23 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/3e02878c1c95c0be2b45d89d04e2e678.pdf 6e6f1a5bdd1a69afd57e35fb8e8d15e1 PDF Text Text M ay 5th - M ay 18th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 36 (No. 355) advocating justice | Building community Rapidly in, rapidly out: the struggle to keep up with Rapid Rehousing rent payments| 3 This issue sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Border Stories: The Meaning of Ritual | 8 Enviormental protection in Jeopardy| 3 Not Country for All| 5 The Art of Healing | 9 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: Moving Forward JOSH SPRING A Executive Director home is considered affordable when the rent or mortgage plus the monthly cost of utilities are no greater than thirty percent of the household’s monthly income. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has stated that in our region the fair market rent for a twobedroom apartment is $806 a month. The minimum wage in Ohio is $8.15 an hour. $806 a month or $9,672 annually is thirty percent of $32,240 annually. Without considering taxes and utility cost, at minimum wage a person would have to work 76 hours every week of the year to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent on minimum wage. The report, “Housing Affordability in Hamilton County” recently released by the Community Building Institute (CBI) and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) shows that we have a shortage of 40,019 homes affordable to households at zero to thirty percent of the area median income. Another way of looking at this is to say that 55,600 households at zero to thirty percent of the area median income are trying to fit into 15,581 homes affordable to them. This is an alarming number, but it is not surprising to us or our directservice member organizations. The lack of affordable housing and the housing instability of so many leads to our shelters for families and children having to turn away at least 70% of the families who seek shelter. This of course does not consider the families who do not call because they know the shelters are regularly full. Our community’s shelter for people aged 18 through 24 reports that they have been full since they opened, they are regularly having to turn people away. Our local shelter for women operates over-capacity almost continuously. Our men’s shelter is seeing recordbraking numbers of people. During winter months, our lowest barrier single adult shelter saw over 400 people on a variety of nights; this is the highest number ever recorded in our city’s history in this one shelter. M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 In addition to all of this, street outreach workers report increasing numbers of single adults, youth, and families with children living outside. It is abundantly clear that the need is great and increasing. Probably 20% of our children in Cincinnati Public Schools will experience homelessness this school year. Whereas the primary and foundational solution is to preserve and build affordable housing, the opposite has been happening to a greater extent. The number of affordable homes has decreased in our community because of displacement, gentrification, ignored maintenance, and funding cuts. Even though “Plan Cincinnati” calls for inclusionary zoning and an increase in affordable housing development, there is not local legislation or governmental process to make this happen. Nearly all public funds for affordable housing come from the federal or state governments and those funds have been cut repeatedly. In many cases these only fund small percentages of what is actually needed. From the public and city staff, we have heard it said that they must wait to legislatively act for the creation of affordable housing until (Continued on page 3) ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN JEOPARDY - WHAT CAN CITIZEN'S DO? BILL WOODS Contributing Writer I n a second Forum focused on local responses to what is going on in Washington, D.C., attention turned to the environment and the Trump Administration's negative policy toward environmental protection. D. David Altman, an attorney with expertise and years of experience in taking on major polluters on behalf of average citizens, gave his analysis of the current situation. Noting that the fight to protect the environment was with a Republican Administration and Congress, he said that it should not be a Democratic or Republican issue. Reflecting that he had taken the cases of Republican clients over the years, he remarked that if your well water is poisoned by pollutants, you don't tend to think in terms of your political persuasion. If we care about our children or grandchildren, he said, protecting the environment should unite us all. Altman emphasized the importance of the Environmental Protection Agency. The mantra from this Administration, he noted, is to get rid of bureaucratic regulations, and (Continued on page 3) 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, Key Beck, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Sr. Nicole Varnerin, Steve Sunderland, Ricardo Taylor, Cleo Wombles, Stacey Hollander, Bobby Morris, Willa Denise Jones Photography/ Artwork: Alice Schnieder, Key Beck, Dr. Mark Mussman, Sr. Nicole Varnerin, Aimee Willhoite Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. David Altman speaking at the Community Issues Forum 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 We Don’t Need a Hero, We Need Equity and Cooperation No. 35 5 3 | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 KEY BECK Contributing Writer I t is May, and we are in the full swing of the mayoral and city council election season. It is apparent by the many, glossy paper fliers filling my mailbox and the intrusive commercials interrupting my web series. There are three candidates running for the local mayoral office and it is pretty obvious that one candidate has more funds for campaigning than the others. It is also obvious that the candidates agree on some issues, but disagree on many more. Normally, conversations and debates would be centered on budgets, voting records, and platforms, but this year the focus is on the city manager position, the streetcar, and supporting of lowincome neighborhoods. While the streetcar debate is a red herring issue (at least from my perspective), I tend to focus on the discussions of the city manager and supporting under-resourced and marginalized neighborhoods. The discussion of a new city manager is important because the position is responsible for helping the city grow and become more vibrant. They are the administrative leader of the city, in general terms. In our current Council-Manager system, the city manager is hired by the council and mayor to implement municipal policies, supervise day-to-day operations of city departments and staff, help support effective economic development policies and practices, and supervise budgetary and JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) the market is ready. The problem is the market won’t be ready. Affordable housing does not generate significant profits and BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) this message sounds good to many people. Who doesn't want to be free of needless regulations that clutter up our lives? The problem, he explained, is that E.P.A-regulations comprise the foundation for protecting the environment in this country. If current regulations are eliminated or not enforced, he warned, "the environmental protection structure collapses like a house of cards." These regulations provide the Key Beck, writerkeybeck@gmail.com Photo: Key Beck Evanston, Lower Price Hill, and other historically black neighborhoods. I am an Over-the-Rhine resident, and I appreciate some of the “care” given to the area, but I also know there are other neighborhoods who could use actual care. Care in the form of community pools and basketball courts, fully funded healthcare centers, fully funded daycare and summer programs, and affordable (dense) housing to name a few. While the debates are focused on such important issues, we as voters must be ready to do our research when we go to the polls. We must know the role of the city manager and how their decisions affect our city. We have to acknowledge that parts of our city are being ignored, and that doesn’t make us an equitable and inclusive place. And, if we are willing to do our homework, we must demand that our potential mayor does their homework also. We must challenge each candidate to explain their plan for supporting affordable housing and the future city manager. Finally, we can’t accept candidates saying they want to “unite, improve, revitalize, create” a (insert buzzword) city. We have 52 neighborhoods, each with its own history and culture. We need to support them without changing these facts. We need to respect them, and give them the tools necessary to grow for the inside out. So don’t trust any candidate wanting to save us, only trust the ones who want to work with us. financial management policies and practices. Of course this description is simplified, but these are overarching roles of the position. So the discussion of a new city manager is interesting, and especially pertinent, knowing that many people are critical of our current City Manager’s priorities. The policies and efforts that the City Manager has a direct effect on the type of well-being that our residents experience. The subject of gentrification has been current for a while now. The reinvestment into neighborhoods is great, but not if it comes at the expense of displacing people that live in them. A commonly forgotten result of a city investing solely into one singular area (developer deals, $1 building giveaways, incentive grants, etc.), is your focus becomes too myopic and the peripheral areas suffer. You focus funding and attention into an economically viable place and you forget the other neighborhoods with the same potential. We have invested so much in Over-the-Rhine that we have neglected to invest in the other areas, businesses do not choose to take on ventures that don’t generate profit. Instead they often directly or indirectly pursue ventures that generate profit at the expense of affordable housing, be it through displacement or funding allocation and because the city wants to see investment in the city, they tend to ignore direct or indirect displacement and the lack of investment in affordable housing. For us to turn the tide on homelessness the local government must legislate new ways to generate revenue for affordable housing, must legislate inclusion, prevent displacement and stand by basic human rights. rules that businesses, the public sector, and citizen must follow in order to prevent the further pollution of their surroundings, and this structure of prevention is critical to the present and future of our environment. These regs, he added, also provide the tools of enforcement that EPA officials and lawyers like himself use to take on polluters that violate the law. This is why the current effort to dismiss and to whittle away at these regulations is so potentially damaging. Altman stressed the importance of national laws with an effective EPA, because air and water pollution know no boundaries. Further, he said that the Ohio EPA is quite ineffective, and that is why he has relied on Region V of the national EPA for assistance in his environmental cases in this state. He warned of a current proposal to eliminate Region V, a step that citizens need to oppose if they want effective protection in Ohio. Once again, he alluded to his "house of cards" analogy. What can citizens do? Altman emphasized the need for community organizing, and he noted that people become engaged if they feel the issue immediately impacts their lives. Therefore, it's probably more important to approach neighbors about a local pollution threat rather than raising the issue of global warming or climate change. If we want to be successful in our efforts, concluded Altman, we must include the middle-class in our organizing. Otherwise, we are not going to have a big enough constituency to win the day. “Breakdown Stereotypes” [Editor’s note: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition does not endorse political candidates, but we encourage our readers to pay attention to the issues and vote.] ------------------------ ------------------------ “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 �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 �No. 35 5 5 LOCAL No Country For All | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Y Staff Writer esterday, as I walked up Race Street, between 12th and13th, I saw the most odd and disturbing thing. Generally, things are pretty peaceful there but there was a squirrel and a bird engaged in a violent fight. The bird swooped down from the treetop and swiped the side of the squirrel as it ran down the trunk. The squirrel was thrown off the tree and landed on the concrete. Brushing itself off, it headed back up the tree as the bird violently swooped at it again. Why were these animals acting like this? I could only guess they were both vying for the same space. benches was apparent to many. Were they asking the mostly black bench-sitters to find a new place to gather – already regulated to the outside perimeter of the park? This is just one tree and several benches that were removed – think about the burden that housing displacement places on individuals, families, and communities. Displacement might as well be our country’s battle cry. Starting with the Native Americans, we have been displacing whole groups of people for generations – but this certainly does not make it right. Manifest Destiny is what it was called – white people who Tree Where Bird and Squirrel Fought Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman It was clear that this was a turf battle to me, but I wasn’t sure why, until I casually glanced over to Washington Park and saw another large, 100+ year-old, tree was cut into pieces on the ground. Either the squirrel or the bird was displaced from this tree, and it was causing chaos in the animal world. 3CDC, which has a lease on the park, has cut down several of the trees in Washington Park in the past year. They cite “disease” as the reason to cut them down, but I am seeing something more sinister with this last believed that they were given this land by their god (whether Christianity or Capitalism) which emboldened them to burn the forests and clear the land of people who lived here for at least 14,000 years. We had three major native-constructed earthen mounds here in downtown Cincinnati (including one on Fountain Square, now a privatized 3CDC space, not a public square) which were raised to remove the existence and record of the indigenous people. We white Americans saw no need to learn from, or even respect, the cultures of Whether they clocked out as a janitor, a server, a bartender, or even as a white collar worker, there was a place for them to stay downtown. When the Metropole was closed by 3CDC to eventually create the 21C Museum and Hotel, residents were given just mere hours to vacate the premises. Once all of them were forcibly removed from the property, downtown lost its nationally recognized designation as a diverse community – resulting in a lawsuit which brought a small settlement, but the damage had already been done, residents were removed from their homes and their neighborhood. They just gave them the boot. As they did the corner stores and the other businesses that residents relied on for their livelihood. Whether it be the elementary school, the Laundromat, or the Drop Inn Center, 3CDC’s reign of displacement is on a grand scale, and is hardly something that should be touted as a positive change in the neighborhood. Today, we are seeing massive displacement in the northern part of Over-the-Rhine. The so-called Brewery District folks are explicitly using NEP to push families out of the neighborhood by making “anonymous” complaints about minor aesthetic issues to the city. Model Group has bought dozens of properties around Findlay Market and is using different tactics to push people out, including refusing to turn the heat on during the winter in one 3CDC Displaced First Residents in Over-the-Rhine Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Displacement is occurring at a rapid pace in Over-the-Rhine, fueled by the work of 3CDC, which is deemed the city’s “preferred developer.” When they entered the neighborhood about 10 years ago, they took over the building and telling other buildings that they are at risk of being closed by the federal government. When 80+ year old women are being forced out of their homes so that developers can make money, it becomes everyone’s Tree Removed at Washington Park The Dennison Hotel is Demolished to Protect the Value of the Surface Parking Lots Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman tree that was killed. Underneath this now-gone tree, was a sanctuary of sorts for neighborhood residents and their friends to sit and enjoy the day. The benches under the tree have been removed (perhaps replaced soon?) but the effect of removing these the Native Americans. Fast forward ahead to the displacement of the people who lived in the Milner Hotel, the Dennison, the Metropole. Each of these SRO’s (single room occupancies) provided low cost housing for many of downtowns service workers. entire block on Race, between 14th and 15th. They forcibly removed the residents and claimed that displacing them was the best solution to the substandard housing they were living in. No one from 3CDC asked the residents what they wanted repaired or updated in their homes. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED issue. This is why we need everyone to join the Homeless Coalition as we assist residents who are at risk of losing their homes. If you want to know why the homicide rate is so high right now in (Continued on page 11) �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 �7 NATIONAL Rapidly in, rapidly out: the struggle to keep up with Rapid Rehousing rent payments No. 35 5 | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 I f you saw Lisa Sawyer walking down the street in Pioneer Square or in her neighborhood of Greenwood, you would be forgiven for doing a double-take, for feeling a flash of recognition. Sawyer’s face enjoys a prominent spot on the website for All Home King County, the organization that implements homeless and housing policy for King County. She won Real Change Vendor of the Year in 2015, and she advocates for policies impacting homeless and low-income people. Despite her work selling the paper and pounding pavement to improve her lot and that of others, Sawyer and her boyfriend, Steven James Drogosz, have struggled to get into housing. She spent five years without a roof of her own, alternately sleeping outdoors and paying for expensive hotel stays for a respite from the cold and damp. In November 2016, all that changed. Sawyer and Drogosz received help through a rapid rehousing program they accessed through DESC, a large shelter provider in Seattle, a program meant to help people with their rent for a few months. After a year of looking, they found an apartment in Greenwood for $1,350 a month. Despite the price, they jumped on it. “If you’ve been outside so long, you want to get inside right away,” Sawyer said. Now it looks like her new home may be slipping away. Sawyer signed a lease for 10 months. The building she’s in expects to undergo refurbishment toward the end of 2017 and cannot have residents ASHLEY ARCHIBALD Courtesy of Real Change / INSP.ngo at that time. DESC paid her first and last months’ rent and move-in costs, but didn’t subsidize future months’ rental payments, leaving Sawyer and Drogosz paying the market rate. Five months into the program, it’s getting increasingly difficult for Sawyer and Drogosz, a veteran with health problems, to make ends meet. She’s already been late on rent twice. The rapid rehousing program is a short-term housing program. It comprises of housing searches, case management and financial assistance, typically lasting between three and nine months, and helps with the costs of housing. This support gives new tenants a chance to get on their feet and into selfsufficiency. The program is the darling of housing policymakers and is enshrined in Seattle’s plan to combat homelessness, Pathways Home. It has also been promoted by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as being an efficient way to get people into housing that costs less per head than transitional housing, which is a more intensive program. Ideally, rapid rehousing programs in King County follow standards laid down in the past few months by All Home. These standards include who can get into the program and how much help clients receive. Programs funded through any of the major funders — HUD, the city of Seattle, King County or United Way — have to adhere to these standards, said Felicia Salcedo, a spokesperson for All Home. To qualify, a person or family has to be “literally homeless,” meaning they’ve been sleeping on the street, in shelters or have fled domestic violence. Once they’re in housing, the program covers the first month’s rent and move-in costs. It then tapers over the course of the next two months, first asking clients to pay 30 percent of their income toward rent in the second month and then 60 percent of their income toward rent in the third. It stays at that standard until financial assistance through the program ends. Households are reassessed every three months. The 60 percent standard is quite high — HUD considers a person or family “rent-burdened” if they pay more than 30 percent of their income toward rent. Critics of rapid rehousing tend not to be against the program, just the way that governments have begun to lean on it to solve homelessness. Although rapid rehousing works for some who have fallen on hard times and need a hand, it doesn’t necessarily work for people with longterm needs that have prevented them from getting into housing. It also relies on the private housing market, which means that landlords have to be willing to accept someone who might have a less-than-perfect rental or credit history, while also knowing that the amount of time that tenants will receive a government subsidy is limited. Compare that to a Section 8 voucher, which also leverages the private housing market, but requires that tenants pay only 30 percent of their income. Sawyer entered the rapid Dissing Cincinnati in 1828 T here is a dearth of good material about daily life in Cincinnati when it was a very young, growing city. The first settlement in the area was in 1788 and it wasn’t until General Wayne’s victory over the Indians at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 that its success was assured. The best account I have seen is Frances Trollope’s Domestic Manners of the Americans, published in England in 1832 and based on over three years in the young United States, two of them in Cincinnati. Frances Trollope came to the United States from England with three of her children in 1828 in an attempt to improve her family’s financial situation (her husband and another son came later). She had heard that Cincinnati was a bustling and dynamic small city that would offer opportunity to an upper-class English family living on borrowed MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer money. It didn’t work, at least as planned, nor did she enjoy her stay. But in a way it did work, because her book on her experiences became a best-seller – at least in England. This first book also showed her to be an excellent writer. By more writing she restored her family’s finances. Her book gives every appearance of being a fair and accurate criticism of Cincinnati and the United States, if from an English upper-class viewpoint. That is not to say it was well-received here; indeed just the opposite. She was excoriated and has been mostly ignored. That is unfortunate because there is a wealth of information in her book, and it is an enjoyable read. If Cincinnati remembers Mrs. Trollope at all, it is for her descriptions of the abundance of pigs in the streets and an ill-conceived bazaar to sell fancy goods. That is all I plan to say about the bazaar, but she was right to criticize us for all the pigs. At first the Trollopes stayed at a hotel, but were dismayed to find out they would have to eat with the 60 or 70 men in the dining room or the half dozen ladies in the bar-room (at that time hotels and lodging houses generally served a common meal to their guests). They rented a house of their own and discovered an apparent omission, as she relates: “We were soon settled in our new dwelling, which looked neat and comfortable enough, but we speedily found that it was devoid of nearly all the accommodation that Europeans conceive necessary to decency and comfort. No pump, no cistern, no drain of any kind, no dustman’s cart, or any other visible means of getting rid of the rubbish, which vanishes with such celerity THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED rehousing program before these standards were published. Although DESC would not speak about Sawyer’s case specifically due to privacy concerns, it’s unclear why a person in her circumstances wouldn’t get a subsidy, said Greg Jensen, a spokesperson for DESC. “The situation you’re referring to is not the norm,” Jensen explained, “We wouldn’t typically set someone up in a situation they couldn’t either sustain or transition to a situation that they could get the kind of assistance they would need to be successful.” About half of the 1,612 households that exited the program in 2016 left for housing while they were still active participants, and 61 percent were permanently housed when they finished the program. All Home calculated the average monthly income of people exiting the program once every quarter during 2016. The amounts ranged from $1,173 to $1,374 per month. That means the average household could neither afford the average monthly rent in Seattle — more than $1,800 a month — nor Sawyer’s $1,350-permonth rent. For her part, Sawyer is hanging on. DESC helped furnish her place, and she now has a kitchen and a microwave. It sounds small, but it’s the first time in a long time she’s been able to cook for herself, or have the cost-saving luxury of leftovers. Being inside, having her own place, was “totally life-changing,” she confirmed. Sawyer just hopes it doesn’t get taken away: “I feel like I don’t have any safety net at all.” ------------------------ in London, that one has no time to think of its existence, but which accumulated so rapidly in Cincinnati, that I sent for my landlord to know in what manner refuse of all kinds was to be disposed of. “’Your help will just have to fix them all into the middle of the street, but you must mind, old woman, that it is the middle. I expect you don’t know as we have got a law what forbids throwing such things at the sides of the streets; they must just all be cast right into the middle, and the pigs soon takes them off.’ “In truth the pigs are constantly seen doing Herculean service in this way through every quarter of the city; and though it is not very agreeable to live surrounded by herds of these unsavory animals, it is well they are so numerous, and so active in their capacity of scavengers, for without them the streets would soon be choked up with all sorts of substances in every stage of decomposition.” The pigs were so numerous that she said her odds of walking up Main (Continued on page 11) �8 NATIONAL Border Stories: The Meaning of Ritual SR. NICOLE VARNERIN Contributing Writer B eing a religious sister, ritual is very important in my life. And, I would suspect, that ritual is important in many lives. I don’t only mean religious ritual, but also the ritual of what I do each day, the self-care rituals I engage in, and the social rituals that keep me grounded. I have learned that having certain rituals enhance my experience of life and keep me sane. This year, Holy Week and Easter were full of new (and old) experiences of ritual. I have always enjoyed learning about and experiencing other cultures. My parents raised me on tum yum goon, Indian curry, and tabbouleh – none of which are a part of my heritage. They enjoy trying new things and teaching my sisters and me to do the same. Of course we love our Italian comfort food too, but the value of respectfully learning from other cultures was instilled in me from a young age. My father taught me how to observe before participating and my mother taught me how to throw my whole self into the experience. So you can imagine how thrilled I am to be immersed in the sub-culture of the Rio Grande Valley. The highlight for me was Santa Viernes, Good Friday. I have always loved the somber atmosphere of Good Friday which gives me a chance to reflect on God’s love for me. This year, a new ritual allowed me to walk with Jesus in a whole new way. At 2pm, a small crowd gathered at a park near the church. Leading the pack was a wooden cross carried by a teenage boy dressed as Jesus. A girl dressed as Veronica, complete with a veil bearing the face of Jesus, walked beside him. We processed through the streets, singing and praying el viacrucis, the Way of the Cross. I felt like the women of Jerusalem, following Jesus in the streets as he showed us how much he would suffer in the name of the justice he stood for. As we arrived at the church we prayed the last station and entered the church in silence. The culture here is an expressive culture, and I appreciated the ability to express my sorrow for the suffering of the world and to physically see God’s love for us in his actions. Later that day, after the passion play put on by the children of the parish, I participated in yet another new-to-me ritual. We gave our condolences to Mary. The idea is to give condolences to Mary on the occasion of her son’s death, just as you would with a friend. We said a special rosary that led us to meditate on times Mary had to let go of her son and watch him do God’s work. It was touching to watch mothers, who have to let go of their own children, meditate on what it must have been like for Mary to do the same. Feet in Water Credit: Credit: Sr. Nicole Varnerin The carrying of the cross during Easter procession Credit: Credit: Sr. Nicole Varnerin M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 About a week after Easter, I had the opportunity to participate in a Mayan cleansing ritual called a temazcal. Unlike the other rituals, this one did not have a familiar basis for me. I had no idea what to expect and I was not given much description ahead of time. The ritual cleanses body and spirit, inside and out. One participant described it as going into the womb of the earth. The whole ritual reverences nature and thanks the elements and mother earth for the gifts of healing. Before the ritual, a small hut with a tiny door flap is built and a fire is lit to heat the stones at the bottom of the wood. I loved the reverent preparation. Each person was blessed with a type of incense before entering and I was asked to pray “for my relationships” with my forehead to the earth at the entrance of the temazcal. Once all were inside, “hombre fuego” dug some rocks out of the fire and delivered them to a hole in the ground at the center of the hut. We welcomed each rock with “Bienvenido abuelita!” (welcome grandma in English). Once the door was closed, water with different herbs were poured on the rocks to create steam and an incredibly hot room. The door was opened four times and each time, more rocks were added and a different herb was infused in the water. The first two doors felt like being enveloped by a car on a hot day. The heat was comforting and cleansing. The third door was so hot that I had to lay down. I left with the fourth door because I had reached my limit. After the ritual I was doused by cold hose water to close my pores and shock me back to normal. After the ritual I felt energized and at peace. Inside I was disoriented, but once I emerged and was doused with water, I was somehow more present. Even though I hardly knew the names of most of the 19 people participating in the temazcal, I somehow felt bonded to them after our mutual experience. There is wisdom to rituals, no matter what tradition they come from. And opening myself to these new experiences has been invaluable. The final ritual I engaged in this Easter is one I am quite familiar with. I have a ritual of taking a quiet day once a week if possible. This time I spent the day at a local retreat center near the Gulf of Mexico. A blanket of quiet covered the place as I encountered wildlife and the tangible presence of peace. At the end of the day I drove the five miles out to the retreat center’s private beach on the gulf. How exhilarating it was to be consumed by water! No matter what ritual it was, each one helped me to live in the present moment and get a taste of this newto-me culture. What a blessing to be able to learn from others! ------------------------ Easter procession Credit: Credit: Sr. Nicole Varnerin THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �NATIONAL The art of healing: facing bipolar using abstract art photography No. 35 5 9 | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 RANYA FORGOTSON Courtesy of The Curbside Chronicle / INSP.ngo H ow did you get into photography? I went through a period where I couldn’t leave the house, I was so depressed. I went to counseling and the guy said, “You need to find something you can do, walk out your front door and just go do.” And so, I started taking pictures. It was just such a release to do that. Dealing with bipolar, the worst part is when you have anxiety and you can’t get out of your anxiety – it just won’t go away. Then having something to do, it just helps. It helped me get to the point where I could get out of the house. It was like a therapy for myself to get out and do it. All photos by Chazzi Davis All photos by Chazzi Davis How long have you been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder? Well, I didn’t know I had it at first. I used to work and have a house, and a nice car and a nice truck, and a wife and a dog and kids. Over a six-month period, something hit me, and I just couldn’t function. I could not get up and go. And I couldn’t see what was happening to me. And it ended up where I lost everything. How long ago was this? Twenty years. It happened in 1999. But the loss was so traumatic that I haven’t ever really recovered. It’s just like, I go up and down and up and down. But I have realized: you become self-aware after so long. And I think what hurt me was, the people who loved me could not understand what was happening to me. Here’s this successful guy that goes “plop.” And they had no clue. It took me five years to accept being bipolar. It was like, “I wanna be normal, I wanna be normal.” Now, I connect with it. I accept I’m not gonna be normal. What was it like being diagnosed? I can’t explain what it’s like when you lose everything. That feeling of knowing where I used to live, and the smell of a nice car, those feelings of Christmas. All that’s not going At first I said, I don’t want to get on pills like Prozac and antidepressants and stuff. Going back through time, I’d listen now. Without my medicine, my mind goes a thousand miles an hour. I don’t know how to stop myself sometimes. My mom tells me now when I’m needing help. She’s awesome. If it weren’t for her, I’d have probably given up. I came out of the mental hospital homeless. She was like, why don’t we move in together? So now, I live with my mom. You said you started doing photography as way to get out of the house. How long were you cooped up, do you remember? It would be, oh, months and months. And I had my family, my kids crying, “Dad, you gotta get out of this room.” And I would go outside, but I’d go right back in. It was just depression. When your mind’s constantly going, “Your life’s over, man. You ain’t never getting out.” That’s why I love Curbside so much. All photos by Chazzi Davis to be my life anymore. It’s like I’m disjointed from life. Like, I’m over here and they’re over there and I can’t get back. But… when you find yourself in hell, keep on going. That’s all you can do. You don’t know what’s wrong with you. I remember saying to my wife, “I don’t know what’s wrong.” I regret that I put my wife and family through the things I did. I do remember her saying, “Something’s not right with you. You’re extremely stressed out.” I mean, I was in a bad mood all the time. I wish I’d listened. That’s another thing about mental illness, it’s like your ears are plugged up. All photos by Chazzi Davis THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED I can do it on my good days. I usually wait until I have to, but that’s just the procrastinator in me. That’s the motivator: I have to pay this bill. And it’s working out. With my mom, I’ve gone from paying the internet and the auto insurance, now I’m paying the electric bill. It saves our lives. I live in fear of us being on the streets, but Curbside helps with that because it’s something I can handle. I sell on the corner and think about where I used to work. And I feel happier here than I did up there. Because of the stress and all, I just couldn’t handle it. And I tried to fight my way through it, but (Continued on page 11) All photos by Chazzi Davis �10 LOCAL JUSTICE DENIED, SOCIETY THREATENED STEVE SUNDERLAND "W here justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob, and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe."--Frederick Douglass The attack on the poor's healthcare continues with new cuts in Medicaid insurance ordered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Poor people, just now awakening to the realization that healthcare can improve their lives and the lives of their families, will be deterred from getting critical insurance. Bombing healthcare provisions has the same effect as bombing people and buildings: people will unnecessarily die, suffer, and be frightened about their future. Citizens at many town hall meetings, largely middle class people, are outraged at their Congressional representative's attempt to explain why less benefits, fewer choices of physicians and hospitals, and the abolition of prevention results in "better care." Contributing Writer The American poor are being joined by the American Middle Class in protesting changes in healthcare that are ridiculous for any person who wants to feel secure about their health. Protests have been the order of the day, whether at local, state or national rallies. The Congress has heard and backed off a sad and destructive bill to replace the Affordable Care Act. But Trump is not finished: choking the ACA to death can happen through arbitrary and undiscussed rule changes. Simultaneous with the attack on the poor, are efforts to widen access to healthcare for everyone. Physician groups, Hospital Groups, and Citizen Groups are joining together to both resist major changes and to rethink just how the healthcare system can be improved for those at highest risk. It is hoped that this effort will continue despite the new rules and the old attitude that healthcare cannot be a right for everyone. In Cincinnati, the Cancer Justice Network, an organization of 25 agencies that serve the poor in the city and Hamilton County, have come together to step up the healthcare services to the poor. Using a new health role, "navigators," the Cancer Justice Network is going to churches, community centers, and schools where poor people and their families attend. Our goal is singular: we want everyone who is concerned that they may have cancer to get a screening and a timely treatment. Thanks to far-looking grants from Easter Seals and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Molina Insurance, Christ Church Cathedral, Congregation of St. Joseph, Academy of Medicine, and the Woodward Trust, we are creating a transportation process that "navigates" any low income citizen, aged person, or person with disabilities, to and from cancer prevention healthcare. Normally, the high risk population we are working with has too many transportation obstacles to get to either a screening and or regular treatments. Not being knowledgeable about insurance provisions for transportation or Medicaid stipulations, the person with cancer may give up and choose to use their limited funds for housing, or food, or some recreation for their children. Removing transportation hurdles, accompanying the person to and from their health provider, starts a process that could lead 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 M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 to overcoming cancer in our community. The process can break down at any time if there is an emergency in the person's life or if they are unsure what to do when they have an urgent medical need. Often people do not have a doctor, do not know how to access the Emergency Room, and sadly have had experiences of being humiliated by healthcare professionals. Our navigators are offering a different kind of relationship: we will go with the person and make sure that the healthcare is outstanding and we will help people negotiate the maze of cancer care and of the local transportation systems. When we have shared this opportunity with people at church meetings or in community centers, we are often met with disbelief: "Why would you do this for me? What do you get out of helping me?" Suspicions connected to prior experiences tend to dominate even when we have face to face meetings with kind and down to earth physicians. Yet, every time we find courageous people who are willing to risk a first step with our navigators, although many people have a change of mind. The power of the anti-poor culture can win out and persuade people that what we are sharing may be a scam. "Who helps the poor?," they seem to say with their behavior of missing appointments. (Continued on page 11) �No. 35 5 | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 5) Cincinnati, (higher than that of Chicago even), perhaps you need to look no further than displacement. When people are displaced from their block, whether their housing or their outdoor marketplace, they are forced MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 7) Street without brushing by a pig snout were 500 to 1. Her walks were often curtailed by immense droves of pigs which were continually arriving from the country along the same road that led to most of her favorite walks. A bigger threat to tranquility came from the construction of a slaughterhouse after she moved to the countryside village of Mohawk about a mile and a half from town (Mohawk has long since been incorporated into Cincinnati). When she asked if this might be considered a nuisance in a residential area, she was told that hogs were profitable and we Americans were too free for laws banning things because of the smell. She thought that Main Street was the only street that was entirely paved and that it was decently surfaced with brick. But Cincinnati at that time had no drains in the streets, which was all the more remarkable because the RANYA FORGOTSON (Continued from page 9) couldn’t. How long have you been taking photos? It’s been two or three years. I really got into it in the last year and a half or so. My uncle moved in with us, and he had to go through cancer. That was horrible. But that was a major motivation. That’s when it really kicked in, when he died. He kept saying, “Do something with your life. It’s not over. Look at me, I’m dying. I want to trade places.” When I go out to take a picture, it comes so easy to me. I feel like I have to struggle at everything else. There’s sort of a psychedelic element to your work. Well, I was raised by hippies. I like to take photography and edit it to make it look different – bring out stuff that’s a little bit abnormal. That ain’t the way it looks normally, but that’s the way it made me feel. I take the photo and then try to make it resemble how I felt when I took the picture. Does experiencing bipolar, play into your photography? I think so. If I’m in a negative place mentally, this is like a relief STEVE SUNDERLAND (Continued from page 10) We know that our process of helping will be a slow one but we are basing our work on the pioneering efforts of Harold Freeman, MD. Freeman, facing high death rates from his patients who came too late for treatment, created a program of community navigators that could NATIONAL 11 to enter into someone else’s turf, and as direct competitors, they shoot it out. People are so callous in this community to cheer when someone dies of a drug overdose, or to point out a shooting victim’s arrest record, but they are silent when it comes to understanding structural racism and the growing violence of displacement. Just as the bird and the squirrel are fighting it out right now, we have lost our collective home in Over-theRhine. We can not simply put the onus of ending the violence on those who are involved in the underground economy – we must dismantle the racist drug war and protect families from displacement. We need stronger tenant protections and an affordable housing trust fund to ensure that future generations have a chance and our family tree isn’t cut down because someone with power deems it “diseased.” heavy showers make them necessary and the slope to the river would make their construction easy. Instead the showers washed the “filth” from the higher streets to the lower, where it was deposited in the first level spot. (Note: Cincinnati has long had sewers, but there are still problems in heavy rains. Mrs. Trollope would probably not be surprised.) She wrote that everyone in Cincinnati pursued money above all and were not distracted by art, science, learning, or pleasure. Indeed, she described Cincinnati as a city that did not make any attempt at beauty in its buildings with the exception of a few churches. There were no public gardens. As for amusements, no city had fewer than Cincinnati. Billiards and cards were forbidden by law. There were no public balls except for a few around Christmas and Washington’s birthday. There were neither concerts nor dinner parties. There was a theater, but few attended it. Although she enjoyed spending time in the forests or rowing on the Ohio, Cincinnatians generally did not. The only time she observed us enjoying the countryside was eating strawberries and cream at a garden about 3 miles from town. She wrote that the strawberries were “tolerable” but the cream was not. She was bothered by that, with the exception of dancing (done only by unmarried men and women), all the enjoyments of men were done in the absence of women – dining, playing cards (although banned in the city itself), having musical meetings, and parties. At the Washington birthday ball, the men dined in a large room of the hotel. The women, on the other hand, sat down on a row of chairs against the wall of the ball room, each one making a table for her plate with her knees. When she asked why, she was told the men like it better that way. She thought that this extreme separation of the sexes contributed to the generally uncouth behaviors of men, especially chewing tobacco and spitting. She wrote that trespassing, robbery, and even murder are often committed without fear of the law. If a criminal found a place getting “too hot to hold him,” he only had to travel a few miles west. Although we did not hold to the English idea of aristocracy, she observed a class distinction between merchants and “mechanics” or skilled workmen, even when they are equally prosperous. She could not understand our non-stop election campaigning. This last comment would still hold true today. She had trouble hiring servants, saying that American girls would rather work in a paper mill than for twice what she would pay them as servants. Eventually she hired a woman from France and an English girl. For a while a slave woman from Kentucky came over once a week to help clean, which I found interesting because Ohio was a free state and there were many free because I can make something happen that’s beautiful. It’s better than negative thoughts. That’s why I try to show positive images, because I’m constantly consumed by negative. Making the beautiful out of the weird. And has the photography helped with the negative thoughts? Oh, yeah. Because instead of being a negative jerk, I’m out there like, “Let me take a picture of this weed that I’ll make beautiful!” So, my mind’s preoccupied. I’m not focused on the negative. What do you use to edit your photos? I use a simple editing website. Some of my better ones, I spend hours on them. And sometimes, I’ll just delete it because I can’t do anything with the damn picture. But most of them, I see what it’s going to be when I take the photo. And the point is to make it look kind of abstract. I want people to ask, “What is it?” Like abstract art. I like taking everyday things and playing with their color and texture. What is your favorite part about photography? The walks. Going for walks. And when people say, “Wow!” When your family says “Wow,” you’re kinda like, “Hmm.” But when somebody who doesn’t know you says, “Wow,” you’re like, “Yeah!” That’s a good feeling, you know? I’ve always been creative, I just couldn’t find the place to do it, a place to let it out. But this just sort of dropped in my hands, and I’m glad it did. How often do you go out and do photography? A couple of times a week. Early mornings are best. What do you want people to get from your images? That everything can be beautiful, even small things that we overlook every day like weeds. You don’t see that perspective very much. I try and bring that out with my photos. I just want to keep creating stuff with it. It’s not always going to be cool, but it’s fun. It’s a way to distract myself. The thing about being bipolar is you dwell. Just little stuff, stupid stuff. And you have to be aware of that. What I’ve noticed about depression and anxiety is that as long as you take baby steps out of it and you’re willing to fight your way out of it, you can get out of it. And photography is part of my escape. How does it feel to have experienced mental illness but to have a better handle on it now? It’s empowering to know that I can get up and work when I’m ready to. To know that Curbside’s there for me. If you go through a period where at night you’re thinking about suicide, but you can wake up in the morning and say I’m still rolling. That was a big problem for me – just keeping going. Each year that goes by, I get stronger and stronger. And hopefully one day, I’ll be able to pass it on. What are some misconceptions about mental health that you wish people knew? Here’s something I want people to know: IQ has nothing to do with mental illness. People think, “You’re smart, you can’t be mentally ill.” But that’s not how it works. I feel like you can be sick and healthy at the same time. You can ride the roller coaster without the world ending. If I could give anything to any other person that’s bipolar, it would be that. Do you think you’ll do photography for a while? I think I’ll do it for the rest of my life. It’s my motivator. bring people to him much sooner in their cancer. In five years, Freeman's program reversed the death statistics: most people survived their cancer. We are following this program in Cincinnati because minorities have the highest death rate from cancer in Ohio. The Cancer Justice Network is the only program that navigates high risk populations to and from healthcare while empowering people to take more control over their healthcare. Largely made up of volunteers, we attend church dinners, meetings at community centers, and programs where the poor come for help. Our navigators are saying that there are more choices for life than death if we seize the chance to get an exam and treatment. We know we have a difficult job to convince people who have been excluded from healthcare, stigmatized by the media, and now facing certain cuts in their essential healthcare. We are determined to make progress by taking time with people, listening to their fears, and, with navigators, going the extra mile to compassionate healthcare. This is what we mean by justice for everyone. Please go to our website for more information: cancerjusticenetwork.org THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 13) �12 LOCAL Getting down like you live M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 RICARDO TAYLOR Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ‘T he inversion of a statement holds many more jewels then the first perception.’ In the manner of life, we hold, and of course, behold more; many and different concepts/perceptions of our existence! The idea or perhaps best suited for you, the reality of an existence depends on your learning’s and experience. One generally has to start with their sense of value or worthiness as far as the successes they desire in life. One cannot just live like they get down, they have to get down like they live! Accepting whatever I can get! Ah! You invented that in your mind! That’s a refusal, allowing me to earn what I perceive, as if that’s life’s limit! It is so easy to become discouraged by things we sometimes don’t succeed at, and so, we often throw our hands up in surrender. Credit: Aimee Willhoite Accepting life as it is, taking whatever comes. Living like we get down! Our reality is stymied by the moment, and the blindness sets in! We become single focused; tomorrow brings what it will; I’m good for now! Absurd! Once your thinking is marred, it no longer makes a difference! Ah! You start to live like you get down, instead of getting down like you live! Cleo's Corner CLEO WOMBLES L Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ast summer I started making balloon animals when I sell a paper. I give them to people for free. They’re fun to make and it’s fun to see the expression’s on people’s faces. I do it just to do something different and stand out among people. I’ve been having a lot of fun doing this and seeing people smile and their kids When you just go with the flow nothing changes it’s a life of stagnation, you struggle for change, searching for that idea of what you can do to learn to get down, so that you can change your circumstance. It becomes…oh, what am I to do? I want to get down like I live! So what am I to do? First and foremost, we have to have a plan, or something equivalent to that. Next we have to have the fortitude to execute the drive, towards our wants and needs, and then we begin. Living like you get down, suggest what your needs might be at the present, with no call for later. Hmm; let me see! Living from day to day always brings about different needs and wants, based on necessity of the moment. The need for change or some relief is constant, and therefore it becomes extreme to know which direction to take in order to come to laugh. From 11 am to about 12:50pm at lunch time people begin to know me and even have discussions with me on the corner of 4th Street and Walnut. Really, it’s just being able to engage with people and to draw their attention. I like to do things like this especially on days that are sunny and there’s good weather. Some days seem longer than others, but you do what you can with what you have. By at least 5:30 I always go home. We are people just like you STACEY HOLLANDER F Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor ollow for me a day and put your feet in my shoes and let me show you what you will experience. One particular time I was sitting on the church steps flying my sign and some group of people told me to put the crack pipe Fear BOBBY MORRIS W Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor hat is Fear? For me Fear is (2) things: 1. A crippling emotion that keeps me from growing and facing life’s challenges. 2. It’s a motivator, fear at times motivates me to do things that I ordinarily wouldn’t do. It’s the crippling fear that has in the past and sometimes the present that won’t allow me to move forward. For instance, asking for help when I am stuck in a situation that is new and unknown to me. The most recent event I can share would be living alone in my own place. The fear of supporting myself without the help of my family is crippling. I’ve never been on my own and today I am working toward that goal. It’s scary. What if I find myself unable to make ends meet? What if being alone in my apartment becomes boring and I start thinking that my old life wasn’t bad, let me go back to that. That’s allowing fear to stop me from moving forward. So I have been looking at this fear as a motivator. I’m scared. Yes, but look at the independence I am striving for. As a teenager being independent was a dream. I can’t let this fear stop me from attaining that goal. down and they threw food at me. I also remember people telling me to get a job and they took my sign Fear is a four letter word that has brought many people to their knees in defeat. I won’t let this be my story! I will be one of the champions of fear. Being fearful is not a bad thing it’s just another emotion of many that I struggle with by being human. It’s not a negative emotion, it’s just an emotion. Wouldn’t it be great to only feel joy? And happiness? A wonderful dream. But in the end it’s just that, a dream. I like how writing has become a way for me to face my fears. At night or even throughout the day. I write, and fear motivates this writing. I fear if I don’t write my thoughts and feelings on a daily basis I will be headed for failure. Again there’s that fear. Fear of failure. Failing is and always has been a part of my life and those failures are my motivators, my lessons to be learned. Who knew that taking the fear of failure and turning THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED any sense of success in your efforts. So the question arises, what do I need to do to get down like I want to live? Here is where our inversion of the statement ‘live like you get down, or get down like you live’ comes to the place of pure selection of jewels! That crossroad where we have to decide if we will continue to live like get down or get down like we live? Ah! The reality that there has to be change is more than a mere notion, there is only one direction! Let’s get down like we live! Whatever you may want or need is possible you just have to make it a reality! So it may cost a bit yet, what do you have to lose? When the decision is made to get down like we live we soon start to see changes in our lives. Changes in our thinking, changes in our actions, and of course changes in our lives! Of course there has to be a plan of action and some prospect of realizing fruition of those plans. Fortitude is the essence so that the oftentimes extremes in lifestyle doesn’t frustrate us. Taking from the motto of AA its one step at a time! It is at this junction that we have the magic of inversion… we can learn to ‘Get down like we live instead of Live like we get down. Well, at least I’ve been a lot better than I was. I used to be homeless but by doing things right and I believe by prayer now I’m just taking it one day at a time. I am bipolar and suffer from PSTD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) I have shelter in permanent supportive housing with other people. But at least I can call it home now. For now, this is all I have to say. So God Bless Everybody! and said very hurtful things. I have been around of people experiencing homelessness who got pissed on, spit on or they would beat us up. Just because we are homeless doesn’t mean we are targets. Beat up on someone else. Leave us alone. We are people just like you. We have feeling too!!! it into a positive, would help me to do awesome things I never thought possible? I’m a champion of Fear every day I wake up and do the right thing for the right reasons. I am a champion of Fear when I walk into my job as the new guy and give and honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. This may seem small to some of you, but for a man like me who struggled with doing the right thing for the right reason it’s a miracle, a Blessing from God! Fear no longer has as tight of a grip on me as it used to. Fear is not my enemy; fear is my contender. It’s what I battle each and every day and so far, the war still wages and battles are still yet to be fought. I have my Armor, I have my Shield, I have my Sword. But most importantly, I HAVE MY “GOD”. “Fear! Come get some!!” �No. 35 5 | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 STREET VOICE TRUMP'S FIRST 100-DAYS So let us start to count the ways To judge Trump's first 100-days. The Donald has a predilection To take us in the wrong direction. He's left his Populism in the ditch By proposing tax cuts for the rich. Tweeting a lot of personal derision, He seems hell bent to create division. He has environmentalists in despair By axing regs that protect the air. Immigrants are his big scapegoat, And he rants they all illegally vote. All this stuff may cause us to curse. The problem is it could get worse. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer 13 MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 11) Blacks in Cincinnati. She wrote that it was “more than petty treason to the republic to call a free citizen a servant.” Perhaps – and this is my own thought -- young women associated servant work with slavery and that made it so difficult for her to find help. Later, after Mrs. Trollope returned to England and began her writing career, she would write an anti-slavery novel that helped inspire Harriet Beecher Stowe to write her own novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Mrs. Trollope was not all about negatives. She was impressed by our practice of moving wooden houses to new locations to make room for an improved one of brick as the city expanded and grew. The largest one she saw moved was two stories of four rooms each, pulled by forty oxen. The beef and poultry bought at the market were excellent (no word about the pork). She noted that there are no butcher shops, nor any shops for food except the bakeries. Everything else must be bought at the market. Eggs, butter, and vegetables were generally good and moderately priced. Fruits were inferior to those in England, which she thought might be due to the climate. All in all, a most worthwhile read. I cannot relate everything that I thought interesting in one article. Nor in two articles, but I need to point out her observations on how we followed the Declaration of Independence where it says “all men are created equal.” I plan for that to be my next article. MISTAKEN CONTROL TO HAVE CONTROL OVER ONESELF AND WELL BEING IS ENOUGH TO HAVE CONTROL OVER OTHERS LIVING HABITS NOW THAT’S JUST TOO MUCH STUFF TO HAVE THE CHOICES AND A CHANCE TO VOTE WHETHER RIGHT OR WRONG TO HAVE THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN THIS FREE LAND WAS NOT THAT A SONG TO HAVE CONTROL OVER WHAT I DESIRE TO SWITHCH OFF AND ON TO HAVE THE BELIEF THAT INSPITE OF MY PAST MY LIFE IS NOT ALL GONE TO HAVE TRIED TO LEAVE MY PAST BEHIND WHERE I HAD NO CONTROL TO HAVE FOUND A PLACE TO LIVE, HERE COMES CONGRESS LORD HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL! TO SEE SO MANY CHANGES NEW APARTMENTS, PARKING LOTS ALL LOOKING REAL GOOD TO BE AROUND TO SEE ALL THE PEOPLE RICH, POOR AND THE HOMELESS STILL BEING MISUNDERSTOOD TO REMEMBER WHEN I WAS HOMELESS HOW I OFTEN PLEADED TO GO TO JAIL TO GET OFF THE STREET TO KNOW THAT JAIL WAS WHERE I COULD GO TO EAT AND SLEEP ALL FOR FREE I COULDN’T BEAT TO TAKE AWAY HOUSING, RAISING RENT, LOWERING FOOD STAMPS I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND TO KNOW FOR SURE, THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD HAVE MISTAKEN CONTROL AND IT’S WIDE SPREAD ALL OVER THE LAND…. WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 5 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 124 Across 1. Smell 6. Discharged a debt 10. Written leave of absence 14. Mature 15. Skin condition 16. Plant with fleshy spiny leaves 17. Spotless 18. Small bunch or bundle 19. Noisy 20. Hair dye 21. Distribute playing cards 23. Country, initially 24. Part of the mouth 27. Trampled 29. Progenitor 34. Also 35. Subject or object, can be common or proper 36. Talon 38. Optical device 42. Civil wrong 43. Custom 45. Unaccompanied 46. Neutral 48. Rend 49. At the summit 50. Wonderment 52. Barren 54. Sobbing 58. Pig pen 59. An evil spell 60. Adhesive 62. A roughly built hut 67. Part of the eye 69. Small island 71. Keepsake or souvenir 72. Storage tower 73. Remain 74. Strike out 75. Acute or sharp 76. Voice quality 77. Regenerate Down 1. Curved shape 2. Irritate 3. Overt 4. Miserly 5. Chronological account of events 6. Animal foot 7. Corrosive material 8. Gusset 9. Leave 10. Buddy 11. Not silently 12. Cook in a marinade 13. A closed litter for one passenger 22. Closed circuit 25. Strong, restless desire 26. Arctic or Antarctic regions 28. Vertical back fin 29. Not in favor of 30. Midday SODOKU PUZZLE NO 254 - MEDIUM 31. Remedy 32. Ensnare 33. Overzealous 37. Married women 39. Scintilla 40. Gambling machine 41. Move around slowly and aimlessly 44. Evaluate 47. Small branch 51. Join the military 53. Marine mollusk 54. Mixer 55. Strange and frightening 56. Expatriate 57. Zest 61. Flair 63. Opening or perforation 64. Similar in quality or character 65. Yield 66. Had experience of 68. Male offspring 70. Center of a storm PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 123 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 253- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 5 RESOURCES | M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: 471-1100 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5300 961-1983 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 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 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 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 1522 Republic Street 45202 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 961-4663 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Starting Over 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 921-1613 First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Prospect House Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Charlie’s 3/4 House 2121 Vine Street 45202 Shelter: Youth Health Center for Respite Care 421-0065 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile $100 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 for 26 issues $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 M a y 5 - M a y 18 , 2 0 17 | N o . 35 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. 