’d seen people suffering from the effects of poverty or homelessness and I felt bad, but I thought they must have messed up somewhere along the way. I had this negative attitude towards them,” he admits. But after a moving sermon in his church, Ryan met Diane Waddell, who runs Living Waters Center of Hope. She invited him to come and meet some of the homeless guests who use their services. “Speaking with them touched me,” says Ryan. “One of the issues that kept coming up was that they wanted to work but it wasn’t possible to find a job for many reasons - either they had disabilities or they had a [criminal] record.” Ryan immediately thought of Spare Change News, which is sold 30 miles away in the Boston area. After some research, he realised that Spare Change News was part of a global network of street papers and so he reached out to INSP for assistance. Though he already had a full time job at the Raytheon factory in Lowell, Ryan was moved with a “vision of a street paper in Lowell”. With support from INSP, and hands-on advice from Spare Change News and Megaphone, in Canada, the vision is now a reality. Richard Edwards was the first vendor to sign up. “He’s become quite a friend of mine,” says Ryan. “Richard is a construction guy. He got really bad arthritis in his back and he wasn’t able to work anymore. He didn’t have any savings, any 401k [workplace savings plan], and one thing led to another and he ended up on the street. “He’s been living in a tent for four years, through the winter and everything. But this is a guy who doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t use drugs, doesn’t have mental health issues - it’s just his situation. “Speaking with Richard really opened up my mind to what the face of poverty and homelessness is. It’s not what you would think it is.” Ryan got to know Richard through a photography project in association with Diane at Living Waters. The pair gave out eight one-use cameras to some of the guests at the centre. “We asked people on the street to take pictures of their lives and their struggles, their difficulties and their hopes,” he says. “Then we got them developed and put them on canvas. We took them to an art gallery and we did an exhibition at the art gallery. We have this great folk festival in Lowell in July - it was displayed at the festival. Now it’s up at a local coffee shop.” Ryan and Richard stayed in touch after the project and got to know each other better. “Richard would never panhandle. He does odd jobs to support himself,” says Ryan. “He said to me, ‘I would never panhandle. If you would give me something like The Catalyst to sell, I’d gladly be you first vendor.’ So we signed him up.” Though the paper took some time to get started after that initial conversation, Richard says he is looking forward to starting selling. “I think it is a good opportunity to make a few extra dollars to supplement my income,” he adds. In common with many areas of the US, Lowell has recently been attempting to crack down on panhandling. The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts recently celebrated the decision of a federal judge to strike down Lowell’s ban on panhandling in the Downtown Historic District, saying that the activity was protected under the First Amendment. Lowell was hit with a bill of $736,466 in legal fees following the judgement. Following this ruling, Ryan hopes that The Catalyst will have strong support as an alternative to panhandling. “People really love the idea of the street paper model,” he says. “Once people understand that vendors have to purchase the papers then sell them on, they really like that idea. The support cuts across the two-party system - both Democrats and Republicans here support the idea of helping people help themselves.” ------------------------ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 STREET VOICE President’s Day 2016 A Slave A SLAVE IS ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN SEE AND CONTROL A SLAVE IS ANYTHING YOU ALLOW YOUR MIND AND BODY TO BEHOLD A SLAVE CAN BE A MAN OR WOMEN STUCK PLAYING VIDEO GAMES A SLAVE CAN BE AN ADDICTION, ALCOHLISM, OR DRUGS! I BELEIVE THEY ARE ALL THE SAME BONDAGE IS SOMETHING THAT WITHOUT SLAVE MENTALITY YOU COULD MAKE A DIFFRENCE BONDAGE WITHOUT SLAVE MENTALITY YOU CAN SEE GOD HAS ALREADY DELIVERED US BEING IN BONDAGE WITH A SLAVE MENTALITY YOUR SOUL JUST REFUSES TO IGNORE BEING IN BONDAGE ONLY THE POLICE AND POLITICIANS TALK ON THE FLOOR BEING HOMELESS IS NOT ALWAYS ONE’S FAULT SO WHY RIDICULE OR BELIEVE YOU’RE BETTER BEING QUALIFIED TO ERRADICATE THE ISSUE NOT HURTING PEOPLE CAUSE THEY MATTER BEING SCARED OF WHAT HAPPENS NOW BEING BONDED BY MY LIFE AND A SLAVE TO MY BELIEFS HAVING FAITH IN GOD ALMIGHTY AND KNOWING THAT A PLAN HAS ALREADY BEEN SET FOR MY LIFE BEING IN BONDAGE OR AS A SLAVE WITH MY MIND I DO NOT HAVE ANY STRIFE THANK GOD WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer 13 On February 15th we cried Hooray, In celebration of Presidents’ Day. On that day we could fire a cannon In honor of Prez James Buchanan. Next we might give a patriotic rant In memory of Ohio’s U. S. Grant. Then at times our eyes would glaze Trying to recall Rutherford Hayes. Finally we should wish upon a star That we could elect another F.D.R. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Each Morning Each morning from the dim secrecy of my cot I lay and prepare myself for the day. Sounds of the morning fill the air from alarm clocks, elevator chimes and slippers on the floor. The day has begun once more. Today there is no distinct aroma that comes to mind. The sound of the RA’s voice reminds us of the time. “Breakfast ladies!” rings through the floor as I sit up and prepare myself to walk out the door. Another day with a hot breakfast to enjoy. “Good mornings” and “How ya doings” greet me once more. Time to start the day. Just a lady on my journey trying to make a way. SHANNON JOHNSON Contributing Writer The Copy Cat Copy Cat, Copy Cat climbing up the Copy Cat tree The Copy Cat is always waiting, hanging around On the prowl looking for a victim in the crowd The Copy Cat scratches, bites, lies and deceives Needing attention, it’s what the Copy Cat needs The Copy Cat is a lost soul, wore out and old Bad behavior that can’t be lost Copy Cat you should stop Let’s hope one day the Copy Cat can grow And ask for forgiveness and a new soul KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 93 Across 1. Search and find 6. Stinging insect 10. Treaty 14. One over par in golf 15. Reverberation 16. Dull pain 17. Worship 18. Liberate 19. Currency of China 20. Majestic 21. Gear projections 23. Bind 24. Males 26. Here and now 28. Alone 33. Wild ox of Tibet 34. Heroic poem 35. Perspective 37. Consticted 41. Operated 42. Electronic communication 44. Hawaiian garland 45. Soft part of a fruit 48. Catch sight of 49. Part of a window 50. Consume 52. Atrocious 54. Seize 58. Snakelike fish 59. Historic period 60. Water lily 63. Patois 67. Cut into cubes 69. Insect between larva and adult 70. Fruit of the oak 71. Zeal 72. Object of worship 73. Aggregate 74. Look after 75. Fractional monetary unit 76. Foe Down 1. Alpine lift 2. Traveled by horse 3. Highly excited 4. Artifact fired at high temperatures 5. Fastner 6. Yarn woven across the warp 7. 4840 square yards 8. Horned ruminant 9. Verse 10. Remuneration 11. Extremely sharp or intense 12. Concantenation 13. Religious doctrine 22. Warmth 25. Central area of a church 27. Snow runner 28. Helot 29. Translucent mineral 30. Telephone connection 31. Hoarfrost 32. Leavening agent 36. Rub 38. Slick 39. Perdition 40. Roofing material 43. Harp of ancient Greece 46. Unit of play in tennis 47. Transport in a vehicle 49. Nonmetallic element 51. Either of two parallels of latitude north and south of the equator 53. Colligate 54. Pertain 55. Nimble 56. Type of nut 57. Short musical composition intended as an exercise 61. Au fait 62. Seasoning 64. Brief written record 65. Metric unit of weight 66. Merely 68. Finish SODOKU PUZZLE NO 223 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 323 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 92 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 222 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 324 | F eb 2 6 - M a r 1 0 , 2 0 1 6 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 15 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 981-5800 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 Salvation Army 762-5660 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Shelter: Men 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 721-0643 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Prospect House 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Parkway Center 661-4620 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Both Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 2401-, 2411 Reading Rd, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 2401 Reading Road, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 $100 for 26 issues 961-0600 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Cincinnati Health Network $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless for 26 issues and a $50 donation 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Feb 26 - Mar 10, 2016 | No. 324 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 LARRY FILES SINCE 6/2012 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MYRA WILSON RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 2001 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY LOTTIE MANNER NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2016 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 26-March 10, 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: A Crucified Cuba Pg 4: Open Letter to the Bern Donald Trump Isn’t the Next Hitler Pg 5: DIY Pg 6: Authorizing War Pg 7: Not So Great a Distance Pg 8: Professor Green Pg 9: Uneducated Women Entrepreneurs Defeat Poverty Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Jim Luken Continued Pg 12: The Catalyst for Change Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 26-March 10, 2016 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Martha Stephens Robert Park Jason Haap Dr. Mark Mussman Bill Woods Michael Earl Patton Jim Luken Willa Denise Jones Kim Green Shanon Johnson Justin Jeffre Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Bernie Sanders Bill Woods Black Lives Matter Cuba Donald Trump Dr. Mark Mussman Iraq Jason Haap Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Libya Martha Stephens Michael Earl Patton Police Officers Robert Park Shanon Johnson Social Works street papers War Willa Denise Jones Women https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/53661ad19eef5e7b4a30527f1f110dc9.pdf fcb84e824733936f2ff12487d6dacc09 PDF Text Text F e b r ua r y 7 t h - F e b r ua r y 2 1 t h 2 0 1 9 | Vo l . 2 3 I s s u e 3 ( N o . 4 0 0 ) advo cating justice | building communit y Any opinions in this issue are of the authors and don't necessarily represent Streetvibes or The Homeless Coalition. This Issue is sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 12 �2 COALITION N ov 2 o v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 400 393 Feb. 7 -- NFeb. 21,22019 From The Director: Soccer, Sound, Symphonies and Displacement Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor-in-chief: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Sallie Mascus Josh Spring giving a speech. Credit:Amanda Meet Layout: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino JOSH SPRING Executive Director F C Cincinnati has petitioned the City of Cincinnati to make a significant zoning change to the area of the West End they want to build a stadium. Council Members are saying that before they vote on this change, they need to see a completed study that shows how noise from the stadium will adversely affect functions at Music Hall. As this discussion occurs, we are struck by the fact that the topic of housing and displacement is largely absent. The weak community benefits agreement signed by FC Cincinnati on which the city council vote last year regarding stadium funding hinged, included that a study of affordable housing and adverse effects would be complete. This study, being done by an out-of-town firm is not due to be finished until June. However, the preliminary research shows that likely thousands of people’s housing would be threatened. The preliminary research mirrors what our organization has been saying since last year. FC Cincinnati said they would not displace anyone. While we have said, even if that is true, the stadium will lead to development Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson prospecting, gentrification, increased rents and displacement. However, true to form, FC Cincinnati has already displaced neighborhood small businesses and residents. Why is it that city council is saying that before they vote on this zoning change, they must first be able to read the report on the negative affects the sound from a stadium would have on Music Hall, yet they have not required that the report on housing and displacement be completed first? Both common sense and the preliminary findings of the study indicate thousands of people could be displaced from their homes through a significant loss of affordable housing and rising costs to people who own their homes. We, of course, believe that spending millions of dollars, especially public dollars to benefit the billionaire owners of FC Cincinnati is wrong. Not investing very large sums into digging our way out of our current housing crisis (40,000 homes short, 28,000 in the City) is wrong. Not having necessary protections against unjust evictions and displacement for profit is wrong. We are working to get the city to establish significant, annual revenue sources for the newly established Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which passed last year after more than a year of our advocacy. We are working to get legislation that would actively protect people’s right to not unjustly be put of their homes. But come on, shouldn’t it be widely accepted that the ability for individuals and families to stay in their housing and neighborhood and not experience homelessness is more important than the quality of sound at Music Hall? Shouldn’t it be on the tips of the tongues of all city council members that certainly a study regarding housing loss would get at least the same deference as a study about sound affecting symphonies, ballets and operas? Please take the time to email city council at citycouncil@cincinnatioh.gov and tell them not to vote on anything for a soccer stadium without having been able to thoroughly consider the completed housing study. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Maintenance: Pete Roper ------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Humberto Marquez, Amanda Becker, Kris Janssens, Robert Park, Adeshola Ore, Andres Martinez Casares, Dr. Mark Mussman, Bill Woods, Key Beck, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones, Mariela Jara, emilio Godoy, Felix Winternitz, ------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Homeless Coalition, pngtree. com, Gabriela Godinez, wraphome.org, Amanda Meek ---------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 39 | Nov 21, 2- N o v 19, 2 0 18 Feb. 7 3- Feb. 2019 | No. 400 3 COALITION Wholly Unrecognizable DR. MARK MUSSMAN I Staff Writer recently attended a college reunion where a couple people used the same term to describe Cincinnati today: wholly unrecognizable. I listened to them say that Over-theRhine has changed so much that they couldn’t even believe it was the same place when we graduated school nearly 20 years ago, in 2001. I heard them talk about restaurants and bars that they uncritically visited while on vacation or with family. I realized then that the optics of the City had changed so much, but nothing else substantial has changed, especially when it comes to poverty, homelessness, and civil rights. Recent reports put the ethnic diversity of Cincinnati around 1950’s United States. We are mostly just Black and white, with a sprinkle of other ethnic identities. And by a sprinkle, I mean less than 5%. African American people are routinely denied healthcare, education, transportation, housing, and other basic necessities. Redlining continues to this day. Schools are more segregated now than ever, as more than half of our schools are 90% (or more) one ethnicity. Most students in public schools (82%) are economically disadvantaged. Home ownership rates among Black families (34%) are less than half of that for white families (74%). Other objective measures show that Black and white Cincinnatians live in two separate cities. Median household income comparisons show a stark reality: Black median household income at $24,272, compared to white median household income at $57,481. When applied to housing standards of affordability, it becomes clear that Black families are being priced out of their own neighborhoods. For example, a recent developer received preferred developer status on a Vine Street property in Over-the-Rhine through a City RFP process. This developer came to the Over-the-Rhine Community Council meeting in January seeking a letter of approval. Since the Community Council has prioritized affordable housing, the developer claims that 1 of 4 units will be affordable at 60% AMI. At 60% AMI, this means that most people in Cincinnati (59.99%) cannot afford this apartment. And when you take in the great disparity between Black and white resident income, this essentially removes any likelihood that a Black person or family would be able to move into this apartment. I often hear claims that crime has decreased due to investment in Over-the-Rhine and other inner core neighborhoods. But the reality is that crime may actually increase throughout the region due to instability. When people are forced from their neighborhood into other neighborhoods, there are turf issues and issues of representation. According to Census data, at least 25% of all people in Cincinnati moved within the last year, but certainly for some groups this number is higher. Cincinnati crime stats mimic national trends of decreasing incidents of violent crime; however, in 2002 Cincinnati saw 64 murders, and in 2017 there were 70. This is a slight increase, but meaningful when thinking about how things have or haven’t changed. Overall, Cincinnati is classified as having more crime than 95% of American cities. Larger looming issues, such as representation in the police force, have remained unchanged. 68.1% of sworn police officers in Cincinnati are white, while the white population in Cincinnati is less than 50%. One police officer as the LGBTQAI liason. One police officer as the Homelessness liaison. Shouldn’t all officers be trained to deal with LGBTQAI and individuals who are experiencing homelessness? Also deeply concerning is the disparate way African Americans are treated within the criminal justice system. While African Americans only represent 12.5% of Ohio’s population, they are 45% of incarcerated Ohioans. While Justice is purportedly Blind, people of color are more likely to be sentenced to death for killing a while person than killing a person of color in Ohio. A white body is seen as infinitely more valuable than a person of color. Your zip code affects your sentencing as well. And neighborhoods in Cincinnati remain so segregated, that our region is #5 in racial segregation. Economic segregation in our region is also near the top of the charts. And your zip code could add, or remove, 20 years to your life expectancy. In terms of homelessness, we know that systemic and interpersonal racism continue to decrease the housing stability of people of color. African Americans are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness because of Slavery, Jim Crow, Redlining, Urban Renewal, Mass Incarceration, and Gentrification. Without the generational wealth that white people were handed by the federal government, people of color have no level playing field. Areas that were once deemed “white only” continue to be almost all white. Inner city neighborhoods that were economically neglected since the 1930s, where Black families were forced to live for many generations (because they were legally denied entry to other neighborhoods until the Fair Housing Act in 1968) are now being displaced by white generational wealth. Black families cannot compete with that. African American wealth is predicted to be $0 by 2050, meaning that generational wealth is still exclusively a white policy benefit. Today, the shelters are still full. We are still short 40,000 units of affordable housing in Hamilton County (35,000 in Cincinnati). While obvious visual changes may have occurred, structurally we are still the same Cincinnati. We continue to criminalize homelessness while privatizing public resources. Our education, transportation, healthcare, public services, etc., are still segregated. Some things have changed: neighborhoods such as Overthe-Rhine, Mt. Auburn, and Walnut Hills have each lost thousands of Black residents since 2001. Between 2000 and 2010 the City of Cincinnati as a whole lost more than 9,000 Black residents. Our neighbors are being forced out by white generational wealth, and we have no mechanism focused on equity. The wealth and income gap between Black and white Cincinnatians has grown, and without a determined focus on affordable housing, living wages, and housing protections, we will continue to see two separate Cincinnatis: one for Black people, and one for white people. A Day Devoted To Community Organizing BILL WOODS ContributingWriter A re you concerned that citizens are often overlooked in public decisions in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Washington, D.C.? On Saturday February 23rd, the Murray and Agnes Seasongood Good Government Foundation is holding day long forum on citizen organizing. With the title "The Power of Organizing - Finding Your Community's Voice," the forum will feature panels and discussion groups on everything from basic neighborhood organizing to building coalitions in order to pass ballot initiatives. Karen Hobart Flynn, the President of Common Cause, will be the event's keynote speaker. Flynn has a wealth of experience in organizing to bring about political reform. Before joining Common Cause's staff in Washington, D.C., she chaired Common Cause in Connecticut. She led a grassroots movement in the state that successfully brought about the public financing of election campaigns. When she first came to Washington, she was a regional director of a number of states including Ohio. As national president, she supports state chapters that are organizing to protect voting rights or to bring about redistricting reform. A number of local organizers will be sharing their expertise and experiences as members of panels and as group discussion leaders. Josh Spring, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, Jennifer Summers, Director of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Michelle Dillingham, Director of Community Shares, Alice Schneider of Applied Information Resources, and Catherine Turcer, Director of Common Cause/ Ohio are a few of the people involved in the day. Other local organizations taking part are CUFA, the Sierra Club, Bold New Democracy, One Westwood, Invest in Neighborhoods, and the Woman's City Club. After Karen Hobart Flynn's keynote address, a panel led by Liz Blume of the Seasongood Board will explore common roadblocks that often get in the way of community problem solving and organizing. Following this panel, attendees will meet in discussion groups dealing with ways to organize around diverse issues that range from neighborhood concerns to the promotion of citywide policies. A luncheon discussion will deal with the question of why citizen organizing is critical at this moment in U.S. public life, and an afternoon panel will focus on some local organizing activities that are currently underway. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Next, Jeff Blevins, Chair of Journalism at the University of Cincinnati, will give a brief presentation on the role of the news media in community life and the ways grassroots movements can cultivate news coverage for their actions. Finally, a wrap up session will allow attendees to talk about, "where do we go from here?" Since promoting good government is the goal of the Seasongood Foundation, it believes that citizen involvement in public decisions is critical to achieving that end. The Seasongood Board hopes that the Forum on February 23rd will stimulate some projects for future Foundation funding. This event will take place at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cincinnati from 9:00 to 4:00. For further information about attending, call (513)721-2180. �4 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED NFeb. ov 27 - -NFeb. o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 21,2 02019 400 �N o. 3973-|Feb. Nov 221, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Feb. | No. 400 5 U.S. NEWS Deb Haaland becomes one of first two Native American congresswomen AMANDA BECKER Reuters T he day before Deb Haaland was sworn in last week as a freshman lawmaker in the most diverse U.S. House of Representatives class in history, she said the weight of being one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress had not yet fully hit her. Haaland, 58, had just conducted a brief staff meeting and was sitting in her new office on Capitol Hill as staffers got phones working and solved logistical problems like wrestling a printer through a narrow doorway. The first-time elected official represents New Mexico's 1st Congressional District and is a member of the state's Laguna Pueblo tribe. "Congress has never heard a voice like mine," the Democrat said. "As the first Native American woman in Congress, I know that there will be an expectation on me by tribes across the country to be somebody that can move their issues forward," Haaland said. "That's absolutely something I feel optimistic that I will be able to do." She said there is an "epidemic" of missing and murdered indigenous women, and Haaland would like Congress to hold additional oversight hearings on the issue and make sure tribal justice systems have the resources they need to conduct proper investigations. Also at the top of her list is combating climate change, which threatens fragile tribal lands. "If you're not scared to death right now about climate change, you're not reading the Deb Haaland works in her office at the U.S. Capitol before being sworn in as one of the two first Native American women in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, U.S., January 3, 2019. REUTERS/Brian Snyder news," she said. Haaland is one of a recordbreaking 102 women who will serve in the 435-seat House during the 20192020 session. There are many firsts among them. Haaland and Sharice Davids of Kansas, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, are the first Native American women. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan are the first Muslim women. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Jahana Hayes of Connecticut are the first black women to represent their states. All are Democrats. When Haaland was born in 1960, Native Americans did not have the right to vote in New Mexico - despite being granted full U.S. citizenship by the federal government in 1924. They got it in 1962, making the Southwestern state the last in the nation to extend it. On Thursday, Haaland welcomed her new constituents to an open house at her congressional office before being sworn in on the House floor. She wore traditional tribal garments to the ceremony, including a pomegranate blossom necklace of silver and turquoise, signifying protection and strength, made by a Laguna artist. After raising her hand to take the oath of office with her peers, the consequence of the milestone sunk in. Overcome with emotion, Haaland turned to embrace Davids, borrowing the edge of her new colleague's scarf to dab away her tears. Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo Who Shut down the shutdown? ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer W ho ended the shutdown? The Democrats? Nancy Pelosi? Mitch McConnell? None of the above. The shutdown got shut down when workers took Laguardia Airport off-line on Friday, January 25. A rolling disaster of massive commercial disruption was about to unfold for capitalist America and that pushed the GOP over the edge. Disgusted and outraged employees – TSA security and FAA air traffic controllers – did what their unions should have done at least two weeks ago. We don’t know what positive role IF ANY their national union leadership played here. More likely, as with all great accomplishments for workers rights, the real leadership probably came from the bottom, from the workers collectively voting with their feet. In past momentous worker actions (like getting the 8 hour day) what typically happened was some outrage finally broke the camel’s back and thousands of workers hit the streets, with their leadership frantically racing to catchup with the members. We’ll have to watch and see if the current union leadership at the top even bothers to get out and walk quickly, let alone run; to acknowledge the profound lesson we just learned, again. What happens in three weeks? Maybe the next shutdown should be pre-empted by a strong credible threat: next time it won’t take three weeks to stop it, we’ll stop it on day two. The federal unions should sign on to a pledge: “You want shutdown, you’ll get shutdown, motherfucker.” They could even toss out the idea of a general strike so that the rest of us can get involved in determining our future. It’s about time the labor movement showed the Democratic Party for what it is: why didn’t THEY call for a walkout and promise protection? This would have been a great opportunity to encourage a lot of Trump’s base to re-think their world view. The federal THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED unions that should have immediately responded to the shutdown include: the American Federation of Government Employees (TSA, IRS, Social Security, Homeland Security, CDC..), National Treasury Employees Union, National Air Traffic Controllers Association. And of course the AFL-CIO - the American FEDERATION of Labor – itself should have been there instead of doing nothing like they did when Reagan fired our air traffic controllers years ago (1981). This isn’t just about Trump or the GOP, or even the pathetic Dems; the labor movement needs house-cleaning, redemption and resurrection. They could set the agenda for America if they wanted to. �GLOBAL 6 NFeb. ov 2 7 - -NFeb. o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 21,2 02019 400 40 Years Since the Khmer Rouge Regime Came to an End in Cambodia A tourist peers at photographs of people who died in Khmer Rouge custody Credit: Robert Carmichael/IPS KRIS JANSSENS Inter Press Service T he anniversary is not actually celebrated. After all these years, talking about the Khmer Rouge is still controversial. This is partly because the genocide came ‘from within’. Almost every family has a feud that goes back to this dark history in the seventies. How could this have happened? The Marxist guerrilla movement was able to grow with support from North Vietnam. The Cambodian General Lon Nol, who came to power in 1970 after a coup, wanted to fight these communists and was backed by the United States – at the time involved in the Vietnam war. American bombings hit many civilians, who started to dislike the government and welcomed the Khmer Rouge soldiers when they marched into capital city Phnom Penh in 1975. But euphoria soon turned into fear. You were in danger if you were considered to be ‘intellectual’. Being able to read, speaking foreign languages or even wearing glasses could be fatal. In the documentary Iron Legs, by filmmaker Vanna Hem, San Sovan explains how she escaped death. “They asked me to write something”, she recalls. She is left-handed, but used her right hand and produced some barely readable words. She could walk out freely - being labelled ‘illiterate’. Starvation and torture Guerrilla leader Pol Pot wanted an agrarian society, without external interference. People had to leave the cities and were forced to work on the field. Many died from starvation, exhaustion or sickness. The regime was very suspicious and every possible enemy was tortured and killed. The ‘Tuol Sleng’ or ‘S21prison’ in Phnom Penh, where these executions took place, gives a clear impression of this violence. As it is a former school building, you can still see the classrooms that were later turned into torture chambers. The building remained untouched since the seventies. I visit this genocide museum with Toby, a young Thai man who comes to Cambodia’s capital for the first time. As we walk through the building, Toby becomes very quiet. “Shall we go now?” he asks after a while. When he learns about Khmer Rouge soldiers killing children, he’s done with the visit. The regime figured that children would only take revenge once they’d find out their parents were murdered. Judgment In a scarce interview, with American journalist Nate Thayer, Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot would later say “his conscious is clear”. He acknowledges he killed enemies of the movement, but “we had to defend ourselves. To say that millions died is too much”. The interview took place in Anlong Veng, close to the Thai border, where Pol Pot survived for over 20 years after his regime collapsed. He died in 1998 and was never brought to justice. The same goes for most of the other leaders of the movement. There is, however, a Khmer Rouge tribunal. In November last year, the court gave its final verdict, after twenty years of investigations. Two senior leaders, Nuon Chea (92) and Khieu Samphan (87), were both sentenced to life imprisonment. One was ‘Pol Pot’s right hand’, the other one ‘head of state’. Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch (76), had been sentenced to life before. He was the chief commander of the S21 prison. These are the only convictions made by the “Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia” (ECCC) since it came to existence in 1997 in collaboration with the UN. The total cost of the court is about $300 million. Barely taught I discuss the result of the court with some young Cambodians. “Thanks to the trial, people are at least talking about this difficult period”, someone says. “In my school there was very little information about the Khmer Rouge during history class, although the regime lasted almost four years.” Just think how European schools teach intensively about the empowerment and the consequences of the Nazi-regime - comparable to Khmer Rouge when it comes to atrocities and number of victims. Immediately after the Second World War, the Nuremberg trials helped to cope with the traumas. Controversial Prime Minister Why did it take so long in Cambodia, only to sentence three people? THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED “If they would dig deeper, they will inevitably arrive at the responsibility of today’s politicians,” someone says, “… thus of Hun Sen,” he whispers immediately after. I’m getting used to Cambodians lowering their voice when they talk about their prime minister. Not out of respect, but out of fear to get into trouble. The current prime minister Hun Sen was a troop commander under the Khmer Rouge regime. But he always denies he played an active role in the genocide. In 1977 he defected to Vietnam. The Vietnamese, who invaded Cambodia two years later, made him part of the new Cambodian government. In 1985 he became the prime minister, which he still is today. Future Hun Sen did indeed oppose the idea of finding more perpetrators, “as this could cause a civil war”. It is one of his favourite statements to defend his policy - which is a factual dictatorship. He refers to the peace and stability his governance brought during the last fifteen years. This is a popular message among the generation of Khmer Rouge survivors. But this country has a very young population, almost two-thirds of them being under the age of 30. This generation was born after the civil war and did not grow up in fear. These are young, ambitious people with dreams and hopes for the future. Lots of them don’t need a tribunal to give their verdict on the current politicians who clearly have their roots in this dark past of the Khmer Rouge. �NFeb. o. 397 3 -| Feb. Nov 221, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 | No. 400 GLOBAL 7 Bullets Against Pots and Pans in the Crackdown on Venezuela’s Protests HUMBERTO MÁRQUEZ Inter Press Service T he protests in Venezuela demanding an end to the presidency of Nicolás Maduro in the last 10 days of January, whose soundtrack was the sound of banging on pots and pans in working-class neighbourhoods, had a high human cost: more than 40 deaths, dozens wounded and about a thousand detainees, including 100 women and 90 children under 18. In Catia, a working-class neighbourhood west of Caracas, a number of young people were shot dead between 21 and 25 January, while National Police and military National Guard commandos demolished improvised roadblocks and barricades made with trash, managing to quash the protests. “They managed to do it. The local residents say that in the streets where several of these boys fell, silence and solitude have prevailed after 6pm. The pots and pans have not returned,” said sociologist Rafael Uzcátegui, head of Provea, an organisation that has been recording human rights violations in the country for decades. These protests have two special elements: they are taking place in neighbourhoods and sectors that until recently formed part of the government’s social base, reflecting the anger felt by the poor in the face of the country’s socioeconomic collapse, which has turned their protests into “mini-Caracazos,” recalling the violent protests given that name in February 1989, which resulted in hundreds of deaths. Furthermore, they have been submerged in the institutional crisis that has had the country in its grip since January and which has put Venezuela at the forefront of world geopolitics, with a struggle for power that is also playing out between the governments of the United States and other countries of the Americas and European countries, on the one hand, and China, Russia and Turkey, on the other. Maduro, 56, who governed the country from 2013 to 2019, was sworn in on 10 January for a second term after winning an election in May 2018, the results of which were not recognised by the legislature or by most of the opposition or the governments of the Americas and Europe. The election was called outside the legal timeframe by a National Constituent Assembly composed solely of government supporters, the electoral authority banned the main opposition parties and leaders, and a cloud of irregularities enveloped the campaign and the voting day itself, according to complaints from local and international organisations. The opposition-controlled National Assembly refused to recognise Maduro’s re-election and the president of the legislature, Juan Guaidó, 35, declared himself acting president on 23 January, before a crowd in Caracas, while mass opposition demonstrations were held in some 50 cities. Since 21 January, when 27 members of the National Guard mutinied in a barracks in the neighborhood of Cotiza, north of Caracas, refusing to recognise the re-election of Maduro, “cacerolazos” – pots-and-pans protests – spread, and groups of local residents in poor neighborhoods of the capital and cities in the provinces improvised barricades and clashed with the security forces and irregular civil groups of sympathisers of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Looting of shops also broke out in several cities in the provinces. The 21-25 January crackdown left 35 people dead, dozens injured by bullets or plastic pellets, and 850 arrested. “On 23 January alone, 696 people were arrested – the largest number in a single day of protests in 20 years,” said lawyer Alfredo Romero, director of the Penal Forum, an organisation that follows the question of those detained for political or social reasons. The Forum counted 12,480 arbitrary detentions from February 2014 – the year of the first mass protests against Maduro – to October 2018, classifying 1,551 people as political prisoners, of whom 236 were still in prison when the report was produced. The list has now grown with those arrested so far this year. Since Maduro first took office in 2013, Provea and other human rights groups have reported that at least 250 people have died in street protests. Romero said the state uses a “revolving door” strategy: when political detainees are released, usually on parole, another group is arrested for similar reasons. In January, “the order the security forces received was to arrest protesters. It is clear that the government decided to assume the cost of stopping the protest in the poorer areas, which in the past were ‘Chavista’ but have now turned against Chavismo,” he said. Chavismo was the political movement of Hugo Chavez, president from 1999 until his death in 2013. Demonstrators clash with security forces during a protest of opposition supporters against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas, Venezuela January 23, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins For two decades, the urban poor and working-class supported Chavismo, but they have now increasingly turned against Maduro, exasperated by the high food prices, the collapse of services such as water, electricity, health and transport, and the increasingly acute shortage of medicines or cooking gas. Rupert Colville, a spokesman for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in Geneva on 29 January that “just over 40 people have been killed” and of these “at least 26 were allegedly shot dead by security forces or progovernment armed groups during the demonstrations.” Provea contends that at least eight people were killed in extrajudicial executions in Caracas and two provincial cities when members of the National Police’s elite FAES squad entered their homes. “FAES receives training for lethal action, against extortion or kidnapping. It is not trained to handle public order situations. Its codes and weapons, which are highly lethal, are not in proportion to the rules of proportional and gradual use of force applicable in situations of popular protest,” said Uzcátegui. The arrests, which included 100 women and at least 90 children and adolescents, “have been carried out in indiscriminate sweeps, to spread fear and discourage protests,” Romero said. One such case is that of Jickson Rodriguez, 14, who is epileptic as a result of an old head injury. He and his young friends were banging on pots and pans near his family’s barbershop on the night of 22 January in Villa Bahia, which is located in Puerto Ordaz, an industrial city on the banks of the Orinoco River, 500 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED kilometres southeast of Caracas, when National Guard units captured him and six others and took him to a barracks that guards a steel plant. “Since I wasn’t crying, I was the one who received the most blows. I told the guards, ‘Why are you beating us when we’ve already been arrested?’ and they slapped me. They gave me blows to the head. I told them ‘you can’t hit me on the head, I have epilepsy, and they told me: ‘Shut up, you’re a detainee’,” he told his family and journalists a few days later. “I found him, handcuffed, after searching for him in various places where they were holding people, the afternoon of the following day,” said his mother Rosmelys Guilarte, 39, a hairdresser who also has three daughters. “He was beaten on the soles of his feet, so there would be no visible bruises. He had a convulsion while he was in detention, which is why he was handed over to me two days later.” Jickson “was accused by the judicial police of participating in looting that took place miles from where we were banging on pots and pans that night – something that was impossible. He has orders to report to the authorities every 30 days. I try to get him to rest a lot, this has been really hard on him,” she said from her home. For Uzcátegui, “the government’s strategy has three components: repression in the face of the discontent shared by most of the population, betting that the current political conflict will wane, and attempts to limit the visibility of the crisis by going after the media and journalists.” Courtesy of Inter Press Service / INSP.ngo �FEATURE 8 N ov 2 o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Jan. 11- -NJan. 25,2 02019 398 Haitians abandon forgotten town, isolated for over a decade (Top Left) Anita bathes his son Romenson Exalus at their house in Boucan Ferdinand, Haiti, April 10, 2018. (Top Right) Boys walk along a trail, that was used in the past by terrain vehicles connecting with Bois Negresse, on the outskirts of Boucan Ferdinand, Haiti, October 10, 2018. (Bottom Left) Children attend a class at the school at a Baptist church in Boucan Ferdinand, Haiti, October 10, 2018. (Bottom Right) Residents dance at a bar in Boucan Ferdinand, Haiti, April 8, 2018. Sunday evening is the only time when the bar is open and residents gather there to socialise and dance. Credit: REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares ANDRES MARTINEZ CASARES Reuters N ear the bottom of the island of Hispaniola in southeast Haiti is a forgotten village, cut off from its own country, and slowly emptying as its residents leave for the neighbouring Dominican Republic. Without health services, electricity, or paved roads, Boucan Ferdinand lost its only road to the nearest Haitian town, Bois Negresse, in devastating floods back in 2004. Some of its residents have left for the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and others cling on to a precarious life. Many have crossed illegally into the more prosperous Dominican Republic. "They do not have access to basic social services, this situation is at the root of the mass migration to the Dominican Republic," said Jean Gilles Viola, mayor of the municipality that governs Boucan Ferdinand and around 20 other villages. Those who remain live in thatch and stick hovels, collecting rainwater to drink and at constant risk of infectious diseases. Some children, in impeccable blue uniforms, walk to a school in the town of Chapotin - a trip that takes an hour and a half over a narrow path, impassable in the rainy season. In the village are two makeshift classrooms, run by the Baptist and Catholic chapels. "This year my children will not go to school," said village farmer Wilber Jean in October, as his children played nearby. "Here you pay a ton. There," pointing across the border, "the president pays." Children collect firewood or graze small flocks of goats and sheep to help their parents. During planting time, many skip school in order to help on the farms, earning less than $2 a day. In the mornings, the village smells of burning firewood brought by the children as the women make breakfast: sometimes there is pasta, but more likely coffee and a piece of bread. Often there is rice and beans. Meat, a luxury. Haiti, which according to the World Bank is the poorest country in the Americas, has not recovered from a powerful earthquake that hit it on 12 January 2010, leaving more than 200,000 dead. The countryside has been emptying out. Less than half of Haitians live in rural communities compared to 84 per cent in 1960, World Bank data shows. Boucan Ferdinand seems to have THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED fallen off the map. Radios mainly capture Dominican signals. "I'm tired of looking for stations in Haiti," complained Polo, a 64-yearold man who returned here with his wife and one of his grandchildren after spending more than 40 years in the Dominican Republic. Aurana Augustin 'Timatant' sold bread and sweets until a few months ago when the left half of her body was paralyzed. Today, the grandmother spends her days lying in bed. The nearest Haitian health centre is across a mountain, so she has been crossing the border on a mule to seek care in the Dominican town of Duverge. The local government wants to rebuild the road taken out by the floods but lacks the financial means, said the mayor. �N o. 39 Nov 221, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Feb. 73- |Feb. | No. 400 FEATURE 9 What's in a name? Everything, say Australia's indigenous people ADESHOLA ORE Reuters T he north bank of Melbourne's Yarra River is dotted with a series of Aboriginal-made art installations. The eel-shaped winding paths, the metal shields and the message sticks are a reminder of the original inhabitants of this part of Australia. The riverside area, Birrarung Marr, is one of the locations that a local heritage trust takes visitors to on its indigenous-led guided walking tours so they can learn about the area's First People. That includes their names for various sites. For the Wurundjeri People, the river's name is not the Yarra but the 'Birrarung' – which means 'river of mists'. "Having the river recognised as the Birrarung can be really important," said Rob Hyatt, education manager for the Koorie Heritage Trust, and leader on some of the tours. "It's not just a name. It is actually a cultural site." Although 'Yarra' is an Aboriginal word that means 'flowing river', Hyatt said, the waterway was mistakenly given that name by one of the city's early founders. To the Wurundjeri People, the river remains the Birrarung, said Hyatt, which is why the Wurundjeri Council has pushed to have the name restored. National debate Indigenous Australians trace their lineage back 60,000 years, and across the country a growing number of groups - from Aboriginal-led organisations to grassroots movements and politicians - want Aboriginal names used for geographic landmarks rather than the names given by settlers. The debate about the country's colonial history reignited in January after the federal government proposed ordering local governments to conduct citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day – 26 January, which marks the arrival of the first fleet of British settlers in 1788. Several local councils have stopped holding citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day because of concerns the date is insulting to Aboriginal people. For many indigenous Australians, 26 January is "Invasion Day", the start of Britain's colonisation of Aboriginal lands and their brutal subjugation. The government's proposal was seen by many as offensive. The country's 700,000 or so indigenous people track near the bottom of its 25 million citizens in almost every economic and social indicator. Jonathan Richards, a fellow at the University of Queensland's School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, Aboriginal elder Max Eulo performs a smoking ceremony during an official function on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, Australia, November 27, 2013. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on February 10, 2016 said that the government was failing to meet a number of goals aimed at improving the lot of its embattled aboriginal population as he released its tenth annual report card on indigenous issues. Just two of seven targets in the 2016 Closing the Gap report, which outlines the government's record in meeting its own targets on issues such as infant mortality, life expectancy and economic performance, are on track to be met. Picture taken November 27, 2013. REUTERS/David Gray said some place names - such as The Leap and Murdering Creek - reflect frontier violence against indigenous people. "There are also names of places that commemorate individuals who are known to have been violent towards Aboriginal people. It's right across Australia," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. "This is Aboriginal country, every single part of it. To use the Aboriginal names is a really good way to remind people of the truth." In some places that has happened: the globally recognised sandstone landmark Uluru was known as Ayers Rock until 1993, when the Aboriginal name Uluru was included in its dual name. Many Australians now refer to it simply as Uluru. And in June 2018, the Electoral Commission agreed to change the name of the federal seat of Batman in Melbourne's inner-north to Cooper in recognition of indigenous activist William Cooper. John Batman, considered one of Melbourne's founding fathers, was accused of involvement in the massacre of Aboriginal people in Tasmania during the early 1800s. The inner-city Melbourne council of Darebin wants Batman's name removed from a park in its area, part of a wider effort to rename places associated with him. Susan Rennie, mayor of Darebin, said the move was very well accepted locally, though there was some back- lash from people living "well outside of Darebin". "We did receive some negative and at times very angry feedback from people who aren't part of our community who felt as though we weren't acknowledging history and the role of Batman in Australia," she said. Darebin's experience also shows that the process does not always run smoothly: its bid to rename the park Gumbri, in honour of a Wurundjeri elder, was rejected by the Geographic Names Victoria office in June after family members of the late elder opposed the use of the name. Rennie said the council was working with indigenous groups such as the Wurundjeri Council in considering new options. "The history of John Batman and his treatment of Aboriginal people was seen as being really problematic in terms of having a local park named after him," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. "It's important for Wurundjeri People to see their language and their names and places recognised in writing, but it's equally important for Australians who aren't First Nations people to understand and see that connection in everyday things." Broadly positive In the north-east state of Queensland, two mountains considered sacred to the native Darumbal People were renamed in May: Mount Jim Crow and Mount Wheeler reverted back to their indigenous names of Baga THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and Gai-i respectively. The renaming followed the award of native title for the region to the Darumbal people in June 2016. Such title legally recognises indigenous groups as the traditional owners of a tract of land. Nyoka Hatfield, an elder of the Darumbal People, said the name Jim Crow was "akin to apartheid" in South Africa. "Jim Crow is the name of the racist system that they had in the United States of America. A lot of people associated the words Jim Crow with that racist system," Hatfield said. And although some letters to local newspapers and comments on social media had criticised the name reversal, the positive responses had outweighed the negative. "People say it's wonderful. They are speaking the traditional language and getting to know the traditional language," she said. It is not the only recent change in Queensland: in 2017, the state government restored the name for the Fraser Island part of the Great Sandy National Park to K'gari, which for the local Butchulla People means 'paradise'. Hatfield, who teaches the Darumbal language and culture in schools, said she hoped that renaming places would lead to a wider understanding of the country's indigenous past. "Whatever part of Australia you live in, you should know its history." Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo �10 GLOBAL NFeb. o v 27- -N o v 19, 0 18 | |N o . 393 Feb. 21,22019 No. 400 Mexico’s Forests, Both Victim of and Solution to Climate Change EMILIO GODOY Inter Press Service " I dream of a healthy, sustainable, well-managed forest,” says Rogelio Ruiz, a silviculturist from southern Mexico, who insists that “we have to clean it up, take advantage of the wood, and reforest.” These activities are essential for the ecosystem, especially to adapt to the impacts of climate change, said the president of the La Trinidad Communal Lands Commissariat, in the municipality of Ixtlán de Juárez, in the state of Oaxaca, some 840 km south of Mexico City. Forest habitats are precisely one of the best natural mechanisms for mitigating climatic change, but at the same time they face the consequences, such as rising temperatures, variations in rainfall regimes and the spread of pests. The ecoregion where La Trinidad is located, the Sierra Juárez mountains, is well aware of this. Since 2017 it has been facing an outbreak of the pine sawfly, which eats the needles of the pine tree, the most common species in this area of central Oaxaca. Local organisations estimate that some 10,000 hectares are at risk from this pest. Ruíz explained that 106 of his community’s 805 hectares have been damaged. La Trinidad has a traditional Mexican system of government for collectively-owned and worked land, which is different from an “eijido” because the land here cannot be sold. In September, “we applied aerial fumigation” of a biopesticide and now “we will use handpumps,” said the community leader, one of those attending the celebration in Ixtlan this month of the 35 years of struggle against the private forest concessions that were once predominant here. The struggle gave rise to community- 2014. These undertakings exemplify the development of Mexican community forestry, considered a global model, for its success in generating social, economic and environmental benefits. In 2016, Mexico, the secondlargest country in Latin America, with 1.96 million square kilometres (196 million hectares), had 20.3 million hectares of temperate forest, 850,000 hectares of mesophilic mountain forest, 50.2 million hectares of scrubland, 7.9 million hectares of grasslands, 11.5 million hectares of rainforest and 1.4 million hectares of other vegetation, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography. he non-governmental Mexican Civil Council for Sustainable Forestry lists 4,886 forest communities and ejidos, of which some 2,100 commercially exploit the forests. But only seven million hectares, in the hands of some 600 communities, operate with a management and conservation plan, a requirement for obtaining approval for the harvesting programmes promoted by the state-run National Forestry Commission. Mexico’s timber production totals seven million cubic metres annually, of which Oaxaca in the south contributes just under seven per cent. Forest ecosystems provide water to urban areas, regulate the water cycle, provide food, and capture carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas responsible for global warming, among other ecological services, according to scientific studies. As a result, in the face of the threats posed by climate change, forests require public policies that generate better economic incentives, offer legal certainty about land tenure, expand markets and increase productivity, say silviculture organisations and experts. Ixtlan, which means “place of threads or fibres” in the Zapotec language and where 600 hectares have Workers from the forest community of Ixtl·n de Ju·rez inspect seedlings to be planted in the forest they manage within the municipality of the same name, in the southern state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Their plan is to build a seed orchard to generate pine species more resistant to climate change. Credit: Emilio Godoy/IPS managed forests like this one. La Trinidad, made up of 291 community members and their families, has a permit to annually extract 5,000 cubic metres of wood during an eightyear management plan, in effect since been damaged, has undertaken the fight against pests by experimenting with five species of pine in the community nursery. “In November and December, we do seed selection. We want fastergrowing, pest-resistant species. We are The Sierra Ju·rez forest in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, but at the same time it can help fight the phenomenon. Credit: Emilio Godoy/IPS confident that the new species will be more resistant,” explained Sergio Ruiz, forestry advisor for the community enterprise Santo Tomás Ixtlán Forest Union. The community of Ixtlán, also in the municipality of the same name, owns 19,125 hectares, of which 30 per cent is used for forestry. Its activities also include ecotourism, a gas station, a shop, a furniture factory and a water bottling plant. In 2018, the community nursery provided 360,000 seedlings, 100,000 of which went to reforestation while the other 260,000 were donated to nearby communities. The hope is to create a seed orchard. A study under preparation by the state-run Technical University of Sierra Juárez analyses climatic factors such as temperature, moisture and soil conditions in Ixtlán. In 2015, Mexico emitted 683 million tons of CO2, making it the second largest polluter in the region after Brazil. Of that total, 20 million tons came from the loss of forest lands. This Latin American country adopted its own goal of zero deforestation by 2030, a real challenge when average annual logging represents 200,867 hectares lost between 2011 and 2016, according to estimates by the Superior Audit of the Federation, the Mexican government comptroller’s office. Other sites in the Sierra Juarez mountains are also exposed to climate change, although their height above sea level temporarily protects them from insects. Such is the case in the municipality of San Juan Evangelista, where silviculturists are preparing to adapt their forests to the phenomenon. “It is important to clean up the forest, because it takes away combustion power and the risk of pests. In addition, managed forests allow more carbon sequestration than unmanaged forests. They can help prevent climate change from accelerating,” said Filemón Manzano, technical adviser to the forestry community in that municipality. Analco, which means “on the other side of the river” in Nahuatl, consists of THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 150 community members, the owners of 1,600 hectares, of which 1,000 are covered by forests and 430 of which are exploited. The community operates a nursery for 3,000 seedlings. Manzano and academics from the state-run Postgraduate College of Agricultural Sciences are preparing research on CO2 absorption by managed forests, estimated at five tons per year per managed hectare. Under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Mexico pledged to reduce, by 2030, up to 14 million tons of annual CO2 emissions from land use, land use change and forestry, by promoting sustainable forest management, increasing productivity in forests and jungles and promoting forest plantations. But the outlays needed to implement mitigation measures would total 11.789 billion dollars up to that year, at a cost of 53 dollars per ton of CO2. Zero deforestation would require 7.923 billion dollars and sustainable forest management would require 3.861 billion dollars. In July, the Mexican forestry sector proposed a long-term policy, greater investment, an adequate legal framework, strengthening community forest management, community participation in the design of measures and a link to climate change, as part of the “Forests with people, forests forever” campaign. Rogelio Ruiz called for more support to better care for the ecosystem and thus reap more benefits. The study “Toward a Global Baseline of Carbon Storage in Collective Lands”, published in September by the Rights and Resources Initiative, a Washington-based global network of 15 partners, estimated that Mexican community forests trap 2.8 million tons of CO2. Manzano called for more forest management. “We want to show how managed forests contribute to the conservation of the planet. It’s going to be important to have more resistant species and create a good mix of species,” he said. Courtesy of Inter Press Service/ NSP.ngo �N o. 39 Nov 221, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Feb. 73- |Feb. | No. 400 11 GLOBAL Shedding Light on Forced Child Pregnancy and Motherhood in Latin America MARIELA JARA Inter Press Service R esearch and campaigns by women’s rights advocates are beginning to focus on the problem of Latin American girls under the age of 14 who are forced to bear the children of their rapists, with the lifelong implications that entails and without the protection of public policies guaranteeing their human rights. The Latin American and Caribbean Committee for the Defence of Women’s Rights (Cladem) addressed the issue of teenage girls who fell pregnant as a result of rape, in a 2016 study in 14 countries of the region, to remove the cloak of invisibility. Julia Escalante, a Mexican lawyer and Cladem regional coordinator, said that it was the case of Paraguayan girl Mainunbuy (not her real name) that motivated them to delve deeper into the issue. The girl became pregnant in 2015 after she was raped by her stepfather and was not allowed to have an abortion. Cladem and Equality Now turned to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) in May of that year, which urged the Paraguayan state to protect the Paraguayan girl’s life and rights. But that did not happen, and since then similar cases have arisen in the South American country, the last one in November. “The case of Mainunbuy led us to ask what is happening in other countries of the region. We found a lack of policies to prevent pregnancy and childbearing among children, and to protect the rights of girls,” she said. A study published this year by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that this is the second region in the world, after Sub-Saharan Africa, with the highest teenage pregnancy rate, with 66.5 births per thousand girls and adolescents, compared to a global rate of 46. In addition, of the 7.3 million births to adolescents under the age of 18 that occur each year in the region, more than two million are to girls under the age of 15, and if the trend continues that figure will reach three million by 2030. Cladem’s study of 14 countries, Child Mothers. Forced Child Pregnancy A group of girls from the Amazon region of Peru, the region with the highest teen pregnancy rate, including girls under 14. Latin America is the second region in the world in terms of teen pregnancy, only behind sub-Saharan Africa. Credit: Mariela Jara/IPS and Motherhood in Latin America and the Caribbean, underscores that according to the laws in this region, all births to girls under the age of 14 are legally the result of rape or statutory rape. Organisations that defend women’s rights in the region say that a forced child pregnancy occurs when a girl under the age of 14 becomes pregnant without having sought or desired it and faces obstacles that keep her from having an abortion if she so wishes. Cladem’s data on births to girls under 15 reveal that in 2015 there were 122 in Uruguay, 1,432 in Peru, 1,444 in El Salvador, 1,600 in Nicaragua, 2,787 in Argentina, 6,045 in Colombia, 10,277 in Mexico, 13,332 in Bolivia and 26,700 in Brazil. This Lima-based regional network that is active in 15 countries is carrying out the campaign “Child Pregnancy is Torture”, which has contributed to raising awareness about this silenced issue in the international community. Escalante emphasises the responsibility of governments, which it called upon to gather specific, brokendown statistics on pregnancies and childbirths to girls under 14 years of age. It also called for prevention Some 14,000 girls have been raped in the last six years,î reads the poster on the left during a demonstration in Lima on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is celebrated Nov. 25. Rape is the cause of child pregnancy and forced motherhood in Peru, as in other Latin American countries. Credit: Mariela Jara/IPS measures through comprehensive sex education with a gender perspective from early childhood onwards, the inclusion of such content in the media, and a halt to the sexualisation of girls in the media. At the same time, it demanded that States remove the normative, legal and cultural obstacles that prevent access to abortion for pregnant girls, and thus avoid irreparable damage to their physical and mental health. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been sounding the alert on the steady rise in teen pregnancy and motherhood in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a 2014 report, it noted that 20 per cent of pregnancies to girls under the age of 18 involved girls under the age of 15 who had been raped. Speaking to IPS, Olga Isaza of Colombia, Unicef ’s deputy representative in Peru, first specified the figures for child motherhood in the country, which serves as an example of the phenomenon in the region. She said that between 2011 and 2017, the public health system attended 14,325 births to girls under 15. In addition, in 2015 the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status registered 1,538 newborns to mothers between the ages of 11 and 14 years. “In 71 per cent of the cases, the fathers of these newborns were older than 18, which confirms the sexual abuse underlying these pregnancies,” Isaza said. The annual teen pregnancy rate in Peru is 13 per cent of all pregnancies – a percentage that rises as high as 30 per cent in Amazon jungle regions such as Loreto. “The group of girls under 14 is the one that worries us most because there is a relationship of submission and power that leads to girls having children, girls whose rights to be protected against all forms of violence and to live according THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED to their age and to grow up are violated,” said the U.N. official. Isaza mentioned five policy recommendations to ensure the rights of adolescents and young people presented in Peru by the United Nations agencies, led by UNICEF and UNFPA (the U.N. Population Fund), and which can be adopted in other countries. For example, the design of comprehensive policy packages to address the development aspect of children under 14 and access to friendly health services at appropriate times of the day and with specially trained personnel, as well as comprehensive sex education and making such information available to the girls’ families. “It is about the home and school being safe spaces for every child and adolescent, for them to have health, education, protection against all forms of violence, and participation in their communities,” Isaza said. He added that priority should be given to the areas of greatest risk in each country and that, in order to be effective, these measures of comprehensive action by the State must be culturally appropriate, including personnel trained and qualified to provide quality services, and a sufficient budget to be implemented efficiently. Isaza noted that 13 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which make up the Development Agenda 2030, are directly associated with children and adolescents, in order to reach that year with this generation in better conditions in terms of health, education, justice, protection and gender equality. “And the only way to do that is to make the SDGs a commitment of the States and for each segment of society to assume its role and live up to it, to agree on a broad social consensus,” she stressed. Courtesy of Inter Press Service / INSP.ngo �12 What’s Going On STREETVOICE What’s going on ask singer Marvin Gaye What’s going on in our world of today Stealing from each other, killing one another Lying, cheating and still calling each other brother Disillusioned by what our lives should really be Misunderstanding that we’re all born in sin, you and me Forgetting each day to let live and let love Forgetting to give all praises due to God up above Everyone needs to take time out to pray And ask God to forgive our sins each and everyday To replace hate with peace and love where ever we can Only then can we see what’s going on all over the land So for me this is what’s really going on We as a people must come together before all life is gone!!! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor Contributing Writer Nov 2 N o v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 400 393 Feb. 7 -- Feb. 21, 22019 Homelessness Homelessness is a place that, has a lot of drought Homelessness is cold with wet nights, Homelessness is a cardboard box that a person calls their home To receive a blanket or a kind word means a lot to a person, sleeping on the curb If you open your eyes tell me what you see That person experiencing homelessness on the street one day could be you or me! KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor Contributing Writer Streetvibes Writing Circle If you would like to submit a story for publication in streetvibes, come join Katelyn Lusher and Chris Wilkey for a group writing session! S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �STREETVOICE No. 39 | Nov21, 2 - 2019 N o v 19, 2 0400 18 Feb. 7 -3 Feb. | No. A Succinct Analysis Of The Recent Federal Shutdown Things in D.C. got really chancy, But holding firm was Speaker Nancy. Trump had tantrums to get his way, Homelessness Sidewalk people. Street smart. Ron English, a diva in chalk. Sebastian, the sombrero-clad bicyclist. Memories surround Carl at the old Carl’s Bar. Raymond Thunder-Sky, adorned in a hard- But Speaker Nancy refused to play. hat helmet; Now we are in a three week break, green wig. And grownups better negotiate. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer 13 Fifi Taft Rockefeller, feisty in sequins and They are all Mayors of 12th Street. Screen doors. Slammed shut. Suddenly open. Nickels. Dimes. A Gateway Quarter brawl. Corner dealer. Cops stop. They smile. All once farmland here. Long before the Drop. Rows corn. Holstein cows. Dairy airs. Hillbilly feuds. Zombie Amish. Jammed cicada jelly. Accidental empires. Cobble-stone alleys of the Rhine. A hungry legend. Perhaps apocryphal tale. Batavia’s lost gold ingots, buried. What lies beneath. Somewhere hidden. A secret under our 12th Street rubble. Gold-miners still dig here. Like fierce gerbils. Welcome to 12th Street. FELIX WINTERNITZ Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLE Pet Horoscopes by Dusty Changepurse N o v 27--N o v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 Feb. Feb. 21,22019 No. 400 Leo (Ace of Coins) - I know you think your bird is a birdbrain, but look who’s chirping. I kid. For you bird lovers, this is the time for you to learn something new about your pet. Birds need to be stimulated, not just locked in a cage and forgotten.Try a new snack, a new toy, or a new activity. Maybe even a new friend? Your Leo pet needs something Aquarius ( Three of Swords) - Training is prob not going new in their life. Sadly, they may have some issues related to well and trust me when I say both you and your pet are their feathers this month, so keep an eye on that. frustrated. Be careful of your tone and attitude with your pet right now. Aquarius pets are in their feelings this month. Positive reinforcement is what your pet needs now. You may Virgo (Three of Coins) - You and your pet need to work on think your you are calm and assertive, but your pet hears a routine. Sure, you are doing your best, but right now that routine is what is lacking. This is the month that you both stern and demanding. need to double down on your hard work. Working hard together may bring you closer than you think. If you just Pisces (Seven of Cups) - If you are a repetile parent, hooray! got a new pet and are feeling overwhelmed, surprise,l this Your scaly friends are having a good month, but beware is what you signed up for. All Virgo pets, and their owners, of things relating to water. Water bowls, dehydration, need to focus on working hard now so that it is easy later. swimming, etc. Meaning, make sure your pet has enough, but not too much. Also, check to see they aren’t having any skin issues. Feel free to give them a neat treat this month Libra (Knight of Swords) - You and your furry friend (and because they have a vet appointment and they will not be snakes) have been at each others necks. You have been feeling the struggle, and your pet notices it. Please don’t happy. think it has to be you or them. This is the month that you both need to work on patience. I promise you that if you Aries (Ace of Wands) - You and your pet have been playing stick it through the squeeze, you will leave the experience mind games with each other. Where is that mystery pee feeling more knowledgeable. smell coming from? Can I trust them not to knock over my plants? Your pet is having boundary issues. Heck, we all are right now. You may need to use empathy to find out what is Scorpio (Knight of Coins) - Scorpio pets are pretty chill really the problem. Maybe they are under-stimulated or they this month. It is all about spoiling them this month. Your miss you. Boundaries is the name of the game this month. scorpio pet would love some sort of grooming. They are feeling themselves and not everyone can give themselves Asserting those boundaries now will pay off, trust me. a purrrfect cleaning. It is time to make your pet shine and smells good. Also, the cards didn’t say this, but feel free to Taurus (The Tower) - The old regime has fallen. You may add a new outfit to their closet. They could use the self-care think you have things under control, but when you put those day. Just saying. two pets together, something always seems to go wrong. Your pets are needing more autonomy, and sadly you may have to give it to them. Think about expanding the area your Sagittarius (Six of Cups) - Cha-Ching! If you have wanted furry friends can visit. A trip to a park, or pet daycare, may an exotic fish, get it. Exotic fish are having a particularly good month. If you are already up to your gills in fish, then be what you need to nip the behavior in the bud. add more? Your water-living friends will feel like a monarch under the sea for a while. You may have noticed them being Gemini (The Emperor) - Who is running the house, you extra social already. You may as well splurge on them, or them? And yes, that is what your pet is asking, not you. because they will bring luck with them. Sidenote: If you just Gemini pets love to rule the roost. Why else would they perch lost a pet, this may be the month to consider adding another on the back of the sofa, or hid in the top of the closet? Even friend to join the family. Moving on can be painful, but you though you feel like you don’t know shih-tzu, know that you may be surprised once you open your heart again. are, in fact, a great fur parent. Your gemini pet must learn that both of you can rule in this kingdom. Wait. What? Capricorn (The Empress) - Um, is your pet-a-preg-nent? Yay, and congrat! If not, then check on them. Some pets may be Cancer (The Devil) - Um Sorry? The Devil card doesn’t mean dealing with digestive issues this month. Trust me when I your pet is evil, although when you come home to house full say, Capricorn pets are going through it this month. Your of ripped cushions, shredded toilet paper, and garbage amiss pet family may see some growth this month. You may need you question that assertion. This card means your Cancer to consider how many pets is too many pets. Also, I sense pet has been suppressing some things and they are bound to some pets will deal with leg issues this month. So take care burst out. This could be an injury, a sickness, or some form during play. of trauma. Search for the root cause of the erratic behavior before thinking they are a lost cause. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 Nov 2 - N o v 19, 2 0 18 Feb. 73- |Feb. 21, 2019 | No. 400 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children RESOURCES Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside Bethany House 557-2873 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 131 E. 12th Street 45202 1125 Bank Street 45214 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelter: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street 45202 411 Gest St. 45203 Prospect House 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 First Step Home 961-4663 Shelter: Youth 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 471-1100 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Seraph Ministries 549-0542 St. George Food Pantry 2554 Dennis St. 45219 751-8771 St. Anthony Center 1615 Republic St. Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Housing: 15 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Cancer Justice Network 404-3882 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Gabriela Godinez Feregrino, 961-0600 email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 NFeb. o v 2 7- -NFeb. o v 19, 0 18 | |NNo. o . 393 21,2 2019 400 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2019 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 7-February 21, 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: Wholly Unrecognizable Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Deb Haaland Becomes One of First Two Native American Congresswomen Who Shut Down the Shutdown? Pg 6: 40 Years Since the Khmer Rouge Regime Came to an End in Cambodia Pg 7: Bullets against Pots and Pans in the Crackdown on Venezuela’s Protests Pg 8: Haitians Abandon Forgotten Town, Isolated for Over a Decade Pg 9: What’s in a Name? Pg 10: Mexico’s Forests, Both victim of and Solution to Climate Change Pg 11: Shedding Light on Forced Child Pregnancy and Motherhood in Latin America Pg 12: Street Voice Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 7-February 21, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Humberto Marquez Amanda Becker Kris Janssens Robert Park Adeshola Ore Andres Martinez Casares Dr. Mark Mussman Bill Woods Key Beck Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Mariela Jara Emilio Godoy Felix Winternitz Homeless Coalition Pngtree.com Gabriela Godinez Wraphome.org Amanda Meek Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Adeshola Ore Amanda Becker Amanda Meek Andres Martinez Casares Australia Bill Woods Cambodia Child Pregnancy Climate Change Deb Haaland Dr. Mark Mussman Emilio Godoy Felix Winternitz Gabriela Godinez Haiti Homeless Coalition Humberto Marquez Indigenous People Josh Spring Key Beck Kim Green Kris Janssens Latin America Mariela Jara Mexico Motherhood Native American Pngtree.com Protests Robert Park Venezuela Willa Denise Jones Wraphome.org https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/b72e4fc15a8afae438b714a79fccba45.pdf 38856df2ddda6b3404cc72cda427a71b PDF Text Text February 9th - February 22nd 2018 | Vol. 21 Issue 4 (No. 375) advocating justice | building community The Allure of Gentrification | 3 This Issue is sponsored by Christ Church Cathedral INSIDE THIS ISSUE An Update on Citizen Organizing in 2018 | 2 Life is a Beach: Homeless In the Ocean State | 8 UC Students lose their bus passes | 9 Where Are Our Troops? | 7 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL From The Director: Jeff Berding Has Brought Us Another Winner (not really) • At least 29.9 percent of people in Cincinnati live below the federal poverty line. • At least 41% of Black people in Cincinnati live below the poverty line. • 44.6 percent of our children live below the poverty line. • 52 percent of children under age six are a part of families experiencing poverty. • 74 percent of Black children below six years old live below the poverty line. • Nationally, prices have risen by about 42 percent since 2000. In Hamilton County the median income has risen by about 19 percent in this same time span and the cost of housing has risen more than 50 percent. • Since 2000 the poverty rate in Hamilton County has grown 43 percent. • Out of the 50 largest metro areas in this country, Cincinnati ranked 10th highest for the number of evictions in 2017. • More than 110,000 Hamilton County households are trying to make it in homes they cannot afford. • In Hamilton County we have a shortage of 40,019 homes available to L JOSH SPRING Executive Director Josh Spring Credit: Homeless Coalition households with incomes between 0 and 30 percent of the annual median income. Another way of saying this is that 55,600 households are trying to fit into 15,581 affordable homes. • On average, the life expectancy of Black men in Cincinnati is 10 years less than that of white men. The average life expectancy of Black women is 6.6 years less than white women. • Because the lack of affordable housing is at such a crisis level, so many families with children are losing their housing and seeking shelter, that approximately 70% of those families are turned away due to lack of available resources put into affordable housing construction and sustainability. • Our single women’s shelter operates over capacity almost constantly and has to turn women away because the lack of affordable housing is so great. • Our 18 to 24 year-old youth shelter has operated at capacity for years and has to turn people away because the lack of affordable housing is so great. • Our single men’s shelters on average operate at or over capacity. • Last winter the Winter Shelter hosted approximately 300 more individuals over the season than it did just several years earlier when we successfully, for the first time got it to be an open every night of winter. • The number of individuals and families living outside and in other places not meant for human habitation are also higher than in the past. • About 70 percent of people in the local shelter system are Black. • This school-year probably 20% of (Continued on page 12) An Update on Citizen Organizing in 2018 ast year, events in Washington, D.C. sparked significant local grassroots organizing around social, political, and economic justice issues. These local efforts included a Women's March and an initiative to bring about Congressional redistricting reform in Ohio. At the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on February 1st, a panel reviewed how some of these activities are playing out in 2018. Kate Gallion of United We Stand, was a key organizer of the recent January Women's March in downtown Cincinnati. She called the local march here and the marches in Washington, D.C. and across the country "a profound moment in grassroots organizing." The almost spontaneous coming together of women shaken by Trump's election a year ago has taken hold and actually grown in size. For instance, approximately 12,000 people F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Larry Johnson, Anne Evans Maintenance: Pete Roper JUSTIN JEFFRE ----------------------------------------------- Streetvibes Editor marched locally in 2017, and this number increased to 15,000 this January. In fact, this number of participants makes it the largest nonsports related march on record in Cincinnati. Gallion noted that Facebook was a key social media tool in organizing the marches. Not only is it a fast (Continued on page 6) CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Justin Jeffre, Dr. Mark Mussman, Trenton Davis, Luwana Pettus Oglesby, Michael Earl Patton, Jim Luken, Isaac Smith, Jason Haap, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Bill Woods, Isaac Smith, Jim Luken, Dr. Mark Mussman, Homeless Coalition --------------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Attendees at Womens' March rally in Cincinnati Credit: Homeless Coalition THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 37 5 LOCAL The Allure of Gentrification 3 | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 W DR. MARK MUSSMAN e get intoxicated when we think about changing the neighborhood. Quite literally, in Over-the-Rhine, we are putting a bar on every corner. But that’s not the intoxication I’m talking about. There is a lie, rooted deep within the false narrative of the American Dream, that claims that gentrification is good for a neighborhood. Even the New York Times encouraged its readers this month to visit Cincinnati, and specifically the “gentrifying district of Over-the-Rhine” as if gentrifying is a good thing, something to behold and embrace. But the reality is much more dangerous than that, and is something we should all be fighting against – here’s why. The biggest issue caused by gentrification is simply displacement. Whether people are displaced from their homes due to rising rents, eviction notices, or the overall loss of housing and small businesses, people are forced to move from their homes under the guise of “cleaning up the neighborhood.” Displacement is often done illegally, but because people in poverty can’t afford legal council, or don’t have the knowledge to fight for their rights, they are left with no way to fight back (unless they work with the Homeless Coalition and Legal Aid to create and sustain tenant organizations.) Displacement also occurs when your neighborhood changes and you are left without the things that made your neighborhood a community: schools, corner stores, social service agencies, public pools, public parks, laundromats, Staff Writer a post office. Why are you in this neighborhood anymore if you can not afford to go to the new shops, restaurants, or because your family and friends have already been forced out? Displacement doesn’t happen privatization of public goods and resources. Woefully underfunded public goods, like parks, schools, and public housing, become nuisances and “blight” which need an infusion of money to bring back to community standards. The larger picture of “cutting taxes” creates this shortfall goods. This week, ECOT, an Ohio online charter school, was found to have falsified its attendance records, reaping millions upon millions of taxpayer dollars that should have been going towards education. This is a perfect example of the privatization of public goods because we have now lost this money, and we won’t get it back – meanwhile, it will be spent on political campaigns of people who are calling for less taxes (again to underfund our public resources) CPD Assessment fittingly shows a park with all white children in it Credit: Cincinnati Police Department within a bubble – there are many steps that precipitate it, and many of them might be something that you think is harmless, and with which you agree. You might think it’s inevitable that the parks become privatized like Washington or Ziegler Park. This issue goes more deeply into Neoliberalism, which is essentially the of funding, and leaves us with “no choice” but to ask for a public-private partnership. This is what I call “built to fail” in which we know the outcome of underfunding, but we pretend like the people being hurt by it are not worthy of our full investment. We are seeing this happen at a rapid rate in both housing and public so that they can grab the next pot of public money – most likely housing. Our public housing is now being converted to private ownership through a process called RAD, which will sell off all of our publically owned real estate holdings to private companies who will want to make money for their shareholders off of the backs of low-income renters. This is being done in the name of “preserving” housing, but in reality, it is just another way for wealthy people to raid the public coffers. Other tactics that are used to gentrify a neighborhood include: surveillance, discomfort, criminalization, denial of experience, placing business over residents, forced programming, hostile design, and lack of historical insight. We are seeing each of these tactics occur in Over-the-Rhine right now. Other neighborhoods that are also forcing out residents include Walnut Hills, Corryville, Avondale, Mt. Auburn, Lower Price Hill, and CUF. Each neighborhood has its own community council and CDC (Community Development Corporation) that is making decision for the community, often without any genuine community input. Over the course of many years, this lack of community input results in the interests of those wanting to make more money trumping the voice of the residents who call their community “home.” A good way to look at this is Maps like this are used to create a false narrative Credit: Cincinnati Police Department THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 7) �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 �No. 37 5 JUBILEE CAMPAIGN Compassionate Measurement | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 W TRENTON DAVIS e are not deficiencies. We are people. In President Harry Truman’s inaugural address, when he first announced the “Truman Doctrine”, he tacitly began the popularization of the phrase: the “developing world”. This characterization of the world as an “us” and a “them”- them being those people who need “developing”- cast an imperial shadow on the United States’ aid programs abroad. They need fixing. That is what we told them. This view of others has percolated into domestic policy via the conversations that we have about our own communities. The questions that we ask our neighbors, when we Contributing Writer are trying to raise them out of poverty, focus on what they don’t have. Many times, we label entire neighborhoods as “poor” simply because they don’t make a lot of money; we call this measurement median income. The current measurement system labels these people as broken, lesser, in need of fixing, simply because of something as superficial as money. Moreover, these measurements bring non-profits and welfare programs that offer just enough to keep your head above water. They induce cycles of fluctuant income- a social safety net that may not catch you- rather than promote and foster economic freedom. What is needed are strong neighborhoods that recognize and are connected to their assets. What is needed is a new narrative- a voice that speaks truth about who we really are. This new narrative must be told through a new economic index. We call it the Neighborhood Economic Vitality Index (NEVI for short). It is an assets-based index that asks residents of communities what they can and do offer to their neighbors. NEVI is currently active in several communities around Cincinnati, namely: Stanely Rowe Towers, Winton Terrace, Millvale, and Lower Price Hill. By allowing residents to express their skills, talents, gifts, others learn about the abundance that already exists in the There’s Compassion in Sharing LUWANA PETTUS OGLESBY “What it means to get gathered information back.” They Do Care!! T 5 ime and time again, we’re asked to give information about ourselves and our communities. Why? We never know the outcome of these questions. They come into our communities to ask us, what we think, how we feel, what changes needs to occur, how can we help and various other questions; but they never say or let us know what our input will show and what we can get from it. Well, there is beginning to be a shift in how others are thinking about us and what to do with the information they collect from us, about us and our communities. NEVI (Neighborhood Economic Vitality Index) has approached J-RAB, Inc. (Jurisdiction-wide Resident Advisory Board), an organization made up of the Presidents/Vice-Presidents of the Resident Council throughout CMHA (Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority). It began with three (3) developments, Stanley Rowe Tower-B, Millvale and Winton Terrace. This was a way to reach out to the residents and surrounding residents of CMHA in various neighborhoods to get their input about their neighborhood. As the president of Stanley Rowe Tower-B Resident Council, located at Contributing Writer 1621 Linn St., in the West End, and a Resident Connector for NEVI, I am pleased to say that a positive change is occurring. Through J-RAB, NEVI is doing what no others have ever done or thought to do. They are giving us the answers and what they mean, to the questions asked, so that we can see for ourselves the findings of these asked questions. You see, those that live outside of certain neighborhoods simply don’t see and/or choose not to see the various and numerous talents in our neighborhoods and communities. They don’t see the potential in us nor do they see the entrepreneurial possibilities that we have. To be shown the multiple talents of the residents within our communities enables us to utilize these vast and various talents; which in turn, places us in a better position to aid in the revitalization of our neighborhoods and/or communities. This allows the residents throughout the various neighborhoods and communities to show what they can do to uplift their community. This is all we have ever wanted; to be shown that WE do matter- as much as our responses do. The compassion of others in sharing what is gathered and/ or collected, processed and given back is the biggest and best way of showing that we are cared about. “Breakdown Stereotypes” Although this process is starting as a small and designated task, it is and can be/will be the start of wonderful things to come. There is nothing more uplifting, for those feeling overlooked, left out and/or ignored, than to be shown that others care about you. These caring individuals have their own obstacles to deal with, yet they continue to do what they do, which is care. It is not easy, nowadays and in our society, to go against the grain, but some do. They do not neighborhood. For example, in one of our NEVI sessions at Stanley Rowe Towers in the West End, a resident talked about his baking ability. He makes a mean Butterfinger cake- like way better than the ones you can get at Kroger. After his NEVI session, the other members of his group had a new acknowledgement of his skills. In business speak- he gained market exposure and created new demand for his cake-making business. Stories like the Stanley Rowe baker are what we hope to promote and commercialize. In today’s investment market, we are always concerned about scale. Well, sadly, scale doesn’t necessarily build strong communities. In fact, it leaves many feeling forgotten. NEVI is the first step in shifting this narrative. Profit needn’t always be the rightful bottom line, sometimes community needs to be. allow others to make them feel bad about the good that comes from them encouraging and uplifting others to be better. That’s all that any of us truly want, is to be the best we can possibly be. So, to receive information to show us the various, untapped talents within our communities is gratifying. It allows us to no longer be afraid to shine because they too see the sparkle in us. So, I leave you with “Come On Mindful People Allow Stars to Shine In Our Neighborhoods” COMPASSION. Thanks for caring, by sharing. --------------------------------------- “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL THE CAMPAIGN MOTHER GOOSE AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE FACTS - POLITICAL SPOOFS IN RHYME S F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor treetvibes Contributor Bill Woods has a new book out. "The Campaign Mother Goose and Other Alternative Facts" features political spoofs in rhyme that appeared in this biweekly from June 2015 until last December. Beginning when candidates started to announce they were running for the Presidential nomination, these pieces follow the primaries, the 2016 Presidential election, and the first year of the Trump Administration. The author found a lot to poke fun So to avoid feeling blue, Let's tell him he's through, And inform The Donald You're Fired!” Even as Trump picked up momentum in 2016, these pieces reflect an incredulity that the former Reality TV star was getting so much attention. “Holy smoke and great merciful heaven, Trump gets headlines twenty-four seven.” “No matter what time I turn on the news, There is The Donald spewing his views. It just goes to show if you Ohio, is quite concerned about the health of the democratic process, and utilizes humor to show the excesses of "big money" in campaigns, voter suppression, and gerrymandering. In his introduction, the author stresses this theme. "Endless TV ads packed with lies and half truths, Super Pacs funded by billionaire Fat Cats, and polarized debates that rarely touch on the common good can cause one to lapse into despair. Since it isn't at during this time period. One fact becomes quite apparent to readers of these spoofs. He initially did not take seriously the candidacy of Donald Trump. When Trump announced he was running in the summer of 2015, Woods wrote this piece. “Obnoxious Don Trump Is now back on the stump. His tirades make us tired. rant to excess, You're bound to get a lot of free press.” Although Trump as a candidate and as President receives a lot of satirical scorn in this book, Hillary Clinton, the Democrats, and politics in general also garner a fair share of humorous derision. Woods, a former chair of Common Cause/ healthy to cry all the time, these spoofs in rhyme are dedicated to having a little fun at the expense of the comic villains that plague our public life." Besides using the Mother Goose rhyme model for many of his political parodies, Woods likes to transform famous poems into satirical pieces. impact on government and public policy. Responding to the theme of voting, Bill Woods, representing the informal coalition working on Congressional redistricting reform in Ohio, emphasized that the proposed Amendment to Ohio's Constitution will provide a very meaningful reform for women activists to support. In an update, he noted that two-thirds of the signatures needed to put the reform on the ballot have been collected. He warned, however, that Republicans in the Ohio House and Senate are attempting to place their own partisan plan on the May ballot in order to confuse voters and derail reform. He called on attendees to call or email their state legislators in opposition to this move. Finally, Michelle Dillingham, Executive Director of Community Shares, offered a brief overview of the "state of social justice" in Greater Cincinnati. She included both social and economic justice activities in her mix. She emphasized an organizing effort focused on revitalizing public schools through citizen involvement in decision making. One of the goals of this movement is to halt the privatization of public education. Dillingham touched on a variety of JUSTN JEFFRE (Continued from page 2) way to get information to a large number of people, but it also provides a vehicle for bringing together the diverse causes represented by the Women's Movement. She also talked about the decision to make voting a theme of the recent marches as way to provide a purpose for organizing and bringing all these people together. Voting doesn't solve all the issues shared by this diverse coalition, but it does offer a way for a significant portion of the electorate to have an THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED For instance, he reworked William Blake's "Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright" to chide the current Congress. “Tiger, tiger burning bright. Politics now is such a fright. Can you or else a grouchy lion Go put a scare in Speaker Ryan? We'd ask you then to quickly switch, And do the same to Senator Mitch.” “The times require some feline force, To put our Congress back on course.” The author continues to contribute his political spoofs to Streetvibes as well as his "Poll Cat Cartoon." Published by Blurb, an online-book publisher, readers who order the book through Streetvibes will insure that profits beyond the publishing costs will go to this biweekly newspaper. [Bill Woods was the 2017 Buddy Gray Award recipient. Email Streetvibes@cincihomeless.org to order] women's rights issues, but primarily left that part of the discussion for Kate Gallion. She talked about efforts to work for economic justice and the movement to promote a living wage. Finally, she reviewed the "Poor People's Movement" both nationally and locally. She explained the emergence of "Moral Monday's " and the organizing tactic of having hundreds of people rallying at various State Houses in favor of Medicaid expansion. "It is exciting," concluded Dillingham, "to see all this diverse citizen organizing taking place in Cincinnati and in other communities across the country." �No. 37 5 LOCAL Where Are Our Troops? | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 I have often wondered just where are troops are. I don’t mean those stationed here in the U.S., nor those in allied countries such as Japan and Germany. Of course there are troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, but where else? I recently found a government website that has a summary of troop locations by country around the world – well, at least the places that the Pentagon admits where we have troops. The place that is the most concerning to me is Syria. The website is not quite current but several weeks behind, and updated quarterly. Still, at the end of September there were 1,547 Army, Marine, Air Force, and Army personnel (in order of their numbers in Syria). There were also 173 from the Reserves and National Guard. That is a significant number especially since Syria never gave us permission to go there. As for whether Congress ever authorized this deployment, that depends on one’s interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, the 1973 War Powers Resolution, and the 2001 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force that were passed following the attacks of September 11, DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 3) through the lens of a current issue that was brought to my attention last week: Findlay Park. The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) did an assessment on the park, which is located at 5 points – McMicken, Vine, and Findlay Streets in Over-theRhine. The larger context of the park is important, as Model Group (and a few other developers) have recently bought all the properties abutting the park, and are turning them into market-rate condos and apartments. The park itself has been underfunded and left to deteriorate. Other parks in the area have been remodeled (yet not privatized), but Findlay Park’s improvements over the past few years have only been to remove things from the park, rather than improve or add. With the release of the CPD assessment, it is clear that displacement is a big part of the push to gentrify the park. Paradoxically, CPD understands that removing “the criminal element” from one area will just push it to another. In the assessment, they write that, “These issues have plagued the area for years and have been exacerbated recently as crime has been displaced from other areas of Over-the-Rhine.” This demonstrates that they are being coerced into creating this assessment by someone with financial interests related to the park, rather than from a holistic view of a community. CPD then calls for most of the park to be removed – the seating, the grills, the basketball court, the picnic tables, the fencing – the people. The claim is that MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer 2001. I concluded that Congress did not authorize this deployment and it is in violation of the Constitution. However, even a brief summary would be far too long for this article and will have to wait for another time. I will just mention that although the number of troops stationed in Syria increased under President Trump, the question of authorization has been brewing for several years. There is something else about our troops being in Syria. You may know that Syria’s neighbor to the north, Turkey, started a military operation against the Kurds of northern Syria on January 19. Most of these Kurds are the ones the United States supports in the campaign against ISIL, but Turkey calls them terrorists and is concerned that their desire to have an independent state of their own will spill over into Turkey. Hundreds of civilians have been killed so far in the Syrian province of Afrin. Turkey’s President Erdogan has threatened to broaden the offensive in order to secure a buffer strip along more than half of the Syrian-Turkish border. Erdogan specifically mentioned the Syrian city of Manbij and promised to cleanse it of terrorists. According to different press accounts, Manbij is where most of our troops in Syria are stationed. Erdogan knows this. So our troops in Manbij, Syria, are there to support the Kurds in their fight against ISIL. We did not get permission from the Syrian government to deploy them, which is not surprising since Washington would prefer Syrian President Assad to leave. However the imminent threat to those troops is not from Syria but from our NATO ally, Turkey, where there were 2,174 troops including the Guard and Reserves. In a further twist, Turkey is using Leopard tanks made and sold to them by Germany, another NATO ally. Russia’s position as an ally of Syria might be vital for avoiding an armed conflict with our NATO ally Turkey. Does your head hurt yet? Mine does. Most troops are stationed in the United States. Not counting the Guard and Reserves, there were 1,119,873 in the United States and 215,249 “overseas,” which includes Canada (129), Mexico (61), and a few others in some Central American the picnic tables and grills are never used for their intended use: “They are rarely, if ever, used for their intended purpose and mainly serve as magnets for people looking to engage in illegal behavior.” We should be insulted that our community members are being deemed as unworthy to use a picnic table or grill. CPD claims that no one uses the park for legitimate reasons, and essentially calls everyone who uses the park “criminals.” Criminalizing people for utilizing public spaces, which might be their only respite in an otherwise increasingly loud and raucous neighborhood, is antithetical to the purpose of a park when your only alternative is paying to sit in a bar. Surveillance can mean cameras, or it can mean “block watch,” or beat patrols for the police, or increased lighting. Surveillance has great implications for the freedom of people who utilize the park and deeper meaning when we consider the “panopticon” and “total institutions” that permeate the loss of freedom and identity in an increasingly policed and imprisoned United States. When our parks, such as Washington and Ziegler Parks, are modeled after prisons, complete with 24/7 private security, dozens of cameras (panopticon), and forced identity, we have to wonder how much freedom is worth losing for so-called security, especially when crime is down throughout the neighborhood. CPD does not want the park to be comfortable, so they are advocating for the removal of seating and adding a dog park and a workout track. Redefining the use of the park, coupled with more hostile design, which are elements that stop people from doing normal things, such as sitting or laying down (benches with bars in the middle, or are too short to lay down on, bars, slants, flower pots, fences, or spikes to prevent people from sitting on walls, etc.), creates not a park, but a carefully curated area that can only be enjoyed by a select few – those who can often afford the trek to another park. We are seeing the prioritization of businesses over residents occur at a rapid rate in Over-the-Rhine. Community Council meetings are becoming increasingly hostile to the community member experience, and we are being told that we need to make our meetings more hospitable to businesses seeking entry into the neighborhood. This is coming with a lack of historical insight, both of the wholesale displacement of thousands of units of affordable housing and the longer historical narrative of redlining, racism, and disinvestment which led to the conditions we are dealing with today. A lack of historical understanding is dangerous, and goes back to the false narrative that the only solution is a market solution. To quote the executive director of the Homeless Coalition, Josh Spring, “There is no market solution to our housing crisis.” This is a stern warning that we cannot rely on market forces for solutions in housing, education, parks, etc. as the market is only creating a larger income and wealth disparity, a gap THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 7 countries. There were 44,562 in Japan, 34,435 in Germany, and 23,635 in South Korea. There are lesser numbers in Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. For fighting what is normally called the War on Terror there were 13,329 in Afghanistan (again, not counting the Guard and Reserves) and 7,402 in Iraq. Around the Persian Gulf there are more troops with 8,598 in Bahrain, 9,241 in Kuwait, 4,666 in Qatar, and 3,455 in the United Arab Emirates. Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa and near the Arabian Peninsula, sticks out. There were 3,132 troops there and almost half as many Reserves and National Guard. My guess is that these troops are somehow involved in the conflicts of and near the Arabian Peninsula. I do have one piece of anecdotal information to share about Djibouti. A friend had a family member stationed there. Supposedly the food served is often better if the station assignment is in something of a hardship location in order to help with moral. His relative reported that the food served in Djibouti was very, very good. There are 100 troops in Lithuania, which borders Russia. In (Continued on page 11) in educational attainment, and a park for the rich and connected and “take-what-you-can-get” attitude for everyone else. Even CPD recognizes the efforts as displacing crime from one area to another – so we need to question where will the crime go next? Innwood Park? Belleview Park? Or should we redefine crime, end the drug war, and engage in racial equity and reparations? Gentrification is built on the false “meritocracy” narrative of the American Dream – if you work hard, you will be rewarded. We know that this narrative is false because study after study has shown that educational attainment is only linked to family income and spending on curricular materials. We know the meritocracy narrative is false because people born into poverty are not likely to get out of poverty, even if they attend college. We know that the meritocracy narrative is a lie because the rich can do little to no work, yet their wealth increases exponentially. People are getting richer because of gentrification – people are not getting rich from gentrification. No one has been lifted out of poverty because of the development in Over-the-Rhine, yet thousands of people with lowincomes have been displaced from the neighborhood, and at this rate, most middle-class people will be pushed out as well. It is only a matter of time. The CPD Assessment can be accessed online: https://tinyurl.com/ findlaypark --------------------------------------- �NATIONAL 8 F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 Life is a Beach: Homeless in the Ocean State JIM LUKEN G reetings from the Ocean State. After 15 years of tenement living in Overthe-Rhine and 8 years of writing for Streetvibes, I made the big move to Rhode Island in July so that I could live out my waning years near the sea. I live here in a 3rd floor, 3-room, “Section 8” apartment at the Peace Dale House, rural Rhode Island's equivalent of “public housing.” My rent here is $6 a month more than what I was paying for a remodeled, three-room Over-the-Rhine Community Housing apartment, but my heat is provided. I loved my downtown apartment in Cincy. I didn't think much about it at the time, but my desk there looked out onto nothing but a windowless brick wall. My desk here looks through patio doors onto nothing but trees. The 100-unit complex is perched at the end of a long driveway, with a wooded area surrounding it. A dramatic change, but I've managed to adapt, mainly because—in the warmer months—I find myself a 20-minute bicycle ride from the Ocean. Things could be a lot worse. One thing I have missed here, Contributing Writer He is deeply involved with the local Congregational Church, which—I had learned—is itself deeply involved in matters of homelessness. He filled me in about Welcome House, our homeless shelter, located right here in Peace Dale. The church does a sit-down meal once a week for us poor folks. I've attended a few times. Tablecloths. Silverware. Everything served. Even better, the church is an overflow shelter for the area's homeless people. In the winter it is full every night. I recently enrolled at the local Y in the “silver sneakers” program provided by my Medicare advantage plan. I work my aged bones and muscles there three times a week. Since I no longer have Internet, I sometimes use the Y's computer located in a small common room near the front desk. It faces an outside window. On Sunday last I was sitting there and I heard a woman behind me on her phone. I heard her say, “Welcome House.” Since I had been planning to do long-distance story about the shelter for this paper, I walked over to the woman. She had finished her area of my new home. She immediately began opening up about her situation. “I've just arranged so I can stay at the church tonight.” She pointed to the far wall of the room where there were four very neat backpacks and hampers. “I just need to find a way to get my stuff over there.” The church was only a half mile distant. I said that I could take her there. But she explained that the church didn't open its doors until 7:30, five hours off. She told me she was 50 (a young-ish and exuberant 50). I told her that I was 73 and had a daughter who was almost 50. I offered to get her where she needed to go until the church opened. After texting a friend on her Obama phone (“I don't have many 'minutes' to call, so we text”), we worked it out that I would deliver her and her belongings to this friend's house. “In exchange, would you be open to doing an interview? I know the readers of my hometown paper would be interested in hearing about your story.” She generously agreed. We met the next day at the library, then drove to a coffee shop where I got to hear a big chunk of her story. Similar to the story of every homeless person I had interviewed in Cincinnati, hers (Continued on page 12) Mary travelling in the snow with luggage Credit: Jim Luken Mary relaxing for the day Credit: Jim Luken however, is a connection with the poor. Poor people are everywhere, so I knew they must be around here, but— compared to downtown Cincinnati, they are fairly hard to identify in this semi-rural, bedroom community locale, 35 minutes from Providence. During my first six months here, only twice have I seen people “flying signs” on the street corners, panhandling. I had been intending to learn more about the homeless situation here, but I kept putting it off, enjoying my new laid-back lifestyle. You know: wind, sand and surf, almost every day. Finally, with winter keeping me more confined, I began nosy-ing around here in my adopted world. I ran into Brad, a fellow resident at the Peace Dale House. phone conversation. She seemed like a “professional person.” I thought she might be the director. She wasn't. My lucky break. “Excuse me, I heard you mention Welcome House,” I said. “Do you work there?” She looked me square in the eyes. “No,” and with only a moment's hesitation, “I live there sometimes.” I was genuinely startled. “Does that mean...” I sheepishly asked “... that you are homeless?” “Yes,” she said with a very comfortable smile, “right now I am.” I apologized for approaching her, explaining that I had written for a homeless newspaper and that I was planning on doing a story about the homeless situation in the South Coast Peachdale Congregational Church Credit: Jim Luken THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 5 LOCAL UC Students lose their bus passes; Bus rider left out of the conversation | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 9 ISAAC SMITH •University of Cincinnati cancels UC Metro Card, killing unlimited rides program for students, faculty, and staff •UC officials told the Enquirer and News Record the cut gave the school increased flexibility to fund the Bearcat Transportation System •Public records indicate that the program cut was to fill a budget hole caused by cost overruns in operating a shuttle to UC’s Blue Ash campus •Even with the elimination of the UC Metro Card, the Bearcat Transportation System will see funding cuts and service reductions •Bus riders were given no advance notice of the card’s elimination as negotiations with SORTA were conducted without public input s the start of the new school year approached at the University of Cincinnati, students interested in applying for their semester bus pass through the UC*Metro program were greeted with an unfriendly message: “Registration for Fall Semester 2017 is suspended pending the outcome of negotiations between UC and Metro; the future status of the program is unknown at this time.” To frequent UC-affiliated Metro riders, this was bad news. For five years, UC and Metro had partnered to provide students with two options to get around Greater Cincinnati without a car. The first was the UC Metro Card, which cost $53 per semester for students and $160 per semester for faculty and staff, and gave the holder unlimited rides within Zone 1. The other option was the EZ Ride Card, which was free, but lowered the fare anywhere Metro goes from $1.75 to $1.00, with $0.50 transfers. Thousands of students, faculty, and staff relied on these programs to get to and from class, jobs, internships, co-ops, and anywhere else they needed to go. In mid-August, all those riders were left wondering: what happened to my bus pass? On August 17, an incomplete answer arrived. The UC Metro Card was no more. Going forward, the only option available to students and employees would be the EZ Ride Card. For a student who rides the bus to and from class every weekday and who does not have to transfer, the elimination of the UC Metro Card nearly triples transportation costs for a semester. For a student who uses the bus for more than trips to and from class, or who needs to transfer, that cost increase only gets bigger. UC students, however, received almost no notice that this program was going to change. The Thursday before classes in Fall 2017 was the first time that bus riders were sent any notification at all that they would A Contributing Photographer lose their unlimited rides pass. The elimination of the UC Metro card is not entirely unexpected. In 2005, Metro and UC tested a program that would give students the ability to ride any Metro bus for free by showing their student ID card. The test was successful, and in 2007, the program launched. The cost to UC was $150,000; half of that cost came from the school, and the remaining half was paid by the student government. In 2009, it was expanded to provide free rides to students, faculty, and staff, at a cost to the university of around $250,000. That was the only expansion. When UC shifted from quarters to semesters in 2012, the free rides went away. Instead, students could pay $53 for a semester of unlimited rides, and employees could pay $160. The cost to the university remained $250,000, but also gave students who did not ride the bus as frequently the option of the EZ Ride Card. The 2012 agreement remained in effect until this year, when the UC Metro Card was eliminated. Since the 2009 expansion, renegotiation of the contract between UC and Metro has only led to less access for UC-affiliated bus riders. The recent program changes betray a university saying one thing in public and doing another thing in private. In 2016, UC issued new student ID cards, which contained a contactless chip embedded in the card. At the time the new ID cards were issued, students were informed that it was a transit tie-in: it would effectively replace the red and black bus passes currently given to students, depending upon the plan selected. Instead of needing a separate pass, students could do what they did during the pilot program yet again: ride the bus using only their student ID. The company that produced the ID cards even bragged about the transit tie-in on its website. The same year, the Board of Trustees voted to keep the College of Law on the main campus, instead of moving it to The Banks, as had been proposed. The school recently decided to relocate the law school to the building that currently houses the Lindner College of Business. Construction to change the building so it suits the law school is set to begin in 2019. But one reason given for keeping the law school uptown— away from the firms and courthouses where students get jobs, internships, and externships—was that students could easily use the UC Metro Card to ride Cincinnati Metro’s many bus lines downtown. Now 2018, the transit tie-in remains unused, and law students are feeling misled. They are not alone, either—the Southwest Ohio Transit Authority, or SORTA, which operates Metro buses, was not expecting the delay in notification. A public records request submitted to SORTA for emails regarding the UC*Metro program reveals a transit agency doing all it can to keep the program alive with a limited budget, and a university hiding the ball. “The origin of the delay is with UC,” SORTA Director of Marketing and Communications Dave Etienne wrote to another employee in an internal email provided in response to the records request, “but that is probably moot since it is the students and staff who will suffer.” In other emails, Etienne expressed concern that UC’s delays in responding to SORTA’s attempt to negotiate to keep the program intact were intended to make SORTA, and not UC, look bad. In May of 2017, however, SORTA was the source of the delay. UC Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Joe Harrell sent several emails to SORTA employees asking for an update on what price point SORTA would agree to for offering the program at a reduced cost. Initially, SORTA had offered a price of $80,000 per year to offer only the EZ Ride Card to only students. SORTA then proposed $151,000 for offering only the EZ Ride Card to students, faculty, and staff. Harrell initially asked for an update on May 16, saying “a lot of people are asking me about the status of this program.” On the May 22, SORTA responded, offering $80,000. It was not until June that SORTA offered the $151,000 that pays for the program as it exists today. A meeting held by a UC committee about the UC*Metro program on July 13, 2017, appears to be pivotal. A similar records request submitted to UC reveals that the cause of the program’s alteration may not have been an attempt to redirect $100,000 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED to beef up UC’s own shuttle service, as the school had suggested, but to cover a budget deficit from operating a shuttle to UC’s Blue Ash campus. “We are about $100,000 in the hole for the Blue Ash shuttle, and we spend about $75,000 more on other transportation costs than we receive in revenue for a total deficit of $175,000,” Harrell wrote in an email the morning of July 13, discussing the recommendations that came of the morning’s meeting. Rather than expanding campus shuttle service, the $99,000 saved from the elimination of the UC Metro Card would plug the hole left by operating the UC Blue Ash shuttle. To make up for the remaining $75,000, UC shuttle service would be reduced as well, eliminating late night shuttles, and replacing them with Night Ride service, which offers UC students a free ride on-demand to destinations within one mile of campus. The numbers, however, do not seem to add up. UC admitted it received “a large benefit from this program,” referring to offering the red UC Metro Card, which may be why a SORTA employee “didn’t seem disappointed when we told him we were thinking of not renewing the program.” Despite the apparent lack of disappointment, emails between SORTA employees and UC employees show SORTA continuing to offer both the EZ Ride Card and the UC Metro Card at the same price of $250,000. Nowhere in the records that were received does either SORTA or UC discuss raising the cost of the discount card to cover the budget gap. The email sent after the July 13 meeting was not sent to any students; UC was not able to provide a list of who was present at the meeting, or even what committee met, but it does not appear that any student input was solicited regarding the discontinuation of (Continued on page 11) �10 LOCAL F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 January 26 - February 17, 2018 For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 5 | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 I n this age of call-out culture, where so many seem too eager to proclaim their moral superiority over those who disagree with them, the recent kerfuffle over Elder High School students making å comments during a basketball game against St. X has provided an opportunity to study a more compassionate way to respond to deplorable actions. Full disclosure: my son attends St. Xavier. Before this story made its way into the media, I received (along with, I presume, all St. X parents) an email with a statement from the principal. The compassionate humility and self-reflection evident in that email was refreshing precisely because I so infrequently see that kind of tact anymore. In the message, principal Terrence Tyrrell ends self-reflectively: Being men and women for others means calling out injustice and naming it for what it is. The actions of the Elder student section on Friday were racist and homophobic. While it is easy to point fingers MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 7 raw numbers this is not enough to do anything but appears to be a sign of support. There are 20 in Ukraine. The spreadsheet also lists 17,301 as “unknown,” so we do not know where they are stationed. That LOCAL Let us enter the struggle 11 JASON HAAP Contributing Writer of others, Tyrrell's example reminds us how the most impactful approach is to use these opportunities for personal reflection. To improve the world, we probably need to improve ourselves first. As Jesus speaking in Matthew reminds us: Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. I fear we live in a world that, overall, celebrates public humiliation over reflection. We love calling-out the specks. [To contact Jason Haap email him at jasonhaap@gmail.com] at Elder today, we also need to look within our community at times where we have fallen short in this area. All of us need to reflect and discern on what happened at Elder, and what happens at St. X, to make sure we are not actively, or silently, participating in this behavior. As men for others, we must challenge and confront this behavior to continue to build our culture. Being a man or woman for others is not for the weak. It is for the courageous. Jesus's example calls us to a faith that does justice. In that light, it is important to understand that intolerant words spoken or written and intolerant actions are not welcome here. The promotion of truth undermines the ideology of injustice. Love for each other and love for all others fills us with the courage to enter the struggle. Good prevails only if we are willing to endure that struggle. Reread that first paragraph above. Tyrrell is not trying to point fingers at Elder students. Instead, he points out that we have a moral responsibility to name bad behavior which is different from the dynamics of contemporary call-out culture. Immediately after calling Elder's student's behavior "racist" and "homophobic," the very next sentence turns that critical eye inward. When I wrote my introductory paragraph to this item, I'm not sure where the word "kerfuffle" came from. It is not a word I use frequently. It just kind of popped out of my fingers without thought. I like that word, but I was afraid of using it. I believe wholeheartedly there are people who find the connotations of that word inappropriate for this item's subject. It's a funny-sounding word, and there is nothing funny about racism and homophobia. Several readers, I am quite sure, are hung-up on that word, creating arguments against my own inappropriateness. I left the word because, for readers with that reaction, I realized they are doing precisely what St. X's principal avoided. Rather than pontificating about the errors or poor judgement might be interesting if we knew the locations, or perhaps they would just be supplementing the numbers we know about. Some of the places which just have a few troops intrigue me. Why are they there? Why are there 8 Marines in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a small group of French islands near Newfoundland? These rocky islands are all that is left from their empire in North America after losing everything else in the French and Indian War. Why are there two Marines in Macau, which is an island that is part of the People’s Republic of China? Macau, by the way, is the premier gambling center of the world. Anyways, if you want to look at the website yourself, go to: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/ dwp/dwp_reports.jsp . You need to scroll down a little to the section “Military and Civilian Personnel by Service/Agency by State/Country.” I bookmarked this site and will be checking it from time to time. than their EZ Ride Card-holding counterparts: students who had access to unlimited rides took an average of 83 rides in 2016, while students who had the EZ Ride Card and had to pay per trip took only 15 rides. Faculty and staff rides were similarly split between the UC Metro Card and the EZ Ride Card, with staff members who paid for the unlimited rides card taking 133 trips, and those using the free card taking only an average of 27. Contracts were finalized in early August of last year, at which point the origin of the delay was, according to internal SORTA emails, no longer with SORTA but with UC. By early August, both agencies had agreed to a contract providing only the EZ Ride Card to students, faculty, and staff for $151,000. All that needed to happen was both the SORTA board and the UC Board of Trustees needed to vote to approve it. Those votes did not come until the middle of the month, resulting in the delay in notifying students about the future of the program. What will happen going forward remains uncertain. Unlike in years past, the contract to which both parties agreed in August of this year is not for three years, but for one year, with a one- or two-year renewal option. Perhaps with some student input the UC Metro Card will return at a higher price, and with more advertising. At a Better Bus Coalition event held at Clifton Market earlier this semester, many of the UC students who approached the Better Bus Coalition table were not even aware that the UC*Metro program even existed. If the program’s recent trajectory is any indication, however, further cuts to both the UC*Metro program and UC’s shuttle service may be down the road. [Isaac Smith is a member of the Better Bus Coalition. To find out more go to betterbuscoalition.org] --------------------------------------- ISAAC SMITH (Continued from page 9) half of the UC*Metro program. Instead, UC and Metro assumed that with the unlimited rides pass eliminated, those who had elected to purchase that pass would instead elect to receive the free EZ Ride Card and pay $1.00 per ride. Raising the cost of the card, however, could have allowed the program to continue at reduced cost to UC. Although it would have meant nearly doubling the cost of the pass, a $95 per semester pass for students— assuming the number of students purchasing the pass remained the same, and did not continue to fall, as had happened in recent years— would have raised enough money for Metro to get the $99,000 it needed to continue offering the program while allowing UC to cover the deficit it was running on its shuttle program. But with a pass not well advertised and no student input seemingly solicited, that possibility did not play out. Instead, students are left with costs tripled, rather than doubled or kept the same, and have lost the convenience of having to swipe only one card to get on the bus. As a result of its ease and convenience, students with the UC Metro Card took far more rides THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED -------------------------------------------- �12 JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) children in Cincinnati Public Schools will have experienced homelessness. • After a decade of cuts and now a couple years of partial restorations, the City of Cincinnati funds the city’s Human Services Fund at just shy of 1 percent of the city’s general fund. • In the rememberable past the City of Cincinnati has put only about $4 million of our city-specific funds into affordable housing, while the cost of constructing a rental unit has risen by more than 50 percent since 2000. • In 2017 more than 137 people died while without homes and because of homelessness, up from 72 people in 2016, 58 people in 2015 and 46 people in 2014. Their average age in 2017 was 51. • Thousands of subsidized homes are within just a few years of their subsidy contracts possibly expiring. • Thousands of units of affordable housing have been lost due to gentrification in the last 20 years, further deepening poverty and homelessness and splitting apart communities. JIM LUKEN (Continued from page 6) was amazing. Mary She gave me her real name, but said she did not want me to use it. “So, pick a name,” I said. She thought about it. “This is interesting.” And after a while, “Okay, Mary.” Why not? Mary had been born and lived a comfortable young life in a Rhode Island town some twenty minutes distant. He father had been a prominent surgeon, as well as an alcoholic. She had five older siblings. The family had a beach house in nearby Narragansett and a ski home in the Massachusetts Berkshires. Her parents divorced when she was 16. Even then, although she had lots of school friends, she recalls being something of a loner, an independent spirit. “One day, late fall, I rode my bike down to the beach. I was pretty much alone there. I drew a great big heart in the sand. In the middle of it, I wrote the word 'LIFE.' That's the way I am. I still love life. I don't know what I would do without my positive spirit.” She did her college at the nearby University of Rhode Island, where she majored in Communications and French. “I was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated Magna Cum Laude.” It had become quite clear that Mary was a very intelligent woman. She was also dynamic and personable, as she talked a blue streak about her life and the series of misadventures leading up to becoming homeless. I mentioned to her that, in the early '80s, homelessness famously manifested itself in people who were called at the time, “Bag Ladies,” women who moved about LOCAL F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 • Regularly companies purchase a property from a person, then through the county court system evict everyone (most of whom are Black people), rehab the building into expensive condos or apartments, sell or rent them to wealthier people (most of whom are white people) and the city gives the owner a tax abatement on the increase in the property value caused by the rehab. Then potentially, the neighbors across the street sees their property values go up as a result to levels where they can no longer afford their property taxes. • Since 2003 more than $1 billion consisting of local, state and federal taxes as well as private funds from wealthy companies whose lionshare of revenue is generated by the hard work of regular folks, have been spent primarily on housing by the city/very wealthy businesscreated organization 3CDC, and homelessness and the housing crisis are the worst they have ever been in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. To repeat more briefly, more than $1 billion has been spent in the last 14 years primarily on housing, and homelessness in our area is the worst it has ever been. You know what we need?...... A SOCCER STADIUM! THAT’S RIGHT, WE NEED A SOCCER STADIUM! (Please note that the previous two sentences are sarcastic. We do not need a damned soccer stadium. How greedy, arrogant and self/ethnocentered do you have to be to live in a city where homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing are at record levels and you decide to fight for a soccer stadium? You could choose to fight for the right of women, men, girls and boys to have sustainable housing, but you choose to fight for a stadium where people can watch other people kick a ball around a field? I can hear it now, someone like Jeff Berding (who already suckered people into two other stadiums) saying, “Well, I believe in both. A soccer stadium will improve our city and is worth fighting for and of course we must fight poverty. I’m always trying to improve our community”. If in the future you are in a room where a business person is telling the crowd she or he believes we need a stadium and she or he also cares about fighting homelessness and poverty, I hope you have a shovel with you because you’re going to need it to ensure the level of BS doesn’t get above the windpipes of those present. And don’t buy the argument that we need this stadium because of the jobs it will create. If the Lindners really cared, they could pay all of their employees a living wage and could build a whole bunch of affordable housing with the piles of money in their possession. In reality, the shovel you need for the BS must be the actions you put forth to fight yet another set of selfcentered, exploitive, greedy lies. You can’t actually fight for both this soccer stadium and fight poverty and homelessness. People have got to pick a side. Tactics may differ in the fight against the exploitation of people and a neighborhood, but there are really only two sides to this. Our speech and actions can be resolutely rooted in love of neighbors and justice or rooted in money and ethnocentrism, but not both.) with all their belongings in large bags. She laughed, considering her four bags. “Sometimes I joke with friends and call myself that...'a bag lady.'” I was still dealing, somewhat incredulously, with her poise and her ease in opening up her life to me. My big question, which I couldn't wait to ask, was: “So how did a person like you wind up homeless?” “On the road” to homelessness After college, she said, “I just wanted to get out of Rhode Island.” And she did, moving to, and working at, various jobs in eight different states, some nearby, but others farflung. Sacramento. Seattle. Chicago. Minneapolis. “Minnesota was just too cold for me.” In Baltimore she tried to join the Navy. After several months of boot camp, they realized she had a blood disorder, and she was unable to go on. In Seattle, at 25, she recalls being in love with a handsome young man. “It was Valentine's day, and I wanted to make a special card for him. I decided to learn how to say 'I love you' in different languages and write them out on a big card. I planned to do some research at the library, but I got called into work.” She didn't give up on her plan. “I started calling ethnic restaurants and asking them how to say 'I love you' in their language.” By now, half a life later, she continues this practice. Whenever she meets a foreigner, she asks for their way of saying, those three famous words. “At this point, I can say it, from memory, in 32 different languages. I sometimes use it as a way of bringing a little peace (and love) into the world.” Eventually Mary wound up back in her home state, taking a good job with the social security administration. She laughed at the irony. “I found myself doing interviews with people who were in the same situation as I find myself in now.” She earned enough money to buy her own house in the town of Warwick. She lived there for eight years. Her positive spirit would be tested again and again as things started to unravel in her life. She began drinking more and more. Bills were piling up. She got a DUI (called a “referral”). Finally, she wound up having to “short sell” her house. She moved into an apartment but, after four years, she was forced to leave because of issues related to her two beloved cats. [She insists that the cats were wrongly blamed]. For a while, she moved into a small house with her mother and an older brother. That didn't work out either. Suddenly, as with so many others, she found that she was out on the streets. Just over a year ago, she moved into Welcome House for a month and a half. That situation quickly became too “stressful” for her, and she moved out. A day in the life Here is the way a day in Mary's life generally goes. She couch surfs with a friend, or—as she would that night— beds down at the church (after 7:30). In the morning, a friend who stays at the church often drives her to the YMCA (she had been able to enroll there for a year for $35). She does a daily workout routine, gets sweated up, and—most important—has a hot shower. Then she hangs out on the computer in the Y's common room, reads, and enjoys a cup of coffee. [During her overnight at the church after our interview, Rhode Island got six inches of unexpected snow. The next morning this woman trudged almost a mile [toting all her belongings] to the Y, where I joined her and took the accompanying photos]. At 11:3O, she makes her way (with all those bags) to the Welcome House, where lunch is provided. After lunch, she often walks a short distance (also with bags) to the Peace Dale library. On decent-weather days, she hangs out in a pleasant little park across the main drag from the library. Late in the afternoon, her brother, who works nearby, might pick her up and take her to her mother's house, where she can do laundry and arrange her belongings for the following day's bout with being on the move. More important, she gets to visit and care for of her cats. Mary also has the afternoon option of remaining in town and moving her belongings to the Guild House, part of an agency that provides various services to locals. She can remain there until the church shelter (next-door) opens at 7:30. In some ways, Mary's life might seem much more genteel than the situation of homeless people in a big city like Cincinnati. But the lifestyle that homelessness forces on any individual is never remotely easy—all those belongings to haul everywhere Mary goes. The future “So, what are your plans in terms of resuming a more 'normal' life?” I ask. She says that she is hoping to get a permanent situation at the shelter in Westerly, a larger town, a half-hour south along the coast. “If I get in there, there are plenty of jobs available. I'll borrow a bike. “I try not to think too much about it. I do whatever I need to do. I'll take it step by step. If you try to analyze too much you lose track of where you are. I figure there's only up from where I am.” THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED -------------------------------------------- �No. 37 5 | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 ORANGE BARRELS 13 STREET VOICE Orange Barrels, Orange Barrels They’re everywhere Each day the construction workers are there Putting up the construction signs Placing Orange Barrels all around From block to block, from street to street Construction work is on the streets THE ADMINISTRATION'S IMMIGRATION POLICY "Don't give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." That is the gist of Trump's immigration policy. Now all those folks from "shithole countries" Will be informed that they must stay away, To make some room for whiter applicants From countries like Norway. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer GROWN ON THE MARKET FINDLAY MARKET HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE So just sit down and take a seat Orange Barrels are what you’re gonna see TO GET FRESH PRODUCTS A PLACE TO SHOP WHERE YOU'RE SAFE AND PEOPLE WATCH THEIR CONDUCT HOME GROWN VEGETABLES IS NOT ALL ONE CAN ENJOY AT THE MARKET IN A DAY KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THEY HAVE GOOD FOOD WHERE YOU CAN EAT, DRINK AND HAVE A SEAT BY THE WAY THE MARKET DECIDED TO ALLOW THE CINCY HOMELESS COALTION NEWSPAPERS TO BE SOLD GAVE ME A SECTION TO SELL STREETVIBES AND TO MEET MY BOSS WHO WAS OLD AND COLD LITTLE DID I KNOW THE BOSS USED TO SELL PAPER BAGS THERE WHEN HE WAS A BOY THEREFORE, HE KNEW MR. FLOWER MAN, MR. COFFEE MAN AND MR. TEA MAN, NOW I’M COY FEAR FOR MY PLACE AT THE MARKET I HAD TO GET TO KNOW MY BOSS I KNEW WITHOUT HIS UNDERSTANDING TO SELL STREETVIBES WOULD BE LOST I BEGAN TO SHARE WITH HIM THE PAPER ALLOWING HIM TO READ STORIES AND MY POETRY ONCE HE UNDERSTOOD HOMELESSNESS READING THE PAPER HE SHOWED LOYALTY HE SAID HI I'M MR. MARTY AND I SAID I'M MS. WILLA SELLING STREETVIBES TODAY THEN HE TOLD ME HOW LONG HE'S BEEN WORKING SECURITY FOR YEARS WITHOUT A DELAY I BELEIVE HE GREW ON THE MARKET AND HE IS MY INSPIRATION TO COME TO FINDLAY BY THE WAY I THANK YOU MR. MARTY FOR SO MANY YEARS OF DEDICATION AND BEING A FREIND OF MINE I WILL ALWAYS STAY ON MY SCHEDULE SELLING STREETVIBES AND I'LL ALWAYS BE JUST FINE WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 144 Across 1. Ness 5. Inundated 10. Written leave of absence 14. Hooter 15. Travesty 16. Notion 17. Desiccated 18. Test 19. Leave out 20. Bend forward 22. Part of the hand 23. Three squared 24. Squash plant 26. Erase 28. Cramp 31. Golf accessory 32. Roofing material 35. A sheltered and secluded place 37. Flare up 41. Playing card 42. Simple crane 44. Large expanse of water 45. Migratory aquatic birds 47. Narrate 48. Leguminous plant 49. Colony insect 51. Not fresh 53. Swallow 56. Roof of the mouth 60. Lacking warmth 61. Large military dining room 64. Stateroom 65. Not in favor of 66. Creek 68. Tincture 69. Slant 70. Dodge 71. Boundary of a surface 72. Ancient stringed instrument 73. Refund 74. Cervid Down 1. Abyss 2. Major artery 3. Earlier in time 4. Give support or approval to 5. Astern 6. Buckle 7. Song 8. Burn caused by hot liquid or steam 9. Protective headgear 10. Trailblazer 11. Let in 12. French river 13. Satisfy 21. Music genre 25. A gradual decline 27. Edible plant 29. Kind 30. Conventions of a group 32. Label 33. Frozen water 34. The sheltered side 36. Tartan skirt 38. Employ 39. Small vegetable 40. Bronze 42. A surface depression 43. Applaud 46. Small fatty fish 48. Tardy 50. Wood, cut and prepared 52. Used in varnishes and sealing wax 53. Currency 54. Part of a church 55. Boldness 57. Dwell 58. Undertone 59. Go in 60. A telephone connection 62. Cleansing agent 63. Soft drink 67. Tonality PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 374 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 143 F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 274 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 273- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 5 RESOURCES | F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 557-2873 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 131 E. 12th Street 45202 Shelter: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 621-7265 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Prospect House 921-1613 Starting Over 961-2256 2121 Vine Street 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Family Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 Talbert House Tender Mercies 221-HELP 721-8666 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 27 W. 12th Street 45202 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 VA VA Homeless Food/Clothing 421-0065 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 351-0422 381-6672 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy 977-6800 859-572-6226 First Lutheran Church 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry AA Hotline CCAT 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 471-1100 Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center UpSpring 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health 621-5300 961-1983 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 535-2719 751-8771 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 721-0643 City Gospel Mission 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen St. George Food Pantry 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 1528 Race St. 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 15 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Center Independent Living Options Peaslee Neighborhood Center 241-2600 621-5514 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart Goodwill Industries Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Mary Magdalen House 381-0111 771-4800 579-8547 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 for 26 issues 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@ cincihomeless.org $100 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 F e b 9 - F e b 2 2 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 5 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2018 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 9-February 22, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director An Update on Citizen Organizing in 2018 Pg 3: The Allure of Gentrification Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Compassionate Measurement There’s Compassion in Sharing Pg 6: The Campaign Mother Goose and Other Alternative Facts Pg 7: Where Are Our Troops? Pg 8: Life is a Beach Pg 9: UC Students Lose Their Bus Passes Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Let Us Enter the Struggle Pg 12: Josh Spring Continued Jim Luken Continued Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 9-February 22, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Dr. Mark Mussman Trenton Davis Luwana Pettus Oglesby Michael Earl Patton Jim Luken Isaac Smith Jason Haap Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Bill Woods Homeless Coalition Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Bill Woods Bus Dr. Mark Mussman Gentrification Homeless Coalition Isaac Smith Jason Haap Jim Luken Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Luwana Pettus Oglesby Michael Earl Patton Students Trenton Davis Troops University of Cincinnati Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/8b69206eb00c6ddfb2393869a5423308.pdf cee429c8d2873a449d5d9f6b3a568921 PDF Text Text Underground Rappers Cecil Thomas serves Page 6 dinner, Page 13 Membership Drive Page 14 STREETVIBES $1 Jan. 1 - 15, 2010 • Advocating Justice, Building Community • Issue 168 May They Finally Rest in Peace Remembering homeless people who died in 2009 Albert Ollie John Graham By Paul KoPP Contributing Writer David “Peaches” Bryant James Arnold H “Gary” Ken McClure Derek Gibson Fanni Edwards Daniel Byrum Joseph Wright Ken Tucker George Cannon Scott Wheeler Eddie Seamon Matthew Harmeyer Bob Carle Jessie Frank Frank Roper Rodney Sosby Eric Smothers Eugene Burgess the unknown and the unnamed Photo by Aimie Willhoite. Dorris Dawson Anthony Wright... rate the individuals who lost their lives, those attending the ceremony were given a chance to say a few omelessness often car­ words about those who died. ries a stigma in main­ Rob Goeller, civil-rights out­ stream culture. It seems reach coordinator for the Homethat those who are homeless have less Coalition, compiled a list of lost their voice in society. Though the homeless or formerly homeless they suffer from people who died problems simi­ last year: lar to those who It seems that those who are Ken McClure: homeless have lost their judge them, they In addition to liv­ are ridiculed for voice in society. Though ing in the neigh­ their mistakes and they suffer from problems borhood, McClure viewed as a lesser similar to those who judge worked in main­ class. them, they are ridiculed for tenance for Over­ The differences their mistakes and viewed the-Rhine Combetween an avermunity Housing as a lesser class. age middle-class (OTRCH) for a person and a number of years. homeless person are sometimes He died of complications from few. It is sometimes a matter of cancer, with his family by his side. chance, luck, family history, un­ “He was a great guy,” says Amy foreseen health conditions, etc. Silver, a social worker for OTRCH. The element of choice and free “He was friendly, warm, reliable, will, things we can control, might laid back and patient. He was older seem to debase this argument but and he lived a really long life. He one must remember that one bad worked up right up until before he choice can carry massive repercus­ died.” sions. Many homeless lives end in Fanni Edwards came to Cincintragedy, tragedies that most never nati from Kentucky when she was know about. 17 and was “on her own and feisty The Greater Cincinnati Coali- ever since,” Silver says. tion for the Homeless held its anA long-time resident of Over­ nual observance Dec. 21 in Wash- the-Rhine Community Housing, ington Park for homeless people she was in her early 90s. When her who died in 2009. A fire inside a health failed, she moved to a nurs­ trash bin symbolized the struggle ing home. that homeless people go through “She was always fighting, always to keep themselves warm in the staying alive,” Silver says. “She cold winter months. Following a moment of silence to commemoSee Peace, p. 5 Metropole Tenants Gain Support But what went wrong at the ‘alternative’ newspaper? By GreGory Flannery editor L ow-income tenants who want to keep their homes in the Metropole Apartments downtown have support from an impressive array of progressive organizations. The Cincinnati Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People passed resolutions Dec. 17 supporting the Metropole Tenants Association and condemning the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), which has pur­ chased the building. 3CDC is forcing residents to move so it can turn the Metropole into a boutique hotel. The Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cin­ cinnati has written the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), supporting the tenant association’s complaint alleging See Metropole, p. 5 Robert Wavra from the Metropole Tenants Association. Tenants have been working to build community support to save their homes. NAACP pledged its support on Dec. 17, 2009. Photo by Clarissa Peppers. �2 Editorial By The Numbers 8th Cincinnati’s ranking in a list of most segregated urban areas in the United States (see page 1). 1943 StreetWise By GreGory Flannery editor Bad Words are a Matter of Perspective The parishioners at St. Mary Church in Hyde Park have been generous toward Streetvibes over the years. But we have apparently offended one of them, and now our vendors will pay the price. The parish last month sent a letter saying our vendor may no longer stand on the church steps with the pastor after Mass. Nor will the pastor urge parishioners to buy Streetvibes. the year that women successfully used non­ violence to save Jews from the Nazis (see page 2). This is because a single parishioner complained of “coarse language” in Streetvibes and “the political nature of the content,” saying he wouldn’t want his young children to read such material. 4,452 We love children. We hope there are always children and that each of them is happy, healthy and loved. But no, Streetvibes isn’t written for children. Homelessness, poverty, oppression, racism and war are beyond the ken of children. May it ever be so! We remain grateful to adults – Catholics, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Wiccans, atheists and ag­ nostics – who buy Streetvibes and support our homeless and formerly homeless vendors. If our language is sometimes coarse, that’s a reflection of the fact that life can be coarse. the number of people reached by the speakers bureau of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (see page 10). 25 the cost, in dollars, of a membership in Affordable Housing Advocates (see page 14). 350 the number of guests who enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner at Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (see page 13). 3 to 4 the servings, measured in “fairly hungry bellies,” created by a recipe for Chipotle Veggie Philly (see page 8). 3 the age at which a child named Precious first endured her father’s sexual abuse (see page 9). 29 the percentage of people tested by Stop AIDS who are infected by hepatitis C (see page 4). 08-4499 the file number of a case in which federal judges supported prisoners’ rights (see page 3). Language is inevitably political, reflecting the values of those who use it. Consider the article that Cliff Radel wrote about a Hamilton County assistant prosecutor in the Nov. 27 edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The story, which led that day’s edition, told of the tenac­ ity with which Anita Vizedom advocates on behalf of crime victims. Her zeal, Radel wrote, stems from the fact that Vizedom and her family experienced the trauma of violent crime when three of her relatives were stabbed to death. One cannot read the article without be­ ing moved by the tragic loss that Vizedom’s family endured or admiring her determination to protect others from experiencing the same suffering. But Radel’s tribute goes beyond empathy and admiration. His paean to the pursuit of justice perverts the meaning of the concept. Radel works himself into a lather, describing Vizedom “as she gets ready to question a piece of evil on the witness stand.” A piece of evil? Reporters have access to many words to describe someone who is on trial: “defendant,” “accused,” “suspect,” “prisoner.” Piece of evil? The presumption of innocence for a person charged with a crime is a hallmark of demo­ cratic governance, an essential principle that is too easily and too often laid aside as we struggle to deal with crime. The Enquirer’s blithe disregard for this principle is more than mere pandering to the crowd; it is patently anti-democratic. Whether the language is too coarse for children, persons more religious than we will have to decide. But we think “the political nature of the content” is coarse and offensive. Obama Should Look to Indianapolis The conservatives who blasted the choice of President Barrack Obama as recipient of the Nobel Peace prize were wrong – until he proved them right. Obama’s election gave hope that the people of the United States had rejected the Bush regime’s aggressive military poli­ cies. Then Obama shamed the prize by using his acceptance speech to defend escalation of the U.S. war on Afghanistan. The ill-begotten war, launched eight years ago against a country that had not attacked the United States, will grow still more bloody with Obama’s decision to send another 30,000 troops. Steve Sunderland, whose inspiring column returns to Streetvibes with this edition after a year’s absence, contrasts Obama’s embrace of aggres­ sive war with the non-violent message of earlier Nobel Peace Prize laureates, including Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. (see page 7.) Perhaps most unfortunate is Obama’s reference to the Nazi terror as proof that some­ times war is justified and violence is a moral act. Adolf Hitler is the quintessential historical example cited by people who insist that good people sometimes must take up arms. But what Obama and others ignore is the fact that non-violence, did, in fact stop the Nazis on the few occasions it was tried. In 1943, at the height of the Holocaust, the SS seized Ger­ man Jews who were married to non-Jewish German women in Berlin. The wives gathered outside the building and mounted a non-violent protest that grew for the course of a week, yelling, “Murderers!” at the SS and police. Hitler capitulated, ordering more than 1,700 im­ prisoned Jews released. He even ordered the release of 35 who were already in Auschwitz. The men survived to the end of the war. STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@ yahoo.com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes. wordpress.com Streetvibes Staff Editor Gregory Flannery Art Director Lynne Ausman Vendor Coordinator Jeni Jenkins Contributing Writers Lew Moores, Samantha Groark, Margo Pierce, Paul Kopp, Jeremy Flannery, Michael Henson, David Heitfield, Kelissa Hieber, Jeni Jenkins, Stephanie Dunlap, Saad Ghosn, Lynne Ausman, Steven Paul Lansky, Larry Gross, Eli Braun Photography/Artwork Aimie Willhoite, Lynne Ausman, Jeni Jenkins, Anthony Williams, Bill Haigh, Clarissa Peppers Proofreaders Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker Jeremy Flannery The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati through coordination of services, public education, grassroots advocacy and Streetvibes. We are members of: Non-violence works, and Obama need not have looked back 65 years for evidence. Con­ sider the case of Angela Montez, a clerk at a check-cashing business in Indianapolis who was confronted by an armed robber in late October last year. A security camera caught the crime on tape, and for a few days it captivated the nation. Terrified, Montez managed to reason with the robber, getting him to talk about his motivation. (Unemployed, broke, his family was facing eviction). She got him to lay down his gun and even to kneel with her in prayer. After half an hour in the presence of this gentle, clear-headed woman, the robber left the scene, leaving Montez unharmed and eventually surrendering to police. That is the kind of behavior that the Nobel Peace Prize was meant to honor. �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 8 Column 3 M I N U T E S in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals A law student argues in federal court – and wins By MarGo Pierce Contributing Writer T he question addressed: To what extent must the Ohio Depart­ ment of Rehabilitation and Cor­ rections (ODRC) protect inmates from each other? The partial answer: Already established is the fact that a “These people are credible death threat requires prison officials to take steps human beings. to protect an inmate who is at There’s no court in the United States or risk. But a new ruling clarifies Ohio that, because the threshold for what defines someone is put into a credible threat and reduces the “gray area” for making a de­ prison, says we throw away the key cision. The significance of the rul­ and whatever they ing: “It doesn’t stand for some do to each other novel change in the law, but is fine. It doesn’t’ mean that they are it does push the envelope of deliberate indifference,” says animals. It doesn’t mean that they don’t Brett Renzenbrink, a law stu­ dent who on Aug. 6, 2009, suc­ deserve the same protection under the cessfully argued case number 08-4499 before the U.S. Sixth law that the rest of Circuit of Appeals. us would expect.” After George Hamilton re­ - Brett Renzenbrink ceived a death threat in 2004 and requested protective cus­ tody (keeping an inmate out of the gen­ eral population), an ODRC employee named Jack Bendolph made the deci­ sion to transfer him to the Warren Cor­ rectional Institute and put him in the general population. As an inmate there, he was beaten so severely by a group of inmates who belonged to the Aryan Brotherhood that he almost died. Ac­ cording to some accounts, he flat-lined before reaching the hospital. “The right at issue here is the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, which among other things requires prison officials to ‘take reasonable measures to guarantee the safety of the inmates,’ ” the Sixth Circuit ruled. “Bendolph testified he knew that the Aryan Brotherhood exists throughout the Ohio prison system and that their ‘hits’ could follow a prisoner from one prison to another. A jury could certainly find, therefore, that Bendolph was aware of facts from which he could have inferred that Hamilton faced a In addition to helping prisoners defend their rights, Ohio Justice and Policy Center offers the Second Chance Clinic, helping hundreds of first-time, non-violent offenders expunge old criminal records so they can move on with their lives. A weekly clinic meets in Over-the-Rhine, three monthly clinics are in other neighborhoods and clinics also meet at colleges, businesses, churches and community events. If you or someone you know needs help with a legal matter, contact the Ohio Justice and Policy Center at 513-421-1108. substantial risk of serious harm.” The court ruled that, by ignoring the fact of Ham­ ilton’s situation, Bendolph acted with deliberate in­ difference, resulting in the beating that left him with mental-health problems, irreparable damage to his sight and hearing and loss of the ability to taste. While it’s true that some­ one who commits a crime forfeits some rights when s/ he goes to prison, there are other basic human rights that aren’t suspended. For a system of justice to work, these fundamental rights must be protected, and that’s why Renzenbrink is proud of his involvement with Hamilton’s case. “It’s about taking care of and preserving the system of justice as it was designed to be. … In the end, that’s what I feel should be pro­ tected – what the system was built on,” Renzenbrink says. “I think the system should work the way it was theoretically designed; and when it messes up, there should be consequences. “These people are human beings. There’s no court in the United States or Ohio that, because someone is Brett Renzenbrink. Photo by Aimie Willhoite. put into prison, says we throw away the key and whatever they confined to his home as a result of postdo to each other is fine. But that also traumatic stress disorder – he can’t be in doesn’t mean that people who have been a public place “without thinking some­ convicted of any offense – from a petty one is going to attack him” – and some theft, a DUI to a sex offense or murder form of restitution will serve as a recog­ – doesn’t’ mean that they are animals. It nition that that prison system messed doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the up. same protection under the law that the “I don’t think for a minute that giv­ rest of us would expect.” ing him money is going to change what A senior in the Salmon P. Chase Col­ he has become,” Renzenbrink says. “He lege of Law at Northern Kentucky Uni­ wants to make sure that, if anything versity, Renzenbrink was a member of happens to him, that his grandkids are the Constitutional Law Clinic with the taken care of.” Ohio Justice and Policy Center (www. As for Renzenbrink, the months of ojpc.org) when he argued Hamilton’s preparation, arguing before the court case in front of the Sixth Circuit Court. and the outcomes will have a lasting im­ He has also served as co-counsel with pact on his future career. the Commonwealth Attorney's Office “I do feel like it was something that’s in Kenton County and assisted with two important, and it’s something that’s go­ felony convictions. ing to serve as a catalyst for the rest of “When it comes to the criminal jus­ what I do in my career,” he says. tice system … it shouldn’t be treated as “I have no problem with certain pris­ though it’s a high-school rivalry,” Ren­ on officials/positions having discretion zenbrink says. “The only way to have any – that is important. At some point you sort of progress in these systems – and have to have humans there to make a this is the way it was originally designed human call about these decisions, espe­ – is a sense of compromise, both ideally cially in the case now in the Ohio prison and practically.” system, where prisons are 150 to 200 Denied a review of the ruling by the percent overcrowded. Those decisions entire Sixth Circuit Court, the Ohio At­ become a lot more difficult. But when torney General’s office is now in the it comes to a point where you have a midst of negotiating a settlement with death threat … I think that changes the Hamilton. Renzenbrink says Hamilton is game.” Many people work hard to make a difference for the less privileged in the Queen City. “Eight Minutes” is an opportunity to learn who those people are and what motivates them to be a positive influence. �4 STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Local News Prickly Issue: Needle Exchange Health agency tries to gauge possible benefits By JereMy Flannery Contributing Writer S top AIDS of Cincinnati is seeking information about whether the community would benefit from a syringe-exchange pro­ gram to prevent the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C. Contaminated syringes account for about 36 percent of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the United States, accord­ ing to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Stop AIDS says about 70 to 90 percent of injection-drug users are infected with hepatitis C. Formerly known as AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati, Stop AIDS is working to prevent the spread of these diseases while offering medical services to people already infected. Amy McMahon, the agency’s CEO, says Stop AIDS provides free testing for HIV and hepatitis C. Clients have the option of anonymous or confidential testing. For people who test positive, case managers coordinate education, counseling and medical services. Housing assistance is also provided to eligible clients. Stop AIDS currently assists about 1,000 clients with case management, McMahon says. All of their services are provided free of charge. From 2006 to 2008, about 29 percent of people tested by Stop AIDS were infected with the hepatitis C virus, according to Adam Reilly, a Stop AIDS educator. An estimated 200,000 Ohioans statewide are in­ fected. A needle exchange program might improve public health, according to Adam Would a needle-exchange program stop the spread of the disease? Reilly and Amy McMahon of Stop AIDS. Photos by Aimie Willhoite. “We’re just trying to get a handle on the local situation to see how effective it would be,” McMahon says. “It’s a politically charged issue be­ such as disinfectant sprays, he says. Reilly wants to educate users that cause people will argue you’re enabling drug use. I understand this argu­ bleach is the effective way to clean syringes before use and that a sharps ment, but I don’t agree with it. It’s not a drug issue as much as a public- container is the safest way to dispose of used syringes. But many partici­ safety issue. You don’t want kids finding these syringes or people in public pants within the focus groups laughed at the suggestion of using sharps picking them up and using them.” containers, he says. Current and former injection-drug users are completing surveys for “They recognize that that’s the best way to go with it, but they just don’t Stop AIDS to offer information about how they obtain, clean and discard see that option available in the public area,” Reilly says. their syringes, Reilly says. Sixty surveys have been completed, and the Stop AIDS employs 26 full-time and one part-time staff and has about agency hopes to get 20 to 30 more, he says. 400 volunteers, McMahon says. The total hours donated by over 200 ac­ Health professionals, police officers and injection drug users are par­ tive volunteers was equivalent to 13 full-time staff positions last year, she ticipating in focus groups hosted by Stop AIDS to provide information says. and discussion about the issue, McMahon says. Thirty focus groups have Congress passed an appropriations bill in December that includes a met, and Stop AIDS aims to conduct 20 more. Reilly estimates it will take provision ending the ban against federal funds being used for needletwo more months to obtain the rest of the surveys and host the other exchange programs. The provision allows state and local governments to focus groups. decide if federal funds can be used for such programs. “When you get regular participation In Ohio, State Rep. Tyrone Yates (D-Cin­ from police officers and medical profes­ cinnati) last year introduced House Bill 274. sionals – and these are beat cops who have If the bill becomes law, it will “provide an a great idea of what’s going on in the area – affirmative defense to certain offenses in­ then we really get an idea of the local situ­ volving a hypodermic or syringe that the ation and a better collaboration and coor­ person is 18 years of age or older and pos­ dination of services,” McMahon says. sesses or otherwise obtains the hypodermic The organization will make the data or syringe for the purpose of having a clean available to the public once the collection needle to avoid HIV exposure and to per­ and analysis is completed, Reilly says. mit an authorized person to sell or furnish “Instead of just showing up and talk­ a hypodermic without a prescription to a ing, most of them have been eager to look person who is 18 years of age or older who up drug courts’ and probation courts’ re­ wishes to obtain it for that purpose.” cords to provide statistics with their own The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleve­ encounters,” Reilly says. land currently is the only clinic in Ohio that The majority of injection-drug users provides a syringe-exchange program. who participated in the focus groups said For more information about Stop AIDS’ they found syringes in public places, ac­ services or volunteer options, call 513-421­ cording to Reilly. Users often clean the sy­ 2437 or visit www.stopaidscincinnati.org. ringes with water or household chemicals Do you remember the magic of your First Book? Please consider giving the gift of reading to a low-income child in Cincinnati this holiday season. Established in 2001, First Book - Greater Cincinnati has already granted more than 45,000 books and over $60,000 to local nonprofit literacy programs serving thousands of low-income children in Greater Cincinnati. Make checks payable to “First Book - Greater Cincinnati” I Want to Bring the Magic of Books to Children Who Need Them! Please use my tax-deductible contribution to purchase books and distribute them to children who need them most. $20 (10 books) Please return your contribution to: First Book Greater Cincinnati 572 Northland Blvd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45240 Name: Address: E-mail: $40 (20 books) $80 (40 books) $100 (50 books) Other $ _______ �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Local News May They Finally Rest in Peace continued FroM PaGe 1 Friends and family gather around a barrel in Washington Park to remember homeless and formerly homeless individuals who passed away in 2009. A candle for each person was lit in their honor and memory. Photo by Aimie Willhoite. was on a liquid diet before she pasted away. She tried to sneak a solid meal; and when she was caught, she cussed out the nurses. She died later that day.” Derek Gibson, who was in his 50s, died of congestive heart failure. “He was getting back on his feet,” Silver says. “He helped his sister out at her hair salon. He was really close with his family. He was housed with us before he passed away. We were happy about that. He didn’t die homeless.” Frank Roper was taken off life support by his family af­ ter suffering a major heart at­ tack. He was in his 50s. “Frank was a good guy,” says Valerie Dowell, an advocate with the Health Care for the Homeless program. “He was a real mild-mannered person. I saw him maybe a week before he died. I had known him in the past. He went to the Drop Inn Center drug and alcohol program. He just couldn’t get it together. About a week be­ fore he passed, I saw him sit­ ting outside. I talked to him and let him know he didn’t have to do this. I told him if he ever needed any help, he could call me.” Rodney Sosby, who was in his 40s, died from an over­ dose of pain medication while staying at the Drop Inn Center. Dowell says he spoke often about his family and how he wanted to get himself together. “He complained about his knees and his legs hurting a lot,” Dowell says. “The day before he took the pills, I was talking to him about trying to get housing. It kind of shook me when I heard he died, be­ cause we had just been talk­ ing the day before.” Eric Smothers, who was in his 30s, died when medica­ tion prescribed for an infec­ tion sent him into cardiac arrest. He was a longtime res­ ident of the Drop Inn Center. “He had a beautiful spirit,” Dowell says. “His death took me for a loop also. It was really hard to get him into housing. When he got into housing, he showed me his keys.” Eugene Burgess, who was in his 50s, was a longtime resident of Over-the-Rhine who had a long criminal his­ tory with drugs and alcohol. He suffered from leg ulcers; and because of his drug use, he didn’t take care of himself. He had stayed at the Drop Inn Center and Respite Care Cen­ ter until Dowell helped him find permanent housing. “He had been in housing 5 for six months,” she says. “I gave him a referral for a guy who rents rooms, and that’s where he was living.” Anthony Wright, a long­ time resident of Over-theRhine, died from a heart at­ tack while incarcerated for drug charges. He had high blood pressure and a long history of drug abuse. “He went to the peniten­ tiary, and two days before he was supposed to be released, he had a heart attack and passed away,” Dowell says. Joseph Wright, who was in his late 50s, died after a long bout with cancer. A Navy vet­ eran, he worked to become sober at Joseph House, which serves homeless veterans, according to Calvin Wooten, associate director and treat­ ment coordinator for the agency. Ken Tucker was also a vic­ tim of cancer. An Air Force veteran, he worked with Jo­ seph House to overcome his addictions before his death. Others who passed away in 2009 include James Arnold, David “Peaches” Bryant, Bob Carle, Dorris Dawson, Jessie Frank, John Graham, Mat­ thew Harmeyer, Albert Ol­ lie, Eddie Seamon and Scott Wheeler. Metropole Tenants Gain Support continued FroM PaGe 1 Perhaps most disappointing was the uncritical way that the article repeats 3CDC’s characterization of the role played by the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless, which publishes Streetvibes. “The corporation believes the relocation actu­ ally will leave tenants with better homes and that the Homeless Coalition is intentionally stoking fear among tenants in an effort to generate controver­ sy,” CityBeat reported. Lay aside, if you will, the paper’s failure to ques­ tion the premise that opposing the loss of low-in­ come housing is motivated by a desire to “generate controversy.” housing discrimination by 3CDC. A statement by the religious group says the forced displacement of the residents is immoral: “It is morally wrong to forcibly move a people from their homes for capital gain.” Support for the HUD complaint also comes from Affordable Housing Advocates. Elizabeth Brown, president of the organization, wrote HUD, saying 3CDC’s plan will adversely affect racial integration in Cincinnati. “Removal of these residents from the neighbor­ hood clearly does not ‘affirmative­ ly further fair housing,’ ” Brown wrote. “Rather, it furthers the de­ struction of an integrated com­ munity and creation of another racially segregated neighborhood in the Cincinnati area, the eighth most segregated urban area in the United States.” Progressives who back the ten­ ants were, however, surprised by a Dec. 9 report on the issue in a once reliably progressive newspaper, CityBeat. The article’s language casts the controversy in terms that are sometimes deceptive and that at other times seem calculated to make the case for 3CDC. The subhead for the article, for example, says, “Metropole’s con­ version sparks tenant relocation,” as if the tenants have a choice in the matter. A more accurate, if un­ intended, description comes from the article’s quotation of 3CDC President Stephen Leeper: “We lit­ erally drive people to other build­ The Metropole Apartments are located on Walnut Street. ings,” he told CityBeat. Photo by Clarissa Peppers. The article’s major failing is in CityBeat’s own in­ stitutional memory. Reporting 3CDC’s claim that eviction will leave Metropole tenants “with better homes,” the paper seems ignorant of its own re­ porting on previous 3CDC promises. In 2006 CityBeat recounted the corporation’s takeover of a low-income boarding house on Race Street in Over-the-Rhine, quoting a 3CDC official saying, “We worked with the landlord to find alter­ native housing for residents.” That assertion evoked a quick rejoinder from a pastor who said 3CDC’s as­ sistance wasn’t worth much and led, as CityBeat re­ ported, to at least one resident having to take shel­ ter at the Drop Inn Center. Back issues of CityBeat aren’t the only documents worthy of ref­ erence as Metropole tenants fight to save their homes. Rob Goeller, civil-rights outreach coordinator for the Homeless Coalition, points to 3CDC’s own articles of organiza­ tion as a non-profit corporation. The documents say 3CDC is committed “to combat commu­ nity deterioration, provide relief to the poor and distressed (and) eliminate discrimination and prej­ udice.” Whether the corporation’s take­ over of the Metropole qualifies as providing “relief to the poor” is now a matter that HUD will have to adjudicate. Meanwhile filmmaker Barbara Wolf has given tenants the oppor­ tunity to have their own say in The Metropole is Our Home. The film can be viewed at http://www.vi­ meo.com/8127941. �6 Music STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 New Voices of the Voiceless Underground rappers restore empathy and originality in Hip Hop By ariana Shahandeh Contributing Writer F ifteen years ago a man wrote a song using a woman he loved as a metaphor for something else that broke his heart. The woman was soulful and independent. Her creativ­ ity was penetrating. The man wrote that he met her when he was 10 years old and he anticipated her always being there for him in the future. They grew up together on the East Coast. He shared his lyr­ ics with her and they connected over a mutual appreciation for authenticity “If you keep feeding people and music. Then she moved to Los Angeles. She the same meal over and over got into show business. She changed again, eventually they’re gonna want something else. her clothes, her friends, her purity. And I think we’re at the point Drugs and sadness consumed her. The songwriter was rapper Common. And in Hip Hop where people at the end of the song, he exposes who want something else.” she really is: "Who I'm talking ‘bout y'all - Jasiri X is Hip Hop." Common's song, "I Used to Love H.E.R (Hip hop in its Essence is Real)," was about his experience with disillusionment. He watched something he loved and respected be­ come something ugly. But he stayed in the game as a Hip Hop art­ ist, similar to how someone might stay in an unhealthy relationship, hoping for change. He used a woman as a metaphor for the industry to illustrate the pain of watching love change. He loved Hip Hop. It was hijacked by influences outside himself, and the original charac­ ter was lost. It has become a timeless parallel. ‘It’s just shocking’ Jasiri X (right) gives an interview about homelessness in Pittsburgh. Today the metaphor is remixed by an emerging Hip Hop artist from evant to many people because it defined moments and attitudes of strug­ Brooklyn NY, Radiant Amar, with a short lyrical video series he collec­ gle, discontent and hope for something better. But what was thought to tively titles, “I Still Love H.E.R.” It's Amar's way of re-inspiring hope in the be empathy was actually just sincerity. He was rapping about his own music we once called the voice of the voiceless. experiences; they just happen to be familiar with many others’. Now that “I still love Hip Hop in its original form,” he says. “I’m just trying to his experiences have narrowed, so has his pool of inspiration. What start­ revolutionize it and take it to a different place.” ed out as a strength for Jay Z is now his greatest lacking. In his full song, “Piece of the Pie,” Amar writes, An artist attempting to give voice to those who can’t “I could write a verse about the cars and clothes, speak for themselves must be able to form a connec­ the bank rolls and hoes/How every night the weed “A friend of mine sister’s boyfriend tion to them. Coming from a background of violence smoke's flowing out of my nose/Platinum plaques shot his mother over some kind and struggle, Radiant Amar attempts to reach out and coming out of these flows.” In an industry where of dispute. And if there weren’t affect his audience’s experiences, playing for charity these topics rule the airwaves, Amar follows with a guns all throughout the street, that fundraisers and organizing community programs. more authentic admission: “When in reality I hardly In collaboration with his brother and mainstream wouldn’t have happened.” get shows/I'm not hard to provoke/'Cause where I’m rapper TI’s KINGS organization, Amar designed a - Radiant Amar from you might get scarred or get choked/Or both, “Turn in Your Gun Day” at Texas Southern University. by street entrepreneurs that's out for C-notes.../Hope Anyone could come and turn in any guns, registered that you’re a friend and not a foe when I’m hungry/But it’s funny ’cause or unregistered, without legal repercussions. even friends are foes when it comes down to money.” “A friend of mine sister’s boyfriend shot his mother over some kind While Amar addresses the ugliness surrounding money in his environ­ of dispute.” Amar says. “And if there weren’t guns all throughout the ment, most mainstream material paints a different picture. street, that wouldn’t have happened. So we decided something had to be “Ninety percent of what’s on the radio is indifference,” says under­ done.” ground rapper Jasiri X. “Think about all the songs that are still being With an upcoming campaign to get their music played on local sta­ played (about) how much jewelry and how much ice and how much tions across the country, and consistently positive support on Youtube, money is being thrown in the air – and we’re in one of the worst economic Amar’s and Jasiri’s success, despite not having support of a major label, recessions.” demonstrates the level of support in Hip Hop audiences for a more com­ Jasiri X further comments on the disconnect between mainstream art­ plete genre. ists and their audiences in his song, “Silent Night,” in which he draws “If you keep feeding people the same meal over and over again, even­ attention to the lack of social commentary on many mainstream rap al­ tually they’re gonna want something else,” Jasiri says. “And I think we’re bums: “I ain't talkin TI's wife or Keisha Cole's Mama/I'm talkin none of at the point in Hip Hop where people want something else. That’s why us voting one year after Obama/I ain't talkin bout Chris Brown and how you see artists like Lil Wayne coming out with rock, and Kid Cudi making he put his fist down/I'm talkin bout tea parties that lie about big crowds/ some fusion (music). They’re just trying to be different than the same old All these media distractions have a crushing effect/A burning house al­ “Shake ya booty, we’re going to drink a whole bunch of champagne.” ways takes out the ones who slept.” Radiant Amar and Jasiri X both rap about their experiences, but that is When asked if he thought such commentary was an obligation, Jasiri not where their expression stops. In Jay Z’s 15-track album, Blueprint 3, said, “At a time when there is so much upheaval in the world politically the words “I” (including contractions) and “me” appear approximately – the economy, so many people are suffering – it’s just shocking that you 450 times. Another mainstream rapper, Drake, used those words nearly can come out with an album and not (comment).” 375 times on his seven-track mix tape, So Far Gone. Artists like Amar and Jasiri have written complete songs using those words only a handful of Getting H.E.R. back times, if at all. Beyond sincerity, a Hip Hop artist needs to be above self-centeredness. Jay Z, a popular mainstream rap/hip hop artist, has been most criti­ Empathy is a resource artists can utilize forever. There will always be ma­ cized for the lack of social commentary on his latest album, Blueprint terial if you are capable of being inspired by others’ experiences – if you 3. Now that he is among the most successful musical entertainers in the are capable of feeling their pain, hoping with them, loving with them, world, what will he write about that people can relate to? Jay Z dug a cre­ crying with them, being too prideful for their own good with them, be­ ative hole for himself by limiting his material to one source: his experi­ ing insecure with them, omitting the truth with them, finding God with ences. them, losing God with them. When Hip Hop becomes less of an “I and When he was first rising from a life of drug dealing, his music was rel­ Me” – and more of an us, we and you – genre, we may have H.E.R back. If you like what you read, but don’t live in the Cincinnati area, you can subscribe to Streetvibes. Call us at 513-421-7803 x 12 to learn more about subscribing to Streetvibes. �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Guest Column 7 Obama Wrong about Non-violence His thesis is dangerous and misinformed By Steve Sunderland Contributing Writer A s a peace educator, I look at the pres­ ident's recent speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize with sadness. I had wanted the president to add his “teach­ ings” to history's heroes of peace – Gandhi, Mandela and King – and celebrate their deep wisdom about promoting peace precisely at a time when violence and terrorism were gain­ ing favor. I had wanted to read and hear the president acknowledge that the fable of vio­ lence has to be understood and rejected. The fable goes something like this: Violence is the reality of the world and must be met with violence or otherwise the evil forces of the world will see weakness and make more violence. The logic of the fable is that stra­ tegic violence can prevent both limited and broad-scale violence by showing the makers Former South African President Nelson Mandela. REUTERS/David Gray. of violence that their actions will never be tol­ erated. Gandhi and Mandela that non-violence can What is so wrong about these examples is I wanted President Obama to reject this be achieved as a part of governance, and he that people might use Obama's statements to fable as having little sway as his guiding prin­ has learned from King that non-violence is a skip over the complicated history of the role ciples, just as it had no philosophical or politi­ productive seed for the future. of resistance and non-violence in fighting cal weight for Gandhi, Mandela and King. The Tragedy, because so many people have Hitler and Al Qaeda. Moreover, it ignores the violence of the soldier, being a killer and being bought into the fable of violence as the answer history of successful civil rights movement killed, as acts of service were no long tolerable and justify the destruction of people by many against terrorism in America and Mandela’s as the central way of governing, I had longed violent means. The United States is fighting repudiation of violence in successfully chang­ to hear him say. I wanted the president to turn two wars within the confines of the fable. It ing the brutal South African government. the rationale for violence on is tragic that “reality” is only Non-violent methods, while usually not as its head and instead make represented as empowering dramatic as bombs and gunfire, have had and clear that a new day in diplo­ The president must know the violent tendencies in in­ are having a steady positive effect on all forms macy will be tried, that a hier­ of coercion. that every tyrant has used dividuals and countries. archy of peaceful efforts will Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize To speak at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony the language of justice to be made, and that violence acceptance speech, instead of of the limited effectiveness of non-violence in justify acts of brutality, and lethal sacrifice would be being a brief for peace, is an recent history continues a mind-set of exclud­ used only as a last straw, only eloquent defense of violence. ing non-violent approaches as a basis for real in defense and only with great caution. It is wrong. Violence, dressed up as “just war,” politics or an effective response to conflict The 21st century, I hoped he would say, is a way of justifying actions that cannot be and turns advocates of non-violence into na­ cannot go any further along the path of filling acceptable to those of us who are committed ive and romantic people. The belief that “real” governments and leaders cannot dare use cemeteries with “enemies” and “heroes” and to peace. I say, “dressed up,” because con­ structive peace, peace with justice and digni­ non-violence if their attempts at policy and expect that these results will stop violence. I listened for him to say this is a new day ty, cannot rest on violence, either threatened personal conflict reduction are to be taken se­ riously is a dangerous rewriting of history. of hope and tragedy. Hope because nations, or actual. Sadly, Obama has mistakenly chosen to use The president must know that every tyrant communities and individuals believe that we the heroes of peace – Gandhi, King and Man­ has used the language of justice to justify acts can resolve conflicts with compassion, dis­ dela – as people different from him, people of brutality, whether the “justice” arises from a cussion, compromise, innovation and recon­ ciliation; and the United States will be going who were not heads of governments that had phony reading of a law or the “justice” springs down this path, opening discussions, crossing obligations to protect their lands. Even more from a manipulated religious principle or the borders with respect, discussing taboo areas tragically, Obama has used the examples of promotion of a bogus sense of national char­ acter. of history and meaning and working even Hitler and Al Qaeda as case studies in the in­ The reality is that non-violence is both a harder for justice through non-violence. As a ability of non-violence to stop state violence tough-minded concept and a tough behavior leader of a major nation, he has learned from and local terrorism. to live in policy and personal life. Choosing to have checks and balances, or deciding to al­ low all voices in major decisions, including dissenting ones, or resisting arbitrary uses of religious and secular laws, or encouraging participation by previously held-back groups, or making room for different standards and people in places and experiences, or seeking counseling for temptations to violence, or al­ lowing alternative ways of solving conflict to flourish, are all actions that require a muscu­ lar approach to human relations. Resisting violence in word and deed forc­ es the compassionate person to look deeply into how shallow or profound are his own concepts. The greatness of Gandhi, King and Mandela was in their capacity to look at vio­ lence and reject it in any form even if it meant jail, brutality and torture. Their reality was, unlike President Obama, created in a lifetime of struggling with acts of personal and po­ litical violence. The threats of brutality were realized as oppressive governments and in­ dividuals seized on their tenacious hold on non-violence. This history of courage, wis­ dom and love has yet to be fully shared with our culture in ways that change the weight of The grave of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. REUTERS/Tami Chappell. compassion to the greater strength. �8 Recipe Veggie Philly Steak “Feed Me, Seymour, Feed Me All Night Long” STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Chipotle Veggie Philly Brian’s Specialty Chipotle Mayo • 1 up mayo (or vegenaise) • 3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (available in ethnic-food section of grocery store) • In a food processor, combine mayo and chilies, and blend until smooth. It’s OK to have a few chunks of chilies. • Cover and refrigerate. Sandwich • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large white onion, sliced into rings • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1-2 Anaheim chilies, cut into ¼-inch strips • 1-2 red sweet peppers, cut into ¼-inch strips • (Mix and match different kinds of peppers of your choosing) • 1 package baby bella mushrooms, sliced, with stems removed • 3-4 whole wheat hoagie rolls (or your preferred vegan bread) • 8 oz. Provolone cheese (or no cheese for vegans) • Salt and pepper to taste Photo by Jeni Jenkins. By Jeni JenKinS Staff Writer T his quotation is from the 1986 film, Little Shop of Horrors, in which a plant-keeper must meet the demands of a ravenous plant that feeds on humans. Instead of plants that feed on people, this col­ umn is for people who feed on plants! I love food. I especially en­ joy sampling and preparing new and exotic veggie cui­ sine from all over the world. Since converting to vegetari­ anism three years ago I’ve struggled preparing certain recipes from my own meat­ and-potatoes background, so I have taken up re-creat­ ing traditional dishes that call for meat and re-invent­ ing them with a vegetarian twist. I hope you enjoy them as much as I. Before I became a vegetar­ ian I used to love to go to one particular street vendor who served up one of the best tasting Philly cheese-steak sandwiches on the curb in my hometown. Here is my veggie twist on this tantaliz­ ing fave. Serving size: Completely dependent on the number of bellies or the size of the bel­ lies, but I would say 3-4 fairly hungry bellies. (Created with the help of my good friend, Brian For­ sythe). Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in skillet or wok over medium low heat. Sauté veggies, adding them to the pan in this order: 1. Onions and garlic, 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent 2. Add peppers, cook approximately 1 min 30 seconds 3. Turn the heat up slightly to medium-high, add the mushrooms and sauté until golden brown. Remove from heat. Lightly coat the back of each hoagie with the left-over olive oil, using a basting brush Bake the hoagies on a baking pan, oil side up, at 350 for 3-5 minutes. Remove from oven, flip and place face-up on baking pan. Divide the sautéed veggie mixture onto the hoagies. Top with cheese. Heat sandwiches until cheese is melted or slightly browned. Remove from oven and spread each roll with chipotle mayo. Feed! Artwork by Anthony Williams Alone by david graham I am a broken bridge between generations past, and those yet unsung. I am a mountain of old ideals, standing above a valley of budding dreams. I am a blind bird in flight, seeking familiar voices to guide me home. I am alone. I am a visionary within vision, shaking my fist at an unshakeable God. I am a boy at heart, trying to make sense of a crumbling world. I am society’s hope, of living carefree in a wilderness of peace. I am alone. I am yesterday and today, the future, an untraveled path. I am a faulty compass, mapping out uncharted desire. I am old and young, newly born, and dying of a broken heart. I am alone. ! ? t ha W y Sa ___________________ “One’s struggle against oppression is meaningless ... unless it is connected to the oppression of others.” -- Alice Walker, Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart: A Novel �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Film Review Not a ‘Precious’ Happy Ending “Sometimes I wish I was not alive. But I don’t know how to die. Ain’ no plug to pull out. ‘N no matter how bad I feel my heart don’t stop beating and my eyes open in the morning.” ~ Precious in Push by Sapphire. By lynne auSMan Staff Writer P recious is based on Sapphire’s book Push. At 16, Claireece Precious Jones (played by Gabby Sidibe) has sur­ vived hardships most of us luckily will never have to experience. Precious is physically abused by her mother, raped by her father and tormented at school. She is illiterate, poor and without support. It seems that the odds are stacked against her – and they are, but Precious still carries on. Set in 1987 Harlem, Precious is surrounded by poverty, drug dealers, addicts and hopelessness. Mo’Nique breaks from her usual comedic roles and gives an astounding performance as Mary, the abusive and demanding mother with the right amount love masked by jeal­ ously and anger. Precious has one child and is pregnant with a second by her own father. Mary knows but does not stop the abuse. In one clip, we see her father descending on Precious as her mother peeks in the room while walking down the hall. Precious, 16, is in junior high school. Be­ cause of this and her size, the other students torment her. When Precious is called to the counselor’s office, she is asked to talk about her home life and pregnancy. When she refus­ es to talk, she is discharged from the school. Regardless of Precious’s dislike of the school counselor, the counselor proves to be the first of several advocates on her side. She tells Pre­ cious about an alternative school, Each One Teach One, which can help Precious prepare cious has the opportunity to continue attendfor and earn a GED. ing school to earn her GED, care for her child Throughout the movie, Precious is asked to and build her own life. She begins to heal and speak about the incest she endures, her home move on with her life through the support of life and her mother’s abuse of the social-wel- her new friends and counselors. fare system. Each time Precious flashes into Just when things seem to be improving for an alternate reality, where she is an entertain- Precious, Mary visits to tell her that her fament star with a seemingly perfect life. She ther has died. Precious takes the news with has an attractive “light-skinned” boyfriend, the same blank stare that has been her hallfashionable clothes and is the center of at- mark throughout the movie. It wasn’t until tention for a mass of adoring fans and pho- her mother gave her the news that her father tographers. had AIDS that Precious reacts with some At Each One Teach One, Precious finds emotion. She is in obvious disbelief yet still friendship, support, compassion and Ms. stoic and tells her mother to get tested. She Rain (played by Pauspeaks nothing of her la Patton). Although own status, but her the role is somewhat In an amazing display of strength and knowledge of her fupreachy and melo- perseverance, Precious silently stands ture clearly shows on dramatic, Ms. Rain her face. She is terriup and leaves the room, leaves her becomes more than fied, angry, shocked. mother with a counselor who says Precious’s teacher. She But she maintains nothing and just stares in disbelief. encourages Precious to Mary continues to try to explain, justify, her stoicism until her write in a journal daily mother leaves and she babble but it all falls on deaf ears. and responds with adis back in Ms. Rain’s Precious is long gone, moving on. vice and guidance. The classroom. journal serves as PrePrecious stares at cious’s sounding board but also allows her to “Why me?” written on the top of her page. In develop her reading and writing skills. a spontaneous confession, she reveals that Soon after starting at Each One Teach One, she is HIV-positive. After watching Precious Precious goes into labor and has a healthy endure and move past the physical and sexbaby boy. She stays in the hospital for a few ual abuse that has identified her, if the viewer days and then returns to her mother’s home. has any amount of hope left, it is all dashed Upon her arrival, Mary beats Precious so se- away in this moment. I struggled to fight off verely that she flees and becomes homeless. the tears. Not tears of pity or sympathy, but Ms. Rain spends the entire next day on the tears of hopelessness, despair, defeat. phone looking for a place for Precious. She I had read Push several weeks prior to seefinds a bed at a halfway house, where Pre- ing Precious. I was aware what was about to happen, aware that the audience was still to hear Mary’s horrifying confession and attempt at justifying the abuse. Confession that Precious’s father began abusing her when she was just 3 years old. Confession that she was jealous of and angry with Precious because he seemed to desire Precious more than Mary. That Mary blamed Precious for her ter­ rible life. In an amazing display of strength and per­ severance, Precious silently stands up and leaves the room, leaves her mother with a counselor who says nothing and just stares in disbelief. Mary continues to try to explain, justify, babble but it all falls on deaf ears. Pre­ cious is long gone, moving on. We all know that the trials of Precious’s life are far from over. At the end, she is still in pre­ GED prep classes at Each One Teach One, still living in the halfway house, still a 17-year-old mother of two, still HIV-positive. The message of Precious is not overcoming the past; it is building the future despite the past. In an odd way, it’s refreshing to see a movie in which the main character doesn’t achieve some loosely plausible success. We all know that people can overcome insurmountable hurdles and find housing, success, new lives. But the reality is that it doesn’t happen very often. Not every person on the street is a Chris Gardener (In Pursuit of Happyness) or a Liz Murray (Homeless to Harvard). It’s the seemingly small successes that we must cel­ ebrate – that someone enrolled in a GED program, that someone developed the strength to leave a bad situation, that someone has entered transitional housing. 9 �10 STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Local News Homeless Coalition Marks 25 Years Annual dinner looks back, then forward By GreGory Flannery editor L iz Carter used to think she knew why some people in Cincinnati are homeless or hungry. As the keynote speaker at the annual dinner of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, held Dec. 17 at the Cintas Center at Xavier Uni­ versity, she explained what she thought she knew. “I’ll give you a confession,” Carter said. “Ten years ago I was one of those people who thought that, in Cincinnati, if you’re not making it, it’s prob­ ably because you’re not trying hard enough.” Then she went on a visit with a social worker from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the agency she now serves as executive director. Carter and the social work­ er waited as their beneficiary, an elderly woman, traipsed down three flights of stairs, then led them up to her tworoom apartment. One room contained only a mattress, Carter said. In the other room were a couch, a coffee table, a sink and a cabinet – but no refrigerator. The woman needed help to pay for her utilities. Asked if she also needed food, the woman said no, and showed them her stock of supplies: three cans of applesauce. “I came away a different person,” Carter said. “My heart was touched, and my life was changed by her. And I didn’t ever again think that, if a person is struggling, it’s their fault.” The theme of the Homeless Coalition’s annual dinner was “25 Years: Fighting for Today, Building Our Tomorrow.” The theme captured the sense of celebration and consterna­ tion that marks the coalition’s continued existence, accord­ ing to Josh Spring, its execu­ tive director. “Our founders, some of whom are in this room, did not expect we would need to be a homeless coalition 25 years later,” he said. “They though the establishment of such a coalition would actu­ ally ensure the end of home­ lessness and that therefore we would be temporary. … We are still fighting the same battles we have been fight­ ing for 25 years. We just keep struggling.” Spring enumerated the struggles off 2009: • Resisting city council’s effort to use zoning regulations to restrict human-servic­ es agencies in Over-theRhine, the subject of a law­ suit in federal court by the Homeless Coalition against the city of Cincinnati; • Successfully lobbying city council to keep funding for human services in the city’s budget, though still below the 1.5 percent that had for many years been the city’s minimum standard; • Convincing council not to eliminate homelessness as a priority in human-servic­ es funding; • Beating back a city council­ man’s proposal to tax the proceeds of panhandling; • Keeping the city’s cold shel­ ter open after the city con­ sidered closing it. “We knew, if that happened, people will die,” Spring said. “We’re frankly not OK with people freezing to death.” The coalition also worked in 2009 to change attitudes in the future, Spring said. Its speakers bureau made presentations at 119 events, reaching 4,452 people, he said. Streetvibes, published by the Homeless Coalition, sold more than 58,000 copies. “We are for sure sparking dinner conversations and inspiring future revolution­ aries,” Spring said. “You and I are part of a grand move­ ment, absolutely founded to absolutely end homelessness. We are strong, and we are re­ lentless.” The coalition honored some of its most relentless al­ lies. Terry Ranson received the Jimmy Heath Streetvibes Ven­ dor of the Year Award. The Jerry Render Award went to Theresa Portis, Clark Roper, Darrel Portis and Dar­ ius Portis, a once homeless family who now volunteers to help other homeless families. Their determination, mutual support in the face of adver­ sity and commitment to help others embody “the very best of family. Leading by example, the family continues to in­ spire all of us at the Interfaith Hospitality Network,” said Georgine Getty, the agency’s executive director. Bruce Hill of the Cincinnati Health Network received the Julie Martin Provider of the Year Award for his work help­ ing homeless people who are HIV-positive or have AIDS. Linda Seiter, executive director of Caracole, which provides housing and sup­ port services to people living with HIV/AIDS, received the Buddy Gray Lifetime Achieve­ ment Award. It was Seiter who best summed up the spirit of the annual dinner. “There is nothing in this world,” she said, “that I would rather be doing with my life than what I’m doing right now.” Fighting for today, building our tomorrow. (Clockwise from top left) Linda Seiter, Buddy Gray Lifetime Achievement Award; Terry Ranson, Jimmy Heath Streetvibes Vendor of the Year; Georgine Getty, accepting the Jimmy Render Award on behalf of the Portis- Roper Family; Liz Carter, keynote speaker; Bruce Hill, Julie Martin Service Provider of the Year Award; Josh Spring, executive director, Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Photos by Jeanene Kaht. �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 11 Local News Helping Hamid and Understanding Fundraiser for injured taxi driver unites community By Steven Paul lanSKy Contributing Writer rently he is in the hospital on a feeding tube. Steph Carson, a photograany people open pher and friend of Kerdough­ their hearts, wal­ eli, is on the microphone de­ lets, pocketbooks, scribing his condition. The purses and minds at Sitwell’s restaurant is noisy, people Coffeehouse in Clifton on a ordering food and drinks, cold Thursday baristas running night in Decem­ blenders and ber. Hamid Kerdougheli, milk steamers Hamid Ker- is a Ron’s Taxi driver and doing dishdougheli, (who es. The room is who was shot in bears a striking the neck in the late warm, conver­ resemblance to afternoon of Nov. 28. sations are ani­ the famous pho­ mated, some not tographer, Man in English. Many Ray) is a Ron’s Taxi driver who students are preparing for exwas shot in the neck in the ams; teachers celebrate the late afternoon of Nov. 28. Ker- end of a quarter or semester. dougheli, an Algerian-Amer- Carson is wearing a Berber ican is a regular at Sitwell’s. dress given to her in Algeria; This is a place that is its own it is colorful with detailed destination. Algerians, both embroidery. She talks about Berbers and Arabs, visit daily the circumstances surroundfor espresso demitasses, con­ ing it. She poses questions versation, the good food, and about Algeria for prizes. atmosphere. Young women in sweaters On this bitter night, over and scarves lift their heads a hundred friends – young, from books, shout answers old, men, women, all races – after raising their hands. gather to raise money for Ker- Then comes the raffle. Sybilka dougheli’s family’s living and Storie, a former model, manmedical expenses. Kerdough­ ager of Sitwell’s and daugh­ eli had surgery on his larynx ter of Lisa Storie, the shop’s and will need speech therapy owner, has a brown paper bag once he can eat again. Cur- from which she pulls a ticket. M Hamid Kerdougheli. Photo by StephCarson Photography. Around the room red tickets are strewn across the tables. The tables at Sitwell’s are mis­ matched, as are the chairs; there is a pleasant chaotic freedom to the place. As the raffle happens, the servers bring steaming plates of authentic Algerian food from a special menu ar­ ranged for the event. Menad Amrouchi, a friend of Ker­ dougheli, and others have been cooking since Wednes­ day night. The raffle items were generously donated by over 25 businesses in Clifton and Northside. Between the raffles, Alge­ rian music plays. The food is hot, hearty, and flavorful. What did I learn? Algeria is the second-largest country in Africa, second to Sudan. The Sahara desert takes up much of Algeria. I already knew that Algerians are social, gener­ ous, giving, hard working and love the coffeehouse culture as much as I do. Their flag is red, green and white. Alge­ rians love football (soccer.) They won their indepen­ dence from the French in 1962. There is something very right about people coming together out of gratitude and in the spirit of giving. To donate your support, visit sitwellscoffeehouse.com/ hamid or stephcarson.com/hamid. The Bengals’ Unexpected Weapon Cincinnati has to hope it didn’t peak too soon By B. cliFton BurKe Contributing Writer A t the top, life is good but it damn sure ain’t easy. As the Bengals trudge along toward earning a playoff spot, they continue to learn more about themselves as a team and as human beings. After beating the Steel­ ers for the second time of the season, the Bengals felt great – and why not? They owned a 7-2 record, had deci­ sively vanquished each mem­ ber of the AFC North and re­ ally looked comfortable in their new skin as a running team. Since then they have lost three out of their past five games, lost their playoff mo­ mentum and more impor­ tant, lost one of their team­ mates with the death of Chris Henry. At this point enough has been written about Henry’s STREETVIBES Vendor Mary untimely passing. We at Streetvibes are saddened by such an unfortunate event and our condolences and best wishes go out to his re­ maining family, but anything beyond that is an internal af­ fair and, in turn, none of our business. What is our business, how­ ever, are the games, and the two worlds of emotional grief and football merged during Week 15 in San Diego. The result was an inspired effort Only purchase Streetvibes from BADGED vendors. Vendors wear their WHITE badges while they sell the paper. against a Charger team who many feel are part of the NFL elite, but still came up one play short and lost by a field goal in the last few seconds. It was a sad and frustrating week for the Bengals, and each among them is likely changed in some way because of it; but the loss in San Diego, and the one before it in Min­ nesota, has shown the world that Cincinnati can certainly compete in the post-season, but will remain the underdog against the other divisional winners. This time it makes sense: Earlier in the season, the Bengals were rarely favored against any decent team for flimsy analytical reasons; many refused to take Cincin­ nati seriously just because of their past. But after visiting two playoff-like scenarios and failing each time, it ap­ pears our boys simply don’t measure up as well to the real heavy hitters. I’m nervous that they peaked too soon, that they need to repair a few things before moving for­ ward, but there’s no time for that; into the labyrinth they go. Yet we are not without hope. The fact of the matter is that, even in the face in of so much emotional hardship, this team and its city has en­ joyed a season of rare suc­ cess. This is by no means a bad team, and anything can happen in the playoffs. After all, the Bengals did play San Diego well. Take back a 20­ yard loss on a bizarre fumble (or the soft coverage along the sideline by Leon Hall), and they might have won that game. They also demonstrated against the Chargers that they can pass after all: Carson Palmer threw for more than 300 yards in what seemed like forever. Laveranues Coles was demoted from the start­ ing lineup and had his most impressive day since joining the Bengals. J.P. Foschi inex­ plicably became a weapon. Crazy things happen to this team. Some of it has been lots of fun, and some of it has been incredibly sad, but al­ most all of it has been unex­ pected; and that could be the most dangerous weapon on this team: the unexpected. First, they must officially clinch the division and earn their spot, and only then we can all allow our imagina­ tions to go silly with thoughts of the Bengals in February. Enjoy what's coming, Cincin­ nati, whatever that might be. �12 Film Review STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 On the Streets, Not ‘Up in the Air’ Too bad there’s no Oscar for best corporate crap By david heitField Contributing Writer dreams, he explains. Daddy has been working a crappy job, so his kids don’t look up predict Up in the Air to daddy. Now’s a good time will win a bunch of Os- to go back to his old dream of cars: Best picture; best cooking in a restaurant, beadapted screenplay; best ac- cause his kids will love him tor for George Clooney; and for following his dreams, and best supporting actor for apparently restaurants are American lining up to Airlines. hire Social Not beThe plot is simple enough: Security­ cause it's a eligible ap­ Clooney plays an asshole good pic- (which he does so well) who p r e n t i c e ture; it's flies around the country firing cooks. Dad filled with people. His singular goal in looked like a the paper huge weight life is to amass 10 million prototypes had been frequent-flier miles. that Hollylifted off his wood limshoulders. ousine liberals love, the stuff The most offensive parts of that gives lefties a bad name the movie, though, come in – for instance, Crash (2006 the bookends, the parts Mr. Best Picture). Rather, Up In Rich felt to be so genuine: the Air is to its topic du jour, successive cameos of people corporate downsizing and a learning they are getting laid contracting job market, as off – and they are hostile. They Driving Miss Daisy (1989 Best cuss a lot. They call people Picture) was to racism. It feels names. They are completely false and hollow, despite its self-centered and cry and attempt to be The Movie Iron- bitch and moan about how ically Titled Because It’s Re- unfair life is and, in one case ally About Those Little People later in the movie, threaten to Down on the Ground. jump off a bridge. Now, many After Frank Rich wrote a of these are supposed to be column in the New York Times “real” people who were laid a couple weeks ago declar- off and the lines not “scripting this movie to be required ed,” which I guess means it’s viewing for its frank and hon- not supposed to look as maest portrayal of people suffer- nipulative and opportunistic ing in this economy, I couldn't as it is. wait to put on one of my LexSo, yes, the movie pissed isNexis shirts (we got T-shirts me off from the opening instead of, say, bonuses) and scene. Because it’s completehead down to the multiplex. ly false. You see, before my former Sure, one or two might employer cut my job, I had behave that way, but overthe wonderful experience of whelmingly the way people laying off 30 or so of my re- react to such bad news as the ports during the nine years loss of their livelihood is far I worked there, around 25 of more human: Their egos are them coming during one spe- crushed, their future is uncial Christmas season. certain, the pain of rejection The plot is simple enough: is almost unbearable, and yet Clooney plays an asshole they try, as best they can, to (which he does so well) who salvage some shred of human flies around the country fir- dignity from the situation, ing people. His singular goal because that's all they’ve got in life is to amass 10 million left. frequent-flier miles. He also It overwhelmed me when delivers corporate motiva- I had to lay off half my team. tional speeches, using a back- We worked from a script, of pack as a metaphor, the mes- course; and as Clooney says sage being you'll be happier in the movie, you never, ever and more successful in life if say you are sorry or apoloyou don't carry around a lot gize – legal won’t allow it. of baggage. Commitments What blew me away was how are for suckers, you see; and many people told me they that's why Clooney not only were sorry for me. They didn’t enjoys his work, but he takes want to be a bother. If they pride in what he does. had a question, most of them In one sad scene of pathos, would precede it with “if I'm Clooney is firing a man who not asking for too much,” and pulls out pictures of his kids if no answer was immediately and says, “What am I sup- available, they’d apologize posed to tell them?” for asking the question in the Never mind the ex-em- first place. ployee looks like he’s 65 and Of course they are hurt, his kids are barely past the surprised, angry, anxious – teething stage, Clooney asks but in that moment of truth, the man why kids look up to there is an overpowering sports figures. Because sports need to seek simple human figures are following their dignity, the need to preserve I something that they might one of the people she fires in not even understand. I liken a most unbelievable fashion. it to Flannery O'Connor’s un- Unbelievable because, like derstanding of a moment of most people in HR departgrace in her short stories. No ments that she represents, matter how bad the situation, there’s nothing in her characthe desire to rise above it in ter to indicate that she is even almost any way you can plays capable of empathy, let alone into her guiding concept of acting on it. mystery and manners; and, In the end, she did get a for her, how that speaks to the nice letter of recommendapossibility of the divine. tion from Clooney, so she The first person I ever fired could get a much better job, came back to work the next as she was hired on sight afmorning. He had stuff to fin- ter the boss read the letter. Of ish up, you see. I still have the eight people I reported to fond memories of that guy. in nine years, one quit in disThe editor of this rag gust, one was demoted, and you are readthe other ing, whom I’m six were laid proud to call a Yes, the movie pissed off. Maybe friend, when me off from the opening I should’ve told he had to asked Clooscene. Because it’s lay off a staff ney for a letcompletely false. member, inter, too. And stead decided not that anyto lay off himself. Dignity? one even reads those things Grace? I’m not one to say, but any more, let alone hires it sure was cool, and it’s those someone based on one letkind of stories that give one ter. Really, this downsizing hope and faith in the human climate runs deep. Someone condition. should make a movie about This movie will have none it. of that dignity crap, though. There are so many direcThe closest instance also tions this movie could have rings false: The very young, dared to go; but, as the movie naive and annoying corpo- suggests is inevitable, instead rate robot with a minor in it “settled.” There is nothing psychology who doesn’t want about what we euphemistito “settle” in life, ignoring cally called O&O, for “offthe obvious point that she shoring and outsourcing.” sold her soul the minute she Nothing about the macrosigned up for her gig. While economics driving the loss of her character comes off pretty jobs. Nothing about a culture well as one of those emotion- that names its sports stadiums ally empty drones who tend and college bowl games and to populate human-resources research departments after departments, she reacts to an corporations and how much extreme act of selfishness by its incipient corporate values might be fornicating the way we interact with one anoth­ er. Nothing about how one makes decisions about whom to lay off – in our case, we did what was expedient for the legal department, something calculated to limit lawsuits. Keep the best and get rid of the marginal? My ass. By not even giving token lip service to any of these “human” issues, what you have left is a movie about a bunch of assholes rolling that boul­ der up the hill and watching it roll back down again – what in the hell is a poor asshole to do? Well, of course, it’s make a commitment. That’s the obvious lesson for the guy who lectures about the joys of an empty backpack, as well as the “salvation” for those jobless at the back bookend of the movie, who, instead of cussing, now speak of how they learned their family and friends are what’s really im­ portant in life. Commitment. Like Hilton Hotels and American Airlines committed to providing location shots for the movie in exchange for many, many placement ads. You see, the real message of the movie – besides that people who fly a lot are beautiful and have hot sex – is seen several times throughout the movie, usually on a large wall sign posted behind the characters as they mug through the empty dia­ logue: American Airlines values your loyalty. �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 13 Local News A Feast for Behavioral Health Services Volunteers help agency fete mentally ill clients By andrea Paul-taylor Contributing Writer Greater Cincinnati Behav­ ioral Health Services (GCB) held its 11th annual Thanks­ giving feast for clients Nov. 25, the first at its new location in East Walnut Hills. About 350 clients enjoyed a holiday meal served by vol­ unteers, including Cincin­ nati City Council members Roxanne Qualls, Laketa Cole and Cecil Thomas; Hamil­ ton County Common Pleas Judge Pat DeWine; and U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Miami Township). The feast was a traditional Thanksgiving meal with tur­ key, trimmings and pumpkin pie. But the new Welcome Center where the clients were served is somewhat smaller, and there was concern about possible space issues. “We asked clients to come at two different seatings, noon and 1 p.m., in order to keep any delays to a minimum,” says Kelly Smith-Trondle, access team supervisor for Greater Cincinnati Behav­ ioral Health Services. “For the most part, all went smoothly. It worked better than we had even hoped.” The feast is a joint venture between GCB and IKRON, which provides employment services and counseling to mentally ill persons. Each year staff and volun­ teers work together to prepare the meal with food provided by Frisch’s and the Kroger Co. Girl Scout Troop 4444 from Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Westwood has volunteered since the feast was first es­ tablished; many of the adult women who started as young scouts still come back to help out. “It is important that our clients have somewhere meaningful to celebrate this holiday and that they don’t have to be alone,” says Tony Dattilo, CEO of GCB. “Many have been sharing Thanks­ giving with us for years.” Greater Cincinnati Behav­ ioral Health Services is the most comprehensive mentalhealth agency in Hamilton County serving adults with severe mental illness. Its mis­ sion is to assist persons with mental illness to lead produc­ tive and fulfilling lives. City Councilman Cecil Thomas was a volunteer server at a Thanksgiving feast. Photo courtesy of Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. Are you interested in helping with Streetvibes? Are you a proofreader, writer, poet, artist or photographer? If so, contact Greg Flannery 513.421.7803 x 12 or email streetvibes2@yahoo.com Go Ahead: Ask a Vendor Invitation to a dialogue with our readers Streetvibes vendors see a lot that you might not. For example, some can describe what goes on in an abandoned building at night when they sleep there. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand on a street corner selling newspapers? That’s hardly a common occupation anymore. How much money do Streetvibes vendors make – and what do they do with it? Do they have other jobs? If you have questions, some of our vendors would like to answer them. “Go Ahead: Ask a Vendor” will be an occasional feature, with questions submitted by readers and answered by Streetvibes vendors. You may direct your question to a specific vendor or we’ll invite one to respond. Only include your name if you want to. Send questions to streetvibes2@yahoo.com Or to Streetvibes, 117 E. 12th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Go ahead. Ask. �14 STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Italics An ‘AHA!’ Moment in Cincinnati Why should I join Affordable Housing Advocates? 1 By Michelle dillinGhaM Contributing Writer A ffordable Housing Advocates (AHA) is a group of housing providers, advocates and consumers dedicated to the goal of ensuring good, safe, accessible, af­ fordable housing for all people in Southwest Ohio. Our focus is on meeting the hous­ ing needs of individuals and families with very low, low and moderate in­ comes. This group formed to share the expertise and information gath­ ered by its members over decades of service to Greater Cincinnati in the area of affordable housing and to ini­ tiate and support plans of action that will further the creation, retention and accessibility of affordable hous­ ing in our community. We are a diverse group An advocacy organization’s of advocates, spanning the grassroots, faithrole is to help make your based development and advocacy efficient and planning communities. effective. A successful As we enter into the advocacy organization recognizes the challenges 2010 Affordable Housing Advocates (AHA) Mem­ of its individual members bership Drive, I ponder and helps facilitate the group’s advocacy so that, the question: What is advocacy, and why should as a whole, it is effectual and reaches the right ears. we support it? When we say we “advocate,” what do we mean? Let’s begin with the etymological meaning as my father instructed me, invoking the words of Charles Olsen: “Go to the root”. The word “advocate” is from the Latin, advocatus, for “one called to aid,” from ad ("to") plus vocare (“to call”), related to vocem (“voice”). So, the root meaning of ad­ vocacy is a response to a call for help, providing a call to action and a voice. What is intriguing about being a member of an advocacy group? For me it is the action. It is the purpose­ ful transformation of injustice, anger and frustration into an argument for change. It is being part of a greater call to action. It is knowing I am part of meaningful change. The most compelling thing about advocacy is (drum roll, please) it works. This was made ardently clear to me as I worked on the “other” side (the listening side) of advocacy work­ ing at City Hall. There is no greater influence on policy makers than a group of well prepared advocates speaking on behalf of large numbers of constituents standing together. But that is the very thing that chal­ lenges us, isn’t it? To take action takes time. There are so many causes to support that it can be overwhelming. I personally have at least four issues I am interested in and am on someone’s list. The volume of e-mails, newslet­ ters and updates from just those four are many. By the time I scan through them all (inner thoughts: “Hmm, that article looks interesting. … I should download and sign that petition. … I should really go to that meeting and help testify.”), I could throw my mail in a pile, close the e-mail messages and turn on a mindless television show. So much to fight for – but where to start? And I have to make dinner, do laundry, run the kids around (you fill in the blank). Can you relate? One role of AHA as an advocacy or­ ganization is to help make your advo­ cacy efficient and effective. A success­ ful advocacy organization recognizes the challenges of its individual mem­ bers and helps facilitate the group’s advocacy so that, as a whole, it is ef­ fectual and reaches the right ears. The AHA Board will retreat in Janu­ ary to decide how to best fulfill its mission in 2010. We will contemplate how to focus our advocacy and prior­ itize our action agenda. Fortunately, the AHA Board is made up of mem­ bers who together possess an impres­ sive array of knowledge of the local housing landscape. Their leadership on affordable housing issues will help set the stage for our efforts for 2010. Effective advocacy is an art – it is more than a group of individuals writ­ ing an e-mail to their elected officials. Organized advocacy typically starts with an action agenda that covers both incremental and fundamental goals. It identifies who has the great­ est impact on policy decisions; it for­ mulates the evidence, makes the case for policy change on multiple levels and holds policy-makers account­ able. The broader the base of our in­ dividual membership, the better we can engage in organized advocacy. I have always felt strongly about advocating for affordable housing. A few of my reasons include: First, through the years working as a case manager in the field, the search for affordable, accessible, ad­ equate housing took up at least 75 percent of my time, even though it was not the primary intervention I was supposed to be offering (i.e., mental health, sub­ stance abuse, etc.). Second, living in adequate hous­ ing is a basic need, fundamental to one’s well-being on all levels – mental, emotional, physical. Third, affordable, accessible, and adequate housing is a social justice issue-there are real, systemic barriers to housing for people who make low to moderate incomes that need to be changed. Advocacy is the act of pleading Advocacy is the act of pleading for, supporting or for, supporting or recommending; recommending; the act of advocating or speaking the act of advo­ or writing in support of something. cating or speak­ ing or writing in support of something. Your membership dues will go to help implement our mission, which is “to initiate and support plans of action that will further the creation, retention and accessibility of afford­ able housing in our community.” The Affordable Your dues will help fund the “plead­ Housing ing, supporting, and recommending” Advocates of affordable-housing policies. (AHA) envision But we are not only interested in the Cincinnati the $25 that comes with an individual area as a place membership. We look forward to your where all people involvement in what you feel most have good, compelled about related to housing. safe, accessible More than 25 percent of Cincinna­ affordable tians live below the federal poverty housing. As line, and many more are barely liv­ the premier ing above it. We are in an economic housing advocate recession of historic significance – at in a region least 10 percent of us are not working; successfully and the state of the economy has im­ meeting the pacted the availability of affordable needs of its housing on multiple levels. Needless people, AHA to say, there are many issues ahead of will serve as a us that will require our advocacy. model for like Please consider joining AHA. Help organizations across the us help you to be an effective hous­ nation. For more ing advocate. Call me if you are inter­ information visit ested in signing up at 513-602-4260, or e-mail me at mdmswlsw@hotmail. www.ahacincy. com. org Looking for the perfect gift for someone? Why not give a donation to Streetvibes in a loved one’s name? What about a Streetvibes subscription? Streetvibes is the activist newspaper, advocating justice, building community. Your gift is tax-deductible and will go to producing the paper every two weeks. Started in 1997, Streetvibes is distributed by homeless and formerly homeless vendors who purchase the paper for 25 cents and sell it for $1, keeping the 75 cent profit. Make checks payable to “Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless” I want to support Streetvibes and the vendors this holiday season. $25 Please return your contribution to: GCCH 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Name: Address: E-mail: $50 $100 $150 Other $ _______ �STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 15 Resources Need Help or Want to Help? Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Cincinnati Union Bethel 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Churches Active in Northside 381-SAFE 768-6907 557-2873 681-2365 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 3600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 St. Vincent de Paul 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Charlie’s 3/4 House 661-4620 Crossroad Health Center 241-1064 Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van McMicken Dental Clinic 562-8841 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 DIC Live In Program Prospect House 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over 784-1853 721-0643 921-1613 961-2256 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 961-4080 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 961-4663 First Step Home 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 351-0422 381-6672 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 471-1100 221-3350 Hamilton County ADAS Board Recovery Health Access Center Sober Living Talbert House 946-4888 281-7422 681-0324 641-4300 Hamilton/Middletown 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 Northern Kentucky 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House Dana Transitional Bridge Services Volunteers of America 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 721-8666 961-4555 751-0643 381-1954 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 621-5300 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 621-6364 535-2719 Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 I want to thank you for your current article about the Lighthouse Youth Out­ reach Team (see “To Get Youth Off the Streets,” issue of Dec. 1-14). I must say, the quality of your articles is just outstanding. I have been read­ ing Streetvibes for years, but over the last year or two I have noticed an unprec­ edented improvement in the quality and professionalism of your writers. So thank you for the terrific article and congratulations on putting out such a qual­ ity product. Bob Mecum President and CEO Lighthouse Youth Services Have something on your mind? Let us know by sending a letter to: 1 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvibes2@yahoo.com 859-491-8303 721-4700 421-7803 579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Center for Respite Care To the editor: 863-3184 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry 799 Ann St. Newport, KY Health Letter to the Editor 351-7921 631-1114 211 977-5541 People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place United Way Women Helping Women Brighton Center 381-0111 771-4800 751-0600 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 241-2600 241-2563 621-5514 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House Treatment: Both 558-8888 981-5800 Other Resources 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Treatment: Women 357-4602 352-2902 352-6363 458-6670 977-4489 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach Peaslee Neighborhood Center Shelter: Both Anthony House (Youth) 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 872-9259 241-5525 591-2246 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Treatment: Men Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Shelter FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 621-1868 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 A Call to Greater Cincinnati Poets Write for ‘For a Better World 2010’ It’s time to get your verse on. SOS Art, the annual exhibit of art on themes of peace and justice, pub­ lishes a collection of poetry each year. Saad Ghosn, who organizes SOS Art and writes the “Artists as Activists” column for Streetvibes, is now col­ lecting submissions for For a Better World 2010, the seventh edition to date. Any poet from or connected to Greater Cincinnati may submit up to three poems related to themes of peace and justice. All submissions will be considered. The editors will be looking for quality, inclusiveness and appropriateness to the themes of peace and justice. If space becomes limited, priority will go to poets not published in previ­ ous books. The poems selected for publication will be illustrated in black and white by Greater Cincinnati artists. Poets included in the book will be invited to read their poems at SOS Art 2010. For a Better World 2010 will be released in May 2010. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2010. Send submissions as “Word” attachments or in full text By e-mail to saad.ghosn@uc.edu or On a CD to Saad Ghosn, 216 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. �16 Artists as Activists STREETVIBES January 1 - 15, 2010 Compassion is a Natural Resource Mary Ann Lederer promotes peace M ary Ann Lederer’s first use of art for politi­ cal purposes was at age 20, during the civil rights movement, designing posters and picket signs. Influenced by the Rev. Maurice McCrack­ en, whom she had met when volunteering at a neigh­ borhood day camp, she actively participated in the desegregation campaign of the early 1960s. With oth­ ers in the city who were trained in Gandhi’s methods of non-violence – negotiations, picketing, occasionally sit-ins – she helped integrate Cincinnati’s restaurants, stores and theatres. Lederer grew up in North Avondale in a Jewish home surrounded by art and music. Her father was a Repub­ lican, her mother a Democrat; though fond of both, she sided politically with her liberal, more compas­ sionate mother. She did not study art per se. In college, she took only one drawing course and majored in soci­ ology. She worked for several years as a social worker, then returned to the University of Cincinnati (UC) to pursue a master’s degree in community planning. Not long after Lederer graduated, she was shot in the back by an intruder in her home. As a result, she be­ came a paraplegic. “When I woke up, I realized I could not move my legs Mary Ann Lederer. Photo by Bill Howes. any more,” she says. “It felt like half my body was filled with cement; yet somehow I knew I wanted to paint.” Lederer underwent rehabilitation, unable to continue arduous physical activity. An alternative vegetar­ then became active in the ian doctor, however, helped her heal by teaching her how to use food disability movement. She to turn her health around. As her health revived, she became active in set up a handicap pro­ Earthsave, an organization that promotes a plant-based diet for the gram at UC and started health of individuals, a clean environment for the health of the earth as a wheelchair basketball and the compassionate treatment of animals. She has been active in team. The team became the local chapter of Earthsave for many years, and its values have in­ the subject of several of fluenced her painting. By Saad GhoSn her early paintings. “I consider myself a philosopher-painter,” Lederer says. “I paint the Contributing Writer Other paintings ad­ world I’d love to live in, a multi-ethnic world of freedom, equality and dressed various disability healthfulness, where the air is clean, water pure, plants wild or or­ issues. One, for instance, ganically grown, animals free – a sustainable natural world.” showed two world-class wheel-chaired athletes wheeling across Her painting, An Intentional Community, represents people in a America to raise money for wheelchair sports. Others depicted a vividly colored world of rivers, trees and animals; some people are wheel-chaired Santa Claus and a wheel-chaired Cupid for Valentine’s gardening, some are coming together at a vegetable market. A Peace Day. Many represented disabled individuals in varied living activities. Village depicts ethnically diverse individuals living together in har­ It was her way of raising awareness about their condition and iden­ mony with animals and the earth. Bicycle City shows a community tity. with no cars – only bicycles, windmills, solar panels, a clean environ­ As the years passed, Lederer developed health problems and was ment where people are able to communicate more closely with one another. It reflected her hopes for many such future communities. Lederer started the painting, A Vegetable Garden in Every Yard, the day after the last presidential election and completed it on Inaugura­ tion Day. It shows the First Family on the White House lawn, which has been transformed into an idyllic community vegetable garden. It was her vision for a healthier, “back-to-the-earth” America. Posters of the painting are now available with the words, “A vegetable garden in every yard.” She hopes it will encourage more people to grow their own food. Lederer was pleased to learn that Michelle Obama has indeed re­ cently started such a garden. She is convinced that what people eat affects not only their health but also their minds, their hearts and their behaviors, that a plant-based diet is preferable to one based on cruelty to animals, and that gardening and organic farming promote communication, community building and a healthy and peaceful so­ ciety. Lederer also uses her art to express her political views. Though aware of the violence in the world, she says, “We have an untapped natural resource in compassion. We need to nurture it. Our educa­ tional system unfortunately is more head than heart and prepares individuals to be competitive sometimes at the expense of a better world for everyone.” A recent painting about the Iraq War shows individuals of differ­ ent ethnicities wearing different costumes, forming a circle, holding hands. The Wall shows Jews and Arabs working together for peace while writing in their own languages on the wall intended to divide them. “My painting is a plea to the peoples of the world to appreciate each other’s cultures and differences, to come together and communicate. Compassionate communication, for example, a system designed by Marshall Rosenberg, teaches people how to listen to each other and feel each others feelings. It works. We can get along with each other.” Lederer’s dream is now to help start organic gardens all over the city, ensure compassionate treatment of animals, promote a vegan A Vegetable Garden in Every Yard, painting by Mary Ann diet and pay respect to mother earth. Her art will continue to reflect Lederer. Photo by Mary Ann Lederer. her vision of a vibrant, natural, diverse and peaceful world. A rtists ctivists Artists as Activists is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati artists who use art as a vehicle for change. Saad Ghosn is the founder of SOS Art. Ghosn can be contacted at saad.ghosn@uc.edu. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2010 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 1-15, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: May They Finally Rest in Peace Metropole Tenants Gain Support Pg 2: Street Wise Pg 3: 8 Minutes in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Pg 4: Prickly Issue: Needle Exchange Pg 5: May They Finally Rest in Peace Metropole Tenants Gain Support Continued Pg 6: New Voices of the Voiceless Pg 7: Obama Wrong About Non-Violence Pg 8: Veggie Philly Steak Pg 9: Not A ‘Precious’ Happy Ending Pg 10: Homeless Coalition Marks 25 Years Pg 11: Helping Hamid and Understand The Bengals’ Unexpected Weapon Pg 12: On the Streets, Not ‘Up in the Air’ Pg 13: A Feast for Behavioral Health Services Pg 14: An ‘AHA!’ Moment in Cincinnati Pg 15: Resources Pg 16: Compassion is a Natural Resource Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 1-15, 2010 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Lynne Ausman Jeni Jenkins Lew Moores Samantha Groark Margo Pierce Paul Kopp Jeremy Flannery Michael Henson David Heitfield Kelissa Hieber Jeni Jenkins Stephanie Dunlap Saad Ghosn Lynne Ausman Steven Paul Lansky Larry Gross Eli Braun Aimie Willhoite, Anthony Williams Bill Haigh Clarissa Peppers Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker Jeremy Flannery Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Advocates Aimie Willhoite Annual Dinner Anthony Williams Barack Obama Behavioral Health Services Bengals Bill Haigh Cincinnati Clarissa Peppers David Heitfield Eli Braun GCCH Gregory Flannery Hip-Hop Jeni Jenkins Jennifer Blalock Jeremy Flannery Kelissa Hieber Larry Gross Lew Moores Lynn Baker Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Mary Ann mental illness Metropole Michael Henson Paul Kopp Precious Saad Ghosn Samantha Groark Stephanie Dunlap Steven Paul Lansky https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/f778c5c87cb9e645b1a42f66530456c0.pdf 1cb5acc86a99af2e8a5f1d692141c571 PDF Text Text January 1st - January 14th 2016 | Vol. 20 Issue 1 (No. 320) advocating justice | Building community Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati calls for justice for Tamir Rice | 8-9 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Uplifting Events at the Homeless Coalition: From My View | 3 Jimmy Heath House At least 52 people experiencing homelessness Celebrates Five Years| 7 died in Cincinnati in 2015 | 2 Cincinnati calls for the Tamir Rice case to be reopened | 11 Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 We Have a Significant Problem Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, JOSH SPRING advocating justice and building Executive Director community. Streetvibes reports on I t is holiday season for many people. This is the time of year when more people volunteer at various non-profit organizations. Volunteering is important and should be encouraged now and all year around. This is the time of year when we see tens of thousands of Cincinnatians arriving at various locations to receive a turkey or chicken, other fixings, presents, coats, etc., items they could not afford otherwise. And we see hundreds of volunteers boxing, carrying, loading and unloading these goods. We see smiling faces and immediate needs being met. Perhaps relationships are formed, ideas are exchanged as well as good-wishes. Learning happens. All of this is important and valuable. It is good that people get involved on both sides of these programs. The problem I want to bring up is that there are two sides. One group at a special time giving goods to another group that cannot afford them. As all of this happens and we recite the large numbers involved, what about working for a day when none of this is needed? I don’t mean a day when people don’t care for one another- we will always need that. I mean a day when people can operate on the same, level field, both able to have their needs covered without having to deal with the lines, the forms, the questions, and the poverty. A day when people can have a strong, lasting connection instead of a brief exchange. Another, intertwined issue that must be dealt with out loud is race. In every instance of such lines or programs, most people giving the charity are white and most people receiving the charity are black. In our segregated city, these moments are probably some of the most extensive times in which black and white people interact in large numbers. When we live in a city in which major large-scale interactions between white and black people happen because the black people in the interaction are experiencing poverty and the white people in the interaction are “trying to give back at the holidays,” we have a significant problem. ------------------------ JUSTIN JEFFRE O environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com At least 52 people experiencing homelessness died in Cincinnati in 2015 EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Editor n Monday, December 21 the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition hosted the annual Homeless Memorial Day gathering in Washington Park, across from Music Hall, just south of 14th and Elm, under the trees. One tree has a plaque remembering Joanne Burton. Burton – who was experiencing homelessness at the time - was accidently run over by a police car several years ago that was driving in the grass as she laid in the shade under a thin blanket on a warm summer day. economic issues, civil rights, the Director of Education: Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Peter Kobak Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson, Dante Williams Maintenance: Pete Roper Pastor John leading a prayer Photo: Justin Jeffre The Memorial was a time set aside to honor those who died because of homelessness in 2015. We honored those we know have passed and also honored those whom we do not know about. This year we know of at least 52 people who died because of this solvable systematic problem. The number of people dying because of homelessness in Cincinnati continues to rise each year. If this same trend continues, in a few years there will be more deaths from homelessness in Hamilton County than deaths from homicide. “Homelessness is a systematic problem that shortens the lives of individuals, as it takes a significant physical toll. It is the call of all the bodies found under bridges, in alleys, in abandoned buildings, on sidewalks Homeless Memorial Photo: Justin Jeffre (Continued on page 6) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Justin Jeffre, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jim Luken, Andy Hutzel, Jason Haap, Michael Earl Patton, Steve Sunderland, Bill Woods, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/Artwork: Justin Jeffre, Dr. Mark Mussman, OTRCH, Jesse Fox, Bill Woods, Aaron Roco Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL Uplifting Events at the Homeless Coalition: From My View 3 No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer S ince I’ve been with the Coalition for a few months, I have witnessed many great events that the Homeless Coalition puts on every year. From the Streetvibes Music Festival, to the Homeless Memorial, each event has had a meaningful impact on our community. I would like to share some of my thoughts on the events I experienced, and I would like to invite you to join us in all of our events in 2016! Over the summer, during the summer rallies for police accountability, organized by Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati, the Homeless Coalition played an important part in organizing and engaging the community. While we marched for the accountability of U.C. Police officers, the Homeless Coalition was behind the scenes making sure megaphones were ready and the word was out on the street. Josh Spring, our executive director, marched hand-in-hand with Sam’s family as we made our way to and from U.C.’s campus and the location in Mt. Auburn where Sam was brutally murdered. Organizing is just one aspect of the work of the Homeless Coalition. As the summer wound down, Streetvibes put on its first Music Festival at the Woodward Theatre. The Woodward is owned and operated by MOTR, a local favorite for daily live music, and great vegan BLT’s. The music festival showcased many different types of local music, including Cincy Brass and the Blue Wisp Big Band. The venue was filled with supporters of Streetvibes and even some of the writers and distributors. Berta, one of the Coalition’s longtime supporters and Streetvibes Distributor, even held an impromptu protest outside the venue. One thing the Homeless Coalition is used to, even from our supporters, is a strong opinion. We are thankful to those who speak their minds and help us refine our positions. As soon as I came on as the Director of Education, I was awash in the City-wide Shantytown. Shantytown, which I’ve written about before, is really many events under one umbrella – to educate students on issues of homelessness while increasing awareness around the issues. Shantytowns are different at Annual Lunch Meeting Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman every school, but they typically take place during the month of October, which is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. The Homeless Coalition is a great asset to Shantytown because we provide speakers and activities for teachers and students. The Homeless Coalition is in front of hundreds of students during October alone! Another uplifting event that I was lucky to participate in was the press conference to oppose Issue 22. This event took place on the steps of City Hall, and was attended by many of the sitting council members and community leaders. The Homeless Coalition voted to oppose Issue 22 at our annual lunch potluck, which is another positive event for our member organizations. The press conference was held to announce city council’s support for Wasson Way – regardless of the Issue 22 vote. I felt a sense of pride holding the No on 22 banner with my Homeless Coalition shirt on – mainly because I was standing with a lot of Cincinnatians that I respect deeply. The Day-By-Day Calendar is a very rewarding project that takes place over the summer. High School students, and people experiencing homelessness, work together to create a wall calendar using their stories and photography. Everyone works together with a photographer to develop photography skills. In the 2016 Calendar, participants focused Gifts for Streetvibes Distributors Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman on organizations that serve them – whether it be shelter, food, or even spirituality. We had the 2016 DayBy-Day Calendar release party at the Mayerson Foundation’s community space on Walnut. So many of the students and their families showed up, along with the Streetvibes Distributors who participated in the project. During the reception, students from different schools reconnected, distributors and students shared stories about their participation, and everyone was given a chance to look at all the photography that was included in the calendar. The community space provided a very positive atmosphere. Moving into this month, we had our amazing Annual Dinner at the Syndicate in Newport. The DJ’s iGrind and Shines are a dynamic duo team who kept the music pumping all night! We started off with dinner and some powerful speeches. I was tasked with talking about the educational programs and I wanted to do something special, so I invited two guest speakers, Lydia and Melissa, to share how the Homeless Coalition has impacted their lives. Lydia talked about how her life was changed by participating in a Streetvibes Shadow Activity with us. Her moving story was a testament to the type of important work the Coalition does in our community. Melissa talked about how Streetvibes and being a member of the Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau has changed the direction of her life. The night continued with the silent auction, dancing, more speeches, and a heartwarming split-the-pot result. What an amazing night! The Streetvibes annual holiday party also took place in December. This is a fun time that gives the distributors a chance to socialize, eat some good food from Venice on Vine and SoupCycle. I was the one handing out the salad! We heard some good stories and everyone was in a cheery mood. Distributors who signed up early were given gifts from the Adath Israel Congregation. Even though the number of gifts varied between individuals, joy and thankfulness were both present at the holiday party! The final event that I want to write about is the Homeless Memorial. This takes place on the longest night of the year. In years past, the weather is usually pretty cold, but this year, it was warm and a little foggy, which really set the mood for the event. Before we started, we gathered in a circle in Washington Park. Josh began the event by having us light our candles and then Pastor John from Prince of Peace gave a very moving opening prayer. Josh talked about the rise of homelessness and how deaths due to homelessness will surpass gun deaths by 2018. We read each name of local people who had died this year due to homelessness and then Josh opened it up for comments. Some spoke about those they had known, while others talked about the issue in a more general manner. Everyone’s voice was welcomed at the event. A member of the police force even shared that they are taking a different approach now, trying to get people into housing first. As the event ended, many stayed around to talk about how they can get involved and how to bring the issue to the surface. Each of these events has left a lasting mark on myself and our community. From the celebrations to the sincere, it was more about how the community comes together, rather than the organization itself. We have a strong base of supporters, as do our member organizations, but I’m always amazed at the great turnout for the Homeless Coalition’s events. I hope you will join us in the new year as we continue to push for a more equitable society, a more just legal system, and a more compassionate (and well-tuned) support system for those experiencing homelessness. ------------------------ James Brown, Ronnie Phillips and Jimmie Gipson at calendar launch Photo: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Feb.12- 25 , 2015 | No. 297 The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition would like to thank 4EG, The Lackman and Lachey’s Bar for sponsoring the 2015 Streetvibes Music Fest at the Woodward Theater! The 2016 Day by Day calendar is now available online at http://cincihomeless.org/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL The Goat Rodeo: Watch it if you dare 5 No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer Y ou might wonder what exactly a Goat Rodeo is. Well, even as I write and (a week later) as you read, we are being treated to one. Some leftie pundits also call it a ‘Republican Clown Car’ (see accompanying photo). Goats are funny animals. Clowns are funny people (or they are supposed to be). This special Streetvibes editorial will attempt to explain what is going on as insanity becomes the order of the day for the Grand Old Party, the GOP, The Republicans at this moment in history. If, Reader—as unlikely as this seems—you happen to lean toward Republican values, more conservative ideologies and memes, etc., you are now forced to deal with an ongoing spectacle reminiscent of vaudeville, or slapstick comedy—a genuine circus (or rodeo) with candidates painting themselves in every imaginable shade of ultra­nationalist war paint, each trying desperately to secure the GOP nomination for the Presidency of the USA, each trying desperately to appeal to the so­called Republican “base.” The eleven clowns have spent decades coddling the lunatic fringe on the American political scene. And now chicken vultures, drones...are coming home to roost. They have dug themselves into a hole they can’t climb out of. Their solution: keep on digging. Here’s how they got into that hole: The Eighties It all goes back some 35 years, when a B Hollywood actor (the “human” star of “Bedtime for Bonzo”— Bonzo being a chimpanzee) became President of the USA by secretly talking the Ayatollah Khomeini (our most hated Muslim enemy) into delaying the release of the 52 American hostages who were being held by Iran until after the election, thus insuring that Jimmy Carter would lose his bid for a second term. I won’t tell you the name of that bad actor, but today he is referred to, by cynical liberals and sincere conservatives alike, as “Saint Ronnie.” The man’s sainthood consists of having pushed an extremist conservative agenda, destroying trade unions, closing mental institutions, pushing disabled people into home- lessness, and beginning the decimation of the so­called “welfare state.” Reagan was a kind of robotic, good old boy, a creation fashioned and controlled by his handlers. He was notorious for sleeping through most meetings, and for lying about everything, including his hair coloring (which at age 80 he insisted was natural). At the behest of his advisors, Saint Ronnie pushed the Republican Party further and further toward the extreme right, toward the dark side, now manifesting itself in the candidacy of fascists like Trump, Cruz, Carson and Rubio. Until St. Ronnie’s day there were actually liberal­leaning Republicans like Nelson Rockefeller, Jacob Javits and Arlen Specter in the GOP. Since the 80s, Republicans have pushed the conservative and neo­ conservative agenda in all areas of America’s political and social life. They have reduced taxes on the rich and the corporations, marginalized women, scoffed at science, and pushed for more guns after each mass shooting. The level of crazy seems to have gone off the charts. The Bush years. 2000­-2008 George W. Bush was selected as President by an over­ reaching Supreme Court. It has been virtually proven that his minions (and his brother) stole Florida in 2000, and Ohio in 2004 (thanks to our own, Ken Blackwell, then Secretary of State). Bush used the events of 911 to lie our country into the most economically costly wars in US history ($2­ 3 Trillion in Iraq and Afghanistan), wars which have proven to have caused increased Islamic radicalism, wars which created not only Al Qaeda (now all but forgotten), but now ISIS. Bush took Reaganism to a new level, turning corporations loose on the environment, allowing them to run for­profit prisons and schools. He made mandatory testing the top priority, which continues to have horrible consequences for our schools. He defunded many Pell grants that enable poor students to attend college. A so­called born­again Christian, Bush pandered to the religious right, especially regarding women’s reproductive rights, setting the stage for today’s deceitful attacks on Planned Parenthood. As I see it, W’s “frat­boy” personality still looms large over the Republican Party. He created an image of himself that we find mirrored by so many of the current Republican standard bearers: arrogant, dumbed­down­and­proud­of­ it, cynical...a liar in word and deed. Proven to have deserted his unit during the Vietnam War, he postured in a pilot’s flight suit, under the infamous banner announcing “Mission Accomplished,” as the Iraq war became bloodier and more horrific. Bush famously declared, “We don’t torture.” We did. He had clearly signed onto it. Many of us believe he committed a list of impeachable offenses. In terms of today’s Republican candidates, he is a poster child for making the most ridiculous of statements and getting away with it. And now the Goat Rodeo • This might all be hilarious if it didn’t manifest almost dangerous implications. Egomaniac, reality­show star and corporate billionaire Donald Trump has been leading in the Republican polls for months. His legions of supporters like his candor and his tough­nosed “you’re fired” persona. He can joke about dating his daughter and get away with it. His 100” high fence proposal for the Mexican border is silly, but taken seriously by the paranoid right wingers who make up the Republican base. • Second in most of the recent polls is Benny the “blade” Carson, a mild­ mannered brain surgeon, who felt he had to make up bad stuff about his youth in order to prove himself a tough­guy candidate. He believes the US is like Nazi Germany. And he would like to be the Fuhrer. • The rest of the clowns in the clown car are professional politicians: • Ted Cruz, Canadian born son of a Cuban immigrant hates the very thought of granting citizenship to immigrants. He is most famous for having shut down the government, costing us taxpayers millions of dollars. • Carly Fiorina is the Republican tough­guy, token­woman candidate. They need her in the race in order to pretend that they are OK with “the women­folk” whom they seem to push further and further away as they refuse to see them as equals deserving equal pay. Fiorina was apparently a terrible executive at Hewlett­ Packard and brings little but her experience there as an attraction to a top­heavy, white male Republican base. • Marco Rubio, another Cuban scion, has had personal money problems plague him for many years. He seemed to be the darling of the Republican establishment, but that nasty old Republican base has fostered many bad feelings toward the ‘insiders” like Rubio. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED • And the biggest insider of all is Jeb! [code­name] Bush, the rightful heir to a pretty appalling political birthright. Bad memories of 41 and 43 don’t bode well for a possible Bush 45. Although he has tons of big corporate money, Jeb! Doesn’t seem to have much heart for the campaign, probably because he can see the writing on the wall: Hillary’s gonna triumph, no matter which one of the goats wins their rodeo. • Christie, Kasich, Lindsay Graham, Rand Paul and Huckabee seem ready to be falling out of the clown car. Each of them seems pretty unlikeable and carries some problematic baggage there in the trunk of the car. A Brokered Convention The most exciting news of late has to do with the rumblings about what is known as a brokered convention. Those most excited about this are the media folks and the talking heads. A brokered convention would bring high ratings to an otherwise boring convention. But Republican insiders like the idea of their “big night” being “brokered.” What exactly does that term mean. It means simply that if no candidate goes into the convention with enough votes to secure the nomination, the delegates themselves get to decide instead of all the people who voted in the primaries and caucuses. Simply put, the Republican Establishment hates the fact that The Donald continues to lead the field of people they consider serious candidates. In a party that trades on being a total embarrassment, Trump trumps the field in terms of being a buffoon. Ted Koppel said recently that Trump has parlayed himself into being ISIS’s best recruiting tool. Everybody knows Trump is nuts, but he has remained consistently ahead of the GOP pack. If there is such a thing as a head clown or a bully­goat, he’s it. And the pols who pull the strings inside the party establishment don’t like him stealing their thunder. They would love the chance to “fire” the Donald, and have a more traditional clown drive the car. The problem with this plan has to do with that big, white, male, racist base that has dominated the polling so far. It (they) like/s Trump. And they will be furious if he is denied his chance by the pettifoggery of a so­called, “smoke­filled room.” At this point, Readers, the insiders are saying that Cruz will be the final choice for Presidential candidate. My call is that either of the two Democrat contenders would make Teddy (or any of the other ten goats) wish they had stayed out to pasture. Stay tuned. [The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition is nonpartisan and does not endorse political candidates.] ------------------------ �6 LOCAL Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 JUSTIN JEFFRE (Continued from page 2) and in shelter etc. that we must as a society decide to end this life stealing problem,” said Josh Spring, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. Stories were shared, candles were lit and the names of those we knew of were called out. Together we can prevent this in the future. ------------------------ We are proud to show you what your financial support has accomplished in 2015: Education and Outreach: 95 Speaking Engagements were held. Over 4,700 people learned what systematically causes homelessness and the hardships people experiencing it go through. Approximately 30 local schools and over 1000 students participated in our Citywide Shantytown 2015. Three groups of university students spent extended time with us in intense, hands on learning. Streetvibes: This year Streetvibes turned 20, making it one of the oldest street-papers in the world. Currently we have over 50 active Distributors. Our hard-working Distributors put out approximately 2000 papers every two weeks. Our Distributors also joined with local high school students and together created our sixth Day by Day Calendar. Advocacy and Organizing: After a year of organizing by the Coalition and legal work by Legal Aid and the City of Cincinnati, a judge ruled that due to the negligence of an out-of-town landlord, five affordable apartment buildings in our city have become a public nuisance. We spent 2015 organizing Residents, and collecting evidence of building violations; 1800 just last month. Thousands of people have had to endure crime, mold, collapsed ceilings and roof, constant leaks, windows that won’t close, electric that threatens fire, threats and intimidation from the owners, etc. Because of this decision, in January we go back before the judge asking that she appoint a third party company, answerable to the court, to receive all of the rent monies and put them back into improving the properties. After 14 years of advocacy, we became the 3rd city in the country to have Homeless Hate Crimes legislation. The Winter Shelter was open all of last winter and will be this winter as well. More than 800 people are expected to move through its doors. Coordination: We held well-attended monthly Membership Meetings. Our Membership has continued to increase. We are constantly trying to provide opportunity for our MemberOrganizations to be involved in our systematic work. We work hard to listen and act according to the needs of our Members; without them, we would not be a Coalition. After a decade of our advocacy and organizing, City Human Services Funding, which many of our Members receive, was finally increased. Additionally: We received and distributed mail for nearly 3,000 people without an address. “Breakdown Stereotypes” “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Jimmy Heath House Celebrates Five Years of Service to the Homeless, and to the Community No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 7 ANDY HUTZEL Contributing Writer “E veryone needs a home. It’s part of our humanity.” This simple statement from Dave Elkins, Jimmy Heath House’s Program Coordinator, best captures what the Jimmy Heath House (JHH) represents to the community. On December 3, 2010, Overthe-Rhine Community Housing held its ribbon-cutting ceremony for the JHH. Jimmy Heath House was created to house the most vulnerable and longest-term homeless men on our city’s streets. The project provides fully equipped and furnished apartments to 25 residents at a time, providing the safety and security to struggle with recovery from addiction and to regain physical, mental and spiritual health. Jimmy Heath House uses the “Housing First” philosophy, a nationally recognized model that asserts that housing is the first priority of all homeless individuals, and their primary goal when seeking assistance. In the first 5 years, we have provided housing to 50 long-term homeless individuals. Half came from a shelter and half directly from the streets, 40% have chronic health conditions, and 14% are veterans. 7of our original residents still live at JHH, 15 have moved into permanent housing, 6 moved to a nursing home, and, sadly, 5 have passed away. How does the Jimmy Heath House benefit its residents? First, it provides the opportunity to have a safe place to call home. With this first step in place, alcohol use is reduced, an array of services is available, and housing stability is achieved. In the first five years, only 1 of our 50 residents has returned to life on the streets. There are also very important benefits to the community; use of costly emergency rooms is reduced, as is contact with the police, the jail, and the criminal justice system. Many churches, colleges, and civic groups have opened their arms to the residents of Jimmy Heath House. Over 20 church and civic groups have invested time and resources to help with meals and engage with residents over the years. Jimmy Heath House has meant different things to different residents. For Brad, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer before entering JHH, it was a safe, warm home where he could receive hospice care. Brad died after only two months at JHH, and did so with dignity. Don had lived in a homeless camp on the river bank for four years until, after having been severely beaten, he was brought to JHH by the police. He stayed for over four Sole Bros. JASON HAAP Contributing Writer T here is a new television show on TruTV called Adam Ruins Everything. It’s great! The host takes the viewer through an intellectual journey complete with documentation - about the truth behind things so many of us fail to question. Recent episodes have showcased how having herpes is not really a big deal, how engagement rings were invented in the 20th century by the De Beers corporation, and how breakfast cereal was originally invented to discourage people from masturbating. (Did I mention all of these claims are documented with reliable sources?) Hold that paragraph on the back-burner for a moment. On December 4th, WCPO ran a story about three Cincinnati 8th graders who have started a non-profit designed to send shoes to kids in countries where they don’t have any. One of the student’s mothers went on a business trip to Jamaica, and saw kids wearing cardboard on their feet for shoes. This story inspired the three teens to start their charitable project: Sole Bros. You can find them online at solebrosinc.org. Now, hold that paragraph on the back-burner for a moment. One episode of Adam Ruins Everything featured a bit on Tom’s Shoes - the company that donates a pair of shoes to kids in need for every pair purchased. Many of these donated shoes end up in African countries. One of the show’s citations leads to a paper by Garth Frazer, a professor of economics and public policy at the University of Toronto. According to the paper, entitled “Used-Clothing Donations and Apparel Production in Africa,” Frazer years and attended and completed substance abuse treatment for the first time in his life. Recently he moved into his own apartment. Most of our residents tell us this is their first apartment. They have to learn the basics of maintaining a home; e.g. how to use a microwave, take the trash out, and do laundry. They don’t learn this by themselves. There is an array of supportive and compassionate staff from several organizations helping them along the way. Jimmy Heath House has been central to a community-wide effort to help those individuals whose addiction, mental health, medical and legal issues has kept them cycling among shelters, jails, emergency rooms, treatment centers and the street. Jimmy Heath House has reduced chronic homelessness in Cincinnati. One of our first residents, Paul, who had been homeless 30 years, summed up his experience at Jimmy Heath House by saying, “I’m learning how to live again.” In the past five years, we have all been learning and growing from our experience at the Jimmy Heath House. notes that “used-clothing imports are found to have a negative impact on apparel and textile production in Africa.” In other words, clothing donations (such as shoes) ruin local economies in these under-developed nations. When we give shoes to those kids, we take away a sale from a local shoe-seller, and maybe even a job from local textile manufacturers. But more importantly, do we even know that these clothing donations are what the recipients really need? Did we even ask them what they really need? What if “shoes” are not at the top of the list? Should we give what we think they need, or what they actually need? I reached out to the contact information for Sole Bros., providing them the clip from Adam Ruins Everything about Tom’s Shoes. I heard back from Jackie Taggart-Boyd, mother to one of the Sole Bros. “I am a Sole Bro Mom. Spencer Boyd is my son. I look forward to sharing the attached video with the boys when they meet next,” she wrote. “They are multi-sport athletes as well as scholars, so that leaves Saturday af- The College Sports Scholarship Betrayal MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer T here are two different storylines about college sports scholarships. The one that people like to tell is that sports scholarships offer a way for many families to send one or more of their children to college. In fact, my neighbor for several years encouraged his children to practice sports – especially basketball and golf -with this goal in mind. I’ll get back to that goal later. The other storyline is that most of the people who do get sports scholarships take relatively soft courses. If they graduate at all, it is with a degree in something like physical education. Science? Engineering? Math? Maybe not “never,” THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED We asked three JHH residents to share with our readers a message of hope and new beginnings, something they have come to know: • My HOPE is to learn how to sleep at night without the fear of getting beat up, told to move down the street, to another doorway, to animals sniffing me and trying to bite me to get to my food stash. T. • My HOPE is that whenever I go to my mom’s to work around her house that this is the way I can show her that I really do love her so she can see me as the son she always wanted, not the son who turned out to be. N. • My HOPE is that my family will remember me and the love that I have for them. O. -----------------------ternoon for philanthropy. I will have them review the clip at the meeting and reach out to you. I will allow them to speak for themselves at that point.” I was eager to hear back from the students. But I never did. I followed up a few times, but received only silence from the Sole Bros. Some readers may be tempted to think I am harassing some well-intentioned young people when instead I should be celebrating their desire to do good work for those in need. I understand that sentiment. But what if Adam Ruins Everything is right? Do these students know what children in their targeted countries really need, or are they making assumptions? What if their actions take away from the local economy? Could they inadvertently do more harm than good? I would have loved to engage Sole Bros. on this matter. Unfortunately, they did not respond to multiple inquiries. ------------------------ but certainly very rare. The “dumb jock” is something of a running joke in the United States. From what I have learned this month I am going to have to rethink both of these storylines. Not that the storylines are totally wrong, but they are certainly incomplete. In fact, college sports scholarships may be doing more harm to our country than good. For me the curtain began to be (Continued on page 12) �8 PHOTO ESSAY Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 9 PHOTO ESSAY Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox Photo Credit: Jesse Fox THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Photo Credit: Jesse Fox �10 WORLD Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 The B Word What are you saying when you call someone a “bum”? All too often when we discuss the phenomena of homeslessness, we use words like “bum,” “hobo,” or “vagrant” to describe people. But what are we really saying when we label people with those words? REMEMBER: PUT PEOPLE FIRST *Always use “people-first” language when discussing the issue of homelessness. It is a misconception that those who “People experiencing experience homelessness do so out of homelessness” choice; many work long hours. Homelessness is a multi-layered issue. When we dismiss people who live in extreme poverty as being NOT lazy or deserving of their situation we are actively contributing to the problem. “Homeless people” Learn to change your language. Now Hiring Learn how to make a difference. Caracole Caracole.org - Resident Assistant - Medical Care Coordinator Cincinnati Union Bethel cinunionbethel.org - Family Service Worker - Teacher - Assistant teachers - Special Needs Assistant Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati lascinti.org - After School Program Teacher Assistant tendermerciesinc. org - Accounting Assistant To learn more about the lack of affordable housing and the inadequacy of services - Client Service Specialist Coalition at that force people into homelessness, contact the Homeless Shelter House UpSpring shelterhousecinti. (513) 421- 2701 upspring.org Lighthouse Youth Services lighthouse.org org - Multiple Openings - Cook - Shelter Director - Resident Aid Our Daily Bread ourdailybread.us Tender Mercies THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED *hiring for the 2016 Summer Program - Class Intern - Office Manager - Volunteer Manager - Instructional Assistant �LOCAL No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 11 Black Lives Matter: Cincinnati calls for the Tamir Rice case to be reopened JUSTIN JEFFRE Editor O n December 28th about 150 protesters gathered in Findlay Park to express outrage that the two officers involved in the shooting of 12 year old Tamir Rice in a park in Cleveland. Rice was playing with a pellet gun. Police pulled into the park and quickly drove within a few feet of them when police officer Timothy Loehmann jumped out of the car before it had come to a complete stop and shot the child in less than 2 seconds. Rice died the next day. The officers said they believed the 12 year old was an adult. Ohio is an open carry so if he had been an adult it would have been legal for him to have a gun. Loehmann had previously been declared unfit for duty and “dismal” with his handgun in a nearby police department. The officer driving the police cruiser, Frank Garmback, also has a checkered history, with the city of Cleveland paying $100,000 to a resident who accused him of using excessive force. After an hour of speakers and chanting at the park protesters began to march down Vine Street and over to District 1 on Ezzard Charles. They delivered toys there, held a long moment of silence, sang and delivered toys in remembrance of the slain child. The toys were later distributed to kids in Over-the-Rhine. ------------------------ The Mysteries of Cancer Care in Cincinnati STEVE SUNDERLAND Contributing Writer 1. I n t r o d u c t i o n : I am plunged back into anxiety. A family member has relapsed. The cancer has returned or, more accurately, sprouted in new areas. More treatment. More uncertainty. More stubbornness. My family member faces this new reality alone. No one is by his side. No one holds his hand. No words of support to counter the harsh words of reality. Just another ticket to a ride into the abyss. We do talk on the phone. The phone is the bridge to hope, despair, and magic. In the absence of telling the future with certainty, we dance in the ambiguity, darting this way to courage, that way to fear, and upward to a leap to faith. I have been on a journey with family members into the world of cancer these last two years. Our experience has been a lens to stare into the face of health care for everyone in dire need. Having experienced care that cannot be called a success, I am left too often to think about those who have also entered the healthcare system without any road map. Income is irrelevant in cancer care. The poor and minorities and women are dying in greater numbers. Too many working poor are making choice-less choices: food or medicine? But for the middle class and the upper class, those with “good” health insurance, the choices are not fundamentally different: there is no evidence about which hospitals are best, little but public relations about what doctors have good track records, no agreement about what will be my quality of life, and ongoing confusion about whether or not my will insurance cover most of the expenses? These questions poke into our minds and deepen the pain. I am driven back to the basics, the questions that choke belief in the authority of doc- tors and hospitals: Why is isolation, uncertainty, and professional misdirection the status quo of medicine, healthcare, and the patient’s quality of life? And, most importantly, why hasn’t something like patient navigation, helping the patient gain confidence in making choices, emerged alongside medicine, nursing, social work, and counseling? 2. Blaming the Victors: Who wins by keeping caring at such little value? Clearly, the systems go on providing employment, procedures, and opportunities for magic to happen. “Modern medicine discourages doctors from getting to know the human beings they are treating. A physician is given twenty minutes with a patient, and then the doctor’s performance is judged based on how much revenue was generated for the medical institution.” So says Raymond Barfield, professor of medicine and theology at Duke University. (Janice L. Schuster. “The Miracle in Front of You: Raymond Barfield on Practicing Medicine with Compassion.” The Sun. January 2016. Page 6.) So what does medicine and healthcare win from this orientation? Is what matters totally consumed by finances, day in and day out? Is this focus on dollars the main reason that every cancer hospital presents itself as capable of working with every kind of cancer? According to the accrediting agencies for cancer programs, there is no top cancer program in Cincinnati. Only the James in Columbus at the Ohio State Medical School, and Cleveland Clinic have achieved a top rank. Yet, the patient in Cincinnati who wants to stay in Cincinnati has to struggle with the puzzle parts of every cancer program and hospital. The puzzle is challenging to anyone serious about their life. Even one part of the puzzle might help with other parts: for example, are the outcomes for breast cancer better for patients at University Hospital than Good Sam and why? Or, are only some doctors, programs, and procedures really at the top level? Who can verify that the doctors have successes with similar kinds of treatment? Who knows whether certain treatments can extend life and have a group of people who have had the treatments and are still around? (Michael Porter and Elizabeth Teisbert. Redefining Health Care: Creating Value-Based Competition and Results. Harvard Business School Press. 2006. Chapter 2.) As adults, we are faced with measures of healthcare competence that are nothing more than magazine popularity contests and we are reduced to choosing the most “well known.” The insurance companies are also closed doors to knowledge about what really works well. Why insurance companies have been silent partners in undermining the confidence and education of the cancer patient is a question worthy of exploration. Finally, what are we to expect from the American Cancer Society? In some cities, the ACS has underwritten patient navigators and played a vital role in helping patients? Where are they in Cincinnati? When should patients and doctors and nurses and social workers refer to their excellent materials? Who knows? 