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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 May 5-May 18, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Environmental Protection in Jeopardy Pg 3: We Don’t Need a Hero, We Need Equity and Cooperation Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: No Country for All Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Rapidly In, Rapidly Out Pg 8: Border Stories Pg 9: The Art of Healing Pg 10: Justice Denied, Society Threatened Pg 11: Dr. Mark Mussman Continued Michael Earl Patton Continued Pg 12: Getting Down Like You Live 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 May 5-May 18, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Key Beck Dr. Mark Mussman Michael Earl Patton Sr. Nicole Varnerin Steve Sunderland Ricardo Taylor Cleo Wombles Stacey Hollander Bobby Morris Willa Denise Jones Alice Schnieder Aimee Willhoite Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimee Willhoite Alice Schnieder Bill Woods Bipolar Bobby Morris Border Stories Cincinnati Cleo Wombles Dr. Mark Mussman Environment Environmental Issues Josh Spring Key Beck mental illness Michael Earl Patton Photography Ricardo Taylor Sr. Nicole Varnerin Stacey Hollander Steve Sunderland Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/335eefde704dbaf3b3be8aa0ff27a0be.pdf 5a66b2dd36da80693b6a59c205f8bdc7 PDF Text Text M ay 19th - June 1st 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 37 (No. 356) advocating justice | Building community It’s impossible to count the number of lives Michael Stoops changed| 8 This issue sponsored by Lachey's INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Real Prospect for Political Reform | 2 Border Stories: Saying Goodbye| 3 Not-So-Fake-News from Early America | 5 Hostile Design | 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: Would You Forcefully Displace Your Grandmother From Her Home? W hat would it take for you to decide to displace elderly people from their homes against their will? Perhaps this question makes you squirm (I hope it does). Maybe you are thinking to yourself, “Well I guess if they refused to pay rent, or were violent toward their neighbors or something like that…”. Is there any chance, you are also thinking, “But I would still try to assist them in finding another place to live that works for them.” What if they had significant physical limitations, trouble walking, and perhaps chronic illness? What if the people and services they rely on to live were near their homes and they said they were scared about how they would get by elsewhere? Maybe you are saying to yourself, “Well I guess if the building were in unsafe physical condition, but I would still assist them in finding a place that worked for them.” What if you learned that this M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 JOSH SPRING Executive Director story is real and is happing right now in our city? What if you also learned that the two elderly women in this story were the final two people a company is displacing from their building after already displacing their elderly neighbors? What if you know these people did pay their rent and were kind to their neighbors? What if you learned that they really do have trouble moving about, one has a chronic illness and both use walkers? What if you know that they really do have friends nearby that assist them in getting their groceries from nearby? What if you knew that they check in on each other, their neighbors check in on them and they have a strong community? And what if it was confirmed that their homes were in safe condition? What if you met with them in person, looked into their eyes and heard their story and the pain this ordeal is causing, would you displace them? What if one of the two women signed a lease for another building you own, but a couple weeks later you learned she felt scared your company was going to put her on the street and was confused and under significant mental duress and that is why she signed the lease? What if you learned that despite the fact the new building has less stairs, they are wider and have inadequate railing and she has already almost fallen multiple times? What if the other woman recently fell in her apartment because your company did not fix problem tiles? What if you learned that these two women who have trouble walking were trying to pack their life’s belongings up and one of them has been trekking the mile to the new apartment trying to carry boxes on her walker, feeling lost, unsafe, and “like she is losing her mind” the whole time? Would any of these make you choose to not displace them from their homes? Maybe you think to yourself, “But if they are in bad health (Continued on page 11) A REAL PROSPECT FOR POLITICAL REFORM – FORUM REVIEWS A NEW INITIATIVE FOR FAIR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS IN OHIO A n opportunity to achieve significant political reform now exists in Ohio. An initiative was just launched to bring about fair Congressional districts in the state. Encouraged that voters passed an Ohio Constitutional Amendment in 2015 to establish fair state districts, the Fair Elections Coalition in Columbus drafted a proposal to reach the same end when Congressional districts are redrawn after the next U.S. Census. At the May 11th Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral, Catherine Turcer, Policy Analyst for Common Cause/Ohio, used a power point presentation to depict the present situation in terms of Congressional Districts in the state and to outline the content of the proposed Amendment that would reform the current redistricting process. She was joined at the podium by Elizabeth Brown, Vice President of the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area, who helped lead the discussion of why this reform is so badly needed. Ohio, noted Turcer, provides BILL WOODS Contributing Writer a model for gerrymandered Congressional districts in the U.S. After showing a picture of the results of the original gerrymandering carried out by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry in 1812, she used several maps of Ohio to portray how this state’s districts were drawn after the last Census. Taking full advantage of their ability to 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: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE (Continued on page 3) Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Sr. Nicole Varnerin, Michael Earl Patton, Dr. Mark Mussman, Steve Sunderland, Bobby Morris, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/ Artwork: Alice Schneider, Sr. Nicole Varnerin, Google images, Dr. Mark Mussman, Bill Woods Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Catherine Turcer from Common Cause Ohio 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 Border Stories: Saying Goodbye No. 35 6 3 | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 SR. NICOLE VARNERIN Contributing Writer I have now been in Texas for over two months and will be leaving this adventure for another in the next few weeks. I just felt like I have hit my stride. I am comfortable with where I am and what I do. I’ve figured out my living situation and who my friends are. And now, I have to begin the goodbye process. Leaving is never easy, but after moving around job and living locations a few times, I’ve learned some things that make it easier. Remember Ritual Ritual is a way for me and those I am leaving to get closure to the relationship. Realistically, I am not able to keep in touch with each person I leave. For many, this will be the last time we see or talk to each other. For others, the nature of the relationship will change. I find that without some ritual of goodbye, a card, a dinner, or a personal conversation, feelings can be hurt and people can feel cast aside. The nature of being a sister means I will move around a lot. Moving for me does not mean I am unhappy with where I am, like it does for most people. Moving for me just means going to the next thing. I will always keep those I have met in my heart, and they need to know that. A simple ritual of goodbye can be giving cards or a meaningful trinket. The children I teach in Mexico will each get a handmade friendship bracelet and I will tell them how much they mean to me. I will remember them by a matching bracelet. We will continue to be connected. With my adult students and friends we might go out to dinner to celebrate and exchange phone numbers. Regardless of the specific ritual, the important part is that they will know what impact their life had on mine. Share My Experiences Sharing my experiences not only helps others to learn what I am doing and possibly find a replacement, BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) control the Congressional district drafting process in 2011, Republicans utilized computer experts to create a district map that assured them of a large majority of Congressional seats. Working in a hotel room near the State House, the GOP technicians crafted districts that assured their Party’s dominance until 2022. In a state that is approximately fifty/fifty Sr. Nicole Varnerin and Teresa Photo: Sr. Nicole Varnerin but also helps me to put words to my experience. Finding words to describe my love of a place and for a people helps me to remember and let go. Part of this letting go happens here in my articles and my ability to share my experiences with you. Other times it is in conversations with family and friends. But sharing my experiences in person with others who might take my place is the most life-giving for me. I love sharing my joy with others. I love introducing others to the people and places who mean so much to me. I love seeing the light in their eyes when they experience something for the first time. I love seeing the wheels turning when something new comes along. This week I have had Sr. Nicole Varnerin and Teresa Photo: Sr. Nicole Varnerin in terms of votes for Republicans and Democrats, Republicans now hold twelve of the sixteen Congressional seats. Both Turcer and Brown took on the question of why having unfairly drawn districts is so unhealthy for the democratic process. Since political parties have indulged in some form of gerrymandering for over twohundred years, why not just accept it? The speakers emphasized that today’s extreme gerrymandering “Breakdown Stereotypes” done with “the power of the computer” makes districts so safe for one party’s candidates that campaigns are superfluous. No real debates or discussions take place that allow citizens to learn and talk about complex and important public issues. Many citizens, they noted, come to realize that their votes are meaningless. They simply see no reason to vote in Congressional elections. Do we really want a system where politicians pick their voters the privilege to share my experiences with a young woman named Teresa. It has been a joy to get to know her and I enjoy hearing her reflections on things that I experienced for the first time only a couple months ago. Sharing my experience with her has been a wonderful way for me to say goodbye to all that I treasure here. Another important outlet for sharing my experiences is in journaling and painting. I keep a journal so I can remember what I experienced. I can go back to it and remember how I felt in this new place and how I felt leaving. My paintings express my feelings in a more visual way and allow me to process my experience beyond words. Planning for the Next I know it can be dangerous to plan ahead before it is time, but I find that planning for the goodbye, psyching myself up for it, makes the goodbye much easier. Instead of just leaving, I think about how I want to leave. So how do I want to leave the Rio Grande Valley? I would love to be able to leave promising a return, but I cannot. So I have to say goodbye like it is the last time. I want to leave the valley with love. I want the people I have met to know that “because I knew you I have been changed for good” as a song from the musical Wicked says. I want to leave blessing the land and promising my prayers. I want to leave with all the lessons I have learned intact and engraved on my heart. And after leaving, there is always a new beginning. So how do I want to begin at my next location? It’s never fun to be one place physically and another place mentally. People don’t want to hear you pining for where you wish you could be, but want to hear your stories. Being mentally absent will only hurt me. I want to be fully present where I am, but still remembering how I have changed through the lessons I have learned in the valley. I want to remember where I was and integrate this experience into who I am, but still enter fully into where I will be. Will this be hard? Yes. But with the help of God and my friends, I hope to make it a reality. rather than “we the people” electing our representative? An active participant in drafting the current reform proposal, Catherine Turcer described how this initiative would prevent this kind of partisan abuse in the future. The Congressional redistricting proposal mirrors the state redistricting Amendment that was approved by the voters in 2015. It specifically (Continued on page 8) “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 �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 �LOCAL Not-So-Fake-News from Early America No. 35 6 | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 MICHAEL EARL PATTON O f course I don’t like news that is an outright fraud, but who makes the call? All the proposals that I have seen would have some group set up by a mainstream media organization determine what is fake and what is not, and either block the fake news outright or at least make it harder to access. The problem is obvious – the implication is that the mainstream media can be trusted, while alternative media cannot. Yet the alternative media exist in the first place because many people don’t trust the established media to provide accurate and complete information. That is not to say that the alternative media always gets it right, but considering their meager resources they often do a valuable job by writing about viewpoints and events that do not get proper coverage elsewhere. As I read Mrs. Frances Trollope’s book Domestic Manners of the Americans, I saw descriptions of at least three aspects of American life that surely galled the American Establishment of the 1830’s by its brutally honest – not fake -- depictions. Her book was vilified here but became a best seller in England. The citizens of the young United States came in for special scrutiny for proclaiming that “all men are created equal.” This, of course, was a central part of the Declaration of Independence and was penned by Thomas Jefferson. Mrs. Trollope thought it was self-evident that not all men were created equal and rightfully blasted us for being such gross hypocrites in not even making an attempt to live up to the matter when it came to blacks, American Indians, and Irish immigrants. Jefferson came in for some special scorn. I will quote much of what she wrote: “Few names are held in higher estimation in America than that of Jefferson; it is the touchstone of the democratic party, and all seem to agree that he was one of the greatest of men; yet I have heard his name coupled with deeds which would make the sons of Europe shudder. The facts I allude to are spoken openly by all, not whispered privately by a few; and in a country where religion is the teatable talk, and its strict observance a fashionable distinction, these facts are recorded and listened to without horror, nay, without emotion. “Mr. Jefferson is said to have been the father of children by almost all his numerous gang of female slaves. These wretched offspring were also the lawful slaves of their father, and worked in his house and plantations as such; in particular, it is recorded that it was his especial pleasure to be waited upon them at table, and the hospitable orgies for which his Monticello was so celebrated, were incomplete, unless the goblet he Contributing Writer quaffed were tendered by trembling hand of his own slavish offspring. “I once heard it stated by a democratic adorer of this great man, that when, as it sometimes happened, his children by his Quadroon slaves were white enough to escape suspicion of their origin, he did not pursue them if they attempted to escape, saying laughingly, “Let the rogues get off, if they can; I will not hinder them.” This was stated in a large party, as a proof of his kind and noble nature, and was received by all with approving smiles.” Now this has all the aura of what the omissions. We now know that much, maybe most or all, of what Mrs. Trollope wrote is true. Thomas Jefferson did have children by his slaves, notably Sally Hemmings, they did work as slaves in his manor and served at his table, and he did let them escape when they became of age. Whether he had children by other slave women is not covered by this book, but such a practice was certainly not uncommon. And orgies? Well, I am not going to entirely discount that word. Jefferson’s slave mistress, Sally Hemmings, was his wife’s half-sister. Declaration of Independance Credit: Google Images we would call today “fake news.” I checked the entry for Jefferson in my 1982 edition of the Encyclopedia Americana and there is no support for any of the above. The nearest it comes is a brief mention of personal attacks on Jefferson which were publicized in 1802 by James Thomson Callender, a “dissolute and unscrupulous journalist,” during Jefferson’s first term as president. The entry does not describe the nature of these attacks on the president except to say that they have rarely, if ever, been matched (this was obviously written before the 2016 campaign). There is nary a mention that Jefferson even owned slaves, let alone that he used them to run his plantation. “Quadroon,” by the way, is an old term that meant that the person had three white grandparents and one black grandparent. That was then. The 2012 book by Henry Wiencek, Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves, does much to correct They had the same (white) father, John Wayles. Sally Hemmings’ mother was at least half-white, since the mother also had a white father but was born of a slave. This meant that Sally Hemmings would have been a “Quadroon,” to use the old term. (This also meant that the children Jefferson had by Hemmings would have had 7 white great-grandparents and 1 black one. Most of them would be “white enough to escape suspicion of their origin.”) But Hemmings was born of a slave, while Jefferson’s wife was born of a free woman. And that was the only difference that mattered. This sort of thing happened back then, a lot. Whether one used the word “orgy” or another word like “rape” may be just due to the writer’s preference given the times in which she wrote. I covered some of this in an earlier article, The Tragedy of Thomas Jefferson. Mrs. Trollope also mentions some of her personal observations on slavery and the attitudes of their THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 owners. She mentions an incident in Virginia when an eight-year old slave girl accidentally ate a biscuit that was buttered and sprinkled with arsenic, meant to kill rats. Mrs. Trollope gave the girl an emetic to make her vomit, took her into her lap, and wiped her mouth. This prompted no end of amusement from the slave girl’s white owners for showing such affection for the poor girl. She also noted that the owners would talk about their slaves in their presence as if, as she put it, the slaves were incapable of hearing. A Virginian slave owner told her that ever since he had married, he had a slave girl sleep in the same room as he and his wife. When she asked why, he replied, “Good heaven! If I wanted a glass of water during the night, what would become of me?” Mrs. Trollope rightly blasted the American government for forcing the last of the Indian tribes east of the Mississippi from their homes and making them move west. And this, as she noted, was after we had bound ourselves to protect their rights by “the most solemn treaties.” She visited the bureau in Washington that handled Indian affairs and noted that there, on display, was evidence that the Indians were no longer wandering hunters but were becoming agriculturists and adopting other aspects of European culture. And now Americans were forcing them from their homes, their crops, and the “sacred bones of their fathers” in order to seize their small territories. When I was growing up, I knew nothing of this. It wasn’t until I saw an exhibit at a little museum in Oklahoma when I was about 30 that I learned about the “Trail of Tears.” The curious thing is that I went to high school and college in Indiana, a state that was named after the Indians. Yet they were all forced out long ago. I wondered about this, and I think I even tried to find some more information (this was well before the internet), but found nothing worthwhile. The final topic I want to mention is her description of our treatment of the Irish immigrants. She wrote that we treat slaves better than we treat the Irish. She noted that there were strong feelings against the Irish in every part of the United States, but they work hard and are employed. If they become sick, however, the Irishman is thrown to one side and a new one takes his place. This is different than with a slave, who is treated as a valuable horse is treated. She relates the story of how a farmer told the country family which she was visiting of a dying Irishman who was literally lying at the side of the road unable to speak. They brought him to their house where he died during the night. He had been working at building a canal, had gotten sick, spent his last cent, left the miserable dwelling which was standard for canal workers, and tried to make his way back to Washington when he collapsed. He looked about twenty (Continued on page 11) �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 �No. 35 6 7 LOCAL | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 Hostile Design DR. MARK MUSSMAN H Staff Writer ostile Design is a way to keep people from doing normal things that people would do – like sit, or lay down. These design elements are used throughout the urban landscape to exclude people from private and public spaces. Hostile Design does not include private security forces, CCV cameras, or other elements that require human interaction. But the signs that stand in proxy for security forces can be considered hostile design. Walking through Over-theRhine and Downtown Cincinnati, I was able to capture several forms of hostile design. The most common element that I saw prohibits people from laying down. Whether it be a bench with a bar in the middle, as you see in Washington Park, or it be a circular bench set up, seen in a few places downtown, it’s clear that laying down is strictly prohibited. While this may make sense at bus stops, what does it mean when you cannot lay down in a park? Would those people who had a vision for a great city park agree with the mentality to make it as inhospitable as possible? I believe parks were created and designed for a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Now, instead of placing the bar in the middle of the bench, they make the benches too short to lay on, such as the bus shelters, including Government Square. Another common element stops people from sitting at all. This could be as simple as placing a flower pot on an unused stairway, as seen on Circular Bucket Seats Prevent Laying Down Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Outcroppings Prevent Families and People Using Wheelchairs From Having Easy Access Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Alley Leases Allow For Barriers to Privatize Public Space Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman 14th Street in Over-the-Rhine, or it could be a slight slope on ledges that would typically be used for sitting. The slight slope makes it impossible to lay down, but it also makes your legs fall asleep if you sit on it for any length of time. Spikes and ridges may be the most shocking type of hostile design, but little fences, such as the one around the entire perimeter of Washington Park are just as offensive. The ridges around the federal courthouse prevent people from sitting on their wall. The ridged metal in front of Holtman’s Donuts stops people, who may be waiting on a bus there, from having a comfortable place to sit. The recent removal of many of the bus benches throughout the city highlights the lack of value we put into our public transit system. This is to contrast with the privatization of public spaces, like alleys and sidewalks, in the area. While people on fixed and low incomes are struggling to stand waiting for the bus, a few feet away restaurant outcroppings take up the majority of the sidewalk. People sitting, enjoying their expensive meals can enjoy the sidewalk space, but it is otherwise an offense to sit on the sidewalk. I have seen police officers drive up in their cruisers and tell people they cannot have their legs on the sidewalk, when they were sitting on the church steps. Threats of tickets and even arrest have been made, but restaurants claim several feet of the sidewalk making it very difficult to navigate your way down the street with a family or in a wheelchair, in order to serve alcohol on the sidewalk. These double standards need to stop. I was first made aware of hostile design several years ago when I was in Santa Cruz, California. The University of California at Santa Cruz was designed to prevent students from engaging in political protests and marches. The winding walkways and meeting spaces were specifically (Continued on page 12) Ornate Fence Prevents Sitting Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 NATIONAL “It’s impossible to count the number of lives Michael Stoops changed” M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 STREET SENSE I t is with great sadness that Street Sense says goodbye to Michael Stoops, who passed away peacefully on the morning of 1 May. Michael directed community organising for the National Coalition for the Homeless, which he helped found in the 80s. No individual has been more committed to or instrumental in empowering people experiencing homelessness. This trait put him on the national stage during the frigid winter of 1986 when Michael slept on the sidewalk grates of Washington with activist Mitch Snyder and others. They successfully urged Congress to pass the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which remains our government’s most significant financial response to homelessness. Food stamps, Section 8 housing, Health Care for the Homeless, community mental health services, education assistance and much more — all McKinney-Vento. But this was only a moment in time. Michael had already been administering shelters and advocating around local issues in Oregon for a decade. He went on to create NCH’s speakers bureau, which trains and pays homeless and formerly homeless people to share their experiences with students, professionals and lawmakers. He instituted National Homeless Persons Memorial Day more than 20 years ago to honor the lives of anyone who dies while homeless. He led an annual effort to track hate crimes against homeless people and tirelessly pushed for homeless bills of rights legislation. He was instrumental in the founding of Street Sense and fostered a network of collaboration among street papers across the country. Michael served on our board for many years. One of our co-founders crashed on Michael’s couch when first BILL WOODS (Continued from page 3) prohibits drawing districts that favor or disfavor a political party. Requiring districts to be geographically compact, it says that splitting counties, cities, and townships must be kept to a minimum. Districts, according to the proposal, must be nearly equal in population, and the overall district map for Ohio must reflect statewide election results over the previous ten years. As approved in 2015, the Ohio Redistricting Commission will include the Governor, the Auditor, the Secretary of State, and appointees by the Speaker of the House, the House Minority Leader, the Ohio Senate President, and the Senate Minority Courtesy of INSP.ngoontributing Writer Michael Stoops at the Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Washington D.C. December 19, 2015 Credit: Alexandra Pamles moving to the District to work on Street Sense. “The same couch that George Siletti slept on,” Ted Henson confided in a hospital hallway after visiting Michael. Siletti, who also recently passed away, was a dedicated member of the NCH speakers bureau and published poetry in the early editions of Street Sense. Clearly Michael opened his heart and his home to many. Yet he never asked for anything in return, except more work. Even though he was the kind of person with the kind of Rolodex that could get Susan Sarandon on a plane to Washington to demand Congressional action on homelessness. After suffering a major stroke in 2015, Michael continued to consult on NCH efforts. In his wheelchair, he participated in the 2015 and 2016 National Homeless Persons Memorial Day marches and interfaith services here the District, which included accompanying advocates to lobby councilmembers in the Wilson Building. He was greeted with a near- standing ovation when he attended the Street Sense annual celebration last year to see our artists perform. In addition to lawmakers, Michael was also committed to educating the next generation on homelessness and Leader. To officially approve a new Congressional District map will require a majority of the Commission that includes at least two members from the minor political party. Finally, public input is a requirement throughout the redistricting process, and any Ohio citizen can submit a Congressional map proposal to the Commission. Initially, explained Turcer, reformers hoped the General Assembly would vote to put their plan on the ballot. When the House and Senate turned their backs on it, the reform coalition decided to move forward with a citizen initiative. Faced with making a revision on the summary of the proposed Constitutional Amendment for Attorney General Mike DeWine, the coalition hopes to be ready to gather signatures in approximately three weeks. Preparing for the daunting task of collecting over 300,000 signatures of registered voters in the root inequalities that lead to it. “Sixth Graders Demand Equal Rights for District Homeless Community” — Michael. “Georgetown Freshman Founds Press, Builds Solidarity in Homeless Community” — Michael again. NCH Speakers Bureau member Eric Sheptock wrote in an email that Michael would always introduce speakers by saying, “I’ve been doing this work for 40 years; and, if we don’t begin to do more than feed and shelter the homeless, then in 40 more years when all of you are my age, we’ll still be trying to end homelessness.” It would be impossible to count the number of lives Michael has changed for the better. And he would never ask us to. But you can show it. In lieu of flowers or condolences, we are sure he would appreciate a wellcrafted call or note to your senator, your representative, your city official or a person struggling on the street. Rest in peace, Michael. We love you. Mitch Snyder (second from right) and Michael Stoops (farthest right), 1986. Courtesy of National Coalition for the Homeless Credit: Rachel Cain Ohio, Turcer and Brown believe that citizens are ready to support a reform that will help revitalize democracy in this state. ------------------------ Catherine Turcer updates audience on the citizen's intiative THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Credit: Alice Schneider �WORLD Refugee couple fight to be reunited for their wedding No. 35 6 9 | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 DOMINIK GALLIKER Courtesy of SURPRISE / INSP.ngo A re you nervous? “A little bit.” She laughs, embarrassed. “I haven’t eaten anything today,” she says, clutching a little bag of chicken nuggets that she bought from the train station. “I didn’t want to eat until I knew that everything would go well.” The train arrives. The 14.34 to Fribourg, Lausanne, Geneva, Geneva airport. “Shall we sit upstairs?” asks 31-year-old Laila, her lips painted a matt pink. “I didn’t tell anyone, you know.” She says, once we’ve sat down. “It’s supposed to be a surprise. A big surprise for everyone. I’ll upload a picture on Facebook as soon as he arrives.” The train pulls away from the platform. The station slides by, then the riding school, then the river, the bridges. “He misses Bern a lot,” she says. Can you remember it all, Laila? It was a little more than one year asylum centre, signed in every day to confirm he was there, received 8.50 in Swiss francs per day, to buy food. Like hundreds of others who were turned down. *** Everyone is allowed to get married in Switzerland, it is a human right. You even get a residence permit after getting married, but you need to have the right papers. Toufik was missing one: a certificate of citizenship. In essence, a valid passport. *** “Look at this!” Laila rummages around in the plastic bag she has brought with her. “I bought him a present.” She pulls out a scarf, black, with the label still on. “I’m sure he doesn’t have enough warm clothes with him. He always forgets. In Morocco it’s always so warm…” An announcement interrupts her. Next stop: Fribourg. The Moroccan Laila waiting for her husband, Toufik Credit: Julien Gregorio ago – 8 December 2015 to be exact. Laila and Toufik had an appointment with the immigration authorities. A nice appointment, they thought. “Do we have to talk about it?” asks Laila, chewing on a chicken nugget. She had been making preparations for her wedding. They were at the registry office. At the desk for couples without papers. They had been together for a year and a half. Laila, a women’s rights activist from Yemen, had been given refugee status a long while ago. Toufik, a Moroccan looking for a better life, lived in an asylum centre. His application for asylum had been turned down the year before. He was an illegal immigrant, sans-papiers. However the authorities were missing a Laissez-passer – a pass to get him back to Morocco. Toufik was permitted to remain. He lived in the strange things, like whether or not she knew that Toufik didn’t have a residence permit. That he wasn’t supposed to be here. They questioned her for two hours, Laila told us later. Then they said that Toufik wasn’t sitting next door, he had been taken into custody. Arrested. Administrative detention while they prepared everything for deportation. *** Laila falls silent. The train has already passed Lake Geneva. It’s cloudy. The trolley rolls past us. Someone orders a cappuccino. After a while, Laila says, “Please don’t write anything negative about the immigration police. Or about Mr Ott. Mr Ott is a friend.” Toufik was in jail for almost three months before he gave up. Voluntary repatriation to Morocco, 25th February 2016. “Let’s talk about something else,” says Laila. Next stop: Lausanne. “Oh wow, we’re almost there already. Just one more hour.” Laila takes a mirror from her bag, and make-up. She tops it up, although she’s already perfectly made up. She pulls out her phone and checks one more time. Train’s estimated arrival at Geneva airport: 16.27. Flight from Casablanca due to land at 16.20. “We’ll have to hurry,” says Laila. *** Toufik first came to Switzerland in 2012. He never intended to stay. In his hometown of Rabat he was a carpenter, but he didn’t earn enough money to be able to start a family. His partner left him for another man, he tells us. He decided to leave. He managed to get onboard a ship, dodging the border police in Montpellier. He travelled to Italy. He lived in abandoned houses or on the street. He worked as a chef, embassy didn’t want to give Toufik a passport. Illegal immigrants don’t get passports. They told Toufik that he needed to apply for a Swiss residence permit. To get this, he needed to have a passport. It is this dilemma that Laila and Toufik wanted to explain to the immigration authorities at their appointment on the 8th December of last year. The civil servant had invited them there to talk about the wedding, as far as Laila and Toufik were concerned. “We asked you to come here today to sort out your residency status,” said Alexander Ott, head of the Bern immigration office. He split the pair up – Laila went into one room, while Toufik was led into another. Or so Laila thought. Two immigration officers questioned Laila. They asked her THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED then at a market, earning 30 euros a day. Shortly before the onset of winter, the business was checked for undocumented workers. When he couldn’t show his papers, he had to leave. “I just want a legal job with a steady income, a normal European life,” he said after coming to Switzerland. “Can’t I just stay here for a few months and then go back to Italy in the spring?” he asked. “I’ll freeze to death if I go now.” The State Secretariat for Migration checked whether they could just send Toufik to Italy or to France. Negative. The Dublin Agreement states that because Toufik was never registered in France or Italy, he couldn’t be sent back. There were only two options: he could apply for asylum in Switzerland, or he would be sent back to Morocco. “I wouldn’t fly back to Morocco for all the money in Switzerland,” says Toufik. And then he makes a hopeless application for asylum. In a country where he had no intention of staying. *** The train arrives at Lausanne station. Passengers are waiting by the doors for the doors to open. “Hello?” A phone call from Rabat. A quick conversation in Arabic, then the connection goes. “Toufik’s family,” Laila explains. “They took him to the airport, to Casablanca.” She tries to call them back. No connection. “It was an emotional farewell for them,” she says. “They hadn’t seen him in seven years. Before he was deported, he had been in Europe illegally for seven years. Can you imagine? Seven years!” *** One week before, at the immigration office. Mr Ott is in his mid-fifties with a moustache and a short haircut, grey, with rimless spectacles. A man with authority, and always media-ready. Why was Tourik arrested, Mr Ott? “Mr. S. had gone into hiding after the decision was made to remove him. A legal order was made to have him deported,” said Alexander Ott. Toufik had actually (Continued on page 10) Laila and Toufik reunite. Credit: Julien Gregorio �10 LOCAL M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 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 DOMINIK GALLIKER (Continued from page 9) gone into hiding and travelled to Germany, but this was a long time ago. He returned to Switzerland and had been in the asylum centre for more than a year. How is this supposed to work? “The immigration enforcement authority doesn’t work with case-specific information,” Ott explained. “However, we clarified it with the appropriate authorities before he was detained. They confirmed that the deportation order was still valid. If Mr. S. had obtained the necessary documents for his marriage, we would have been able to assess his case a second time, but he didn’t have anything to support him and he was in Switzerland illegally. In cases like these, the immigration authorities have a very limited margin of discretion. We were forced to act in accordance with the law.” *** The train leans into the curve. The weather has cleared up outside and we can see the castle in Nyon across a lake. It’s just after 4 o’clock. “I thought about dying my hair red,” says Laila. “Not all over, just a little bit, underneath.” She checks her phone, no message from Rabat. “But then I remembered that Toufik doesn’t like red hair, so I didn’t do it.” *** How did you two meet, Laila? It was in 2014. June. They were both in an asylum centre in Thun. Laila was waiting for a decision on her asylum status. She had been doing an internship with a human rights organisation in Switzerland, and during that time the situation in Yemen had intensified. This is when Laila decided to apply for asylum. She met Toufik in a nearby shopping centre. All of the asylum seekers went there, because there was free internet access. He looked like an Arab. “Are you from Yemen as well?” She asked him, “from Morocco”, he replied. And he wanted to know how long she had been in Thun. “Four days”, she replied. He went into a shop, came back out and said: “come with me, I’ll show you the town.” And that was it. *** Laila checks her phone, sets it aside, and plays with the ring that she wears on her left hand, turning it around on her finger. A wedding ring? “Yeah”, says Laila. “We’re already married, just not on paper.” There was a traditional Islamic ceremony at the asylum centre in Thun. A big party. Someone had put on some African music and everyone was dancing, even Toufik. “It’s real gold”, says Laila. “But from Morocco, so it wasn’t so expensive. Toufik didn’t know what size to get. He just bought the biggest.” She has wrapped sticky tape around one side of the ring to make it fit. *** Subject: press enquiry. An email to the immigration service of Bern: why was there an order to arrest a man who had been living for such a long time in one of your asylum centres? And why was he only arrested when he showed up at the registry office, wanting to get married? The answer: “We would like to thank you for your enquiry. We regret to inform you that we are unable to express ourselves to the media. Thank you for your understanding.” And that was that. *** Geneva, central station. The train has barely pulled up to the platform when Laila stands up, grabs her coat and wraps her scarf around her neck. Just one more stop: Geneva Airport. “I need to do my hair quickly at the airport,” she says. And adds: “I hope Toufik is well dressed. I told him to wear something smart.” *** We sent a request to the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM): application for access to files in the case of Moroccan national, Toufik S. After some time, the SEM sends us 200 pages of documents that have been redacted in places. It is Toufik’s story from the perspective of the authorities, from the first interview until the decision to deport him. These documents show that in the summer of 2014 the SEM tried, for the first time, to get Toufik out of the country. They wrote to the Moroccan embassy asking them to identify him and demanding a Laissez-passer. No answer. In January 2015 the SEM tried again. “The person in question does not have leave to remain in Switzerland, and for this reason will have to leave without delay.” No answer. The SEM sent a third letter in May 2015. “Respectfully, we would like to remind you that we are still waiting for a response in this matter.” No reaction. The fourth letter wasn’t THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED sent to the Moroccan embassy; they sent it straight to Rabat. The answer came within a few days: a promise that the Moroccan authorities would issue a Laissez-passer. This was on the 12th November 2015. Just one month before Toufik and Laila would go to the immigration office for their marriage documents. The authorities could not have known that they wanted to get married: it was all coincidence. *** End of the line, please exit the train. Laila dives out onto the platform. We watch people jostling with their suitcases to get onto the escalators. It’s 16.25. “Maybe he’s landing right now,” says Laila. “Now my heart is racing.” We climb the stairs. “Ok… deep breaths.” She laughs, nervously. We go through the revolving door, past the airport cafes and restaurants. It’s now 16.30. Laila heads to the toilets. “Just to do my hair, it won’t take long,” she promises, apologetically. She’s back within five minutes. How are you doing, Laila? “I’m good”, she says. “Good. Excited.” She goes on ahead, towards arrivals. We pass rucksack-laden people drinking coffee. She stops in front of the screen. The flight from Casablanca is fourth from the top in the list. Scheduled arrival: 16.20. Anticipated arrival: 17.10. Delayed. Laila slowly makes her way back to me. We have a seat in a cafe and she orders coffee and cake for us both, and insists on paying. She looks at (Continued on page 12) �No. 35 6 LOCAL WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 STEVE SUNDERLAND 1. Healthcare in jeopardy: The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that calls for the radical cutting of Medicaid funds to the poor, and, devastating cuts to provisions for the elderly and people with disabilities. The president and the Republicans celebrated these changes in the White House Rose Garden as the shadow of dire need fell across millions of people. No one knows, yet, just how many millions of people will be negatively affected or how many people with pre-existing conditions will lose their care, their doctors, and, eventually, their lives. The elderly, in and out of nursing homes, will lose vital options for care. Veterans will face even more obstacles. What is to be done? 2. The work of the Cancer Justice Network: Cincinnati is the cancer death leader of all of Ohio for minorities, people with disabilities, and the aged. Currently, the Cancer Justice Network is the MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 5) and was buried without a name. There was a general belief among Americans that the British were paying the costs of sending some of their poor to the United States, which was widely resented here. She was not able to confirm that but did confirm that many Irish and English poor arrived yearly. She relates that the poor of Great Britain would be better off if they emigrated to Canada instead of the United States, where they were greeted with “malice, hatred, and uncharitableness.” There is an aspect to the history of discrimination against the Irish that I want to relate as it affected my own research into this topic. About 10 or so years ago I wanted to do an article for the old Cincinnati Beacon website about how the situation for the Irish had greatly improved and now, every March 17, “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.” I wanted to note that Cinco de Mayo was becoming a similar holiday and it would be great if something similar JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2 and have limited mobility they would be better suited in a home designed for people who are elderly.” Maybe so, maybe not, but if you knew all of this would decide not to displace them against their will and instead work with them to determine how they want to spend their years? It is hard to write words that fully express another person’s pain, but if I have gotten anywhere close, I hope you are saying to yourself, “This sounds terrible, I would never do this, no one should ever do this Contributing Writer 11 Medicaid and Obamacare. We will continue our programs until there is a new law that prohibits people from getting insurance. We will continue to visit dinners, health fairs, and educational settings and invite people to join us. We will find transportation that is easy, direct, and accessible for people wanting an exam and treatment. And, we will fight for the maintaining of every caring aspect of health insurance that assists people in fighting cancer. 4. Next Steps: We need to continue to march for justice in health care for everyone. Included in standing up for cancer justice is to also take our health seriously and not let our president and the Republicans decide that our population, our low income individuals and families, our people with disabilities, and our aged, are unworthy for full and rapid treatment. We have many allies in this struggle: doctors, hospitals, insurers, civil rights organizations, and the average American. Take cancer seriously and take action with the Cancer Justice Network. We are joining hands and we will resist this attempt to kill the poor and those most vulnerable in our population. only local program that educates this population on both the realities of cancer and the necessity for early screening and treatment. We visit with the people who are attending free dinners, or community health fairs, or educational meetings and invite them to get immediate care through taking people to health centers for exams to determine if they have cancer. Our program has "navigators," trained staff who are ready to accompany individuals and their families to doctors, nurses, hospitals, and screening centers. We are free because we are volunteers. Most people we see are afraid of cancer and even more fearful of going to physicians and hearing the horrific words, "You have cancer." In the past, negative thoughts about costs have been used as a reason for not going. Or, transportation to and from health centers, hospitals, and doctors' offices have seemed too bewildering. And, once some brave people have visited a doctor, they have been treated as if they were sub-human and ignorant. People have said to us: "I'd rather die than be treated so badly again." Our program seeks to rapidly change the access to health care by providing an ally for the person on the whole journey, from the dinner to the health center and, if necessary, to the hospital for treatments. We want to have everyone transported with confidence that they can master and afford the trips to the health care centers and, once there, understand what their health status and, if necessary, get treatment that is timely, compassionate, and successful. 3. Obamacare still exists: The new legislation does not replace or modify the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare. Yet. People can still get insurance that does not discriminate against them because they have a prior health condition like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. Our navigators can still take people for exams and treatments that are covered by happened with other ethnic groups. Of course I wanted to start by giving some background. I could not find it. There were virtually no records that I found in the internet except for a few scattered incidents. Articles on the subject said that the whole idea was over-blown. In fact University of Illinois Professor Richard Jensen wrote in 2002 that the whole idea of discrimination against the Irish was made up by them for some unknown reason. He wrote that the fact that the Irish-Americans claim signs such as “No Irish Need Apply” were common was a delusion unique to the Irish. His extensive research could find only one such example in the historical record. An electronic search of several hundred thousand pages of magazines, newspapers, and books turned up only about a dozen instances of such discrimination. Other academics echoed his finding. Well, if there was no systemic discrimination against the Irish in the past then I didn’t have an article, so I dropped the idea. George Orwell’s worker at the Ministry of Truth, Winton Smith, in his novel 1984 would have been proud of this “correction” of the historical record. In fact, discrimination against the Irish had been widespread for decades and “No Irish Need Apply” signs were probably common, including in many newspaper ads of the time. This re-revision came about not because of professionals continuing to search for the truth, but because of a high school student, Rebecca Fried. Her study was published in the Oxford Journal of Social History, the same journal that had originally published Dr. Jensen’s article saying Irish-Americans were delusional. True, the internet databases are more extensive now than they were in 2002, but it does call into question Dr. Jensen’s performance. He was a professional – Ms. Fried was a high school student. Sadly, the original article and its influence also showed how quick people were to get rid of a troubling bit of history. As for me, if I had known about Mrs. Trollope’s comments on the treatment of the Irish I would not have dropped the idea and would have written that article. I probably will sometime in the future. So all of this helps show why I like this book. It is an outsider’s look at the young United States and was often highly critical. It went against the mainstream narrative, but that does not mean it was inaccurate. In some areas, at least, it was far more accurate than mainstream accounts. One is the description of Thomas Jefferson’s treatment of his slaves. This was basically truthful, unlike the Encyclopedia Americana as recently as 1982, which lied by omission. As for discrimination against the Irish, this bit of history was covered up just a few years ago! The lesson here is not to automatically believe everything one hears or reads, but evaluate it and see if it fits in with other information. Not that we can always trust the alternative media either: just for the record, I believe the “birthers” are wrong. Barack Obama was NOT born in Kenya. I’ll leave for others to cover the charges brought up against both of the major party candidates in the 2016 election, at least for now. to another person”. Well guess what company is doing this, right now to two elderly women? You have likely heard of them, you’ve likely seen their signs, you’ve probably heard good things about them. You may have even heard that when it comes to for-profit housing development and management they are the “good guys” and do “good work”. And while they have done good work, they have also done and are doing bad work. They are trying to displace and have displaced primarily Black People with low incomes (in the next edition I will give more details on other efforts they are involved in). The company putting these elderly women through this horrible turmoil is Model Group. The fact is, it is never ok to forcefully remove people from their homes for no legitimate list of infractions. It doesn’t matter who the person is, who they are not or how long they have lived there or what age they are. It simply is wrong. So I have not described this currently happening story to say that people who are elderly with limited mobility and declining health have more right to self-determination than another person. It is wrong to displace people without a proven list of infractions, or substantial building, health or fire code safety concerns, period. But you would think that even a company who claims to be on the “good side of things” yet does not believe displacement is wrong would still have respect for their elders. Currently Model doesn’t. Hopefully that will change. By the way, this is what market forces do. The property from which these women and their neighbors are being displaced is on the streetcar line and Model has purchased 37 properties within the last three years within walking distance from this building. What do you think they plan to do with these buildings? THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 LOCAL “TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE” M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer & Streetvibes Distributor C an’t remember who made that statement, but I find that today its meaning is powerful. I’ve lied to others regularly as a way of coping with whatever situation I was in. Rather it be to get something from that person or to get out of a bad situation that I had gotten myself into. Now that I’m living a different life, being honest and true to myself is paramount to me staying on this course. No longer can I look in the mirror and lie to myself saying that “I’m Fine”, “I’m good”, “I’ll be alright”. These were lies. I wasn’t “fine, good or alright” I was SICK! Sick physically, DOMINIK GALLIKER (Continued from page 10) her phone. No message. “I’ll upload a picture to Facebook,” she repeats. “And I’ll mention everyone who has helped me. As soon as all this is over, I’ll write a thank-you letter to Mr Ott. Everything has happened just the way he said it would.” *** After Toufik’s arrest, Alexander Ott invited Laila to his office to discuss Toufik’s legal options with her. Soon after, Toufik agreed to voluntary repatriation to Morocco. Once in Rabat, he applied for a new passport and wrote to the Swiss embassy in DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 7) engineered to prevent an uprising. This was done in the wake of student organizing in the 1960’s. UC Santa Cruz has become the model for student political suppression and campus design. Last year, on a trip to Santa Cruz, I was hoping to find something called a “mosquito box.” You might be fooled into thinking that a mosquito box would be used to fight mosquitos – a well-known pest. Unfortunately, truly am. Being me and telling people, No! Showing people that this is me has been life changing. I can walk into a room and not feel pressure to be a certain way I can be the true me. Who knew? One simple, but difficult step toward change has made my life easier each day. I have to thank the people in my life today for teaching me that and my God for allowing me to be open minded about life and seeing the future as a pleasant and bright thing. This makes me smile. What a life I have today. A glorious life full of opportunities and endless accomplishments to be had ahead of me. Today I have Gratitude for that and for that nothing else needs to be said. Be true to You and Life will Blossom. emotionally, and most importantly to me spiritually. I used to run from myself in order to be “ok” with myself and the lies I told myself helped to reinforce those lies. Does that make sense? I lie to myself to make the lies I’m telling myself make sense or believable. WOW! Talk about being mentally and spiritually sick. As I sit here on this raining morning I see that being true to myself is easy once you make that decision that “Honesty is the best Policy”. Being honest with me. It took and will take many more days and in fact years before I completely get a clear understanding what power that is, that is in being true to myself. I’ll tell you about a recent encounter with this. I was telling myself that I wasn’t all that bad in my relationships with other people. They just didn’t understand me. When I told people that I’m quiet most of the time because I’m a shy, reserved person. “Poppycock”!!. (good word). Anyway I did this to build a wall between me and them. The wall also helped me not to look at myself. For years I would act this way and it did nothing but make me more Dark and Depressing instead of being the outgoing, humorous, person that I Rabat, applying for an entry visa. The reason given: marriage. The application was forwarded, and ended up in the Bern immigration office. The documents were verified and, on 12th October 2016, eight months after his arrest in Bern, Toufik received a letter: his leave to remain for the purpose of marriage. With immediate effect. At 17.12, Laila tries to call Toufik on his Swiss mobile number. His phone is switched off. At 17.15 she goes back to the arrivals screen. ‘Landed.’ She comes back to the cafe, twists the ring on her finger, and glances nervously at her phone. At 17.22 she can’t sit any more. She wanders around the arrivals hall. The screen shows that the baggage collection from the Casablanca flight has started. Laila navigates her way through the other people waiting, arriving at the yellow line. Her eyes flit here and there between the two doors leading into the arrivals hall. A woman with flowers comes through the door. A young man follows her and a group of people cheer when they see him. Laila waits. Comes back out from the crowd. “Maybe they’re questioning him, even now”, she speculates. “The border police, I mean. Do you think they’re questioning him?” She doesn’t wait for my answer and goes back to her place at the front. A woman with a yellow suitcase, a police officer, and then a man in a wheelchair pass by. A woman embraces her husband, someone else waves as he comes through the door. *** It’s 17.33 when she first sees Toufik, somewhere behind some backpackers coming through the doors. She lets out a sigh, steps over the yellow line and approaches him. One month later, on 15 November 2016 at the registry office in Bern, the two finally exchange their vows. it is much more nefarious than that. If you’ve been in gentrifying areas, such as Walnut Hills or Over-theRhine, you might be surprised to hear classical music being blasted on the outside of buildings. This is an attempt to push out “undesirable” people from the area. This is also done at Washington Park and the Public Library downtown. I guess the thinking is that people don’t want to hear classical music, so they will move somewhere else. This is a type of mosquito box, but not the most egregious. We have a true mosquito box here in Over-the-Rhine. On the side of Below Zero Lounge, there is a security camera and a mosquito box. Every time you walk by it announces “Warning, you are being videotaped” and gives off a high pitch noise. The high pitch noise is the mosquito box – while it does nothing to repel mosquitos, it causes headaches and forces people to leave the area. Young people are most susceptible to high pitch sounds, so they are more affected by it. We should consider what it means to be a community and to be inclusive. Does preventing people from laying down solve our housing crisis? Does preventing people from sitting at all give the message that people are “blight” and should not be here? Let’s be honest with ourselves – this isn’t about preventing crime, this is about our collective denial and our inability to find solutions to hard problems. Hostile design is one of the topics we cover in our walking tours in Overthe-Rhine. If you want to see some of this for yourself, schedule a walking tour with the Homeless Coalition through our website: cincihomeless.org/education Park Benches with Middle Arm Rest Prevents Laying Down Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Spiked Bar Prevents Sitting or Holding onto Bar Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 6 | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 NO ONE ASKED 13 STREET VOICE No one asked. How are you today? No one asked, Because no one cared Maybe because everyone is too busy Someone went home today MOTHER GOOSE REPORTS ON THE COMEY FIRING Jimmy, Jimmy, the F.B.I. Chief. We are anxious to hear your briefAbout Trump's Russian connection. "I was researching what transpired, And then the Prez said: 'You're fired!' But you can bet it's about the election." Feeling, sad and empty No one asked, BILL WOODS Contributing Writer No one cared A NEW BEGINING Sometimes no one should have to ask. GOD IS GOOD, NOT SOME OF THE TIME When was the last time you asked someone could you help them? It’s so sad when no one cares enough to ask! KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer 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 M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 125 Across 1. Concession given to mollify Down 4. Unhappy 1. Frighten 7. Reckless 2. Musical instrument 11. Land measurement 3. Small vegetable 12. Music symbol 4. Figure out 13. Poplar tree 15. Something of little value 17. At that place 18. Major division of geological time 19. Patch up or renovate 21. Bovine mammal 22. Square root of a hundred 23. Parts of the Roman calendar 24. Ecstatic 27. Ancient Roman god 28. Cattle pen 30. Rescue 33. Alleviate 36. Design theme 38. Wading bird 39. Tablet of sheet paper 40. Relocate 41. Summarize briefly 43. Stalk 45. Animal hunted or caught for food 46. Relegate 48. Astern 50. A vote that blocks a decision 51. Naked 53. A small drink 56. Beer 58. Seer 60. Single 61. Army unit 64. Fractious 5. Book of maps 6. Consider or regard 7. Rodent 8. Residue of a fire 9. A close observer 10. Paladin 11. Assist in wrongdoing 12. Conifer leaf 14. Novel 16. Group of three musicians 20. In favor of 25. Limb 26. Expeditious 27. Asian plant grown for its seeds and oil SODOKU PUZZLE NO 255 - MEDIUM 28. Yield 29. Dwell 30. Male title 31. In bed 32. The other way around 34. Part of a church 35. Was seated 37. Elfin 42. Cooking vessel 44. Large long-jawed fish 47. Also 49. Three to a yard 51. Nobleman 52. Strong and sharp 53. Solemn 54. Marquetry or parquetry 55. Look searchingly 66. Follow as a result 56. Hotshot 67. Metal money 57. Yearn 68. Juicy fruit 59. Grains used as food 69. Yawn 62. Young dog 70. Finish 63. Understand 71. Attempt 65. Pertinent PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 124 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 254- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 6 RESOURCES | M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: 471-1100 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5300 961-1983 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 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 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 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 1522 Republic Street 45202 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 961-4663 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Starting Over 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 921-1613 First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Prospect House Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Charlie’s 3/4 House 2121 Vine Street 45202 Shelter: Youth Health 421-0065 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile for 26 issues 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 $100 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 M a y 19 - J u n e 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 6 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. 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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 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 LOTTIE MANNER MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 MYRA WILSON NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 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 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 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 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 May 19-June 1, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director A real Prospect for Political Reform Pg 3: Border Stories Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Not-So-Fake-News from Early America Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Hostile Design Pg 8: “It’s Impossible to Count the number of Lives Michael Stoops Changed” Pg 9: Refugee Couple Fight to be Reunited for their Wedding Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Where Do We Go from Here? Pg 12: “To Thine Own Self Be True” 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 May 19-June 1, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Sr. Nicole Varnerin Michael Earl Patton Dr. Mark Mussman Steve Sunderland Bobby Morris Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Alice Schneider Google images Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Bill Woods Bobby Morris Border Stories Congress Dr. Mark Mussman Google Images Josh Spring Kim Green Michael Earl Patton Michael Stoops Ohio politics reform Refugee Sr. Nicole Varnerin Steve Sunderland Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/47bcd7bb6fcd303d208fb6f2af5df238.pdf 4b96dde4b3cc44c83b5cf4e2d59bfd8b PDF Text Text June 16th - June 29th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 39 (No. 358) advocating justice | Building community The Better Bus Coalition is Calling for a 2017 Bus Levy| 8 This issue sponsored by Lachey's INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Heroin Epidemic | 3 We Have Pride, But Now What? | 5 A Great Loss For Our Community | 9 Where's Whitey? | 9 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 13 �2 LOCAL We value our People, We value Human Services J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 JOSH SPRING I Executive Director have typed the two-word phrase “Human Services” more times than I can honestly imagine. I have said it even more times. Our direct organization does not receive any of these dollars. However, a good number of our MemberOrganizations do receive them. Actually, such programs deserve these and more dollars. Not only, that, but they desperately need these dollars. Homelessness is increasing in Cincinnati. More children and adults are experiencing homelessness than probably ever in our city’s history and still the Human Services Fund isn’t funded to the minimum level it is supposed to be funded. And that level is only 1.5% of the General Fund. Half of our children are below the federal poverty level. And in case you are wondering, this is how the federal poverty level is determined: In 1955 the Department of Agriculture completed a survey showing that families at that time spent approximately one-third of their income on food. In 1963 a woman working in the Social Security Department used the Department of Agriculture’s “economy food plan,” which according to the department was "designed for temporary or emergency use when funds are low," and was the cheapest of four plans they created. She then took the 1963 annual cost of this “economy food plan,” later called the “thrifty food plan” and multiplied it by three per the 1955 survey. This became the federal poverty level in 1963 and since then, each year it has simply been adjusted for inflation. The resulting poverty line for 2017 for a family of four is $24,600. All of this to say, imagine how many of our children, families and adults would be shown to be experiencing poverty if the poverty line were reasonable and realistic. So with this clearly inaccurate federal poverty line, nearly fifty percent of our children still fall below, as well as 42.3 percent of Black People, 37.7 percent of Hispanic People, 19.4 percent of white people and 30.5 percent of all people. Despite these alarming percentages, which we know to be significantly lower than the actual percentages, Human Services is currently only 0.88 percent of the city’s general fund and for years was even lower. The city manager has proposed cutting it to 0.625 percent and the mayor wants to keep it at only 0.88 percent. Meanwhile the city funds corporate supported ventures, gives money to big for-profit developments and hands out tens of millions of dollars in tax abatements like candy to corporations. In addition to dolling out our money in this manner there are no processes to prevent displacement and as a result displacement either directly or indirectly resulting from city supported developments occur regularly, sending more people even deeper into poverty and homelessness. These numbers and priorities do not add up. Actually, they do. It is no wonder why poverty in Cincinnati is at the levels it is and why homelessness is on the rise. Please take a moment to send an email to citycouncil@cincinnatioh.gov telling them to restore the significant deficit in Human Services due to years and years of cuts and neglect. Tell them to do better than only 1.5 percent and instead invest at an amount that shows the city values our People. If you don’t do email or you would like to get more personal, pay them a visit at city hall or go to a council meeting and speak. You may also contact them directly via personal email, hard mail or letter. 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 David Mann Suite 356 513-352-4610 david.mann@cincinnati-oh.gov Yvette Simpson Suite 349 513-352-5260 yvette.simpson@cincinnati-oh.gov Kevin Flynn Suite 348 513-352-4550 kevin.flynn@cincinnati-oh.gov Amy Murray Suite 346A 513-352-3640 amy.murray@cincinnati-oh.gov Reception: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Chris Seelbach Suite 350 513-352-5210 chris.seelbach@cincinnati-oh.gov Maintenance: Pete Roper P.G. Sittenfeld Suite 354 513-352-5270 pg.sittenfeld@cincinnati-oh.gov Christopher Smitherman Suite 346B 513-352-3464 christopher.smitherman@cincinnati-oh.gov Charlie Winburn Suite 351 513-352-5354 charlie.winburn@cincinnati-oh.gov Wendell Young Suite 352 513-352-3466 wendell.young@cincinnati-oh.gov THE 2018 TRUMP BUDGET GOODBYE SAFETY NET BILL WOODS C hances are, you haven't spent much time examining the details of the Administration's proposed 2018 budget. Most of us are too consumed by the daily White House crises to do much else. New revelations about the Russian connections, the President's outrageous Tweets, and the recent rejection of the Paris Accord absorb our focus. However, certain activities taking place in the shadows of all the hoopla require our attention. The announcement of Trump's Contributing Writer proposed 2018 Budget is one such activity. Quietly announced while the President was out of the country, the proposal essentially eliminates what we often refer to as "the safety net." Not since the crafting of the first budget of Ronald Reagan has there been such a major assault on federal programs and services for those in need. Spelled out in cold statistics, the Trump Budget would slash billions of dollars from basic safety net programs. For instance, it proposes over the next decade to cut more than $800-billion from Medicaid, the major federal health care program for the poor. Over this same ten-year span, it would eliminate $192-billion from the Food Stamp Program. Finally, another $272-billion would be cut from various welfare programs including $21-billion from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program. That total doesn't even include domestic programs that are annually funded by Congress. Excluding (Continued on page 10) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Nick Shellenberger, Dr. Mark Mussman, Key Beck, Martha Stephens, Cam Hardy, Justin Jeffre, Mark Samaan, Jeremy Moses, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/ Artwork: Better Bus Coalition, Google images, AJ Newberry, 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. �No. 35 8 3 LOCAL The Heroin Epidemic | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 NICK SHELLENBERGER Contributing Writer H eroin ruins many lives across the country and is a significant issue in the tri-state area. This epidemic is only getting worse. The Hamilton Coroner’s office recorded 100 more opiate related overdose deaths last year than in 2015. Through the first four months of this year, the Coroner’s office has already recorded hundreds of overdoses. At this pace, 2017 will see record numbers in overdoses throughout the county. According to Dr. Sammarco, Hamilton County Coroner, there has been an increased in fentanyl related deaths. “Most of them would rather have just pure fentanyl, because of the high; rather than heroin,” she said. Fentanyl is a prescription painkiller that is rarely used by doctors. Dealers in the area have been lacing their heroin with this substance and many of the users don’t know it. Another substance known as Carfentanil has also been found within heroin. This substance is used as an elephant tranquilizer and just incidental contact with it can be deadly so one can imagine what happens when it is purposefully taken. Fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine, while Carfentanil is 10,000 times more potent. “There is no quality control. You have no idea how much is going in, what else is being mixed, what other toxins are in there. It’s an extremely deadly combination,” Sammarco said. There is no denying that this county and the entire country for that matter is in crisis mode. This epidemic is hitting communities hard all over the state, resulting in public outcry over the issue. County officials, police chiefs, and Hamilton County Coroners Office Credit: Via Google Images Syringe being collected Credit: Via Google Images lawmakers want the state including Governor John Kasich to declare a public health emergency. “Eight people are dying every single day,” Ohio Representative Hearcel Craig said. “And when we say that this is a crisis, that’s not hyperbole.” Some members of the House urged Kasich to invest in treatment, prevention, and education on this issue. In Hamilton County, swift moves were made to help combat this pressing issue. Two organizations are making an impact, the Hamilton County Heroin Task Force and the Hamilton County Is Trump Good for Climate Accord? MICHAEL EARL PATTON I Contributing Writer ’m quite serious about the question: is President Trump good for the Paris Climate Accord? Put another way, do the chances improve of the world limiting greenhouse gas emissions precisely because Trump is pulling the United States out of the accord? This is counter-intuitive, but after looking into the matter I think it may well play out this way. Let me explain. First, it is clear that President Trump pulling out of the climate accord has given the agreement itself some much needed attention. The Accord was signed in 2015 and its primary intent is to limit the amount “Breakdown Stereotypes” of greenhouse gasses emitted so that there is no more than a rise of 2 degrees Celsius in average global temperature compared to preindustrial levels. A little bit of an aside here – while there is no doubt that there has been a warming trend, the climate accord does assume that the increase is entirely due to human Heroin Coalition. The task force was established in 2015 to investigate all source dealers of heroin that lead to overdoses. The task force has partnerships with all 44 police agencies in Hamilton County as well as a quick response team of 12 investigators working around the clock to stop the spread of the epidemic. The HC Heroin Coalition is a collective group consisting of law enforcement, EMS, hospitals, substance abuse groups, and faith based organizations to name a few. This coalition provides safety training and prevention strategies for communities to ensure healthy neighborhoods. Intervention and treatment is also a large part of the coalition. Former Hamilton County Commissioner and now chairman of the coalition, Greg Hartmann, stressed the importance of treatment when taking on this issue. "The big question for us will be on the treatment side," he said. "How do we find the resources to treat the people we identify through this process?" Heroin is a very addictive drug and treatment is very complex. There is no one answer to the best way to stop heroin addiction because it typically requires multiple treatment approaches. Usually medical intervention, changes in lifestyle, and counseling are considered. When combating an epidemic this serious and widespread; communities and local governments can be overwhelmed at how and where to start. Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil who ran for reelection last year; made this issue a cornerstone of his campaign and has been one of the leading voices in our community in efforts to stop the epidemic. “It’s going to take education on the front end, aggressive policing by law enforcement, and treatment on the back end to truly impact the heroin epidemic. Working together we can beat this thing,” Neil said. activity. Humans have certainly contributed to the warming, but there may also be other factors involved. Whether humans are responsible for all or part has nothing to do with what follows, so let’s put that aside for now. I wrote about much of this in an earlier article, “Weather Trends,” in the April 7 – 20, 2017 issue of Streetvibes. The graph “Global Land and Ocean Temperature Anomalies, January-December” is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and was shown in (Continued on page 7) “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 �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 �No. 35 8 LOCAL The Problem with Equality | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer C incinnati, like most places, institutions, and organizations around the world, is not queer affirming. I am using the term “queer” throughout this article as an in-group term to represent individuals (and groups) under the LGBTQI umbrella. Queer is not a derogatory term, unless you are using it intentionally to demean or hurt someone. Queer has been reclaimed by some (not all) of us in the attempt to create an inclusive term for those who have been discarded by society – a very real thing here in Cincinnati. It is not all rainbows – queer people are more likely to be unemployed, without healthcare, rejected from our families, and experience homelessness because of how we are viewed by society. When I was a kid, there was very little talk of homosexuality in the media. There were literally no queer role models, unless you were a quick-witty caddy gay man on Hollywood Squares or the forlorn and ineffectual character on Soap. It wasn’t until Ellen “came out” in the late 1990’s that sexual orientation started to become mainstream. Now, 20 years later, we are still struggling for our rights and the livelihood of the community. As a teen in Cincinnati, if I did hear about homosexuality, I heard that they were asking for “special rights, not equal rights.” In the 1990’s, the City’s Charter was amended to remove “sexual orientation” from the anti-discrimination clause regarding housing, employment, or public accommodation. This was known as Article XII and its absence from protections continued until a voterled drive injected “sexual orientation” back into the law in 2004. The same people who fought against our GayStraight Alliance at Walnut Hills High School did everything they could to discredit the equal rights movement. The problem with “equality” is that you should not treat everyone the same. If you do, you are acting without respect to the person in front of you. To have an active and genuine response to someone, you must acknowledge everything about them that is pertinent – and the history of this country is an important factor in that. When we look at how people of color have been treated in this country for hundreds of years, it is not enough to say “well, the law says they are equal now, so let’s treat them like everyone else.” This is a disastrous way to live. This is why parts of California are giving priority to ex-felons to open up marijuana dispensaries – they recognize the injustice and they are now working hard to correct the historical wrongdoing. I learned this lesson when I was a teacher educator at the university. Every term I would have a group of students who thought the best way they could be a teacher was to treat everyone the same. After learning about the social inequalities that students face inside (and outside) schools, students would start to understand that the most hurtful thing you can do is erase someone’s experience. Treating all the students the same will result in widely different outcomes for each student. Often students would write in the evaluations at the end of the term that the thing they learned most was that there are shades of grey between the history they were taught and the true history of this country. The other thing they would write was that they understand now that they must treat everyone differently, not the same. If this country treated queer people with the dignity and respect we deserve, the country would be so much better for it. As it stands now, the true greatness of queer people is suppressed at every turn, from birth to death. Every decision about applying ourselves is carefully measured to the response of the entire community. I kept away from arts and theatre once I knew that it was something that people would assume meant that I was gay. I felt pushed out of engineering and sciences, because those weren’t environments inclusive of queer people. I lost my confidence along the way, and I still work on it to this day. Just yesterday, at the beginning of Pride Month, I couldn’t bring We Have Pride, But What Now? F 5 irst, let me say Happy Pride Month. If you don’t know, June was designated LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/ Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) Month in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan. Police raided a queer establishment and began to arrest people, specifically transgender and gender nonconforming people. Women such as Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy decided that enough was enough. They were tired of hiding in the shadows, being forced to paying off cops, and being disrespected. A brick was thrown and a resistance movement was made. The Queer Liberation Movement began at that moment, regardless of what Hollywood movies tell you. It was queer women of color that began the legacy that we continue today. So last year, when I asked you to reclaim your queer, that was my intention. I implored you to learn the history then carry the torch. It is an iterative process that we should all continue. Now that we have claimed our KEY BECK Contributing Writer Police Attacking LGBT protesters during 1969 Stonewall Riots Credit:Via Google Images queer, what is next? Personally, I feel we are at another point in history where there is work to be done. Right now, we are facing an erasure of our culture and history (not to mention safety). Hate has become the dish of the day and violence is the dessert. One example that comes to mind is the erasing of governmental webpages supporting LGBT constituents. The White House previously had a webpage for LGBT Rights, but it has been erased. Gone into the forgotten hole of the “netherwebz.” Another example is that missing proclamation by the President officially designating June Pride Month. It never happened. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED myself to wear a pride shirt outside of the house because of the looks and treatment I get when I wear it. Unlike the hatred spewed at people of color, I can reduce that by remaining visibly in the closet. When I wear a shirt with a rainbow on it, for example, the look in the eyes of white men changes. At first, they seem confused, then they are clearly uneasy. Then they do what they can to make things difficult for me, whether it be blocking my way in the grocery isle, or not responding to me when I am asking them something. Just from the difference in the way I am treated when I wear a pride t-shirt, I can see how quickly people become violent against queer people – it only takes a matter of seconds. So, during this Pride Month, please remember that it is not enough to tolerate or accept queer people – you must appreciate us. You must speak out at church or when you hear homophobic jokes. It’s about safety, and people with privilege (non-queer people) must step up and educate yourself. It is not our responsibility to humanize ourselves for your benefit. You should do this not just because it is the right thing to do, but because we as a country, as a world, are losing out on some of the best queer minds have to offer, and in the meantime, the exclusion and suppression of queer people has lead to horrible outcomes regarding health and wellness. There are queer people in every community in the world, and there have been throughout history. This will never change, but how you (individually and collectively) treat us can change. ------------------------ So what is the big deal? My concern is that all of these actions clearly promotes miseducation, intolerance and hate. The reality is that queer people exist. They are your neighbor, your coworker, your peer and your boss. It isn’t just about webpages and announcements either. Erasing a page and not recognizing a cultural group with a history is erasure. There has been legislative attempts (to some successes) to discriminate against the LGBT community. There have been an overwhelming number of bills introduced that claim religious exemption to refuse service to queer and transgender people. They are claiming due to their religion they should legally be allowed to provide a service to a customer. That means no cake for same-sex birthdays or weddings, no housing for homeless queer youth and no bathroom for transgender children in school. There have been reversals on laws that provide protection for transgender youth to use the bathroom of their choice. There has also been a removal of protections for LGBT employees and students. We can’t ignore that fact that trans women of color are being murdered at an alarming rate. As the GLAAD.org website (Continued on page 11) �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 �No. 35 8 7 LOCAL What Would a Visitor from Outer Space Think of Us in Cincinnati? | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 I WENT TO A HEARING of Cincinnati City Council on June 7. We met in the North Avondale Recreation Center on Clinton Springs. I was rather surprised by the turnout -- a whole lot of cars in the lot and on the streets, a packed gym and a great many African-Americans. This was one of the neighborhood hearings on the city budget for 2018. We had an open mic. Over forty people came forward to sit at a small table up front and address the Councilors for two minutes, and I took a turn up there. We heard testimony from all sorts of people with sad, grief-stricken complaints about lack of support for city services and community organizations. Justin Jeffre came to the mic and spoke about the enormous growth of homelessness here. When I took the mic, I said that I thought travelers from space MARTHA STEPHENS Contributing Writer would be astonished if they were to hear us on this occasion: that in this great rich country, there’s not nearly enough funds for normal services, that we always seem to be about cuts of such services. A number of people came to the mic to ask, for instance, most feelingly, that Council allow us to keep our parks beautiful and in decent repair. We need our parks, they said. Children need them, everybody needs them, and they’re already in serious trouble -- so please, no more cuts! Why are we always about cuts, in fact? What to cut, how to cut, when to cut . . .. Human services, for the homeless, for instance, can’t withstand another year of cuts, it was said. Same for our health clinics, our roads, our community organizations trying to address the vast needs of the poor, who can’t earn a living wage in this town, can’t pay their rent, or their mortgages, or as one grieving woman told us, their sewer bills. (Some of us, in fact, may end up on the streets, or on drugs, or both. Some may be arrested and unable to post bond and eventually captured, for all we know, by our prison camps, so to speak.) I’M NOT AN EXPERT on city finances, but I feel that somehow we shouldn’t be so poor. We’re one of the poorest large cities in the country. In the state of Ohio, for instance, 19.3% of citizens are poor, but in Cincinnati it’s 34.3%, according to our own CityData.com. CityData tells us that 37.3% of blacks are poor here, 18% of whites, and of course people widely agree that at least 44% of children are living in poverty. In our high schools, such as they are, Superintendent Mary Ronan once reminded me, when we met at a meeting of a religious coalition, that 70% of our high school students are on free lunch, and that most high schools offer no AP courses whatsoever! (I have a granddaughter at the select school of Walnut Hills, which has a superabundance of AP work. Mary Ronan’s daughter was about to graduate there when we talked, but neither one of us were sure so select a school should exist, as fine a place as it is.) Yes, we’re poor in this town. We all know that much of the town looks like a war zone. People can’t keep up their homes, pot holes have taken over, weeds are sky-high, buildings are falling down or abandoned. Ugly, ugly! Why is this? I HAD ONLY TWO MINUTES, but I tried to remind Council and the listeners in the hall that one reason (Continued on page 12) MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 3) that earlier article. Almost all countries have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to slow down the rise. The pledges vary from country to country and vary from 2025 to 2030 by which the initial goal for that country is to be accomplished. These will not be enough, as President Trump observed. After the initial pledges are met, the intent is to ratchet up the goals and continue to make them stricter until global warmer is stopped. The initial goal to which President Obama committed was a 26 to 28% reduction in greenhouse gasses by the year 2025 when compared to the 2005 levels. All pledges by the different countries are voluntary. There is no formal enforcement. Now this goal is a lot. I know because I have been working bit by bit for over 30 years to reduce my personal energy consumption. I am passionate on the subject, which you may have guessed from a couple of my earlier articles. I cut my natural gas use in about half, gasoline use by about three-fourths, but the electric use is about the same. (The last is because I added central air conditioning and bought a plug-in hybrid, which now charges on the house current.) But even if every individual did what I did, this still would not touch commercial, industrial, or government use – including such things as the military and public transportation. I freely admit I am an outlier in my personal reductions, but that also means that I have been paying attention to the subject. And almost all I see the government do is just tinkering around the edges. The Center for Graph of Global Land and Ocean Temperature Anomalies, January - December Credit: Michael Earl Patton Climate and Energy Solutions (www. c2es.org) estimates that the United States is currently about 1/3 of the way to 2025 goal, mostly due to reduced emissions in the production of electricity. Emissions from transportation are the next largest group of reductions, due to improved mileage. The reduction in emissions from electric power production is due almost entirely to changing Graph of U.S. net energy production/ U.S. coal production Credit: Michael Earl Patton THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED from burning coal to natural gas, as seen in the graph of U.S. net energy generation by type of fuel from the Energy Information Administration (www.eia.gov). Coal, being carbon, of course generates lots of carbon dioxide when it burns. Carbon dioxide is not the most potent greenhouse gas, but because there is so much of it created it is the biggest contributor. Natural gas is mostly methane, which consists of carbon and hydrogen. For the same heating value, it produces much less carbon dioxide. The hydrogen in the methane molecule creates water vapor when it burns. The graph of U.S. net energy generation by fuel type was shown in my article “Natural Gas Shortage Coming,” which appeared in the March 24 – April 6, 2017, issue of Streetvibes. In that article I concluded (Continued on page 11) �8 LOCAL The Better Bus Coalition is calling for a 2017 Bus levy J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 CAM HARDY S Contributing Writer ince 1972, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) has been locally funded solely by the City of Cincinnati. This was passed as a stopgap measure until Hamilton County voters would approve a county-wide funding source, which has not happened. As a result the bus system is city-centric, focused around downtown as the city and region’s economic, social, and transportation hub. While this worked in the 70’s, it does not fit today’s transportation reality. Downtown Cincinnati is still the largest employment center in the region, but jobs and population have increasingly grown in suburban areas around Hamilton County. The budget over the past decades has been made up of a portion of the city earnings tax, fares, state, and federal funding. Since 2009 state transit funding has been slashed to $700,000 per year, less than 1% of SORTA’s budget. Federal funding Cam Hardy speaks at Better Bus Coalition press conference Credit: Better Bus Coalition was halved in the 1980’s and currently makes up 11% of the total budget. In 2009, service was cut 20% due to the Great Recession’s impact on income tax collections and fares rose 75%. Ridership fell from 25 million in 2001 to 14.5 million today due to service cuts and the inability to connect to new job hubs in the region. Today the budget numbers are A look at the Metro numbers and need for a Bus Levy MARK SAMAAN L et’s look at the numbers here. We know that the existing bus system does a poor job in connecting workers to jobs that are not downtown. Hamilton County alone has just over half of all jobs in the tri-state area with 500,000 jobs. Of those, 58,000 are entirely unreachable by transit. 131,000 jobs are only accessible by a couple buses per day which run in the early morning and early evening. 130,000 jobs are completely inaccessible on Saturdays, and 150,000 jobs are totally inaccessible on Sundays. All of these jobs are in the suburban areas of Hamilton County like Blue Ash, Sharonville, Forest Park, Springdale, Glendale, Montgomery, and the townships. In past years SORTA offered many more express routes and shorter frequencies between buses. There was once a time when you could walk out your door and get to a bus stop without having to check the schedule, because you knew that a bus was coming any minute and it would take you to where you needed to go efficiently. These routes have been cut due to falling state and federal funding, as well as the effects of the Great Recession when service was cut 20% and fares raised 75%. It is no secret that service in the county outside of the city limits is poor or nonexistent. As long as the city is the primary funder of the system, this will not change. Contributing Writer Within the service and runs mainly from Mt. Healthy to Jeremy Moses Speaks at Better Bus Coalition press conference Credit: Better Bus Coalition hospitality industry, 36,000 jobs are poorly accessible by bus. 75,000 manufacturing and health care jobs are totally inaccessible by transit in the region. All told, 335,000 jobs in our entire region are totally inaccessible by bus with an additional 150,000200,000 jobs only accessible by transit a few times a weekday and only from downtown. Bus service on our local routes is slow. The 33, which runs up and down Glenway/Warsaw Avenues through Price Hill and Westwood, runs an average speed of 12 mph including stops. The 17, which Downtown through Uptown runs at 12 mph as well. This drastically reduces ridership from those who have other options, as why would you take transit when it will take 2 to 3 times longer than driving? Times between buses on many routes are very long. If a bus comes only once an hour or once every 90 minutes, it is very difficult to schedule your life around the bus service. When it comes to transit frequency is freedom. The more often a bus comes the more likely it matches up with your schedule and could be a viable option for you to take instead THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED grim. Fewer riders means less fare revenue collected. Dwindling state and federal funding means fewer outside resources to run the system. A tax base which relies solely on the city means an inability to run service where it is needed and demanded. Due to cuts in outside resources, SORTA has had to choose between maintaining operations for those who need it most and replacing its buses in an appropriate timeframe. Today the bus fleet is aging rapidly with many buses well older than the typical 12year bus lifespan. Buses run 100’s of miles all day every day in stopand-go traffic, which significantly deteriorates the engine to the point that it is cheaper to replace the bus than to keep on fixing it. SORTA is in a situation where it cannot afford to replace its buses and thus has to deal with exponentially increasing maintenance costs to keep the aging fleet running safely. This furthers the budget woes, with SORTA’s projected capital deficit at nearly $200 million dollars over the next 10 years. If these buses are not replaced, they will eventually cease to function and the system will implode. That would require a significant bailout to fix. We (Continued on page 11) of driving and parking. The only way to go longer distances in Hamilton County is to drive, and the quickest routes involve highway driving. Many people do not want or are unable to drive on the highways, reducing their access to different parts of the county. Additionally, many do not like driving and parking downtown given traffic congestion, heavy pedestrian traffic, and high parking prices. The easier it is to take the bus to heavily congested areas like downtown and uptown, the more taking the bus will be seen as a convenient option for those who would rather save the $10-$20 they would otherwise have to spend in order to park their car. This is how we grow ridership. Ridership has fallen 40% in the past 15 years because the service does not connect people to where they want to go, because a lack of investment into transit keeps the service slow and unreliable, and because our elected leaders would rather change the topic to something else when confronted with why they have done nothing about SORTA’s problems. We know what the problems are. We know what we need to do to not only save the system but make it useful for way, way more people. Our regional economy is being held back by a limited transit system and traffic continues to grow. How many more billions will we spend on expanding our road network, which none of us will ever get to vote on? How many more people’s properties need to be seized and lives destroyed in order to widen our roads, which none of us will ever get to vote on? As long as driving is the only option for most (Continued on page 12) �No. 35 8 LOCAL A Great Loss for Our Community | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 JUSTIN JEFFRE Staff Witer & Editor It is with a heavy heart that I write of the loss of our dear friend Tom Dutton. I’m struck with grief and it’s hard to put into words what he meant to me personally and our beloved community. There will be more to come in the next issue of Streetvibes about a man that fought for justice in our community. Since I’m overwhelmed we’ll just share these words from our dear brothers and sisters at Over the Rhine Community Housing: “It is with heavy heart that we share that our cherished and beloved friend Tom Dutton passed away today. Tom was a dedicated advocate for justice and for the people of Over-the-Rhine. He worked in the neighborhood for over 30 years and founded the Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Overthe-Rhine. Tom was ever ready to use his resources to bring to light the inherit injustices in our economic system and how that plays out in this neighborhood. He always made sure that students and programs that he brought to Over-the-Rhine, while benefiting the students and the University, must benefit the community. And they have. Tom often wrote papers about Over-the-Rhine that were published in a variety of media. He called out the predominant mainstream narratives of Over-the-Rhine and challenged all to see how those narratives completely devalue the people who have lived here and the community that exists.” One passage from one of Tom's papers referring to an interaction he witnessed at the Drop Inn Center: "In our world where homeless folks are typically not seen, indeed they are scorned, reviled, denounced—rejected—it is powerful when one comes up to a homeless person, puts his arm around him, and says “I see you brother.” I submit to you, the lesson of this act goes unnoticed if we label it merely as an act of kindness. It is a very kind act, but it goes much deeper. This is an act to restore a person’s humanity. “I see you brother, can you see yourself?” This is the most loving of acts a human being can make." Tom Dutton Tom Dutton Credit: Over the Rhine Community Housing THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 LOCAL J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 September 8 - 30, 2017 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 A Bus Riders Need for Access JEREMY MOSES I would like to speak for a moment or two on the effects that not passing a plan would have on the disabled citizens of our community. Currently, Metro offers ADAcompliant paratransit service, known as Access, within ¾ of a mile of any fixed route, for those who lack the functional capability to ride regular services. It’s a supplemental service, but it only just meets the ADA standard. If new funding is not found – that is, if a plan isn’t passed to find new ways to fund Metro – then any reductions in the service footprint would be a minor inconvenience in the best case, and at worst – and I BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) homeland security, funding for these domestic programs would absorb a 10.6 percent cut ($57-billion). Most of the affordable housing programs administered by HUD fall into this category. Facing total elimination in this budget document is the student loan program that assists low-income applicants to attend college. What more can be said about this draconian document? If Contributing Writer don’t believe this is hyperbole to say -downright catastrophic. Those within ¾ of a mile of routes that are cut would lose access to doctors, jobs, shopping, and other opportunities that other citizens enjoy. This would force them to move to a location that remains within the Access service area – a burden that some may not be able to shoulder due to financial constraints or other considerations. Those citizens may be forced to move into group housing. To many, that is seen as a loss of independence, and thus, a sign of decline. Metro and Access allow them to be independent, and for me personally, I don’t want that to go away. This doesn’t even count those on limited income who don’t qualify for the Fare Deal program because they don’t receive Medicare, but who need transportation all the same and would be negatively impacted by fare increases that would cause a larger chunk of that income to go towards transportation costs. Let me give you an example from personal experience. I have Spina Bifida, a neural tube defect that I was born with almost 32 years ago. I use my wheelchair for mobility purposes because I cannot walk. I decided at age 30 to move out of my parents’ home in northern Kentucky. I had several conditions that had to be met for any possible new residence, Ronald Reagan began dismantling what he derisively referred to as "the welfare state" in the 1980s, the 2018 Trump Budget goes a long way toward finishing the job. After more than thirty-five years of Congress whittling away at safety net programs, the enactment of this budget would clearly make the U.S. the most Scrooge-like country of all the economically advanced nations in the world. The good news is this document is a proposal, and it faces stiff opposition in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Democrats will take the lead in opposing safety net cuts, but Republicans will also want to put their own stamp on any budget bill. The bad news is that Trump's cuts in welfare, Medicaid, and programs for those in need fit the ideology of a vast majority of GOP Representatives. They will generally support this movement to eliminate or shrink federal revenue for antipoverty efforts. This dramatic push to dismantle the safety net should be a wakeup call to those of us who know the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED and one of those was bus service. I wanted to live in a location where I had easy access to Metro (or TANK if I had stayed in Kentucky), so that I could move about as freely as possible. I chose Springdale, where I have two bus routes available for access to downtown (although one only runs six days a week), to my doctor’s office in Corryville and to any other location that I can think of. Can you imagine if that service didn’t exist for me? I wouldn’t be fully independent. To me, losing bus service would be a kick in the gut. It’s not one I’m prepared to take. We must act swiftly and decisively. Metro, and its riders, deserve investment, not to have this can continually kicked down the road while we wait for politicians to get their heads out of the sand. The citizens of Hamilton County deserve better. Thank you. ------------------------ need for the programs that make it up. Instead of merely having to oppose the smaller cuts that have cropped up in every recent federal budget, we are confronted by these massive reductions. Blocking the Administration's proposal and reversing this trend will require a wellcoordinated grassroots movement in communities across the country. It will be a very tough struggle, and it won't happen overnight. The first step of this critical effort seems to be recognizing the enormity of the task. �No. 35 8 | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 11 LOCAL Dear Indigent Care Levy Committee: STEVE SUNDERLAND Contributing Writer often they are told that they came "too late" for treatment, the cancer has progressed to a stage that is untreatable. Cincinnati's indigent are dying at record state numbers, often in silence and out of the public's eyes. (1) What is the Indigent Care Levy doing to change this situation? The recent consultant's report documents that indigent care is going on at both UC hospital and Children's Hospital. Both hospitals show great success in their funding, improving their assets, and in their unrestricted funds. Both hospitals seem to have no difficulty in obtaining their low Community standards. Neither hospital depends on the Indigent Care Levy for anything but a very small part of their budgets. And, UC Hospital and Children's Hospital have public processes for access for indigent people. My name is Steve Sunderland, PhD. I am director of the Cancer Justice Network, one of the new programs requesting funds from the Indigent Care Levy. I have just retired from the University of Cincinnati as a former dean, professor of social work, and a professor of education. For the past two years I have been leading an organization that seeks to change the health outcomes of indigent people. I would like to take a few minutes to describe why I believe that Indigent Care Levy needs to take a direction toward reducing mortality for indigent people in Hamilton County. The best way to do this is to reduce the amount going to the hospitals by $5 million dollars and direct these monies to programs that can improve the care and lives of indigent people. Imagine you are an indigent adult in Cincinnati. You suspect that something is wrong with your health since you have recently seen blood in your stool. You arrive at a free dinner and hear about a cancer prevention program at a local church. You do not know exactly what cancer is, or how it develops. You do not have a physician. You do not know if you are eligible for Medicaid or the ACA. At the dinner you hear from a physician that cancer kills more indigent people in Hamilton County than any other place in Ohio. You are confused about what you should do since you have no money for insurance and usually do not go for medical care. You meet at the dinner a navigator, a person who volunteers to take you to a health center to find out if you have cancer and, if necessary, to treatment. There is no cost. Do you take their invitation to find out? Or, do you eat your dinner, leave for home, and continue to worry about your health. The above story faces thousands of people each day in Hamilton County who are indigent. Not knowing about cancer in specific, or healthcare in general, these individuals will wait until some physical event forces them to the emergency room. Too MICHAEL EARL PATTON that would be completely antithetical to his recent presidential campaign. And for this, President Obama must bear most of the responsibility. It was he who signed the accord yet he never went to the American people and said what that would mean for us. He must have known then that we were not going to make the goal unless we did much more than we have been doing. He left the hard part for his successor, and President Trump did not pick up the slack. Now here is why I am somewhat hopeful. Nearly a hundred cities, and dozens of institutions and companies, have recently stated that they stand behind the Paris Accord and plan to act accordingly in spite of President Trump’s pulling out. Several Cincinnati leaders have stated the same and Mayor Cranley said Cincinnati would lead by example. Assuming this is followed by action, that is what is required. Until now, everyone seemed ready to let Washington take the lead and no one seemed to notice that it wasn’t going to get us there. I don’t know why. Washington did a few things such as (a little) promotion of renewable energy, higher fuel economy standards for cars, and higher energy efficiency standards for appliances. But this won’t be nearly enough to meet the goals of the Paris Accord. As usual, politicians seemed so far to be satisfied to punt the problem to the next term. If this actually changes because Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement, then it will have been for the good. I myself am worried more about the depletion in fossil fuels -- coal, oil, and gas -- and not having enough more than I am worried about having too much. I think the crunch will be obvious in a few years if not sooner. The interesting thing is, the solutions to both are about the same. (One of the differences is that a fuel shortage would probably mean higher prices, which would hit those with lower incomes harder.) I wrote earlier about the coming crunch in natural gas; I see something similar happening with oil. The difference is that it is a lot easier to import oil from overseas than it is to import natural gas, which means that there is more flexibility with supplies. Natural gas requires special facilities to liquefy it for shipment and then to regasify it. These are expensive and that is why I think that a natural gas shortage will appear first. There has been a lot of hype about the United States being an exporter of oil, but that is very misleading. The United States imports far more oil than it exports. Even if exports dropped to zero, we would still need to import about a fourth of the oil we use according to the Energy Information Administration. Forget about “Saudi America” – it isn’t going to happen. Either way, whether you are concerned about global warming or a shortage of fossil fuel, we need to get going now and be much, much, much more efficient in our use. system. The system fails to serve the rest of the county. Old newspaper articles, city council documents, and prior county-wide transit plans have outlined these exact issues for over 40 years. This is not an unexpected problem that SORTA now has to face. This is a problem that has been exacerbated by lack of leadership and action from our leaders over the past 40 years. We as citizens of Hamilton County and Greater Cincinnati cannot wait for officials to eventually do something, as they have proven that they are unable to tackle the problem effectively. We the people are stepping forward to push for better bus service for all with a plan we can all get behind. This levy will not only help people who have no option but to take the bus. It expands bus transit to become useful and convenient to most of the county’s jobs and residents. Today there is no option but to drive for every trip unless you live near a major line in the city and are going downtown or uptown. Even when they want to ride, people cannot rely on the system for their commutes, for their shopping, or for visiting family and friends. Our bus system does not go where people want to go, it comes at inconvenient times, and is too slow or circuitous to ever compare to driving. It is only a convenient option for people who have no other option. The State of Ohio endows counties with the authority to enact a 1-cent sales tax levy to locally fund transit. The switch to a county funding sales tax model, in which 47% of the taxes are paid by non-county residents, would make SORTA a truly REGIONAL transit authority. It would pay for better service on existing routes and also allow for the creation of dozens of county routes, finally serving everyone. It would fund SORTA’s timely replacement of aging buses, allowing it to convert its diesel fleet to a hybrid and electric fleet and drastically reduce fuel costs and air pollution. It would fund Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes which mimic the speed and convenience of a rail line at a fraction of the cost and construction time. Finally, it would enhance the perception of Greater Cincinnati’s transportation system in the national and global marketplace. In the coming months the Better Bus Coalition will release its own bus plan for Hamilton County so voters can see what they’re getting for their money. We are calling for the placement of a 1cent sales tax levy on the ballot as soon as possible. The fiscal starving of SORTA cannot continue any longer or else we will have a real problem on our hands. It is now or never. Either we step up and properly fund our transit system locally, or else it will collapse in a few years. (Continued from page 7) that there is not enough natural gas to both heat our homes and buildings in a very cold winter and to generate electricity at the scale that it now does. Nothing has happened in the past 3 months to change my conclusion. As a corollary, there is not enough natural gas to do more replacements with coal to generate electricity. That is also somewhat implied in the tail end of the chart which predicts the amounts of electricity being generated by coal and natural gas will be relatively unchanged in 2017. So no more changeover to natural gas means no more big reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. I think President Trump also knows this and he chose to back out of the Paris Climate Accord now rather than wait until it was impossible to hide the fact that the United States was not going to meet its goal. Yes, he could go and campaign for strong regulations to force us to use less fossil fuel, but CAM HARDY (Continued from page 8) cannot allow it to get to that point. SORTA’s funding model is unsustainable. The state and national government’s policy of moving the burden of transit funding to local communities means less outside funding for the system. The near total reliance on the city’s earnings tax, which has not worked since the 1970’s, does not work now, and will not work moving forward, constrains SORTA’s ability to serve Hamilton County. Our elected officials have kicked the can down the road for decades and refuse to act. Since SORTA was formed in 1972 its problems have been the same: little to no access to suburban job sites, a tax base which does not allow it expand to growing areas, a downtown based hub system which requires most trips to transfer through the CBD, and the lack of a truly regional transit THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 12 ----------------------- �12 STEVE SUNDERLAND (Continued from page 11 What the report skips over is what either hospital is doing to reduce mortality from chronic diseases. The report, and the hospitals, do not tell us how many people are unnecessarily dying because they have not learned about how the hospitals could help them with their cancer, their diabetes, their heart disease, or any serious illness. The report does not note that life expectancy around UC Hospital and Children's Hospital is 20 years less than other places in Cincinnati. (2) With the start of the ACA, the report concludes, the two hospitals have greatly improved their financial condition but we, the citizens, do not know where this money was spent in any detail. And, the report does not detail the ways in which the Community's health needs have been addressed in specific programs of education, prevention, or health service delivery. I suggest that it is time for the Indigent Care Levy to alter its payments to UC and Children's KEY BECK (Continued from page 5) states, “Victims of anti-transgender violence are overwhelmingly transgender women of color, who live at the dangerous intersections of transphobia, racism, sexism, and criminalization which often lead to high rates of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.” So this isn’t my imagination, it is actually statistically true. Feel free to check out the info from the Office of Justice, Office of Victims of Crime (https://www.ovc. gov/pubs/forge/sexual_numbers. html). When we use laws and legislations MARTHA STEPHENS (Continued from page 7) we’re broke here all the time is that we don’t tax fairly the wealth of the city, and in fact give away money to the developers, in OTR, for instance. Someone on the panel pointed out that when the Kroger Company decided to build a new tower on the edge of OTR and a fabulous new grocery store, the city kicked in over eight million dollars to help out. Readers may recall that in 2015 Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen was provided a raise, just a raise, of $1.5 million dollars, according to local news. Meanwhile for the rest of us -what’s left of the middle-class, that is, and the working poor, the poor and the near-poor . . . what’s it to us if Kroger builds itself a huge office tower with a fancy grocery store MARK SAMAAN (Continued from page 8) county residents, transit ridership will not rise and the system will fail. How can more people take transit if the service is not there? LOCAL J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 Hospitals until the hospitals indicate precisely where they are working to lower mortality rates for the indigent in Hamilton County. Hospitals need to be held to a community standard that directly interacts either with patients in serious conditions and/ or with partnership agencies that have targeted the reduction of their serious chronic diseases. The tax paying public that supports the Levy would be happy to know the details about how the hospitals are making a life changing difference in the county in general and in neighborhoods in particular. For example, why doesn't either hospital have an outreach program that educates people at churches, health fairs, community meetings, and other groups about the importance of early testing, regular physician visits, and new ways of paying for healthcare? In the area of reducing cancer mortality, for the indigent, why doesn't the hospitals partner with community cancer resources and strengthen the prevention education? Funding the many programs of the Indigent Care Levy, the report makes clear, cannot be done under the present dollars if the same guidelines are followed. What is needed, especially at this time of anxiety about federal programs, is an Indigent Care Levy that moves to a network or partnership model aimed at reducing mortality and increasing prevention through outreach by the partner agencies. Changing the Levy's funding of both hospitals, reducing their allotments by 5 million dollars, sends a signal to the hospitals that these funds have to be accounted for in the struggle to reduce mortality. It also signals to agencies that want to work on prevention and treatment that their work has assumed new importance. Finally, it communicates to the tax paying public that these funds, precious because they can be lifesaving, are needed now more than at any other time. The mechanism for designating funding to the hospitals and the programs should include the following criteria: A. All funding to any program, including the hospital, will need to be directed toward reducing mortality from serious chronic diseases affecting the indigent. Proposals will show how programs are going to implement toward this goal. (See the Cincinnati Health Departments' "Top 10 Causes of Death in Cincinnati, 2001-2007." In Why do we die?: City of Cincinnati Mortality Data Project Summary. N. Maseru and C. Jones. March 2011.) B. All programs funded by the Levy must not be double funded by other hospital or agency funds. Medicaid already funds hospitals for working with the indigent in many cases. (3) Levy funds should go to efforts that are needing funds. C. A Community Evaluation of Health Outcomes Board will be established to review progress on a twice a year basis. Budgets for programs will be modified based on reviews. D. Hamilton County Commissioners should publish a public report on how Levy dollars are used and how effective they are in reducing the health crisis facing the indigent. that use “religious exemption” to discriminate against others, we are allowing legal and systematic violence against others. We are condoning using religion as a weapon. I know that is not the intention of religion, so why are we allowing this to happen? These are official allowances to ignore that people are gay, lesbian, queer, gender non-conforming/non-binary, transgender and queer. Sad part, it is beginning to work. We are currently on track to have more women of color murdered than last year. Now is the time for all of us to actually make things better. It is understanding that there is a learning curve to compassion, empathy and acceptance. But we all need to put in the work. That means discussing the issues that matter most. It will be uncomfortable, and you will make mistakes, but we all do. I didn’t wake up learning my LGBTQIA acronym, I had to practice saying it. I didn’t always know that Two-Spirit and Transgender weren’t necessarily the same, I had to go to discussion and mess up. I had to research the difference between Sex and Gender. I have to make self-ask/ use correct pronouns. It isn’t good enough for people to declare that it is hard to keep terms clear. We need everyone to put in the hard work. For too long, LGBTQIA people had to do all the learning and the educating. Not to mention the closeting, the pretending, the lying and the disappearing. No one is asking folx to show up to the gay foam party in a thong. Nor, are we asking you march in the parade with a sign and a unicorn. But, we are asking for the rights that every other citizen is given. We are demanding to stop being murdered. We are forcing ourselves into everyday life. And we are totally telling you that “we are queer, we are here, so get used to it.” on an upper floor and side-by-side with a complex of fine market-rate apartments! HOW CAN WE TAX THE WEALTH HERE and stop money giveaways by a City Council beholden to business? People running for Council in a 9x system, must appeal to voters in the whole city and raise a whole lot of money. I used to study the sums officials spent to win Council seats, but that information is no longer public. (Or if it is and you find it, please let me know.) Big donors own, then, in effect, our Councilors, or certainly try to, though of course some Councilors manage to do right by us even so -- Chris Seelbach, i.e., and others I can think of. Yvette Simpson, perhaps, but what do I know? So yes, we’re a 9x Council here, one of only 16% of large cities that are elected this way -- through at-large elections, that is, covering the whole city. This is widely considered the worst way to try to elect a democratic Council. Most cities have councilors from Districts of the city, or they have some District councilors and some at-large. IN ANOTHER REPORT FOR STREETVIBES, maybe I or someone can retell the story of what it might mean to have a democratically elected Council. Districts are generally rather more fair than 9x, as to who can afford to run, and as to the support elected councilors provide for their individual neighborhoods; but the fairest system of all is the election system called Proportional Representation. This is used all over Europe, i.e., and in many other countries. In 1987 the Cincinnati Rainbow Coalition of the eighties worked tremendously hard with unions and over twenty-five progressive organizations, to get PR on the ballot. This struggle succeeded, but then business and their Council friends worked to convince people that PR was too complicated for people to understand. In spite of the big money opposition, 43% of citizens voted for PR. Many remembered that the PR system had worked in the past to elect a great African-American mayor, Ted Berry, an honest and wonderful guy, but that then business powers had succeeded in removing PR from our elections. Mr. Berry, by the way, assisted in the 1987 Rainbow movement attempting to restore our PR elections. [The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition does not endorse political candidates.] This levy will make transit in Hamilton County convenient, faster, and more accessible to all. It will spur job creation and economic growth, as a well-developed transit system is very enticing to job creators and development. We the people must step up and demand that our leaders not only talk about the bus system during election years but actually do something about it. We citizens will hold them accountable and push for the bus system that Hamilton County needs and deserves. This is not a new problem. We have been talking about these problems for 45 years now. It is time to step up to the plate before the system implodes. Thank you. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED ------------------------ ------------------------ �No. 35 8 | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 I LIVE FOR YOU STREET VOICE I live for you! I think for you! THUMBING OUR NOSE AT THE WORLD The definition of the word "untoward" Is Trump's exit from the Paris Accord. I love you! I hope for you! Now The Donald calls it a very big win I will die for you! In his goal to make America great again. I cry for you! I worry for you! I sacrifice for you! I pray for you! I write this for you! There’s no me without you! I love you! My only begotten son Rico, stay true! KIM GREEN 13 Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer But many of us don't think it's so fine To be the leader of the planet's decline. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer ALL LIVES MATTER AFTER ALL I BEEN THROUGH BEING HOMELESS I LIVE TO BE A PART OF HISTORY TOO LIVE TO SEE A BLACK PRESIDENT AND A WHITE WOMEN NOMINATED WHAT'S THE MYSTERY IT SEEMS LIKE GOD HAS A PLAN FOR PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER AND BE AT PEACE AND KNOW WE ALL LIVE AND WE ALL DIE SO WHY THE RACISM DOSN'T CEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN IT MATTERS WHAT COLOR, RELGION AND WHAT CREED YOU ARE THINGS MATTER TODAY WHETHER YOU WORK OR FIND A PLACE TO LIVE SO WHO'S SCARED I BELEIVE WE AS A HUMAN RACE TEACH OUR CHILDREN WHAT TO BELEIVE IN AND HOW I BELEIVE IF WE DON’T SHOW OUR CHILDREN LOVE WITH UNDERSTANDING WE DEAD NOW ALL LIVES MATTER KNOWING THAT ALL LIVES END, LIFE BEING SO SHORT WHAT IS THE FIGHT LET PEOPLE BE BLESSED IN WHO THEY ARE RICH OR POOR JUST GIVE RESPECT THAT'S RIGHT SO WHETHER YOU SUPPORT THE HOMELESS OR NOT JUST PRAY IT WON’T BE YOU SOMEDAY SITUATIONS MAKING CHANGES GOOD, SOME BAD, CHANGING ONES LIFE ALL LIFE MATTERS I SAY WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 127 Across Down 1. Fastener 1. Bird of prey 5. Female animal 2. Region 8. Board game 3. An indication of 13. Instep damage 14. Roughage 4. A short musical 15. Serf passage 16. Effect of long use 5. Epoch 17. Endure 6. Vespid 18. Mindful 7. Catch or snare 19. Martial art 8. Subdivision of a 21. Homework, in short written 23. Fresh work 24. Transmit 9. Strike with an axe 26. Creative activity 10. Zeal 27. Order of business 11. Painful 29. Introductory music in 12. Fret opera 14. Liquidizer 34. Large African antelope 20. Marquee 35. Narrate 22. Make a mistake 37. Refresh 25. Open river valley 38. A division of quantity 27. Rile 40. Scope 28. Association of people 43. Barb with similar interests 44. Relating to the sun 30. Section of a journey 46. Resitance to motion 31. Unification through 32. First appearance a fluid 33. Open vessel with a 48. Belonging to us handle and spout 49. Supply water or liquid 34. Outpouring to 36. Man or boy 52. Straying from the right 39. Bitumen course 41. Ship's company 54. Unit of weight 42. Kind of hawk 55. Enfold 45. Pit viper 56. Unhappy 47. Metric unit of weight 59. Squad 50. Digit 61. A forceful consequence 51. Endue 65. Relating to hearing or 53. Come into view the ear 56. Crossjack 67. Naked 57. Halo 69. Currency unit 58. Camion 70. Very angry 60. Send by post 71. Prevaricator 62. Motor vehicle 72. Particle 63. Harvest 73. Stratum 64. Large and scholarly 74. Hard tough wood book 75. A strong line 66. Consumed 68. Male sheep PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 126 J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 8 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 256 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 256- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 8 RESOURCES | J u n e 16 - J u n e 2 9, 2 0 17 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 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 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: 241-2965 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 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 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 961-0600 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 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 $100 for 26 issues Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 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 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. 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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 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 LOTTIE MANNER MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 MYRA WILSON NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 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 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 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 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 June 16-June 29, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: We Value Our People, We Value Human Services The 2018 Trump Budget Pg 3: The Heroin Epidemic Is Trump Good for Climate Accord? Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: The Problem with Equality We Have Pride, But What Now? Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: What Would a visitor from Outer Space Think of Us in Cincinnati Pg 8: The Better Bus Coalition is Calling for a 2017 Bus Levy A Look at the Metro Numbers and Need for a Bus Levy Pg 9: A Great Loss for Our Community Pg 10: A Bus Riders Need for Access Pg 11: Dear Indigent Care Levy Committee Pg 12: Steve Sunderland Continued Key Beck Continued Martha Stephens 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 June 16-June 29, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Nick Shellenberger Dr. Mark Mussman Key Beck Martha Stephens Cam Hardy Justin Jeffre Mark Samaan Jeremy Moses Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Better Bus Coalition Google images AJ Newberry Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF AJ Newberry Better Bus Better Bus Coalition Bill Woods Budget Cam Hardy Cincinnati Donald Trump Dr. Mark Mussman Equality Google Images Heroin Jeremy Moses Justin Jeffre Key Beck Kim Green LGBTQ+ Mark Samaan Martha Stephens Metro Nick Shellenberger Protests Tags Josh Spring Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/4d0061975782eb935fbbaa1d85fcc22e.pdf 3f69aa5af18b6ca786c2db39ef17388b PDF Text Text June 30th - July 13th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 40 (No. 359) a d v o c at i n g j u s t i c e | B u i l d i n g c o m m u n i t y Injustice Served | 8 Streetvibes distributor James Brown watches protesters outside the courthouse after the retrial of Ray Tensing was declared a mistrial PHOTO BY A.J. NEWBERRY Injustice Served On Friday, inside from the pouring rain, Mayor Cranley offered his condolences to the Dubose family and told media outlets not to fear any reactions from the black community, saying “I don’t want to make any predictions...other than to know that our police department will insure that it’s peaceful and safe, but also protect people’s right to register their anger.” Business owners were scared— though many of them arrived over a decade after the riots of 2001. But Cranley reaffirmed the patrons, “Downtown and OTR is open for business. My wife and I will spending the evening here.” Anyone who lives downtown, however, knows that any threats from black Cincinatians on businesses have been excised, the idea removed from their minds by way of criminalized fear. The thought... (Continued on page 8) This issue sponsored by (Former) Judge Mark P. Painter Inside this issue: Local: David Knoll | 2 $2.00 donation Local: Public Opposition To Pipeline Continues | 3 Local : Of Course It's Nice| 5 Local: Fentanyl Found in Marijuana and Cocaine | 7 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org �2 LOCAL Our Homeless Coalition Took a Win! J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 JOSH SPRING O n June 21, 2017, a motion brought forth by Yvette Simpson and Wendell Young to restore $350,000 to Human Services passed with an 8 to 1  vote.  A long-term motion brought forth by David Mann for the City to fully restore Human Services to at least 1.5% of the General Fund by five years from now was passed with a unanimous vote. Thirteen years ago the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition started the fight to prevent the elimination of City of Cincinnati Human Services Funds.  Over these difficult years we have attended many very long hearings, held press conferences, rallied, packed chambers, spoke at hearings, created strategy, published statements, sent emails, made phone calls and paid a host of council-people visits. Some years we stopped the attempts to eliminate Human Services funding all-together. Some years we stopped proposed cuts. Other years we lessened cuts.  We have never been quiet when it comes Executive Director to Human Services and our resolve has only increased.  Finally, two years ago we convinced City Council to begin restoring Human Services. Now this year, in the midst of a projected budget deficit, we convinced City Council that the work to restore Human Services to at least 1.5% must continue. Today Council restored $350,000 to Human Services for fiscal year 2018, thus increasing the 2017 fiscal year level by $350,000. We have to keep pushing.  We still have over $2 million to go before hitting 1.5% and we need to go higher than 1.5%, the need is certainly far greater. Cincinnati has the second worst rate of child-poverty in this country and 30% of our People are trying to survive below the federal poverty line, which by the way is based on a 54-year old ill-founded formula that says a family of four with an income greater than $24,600 is not experiencing poverty.   Given this, plus the inherent importance of our People, even 1.5% is nowhere near adequate. In addition to significantly increasing the city’s Human Services Fund, we need to create a local affordable housing trust fund to generate local revenue to build new affordable housing and prevent the loss of existing affordable housing. And we must end the criminalization of People experiencing homelessness- just to name a couple items from the long list of to-dos. But this week, we have taken a win with two passed ordinances for continued restoration. Thank you to our many Member-Organizations, their staff, clients, volunteers, board members and all of our supporters who have worked together to accomplish this win.  Good job to Council-Persons supporting the effort to restore Human Services over the last three years and to the makers of these two most recent motions:  Yvette Simpson, Wendell Young and David Mann. [Editor’s note: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition does not endorse political candidates.] Remembering David Knoll Coalition Board Member Emeritus and Gentle Giant ALICE SKIRTZ Contributing Writer In September 2016 when the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition asked David Knoll (1946-2017) to serve another term on the Board, he demurred and said he would continue to support the work of the Coalition but was trying to retire. As he had served since 2004 the Board established the position of Emeritus Board Member designating David its first recipient at the Annual Meeting October 19, 2016. David Knoll passed away May 17, 2017 survived by his wife Patricia, a sister, brother, and nieces and nephews. In 2002, David retired from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after 30 years of employment continuing for decades of volunteer work assisting those who experience homelessness, disabling conditions, including Veterans, in addition to his dedication to his lifelong interests in camping and stewardship of the environment. A veteran of the U.S. Army he had served in Military Intelligence in Vietnam and Germany. David began volunteering with the Greater Cincinnati Homeless David Knoll Coalition in 2002 joining the Coalition by way of membership through Coalition-member Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) and host congregation Church of the Redeemer. David held leadership positions in the Coalition, IHN, and the Vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. David also was active in advocacy for federal employees having served as President of National 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: Derrick Hudson, Iolanda Barton, Patricia J. Brown, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper Association of Federal Employees (NAFE) related to his many years of employment with SSA and leadership in several employee organizations. He organized the earliest local “Stand Down for Homeless Veterans” chairing or co-chairing but always as a participant veteran. All of these accomplishments of advocacy and leadership in services for those experiencing homelessness and/or disabling conditions belie the ‘gentle giant’ lurking behind David’s substantial skills at untangling bureaucratic snafus at SSA - he resolved hundreds of complications arising in claims for Social Security, SSI, Veterans benefits, etc. with aplomb - calming frustration and despair for all whose lives he touched. David brought the same calming wisdom to the boards and voluntary organizations he served in retirement - especially beloved by Veterans and homeless and formerly homeless individuals and families. David’s funeral on May 25, (Continued on page 12) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Alice Skirtz, Michael Earl Patton, Dr. Mark Mussman, Nick Shellenberger, Bill Woods, Dick Croy, Key Beck, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/ Artwork: Michael Earl Patton, Aaron Carter, Dr. Mark Mussman, Dailykos.com, Amy Thompson/ WVXU, AJ Newberry, Phillimag. com, National Coalition of AntiViolence Programs, 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. �No. 35 9 3 LOCAL Public Opposition to Pipeline Continues | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 MICHAEL EARL PATTON I Contributing Writer t is because of public opposition that Duke Energy has not yet obtained approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board for their proposed 20-inch diameter natural gas pipeline extending from an existing pipeline north of I-275 to either Fairfax (the preferred route) or Norwood (the alternate). Duke held three public informational meetings in March and June of 2016. On September 13 they filed their initial application for the pipeline, along with a request that certain provisions of the Ohio Administrative Code be waived. Shortly thereafter, the citizens group Neighbors Opposed to Pipeline Extension, or NOPE, filed their petition and objected. Duke has amended its plan twice since then but the basic concept of a large pipeline going through residential neighborhoods has remained. With each revision the Ohio Public Siting Board, or OPSB, has required Duke to have an additional public meeting. I attended the latest public meeting on June 15 in Blue Ash to see if the opposition, about which I had written earlier, is still strong or is tiring out. Opposition to the pipeline is still extremely strong and I could see no sign of it weakening. In fact, I thought that the arguments presented against the pipeline were not only heart-felt but also well-articulated. By the time I left almost a hundred people had signed up to testify about the pipeline. People speaking both for and against the proposed pipeline OPSB invited attendees to share their concerns Credit: Michael Earl Patton were invited to speak, but only one person out of the several to whom I listened were supportive – and that person was the president of the Ohio Gas Association. If you did not want to speak the OPSB invited you to sign your name as being either for or against the pipeline. I signed one of the sheets for those who opposed the pipeline. I then asked about the number of people who had signed expressing support. The woman at the table said that they hadn’t needed to bring that sheet out yet because after over two hours no one had asked to sign in support of the pipeline. According to NOPE (www. nopecincy.org) Amberley Village, Blue Ash, Cincinnati, Deer Park, Evendale, Golf Manor, Hamilton County, Madeira, Pleasant Ridge Community Council, Reading, and Sycamore Township have all filed comments with the OPSB objecting to the pipeline. Sycamore Township even sent letters to all of its 20,000 residents stating its opposition. Duke Energy says that it needs the pipeline in order to get rid of its propane peaking plants, upgrade aging infrastructure, and to better balance supply coming in from the north and the south. There are further plans for additional pipelines after this one, the details of which Duke Energy so far has refused to disclose. The propane peaking plants are for use during the coldest days when the capacity of the existing pipelines is not sufficient for all the natural gas that is needed. Propane is mixed in with the natural gas. This works because the heating value of propane is about 2-1/2 times that of natural gas for the same volume. It is not clear why Duke is adamant about getting rid of the propane peaking plants. Their application stated that mixing propane in with natural gas might cause problems with natural gas vehicles, but did not state what these problems might be or how many natural gas vehicles there are in the area. The opposition was concerned about the safety of the pipeline, which will operate at 400 psi (roughly 10 times the pressure in a car tire). This is indeed high, more than a hundred times higher than the pressure as it comes into your house. Even without ignition, a rupture at this pressure will cause a sizeable crater. Other concerns were about the tearing up of yards of homes, businesses, and service buildings, even preventing vehicle access onto one’s property during the time of construction. Some questioned the need, saying that the propane peaking plants could be upgraded far cheaper than the cost of the new pipeline, maybe just one tenth the cost. The cost for new infrastructure, or to upgrade old, is borne by the users and at an estimated pipeline cost of $100 million, the amount saved would be significant. Myself, I would turn the argument about getting rid of the propane (Continued on page 10) Anti-Pipeline posters and literature being shared Open Forum for people to share their concerns Credit: Michael Earl Patton Credit: Michael Earl Patton “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 �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 �No. 35 9 5 LOCAL Of Course It’s Nice | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Y Staff Writer ou know that feeling when you slip into bed with clean sheets and pillow slips? People who are experiencing homelessness aren’t afforded that luxury but still try to live as comfortably as possible. The sad thing is, there are many barriers that prevent people from obtaining housing, and many more that keep people from staying in their home. Whether it be a lack of tenant protections, or the fact that we are 40,000+ units short on affordable housing in Hamilton County, it all adds up to a very unstable situation. Yesterday, I was giving a tour to University of Cincinnati Medical students in hopes of showing them what’s happening in the neighborhood, and also giving them an idea of the resources people who are experiencing homelessness have in Over-the-Rhine. Since so many organizations have been forced out by the Impaction Ordinance and developer pressure, a leisurely walk turned into a hike around the southern and northern parts of the neighborhood. As we walked between agencies, I pointed out some of the areas important to community members. In the end, we didn’t even make it to Washington Park, because we had to walk so far north to get to the McMicken Health Clinic. On our way to the clinic, we stopped by the Mary Magdelen Shower House and Ziegler Park. As you may know, the Shower House is getting an upgrade, moving into the St. Anthony building (St. Francis Seraph) where they will have two additional showers for women. We also stopped by the St. Anthony building under construction and talked about the Center for Respite Care, who is moving into there as well. The medical students expressed that they care deeply about the whole person – what are the conditions that lead them to the hospital, and where do they go after they are released? The Center for Respite Care helps Dr. Mark talking about the St. Anthony renovations Credit: Aaron Carter people recuperate after visiting the hospital. It must be frustrating to doctors to repeatedly see a patient for preventable illnesses that are exacerbated by homelessness, only to release them to the streets again. This is why the Center for Respite Care is so very important. For about 4 million dollars of private donations in renovation, the St. Anthony building will house the Franciscan Haircuts for the Heart, The Mary Magdelen House, The Center for Respite Care, a nurse’s station, a pantry, a soup kitchen, and a flexible shelter. These agencies perform literal life-saving acts, and it’s amazing to see how many people are coming together to make it happen. In contrast, Ziegler Park is getting a 30+ million-dollar renovation by our city’s preferred developer, 3CDC. Of course the new park renovations are very nice. While it’s not finished yet, the parking garage, pool, and spray ground have opened. While there is some controversy about the pool, regarding memberships, management, etc., that’s not my focus right now. Community members without official bathing suits are being forced to tag team bathing suits SprayGround at Ziegler Park Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman so that they can at least get some time in the pool. Like at McKee Recreation Center in Northside, we probably could use a swimming suit donation box for the kids in the neighborhood. The issue with the renovation of the park is similar to the Streetcar – tenants to hopefully save their homes. Every time 3CDC puts a multimillion dollar project in the neighborhood it jeopardizes the housing of people with low incomes. If 3CDC truly cared about people in the neighborhood they would create affordable housing, rather than these half million dollar (and more) condos. Just a final note on current displacement. I was asked to update on Kroger by an avid reader of Streetvibes who was concerned about the Vine Street (Over-the-Rhine) Kroger possibly closing. In an article I wrote a few months ago, I talked about the rumors that the (still nonexistent) condos across from Kroger wanted to shut Kroger down because “they didn’t want to see people selling drugs out of their windows” in front of Kroger. Even though I contacted Kroger and asked them about the rumors, and they said they had “no plans to close the store at this time,” it was recently announced that Kroger will be closing the store in the next two years. In the announcement, Kroger said they have been working on the project for several years – to build a new Kroger grocery downtown. This will double the walking distance for many Over-the-Rhine residents and worse of all, Kroger will be donating the Vine Street store to 3CDC. Pool at Ziegler Park Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman do you think 3CDC wants to spend millions of dollars so that people who are living in poverty can enjoy the changes, or do you think they envision more rich people moving into the neighborhood? It’s obvious by their track record of displacement of economic others that these changes are only for the rich. This puts us, low income residents, in a true bind. We too are enticed by the shiny new park, the shiny new streetcars, the shiny new restaurants – but for many of us, the restaurants are economically out of reach ($15 for a hotdog? No thanks!). Even worse, however, is that they “upgrades” to Ziegler Park have now been documented as a reason landlords are raising rents in the area. Families who are being gentrified out of the neighborhood, are now scrambling to find housing while the Coalition helps organize the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Let’s not forget who 3CDC is – the board is handpicked by the Mayor. They operate as a member organization, collecting dues from their corporate members – P&G, 5/3 Bank, Macy’s, and of course, the Kroger Corporation. They’ve received nearly a billion in City funding, state tax credits, and other public support. They have bought hundreds of buildings in Over-the-Rhine and they sit on them vacant for years. So what does it mean that one of 3CDC’s stated goals on entering Over-theRhine was to close all the corner stores – the ones with food and drinks, force us to shop at Kroger, and then close our only grocery store in the neighborhood? This is indirect gentrification. -------------------------------------- �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 �No. 35 9 7 LOCAL Fentanyl found in Marijuana and Cocaine | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 NICK SHELLENBERGER Contributing Writer F entanyl, the dangerous synthetic opiate, has been found in marijuana and cocaine in our city. Hamilton County Coroner, Lakshmi Sammarco did not specify in last week’s press conference how many cases involving opiates and marijuana were found. However, it was a chance to confirm with Sen. Rob Portman that this once distant fear is now a reality. “We have seen fentanyl mixed with cocaine, we have also seen fentanyl mixed with marijuana,” Sammarco said during a joint press conference with Sen. Rob Portman. This year is on pace to be the deadliest in the opiate epidemic. According to the coroner, nearly 300 overdoses so far this year have been caused by opioid abuse. This is compared to 403 overdoses for all of 2016. The silent killer in all of this is Fentanyl and sometimes Carfentanil. Fentanyl is a synthetic pain medication that is 100 times more potent than morphine. Carfentanil is believed to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and contact alone with this variant can cause death. “Essentially, the message we’ve tried to get out there, is if you are using any form of street drugs, count on them having some form of synthetic opioid mixed in,” Sammarco said. Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, who is also chair to the Hamilton County Heroin Coalition, spoke recently about this new finding. “The arrival of synthetic opioids has raised the stakes in this already deadly epidemic. It has made the work of the coalition in distributing Narcan, connecting to treatment, reducing the supply, and preventing drug use more important than ever.” This is not only a local problem but a nationwide one as well. It’s no secret this country is more divided than ever in recent memory but combating this epidemic is one of the few bipartisan issues on the table. Senator Portman teamed with Senator Klobuchar from Minnesota and a few others to propose new legislation on fighting the synthetic drug epidemic. “It’s called the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and it makes the federal government a better partner with state and local government and the nonprofits out there doing the hard work to begin to reverse the tide of this addiction.” Hamilton County is one of the leaders in fighting this epidemic with the creation of such organizations as the Heroin Task Force and Heroin Coalition. Commissioner Driehaus spoke on the importance of the HC. "One of our primary goals is to connect people with treatment.  The Heroin Coalition has pursued several strategies to make it easier to get people into treatment, whether that be working with the hospitals to develop a protocol for referral to addiction treatment after an Emergency Room visit, funding additional capacity at area treatment providers, or opening the Heroin recovery pod in the (Continued on page 10) Hamilton County Coroner Lakshmi Sammarco(L) and Senator Rob Portman(R) hold a press conference to speak on the drug overdose crisis in Ohio. The Hamilton County Heroin Coalition is fighting the drug on all fronts including police, the coroner's office, hospitals and the faith community Credit: Dailykos.com Credit: Ann Thompson / WVXU TAKING ON GERRYMANDERING IN OHIO AND ELSEWHERE BILL WOODS Contributing Writer A s reformers in Ohio collect signatures for a state constitutional amendment proposal that would establish a fair process for drawing Congressional Districts, they can take heart that steps to end gerrymandering have gone forward in other states across the country. In fact, the U.S Supreme Court just announced it would hear a case involving the current Wisconsin redistricting map that insures a Republican majority of legislative seats in that state. The Court will take up this case in the fall. The Supreme Court has never ruled on whether gerrymandering to create safe seats for a political party violates the Constitution. Although the Court has determined that legislative districts drawn to protect racial discrimination are unconstitutional, it previously has not intervened when states put in place partisan redistricting processes. Throughout our history, each state has been responsible for devising its own election procedures. What has happened to bring this long accepted partisan strategy to the forefront of the political reform agenda? First of all, politics in 2017 has become intensely partisan to the point of promoting party success to the detriment of legislative compromise and governing. Secondly, computers have turned creating gerrymandered districts into a science. Techies and data crunchers can have a field day devising new district maps that greatly favor one party even if the other party is equal or even stronger in overall state vote tallies. Finally, the Republican Party made it a top priority to gain control of as many state redistricting processes as possible after the last U.S Census in 2010. The results were Redistricting maps like Wisconsin's and Ohio's. With Republicans in charge of drawing Wisconsin's district maps in 2011, the 2012 election results revealed their handiwork. While Democratic candidates won over 50-percent of the statewide vote, Republicans captured 60 of the 99 legislative seats. This example of extreme gerrymandering prompted reformers to legally challenge the process, and they won their case in a Federal District Court. The case, Gill v. Whitford, then was appealed to U.S. Supreme Court that has agreed to hear arguments this autumn. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Other states that have forged ahead on redistricting reform are California, Arizona, and Florida. Californians passed an initiative in 2008 that established a citizen commission to draw new district maps after every Census, and Arizonans followed the same course several years later. In both states, these nonpartisan commissions receive high marks from reformers and citizens in general, but the Arizona Legislature did challenge the constitutionality of such a commission. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, ruled that such bodies passed constitutional muster. Voters in Florida passed a state constitutional amendment banning the process of gerrymandering. Reformers, however, then had to go to court when the Legislature ignored this law and created highly partisan districts. Oregon, like Ohio is moving toward reforming its Congressional district map making after succeeding in creating a fair process for drawing state elective districts. -------------------------------------- �8 PHOTO ESSAY Injustice Served Photo Credits: A.J. Newberry J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 (Continued from cover) thought of rioting or even protesting in a time where an unexpected traffic stop can lead to your death. Fear and distrust of those who are supposed to protect us has simply removed the right of people to “register their anger.” But the fight continues. Pride and Prejudice The call and response went: “Homophobia: Not Okay. Transphobia: Not Okay. Black-phobia: Not Okay. It’s not okay ya’ll: Not Okay.” Saturday’s Pride Parade comes at a time when, across the country, millions are at daily risk for losing their healthcare and homes by means of deportation and gentrification. Oppression of persons who need affordable housing are beginning to gain as much significance as the longstanding racial and gender divides, and the guiding principles of Black Lives Matter Cincinnati include the all struggles of the working class. The utterence of Dubose’s name at the Pride Parade was necessary for those who believe in equality. According to the Department of Justice in 2015, 59.2% of hate crimes in the United States were targeted because of race/ethnicity/ ancestry bias. The 3,444 incidents is likely lower than the actual number and does not include acquitted cops like Jeronimo Yanez who killed Philando Castile. Over-The-Rhine is the city’s economic center and will be protected at all costs. That mayor Cranley would dignify the fears of patrons and business owners is blantant disregard for the black community that has been pushed and priced out of those neighborhoods. For more information on upcoming actions visit: www.facebook.com/BlackLivesMatterCincinnati/ THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 9 | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 PHOTO ESSAY 9 Black Lives Matter Cincinnati was invited to join the Pride Parade by Clifton United Methodist Church. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL Pretend That Didn’t Happen J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 DICK CROY B ack in the ‘40s and early ‘50s when my younger brother and I were living in the country and had no one else to play with, we engaged in elaborate reenactments of the cowboy movies Dad took us to. We didn’t try to replicate the plots, just assumed the characters. I was Roy Rogers, which meant Dougie had to be Gene Autry. These immersive performances would often go on all day, and Mom would usually play along. “Better git in here to the chuckwagon,” she might call us for lunch, or, “If yer fixin’ t’ herd them cattle, you’d better git some good grub in yer bellies first.” We loved that she enlivened the drama – except when we found her performance too over the top Contributing Writer to plow into the first floor of the most heavily defended building in the world. Without even scraping the lawn.” As the world spirals ever more completely into chaos it behooves all of us to try to learn what’s really going on, but where are we to turn for true and unbiased information? I recently read an informative, well-written article in The New Yorker (Mar. 6: “Active Measures” – the magazine subtitled it “Trump, Putin and Russia’s Grand Strategy”) that it took three seasoned writers to assemble, but when I’d finished it I had to ask myself, so how much of this is true? How can you honestly report on world events while pretending a massive 9/11 cover-up hasn’t been going on since the Twin Towers and WTC Building 7 were brought down by some kind of controlled demolition? Much of the world knows this, and the mainstream even for us. Then I’d say to Dougie, “Pretend that didn’t happen,” and we’d resume as if the offending line reading had never occurred. Or if I blew a line, say, or the story took a wrong turn: “Okay, pretend that didn’t happen.” That worked for us, and apparently the mainstream media thinks it works for them too as they pretend to keep us “informed.” “Okay, pretend the House of Representatives Select Committee on Assassinations didn’t conclude in ’79 that Kennedy was probably assassinated as the result of a conspiracy.” “Pretend that a conspiracy by the mafia and the government to assassinate Martin Luther King Jr. wasn’t supported in the verdict of a 1998 wrongful death court case brought by the King family. After all, that finding of a Memphis jury was later rejected by the  United States Department of Justice, due to insufficient evidence.” Imagine that. “Okay, pretend that 19 Muslim hijackers with box cutters took control of four airliners and outfoxed the world’s most sophisticated air defense system to bring down two skyscrapers in virtual free fall – to say nothing of the third which also collapsed into its own footprint without benefit of airplane contact soon afterwards. Then, when our air defense should have been on the highest possible alert, a guy who’d never piloted an airliner flew undetected to the nation’s capital and executed a maneuver that experienced pilots say is impossible, The additional natural gas needed for winter use is stored in caverns and the amount that can be stored is limited. So far there hasn’t been a shortage because recent winters have been relatively warm, or just a little colder than average. If a winter is very cold there won’t be enough natural gas stored to both heat houses and to generate electricity. Having plenty of pipeline capacity will be of no use if there isn’t the gas to fill the pipelines. But propane is stored separately. It would be available when it is needed most. Several links about pipeline safety and past accidents are in NOPE’s website. To contact the OPSB and make a comment go to http://www. opsb.ohio.gov/opsb/ and click on “Pending Cases.” The Duke Energy pipeline extension is case number 16-0253-GA-BTX. Clicking on that case will take you to a summary page. On the summary page there is a link to “File a public comment.” The QRTs include a police officer, EMS responder, and a social worker, (Continued from page 7) who visit people who have been Hamilton County Justice Center. revived with Narcan within a few One of the most successful strategies days of the overdose event, and has been the Quick Response Teams attempt to connect that individual pioneered by Colerain Township.  with treatment.  The Colerain QRT has referred 80% of the people it contacts into treatment.” In order to combat this epidemic a collaborative effort is needed by organizations and politicians. It does not seem the number of overdoses is going down any time soon and with reports that other street drugs such as cocaine and marijuana are being laced with these deadly synthetics opiates; the future looks even more dangerous. MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 3) peaking plants on its head. I wrote recently about a shortage of natural gas that I see coming. Production of natural gas is going down yet many coal-fired electrical power plants were replaced with natural gas-fired plants. NICK SHELLENBERGER (Continued on page 12) -------------------------------------- September 8 - 30, 2017 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. 35 9 LOCAL And Then the Parade Goes On | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 KEY BECK T his past weekend, the LGBTQIA Pride parade marched throughout the streets of Cincinnati accompanied by rainbow flags, brightly-colored balloons, smiling faces, and happy people cheering. The Cincinnati Pride parade is one of few city-funded/sponsored events so it was enjoyable to see so many people filling the streets with their love, support, and in a few minor cases dissatisfaction. The streets were blocked with barricades and there were people lining the sidewalks should to shoulder, but that didn’t stop the occasional car from trying to drive through. To an uninformed person, this could be any parade for any celebration, but it was for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Nonbinary/GNC folks. As I stated in my previous article, LGBT Pride celebrations were started to honor and recognize the history, struggle and fight that LGBTQ people had to endure throughout history. All that came to head during a queer uprising in 1969, which we refer to as the Stonewall Riots. Police raided a queer-welcoming bar and specifically arrested women dancing together, trans women of color, and known queer sex workers. As they were forcefully arresting a person, someone threw a brick at the cops. A uproar occurred throughout Manhattan, but Christopher Street (Stonewall) was seen as the epicenter of this new Queer Liberation Movement. A movement started by queer and trans women of color. Why the need to review this historical event and what does it have to do with contemporary times, or this year’s parade? People often fail to see the connection between the Queer Liberation movement and the Black Liberation movement. It wouldn’t be a conjecture to say that people often fail to see how all Liberation movements are connected regardless of temporal, geographical and cultural barriers. It is important to recognize that although their core missions and demographic makeup may differ, they are all fighter for basic human rights. The queer and trans women of color who started pride were routinely harassed and abused by the police, let alone the majority of society. Gender nonconforming (GNC) sex workers were routinely beat up, sexually harassed, blackmailed and extorted by the police. They were not only oppressed and brutalized in public, but also in private spaces. Cops would bust clubs and bars that were frequented by same sex people. If you were caught dancing too closely, or wearing clothes that didn’t match your assumed gender you were fined (and sometimes arrested). Often, we Contributing Writer Image of new Pride flag via its designing company, Tierney. The inclusion of black and brown bars have stirred up cotreversy withing the LGBT community. Photo credit: Phillymag.com hear people say things like, “why do they have to flaunt their sexuality?” or “Why can’t they just keep it behind clothes doors?” Well, to answer this question, historically being behind clothes doors didn’t allow you any more freedom than being in public. color. The queer and trans people of color were tired of not being treated human, so they took to the streets. These same queer people were not missing during Civil Rights rallies either. Notable queers of color James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Josephine LGBT homicides by race and sexuality/ type of attacks Credit: National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs The “official” decriminalization of same-sex intercourse didn’t start happening until around 1962. That means that before this time, I could literally hear about you having sex with a same-sex partner and report you to the police. The idea of criminalizing and demonizing LGBT people for their sexual orientation is nothing new or ancient. There are still states that have some form of Sodomy Law (criminalization of same-sex intercourse) in place. Heck, there are definitely laws in place that allows for LGBTQ to be legally fired, evicted, and denied care for their identity. These are all legal forms of oppression and brutality that disproportionately affect people of color, especially LBGTQ people of Baker and Bayard Rustin were leaders during the Civil Rights Movement. So historically, the two movements have always been supportive of each other, regardless of what media and popular culture says about the “black community” and the LGBT communities. To be honest, the easiest answer to the question to “what’s the connection between them?” is that fact that LGBTQ people can also be black. "According to the Williams Institute, there are more than 1 million LGBTQ African Americans currently living in the United States, with approximately 3.7 percent of all African American people identifying as LGBTQ. LGBTQ African Americans are disproportionately THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 11 young and disproportionately female, and nearly one-third of all African American same-sex couples are raising children” (HRC.org). They are little black boys being stopped for playing with plastic guns. They are little black girls who slammed to ground during a pool party. They are grown black men whose license plate is one number different from the suspect the police are searching to find. They are connected because intrinsically they are both fighting for justice. Justice for their fallen brothers and sisters at the hands of police, which believe it or not is higher than one would think. Every transgender woman of color (TWOC) will experience an act of violence do to her gender or gender presentation. Black women and queer men have a higher incident of violence against them than their white queer brothers and sisters. {GRAPH} It is our duty to be more inclusive in our communities. This goes out double to the LGBT community. Pride is not the time to be cheering on police who arrest peaceful protestors. It is the time for you to jump in the streets and pull your LGBTQ brothers and sisters from the police. It is the time for you to demand justice. It is the time for you to reject consumerism and capitalism, both of which first excluded you. It is the time to “Stand Up, Fight Back.” BLM Cincinnati is known for marching in the streets, disrupting business for rallies and providing education for those willing to support justice for murdered black people at the hands of police. This is your opportunity to see the work they do. As everyone at the parade saw, they were peaceful and nonviolent. It is a shame that we have to continue to say this statement. BLM groups have been very vocal about disrupting parades in order to get a couple minutes of silence for those who lost their lives at the hands of police. In some cities like Cincinnati, it went off without a hitch. In others like Columbus, the Police Department flexed their muscles by forcefully arresting and bullying peaceful protesters (who happen to be mostly POC, go figure). Here is the thing. Many of the BLM groups are asking for a moment of silence/protest and then the continuation of the parade. The fact that we can do this for military, firemen, police, baseball heros, etc. yet it is an issue for a black youths speaks volumes. It shows the disconnection that many people, include white LGBT folks, have with the history of protests and the liberation movement. Union workers, churches, fetish groups, corporations and other social groups all march in pride, but it is an issue when BLM wants to do so. It is time that we show more solidarity within our social justice/liberation movements. We are stronger together (cliche as it sounds). So relax, they may disrupt business and block the streets, but the parade goes on. -------------------------------------- �12 ALICE SKIRTZ (Continued from page 2) 2017 at the Church of the Redeemer included presentation of the flag by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and an DICK CROY (Continued from page 10) media know that it knows, yet they continue their deceitful, traitorous game of let’s pretend. Well, that’s how they get paid, of course, and that’s why many in the alternative media call them “presstitutes.” LOCAL J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 attendance that filled the Redeemer sanctuary. Had half of those assisted by David over his many years of service been able to attend the funeral, they would have filled Redeemer and neighboring Hyde Park Churches and congregations hosting homeless families - St. Mary Catholic, Knox Presbyterian, Hyde Park Community Methodist - all missing both the warmth and skills of our ‘gentle giant’! [Alice Skirtz is a Member of the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Board.] So like most readers anxious to be informed, I daily peruse particular websites in the “alt media,” news sources which I believe to be knowledgeable, honest and reasonably reliable. Of course with all the nonsense and disinformation spewed out on the Internet, I can’t assume anything is true even after cross-checking it on multiple sites, but at least I’m given an alternate view of reality to counter-balance the distorted picture the paid megaphones of the deep state (a term that has surfaced since 9/11) want to implant. And how ludicrous of them to scream, “Fake news! Fake news!” when it’s always been the mainstream media dragging the world into wars killing millions with their own brand of fake news. The msm calling the alt media the sole purveyors of fake news isn’t the pot but the [out]house calling the kettle black. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- �No. 35 9 | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 NO ONE ASKED 13 STREET VOICE HE'S STILL THEIR GUY No one asked. GOP-leaders invent all sorts of excuses How are you today? As ways to gloss over The Donald's abuses. No one asked, Their responses insinuate that only a snob Because no one cared Would be tough on a guy so new to the job. Maybe because everyone is too busy They even insist that any Russian connection Someone went home today Feeling, sad and empty No one asked, No one cared Sometimes no one should have to ask. When was the last time you asked someone could you help them? It’s so sad when no one cares enough to ask! Is probably without need of major correction. They seem hell bent on creating distractions To avoid serious talk of impeachable actions. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer ALL HEADS DOWN I REMEMBER DAYS WHEN YOU HEARD ALL HEADS DOWN FOR SILENCE I 'VE HEARD ALL HEADS DOWN TALKING ABOUT ALL THE VIOLENCE TODAY I SEE ALL HEADS DOWN KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer LOOKING AT TELEPHONE DEVICES LOOKING DOWN TO TEXT SOCIAL MEDIA, NOT SEEING STEPPING ON A MICE LOOKING DOWN AT A DEVICE THAT IF THEY HAPPEN TO DROP LOOKING DOWN FOR ANSWERS WHY THEIR COMUNICATION HAS STOPPED TECHNOLOGY IS A GOOD THING IN WAYS OF THINGS AND THE WAY WE USE IT BUT TO WALK AROUND HEADS DOWN EARS PLUGGED UP WHY NOT CALL IT ABRUSIVE ALL HEADS DOWN ALL EARS PLUGGED UP WALKING INTO WALLS AND EVERYONE WHEN AND HOW DO YOU REMEMBER TO LOOK UP AT THE SHINNING WORLD OR THE SUN TO LOOK UP AND SEE PEOPLE UNPLUG EARS TO HEAR HOW THE WORLD IS TURNING I PRAY THAT PEOPLE LOOK UP BEFORE THE ONLY THING THEY'LL SEE IS THEY ARE BURNING LIFE IS MUCH TOO PRECIOUS TO KEEP LOOKING DOWN, WITH EARS PLUGGED AND MISS LIFE JUST REMEMBER THAT IT'S YOUR LIFE TO BELIEVE IN TECHNOLOGY AND NOT THE STRIFE JUST REMEMBER BEFORE THESE DEVISES WERE INVENTD PEOPLE LOOKED FOR PEACE WE AS A PEOPLE NEVER FORGET TECHNOLOGY IS TEMPORARY AND GODS LOVE NEVER CEASES THANK YOU! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 128 Across Down 1. Cut of pork 1. Sweetener 4. Rind 2. Solitary 8. Following 3. Bill of fare 13. A part to play 4. Dance step 14. Wheel shaft 5. Urge on or encourage 15. Slither 6. Evade 16. At another time 7. Give temporarily 17. Eschew 8. Small snake 18. Oust politically 9. Stroke of luck 19. Taxonomic group 10. Wheel covering 21. Betting ratio 11. Boundary of a surface 23. Part of a vessel's hull 12. Bobbin providing stability 13. Fury 24. Sense organ 20. Exchange 25. An article of commerce 22. Move 27. Bind 26. One, some, every 29. Harangue or all 30. Liquor flavored 28. Writing fluid with juniper berries 29. Fish eggs 31. Definite article 30. Space 34. Part of a prachute 31. Ancient city in 37. Score Asia Minor 38. Uncooked 32. Fog 39. Woodwind instrument 33. Pitcher 40. Yelp 34. Carbonated drink 41. Seep 35. Encourage, usually 42. Allow in wrongdoing 43. A great distance 36. Music symbol 45. Attorney 37. Spoil 47. Consumed 40. Long-haired wild ox 48. Sort of Tibet 49. Flame 41. Be in debt 50. Fuss 43. Assistance 51. Consider 44. A complete failure 52. Cutting tool 45. Prevarication 55. Slightly wet 46. Weapons 58. Whittle 49. Antenna 60. Scorch 50. Plant louse 62. Hawaiian greeting 51. Literary genre 64. Glen 52. Trap 66. Gender 53. Lambent 67. Unemotional person 54. Unwanted garden 68. Portent plant 69. Jab 55. A quick run 70. Vast multitude 56. Singing voice 71. Part of a hospital 57. Secure in a berth 72. Darn 59. Affirm 61. Mischievous fairies 63. Maven 65. Either extremity of something PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 127 J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 258 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 257- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 35 9 RESOURCES | J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: 471-1100 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5300 961-1983 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 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 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 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 1522 Republic Street 45202 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 961-4663 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Starting Over 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 921-1613 First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Prospect House Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Charlie’s 3/4 House 2121 Vine Street 45202 Shelter: Youth Health 421-0065 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile for 26 issues 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 $100 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 J u n e 30 - J u l y 13, 2 0 17 | N o . 35 9 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 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRAIG SMITH SINCE 5/2014 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 DONALD YOUNG ELMORE MORRIS SINCE 5/2014 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GINA MARTIN GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 GLENDA CANTRELL GREGORY WILSON SINCE 1/2012 GREGORY RAY SINCE 4/2015 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JONATHAN SLATER SINCE 5/2014 JOHN GAINES SINCE 12/2009 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 KRISTINE HOFSKY SINCE 3/2015 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 LOTTIE MANNER MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MAXINE GRANT SINCE 4/2015 MEACO WAITE MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MICHAEL BEHYMER MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 MYRA WILSON NEBRASKA SINCE 3/2015 PERVIS MENTON SINCE 8/2015 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 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2015 TARA HILL SINCE 4/2014 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 TINA SINCE 4/2015 TODD HANLEY SINCE 5/2014 TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 WILLIAM SIMMS SINCE 4/2014 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 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 June 30-July 13, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Injustice Served Pg 2: Our Homeless Coalition Took A Win! Remembering David Knoll Pg 3: Public Opposition to Pipeline Continues Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Of Course It’s Nice Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Fentanyl Found in Marijuana and Cocaine Taking on Gerrymandering in Ohio and Elsewhere Pg 8: Injustice Served Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: Pretend That Didn’t Happen Pg 11: And Then the Parade Goes On Pg 12: GCHC 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 June 30-July 13, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Alice Skirtz Michael Earl Patton Dr. Mark Mussman Nick Shellenberger Bill Woods Dick Croy Key Beck Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Aaron Carter Dailykos.com Amy Thompson WVXU AJ Newberry Phillimag.com National Coalition of Anti- Violence Programs Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Carter AJ Newberry Alice Skirtz Amy Thompson Bill Woods Cocaine Dailykos.com David Knoll Dick Croy Dr. Mark Mussman Josh Spring Key Beck Kim Green LGBTQ+ Marijuana Michael Earl Patton National Coalition of Anti- Violence Programs Nick Shellenberger Ohio Over-the-Rhine Phillimag.com Photography Pipeline Protesting Riot Willa Denise Jones WVXU https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/df2bab7a6d8fb3638201789ecbf80627.pdf d6b6d0ce952783a21441338c471bef4c PDF Text Text July 14th - July 27th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 41 (No. 360) a d v o c at i n g j u s t i c e | B u i l d i n g c o m m u n i t y The Right to be Upset | 8 Protesters line Vine Street calling for justice and a retrial of Ray Tensing. PHOTO BY A.J. NEWBERRY M The Right to be Upset ost of the ways we socialize and engage in politics have radically changed since the rise of social media. Some of it good, some of it bad, but on all ends, public engagement has remained trapped in the same trap of echo chambers that plagued the presidential election. The need for conversation is constant. Voicing support or dissent for news articles with friends or online is one way to start a conversation, denigrating protestors with character jabs as they walk by is not. Mainstream media does it too, favoring discussions of the president's lack of political correctness (which a large portion of the country has shown is exactly why they elected him and should be respected as their decision), leaving citizens ever the more uninformed about issues and people affected. No, protests are typically not a great time to start a conversation with those involved. People protest because they haven't been heard, weren't taken seriously, or are being oppressed. Protests should be observed as peacefully as they are carried out. Consider viewing them as a shout for help, asking the public join arms and demand justice for group's cause. People protest because they are upset, and watchers who try to denigrate or even calm them down should understand that their interaction is futile and cumbersome: If more coversations were had, there wouldn’t have to be a protest in the first place. Few people in Cincinnati are defending Ray Tensing's actions, and most upper-middle class people will acknowledge that American life is wrought with institutional racism and/or classism. Acting upon this knowledge, however, remains stalled. The great questions for our generation are how will we eradicate poverty? Reduce prison populations? Drug-related deaths? And end violent interactions where ignorance may at all be to... (Continued on page 8) This issue sponsored by (Former) Judge Mark P. Painter Inside this issue: Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 $2.00 donation Local: Love and Resistance: Moving Tom Dutton's Work Forward | 3 Local: Dear Tom, | 3 Local : Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Homes | 5 Local: WCC: Striving for a Better Future| |7 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org �2 LOCAL How Many HSAC Members Does It Take To Screw Up A Human Services Funding Recommendation? T he Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) is a group of local individuals who volunteer to collectively look over grant applications for city Human Services funds. They then study the details and proposed outcomes of these proposals and decide which programs to recommend to City Council for funding and at what dollar amount, within the limitations of funds made available by City Council. For the last several years the United Way has done a good job of staffing this process and then administering and following the dollars. The United Way works to facilitate a process that fits within the Human Services priorities as decided by City Council. For the last couple years the three primary priorities have been: removing barriers to gainful employment, reducing homelessness and violence prevention. Deciding what programs to recommend for funding and what J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 JOSH SPRING Executive Director organizations to not recommend is difficult because the need in all priorities listed and priorities not listed far exceed the dollars made available by City Council, especially considering that Human Services has been operating at a deficit for about fourteen years and even at its best before the deficit was only 1.5% of the city’s General Fund. Members of HSAC are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed through majority vote by City Council. In case you haven’t heard, we are in the midst of an opioid/heroin epidemic. In fact, we really have been in the midst of an addiction crisis for a very long time: heroin, alcohol, crack, cocaine, pills, etc. I’m sure you have heard this and more than likely you have seen it in some fashion or experienced it personally or had someone you know experience it. We know about the regular overdoses. We know about the regular deaths. We know about the heroin laced with elephant tranquilizers. We know about people who have been in the horror of addiction for a long time and we know about the growing numbers of people being captured by the disease of addiction. For over thirty years the City of Cincinnati has provided funding to the Center for Chemical Addictions Treatment (CCAT). CCAT provides detox and recovery services to people suffering from addiction. They provide in-patient and out-patient services. They provide services to the families of people dealing with addiction. They provide ongoing recovery services and a recovery community. They save lives, for sure. Last year through Human Services, the City granted $180,000 to CCAT. Even these dollars were not enough to take on the full problem. So, in the midst of everything we know to be true, would you believe that HSAC (Continued on page 11) THOMAS A. DUTTON: A Working Paper O ne of the privileges of working with Tom Dutton for the last decade was being on his editorial board. Editorial Board… that already sounds too formal for Tom’s liking, but those who knew and worked with Tom will know just what I mean. And they might nod and agree that it was great sport to write and edit with Tom. It was sport that demanded mental and linguistic agility, yet it was fun. It was exciting. And it was a team sport. The match began quietly—a paper was handed to you with the red Center for Community Engagement sunflower/fist/baseball glove logo and a title like: Econocide Overthe-Rhine; From the Continuum of Care to Strategies to Care Less: From Anna Louise to the Drop in Center; Do You Have a Sign?; District 9 Overthe-Rhine; Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses and Economic Mix (https://blogs.miamioh.edu/cceotr/papers/). Looking back at the titles of these varied pieces, this subtitle was common: A Working Paper. The implication of Tom’s subtitle is that the work is never complete. As such, there is always opportunity JOHN BLAKE Contributing Writer for collaboration and community building. When I first got one of these working papers from Tom, not long after our Residency Program began in 2006, it felt to me like the serve by a man who was more than adept with a ping-pong paddle. Be ready… here it comes…. But the racquet sport analogy quickly falls short. This editorial board was more of an ultimate Frisbee team. (“Ultimate” was another sport Tom loved and excelled at). There were many players with different skills, and everything was happening in real time. If you want to be part of the action, you’d better be (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: Mona Jenkins 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, John Blake, Mary Clare Rietz, Rachel Radina, Michael Earl Patton, Robert Park, Dr. Mark Mussman, Bill Woods, Nick Shellenberger, A. J. Newberry, Bobby Morris, Steve Sunderland, Willa Denise Jones, Bill Woods, Kim Green Photography/ Artwork: Michael Earl Patton, Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive, Dr. Mark Mussman, Woman's City Club, A. J. Newberry Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Thomas Dutton kickin it with Ms. June Credit: Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 36 0 3 LOCAL | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 Dear Tom, MARY CLARE RIETZ N Contributing Writer ight before last, you visited me in that dream. For the other folks here, I’ll tell it: I was on one side of a kitchen; across, I could see the sink, countertops and window. There were students there too. A largerthan-life crystal plate suspended vertically in mid-air, with your name, Tom Dutton, etched in handwriting in the glass. Before I had time to do anything more than see it, that beautiful translucent thing dropped to the floor and shattered into many shards. I felt panicked, and deeply saddened that I’d not been more present, had not experienced it more mindfully when it was still whole. I surveyed all the broken pieces at our feet. Then, I was on the other side of where the plate had been hanging, now with a different perspective on the room. There was a wooden tray, hand-built, also suspended mid-air, and the students and I were making a piece of art, a collage of sorts, with the broken shards of your plate as a base, and fat, pink, 4-sided ceramic pieces. I was both leading, and working collaboratively, with the students. You wooshed through, striding with your long legs from one side of the kitchen to the other, then out. Even though you entered and exited quickly, on your way through you said, “I’m not leaving until…” Until what? The next morning I remembered it was “until you get it,” or “until it’s done.” My story of you is ordinary, in that it’s the story of so many of Thomas Dutton leads Highlander School Credit: Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive Thomas Dutton leads Highlander School Credit: Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive us: You generously mentored me through a process of conception, vision, and struggle to enact. When the idea came to me for a mapsbased art intervention to challenge the dominant renaissance narrative in gentrifying Over-the-Rhine, Bonnie Neumeier was the first person I talked to. You were the second. We hadn’t met before then, though I knew you and your work through mutual friends, sister and fellow activists. But from that first conversation on, your commitment to supporting me and my work was generous and unwavering. You let me and neighborhood collaborators use the MUCCE space as our meeting place, monthly for almost a year. You and John sent students to a design charrette to help me come up with how to make that crazy mobile kiosk I wanted to build to take around the neighborhood, to prompt people to think about how Over-the-Rhine is mapped, and how that relates to power and privilege. You and John said yes to students who wanted to LOVE AND RESISTANCE: Moving Tom Dutton’s Work Forward I f you’ve never been to the Miami University Center for Community Engagement, located in the storefront at buddy’s place at 13th and Vine Street, I encourage you to stop by this fall. It’s a powerful space of resistance located in the heart of what some refer to as the Gateway Quarter, a portion of Over-the-Rhine that has been gentrified and essentially become what MUCCE founder and director Thomas A. Dutton referred to as “an urban playground for the White elite.” While many programs, organizations and people have been pushed out of the Gateway Quarter, buddy’s place remains and is home to a program that was created a little over ten years ago to help students develop a critical consciousness about urban communities. The Miami University Over-theRhine Residency Program was created in 2006 through a collaboration of members of the Over-the-Rhine RACHEL RADINA Contributing Writer community and Tom Dutton. The Residency Program was designed to move beyond community service and advocacy and instead aims to teach students how to walk alongside community members in the struggle for justice. Residency students take a class called, The American City Since 1940, which has been co-taught by Tom and Bonnie Neumeier a long time community member, educator, and activist.  The class meetings are held at the MUCCE in buddy’s place on Thursday evenings. This building holds a special significance to the community and the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement, symbolizing struggle, solidarity and hope.  buddy’s place is named after long time community activist buddy gray [buddy gray preferred his name in lower case letters], who was tragically killed in 1996.   buddy was one of the founding members of many of the social service organizations that still exist in Over-the-Rhine and the surrounding area.  Located above the Center for Community Engagement are 20 units of affordable supportive help me build the mobile kiosk, to building it there at the Center and using the Center’s tools. You offered to serve on my thesis committee if I anticipated trouble garnering support. You directed funding to publish and distribute multiples of a booklet I’d made documenting the project; the last interaction we had was me giving you your copy, and, incredibly, you thanking me. All this, and I was not even a Miami student(!) but in the graduate fine arts program at UC DAAP. Most significant of all these gifts: You reminded me again, and again, what I had stated as my vision, the radical and disruptive original goal of the work. Though the project did challenge the perceptions of many who participated, it never did hit that target full on. I’m not leaving until you get it. I’m not leaving until it’s done. Last night, several hundred people hit the streets in Over-the-Rhine to call for a retrial for the murder of (Continued on page 12) housing specifically for folks who have recently experienced homelessness.  The building was built brick-by-brick through the work of volunteers and members of the Over-the Rhine People’s Movement who cared deeply about the community long before the new wave of development took place. The (Continued on page 12) Tom Dutton, with Janis Dutton, participates at Highlander event at Peaslee Credit: Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL Property Tax Reappraisals and TIFs J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 MICHAEL EARL PATTON P roperty owners in Hamilton County recently got notices of updated appraised values as determined by the Hamilton County Auditor’s office (www.hamiltoncountyauditor.org). The appraised value of my house in Oakley went up – a lot – but probably in line with recent market sales in my immediate area. I’m not real happy about the 24% increase because I have no plans to sell now and the immediate effect will be higher property taxes. I have written before about property tax abatements and the abuse of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) schemes which tend to raise our taxes even more. With the recent reappraisals and new information published by the auditor’s office, it is a good time to revisit the subject. Cincinnati and other municipalities are allowed to grant property tax abatements and use tax increment financing according to the Ohio Revised Code. The default period for which these abatements can run is 10 years, but under certain conditions such as the approval of the school board, they can run for up to 30 years. A property tax abatement is a forgiveness of property tax, in whole or in part. Tax increment financing is a means of still collecting that portion that is forgiven as a tax and using it instead for a project in the immediate area or even for the same property which had a part of its taxes abated. That portion is now called a PILOT, for Payments In Lieu Of Taxes. The difference is that the money is not used for things like police, fire, parks, and schools; instead the money goes back directly to the immediate area or project which paid it. Cincinnati often uses this money to assist certain (favored) businesses by helping to pay for parking garages or lots. An example is the parking lot by MadTree Brewing in Oakley, almost half of which was paid for through an area TIF fund. While in theory those parking spaces are for the general public, in practice MadTree is the Contributing Writer Anti-Pipeline posters and literature being shared Credit:hamiltoncountyauditor.org only large business in the immediate area. Other bars and restaurants in Oakley are several blocks away. While they probably could use more parking spaces close by, they were not so favored. And what is surely rubbing it in for them, part of the PILOT money used for the MadTree parking lot comes from those other businesses. The county auditor, Dusty Rhodes, recently looked at the amount Mr. Rhodes makes the point that the amount of tax exempt property is increasing faster than the total property valuation, from 9.5% in 1991 to 23.8% in 2016. Of these tax exemptions, the amount granted by local governments has also increased, from 5.2% in 2005 to 9.4% in 2016 (he does not give the percentage for 1991, but it was probably close to zero). TIFs are included in this portion. Mr. Rhodes also notes – Graphic representation of a monetary squeeze on the wallet Credit: Michael Earl Patton of tax abated property in Hamilton County. The accompanying graph is taken from a March 9, 2017 note that is linked on the auditor’s home page. and this was a surprise to me – that the total property valuations actually went down slightly from 2005 to 2016, from $70.9 billion in 2005 to Otto Warmbier and foreign policy ROBERT PARK I f we want to understand how the Otto Warmbier family tragedy could happen, we need to examine some history. Bad foreign policy has consequences that can go on for generations. This was not about what a young man did or didn’t do; it’s not about an irresponsible tour company, and it’s not about a rogue state with an unfamiliar pathological political culture. It’s about a global disconnect that started 75 yrs ago or more and Contributing Writer continues, getting worse. Over thousands of years the Korean peninsula was invaded repeatedly by mostly Chinese imperial armies of various dynasties but in the 20th Century, it was the Tsarist Russian and Japanese occupiers that needed repelling. Korea along with parts of China, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries became the near colonial territories of the Japanese empire that eventually partnered with Nazi Germany creating the Asian theatre of World War Two. That’s where another policy of capitalist greed started us down the path we’re now on. The United States had the Monroe Doctrine that said Central and South America were ours, other empires need not consider participating there. When the Japanese said they had their own Monroe Doctrine for Asia, the U.S. objected and intervened… Hence Pearl Harbor and the East Asia venue of WW II. We could perhaps THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED just $69.4 billion in 2016. This helps explain why property taxes have been increasing. Since the total property valuations went down slightly at the same time the amount of tax-exempt property increased, that means that the property tax base shrank. Unless the total amount to be collected goes down, that means that the amount of tax collected per dollar of valuation has to go up to compensate. Mr. Rhodes calls this trend “disturbing,” and it is clear that as it continues, more and more taxes will be coming from a continually shrinking tax base. I am not as sanguine as he, I call the trend “alarming.” Any new property taxes are on top of the increases that are already set in place. Last year, in the September 23 – October 6 issue of Streetvibes, I wrote another article on TIFs. Called “Sneaky TIFs,” it explained that because the base valuation of TIF property was frozen, more and more of the tax burden would be borne by non-abated properties as inflation caused property values to increase. That point is still valid. Even if the total valuation of the county doesn’t increase this time (although over 30 years it is a safe bet that it will during that period), if the total valuation of Cincinnati properties increases, my taxes would go up. So I am facing tax increases due to two trends: 1) more and more property is being abated leaving the tax base smaller and 2) the sneaky increase caused by inflation and a shifting of the burden unto non-abated properties. Maybe if abatements were granted according to a fixed formula that would apply to anyone and everyone who qualified, and we residents and taxpayers all knew and agreed about it, this could be justified, but such is not the case. Or maybe if they were granted for those who struggle to make ends meet, who have to decide how to allocate their income among the basic necessities (not luxuries), they could be justified, but that is also not the case. I am one of the very few who write about these abatements. I plan to cover more of how abatements are not transparent in my next article. I am motivated because my wallet – and maybe yours, too -- is getting squeezed. explore what other policies might have defended the Japanese colonies against Imperial Japan without the obvious ulterior motive, but our track record in the Philippines wasn’t good (stole that country from Spain). So in WW II, very active and effective resistance movements developed throughout Europe and Asia that were critical elements in defeating Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. In Korea political forces including adherents to socialist and “communist” ideas from Europe organized a peoples war of liberation and successfully freed their country from rape by Japan (figuratively and (Continued on page 12) �No. 36 0 LOCAL Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Homes? | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 5 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer W hat do you think about the ArtWorks murals throughout the city? Have you ever participated in an event that involved one or more murals? Have you ever connected with one in a meaningful way, or do you just see them as frivolous art? Sometimes, as with most art, there is more than meets the eye. This summer’s new projects are no different. A while back, a pro-education, anti-gun mural went up at Christ Church Cathedral’s downtown location. Prominently displayed on 4th Street was a mural with men holding giant pencils. The pencils were placed were guns once were in the photo, as you can see in the image from episcopaldigitalnetwork. com. To some, the image was controversial, and the artists ICY and SOT were asked to do another mural They have family in Baltic states and scattered around the world, but they knew that coming to America would change the way they are able to do their artwork. I had the pleasure of taking them on a social justice walking tour of Over-the-Rhine to help inform their new work. During our walk, I asked them a lot of questions about their work, their transition to American life, and their life before coming here. They were forced into political prisons, treated without humanity, which ultimately informs the work that they do. They marveled at our architecture, and how much things had changed since they were here just 3 years ago. They said Over-the-Rhine looked unfamiliar to them. Their first design attempt at the new mural fell flat. The Homeless Coalition was asked to bring a speaker to the incoming ArtWorks Mural with Added Hands Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Where's Waldo Hands in Mural Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Where's Waldo Hands in Mural Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman this summer here in Cincinnati. Iranian-born, New York Citybased artists, ICY and SOT are two brothers who have endured the wrath of their home government, and are now considered refugees in America. Apprentices (high school students who work through the summer to paint the new murals). ArtWorks was happy to let me know that they are doing a new mural to combat the stereotypes of people experiencing Mural Work on the Recovery Hotel Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman homelessness. The other goals of the mural were very lofty, but great goals: raise awareness about homelessness and get people to engage in the fight for affordable housing. We stood by these goals, but not the design. The initial design was simply a shirtless African-American man with windows painted into his body. One of my colleagues remarked that it was more a semblance to slavery than housing issues. Others thought that if we want people to see and act on homelessness, then putting windows on a person’s body instructs people to “look through” rather than “see” them. Through a series of random events, ArtWorks heard about our concerns and invited us to meet with the artists when they came in town – which led to my tour. During our hour walk, we showed them the mural projects that missed the mark. One of them is on Vine Street, which shows landmarks in the neighborhood. When residents asked to have humans in the mural, ArtWorks placed some disembodied arms in the mural to try to assuage the community. We talked to the artists about how this is not a solution, but a missed opportunity to hear and react THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED accordingly to community voices. Today, the mural work continues on the side of the Recovery Hotel, on the 1200 block of Vine Street. The mural will be opposite the Cincinnati Strong Man mural, and will contain several, clothed persons with ambiguous racial backgrounds. We know that African Americans are over-represented in homelessness because of the continued legacy of American racism, including redlining and other, more contemporary, barriers. It will also include a couple small surprises that tie it to the neighborhood, as well as, signs to raise awareness about homelessness. Strategies to End Homelessness is the sponsor of the mural, which is on an Over-the-Rhine Community Housing building. Along with ArtWorks, these two organizations had final approval of the design. Strategies wrote that the new mural will include people who have experienced homelessness here in Cincinnati. As we are 40,000 units short on Affordable Housing, I can only hope this helps us in our goal to create a local Affordable Housing Trust Fund. �6 LOCAL Dear Indigent Care Levy Committee: J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 STEVE SUNDERLAND M Contributing Writer y name is Steve Sunderland, PhD. I am director of the Cancer Justice Network, one of the new programs requesting funds from the Indigent Care Levy. I have just retired from the University of Cincinnati as a former dean, professor of social work, and a professor of education. For the past two years I have been leading an organization that seeks to change the health outcomes of indigent people. I would like to take a few minutes to describe why I believe that Indigent Care Levy needs to take a direction toward reducing mortality for indigent people in Hamilton County. The best way to do this is to reduce the amount going to the hospitals by $5 million dollars and direct these monies to programs that can improve the care and lives of indigent people. Imagine you are an indigent adult in Cincinnati. You suspect that something is wrong with your health since you have recently seen blood in your stool. You arrive at a free dinner and hear about a cancer prevention program at a local church. You do not know exactly what cancer is, or how it develops. You do not have a physician. You do not know if you are eligible for Medicaid or the ACA. At the dinner you hear from a physician that cancer kills more indigent people in Hamilton County than any other place in Ohio. You are confused about what you should do since you have no money for insurance and usually do not go for medical care. You meet at the dinner a navigator, a person who volunteers to take you to a health center to find out if you have cancer and, if necessary, to treatment. There is no cost. Do you take their invitation to find out? Or, do you eat your dinner, leave for home, and continue to worry about your health. The above story faces thousands of people each day in Hamilton County who are indigent. Not knowing about cancer in specific, or healthcare in general, these individuals will wait until some physical event forces them to the emergency room. Too often they are told that they came "too late" for treatment, the cancer “Breakdown Stereotypes” has progressed to a stage that is untreatable. Cincinnati's indigent are dying at record state numbers, often in silence and out of the public's eyes. (1) What is the Indigent Care Levy doing to change this situation? The recent consultant's report documents that indigent care is going on at both UC hospital and Children's Hospital. Both hospitals show great success in their funding, improving their assets, and in their unrestricted funds. Both hospitals seem to have no difficulty in obtaining their low Community standards. Neither hospital depends on the Indigent Care Levy for anything but a very small part of their budgets. And, UC Hospital and Children's Hospital have public processes for access for indigent people. What the report skips over is what either hospital is doing to reduce mortality from chronic diseases. The report, and the hospitals, do not tell us how many people are unnecessarily dying because they have not learned about how the hospitals could help them with their cancer, their diabetes, their heart disease, or any serious illness. The report does not note that life expectancy around UC Hospital and Children's Hospital is 20 years less than other places in Cincinnati. (2) With the start of the ACA, the report concludes, the two hospitals have greatly improved their financial condition but we, the citizens, do not know where this money was spent in any detail. And, the report does not detail the ways in which the Community's health needs have been addressed in specific programs of education, prevention, or health service delivery. I suggest that it is time for the Indigent Care Levy to alter its payments to UC and Children's Hospitals until the hospitals indicate precisely where they are working to lower mortality rates for the indigent in Hamilton County. Hospitals need to be held to a community standard that directly interacts either with patients in serious conditions and/ or with partnership agencies that have targeted the reduction of their serious chronic diseases. The tax paying public that supports the Levy would be happy to know the details about how the hospitals are making a life changing difference in the county in general and in neighborhoods in (Continued on page 11) “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 �No. 36 0 LOCAL STATE PRE-EMPTION LAWS THREATEN CITY GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO GOVERN | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 7 BILL WOODS Contributing Writer C incinnati City Government and other cities across Ohio just escaped the passage of legislation that would have stripped them of their authority to regulate lead paint and lead in general. Although the proposal passed in the Ohio House, Republican Senators amended the language of the Budget a Bill to eliminate this local ban. Nevertheless, this type of state legislation to take away the home rule powers of cities is now a trend in Ohio and many other states. In the June 2nd Streetvibes piece, "Get The Lead Out," the article stressed the health hazards, especially for children, posed by legislation that would prohibit local regulations dealing with lead paint. The State's assault on local government powers was only briefly mentioned. Recent research on the actions of state governments reveal a pattern of curbing city home rule authority over a number of issues. This pattern marks a reversal of good government practices that began in the Progressive Era during the first decade of the 20th Century. Although cities were initially entities of the state, home rule charters evolved during this period that gave city governments the authority to enact legislation to deal with local issues such as public safety and health. Based on the evidence that cities confronted an array of unique and difficult problems, the concept of home rule concluded that local officials on the scene were best suited to solve them. Now states take action to limit this local control. Known as pre-emption laws, they began to be enacted in recent years as Republicans gained control of a majority of state legislatures across the country. They also coincide with the polarization of politics and the rightward shift of the GOP. Cities remain a stronghold for Democrats, and local governments often regulate business or the use of guns - both off limit issues for Republican ideologues. Although the local lead regulation ban did not pass, Ohio already has a number of pre-emption laws on the books. Along with twenty-three other states, Ohio made raising the minimum wage off limits for local ordinances. Further evidence of the influence of business lobbying on Republican legislators are the prohibitions of any local regulations concerning fracking that exist in Ohio and six other states. This trend of limiting and weakening local government authority is both ironic and alarming. WCC: Striving for a Better Future NICK SHELLENBERGER I n April, the Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati had their annual speaker forum. Maria Hinojosa, an award winning broadcast journalist reflected on her experiences with the immigration system in this country. Many of the women in attendance also shared their stories, similar to hers. It was a joyous occasion and one that shows the true power of the Woman’s City Club. The Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati or WCC is an organization that educates, empowers and engages the citizens of Greater Cincinnati to participate together in promoting the common good. The WCC is one of the longest serving organizations for women in the country, recently celebrating its centennial. The WCC is very active in community outreach. Last month, WCC had an open forum at Fountain Square to discuss equality issues that women face. In attendance were organizations that often work closely with the Woman’s City Club, such as the Woman’s Crisis Center and the Urban League. The Woman’s City Club tackles an array of issues that directly effect women ranging from education and housing to health and workplace matters. Another topic that is on the mind of its members and many people around the world are environmental issues. Recently Susan Noonan, Vice President of Programs, spoke publically about the growing concern of climate change. Contributing Writer Susan Noonan. A leader in gender equality. Credit: Woman's City Club “Environmental issues are also women’s issues” she said. President Trump pulled the United States out of the Paris Agreement last month, which was a worldwide coalition fighting to stop climate change. It was a ground breaking achievement for global politics but President Trump didn’t see it that way. The Woman’s City Club anticipated this decision by the President and hosted a forum focusing on climate change. Environmental leaders Commissioner Denise Driehaus, Nachy Kanfer of the Sierra Club, Dr. Parr of UC, and Jacqui Patterson of the NAACP touched on THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED It is ironic because it occurs at the same time that both the federal and state governments are cutting funds and eliminating programs that cities have come to depend on. If city governments decide to widen their scope to make up for these losses, they may be threatened with further preemption laws. The alarming result will be the inability to address critical problems and to govern effectively. Citizens need to be aware of and ready to challenge these pre-emption laws. Since state government is the least known level of government to the public, this civic responsibility will take some reorientation and work. Nevertheless, in these troubled times in U.S. public life, informed civic activism is more critical than ever before. ---------------------------------------- a number of themes that can help environmental progress in the area. “At the most basic level, natural disasters and resource shortages as a result of climate change hit poor communities first. Women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line globally,” Noonan said. “Climate change is a concern to women, children and families, and we need women in various leadership roles to drive climate conversations and action.” The passion of the Woman’s City Club is evident but they are also tireless in their effort. Cincinnati is one of the few midwestern cities with a CEDAW ordinance. The CEDAW is a human rights treaty that brings attention to a range of issues concerning women’s human rights. This is a big step in eliminating gender discrimination and it’s due to the relentless work of the WCC. “The first ordinance, the City of Cincinnati is sharing the cost of a gender study of city government including workforce, policies, contracts, boards and commissions and budgets to achieve greater equality.” Noonan said. “The second ordinance is a task force to review and make recommendations of priorities to eradicate discrimination based on gender on an annual basis.” The WCC is making strides in gender equality for the residents of Cincinnati. They are raising important issues, bridging gaps between communities, and passing groundbreaking legislation. If one could have a fraction of the passion that these women do, one could conquer any obstacle. ---------------------------------------- �8 A.J. NEWBERRY (Continued from cover) blame. Liberals crushed by the election PHOTO ESSAY The Right to be Upset Photo Credits: A.J. Newberry J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 results ought to start listening to the conservative and leftist working class who are in the streets and upset. Conservatives must reject inflammatory policymakers that make the rich richer and offer solutions that are simply band-aids. Everyone needs to listen to people THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED who have been driven to protest. If we don’t, it’ll end with both sides in the street, while our leaders hide in the bunker. �No. 36 0 | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 PHOTO ESSAY THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 LOCAL J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 September 8 - 30, 2017 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. 36 0 | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) decided to cut every penny of the $180,000 from CCAT? Well, believe it. They did. Their cited reason was that the programing at CCAT does not adequately meet the priority of “removing obstacles to gainful employment”. Is your head now shaking and/or are your eyes rolling? So today, 07-12-2017 we end up in City Council chambers. As you may recall, we successfully advocated for an additional $350,000 to be restored to Human Services. Today the decision needed to be made as to what the priorities of these dollars would fund. And we entered a space we have been in many times in the JOHN BLAKE (Continued from page 2) ready to run and get muddy with the likes of Jonathan Diskin, or Bonnie Neumeier, or Lian Hurst-Mann, or James Fraser, perhaps Dr. Tammy Schwartz, Mary Burke Rivers, Chris Wilkey, or Alice Skirtz, or his longtime editor-in-chief Janis Dutton. It might be a roster of collaborators from Miami University and Overthe-Rhine and the world beyond. Be ready. The disc/document might come from any direction, and Tom was always in the action, running alongside, encouraging you to be in the conversation. In ultimate Frisbee speak, Tom was often the one to “lay out”, but just as happy to assist. Typically, the working paper did not miraculously spring from the Head of Dutton—that brilliant, inquisitive head topped with that amazing hair. The fount of Tom’s work was observation, discussion, and conversation with others. It developed quietly and over some time. This approach was rooted in Tom’s work as a collaborator with the community and the academy. Grounded in Paulo Freire’s dialogical method, communication was key STEVE SUNDERLAND (Continued from page 6) particular. For example, why doesn't either hospital have an outreach program that educates people at churches, health fairs, community meetings, and other groups about the importance of early testing, regular physician visits, and new ways of paying for healthcare? In the area of reducing cancer mortality, for the indigent, why doesn't the hospitals partner with community cancer resources and strengthen the prevention education? Funding the many programs of the Indigent Care Levy, the report makes clear, cannot be done under the present dollars if the same guidelines are followed. What is needed, especially at this time of anxiety about federal programs, is an Indigent Care Levy that moves to a network or partnership model aimed at reducing mortality and increasing 11 LOCAL past, a space that until now this Council, coupled with our advocacy efforts, have been able to avoid: pitting us all against each other for desperately needed funds. This was not the intention of City Council, but its where we were. Should the dollars go to violence prevention or should they go to removing barriers to gainful employment or should they go to reducing homelessness or should they go to responding to the heroin and addiction epidemic, or a mixture thereof? While this was the question debated this morning, none of the actual programs or organizations were against each other. We all know that these issues are all connected and have the same general root causes. In the end today, Council decided to split the dollars in half: half to violence prevention, a quarter to the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Programs (UMADAOP) and a quarter to CCAT. This means that CCAT is still missing approximately $100,000 and undoubtedly UMADAOP needs far more funding. Truth be told, the city can find a way to do all of it. This should not be an either/or conversation. Adequate funds need to be made available to each priority and more. The money could be found to fund each priority. Corporate welfare is certainly funded at much greater amounts with much less outcome evaluation and much less need to fight for the funds. Instead of making this editorial page longer in order to address various pieces of legislation and processes that need to be instituted by the city, I will pose one more question: The Mayor appoints the members of the Human Services Advisory Committee and City Council approves them. If in the midst of such addiction and death, HSAC decided to cut addiction services, do we have the right people on HSAC? Democracy is about finding a path to make decisions, but one of those decisions should not include who lives and who dies. Because no matter what struggle a person is facing, that person’s life matters above all. to understanding and for the cocreation of knowledge. For Tom, to write was not to bestow. To write was to engage. Students often provoked the papers. “This feels like a discussion paper,” Tom would announce sometime about mid-semester, after volleying issues and ideas with students in his Thursday afternoon American Cities course at the Center for Community Engagement. Over the course of the Residency Program, the outline would grow and the analogies would come, often drawn from concurrent popular culture, film, or a correlation to a larger, more universal edict made plain in the political terrain of urban Cincinnati. At other times, the work came from outrage over a policy- local or national- or a clear recognition of some inequity that needed to be frankly called out. Tom did not mind calling it out. He put a spotlight upon systemic injustices that are often overlooked and used his privilege to fight the good fight alongside community members, colleagues and students. Sometimes it was some overt policy or practice, but Tom was best at noticing some prejudice that was veiled behind a policy, civic action, or redevelopment proposal, and guiding us to recognize what might be missed at first glance because we couldn’t quite discern it through the hype. These papers were work. And they did work. They were meant to rally and get people to engage, to look at the world in a different light. That was the game plan. For Tom it was sport, but for the purpose of uncovering oppression and working towards justice. It was effort, but not without the joy and exhilaration of gathering around a point with collaborators, making the concept clear, articulating a latent truth that would make the world, if not Overthe-Rhine, a more just and inclusive place. The best editing sessions for me were across a table from Tom with the working paper between us. Tom was there with multiple pairs of hardware-store-bargainrack reading glasses (red pair on the bridge of his nose, purple pair nested in his hair). The working paper, with arrows, bubbles, and Tom’s cursive in the margins-- “this needs to change to make it more forward thinking”; “systemic patterns of development that exclude….” Tom was best on paper, and preferred not to track changes on the computer screen. It was more visceral to print out, edit with a cool pen (Tom loved pens), and then input the changes. As if the point would come with more clarity in that real moment at the table as we honed a phrase or shifted the order of paragraphs or haggled over the perfect adjective. As you might imagine, it is difficult and odd to complete this piece and not have Tom Dutton here to edit. However, recalling the process of working papers with Tom, I’m reminded of the importance of writing as a key element of discourse, discourse being the key element of citizenship. Putting it on paper is a commitment, and it requires bravery to put forth a position that might be unpopular in the face of a neighborhood “renaissance”. Tom did just that, and he did it with humility, wisdom, wit, integrity, and athleticism. prevention through outreach by the partner agencies. Changing the Levy's funding of both hospitals, reducing their allotments by 5 million dollars, sends a signal to the hospitals that these funds have to be accounted for in the struggle to reduce mortality. It also signals to agencies that want to work on prevention and treatment that their work has assumed new importance. Finally, it communicates to the tax paying public that these funds, precious because they can be life saving, are needed now more than at any other time. The mechanism for designating funding to the hospitals and the programs should include the following criteria: A. All funding to any program, including the hospital, will need to be directed toward reducing mortality from serious chronic diseases affecting the indigent. Proposals will show how programs are going to implement toward this goal. (See the Cincinnati Health Departments' "Top 10 Causes of Death in Cincinnati, 2001-2007." In Why do we die?: City of Cincinnati Mortality Data Project Summary. N. Maseru and C. Jones. March 2011.) B. All programs funded by the Levy must not be double funded by other hospital or agency funds. Medicaid already funds hospitals for working with the indigent in many cases. (3) Levy funds should go to efforts that are needing funds. C. A Community Evaluation of Health Outcomes Board will be established to review progress on a twice a year basis. Budgets for programs will be modified based on reviews. D. Hamilton County Commissioners should publish a public report on how Levy dollars are used and how effective they are in reducing the health crisis facing the indigent. 1. Cancer Mortality Rates for Women and Men. 2008-12 Trend Data. State Cancer Profiles. National Cancer Institute. Center for Disease Control. There are about 20 more deaths for black men and 20 more death for black women than the U.S. Per 100,000. References: THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED [John Blake is the Coordinator of Community Projects at Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine.] 2. Hamilton County Public Health. "Does Place Matter?: Health Equity in Hamilton County, August 2015. Page 22. 3. E. Rosenthal. " An American Sickness: How healthcare became a business and how you can take it back. Penguin Press. 2017. Pages 4950. ---------------------------------------- �12 LOCAL MOVEMENT TO IMPROVEMENT J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 BOBBY MORRIS T his is something I thought I wouldn’t be writing about for at least 3-4 months from now. But things have changed. I don’t know if it’s God’s plan or the people who run the place I am staying at. It’s funny, I came here with a plan to get my recovery, get gainfully employed, build a nest egg and move into an apartment. I gave myself a year to accomplish these things. I have succeeded in all those areas, except the nest egg. It’s not quite where I would like it to be for me to move on but, Life happens. MARY CLARE RIETZ (Continued from page 3) Sam DuBose. We marched from Findlay Park at Vine and McMicken, through the neighborhood, paused at Rothenberg School, and ended in the so-called “Gateway Quarter,” heart of the gentrification, right there on Vine between 13th and 12th. Dozens and dozens of police were present, first pushing people back from the RACHEL RADINA (Continued from page 3) history of struggle and resistance continues in this sacred community space. There are many people who are deeply involved in the work that is happening at buddy’s place and we invite you to become a part of this work as well. It is through a deep sense of love that we come into this work.  A love for people, a love for community, a love for one another as comrades in the struggle for justice.  Recently, the program has experienced the loss of Tom Dutton, our beloved, dedicated director. He passed away at home on June 13 after an 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Although he will no longer be with us physically, he will always be with us in spirit and the love he poured into this program that helped ROBERT PARK (Continued from page 4) literally, with the “comfort women” seized for the Japanese occupying army). Some of the future ruling class of Korea sat out the war in the U.S. as exiles, like Syngman Rhee, waiting for the U.S. to clean things up for their return. The resistance movement had a different vision for post-war Korea and so civil war commenced. Yes there were communists, yes they asked for help, and got it, grudgingly. Mao had just dispatched U.S. favorite strongman Chiang Kai Shek (and Japan) from mainland China and had plenty of problems without getting into another war. Contributing Writer I have to say I’m sad in a way but also fearful and Joyous at the same time. All these emotions are hitting me at the same time. It’s sad to be leaving a place that gave me the time and environment to get some Recovery. It’s fearful because I’m starting a “New Adventure” (thanks Babe), and Joyous because It’s letting me know that the future is bright for me. Haven’t decided or even found a place, but I am eager to do just that. 9 months ago I was on the verge of suicide. And today I’m living life and happy (most of the time) living it. street to the sidewalk, then seemed to give up, drop back, yielded the space. We shut that street down with our people power, calling for justice. It was frightening and exciting, deadserious and empowering. You would have loved it. As the protest ended and the crowd dispersed, I looked over and realized: There it had been the whole time, there YOU were – the Center, holding ground, a witness of protest, present with the people. Once I became willing to do somethings and change somethings doors began to open. Along with doors, my heart opened to what I could be. Having this dream and this hope allows me to attack each day with vigor and laugh at myself and my faults. You see before I used to see my faults as negative attributes of myself. Now I see them as something I need and can change. Change is the Key word for me today. I have changed me, my outlook, my surroundings, my friends. All in the name of Peace within myself. I’m not leaving until you get it. I’m not leaving until it’s done. Since you died, and we gathered at buddy’s place to celebrate your extraordinary life and work, I’ve been thinking: We each have something of you now, to carry forward, express, act out. We did before you died, too. You gave each of us so much as teacher, mentor, colleague, friend; husband, father. But now I see that as your fire died down, there were embers left, hot and strong, and they’re in each of How can this be? This can be because I have put my Life in the Hands of my God. See I no longer run things my way. Don’t get me wrong I do make mistakes but my God has a way of correcting them so that I can see them and learn something. It’s not easy every day, but just for me to be willing to do this is a step in the right direction. Movement to Improvement is the title (thanks Angelo), but it should and can be titled Moving Forward or Growing Up! Either way it’s a positive thing no matter what words I use. Life is a constant thing that comes with the passing of time. In God’s Time, not Mine has become my mantra. As I end this piece I can only think of the how much I have in store for me in the coming weeks. us. We carry those now. We fan them, breathe them to life with our lives, our work, our vision for things you cared about and taught us. I’m not leaving until you get it. I’m not leaving until it’s done. [Mary Clare Rietz is an artist and community organizer.] ---------------------------------------- shape and bring it to life is a history that will live on forever. Another who prefers the lower case, bell hooks puts it this way: “I am because the story is.” Without Tom the students from Miami University would never have come to understand the powerful counternarrative that the People’s Movement embodies in the contested space of Over-the-Rhine.  Tom’s work, through love and dedication to critical consciousness raising and standing in solidarity with community people and organizations, has led us here, ten years into a program that has changed the hearts and minds of many. What an honor to have known and walked alongside such a caring, committed human being.  Our hearts are heavy, but at the same time full-we will move this work forward to honor our friend and to keep this important and necessary work at the forefront of our struggle for justice. Some people model love in such a way that we are forever changed by them. It isn't always obvious, it's subtle, ever present, humble, gracious, uplifting, confirming...so many things that it's hard to put into words. How powerful to impact so many just by merely modeling love. I wish we could all be a little more like that. Tom had this special gift. Tom personally taught me how to be an activist and an academic at the same time without losing my soul. No easy task, but he did it with grace, courage, conviction, love and humbleness. He also helped build my confidence in regards to my ability to do this work and he always believed in me, never doubting my ability for a second. I am part of a legacy of critically conscious and engaged scholar-activists that Tom taught, inspired and stood in solidarity with in the fight for justice.  I will always hold his spirit, love and dedication to this work close to my heart.  “The teacher is of course an artist, but being an artist does not mean that he or she can make the profile, can shape the students. What the educator does in teaching is to make it possible for the students to become themselves.” --Paulo Freire.  Tom, thank you for inspiring so many of us to become better versions of ourselves and for welcoming us into this important and necessary work. Love & solidarity comrade, we will move the work forward. For USSR it took repeated pleas from Kim Il Sung but eventually they provided what turned out to be superior air cover with their brand new MIG-15 jets. Both China and USSR entered the war after the U.S. installed Syngman Rhee along with the military support needed to make him their strongman in Korea. Left to themselves, the Koreans would have resolved the situation – and Rhee would have lost. An earlier 1950s version of Vietnam after defeat of the French (1954) would have resulted. Maybe both Korea and Vietnam could have become countries like Yugoslavia, another country where the resistance forces of WW II (under revolutionary Josip Broz Tito) took power and somehow avoided being puppets of any empire. Instead, the 1950s capitalist war mongers dominating the U.S. ruling elite opted for more war. Internal U.S. military assessments during the Korean War (Koreans call it “the American War”) lamented that they had destroyed every conceivable target north of the current demilitarized zone. All infrastructure was eliminated in the air war. U.S. battleships, naval dinosaurs, pulverized villages 20 miles from the sea with 2000 lb artillery shells. Over 2 million Koreans died from war, famine and weather because the U.S. ruling class wanted their guy in power there. Just like Vietnam. Much later under a progressive government, the “South” Koreans who had been bullied into sending troops for the next U.S. war, in Vietnam, issued a formal apology to Vietnam, understanding firsthand what the consequences must have been. The current political culture of North Korean is a direct consequence of the U.S. assault on Korea. Horrible experiences enable unsavory political results. We have Trump, they have Kim Jong-un (both have bad hair). Which one will cause more disaster? Koreans say they could have sorted it out themselves (Thanks for ruining our country). THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED [Rachel Radina, Ph.D. is a visiting professor of teacher education at Miami University, and program coordinator for the Urban Cohort.] ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- �No. 36 0 | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 Living By Goodness 13 STREET VOICE LIFE GOES ON, BUT Even with Trump, Each day God gives us life How merciful our creator He gives us a wonderful start Life has to go on. We buy the groceries, And we mow the lawn. But as we do dishes, To live life with breath In our lungs and a beating heart Or put food on the table, We can't escape feeling The country's unstable. Living by goodness and by grace Thank you God for another day BILL WOODS Contributing Writer WHO DO YOU LOVE Living by goodness makes one feel good TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THE WAY ONE HAS And thankful for Gods good grace LIVED THEIR LIFE TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THEIR OWN HAPPY DAYS KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer AND DAYS WITH STRIFE TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER SO MUCH AFTER SO MANY YEARS TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER MORE HAPPY TIMES THAN YOU REMEMBER TEARS TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER SOME FACES NOT TO MENTION SOME PLACES TO BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THEN UNDERSTAND WITHOUT SUPPORT I HAVE NO BASES TO KNOW I HAVE NO POWER OVER THE WORLD BUT I HAVE POWER OVER ME TO KNOW HOMELESSNESS, TO BEG, TO PLEAD FOR HELP AND NOBODY SEES TO KNOW WHEN ITS TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR YOURSELF AND LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND KNOW THAT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE YOU SHINE WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 0 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 129 Across 1. Heroic tale 1. Painful muscle 2. Having little money or contraction few possessions 6. A flat float 3. Starch resembling 10. Young girl sago 14. Main artery 4. Unusual 15. Fiend 5. Cause to go crazy 16. Dull persistent pain 6. Steal 17. Large hard-shelled 7. Highly excited fruit 8. Mendicant 18. Seethe 9. Bank employee 19. Unit of language 10. Jurisprudence 20. A large fleet 11. Fruit of the oak 22. Festivity 12. Physical gesture 24. Floor covering 13. Marsh plant 25. Reported information 21. Mentally perceptive 27. Retaliation 23. Declare or affirm 29. Cease to flow solemnly 33. Propel with oars 26. Take without 34. Cover with stone or permission concrete 28. Sheep 35. Seeweed 29. Health resorts 37. Scrawny 30. Consideration 41. Hotshot 31. Allege 42. Overhang 32. Fairies SODOKU PUZZLE NO 259 - MEDIUM 44. Device for shaping 36. Tranquility metal 38. Redact 45. Spread by scattering 39. Prima donna 48. Unauthorized 40. Period of time disclosure of 43. Subsist on a information meager allowance 49. Examination in the 46. Make a mistake form of 47. Person under the an interview protection of another 50. Rodent 49. Invective 52. Curved oriental saber 51. Slow and apathetic 54. Small bird 53. Unwholesome 58. Radiate atmosphere 59. Vat 54. Austere 60. Vertical fall 55. Food processed in a 62. Minister of religion blender 66. Desiccated 56. Dwell 68. Object used on stage 57. Comparative of bad 70. Strainer 61. One of the two ends 71. Make new of a magnet 72. Small island 63. Having lost all 73. Conventions moisture 74. Acute 64. Finished 75. Relatively thick from 65. Bird structure top to bottom 67. Spanish gentleman or 76. Warning signal nobleman Down 69. Liveliness and energy PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 128 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 258- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 0 RESOURCES | J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: 471-1100 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 621-5300 961-1983 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 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 Community Action Agency Contact Center Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 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 1522 Republic Street 45202 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 961-4663 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Starting Over 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 921-1613 First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Prospect House Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Charlie’s 3/4 House 2121 Vine Street 45202 Shelter: Youth 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health 421-0065 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile for 26 issues 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 $100 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 J u l y 14 - J u l y 2 7 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 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. 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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 July 14-July 27, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page The Right to Be Upset Pg 2: How Many HSAC Members Does It Take to Screw Up A Human Services Funding Recommendation? Thomas A. Dutton Pg 3: Dear Tom Love and Resistance Pg 4: Property Tax Reappraisals and TIFs Otto Warmbier and Foreign Policy Pg 5: Is A Picture Worth a Thousand Homes? Pg 6: Dear Indigent Care Levy Committee Pg 7: State Pre-Emption Laws Threaten City Government’s Ability to Govern WCC Pg 8: The Right to be Upset Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Josh Spring Continued John Blake Continued Steve Sunderland Continued Pg 12: Movement to Improvement 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 July 14-July 27, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Rachel Radina John Blake Josh Spring Mary Clare Rietz Michael Earl Patton Robert Park Dr. Mark Mussman Bill Woods Nick Shellenberger A. J. Newberry Bobby Morris Steve Sunderland Willa Denise Jones Bill Woods Kim Green Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive Woman's City Club Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF A. J. Newberry Bill Woods Black Lives Matter Bobby Morris Dr. Mark Mussman HSAC John Blake Josh Spring Kim Green Mary Clare Rietz Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive Michael Earl Patton Nick Shellenberger Otto Warmbier Photography police brutality Property Tax Protests Rachel Radina Robert Park Steve Sunderland WCC Willa Denise Jones Woman's City Club https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/711fdabda908ade786c60f2ce3bc0e61.pdf fd2f468cb760ee5c2bb5a3ec308091ea PDF Text Text July 28th - August 10th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 42 (No. 361) a d v o c at i n g j u s t i c e | B u i l d i n g c o m m u n i t y Artwork BY A.J. NEWBERRY Afterimage I t’s 2017, and this paper has likely been sold to you by a distributor in a gentrifying neighborhood. Our publication has been fortunate enough to operate on corners and in front of business that 2 decades ago would’ve marked them as “blight.” But make no mistake, the perceived peace of OverThe-Rhine comes not from clean sidewalks or evening concerts: it comes from the police. The University of Cincinnati had been expanding its jurisdiction in 2015, with the rise in need of student housing putting more college kids in neighborhoods like Fairview and Mount Auburn. “I don’t have that map, I don’t know the boundaries right off the top of my head, but we do work off of campus.” UC Police Chief Jason Goodrich stated following the killing of Sam Dubose by Ray Tensing, who was... (Continued on page 8) This issue sponsored by (Former) Judge Mark P. Painter Inside this issue: Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 $2.00 donation Local: Streetcar "Contributions" with Tax Dollars | 3 Local: It Takes a Whole Community | 5 Local : Bonnie to Tom | 7 Local: Poll Cat | 13 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org �2 LOCAL From the Director: Truth to Light I t is a very regular occurrence that we learn of yet another apartment building somewhere in our city in which all of the Tenants are threatened with displacement both because of gentrification and long-term deferred maintenance. In the case of displacement for the purpose of gentrification, often the city has or will be giving the property owner a tax abatement without ever having asked if people would be displaced. We work to organize the Tenants, the Tenants make demands and together we meet with the owner. The owner says they are just fixing the building up to their personal standard, they are not trying to move in a certain economic class of people (even though they are) and that this is just business. Clearly plenty of property owners, developers and J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 JOSH SPRING Executive Director landlords believe that business does not have to include proper morals or basic human rights. How do you sleep at night while financially prospering off of the displacement, increased financial and mental hardship of other People and possibly even forcing People into homelessness? How can accruing financial wealth be more important than People and their access to basic needs? Next time you meet a developer who wants to create high-income housing ask them how much money they will be spending on the project, how long will it take to pay off any loans and how much will they profit in the end. Very likely they will become offended and refuse to tell you. Even if you ask these questions after they announce that everyone already living in the property will have to leave or be evicted, they still won’t tell you. They may even tell you they need to significantly increase rents because of the cost of renovations (renovations that may not actually need to be done) and when you ask well what is the cost of renovations and how much profit will you make, they most likely won’t answer. They want it all: buy the building, set everyone with a low-income out, renovate the building, get a valuable tax abatement, potentially a zoning change, move wealthy people in, claim they are “revitalizing” the block, claim accolades from other like-minded people, and pay actual account to no one, least of all the people whose lives they throw into a tailspin. One of our jobs is to bring truth to light. 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 TAKING STOCK - WHERE ARE WE TODAY? BILL WOODS E very so often a review of where we are today as a country seems to be in order. This past year has been so tumultuous in terms of the Presidential Election and the first six months of the Trump Administration that all other forces and factors that shape our society have been neglected. So, the following article comprises a brief taking stock of our economic, social, and political health. First of all, the country's political health is in critical condition. The election of Donald Trump itself offers evidence that the system is not working in the eyes of millions of Americans. In fact, a number of observers believe that Trump's narrow victory last November was a result of our current political malaise. Beginning with the primaries in 2016, the success of Senator Bernie Sanders and Trump indicated that many Democratic and Republican voters were unhappy with the current political establishment and its tendencies to ignore their problems and concerns. For instance, Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton were both perceived as part of the establishment. This anti-establishment sentiment carried over to the fall campaign, and Trump sold himself as the disruptive outsider who would shake up government and "drain the swamp." Confronted by economic insecurity, many white blue-collar workers Contributing Writer voted for someone who showed great contempt for current government and who pitched simple answers like "making America great again!" Although many of us view Trump's ascendancy as a disaster for numerous reasons, we, nevertheless, can still depict those factors that have so weakened representative democracy in this country. Dependence on "big money" to get elected, gerrymandered Congressional Districts, and polarized parties that prevent compromise and effective legislation constitute a few major reasons for the loss of public confidence in politics and government. Another influential idea spawned by Ronald Reagan in the 1980s is that "government is not the solution, but the problem." Reagan's mantra helped implement the steady cutting over the years of federal programs for cities and for people in need. The growing dominance of "big money" in campaigns has transformed politics in the last thirty years. Distracted from representing their constituents, elected officials spend much of their time courting big donors. Dialing for dollars has become a preoccupation of both Republicans and Democrats. Instead of focusing on issues that impact the lives of average Americans, Senators and members of Congress pay too much attention to the agendas of corporate and financial interests. Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United have made things even worse by further protecting corporate campaign spending as freedom of speech. This political and governmental decline evolves at the same time economic inequality in the U.S. has reached a level that may surpass the gap that existed in the post Civil War era of the Robber Barons. While corporate and financial executives receive higher and higher salaries and benefits, average workers' incomes remain stagnant or in decline, and the working-poor eke out livings near or below the poverty line. Trends such as the expanding global economy, the dominance of technology, the loss of industrial jobs, and the decline of organized labor are some of the complex drivers of economic inequality. Meanwhile, Americans experiencing tougher times watch government doing little to address their problems. So - where are we? Dysfunctional political and governmental systems, badly in need of reform, are failing to deal with major economic and social issues that have created extreme economic inequality in the richest nation on earth. Donald Trump's presidency is in part a result of this dysfunction. To many people, Trump is the (Continued on page 3) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins 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, Michael Earl Patton, Dr. Mark Mussman, Bonnie Neureier, Justin Jeffre, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones, A.J. Newberry Photography/ Artwork: Michael Earl Patton, A.J. Newberry, Dr. Mark Mussman, 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. �No. 36 1 LOCAL Streetcar “Contributions” with Tax Dollars | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 3 MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer I n my last article I talked about the ever-increasing amount of property in Hamilton County that has received some kind of tax abatement. I mentioned that this had led to a smaller tax base, which means that even if there is no levy increase – that the amount of dollars collected for things like schools, parks, and senior services remains the same -- then the amount of collected from the taxable property which remains has to go up because the tax base is going down. However, I did not show this in a chart. So I did a new chart, again based on the data in auditor Dusty Rhodes’ open letter of March 9, 2017. Making the situation even worse is that these are raw dollar amount which have not been adjusted for inflation. The City of Cincinnati continues to give tax abatements. In 2014, in order to raise more money for streetcar operations, it even tied the opportunity for tax abatements to “voluntary” donations to the streetcar. Seven of the nine members of council, all except Winburn and Smitherman, voted for Motion 201401368. This moved that the city establish a tax incentive policy where those who “contribute” 7.5% of the property taxes that would be otherwise owed Streetcar in Over-the-Rhine Photo: Michael Earl Patton in Over-the-Rhine and the Central Business District would be more likely to get a property tax abatement. In 2015 another motion bumped this up to 15%. The city’s website states, in the section about “community reinvestment area commercial abatement,” that up to 60% of the property taxes can be abated. (Other areas are eligible for up to 75% abatement.) It calls the streetcar contribution a “Voluntary Tax Incentive Contribution Agreement,” or VTICA. Even though 25% of the property taxes abated still have to be paid to the Cincinnati Public Schools, that still is a significant savings for a 15% “contribution.” Although a partial abatement, the taxes are still reduced beyond what a typical home or property owner would pay. As an example, if the taxes to be abated were $10,000, you would agree to contribute $1,500 to the streetcar and $2,500 to CPS. You would still be $6,000 ahead. And this deal could be good for up to 15 years. If you have enough money and influence, you might be able to strike an even better deal. Just a few weeks ago Cincinnati City Council agreed to a deal with SkyHouse Cincinnati for a tower with 352 units on Pete Rose Way. See ordinance 178-2017, for which all 9 members of council voted. The developer there balked at a 15% contribution for the streetcar so they negotiated just a 7.5% contribution. Further, since the project is so large, they can advance to the next level, or Tax Increment Financing. This normally means that the city will give the money back by somehow investing in the project. Paying for part of the parking lot or garage is a common method of doing so, but it is not limited to those possibilities. And now instead of 15 years of abatements they can get 30 years. Instead of being limited to 60%, they can go up to 100%. Even with the 7.5% contribution to the streetcar and 25% payment to CPS, this still is a very large amount of money they get back. As for you and that home addition you want, don’t bother applying unless your project is going to cost about $5 million or more. What can we do today in Cincinnati and Ohio? A campaign began this spring to establish a fair Congressional redistricting process in Ohio. Getting this proposed Constitutional Amendment passed would be a major reform for this state. At the local level, it seems appropriate for citizens to get behind proposals such as a housing trust fund to deal with the critical lack of affordable housing. In taking that approach, we can make city government a laboratory for solving economic and social problems that are now being neglected at the federal level. Streetcar in Over-the-Rhine Photo: Michael Earl Patton BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) problem, and if we could be rid of him through impeachment, everything would be fine. However, as this analysis indicates, nothing could be further from the truth. The real long-term work for reformers and civic activists will be renewing the democratic process through effective reforms and then prodding government to enact some policies and programs that will deal with the economic inequities that currently beset us. “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 �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 �No. 36 1 5 LOCAL It Takes a Whole Community | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer A s an Over-the-Rhine resident, I have seen so many changes in the neighborhood in the past few years, but most noticeably is the influx of high-end stores and the exodus of people with low incomes. The loss of affordable housing is terribly disturbing and intentional. Recently, CityBeat wrote about many of the Homeless Coalition’s organizing efforts in an article called “Moved Aside,” which chronicles just a few of the many people who are being cemetery together, pushed Marriage Equality to the entire United States. As you have read in Streetvibes over the past few years, Over-theRhine has also served as a place for disruption and protest against racism and police brutality. Our proximity between the University of Cincinnati and downtown’s City Hall and Courthouse gives us a unique placement in the struggle for black lives. As with all communities, this community is deeply personal to everything we do. Black Lives Matter is a starting point, not the final act. When we say Black Lives Matter we acknowledge the deeply entrenched racist society in which we live. Even before they are conceived in the womb, Black children are already labeled, systemically excluded, and given little opportunity to succeed. Health, education, workforce, social, and other indicators are less positive than their white counterparts, simply because we, as white people, have an are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to generations of racism, state sanctioned institutional racism like redlining, and the continued practices of housing discrimination.) These acts show us how systematic racism is more prevalent than we realize – and as a white person, it’s difficult to see, so we must listen more than we speak. Black Lives Matter is simply the beginning or the continuation of a long struggle – and you can choose which side you will be on. Will you support Black Lives Matter actively, with no loss or detriment to yourself, or will you sit by, ridicule us and do nothing but extend American racism, white supremacy, and general apathy? Do you want to see A Crowd Gathers at a Recent BLM Cincinnati March Imagination Alley is an example of a contested public/private space Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman pushed out of the neighborhood. It’s an article worth checking out. I have urged readers to watch “Good White People” on YouTube and gain a sense of the impact of gentrification on the residents of Over-the-Rhine. On the positive side, we have recently seen Mercer Street get a symbolic new name celebrating the lives of (now former) Over-theRhine residents who forced the Ohio State Attorney to push the issue of Marriage Equality to the federal level. The street now bares credence to Jim Obergefell and the late John Arthur, whose case which demanded that they be able to be buried in the me. It’s not the buildings, but the people that make it special. Whether it’s the friendly “hello” I get from my neighbors and strangers alike, or the “DR. MARK!!!!” I hear from the great Streetvibes Distributors, I know that there are people out here looking out for me and others in the community. This community is made up of people of all types of backgrounds, experiences, and ways to contribute to our lives. Ultimately, we can’t detangle the racist and oppressive structures of American society from our communities or occupations. Which is why we need to stand firmly with Black Lives Matter Cincinnati in inability to understand and act upon our privilege. Let’s think about it this way – if we were to end the systematic racist policies and procedures of the American (In)Justice System, we would still have a long way to go to achieve equity in housing, education, healthcare, and other areas of life. When people experiencing homelessness are being forced to sign forms by EMT that they “refuse treatment” simply because the ambulances are told that they will not pay up, then we have a very real problem. (Just in case you are wondering: People of color a just world? We must start using science, case studies, research, etc., to find solutions to real problems, like the War on Drugs, which is resulted in higher drugs use, more isolation, and more criminalization rather than reformation. We must end sentencing by zip code, and by skin color, and start to see us all as products of an unjust society. None of us are unaffected by white supremacy, and it’s going to take a whole and complete community to solve the problems we face. Stand up to displacement now! Students end their Walking Tour on the Peace Bench created by Yvette Simpson Speaks at the Unveiling of a Street Sign local children and community members honoring Jim Obergefell and the late John Arthur Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 �No. 36 1 T LOCAL Remembering Tom Dutton 7 | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 BONNIE NEUMEIER Contributing Writer om deliberately chose to use his privileged position as an architect and tenured academic at Miami to stand in solidarity with our Over-the-Rhine Peoples Movement. He believed our people had lived experiences that could teach, inspire, transform his students and colleagues at Miami. Our relationship with Tom deepened over these 36 years. I met Tom in 1981. He was our “Peoples Architect” for our first Over-the-Rhine Comprehensive Plan. He landed at a meeting and offered us support. He served on Over-the-Rhine Housing Network Board until we merged with ReSTOC in 2006. He devoted his time to the Residency Program which had its first class in 2006. The premise of the program was that the community had to benefit, not only the students. Tom used all that he had to support our many organizations: resources of students, money for projects, his connections introduced us to activists around the country (Manning Marable, Barbara Ehrenreich, Robin Kelley, Pam Bonnie Neumeier (center) and Thomas Dutton (right) attend Conference Credit: The people's movement Bonnie to Tom McMichael), and his skill of analysis and his writings publicized our plight. I believe our Over-the-Rhine struggle grounded Tom. He loved us. He connected with our people, our places, our dreams and hopes. He believed in the viewpoint of the oppressed. We were not a neighborhood just to study, we were a people who could benefit from cadre willing to walk the long haul with us. Tom did that for 36 years. He became a part of our movement. He spent countless hours here making a difference. A faithful friend I had the joy to work with close up. We challenged each other to grow. I will miss him dearly. We will miss him on our streets, in our lives. Tom made a commitment to us and he kept it through and until his last breath. I hope Tom Dutton and buddy gray are already scheming how to shake up the current order of things from where they are: they gave their lives not wanting the poor to be displaced from Over-the-Rhine. Tom wanted affordable housing for our people, he challenged developers to do the right thing. Tom and buddy were close friends, too. The “Dutton Center” at buddy’s place, what a powerful corner of history making. Tom’s spirit lives on in us, we will keep the justice work moving forward. It’s hard to catch the words, they are floating in my heart Your life and work flashes before my eyes A long movie with credits unceasing Thirty-six years faithful to our neighborhood Your tires made grooves in the road from Oxford to here Projects, panels, presentations Dialogue and debates, Challenges, critiques, and collaboration Forever championing our causes Proudly upholding Our People’s Movement Walking beside us through bumps and bruises Always finding joy and hope through struggle Tom, you could see the beauty of our people Our places, and our dream-filled plans The black bound journals with your architect’s script Always recording; your brilliant mind busy churning thoughts Scribbling down ideas for your next scholarly piece or action While your fingers moved through your signature thick hair Switching your colorful eye glasses so you Could focus close up one minute or far away the next Your eyes laser sharp to SEE deep inside Your elation electric when your students Developed a capacity to see through a different lens other than their own I watched you teach Tom Always encouraging conversation, participation Challenging students to wrestle with hard questions You bridged two worlds The world of academia at Miami And the one found on the ground here in Over-the-Rhine Our daily fight for basic human rights You understood the preciousness here Wanting your students to taste it, touch it, be transformed This residency project you seeded and nurtured Challenged all of us to cross divides and Learn what it means to live with radical empathy Top Photo: Tom Dutton, Bottom Photo: Tom Dutton, with Janis Dutton My friend, my brother, our co-agitator for justice We are all emboldened Because your heart and feet walked a long haul with us Our love is with you, we are deeply grateful for you Tom and For Janis, your sons Nathan and Nolan who shared you with us Credit: The people's movement THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 COLUMN: RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 PHOTO FROM CINCINNATI GODDAMN; APRIL MARTIN/THESE OLD BUILDINGS; BARBARA WOLF/JIMMY HEATH/A.J. NEWBERRY. FOR STREETVIBES Policing Gentrification far from campus. Because students pay exorbitant amounts to the school, University cops have been more and more likely to dictate how these neighbors— and the behaviors of the people in them— exist. Over-The-Rhine is now the city’s most profitable neighborhood, designed so by a city-corporate development effort that has eclipsed $1 Billion. Two decades ago, what is now ‘OTR’ was as neglected as any other black neighborhood, but gained a bad rap due to crime started by drug dealers who’d set up shop next to downtown. Disregarding the fact much of the drug sales were to rich white businessmen rolling through, in late 1990s, racial profiling resulted in the death of 15 African-Americans. The killing of Timothy Thomas began a civil unrest that would provoke enough property damage the city would not allow. The four days have been engrained in our city’s history as a spectacle. CPD brought in deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and troopers Ohio Highway Patrol. They rode horses, they fired beanbag bullets at children, they did not know what they were doing. All said, the city seemed most enraged by lost profit— over $10 Million lost due to boycotts. But worry no more. OTR is the most protected place in the city, with little to no overhead. Restaurants need not install HD cameras or hire security guards (they do anyway), because outpricing black customers in Over-The-Rhine is a much easier way to curb ‘suspcious’ individuals. Black teenagers are more likely to be scared of white women today, as any messy interaction could land them in jail. Gentrification is the process of forging a community fit for upper- or middle-class lifestyles, or of making a product, activity, etc., appealing to those with more affluent tastes. Along the way people are displaced, and resentment grows. The police are essential to protecting and ensuring gentrification. For many affected, Ray THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Tensing represents all police— the ones who evicted them, pull them over, or tell them they may not bring outside drinks into Washington Park. On Monday evening, a man passing by Newport officers on the Purple People Bridge pointed his phone in their faces. “You are Ray Tensing,” he said. It is important, now more than ever, to acknowledge the role police play in the protection of the wealthy, the protection of exclusive, oppressive “entertainment districts.” And it is important to denounce acts of pride in the police, who have the power to ruin persons lives and make people so scared they can’t even fight. The Homeless Coalition is currently processing surveys on interactions between people experiencing homelessness and the police. If you are interested in Police reform, take the Community Perception Survey at: cincinnaticollaborativeagreement.com/ �No. 36 1 | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 COMMUNITY ACTION 9 The response to the court’s verdict has been swift and peaceful by the Countdown to Conviction Coalition. Organizing Friday night for a rally and a counter-protest to #TensingProud supporters on Monday show that “pride in a murderer” is disrespectful and not welcome. One participant of the ‘peaceful’ Tensing vigil was armed, walking with his hands in his pockets. On Monday, #TensingProud supporter walks away from crowd, alone. “This isn’t over,” he said. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 LOCAL J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 September 8 - 30, 2017 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. 36 1 LOCAL What does it mean that Cincinnati is a Sanctuary City? | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 11 JUSTIN JEFFRE W hat does it mean that Cincinnati is a sanctuary city? Wikipedia defines a sanctuary city as one “that limits its cooperation with the national government effort to enforce immigration law. Supporters of sanctuary cities argue that enforcement of federal law is not the duty of localities.” Defenders of this type of resistance are motivated by stories like the ones you’ll read in this special Streetvibes Editor & Staff Writer series of children and adults fleeing horrifying circumstances in their native lands. These true stories have been provided by Margaret Singer of the Su Casa Hispanic Center. Founded in 1997, Su Casa is a program of Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio which serves Hispanic/Latino immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families. “During 2014 and 2015 I was working with Su Casa Hispanic Center and specifically with unaccompanied minors from Mexico and Central America. Most of these children had not seen their mother or father for about 10 years or more. Imagine being a mother, and one day, late in the afternoon, you receive a call from an immigration official on the border. He says, ‘Do you know a child by this name? Is this your child? When is his/her birthday?’, etc. “A few hours later the child calls. On hearing the voice of a child she hasn’t seen for so many years a mother’s heart drops and she cries and tries to talk. She tries to say, ‘Yes, I’ll pay for the ticket so you can come home to Cincinnati! I…I’ll have the money for the plane ticket in a month.’ By now both the child and mother are crying and they cannot believe what is happening. ‘Que solo Dios es tan grande!’ proclaims MaMa. “Why do unaccompanied minors leave their grandparents or other relatives to make this very dangerous trip through Guatemala or the country they are from to reunite with their parents?” Margaret's Picks Antonieta Escalante My name is Antonieta Escalante. I am from Guatemala. I left my house at 3 a.m. on November 5th determined to go to Mexico. In Guatemala I was living at Ixmujil, Tectitan, Huehuetenango, where I had been born. My three cousins were also living there because his sister, my Aunt, immigrated to the United States to be able to send money home to her children. Unfortunately, her brother, my Father, is an alcoholic and we are all staying with him and his wife and my sister and brother. Many times he would hit us and chase us out of the house at night. The four of us decided we were going to leave and we did. One morning at 3am we left for Chiappas, Mexico. We headed towards Comalapa, Chiapas, Mexico. All four of us arrived there walking because there we met the person that was going to take us to Altar Sonora, Mexico, and we did go on to Altar Sonora, but we were making this trip carrying almost nothing. The following day we went into the desert where the coyote was leading us. However once we were a ways into the desert the coyote tried to abuse me. I did not allow him to do what he wanted to do. My three cousins, Yesser Roblero, and his two younger sisters, also, began shouting which terrified the coyote who was always quiet and running away from where immigration agents might be .coming. He was so terrified he immediately took off running and left us four children abandoned and he also had dropped his cell phone. There we were in the desert, suffering because we were starving and we were very cold. The reasons why I decided to abandon my country were because there I suffered domestic violence. In Guatemala one lives in hell. In this hell one lives four experiences: malnutrition, delinquency, poverty, and machismo. My Father would consistently hit me, physically and morally mistreat me and my three cousins that lived with us. He would treat them terrible just like he treated me. While we lived with him it was like we were living people who were dead. We were constantly living a life of hell so that at times it would be better if we were to decide to die. Many times my father left me so badly hurt I wanted to die. One of those times he cut me with a piece of tin. Other times it was so horrible what he did to me that I don’t want to think about it again. I carry my Mother in my heart. She is the reason and the strength that I have for living in this country. It hurts to be far away from her but I am not going to lose my faith in God’s blessed mercy, and I know that someday I will see her again. I passed the third grade. This was because my Mother fought so much so that I would be able to study to be someone in the future. In order to study we prepared and sold tamales made with meat to pay for my classes. Unfortunately, my father became crazier and I had to leave school. Neither the police nor the authorities did anything. All of them are corrupt. One lives in Guatemala by defending oneself or they kill you. Now that I have been in this country I realize everything is different. Here there is life, love and respect. At the same time my second court is coming up on December 9th in Cleveland. Right now I do not have the money to pay the attorney so I can continue my case. I don’t want to return to my country. Because of this I beg that you listen to my story and help me make sure I do not have to return. Here I live with my Aunt Modesta Escalante, who takes care of us and protects us. She doesn’t earn very much money. Always we are asking her for a ride to the store and other places. However, I believe and am hopeful that my full immigration case will be heard and I will be able to legally drive someday and be free someday to fly like a dove Three years later two sisters and a brother had arrived. Antonieta had moved into her own apartment and was taking care of her siblings as they were arriving. Antonieta obtained an attorney, applied for asylum, received a work permit and a driver’s license. She is working to put together more money for the attorney so she can complete her court hearings, have her residency and then earn her citizenship. Alba Dubon Alba Dubon is from Chaltenango, El Salvador, and this part of Salvador is called The Paradise. She arrived 14 years ago through the desert like most of the immigrants who come to our office. Her husband, the father of her five children, had arrived three years earlier. Unfortunately five years ago he beat her when he was drinking and he would also run around with other women continuously. She decided that was the end and left him. Her two oldest children are in California, two others are with her here in Cincinnati, and one is still in El Salvador. Beatriz, one of the older daughters, is 23 years old and left El Salvador with her Aunt Blanca, her Mother’s sister. They were brought to the U.S. by a coyote. They were in two different groups led through the desert from Phoeniz, AZ. The coyote leading Blanca’s group called Alba and said Blanca was too exhausted to go any farther and he would have to leave her there in the desert by herself. At that point Alba came to Su Casa. We helped her send pictures of Blanca to the different embassies – American, Salvadoran, and Mexican – to try and find out where she might be. There has been no response. It is as if she disappeared. Beatriz was arrested in Arizona. She was bonded out for $1,500, an attorney was contracted for another $1,500, and the airplane ticket to Cincinnati was almost $1,000. Her Master Court hearing is May 2014. Without Blanca’s knowing it, her 14-year-old daughter, Jennifer, left El Salvador and arrived in Nov., 2013. She was picked up by immigration and taken to a house in Arizona for unaccompanied minors. There she contacted her aunt Alba and Alba was approved to be her sponsor. Her court case has still not been set. In December, 2013, Alba’s youngest son Jose Marvin Dubon arrived at the frontier and Alba was approved to sponsor him. He was taken to a house in San Diego, CA. Her brother lives and has a work permit in Los Angeles, so Alba caught a plane for Los Angeles where she met her brother. They began the trip to San Diego with the GPS turned on. Even though they were listening to the GPS and watching the signs, they missed the turn and were headed straight for Mexico. They saw no more turnoffs. They crossed the border and twenty minutes later saw a Mexican, whom they approached and asked where the road was to return to the US. They followed his directions and found themselves in a long line. Finally an immigration official spoke with them and asked them for papers, passport, citizenship card/ certificate, or resident card. Both of them showed their work permits and also their driver’s licenses. Immigration said that wasn’t what they needed and told them to drive their car over to a parking lot about a quarter of a mile away. At the same THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 LOCAL Margaret's Picks J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 time a notice was put under their windshield wiper. They arrived where they were told to park and another official came over and looked at the notice and just stood there shaking his head. They were taken to the office. Alba said they needed a translator. When the translator came and they tried to convince the office that they had been called by immigration to come and pick up Alba’s son in San Diego, but they missed the exit and ended up in Mexico. The officials acted as if they did not believe what they were being told. They wanted them to sign a paper about a court hearing on Monday. It seemed to be a deportation hearing, and they didn’t want to sign anything. Then finally one official looked directly at Alba and told her that he believed her. The translator started smiling and Alba began feeling that just maybe they were listening. At the same time they were handcuffed, her purse and everything she carried had been taken, and the same with her brother, who had not been able to stop trembling. After another half hour an official said, “Your record is clean. You have done everything as it needs to be done.” After awhile the handcuffs were taken off but they had to hold their hands apart in the air so that they could not take hold of anything. Standing like that for a half hour, they waited for what would happen next. Another official came in and asked questions about her son, his name, his birthdate and a few other questions. Alba looked around and saw an official tearing up the document that they had wanted her and her brother to sign. Then she was asked if she wanted to see her son. The translator said, “Wow! Diosita is with you.” In a few minutes an official came walking in with her son. Her brother, her son and Alba began crying, hugging and kissing each other. Then she turned to the official and said, “I need one more favor. Could you help me make the reservation so he can fly back to Cincinnati with me?” “Yes, of course,” he answered. Yordi Cabrera Garcia Yordi lived in a village about 20 minutes outside of Concepcion, Chiquirichapa, a medium- size town in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Yordi’s family cultivates corn, potatoes and beans. His sponsor, his brother Bernabe, said, “Our Family has no money, just money to live day by day in Guatemala. These crops, especially corn and potatoes, are no longer productive for the farmers because places like the U.S. have technology that allows corn and potatoes to be produced less expensively. Four of my siblings have immigrated to the U.S. and four are still in Guatemala.” Yordi completed elementary school in Concepcion and began the 9th grade after he had investigated different secondary schools that focus predominantly on Music. He found the closest one in the Capital of the Department of Quetzaltenango (the capital is also called Quetzaltenango). His family would not be able to pay for room and board but would be able to pay for the bus ticket every day. So he decided to begin his 9th year of school at the music academy. To arrive at the Academy he had to walk 20 minutes to Concepcion to catch the bus for Quetzaltenango. During the next four months he was attacked four times when he was returning home; twice he was severely beaten, and each time he was robbed of everything he was carrying. Yordi said, “I didn’t want to die and I knew that some evening when I was returning home these people might kill me. I spoke with my brothers here in the U.S. and they said I could live with them. They helped me pay for the trip. “Here I am in the eighth grade at Dater School. I spoke with Mary Jo Montenegro and she helped me identify what grade I should enter. I graduated from the eighth grade in Guatemala and am familiar with most of the material I am studying, but I am learning English. I like school and I want to continue studying. Winston Laynes Reynoso Winston is 12 years old and was born in Guatemala. When he was just 7 his parents left him in the care of his grandmother to travel to the U.S. and seek better employment and treatment for his father’s kidney disease. Over the next few years Winston received money and clothes from his parents, which helped him get by, but he desperately missed them. The situation was dangerous in Guatemala, and the older he got, the more scared he became of the gang violence. Winston’s father was able to find employment and sufficient treatment for his disease, and eventually he was able to find a coyote to bring his son to the United States. He arrived in February 2014. Reunited with his parents and able to meet his three younger siblings who were born in the U.S. for the first time, Winston was finally happy. In his apartment complex, he made friends with other children his age. The happiness was short-lived, however. After less than a year in the U.S. with his family all together, Winston’s loving and supportive father was deported. Every day Winston and his siblings wonder where he is. They miss greeting him when he comes home from work and sharing a modest dinner as a family. To complicate matters, Winston’s father’s future is uncertain in Guatemala because if he can even find treatment for his kidney disease, it will be extremely expensive. His mother cannot support the children by herself and thinks the entire family will have to move back to Guatemala, a long and difficult journey with four young children to bring along. All Winston wants is for his family, so long separated, to be happy and healthy and together. Elizabeth Felipe Velasquez I was born in the ‘80s during the time of the civil wars in Central America. I was living in the city of La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, with my son, Anderson. He was in preschool for a year, then kindergarten, then finally first and second grade. In his two years of elementary school, he had some of the worst experiences that any first or second grader could have. Several times a week people would be around the school who would shoot guns and sometimes kill people. At the sound of a gunshot, the teacher told all of the children to go under their desks until the shooting stopped. My son would feel scared to death upon hearing these shots. Unfortunately, they were very regular before we decided we needed to leave. My nephew, who is about Anderson’s age, also told us about his fear of school. He would be walking to school and see people shoot other people on the sidewalks, adults who fell dead immediately. Needless to say, our family, my sister’s family and other friends of ours who live in this town are scared to go anywhere. We were afraid to leave the house, whether it was to the market, the clinic or church. Here are two other events related to what these young boys faced on a daily basis: Once my father was traveling to our town, La Democracia, with our grandfather, from a town called la Libertad about a half hour away by foot. It’s a much smaller town, but generally very peaceful and the shootings that happen in our town are less common there. We expected to hear from them when they arrived, and we tried calling and calling, but we never found them. They totally disappeared. Another event that happened in the last couple years is that the Mayor of la Democracia was shot and killed, and once again no investigation has been done. Every week in La Democracia, there are at least 5 or 10 people who are announced as missing in the newspaper. Eventually their bodies are found, but there are never any investigations about their disappearances or murders. Because of this terrifying lifestyle, I decided my son and I were going to immigrate to the United States. Currently we are living close to Su Casa Hispanic Center. My son is attending AMIS, the bilingual elementary school close to us. Compared to his last experiences with school he is loving his classes and new experiences here. We realize that our new life here is much safer, and Su Casa Hispanic Center is helping the unaccompanied minors and their mothers, who traveled with them to protect them. This gives us more a feeling of security. Natanael Marcelino Perez Perez I am Natanael Marcelino Perez Perez and I am from the village of Agua Caliente, the municipality of Tectitan, Huehuetenango, Guatemala. I arrived to the United States in April 2014, because I was afraid of living in Guatemala. In January 2014, neighbors who lived next door had a rooster stolen and another family had 300 pounds of corn stolen. All the neighbors know our family is poor, because my mother is unemployed and has four young children living at home. Our father is an alcoholic and he spends his days going to the closest town to drink. He does not work. Because we don’t have a regular income the neighbors accused me of stealing. Several families began accusing me of stealing the corn and the rooster in February. These families began saying that when they found me they would cut off my feet so I would not do anything like that again. Also, I had to leave Guatemala because of my father. Many times when he would come home from drinking all day he would shout and hit his own children and our mother. We are all scared of him. For example, when I was 10 years old my father once hit me with a rope. Many times he would grab his machete when he returned from town, where he was drinking all day. When we saw him coming swinging his machete we would all get out of the house and run into the scrubland. Most of the time we ended up staying there overnight. I want to work so I can get a good job and send money home to my family so they can build a new house. ALBA DUBON (Continued from page11) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 1 | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 I LIVE FOR YOU 13 STREET VOICE OBSESSED WITH REPEAL I live for you! The repeal of ObamaCare I think for you! Is a Republican obsession. I love you! They won't compromise, I hope for you! Or accept any concession. I will die for you! Right now in the Senate, They seem a few votes shy. I cry for you! I worry for you! I sacrifice for you! I pray for you! I write this for you! There’s no me without you! Maybe folks with coverage Won't have to kiss their care Goodbye. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer NOW Do you know what you feel? I love you! Do you hear yourself when the world is standing still? My only begotten son Do you recognize the difference in the sounds that you hear? Rico, stay true! Do you believe that you can make a difference in this world today? Be for real!! KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Do you recognize the world and hear the world as it so slowly revolves around? Do you understand that it is your life that you are hearing and only your life you’ve found? Do you know your rights to live without disrespect, being happy, and loving your life? Do you know anything about your past, present, not to mention being born in strife? Realizing that we are born from one womb and destined to die in one tomb ALONE. With all this knowledge do we know right from wrong or how to be strong?! Now knowing everything and living our lives and forgetting where we derived from. Now seeing deceit and can't do nothing about it, NOW don't we all feel dumb! NOW I believe that there is a power greater than any man's understanding right here today! Looking around today trying to distinguish what was and what I see NOW! Every day I have to Pray!! Changes everywhere I look, from where to catch a bus to where do the hungry eat. Changes in every walk of life and that includes if you homeless NOW where do I SLEEP? NOW think are you happy, sad, disillusioned, misunderstood, confused or simply LOST? NOW IS THE TIME TO BELIEVE IN THAT POWER GREATER THAN MAN. I KNOW GOD AND HE IS BOSS!!! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 130 Across Down 1. Subsequently 1. Corrosive material 6. Small snake 2. Renown 9. Soft or semiliquid food 3. Interpret 12. Freight 4. Food product 13. Tall woody perennial 5. Fish eggs grass 6. Song for solo voice 15. Assist or encourage 7. Transmitted 17. A visual representation 8. Trivial 18. Unite or merge 9. Golfing term 20. Lair 10. Die away 21. Domesticated 11. Part a flower bovine animals 14. Erase 22. Old salt 16. A limited time period 23. Powdery starch 19. Segment of DNA 26. Japanese currency 21. Demure 27. Type of tree 24. Canvas canopy 28. Forever 25. Total receipts at 30. Beverage a sports event 32. Less than the 28. Skin condition full amount 29. Singing jazz 33. Fell concern 31. Punish by a fine or interest 32. A small amount 36. Large military of liquid food dining room 34. Mature 40. Unlace 35. Frolic 41. In the past 37. Add details to 42. Speed in music 38. Box lightly 43. Part of a hammerhead 39. Offspring 44. Stalk 42. Melody 45. Relating to the city 44. Saunter 46. Acquire 47. Alleviate 48. Nipper 49. Anger 50. Ballet step 50. Group of 53. Part of a circle hunting animals 55. Spool 51. Plant-sucking insect 56. Pertinent 52. No longer new 57. Military action 54. Wicker fishing basket 60. Circuit 58. Voice quality 63. Lizard 59. In or of the 65. Sound off present month 67. Unit of metric 61. Poker stake weight, in short 62. Look searchingly 68. Part of a camera 64. Hayloft 69. Squander 65. Be in debt 70. Condensation 66. Hit lightly 71. Allow 72. Organic compound PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 129 J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 260 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 259- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 1 RESOURCES | J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 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 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: 241-2965 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 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 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 961-0600 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 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 $100 for 26 issues Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 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 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 Medical Van 352-6364 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 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Shelter: Family 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 J u l y 2 8 - A u g 10 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 1 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 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 2/2015 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 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 � 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 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 July 28-August 10, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Afterimage Pg 2: From the Director Taking Stock Pg 3: Streetcar “Contributions” with Tax Dollars Pg 4: Hot to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: It Takes a Whole Community Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Remembering Tom Dutton Pg 8: Policing Gentrification Pg 9: Community action Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: What Does it Mean That Cincinnati is a Sanctuary City? Margaret’s Picks Pg 12: Margaret’s Picks 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 July 28-August 10, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Michael Earl Patton Dr. Mark Mussman Bonnie Neureier Justin Jeffre Kim Green Willa Denise Jones A.J. Newberry Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF A.J. Newberry Bill Woods Bonnie Neureier Cincinnati Dr. Mark Mussman Gentrification Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Margaret’s Picks Michael Earl Patton Photography Religion Streetcar Tax Dollars Tom Dutton Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/54dae20c383f8ff8267b35ecbc384a5a.pdf 43eba449843ac0a5b22c512d8356ca20 PDF Text Text A u g 11 t h - A u g 2 4 t h 2 0 1 7 | V o l . 2 0 I s s u e 4 3 ( N o . 