3. Changing the Status Quo for the Sake of Patients: Research on cancer treatments that prolong life have accomplished a great deal in extending the lives of patients. Thanks to the work of Harold Freeman, M.D., and those who have accepted his program, every patient who starts on the cancer journey can THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED have a great chance for a successful treatment if they have a patient navigator helping them at both the earliest stage and throughout the course of their treatment. (H. Freeman. A Model Patient Navigation Program. Oncology Issues. September/October 2004.) Why isn’t this program at every cancer program? Freeman has proved that timely care works for everyone, rich and poor, male and female. A patient navigator provides lifesaving assistance by being a partner with the cancer patient at the early and critical introduction to screening and treatment. Why is this relationship important? Standing by the patient during this time encourages the patient to overcome obstacles to screening and treatment. It is not hard to believe that knowing you have cancer may be the scariest experience of adult life. Often through no fault of the patient, they are introduced to a world where prior experiences may not work. Leaving the friendly arms of a general practitioner to face a group of doctors and nurses that are strangers, and facing confusing and fearful treatments, may leave even the most mature person so frightened as to have little balance. A patient navigator, recognizing the signs of confusion, having the time to sort them out with the patient, stands with the patient as they right themselves for their next steps. Freeman’s success and the reports from other researchers reveals that cancer can be found earlier and treated sooner if the patient navigator stays with the patient throughout the screening and treatment process. Accepting the patient navigator as a key partner in the health care team will require retraining of medical people so that a different model is felt. Barfield notes: “Those of us on the inside need to model the changes we want to see made. We could start by showing med students what it looks like just to be quiet and listen to patients as they try to say what matters in their lives. Model the habit of reminding patients with chronic (Continued on page 13) �12 MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 7) pulled back when I attended a Christmas fund-raiser. At the dinner I sat with a woman whose son had a full college football scholarship. That was wonderful, I thought. Well, there was a problem. You see, her son had his heart set on a rigorous college degree, one that would take a lot of study time. And the time the college required for him to practice football was so large that that wouldn’t be possible. His mother was telling him that he would have to settle for an easier degree. When I mentioned that story to my friend who had had his kids practicing sports all those years, he told me that his oldest daughter had indeed won a golf scholarship. But she turned it down. And the reason was that she would have had to practice for several hours every day and that would not allow enough study time for her major. She (and her dad) settled for another college and he is paying for it out of his pocket. By the way, she also made the dean’s list. I mentioned both of these to my niece at Christmas dinner and she told me a similar story about a friend of hers! She and her friend are going to a college out East and her friend turned down a scholarship for volleyball for that same reason. She also related that her friends who did play sports did play to win and to advance in tournament play, but they were of two minds about winning tournaments. Of course it is nice to win, but if you win that means you will be traveling and practicing more, which means less time for study. And this often happens as finals approach. This could all be coincidence, of course. I could have just happened to hear about three of the handful of students in the entire country who had to face this. Or we could recall what LOCAL Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 Auric Goldfinger said to Agent 007, “Mr. Bond, they have a saying in Chicago: ‘Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it’s enemy action.’” Okay, so it’s not enemy action but the point is that it is the result of deliberate actions. And those actions result from colleges putting sports above academics, and money and publicity from sports above the good of the students. But it might as well be the result of enemy action. We always hear about the need for more students majoring in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These degrees require more than just a couple hours of study and homework a day. Much of our country’s manufacturing has gone overseas. Other countries are catching up in science and technology; in some areas we are already behind. And our country’s major response is to offer more sports scholarships under conditions which often prevent, or at least intimidate students, from STEM degrees. Hard courses are not just limited to STEM, of course, but as an engineer I am sensitive to the need in those areas. Actually, the same would be true for any field where a student was more passionate about excelling in the study than in the sport. Who came up with the idea that so many scholarships should be offered on the basis of sports and design them to deter students from hard courses or from excelling in general? Was it someone in Russia? North Korea? China? Could have fooled me. That is why I call this a betrayal. For the United States to adequately compete in a competitive world, we need that students who want to study hard and learn and make advances should be able to do so. From what I have learned this month too many sports scholarships are designed to prevent exactly that. ------------------------ For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 STEVE SUNDERLAND (Continued from page 11) diseases that they are more than their disease, which is easy to forget. Ibid.)” There is a lot to be known about how doctors and nurses reduce communication with cancer patients because the information may be too painful for the doctors and nurses as well as the patients. Building relationships as professionals on a shaky foundation may cause the professionals to deny that suffering is too much a part of their experience. It is possible that another person may also help with the quality of life of the professional team. If the doctors and nurses can accept the patient navigator, then a message is sent to the patient about what compassionate care means. How valuable is this kind of action? If hospital administrators, insurance companies, health plans at businesses, and health foundations agreed that reducing the pain and confusion of a patient is also the best use of the health care dollar, then a system of support can be established. Hurting patients, confused by their pain, may miss important meetings, avoid treatments, and take the wrong medications and seriously endanger themselves as well as expand costs for treatments that are more complex. Professionals that are caught in giving painful information may also be rude, dismissive, and highly sensitive to questions raised about the value of their experiences. Why would any serious management plan want to encourage this kind of behavior? cancer care. What they are suggesting is that friends and family members would now be alive if treatment had been more compassionate. Staring all of us in the face is the reality that cancer care is too fragmented to be managed by standards that inform patient decisions. We are also aware that the cancer care world is ruthlessly competitive about everything but clarity about what works. Having less useful information means poor decision making and more expensive decision making. We are a rich country, able to afford the most expensive care. Yet, sadly, we are slow to change what is not working even though it looks like it’s working. The death rate for low income, minorities, and women from cancer is an international disgrace. The death rates from cancer for the middle class are not that much better. We need to stir ourselves to demand the best treatment options, the best care, the care that increases the odds that everyone will survive and have a good quality of life. It is time to write our “favorite” hospital president a letter about patient navigation. ------------------------ 4. Reducing Cancer Mortality for All: People have written me suggesting that patient navigation is critical for all walks of life, and not just for the poor. Many of these letters document a personal friends’ added pain as a result of being “lost” in the system of Branches Winter, spring, summer, fall The branches have survived the four seasons All the leaves are gone There’s nothing left but the branches So bare, so empty The autumn is here and winter will arrive The branches will be lonely once again Waiting for the warm up of spring Nature is doing its thing KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer A Fear for the New Year The fact that 2016 is already here Is causing me both anxiety and fear. Next November we elect a President, Who will be the White House resident. I will surely go into a permanent slump If that resident is Donald Trump. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer A New Beginning GOD IS GOOD, NOT SOME OF THE TIME BUT ALL THE TIME 24/7 I BELIEVE THAT BE THE REASON WE LIVE ON EARTH AND GOD LIVES IN HEAVEN LOOKING BACK ON MY LIFE AND THE SO MANY CHANGES THAT I WENT THROUGH LEARNING FROM REPEATED MISTAKES GOOD AND BAD UNTIL I LEARNED WHAT TO DO REALIZING TODAY KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT PLUS THE METHOD TO USE I SEE NOW THAT HAVING KNOWLEDGE DOESN’T DETERMINE THE ROUTE WE CHOOSE I KNOW NOW THAT EVERYDAY ABOVE GROUND IS A DAY TO TAKE HEED AND LEARN I KNOW NOW THAT MY CHOICES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER I LIVE WITH GOD OR I BURN TODAY, KNOWING, UNDERSTANDING WITH THE REALIZATION THAT YESTERDAY IS PASSED PRAYING AND HOPING MY WORDS WILL LINGER IN YOUR MEMORY MAKING A CHANGE TO LAST IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID ATTENTION TO YOUR LIFE MAY YOU LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT A NEW BEGINING IS WHAT’S UP FOR THE POLITICIANS AND THAT INCLUDES YOU AND ME WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 1 Across 1. Writer Waugh 5. ‘’Miss America’’ host 10. Merganser 14. Singing syllables 15. Wed 16. Beginning of greed? 17. Words between ‘’put’’ and ‘’writing’’ 18. Accustom 19. Muscat’s former partner 20. Start of a quip 23. Flynn of ‘’The Sea Hawk’’ 24. OPEC concern 25. Edict 28. Anode-directed particle 29. Underhanded 32. Words before ‘’about’’ 33. Smallest of the litter 35. Word for early morning hours 36. Middle of the quip 40. Beret’s center? 41. Georgia of ‘’The Mary Tyler Moore Show’’ 42. Grayish-brown sea eagle 43. Director Howard 44. Co. with a Victrola logo 45. Use Novocain 47. Consumer’s protective agcy. 48. Bigwig in Istanbul 50. End of the quip 56. Opera’s Gluck 57. Ford model 58. Dairy stick 59. ‘’Aurora’’ painter Guido 60. The ‘’E’’ in literary monogram TSE 61. Prepare to mail 62. Pipe opening? 63. Big name in farm equipment 64. William with the bow Down 1. Landed 2. Plaster backing 3. Nobelist Wiesel 4. Down Under capital 5. Political refugee 6. Tropical fruit 7. Unusual partner? 8. Goofs 9. Canine, but not a dog 10. Thread unit 11. Office missive 12. Cheese in red wax 13. Preferred outcome 21. Angry reaction 22. Dishwasher setting 25. Widow’s inheritance 26. Calendario part 27. Rumsfeld’s predecessor 28. Part of IBM (Abbr.) 29. Excalibur, e.g. 30. ‘’Fistful of Dollars’’ director Sergio 31. Aden is its largest city 33. Latvian capital 34. Employ 37. ‘’La Traviata’’ composer 38. Set up the tents 39. Farthest back 45. Give, as time 46. Wide shoe size 47. Physically delicate 48. Banks of the diamond 49. Word with coach or home 50. Fido’s bane 51. Potent front? 52. Carpet characteristic 53. Gen. Robt. --54. Patricia, who co-starred in ‘’Hud’’ 55. Tunnel fee 56. Paul’s singing partner SODOKU PUZZLE NO 219 - MEDIUM PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 319 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 84 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 218 - MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 320 | Ja n 1 - Ja n 1 4, 2 0 1 6 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Mercy Franciscan at St. John OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 15 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 981-5800 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Both Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 Health Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 Cincinnati Health Network $100 for 26 issues 961-0600 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless for 26 issues and a $50 donation 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 S Jan 1 - Jan 14, 2016 | No. 320 treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 QUEENACELESTINE LEVY RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. 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Title A name given to the resource 2016 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 1-January 14, 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: We have a Significant Problem A Least 52 People Experiencing Homelessness Died in Cincinnati in 2015 Pg 3: Uplifting Events at the Homeless Coalition: From My View Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: The Goat Rodeo Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Jimmy Heath House Celebrates Five Years of Service to the Homeless, and to the Community Sole Bros Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: The B Word Pg 11: Black Lives Matter The Mysterious of Cancer Care in Cincinnati Pg 12: Michael Earl Patton Continued Pg 13: Steve Sunderland Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 1-January 14, 2016 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Dr. Mark Mussman Jim Luken Andy Hutzel Jason Haap Michael Earl Patton Steve Sunderland Bill Woods Kim Green Willa Denise Jones OTRCH Jesse Fox Aaron Roco Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Roco Andy Hutzel Bill Woods Black Lives Matter Cancer Care Cincinnati College Dr. Mark Mussman GCHC Jason Haap Jesse Fox Jim Luken Jimmy Heath Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Michael Earl Patton OTRCH Photography Protests Sports Steve Sunderland Tamir Rice Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/53c943460c1c97a4d2994765b9acfd66.pdf 29508671bd7f957a72562d3ef03ae84e PDF Text Text J a n ua r y 1 1 t h - J a n ua r y 2 5 t h 2 0 1 8 | Vo l . 2 1 I s s u e 2 4 ( N o . 3 9 7 ) advo cating justice | building communit y Any opinions in this issue are of the authors and don't necessarily represent Streetvibes or The Homeless Coalition. Article on page 8 I’M BIG, I’M BAD, I’M A BID! This Issue is sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 12 �2 COALITION N o v 11 2 - -NJan. o v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 Jan. 25,22019 No. 398 From The Director: Working Not Waiting Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Gabriela Godinez Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Josh Spring giving a speech. Credit:Amanda Meet JOSH SPRING I Executive Director n 2006 the musician John Mayer released a song which included the following lyrics: “…Now we see everything that’s going wrong With the world and those who lead it…” and “…To bring our neighbors home from war they would have never missed a Christmas No more ribbons on their door And when you trust your television What you get is what you got Cause when they own the information, oh They can bend it all they want” These lyrics are pretty good; identifying what’s wrong and who’s leading the wrong, ending war and not trusting mass media. But the rest of the lyrics of this song mirror a major problem among so many groups of people: “…With the world and those who lead it We just feel like we don’t have the means To rise above and beat it So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change…” and “It’s hard to beat the system When we’re standing at a distance So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change” and “Now if we had the power To bring our neighbors home from war… It’s not that we don’t care We just know that the fight ain’t fair So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change” What the hell! You know the problems, you know the problems need to be ended, but your waiting on things to change? He’s right that we may not yet have the “means to rise above and beat it” and that “It’s hard to beat the system when we’re standing at a distance” and that the “fight ain’t fair”. Duh, yes these are true statements. But these are not reasons to wait. In fact there are no reasons to wait on making change. If we don’t currently have the “means” then we have to make the means. So we have to strategize, execute, re-evaluate and organize people. The “means” are never going to magically appear or be given to us, we make them, really, as we hone ourselves, we are them. The best way to not be “standing at a distance” is to move forward, into the fray; strategically ignite the fray. And about the fight not being fair; yes the majority of resources are controlled by the few extremely wealthy people and companies and the very wealthy who envy them, but we have a whole lot more people than they do. I know some reading this may be thinking, “…oh don’t make it an ‘us and them’ thing.” It already is an “us and them” thing and allowing ourselves to be blinded by faux warm and fuzzies about everyone just needing to work together keeps poverty and oppression well fed. Instead we need to own the fact that we have many, many people and organizing our collective strength is how we recover the necessary resources to ensure just opportunity for healthy life. At the end of the song, Mayer sings: “One day our generation Is gonna rule the population So we keep waiting (waiting) Waiting on the world to change…” Perhaps he is saying he believes that once his generation “rule[s] the population” change will happen, so he and his friends are just “waiting” for that day. If we claim we are “waiting” on something to change the world or we are “waiting” on our having enough power to change the world, really we are just utilizing the word “wait” to act as if care, but the timing just isn’t right yet. This is faith without works. Having faith things will change, even having faith we will lead such a change, but doing nothing about it keeps the paths to destruction well-established. We should have faith justice will rule, but the faith is born in working to eliminate the paths to destruction and concurrently establish justice. We aren’t waiting. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Distributor Program Manager: Sallie Mascus Layout: Gabriela Godinez Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper ------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Reginald Black, Yonna Walterson, Chris Arenault, Robert Park, Jonas Fullner, Paul Boden, Bill Woods, Key Beck, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones, David McCane ------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Homeless Coalition, pngtree. com, Gabriela Godinez, wraphome.org, Amanda Meek ---------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 39 Nov 2 - N o v 19, 2 0 18 Jan. 113-|Jan. 25, 2019 | No. 398 3 U.S. NEWS Shutdown Easy ROBERT PARK I Contributing Writer t’s really very simple. The Democrats announce that two can play this disgusting game (shutting down our government that we pay for and that should be doing things we need, you know, like inspecting food supplies, protecting and fixing the environment, enforcing labor laws and protections, prosecuting discrimination, collecting taxes owed by the super-rich, making climate- change resilient infrastructure…). The Democrats (not known for backbone) would explain: we will not vote for any Budget that does not establish Medicare-for-All immediately. Period. And then they go home and wait. Catch-up with the locals, read some good books, attend rallies and picket lines. With a clear commitment for universal, publicly funded health care (like almost all modern countries already have), the details could then be negotiated: phase-in Medicare coverage by lowering the entry age each year by 5 years. If its 65 now, a year from now it’s 60; 5 years from now it’s 40. Includes dental and vision. Funds transition programs that liberate nurses working for insurance companies and gets them back into a health care system that works well for the people. Instead of Nancy Pelosi smiling and promising bipartisanism, she needs to cut off the corporate sugar daddies and learn how to street fight for us. Do the right things and small donations will follow, in the millions. Instead of projecting niceness, we need to hear from her and her colleagues sarcasm, ridicule and honesty. Tell the GOP to take his wall and shove it. It would help a lot if the Dems would explain the origins of the immigration crisis: the war on drugs and corporate super-exploitation in Central America by some of the Dems’ biggest contributors. These are not issues to smile about, they are life-anddeath propositions that the American people are already on top of or ready to be. One man’s journey through 19 years of homelessness REGINALD BLACK Street Sense D avid Gardner, 34, had been homeless since he was fifteen years old – the age at which he was taken away from his mother. He is a native Washingtonian and moved into his first place of his own this year. Gardner has had work on and off, and he has also bounced between jail and drug treatment programs. While he was homeless, he learned about gratitude. “I thanked someone for coming down and helping me out and uplifting my spirits,” Gardner says. “It is hard out here.” This is his lived experience, as shared during an interview at McDonald’s in downtown Washington D.C. Reginald Black: Over the years of being homeless, what kind of facilities did you encounter? Gardner: As a child, I was sent to shelter houses from the age of 15 until I was 19, when I was convicted of a crime I committed with some co-defendants of mine. I learned that I have to be independent if I want to be something out in the world. When I came home, I juggled with trying to get back into my family life. But I didn’t believe that my family had my best interest at heart, you know? I was dealing with a drug addicted sister and she was into prostitution, and it was just unsafe for me. Can you describe some of the shelters that you spent time in? I was told to stay out my neighborhood. That’s what lead me to come to the shelters and come downtown. That was in 2003. The shelters I have been to in Washington, D.C. are run by Catholic Charities for the Department of Human Services. You would think that a church would be a safe haven for people to go in to. But once you get there, you have to be there at a certain time. You could actually be hurt or harmed for standing in the line [waiting to get in], because people burst in front of you and try to take your spot. One thing that happened to me that I was afraid of was when my sheets were stolen off my bed. I can remember my first day there: I was excited to finally get my bed. I put my sheets on my bed and then they were stolen. I went up to the front desk and was like, “Oh my gosh, what’s going on here? Someone stole my stuff! I do not feel safe here no more.” One of the guys at the desk explained to me there was a lot of stealing going on and that there would be a lot of people that I’d meet who would not have my best interests at heart. I picked up some charges in the shelter because some guys decided to pick on me and we got into an altercation. I got arrested for assault, so I didn’t really have nowhere to go. But I also met a lot of good people and a lot of friends that I stick to and we are trying to progress and to become something in our lives. Before you were homeless, what kind of environment did you grow up in? Do you think it ultimately led to your homelessness? Well, prior to me being arrested, I was just a little kid – seven or eight years old. In my neighborhood, a lot of the boys used to hang around outside. My thing was hanging around outside. At some point, some people came around to try to help [my friends] out and explained that [my friends] were homeless. So that’s how I first found out about being homeless. I had a single mother and four siblings growing up. My father was dead when I was born. So, it’s been hard, you know? I don’t blame nothing on my family because they tried to do what they had to do, especially my mother raising four kids. I went to school and, like I said, I was arrested at 15 and sent out to Virginia. I went to grade school and always had good grades. I always studied and learned and listened to the teachers and did my homework. Once I came home from residential, I was able to get my GED. When I was a juvenile, I did two years in college and in between living in the shelters and going backand-forth – from what they call postto-post – I would pick up temp jobs and try to work and just try to better myself. Did the services at that time help you with employment? Well, at the programs I have been to, I feel as though I put forth a lot of effort to progress in my behavior. I believe they helped me strengthen my mindset so that I could get my life together. A lot of times it did help me just by giving me somewhere to stay at and not be locked up and arrested, and by giving me someone to talk to, you know? I made it my goal to see my case manager every two weeks when I was in the shelter, which was good. Little things like that really help a person out. It sounds like you have seen different services change over time. Have they gotten better? A lot of these services and a lot of the people that come with these services – I’ve learned they’re in there to just get THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED a paycheck. A lot of them will allow you to be hurt, harmed and put in bad hands. The people I was working with, they didn’t inspire me or assist me with what was going on at the time. But in a lot of the day programs that are opening now there are people that come out and serve and it’s really helpful. Where have you found direction or inspiration lately? Well, I signed up for a constituent scholarship and got accepted into to the National Alliance [to End Homelessness] conference [in July]. What I do is sign up for everything and let the people call me back. Focus is my thing. Everybody wants to sign up for the partying events or cookout events. I pick events where I have to go to places like the Wilson Building. Courtesy of Street Sense / INSP.ngo �4 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED NJan. o v 211 - N v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 - oJan. 25,2 02019 398 �N o. 39 ov 225, - N2019 o v 19,| No. 2 0 18 Jan. 113 -| N Jan. 398 5 GLOBAL Mothers of Drug War Victims Demand Justice in the Philippines YONNA WALTERSSON Inter Press Service A basketball bounces. The heat feels almost physical against the skin. Young men dribble the ball playfully on the hot afternoon of Christmas Day. A mother approaches them asking to borrow a few pesos to buy water. A son grins back at her. For a short time, it’s only a moment among others. A few hours later, it has become a memory carefully imprinted on the mind of a mother - the memory of the last time she saw her son smile. That evening, he is murdered – shot to death alongside a friend. Two of the thousands of people killed in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. “They ride in tandem,” says Lorena Villanueva. “One steers the motorbike, one shoots,” says Emy Pagaduan. It’s their sons’ killers that the two women are talking about as they sit in a park in the middle of Manila. Those who appeared on Christmas Day 2016 and who shot their sons to death. 21-year-old Ray Justin Villanueva and 16-year-old Ramil Pagaduan were killed early in the war on drugs that is still underway. By now, “riding tandem” has become the mental image of how the killings take place. Motorcyclists quickly drive into an area and shoot the person next in line to be killed. “We thought it was fireworks that we heard, which is not surprising given we were in the middle of Christmas celebrations when we often have fireworks,” says Lorena Villanueva. In Caloocan, Manila, where the two women live, a handful of people die every day in the war on drugs. The area is poor, which has been a common denominator of murder locations. The political opposition suggests that’s because the country’s poor people have a harder time pursuing legal action and the police can therefore kill with impunity. But trade union activists, human rights lawyers and politicians are also among those killed and imprisoned, and a climate of fear has established itself in the community. The war on drugs began immediately after Duterte was sworn in as president in June 2016. During the presidential campaign, he promised that 100,000 criminals would be killed. Official figures now state that about 5,000 have been killed in the war against drugs. Local human rights organisations insist it’s more than neighbour using drugs? Are you going Lorena Villanueva adds: “I pray Ramil Pagaduan and Ray Justin Villanueva. Credit: Yonna Waltersson, Arbetet-Global/IPS 29,000 people. The official stance is also that those who have died in the war on drugs have done so because they were violent during their attempted arrests. It was only in September this year that President Duterte acknowledged that extrajudicial executions take place in the country. In a speech from the presidential palace he said: “My only sin is extrajudicial killings.” After the death of her son, Lorena Villanueva has left her job. She says she has to devote herself to protecting the children who are still alive. It’s usually young people that are killed. Sitting on the stairs in the park, she pulls a photo of her son out of her handbag. “He was always so happy. After my husband’s death, he had taken on his father’s role. He always had so many plans for what he wanted to do and things to fix in the house,” she says. At the headquarters of the democratic socialist party Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, one of the party leaders, Machris Cabreros, tells us how the police operate: “The police knock on doors in poor neighbourhoods, asking three questions: Is anyone in your family using drugs? Do you have a relative or to cooperate?” That’s how the police compile a list of those to be killed so that they can meet their quotas, she says. An Amnesty International report on the war on drugs, released earlier this year, contained testimonies that a bounty is paid for each killing. Depending on who is shot, the killer is said to be able to get between 8,000 and 15,000 pesos. Akbayan’s Machris Cabreros says the system creates a culture of informers and establishes a fear in society. Emy Pagaduan agrees. “You do not know who’s the enemy.” Among those who have experienced the war on drugs, there is also a sense that it is the poor that are being killed. “Those involved in the drug trade are safe. It’s us poor who lose our lives,” says Lorena Villanueva. Lorena Villanueva and Emy Pagaduan are part of a larger group of women who have filed charges against the president in the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC). A preliminary investigation has begun. With the application to ICC, the group hopes to hold someone accountable for the lives lost. “We want justice,” says Emy Pagaduan. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED every night for someone to have the courage to come forward and tell the truth about who killed our sons.” The fact that President Duterte has acknowledged that extrajudicial killings take place in the country can lend weight to the ongoing investigation. But few – if any – people believe the investigation will result in a drop in murder rates. “There is no indication that it is about to slow down, even though he is aware that there is an investigation. Maybe if he is forced to go to The Hague for questioning. But the investigation will take time and Duterte has also threatened that the Philippines will leave the ICC,” says Kith Melgar, one of the Akbayan party leaders. Another Christmas is around the corner; a much-loved celebration for many Filipinos, who start celebrating as early as September and continues until Christmas. But Emy Pagaduan says her family no longer join in the festivities. “We will be at the cemetery on Christmas Day. There is no joy left in celebrating Christmas.” Courtesy of Inter Press Service / INSP.ngo �GLOBAL 6 NJan. o v 211 - N v 19, 2 02019 18 | N o . 393 - oJan. 25, | No. 398 Negotiating for Nature Concerned over the rate of biodiversity loss, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is calling for a new deal for nature and people. South Africaís white rhinoceros recovered from near-extinction thanks to intense conservation efforts. Credit: Kanya DíAlmeida/IPS THARANGA YAKUPITIYAGE Inter Press Service W ildlife is being wiped out in an unprecedented rate, and it’s our fault. But a new deal could provide a new pathway forward. Concerned over the rate of biodiversity loss, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is calling for a new deal for nature and people in order to accelerate and integrate action between three core areas: biodiversity, land degradation, and climate change. “The trends are shocking. We are facing a decline which is unprecedented and its accelerating,” said WWF’s Director General Marco Lambertini. “This is a global issue. Almost no country is completely exempt,” he added. And it’s not just the iconic species like pandas, elephants, and tigers, he noted. According the WWF’s recent Living Planet report, populations of vertebrate species have declined by 60 per cent around the world in just 40 years. Freshwater species alone faced a decline of over 80 per cent. Such population declines were especially prominent in South and Central America, where there is 89 per cent less wildlife than in 1970. Among the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss are directly linked to human activities, namely land conversion and overexploitation. Over 40 per cent of the world’s land has been converted or set aside for agriculture alone. The Amazon, which is home to over 10 per cent of the world’s species, has seen deforestation and habitat conversion to make way for agricultural activities such as cattle ranching and soy cultivation. Though there have been some efforts to halt and reverse such harmful activities, 20 per cent of the Amazon disappeared in just 50 years. In Indonesia, primates are facing a heightened risk of extinction as forests are destroyed to produce palm oil. “Food production is the single most important driver of wild habitat loss… very few people realise the connection between the food that they eat and the impact it is having on wildlife and wild habitats in the world,” Lambertini said. But it doesn’t stop there. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), unsustainable land management, which encompasses many modern crop and livestock practices, is causing soil and land degradation thus contributing to both desertification and further biodiversity loss. “With our current trends in production, urbanisation, and environmental degradation, we are losing and wasting too much land,” said UNCCD’s Executive Secretary Monique Barbut in the group’s Global Land Outlook report. “We are losing our connection with the earth. We are losing too quickly the water, soil, and biodiversity that support all life,” she added. Lambertini echoed similar sentiments, stating: “There’s not going to be a prosperous, healthy, happy, just future for us in a degraded planet.” Finding common ground UNCCD is one of three conventions that were established during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Its sister conventions include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Though significant as separate frameworks, Lambertini highlighted the need for more integration between the three conventions as the three issues are interconnected. “We are calling for a new deal for nature…that really recognises those interdependencies and that they need to be integrated—land degradation, climate change, and nature conservation,” he said. The Executive Secretaries of the three conventions also recognised the intersectionality of the three issues during the U.N. climate change conference in 2017, calling for the establishment of a project preparation facility. The facility would help promote a coordinated action towards the convention’s common issues and finance large-scale multi-disciplinary projects. However, little has been mentioned of it since. Similar to the Paris climate accord, the proposed “new deal for nature and people” would ramp up the international community’s efforts through ambitious goals and targets to halt biodiversity loss and protect and restore nature. Unlike the majority of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the end date of the biodiversityrelated targets under the SDGs is in 2020 and it is expected that many countries will not come close to reaching the targets given current trends. The new deal for nature would therefore be a post-2020 framework, helping governments to keep up, if not raise, their efforts. A recent U.N. Biodiversity Conference agreed to begin a preparatory process, marking a first step towards a new framework. However, WWF noted that ambition was weak. “The world needs to wake up to the risks of biodiversity loss. All stakeholders; business, government and people, need to act now if we are to have any hope of creating a sustainable future for all and a New Deal for Nature and People in 2020,” Lambertini said. “For this to happen, we need a cohesive vision and strong political will – something [Conference of the Parties 14] has unfortunately lacked,” he added. The value of nature THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED The Living Planet Index calculated that nature provides services worth $125 trillion annually while also providing us with fresh air, clean water, food, and medicine. Wildlife play an essential role, and can even help restore and conserve land. “We often forget that these creatures are fundamental to maintaining ecosystems like forests, oceans, wetlands, grasslands and make services that are fundamental to us,” said Lambertini. “There is a huge link between biodiversity and their ecosystems… and our fight against climate change,” he added. For instance, approximately 87 per cent of all flowering plant species are pollinated by animals, and crops that are partially pollinated by animals account for 35 per cent of global food production. Primates also help disperse seeds and pollen, helping maintain tropical rainforests which are play a crucial role in global rainfall patterns and carbon emissions reduction. During the recent U.N. climate change conference in Poland, many looked to natural climate solutions including forests which help cut emissions by up to 30 per cent. WWF is urging all stakeholders to come together to deliver on a comprehensive framework to help protect the environment by the next U.N. biodiversity conference set to take place in China in 2020. “It’s time to stop taking nature for granted—we are depending on nature more than nature depends on us,” Lambertini said. “Don’t leave nature and environmental conservation and climate change as an afterthought, they have to be driving the thinking and the planning at the policy level as much as the economic level,” he concluded. Courtesy of Inter Press Service / INSP.ngo �N o. 39 3 |- N ov 2 25, - N 2019 o v 19,| 2 0 18398 Jan. 11 Jan. No. GLOBAL 7 Dozens of indigenous women forcibly sterilised in Canada CHRIS ARSENAULT Reuters D ozens of indigenous women were forcibly sterilised by Canadian health authorities, including as recently as in 2017, said the lawyer leading a classaction lawsuit against the government. Alisa Lombard was speaking on Thursday after appearing in Geneva at the UN Committee Against Torture during hearings into Canada's human rights record. More than 90 indigenous women in the western province of Saskatchewan contacted lawyers to join the lawsuit over forced sterilisation, said Lombard of Maurice Law, the indigenous-run firm spearheading the case. "This practice needs to stop," she said, adding that she knew of cases in 2009, 2011 and 2017. "If it happened then and nothing was done to prevent it, I don't see why it wouldn't be happening now," Lombard said. A government spokeswoman said officials were still gathering information on the issue, and could not say with certainty that the practice had stopped. The UN committee will publish its findings on December 7. "This class action is there to stop it (forced sterilisation), punish it and prosecute it," Lombard said of the suit, which was filed last year. Health experts and human rights campaigners said the forced sterilisations, which the United Nations considers a form of torture, are symptomatic of the discrimination and abuse that Canada's indigenous women face. The government does not deny coerced sterilisations took place. However, a spokeswoman for the minister of indigenous services said she could not comment on allegations in the lawsuit as the matter was before the courts. ‘Serious violation’ Earlier this week, minister of indigenous services Jane Philpott told lawmakers the "coerced sterilisation of some indigenous women by medical professionals is a serious violation of human rights". "We know that indigenous patients can face systemic barriers in accessing medical services, including discrimination and racism," Philpott said. It remained unclear how many indigenous women were forcibly sterilised in Saskatchewan or elsewhere in Canada, said Alex Neve, secretarygeneral of Amnesty International Canada, who also testified at the UN committee hearings. "It is impossible not to conclude that this arises from a context of deeply entrenched racism and colonialism. People take part in a smudging ceremony organized by the First Nations Indigenous Warriors and the American Indian Movement on the Cote First Nation, near the town of Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada, August 6, 2017. Smudging is a common practice among some indigenous peoples in North America and is believed to cleanse a person or place of negative energy. REUTERS/Zachary Prong This is tied up with stereotypes of indigenous women as being incapable mothers," he said. Indigenous people comprise about 5 per cent of Canada's 36.5 million people, and are disproportionately affected by poverty. Nearly half live in western provinces such as Saskatchewan, according to government census data. During his testimony, Neve called on the government to appoint an independent investigator – ideally an indigenous woman, he said – to conduct a review to determine the scale of the problem and recommend solutions. "Under international law it is very clear forced sterilisation is torture," Neve said. Decades-long practice The lawsuit, which Lombard said could go to trial in 2019, names the Saskatchewan government, provincial hospitals, several doctors and national authorities. It is seeking C$7 million ($5.3 million) per plaintiff. Forced or coerced sterilisation which is defined as sterilising women without their proper, informed consent - began in Canada in the 1930s and continued until at least 2017, the suit states. The lawsuit cites a woman with the initials M.R.L.P. as the lead plaintiff. It said the Saskatchewan resident was sterilised without proper, informed consent immediately after her second child was delivered by emergency caesarean section in September 2008. Health professionals suggested she undergo a tubal ligation - a surgical procedure in which a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked, tied or cut - when she was "particularly vulnerable": in labour and about to undergo emergency surgery. "Her written consent was sought by health professionals moments before emergency surgery was affirmed, contemporaneously with the administration of opioids, and while she was incapacitated by the pain associated with active labour," the statement of claim said. When she later sought to have the procedure reversed, health professionals told her she would be unlikely to fall pregnant. Her relationship with her then-partner ended due to her sterility, the suit said. "Canada and the province were aware of these policies and practice and their disproportionate impacts on vulnerable Aboriginal women, historically and currently, and have done nothing to prevent them," the statement of claim said. Canada's universal healthcare is largely funded by the national government and provided by provincial authorities. The lawsuit said coerced sterilisations were an example of cruel and unusual punishment, which is illegal under the country's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The provincial health ministry said it had launched an independent review last year after indigenous women came forward saying they had been pressured into having tubal ligations after giving THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED birth. It changed its policies after that review, a ministry spokeswoman said. "It (the government) now requires that a woman must have had a documented discussion with her healthcare provider before coming into hospital," she said in emailed comments. "Otherwise, a tubal ligation would not be provided during the patient's post-partum experience ... Our priority is to engage, understand and better serve the health needs of all indigenous residents of Saskatchewan." The provincial ministry said it was implementing cultural training for all maternal services staff, and was working with indigenous leaders and elders to improve the consent process and healthcare in general. The spokeswoman could not comment on specific claims made in court documents as litigation is ongoing. Marcia Anderson, a professor of health sciences at Canada's University of Manitoba, said it was difficult to hold healthcare providers to account as the country did not gather data on healthquality performance by race. "There is very little (even no) ability to monitor the expression of racism in the healthcare system," Anderson said by email. "Racism is as present in healthcare as it is in our broader society, but it is acted out in different ways." Courtesy of Reuters / Thomson Reuters Foundation / INSP.ngo �FEATURE 8 N ov 2 o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Jan. 11- -NJan. 25,2 02019 398 I'm Big, I'm Bad, I'm a Bid! PAUL BODEN P Western Regional Advocacy Project atrolling and controlling our public spaces— sidewalks, streets and parks— Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are privatizing our downtowns and main thoroughfares. Our public spaces are becoming corridors and shopping centers that are welcoming consumers with open arms and excluding everyone else. Most particularly impacted by this emerging trend are the houseless communities, who are seeing these areas to rest and sleep, free from harassment and criminalization, shrink. BIDs have been growing significantly across the United States. In California, BIDs have grown exponentially since the passage of the Business Improvement District Law of 1994, which expanded their budget, autonomy and authority. One hundred eighty-nine BIDs have been identified in 69 California cities surveyed. What began as a way to supplement public services within geographically defined boundaries has turned into massive beasts with large budgets, controlling public space and being significantly funded with tax dollars with little to no oversight. Even though BIDs control large swaths of private and public land, many people do not know what a BID is. However, most people could probably point out the BID Ambassador and street cleaning teams, whose brightly colored uniforms are a common sight as they give tourists and shoppers directions, pick up garbage, and pressure wash sidewalks. A positive sight for many, but behind the scenes, BIDs have become powerful lobbies, crafting or supporting ballot initiatives and legislation to push anti-homeless loitering, sit-lie, sidewalk obstruction and other laws, ensuring the further criminalization of homeless people and compounding the day to day harassment of the houseless community. As shown below, the increase in BIDs directly correlates to an increase in local antihomeless laws. BIDs are formed when business THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED owners and/or property owners come together, petition for their establishment and get approval from the local government. Once the BID is established, the local government collects an assessment (tax) from all the property owners within the district, including the local government on publicly owned parcels. Funds from this tax are then turned over “to a nonprofit or to a quasi­-governmental agency run by the BID organization’s board of directors.” Some BIDs are run by business owners, who are primarily focused on bringing in more shoppers, while others are run by property owners, who are interested in attracting tenants who can pay higher rents for storefronts and/or housing. In effect, our local governments are turning taxpayer dollars over to private businesses, which use that money to create a more “safe and attractive” consumer environment. There are well over 1,000 of these special districts throughout the United States, whose main function is to drive poor and homeless people away from the neighborhood by hassling them, enforcing the sit-lie law and other discriminatory tactics, including contracting with the cops to step up enforcement of “quality of life” offenses, thus criminalizing homeless and poor people’s existence. �No. 39 Nov 225, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Jan. 113 -| Jan. | No. 398 “It is my understanding that the people who ride around on bikes waking up the homeless are not supposed to put their hands on anyone… If I’m breaking the law a San Diego Police Officer is to do something about it- not some flunkie on a bike who has no badge, [and] won’t tell me his name,” stated a complaint filed by a homeless woman in San Diego, who was awakened by a BID security guard when he rode his bike into her. To be clear, we are not just talking about houseless people when we talk about BIDs criminalizing nonconsumers. BIDs do not want anyone in their districts from whom they cannot profit. This includes street vendors (Permit Betty), buskers and anyone who is hanging out in the neighborhood but not looking to purchase anything. Laws against sitting on the sidewalk and other such laws are always discriminately enforced, specifically with the goal of removing people, who are not wanted, from public spaces. From a study by UC Berkeley Law School Policy Advocacy Clinic FEATURE conducted for the Western Regional Advocacy Project (WRAP) to understand the effects Business Improvement Districts have on houseless communities in California, “BIDs violate California law when they spend property assessment revenue on policy advocacy… BIDs may violate additional state laws when they spend assessment revenue collected from public properties within their districts on policy advocacy…. BIDs and their agents may violate state, federal and international law through their policing practices, including the infringing on the legal rights of homeless people.” This study, “Homeless Exclusion Districts: How California Business Improvement Districts Use Policy Advocacy and Policing Practices to Exclude Homeless People from Public Space,” is the first of its kind containing groundbreaking research on how BIDs impact our local communities. “Their entire job is to push homeless people out by harassment, pressure washing the streets, and calling the cops on folks. They are also hiring formerly homeless people to harass other homeless people and removing them from their economic corridors,” remarked Benjamin Donlon of Right To Survive in Portland, Oregon, on Clean and Safe, a 213 block BID that touts itself as the “oldest, largest and most successful BID in the nation” created by several adjacent BIDs, Clean and Safe controls all of downtown and Old Town Portland. As General Dogon, an organizer from L.A. Skid Row can attest, “Cops will pull up and go right up to the BID guard and pull him to the side and have a conversation with them, and then walk over to the homeless person and tell them what they did wrong. The BID guards then began to think that they are the police and that they have the power. The community ambassador is really the community oppressor.” A classic example of BID control of public space is the Urban Camping Ban in Denver, Colorado. Terese Howard of Denver Homeless Out Loud said, “When the unauthorized camping ban was passed in Denver, The Downtown Business Partnership (a prominent BID in Denver) listed in their annual THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 report that they were successful in the lobbying of the unauthorized camping ban. Further, the Downtown Business Partnership supports enforcement of sit-lie laws, enforcement of unconstitutional panhandling bans, and further architecturally pushes homeless people out of their districts by removing benches, water fountains, bathrooms and trash cans.” “BIDs will go Block by Block to ensure that every sidewalk, street and park serve to benefit the businesses that are in the district. Public Space has become nothing more than the hallways of a shopping mall, and if you are in that hallway you better be there to shop, or someone will chase you out,” said Paul Boden of WRAP. With the release of the study, “Homeless Exclusion Districts: How California Business Improvement Districts Use Policy Advocacy and Policing Practices to Exclude Homeless People from Public Space,” we hope to bring greater awareness to how our shiny new shopping spaces are created, and what goes into their creation— mainly our tax dollars and our freedom. �10 GLOBAL N ov 2 o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Jan. 11- -NJan. 25,2 02019 398 The Sailors Haunted by Their Experiences in the Mediterranean Deacon Fiete Sturm leads the Seamenís Mission in Altona. The pastor takes care of sailors on land. Credit: Marina Kostian JONAS FÜLLNER Hinz&Kunzt F leeing across the Mediterranean has always been dangerous. The International Organisation for Migration has recorded over 13,500 deaths in the past three and half years alone. Aid organisations such as Sea Watch, Sea Eye and Lifeline have been deploying lifeboats to prevent this number from rising further, but now their vessels have been blockaded in Malta. While sea rescue operations are being obstructed, the dying continues. Italy won’t even allow entry to vessels carrying rescued refugees. It is not only lifeboats but also large cargo ships that have been taking in the shipwrecked. The international Law of the Sea obliges ships’ captains to help people in danger on the high seas if they are able to do so. To not do so would also deeply offend the sailors’ sense of honour. This is something that maritime deacon Fiete Sturm is certain of. The 36-year-old is the leader of the German Seamen’s Mission in Altona, Hamburg, which is located not far from the fish market. As a pastor, he talks to the sailors on a regular basis. Here, he speaks about his experiences and explains why sea rescue operations are essential: “A sailor once told me how he saw a child and mother drown right before his eyes. He was aboard a fairly large container ship. Life vests were floating in the water. Some people had clearly already died. Using their last ounce of strength, the mother and child drew near to a rescue ladder. But the ship was still moving a little and the sea was rough. Both were dragged under the water and weren’t seen again. “The sailor saw everything and had no way of helping. It shook him up very badly and it took months before he could go to sea again. To this day, he still doesn’t dare go out on the Mediterranean. “Other sailors try to repress what they've gone through. I can understand why. You need to be able to function at sea. It’s a tough job – 300 hours’ work per month – and sometimes you’re away for nine months at a time, far from home. Only when sailors stay at in port for a longer period, perhaps because they’re ill, for example, do they have the time to talk to a pastor such as myself. “Three years ago, a sailor confided in a colleague of mine that he no longer dares sail in the Mediterranean. He remembers sailing over children’s rucksacks drifting in the sea. Many people are still using this route to flee hunger and war. I know sailors who are unable to sleep at night in the summer months before a trip to the Mediterranean. “The fear that a rescue could fail is always there. Unlike rescue organisations’ boats, cargo ships are not equipped to enable people to easily come on board from the water. The side of the ship can sometimes be 30 metres above the surface of the water and there are no hatches to simply pull people through. Even in calm seas there can be a suction effect in the water. “When they use a rope ladder to climb down to the shipwrecked, the sailors put their own lives at risk. The mere thought that something like this could happen at any time off the Libyan coast is enough to make the sailors anxious. “Many of them would like to turn a blind eye, but they don’t. The law requires them to provide a rescue service to those in distress at sea. However, they don’t provide help just because the law says so: if you’re at sea, then you offer your help. It’s a guiding principle. It’s also got nothing to do with their morals. I’ve spoken with sailors who vote for right-wing parties and think that too many refugees are coming to Europe. But there’s no question that they would help refugees in distress, regardless of the fact that it’s dangerous and irrespective of their personal feelings towards these people. At that moment they’re not refugees, but castaways floating in the water. “Now that captains are facing charges for offering assistance – as happened with the boat Lifeline – it means that these fundamental practices are being destroyed. Saving lives at sea goes without saying. That principle can never be shaken. “Anyone who goes a step further and says that the expectation of receiving help in distress is contributing to migration is confusing cause and effect. The people who died came first. If that weren’t the case, then the rescuers and their lifeboats would never have gone out in the first place. Now people are saying that if there were no rescuers, then people wouldn’t dare make the dangerous flight across the sea. But there are plenty of studies that say this is not the case. People will continue to flee. And they will continue to do so across the sea, over and over again.” Translated from German by Hazel Davies Courtesy of Hinz&Kunzt / INSP. ngo Around 4000 people held a demonstration for sea rescue operations in Hamburg on 13 July. They threw flowers into the Elbe in memory of the refugees who have drowned in the Mediterranean. Credit: Tina Fritsche THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 Nov 225, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Jan. 113 -| Jan. | No. 398 11 LOCAL My Story DAVID MCCANE I Contributing Writer became homeless back in 20045. Been homeless for 13 years, 4 months, 3 weeks until last year when I got my place. I was on the streets in Mansfield too. I left here for about a year and three months but I realized I needed help. I got out of jail, came back here, got together with Alphonse who helped me get connected with Greater Cincinnati Behavioral (GCB) to work with caseworkers and get housing. He told me I had to give 110% and then the caseworkers would give 110%, so I did. I did volunteer work and I love it. My caseworkers got me on Social Security Income. They set up appointments with me, help me set goals, and they’re really there for me. They’ve been a lot better than other places. I finally found people who listen to me and help me with my problems. They make sure I stay out of trouble. GCB really works with me. They helped me get an apartment. When I had an apartment, I gave it up to my friends who had kids because they needed somewhere to live. I didn’t mind being on the streets. The caseworkers helped me stay on the right path. They helped me get into college and I’m almost there. Daulton King helped me out when I needed someone to talk to about apartment situations, or just what was on my mind. He gave me a lot of good advice and told me to keep my head up and stay strong. He’s the one who helped me get into Streetvibes in the first place. I’m going to Cincinnati State for culinary arts and I’m working on getting my license and a car. I’m starting this semester and just got my uniform. On the 7th, I’ll get a set of knives to complete the chef ’s uniform. I’d really like to do cooking and baking if possible. I have my own recipes and have my own signature dishes. A friend of mine let me stay with him until he got kicked out and I used to cook for him. I did a lot of experiments with steak and pork and that’s when I realized how much I liked it. I got praise from a pastor I knew up there. I’m trying to come up with new recipes with chicken right now. I like to use different ingredients that you don’t expect, like cinnamon and garlic Crisco together. I also like doing heritage cooking since I am part Irish, German, Scottish, and Cherokee. I like to mix them all together, like a main dish from Irish cooking and a side dish from Native American cooking. Cooking wasn’t my only option, but Cinci State doesn’t have a Masonair program for construction. I am somewhat qualified in masonry, but I need to finish scaffolding. I’d like to be a fully certified mason as well. I also do landscaping and I’m a masseuse. If it wasn’t for the people at the Homeless Coalition—including the people at Streetvibes—I would still be on the streets and I wouldn’t be going to college. I’ve had my place for a year and one month and I plan to keep it. The PATH team really worked with me and I got into XL, which pays half of my rent. The same landlord has a two-bedroom place in Price Hill, which would be good. I’ve been trying to tell other people that they should also try to get housing here but you have to give 110%. Getting Beyond Benign Neglect BILL WOODS Contributing Writer T he period connecting the end of the old year and the start of the new one often prompts thinking about past events and what will come next. This December, my thinking began earlier after hearing an update on homelessness in this region by Josh Spring at the annual dinner of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition. Spring, the Executive Director of the Coalition, didn't pull any punches as he depicted a worsening situation with more homeless families and individuals and an enormous need for affordable housing in this area. This unsugar coated presentation jolted me to reflect about how we have evolved to such a dismal situation both locally and nationally. When Applied Information Resources, working under the auspices of the newly formed Homeless Coalition, conducted the area's first homeless study in 1986, the immediate response of people of good will was that resources must be quickly found to end this crisis that was impacting the lives of so many men, women, and children. One year later when I attended an international conference on homelessness in Delhi, India, delegates from other countries expressed disbelief that a rich nation like the United States could have a homeless problem. Those who knew their history would cite the programs of "the New Deal" and the 1960s "War on Poverty." In looking back now at the1980s, I believe that we had already entered a time frame that I am now calling "the period of benign neglect." By 1986, Ronald Reagan was in his sixth year as President. He came into office with the slogan: "Government isn't the answer. Government is the problem." He vowed to cut costly and unnecessary federal programs, and to cut taxes in order to unleash America's entrepreneurial spirit. When AIR did its homeless study it cited that funding for various housing assistance programs shrank from $24.9 billion in 1981 to $7.8 billion in 1987. A complimentary ideology also emerged at that time that government assistance actually entrenched poverty and caused a culture of dependency. Along with that philosophy came the mistaken notion of wide spread welfare fraud and welfare queens driving to pick up their checks in Cadillacs. Thus, a powerful new political force grew up in the Reagan era to counter the long prevailing concept that bold government action could solve major problems and assist families and individuals to get back on their feet. I label the time from the 1980s to the present as a period of benign neglect, because the dismantling of the federal safety net has gone on steadily but slowly. The federal housing cuts and cuts in other federal assistance that began in the 1980s have continued with stops and starts along the way. During the almost four decades under review enough progressive and moderate members of Congress have prevented any cataclysmic assaults on the safety net, and for sixteen of the thirty eight years, a Democrat has served as President. The new conservatism, however, subtly infiltrated the thinking of some Democratic leaders including Bill Clinton. As President, Clinton signed into law in 1996 a more punitive and limited welfare law that replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children- a long accepted entitlement program. Meanwhile, states like Ohio witnessed the cutting or elimination of anti-poverty programs by their legislatures. Groups such as the Homeless Coalition and other advocates for the poor fought against this continual whittling away of funding for affordable housing and other safety net programs, but this ongoing battle THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED with its stalemates and losses became almost numbing. Nobody did a very good job of keeping tabs on how these steady losses were mounting up and having a greater impact at the local level. This article has focused on one major factor that has led to the homeless situation that Josh Spring described at the Coalition's annual dinner. A complete picture would include other factors such as the impact of "big money" on the political process at all levels, the change to a global economy, and a culture that now emphasizes individualism, corporate greed, and polarized groups rather than any emphasis on "we the people." These factors and others would need to be blended into a complete story about how we became mired in this period of benign neglect. Perhaps the election and Presidency of Donald Trump serve as a wake up call to jolt us into acknowledging the critical problems that have slowly grown to gargantuan size over time. With democracy and most of our institutions and government programs now in jeopardy, maybe we will also be able to recognize that a city and a nation that can accept growing poverty and economic inequality no longer deserves to be called "great." �12 STREETVOICE It's Misting & It's Raining It's misty and it's raining But I'm not one who does much complaining As the mist comes in, before the rain starts to fall I hold my head up and there are no stars Just the mist and the rain falls As a child, I would cry when the dark clouds, would roll by, And I didn't see a beautiful blue sky, But now I smile, No more tears, no more cries I realize how our trees grown so tall When our wonderful God, Lets his rain fall No matter how dark I realize God always does his work Sometimes it's cloudy And sometimes it's dark But God always does his part N o v 11 2 --N o v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 398 393 Jan. Jan. 25,22019 You and I You and I must make a pact To be mindful of how we act Toward each other no matter what And not hold hatred down in our gut We must understand that everyone is unique And know that a change is what everyone seeks With time and patience, with help from up above We can conquer the hatred we feel and replace it with God's love For only with God's guidance and his so many blssings Will we understand living life together without ever guessing We'll finally know what it is to live on this planet together To love each other for who we are and not what we are for now and forever! WILLA DENISE JONES KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor Contributing Writer Streetvibes Writing Circle If you would like to submit a story for publication in streetvibes, come join Katelyn Lusher and Chris Wilkey for a group writing session! S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �STREETVOICE No. 39 Nov 25, 2- N o v 19, 2 0 18 Jan. 113- |Jan. 2019 | No. 398 A Day in the Life of Sarah Huckabee Sanders Pity Sarah Huckabee Sanders. For Trump she always panders. To the press she has one song. "The President is never wrong!" Some say It's so reprehensible To defend acts so indefensible. Does she ever stop and pray? "Please no crazy tweets today!" BILL WOODS Contributing Writer 13 Creeping Thistle When I was picked by this pink flower, They told me it was a weed, I kept this flower, providing water as new roots grew, watered, even after the “thank you”s ended, even once I ran out of drink for myself, even when thorns appeared, even after those thorns prodded at my veins, They told me that this flower was feeding false hopes, They were worried that i was buried too deep in the dirt with this flower- weed, Once i tried to listen, there was nothing left to say, they had to go away, while I had to lay, next to the prickly pink flower, because it begged me to stay, I thought to plant it somewhere far, It convinced me to let it settle in my backyard, Stronger it grew with access to my sun, my grass, my soil, Its roots grew into my pipes and broke through to my living room, kept finding its way into my home, I called to get it removed, tweezers, pliers, shovels, bulldozers, They got it out of my house, no one could get the last green thorn out of my ear. GABRIELA GODINEZ Editor-in-chief THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 FUN N ov 2 o v 19, 0 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Jan. 11- -NJan. 25,22019 398 Pet Horoscopes by Dusty Changepurse About the Author: Dusty Changepurse is a visual and creative artist whom infuses spirituality, creativity and social justice into their work and everyday life. They have been providing pet horoscopes and tarot readings for a couple of years. They are an experienced empathy-based Tarot cart reader with many years of experience. The horoscopes presented should not be seen as medical/vetenarian advice. If you or your pet needs actually medical assistance, please see a medical professional. Libra (Page of Pentacles) - The inquisitive nature of the Libra pet will be in full force this month. I will say, be prepared for your pet to push the envelope of freedom -- meaning this is a time your pet will try to get free. Pay special attention to Aries (Queen of Swords) - Has your pooch been acting like pets who love a good jailbreak. A new toy may be the thing the top dog around the house lately? Well, that is because needed to distract them from running. If you have a bird, something shiny this month should do the trick. an sense of ease, imagination and dream-achieving is on the plat for them this month. An old dog may not learn new tricks, but they can refine the trick to make it a showstopper. Scorpio (Six of Swords) - This is time for closure, if you Also, this is the month for your puppy to find puppy love. just lost a pet. It is important to realize that our pets Love is in the air for Aries pets. continue to watch over us even after passing. This is a time for remembrance and understanding that pain comes in Taurus (Ace of Pentacles) - Yes, we get it. You are the cat’s ebbs and flows. Water-living pets should be prepared for meow. Your pet is on a roll this month with the blessings, some hardships, but know it is a needed process for them. Transitions abound for the Scorpio pet. so be prepared for them to leave you lots of gifts. A flailing bird is a gift right? Well, they have blessing on blessings coming their way so this is not the time to stop spoiling Sagittarius (Three of Swords) - Your Sag pet’s heart is in that feline. Your Taurean pet is super good luck right now, the right place, but their rambunctious attitude sure boils so consider betting of black (cats). your blood. This month will have some pain (especially in abdomen or hind legs). Your pet not only needs emotional support this month, but they may need actual physical support this month also. Your words are powerful tools that can be used for harm or helping. Right now, your pet needs some support: Mental, psychological and physical. Gemini (Three of Pentacles) - You ever have that one pet, that always needs something? Well, this won’t be the last they need a belly scratch or gentle boops on the nose. Your gemini pet may be acting out or not their usual self. This is their way of telling you that they are needing support right now. Don’t forget to share some extra love with your pet. Capricorn (Six of Pentacles) - Oh you Capricorn animal you! This month you are ballin’ and loving life. You my Cancer (The Hierophant) - That ferret of yours is plotting… friend, need some greens in your diet. Also, this is a month and plotting. Your Cancer pet is all about maintaining of fruition, so if your pet was hoping for that puppy-cation, order this month. Yes, that means they will try to rule well this is the month. Abundance will be your friend. This the house, so be prepared. Your pet is really receptive to is a month where bird-owners should start planting seeds spiritual energy right now, so I suggest giving them space and intentions. Red birds are especially good luck this month. and not forcing any meetings. Hey, your partner can meet your pet next week. Leo (Seven of Cups) - Ayye, your pet is on the glow up lately. The fur is so fresh and so clean clean. The other furries are jealous and your pet knows it. Be prepared for your pet to be the center of attention this month. Don’t hate, just take the credit. That luxurious coat didn’t brush itself. This is the time to live vicariously through your pet. Your Leo pet can handle more love, more food, more everything this month. The benefits will multiply for all involved. Virgo (The Devil) - So, everything is not sunshines and rainbows. For my Virgo pets, this is a time for grounding and keeping things simple. Simple foods. Simple joys. Simple tasks. This month will spell the end of certain important relationships with your pet. So if you are a dog park goer, prepare for a loss of a friendship or play buddy. Aquarius (King of Swords) - Structure, Structure and Structure. Get the hint. This month your pet will need some structure in their lives. This means you may need to double down on training, but know reinforcement is a good thing. If you have a rodent, then this may be a good time to keep your pets occupied with new things. May we suggest a new playmate (or a mirror). Either way give your pet something or someone to boss around. Pisces (Knight of Wands) - Full steam ahead. Your pet has the intuition to spare this month. That means you need to keep transparency with your pet and their pet buddies. Your pet will be full of energy… and attitude. So you can reprimand your Pisces if you like, but be prepared for pouting and plenty of attitude. They are sure on one this month. Sheesh. Proceed with caution. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 Nov 225, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Jan. 113-| Jan. | No. 398 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 RESOURCES St. George Food Pantry 751-8771 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 411 Gest St. 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 2121 Vine Street 45202 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Starting Over 961-2256 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Parkway Center 661-4620 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 471-1100 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) Housing: 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Food/Clothing Health 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 15 Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Cancer Justice Network 404-3882 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your 961-0600 business. For more information contact Gabriela Godinez Feregrino, Center for Respite Care 621-1868 email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 N o v 211 - N o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Jan. - Jan. 25,2 02019 398 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2018 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 11-January 25, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: Shutdown Easy One Man’s Journey Through 19 Years of Homelessness Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Mothers of Drug War Victims Demand Justice in the Philippines Pg 6: Negotiating for Nature Pg 7: Dozens of Indigenous Women Forcibly Sterilized in Canada Pg 8: I’m Big, I’m Bad, I’m a Bid! Pg 9: I’m Big, I’m Bad, I’m a Bid! Continued Pg 10: The Sailors Haunted by Their Experiences in the Mediterranean Pg 11: My Story Getting Beyond Benign Neglect Pg 12: Street Voice Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Fun Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 11-January 25, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Reginald Black Yonna Walterson Chris Arenault Robert Park Jonas Fullner Paul Boden Bill Woods Key Beck Kim Green Willa Denise Jones David McCane Homeless Coalition Pngtree.com Gabriela Godinez Wraphome.org Amanda Meek Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Amanda Meek Bill Woods Canada Chris Arenault David McCane Drug War Gabriela Godinez Gentrification Homeless Coalition Indigenous Women Jonas Fullner Josh Spring Key Beck Kim Green Mediterranean Nature Paul Boden Philippines Pngtree.com Reginald Black Robert Park Sailors Willa Denise Jones Wraphome.org Yonna Walterson https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/437aa5003c0aa4b45328a6b078ff7f60.pdf e73feab779be2605d3eeea56b9b7ff92 PDF Text Text January 12th - January 25th 2018 | Vol. 21 Issue 2 (No. 373) advocating justice | building community New Year, New Services | 3 This Issue is sponsored by Christ Church Cathedral INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cincinnati's Fascist Monument | 5 Economics of Compassion Initiative in Spring Grove Village | 7 Political Reform in 2018 | 2 Religious Peacemakers: Pastor Ennis Tait | 8 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL From The Director: Very Important People Have Died K J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 JOSH SPRING en Martin was found dead at Government Square in the wee hours of December 26. Previous to this tragedy Ken lived without a home. Homelessness stole years from Ken’s life; he was only 55 years old. Since Ken Martin was found dead, there has been a significant amount of discussion in the local media about why Ken died, what could have prevented his death and what should be done in the future. Some have said there should be a day shelter/24-hour shelter space available. It has also been stated that there were 100 empty Winter Shelter beds a mile away from where Ken passed and that some people don’t feel comfortable going to a shelter because of mental illness, addiction and/or a lack of safety at the shelter. Further some have questioned if we need more adequate transportation Ken Martin Credit: WCPO.COM Executive Director Josh Spring Credit: Homeless Coalition and/or more outreach workers to get people to the Winter Shelter. Ken Martin was an important and valuable person. It is correct that we should be asking why did this happen and how can we prevent it. The fact is that it was not Ken’s “time” to pass away; time was stolen from him. It is right to figure out how we can improve our existing system to increase accessibility and increase connection. In our questioning, however we most go beyond what happened just before Ken died. It is not adequate to simply ask why was Ken not in shelter? Though, correctly outlets are not directly blaming Ken for his death; victim-blaming is a common practice; only applying focus to figuring out why he may have chosen to not be in a shelter bed focuses too narrowly on his own mindset and individual communications other people may have had with Ken. Perhaps there should be 24hour shelter space, but if there were would that mean Ken would still be living? We don’t know. If we had more outreach workers perhaps Ken would have had more regular contact with outreach workers and he would have felt more at ease about working with the system. If there were transportation vehicles driving about looking for people outside, maybe Ken would have been offered a ride to the Winter Shelter and would have taken it. We simply don’t know. And the fact that we don’t know certainly does not mean we should not make any of these changes, but these sort of changes will not lead to the high level of systematic change we need. It is right to consider what gaps there are in the system, but the problem with doing it this way is that we are discussing what could be changed systematically to change the circumstances that immediately precipitated the death of Ken Martin, one very important person. But Homelessness is not an individual problem. Thousands of people in our city and county experience homelessness. Millions in this country. In fact, in 2017 in (Continued on page 6) Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Larry Johnson, Anne Evans Maintenance: Pete Roper ----------------------------------------------- POLITICAL REFORM IN 2018 2 Contributing Writer (Continued on page 6) Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Derek Peebles, Adam Sennott, Saad Ghosn, Bentley Davis, Jason Haap, Bobby Morris, Ronald English, Willa Denise Jones BILL WOODS 018 begins with the U.S. and Ohio still badly in need of reforms that will help restore the health of our democratic process. One proposed initiative and one failed initiative, however, provide some hope that positive change can come about. Reformers in Ohio start the year working to place an initiative on next November's ballot that would end Congressional gerrymandering in the state. Meanwhile, President Trump's highly questionable Commission focused on voter fraud was disbanded during the first week of 2018. Trump's Commission came into being eight months ago to address the CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Homeless Coalition, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Saad Ghosn, ATIS547/Flickr, Bill Woods, WCPO.com --------------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Bill Woods accepting the buddy gray Lifetime Achievement Award Credit: Homeless Coalition THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 37 3 3 LOCAL New Year, New Services | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 DR. MARK MUSSMAN O ver the past month, we have seen two new places of refuge open in Cincinnati: the Sheakley Center for Youth and St. Anthony Building. Each of the buildings had a great opening ceremony, with a starstudded line-up. It’s important to keep in mind what each of these building represents: a new opportunity for people who are suffering from homelessness, hunger, and poverty. At the St. Anthony Building, Staff Writer does it help with cleanliness, health, and safety, but it also helps people raise their self-esteem. Another program that helps with health and self-esteem is Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart, which provides individuals with a new “do” and a new outlook on life. So many people have told me that they have never felt better than after they get a shower at Mary Magdalen and a haircut at Franciscan Haircuts for thousands of meals every month. They are also looking to expand their morning hours so people who are leaving the shelter have a place to stay earlier in the morning. They will have bagged lunches for people whenever they come through the doors. This, in addition to Welcome Home and other organizations in the St. Anthony Center, including a nurse’s station, will give people more access to services, on a near-daily basis. Finally, they have some flex space to This is a national issue, but Safe and Supported is tackling the issue here. Lighthouse just built a new facility just down the street from their main building in Walnut Hills on McMillan. The new Sheakley Center for Youth moved from Highland to Iowa Street, into a giant warehousetype building. The building was used to make textiles a long time ago, and now it has the chance to weave a new future for Cincinnati’s youth. In the Sheakley Center there are some of the same services from Highland, but many new beds for long-term and short-term residents. In the old space on Highland, youth could go to wash their laundry, get Community Kitchen at Sheakley Center Common Area with TV Soon to be Installed Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman which is located on the corner of Liberty and Republic Streets in Over-the-Rhine, several different organizations have come together to create a type of “One-Stop” service the Heart. This new facility will allow people to get a new outlook on life, but also access life-saving services like the Center for Respite Care. The Center for Respite Care gives people who are experiencing homelessness a place to offer short-term housing beyond the Center for Respite Care. When it comes to youth who are experiencing homelessness, we have one of the most active and robust some food, use the resource room, get medical care, and find shelter. The new space will contain all of that, but also have more permanent housing, many more shelter beds, and more room to grow. Each room Towels and blankets at the Mary Magdalen House Mary Magdalen House Dryers Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman center. Mary Magdalen moved from Main Street, where it had been for decades. Mary Magdalen gives people the opportunity to take a shower, use the phone, use the bathroom, and even get new clothes. They will take the clothes you have on, give you a new set, and wash your clothes for you. The next time you come back for a shower, they will have your clothes clean and folded for you. Not only go after receiving medical care. Have you ever wondered how people who are experiencing homelessness get a chance to recuperate after they have surgery? The Center for Respite Care enables people to rest after medical care. St. Francis Seraph Ministries is also moving their soup kitchen from the elementary school cafeteria to the new St. Anthony Center. They serve organizations in the country tackling this issue – Lighthouse Youth and Family Services. Lighthouse has a unique program called “Safe and Supported” that helps LGBTQi individuals and their families deal with issues. Did you know that roughly 40% of youth who are experiencing homeless self-identify as LGBTQi? This is likely due to family rejection and discrimination. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED has a small kitchenette, but there is a shared kitchen as well, that has full size ovens and will allow them to have group dinners. It is an amazing center that will allow closer access to residents seeking services in the main building on McMillan. We are lucky to have so much private support in Cincinnati for these (Continued on page 9) �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 �No. 37 3 I LOCAL Cincinnati’s Fascist Monument | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 MICHAEL EARL PATTON really should not have been so surprised when a friend told me about the fascist monument from 1931 in Eden Park. After all, though we like to forget about it, there was a time in the 1920’s and 30’s when fascism was considered by many to be a superior form of government. This was because Italy had recovered from economic depression and seemed to be on the ascendancy while conditions in the United States were getting worse. The depression – which we call the Great Depression – started with the Wall Street crash of 1929. The economy had yet to bottom out and newly constructed shantytowns known as “Hoovervilles” were widespread. Predictions of prosperity being “just around the corner” failed to come true. In 1931 Hitler had not yet come to power in Germany and Italy had not yet invaded Ethiopia. There was hope that Mussolini’s talk of restoring Rome to its ancient power and glory was mostly rhetoric and did not mean military conquest. So when Mussolini offered Cincinnati a monument with a symbol of his “New Rome,” the city leaders accepted it. Today, however, it requires some familiarity with Roman legend and Italian history to appreciate the symbolism and inscription. The monument is of a she-wolf giving suckle to the infant twins, Romulus and Remus. There are several legends about them but the important parts here are that their grandfather was a king who was overthrown. They were thrown into the Tiber River to drown but somehow reached shore. There a shewolf found them and gave them her milk to drink. Eventually they were found and raised by a shepherd. One of them, Romulus, founded the city of Rome. The statue in Eden Park is a copy of the one in the Capitoline Museum, in Rome. Until a few years ago, most people thought that the statue of the she-wolf in Rome was the very same one that stood in ancient Rome. Recently modern dating techniques showed that the wolf did not date to ancient times but probably to sometime around the year 1100. Although it is not the original statue, it might be a copy of that one. (The statues of the two twins were known to have been added later.) The important thing is that Mussolini thought this was the she-wolf statue Inscription: "From the Governor of Rome to the City of Cinncinnati, Year 10" Credit: Michael Earl Patton Contributing Writer used in ancient Rome. It became a symbol of his New Rome and its image was widely used. There were at least three bronze copies made and sent to the United States. One is in Rome, Georgia; another is in Rome, New York; and the third is in Eden Park. They were, of course, articles of propaganda for his fascist regime. It is clear that these two Romes formed an organization to protect the young republic and named it after that ancient general – the Society of Cincinnati. When General St. Clair took command of Fort Washington in 1789 he changed the name of the adjacent settlement from Losantiville to Cincinnati, in honor of that society. So its name also goes back to ancient Rome, but by an indirect route. The inscription on the base states in Italian that it is from the Governor Facists monument representing a Roman legend of a she-wolf and twin children Credit: Michael Earl Patton Romulus and Remus drinking from the teat of the she-wolf Credit: Michael Earl Patton might be open to a gift recalling the original Rome, but why Cincinnati? This is another story that goes back to ancient Rome and is of the retired general Cincinnatus. In 458 B.C. there was a crisis and he was appointed dictator. When told of the appointment he was plowing in his field. He took command of the army and within 15 days had defeated the enemy and went back to his plowing. This story has inspired people for centuries – that here was an individual who could have used his popularity and command of the army to retain power, but voluntarily relinquished it instead. At the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War the officers of Rome to the City of Cincinnati. The year 1931 is given followed by “Anno X.” This is Latin for Year Ten, but the year ten from what? What was the year One and why was it chosen? Counting backwards from 1931 we find that the year One corresponds to 1922. In that year Mussolini took power when his Blackshirts marched on Rome and he cowed the king into appointing him prime minister. So, the monument is dated to the year Ten of the Fascist Era. (Technically each Fascist Year started on 28 October and ended on the following 27 October, but this is not important to the present discussion.) With a change in election law and new elections, and after his Blackshirts THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 assassinated the leader of the Socialist Party, he became dictator. The “Governor of Rome” refers to the head of the municipal authority in Rome. This person was not elected but was appointed by the National Fascist Party. Since Mussolini was dictator of Italy and the governor of Rome was only carrying out Mussolini’s policies, it is fair to say that he was responsible for the gift. The Blackshirts was the common name for the Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza Nationale, or the Voluntary Militia for National Security. They were the paramilitary wing of the National Fascist Party and were controlled by Mussolini. They used intimidation, violence, and even assassination against those whom he perceived to be his opponents. Fascism, as practiced by Mussolini, was totalitarian, nationalist, and racist. It promoted the idea that the white race was superior to others but did not go as far as Hitler did in promoting the importance of the racial purity of a nation. This would have been obviously ridiculous to anyone who had traveled much in Italy and was a source of tension between the two dictators. It was nationalist in that Mussolini sought to add territories to Italy that he claimed had an Italian culture. This included parts of Switzerland and the islands of Corsica and Malta, among other places. It was totalitarian in that he, as dictator, had ultimate control. It was part of the ideology that individuals could attain their full potential only within a fascist state. Its economic philosophy was based on this. It is sometimes called corporatism, where the different parts of the economy would work together with the state arbitrating disagreements. Mussolini favored enforced class cooperation instead of the Marxist ideology of class struggle. Not surprisingly, the government tended to favor larger companies over smaller ones. Only unions that were recognized by the state were allowed and both strikes and lockouts were forbidden. There were some social welfare aspects, too, with the state spending on programs such as general healthcare, unemployment benefits, and old age and disability insurance. Much of this was very appealing to many Americans in 1931. Hitler, in fact, was inspired by Mussolini and adopted many of his techniques. I do not want this monument removed since the wolf and twins symbolism never was as firmly identified with fascism as the swastika was in Germany. The image of the shewolf and twins is still used today as a symbol of Rome, much like the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. Nor do I think the inscription should be changed since it is a part of history. But I do think a plaque should be added explaining some of this to aid in the understanding of that history. Let us use Mussolini’s gift as an opportunity to teach and not let it be just some odd statue in the park. �6 JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) our county at least 137 people died while without a home. Some people died outside, some people died at the facilities of service providers, people died after getting housed because of the toll homelessness took on their body. At least 137 people died without a home in 2017. In 2016 at least 72 people died. That means that 90 percent more people died in 2017 without a home than in 2016. 137 very important people, gone. We have to be asking what can be changed systematically to prevent people from experiencing homelessness at all. In the case of Ken Martin, what could have been different systematically to ensure that Ken was not at that bus stop and never needed shelter, because he never lost his home. What could have been different such that none of these 137 important people would have ever been without a home and had years stolen from their lives by homelessness. What does everyone experiencing homelessness have in common? This includes everyone in each of our neighborhoods, our city, our county, our state, our country and the world. No home of their own. That is it. Other than inherent value, and basic needs, the only thing all people experiencing homelessness have in common is not having a home. In order to make change that will positively affect all people without homes whether they be in a shelter, under a bridge, on a friend’s couch, in a car, a family with child, a man, a woman, young, elderly, middle-aged, healthy, sick, suffering from addiction, gay, transgender, heterosexual, with mental illness, outside in the heat, cold or comfortable temperatures and everything in between, we need to focus systematically on what everyone without a home has in common. This means, as we have known for a long time, that we must BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) President's false conclusion that he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton because of rampant voter fraud. From the start, the purpose, goals, and makeup of the Commission were challenged by legitimate reform groups such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters. Not only did these groups point to all the available evidence that shows voter fraud not to be a problem in the fifty states, but they questioned the predilection of Commission members to promote initiatives that would make it more difficult for people to register and vote. Officially named the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity, the majority of its members were selected because they shared Trump's views about wide spread voter fraud. LOCAL J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 focus on building and sustaining housing that is affordable to people at every economic level and accessible no matter what an individual is dealing with. Why are so many people dying from homelessness in our area? We are short 40,000 affordable homes. We are not locally funding affordable housing at any significant level. We allow developers to remove people from their homes through faux revitalization and as a city we give them tax abatements when they renovate what used to be someone else’s home. In the last two decades we have literally lost thousands of affordable homes to so called revitalization. Will only having enough affordable housing alone prevent all homelessness? No, it won’t, but having enough affordable housing that is accessible to all people would have gone the furthest to preventing the loss of these 137 important people. Here is the thing, the number of people experiencing homelessness increased in the mid-1980s by at least 500 percent because as a country we cut spending on affordable housing by billions of dollars. A majority of shelters in this country were either formed at that time to respond to this problem or moved from being very small operations to large operations. The folks that started these shelters and made these moves, never intended for shelters to be the answer to homelessness. The shelters were meant to be temporary until we had reversed housing policy and developed enough affordable housing accessible by all people. Basic services, such as those provided by our many Member Organizations are extremely necessary: shelter, food, clothing, addictions treatment, mental health treatment, health care, spiritual services, employment linking, street outreach, hospitality, legal services and more. And what is the most common goal of each of these direct service providers: that each person has her or his own housing and the opportunity and necessities to make it sustainable. Our Homeless Coalition exists because these direct service providers created us and keep us going. Consider this: if you own a home and you hire a company to replace your roof and they show up and rip off your current roof and then leave without replacing it was it helpful? Implementing the legal and systematic changes necessary to build, sustain and save affordable housing and ensuring proper channels and opportunities for all people to access the housing is what will prevent death from homelessness. The city and county must establish an affordable housing trust fund. We must make it illegal to rip people from their homes because the owner wants to “flip” the building. We must hold landlords accountable to provide quality housing and we must change the attitudes in our neighborhoods that fight affordable housing, which includes ending the criminalization of homelessness. There is no doubt that we must do the work to improve our existing services. We must do the work to ensure that people without homes know there is a warm, safe place to be. We must continue to ensure that there is such a place to be. We must ensure that people can get there and can efficiently access available resources. We must continue to build relationships and earn trust. We must do all of this and more. Our Member-Organizations work very hard, many of them literally never completely close their doors. Together we are working to improve quality, access and we will continue, and we welcome existing and new partnerships. This is why we actively support and gather with our many member organizations. This is why we fight for the restoration of Human Services funding and why we invest much time into considering programmatic outcomes and holding each other accountable. This is why we fight for adequate funding for the Winter Shelter. This is why we partnered with the city and others to develop a jobs first program. This is why we take part in “point in time” counts and why we collect mail at our office for 3000 names. This is why we are deeply connected and thankfully bound to our many Member Organizations and the vast, difficult and always trying to improve the work we all are doing. This list can go on and on and on. But we can work until we have the best shelters possible, the strongest outreach imaginable, treatment (when people need it) with perfect outcomes, beautiful transportation, best healthcare, etc. and we should work for all of this, but without making the big, systematic, legislative and societal changes necessary to build and save affordable housing accessible by all people, homelessness will continue to worsen, and people will continue to die from this solvable problem. In our county we have a shortage of more than 40,000 affordable homes. Another way of saying this is that about 58,000 households are trying to fit into about 15,000 affordable homes. No matter what we do and how well we do it (and we must continue to improve all aspects at all levels) if we don’t build enough affordable housing and save the housing we have homelessness will get worse and worse and more and more people will die from it. 58,000 or more households will never be able to fit into 15,000 or less affordable homes. It sought to get private information about citizens compiled on state voter rolls, and a number of states had refused to comply with this request. In fact, Common Cause and several other groups filed law suits to prevent such a "partisan" Commission from obtaining personal information that might be misused. The Commission neglected to take up an issue that does need attention. Because the President remains in denial about Russia's interference in the 2016 election, it spent no time reviewing steps to protect U.S. elections from the types of manipulations employed by Russia to influence the Presidential race. Now the Commission is disbanded, and reformers can applaud their role in bringing about its demise. They can't, however, let down their guard, as the Administration proposes turning over the work of the failed Commission to the Office of Home Land Security. Meanwhile in Ohio, the campaign to bring about Congressional redistricting reform goes forward. The process to collect voter signatures to qualify the proposed Ohio Constitutional Amendment for next November's ballot will now intensify. The 300,000-plus valid signatures must be filed by next summer. Beyond this huge task, reformers must be on guard that the Republican controlled Ohio General Assembly does not pass its own watered-down version of redistricting reform in order to maintain the GOP's control of the process. Hearings have already been held by the Legislature, and Republicans possess large enough majorities in both Houses to pass their own amendment proposal and place it on the state ballot as early as the May Primary. In fact, Catherine Turcer of Common Cause/Ohio, a key leader of the Fair Elections/ Fair Districts Campaign, just sent a letter to supporters warning about the possibility of an Ohio House effort to sabotage the grassroots redistricting initiative. She urged people to write or call Representative Kirk Schuring, Chair of the Congressional Redistricting Reform Working Group, in support of "real" redistricting reform. The General Assembly should either pass a proposal that includes all the elements of the citizen initiative or else let the reform coalition get on with its work. It is critical, according to Turcer, that our members of the Legislature know that their voters are serious about ending Congressional gerrymandering in Ohio. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED --------------------------------------- �7 JUBILEE CAMPAIGN Economics of Compassion Initiative on the Ground in Spring Grove Village No. 37 3 | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 A s the local economy evolves, the Economics of Compassion Initiative is having conversations in communities around the idea of a local economy that is resilient where the marginalized are given the foundation, relationships and support to take control of their economic lives. The Economics of Compassion Initiative is partnered with Econogy, Catapult, and the Spring Grove Village Community Council with the support of Christ Church Cathedral to co-create and implement a community building initiative called, Neighborhood Grow. This program was designed with the belief that neighborhood business districts, independent business owners and residents who share a neighborly identity are the catalyst to creating vibrant communities. The challenge for every community is not so much to have a vision or a plan or program of what it wants to become, it is to discover and create the means for bringing that vision, or possibility, into being. Our DEREK PEEBLES Contributing Writer work is based on the methodology that community residents, neighborhood associations, youth, business owners and faith-based organizations, with the knowledge of their community assets, have the power to affect change in their neighborhoods. To state more precisely, our community building and development approach is focused on creating vibrant communities that are not predicted by its past. Our neighborhood gatherings and town halls are we learned that some still see Spring Grove Village as Winton Place, a wonderful place where they grew up. Some see Spring Grove as quiet and safe. Some see it as endangered by drug activity. Through asset-mapping and gifts based conversations we truly learned that Spring Grove Village is a true hidden gem in Cincinnati where residents have skills to contribute to their neighborhood’s development and are passionately seeking to become more neighborly. intentionally focused on moving conversations away from problemsolving to possibilities creating new community narratives that are not deficient-based. Neighborhood Grow enlists young professionals, experts, and community members to bring positive change to neighborhoods through development projects and place-based activities. These projects typically occur in neighborhoods that would otherwise be unable to access the resources necessary to transform their community. Earlier this year we began engaging the residents and community council in Spring Grove Village. Through engagement We believe that neighborhoods with increased civic participation, knowledge of assets, relationships among residents, signs of neighborliness, place based activities for youth, and local economic opportunities for residents in the informal or formal economy will prevent displacement and welcome the marginalized in from economic exile. In Spring Grove Village we kicked off our engagement earlier this year with the community council president, Gary Robbins, and Industrial Design Professor, Steve Doehler, from the University of Cincinnati (UC). The community was matched with about half a dozen Industrial Design students from UC’s DAAP program where they canvassed the neighborhood with community council members talking to residents asking questions that were based on concepts of social well-being. At the end of the research the students shared their findings with the community and organized a showcase linking what people said they cared about with assets and economic possibilities in the community. This showcase resulted in a town hall meeting in the Village facilitated by Economics of Compassion and Econogy where over 100 residents including businesses, pastors, the local Fire Department, Village Development Corporation, and Winton Youth Center attended to get clear about who they were and what the neighborhood values – their identity. Many asset-based community development efforts since the town hall meeting have been underway. This process will lead into next year, in the fall of 2018, when Spring Grove Village formerly starts a process with the City of Cincinnati to develop a neighborhood plan. Bridging the wealth gap: Former U.S. Labor Secretary calls for ‘progressive populism’ to tip the scales for the working class I n November 1994, Secretary of Labor Robert Reich stood before the Democratic Leadership Council and warned that economic inequality was creating a “two-tiered society” and said he worried that a growing number of to get public policies that help them become even wealthier. It’s a vicious cycle that’s becoming increasingly more vicious, so that the rules of the game, the rules of the economy increasingly favor people at the top and hurt everybody else.” As an example, Reich said that Americans spend more for pharmaceuticals than people in any other advanced nation because pharmaceutical companies have used their political capital to make it impossible for people to buy drugs more cheaply from Canada, rigged the rules so it’s impossible to beat their patents for long periods of time, ADAM SENNOTT Contributing Writer Robert Reich speaks at Santa Rosa Unitarian Church in 2013 Credit: ATIS547/ Flickr THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and barred the federal government from using its bargaining power through Medicare and Medicare to lower drug prices. He also pointed at the tax bill as it was making its way through Congress; a version of which was later signed into law. “That’s almost entirely they handy work of big corporations and Wall Street,” Reich said. “Average working Americans had no part to play at all.” He said Americans need to become more politically engaged and active. “There’s no substitute for American citizens becoming ever more actively involved in our politics,” Reich said. “If we don’t get more involved the vicious cycle I mentioned is just going to grow steadily worse.” Reich did say he was encouraged after seeing the support Bernie Sanders received during democratic (Continued on page 12) �RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS For Pastor Ennis Tait, to Be a True Advocate for Peace and Justice Requires Compassion and the Belief that God Can Change Hearts 8 J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 "T he practice of my faith is very important to me," says Pastor Ennis F. Tait. "It has always helped me maintain my composure and keep alive my hope." Tait grew up and lived most of his life exposed to and confronted to racism. Learning the true history of his African American people and realizing how often his race had been intentionally subjected to destruction could have made him easily angry, vindictive and prejudiced. Instead he always made a point to remain responsibly positive and to look at things in a different light. "Compassion and being nonjudgmental are very important in order to embrace all peoples, religions, races..." he says. "We have to get rid of our implicit and explicit biases and not allow hatred, even when justified, to poison our hearts." To which he adds, "We are all invited to become part of the body of Christ, brothers and sisters united by his teaching." Tait grew up in the 70's in Moss Point, Southern Mississipi, in a religious family, his mother deeply rooted in her Christian faith and imparting onto him, early on, the beliefs that Jesus is our salvation and the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God in us. He has been a practicing Christian all his life, belonging to the African American non denominational Church of the Living God, that he attended in his neighborhood as a child, and which exposed him, through faith, to the work his pastors, community leaders, teachers, were doing in his local area confronted SAAD GHOSN Contributing Writer In 1976 and as a little boy he participated in his 1st rally marching in favor of Chris Moore, a young black man accused with no proofs of having raped and murdered a white female schoolteacher in Pascagoula, MS. If convicted, Moore would receive the death penalty. A regular church goer, Tait also learned how to help people and respond to their need, meeting them where they were without prejudice or looking down at them. For college he decided to study banking and finance and went to Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, a historical black college located few blocks away from the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. pastored. Montgomery was then the center of the civil rights movement and Tait met there many civil rights leaders and understood the history and the plight of African Americans. This empowered him, gave him a sense of confidence and legitimacy, exposed him to activism and thus shifted his mindset. "I got involved with the Board of Registration getting students to vote, marched protesting discrimination against our black college not receiving funding from the State while other white colleges were, helped celebrate African American history..." he states. All along, Tait remained, however, very faithful to his religion, going to church every Sunday, participating with his musical skills in religious What Is the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD The Church of the Living God was founded in 1889, in Arkansas, by Rev. William Christian, a former pastor of a Baptist church; it was during the desperate days of slavery, when blacks were not allowed to participate in white ministries. Rev Christian, through divine revelation and close study of the scriptures, was lead to the truth that his church bear the name of God and be known as Church of the Living God. The Protestant, non-denominational, non sectarian church is Bible-based and works at promoting the teaching of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes believers' baptism by immersion, the use of water and unleavened bread in the Lord's Supper and the washing of feet when one unites with the church. The Church of the Living God is in more than 30 states in the US and has several hundred thousand members. It has both male and female pastors and leaders. It was established in Cincinnati for the 1st time in 1914. with racism and injustice. "There were marches, Klu Klux Klan rallies, cross burnings," says Tait. "I saw all of these at work but also the power of the church as a true advocate for peace in the black community, and I embraced it as part of my life." services of other denominations, helping start a church and learning how to plan it and organize it. Graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and now married with a child, Tait left AL and relocated in St Louis, MO, a large metropolitan city still segregated by its isolated geographical pockets of African Americans, striking by their disparity and poverty. Despite his academic degree and knowledge Tait was very discriminated against in his Fortune 500 company, and spent there many years fighting for equality and acknowledgment. This prompted, however, his community involvement with United Way, the Urban League, various projects to Pastor Ennis Tait help those in need, learning at the same time about collaboration and capacity building. In the meantime, he had decided to become a minister, studied for it for 3 years, got ordained in 1998 and became a pastor in 2000, still working during the day and ministering at night and on weekends. "My 1st church in St Louis allowed me to develop and acquire the skills of leading a congregation, caring for it, using my influence to advocate for it, and thus become a voice for its people and for peace and justice wherever needed," he says. Fourteen years ago, in 2003, Tait got a call from the late Chief Bishop W.E. Crumes, then 89 years old and pastor of the Church of the Living God in Cincinnati, inviting him to join him as a co-pastor to attract more youth into the church. Tait accepted the offer but still took a finance job at A.G. Edwards Investment firm downtown Cincinnati, since then acquired by Wells Fargo. He was the only African American on the job, but connected there with many supportive and genuine individuals open to embrace his culture. He found Cincinnati, however, to be a racist city, still experiencing civil unrest as a result of the 2001 killing of unarmed African American Timothy Thomas by a white policeman. This was nevertheless a great time for Tait, the city trying to heal, the Collaborative Agreement being negotiated, various justice issues being widely discussed. After few years, he decided to resign from his job and became in 2008 full time pastor of the church, also appointed regional Overseer for the Churches of the Living God in Colombus and Cleveland, OH and Midland, PA. Credit: Saad Ghosn In 2016 and due to a real estate disagreement with the Organization of the Church of the Living God, the community decided to separate from it and for the church to become independent; it also changed its name recently to New Beginnings Church of the Living God, but still following the same biblically-based beliefs and teachings as before. Coached by Tait, the members of the church, in addition to their religious involvement and, without proselytizing, try to bring evangelical awareness to others, participating as volunteers in various community and church events. They contribute to the church's Child Development Center; to an educational enrichment program tutoring students with academic difficulty; to a self confidence and self awareness program for young girls and boys; to a 2nd Sunday evangelism and walk the street of the neighborhood event, distributing cloth and food; to a toy give-away program at Christmas; to a food offering service at Thanksgiving... (Continued on page 12) Religious Peacemakers is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati individuals who use their faith and religious beliefs for peace and justice. Saad.Ghosn@uc.edu is the founder of SOS (Save Our Souls) Art, an organization that promotes arts as vehicles for peace and justice and for a change. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 3 PHOTO ESSAY | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 DR. MUSSMAN (Continued from page 9) new facilities – representing millions on these two needed projects. The City’s goal to allocate 1.5% of the budget to Human Services hasn’t been realized for many years. The federal government is pulling funding for affordable housing through HUD. We are already in a housing crisis 9 throughout the country. In Hamilton County alone, we have 55,000 families trying to get into 15,000 homes, just among those who make less than $26,000 per year. While we struggle to create more affordable housing and raise the minimum wage to a livable wage, we rely on the generosity of people in the city to fill the gaps. --------------------------------------- Sarah Center, a place for women to learn crafts such as quilting, is also in St. Anthony Center Inside Cooking for the Classroom Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Keene State College Students with Dan from Lighthouse Private Room at Sheakley Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Cooking for the Family classroom at St. Anthony Center Celebrants getting food from the future soup kitchen at St. Anthony Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 January 26 - February 17, 2018 For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �OPINION Civil Rights Laws, Discrimination, and Cakes No. 37 3 | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 BENTLEY DAVIS I ’m distraught in seeing some reactions to the Masterpiece case before the Supreme Court. Just in case you haven’t followed the story, this is the case involving a baker who refused to even talk to a couple about their wedding cake because the couple getting married were two men. (For the record, the couple wanted a cake that would be like the cakes the baker made for straight couples  —  they weren’t asking for a special “gay cake”.) The baker claims it is against his religion to bake the cake — a cake that looks like any other wedding cake. The Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act bars discrimination in public accommodations (businesses that are open to the public) on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, or ancestry. So, the baker clearly broke state law. At question is whether one’s religious beliefs can override Civil Rights. This question has been asked and answered since the Piggie Park decision in 1968. The owner of Piggie Park Barbecue claimed that his religion opposed any integration of the races, so he could refuse to serve Black people. The courts ruled unanimously that: Undoubtedly defendant Bessinger has a constitutional right to espouse the religious beliefs of his own choosing, however, he does not have the absolute right to exercise and practice such beliefs in utter disregard of the clear constitutional Contributing Writer rights of other citizens. If a business can discriminate based upon the religious beliefs of the owners, then all anti-discrimination laws become meaningless for things like housing, public accommodations, and employment — because racists, misogynists, homophobes, antiSemites, etc. often use their religion as their excuse for their odious behavior. And one cannot just say “take your business elsewhere”. All it takes is a quick look back in history to know that there was a time, not that long ago, when people of color had an incredibly difficult time finding a clean hotel room or a restaurant in many states. Or when businesses would post that they only hire men. Indeed, many states still have no protection for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. To make this even more frustrating, the majority of my interlocutors who were supporting the baker’s discriminatory actions were musicians (all white men, btw). Certainly, these musicians are aware of the difficulties Black musicians faced in the US when trying to tour prior to the Civil Rights Act? Surely these musicians know the story of Red Rodney, who had to be booked as Albino Red, so he could share the stage with Charlie Parker? I am worried that the court has swung so far to the right that this case will in practice overturn decades of civil rights laws (hopefully, they will look to the precedent of Piggie Park and rule in favor of the State of Colorado). But I am even more worried that so many people who should know better think that Civil Rights laws are unconstitutional. These are people who claim to have gay friends. These are people who claim to think racism wrong. These are people who claim to want their daughters to have the same access to opportunities as their sons. And yet these same people who SAY they believe these things, support the argument of the Piggie Park owner — that one’s religion can give cover to breaking the law and denying equal access to others. And just to rebut a couple of the arguments I have heard defending the homophobic baker: No, the government cannot force a halal restaurant to serve bacon. It can require that the restaurant serve all people regardless of the customers’ religion. No, the baker wasn’t asked to make a cake that said anything about the gender(s) of the couple. The baker was asked just to make a cake like any other cake that is in the baker’s repertoire. The couple and a mother of one of the grooms were kicked out before even discussing what the couple wanted in their wedding cake. No, this isn’t the same as whether a business can refuse service to someone who isn’t wearing shoes. Businesses can have a dress code — as long as that dress code doesn’t require removal of religiously Dave Chappelle and new stand up specials provide food for thought C 11 JASON HAAP omedian Dave Chappelle released two new standup specials on Netflix on December 31, 2017. Since that time, he has been blasted by critics for his "insensitivity" to various issues heralded by social justice warriors. It seems these commentators get lost in the weeds, looking for any phrase that can be deemed "politically incorrect" and used as the basis of a scathing criticism. In the second of the two specials, entitled "The Birdman Revelations," Chappelle uses these hot-button Contributing Writer social issues to springboard into some of the most insightful social commentary I've seen in a long time. With regards to the sexual assault allegations that seem to find a new target weekly, Chappelle points out how people are scared, but that fear is no pathway to a lasting peace. Eventually, fear will abate. Instead, we must analyze the system that authorized this behavior in the first place. Scaring some agents within a system may work for a while, but if the system doesn't change, neither “Breakdown Stereotypes” will its outcomes. Citing the "truth and reconciliation" that took place at the end of apartheid in South Africa, he goes so far as to suggest that some of the perpetrators of these crimes may actually be "victims" of the system themselves, by virtue of participating in a manner authorized by said system. In my earlier days, I always thought of feminism as being a movement to target patriarchy as a "system" in the way described by Chappelle. Increasingly, though, it does not seem as if contemporary required garments. Businesses can also refuse service to someone who is rude. Or someone who doesn’t have the appropriate means to pay. The law prohibits businesses from discrimination on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin, or ancestry. No, one cannot just go elsewhere. In large metropolitan areas, sure, there may be a wealth of bakers to choose from. In rural areas, the choice often isn’t there. Moreover, the issue is far bigger than a single bakery. It is about treating a group of people as second-class citizens who need to check to see if a business is willing to serve them. Again, one only needs passing knowledge of US history to know that there was a time when these types of actions were rampant — and that is precisely why these laws were put into place to begin with. In closing, ever since the Civil Rights Act was passed, there were those who sought to overturn it. They wanted to be able to discriminate at will. But these laws have been tested by the courts and upheld repeatedly. I am disturbed that there is even the possibility of anti-discrimination laws being overturned. And while I know there are plenty of people out there who wish for them to be overturned, I am saddened to learn that this position is held be far more than I had supposed. I hope that those who support the baker in this case are just misinformed and don’t understand the gravity of the situation. But I fear that isn’t the case and the arguments of the bigots of the early 1960s are now given more credence than they were a half a century ago. [This article first appeared on medium.com] feminism has any such interest. Instead, it seems like we just want to switch some variables: keep the system in place, but allow women to occupy the space formerly occupied by men. I recognize this is a difficult claim to make, especially since I am a man who, so far, has only cited the ideas of another man. (Who wants to be accused of "mansplaining"?) This is precisely the problem. Much contemporary liberalism is so fixated on identity politics, the left is starting to behave hypocritically. For example, wouldn't it be the heart of sexism to dismiss a woman's ideas simply because she is female? A few years ago, there was an all-female reboot of the (Continued on page 12) “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 H earing the word Homeless can bring many different emotions in a person. Some become sad, others become frightened, and then there are those who get angry and want to do something about it. For me I get sad and angry. The sadness is because I can remember being amongst the homeless. I recall the long days and nights wondering how I can fix my situation. The Anger I feel is for those people around me who try to ignore the fact that Homelessness is a serious problem. Sure, they give at the appropriate times of year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, but being homeless is and can be a 365 day a year lifestyle. Many things contribute to homelessness. For me it was my Addiction. I wanted that more than anything that was ADAM SENNOT (Continued from page 7) primaries. “There’s a huge craving in this country for progressive populism, not for Donald Trump’s brand of authoritarian populism.” Reich said. “All the energy in the Democratic party is with progressive populism, much of the energy in the Republican party is with authoritarian populism, but if many working class Republicans understood what was actually happening and understood how they’re being ripped off, they would become progressive populists.” SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) Tait himself is very involved in the greater Cincinnati community participating in many of its peace and justice organizations and programs. He is part of violence reduction strategies through Serve and Ceasefire, and of Concerned Clergy of Avondale, a cluster of pastors working together to improve quality of life in JASON HAAP (Continued from page 11) Ghostbusters movie franchise. To be fair, there were tons of sexist men hyperventilating about this for all the wrong reasons. But think about how our culture's media is establishing a new trend. This year, for example, we are going to be able to see things like all-female reboots of titles such as Lord of the Flies, Ocean's Eight, and even that cult-classic TV show The Greatest American Hero. So far, it appears these reboots are simply gender-swapped revisions of the originals. In other words, there is nothing "feminine" about the work. I don't mean that word in a stereotypical sense, either. From a "systems" perspective, this is more of the same, only the variables have OPINION Homelessness J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer working at our jobs trying to do better. What the City can do I told him is to acknowledge the homeless plight, and not just push these people to one side and get them out of the way of progress. As if to try and hide our Skeletons in our Closets. The Homeless are people First and Foremost! We are not the scourge of earth. We are not the beggars, vandals, criminals, Addicts that people label us as. They use these labels to put themselves on a pedestal to feel better than others. God made all Man. He put me and some of you to be of Service to All Mankind. As a plea for 2018, I ask this: Put yourself in a Homeless person’s shoes for 1 day, 24hrs and do as they do. I promise you will see all the Homeless in a different light. Be Honest with who you are and then Reach out and help someone other than “Yourself”!!! positive, a Job, a Home, a Family. Hell, even to be alive somedays. It has been my experience with Homelessness that, it begins with “ME”. I had to want to change my lot in life and I had to swallow my pride first and seek help. It wasn’t until I humbled myself reached out to people who actually cared year round that I was able to change my life. I’m not saying that all Homeless people are like me. Each individual has his or her reasons for their dilemma. I spent many days with people who were incapable of caring for themselves due to Mental or Physical illness and being homeless was a way for them to escape from being looked down upon. You see that’s where the pride comes into play. (I think). We as humans are prideful people. We want or need to think that we can do anything by ourselves. Asking and seeking help is a hard pill to swallow and it took me waking up one morning so desperate and on the brink of suicide that I let go of my pride for that day. Then I got the help and support I needed. I’m writing this on the last day of 2017. 2017 was the year I became a responsible, productive person in society. I look back on this year as Rebirth of Bobby. I look at 2018 and beyond (God willing) as my road to bigger and better things. I’m writing this because a friend posed a question: Why doesn’t the City do anything about the Homeless problem? A man just died from being out in the cold Homeless? He and I both have experienced Homelessness and today we both are good citizens Reich said his biggest challenge has been getting throught the mountains of misinformation produced by Fox News and other conservative news outlets. “Millions of people are watching Fox News and falling for the venom and lies that Sean Hannity spouts every night, and others like him,” Reich said. “There are right wing personalities on the radio who continue to spout right wing propaganda that has no basis in reality.” Reich also said that while the mainstream media “have done a pretty good job of telling the truth” he also noted that “they’re easily distracted by the sensation of the day. “And Donald Trump offers a constant supply of sensationalism when he’s not lying,” Reich said. “So it’s easy to distract the public’s attention from what’s really going on. The combination of lies and distraction is a toxic mixture.” Now that tax reform is law, Reich said that he fears entitlement reform is next. “The tax cut will create a huge budget deficit, I mean much larger than they have today, and Republicans will use that increased deficit as an excuse to call for cuts in Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and programs for the poor, Reich said. “This is the bait and switch tactic that they have been rehearsing for a long time, and we need to be ready.” Reich said he now worries that if Americans don’t act, the consequences could be far more dire than they were two decades ago when they were in 1994. “I think that unless we join together and make out voices heard, it’s possible that we’re going to end up without a democracy,” Reich said. the neighborhood. He serves on the City Manager Advisory Committee, on the Every Child Succeed Board of Directors and on the Preschool Promise Board. He is also a member of the Community Police Partnering Center, the Avondale Community Development Corporation and the Poverty Collaborative. Tait also works with charter and public schools, and collectively with all faiths, as part of the Faith Community Alliance, to build capacity for causes and issues addressing the plight of the people. All of Tait's activities and actions are informed by his deep Christian faith based on the teachings of the Bible. He believes in Heaven on earth and that it needs to be cultivated for everyone and to invite all people to join in, come together and be saved by Christ, irrespective of who they are, their past or their belonging. "God gave us the church to take care of people," he says. "It offers a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to be united, gain strength and move forward." Tait would love to open his church to non African Americans and embrace everyone. He would like to help all people go from one stage to another, become free in Christ, empowered by love and compassion. been switched. If patriarchy is to blame for any of the social inequalities against which our culture currently struggles, can the solution simply be to keep that system in place with the variables switched? Is feminism just an attempt to get women into the exact same seats of power as men? Like I wrote earlier, I thought feminism was supposed to be a critique of the system, and not just an attempt to take control of it in the same way as power-hungry men. Another man, Wendell Berry, once wrote a fantastic essay entitled "Feminism, the Body, and the Machine." He had previously published an essay which mentioned how his wife helps him to correct his manuscripts, and the resulting letters to the editor were so disrespectful to his wife, he had to respond. Here are some key excerpts: Why would any woman who would refuse, properly, to take the marital vow of obedience (on the ground, presumably, that subservience to a mere human being is beneath human dignity) then regard as “liberating” a job that puts her under the authority of a boss (man or woman) whose authority specifically requires and expects obedience? It is easy enough to see why women came to object to the role of Blondie, a mostly decorative custodian of a degraded, consumptive modern household, preoccupied with clothes, shopping, gossip, and outwitting her husband. But are we to assume that one may fittingly cease to be Blondie by becoming Dagwood? ... How, I am asking, can women improve themselves by submitting to the same specialization, degradation, trivialization, and tyrannization of work that men have submitted to? And that question is made legitimate by another: How have men improved themselves by submitting to it? The answer is that men have not, and women cannot, improve themselves by submitting to it. I agree. Feminism should be about (in the view of this man, anyway) creating more just and equitable systems. That's a cause I can get behind. If the goal is simply to overthrow the men so women can behave in the exact same way, then I'm not sure what any men are supposed to think about such a proposition. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- �No. 37 3 | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 A CHRISTMAS STORY 13 STREET VOICE Christmas is a great time of the year full of spirit, blessings and dreams of happiness and love for one another and the birth of Jesus Christ YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT No wonder The Donald can never be quiet. Have you read about Trump's dubious diet? He drinks twelve diet colas while being rude, where people hope this time of the year to give love to one another’s life and share their thoughts and have compassion for one another in their hearts. Their Christmas singing carols, And that's topped off by gobs of junk food. Someone should study what the man eats, And trace it to some of his crazier tweets. songs, having food and games and coming together as one to love and BILL WOODS Contributing Writer unite as one to make A NEW BEGINING good of all joyful happiness around the holidays. GOD IS GOOD, NOT SOME OF THE TIME BUT ALL THE TIME 24/7 RONALD ENGLISH Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer I BELIEVE THAT BE THE REASON WE LIVE ON EARTH AND GOD LIVES IN HEAVEN LOOKING BACK ON MY LIFE AND THE SO MANY CHANGES THAT I WENT THROUGH LEARNING FROM REPEATED MISTAKES GOOD AND BAD UNTIL I LEARNED WHAT TO DO REALIZING TODAY KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT PLUS THE METHOD TO USE I SEE NOW THAT HAVING KNOWLEDGE DOESN'T DETERMINE THE ROUTE WE CHOOSE I KNOW NOW THAT EVERYDAY ABOVE GROUND IS A DAY TO TAKE HEED AND LEARN I KNOW NOW THAT MY CHOICES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER I LIVE WITH GOD OR I BURN TODAY, KNOWING, UNDERSTANDING WITH THE REALIZATION THAT YESTERDAY IS PASSED PRAYING AND HOPING MY WORDS WILL LINGER IN YOUR MEMORY MAKING A CHANGE TO LAST IF YOU HAVEN'T PAID ATTENTION TO YOUR LIFE MAY YOU LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT A NEW BEGINING IS WHAT'S UP FOR THE POLITICIANS AND THAT INCLUDES YOU AND ME WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 142 Across Down 1. Wash with a mop 1. Fuss 5. Go across or through 2. Had on 9. Stringed instrument 3. Highly excited 14. Garment of ancient Rome 4. Elongated fruit 15. Dilapidation 5. Profligate 16. Maxim 6. Seabird 17. Metallic element 7. Father 18. Gumbo 8. Escargot 19. Scorch 9. Teller 20. Admiration or esteem 10. Way out 22. Square root of 324 11. Formation of people 24. Naive or inexperienced 12. Theater balcony person 13. Portent 26. Garland 21. Uncommon 27. Chemical weapon 23. Jewel 30. Amalgamation 25. Vertical surface of 35. Armed conflict a cliff 36. Apiece 27. Fuscous 37. Awaken 28. Mistake 38. Halo 29. Bundle 40. Parasite 31. Take away without 43. Morsel the owner's consent 44. Mar 32. Cunning 46. Region 33. Organic compound 48. Guided 34. Tall woody grass 49. Recluse 35. Launder 51. Person who shoes horses 39. Objective 53. Nocturnal mammal 41. Steep rugged rock 55. Profit or cliff 56. Blossomed 42. Armorial bearing 61. Munificent 45. Freedom 65. Flat metal tumbler in a lock 47. Elaborate song for 66. Rip solo voice 68. Catch sight of 50. Mariner 69. Broker 52. Provide with power 70. Parch and authority 71. Shantytown 54. Laconic 72. Verbose 56. Defect 73. Jittery 57. Toy construction set 74. Small gull 58. Finished SODOKU PUZZLE NO 272 - MEDIUM 59. Direct a course or way 60. A notable achievement 62. Small island 63. Branch railway line 64. Song of praise 67. Worry persistently PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 372 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 141 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 271- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 37 3 RESOURCES | J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 Central Access Point 15 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 St. George Food Pantry 751-8771 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 131 E. 12th Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 Salvation Army 762-5660 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Shelter: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 1125 Bank Street 45214 411 Gest St. 45203 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 2121 Vine Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Parkway Center 661-4620 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Family Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 471-1100 Housing: 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street 45202 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 for 26 issues 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@ cincihomeless.org $100 859-491-8303 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 J a n 12 - J a n 2 5 , 2 0 18 | N o . 37 3 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2018 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 12-January 25, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Political Reform In 2018 Pg 3: New Year New Services Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Cincinnati’s Fascist Monument Pg 6: Cincinnati’s Fascist Monument Continued Pg 7: Economics of Compassion Initiative on the Ground in Spring Grove Village Pg 8: Religious Peacemakers Pg 9: Dr. Mussman Continued Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Civil Rights Laws, Discrimination and Cakes Pg 12: Homelessness Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Fun Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 12-January 25, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Dr. Mark Mussman Michael Earl Patton Derek Peebles Adam Sennott Saad Ghosn Bentley Davis Jason Haap Bobby Morris Ronald English Willa Denise Jones Homeless Coalition ATIS547/Flickr WCPO.com Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Adam Sennott ATIS547/Flickr Bentley Davis Bill Woods Bobby Morris Cincinnati civil rights Derek Peebles Discrimination Dr. Mark Mussman Fascism Homeless Coalition Jason Haap Josh Spring Michael Earl Patton Monuments reform Religion Ronald English Saad Ghosn WCPO.com Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/3cb471119f729abdeb5fed2859a359eb.pdf effa0a6e442a33884020c330de99243d PDF Text Text January 13th - January 26th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 28 (No. 347) advocating justice | Building community Sharing free food with the homeless: what harm can it do? | 9 This issue sponsored by Rosie, Oscar, Phil and Jack INSIDE THIS ISSUE Community Issues Forum Kicks Off 2017 with Vice Mayor David Mann | 2 Education and Income | 3 Black Lives Matter Cincinnati: multiracial liberation movement | 7 Denver homeless protest against ‘clean up’ of downtown streets | 8 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL From the Director: Wearying Winter JOSH SPRING Executive Director I am looking forward to the return of consistently warm weather. I know it may seem sort of uncreative to write about the current weather, but the winter really is the worst (I know this may not be a fact and that some of you disagree). The cold causes physical pain and leads to an increase in sickness; sniffles, flu, sinus infections, etc. The winter is especially hard on people without homes and especially on people without shelter. The winter also adds financial burden. It costs more and more to heat living and working spaces. Cold weather can wreak havoc on building structures, roads, sidewalks and automobiles. The winter also constricts a person. Wearing heavy coats means we move slower with less mobility - and those coats also cost money. I know stating these problems is not going to end winter (though we can end homelessness and therefore the effects of winter on people experiencing homelessness). And I know that truly ending winter (global warming) would be a terrible thing. But I am confident that you and nearly everyone you know agrees with at least significant portions of these feelings - even if you like the look of snow. Winter is also the enemy of community organizing. Winter adds difficulty to the prospect of people J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 getting out and acting together. I am sure you have noticed, but between the freezing temperatures and the holidays it seems that nearly everything happens slower in the winter. Timelines are extended, meetings are canceled or rescheduled, you have to set out earlier to get somewhere on time, so forth and so on. While I can recognize that fresh fallen snow looks pretty, I only enjoy it in pictures and snow-globes. All this personal dislike of cold weather aside, greater numbers of people with homes tend to be concerned about people without homes during this time of year because of the holidays and the cold. This concern is important. Homelessness, however, is a yearround systematic problem and we must respond to it year-round and work constantly to systematically end it, such that this systematic problem does not leave people prey to the harshness of winter or any other time. ------------------------ THE COMMUNITY ISSUES FORUM KICKS OFF 2017 WITH VICE MAYOR DAVID MANN REVIEWING CRITICAL ISSUES CITY AHEAD Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by individuals experiencing homelessness or on the edge of homelessness, in exchange for a $2.00 Donation. Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati. 113 East 12th St. Cincinnati OH, 45202 Ph: 513.421.7803 FAX: 513.421.7813 WEB: www.cincihomeless.org BLOG: streetvibes.wordpress.com EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor: Justin Jeffre Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Leslie Moorhead Director of Education: BILL WOODS T he Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral kicks off 2017 with a presentation by Vice Mayor David Mann. At this Thursday lunch session on January 19th, the Vice Mayor will discuss critical issues that will confront City Government in the coming year. He will also comment about the current political climate in Washington and Columbus and how it might impact cities like Cincinnati. Mann, a former Congressman, Mayor, and multi term Council member, came out of political retirement to run for Council in 2013. Not only has he provided valuable experience to this body, but he has championed affordable housing and other grassroots projects that often were neglected in the City's fixation on upscale development. The Vice Mayor has decided to seek reelection in the fall. Forums at the Cathedral feature a wide range of community and public issues with an emphasis on social, economic, and political justice. In December, Two Forums focused on the tragedies of gun violence in Cincinnati, and the 2016 actions and goals of Black Lives Matter/ Cincinnati. Forums are free and open to the public, and they take place at the lunch hour every other Thursday Dr. Mark Mussman Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Distributor Program Manager: Justin Jeffre Layout: Key Beck Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Michael Earl Patton, Steve McClanahan, Dr. Mark Mussman, Mike Brown, Jason Haap, Steve Sunderland, Bobby Morris, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/Artwork: Michael Flood, Michael Earl Patton, Mike Brown, Google Images, Bill Woods Vice Mayor David Mann Photo: Michael Flood from January to June. Time is always set aside for questions and comments from attendees, and lunches can be purchased on a first come, first serve basis. For further information call 3814994. ------------------------ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �LOCAL Education and Income No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 MICHAEL EARL PATTON O Contributing Writer ne of the things that continually annoyed me in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election was the characterization of Trump supporters as “uneducated.” Besides its being dismissive of millions of people, it is unclear what the charge actually means. And it is probably wrong, too. I want to explore this a without getting a 4-year degree if you are considered “educated” or “uneducated.” And then comes the matter of why one should be so dismissive of those without college degrees. College degrees are necessary for many jobs, true, but those jobs are not the only ones that should command respect. In fact, the hosts of the PBS program McMicken Hall at UC Credit: Michael Earl Patton little, using exit polling data and once again using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls. gov). First, what do these critics mean by “uneducated”? From the context, and the sheer numbers of supposedly uneducated people involved, it clearly does not mean people with NO education – people who never attended school at all. In checking I found out that what is meant is people with no college education, though it is not clear if you attended college This Old House have been talking recently about the difficulty in finding good trades people such as finish carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and masons. Their experience aligns with mine, and I also would add that most of my “educated” friends – those with a college degree – wouldn’t recognize a good job from a bad one. Their educated opinion is almost worthless in this regard. I would also add such trades as mechanics and machinists, along with traditional occupations such as farmers, barbers, cooks, police, soldiers, and ranchers (the list is meant to be suggestive, not comprehensive) are occupations that require skill and training. Some of these workers may have a college degree, but even if they don’t I am not going to dismiss their opinions out of hand. I see no reason why someone with, say, a journalism, sociology, or even an engineering degree should automatically be credible while others, who may have been succeeding at their jobs or even running their own businesses for decades, should be dismissed. Full disclosure – I have an engineering Labor Statistics data for a relationship between income and education. Sure enough, there is a strong correlation. People with higher incomes tend to have more college education. Further, people in all income quintiles (groupings of 20% of income, such as those in the bottom 20% of income, the next 20%, and so on) are going to college more often. Alas, the data I examined did not state how many of these received a degree, but these probably also have increased. Here is a graph I made from the data for the years of the past 4 presidential elections. I had to use 2015 data degree. I always strive to put together a credible analysis which I hope is evaluated on its own merits. Exit polling conducted by the New York Times showed that those who never attended college were almost as likely to vote for Clinton as for Trump (45% versus 51%). Only those with post-graduate education were much more likely to vote for Clinton (58% versus 37%). Or maybe not. Exit polling in this past election was not a reliable guide to the actual results because Trump’s victory was a surprise to all those who relied on these data. In other words, significant numbers of those polled may not have been telling the truth about their choice. Who were they? Who held back from saying they actually voted for Trump? Were they Bernie Sanders supporters still upset at Clinton? Were they immigrants who came here legally and who don’t like border jumping? College-educated women? People who don’t like the New York Times? I don’t know if anyone has researched this question, but I would be most interested in knowing more. I also looked at the Bureau of instead of 2016 because 2016 data have not yet been released. There is one final point I want to make about the so-called “uneducated” Trump supporters. Yes, it is true that Hillary Clinton received over 2.8 million more popular votes than Donald Trump. But that was still only 48% of the votes cast. Trump received about 46% of the popular vote. The other 6% went to third party or independent candidates. If we group all the conservative-leaning candidates together – Trump, the Libertarian and Constitution candidates, and McMullin who ran as an independent – they received almost 51% of the vote. Since that is just over half, it may not seem especially noteworthy, but that is a higher percentage than conservatives have won in the past several elections. I am NOT saying that as more people go to college, voters are more likely to vote for conservative candidates. I don’t think there is enough of a correlation, at least so far. But I am saying that we should not be so quick to dismiss people with whom we may disagree as uneducated. evidence concerning global warming and the role of human activity; if you are not aware of the science, there are several credible sources you can read (for example, http://climate. nasa.gov/evidence/). Suffice it to say that it is widely agreed that a critical element of the solution to climate change is globally moving away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible, hence the Paris Climate Agreement. We Must Act Against Climate Change STEPHEN MCCLANAHAN Contributing Writer W ith Mr. Trump’s election, climate change denial and skepticism has again entered the mainstream. This is an astonishing position given the plethora and rigor of scientific investigations that have studied the influence of greenhouse gases in 3 driving abrupt climate change. It is also alarming since climate change will literally alter the world for the worse, most notably for our children and future generations. It is not my intention to delineate the scientific THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 7) �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 �5 LOCAL Fact or Fiction: Tools for Active Reading No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 T DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer here seems to be a crisis in news reporting these days, both on the small screen and in social media. Socalled “fake news” has been on blast for about a year, but even more now, as revelations that people are manufacturing news to get clicks online are exposed. I was trying to figure out if there was a way to expose fake news without using Google, or Wikipedia, or Snopes, etc. to verify. I quickly realized that there have been plenty of fake news stories circulated on social media (one or two, I’m sure I’m guilty of sharing) – stories that I should have been able to spot as fake almost immediately. Examining the source for satire (The Onion or even the column in the New Yorker) or sensationalism (USuncut or WorldStarHipHop) is a good place to start. But beyond that, how do we know if a story is real? I heard recently that some people are having an issue identifying fake news because we are so dependent on googling things, or we don’t have the necessary depth to decipher fact from fiction. It may be due to our reliance on instantaneous gratification, and waiting around, or wading through multiple primary source documents, is time consuming and often daunting. Whatever the case, there is a real need to understand the connection between the ability to critically think with an expanded world view and the impact on advocacy work. I began to think through the steps I use when deciding if something is real that I read online. I tried to go beyond the typical questions, like “Is it too good to be true?” to something more concrete. The results fell into the basic categories of Fallacies – Psychological, Logical and Mechanical. When you write a sensationalist piece, appealing to people’s emotions and trying to sway them, you are essentially simultaneously using both a persuasive technique and falling into a psychological fallacy. While passion is an important part of communication, it is important to keep personal attacks and humor to a minimum. I was reading an article today that name-called someone and I immediately wanted to stop reading the article. I felt that by using an ad hominem attack, I was ready to quickly disregard everything else the writer had to say. What does that negativity do but disable you from seeing things objectively? I hope to not fall into that trap. An introductory speech class will teach you all about persuasive techniques to connect with your audience. These techniques come in extra handy during debates when you are trying to win over an audience for votes. But these same techniques, while fiery and passion-laden, fall flat in honest reporting. What works for a human-interest story does not work for reporting about current events, so if the story you are reading seems to hit too close to home, or if it seems that the writer wants you to think something specific, it’s poor reporting. The S.M.A.R.T. section is taken from SMART Goals, which I felt took a nuanced approach to those concepts. If the article you are reading writes about things that can’t be measured but argues them as fact, there is something fishy going on there. If the “Breakdown Stereotypes” author makes simple generalizations like “all liberals” or it just seems strange that this article is coming out now, then it is probably just there to get you to click on it. I included these because they can quickly rule out real news. Finally, if you’ve looked at the headline and you don’t see the persuasive techniques or the SMART violations, then you need to move to logical fallacies before you can say it is real news. Logical fallacies are probably the most widely used methods of persuasion that get left unchecked. If you don’t understand them, then you will have trouble rationalizing the issues with the statements that are being made. It is completely possible to convince people of things using logical fallacies. Being able to point them out, even by just reading the headline of an article, is a skill that takes time, but will eventually save you plenty of time and a headache. As corporate media becomes more and more conglomerated, it is more imperative than ever to develop these skills. It may not be enough to stop fake news operations, or even poor reporting in mainstream media, but it will empower you to take on falsehoods one fallacy at a time. Understanding fact from fiction strengthens your advocacy work and increases your ability to create change in our community. “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at (513) 421.7803 x14 Educational Programs Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau We will come to your organization, school, or business Alternative Breaks: Cincinnati Urban Experience College students stay with us and participate in service and learning in the community Social Justice Walking Tours Please sign up for an Educational Program on our website CinciHomeless.org Learn about the rich cultural history, struggles, and collaboration in our community Streetvibes Shadow Experience distributing Streetvibes newspapers and learn fron a seasoned professional THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 (Continued on page 12) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL Black Lives Matter Cincinnati: A multiracial movement for liberation 7 No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 S ince it was founded in December 2014, Black Lives Matter Cincinnati has become the leading voice for black liberation in the city, working to mobilize people to demand an end to police brutality, institutional racism, and other injustices. “It’s a fight for black liberation, but it’s not a black fight,” said Brian Taylor, one of the original BLMC founders and a member of its steering committee. “Just like the fight for women’s liberation is not just a women’s fight.” BLMC is unapologetically multiracial, despite the frequent MIKE BROWN Contributing Writer are less sure are welcome to come and learn and find out.” BLMC looks to create change from the community level up. Leaders on the ground mobilize people in the streets, about 12,000 in 2016, according to Taylor. “Our real power is in numbers,” he said. “Racism is the original sin of U.S. culture,” said Meg Bruck, 67, a white resident of College Hill and the great granddaughter of a Civil War era abolitionist. “It deprives white people of our humanity, and it is our class congregation decided to become an “open and affirming” church to the LGBTQ community and, after the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson later in 2014, a faith ally of BLMC. “They’re doing some really important work in this city,” said Rev. Ian Strickland, the white pastor of Over-the-Rhine Community Church on Race Street, referring to BLMC. “They do a lot to name problems that people don’t want to talk about, but also offer solutions,” citing the idea of restorative justice in schools. In addition to actions in the street, they’re educational, said Strickland. For Sam Katz, 22, a student in the jazz studies department at the College Conservatory of Music, BLMC helps fill the void left by many student organizations, such as the Irate 8, whose visible activism on campus withered when its founders graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Katz, who is white, is a member of BLMC. BLMC stands not only for black liberation, but also human liberation. For Taylor, the two are related because the same system, rooted in free-market capitalism, oppresses most people. It pits people against (Continued on page 8) Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Rally in Washington Park Credit: Mike Brown Brian Taylor, Black Lives Matter Cincinnnati Credit: Mike Brown misconception that it is anti-white. It is also feminist, queer, nondenominational, pro-immigrant, pro-labor, and pro-union. “We mean it when we say anybody who agrees with our principles and is willing to organize their time and effort to fight to achieve them is welcome,” Taylor said. “Those who STEPHEN MCCLANAHAN (Continued from page 3) The United States has a major role to play since we are one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas. We must recognize and account for the true environmental and health costs of carbon fuels which we currently do not pay for. The most effective first step towards a solution is to enact revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend (CF&D) legislation. This policy places a steadily rising fee on fossil fuels based on the amount of CO2 produced. Fees are collected at responsibility to dismantle it.” Bruck takes that responsibility seriously as a member of Black Lives Matter Cincinnati. “We stand in solidarity alongside of the Black Lives Matter Cincinnati movement,” said Rev. Alan Dicken, the white pastor Carthage Christian Church. In 2014, the white, working the point at which carbon fuels enter the market and are placed in a trust fund. 100% of the fees collected, less administrative costs, are returned directly to households on an equal shares monthly basis (each adult receives one share, children receive ½ share with a limit of 2 children per family). Border adjustments discourage business relocation. Individuals and businesses are free to make independent choices about their energy usage. This policy will incentivize the free market, which will respond to provide alternative energy sources that avoid or minimize the use of carbon fuels. CF&D has been studied in detail. Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Rally near Cincinnati Police Department District 1 Station Credit: Mike Brown Most importantly, it is a real step towards substantially lowering CO2 emissions. Because it is revenue neutral and free market based, it does not grow the size of government or require additional regulations. Contrary to the existing mindset that protecting our environment can only come at the expense of our economy, CF&D provides a substantial economic stimulus, creating an estimated 2.8 million jobs in 20 years. Due to the dividend, just under twothirds of US households break even or receive more each month than they pay in higher prices; the other one-third pay more because of the amount of fossil fuels they consume. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED It is a progressive policy in that it protects lower income households since they tend to use less fossil fuel. Moving away from fossil fuels literally saves lives; an estimated 13,000 lives are saved annually after 10 years, with a cumulative 227,000 American lives saved over 20 years. And by addressing climate change, we are addressing one of the major national security threats identified by the Department of Defense. We have a very real problem in climate change and an innovative solution; we only lack the political will. Please call your member of Congress to demand action on climate. �e 8 NATIONAL Denver homeless protest against ‘clean up’ of downtown streets P olice and clean-up crews armed with brooms and trash bags were met by angry and frustrated homeless residents just north of downtown Denver in November. Uniformed officers were detailed to ‘clean’ the area’s sidewalks of bicycles, wheelchairs and shopping carts filled with personal items. A tense day with sporadic protests by the homeless and their supporters broke out with campers fearing they would lose their homes and property in the sweep. During the peaceful protests, GILES CLASEN Courtesy of Denver Voice / INSP.ngo the homeless co-operated with the police, loading their belongings into shopping carts which were temporarily moved into storage. Most of the people affected were expected to be able to return to the sidewalk camp after the area covering three streets had been completed. Officer David Hunter of the Denver Police Homeless Outreach Team, said, “Everyone wants a peaceful resolution. We want to clean up and be gone.” John Gerhard Jr says, "ìt isn't easy being homeless when youíre handicapped." Credit: Giles Clasen MIKE BROWN (Continued from page 7) one another, blinding them to the larger systems and institutions that push them down. This is why he refuses to accept the idea of some activists that all white people are the oppressors who should work separately to dismantle racism. “It’s easy to think that white people are evil, but it lets off the hook the system of greed behind the racism and oppression,” said Taylor. Yet, to people of color, he said, the hands of oppression are white and male, belonging to people who are vested in a system that gives them disproportionately more power and economic benefits. There is a core group of about J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 25 to 60 people depending on circumstances, said Taylor, who estimates that active members number several hundred. About half are white. The five-person steering team is comprised of four black people and one white person. BLMC is a volunteer organization. According to Taylor, no one is paid for the work they do, and often the leaders pay for organizational expenses with their own money. BLMC adopted the name, Black Lives Matter, Taylor said, because the name was inspiring. But he is quick to point out that BLMC is independent of the national movement, with no affiliation and no access to its funding. “The politics of the Black Lives Matter national organization is only a small slice of the black Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Rally for Sam Dubose Credit: Mike Brown Denver Voice spoke to four residents caught up in the sweep. They were among the residents who were vocal about exercising their right to protest and why the sweep highlights the wider issue of finding shelter and affordable housing in the area. John Gerhard Jr. “I’ve been here since August. I stayed in a shelter the first two weeks, but I was eaten up by bed bugs. It’s also difficult to get from downtown to some of the shelters. You can wait for an hour or longer for a bus to come by with an opening for a handicapped person. “Being in a chair makes it harder. It isn’t like I don’t try, but there is no place to go. I broke my back in a car accident. It isn’t easy being homeless when you’re handicapped. “I know it isn’t easy for the city; it isn’t easy for anyone. I think there are some better solutions. There are abandoned lots waiting to be purchased. No construction yet. We should utilize the lots. We should make temporary campgrounds until they start construction. “We work hard to make these sidewalks work. We wake up every morning and sweep the sidewalks (Continued on page 12) "I am a transsexual. I don't think that makes it harder out here for me. It's hard for everyone," explains Littiah Fabre. Credit: Giles Clasen liberation movement, even though the media projects it otherwise.” For Dicken, BLMC, is appropriately named. “God time and time again reinforces the idea that all lives matter. But we have not done that. We have not earned the right to say that yet. So, until we can say that black lives matter and until we live lives that show that, we cannot claim what our God claims.” “Many white people ignore or hide from racism, or they think it doesn’t exist,” said Troy Jackson, director of the Amos Project, a faithbased organization that regularly partners with about 40 of the city’s (Continued on page 11) Elizabeth Hopkins, Countdown to Conviction Coalition Credit: Mike Brown THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �NATIONAL Sharing free food with the homeless: what harm can it do? No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 O ver 70 cities in the United States have passed laws banning or restricting the sharing of free food with the poor outside. A new theory being used to justify limits to the sharing of meals outside is being adopted by city officials. The City of Phoenix, Arizona, is the latest municipal government to claim that outdoor food programs prevent homeless people from getting help they can otherwise only get by eating at indoor facilities. In September, National Public Radio reported, “‘Don’t feed people living on the streets.’ That’s the message the city of Phoenix is spreading. Staff said it’s necessary to protect vulnerable people, neighbourhoods and businesses.” Riann Balch, deputy director of Phoenix’s Human Services Department, replied to the message by saying, “It’s usually a hard conversation to have at first because feeding is really something that’s ingrained in communities as a good way to help.” When faith and communitybased groups deliver meals to homeless people or organise feeding times, they often hear words of gratitude, but Balch says they also need to hear another consideration. “They [the groups] are prolonging homelessness by giving the person what they need to stay out on the streets.” Ten days later, US Federal District Judge William Zloch ruled that Fort Lauderdale’s City Ordinance No. C-14-42 restricting the sharing of meals outside to the homeless was legal. City officials hired Marbut Consulting to help them provide a justification for its law against feeding the hungry outside. The ordinance effectively bans the sharing of meals anywhere outside since there is almost no place in the city that is not 500 feet from a residence or other prohibited location. Judge Zloch was born in Fort Lauderdale and lives in the area and must know that his ruling also makes it nearly impossible for anyone to “legally” feed the homeless. Back in November, 2014, Robert G. Marbut Jr., justified the city’s law to Rachel Martin on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition. He said: “If you give cash out on the street, generally about 93 percent of it goes to alcohol, drugs and prostitution. And if you give food on the street, you end up in a very convoluted way, but still an important way, preventing people from going into 24/7 programming. “We’ve done a lot of research. And just really getting to the big picture, there’s this move on the right to criminalise. And there’s a move on the left to do nothing—just feed people in parks. And you don’t get 9 homeless people in need of treatment are finding help at indoor meal Courtesy of Spare Change News / INSP.ngo programs. During my over-36 years of providing meals on the streets, I recovery from homelessness by being program, they would have access to a find most people that eat with Food on a jail cell floor. rehabilitation program. Not Bombs also obtain meals at “Equally you don’t get recovery Clearly not everyone that is indoor soup kitchens. from being on a park bench or out on homeless needs drug or alcohol If experts like Robert Marbut a beach or under a bridge. Where you treatment. For example, a National are correct, people who eat at these get recovery is when you go into 24/7 Center for Family Homelessness indoor programs should be receiving programs that holistically address the report found that an estimated drug or alcohol treatment, but this is not the case. It is also my experience that getting into a drug or alcohol treatment program is difficult if not impossible even for those living outside who are desperate to end their addiction. There are a few exceptions. I had one friend named “Little Bit” who was desperate to end her abuse of crack cocaine. She ate with us nearly every Monday at the entrance to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. I took her to a local rehab program. They agreed to take her for free. She had to arrive in the afternoon on a Monday six weeks from the day we booked her treatment. I encouraged Little Bit to eat at People eat a Thanksgiving meal outdoors served in the Skid Row district of Los Angeles. Food Not Bombs every week so I 70 cities across the USA have banned the sharing of free food with poor and homeless could make sure she remembered to people. Credit: REUTERS/David McNew go. I wrote down her appointment in my date book and reminded her condition of homelessness.” 2.5 million children experience of her appointment every time I saw Marbut’s research included homelessness annually, continuing a her. spending several days ‘pretending to steady rise between 2006-2010. Finally the day arrived and she be homeless.’ He told Rachel Martin: Studies show no evidence that came to eat with Food Not Bombs, “I’ve probably lived homeless maybe most of these children need drug or and I was able to take her to the 120 days when you add them all up.” alcohol treatment. Sure, some of their appointment. Little Bit returned to Food Not Bombs months after she entered the program dressed in a nice suit. She was thankful and gave me a hug of gratitude. She’d found her route to sobriety by having frequented a program that provided food outdoors. Little Bit’s success was 20 years ago, but conditions are not so different today. Last year my girlfriend Abbi Samuels and I tried to help a family protect their child from confiscation by Child Protective Services. They came to eat at Food Not Bombs and enjoyed their free meals outside on the steps of the Santa Cruz Post Office. We learned that the father used heroin and wanted to stop. The drug treatment centres charged thousands of dollars and had waiting lists. The only free centre required participation in their Christian Services. His child was taken to foster care before he found help. A Santa Cruz Sentinel Editorial from March 20, 2013 read: “No issue has so divided the greater Santa Cruz Keith McHenry picture as he was arrested for sharing free food in San Francisco in community as providing day-use 1988. The San Francisco Police made nearly 1,000 arrests of people volunteering to services at the Homeless Services share vegan meals with Food Not Bombs from 1988 to 1997. Center. The public’s perception that Credit: Courtesy of Food Not Bombs transients continue to be a visible— often unwanted —presence in the city, A main aspect of the theory of parents could benefit, but that is still county and downtown Santa Cruz “street feeding actually increases and not the principle solution to finding a in particular… And a longstanding, promotes homelessness” suggests safe home for most of these children. persistent outcry that Santa Cruz is people live outside because they And drug or alcohol addiction is not a magnet for transients from other are alcoholics or drug addicts and the only cause of homelessness. that if they ate at an indoor food There is also little evidence that (Continued on page 10) MALCOLM JACK THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL The Lucky Cat Museum T J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 JASON HAAP Contributing Writer ucked away inside Essex Studios, the hypnotic sway of hundreds of cat paws beckon. This is home to The Lucky Cat Museum, one of only a couple worldwide dedicated to maneki-neko, those figurines that appear, to those of us in the West, as "waving cats." Perhaps you've seen these figurines next to cash registers at certain Japanese restaurants. They are not really waving, as the motion, MALCOLM JACK (Continued from page 3) places mainly because of the support and services available here. Critics say Santa Cruz cannot be expected to solve a national problem—and that day services contribute to an ongoing public safety problem.” Many of the city’s “transients” have lived in Santa Cruz for years with a large number having been born in the city. Most day-use services, including meals, ended in June 2015. I believe the real reason cities in Japanese culture, is instead beckoning - urging the viewer to come closer. And if you want a closer look, The Lucky Cat Museum is just what you need. Curated by Micha Robertson, collecting maneki-neko became a personal passion that ultimately started taking too much space in her home. "About four years ago, a friend of mine decided to get a studio here," explained Robertson. "We needed to want homeless services to move indoors is to hide the problem so they will face less pressure to fund solutions. National and state officials also support local efforts to drive the homeless crisis out of sight so they too will not be forced to divert tax dollars away from programs that please their campaign contributors. Food Not Bombs shares its meals outside so people who would otherwise ignore our social, economic and political ideas might happen upon our message. We want to encourage public support for a clear the collection out of the house for the room, and so I asked if I change in society where no one is forced to eat at a soup kitchen or live on the streets. We want the public to ask if we really should we be spending half our federal income tax dollars on the military while making cuts in education and social services? Encouraging a public discussion on these issues by sharing vegan meals on the streets and providing literature at visible locations does not mean Food Not Bombs can’t also help people get treatment for addictions or find employment. Since we encourage those who THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 11) come for our food to participate as equals in the running of our local chapters, it is more likely those we eat with will gain a sense of self-esteem. This is the type of respect people need to change their lives. Banning “street feeding” is not going to help end homelessness. Changing society by providing education, housing and hope can. Keith McHenry is the co-founder Food Not Bombs. ------------------------ �LOCAL OVERCOMING THE THREAT TO HEALTH CARE No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 T he threat to Obamacare stands in front of us like a ticking bomb. Unprepared for medical and drug expenses, millions of people are shuddering at the thought of returning to a time when the lack of good insurance could tip a family into financial disaster and psychological catastrophe. Not having financial reserves necessary for short or long term hospital stays, critical drugs, or repeated doctor visits, the person without health insurance panics: not visiting the doctor when there are warning signs, not going to the hospital until the pain is too great, and choosing a life of fear as the major alternative. Sadly, this condition, which may affect 30 million people this year, is too often the current conditions facing poor people in our community and country. Health care for the poor has been too little, too late, and too insulting. The poor are blamed for their illnesses, rebuked for costing the tax payer money when MIKE BROWN (Continued from page 8 congregations around issues of race and economic justice. “Other white people, who acknowledge racism, become paralyzed by the issue, too fearful to talk because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing,” said Jackson. “And then there are the white people, the ‘saviors,’ who think they have all the answers, but really need to listen instead.” “This is not the time for faith communities to be silent,” said Dicken. “Especially in white communities, many people feel this isn’t our struggle, this isn’t our issue. But when we choose to stay quiet, then we’ve made a choice. Our silence speaks volumes.” Luke Smith, 19, joined BLMC in November. Smith, who identifies as a straight white male, said, “It is JASON HAAP (Continued from page 10) could set up a museum in the studio. The first space was about a third of the size of this one. The collection just keeps getting bigger, and we just decided it should be a proper museum." "I just want to share it with everybody," Robertson continued. "It's no good if it's all at my house where nobody can see it." There is definitely a lot to see. While, at first glance, the space can come across as repetitive (after all, how many ways are there to make a waving cat?), upon closer inspection one really starts to appreciate the craftsmanship and the individual artistic expression of each piece. Robertson gets most of her lucky cats from online purchases and auctions in Japan. She has a lucky cat slot machine. She has animatronic lucky cats. She has inflatable lucky cats. She has original lucky cat artwork - STEVE SUNDERLAND Contributing Writer 11 in Washington or Columbus. Your health is our priority." We are building support for our program of education and action. It shows us that, given a real chance, people can actively and responsibly join in better health care for all. Our volunteers have heard stories from people who are homeless, impoverished, and sick and also heard stories of people caring about their families, overcoming bad treatment from doctors and hospitals, to make a better life for their families. Learning about the resilience of people, seeing education lead to health-based action, and knowing that lives are being held in a compassionate embrace, has made us redouble our efforts. We know that the road to cancer care for the poor and minorities, in particular, is long. But we intend to navigate the surest and most caring way. For more information, please go to our website:cancerjustice.com. they attend the emergency room, and implicitly told that health care on any regular basis is not for them. The poor do not really know that the US is the only major industrial power in the world that treats its people so shabbily. The middle class is waking up to the fact that the loss of their health insurance may plunge them into poverty and risky behavior. There are forces in our society, our community, and our nation that are working for health care of high quality for all, including the keeping of reasonably priced doctor, hospital, and drug insurance. My organization, the Cancer Justice Network is one of them. We have teamed up with over 20 social service agencies, two universities, medical students, nursing and social work students, and community organizers to offer free and high quality education about the steps to stop cancer in the lives of the poor. Over the past 3 months we have presented to over 500 people at dinners for the poor at Christ Church Cathedral, Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, and Churches Active in Northside. We have brought Navigators, trained volunteers, ready to take people to screenings at Crossroad Health Centers or the Cincinnati Health Departments clinics. Poor people have found their voice in terms of wanting to talk about their health concerns, rising questions and concerns to our Navigators about the steps to following through on exams, treatments, and surviving cancer. Thanks to many supporters, we will be expanding our efforts in the new year by visiting churches, schools, community centers, and agencies like the FreeStore Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul. We are sending a clear message: "We are continuing to offer our services for high quality cancer care no matter what happens important that I use my privilege, because I do have privilege whether I like it or not, for good, instead of just using it for myself.” BLMC formed a city-wide coalition, Countdown to Conviction, in October before the trial of University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing, accused of murder in the fatal shooting of Sam Dubose, a black motorist. “I just can’t think of a more raw expression of the demeaning of black lives, the demeaning of human life, than one person executing another person in the course of stopping them for not having a license plate,” said Bruck. “To me, this is a pretty clearcut case of police overstepping their bounds, police brutality, and systemic racism in this country,” said Katz. The inability to convict Tensing represents a fundamental flaw in the system, he said. “For 400 years, the judicial system has repeatedly failed to hear the cries of African Americans,” said the 12-member board of the AMOS Project in the statement declaring its membership in the Countdown to Conviction coalition. “Rather than saying we should put our faith in a system that has time and time again shown its bias, we’re going to call for what we believe justice to be [that is, a conviction], and ask the courts to align with that, rather than for us to align with the courts,” said Dicken, whose church has joined the coalition. Strickland’s church has also joined the coalition. “Being part of the coalition is us saying, there is a problem in our country where unarmed black men are getting shot and killed by the institution that is meant to protect and serve them. And there needs to be some form of accountability, consequence, and ultimately a formal declaration saying this is wrong.” “Marches, actions, and rallies make a difference,” said Taylor. “People change when they are on the streets with other people in unison demanding something.” Bureaucracies, in Taylor’s view, also respond when masses of people demand change in institutions like the criminal justice system, and refuse to accept anything less than justice and equality. [This article originally appeared on the Cincinnatians For The American dream blog at: https:// c4ad.wordpress.com/ You can email Mike Brown at mbrown.c4ad@ gmail.com some from local artists, and some from overseas. She has big ones and tiny ones, traditional ones and modernized ones. She even has a tiny figure of a traditional market stand, on the shelves of which is a lucky cat among other wares, including a tiny bobble-head figure where the head actually bobbles. She has a gift shop, where you can get things for just a couple bucks, all the way up to $30 and more. She has a vending machine where, for only 50 cents, you can turn the crank and get a golden egg, filled with small lucky cat swag. If you can think of something involving lucky cats, she has it on display. And if it's not on display, it's surely featured in one of the many books she has collected featuring pictures of even more lucky cats! The Lucky Cat Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 3-6pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Find it at 2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45206. You might need to ring the bell to get inside, but it's totally worth the trip to experience this one-of-a-kind collection. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ �12 L STREET VOICE NEW YEARS EVE AT Joseph House ooking for something to write about. I searched the Internet for ideas and ran across Writing about Nothing. Sounds oxymoronic, when you write something it has meaning to someone so how can it be about nothing? Nothing to me may mean the world to someone else. Oh well, that’s a debate for scholars not a recovering Alcoholic like myself. This is about New Year’s Eve at Joseph House. I am going to start with how my morning began and how it has gone since then. I awoke at 5am to do laundry, you see around here doing laundry can be a race between who gets up the earliest. I chose to arise early and get it over and done with. After about 2 hours of washing and drying my clothes it was time for breakfast. For me eating 3 meals a day is key in my recovery. Not eating can tend to lead me to self-destructive behaviors and into a relapse. So, I ate some ham and eggs (cooked it myself mind you), and it was good, at least it was edible. Shaving and showering came next, that became the first disaster of my day. I cut myself 3 times, twice on my face and once on my bald head. I wanted to blame the razor but it was GILES CLASEN (Continued from page 8) clean. Not everyone does that, but enough of us do it to make it work. We care about it being clean. We care about Mother Earth.” Joshua Griffin “I yell at the cops. I scream at them because I am passionate. I am fighting. There is no one out there fighting for us. You see a crane over there building a building. You see new businesses opening. You see the city growing. The mayor, he is trying to build something to bring up more businesses. But they’re not building affordable housing for people like us. We aren’t part of the city’s plan. “We try to work. We go to work for Ready Man or for a tip agency or day labor and we make nickels and dimes, pieces of crumbs. We can’t get out of here. We can’t get our own BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer me rushing to get finished and move on to the next task of my morning. The phrase “Mindfulness” popped into my head during this fiasco but I disregarded it and put some spit and Vaseline on it and called it a job done. Moving on, next was getting to my Saturday morning meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. I called my sponsor he agreed to come pick me up along with another recovering Alcoholic and we were off. The meeting brought on challenges I was not ready for. I was seated next to a newcomer. I must say it was a female newcomer and being the good AA person I am I introduced myself and welcomed her to the meeting. Did I mention that she was cute? Besides that, she smelled amazing! I was lost in my imagination most of the meeting due to the aroma of perfume, but could hear two key events in the man’s story that I could relate to on a personal basis. His wanting to “kill” his father for the abuse he had been doing to his mother and the rest of his siblings. I too had that exact same feeling and thoughts and that day in my past came rushing back into J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 my mind and I began to become a little emotional. Shaking that off, the second event was his time he spent at Prospect House another treatment facility that I too have spent time at and his difficulty in seeing where he was at fault in some instances were again like mine. I asked myself, “did God bring me here this morning to hear my story and give me a look at how I too can overcome my past? This question I will save for my journal entry tonight. Oh, it’s only 7:35 in the evening that I am writing this so bedtime isn’t until another 2 ½ hours from now. Nothing happened between me and the cute newcomer so let’s get on with my afternoon. I came back to Joseph House, ate my lunch of potato wedges and juice and tried to take a nap. I did succeed in getting maybe a solid hour of rest during my nap but nothing like I was expecting. Upon waking I read my Horoscope (Aries) and it said “Wanting is an Affirmation that you lack something”. Cryptic as it sounds, I used up about 1 hour of my day doing what was suggested to me by my counselor. To stop and think about how I am feeling and try to see if there is something that I am ignoring and I should address it. I did this and what came to me was that 1. I am hungry 2. I am tired 3. I need to get out of this room. So, I did number 3, I left the room and went to watch some football. Everything is well with me now, life is good, so I thought. I forgot I am hungry. It’s about dinner time now 4:15pm (we old veterans eat early around here) so I went to Alabama’s fish restaurant and got me a Cod dinner. Excellent meal. Then the tiredness creeps up on me and another nap I take. This one was for only about 20 minutes due to a recent surgery I had and sometimes it’s a pain in the ass (pun intended) so I took care of that and went back to the football game. Not a big TV guy so I left that and started wondering what I should write about. That brings us to about 1 hour ago, when I ran across the “Writing about Nothing” article online. It was the catalyst for this short history of my New Year’s Eve at Joseph House. No lowering of the ball at Times Square for me, No Rockin’ Eve, no champagne toast at midnight (I am an Alcoholic) just journaling, prayers, and in my bed by 10pm. So, that is how I spent New Year’s Eve at Joseph House. The End. ------------------------ place. “It feels like we are losing our home today. “We have been out here and we will be out here. We feel like they are taking our space, our home and not treating us like human beings.” Shannon Wolf “I’ve been living here since February. I went through the sweeps in the spring. My wife and I stayed away for three weeks before we moved back to these sidewalks. “I stay safe by living out here with my street family. Our street family means safety, protection, and support. When they make us move we lose our family a bit and it is harder out here.” Littiah Fabre “We sleep out here and live out here. This is the end of the road. We aren’t here because we want to be, John Gerhard Jr pictured with his protest placard during the day of the sweep. Credit: Giles Clasen "When they make us move we lose our family a bit and it is harder out here," Shannon Wolf says about the protection he feels around his ìstreet family. Credit: Giles Clasen we are here because we have to be. It feels like (the police) come here to make war. Not me. I’m a person of peace. “I am a transsexual. I don’t think that makes it harder out here for me. It’s hard for everyone. I stay in the women’s facilities; I’m a woman. I’m sorry I don’t look good. You can’t look good homeless. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED All you’re doing when you move us from downtown is we move to the suburbs. We move to the parks. We move to the alleys. Then when it’s all clear we move back. If you can get four or five, or ten of us off the street, that’s a start. We can change this!” ------------------------ �13 STREET VOICE No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 Living By Goodness A BAD MOMENT IN MANHATTAN Each day God gives us life I saw up ahead was the Trump Tower. How merciful our creator My face gave forth an automatic glower He gives us a wonderful start I'm on vacation and I shook my fist. To live life with breath I won't have it spoiled by a narcissist. In our lungs and a beating heart I want to enjoy the last days of Barack, Living by goodness and by grace Before facing that inaugural shock, Thank you God for another day BILL WOODS Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Living by goodness makes one feel good And thankful for Gods good grace A NEW BEGINING GOD IS GOOD, NOT SOME OF THE TIME BUT ALL THE TIME 24/7 I BELIEVE THAT BE THE REASON WE LIVE ON EARTH AND GOD LIVES IN HEAVEN KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer LOOKING BACK ON MY LIFE AND THE SO MANY CHANGES THAT I WENT THROUGH LEARNING FROM REPEATED MISTAKES GOOD AND BAD UNTIL I LEARNED WHAT TO DO WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer REALIZING TODAY KNOWING WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO DO IT PLUS THE METHOD TO USE I SEE NOW THAT HAVING KNOWLEDGE DOESN'T DETERMINE THE ROUTE WE CHOOSE I KNOW NOW THAT EVERYDAY ABOVE GROUND IS A DAY TO TAKE HEED AND LEARN I KNOW NOW THAT MY CHOICES WILL DETERMINE WHETHER I LIVE WITH GOD OR I BURN TODAY, KNOWING, UNDERSTANDING WITH THE REALIZATION THAT YESTERDAY IS PASSED PRAYING AND HOPING MY WORDS WILL LINGER IN YOUR MEMORY MAKING A CHANGE TO LAST IF YOU HAVEN'T PAID ATTENTION TO YOUR LIFE MAY YOU LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT A NEW BEGINNING IS WHAT'S UP FOR THE POLITICIANS AND THAT INCLUDES YOU AND ME WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 116 Across 1. Regular hexahedron 5. Part of the Roman calendar 9. Globe 12. Inclined to anger or bad feelings 13. Part of a church 14. Kind of tide 16. Debate 17. Ship's company 18. Instance 19. Musical notation 20. Female deer 21. Right-hand page 22. Strong and sure 24. Health resort 26. Party for women only 27. Any high mountain 30. Fish eggs 31. Long plaintive cry 33. Gait of a horse 35. Partially opened flower 36. At the peak 40. Vast body of water 41. Point 42. Legendary creature 43. Cogwheel 44. Discharge a debt 45. Boarder 46. Traditional Highland dress in Scotland 48. Small vegetable 49. Colony insect 50. Historic period 53. Cereal grass seed 54. Aura 56. Untrue 58. Insane 59. Any of the main branches of a tree 63. Berserk 64. Mane 66. Shinbone 67. Mature 68. In addition 69. Occurrence 70. Novel 71. Military dining room 72. Following J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 Down 1. Ringlet 2. Exhort 3. Deception used in poker 4. Oculus 5. Revenue 6. Challenge 7. The night before 8. Darn 9. One time only 10. Range 11. Cover with liquid before cooking 12. Pouch 15. Drudge 20. Vertical fall 21. Uncooked 23. Metallic element 24. Close 25. Seed case 27. Highly excited 28. Decorative woven fabric 29. Supplication 32. Bring ashore SODOKU PUZZLE NO 246 - MEDIUM 34. Songbird 35. Young male person 37. Worn in ancient Rome 38. Portent 39. Saucy 41. Meeting arranged in advance 42. Target 44. One of the strands twisted together to make rope 45. Travel in front of 47. Anger 48. Lighthouse 50. A great distance 51. Street urchin 52. Run away to marry 55. Mediterranean fruit 57. Skid 58. A failure to hit 60. Wild goat 61. As if new 62. Nocturnal mammal 64. Amateur radio operator 65. Beer 66. Decimal base PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 343 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 115 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 245- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 347 | J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 381-SAFE 557-2873 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road, Cinti, OH 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 Salvation Army 762-5660 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Shelterhouse 721-0643 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cinti, OH 45214 411 Gest St. Cinti, Ohio 45203 Parkway Center 784-1853 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline CCAT 351-0422 381-6672 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 First Lutheran Church 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry Mercy Franciscan at St. John 562-8841 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 271-5501 Starting Over Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Road, Cinti, Ohio 45202 241-1064 Prospect House 921-1613 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-, 2411 Reading Rd, Cinti, Ohio 45202 FreeStore/FoodBank Charlie’s 3/4 House 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 421-0065 241-2600 241-2563 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Mary Magdalen House 771-4800 751-0600 579-8547 721-4811 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 215 E. 14th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Northern Kentucky 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 721-4700 421-7803 Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Center for Respite Care 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 $100 Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center for 26 issues 351-3500 977-4489 Other Resources Hamilton/Middletown Health 621-5300 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 977-6800 859-572-6226 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 535-2719 591-2246 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing Crossroad Health Center St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 961-4080 961-0600 2825 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 352-6364 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti 352-6363 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 St. Vincent de Paul 661-4620 Cincinnati Health Network 621-6364 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-1983 Our Daily Bread 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Lighthouse on Highland (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave Cincinnati, OH 45219 569-9500 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 Shelter: Both Housing: 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 15 St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 859-491-8303 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 621-1868 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary 859-491-3335 859-572-6202 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 J a n 13 - J a n 2 6, 2 0 17 | N o . 34 7 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. ALMA SIMS SINCE 5/2014 ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BELINDA CHERRY SINCE 8/2015 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2000 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 W. 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For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2017 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 13-January 26, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director The Community Issues Forum Kicks Off 2017 with Vice Mayor David Mann Reviewing Critical Issues City Ahead Pg 3: Education and Income Pg 4: Fake News? Pg 5: Fact or Fiction? Pg 6: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 7: Black Lives Matter Cincinnati Pg 8: Denver Homeless Protest Against ‘Clean Up’ of Downtown Streets Pg 9: Sharing Free Food with the Homeless Pg 10: The Lucky Cat Museum Pg 11: Overcoming the Threat to Health Care Pg 12: New Year’s Eve at Joseph House Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 13-January 26, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Michael Earl Patton Steve McClanahan Dr. Mark Mussman Mike Brown Jason Haap Steve Sunderland Bobby Morris Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Michael Flood Mike Brown Google Images Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Bill Woods Black Lives Matter Bobby Morris Cat Museum Denver Dr. Mark Mussman Google Images health care Jason Haap Joseph House Josh Spring Kim Green Michael Earl Patton Michael Flood Mike Brown police brutality Steve McClanahan Steve Sunderland University of Cincinnati Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/296cdb205d5917621b2aaae7194c4119.pdf 8b68f393224d0344a6a5e5789e421e0f PDF Text Text Artists as Activists Page 16 Profs and Prophets of Non-Violence Page 6 Vendors Celebrate Page 12 STREETVIBES $1 Jan. 15 - 31, 2010 • Advocating Justice, Building Community • Issue 169 Set Afire, Homeless Man Feels Burned by Police Says skeptical detective accuses him of lying By GreGory Flannery Editor The next day, when Smock saw the Rev. Fred Cook, the minister called police. Smock ou can’t blame peo­ told the officer that he didn’t ple who live on the want to pursue the matter. streets for being less When Smock lived in a camp than comfort­ along the Ohio able with law River a few years enforcement; ago, his camp “They attacked some of their ex­ mate was killed. Mr. Smock simply periences with Because the per­ because he is police officers petrator has nev­ homeless. They have been less er been caught, believed that, than pleasant. because Mr. Smock Smock says, he Thus when is homeless, he had little hope George Smock is not human and that his assault was set on fire therefore they could would be treated during the night viciously attack him as important. of Dec. 27, 2009, “My friend – and possibly he didn’t call po­ they called him murder him.” lice. Stringbean – got - Josh Spring “I didn’t fill beat to death,” out a police Smock says. report that night, which I “Nothing ever came of that. should have done, but I’ve got They’re going to make me a to live down here,” he says. “I priority?” don’t want to be made out as When Josh Spring, execu­ a snitch.” tive director of the Greater Y George Smock says four youths set him on fire Dec. 27. Photo by Gregory Flannery. Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, heard about the attack on Smock, he urged Smock to cooperate with po­ lice. “I told him that the people who set him on fire might try to do it to one of his friends,” Spring says. That argument convinced Smock. But now he’s having second thoughts. Residents Only: New Policy at the Drop Inn Center Shelter restructures, emphasizes helping homeless people By Jeremy Flannery Contributing WritEr T he general public may no longer stop by for a meal, relax and watch television at the Drop Inn Center. Since its founding until re­ cently, anyone could go to the homeless shelter. People who are unemployed or mentally ill were welcome, whether homeless or not. The change in policy is part of a restructuring meant to focus the Drop Inn Cen­ ter’s resources on meeting the needs of homeless people, ac­ cording to Executive Director Pat Clifford. “Residents-only is the big­ gest policy change,” he says. “Services once provided to the general community are now restricted to residents. In terms of our funding and making sure the homeless get what they need, we want to be clear that that is our main goal – to help them find per­ manent housing.” The Drop Inn Center reor­ ganized its programming last July. When people arrive at the center, placement specialists now meet with them to eval­ uate their needs beyond im­ mediate shelter so they can find and maintain perma­ nent housing, Clifford says. The majority of people who go to the Drop Inn Center See Policy, p. 11 ‘Trying to survive’ The night of Dec. 27, Smock was at the corner of Main and Court streets, near the Ham- See Burned, p. 4 Read the Streetvibes blog for stories between issues at http://streetvibes. wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter (StreetvibesNews) and Facebook (StreetvibesCincinnati) E-mail us at streetvibes2 @yahoo.com Pat Clifford, Drop Inn Center executive director. Photo by Andrew Anderson. �2 The Vibe By The Numbers 18 billion The quantity of toxic wastewater, measured in gallons, that Chevron Corp. has allegedly dumped in the Amazon forest (see page 5). 25 The percentage of Cincinnatians who fall under the federal poverty level (see page 7). 96-1 The vote in the U.S. Senate to subsidize airlines after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks (see page 9). 222 The number of beds at the Drop Inn Center (see page 1). 50 StreetWise By GreGory Flannery Editor Dealing Death in Our Names Aren’t we proud, Ohioans? Having made national headlines by botching yet another execu­ tion last September – the governor called it off after state guards labored for two hours to kill a man, repeatedly jabbing him with needles – we succeeded Jan. 7 in poisoning another condemned man in just nine minutes. The new execution protocol, used to kill 37-year-old Vernon Smith, disproved the conservative hypothesis that government can do nothing efficiently. In this time of state budgets, isn’t it comforting to know that Ohio can at least kill well? Put aside, if you must, the moral question of whether the state ought to be involved in the business of dealing death. Another problem is the ultimate punishment is applied when ulti­ mate certainty is not possible. Consider the case of Kevin Keith, who has been caged on Ohio’s Death Row for 15 years. Last month the Ohio Supreme Court declined his motion to present new evidence of his innocence. Keith was convicted of killing three people in Bucyrus, Ohio, in 1994. But the case against him is deeply flawed, according to his attorney, Assistant State Public Defender Rachel Troutman. “We are deeply troubled by the Ohio Supreme Court’s failure to allow Kevin Keith to present newly discovered evidence that overwhelmingly proves his innocence and identifies the true perpetrator,” Troutman says. “The Supreme Court’s denial means that no jury will ever hear that the state of Ohio failed to disclose evidence implicating the person who committed the crime for which Kevin stands to be executed. Now, instead of getting the new trial he is consti­ tutionally entitled to, an innocent man faces execution. “Kevin has maintained his innocence from the time of his wrongful arrest and conviction and throughout the 15 years he has sat on Ohio’s Death Row. He has an alibi for the time of the shootings supported by four witnesses. There is no forensic evidence that links Kevin to the crime. As newly discovered evidence shows, the state suppressed evidence identifying the true perpetrator and fabricated evidence in an attempt to bolster the legitimacy of the tainted eye­ witness identification used to wrongfully convict him. The execution of an innocent person, especially one who has not been given a fair hearing, is the gravest injustice that no Ohioan can support. We appeal to the state of Ohio to prevent the execution of an innocent man.” Search Warrants Needed for Cell Phones The number of years the United States has made progress in racial equality (see page 10). The state’s high court did issue one recent decision that deserves credit. It ruled last month that law enforcement must have a warrant in order to search the contents of a suspect’s cell phone seized during an arrest. The decision – the first time a state supreme court in the United States has ruled that warrants are needed to search cell phones – applies constitutional prin­ ciples to modern technology, according to Carrie Davis, staff counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio. 13 “Even with changes in technology, we do not sacrifice our core civil liberties,” she says. “Oftentimes the law fails to keep up with the fast pace of technology, but this decision lays the groundwork for greater privacy protections as the digital age advances.” The age at which Mark Schmieder was hit with a hose by a priest (see page 3). 56-55-1 The Bengals’ record under Coach Marvin Lewis (see page 11). 27th The night in December on which four youths set George Smock on fire (see page 1). 54,027 The number of copies of Streetvibes sold by vendors in 2009 (see page 12). $2,344 The cost of a liquor license for a casino in Ohio (see page 10). Kindness Unbowed by Cold or by Nazis Kindness to homeless people is always to be noted and celebrated, especially given the bru­ tality that they so often experience (see “Set Afire,” page 1.) The arctic blast that has frozen much of the nation led the Cincinnati Health Dept. to open the city’s Winter Shelter for 11 of the first 12 nights of the new year. This prompted people in the community to offer food, clothing, blankets and other donations, according to Rocky Merz, spokesman for the health depart­ ment. Unfortunately, however, the shelter isn’t able to handle the donations, he says. People who wish to donate items to help homeless people can call Josh Spring, executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, at 513-421-7803, ext. 13. The Winter Shelter, housed at the Over-the-Rhine Recreation Center, 1715 Republic St., also opened twice in December. The shelter has averaged 109 persons per night. Anyone – not just homeless people – can stay at the Winter Shelter when it opens. The city opens the shelter when the temperature is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Kindness of a much higher order lost one of its greatest practitioners this week with the death of Miep Gies at age 100. When the Nazis occupied the Netherlands, Gies helped shelter Jews being hunted for slaughter. Her most famous beneficiary was Anne Frank and her family. They were later captured, and Frank died in a concentration camp at age 16. Her diary, pre­ served by Gies, is perhaps the best known book about the Holocaust, The Diary of a Young Girl. University of Cincinnati Professor Steve Sunderland, a contributing writer for Streetvibes, knew Gies and counted her a friend. “Miep and I met during one of my visits to the Netherlands as part of my work with the Anne Frank Foundation,” Sunderland says. “She and I shared many talks and tears and an abun­ dance of chocolate. When I first met her, her husband, Jan, was still alive and joined in our discussions of what it was like to feed families in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Both were lowkey peace activists, not wanting to brag or judge others. But it was clear that they both felt that the number of people involved in the resistance was way too small. I last saw Miep when she visited Cincinnati under the wing of her good friend, Cor Suijk.” STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@ yahoo.com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes. wordpress.com Streetvibes Staff Editor Gregory Flannery Art Director Lynne Ausman Vendor Coordinator Jeni Jenkins Contributing Writers Michelle Dillingham, Samantha Groark, Margo Pierce, Paul Kopp, Jeremy Flannery, Michael Henson, David Heitfield, Kelissa Hieber, Jeni Jenkins, Stephanie Dunlap, Saad Ghosn, Lynne Ausman, Steven Paul Lansky, Larry Gross, Eli Braun Photography/Artwork Aimie Willhoite, Lynne Ausman, Jeni Jenkins, Anthony Williams, Bill Haigh, Clarissa Peppers Proofreaders Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker Jeremy Flannery The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati through coordination of services, public education, grassroots advocacy and Streetvibes. We are members of: �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 3 Community News A Priest to Prisoners and the Poor A minister who served others By Vickie cimprich Contributing WritEr M The Rev. Mark Schmieder was known for his work in Over-theRhine. Photo by Clarissa Peppers. ‘God’s saint in this community’ By JeFF hillard Contributing WritEr O n only the second time I ever walked into the Hamilton County Justice Center, about three years ago, as a member of the county's Jail Chaplaincy Team, I met Fr. Mark Schmie­ der in our chaplain's office on level 3. I had no idea who he was. He sat at a desk across from Bob Barbara, another long-termer on the chaplaincy team and a very close friend of Fr. Mark’s. Bob's mis­ sion is to supply inmate requests for complimentary reading glasses. Very, very few county jails in the country – if any – allow such a minis­ try, which made my proximity to these two wise men extremely spe­ cial. Bob said, nodding to Fr. Mark, “Jeff, this is the main man.” I think Fr. Mark blushed, and I know he chuckled. “That's what he thinks,” Mark said. I said, “I've heard about you, Fr. Mark.” He said, “That’s not a good sign.” He chuckled some more. That impression immediately stuck: hu­ mility, sweet spirit, deflection of any kind of “authority” he might have had, absolute humor and goodwill and encouragement. He encour­ aged me, gave me a few pointers, what maybe I didn’t learn fully in chaplaincy training. He soon put on his fisherman's cap, he gave me a hug, and he and Bob, finished, headed to B&G Restaurant for lunch around the corner. He was usually always there at the Justice Center on Friday, with Bob, morning until noon. It didn’t take me long, either, to fathom his brilliance. How could he run St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House, too? In the times I saw him after that, I realized that he was God’s saint in this community in the world. Making calls until the very end of his life, with tired, cracked voice, he was never really tired and he was always the voice of the voiceless. ark Schmieder's body was not at the front of the middle aisle, head to the altar, and feet to the congregation. How­ ever, something was parked out of the way by the back east wall in a pine box. Inside was something long, waxened ice blue. The first thought was, “What is a miraculously semi-preserved relic doing in St. Francis Seraph Church in Over-the Rhine? “My God,” I said. “Is that Mark?” Maybe it was not embalmed. Some logistic snafu with the authorities had held it up. That would fit with Mark. No myrrh in no Gilead. It had in fact been on ice from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2 so he could die with family in Washington State, and then be with all his loved ones in the Ohio Valley. But everybody enjoyed a photo of him in his teens in the seminary, chubby faced, beardless. The story of his birth was told. He looked dead at his emergence, and they laid him on a table out of the way so everyone could work on saving his mother's life. When they got her stabilized, somebody noticed that Mark was alive. Cold and unattended for some time, with a broken leg. One of his many personal conversions came when he remembered having been hit with a hose by a priest when he was about 13. Then he was part of one more fellowship: Survivors of Priest Abuse. All along he has been aiding and abetting survivors of many sorts. A while back he'd laughed and said maybe nine priests would show up at his funeral. So many turned out they overflowed their assigned seating. The church was packed. Chairos men sang their song around the body during the final commendation. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr was there. The day after The Enquirer announced Schnurr's purchase of a really expensive house in Anderson Township, Mark had stormed into the Chancery: You can't do this. I joked with Glenn Miller that there might be salvation for Schnurr after all: When the real estate market recovers, Schnurr sells at a big profit and gives the money to the poor. The past two years Mark canoed in Paddlefest. He'd sold the canoe he'd rescued Gordon Lightfoot in to Ken Palasin, who glided down the Ohio with Vickie Cimprich, next to Mark and Mary Repaske in 2008. Seems Mark was on one of many Canadian rivers when he came upon this dude stuck on a rock. The next Lightfoot concert in Cincinnati, Mark received two tickets. At least one resident of St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House, which Mark had led for some time, was at the reception. This man has lost his family and career to alcoholism. He's working his program now. Likes to read in the house library and work out at the neighbor­ hood gym. He said St. F-St. J was the five-star homeless shelter of Cin­ cinnati. He stayed till the reception was over and worked with Mark's lay Catholic community, Anawim, until all was cleaned up. These workers operated sort of psychically: no one told anybody what needed to be done; all knew. Judy Tensing had gone out to Washington to be with Mark when he died; the catering group she had helped found served a fine feed for all. Judy worked the whole reception and cleanup. Mark had pancreatic cancer; so had Cardinal Joseph Bernardin. Mark's was diagnosed about last March, feast of the Annunciation, about nine months before Christmas. Mark is Epiphany's supernova, his colors awhirl in any ether, any's far sight. The Stable (For the Rev. Mark Schmieder) By Vickie cimprich The shepherd with the antalgic gait was the first to arrive. A swaddling mild autism over all protected. A young girl had been left behind with the flock and the sick man who was going to die soon. The shepherd who loved men held Joseph, each chosen by angels. One teenager passed the placenta and slept well into the next day. All were strong, all were bright. �4 STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Local News Man Feels Burned by Police Continued from page 1 ilton County Department of Jobs and Family Services. Four African-American teenagers doused him with charcoal lighter fluid and threw a match on him, he says. His coat lit on fire. “These four young boys walked up to me,” Smock says. “It was dark. They had a square can that you start your charcoal with, and they threw a match at me. My coat caught on fire. They said, ‘Now we got you, motherfucker.’ Everything hap­ pened so fast.” Smock says he had a can of Gatorade and doused the fire. He was uninjured. Now Smock feels threatened by police investigators. “They’re trying to turn it around,” he says. “They said they’re going to arrest me for making a false report. The detec­ tive said, ‘We can’t find any residue on the coat.’ ” Smock says he took investigators to his current campsite – a location he declines to identify – and turned over the coat. “I went back and got the coat and gave it to him,” he says. “I’m trying to do the right thing here. I was willing to let it go. If I did set myself on fire, why would I take him where the coat was? The coat’s been out there for two weeks in the rain and everything else. That’s why there’s no residue. I’m the victim in this and they’re trying to Fighting hate crimes make me out to be the one who did it.” A longtime family friend gave Smock the coat, he says. Smock says he has long familiarity with discrimination against “My new Carhartt coat that I got for Christmas – why would I homeless people. He has been cited in the past for drinking in pub­ burn my own coat?” lic, he says. A police investigator told Smock that he suspects Smock ignited “I’ve sat in the Salvation Army lot and watched college students a cigarette lighter in the coat pocket, causing it to burn. walk up and down the street drinking,” he says. “Just because “I don’t even smoke,” Smock says. “I don’t have a lighter. I chew they have money, they’re better than me? You’ve got these people tobacco.” drinking at tailgate parties. It’s OK for them to do it. But if I take a Last week Smock might have made his own legal situation – and 40-ounce (beer) down there, I’m hit in the mouth. It’s an old ex­ the investigation of the assault – more complicated. He says that, pression: It means I’m screwed.” in his exasperation, he gave a new ac­ Smock has agreed to speak at a fo­ count of the incident to a detective. rum on hate crimes being organized by Smock says he told a detective that The workshop/forum on hate crimes will meet the Homeless Coalition, according to he had been on riverbank and leaned Spring. from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. against something that ignited the “They attacked Mr. Smock sim­ Scheduled speakers include Michael Stoops coat. ply because he is homeless,” Spring of the National Coalition for the Homeless “He was browbeating me,” Smock says. “They believed that, because Mr. and Brian Davis of the Northeast Ohio says. “I gave in to it.” Smock is homeless, he is not human Coalition for the Homeless. At this point, however, bristling at and therefore they could viciously at­ the suggestion that he started the fire, tack him and possibly murder him. The Smock says he’ll fight in court any charge filed against him. Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) condemns “I’m not trying to get anything out of this,” he says. “They’ll nev­ this hate crime and all hate crimes. GCCH encourages all people er find these guys but I’ll be damned if I’m going to be accused of who are homeless to be especially cautious, especially at night, and lying about this. I fly a (panhandling) sign. I don’t rob anybody. But to keep watch for one another.” they want to do this to me. I think it’s wrong. I’m just out here try­ The workshop/forum on hate crimes will meet from 1:30 p.m. ing to survive.” to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29. Contact Rob Goeller (robgoeller@cinci­ Smock says he doesn’t remember the detective’s name. Spring homeless.org) at 513-421-7803 x15 for further details. Scheduled says a contact in the police department told him that the detective speakers include Michael Stoops of the National Coalition for the might be using an investigative technique, testing Smock’s ability Homeless and Brian Davis of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the to withstand cross-examination if the assailants are caught and go Homeless. to trial. Streetvibes vendors keep 75% of sales. Consider helping Streetvibes with our publication costs by making a tax-deductible donation or by purchasing a subscription. Streetvibes is the activist newspaper, advocating justice, building community. Your gift is tax-deductible and will go to producing the paper every two weeks. Started in 1997, Streetvibes is distributed by homeless and formerly homeless vendors who purchase the paper for 25 cents and sell it for $1, keeping the 75 cent profit. Make checks payable to “Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless” I want to support Streetvibes and the vendors. $25 Please return your contribution to: GCCH 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Name: Address: E-mail: $50 $100 $150 Other $ _______ �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Local News The Good Justice News of 2009 5 Progress on workers’ rights and the environment By kristen Barker Contributing WritEr W e seek to start the new year with a look back at hardfought victories in 2009, in order to look forward to 2010 with energy and wisdom: Cadbury goes fair trade Visit www.globalexchange.org An iconic UK candy company became the first mainstream producer of Fair Trade sweets in July. Cadbury will sell its Fair Trade­ certified chocolate bar at no extra cost, a move expected to triple the volume of Fair Trade co­ coa sourced from Ghana. Student pressure leads to factory re-opening in Honduras Congrats to United Students Against Sweatshops for their vic­ tory against Russell Athletics, which closed its factory in Hondu­ ras after workers there tried to form a union nearly one year ago. Students at 96 universities persuaded their schools to suspend or sever ties with Russell Athletics, a major supplier of college spiritwear. In late December, Russell announced that it plans to re-open the factory and re-hire all 1,200 workers. Just say no to bovine growth hormone In February, Yoplait and Dannon announced they would no longer purchase milk from dairies injecting their cows with Mon­ santo's controversial genetically engineered synthetic hormone, recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). Another Fair Food movement victory! Coalition of Immokalee Workers and Bon Appétit Management Co. built an innovative new model for fair labor stan­ dards in Florida's tomato fields. Bon Appétit ManVisit agement Company becomes the first food-service www.ciw-online.org company to establish game-changing fair labor requirements that integrate minimum fair wages, worker empowerment stipulations and incentives to growers who exceed minimum requirements of the agreement. The first Latina justice Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina and the third female U.S. Supreme Court justice – a historic moment for the country and an especially important moment for Latinos. Toledo Public Schools ban ASVAB After four years of organizing efforts led by Learning Not Recruit­ ing, the Toledo School Board, by unanimous vote, passed a revision to its entire policy manual on military recruitment. Toledo has be­ come the first district in the country to ban the Armed Service Vo­ cational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB), the military entrance test, from being given in any high school in the district. Bye bye, missile defense In September, the Obama administration eradicated Bush-era plans to deploy missile-defense components in Poland and the Czech Republic. Climate change Tens of thousands of people from around the world took to the streets of Copenhagen to call for meaningful action to address cli­ mate change, despite continuous attempts to squelch it. Inside Co­ penhagen's meeting halls, indigenous peoples from small island nations and the Himalayas spoke powerfully about their rights and their needs. Corporations are not people Visit www.yes.org Three towns in Maine – Shapleigh, Newman and Wells – have passed ordinances that strip corporations of the rights of “personhood,” a legal concept that allows companies to claim the same rights as individual citizens. New coal plants cancelled According to Green America, the No­ vember cancellation of the proposed 960-megawatt coal plant in Meigs County, Ohio, was the 101st new coal plant to be canceled since 2002. Visit www.greenamericatoday.org www.ohiocitizen.org Kimberly Clark, emerging leader in sustainability In August, after years of pressure from GreenPeace and others, Kimberly-Clark, the company that makes Kleenex, Scott and Cot­ tonelle, announced a new policy that places it among the industry leaders in sustainability. Kimberly-Clark set a goal of obtaining 100 perVisit cent of the wood fiber for its products from en- http://www.kleercut.net/en/ vironmentally responsible sources. By the end of 2011 the company will no longer use any pulp from the Boreal Forest unless it is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified. The policy also prevents the company from cutting endangered forests and increases its use of FSC-certified pulp and recycled fiber globally. U.S. commits to limit greenhouse gas emissions In June, the U.S. House of Representatives’ passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which marked the first U.S. nation­ al commitment to limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Tiny town sends multinational packing A six-year campaign by McCloud, Calif., residents forced Nestle to abandon its plan for a mega water-bottling plant. Visit http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/ Community garden bonanza in Cleveland Access to open land in Cleveland has incited a community-gar­ den explosion. By various counts, more than 200 community gar­ dens – neighborhood grow-your-own collaborations – have sprung up on empty lots. Taking back the land – responding to foreclosures in Miami A grassroots initiative through the organization Take Back the Land is finding temporary housing for homeless families in Miami, Fla. Homeless families are matched with houses that have been foreclosed on and are owned by the local government or a bank. The hope is that, by allowing homeless families to live in vacant homes, they will be given the opportunity to conserve their re­ sources and find permanent housing of their own. Most significant conservation victory in 15 years Two million acres of wildness in nine states will receive new pro­ tection under a bill signed into law March 30 by President Obama. The measure has been called the most significant conservation victory in the last 15 years. Hawaii will be 40 percent powered by renewable energy The state of Hawaii and Hawaiian electric companies have al­ lied to dramatically expand renewable energy. Their agreement re­ quires that 40 percent of the island be pow­ ered by renewables. A Victory for indigenous Ecuadorians Visit www.yesmagazine.org Ecuadorian indigenous tribes have won a ruling against Chevron Corp., which owns Texaco. Their 16-year­ old, $27.3-billion liability suit concerns Texaco’s nearly three de­ cades of activity in the Lago Agria area of the Amazon, during which, plaintiffs say, the company dumped 18 billion gallons of toxic wastewater into the rainforest. Excerpted from the newsletter of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center. Missed an Issue? Check out the Streetvibes archive at www.cincihomeless.org/content/streetvibes �6 Local News STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Profs and Prophets of Non-Violence Laughter is one way to become one By aimie Willhoite Contributing WritEr W hat is violence? Surprisingly, today most would define vio­ lence solely as a physical action or force that causes bodily harm. We cannot ignore evidence, though, that violence is more than just brute force. Mental, emotional and spiritual violence exist as counterparts to this physical expression. And if we devote more time understanding the complex layers of violence, it will ultimately lead to deeper dis­ cussions, which can be dedicated to the idea of non-violence. What is non-violence, and how might we actually be able to practice it within our own lives? I am a student at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) where I re­ cently finished an intense course, “Prophets of Non-Violence,” taught by Professor Patrick Murphy Welage. I have been a part-time student for many years and I truly feel that no other course has affected me as strongly as this one. The content was gripping and the overall experi­ ence life-changing. At Xavier University and NKU, Welage teaches theology and philos­ ophy with an emphasis on social justice and non-violence. He is also a certified laughter yoga teacher. We found out what laughter yoga is when one of our classes was turned into a laughter-yoga-body-mind experience. It was definitely awkward at first, forcing ourselves to laugh without any prompting, without any comedy. It was a matter of faking the laughter until it finally became real and natural. By the end of the class, hilarity was echoing from person to person. The lesson was to use laughter as a practice of non-violence, be­ cause laughter is non-political, non-religious, non-racial and non­ threatening. Like music and art, laughter is a universal language that can transcend many barriers: language, age, gender, race and social class. It enhances our personal relationships and connections with one another. Laughter can suspend or remove divisions between peo­ ple, showing a way to a more peaceful existence together. Patrick Welage teaches laughter yoga and non-violence. Welage is the type of teacher who makes things interesting and wit­ Photo by Aimie Willhoite. ty, although his objective through it all is to have his students thought­ fully examine theories and practices associated with violence and non-violence. We spent a significant amount of time trying to understand apart­ growth and revelation. Our autobiographies would also be based upon heid in South Africa. We were inundated with facts about unspeakable the writings and practices of one of the prophets of non-violence we acts of oppression, torture and violence perpetrated toward blacks at had learned about. How had our life experiences shaped our views on the hands of a white supremacist government. Many turned a blind non-violence? What changes could we make in our lives to soar from eye to what was going on. Apathy is an all too familiar response to hor­ theory alone to a daily practice of being peacekeepers? rendous violations against human freedoms. Each student made a presentation before the class. Nothing could We read A Human Being Died That Night: A Story of Forgiveness by have prepared us for what we were about to share and experience Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela and Priest and Partisan with one another. We each had a story to tell. Our ini­ by Michael Worsnip, hoping to gain some insight into tial reservations about opening our lives to a room­ some of the root causes of this violence in South Africa Apathy is an all too ful of strangers were gone. Something had occurred and how the country would ever recover from it. The throughout the duration of the semester. familiar response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission was formed so One by one we shared our stories and memories: horrendous violations that the country could shift toward truth, reconcilia­ against human freedoms. drug addiction, rape, violence, domestic abuse, al­ tion and most important, forgiveness. coholism, loss of loved ones, serious illnesses, child Forgiveness, faith, redemption and spirituality abuse, divorce, affairs, single parents, depression, sui­ were at the center of many of our discussions. We each had our own cidal thoughts and attempts. It was almost unbelievable, the gravity of unique frame of reference and life experiences to pull from. Our class what we were doing in this small class setting. Their pain became my was made up of Christians from many denominations, Muslims, Bud­ pain, and my pain became their pain. dhists, atheists and agnostics. It was also a sweet mixture of gender, I am convinced that, unless you face the truth, the truth cannot age, race and social class. It was an amazing little community our set you free. Facing ourselves takes courage, let alone facing others. classroom had turned into. Healing and recovery begins with dialogue. I was able to make the cor­ Over the course of the semester we worked on writing a research- relation between what the professor had been teaching us and what based spiritual autobiography. It was to be a deeply personal account we were doing for one another as a class. In the very speaking of “un­ of our own spiritual journey, sharing our own stories of joy, pain, speakable acts,” a person, family, community or nation can begin to heal. Dialogue is purgative medicine for an ailing world. Even if it takes a lifetime, we must encourage one another toward forgiveness when we have been emotionally, spiritually or physically harmed. Pumla Gododo-Madikizela, who described her personal ex­ perience with the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commis­ sion, wrote about the effects of forgiveness she witnessed in others. “Some societies are finding it more constructive to focus on discov­ ering and nurturing the conditions that make forgiveness first con­ ceivable, then ultimately possible,” she wrote. Forgiveness is a form of non-violence. We need to nurture it within our corner of the world. The final moment of enlightenment came for me as I listened to a young Muslim student discuss what this class had meant to him. He was able to articulate what the majority of us also felt. We were all proud of one another for having the bravery to share our stories. We put ourselves in a very vulnerable position, and yet what we found was that no one judged us or rejected us. We respected one another’s individuality. No one’s faith, beliefs or race were attacked. We simply listened to one another and learned from one another. We accepted our differences. One has to wonder how different the world might be if what hap­ pened within the classroom could happen outside it. We all have the Former South African President Nelson Mandela. REUTERS/David Gray. potential to be prophets – advocates for non-violence. �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Housing Issues Cramped Affordable Housing 7 Many cannot afford adequate room, subsidies are insufficient By michelle dillinGham Contributing WritEr P eople who live in affordable housing tend to be young families, senior citizens, single parents, people with dis­ abilities, recently unemployed, low- to moderate-income workers and the formerly homeless. This covers, well, just about all of us at one point or another in our lives. There is an additional layer of us who need affordable housing, but who have issues that exclude us from even being considered as tenants. These issues in­ clude poor credit, conviction record, or eviction history. Housing is considered “affordable” when total housing costs consume less than 30 percent of a family’s income. In 2009 the federal poverty level for a family of four was an annual income of $22,050 or less. For this family’s rent to be “affordable,” they will have to find housing that costs no more than $550 per month, and this includes the cost of utilities. Most landlords now require ten­ ants to pay utilities. I took a quick glance at the rentals advertised in the local paper under “Three Bedroom Apartments.” I did not find ANY three-bed­ room apartments advertised for $550 or less. There are some twobedroom apartments for that price, but a two-bedroom apartment is inadequate for almost any combination of a family of four: single mother, a 3-year-old, 5-year-old and a 13-year-old? No, especially given the floor plans of most two-bedroom apartments: not a lot of room. Two parents, a 12-year-old boy, and a 15-year-old girl? Not ideal. Remember, a full 25 percent of Cincinnatians fall under the fed­ eral poverty level. So a full quarter of our city’s residents cannot afford adequate housing, and adequate in this case is simply being large enough to accommoIn 2009 the federal date family size. Overcrowding and doublingpoverty level for a family up is all too common. Since this family cannot afford any of the of four was an annual income of $22,050 or less. three-bedroom rentals, there are two choices. For this family’s rent to be The first choice is to seek out housing subsidy “affordable,” they will have programs they can qualify for. They will be told to find housing that costs there are none available right now. Their second choice is to take a rental that is inadequate no more than $550 per month, and this includes to accommodate their family size, so they will have to hide how many children they have so the cost of utilities. they won’t be denied housing. This touches on fair housing issues, as landlords cannot legally restrict the number of people in an apartment to less than two per bedroom, regardless of age or sex. Below is a list of the affordable housing subsidy programs that exist. At first glance it appears lengthy and seems like a lot of pro­ grams. In reality, many are either not being adequately utilized, or they are sorely underfunded for the housing needs that exist in our city. Each of these subsidies has a set of policies. Policies are similar to laws: They exist because people weren’t doing what was right, so other people made a policy so that people would do the right thing. Therefore social justice is often preceded by a mandate. There are opportunities for local advocacy for each of these pro­ grams to be utilized and supported. When an affordable-housing development is proposed, there are opponents who write letters and testify at City Hall asking city council members not to approve the subsidy. A recent example was the opposition to a Section 202 project (senior housing) planned for College Hill. Neighborhood resistance blocked it. It is crucial that supporters of affordable housing be informed and vocal so that our city’s families will be able to access these subsidies and have a better chance at afford­ able, accessible and adequate housing. Primer on housing subsidies (Excerpted from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s “Meeting the Housing Needs of Families”) Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Created in 1974, the CDBG program passes money to states, some urban counties and cities with populations above 50,000. Municipalities typically use a portion of these funds for housing development – such as home rehabilitation and the acquisition, rehabilitation and resale of vacant properties – and for economic development, including commercial areas. Section 8: Rental assistance to very-low-income tenants. Section 8 tenants pay up to 30 percent of their incomes for rent; the federal government pays the difference between that and a HUD-deter­ mined fair-market rent charged by the property owner. There are two kinds of Section 8 programs. Housing certificates or vouchers are tied to the tenant, for use wherever the tenant lives. The second type, called Section 8 project-based housing, is tied to the apart­ ment unit, so that anyone who moves there receives the subsidy. Low Income Housing Tax Credits: In 1986 Congress created this credit, which is now the most important mechanism for promoting the development of affordable rental units. … Tax-paying develop­ ers receive a tax credit for a portion of the costs of developing af­ fordable rental housing. HOME: HOME funds go to eligible communities for affordablehousing development, including homeownership counseling and local tenant rental assistance. Empowerment Zones: The federal government designated many low-income areas throughout urban and rural America as empow­ erment zones, eligible for roughly $100 million per zone in federal grants and other incentives. Housing is not a central thrust of the Empowerment Zone process—it is fundamentally geared toward business development, job creation and job retention, and often is used for various kinds of commercial and industrial development – but most empowerment zones have some housing elements in their plans. Section 202: This federal program of financing housing for the elderly was created for non-profit developers. It is a deep source of subsidy, providing capital advances and project-based rental as­ sistance for elderly tenants. Section 811: Provides both capital advances and project-based rental assistance to persons with disabilities. HOPE VI: Congress created HOPE VI to revitalize distressed public-housing communities. Any public housing authority (PHA) that operates public housing units is eligible to apply for HOPE VI funds. It encourages PHAs to seek new partnerships with private entities to create mixed-finance and mixed-income affordable housing that is radically different from traditional public housing “projects.” Continuum of Care Funds: These funds can be A full quarter of used for temporary and permanent housing and for our city’s residents supportive services. cannot afford Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG): ESG funds can adequate housing, be used to convert buildings into shelters or to reand adequate in this habilitate existing shelters. The funds also can be case is simply being used for homelessness prevention activities, social large enough to services and operating costs. accommodate family Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS: size. Overcrowding These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, and doubling-up is all including acquisition, leasing or rehabilitation of too common. buildings; supportive services; and rental assis­ tance. Housing Trust Funds: Perhaps the fastest growing new sources of government subsidies are housing trust funds created by local and state governments. These funds take dedicated revenue sourc­ es, such as real estate transfer fees, and commit them to subsidize the development of low-income housing. One way to help advocate for local affordable housing is to join the efforts of Affordable Housing Advocates (AHA). Contact Mi­ chelle Dillingham at mdmswlsw@hotmail.com if you are interest­ ed in joining AHA. If you like what you read, but don’t live in the Cincinnati area, you can subscribe to Streetvibes. Call us at 513-421-7803 x 12 to learn more about subscribing to Streetvibes. �8 Recipe Veggie Stir-Fry “Feed Me, Seymour, Feed Me All Night Long” STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Cheap and Easy Veggie Stir-Fry 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 packages ramen noodles 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (or make your own) 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce 1 cup veggie broth or 1 cup water and 1 tsp veggie bul­ lion 1 package frozen mixed veggies (depending on prefer­ ence, I prefer a mix of broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, baby corn, snow peas and red peppers) In a stir-fry pan or skillet on medium low heat, sauté onions and garlic in 1 tbsp oil until the onions turn translucent. Push the onions and garlic slightly to the side, add the oth­ er tbsp oil and heat for 30 seconds, then carefully add the package of frozen veggies, mixing in the onions and garlic. Cook on medium heat until tender, about 4 minutes In a bowl mix together the veggie broth, chili sauce and teriyaki sauce. Add mixture to veggies and bring to a boil. Photo by Jeni Jenkins. By Jeni Jenkins Staff WritEr T his quotation is tak­ en from the 1986 film Little Shop of Hor­ rors, in which a plant keeper must meet the demands of a ravenous plant that feeds on humans. Instead of plants that feed on people, this col­ umn is for people who feed on plants. Sometimes when I get home from a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is go to the grocery store and then spend hours in the kitchen cooking dinner. This recipe is one that I concocted with things I had in my kitch­ en when I wasn’t feeling Suzie Homemaker-ish. Serving Size: 3-4 fairly hun­ gry bellies. Break ramen noodles in half and mix into the veggies. Cook on medium heat about 4 minutes or until noodles are tender. Artwork by Anthony Williams Cleo’s Joke Corner A cat died and went to heaven. He complained that he had to work too much. Then a mouse went by on roller skates. St. Peter said, “See? Meals on Wheels!” ! ? t a h W “Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” - Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed Say___________________ �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Guest Column Stop Bleating, Start Barking 9 Nationalize the airlines and stop the whining By daVid heitField Contributing WritEr “I 'd rather be sniffed by a dog than endure a whole body scan by a man,” a woman said this morning on the Diane Rehm Show. At first I thought, Freud's eternal question, “What do women want?” had finally been answered. My mind engorged with thoughts of a certain librarian I know teaching this old dog some new tricks. But further listening revealed the talk-show caller’s statement The only critiques I've was simply more annoying read against the taxpayer yelping about how we should deal with potential terrorist bailout of the airline attacks on airlines. industry after 9/11 came It's annoying because I from the likes of American don't hear anyone talking Heritage magazine. about the crux of the prob­ lem: The half-assed Christmas bombing attempt of Delta's Northwest Flight 253 by a lonely and unstable young man wearing women's underwear is yet another example of the failure of our corporate welfare state. Delta CEO Richard Anderson bemoaned the near tragedy, making the point that a for-profit company is in no way responsible for providing a safe and re­ liable product for its customers, nor should it suffer financial consequences for any failure of its business model. Sound familiar? “We're obviously disappointed,” Anderson said. “The things that have occurred over the last decade to this industry and the work we've done over the last decade ought to give us a better result than the peril that our crews and passengers faced on Christmas. … You can be certain we will make our points very clear­ ly in Washington.” Let me make my point very clearly, Mr. Anderson. Shall we review your work over the past decade? You opportunistically took advantage of 9/11 to revive a failing business model (threatened by the likes of up­ starts such as Southwest Airlines) through a $15 bil­ lion taxpayer bailout of the airline industry, enacted less than two weeks after the World Trade Center trag­ edy. Not enough, in 2003 taxpayers gave your indus­ A passenger removes his shoes as he places his belongings in a tray at a security try another $3.2 billion. You filed bankruptcy, much checkpoint at Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport. REUTERS/Larry Downing. like other giants in our corporate welfare state, a rem­ edy largely available only to needy corporations, not needy individuals, thanks to more bipartisan lobby­ ing efforts during the Bush years. You gutted pension plans, slashed deal with pirates. When the economy tanks, carjackings increase. pay so pilots and crew earn scarcely more money and respect than a Just a few decades ago hijackings were commonly in the news. Ar­ greeter at Wal-Mart, charged people's clothes to travel with them and chie Bunker once suggested that we stop hijackings by arming all the passengers – just pass out the guns as people board and collect them bought yourself another airline. Christopher Hitchens, the famed atheist whose amygdala won a at the end of the flight. Amusingly, Congress included a provision in the recent transportation bill to allow successful coup attempt of his brain af­ Amtrak passengers to bring theirs on ter 9/11 (his view that science is always What’s new is that any such failings of human board. It appears that traveling at 35,000 good and religion has caused all the evil feet in an aluminum tube with people in the world is proven by the actions of character are now met with ransom demands on packed like sardines breathing recycled the Council of Trent, which must have the American taxpayer, to provide a certainty that air has some risk – who knew? hatched the nefarious plan to drop a will never exist, except for the certainty that some What's new is that any such failings of new bomb codenamed Fat Baby Jesus corporate interest will reap rewards. human character are now met with ran­ on Nagasaki), opined in Slate that the som demands on the American taxpay­ fault lies not only with “our endlessly er, to provide a certainty that will never exist, except for the certainty incompetent security services” but with “public opinion that sheep­ that some corporate interest will reap rewards. ishly bleats to be made to ‘feel safe.’ ” Take that, Brutus. While I'm certainly sympathetic to the ideas of the rational con­ Hitchens conveniently ignores that our half-assed efforts to make servatives who argue we should always let these industries fail, that the sheep feel safe is a compromise of trying to detect terrorist activ­ ity while not taking measures so obtrusive that they negatively impact solution is political suicide in this climate of zero net job growth in the profits of the airline industry. Like the woman above, if sniffing the past decade and double-digit unemployment. Which is why we should nationalize the airline industry. (I'd per­ dogs keep more customers flying than body scans, then that's where we'll go. And if for some reason we do go with body scans, who pays sonally prefer to let it fail and invest in new rail travel, so we don't fall for the estimated $100 billion cost? The American taxpaying sheep, a century behind the Chinese with their new cross-continent bullet of course. And when profits erode because the woman decides not to trains.) If air travel were completely under the control of Homeland fly at all, we'll help pump up the airlines' coffers with more taxpayer Security, we could take more stringent measures concerned with passenger safety without worrying about profit margins. We could money. This Too Big to Fail corporate theocracy is untenable, and to be fair guarantee every flight has at least an air marshal aboard. We could be to my brethren on the right, the only critiques I've read against the more stringent in deciding who is allowed to board the plane. Hell, we taxpayer bailout of the airline industry after 9/11 came from the likes could even treat pilots and crews to a little more pay and respect. We just can't afford to keep responding to fear with corporate wel­ of American Heritage magazine, warning that we were headed down fare, be it financial institutions (free markets can only work when the a bottomless rabbit hole. The Airlines Transportation Safety and Sys­ tem Stabilization Act passed in the House by a vote of 356-54 and a middle-class subsidizes the rich), the defense industry (it's OK to kill whopping 96-1 in the Senate. It seems corporate welfare is our only civilians, Blackwater; and it's fine to gang-rape women, Halliburton – here, let's give you some more taxpayer money, too), or the airlines. source of Congressional bipartisan support. Transportation terrorism is hardly a new phenomenon. Railroads We need to bare our teeth and bark at these assholes, instead of tuck­ ing our tail and peeing in submission. hired Pinkerton guards to deal with robbers back in the day. Stage­ coach travel was fraught with risk. Shipping concerns still have to �10 Local News STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Why Martin Luther King Matters Xavier University plans week of commemoration By dan rozier Contributing WritEr I t is Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, the people who have lived, worked and died for racial equality and the actions necessary to maintain the momentum of our progress. All next week (Jan. 18-22) Xavier Univer­ sity is hosting events “We must understand and that reflect King’s lega­ cy. Student groups from appreciate our past in order to shape and change across the campus our future. Consequently, have banded together to provide lectures, the graveness of the holiday is unchanged and art exhibits, films and will forever be a reminder a march and rally that are all free and open to of African Americans’ struggle in this country as the public. For a comwell as current motivation plete list of the events, times, locations and for growth.” additional details visit - Lundon Brown www.xavier.edu/mlk. Relatively speaking, it could be argued that, in the past 50 years, the United States has made more progress in racial equality than any other nation. In just a half-century we have witnessed the fight for equality go from the streets of Birmingham to the Oval Office. With the election of Barack Obama in 2008, we watched affirmative action come to fruition, and overnight he was the personification of the American Dream. It wasn’t just a victory for African Americans; it was a triumph of a nation, and for a fleet­ ing moment, it seemed that “We shall Over­ come” could be changed to “We have over­ come.” Yes, we have come a long way; but in the midst of our success, we must not forget the history, the people and their passion that laid the foundation for such progress. Nor can we let it blind us from the progress that has yet to be made. “We must understand and appreciate our past in order to shape and change our The grave of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. REUTERS/Tami Chappell. future,” says Lundon Brown, president of be lessened by any singular act, no matter the Black Greek Society at Xavier Univer­ its magnitude.” sity. “Consequently, the graveness of the The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is one holiday is unchanged and will forever be of 10 student and university organizations a reminder of African Americans’ struggle sponsoring Xavier’s Martin Luther King Jr. in this country as well as cur­ events at Xavier next week. rent motivation for growth.” “On the surface, our nation’s Student leaders are adamant “The historic election of an African-American about creating and encourag­ election of President president illustrates a society ing open dialogue about how Barack Obama does transcending racial injustice. King’s legacy is still alive today, However, with a critical eye, not diminish the even though we have an Afri­ one still recognizes the institu­ need to celebrate can-American president. tional and systematic issues of King’s legacy.” “The historic election of race that still plague our great - Aaron Marble President Barack Obama does nation in areas of education, not diminish the need to cel­ incarceration and poverty,” ebrate King’s legacy,” says Aaron Marble, a Marble says. senior at Xavier University and president of For a complete list of the events, times, lo­ Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. “Rather, it pro­ cations and additional details about events vides the opportunity to celebrate the leg­ at Xavier University celebrating King’s lega­ acy. Dr. King’s impact and influence cannot cy, visit www.xavier.edu/mlk. To the editor: I understand from an article in the Cincinnati Enquirer that the $2,344 per year for a new class of liquor license for casinos equals the most expensive retail liquor license currently is­ sued by the state, but I wonder how that peculiar figure was decided upon for existing retail liquor licenses for night clubs, etc. More importantly, did anyone give any thought to factors such as (1) increased state income from “well oiled” gamblers and (2) balancing the incentive of casinos to give away free drinks with an opportunity for Ohio to profit much more by changing a considerably higher licensing fee? With so much potential for increased state earnings, simply repeating the odd $2,344 fee seems very irresponsible from a fiscal standpoint. That's incredibly “small beer” in the casino world. Four such licensed casinos in the state would earn Ohio a mere $9,376 per year from the li­ censes, though the likely growth in profits of both casinos and the state from increased betting by drinkers would be many, many times that amount. If it’s virtually certain that casino owners will want to give away free drinks, why doesn’t Ohio be smart and charge them at least $250,000 per casino site for the license? How could anyone be surprised that casino officials consider the negligible fee of $2,344 to be “appropriate”? Finally, if the state is going to profit from the dispensation of alcohol, let’s have a good look at the Casino Control Commission’s guidelines and possibly insist that everyone who plans to drive away from a casino site first passes a simple test to ensure they’re under the legal bloodalcohol limit. Robert A. Pohowsky Madeira, Ohio Have something on your mind? Let us know by sending a letter to: 1 117 E. 12th Street 1 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 1 streetvibes2@yahoo.com �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 11 Local News New Policy at the Drop Inn Center Continued from page 1 are facing transition between housing and stay for less than a month, he says. The center has 222 beds – 180 for men and 42 for wom­ en. For chronically home­ less people, the center offers case management to connect them with medical care, drug rehabilitation and employ­ ment, Clifford says. The cen­ ter employs nine case man­ agers, with five onsite and four offsite. The Drop Inn Center has a dorm housing 120 people who need initial housing as­ sistance. It also has a “step up” dorm with a capacity of 60. The requirements for that program are having employ­ ment, establishing a bank ac­ count, attending education classes and a willingness to volunteer to keep the center clean. The perks include a larger storage area for per­ sonal property and being sur­ rounded by like-minded peo­ ple seeking ways to improve their lives, Clifford says. Since August 2009 the Drop Inn Center has achieved a success rate of 60 to 65 per­ cent in helping people find permanent housing, he says. “We’re trying to raise the bar with no new increases in funding,” Clifford says. “The reorganization was budgetneutral. We invoked creativ­ ity, stole ideas from other shelters and listened to sug­ gestions from residents and The men’s dorm at the Drop Inn Center prior to recent renovations. Photo by Andrew Anderson. “We’re trying to raise the bar with no new increases in funding. The reorganization was budget-neutral. We invoked creativity, stole ideas from other shelters and listened to suggestions from residents and staff. The feedback from staff, the community and residents has been very positive.” - Pat Clifford staff. The feedback from staff, the community and residents has been very positive.” The Drop Inn Center regu­ larly remains at full capacity, Clifford says. The center is or­ chestrating an interfaith col­ laboration to provide shelter once it reaches full capacity. Once the center is full, people still in need of shelter are di­ rected toward organizations such as the Cincinnati Chap­ ter of the Saint Vincent DeP­ aul Society. “That’s why we advocate to be prepared in September to November for the winter,” Clifford says. “We don’t turn anyone away because of ca­ pacity. The result is some people have to sleep on the floor. To me, it’s a success sto­ ry of collaboration.” The Drop Inn Center re­ quires people who come seeking help to show identifi­ cation before being accepted into the shelter, Clifford says. The staff needs to know who is inside the building, he says. For someone who can­ not provide state identifica­ tion, the center will provide its own form of identification after being sure the person is not a sex offender, he says. State law prevents former sex offenders from staying at the shelter because of its proxim­ ity to the new School for Cre­ ative and Performing Arts. People who have been banned from the Drop Inn Center can use a grievance process by completing a reen­ try form available at the Drop Inn Center or at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. For more information about the Drop Inn Center, call 513-721-0643 or visit www.dropinn.org. We Don’t Understand, but Thanks Victory doesn’t have to make sense By B. cliFton Burke Contributing WritEr A t the beginning of the year, not many expected much from the ol' Bengals this season, and who could blame them? They were fresh off a fourwin season, they played in the toughest division in the NFL and had lost one of their stars, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, to free agency. Expectations were predictably lukewarm for their 2009 campaign. Then the wins came, and the world was flabbergasted. For Bengal fans, skepticism turned into relief, which then turned into excitement and eventually morphed into ela­ tion. For such a hard-ridden and long-suffering fan base as the Bengals', this season was something of a dream come true. Sadly, however, there are still those who are far from satisfied with how things have turned out. Many lifelong fans remain highly critical of the team’s direction and the style of play the organization has adopted. Either the run-first, defensive-minded mentality is not their preferred style of game, or the coaching staff's perceived unwillingness to stray from the script in any way contradicts their version of common sense. In both cases, they ultimately go after Head Coach Marvin Lewis. It seems incredible to me that Cincinnati hasn't taken to Marvin more. Before him, the team was completely lost at sea; inept in every way. Since then, they are 56-55-1, which is at least consistently visible from the shoreline. They have won the division twice in that stretch and have never finished last. While certainly not matching the kind of win totals with that of New England or Indianapolis, Marvin Lewis has the Cincin­ nati Bengals solidified within the ranks of league respecta­ bility – something many once considered out of reach for such a dismal organization. I think one could make a good case for Lewis as the NFL Coach of the Year. Not only is he credited for the turn­ around in wins, he's had to also redefine the culture that surrounds Bengals football. This team is now made up of professionals who can be ex­ pected to go about their busi­ ness on and off the field in a levelheaded manner. Gone is the sideshow that came with all the dramatic divas of the past. The most made-for-TV of them all, Chad Ochocinco, remains with the Bengals, but even he is more serious about his job this season than what he's demonstrated in years past. Much was written about the emotional overload the team faced on a number of occa­ sions. From the unexpected deaths of Chris Henry and Vikki Zimmer to the tsunamis in Samoa, Marvin has needed to be a friend and mentor instead of just a coach to his players. Yet in the face of all of that, not only has he kept the train on the track long enough to manage a winning season, his team swept the AFC North and now finds it­ self in the postseason. Yes, he is steadfast to his philosophy even when it ap­ pears to go against reason, true he sometimes employs curious ways of clock-man­ agement and yes, I agree that there are flaws to his predict­ able nature, but for now, the man is winning, and I think it's about time the world rec­ ognizes that fact. Plus, I don't see a replace­ ment stepping in and im­ mediately elevating this team to an even higher level. If anything, it would likely take time for a new coach to become entirely comfort­ able with his new team; and STREETVIBES Vendor Mary frankly, I'm tired of starting over with new coaches, espe­ cially when the guy currently leading the pack is moving at a steady pace. To all those expecting a quick post-season exit to justify your prolonged pes­ simism toward Marvin and his staff, you're missing the point: It's more fun when the team you’re rooting for wins. If the man in charge contin­ ues to accomplish that task at the rate he's on, I see no rea­ son to make a change. Thanks, Marvin, and keep up the good work. Only purchase Streetvibes from BADGED vendors. Vendors wear their WHITE badges while they sell the paper. �12 Community News STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 A Chance to Celebrate Adath Israel again benefits ‘Streetvibes’ vendors By Jeni Jenkins Staff WritEr W ith the help of Adath Israel con­ gregation, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) held its annual Streetvibes vendor holiday party Dec. 21, 2009. This celebration is an ex­ pression of appreciation for the dedicated vendors, a way to let them know how much we value their hard work and their commitment to spread­ ing the word about homeless­ ness. The Streetvibes vendor pro­ gram is designed to distribute news that educates the pub­ lic about social justice issues in Cincinnati, as well as pro­ vide a source of income for low-income and homeless or dren from Adath Israel. formerly homeless individu­ After the meal, vendors als. Last year received gifts. 111 vendors Each vendor d i s t r i b u t e d Thanks so much to Adath was individu­ 54,027 cop­ ally “adopted” Israel for helping make ies of Streetby families of our vendors’ holiday vibes, which Adath Israel, party a success for the amounts to and some ven­ seventh year in a row. approximate­ dors received ly $40,520 in gifts for their potential profit for our ven­ spouses, children and grand­ dors. children. One vendor, William Twenty-six vendors at­ Bussell, who joined our ven­ tended the party, enjoying a dor team in October, received meal provided by members a brand new bike that he will of Adath Israel. The spread use for selling Streetvibes in included LaRosa’s pasta and Northern Kentucky. pizza as well as a few homeThanks so much to Adath cooked dishes and home­ Israel for helping make our made cookies. As they took in vendors’ holiday party a suc­ the food, the vendors relaxed cess for the seventh year in a to holiday music, enjoyed a row. sociable chat and read holi­ day cards handmade by chil­ Nelle Williams, Streetvibes vendor, waiting for gifts. Photos by Jeni Jenkins. Antonio Hodge poses for a picture. Cleo Wombles, Streetvibes vendor, is known for his clown costume. James Brown shows off his t-shirt. Vendors received gifts from Adath Israel congregation. �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 13 Poetry Corner The Sorrow and the Pity By spencer ledyard My left kidney gave up, Dislodged and died. It was knocked loose by Sarai in an effort small By comparison to what we had read: Jews stampeding like beasts of burden from Buna, Freezing, starved, and it didn't stop on any ac­ count. A sociopath might call it an evolutionary trek. A humanist might call it credo. Night. It is called, Night. I am at a loss, two days later, in the hospital. I am a Catholic; “credo” comes into my head readily From the Nicene or the Apostle’s Creed. In Latin it means literally “I be­ lieve.” wrote earlier. The first conversation we had was about Jewish guilt Because I had heard of it and thought it was a myth, Or a mythical being haunting some section of the Torah But she said it was one of those untranslatables: Something understood thru years of context clues, And I felt like she was brushing me off. I told her that for gentiles, the ones I knew, Jewish guilt was understood vicariously thru Holocaust media. She was not offended when I said this But told me I was supposed to. I felt like Annie Hall. She said the guilt was a part of the community, And that was part of it, being responsible to the family. We sat in the library, reading Night, side by side, And when she finished first she walked behind me, Put her gray, sweatered breasts on my neck And her arms around my chest while I read on. When I finished she said, “Take me home, Matthew.” We rode the train holding hands like father and son. Tiny, she slammed me thru the door of our apartment And on to the bed and took the ache out on me. In the dictionary it means a creed, but I’m rambling. It is nice to research etymology rather than to feel “At a loss” for what to call it. I turn off the computer. I am biting my eraser and my left eye keeps twitching. Sarai is Jewish and so good to me, kidney be damned, And we met in a sweet way, kissing the first day, And she brought me a good bunch to eat here President Obama listens to Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, author of Night. And I read her a few short stories I REUTERS/Markus Schreiber. I love her but you already know that and love feels small Next to this guilt, pulling like fingers against a noose, Guilt that I can’t say anything to balm the brutality, Guilt that this poem is never going to be enough. Are you interested in helping with Streetvibes? Are you a proofreader, writer, poet, artist or photographer? If so, contact Greg Flannery 513.421.7803 x 12 or email streetvibes2@yahoo.com aFFordaBle rates etvibes? tre nS rested in Advert Inte isin gi many sizes (full page, 1/2 page, 1/4 page, 1/8 page) Black & White and color aVailaBle discounts For nonproFits Contact Lynne at 513-421-7803 ext. 11 or lynneausman@cincihomeless.org for more information. �14 International News STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Watch the Birdies, Pay Attention They might tell you about ecological woes By ido liVen StrEEt nEWS SErviCE T EL AVIV, Israel – Or­ nithologists say that climate change is having a profound effect on bird behavior and suggest that this phenomenon can act as an early warning sys­ tem to the dangers posed to Earth. “The fact that birds are changing their behavior means that climate is chang­ ing already,” says Marco Lambertini, chief executive of Birdlife International (BI), a conservation federation working to protect birds and their habitats. “Birds are an excellent early warning system to what is happening to climate.” Numerous studies have been tracking the effects of climate change on the sur­ vival, migration and repro­ duction of different bird spe­ cies. As spring temperatures rise, the breeding of ficedula flycatcher has been delayed across Europe. The same rea­ son was attributed to earlier breeding by tree swallows in North America and an oppo­ site tendency in Antarctic sea birds. “Some are winners, some are losers. Some species will expand, some species will run out of habitat,” said Lamber­ tini, speaking with IPS on the on the sidelines of the annual Bird Watching Conference in Tel Aviv last month. “But it’s estimated that for each spe­ cies that benefits, three spe­ cies will be in trouble.” While climate change re­ lated threats to human live­ lihood might seem clear, the other consequences for man are not too obvious. “We still need to consider the intrinsic value of nature, its spiritual, aesthetic, emo­ tional and recreational values which are as important as its economic value,” said Lam­ bertini. “The Economics of Ecosys­ tems and Biodiversity,” a re­ cently published study aimed at setting a price tag on Earth’s natural assets, considers the avian aspect. Insectivorous birds, according to the study, play an important role in crop production as they regulate insect pests. “Maybe people are not aware of it, but the situation is quite acute,” says Prof. Marcel Visser, who heads the animal ecology department at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. “There are already many species which are de­ clining quickly,” he told IPS over telephone. A study by Visser published last year found that 12 out of 24 European bird species studied have decreased their migration distances through the past 70 years. “There’s always a lot of variation,” he says. “It’s not that all the species change in the same way.” Another study conducted by Durham University scien­ tists projects that by the end of the century nine out of the 17 European birds studied might actually be undertak­ ing longer journeys north­ wards. One key element is food availability. Alterations in weather patterns directly af­ fect the timing of vegetation growth and the birds that feed on it or on the insects they eat. In many cases, bird migra­ tions are no longer synchronized with food abundance. Other factors that are known to be challenging bird survival on land and sea include prey distribution and shrinking hab­ itats. “They need to adapt themselves,” says Yoram YomTov of Tel Aviv Uni­ versity, who found some bird species in England to be changing their body weight. “Those who Climate modeling predicts a northward expansion for the European don't adapt – their roller (coaracias garrulus) but suitable habitats are a question. Photo numbers decline, by Markus Varesuvo/IPS. those who do – their numbers remain stable “The only thing that can be “Flood defense is some­ or even increase.” done is reduce greenhouse thing that we have to do, but When it comes to project­ gas emissions and make sure we support prevention rather ing the risks birds face, orni­ the temperature doesn't in­ than firefighting,” says Lam­ thologists avoid numbers. crease by more than, say, one bertini. “If we don't tackle the “It all depends on how our or two degrees,” he says. root problem, we will need climate is going to change. If BI – which has affiliates in bigger and bigger defenses – the temperature is going to more than 100 countries – it’s not feasible.” rise by two degrees, the pat­ believes that some mitigation A study published last year terns will be different from measures are inappropriate. by researchers from three when temperature rises by “Badly placed wind farms, universities in Canada and four degrees,” says Visser. unsustainably produced the United States found that BI currently ranks climate bio-fuels and harmful irriga­ male mockingbirds in more change a distant ninth among tion and anti-flood measures variable climates sing more the different threats to birds are posing new threats and complex tunes. and issued a formal position stresses on birds and their Mockingbirds sing to at­ on climate change only in habitats, too,” a position pa­ tract mates, and the complex­ June 2008. per by the organization says. ity of the chanting might indi­ “Some conservation move­ “We don’t object to wind cate the quality of the singer. ments – and BI is probably farms. We want wind farms But although finer tunes are part of it – have woken up late to be located in places which thought to help the feathered to the challenge. But I think are not impacting biodiver­ troubadours adapt better to we are pretty much on course sity,” Lambertini says. harsher climes, the acceler­ to fight it very hard,” Lamber­ Similarly while sea-level ating rate of change could tini told IPS. rise poses a threat to both mean the birds are singing Conservation measures coastal human communities their own requiem. targeted at particular bird and low-lying ecosystems, Courtesy of Inter Press Ser­ species are not the way to inadequate barrier construc­ vice. deal with the threat posed by tion could put shore birds at © Street News Service: climate change, says Visser. risk. www.street-papers.org 1128 Walnut St Pizza by the Slice Tues and Thurs Buffet($7.00)-11AM-2PM Wed-Thur-Fri-Sat 9PM-3AM Become a Fan of Streetvibes on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/streetvibescincinnati �STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 15 Resources Need Help or Want to Help? Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Cincinnati Union Bethel 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Bethany House 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Churches Active in Northside 381-SAFE 768-6907 557-2873 681-2365 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 3600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 St. Vincent de Paul 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Charlie’s 3/4 House 661-4620 Crossroad Health Center 241-1064 Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van McMicken Dental Clinic 562-8841 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 DIC Live In Program Prospect House 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over 784-1853 721-0643 921-1613 961-2256 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 961-4080 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 961-4663 First Step Home 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 351-0422 381-6672 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 471-1100 221-3350 Hamilton County ADAS Board Recovery Health Access Center Sober Living Talbert House 946-4888 281-7422 681-0324 641-4300 Hamilton/Middletown 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 Northern Kentucky 721-4700 421-7803 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Housing: CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House Dana Transitional Bridge Services Volunteers of America 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 721-8666 961-4555 751-0643 381-1954 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 621-5300 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 621-6364 535-2719 Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS 579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 351-7921 631-1114 211 977-5541 People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place United Way Women Helping Women 863-3184 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 381-0111 771-4800 751-0600 721-4811 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 241-2600 241-2563 621-5514 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House Treatment: Both 558-8888 981-5800 Other Resources 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Treatment: Women 357-4602 352-2902 352-6363 458-6670 977-4489 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach Peaslee Neighborhood Center Shelter: Both Anthony House (Youth) 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 872-9259 241-5525 591-2246 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Treatment: Men Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Shelter FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 859-491-8303 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Health Center for Respite Care 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 621-1868 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 Go Ahead: Ask a Vendor A Call to Greater Cincinnati Poets Invitation to a dialogue with our readers Write for ‘For a Better World 2010’ Streetvibes vendors see a lot that you might not. For example, some can describe what goes on in an abandoned building at night when they sleep there. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stand on a street corner selling newspapers? That’s hardly a common occupation anymore. How much money do Streetvibes vendors make – and what do they do with it? Do they have other jobs? If you have questions, some of our vendors would like to answer them. “Go Ahead: Ask a Vendor” will be an occasional feature, with questions submitted by readers and answered by Streetvibes vendors. You may direct your question to a specific vendor or we’ll invite one to respond. Only include your name if you want to. Send questions to streetvibes2@yahoo.com Or to Streetvibes, 117 E. 12th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. It’s time to get your verse on. SOS Art, the annual exhibit of art on themes of peace and justice, pub­ lishes a collection of poetry each year. Saad Ghosn, who organizes SOS Art and writes the “Artists as Activists” column for Streetvibes, is now col­ lecting submissions for For a Better World 2010, the seventh edition to date. Any poet from or connected to Greater Cincinnati may submit up to three poems related to themes of peace and justice. All submissions will be considered. The editors will be looking for quality, inclusiveness and appropriateness to the themes of peace and justice. If space becomes limited, priority will go to poets not published in previ­ ous books. The poems selected for publication will be illustrated in black and white by Greater Cincinnati artists. Poets included in the book will be invited to read their poems at SOS Art 2010. For a Better World 2010 will be released in May 2010. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 15, 2010. Go ahead. Ask. Send submissions as “Word” attachments or in full text By e-mail to saad.ghosn@uc.edu or On a CD to Saad Ghosn, 216 Erkenbrecher Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. �16 Artists as Activists STREETVIBES January 15 - 31, 2010 Power of Uncomfortable Art Kurt Storch’s painting advocates mental health “I am a regular guy, husband, and father,” says Kurt Storch. “I am OK with being me, but it has not always been that way. Fear and self-loathing marked much of my early life.” Storch, a visual artist, has suffered from clinical depression since his early childhood. When he was 2 years old, he discovered crayons, coloring books and Play-Doh and used them as an immediate means to express himself and find respite from the torments of his condi­ tion. He did not, however, become serious about art until in his mid-30s when, going through a serious depressive episode and heavily selfmedicated, he tried to take his own life. Luckily, he did not proceed all the way, sought medical help and actively started confronting his situation. One of the decisions he made then was to pursue an art career. Storch attended the Academy of Communicative Arts in Cincin­ nati, graduated with a degree in design and illustration and worked for several years as a commercial artist. This, however, did not satisfy him. Doing work for others was taking him away from his own needs and connecting him more with his underlying anger. He found him­ self slipping more into depression and decided to quit. Storch did not do art for several years afterwards. He later got pro­ gressively back into it, focusing more on himself, discovering a new spiritual dimension to his creativity. His works during that period consisted of a series of assemblaged boxes, subconsciously executed; they talked to him after the fact and opened a road to his psyche, con­ necting him to his ego. They also addressed sev­ eral social and political as issues that preoccupied him: gun violence, the role the AK 47 plays in By saad Ghosn modern society, the inContributing WritEr discriminate targeting of black males by the police, the distorted vision of God and Judeo-Christian symbols by Western civilization. His art had become mostly process-oriented, away form the commodifiable, sellable product. It was helping him sort out his issues, unravel and express the alienation he was going through, assert himself and find his voice. Unfortunately, Storch quickly discovered A rtists ctivists Manic Depression, painting by Kurt Storch. Photo by Kurt Storch. Kurt Storch standing next to his painting, Oh Happy Girl. Photo by Bill Howes. that society did not easily accept mental illness, that it was frightened by it and rarely knew how to deal with it. His condition kept him iso­ lated, losing friends and job opportunities; it also prevented him from sharing his works with others. Two years ago Storch met Barbara Gamboa, a local visual art­ ist who was using her art to combat her own post-traumatic stress disorder. Gamboa got him to show his work and encouraged him to fight through his art the stigma of mental disease. She involved him in Hope and Strength Through Art, an exhibit she was curating at the time, sponsored by the Mental Health Arts Collaborative. The exhibit connected him to many other professional and non-professional art­ ists who, like he, were suffering from mental illness. Through artists’ talks, they all shared their personal trials and tribulations with the disease, telling their own story. For Storch, it was an empowering ex­ perience, one that opened new horizons and made him determined to become an activist for the cause of mental wellness. “I started using my art as a metaphor for spiritual awareness to help myself and others who suffer and are stigmatized by mental ill­ ness,” he says. “I wanted my work to make a comment about my own condition as well as that of others. The creative process can also help anyone realize what is going on inside and find a therapeutic outlet.” Storch is now very active in raising awareness about mental illness and the stigma it places on the individual, self-inflicted or imposed by society. He shows his related work whenever the opportunity presents and gives talks on the subject, sharing his own experience. He was recently invited to display his works at a seminar featuring a psychia­ trist who had written a book on the topic. Manic Depression, one of the paintings Storch exhibited, pertained to the brain-diseased mind and its implications to the individual. It shows two frightened and distraught faces of a woman with the words “manic depression” written on them; also a brain depicted upsidedown, an airplane falling, metaphor for despair, and an anatomical picture of a man cut in half, allegory to the way mentally ill individu­ als often view themselves. Storch also added the image of Groucho Marx because Marx had said, “I would not want to be a member of any club that would have me as a member” – a statement many mentally ill people would also make. To personalize the piece, Storch incorporated in it the brushes he used to paint it, thus reflecting on his own creative process and on the process of the disease itself; he also signed it “CC,” for Cody Ca­ vanaugh, the alias name of a “female consciousness” that allows him to expand his dimension and speak not only from the standpoint of a man but of that of a universal being espousing the entire humanity. In Oh Happy Girl, another painting he displayed, Storch put a face on the anger many mentally afflicted individuals experience, anger that often leads to uncontrollable violence. He represented the face of a furious woman wearing a voodoo hat, next to an image of many hearts alluding to the various conflicting emotions she might have, depending on the day. For Storch, art now has an explainable purpose. It helps him reach self-realization and allows him to loudly convey his messages and raise awareness about mental illness. He also uses it to bring mentally afflicted individuals in contact with their own healing creativity. “I consider my art successful if it makes a statement rather than simply being a vehicle for something only pretty,” he says. “It’s not commodifiable anymore. I want it to trigger a dialogue with the view­ er where the stigma of mental illness becomes evident and uncom­ fortable.” Artists as Activists is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati artists who use art as a vehicle for change. Saad Ghosn is the founder of SOS Art. Ghosn can be contacted at saad.ghosn@uc.edu. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2010 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 15-31, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Set Afire, Homeless Man Feels Burned by Police Residents Only: New Policy at the Drop Inn Center Pg 2: Street Wise Pg 3: A Priest to Prisoners and the Poor Pg 4: Man Feels Burned by Police Pg 5: The Good Justice News of 2009 Pg 6: Profs and Prophets of Non-Violence Pg 7: Cramped Affordable Housing Pg 8: Veggie Stir-Fry Pg 9: Stop Bleating, Start Barking Pg 10: Why Martin Luther King Matters Pg 11: New Policy at the Drop Inn Center We Don’t Understand, but Thanks Pg 12: A Chance to Celebrate Pg 13: The Sorrow and the Pity Pg 14: Watch the Birdies, Pay Attention Pg 15: Resources Pg 16: Power of Uncomfortable Art Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 15-31, 2010 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Lynne Ausman Jeni Jenkins Michelle Dillingham Samantha Groark Margo Pierce Paul Kopp Jeremy Flannery Michael Henson David Heitfield Kelissa Hieber Jeni Jenkins Stephanie Dunlap Saad Ghosn Lynne Ausman Steven Paul Lansky Larry Gross Eli Braun Aimie Willhoite Jeni Jenkins Anthony Williams Bill Haigh Clarissa Peppers Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker Jeremy Flannery Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Adath Israel affordable housing Aimie Willhoite Airlines Anthony Williams Bill Haigh Clarissa Peppers David Heitfield Drop Inn Center Eli Braun Gregory Flannery Jeni Jenkins Jennifer Blalock Jeremy Flannery Kelissa Hieber Kurt Storch Larry Gross Lynn Baker Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Martin Luther King Jr. mental health mental illness Michael Henson Michelle Dillingham Non-Violence Paul Kopp police brutality Priests Prisoners Saad Ghosn Samantha Groark Stephanie Dunlap Steven Paul Lansky Xavier University