3 6 2 ) a d v o c at i n g j u s t i c e | B u i l d i n g c o m m u n i t y Photo by Dr. Mark Mussman A Donation Stations’ Solution Conflation week in, and there’s still no information to be found on their website. From that, we can only make the assumption that they were woefully unprepared for the project as they tried to rush it out as quickly as possible. But, as we all know, haste makes waste, and now people are confused as to the where this money is going to end up.... (Continued on page 3) This issue sponsored by (Former) Judge Mark P. Painter Inside this issue: Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Local: An Update on Redistricting Reform | 2 $2.00 donation Religious Peacemakers: A Minister to the Poor | 9 Local : The Good, Bad, and Strange of Recent Sanctions | 5 Photo Essay: Art by Dionna Flowers | 9 Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.org �2 LOCAL From The Director: Take Action H A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 JOSH SPRING ow many times do people stand or sit around talking about what is wrong in our community and what we should or should not do about it? Talk is important, but really only if it leads to strategy and action. It is hard to honestly say one believes in something that one does not put action in to. At the Homeless Coalition we try Executive Director to spend most of our time putting our convictions into action and empowering other people to join us. If there are situations you see around you that make you angry, don’t say to yourself, “Well, what can I do”. You can do something. And you can do even more if you gather people to join you. In fact, we would love it if you joined with us. If you have access to the internet you can go to our website, www. cincihomeless.org and sign up to receive updates from us. You can also attend our monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 1:30. Also, feel free to call us at 4217803 or stop by 117 E. 12th Street. --------------------------------------- An Update On Redistricting Reform A BILL WOODS real grassroots initiative is underway in Ohio. A campaign to establish a new process for drawing Congressional district lines every ten years has attracted the support of citizen activists throughout the state. Veteran reformers are amazed by the number of volunteers involved and the number of signatures already collected to get the reform proposal on the ballot. After working behind the scenes for more than a year, the reform groups that comprise the Fair Districts Equal Fair Elections Coalition decided this spring to go public with their proposal. They had already produced a plan for Congressional redistricting reform, and after determining the Ohio General Assembly would not put it on the ballot, they drafted a citizen initiative to amend the State's Constitution. Faced with revising the summary of the proposal this May for Attorney General Mike DeWine, the Coalition was ready to begin collecting signatures by June. Between June and early July, the initiative campaign really took Contributing Writer off. Utilizing only unpaid citizen volunteers, over 100,000 valid signatures were collected. This total amounts to approximately one-third of the 305,591 signatures needed to qualify the proposed amendment for the ballot (ten percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election). It also includes signature gathering in all eighty-eight Ohio counties, and the involvement of over 2,400 volunteers. "This is incredible," declared Carie Davis of the Ohio League of Women Voters. "Historically, Ohio initiatives have gathered from 5 to 20 percent of their signatures using volunteers, having to rely on paid circulatory to collect the rest." Since the goal is to place the proposal on the November 2018 ballot, the Coalition has more than ten months to collect the rest of the signatures from the pool of registered Ohio voters. What has stimulated this impressive volunteer participation by citizens throughout Ohio? When asked this question, Catherine Turcer of Common Cause/Ohio pointed to two factors. "The extreme gerrymandering carried out by the Republicans in 2011," noted Turcer, "made average people much more aware of this unfair process. When given the chance to fix the boundaries for state legislators, 71 percent of the voters favored the reform amendment in 2015." Turcer's second reason focused on the current political climate. "Many citizen activists are quite unsettled by what is now going on in Washington, D.C. They are looking for something positive to do," she said, "and working to bring about a process that will provide Ohioans with fair Congressional districts fills that bill." Collecting signatures and educating the public about the need for redistricting reform will continue in the coming months. In Cincinnati, to pick up or drop off a petition, call the League of Women Voters (513281-8683) or Applied Information Resources (513-381-4994). To get an overview of how the campaign is going, go to fairdistricts.org. 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 CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Steve Sunderland, Saad Ghosn, Justin Jeffre, Margaret Singer, Maria Orrosco, Fredi Martinez Morales, Nick Shellenberger, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones Photography/ Artwork: Michael Earl Patton, Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive, Dr. Mark Mussman, Woman's City Club, A. J. Newberry Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Community Issues Forum featuring Catherine Turcer 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. �No. 36 2 LOCAL Donation Stations’ Solution Conflation | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 3 DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer (Continued from cover) It wouldn’t be so bad except that we are seeing a double standard unfold right in front of our eyes, again. If we were to hold them truly accountable for their work, we would be shocked at how far their intent falls from the reality. Whether it be the loss of public space, the loss of affordable housing, the loss of SRO’s (single room occupancy buildings), the loss of black-owned small businesses, the loss of our identity, 3CDC and its cohorts have demonstrated time and again that they only have one priority, and that’s themselves and the wealthy. I could be talking about a number of their initiatives, but the one I’m fuming about this week (well, one of them, because the sale of the library’s North Building is certainly enough to make my blood boil) is the parking meters. WAIT! Before you think I’m complaining about parking, you know, participating in Cincinnati’s most active sport, I’m actually talking about the “Donation Station” meters that 3CDC, Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated, and the City of Cincinnati have placed in various places in the city. These meters stick out from the meters you typically see – they are larger and painted yellow. They don’t take credit cards or dollar bills, but they will take your coins. The meters are accompanied by a sign: Donation Station. Funds deposited here go directly to agencies that help our neighbors in need. By using this donation station, you will… • Provide food, shelter, and outreach services to our neighbors in need. • Fund service providers that help those experiencing unfortunate circumstances like homelessness, addiction, and poverty. • Be certain that your money is being used for something positive. The sign is emboldened with the City’s, 3CDC, and DCI’s logos as well – using the branding styles of the City and original streetcar design. Finally, a website is given to learn more. You might be wondering what is wrong with this setup, and you may think that this is a good thing. What I know, is that this is an intentional step to: • Help people feel good about their decisions to ignore people who panhandle. • Continue to vilify people who panhandle, by claiming they will use the money for something other than what you would consider “positive.” • Jumpstart the next round of attempts to further stigmatize and criminalize panhandling. • Dehumanize the issues related to poverty and homelessness by mechanizing the point of contact. There is absolutely no information on the 3CDC website regarding the program. We don’t know which organizations will benefit from the parking meters – I mean, Donation Stations. We are seeing a real-life double standard evolve directly in front of our eyes. Each year, almost like clockwork, leaders from the corporate side (Strategies to End Homelessness, Downtown Cincinnati Inc., etc.) write op-eds in the Enquirer or get on the news to say that giving to people who are panhandling is actually bad for the people who are receiving the money. They argue that the money is used a million dollars a year and know that on my watch people are losing their homes, that I had a hand in confirming stereotypes and creating a permanent untouchable class. Just for full disclosure, the Homeless Coalition’s entire operating budget is far less than half of the salary of one A Donation Station Meter on 3CDC's 12th and Vine Surface Lot Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman for drugs, and not for food or shelter. They argue that it would be better to give it to an organization, but specifically to the organization they represent. They demonize people who are struggling in a very difficult time while clearly saying that we don’t know where the money will go, just know that it’s for bad purposes. 3CDC’s website gives us no information as to where this money will go. It doesn’t show us that it will go to direct services or to programs. We don’t know if it will go to pay for these organizations’ half-million dollar per year salaries or if it will actually reduce homelessness. I personally, could not take home half employee at these other organizations – yet none of them are fighting for an affordable housing trust fund, or no fault eviction policies, or laws that protect people from abuse, or even for a restoration of the human services fund. They convene meetings and talk to stakeholders, yet they never directly address the issue – a lack of affordable housing. In all the work that 3CDC has done, they have not independently created a single unit of affordable housing. The meters do exactly what is intended – to distract you from the solution while stigmatizing the behaviors of those who seek your help. Sign Attached to Donation Station with Empty Website Link 3CDC's Donation Station Website Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 �LOCAL The Good, Bad, and Strange of Recent Sanctions No. 36 2 | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 5 MICHAEL EARL PATTON T he sanctions bill recently passed by Congress represents a toughening of sanctions against Russia, Iran, and North Korea, or so we are told. The vote in favor was overwhelming – only 5 voted against it in both houses. President Trump – suspected of bias towards Russia if not outright collusion in the recent election -- called it “significantly flawed” but signed it anyways. Having done some research into the use of sanctions by the United States for a recent Streetvibes article (“Bankrupting the Enemy”), I was curious and looked into this bill to see what exactly it does. What I found surprised and puzzles me since the bill is not what the reporting led me to believe. I will explain, but first a little historical background is needed. For a hundred years, the authority to impose sanctions has rested with the president. During World War I in 1917 Congress passed the Trading with the Enemy Act, which gave the president broad powers to regulate trade and financial transactions during a declared war. When Franklin Roosevelt came to office in 1933 in the middle of the Great Depression, he asked Congress to amend the Act so that he would have the authority to also regulate financial transactions during a national emergency. The intent was to bring order to the economic chaos, including regulating banks and banning the private ownership of gold. Congress amended the Act, Roosevelt promptly declared a national emergency, and began to use his new powers. Before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the United Contributing Writer his “fireside chats” on May 27, 1941. Because of this declaration and the 1933 amendment to the Trading with the Enemy Act, Roosevelt now had the authority to embargo virtually all trade and financial transactions with Japan, which he did. The stated intent was to hurt the Japanese economy so much that they would stop their invasion of China and withdraw their forces. Because of the war in Europe which consumed all available resources there, the United States had been by far Japan’s biggest trading partner. The embargo even extended to fertilizer, needed by Japan to grow enough food for their population. Whatever the real intent of the sanctions, Roosevelt’s action strengthened those in the Japanese government and military who rejected diplomacy and who wanted to broaden the conflict. On December 7 the Japanese military attacked Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, which was then governed by the United States. This portion of the Trading with the Enemy Act, which allowed the president to impose economic sanctions without approval from Congress, was finally changed in 1976 following the Watergate scandal. Much of that power lives on in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), passed in 1977. President Carter had pleaded for its survival so that the president could act quickly and sweepingly in case of an emergency. These powers under the IEEPA have been used over 50 times. Existing sanctions, such as those against Iran, Russia, and North Korea, had been declared by the president. Workers installing solar panels. The solar panel market is blooming and Cincinnati looks to take a lead. Credit: Michael Earl Patton States was officially neutral in the conflicts involving Europe, Russia, China, and Japan. On his own, without any direction from Congress, Roosevelt declared an unlimited national emergency. He described this to the public in one of Contrary to press reports, the sanctions bill recently signed by President Trump still keeps that basic pattern with respect to Russia and, for the most part, Iran. The bill, called the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,” is 70 pages and covers sanctions against those two countries, North Korea, and against terrorism in general. Half of the bill (35 pp) deals with Russia. Although press reports give the impression that it increases sanctions on Russia, any increase depends on the approval of President Trump’s administration. Here is one such example, taken from section 231, titled “Imposition of Sanctions with Respect to Persons Engaging in Transactions with the Intelligence or Defense Sectors of the Russian Federation:” “(a) On and after the date that is 180 days after the date of this Act, the President shall impose five or more of the sanctions described ... with respect to a person the President determines knowingly … engages ….. (b) The President may waive the initial application of sanctions … only if the President submits to the appropriate congressional committees – (1) a written determination that the waver – (A) is in the vital national security interests of the United States; or …” This is very strange. The man who is being investigated for possible collusion with the Russians is in charge of determining whether others are helping the Russians! And further, he can prevent any applicable sanctions from being imposed! It is almost as if the bill were written with a different President in mind. The bill makes several accusations against Russia, such as that it is United States policy “to never recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by the Government of the Russian Federation” (section 257) and that “[i]t is the sense of Congress that – the Government of the Russian Federation bears responsibility for the continuing violence in Eastern Ukraine, including the death on April 24, 2017 of Joseph Stone, a citizen of the United States working as a monitor for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe” (a landmine destroyed his vehicle). Is this the purpose of the bill – to reinforce the perception that Russia is our implacable adversary? The bill makes clear that the United States is concerned about European dependence on Russian natural gas and that the United States should export its energy to aid its allies. To which I reply, export what energy? True, facilities are being built to liquefy natural gas to export, the only problem being that there is not enough natural gas to do so. Currently the production and consumption of natural gas in the United States is roughly in balance. But as I wrote about in my article “Natural Gas Shortage Coming,” production is slowly going down and the number of drilling rigs in operation is not enough to maintain current production levels, let alone reverse it. As for oil, the United States THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED is a net importer of oil. There is some oil exported, but it is much less than the amount imported. The trends I wrote about in the March 24 – April 6, 2017 issue of Streetvibes continue today. The threat of sanctions here has worried our European allies, especially Germany. Their economic minister has even warned us that Europe might impose its own sanctions on the United States if we try to interfere with the construction of a new gas pipeline from Russia. The section dealing with Iran is much shorter – only about 10 pages. Sanctions are expanded against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, but the bill gives the president an “out” when it comes to other sanctions. The section dealing with North Korea is about 15 pages and concentrates on tying sanctions to United Nations resolutions. Interestingly, these have already been passed by the U.N. Security Council since the bill was signed. Russia and China went along with them, which implies that the preparation work had been completed by the time the bill was passed by Congress. There are a couple good things about the bill. One is that it makes clear that nothing shall be construed to authorize any sanctions relating to the use by NASA of Russian products or services, which is good because we depend on them to get our astronauts up into space (section 237). Another is that food, medicine, medical devices, or humanitarian assistance to Iran are exempt from sanctions (section 111). The worst thing about the bill is that there was no national debate about the bill, or even good information about what is in it. Only 5 voted no. Locally, only Senator Paul and Representative Massie, both from Kentucky, voted against it. No one apparently asked the European governments what they thought of the bill, especially when it came to the natural gas pipeline they want. This is ironic because section 109 mentions the importance of coordinating sanctions between the European Union and the United States. How many of us even heard about possible European retaliations? Sanctions, even the threat of sanctions, increase tension between countries. Keep alert to what may happen next. [Footnote: I find it noteworthy that the only two senators who voted against the recent sanctions bill were Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rand Paul of Kentucky. I don't think there are any two other senators who are farther apart on the ideological spectrum than these two. One is very liberal/socialist, the other is very conservative/libertarian. But they both have a reputation for following their own convictions on major issues. Congratulations to them both for not following the herd.] �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 �LOCAL A letter to our County Commissioners No. 36 2 | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 D STEVE SUNDERLAND ear Commissioners: Congratulations on the steps you have taken to implement the Indigent Care Levy's monies in Hamilton County. We applaud the creation of an able commission to review the Levy's history, and to review proposals for improving healthcare for the indigent in Hamilton County in the coming years. As a participant in the process, we have enjoyed talking with members of the Commission about the Cancer Justice Network's programs and our plans to reduce mortality from cancer in the indigent population. And, we believe that their recommendations to the Commissioners reflect their study of the past uses of funds and the opportunities for future funding. Our organization was not included in the final list of recommendations despite the fact that we have served only thousands of indigent people. Based on the report of the Commission, it appears that there will be little funding available for new programs. The lion's share of the funding will go to those organizations that received funding the last time. It is important to note that all of our organization's work is with the indigent as we try and reduce cancer mortality. We write to suggest that the questions raised by the Commission sidestep some important Contributing Writer considerations facing the indigent in Hamilton County. Prior funding decisions were made based on a world that didn't include the Affordable Care Act's impact on Ohio Medicaid. Hospitals, presumably, did need the monies to help pay for the costs of unpaid bills for treating the indigent. With the ACA in full operation in Ohio, the Commission's report indicates that neither hospital needs the monies for these concerns. In fact, again according to the report, the levy monies represent a tiny portion of very successful budget operations. Because of this infusion of monies, and the likelihood of continuation of ACA, the funding of the hospitals for the unpaid services is unnecessary. Moreover, it was not clear from the consultant's report how much of the Levy actually touched the indigent's needs. The changed situation facing the indigent's bills mean that these monies can be directed to programs that will directly improve the lives of individuals and families. Such a new focus can make a major difference in life expectancy, disease management, and disease prevention. For example, the Cancer Justice Network (25 health and human service organizations) has seen over 4,000 low income adults in the past 6 months in cancer prevention dinners at Christ Church, Churches Active in Northside and other agencies working with the poor. We are making a difference in our outreach to indigent people and to navigating them to timely cancer screening and treatment; indeed, we are the only educational outreach on healthcare in Hamilton County. We believe we could represent a fine use of Levy monies, indeed, a life and death use of monies for the indigent. We suggest that the Commissioners apply new questions to agencies seeking the funds to assist the indigent. These questions open up the discussion for transparency about the connection between funding decisions and positive outcomes for healthcare for the indigent. At present, there are assumptions that funding will help but there is an absence of clarity about the direct correspondence between agency goals and outcomes. The questions we would urge you use are the following: 1. What programs to be funded have explicit goals for helping the indigent with improving life expectancy from the diseases of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes? 2. What outcomes in terms of these diseases are expected from any healthcare agency in each of the three years? 3. Who is accountable for Climate Change and Cincinnati’s Efforts to Combat the Issue I 7 NICK SHELLENBERGER n June, President Trump decisively withdrew from the Paris Agreement. This agreement, within the United Nations Framework, outlines a comprehensive plan that addresses climate change worldwide. The plan is supposed to take effect in the year 2020. The United States joins Nicaragua and Syria as the only nations to oppose this historic deal. Many leaders throughout the U.S. oppose the President’s decision; including Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. “I strongly opposed (the withdrawal),” said Cranley in a June 28 press conference. “We had a press conference at City Hall immediately about joining the mayors’ alliance to keep the Paris Contributing Writer Agreement going. We will stand up for a clean city and environment, regardless of what President Trump does.” The announcement by President Trump put into action the Compact of Mayors; a global coalition of city leaders promising to tackle the climate crisis. The coalition was launched in 2014 by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. Their goal is to cut greenhouse gas emissions substantially and prepare for future issues of climate change. In 2008, Cincinnati City Council passed the Climate Protection Action Plan that is now known as the Green Cincinnati Plan. Its goal is to reduce “Breakdown Stereotypes” the city’s gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050. The plan listed roughly 80 recommendations of ways the city could address the issue. One of the main focuses of the plan was reducing gas emissions and the dependency on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels while supporting job creation and the local economy. Additions in 2013 added to the framework of the original plan; incorporating new chapters on outdoor recreation and water. The plan had a goal of reducing emissions by 40% within 20 years. That seemed like a reasonable goal at the time but new numbers show that city leaders might have underestimated our great city. According to recent reports city reaching these goals within the healthcare systems? 4. How does Levy monies work with the hospital community benefit programs?  5. What kind of accountability for the process of implementation exists within the Commissioner's office? The answers to these questions will reassure the voting public that the Levy will continue to be vital for health needs of indigent people in Hamilton County.  The public is confused about healthcare funding in general, the different ways the hospitals receive funds, and the ways these funds wind up helping the poor. Very little is transparent about doctor's fees, hospital and drug costs, and whether insurance will truly assist people in need. Providing clarity about the Levy's funding goals and your method of accountability will offer citizens a clear picture about why the renewal of the Levy is so critical for all of Hamilton County's poor. We will call your offices for an appointment to elaborate on these ideas.  We want you to know that we in the Cancer Justice Network believe that Hamilton County can be a national leader in healthcare for the poor and we will work with you for the passage of this critical levy. In peace, Steve Steve Sunderland, PhD, Director Peace Village Cancer Project/Cancer Justice Network government reports, greenhouse emissions have shown a 36% reduction since 2008. As global climate statistics increase, Cincinnati is making strides to become the greenest city in the Midwest. Last year the City of Cincinnati teamed up with the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA), to launch Solarize Cincinnati; a program to bring affordable solar energy solutions to our city. “Solar has the potential to transform our communities by creating family sustaining jobs, reducing homeowner expenses, and conserving the environment,” said Flequer Vera, CEO of Sustainergy. Renewable energy is the future but investment into that field needs to happen in order for it to become a reality. The GCEA does just that. They partner with local governments and foundations to reduce the barriers of investment in renewable energy. “It’s good for the environment (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 Dr. Mark Mussman at MarkMussman@cincihomeless.org. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �8 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS A Minister to the Poor: Father Thomas Bokenkotter Is an Academician Turned Activist “G A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 SAAD GHOSN rowing up I couldn’t help being religious,” says Reverend Thomas Bokenkotter. “My parents were deeply religious and greatly influenced me, as did the general climate of our household. For me a big part of religion is how we respectfully relate to each other, accept each other… and this I was taught from a very young age”. Bokenkotter was raised Catholic, one of 7 children. As a child he served as an altar boy, showing up to mass early every morning, learning liturgical Latin, in constant contact with priests. “I grew up with religion; it was part of my genes…,” he says. When he graduated from his Catholic High School, he decided to become a priest and entered the seminary. “It was an easy decision for what seemed a natural path. I had no questioning about my vocation and enjoyed the studious, spiritual and pious atmosphere of my new setting.” Bokenkotter’s religious education took him to Rome and to the prestigious University of Louvain in Belgium where he earned a doctorate degree in history; it deepened his understanding of Catholicism and of other religions. Back to the States, he taught for many years at the seminary, then at Xavier University, and spent most of his time writing religion-based books among them the bestselling “A Concise History of the Catholic Church”. At the beginning Bokenkotter’s orientation and activities were purely academic. His writings owed him the label of “liberal”, a term of reprobation by some, due to his critical views of the conservative Church. His studies and research, however, quickly proved to him that, even if conservative in many ways, the Catholic Church, thanks to the teachings of Christ and the gospels, remained at the forefront of social Contributing Writer justice. He found that throughout centuries and various revolutions, many Catholics played an important role in the struggle for democracy and social justice and thus indirectly shaped the Church’s social doctrine. In his book “Church and Revolution”, he traced the steps of fifteen of them from the last two centuries. He started with Lammenais, the French priest who during the French Revolution, countered the position of the Church, siding with the people against the monarchy, and included portraits and stories of other determining figures, such as Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero; Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic Worker movement; Emmanuel Mounier, leader of the Personalism movement; Konrad Adenauer, the German Christian Democrat statesman. When the 60s arrived and with them the Vietnam war and the widespread civil turmoil in the country, Bokenkotter left his academic ivory tower. One of his students, Father John Bank, introduced him to the United Farm Workers movement, and to the injustice the migrant workers in California were facing. Bokenkotter studied their condition and convinced of their cause started picketing at Kroger stores across the city, urging buyers not to purchase California grapes. This passive resistance action soon succeeded in forcing negotiations for better working conditions of the farmers and ultimately led him to participate, through the mid 70s, in various anti war and anti racial demonstrations, including, among others, protests against the shooting at Kent State University, and against Nixon’s visit to Wright Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio. “I spent the late 60s and 70s working as an activist for various peace and justice causes,” says Bokenkotter. “But when the war ended, the climate in the country What is Roman Catholicism Roman Catholicism is a Christian religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and his disciples. Its members and churches, spread all over the world, comprise the Roman Catholic Church, led by the Pope considered the “infallible” successor of the apostle Peter; it is the largest Christian church with over a billion adherents, half of all Christians worldwide. Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity, the divinity of Christ, the inspiration of the Bible. Their worship is centered on the sacrament of the Eucharist, whereas the blessed bread and wine are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. Important teachings of Catholicism are love, forgiveness, charity, peace and justice, as instructed by Jesus in the gospels: “I give you a new commandment: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34); “Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:6-9) changed and it became difficult to get young people to demonstrate. I thought I needed to serve in a different way.” Visiting a Dorothy Day House in NYC and experiencing the soup kitchen it was offering the homeless and the poor, Bokenkotter returned to Cincinnati where he assessed a big need for such a service: “I found out that in Over-The-Rhine (OTR), downtown Cincinnati, 80% of the people lived in poverty, often malnourished; this was 1976.” The Over-The-Rhine Kitchen, the oldest Soup Kitchen in Cincinnati, was then established with the help of few volunteers and just $700 in the bank. Located in the heart of OTR, it serves currently over 77,000 free hot Father Thomas Bokenkotter meals per year and has received, not too long ago, a several million dollars bequest from a supporter woman. In 1980, appointed pastor of the Assumption church on Gilbert avenue in Walnut Hills, Bokenkotter converted the then empty old catholic school across the street into a transitional living facility for homeless women and children in crisis; it also had a food pantry and a soup kitchen in its basement for the residents of the facility and individuals and families of the neighborhood. Renamed The Tom Geiger Guest House in1984 after a student of Bokenkotter who was instrumental in the operation of the first kitchen and who died suddenly at age 33, it now includes 42 apartments. The Walnut Hills Kitchen serves in excess of 65 000 free hot meals a year and the pantry provides grocery and food for more than 5000 individuals and families. Throughout the years, Bokenkotter has also been involved, with his racially diverse parish, in numerous community activities. “I am on the side of anyone who wants to make things better,” he says, “and that’s what I encourage in my parishioners.” He always wanted to create a support Center for black youth to gather, exchange, learn, find needed help; unfortunately he has not been able to realize his dream project due to a debilitating health and an advanced age. All along Bokenkotter maintained as well his writing and other academic endeavors. For several years and until 2 years ago, he held regular monthly educational meetings with a small group of faithful individuals discussing theology, church history and contemporary issues. One of their topic was the crisis of authority facing the church due to a fast changing world. “The church has to adjust to the 21st century,” he says. “It has to Credit: Saad Ghosn listen to its members, be less rigid and more accepting when it comes to issues of sexuality, role of women, other religions… Opposing opinions from revisionist theologians should be given due consideration and not just silenced and censored.” Bokenkotter must have been thinking of the condemnation of his own book “Dynamic Catholicism” by the previous Pope because it listed divergent viewpoints on some controversial matters. He is, however, ecstatic at the progressive position and open attitude of the current Pope Francis on many of these contemporary issues. Bokenkotter's life has always been permeated by the gospels’ teachings and examples of the saints; they dictated all along his actions for Social justice and peace and led him to dedicate his ministry to the needs of the poor. Now ninety two years old he is no longer in charge of a parish, also less socially active. He remains, however, strongly committed to a better, equal and just world. --------------------------------------- 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. 36 2 | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 PHOTO ESSAY Art By Dionna Flowers THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 LOCAL A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 September 8 - 30, 2017 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. 36 2 | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 11 �12 LOCAL What does it mean that Cincinnati is a Sanctuary City? A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 JUSTIN JEFFRE W hat does it mean that Cincinnati is a sanctuary city? Wikipedia defines a sanctuary city as one “that limits its cooperation with the national government effort to enforce immigration law. Supporters of sanctuary cities argue that enforcement of federal law is not the duty of localities.” Defenders of this type of resistance are motivated by stories like the ones Editor & Staff Writer you’ll read in this special Streetvibes series of children and adults fleeing horrifying circumstances in their native lands. These true stories have been provided by Margaret Singer of the Su Casa Hispanic Center. Founded in 1997, Su Casa is a program of Catholic Charities of Southwestern Ohio which serves Hispanic/Latino immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families. “During 2014 and 2015 I was working with Su Casa Hispanic Center and specifically with unaccompanied minors from Mexico and Central America. Most of these children had not seen their mother or father for about 10 years or more. Imagine being a mother, and one day, late in the afternoon, you receive a call from an immigration official on the border. He says, ‘Do you know a child by this name? Is this your child? When is Margaret's Picks his/her birthday?’, etc. “A few hours later the child calls. On hearing the voice of a child she hasn’t seen for so many years a mother’s heart drops and she cries and tries to talk. She tries to say, ‘Yes, I’ll pay for the ticket so you can come home to Cincinnati! I…I’ll have the money for the plane ticket in a month.’ By now both the child and mother are crying and they cannot believe what is happening. ‘Que solo Dios es tan grande!’ proclaims MaMa. “Why do unaccompanied minors leave their grandparents or other relatives to make this very dangerous trip through Guatemala or the country they are from to reunite with their parents?” following my niece. They once offered her a ride, which she refused. She took the bus, and then was stalked and was forced to call the police to escort her from a supermarket. The police questioned her about the men, and she described them as tattooed members of the Salvatrucha. Where we lived, the Salvatrucha dominated. That was June 8th. She was taken to our house by the police. We left on June 11th at 4 a.m. to get our passports from San Salvador. We never returned to the house. We learned that it was surrounded by the police. The Mara had been shooting at the house, and the neighbors had called 911. We decided to leave El Salvador. There had been a number of attacks against the police, not just where we lived but all over the country. It is common knowledge in El Salvador that most of the policemen are corrupt and that the honest ones and their families are targeted. Many, if not most, of the honest policemen are leaving if they haven’t already left. Maria Orrosco My daughter and I left El Salvador to immigrate to the United States because we were being threatened in Soyapango by the Salvatrucha (gang). They threatened me because my husband was a policeman and they didn’t want police in the community. They said they would keep pressuring us until we left and that if we did not leave, they would kill us. My daughter, niece, and I were in danger. I had a little store where I sold food supplies and items people used at home. Before we decided to move, a boy would threaten me by telling me his boss wanted to talk with me on his phone. I would ignore him, but he began to regularly arrive and the threats became louder and louder. He would say I needed to talk with his boss and I needed to pay him what he wanted or they would do something that we would not like. My husband worked four days and would have four days off. Sometimes when he was working, men would get on our roof and shout insults, threatening to kill my daughter, niece, and I. Different men would watch us on our roof too. One time when my husband was home (he wasn’t supposed to leave until 3 o’clock), three men tried to get into the house, using some keys. We deadbolted the door so, luckily, they couldn’t come in. As my husband left for work, my dog ran out of the house and chased them off into the garden. We called the police, and the suspicious men left our yard, but when the police left the property, the men returned fifteen minutes later. I put the deadbolt back on the door and hid in the back room until it was light. This all happened in April 2011. The next day, some Salvatrucha took up residence in the houses next to and behind us. One could smell the marijuana day and night, and they were loud and insulted us. They kept digging in their backyard. I was not sure if it was to bury a body or to build a tunnel into my house. This was when my husband and I decided to leave. We transferred to Usulutan, and my husband continued working in the delegation of Soyapango located in Ilopango. I opened a store in the new town. Once again, a boy about eight years old came into my new shop with a telephone. He told me his boss wanted to speak with me. I told him no, I had no boss, and I refused to talk to him. He left and came back about half an hour later and told me in vulgar language that his boss had said I would suffer the consequences. He said I would pay with what I valued most. I understood him to mean my daughter. And he said that they knew my husband was a “jura” (policeman). This is when they started Fredi Martinez Morales I am Fredi and I am 15 years old. I was born in Cruz de las Barrancas, a village of the city Tacana, Department of San Marcos, Guatemala. When I was almost 13 years old I traveled to Tapachula, Mexico, so I could work and earn some money. I worked there as an assistant to a cook in a restaurant for two years. Then I went back to Guatemala, stayed there for a month, then decided I wanted to leave Guatemala and immigrate to the United States despite the fact that my parents did not want me to go. I arrived earlier this year. I have two younger sisters, 7 years old and 10 years old. I had been able to study through the 6th grade, but not any further because my family is very poor. Also school was only in the mornings because of the potential dangers as the day progressed. I needed to help my parents. When I was born we had a house and there were three rooms and it had been built on a slope. Approximately one year ago it rained really hard and one of the rooms was carried away by the heavy rains and another room was full of mud and debris. We were able to more or less restore the two rooms after the heavy rains but the third room was gone. We cultivate potatoes and corn at our home in San Marcos. Unfortunately, here in Guatemala it is cheaper for our people to buy potatoes and corn from the United States than to buy it from our own farmers. Because of things like this we will never get ahead. Another reason I decided to immigrate even though my parents did not want me to, was because of the violence that exists in Guatemala. In San Marcos several neighbors have had their houses broken into. The closest neighbors to our family were gone one evening and when they returned a window was broken out and thieves had entered their house. Also one evening I was with my father in our truck and we saw another vehicle shine its lights on a couple of men who were attacking a friend of mine as he walked down the road by himself, going home. The two thieves quickly left and my friend was OK. He realized that he should not walk alone late in the evening. No one does any more, but of course some of us take chances. In Tapachula when I lived there I would be approached by young men involved in drugs. They wanted me to work with them. I never wanted to do that. Finally I decided to catch a bus through Mexico to Agua Prieta on the border of the United States and Mexico. Because I am taller than many Guatemalans I told Mexican officials I was from Mexico and they never questioned anything. They did not ask me for papers nor did they ask me any questions about Mexico. I was scared the whole time when the bus stopped in Agua Prieta but I got to stay on the bus and it went on into the United States. There the bus was stopped by US officials and I was taken to a place where there were children. It was not a very nice place. It was like the structure was made out of nets, and rooms were divided by nets. In two weeks I was able to contact my brother-in-law in Cincinnati. He did the paper work and in two more weeks I was in Cincinnati. I am happy to be here with my sister and brother-in-law. Pulling out of the Paris Agreement was clearly a bad idea but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Local governments and communities across the country are now taking matters into their own hands. The climate crisis is one of the major threats we face today and must be dealt with immediately. If our President doesn’t see it that way, at least it is comforting to know many of our other leaders do. NICK SHELLENBERGER (Continued from page 7) and it’s good for our pocketbook…this is a win-win.” said Mayor Cranley. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED --------------------------------------- �No. 36 2 13 STREET VOICE | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 BILLS THE VERY BRIEF WEST WING Here comes another one, Just like the other one, Bills Work hard today Pay a bill tomorrow It’s tiresome, and you still have to borrow Can’t save anything for tomorrow Bills, everyone has them Some, live on the streets, to do without them The rich, the poor CAREER OF THE MOOCH The expletive deleted, the expletive deleted! The Mooch loves to use the expletive deleted. He called Reince Priebus an "expletive deleted." He said Steve Bannon likes to "expletive deleted." Will Trump's foes and critics now feel cheated, If they aren't Tweeted with an expletive deleted? Everyone, needs a little bit more Rent, phone, electric bills, and miscellaneous, BILL WOODS Contributing Writer It’s all so strenuous Bill collectors call and say, Are you gonna make a payment today? Don’t you wish your bills would go away? Then we could all have a happier day. KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer STARTING OVER AFTER BEING HOMELESS AND LIVING ON THE STREET FOR FIVE YEARS AFTER THE LOSS OF ALL I HAD I OWE A LOT OF MY RECOVERY TO MY PEERS AFTER THE TALBERT HOUSE, BETHANY HOUSE AND THE DROP INN CENTER I FOUND THE OFF THE STREET PROGRAM ONLY THEN DID MY LIFE REMOVE THE BENDER THEY TAUGHT ME HOW TO COMMUNICATE AND SPEAK WITHOUT DOUBT, FEAR OR SHAME THEY GAVE ME ALL THE INSIGHT NEEDED AND IF I FAILED ONLY I WOULD BE TO BLAME I FELT REBORN AND STARTED SINGING AINT NO STOPPING ME NOW AND I STOPPED LOOKING BACK I FOUND A PLACE OF MY OWN WHERE I COULD BE ALONE AND GET MY LIFE BACK ON TRACK NEXT, I FOUND CINCINNATI HOMELESS COALTION WHO LIKED AND APPRECIATED MY POETRY LET ME KNOW THAT I WAS NOT HOMELESS ALONE AND FOR THEM CARING I HAVE LOYALTY THEY INTRODUCE ME TO THE STREETVIBES PAPER FOR THE CINCINNATI HOMELESS COALITION SAYING MY BEING HOMELESS MY POETRY NEEDED TO BE SHARED SOUNDS LIKE A MISSION FINALLY, I FOUND MYSELF AT FINDLAY MARKET WHERE MY LIFE FOUND A NEW DIRECTION THE DAY THE COALTION TOLD ME THAT FINDLAY MARKET AGREED TO GIVE ME A SECTION SO MANY NEW FRIENDS, MR. POTTERY MAN, MR. POPCORN MAN AN THE SEASONING LADY TALKING ABOUT HOW WE ALL MUST PAY BILLS, SAVE MONEY AND BE HAPPY NOW NOT MAYBE I'VE LEARNED STARTING OVER IS THE WILL WITHIN YOURSELF WHERE THERE IS POWER WITH THE BELIEF AND FAITH THAT YOU HAVE IN YOURSELF YOU WILL CHANGE HOUR BY HOUR WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 131 Down Across 1. Sleigh 1. Angle 2. Green acidic fruit 6. Plaza 3. At another time 10. Military signal 14. Large commercial ship 4. Gauze 5. Stride 15. Chills and fever 6. Chart 16. Adjoin 7. Matured 17. Give expression to 8. Relating to the moon 18. Writing implements 9. Unit of instruction 19. Tree trunk 10. Restaurant bill 20. Relating to the teeth 11. Approximately 22. A quick run 12. Throb 24. Employ 13. Direct the course 25. Parts of the Roman 21. Let for money calendar 23. Something intended 27. Adult male chicken to deceive 29. Complete duration of 26. Fragrance something 28. Secret agent 32. Perform 29. Decelerate 34. A short sleep 30. Rain heavily 35. Yearn 31. Not in favor of 36. Appear 33. Singing voice 38. Woody plant tissue 37. Wall painting 42. Baseball term 39. Decorative fabric 43. Boredom 40. Flair 45. Beer 41. Repair 46. Correspond 44. Block of metal 49. Ripped 50. Make a wide sweeping 47. Metallic element 48. Give out search of 50. Relating to stars 51. Mischievous fairy 52. Ship's officer 53. Tatter 55. Computer failure 54. Look after 56. Quantitative relation 55. Part of the skull 57. Circular coral island 59. Misplace surrounding a lagoon 61. Rodent 58. Large imposing 62. Snare house 64. Rudder lever 60. One of the senses 68. At the peak 70. A small secluded room 63. Insect stage between larva and adult 72. Gauntlet 65. Strong positive 73. Part of a window emotion 74. Catch sight of 66. Level or straight 75. Sheltered port 67. Rive 76. Associated with a 69. Travel a route divine regularly power 71. Swindle 77. Harvest 78. Tendency PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 130 A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 261 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 260- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 2 RESOURCES | A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 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 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: 241-2965 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 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 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 961-0600 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 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 $100 for 26 issues Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 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 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Salvation Army 762-5660 Medical Van 352-6364 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 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Shelter: Family 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 A u g 11 - A u g 2 4 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 2 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 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 2/2015 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 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 � 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 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 August 11-August 24, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Donation Stations’ Solution Conflation Pg 2: From the Director An Update on Redistricting Reform Pg 3: Donation Stations’ Solution Conflation Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: The Good, Bad, and Strange of Recent Sanctions Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: A Letter to Our County Commissioners Climate Change and Cincinnati’s Efforts to Combat the Issue Pg 8: A Minister to the Poor Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 12: What Does it Mean that Cincinnati is a Sanctuary City? 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 August 11-August 24, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Dr. Mark Mussman Michael Earl Patton Steve Sunderland Saad Ghosn Justin Jeffre Margaret Singer Maria Orrosco Fredi Martinez Morales Nick Shellenberger Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive Woman's City Club A. J. Newberry Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF A. J. Newberry Bill Woods Climate Change Donation Stations Dr. Mark Mussman Fredi Martinez Morales Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Kim Green Margaret Singer Maria Orrosco Miami University Center for Community Engagement Archive Michael Earl Patton Nick Shellenberger reform Saad Ghosn Steve Sunderland Willa Denise Jones Woman's City Club https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9c8e8db7a9de4265d1ab956681b3cda1.pdf 2925a4754f0fa538354a16a5d8497556 PDF Text Text September 8th - September 21st 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 45 (No. 364) advocating justice | Building community Cincinnati's Crisis Mode | 5 This issue sponsored by The Economics of Compassion Initiative INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Corrupting Effect of Slavery | 7 Religious Peacemakers: Imam Ismaeel Chartier| 8 The Jubilee Campaign | 9 Dark Skies, Dark Money, Dark Intentions| 3 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: Safety vs. Comfort S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 JOSH SPRING Is being uncomfortable the same thing as being unsafe? Let’s say you are at a neighborhood meeting and you hear a report that attention needs to be given to turn a block from unsafe to safe. You ask how it is known to be unsafe. You are told that there have been many reports of safety issues in that block. You ask what are those reports. You are told that people are reporting they don’t want to walk down that block because they feel unsafe because there is always a group of people hanging around on the sidewalk and stoops. You hear that people feel unsafe because when they walk down the sidewalk they have to walk past a line of people standing on both sides. And another person adds that they are often asked for money on this block. Some say Executive Director the people hanging out are loud with loud music, etc. Now, think about it, does anything in the above description show that this particular block is unsafe? There is no mention of anything that could reasonably harm another person. Instead folks are just hanging out talking, eating, dancing, listening to music, singing, having serious conversation, goofing around, asking for assistance, offering assistance, saying hello, saying nothing; this list could go on forever because in this example people are simply hanging out doing the social things that people do. For reasons related to systems, assumptions, prejudices, ignorance, etc., this person doesn’t feel comfortable around whomever it is they are passing. This level of discomfort may lead to being afraid, and perhaps their first feeling is a lack of safety, but their being afraid in a situation like this should not lead to pressure on this block to change, but instead for certainly self-reflection and ultimately systematic changes to prevent the systematic prejudices which taught them to be afraid in such situations. In other cases, people are conflating the meanings of the words unsafe and uncomfortable. Essentially just because a person interprets an event a certain way or has a certain feeling during such an event, that does not mean their feeling or the way they define their feeling is (Continued on page 6) T 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 Community Issues Forum Kicks Off Its 37th Season - Making the Case For an Affordable Housing Trust Fund he Community Issues Forum kicks off its 37th season of forums on Thursday September 14th. Sponsored by the Outreach Committee of Christ Church Cathedral, the Forum features presentations on critical community and public policy issues every other Thursday at noon from September to June. The opener on September 14th will showcase a proposal to establish a new public resource for addressing Cincinnati's affordable housing crisis. Drafted and championed by Cincinnatians for Affordable Housing, a coalition of organizations concerned about this issue, the proposed housing trust fund would provide needed financing to create housing for low-income families and individuals. Forum speakers Josh Spring, Executive Director of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, and Katy Heins, representing the Center For Community Change, will describe how the trust fund would operate while also depicting the potential importance of such a local entity. The establishment of a trust fund in Cincinnati comes at an appropriate time. This area confronts an affordable housing crisis with a shortage of approximately 40,000 units. This shortage stems from a steady loss of federal housing dollars 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. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer 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 ----------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Key Beck, Dr. Mark Mussman, Justin Jeffre, Michael Earl Patton, Saad Ghosn, Peter Block, Bobby Morris, Robert Park, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones ----------------------------------------------- Housing Trust Fund One-Pager Credit: Affordable Housing Advocates (ahacincy.org) over the years, the gentrification of neighborhoods such as Overthe-Rhine, and growing income inequality. Housing trust funds already work effectively in many U.S cities, and Katy Heins of the Center (Continued on page 12) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Photography/ Artwork: Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, ahacincy.org, Paul Breidenbach, Saad Ghosn, Bill Woods, google images, cnn.com, Alice Shneider --------------------------------------------------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. 36 4 L LOCAL Dark Skies, Dark Money, Dark Intentions | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 ike most folx these days, I get my first breath of news information through Facebook, Snapchat and other forms of social media. There is nothing that gets my feed moving faster than a natural disaster. First it was Hurricane Harvey that ravaged parts of Houston and now it is Hurricane Irma approaching the east coast. Along with news of natural disasters, I get advertisements from national companies where a portion of my purchase is donated, webdonation requests from NGO’s and famous people giving me tips for “helping out” those in need. This is not going to be a piece about coming together or giving to those who need it (although you should be doing both of those things). It is going to be about disaster capitalism. According to Wikipedia, disaster capitalism “centers on the exploitation of national crises to push through controversial policies while citizens are too emotionally and physically distracted by disasters or upheavals to mount an effective resistance.” What I would like to add to this definition is the act of using terror and compassion to push social issues, sustain business agreements and further personal agendas. Why is disaster capitalism a problem and how do we recognize it? The concept of disaster capitalism was explored in the book, “The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism” by Canadian author and social activist Naomi Klein. Naomi Klein shares how the neoliberal free market (think capitalism, "corporations are people," manifest destiny, bootstraps) has developed strategies of using “shock therapy” to push policies taking advantage of citizens while they are in shock from the disaster. An example of disaster capitalism is the using of one’s country being at war to encourage folx to go 3 KEY BECK Contributing Writer shopping; promoting the fallacy that spending money helps the country win the war by allowing our military to have more funds to buy weapons, equipment and goods. They then package the process as a “helpful” form of nationalism, so people feel they are “helping” by spending their money because countries are usually economically strapped during wartime. If we apply my additional definition, disaster capitalism also to be respected and rebranded (as altright) in response to the (percieved) danger of black liberation groups, like Black Lives Matter. Look, this is something many of us have seen, but didn’t have a name or term to describe it. Well, now you do and let me tell you why it is not a good thing. When people experience disasters, they are usually in a state of shock so they don’t always make the best decisions. They are easily Naomi Klein describes the ways disasters are monetized and used to further politcs Credit: Google encompasses using terrorist attacks on the US as an excuse to pass oppressive laws like Muslim bans/ travel bans or allow white supremacy influenced and can be influenced with the right stimulus. We also have a human yearning to support others to get to a place of happiness, mostly Reporter interviewing distressed flood victim Credit: CNN THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Key Beck Credit: Dusty Changepurse due to altruism. When one is faced with fear and terror, they don’t always react rationally. If we continually see someone shooting up heroin on our doorstep, and one day they die on our stoop, we may forget that everyone has a different story or reason why they engage in drug usage. We may take a “No Drugs” policy to things and began to criminalize the behavior. We may be very quick to support arresting those addicted to opiates without thinking that maybe if there was more affordable housing, rehabilitation centers, needle exchanges and employment services there may be less people who are susceptible to opioid drug usage or dying on the streets. This example shows how disaster capitalism, when left unchecked, is a bad thing. We don’t want to throw our economic strength into things that won’t work to solve the problems we are experiencing. Going to war or banning a ethnic group of people are not knee-jerk decisions to be making. So, what does this have to do with Hurricane Harvey. Well, we have organizations such as Red Cross who use this opportunity, like a impromptu-telethon, to gain donations. They are often the most visible organization, but there are many people on the ground who say they don’t really do much to help. For all the donations they receive, they have been criticized for driving empty trucks around, only sending a few agents or not even showing up. There are a number of these organizations who pop up in times of tragedy. Megachurches have currently been in the spotlight for the insensitivity shown when Joel Osteen declined to let residents stay in his megachurch because it was "affected by the flood" (even though there was photographic evidence that showed the opposite). Now he is leading a campaign to collect funds, clothes and food to distribute to residents. They are using one’s willingness to support others for their personal economic gain (this is part of capitalism/neoliberalism). Another shocking example of disaster capitalism is how news organizations will interview people in trauma to garner ratings. There are any number of poor, black folk (Continued on page 11) �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 �No. 36 4 LOCAL Cincinnati’s Crisis Mode | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN H ave you ever woken up refreshed after a night’s rest? Are you able to leave work and picture the door “closed” and not think about it at all while you are home? Are you able to pay your rent on the first of every month without worrying about bouncing your check? Do you have the food you want in your kitchen, when you want it? What if you were constantly worried about these things with no hope for change? You’d be in a state of crisis. The world in which we live thrives on crisis. Educational theorists believe that there are a series of “crisis” events that we must pass through to get to new stages in our development. A crisis literally changes our brains to where we have options to reject, accept, or assimilate Staff Writer the exception. Having to figure out what and where you are going to eat (if at all), or where you are going to sleep, or if you can even sleep because you are so stressed out, is more than stressful – as Streetvibes Distributor Willa Jones, poet and writer, explains in her poem “Intoxication,” you can be intoxicated without taking a drink because your mind is so preoccupied with survival that it’s impossible to think clearly. How can you think about tomorrow when your basic needs aren’t met today? And this type of crisis-thinking isn’t limited to people experiencing homelessness. Housing, which seems like it should be a basic right, is both fragile and continuously contested. According to a recent LISC study, of us fighting with our neighbors. And we have a wider crisis in Cincinnati – racism – which negatively affects us all. In the study The State of Black Cincinnati, released a couple of years ago, it showed that the reality for people of color in Cincinnati is so far removed from that of white Cincinnati, that there’s no surprise white people have no clue on the experience of people of color in this city. People of color have severely lower health and education outcomes, but more shockingly (because America is touted as a meritocracy) upward mobility for people of color in Cincinnati simply doesn’t exist. There is no path out of poverty for thousands upon thousands of Cincinnati’s residents. No path at all. Until we start to recognize the fact success of people of color.) We must start to recognize structural violence, which, to me, is a continuation of redlining, Jim Crow, and ultimately slavery. As a city we, including what seems to be the business community in Cincinnati, haven’t moved on from white supremacy. It would be a huge step to get everyone to recognize that we have created, and actively maintain, a crisis of immense proportions. If I had all the answers I wouldn’t be open to learning and seeing more. I do know that we must create a more stable and fair community. Affordable Housing Advocates, a local group of housing providers, advocates and consumers dedicated to the goal of ensuring good, safe, accessible, affordable housing for all people in Southwest Ohio, is working vigilantly on a housing trust fund which will help create and preserve affordable housing in Cincinnati. We hope to get the county to start a Willa with student group Willa Jones holds up a recent edition of Streetvibes for a Facebook post Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman our new found perspective. It is at times very daunting, but we generally get through the crisis and have a chance to decompress, celebrate our failures (or successes), and move on to something else. But, for people experiencing homelessness and poverty, crisis mode is the norm, not O 5 55,000 families are trying to get into 15,000 units of affordable housing in Hamilton County. We are, whether or not you recognize it in your daily life, in a community-wide crisis. We are in a severe housing crisis that benefits only a very few wealthy land-owners and developers, while leaving the rest that white people have all the chances and privileges in this city, and we begin to understand how much that holds ALL OF US back, then we will continue to demonize and scapegoat the downtrodden, while falsely celebrating our successes (which were violently pulled from the potential Cincinnatians Protest the Repeal of DACA n Tuesday September 5th nearly 200 people gathered on 3rd Street to protest the announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the Trump administration was canceling DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Speakers included Councilmember P.G. Sittenfield, Yvette Simpson, Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval and local JUSTIN JEFFRE Editor & Staff Writer activists. The event was attended by City Council candidates Tamaya Dennard and Brian Garry. The Greater Cincinnati Republican representatives backed the policy change. Former President Barack Obama - in a rare move for Protesters gather for Pro-DACA rally Credit: Paul Breidenbach former Presidents - spoke out against the administration’s decision. -------------------------------------- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED program as well. If you want to learn more about the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, please go to ahacincy.org and read the white paper: The City of Cincinnati Affordable Housing Trust Fund Operations – Summary. --------------------------------------- �6 LOCAL JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) actually an accurate description of the event. This is not a trivial issue. It is a common occurrence that cops harass people based on the description of how someone else (usually someone who is white) felt in an area or around specific people, when nothing unsafe actually happened. It is a regular occurrence that a developer says they want to make an area safe, when there are not regular occurrences of unsafe happenings, but some people (who don’t live right there) believe it is unsafe because they here that people say it is unsafe. Consider the city budget debates over what politician cares more about public safety and the many people saying public safety YOU CAN SUPPORT THE S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 must be first above all else. What have each of these people meant by the word safety? Often, if you really broke it down, they were really talking about people like themselves feeling comfortable. Here is a caveat to this: people experience and struggle with mental illness. There are times that people because of mental illness feel unsafe and afraid in what are reasonably considered safe situations for most other people. For the person dealing with this, they can be feeling and personally experiencing a bit of fear all the way to an excruciatingly terrifying event that only they are experiencing at that time in that place. This is real. For this person, what they are experiencing is real for them. In the examples above, I am not talking about this experience. • Donate by texting the word “Homeless” to 444999 • Join Community Shares Workplace Giving • Donate on our website through PayPal at www.cincihomeless.org/donate-2/ • Send us a check to show your support. 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 We receive NO public funding. We rely on the generosity of people like you. Log in to Kroger Rewards and search for the Homeless Coalition, or use our NPO 82944. Every time you use your Kroger Plus card, you will be supporting us. It will NOT affect your gas points! When you shop online at Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smile program at www.smile.amazon.com and select “Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless” as your non-profit. A portion of your smile.amazon.com purchase will be donated to us each time you shop at no additional cost to you! Participate in a 30 Day Challenge or book a speaker or activity. Learn more about homelessness, our speakers, and how to become a better advocate for people experiencing homelessness! Download a printable PDF on our website: cincihomeless.org/30-day-challenge Write a letter of support for the Coalition, affordable housing, or livable wages to City Council: CityCouncil@Cincinnati-OH.gov Donate NOW! GC_HomelessCoal THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED GCHomelessCoalition �LOCAL The Corrupting Effect of Slavery No. 36 4 U 7 | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 MICHAEL EARL PATTON ntil Hurricane Harvey, the news media was focused on the confrontations surrounding statues and other memorials of Confederate soldiers. Everyone – I hope -agrees that the Southern institution of hereditary slavery was an evil for those unfortunate to be enslaved. Those who want to keep the statues often skirt the question as to why this country has so many memorials to those who fought to keep slaves by denying that the War Between the States (better known as the Civil War) had much to do with slavery at all. They argue instead that the war was fought on the issues of state rights, federal power grabs, and import tariffs This is well-reasoned balderdash, a subject to which I may return in another article. Right now I want to focus on the corrosive effect of owning slaves often had on the slave owners. Many observers recognized this at the time, but it is little mentioned now. If somehow a slave owner were to rationalize “owning” other humans in order to exploit their labor, even breaking up their families by selling the members to different owners in order to make more money, then something is very wrong morally with that person. Sometimes slave owners themselves would recognize this, however dimly and imperfectly, and act. Others would sink deeper into the morass. I want to explore this and give some examples. We cannot assume that those who fought to preserve slavery, no matter how brave, were somehow free of its corrupting influence. At the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 all the states allowed slavery. In fact, most of the signers themselves owned slaves. By 1787 several states had banned slavery, having recognized the inherent contradiction between fighting a war because “all men are created equal …” and that “… they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” and slavery. A couple other states were moving towards outlawing it and would eventually do so. However, none of the southern states were moving in that direction. George Washington is one of those who came to reject slavery as being incompatible with the founding principles of the American Revolution. Not only did he quietly free some slaves during his lifetime, in his will he directed that his remaining slaves be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha. But most Contributing Writer slaves at Mount Vernon were owned by his wife, where they formed part of her dower property; this being property given to a bride to sustain her if she were to be widowed. These slaves passed directly to Martha’s in the South, he encountered a black man who had been kidnapped in the North and brought south to be sold under the pretense that he was really an escaped slave. He also relates how slave families were broken up to be sold and the reverse: how men and women were sometimes paired by Slave Pen displayed at Underground Railroad Freedom Center Credit: Michael Earl Patton heirs upon her death. Martha did not even free her own half-sister Ann. (Ann was finally freed by Martha’s granddaughter when she inherited the slave.) Slave-owner Thomas Jefferson saw the problem, too. In his book Notes on the State of Virginia he wrote that, “The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other.” And while the young Jefferson would argue for the eventual abolition of slavery, the older Jefferson would not free his own slaves even when offered money to do so. It appears that the temptations of money and power were too much. Notoriously, Jefferson had several children by his slave mistress Sally Hemmings, whom he kept as slaves until adulthood when he would allow them to escape – never formally freeing them, however. And even in his will he did not free Sally Hemmings (his daughter eventually freed her). Cincinnati’s Levi Coffin was one of the busiest “conductors” of the Underground Railroad and wrote a book about his experiences. He relates how, as a child growing up “Breakdown Stereotypes” their owners regardless of what they themselves wanted. He observed how slavery would corrode the values of the community and gave this example from when he was in Yazoo City, Mississippi: That evening, while sitting on the sidewalk, under the awning, talking to the hotel-keeper, two colored ladies passed by us, dressed in rich silks, and adorned with jewelry. I said to the hotel-keeper: “I suppose that those persons are free?” “No,” he replied, “they are both slaves, but are kept as mistresses by two of our wealthy merchants.” “I asked: “Is such a state of society permitted here?” He answered, “Oh, yes; most of our merchants, and other gentlemen of wealth and high standing, keep such women. The practice is quite common in our community.” He then spoke of a wealthy gentleman living a few miles out of town, who had a wife and a family of children. He owned several plantations, and on one of them he kept a black wife, who had several children. “And does his white wife know it?” I asked. “Yes,” was the reply, but she can’t help it, and I don’t think she makes any fuss about it. One of his colored sons is his carriage driver. That gentleman stands fair in this community.” The last story I give is from Mrs. Trollope’s book, Domestic Manners of the Americans, published in 1832. Mrs. Trollope, who spent 2 years in Cincinnati (where she encountered numerous pigs) then went East and traveled there. She visited several small farms in Maryland with only a few slaves and how few of the “comforts of life” the slave owners generally had. She tells of one family consisting of a young man, his wife, two children, a female slave, and two young boys who were also slaves. Their home was small, only 2 rooms. She noted that the wife would not work in the kitchen, leaving the work to her slave. The food Mrs. Trollope was served was plain and much worse than what she had had at small dairy farms in England. The “dignity” of having her cup handed to her by a slave did not make up for the difference in the quality of the food. Of course, anytime one has absolute power over others there will be the temptation to abuse it, whether or not the person is called a slave. In the twentieth century one only has to think of Stalin, Hitler, and Mao, among many others. The Bible contains numerous passages restricting the abuse of authority against servants and slaves, and against anyone for that matter. Jesus rebuked many of the Pharisees, saying that they laid heavy burdens on people’s shoulders but not lifting a finger to move them. The ancient world was one where even most “free” people were ruled by absolute kings and emperors. John the Baptist told the soldiers who came to him not to practice extortion or falsely accuse anyone (Luke 3:14). As Lord Acton observed, power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Jesus also compared the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs which appear beautiful on the outside but inside are full of bones and filth (Matthew 23:27). We need to be careful about honoring those men who fought to preserve such an abusive and corrupting system as slavery. Sources: The Return of George Washington: 1783-1789 by Edward J. Larson (copyright 2014), Master of the Mountain: Thomas Jefferson and His Slaves by Henry Wiencek (2012), Hidden Cities: The Discovery and Loss of Ancient North American Civilization by Roger G. Kennedy (1994), Reminiscences of Levi Coffin: The Reputed President of the Underground Railroad by Levi Coffin (1876), and Domestic Manners of the Americans by Mrs. Francis Trollope (1832). ------------------------------------------- “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 �8 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS Worshiper & Servant of God: Imam Ismaeel Chartier Is also a Servant & Liberator of God's Creations "T o serve God properly we need to serve His creations and make sure they have freedom and a life worth living; otherwise we're not doing our work as religious individuals," says Imam Ismaeel Chartier, adding: "In Islam, God commands us to join good versus evil, to side with the oppressed and those in need, to always push justice through and stand against injustice." Imam Chartier is the Imam of the Clifton Mosque in Cincinnati, a mosque that serves the local Muslim community while remaining open and welcoming to all. Raised Catholic in his native Ireland, he came to the United States (Denver, Colorado) at the age of 17 when his father relocated for professional reasons. After college and going through a personal spiritual search, questioning his relation to God and what religion meant to him, he discovered Islam, studied it, deepened his understanding of it, and converted to it. He joined Cincinnati three years ago, chosen by the board of directors of the Clifton mosque to serve as its spiritual leader. Imam Chartier's upbringing was engrained all along in social justice. As a child growing up in Belfast, his grandparents constantly reminded him to fight, until independence, the English occupation of Ireland. When seeing freedom fighters on television, his grandfather, himself a member of the IRA, would praise them, commenting that they were fighting for people's freedom and liberation. His grandfather would also praise, for the same reasons, the Palestinian Liberation and American Civil Rights movements, comparing the plight of Palestinians resisting the occupation and of African Americans fighting the injustice of the Jim Crow laws to that of the Irish people trying to be free. "I was raised with the ideas that freedom for me meant also for all the others, anywhere and everywhere," S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 SAAD GHOSN Contributing Writer states the Imam, "and that I was equally responsible for both." In college, Imam Chartier studied journalism and sociology and spent 2 years in Egypt researching a master's degree thesis in Near East studies. This initiated him to the Arabic language. Back to Denver, Colorado, he met his wife, also a Catholic Christian, and got married. Dealing, however, intensely, with the issue of his religious identity, after serious consideration and study, he felt Islam to be the most in tune with his values and beliefs and decided to convert to it. His wife fully approved and followed suit few days later. One year after, Imam Chartier, dissatisfied with the approach to Islam he was experiencing in the US, and wanting to demystify the perceptions Americans had of Muslims and of Islam in general, decided to become an Imam. And there he went, accompanied by his wife, on a 7 yeartrip to Muslim countries, including Egypt, Morocco, UAE, Kuwait, India, studying the Coran in Arabic, learning from scholars and spiritual leaders at their feet, obtaining permission to teach at his turn. In 2009, at his return to the US, he worked for a short while at the Colorado Muslim Society in Denver, then joined a 3rd space mosque where everyone, irrespective of who he/she was, was welcome to freely worship God, with no formality and a liberal rather than literal understanding, connecting back to the spiritual essence of Islam, also to others. This mosque became very popular and attracted all kinds of people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. "This is the kind of Mosque I would like to grow in Cincinnati," he says. While in Denver, Imam Chartier got involved in many social justice issues, supporting environmental What is ISLAM Islam is a faith and a comprehensive way of life that literally means "peace through submission to God." Muslims worship the One God, Allah, and revere Prophet Muhammad as His last messenger. They also believe in all the prophets who preceded and the holy books which they brought, such as the Psalms, Torah, and the Gospel. Islam believes in the Day of Judgement, when all humanity will be recompensed for their deeds in this world; also in angels, and in predestination. Islam has Five Pillars of Worship which enable Muslims to cultivate their relationship with God. They are: Testimony of Faith (Shahadah); Prayer (Salat); Charity (Zakat); Fasting (Sawm); and Pilgrimage (Hajj).  There are between 1,2 and 1,6 billion Muslims across the world and around 7 million Muslims in the United States. movements, working actively to repeal mandatory sentencing for juvenile offenders, helping pass a wage theft law to protect fair pay for minorities, refugees and undocumented workers. One of his big achievements there was helping found, and get the Colorado Senate to endorse, a new taxi company owned and operated by immigrants. These later thus became free from the enslavement other taxi companies were keeping them under. Imam Ismaeel Chartier Since his arrival to Cincinnati 3 years ago, Imam Chartier has been constantly involved in many local and national social justice and peace issues. He is part of the Palestinian Coalition Liberation, the Black Lives Matter and the American Indian movements, participating in their activities, supporting their rights, offering his Mosque to facilitate their events, making sure their voice is heard. When Sam Dubose was killed, he worked actively at pursuing justice. He recently married 2 leaders of Black Lives Matter, both nonMuslim. "33% of our congregation are African Americans or Africans," he précises, "and 25% of Muslims living in America are undocumented workers. Our community consists mostly of blacks, refugees, immigrants... I personally strongly identify with them." He is currently working on the cases of 2 Christian women, one from Kenya, the other from Lebanon, both threatened with deportation despite having lived in the US for more than 20 years. Actually, he has made the Clifton Mosque the 1st and only mosque in America and the West to be a sanctuary congregation, offering refuge for such individuals. Imam Chartier wants his mosque, its members and Muslims in general to reach out to their entire community, become socially and politically engaged, create bridges wherever they are and with everyone. During the recent presidential election campaign, he went on a 6-city tour in Ohio, encouraging Muslims to vote. After the Orlando shooting, he was the emcee of a vigil on Fountain Square stressing that not all Muslims were violent. With the support of Jonathan Cohen, Credit: Saad Ghosn dean of Hebrew Union College, he started there a Muslim-Jewish interfaith service and is planning, on the ground of the College, a Muslim theological seminary, the 1st such located one in history. He recently invited youth from Temple Shalom to visit the mosque and teach its own youth Hebrew. He is in constant exchange and dialogue with many of the local Christian churches and congregations and serves on the National Organizing board of PICO, a national network of faith-based community organizations, which try to create innovative solutions to problems communities face. "I am always trying to shatter the negative image people have of Muslims," he states, "shattering the boxes people build around Islam, but also the boxes we build around our own selves." Imam Chartier believes not only in being an active part of the community but also in giving back to it. His mosque operates a food pantry, offers every Sunday 140 free meals to the homeless, and during the month of Ramadan, 400 free meals a night to anyone in the community. (Continued on page 11) 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 �9 LOCAL Welcome to the Jubilee Campaign and the Economics of Compassion Initiative No. 36 4 | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 A JUSTIN JEFFRE s the Editor of Streetvibes it is my great pleasure to announce a new series that we will be featuring regularly in our publication. This series will contain writings from the Economics of Compassion Initiative. The goal of the campaign is to challenge the way our community thinks about all of those among us I Editor & Staff Writer who are experiencing poverty and the ways we measure the value of our fellow human beings. In Hubert H. Humphrey’s final speech, he said, “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped. " Here at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition we believe that poverty and homelessness are not inevitable. They are systemic issues created by the decisions made by The Jubilee Campaign n Cincinnati there is an Economics of Compassion Initiative which seeks a local economy that serves, and is measured by, the well-being of all of its citizens. Central to this effort is the Old Testament idea of a Jubilee Year. Every seven years and every seven times seven years the debts are released and the land is restored to its rightful owners. Historically this includes resting the land, gleaning of the harvest, and forgiving the debts of the poor. We want to bring into modern day economics. Jubilee and an Alternative Consciousness As a culture we have constructed the idea of poor and poverty to falsely describe certain people. As if a person can be measured by their annual income, housing status, education level and their ability to shop a lot. We sustain poverty by believing that these measures best describe who our neighbors are. We describe our neighbors according to these measures because our current economy is by nature competitive, individualistic, selfinterested, best privatized, and blessed with an invisible hand. If you don’t have money then there is something missing in you. One label we use to keep you in your place in this culture begins the moment we call you "poor". This is the code for one who cannot fully participate in the dominant economy. As "poor," we consider you broken and in need of fixing, mentoring, subsidy, and programmatic intervention. The Jubilee idea, central to a compassionate economy, calls us to get interested in what people are good at. People cannot be defined by their income level. A human being is much more than their income level. They are better defined by the gifts, their capacity to care for others and what they can actually do in the world. Jubilee and the Consumer Economy We want to use this column to explore the Jubilee idea and the campaign we are starting in Cincinnati to tilt the economic system towards the common good and end the exiling effects of the current PETER BLOCK Contributing Writer market system. Jubilee in the Old Testament declares that “In the seventh year, all are equal, and this is the real essence of peace." The Israelites had economic its rightful owners every forty nine years. Our intent with the Jubilee Campaign is to take this seriously and make it happen here. The Jubilee task is to engage and explore this landscape of sacred obligation. It is a project of human beings and that they can be eradicated by the decisions of our fellow human beings. We believe that our community has the resources to uplift the downtrodden and underserved. We simply need the will. [These articles can also be found at thrivingcincinnati.org] --------------------------------------communal enterprise, for many an expression of faith and religion that commands attention and generosity. The campaign is to create a local coalition in Cincinnati of the faith community, neighborhood leadership, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, government, corporations, and social service institutions to support debt release and support expanded Economics of Compassion Initiative logo Credit: The Economics of Compassion Initiative laws which called for forgiveness and freedom from financial debts every 7 years and returning the land to consciousness and imagination first, commitment later. It is not as simple as forgiving debt; it is a way of beginning a conversation that is a Peter Block Credit: The Economics of Compassion Initiative THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED local economic productivity to several vulnerable neighborhoods in Cincinnati. We want to create conditions under which forgiving the debts of neighbors, welcoming them in from exile, and investing in their productive capacity becomes a common task and a common purpose. Action Towards this end, we are conducting a series of Jubilee Forums. These are two hour events every six weeks that bring together a wide range of citizens; business, social service, faith and neighborhood people, to deepen our understanding of Jubilee. These Forums feature ministers, rabbis and Islamic leaders, projects in the city that are examples of valuing the gifts of neighbors. We also hear from residents from marginalized neighborhoods who are engaged in building small businesses. Eventually we will discuss the usury, credit and debt in our neighborhoods. [To find out more information about the Jubilee campaign go to www.econofcompassion.org] --------------------------------------- �10 LOCAL S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 September 8 - 30, 2017 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. 36 4 | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 KEY BECK (Continued from page 3) being interviewed only to see them in meme form days later. Today, a CNN reporter, who stopped flood survivors -black woman and her children, to ask “You’ve just arrived. Share with us how you were rescued?” The black women and her child were shaking, visibly cold and irritated. The black woman was quick to address the insensitivity of the reporter after sharing how they waited on police for 36 hours, survived for 5 days with no food and walked in four feet of water with children. “Ya’ll trying to interview people during their worst times, that’s not a smart thing to do. People are really breaking down and ya’ll sitting here with cameras and microphones trying to ask what the f**k is wrong with us.” This statement is very telling. The reporter was interested in exploiting that trauma to show folx they needed to care. Perhaps she had the best of intentions. To encourage others to donate or share information. Or maybe she was trying to get the best scoop, to say keep watching our channel because we are on the ground showing you the nitty-gritty. Regardless of her intention, her actions, and the media's reaction to disasters, SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) "If we want to change the world we need to work where we are, be grass root workers. From Adam to Mohammad and passing by Jesus, all 11 LOCAL are harmful and exploitative. We need to stop highlighting trauma for economic, political and social advantages. Don't use xenophobia to fuel your opionion on building a wall. Don't use crime statistics to validate your racist assumptions about Black Lives Matter. You don't have to show people drowning in water for us to know that it is bad. Scroll a list of local agencies needing aid instead. We need to continue to fight unfair representations of poverty, distress, "inspiration." We need to get rid of our “exploitation memes” and “inspiration porn.” Yes, we can care about flood survivors. And yes, we can donate money for services that will help them get back on their feet. But we should look at where our money is going. Do they have a proven track record or caring about the lives of black and brown people, or do they just want an interview or operational funds? We should look for local service agencies to donate towards. They are usually on the ground level, and they could use the resources. It is important to have a sense of empathy, so I am not saying that you shouldn’t care. Nor am I saying don't watch. I am saying that you shouldn’t use trauma, terror and disaster to push prejudiced ideologies and sympathy coins. We need to be more concerned with the intent of messages and not allow ourselves to be fallen prey to the “shock therapy. were grass root organizers," he says. Adding "Real change starts locally." Imam Chartier starts his day every morning with this verse from the Coran: "God is constantly inviting people to the kingdom of peace". It is his daily prayer reminding him of the better world in the afterlife, but also and as importantly of the kingdom of peace that we each need to build on this earth, by getting rid of our ego, our lust, our divisive nationalism; fighting for justice and equality for all; spreading love. For Imam Chartier, --------------------------------------- Many people are concerned with the apropriaton of funds by Red Cross Credit: American Red Cross Website THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED these 2 invitations are inseparable, sowing peace and justice in this world and harvesting them in the future one. This is how he strives to live his life and make a difference. --------------------------------------- �12 LOCAL Growing Pains troubling part of my Growing Pains. The word is “Patience”. I was just talking to a friend about my struggle with Patience. He just laughed and didn’t really say much only that I can only do what is in front of me and leave the rest up to my God. It sounds easy enough. But for me easy and simple are the two things that I seem to complicate every day. Having spent the last 11 months focusing on me and how I can change my thinking and behaviors has been a blessing. I can look people in the eye today and genuinely ask “is there something I can help you with”? Before those were only words that had no validity to them. I was usually looking to gain something from the conversation. I was a taker not a giver. Giving of my time, my experiences however small they may seem to me has helped a few people. And for that I am grateful I want to continue to be of service in some respect to the many people I find myself coming into contact with daily. In particular the ones I see every day as I go to work in Over-theRhine. I too was once that person, and I feel that it is my duty to lend a hand when I can and not ignore the suffering of another human being. I want to end this short but, very consequential article with a dream. I dream that sometime in the not so distant future, I will be able to change the hearts and minds of a still struggling person out there who has given up all hope in life. Trust me things can and will change if only you take the actions necessary and have “PATIENCE”. and the French ruling class staying pretty rich. Simultaneously, a new patronage network and corruption venue was launched. Some EU priorities had more priority than others. Getting the Greek ruling class to pay serious taxes wasn’t nearly as important as ramming austerity down the throats of the Greek people. Then came the immigration crisis. First, the EU rulers refused to even discuss the historical origins of millions of desperate people wanting to exercise free movement the way capital does. A century of oil politics, colonial intrusions and their corrupted legacies were not acknowledged. Second, no gameplan was advanced to right those wrongs (like, for example, helping get rid of the klepto-capitalists in Egypt when they had the chance during the Arab Spring). The US was right in there on the side of reaction and corporate geopolitical manipulation. They all were happy to buy natural gas from Libya under Qaddafi. Unprecedented opportunities for progressive change all across North Africa and the Middle East went receding. Of course, acting there with credibility would have required some improvements on the home fronts like for Algerians living in France, Moslems in Great Britain, Belgium, etc., and that would have required paying more attention to their own working classes’ interests. But failing that, what could the EU do? A big infrastructure push addressing climate change, storm water management, sustainable agriculture funding by a huge surtax on EU corporate profits? Employing lots of locals and immigrants? No. So, Spain tanks, Greece flounders and eventually Britain exits. Response? More of the worst: tighten up the EU austerity screws. But why would we expect the ruling classes to do the right things? Even things that would benefit them in terms of, e.g., “recovery” from the Great Recession? That’s an interesting question but more important is why didn’t the organizations of the working class step up to the plate? Why didn’t the British Labour Party go to their friends in the Italian labor movement, the new populists in Spain, Italy and Greece, to all the old remnants of socialist and communist parties throughout Western and Eastern Europe, and re-make the EU vision? Demand a top-to-bottom redesign that puts the capitalists way down in the power structure, specifies explicit labor standards, including for immigrants, new algorithms for public investment of EU funds and market interventions to promote innovation and catch-up in lagging sectors and regions. Get economists working on it whose allegiance is to the people not to corporations, hedge funds and private wealth managers. There would be permanent conduits of capital from the leading actors in capital accumulation back to the peoples and regions that enabled that profitability, without embarrassment. The system would be unrigged. It’s not too late for Brexitexit. Now that the complexity and downsides of Brexit are plain for all to see it is a good time to counter the EU disease with a whole new perspective, explained to engage and clarify peoples thinking and driven by courageous new leaders backed up if necessary with the weapons of class warfare like the general strike. Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street from noon to 1:00. Lunch can be purchased for $6.50 or you can bring your own. For further information call 381-4994. --------------------------------------- BOBBY MORRIS H Contributing Writer aving been on my journey for the past 11 months, I have found myself going through what some would call growing pains. I have to admit that these are things that I should have gone through during puberty. But I didn’t or I don’t remember. Let’s look at a growing pain. I have made a decision to move from here and the growing pains that I am going through are of being alone, cooking meals not in a microwave but on an actual stove. I have been doing the going to work everyday thing, the saving of money, the laundry all the simple things that most of you take for granted. Being a person who for so many years who relied on other people to do most of these things for me, I find it a struggle. I have also come to the understanding that I am going to have some ups and downs, some good days, some bad days. What I have to remind myself when things aren’t as I want them to be is to find a little piece of gratitude in what I do have and remember that all things come when they are supposed to not when I want them to. I find this to be the most Brexitexit ROBERT PARK Contributing Writer What was wrong with the European Union (EU)? Isn’t a common market good, aren’t uniform standards, a level playing field, equal rights, etc. generally a good thing? The EU was designed by and for the European corporate elite; the free flow of capital with minimal cross border frictions and obstacles was a dream too good to be critically evaluated. Very “respectable” economists predicted its failure on very solid grounds but they weren’t listened to by drooling neoliberals. What was the problem? It’s all about capital accumulation and banking, taking away local regulations, diluting political accountabilities, decision-making and authority. The subdued class struggles of the prior nation-states got even more removed and protected from working class traction. It created a vastly expanded playground for the finance gamers and trolls. It facilitated Germany getting much richer, Spain, Italy and Greece getting much less richer BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) For Community Change helped A-HA research the best models. As usual, time will be set aside for questions and comments from Forum attendees. Since 2017 is a local election year, the rest of the Forums in September and October will focus on the Cincinnati mayoral contest, races for City Council, and ballot issues. Consecutive Forums on September 21st and September 28th will feature Mayor John Cranley and then Council member Yvette Simpson. On October 12th and 19th, the nonincumbent candidates for Cincinnati City Council will make their cases for election. Forums are free and open to the public and take place at Christ Church S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 --------------------------------------- Councilmember Yvette Simpson and Robert Richardson Jr. at the Mayoral Forum Credit: Alice Scheider THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 4 | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 NO ONE ASKED 13 STREET VOICE A QUESTION FOR THE PRESIDENT IN RHYME No one asked. How are you today? (With credit to Dave Altman.) No one asked, Because no one cared Why- oh - why oh - why -oh, Maybe because everyone is too busy Someone went home today Feeling, sad and empty Did Trump pardon Joe Arpaio? No one asked, No one cared Sometimes no one should have to ask. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer When was the last time you asked someone TREASURES could you help them? Life is a treasure or life be can a jewel It’s so sad when no one cares enough to ask! Life is made of choices made of win, draw or pull Looking back on my life not to mention the bridges I've burned KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Understanding that I do have a choice which way my life will be turned Having this knowledge, I wonder what changes could I have made in my life Seeing my past and believing in God knowing with him there will be no strife Treasures of recognizing my past and always asking would I have changed to be younger or right Treasures are things I cherish from childhood up to date, anything else is out of sight Knowledge of my past and in the belief of a change which would come with a new day Having lived and grown into who I am right now, question: "who are you?" ANSWER I SAY!! Treasures to me are things of the past that I have memory of, where making changes is too late Treasures, my belief in God and to know with faith his love and grace is forever great! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 133 Across Down 1. Army unit 1. Bivouac 6. Deuce 2. Smell 9. Rebuff 3. Governing principle or 13. Grownup condition 14. Cut of meat 4. Put 15. Task 5. Thoroughfare 16. Tooth 6. Gait faster than a walk 17. Single 7. Be victorious 18. Garment size 8. Corpulent 19. Principle 9. Fake 21. Stutter 10. Average 23. Snakelike fish 11. Exhort 24. An anxious feeling 12. Ale 25. Healthy 15. Red wine 28. Tend 20. Appeal or request 30. Die earnestly 35. Golf club 22. Hit lightly 37. Elaborate song 24. Warship 39. One of the senses 25. Number one 40. Long-handled tool 26. Showing or feeling 41. Figure extreme anger 43. Open pastry 27. Keepsake 44. Having a sharp 29. Desiccated inclination 31. Float made of logs 46. Challenge or planks 47. Small gull 32. Small island 48. Connective tissue 33. Gaze 50. Novice 34. Reddish brown dye 52. Beverage 36. Requirement 53. Roofing material 38. Ethereal 55. Health resort 42. Curt 57. Medium-sized 45. Root vegetable kangaroo 49. Pen tip 61. Abjure 51. Organs of sight 65. Underway 54. Fibbing 66. Anger 56. Slang 68. Ice hut 57. Unit of power 69. Latin American dance 58. A great distance 70. A woman religious 59. Solitary 71. Vividness 60. Private area in a 72. Large woody plant theater 73. Acquire 61. Let for money 74. Mode 62. Friendly nation 63. Lose heat 64. Ripped 67. Regret PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 132 S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 263 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 262- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 4 RESOURCES | S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Starting Over 961-2256 411 Gest St. 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 2121 Vine Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Housing: Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 First Step Home Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 VA VA Homeless Food/Clothing 768-6907 421-0065 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Joseph House (Veterans) 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 Community Action Agency Contact Center Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 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 351-0422 381-6672 1522 Republic Street 45202 27 W. 12th Street 45202 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 Cincinnati Union Bethel 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 471-1100 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 721-4700 421-7803 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile $100 for 26 issues 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 621-5300 961-1983 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 S e p t 8 - S e p t 2 1, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 4 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 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 2/2015 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 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 � 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 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 September 8-September 21, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Community Issues Forum Kicks Off its 37th Season Pg 3: Dark Skies, Dark Money, Dark Intentions Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Cincinnati’s Crisis Mode Cincinnatians Protest the Repeal of DACA Pg 6: Josh Spring Continued Pg 7: The Corrupting Effect of Slavery Pg 8: Worshiper & Servant of God Pg 9: Welcome to the Jubilee Campaign and the Economy of Compassion Initiative The Jubilee Campaign Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Key Beck Continued Saad Ghosn Pg 12: Growing Pains Brexitexit 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 September 8-September 21, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Key Beck Dr. Mark Mussman Justin Jeffre Michael Earl Patton Saad Ghosn Peter Block Bobby Morris Robert Park Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Ahacincy.org Paul Breidenbach Google images Cnn.com Alice Shneider Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Ahacincy.org Alice Shneider Bill Woods Bobby Morris Brexit Cincinnati Cnn.com DACA Dr. Mark Mussman Google Images Imam Ismaeel Chartier Josh Spring Jubilee Campaign Justin Jeffre Key Beck Kim Green Michael Earl Patton Paul Breidenbach Peter Block Robert Park Saad Ghosn Slavery Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/81d36752fafe2a3f400e81293cdfc432.pdf 65f378d5a6ae96695dfedefb1a8d611e PDF Text Text September 22nd - October 5th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 46 (No. 365) advocating justice | Building community Don Sherman - Teaching Others to Lead with Humility, Compassion, Tenacity | 3 This issue sponsored by The Economics of Compassion Initiative INSIDE THIS ISSUE Change | 9 Duke Pipeline Delayed | 7 Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center Peace Builder Award | 3 Religious Peacemakers: Listening to the Spirit | 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: What Goes Up Must Come Down (Unless You’re in Outer Space) I nsanity has been described as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Or as Albert Einstein put it, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them”. Despite these logical perspectives, to which most people would probably agree, as a society we tend to repeat the same ill-producing behaviors over and over again. Think about it just in the past sixty years. We went to war with the Viet Mihn, occupied their land for at least thirteen years and after millions of individuals died, we left. Many people at the time organized against this war. Afterward an increasing JOSH SPRING Executive Director number of people have identified that what we did was wrong. But guess what, we have been openly at war in the middle east for sixteen years, the longest commonly known war in this country’s history. In the 1980’s we cut taxes to the super-wealthy and in turn cut spending on basic needs such as food, child-care and housing. The result was an exponential increase in homelessness. We have never really stopped this pattern, but now are on track to build greater wealth for the already super-wealthy on the backs of people without access to basic human needs. In this city, we look back at how interstate 75 cut through S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 the West End, displacing individuals and families, splitting up community, killing neighborhood-serving businesses and all predominately on the backs of Black People. Yet today the displacement of predominately Black People and the routing of neighborhoods predominately inhabited by People with low incomes is called progress, development, a renaissance, etc. So, are we just so ignorant that we haven’t taken to heart these basic cause and affect patterns or are we too careless to systematically change or are we satisfied with the ill-results or do we just think we cannot be any (Continued on page 6) A Local Affordable Housing Trust Fund - Its Time is Now T he case was made to establish a local affordable housing trust fund at the Community Issues Forum kick off on September 14th. Speakers Katy Heins and Josh Spring portrayed a project that is long overdue in Greater Cincinnati. The reality of this areas affordable housing crisis, means "the time is now" for the creation of such an entity. Katy Heins, who serves as a Midwestern organizer for the Center for Community Change, discussed how her outfit has worked with cities across the country to set up affordable housing trust funds. Currently 770 local trust funds exist in cities such as Denver, Colorado, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Vancouver, Washington, and they work with different organizational models and funding sources. Possessing well defined purposes and functions are key elements said Heins, and she also stressed the importance of citizen oversight and public control. Sufficient and steady funding, she noted, is another must. Josh Spring, Executive Director of the Homeless Coalition, then described the trust fund proposal drafted by Cincinnati Advocates For Affordable Housing. He declared that A-HA's year-long effort to create a trust fund was driven by startling recent statistics showing the Cincinnati area currently short of affordable housing by at least BILL WOODS Contributing Writer 40,000 units. Assisted by Heins and the Center For Community Change, A-HA's planning committee incorporated in its proposal the key elements that make other local housing trust funds successful. First of all, the purpose of the fund is to provide revenue for both new or rehabbed units of affordable housing for low-income families and 61-percent of the area's median income. At least 50-percent of trust fund revenue must assist residents earning between zero and 30-percent of the area median income. One key element to success is the administration and operation of the fund. The A-HA proposal envisions a governmental body such as the City's Department of Economic and Community Development managing 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 ----------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Alice Skirtz, Brennan Grayson, Magda Orlander, Manuel Perez, Dr. Mark Mussman, Micahael Earl Patton, Saad Ghosn, Rev. Rich Jones, Steve Sunderland, Tuezday Henson, Shannon Murray, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones ----------------------------------------------- Josh Spring explains the benefits of Affordable Housing Trust Fund Credit: Alice Schneider individuals. Although both rental and home-ownership projects could receive funding, the people qualifying for occupancy of trust fund supported housing must not exceed earning its day to day operations. A ninemember Oversight Board, comprised of diverse citizens, will be responsible for working with the Department in (Continued on page 7) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Photography/ Artwork: Peaslee Neighborhoood Center, Alice Schneider, Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center, Dr. Mark Mussman, Michael Earl Patton, Duke Energy, Saad Ghosn, Rev. Rich Jones, 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. �LOCAL Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center Peace Builder Award No. 36 5 | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 W hen the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center announced that the Bob Maxwell Peace Builder Award will recognize Bonnie Neumeier at “Pursuing Peace in Cincinnati: Nonviolent Cincinnati Launch” event on September 20, that hearty cheer originating in heaven but sufficiently robust to be heard here on earth was no doubt organized and led by an ad hoc committee of angels co-chaired by Carrie Johnson, Everlene Leary, Nannie Hinkston, Vivian Kinebrew, and Sr. Mary Graf with unabashed joy, hugs, and celebratory high fives! Now departed, those sisters who walked with Bonnie and a host of other sisters and brothers still here in Overthe-Rhine working for peace and justice in the community also affirm the Award! Bonnie came to Overthe-Rhine as a college student and remained to join with many others to combat poverty, discrimination, homelessness, oppression, and the more recent scourges of gentrification and economic development that have ravaged the community and displaced hundreds of residents. She is recognized as a leader in many of the endeavors of the People’s Movement, her work driven by activism and advocacy for the disenfranchised and the larger community, now with the well-deserved recognition with the Peace Builder Award. While Bonnie is widely recognized as an activist and community D ALICE SKIRTZ Contributing Writer Bonnie Neumeier Credit: Peaslee Neighborhood Center organizer, those who work with her know that Bonnie is rarely but a step away from writing - not only her own powerful, heartwarming prose and poetry, but also helping others write and reflect on their personal struggles and joys. She organizes and facilitates writing for groups as diverse as women who experience homelessness, neighborhood children and youth, and adults who have stories to tell from lived experience. Bonnie’s own writing was first known to the Over-the-Rhine community when she wrote for and edited the community’s Voices Community Newspaper. Later when the community confronted the City of Cincinnati Planning Department on the adoption of the OTR Comprehensive Plan (1985) advocating for preservation of 5,520 units of affordable housing in Over-the-Rhine, Bonnie was the author of the community’s plan eventually adopted by the City. She did the tedious work of analyzing and critiquing the exclusionary plan as proposed by developers and business interests to prepare an inclusive plan to retain housing for all residents no matter how economically poor. 3 At the adoption of the 5,520 Plan a prominent scholar, whose position on the Plan was not adopted, called out Bonnie and our fellow activists as “separatists victorious.” At Council’s adoption of the 5,520 Plan community members packed the hallways chanting “5,520! 5,520!” In addition to facilitating writing groups with beloved community associates including Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Rothenberg School, and the Women’s DropInn Center, Bonnie guides students in the Miami University Engagement Center in Over-the-Rhine Residency Program during their semester living in the community. And yes, she facilitates weekly writing groups using the euphemism of “journaling” enabling undergraduates to write and share their stories, stretch their minds and hearts to new experiences living in the community and servicelearning in community agencies of the People’s Movement - opening their hearts to residents, their heads to the frustrations of gentrification and to the realities of exclusions brought by economic development, modeling advocacy for social justice and peacemaking. Heartiest congratulations to Bonnie Neumeier for the IJCP Bob Maxwell Peace Builder Award and to Don Sherman for the IJCP Margaret Fuller Peace Award both presented September 20, 2017. http://ijpccincinnati.org/pp/ for details. Don Sherman - Teaching Others to Lead with Humility, Compassion, Tenacity on Sherman is known in Cincinnati as the founding director of the Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center. His unassuming presence, humility and selflessness often disguise the powerful advocate and fiercely loyal friend he has been to so many. This year, the Intercommunity Justice and BRENNAN GRAYSON MAGDA ORLANDER MANUEL PÉREZ Contributing Writers Peace Center is honoring him with the Margaret Fuller Peace Award at their Pursuing Peace in Cincinnati event. This occasion has many of us reflecting on all they’ve learned from Don as an example for others to 2010 trabajadores unidos meeting Credit: Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center follow. “I have learned a lot from Don. From his humble manner to his fiery commitment to the struggle for justice, his example was a beacon that trained me. The first time I met Don he told me a story about his personal reasons for being so dedicated to the movement, his ability to trust someone he just met with such deeply personal information struck me as the most exemplary way to trust humanity.” - Jose Oliva, CoDirector of the Food Chain Workers Alliance “About Don - being a leader is putting in the work, not talking about putting in the work. It's not glamorous. It's just years of being there for people, being an ally, being a friend, being an advocate. And knowing where to get help when you've reached your limits of knowledge or capacity. I admire Don so much, and am grateful to him for THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED his humble, steady, compassionate work.” - Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America's Voice and America's Voice Education Fund “I have known Don Sherman as a good friend for 30 years. Throughout that time what stands out for me is his integrity and commitment to doing what is right, frequently at a personal cost. Moreover, he is one of the kindest people I have ever known. His fills his life with compassion for others, especially when they are at their lowest and in most need. This kind of selflessness in service to the most vulnerable people in our society is a model for all of us.”-Tim Kraus, Past President of Cincinnati Federation of Teachers “I met Don Sherman some years back about 15 or so I was working as a business agent for the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. It has always been my belief that organized labor has always been the tide that raises the conditions and (Continued on page 12) �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 �LOCAL Double Trouble: Double Standards No. 36 5 Y 5 | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN ou probably already know how to recognize double standards when you see them, especially pertaining to things like someone’s sex or gender or even race. When a woman is paid less than her male counterpart, that is a double standard. Hopefully, when you recognize a double standard you act or speak out to prevent this oppressive behavior from continuing. When it comes to homelessness, the double standards don’t ever stop. We have a different standard for someone who is housed versus someone who is living without a home. We see this all the time in Over-the-Rhine. 3CDC, Cincinnati Center Development Corporation, which has poured hundreds of millions of our taxpayer dollars into inequitable development (market rate housing and offices), will gladly herald their efforts to close the corner stores that sold beer and liquor in the neighborhood. They will, of course, Staff Writer cite the number of 911 calls to corner stores, then say that by closing them, they have helped remove alcohol from the hands of people who are living in poverty. For them, they see it as a moral choice, and they believe they chose the “right” side. The double standard isn’t complete by removing the corner liquor stores: this is only half of the standard. The other half is what replaced the liquor stores – high end boutique bars, with more on the way. Loud, beer-laden peddle wagons traversing the streets add to the atmosphere of “we can drink in public, but you can’t!” Recently, the neighborhood split into two entertainment districts to accommodate more bars, but from what I heard, one of the last bars from before the surge of gentrification is closing soon, leaving very few vestiges of Over-the-Rhine left. Hopefully, you can recognize the double standard by now. When it comes to housing, 3CDC is the champion of double standards. When they kicked out the residents on through Over-the-Rhine Housing Network and ReStoc, they worked with countless people to update and maintain many units of affordable housing – within the last decade, we have lost more than 70% of the lowest income housing units. Woman Walks her Dog Without a Leash Past Privatized Sidewalk Seating Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman 3CDC rehabbed this building on 13th and Walnut St., after the neighboring Columbia Building residents were displaced from their homes. Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman 3CDC, who has leased out Imagination Alley, seeks to privatize Imagination Alley for private outdoor seating Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman Another example (of many) single bedroom, high cost housing Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman the 1400 block of Race St., they said they were doing the residents a favor because the housing wasn’t in good condition. Did they ask the residents what they wanted fixed? No, they just moved them aside for high-end condos and apartments (and their old office, by the way.) The double standard here might not be obvious, but let’s look a little deeper and make some historical comparisons. buddy gray, who helped found many social service organizations in Over-the-Rhine was attacked on many occasions by developers who criticized him for “stockpiling” buildings in the neighborhood. They accused him of keeping the neighborhood poor, and holding development hostage. They lampooned his character and many believe eventually assassinated him for this work. buddy and his collaborators intended for every building to be rehabbed for the people in the neighborhood by allowing the residents to maintain their home here, in Over-the-Rhine. They intended to create and sustain affordable housing. That was the purpose of acquiring the land. And THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Today, 3CDC holds hundreds of properties in their portfolio. They are literally doing the same thing that developers accused buddy and others of doing back in the 80’s and 90’s. You can’t find, nor will they tell, what buildings are owned by 3CDC, because their buildings are registered under LLC’s, so as to not let people know who owns them. They have sat on buildings for over a decade without redeveloping them – after they forced, whether directly or indirectly, the residents out onto the streets. Their plan for Over-the-Rhine does not include any independently-created affordable housing. Today, they have 1 or 2 bedroom condominiums for over $250,000. 3CDC also leased Washington Park from the City of Cincinnati for 95 years for $1. They revamped the park by removing people who are experiencing homelessness with 24/7 private security. They have created a park full of hostile design elements like benches you can’t lay down on and walls that you can’t sit on. They made rules that prohibit laying in the park, giving out food or (Continued on page 12) �6 LOCAL JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) better? The answer to this question depends on who the “we” is. But in the case of the “we” which is the Homeless Coalition and other such organizations, our job is to empower people to see that the larger “we” can and must stop taking the same actions which cause the same problems. And then “we” must empower ourselves to combine strength and activate/force healthy and just societal behaviors and actions. We must not allow our communities to be run at the behest of the money-grubbing corporations and businesses. We must not allow the pursuit of more and more cash to establish policy and decision-making. The argument that “we must move YOU CAN SUPPORT THE S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 forward with this decision or the company will lose their opportunity to get the financing they need to develop the expensive housing” is not a reason to decide to support such a development. We must not allow ourselves to believe the lie that a new expensive business or residence by default means the surrounding neighborhood will benefit. The idea that a business opening in a neighborhood automatically is positive for the people in the neighborhood, is terribly illogical and short-sighted to say the least. We have to do all we can to not support the same old bad things and we must do all we can to organize ourselves to decide and cause justice. --------------------------------------- • Donate by texting the word “Homeless” to 444999 • Join Community Shares Workplace Giving • Donate on our website through PayPal at www.cincihomeless.org/donate-2/ • Send us a check to show your support. 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 We receive NO public funding. We rely on the generosity of people like you. Log in to Kroger Rewards and search for the Homeless Coalition, or use our NPO 82944. Every time you use your Kroger Plus card, you will be supporting us. It will NOT affect your gas points! When you shop online at Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smile program at www.smile.amazon.com and select “Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless” as your non-profit. A portion of your smile.amazon.com purchase will be donated to us each time you shop at no additional cost to you! Participate in a 30 Day Challenge or book a speaker or activity. Learn more about homelessness, our speakers, and how to become a better advocate for people experiencing homelessness! Download a printable PDF on our website: cincihomeless.org/30-day-challenge Write a letter of support for the Coalition, affordable housing, or livable wages to City Council: CityCouncil@Cincinnati-OH.gov Donate NOW! GC_HomelessCoal THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED GCHomelessCoalition �No. 36 5 7 LOCAL Duke’s Pipeline Delayed | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 D MICHAEL EARL PATTON uke Energy filed a motion to suspend the procedural schedule in its application to extend a high-pressure natural gas distribution pipeline through several communities in the northern Cincinnati area. They did this just two days before the deadline by when testimony in the Central Corridor Pipeline Extension project was supposed to be submitted to the Ohio Power Siting Board. On August 24, the day after their motion, their request was granted. For now there is no new date. The reason Duke gave for requesting the suspension was that it became aware of “additional details and information concerning site-specific matters.” The one specific concern that it mentioned was property on which environmental remediation is taking place. N.O.P.E, Neighbors Opposing Pipeline Extension, is the grass-roots organization fighting this project. According to their press release, the project to which Duke is referring is the Pristine, Inc. superfund site in Reading. One of the two proposed routes comes within 150 feet of this site. Apparently the concern is the inadvertent release of toxic chemicals that had leaked into the site and has contaminated the ground water in the area. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, says that a liquid waste disposal facility operated on site from 1974 to 1981 and before that, the facility was used to make sulfuric acid. For a while a hazardous waste incinerator operated. Due to numerous permit violations, Ohio EPA closed the facility in 1981. Beyond storing thousands of drums of hazardous waste at the site, the operations contaminated soil and groundwater. The Pristine company site (an ironic name for a superfund operation if there ever was one) is still being cleaned up. Part of the cleanup involves pumping out the groundwater and treating it to remove volatile organic compounds, BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) terms of establishing goals, policies, and standards, and this body will be charged with insuring that the fund remains faithful to its purpose and goals. Because of the importance of the Oversight Board, a percentage of its members will be both affordable housing clients and non-profit housing developers. Adequate funding is absolutely Contributing Writer or VOCs. Currently the pumps are removing and treating 150 gallons per minutes. With the groundwater contaminated, the effect of digging a large, long, deep trench near the site on the nearby residents and pipeline construction workers is obviously something that needs to be addressed. There may be other concerns, too, that are not as obvious to this writer. Hamilton County and several local governments such as Cincinnati, Evendale, Reading, and Blue Ash had and traffic during construction. Others are very specific. Blue Ash, for example, asked about impacts to future roadway improvements to Glendale-Milford Road and Pfeiffer Road. It is impossible to predict where this is going. Concentrate on the other route? Propose a new route? Because Duke did not just propose a new date right away it appears that they might not know themselves. Certainly overlooking a superfund site is a major failing and calls into question Duke’s due diligence in Pipeline Marker Credit: Michael Earl Patton Duke Route Map Credit: Duke Energy given lists of issues that concerned them to the Ohio Power Siting Board. These governments intended to crossexamine witnesses in support of the pipeline during the hearing which had been set for September 11 but is now postponed. Some of the issues are ones that opponents had been asking about from the beginning, such as impacts to property values essential, and Spring noted that the proposal calls for an annual income of $30-million. Multiple sources of funding from a variety of public and private sources are envisioned, and the proposal lists many of them. Allocations from the City's General Fund, a percentage of the earning's tax, a percentage of the hotel tax, proceeds from the sale of public land, a possible entertainment tax, and payments into the fund by receivers of tax abatements comprise some of them. Spring assured Forum “Breakdown Stereotypes” proposing the pipeline routes. And if this preparatory work was shoddy, what about their promised due diligence in monitoring the pipeline safety into the far future? In addition, my concern about whether there will be sufficient natural gas supplies for major new pipelines remains. Drilling for new gas supplies is below the rate needed to maintain attendees that trust fund proponents were well aware of the necessity of adequate and steady funding if the proposed entity is to make a difference. Spring talked about current negotiations with Cincinnati City Council members and the Mayor. He believes that a majority on Council supports a trust fund, and he noted that Vice Mayor David Mann is working on a possible ordinance. He acknowledged, however, that much still needs to be thrashed out before production while exports of gas is increasing. Not surprisingly, supplies of gas being saved in storage caverns for winter use is not growing at its usual rate. There is only so much natural gas available. The emphasis needs to be placed on conservation, not on increased distribution of gas that will not be there when we need it most. an acceptable plan is agreed upon. Upcoming Forums focus on Cincinnati's mayoral race. Mayor Cranley speaks on Thursday September 21st followed by Council member Yvette Simpson on the 28th. [AIR, Inc. enables people, organizations and governments to make well-informed decisions regarding policies, human services, and organizational change in response to changing needs and resources.] “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 �8 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS Listening to the Spirit, Deborah Jordan & Bill Cahalan Work toward a Sustainable Peaceful Earth & Holistic Mental Health D S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 eborah Jordan and Bill Cahalan are partners in life and in faith; they complement each other and their actions for a peaceful, natural and just world. Raised Christians, Jordan with no particular denomination, Bill in rigid Catholicism, both, as adults, drifted and joined The Religious Society of Friends, aka Quakers. "What I love about Quakerism is its combination of mystical and activist traditions," says Jordan. "Bringing them together is very powerful, the spiritual informing the activism and vice versa." "The beliefs of the Quakers met my interest in mystical traditions such as Buddhism, Daoism, Native Americanism," says Cahalan. "They invited a shift from the image of God as a loving but punitive distant patriarch presented to me by Catholicism, toward that of a divine Spirit living equally in nature, humans and all creation." He adds: "I always had, since a child, a very strong spiritual connection with the natural world." The peace, social justice and equality teachings of the Quakers resonated also very strongly with both of them, already exposed to these values through their upbringing. Growing up, Jordan always spoke up for the underdogs; and Cahalan was inspired by the ethical and moral values of Catholicism, mainly charity, love and compassion. It is in college, however, that their activist involvement clearly materialized. Jordan, then at Ohio University, protested actively the Vietnam War going on at that time, and was jailed as a result; and Cahalan, at Xavier University, demonstrated with other students against the scheduled talk on campus of George Wallace, segregationist Governor of Alabama, and succeeded at getting his invitation cancelled. SAAD GHOSN Contributing Writer Jordan's journey took her since on many paths. She dropped out of college and became the coordinator for the Nuclear Freeze local chapter in Cincinnati; participated in antinuclear protests at the Nevada Test Site and was arrested; wanting to counter violence, got a master's degree in education and took a job at the Center for Peace Education (CPE) providing peace education, conflict resolution and mediation services to Cincinnati public and private schools; provided mediation to the juvenile courts; and, interested in healing, had become an R.N. and practiced as such for many years. Cahalan graduated with a master's and PhD degrees in psychology and worked as a clinical psychologist. After being inspired by the anti-Vietnam war movement, the Counterculture Revolution, Black Power and Women's movements, he became actively involved in ecological activism in the 80's, protesting the damage that our economy and current culture were causing the natural world. In 2011, he went to Washington DC to participate in the march and direct actions against the Keystone XL Pipeline which would increase reliance on fossil fuels and negatively affect climate change. He also protested the Dakota Access Pipeline, a threat to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation's clean water and ancient burial grounds. On December 8, 2014 rallying a protest movement launched by EQAT (Earth Quaker Action Team), he and Jordan joined 27 other groups in 8 different states for a sit-in at PNC bank branches demanding an end to the Bank's financing of mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia. As a result of this, culminating five years of action, PNC Bank announced March 2015 its divestment from such Who Are the QUAKERS The Religious Society of Friends, aka Quakers, is an Alternative Christianity which emphasizes the personal experience of God in one's life. Quakers understand the necessity of first listening to God before working in the world. They affirm the equality of all people before God regardless of race, station in life, or sex; this belief informs their social concerns. Quakers find recourse to violence intolerable. Quaker thought is both mystical (waiting upon God) and prophetic (speaking truth to power). Friends believe that God's revelation is still continuing, that God is not absent or unknowable but that we can find God ourselves and that the search for a closer relationship with God is the Way. They maintain that the teaching of Jesus is a practical method for the guidance of the world today and that religion is concerned with the whole of life. - from “Facts about Friends” by Ted Hoare projects. Both Jordan and Cahalan became very involved in the local food movement. They are part of a neighborhood community supported agricultural group, or CSA, in their neighborhood of East Price Hill where they contribute to organic gardening, building a healthy soil, protecting the environment, and sharing food and camaraderie with other participants. They are also members of 'Imago', a Deborah Jordan and Bill Cahalan grassroots environmental education organization located in Price Hill as well and which aims to promote living in concert with the natural world, reconnecting people and planet, building a human community that sees the Earth as sacred. "One of the slogans of 'Quaker Earthcare Witness', a national network of Friends who seek to address the ecological and social crises of the world from a spiritual perspective, is 'Peace on earth, Peace with earth'," says Cahalan. "If we do not protect the earth we will continue destroying the matrix of life, and, as a result, will continue eroding peace among people." Ten years ago, Jordan started the publication of CORV (Central Ohio River Valley) Local Food Guide, a grassroots yearly magazine with the mission to connect community members with local growers and fresh, healthy local food. "We aim to promote self-sufficiency, sustainability and the wise use of resources in the building of our local food system," she states. "We want also to educate our readers on the importance of eating local." Another area that strongly connects Jordan and Cahalan in both their interests and activism is the field of mental health. As a clinical psychologist Cahalan chose from the start to help individuals suffering from serious breakdowns in their personality and life. He sees, however, mental problems as disordered ways of relating with others and with self, and not as brain diseases, and deviates in this respect from mainstream mental health which relies heavily on hospitalization and medication, often against the Credit: Saad Ghosn patient's own will, for alleviation of the most disordered states, such as those labelled psychotic. "Forced hospitalization, medication and community probate are violations of human rights," he says. "Worse, they have often proven ineffective, keeping the individual dependent on medication for life. More humane psychosocial alternatives are needed." In fact, alternatives, such as 'Open Dialogue', for instance, have been used successfully and for decades in Finland. They provide psychotherapy and social network support to the individual at home or in open households, and have resulted in more than 80% recovery on 5 year follow ups. "Unfortunately, the mental health field, strongly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, resists a more relational, empowering and human approach that does not focus on disorders as illnesses and is not medicationcentered." Two years ago, Cahalan helped Jordan and Valerie Chronis Bickett founded the ‘Greater Cincinnati (Continued on page 11) 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. 36 5 9 JUBILEE CAMPAIGN | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 Change REV. RICH JONES W Contributing Writer hen my son was 10, he was having a hard time understanding why things change. My son likes the idea of change, loves new challenges, but he also wants stability and to know that there are things and people he can count on. All of us, no matter how old we are, can relate. Change happens. It causes disruption, which can be extremely uncomfortable, and good. It leads to questions, sometimes answers, and growth oftentimes when we embrace change and remember that we are not alone. We have each other, and when we pause for a moment in the midst of change, we begin to sense something of the divine that connects us to something deeply personal beyond ourselves. Our country has experienced a lot of change, a divisive election, hate crimes on the rise, open racism and sexism, heated political rhetoric, the lament of “Black Lives Matter”, and the violence that begets violence, we can either react in anger, retreat, or we face it and work towards deeper understanding and awareness. It’s important to note that the changes in culture cause us to reflect personally and in our communities, but also in our institutions, businesses, professions, etc. Yes, change can bring anxiety, fear, and even a deep sense of unrest. In those times, we can have a desire to try and control things, to try to go back to the “way things were”. Deep down, we know we can’t, that life continues to move forward whether anxious, exciting, energizing, and good for the world. The Economics of Compassion Initiative (ECI) that I am involved with is a risk taking, exciting, and energizing movement of good people. Our desire is to see neighborhoods change and grow into all that they were intended to be: places of community, of friendship, of cooperation, and of equal access to an economy that can sometimes be a barrier to reaching our God-given potential. At ECI (https://www. econofcompassion.org), we believe that transformational growth is the best kind of change. We can see transactional growth in the form of new developments that can be prohibitive for many. But, transformational growth starts and ends with authentic relationship. One of our Economics of Compassion board members, Rev. Daniel Hughes, is a great example of a transformational change agent. He is involved intimately in his Price Hill neighborhood, building friendships, listening to folks, asking questions, and doing “experiments” that can lead to a further sense of deep community. He’s willing to take risks; he may fail or succeed; but the energy he brings into a conversation or project always leads to something good. I have also seen the neighborhood that I live in, Finneytown, experience deep cultural change. Over the past 17 years that we’ve lived here, we have seen our community become more of a “melting pot” creating a dynamic Campers learn to work together and empower themselves Credit: Rev. Rich Jones we like it or not. We see and experience change happening throughout our neighborhoods in Cincinnati. If there wasn’t change, then there would be status quo, which leads eventually to decline and death. An argument can be made that any change is good change, but I would say one should anticipate change and insert one’s self into the conversation around any change for it to be beneficial for all persons affected by that change. Trying to anticipate change and being a change agent can be a risky, blend of persons who have lived here for generations, with persons moving in from the city core and refugees from all over the world. They are drawn to cheap housing and a good school district, as well as a group of neighbors that have self-organized around the school, churches, nonprofits, and other groups to figure out ways to build community. Some efforts have gone well, others have not. One organization that I have been involved with is Oasis, which started in London (http://oasisuk. org). We have had a desire to build a community hub for people in our neighborhood to come together for opportunities of relationship. We have used the principles of Asset Based Community Development to create opportunities such as our summer camp for Finneytown students to have academic and social enrichment, as well as some amazing adventures and opportunities to engage parents, guardians, and others in community. I have found that same spirit in everyone that I’ve had the privilege can develop. That trust leads us into deeper places within ourselves and our relationships with others. I know that we have issues to confront in Cincinnati, but there are stories of immense goodness in every neighborhood of our great city! If we can listen to those stories, learn and grow from them, we can confront almost anything that we face, especially as we do that together in community with others. In my faith tradition as a Jesus follower, we draw upon the richness of a shared history with Judaism. I "At ECI, we believe transformational groth is the best kind of change," Rev. Rich Jones Credit: Rev. Rich Jones to work with at ECI and Oasis. These are folks who are simply committed to practicing goodness. I’ve also seen that same spirit in so many other organizations across this city. It is truly an exciting time of change- of transformation. In times of change, the practice of being rooted in a place where relationships can flourish is important. I believe that neighborhood living, being in community with others, can help us move through change and come out stronger. There is something deeper at work in our neighborhoods. If we follow the practice of Daniel and so many others by listening to our neighbors, staying curious and patient, asking questions, and looking for opportunities to build bridges, not walls, we can begin to see authentic community arise where we can find cooperation and real progress on some of the issues that surround us. A friend of mine, Cormac Russell, reminded me recently that it’s far more important to stay connected rather than correct. Relationships “trump” everything. That doesn't mean that we don’t make a stand at times for what is right, but it does mean that we must remember the humanity of every person. If we can practice authentic empathy and friendship, then trust THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED especially enjoy some of the multiple meanings of words in Hebrew. The Hebrew word “hesed” is found throughout Scripture describing God. It means unfailing love, compassion, and intense loyalty to community. Campers work with mentors Credit: Rev. Rich Jones May we trust God’s “hesed” and live in community/relationship with each other as we grow and live into changing times. [Rev. Rich Jones is a Board Member of the Economics of Compassion Initiative Oasis Cincinnati Pastor at Immanuel Presbyterian Church] �10 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 �No. 36 5 LOCAL | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) Holistic Mental Health Network'. It came out of Bickett and Jordan's personal experience with mental disorders in friends, family members and juveniles Jordan met through her mediation work. "It felt like a calling, a leading," Jordan says. "There was a need to bring awareness to people suffering from mental health distress, that holistic, bio-psycho-social approaches to treatment, with no stigma and expected full recovery, were available to them." The 'Network', a grassroots effort, provides education, support, advocacy and outreach, all focused on propelling to the forefront the whole person, whole community, and alternative approaches to mental health care. It achieves this through open meetings, expert speakers, and public events. Jordan and Cahalan find strength and inspiration for their work and activism in the Quakers' testimonies and practices of peace, justice, equality, integrity, earth care and community. "In Quakerism, there is no pastor," says Jordan. "We're all considered ministers and get to do all the work. When meeting ends, service begins; our service to the world, that is..." As to how they view their service to the world in the years to come, Cahalan sees it in helping build a local resilient community and a sustainable, grounded life, connecting to local neighbors and STANDING UP FOR LOVE 1 3-year-old Tuezday Henson, a first year student at Oak Hills High School, stood with a group of fellow students in protest of the Westboro Baptist Church's visit. She was there to support her friends and other citizens that believe that "hate does not overpower love." Henson and a small group of students from a gay/straight alliance group, their faculty member, were joined by a larger protest group, many carrying signs that communicated their beliefs about freedom of thought and action. Protesting for social justice has frightening implications: it is a short time from the brutality of Charlottesville and the biased statements of the president. Very recently, DACA immigrants were placed in jeopardy by the president's executive order. Despite these very serious threats to social justice, these students stood bravely opposite the STEVE SUNDERLAND TUEZDAY HENSON SHANNON MURRAY Contributing Writers representatives of the Westboro Baptist Church as church members chanted and waved their posters with clear messages of hate. Standing with them, I saw many cars and trucks driving by us as we stood on the curb in front of the school, many people making obscene gestures, or caring signs with ugly posters. These drive by bullies missed the essence of what the counter protest was all about. Here is how one of the students described her reactions to the event: "My personal experiences with hate have been rare (including this counter-protest), but many of my friends have dealt with this kind of oppression and injustice ever since they came out. I personally know that telling someone you are gay or bisexual can go one of three ways- a long lecture about why it’s wrong and why you “can’t” be who you are, or maybe the person you’re telling doesn’t really agree but accepts you, and maybe they’re proud of you. But saying something like that is a very stressful thing to do. So even though after something like that, it’s hard to walk out of somewhere and be beaten down emotionally because of it. “The counter-protest against Westboro Baptists has been what some could call a blessing because it brought out feelings of love and togetherness inside our community. But in other ways, it could be viewed as hostile amongst the people. The way the people reacted overall seemed very well organized and there was a sense of fellowship within the crowd. Each person counter-protested for their community, their people, or maybe even a personal feeling of dislike for the Westboro Baptists.” THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 11 friends, living in harmony with the earth; also in more political activism, taking a stand on issues of social justice importance, getting out to the streets, marching, protesting, sittingin, getting arrested... For Jordan, building resilience within herself and others is of paramount importance. She will continue her current involvements. Faithful, however, to the Quakers' process, she will keep a space inside for silence and deep listening; will keep doing what she knows and is able to do; and leave the end result to the Spirit. “People in the crowd of counterprotesters seemed to feel confident in their position on this particular topic. I felt like the younger members of the community handled this hatred in a very superior and principled way. No fights broke out, and safety was one of the top priorities of a lot of people, which I think brought the people together for a greater purpose- to unify. And I think the younger people got the feeling that they could finally be in a safe place because they are protected and supported. Security can be hard to come by when there are people who do hate you for your practices and beliefs, but when something like this happens, people can’t sit by and watch others continue to be hostile to people they know or love. Essentially, the community handled this situation very well, and I am proud to be in such a supportive, concerned, and encouraging citizenry." We can wonder just what young (Continued on page 12) �12 LOCAL GRAYSON, ORLANDER & PÉREZ (Continued from page 3) wages for all working folks. Don, I saw right away believed that as well. Don was always willing to help me with any workers issues that I came across. We worked together on some major wage theft issues and had some wins all thanks to Don’s experience and his hard work. Don truly cares about workers’ rights and is highly respected throughout the Cincinnati Building Trades Unions. Don is most deserving of recognition for his fighting for workers’ rights.” - Fred Hubbard, Retired Business “Don is a master listener, practicing the act and art of listening intently, compassionately and empathetically; he has won the love, trust and confidence of many. His method is always to emphasize and amplify the voices in the community; he truly exemplifies what it means to be an ally and an advocate.” Magda Orlander, Organizer for Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center “It's a blessing being able to share a few words of how honorable Don Sherman was to us by showing his compassion and letting us know his heart. He really did his best. He helped us all, leading us to the right S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 2008 Membership Meeting, Vine Street Credit: Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center Workers Center Member Meeting July 2011, Immingration Reform Rally, D.C., (Cincinnati Caucus Photo) Credit: Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center Credit: Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center Agent and Past President of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers DR. MARK MUSSMAN (Continued from page 5) clothing, or eating out of the garbage cans – all demonstrably aimed at people experiencing homelessness. The double standard here is easy to see as they sell high end liquor and craft beer in the park, but one cannot bring a can of cheap beer into the park. “Buy our beer or else we’ll call the cops on you!” One last double standard is obvious, but you might have just accepted it as normal. This is the cutouts that bars and restaurants use on the sidewalks. Leaving merely 3 feet of space to pass through, these railed off areas allow bars to serve alcohol on the sidewalks – this is why they SUNDERLAND ET AL (Continued from page 11) people make of violent statements and actions as they observe members of the adult community present themselves with so little respect. The "counter-protest," as the young people called it, showed both courage to be present and courage to present themselves as agents of compassion and integrity. Bullying, hate speech, arbitrary punishments, and isolation are too much a part of young people's lives in and out of schools. Seeing a group of young people, many of them carrying rainbow flags, or wearing rainbow colors on their faces, arms, and shirts, walking together with people and to the right decision, giving us the support we needed to not be afraid. It took years, but we did it. We helped get thousands in wages and earned U-Visas for me and the other campaign leaders who came forward. Thank you “Don The must be permanent, to allow alcohol on the sidewalk. So, here we have a privatized sidewalk area where people can drink, but if someone drinks outside of the barricade, especially if they are experiencing homelessness or “not the right class for the new ‘OTR’,” they may get the police called on them, or at least judged and told that they need to get a job. We must remember that most people who are experiencing homelessness actually have jobs, but the wages are too low and the cost of housing is rising faster than wages. Whether or not the development is sustainable in Over-the-Rhine is a real concern. But without effort put into creating and sustaining affordable housing, things won’t change on the whim of the market. Study after study has shown the need for affordable housing in Cincinnati and we need the big players, like 3CDC, to step up for people in the lowest income brackets. Your bank account does not determine your worth in a just society. Income inequality and housing affordability is a real problem, and if we don’t get a handle on it, “OTR” will truly only stand for “Only the Rich.” If you'd like to learn more about gentrification, displacement, and affordable housing, please sign up for a tour of Over-the-Rhine under our Education section, on our website: http://cincihomeless.org. obvious strong feelings of affection was a powerful message of hope for a different world, a place of caring and inclusion. Standing with these young people was their faculty advisor, teaching by his presence just how important ideas are in the creating of an adulthood of principle. He felt: "I saw yesterday a small but heartening display of good people rejecting ignorance in a manner consistent with those who fight hatred and bigotry with love and rationalism. On a side of town that gets stereotyped for being 13th century in its social attitudes, I was pleased at the positive display of support that our students were subjected to; if they learned from the experience, my hope would be they learned that they are loved and supported by many, that there are ways to counter hatred with dignity, and that the good (once awoken) usually outnumber the bad. I know that our students still encounter, at school, ignorance and intolerance; but perhaps with every Westboro-type incident, the number of such incidents will continue to wither (I have been doing this for 20 years at Oak Hills - the atmosphere has gradually shifted to greater acceptance of our LGBT community). But yesterday, I hope, proved to them that they are capable of coming together in their own self-interest, --------------------------------------- THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Bomb”.”   - Salvador Martinez, Member - Leader of the Animal Hospital Campaign, Cincinnati Interfaith Workers Center Man passes Craft Brew sign at Washington Park Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman and with that confidence, they will continue to advocate for themselves and their community. With that in mind, "thank you" Westboro Baptist for helping our youth develop agency! I would also celebrate the fact that this incident marks the first time that the Oak Hills administration has publicly supported the GSA; this is commendable progress and greatly appreciated." What is left after a protest? In this case, a group of students became citizens in a way that has transformed their minds and hearts. A baton of justice and peace was passed into the hands of some able people. We are lucky to have such citizens. �No. 36 5 | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 CRYING RAIN 13 STREET VOICE Looking out the window The rain is falling hard, and fast There are intervals of thunder Slashing ever so often TIGER, TIGER SHAKE UP CONGRESS (With apologies to William Blake.) Tiger, tiger burning bright. Politics now is such a fright. Could you or else a grouchy lion, Go put a scare in Speaker Ryan? We'd ask you then to quickly switch, And then it suddenly stops And do the same to Senator Mitch. Until the next thunder slash appears The times require some feline force It lets you know that God is, near So take heed To get our Congress back on course. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Listen to his might Because thunder and rain, Will, be coming KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer WHAT’S GOING ON What’s going on asked 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 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 134 Across 1. Part of a book 5. An aggressive remark 9. Restaurant bill 12. Underneath 13. Chills and fever 14. Kind of starch 16. Publish 17. Transmitted 18. An instinctive motive 19. Entranceway 20. Writing tablet 21. Part of a stable 22. Watch face 24. Number of items in a brace 26. Up to now 27. Back muscle 30. Mouthpiece used to control a horse 31. Ecstatic 33. Combined 35. Levy 36. Particle 40. Unwind 41. Sauce made of fermented beans 42. Kinship group 43. Water jug 44. Writing implement 45. Large seabird 46. Long narrative poem 48. A small drink 49. Oculus 50. Male sheep 53. Allow 54. Finished 56. Lament 58. Maven 59. Untie 63. Exchange for money 64. Chop 66. Extraterrestrial being 67. Large woody plant 68. Fiend 69. Palisade 70. Golf peg 71. Bard 72. Make a long and difficult journey Down 1. Currency of Cuba 2. In addition 3. Any of numerous fruits with hard rinds 4. Female sheep 5. Volcanic rock 6. Elderly 7. Operate 8. Wager 9. Drawn tight 10. Impressive display 11. Brass instrument 12. Tender 15. Thaw 20. Discharged a debt 21. Concession given to placate 23. Type of wild goat 24. Serving dish 25. Increase in phase 27. Tempt 28. Afresh 29. Thin flat slab of fired clay 32. Mountain lake 34. Counterweight used to obtain net weight 35. Unit of weight 37. Prong 38. Take orders 39. Boundary line 41. Faction 42. Finishing line for a foot race 44. Pastry item 45. Donate 47. Travel a route regularly 48. Kind of receptacle 50. Remainder 51. Awake 52. Scrimmage 55. Measuring stick 57. Mirth 58. Unit of area 60. Square root of eighty-one 61. Pack of cards 62. Single 64. Jump lightly 65. In the past 66. Astern PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 133 S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 5 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 264 - MEDIUM SODOKU PUZZLE NO 263- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 5 RESOURCES | S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 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 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 241-1064 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 St. Vincent de Paul 721-0643 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 411 Gest St. 45203 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 1125 Bank Street 45214 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Interfaith Hospitality Network Housing: 471-1100 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 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 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 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 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 1522 Republic Street 45202 961-4555 381-1954 421-5211 Food/Clothing 961-4663 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Tom Geiger House Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn VA VA Homeless 961-2256 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 221-HELP 721-8666 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Starting Over 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Talbert House Tender Mercies 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 921-1613 First Step Home 761-1480 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Prospect House Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Caracole (HIV/AIDS) CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 114 W. 14th Street 45202 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 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 Charlie’s 3/4 House 2121 Vine Street 45202 Shelter: Youth Health 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile $100 for 26 issues 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 981-4200 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 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 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 621-5300 961-1983 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio FreeStore/FoodBank 762-5660 Shelter: Men Medical Van 352-6364 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 Salvation Army 131 E. 12th Street 45202 15 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 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 for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 S e p t 2 2 - O c t 5 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 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 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 2/2015 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 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 � 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 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 September 22-October 5, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director A Local Affordable Housing Trust Fund Pg 3: Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center Peace Builder Award Pg 4: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 5: Double Trouble Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Duke’s Pipeline Delayed Pg 8: Religious Peacemakers Pg 9: Change Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Standing Up for Love Pg 12: Grayson, Orlander & Perez Continued Dr. Mark Mussman 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 September 22-October 5, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Alice Skirtz Brennan Grayson Magda Orlander Manuel Perez Dr. Mark Mussman Micahael Earl Patton Saad Ghosn Rev. Rich Jones Steve Sunderland Tuezday Henson Shannon Murray Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Peaslee Neighborhoood Center Alice Schneider Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center Duke Energy Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Alice Skirtz Bill Woods Brennan Grayson Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center Don Sherman Dr. Mark Mussman Duke Energy Josh Spring Jubilee Campaign Kim Green Magda Orlander Manuel Perez Micahael Earl Patton Peaslee Neighborhoood Center Pipeline Religion Rev. Rich Jones Saad Ghosn Shannon Murray Steve Sunderland Tuezday Henson Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/e02f4e00dc7f9ddb4170d43133e21fb1.pdf a00d93a4ec8cf8ba939d6d78cca80f63 PDF Text Text October 6th - October 19th 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 47 (No. 366) advocating justice | Building community Don't Privatize Our Library | 9 This Issue is sponsored By (Former) Judge Mark Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Why Metro is Critical to Issue 2 | 7 the Disabled Community | 3 Religious Peacemakers: From US vs THEM to Only US TOGETHER | 8 Institutional Racism Still Lives | 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: The City Manager Is Trying to Stop Sexually Obscene, Vulgar and Indecent Activities A couple weeks ago the city Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) began jackhammering and removing concrete benches along Third Street. These benches run for several blocks on the south side of Third Street. For years different people without homes have utilized the space these benches create to sleep and rest. When we learned this was happening, we immediately knew the purpose of removing these benches was an attempt to stop people from sleeping and resting behind them. On September 21 Harry Black, the City Manager, released and FYI Memo confirming what we already knew. In his memo Mr. Black states that DOTE had “…received a number of complaints…” about the benches and that “in response, a meeting was convened of nearby property owners and stakeholders, DCI [Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated], CPD [Cincinnati Police Department] and others who raised concerns…”. He goes on to say, “Specific concerns were raised related to the ability of individuals to sit or lay behind the benches, creating a visual barrier JOSH SPRING Executive Director for patrol officers.” He says “…the stakeholders asked that the benches and trees be removed.” This is the first part of the City Manager’s argument supporting the decision for the City to pay its employees to remove these benches. His argument here is very simple: an unspecified number of complaints were received from unspecified people or organizations (we don’t know which, not that it matters), the City had a meeting with an unspecified group of “property owners and stakeholders”, DCI and CPD; this group had specific concerns about people sitting or laying behind the benches and asked that the benches be removed, and the City started removing them. It’s that simple. Now if you were to ask the unnamed “property owners and stakeholders” they may say it was not simple, because they have been complaining about people resting on Third Street for years. The truth is representatives from some companies in the business district have been complaining for years. We have met with such groups on multiple occasions in the past. At no point have they pursued any solutions to homelessness, most notably, housing. These companies have not invested in affordable housing, they have not publicly advocated for housing or anti-displacement polices. Instead, they have complained about people utilizing public space to seek mediocre respite. They have spent time complaining about and defaming people doing something which is in no way wrong or illegal. Webster’s defines “stakeholder” as, “one who is involved in or affected by a course of action”. In this story who would be most affected by the course of action discussed by this group? Obviously, the different people resting on Third Street would be most affected. But do you think the City Manager’s office put any effort into inviting people seeking sleep on Third Street to be a part of the discussion? Of course not. It is very safe to assume that the Manager’s office never had even a glimmer of a thought of doing so, because the (Continued on page 12) MAYORAL CANDIDATES MAKE SOLO APPEARANCES AT THE COMMUNITY ISSUES FORUM T his fall features a campaign for mayor in Cincinnati. On September 21st and September 28th, Mayor John Cranley and Council member Yvette Simpson made solo appearances at the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral. As the top two finishers of last May's primary, they now contend for the city's highest elected office. In the informal setting of the Cathedral 's Forum Room, Cranley and Simpson spent a good deal of time responding to questions from the audience. They both emphasized their commitment to reducing Cincinnati's high poverty rate, and talked about their initiatives for doing just that. Although both are Democrats, they revealed the differences that have emerged at City Hall in the last four years. Mayor Cranley spoke at the Forum on September 21st. "The City," he declared, "is moving in the BILL WOODS Contributing Writer right direction." He cited job growth downtown and in the neighborhoods, and new projects such as the expansion of Children's Hospital as evidence. Forbes Magazine, he noted, has for the past two years named Cincinnati as the best U.S. city for someone with a college degree. The Mayor credits his leadership in helping to bring about Cincinnati's recent progress. Solving the Pension crisis, balancing the budget, and hiring more fire fighters, and police officers during his term as Mayor gave people and institutions new confidence in City Government. His highest priority, however, has been reducing poverty, especially children in poverty. Although he realizes that much work still needs to be done in reducing the City's high poverty rate, Mayor Cranley is proud of the initiatives he has championed during the last four years. He supported an (Continued on page 6) Yvette Simpson and Rob Richardson at Community Issues Forum Credit: Alice Schneider THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 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 ----------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Jeremy Moses, Troy Jackson, DR. Mark Mussman, Jason Haap, Michael Earl Patton, Saad Ghosn, Emma Wilson, Dick Croy, Bobby Morris, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones, ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Alice Schneider, Better Bus Coalition, Biblestudytools.com, Dr. Mark Mussman, Saad Ghosn, Bryce Phillips, Stephanie Phillips, Google images, 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. �LOCAL Why Metro is critical to the Disabled Community No. 36 6 | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 A 3 JEREMY MOSES s anyone who saw the press conference that the Better Bus Coalition held a few months back will know, I'm a 32-year-old man with spina bifida who uses the bus for all travel except in medical emergencies. Metro has been critical to my independence as an adult, especially since I moved from my parents' home in Florence, KY to an apartment in Springdale in February of 2016. In fact, the key thing I knew I had to have when I moved was easy access to the bus to be able to go anywhere within the city, the county, and the region. Imagine with me a community without Metro service at any time of the day other than weekday peak hours. That's the reality facing Sedamsville, Riverside, Fairfax, Mariemont, and Milford along the US 50 corridor, assuming the current proposed restructuring goes into effect in December as planned. These communities will lose not only offpeak fixed route service, but they will also be doubly hit because this will severely compromise Access ADA paratransit service (which is provided to those within 3/4 of a mile of a Metro stop who cannot use the regular service during Metro's non-express operating hours). I don't know how many people currently using Access in this area are impacted, and it may not be significant. I submit, however, that even one is too many. Now... Imagine that happening across a wider section of the current system. The results would be, as I stated in June, disastrous, and here are three reasons why. Access to key services: We are about to see how people in the communities I've listed above will lose access to the rest of the county during the midday and evening. Contributing Writer For example, many people with disabilities require complex levels of care including access to specialists in areas such as urology, neurology, and orthopedics. What happens if someone who isn't eligible for Access has a 1 pm appointment? These service cuts will make getting from the affected communities to the city's main hospitals and doctors' offices into a FIVE-HOUR journey. You heard me right... There will be people who have to leave home at 7-8 am to make a 1 pm appointment! The return trip becomes a similar four-plus-hour trip when it used to take two. This will severely impact not only the patients (who now must plan, for example, to take an entire day off work for a single appointment) but also doctors, causing a domino effect that reduces the quality of healthcare everyone receives. This doesn't even consider access to jobs as well as things like grocery shopping and leisure opportunities that are also lost as a direct result of cuts to service. Loss of housing options: Those within 3/4 of a mile of a current stop will find themselves faced with a "lesser of several evils" choice: either continue to reside where they do now and be forced to rely on any family or friends willing to help; move to a location inside the reduced footprint of Access; or find themselves in group housing. Accessible housing options do exist, but many are either too pricey or even further from the Metro footprint. I got lucky in 2016 -- I moved to a location with access to two routes where I could independently get around. Numerous relocations would mean fewer housing options available to those who want to move to Cincinnati, and that in turn means that there's lost opportunity for economic growth -- which affects everyone. See where I'm going with this? Loss of independence: I mentioned the group housing option above. To a lot of people with disabilities, this is often seen transportation would leave no other option than to move to assisted living. That can be demeaning. To conclude, the community at large needs and deserves investment in a stable, well-funded transit system. It does not need or deserve the system getting slashed to the point of being almost worthless. This is true of those with disabilities as well. A sales tax measure to fund Jeremy Moses riding on Metro Credit: Better Bus Coalition as the last resort. Group housing is seen as a step backward, a loss of one's right to be independent and an admission that you can't support yourself. Essentially, it's being kicked somewhere that no one likes to be kicked, a low blow to one's self esteem. That, in turn, can also lead to negative effects on mental health -- another area where we as a society are still lacking. Without Metro and Access service, while one may be able to functionally support oneself and be financially stable, the loss of Metro bus service will go a long way towards making that a reality. But we cannot afford to continue to kick this can down the road. If Hamilton County voters do not approve the ballot measure in 2018, the pain felt by the US 50 corridor will soon be felt by many, many more in Hamilton County. We have to act, we have to act today, and I implore you to support Metro. --------------------------------------- “Other Fields” TROY JACKSON O Contributing Writer ver the past few years, I’ve been struck by the Biblical story of Ruth. The book begins with Naomi and her husband fleeing Bethlehem due to famine and lack of resources. They depart a place of scarcity and head to the Eastern side of the Dead Sea to Moab, where they find provision and where Naomi’s sons marry two Moabite women. Tragically, over the next several years, Naomi’s husband and two sons die, leaving her and her daughtersin-law economically and physically vulnerable. The social safety net for women in those days came from one’s sons and the men in their lives. All were gone. When Naomi hears that the famine has passed, she decides to return to Bethlehem and leave here daughters-in-law behind to re-marry. But Ruth demurs, insisting that she return with Ruth: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” When Ruth and Naomi arrive in Bethlehem, they have to find a source of provision, and are blessed to return during the barley harvest. In the book of Leviticus, God had made provision for vulnerable immigrants, orphans and widows through a practice called gleaning. Those harvesting crops were not to go through the field a second time, and not pick the crops all the way to the edge. The crops left behind were available to those in need, and they could pick these leftover crops for themselves and their families to have necessary food. So Ruth went out to glean, and ends up in Boaz’s field. Over the course of the next few chapters, and through a series of interventions, Boaz protects, provides, rescues, and redeems Ruth, and by extension, saves Naomi. Boaz and Ruth get married, and an immigrant woman from Moab becomes the greatgrandmother of King David. Let me be clear: in America, we do well when we embody the spirit THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED of Boaz. We respond to pain and suffering and hurt and vulnerability by helping one person at a time. Perhaps you have heard the (Continued on page 7) Ruth and Boaz Credit: biblestudytools.com �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 �No. 36 6 LOCAL Institutional Racism Still Lives | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 DR. MARK MUSSMAN A fter the Great Depression, our government enacted several programs that were designed to increase the wealth and prosperity of the American people. One of the most successful, and financially stable, programs that was created was the Federal Home Administration’s (FHA) home ownership program. All Staff Writer as we look around Over-the-Rhine and other inner-city neighborhoods, and we question “Why are all these buildings vacant?” we have a better answer than “white flight.” The disinvestment of the inner cities was built upon a system that saw African Americans as vermin and by denying loans to people of color, no matter their ability to pay back the loans. So once again, the wealth of some Americans is dependent on the denial of wealth to other Americans. The system of redlining wasn’t just a map with some colors and a rating system – it also included commentary about specific neighborhoods. The maps, If You're Not Outraged You're Not Paying Attention - Heather Heyer quote at Rally Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman the economists knew that if we gave an incentive for people to reinvest in their homes, or create their own single-family homes, they could pass that wealth on to their offspring. Owning real estate would create a middle class – which did in fact happen. The white middleclass that exists today is largely, if not fully, due to the FHA program which gave out over 120 billion dollars to people to create single family homes in the suburbs. When we were taught about “white flight” we were taught that it was more of a separatist movement, rather than an economic advantage. But, proximity to them would reduce the value of property. The term redlining comes from the maps that were drawn in major cities that enabled real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and community leaders to deny home ownership loans to people of color, based upon the collective value seen in their neighborhood. You have to remember that no one had any wealth after the Great Depression, so when we think about citizen’s ability to pay off any loans, we must recognize that poverty was so widespread that program needed to be propped up in such a way to ensure success – and this was done Empathy JASON HAAP H Contributing Writer ave you heard of Daryl Davis? He achieved some fame for being a black guy who befriended over 200 members of the KKK, ultimately getting them to reject their racist ways. What about Theo E. J. Wilson? He gave a TEDx Talk this year. He's a black guy who created an online persona to join white supremacist discussion boards - and, much to his surprise, discovered empathy for the people he met there. These men did the opposite of what seems "normal" - they reached out to those who hated them, and sought to understand. They did not just call their opponents "racist Nazis," starting a dramatic though probably pointless argument like I see happening all around me these days. Do we need to practice more empathy? As a liberal, I get it: an initial reaction may be to insist that those made by the Home Owners' Loan Corporation (HOLC), included things like: “Infiltration of: Negroes”; "Respectable people but homes are too near negro area"; "It is 100% poor class Negroes practically all on relief. A high wall, however, prevents their spread"; "Negro district on edge of section, but splendid cooperation of all residents in this section will always prevent spread." Wholesale denial of these wealthaccumulating loans to people of color resulted in more than 98% of the loans going exclusively to those who were considered “white” at the time. This federal policy, combined people are the ones needing to practice empathy, as their lack of it is likely how they came to be racist, sexist, anti-Semites in the first place. But you can't yell away someone's racism. And I don't really think you can ignore it, either. Pretending something doesn't exist is no strategy for making it disappear. Recently, I've been thinking long and hard about the "Backfire Effect." Contrary to how many of us think our minds should work, research shows that when confronted with material contrary to our beliefs, we actually dig in and believe our original thoughts even more. For the most part, you can't argue a racist into being nonracist any more than a racist can THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 5 with restrictive covenants and Home Ownership Associations (HOA) laws, provided no support or availability of quality housing to people of color – even if they could afford it. Restrictive covenants were legally binding terms put on the sale of a building – used to prevent the sale of property to people of color. Inside of the deed, whole communities restricted who could buy the property based upon skin color. HOA’s had the ability to restrict the sale of the property to white people, and if someone sold their home to a person of color, they would face severe economic punishments (including the absolute loss of the property and fines, imposed by the local court system). HOA’s would buy properties if they thought a black family was interested, just to prevent the sale as well. This created the white middle class at the expense of people of color. While this disgusting system was officially ended with the Fair Housing Act of 1968, redlining still continues in many ways. In fact, just this year, two local banks (Guardian Savings Bank, and Union Savings Bank) settled a lawsuit out of court which accused them of redlining. These banks only have branches in white majority neighborhoods and charged people different rates depending on their skin color. Both of these banks are locally managed and owned by the same entity. These types of behavior happen more regularly than you might believe – a few years back 5/3 Bank was in the hot seat for giving people different auto loan rates depending on your skin color. And it happens time and again in other sectors besides housing and loans: education, healthcare, transportation, etc. There is no wonder that Cincinnati ranks 74 out of 77 big cities in America for black upward mobility – it simply doesn’t exist here. This is due to economic factors that crippled the ability of people of color to create and maintain wealth – solely for the benefit of white citizens. Cincinnati Map: https://library. osu.edu/projects/redlining-mapsohio/maps/Cincinnati_map.JPG --------------------------------------argue with you and turn you into one! When talking about the Backfire Effect, many people think it a great explanation for why people on the other side of the political aisle don't "get it." There's just one problem: the Backfire Effect is not a partisan thing. Liberals suffer from it as much as Conservatives, or anyone in the middle. Here is an empathy experiment I've been trying recently: when presented with perspectives I think are "wrong," I remind myself this could be the Backfire Effect kicking in. Is everyone who disagrees with me automatically an evil person who (Continued on page 12) �6 LOCAL BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) increase in human services funding to job training programs assisting single mothers to qualify for decent jobs. The Mayor also promoted the Child Poverty Collaborative. Housed at the United Way, the Collaborative just announced a plan to lift 5,000 families out of poverty in the next five years. Recent data, he said, already shows significant progress in this effort. Council member Yvette Simpson then spoke at the Forum on September 28th. Citing the recent Urban League study, "The State of Black Cincinnati 2015: Two Cities," she announced that her efforts as Mayor would be devoted to making Cincinnati one city. "A great city," she declared, "should not be defined by how well the most successful are thriving." Her definition of a great city is one that is providing a better life to "the least of these." Needless to say, Simpson is very concerned about Cincinnati's high poverty rate and its ranking as the fifth most segregated city in the U.S. "We must create equity," she stressed, "and a city that works for everyone!" She emphasized the need to create an environment within the City Administration that listens to neighborhood residents and not just to wealthy developers. YOU CAN SUPPORT THE O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 When asked about the shortage of affordable housing, Simpson said she supports the initiative to establish a local housing trust fund. She confided that she is working with members of Cincinnatians For Affordable Housing on legislation to create such an entity. Her concerns are that the fund has an adequate revenue source and an accountable public administration that is dedicated to chipping away at the affordable housing deficit. Council member Simpson advocates grassroots rather than top down efforts to address poverty. She named several neighborhood projects where the residents are very involved in putting together the services that will help them address some of the day to day problems that keep them in poverty. She supports the Child Poverty Collaborative, but she also worries that it is too top down in its structure. As Mayor, she would work to further promote this grassroots approach. In the question period, a Forum attendee brought up the need to make 3CDC more accountable to the public. Simpson acknowledged the difficulty in making this essentially private entity more transparent. She agreed that when 3CDC is working on a public project such as Washington Park, the City needs to better insure that it listens to and woks with neighborhood residents. • Donate by texting the word “Homeless” to 444999 • Join Community Shares Workplace Giving • Donate on our website through PayPal at www.cincihomeless.org/donate-2/ • Send us a check to show your support. 117 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 We receive NO public funding. We rely on the generosity of people like you. Log in to Kroger Rewards and search for the Homeless Coalition, or use our NPO 82944. Every time you use your Kroger Plus card, you will be supporting us. It will NOT affect your gas points! When you shop online at Amazon, sign up for Amazon Smile program at www.smile.amazon.com and select “Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless” as your non-profit. A portion of your smile.amazon.com purchase will be donated to us each time you shop at no additional cost to you! Participate in a 30 Day Challenge or book a speaker or activity. Learn more about homelessness, our speakers, and how to become a better advocate for people experiencing homelessness! Download a printable PDF on our website: cincihomeless.org/30-day-challenge Write a letter of support for the Coalition, affordable housing, or livable wages to City Council: CityCouncil@Cincinnati-OH.gov Donate NOW! GC_HomelessCoal THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED GCHomelessCoalition �No. 36 6 LOCAL | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 W ill Ohio Issue 2 be the beginning of more affordable drug prices, or will it backfire and cause prices to go up? If the voters approve this measure in November, the State of Ohio will be required to pay no more for prescription medicines than what the Veteran Administration pays. There is a lot to unpack in this simple sentence. Both the “for” and “against” sides are eager to help voters understand their respective positions. Recently the Blue Ash Northeast Democratic Club hosted a discussion on Issue 2 with two Democrat activists on opposite sides. David Little (“for”) and Leo Pierson D’Cruz (“against”) are good friends with each other, progressive activists, and came to totally different conclusions about Issue 2. David Little has also contributed articles to Streetvibes. I went to see what I could learn. One clarification: Issue 2 is about enacting a new law. Its formal name is the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act. It is not an amendment to the Ohio Constitution. If passed the Ohio Departments of Aging, of Health, of Insurance, of Jobs and Family Services, and of Medicaid would pay the lower drug prices it mandates. That is MediCAID, not MediCARE. Medicare is administered by the federal government and there is a federal law which prohibits negotiating lower drug prices for this program. The opponents of Issue 2 are correct when they state that the TROY JACKSON (Continued from page 3) story of the Star Thrower, inspired by Loren Eiseley: An old man walking on the beach at dawn sees a young boy picking up starfish that had washed ashore the night before and hurling them into the ocean. The old man asks why, when there are so many and he could not possibly make a difference against such odds. The boy reached down and found another starfish, hurling it into the sea and said, “It made a difference to that one.” The story is a great reminder that acts of compassion and mercy are vital as each person matters to God. No act is too small for God and God’s people. And it seems to me that there is a fallacy in the way the story of the Star Thrower is used. The fable implies the despair and hardship facing human beings happens by accident, and can be addressed with a few short seconds of activity. It places the rescuer in the place of a savior, opening up troubling paternalism that reinforces positions of superiority and dependence. Put simply, people created in God’s image are not starfish, and they don’t wash up on the shore by accident. Ruth can be read from another angle, with particular focus on Ruth 7 Issue 2 MICHAEL EARL PATTON Contributing Writer law would not force drug companies to lower their prices for most Ohioans. On the other hand, David Little said the expectation is that this would just be the start of negotiating for lower drug prices across the board once voters realize that such a thing is possible. While Medicare is prohibited from negotiating for lower drug prices, the Veteran’s Administration is not. The average discount they receive is 24%, and this would become the new baseline for drugs which the State of Ohio buys if Issue 2 passes. This measure would not prohibit Ohio from negotiating even lower drug prices. On the other hand, Leo D’Cruz pointed out that the full text of the law is only 3 pages, which he said was far too short to truly implement it. (The ballot language is only a summary of the law, not the law itself. One can look up the actual text on-line or, when you go to vote, ask an election worker for a copy. In general, only tax levies have their full text on the ballot. There should be the full text available for review of any issue on the ballot that has been summarized.) Both David Little and Leo D’Cruz agreed that over-priced drugs are a huge problem. Those who have to pay full price know this first hand (for a while I was one of those). David Little favors a state-by-state incremental approach. Leo D’Cruz strongly favors drug price reform at the federal level. 2, and what it says about Bethlehem. This is not the romanticized Bethlehem of Christmas Carols. Let us consider what Bethlehem was like for other women forced to glean in other fields. Think about the implications of just a few verses from Ruth 2: Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Now listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Keep your eyes on the field that is being reaped, and follow behind them. I have ordered the young men not to bother you.” –Ruth 2:8-9a When [Ruth] got up to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, “Let her glean even among the standing sheaves, and do not reproach her.” – Ruth 2:15 Naomi said to Ruth, her daughterin-law, “It is better, my daughter, that you go out with his young women, otherwise you might be bothered in another field.” –Ruth 2:22 Sometimes the translation of the text into English blunts the sordid truth. Ruth was told to avoid these other fields because they represented a clear and present danger to her wellbeing. These vulnerable women in Bethlehem were constantly in danger of physical and sexual assault. Every day, as they sought to find enough food to stay alive, they had to guard against unwanted advances. David Little, while not opposed to a federal solution, says it is not going to happen. Leo D’Cruz says that Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown has already introduced legislation. David Little responded that Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who made a national health care system a centerpiece of his campaign, has endorsed Ohio Issue 2. And so the forum went, not angrily, but definitely with strong and chambers of commerce. But some organizations do support Issue 2, along with individuals such as former director of Veteran Affairs Max Cleland and, as mentioned above, Senator Bernie Sanders. The language about paying the petitioners’ “reasonable attorney fees” to defend the law did come up for discussion. I know there is an ad against Issue 2 which says they would be reimbursed for “unlimited” attorney fees, but the actual language says “reasonable.” David Little said Yes on Issue 2 Maling Credit: Michael Earl Patton emotions. Both sides have many people and organizations that have gone on record as supporting one side or the other. Judging from the lists of endorsers in the literature I picked up at the forum, I would say that the “No” side had more backing from medical and veteran organizations, that the pharmaceutical industry has filed 70,000 lawsuits and that this kind of language is common on ballot issues. The initiative was supposed to be on last year’s ballot but it was delayed by lawsuits, which the backers eventually won. The language also So while we my celebrate Boaz for the mercy he provides for Ruth, there is no indication that he used his power and position to protect other women even in his own fields. He tells his workers not to “bother” Ruth, implying that he would look the other way were they to “bother” another woman gleaning in his fields. And he certainly does not challenge the cultural norm by working to make sure every woman who gleans in Bethlehem is safe from rape in the fields. While on the one had we can celebrate Boaz for his willingness to redeem and protect Ruth, we also must acknowledge that the people of Bethlehem failed to act to protect vulnerable women in their community, and this was a failure of justice. The renowned German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, whom the Germans killed for his participation in a plot to kill Hitler, once said, ““We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.” When we give clothing and canned goods to the local mission, when we tutor a child who is struggling to learn to read, and when we offer job training to a person getting out of prison, we are doing good work. We are doing our part to bandage the wounds of society’s victims. But sooner or later, we need to find out why so many people are being ground to a pulp. Micah 6:8 is very clear: “What does the Lord require of you, but to Do Justice, and to Love Mercy, and to Walk Humbly with Our God.” Sooner or later, we must move from conversation about justice, and actually begin to do justice. No matter what we do, may we look beyond ourselves and remember the other women, the other fields, and those whose hearts are crying out for Justice in this broken world. God hears their cries. May we also hear their cries. If you are interested in getting more involved in the work of justice, we invite you to join AMOS, the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, and other community partners on Sunday, October 15th for a candidates forum. We will engage with candidates for Cincinnati’s Mayoral and City Council races at New Prospect Baptist Church, 1580 Summit Road, Cincinnati, 45237 from 6-8 PM. We will focus on racial equity and justice, with particular focus on the State of Black Cincinnati report from the Urban League in 2015. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED (Continued on page 9) --------------------------------------- �8 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS From US vs THEM to Only US TOGETHER: Lieutenant Joe Richardson Gets Rid of Labels and Lives with Mindfulness & Compassion O O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 n the attendance board at the police station to which is assigned Lieutenant Joe Richardson, his colleagues often write next to his name and instead of "In" or "Out", "At Temple", and this is even when he is on duty. In fact, Richardson, a Buddhist, lives his religious beliefs at all moments of the day and wherever he is. They have become an integral part of him and of who he is; they dictate his thoughts, actions and reactions; and have transformed him and his daily life into the real temple of his faith. "Searching for a religious identity, I became attracted to Buddhism because of its emphasis on compassion," says Richardson, "also for its Boddhisattva ideal to always work for the benefit and enlightenment of all human beings." Not keen, however, on the idea of "reincarnation", he was reassured by a statement from the Dalai Lama that one does not have to espouse all Buddhist beliefs in order to become a Buddhist. Born in Belleville, a small village of Northern Ohio, Richardson was not raised religious but, nevertheless, with strong moral values. His parents expected him to always be respectful and well behaved. Growing up he was not exposed to diversity, but rather to a very homogenous white community with little to no encounters with minorities such as Blacks, Latinos, or gays. Like his father he was very conservative, with extreme rightwing views, and deeply believed SAAD GHOSN Contributing Writer that anyone or any group who had a problem was entirely responsible for solving it. In 1985 and at the age of 18 he joined Miami University to study political science and was an active member of its college of Republicans. Three years later, he dropped out of school, got married and joined the police department. "Becoming a cop appealed very much to me," he says. "I was big and imposing, and always protected my weak friends from the bullies. I felt I had the ability to help others." Richardson came to police hood with altruistic ideas and no prejudices. He succumbed, however, quickly to its culture of separation, the work tending to impose a perspective of "Us" versus "Them", the good guys against the bad ones, police versus civilians... "Cops learn to see themselves as guardians, like sheepdogs, and view criminals as wolves," Richardson states. "That also reinforces the usversus-them mentality." This mentality accompanied Richardson all the way until 1999 when he was promoted supervisor and was assigned to work with "Citizens on Patrol" in East Price Hill. His initial skeptical approach to the group changed quickly when he encountered instead wonderful individuals who were friendly, competent, responsible, policesupporting and who wanted to help What Is BUDDHISM Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563– 483 BC), the Buddah, a rich prince who led a life of an ascetic mendicant, in Nepal, teaches people how to end their suffering by cutting out greed, hatred and ignorance. For Buddhism, doing bad things brings bad consequences, and good things, good ones; and good and bad do not cancel out. This cause-and-effect chain is reflected in the endless cycles of life, death and rebirth (reincarnation) in which Buddhism believes. The ultimate goal of a Buddhist is to reach the state of enlightenment (Nirvana) and liberate oneself from endless reincarnation and suffering. Buddhists do not believe that Buddha is a god, but rather a human being who has woken up and sees the true way the world works; and that this knowledge represents the final extinction of desire. Buddhists take refuge in the three Jewels, the Buddha, the Dharma (the way to live life as taught by the Buddha), and the Sangha (the congregation of monks and other Buddhists). They are encouraged to follow five  precepts, or rules: not to hurt a living person or animal; not to take something that is not given; not to engage in sexual misconduct; not to lie or say hurtful things; not to take intoxicants (like alcohol or drugs) which cause heedlessness. Some see Buddhism as a religion, others as a philosophy, and others as a way of finding reality. take care of their own problems and improve their neighborhood. "They all became my friends and they showed me that there were things outside the police department which were as good as within, in order to address neighborhood issues," he says. Richardson's new perspective was also quickly reinforced by the Lieutenant Joe Richardson April 2001 racial riots in Cincinnati which followed the killing of unarmed African American Timothy Thomas by a white policeman. These uprisings prompted a self-reflection within the police organization as a whole and an examination of police actions at all levels. "It was a wake-up call," says Richardson. "I was almost simultaneously inside the department looking out and outside looking in. It made me realize that policing was something we had traditionally done "TO" the community instead of "WITH" the community and that it needed to change. And I wanted to be a part of that change." Serving as a liaison to community councils and neighborhood groups, Richardson would attend their meetings, talk to them regarding security and police issues, and listen to their complaints. He would always strive to be open, receptive and honest, and bring back the awareness he acquired from his interactions to his superiors and other police officers. "It ceased to be only about zero tolerance and jailing the offender, the approach prevalent before," he says. "Trying to understand the issue, seeing it from different viewpoints, and collaborating to finding a solution, became instead the focus." This new vision coincided in Richardson with his discovery of Buddhism which also stresses in its teachings that there is no Us vs Them, that in fact there is no Them but just all of Us, and that, as a result, it becomes difficult to hate someone who is part of you. Richardson progressively learned more and more Credit: Saad Ghosn about Buddhism. He frequented and attended classes at the local Buddhist temples, first the Therevadan monastery in Forest Park, then the Tibetan one in Colerain where he discovered a very strong sense of "sangha", community. In 2011 he took his refuge vows as a declared Buddhist. "To me Buddhism is how to live life," he says. "I don’t do it for the promise of heaven or eternal life. I do it to make me a better me now and in the future." In fact, every morning Richardson meditates and prays with the explicit purpose to be reminded to be a good Buddhist throughout his day. In 2014, wanting to learn more about religions, he decided to pursue his education and joined the University of Cincinnati focusing on religious studies. He graduated last month with a Bachelor's degree and hopes to pursue a Master's degree in the near future. At the police department, Richardson is now responsible for enlarging the Police Academy into a regional enterprise. It is where (Continued on page 11) 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. 36 6 A 9 LOCAL Don’t privatize our Library | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 EMMA WILSON library is a beautiful space. It is here where the knowledge of communities’ lives. This is a place that anyone can access free of charge, a haven of safety for those who may have nowhere else to go, a wealth of information available to anyone and everyone who passes through these doors. According to a recent internal survey, circulation in this library system is up by 13 percent since 2016. So why we must ask, is one of the busiest library systems in this country planning to sell off half its main branch to the real estate development corporation 3CDC. Let me tell you a little bit about 3CDC and how wide their devastating reach has extended. Yesterday I was down here on the plaza canvassing for this rally. It took all of ten minutes before I met an individual who lived in the Metropole public housing building. Only a few years ago, 3CDC bought the building and forced every single resident from their home Contributing Writer Cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction that working people experience are masked by the veneer of a shiny gentrified city. Working people are living under the shadow of corporate dominance that continues to extend its reach ever further unless a mass movement of working people is built to stop the privatization of our public spaces. I spoke to a lovely woman also sitting in the plaza. In our conversation, she expressed her fear of the future. If the North Building is sold she said. What is to stop them from setting their sights on the South building? What is going to stop them when they set their sights on other library branches? Other public services? Let me be clear Private interests will never defend our public spaces when they stand to make a profit. The sole purpose of the corporations represented on the library board is to accumulate Library board meeting with County Commissioners Credit: Bryce Phillips so it could be renovated into yet another fancy hotel establishment. Another establishment that serves as a playground for the rich instead providing housing for the working poor. MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 7) helps protect the petitioners, that is, those individuals who are named as being behind the initiative, if they are sued by the pharmaceutical industry in connection with this issue. An editorial in the Columbus Dispatch passed out by the “No” side discusses if Issue 2 might cause drug prices to go up for veterans. They concluded it might if drug makers profit at our expense. It's on us: the public – the workers, patrons and community members to defend our public spaces from private takeovers. Just last Friday, Charlie Cambell was handcuffed, detained and cited by a library staff security guard for refuse to provide a better price for the VA so that they can charge everyone the normal, high price. In the end, I decided that I would vote “Yes” on Issue 2, the Ohio Drug Price Relief Act. I wish that I could see the effects of the law more clearly, but that may not be possible since if it passes it will be the first in the country. I wish there were a federal law mandating affordable drug prices, but I can’t hold my breath any longer. As David Little pointed out, if this law “Breakdown Stereotypes” holding a sign that said “3CDC: Hands off Our Library”. This was a violation of free speech, point blank. In response to our plans for this rally, the library administration announced on Monday that they would drop the charge against Charlie and suspend the staff security guard that carried out his detention. That because working people deserve the right to the city. We deserve the right to shape our cities in our interests because we produce all of the wealth in this society and it is stolen from us by the corporations and the 1%. We’re fighting for a broad movement that can become strong enough to bring the fortune 500 companies under democratic control and end their exploitation of the masses of working people. Save our Library Campaign Supporters Credit: Stephanie Phillips is not the kind of justice that we are fighting for. We demand that the staff security guard who carried out Charlie’s detention and citation be immediately reinstated without suspension or reprimand of any kind. The right to free speech has been attacked inside and outside of the workplace on this issue, and we do not blame someone who is simply doing their job for carrying out the will of the corporate-controlled library board. We will not be silenced and we stand with all the library workers who have been forced into quiet opposition to the library board's plans to sell this cherished public resource. We demand that the North building not be sold or privatized. We want a democratically run public space. We’re here today Socialist Alternative calls for an end to budget cuts to education and social services. We need full funding for all community needs. A major increase in taxes on the rich and big business, not working people. Throughout the country, we’re fighting for a $15 minimum wage, an end to police brutality, and for free healthcare for all. We need a library board that represents the interests of library patrons and employees and our communities - not the Fortune 500 companies. Cuts to public space, cuts to health care, cuts to education, represent the inability of the capitalist system to provide for the most basic human needs in the wealthiest country in the history of human society. It’s up to us to gather a massive force of people who can break this cycle of exploitation and throw off the attacks on our public spaces and resources. was really going to cause drug prices to go up, why is the pharmaceutical industry pouring so many dollars into defeating it? What grates me even more is that I know many drugs and devices were developed using taxpayer dollars. The development of the $600 EpiPen autoinjector device, for example, was funded by the military to provide a means for troops to give themselves a lightning-quick antidote in case of a chemical attack. The federal government should mandate that the company making it charge consumers a price that covers costs plus only a small profit. As mentioned above, Issue 2 would be a law, not a constitutional amendment. If it needs to be tweaked or adjusted, that is a realistic expectation. We need to give it a try. [Editor’s note: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition has not taken a position on Issue 2 at this time.] “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 �10 LOCAL O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 December 21 - 31, 2017 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. 36 6 LOCAL OTZ & THE DOG BOY 11 | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 but this was mainly to check out the bald spots caused by his mange and it infuriated him. Everyone always got a laugh out of that. My brother Douggie and I always had a lot of fun with him too. Otz's daily routine was so set you could have kept time by it. Every morning just after nine o'clock, when the last faint remnants of fog were vanishing from the Muskingum River in front of our house, you could expect to see his gnarled old head peer suspiciously around the corner of the hedge bordering our cinder driveway. He always looked up, then down, then back up the drive towards our house. Then, slowly, he'd make his long cautious walk up to the back yard. Glancing from side to side as he approached, poor old Otz tried to muster as much dignity as he could. Douggie and I might be hidden beside the garage, or on the flat garage roof or in the hedge. Then when Otz was just a step or two away, we didn't jump out at him; that would have been too crude, too obvious. We'd discovered that it was far more effective to poke our heads out very casually, without uttering a sound, letting the expressions on our faces alone say, "Why hello, Otz." And Otz would immediately growl, turn around and go trotting stiffly back to the wooden stairs down to his house, muttering indignantly the whole time. "Grrrummmmbleummumble-rum-rumble grrumrumumble," was his traveling music all the way back to the little cabin perched on a hillside behind our hedge. By this time Douggie and I would both be gasping for breath beneath our fiendish laughter. "Poor Otz!" we would howl. "Aww...here, Otz! Here, Otzie!" Unfailingly, he would cast a wrathful look back over his shoulder and growl even louder -- "GRRUMMM-RUMBLE-RUMRUM!" -- before disappearing around the corner of the hedge. His owners took a dim view of such behavior and persuaded Dad to help put a stop to it; he told us the next report he got of our teasing Otz would mean an automatic whipping. Well, it couldn't have been more than a couple of days later that we got caught peeking around the hedge at Otz, setting off a low rumble that had the whole rickety porch of that cabin vibrating. When I saw the screen door swing open, all I could think of was Dad's strong right arm. "Ah hah -- caught him, didn't you, Mr. Stevens?" I managed to get out without losing a beat. "I caught both of you!" he contradicted me. A few minutes later Dad had us out breaking our own individual switches off of the apple tree. That's one of the last whippings I ever got, and I've often wondered whether it was Dad's stinging blows (which I can still feel) or guilt at having attempted to blame the whole thing on Douggie that has kept the memory fresh all these years. Whether it was the whipping or the fact that I started school soon afterwards and suddenly found it beneath my dignity to fool with a scrawny old dog, I did finally leave teasing Otz to my brother. It seems that Otz became something of a hermit after that; perhaps he'd finally learned he just wasn't welcome up under the apple tree. Maybe one of the younger and stronger dogs, or Br'er Coon's sharp teeth, took a piece out of his scaly hide. In any case his reclusiveness compelled Douggie to develop our old game into a fine science. During the day, when Otz's owners were both at work, Douggie would take half an hour or more to sneak stealthily down the hill and around the cabin behind the high back porch where Otz now spent most of each day on a doormat, looking balefully out over his little world. There were several big nail kegs overturned beneath the porch, and Douggie would climb carefully onto the one farthest from the door, then creep noiselessly from keg to keg until he was right under Otz's nose. Picture Otz lying there curled up on the mat or stretched out in the sun gazing into space, eyes glazed and heavy-lidded as he nurses some private grudge or thinks back over the long years to happier, more carefree days...when suddenly, a big moon face rises slowly over the horizon of the plank porch floor. Not a sound: just a big snicker-shaped grin curving from one dirty ear above a fat little chin to the other. It happened several times a week but Otz, perhaps a little senile by now, was always taken by surprise. "GRR-RUM-Rum-Rummmble!" And there'd go Douggie in case the woman who lived there was home unexpectedly and might catch him -- Otz still trembling with rage, the stiff grey hairs raised on the back of his neck like a horse's cropped mane. Then one day a surprising thing happened. A strange car pulled up in the driveway and stopped at the head of the stairs down to Otz's cabin. Two teenage boys, a girl about twice my age and their parents got out of the car. One of the boys whistled and shouted, "Here, Boots! Here, Boots!" My brother and I looked at each other, then sauntered down to see what all the commotion was about. We were about halfway down the drive when up those steps streaked crippled old Otz. You'd have thought he was a puppy, the way he jumped and skipped and danced around, all the time crying with joy. The girl and boys each picked him up and hugged him. I think their mother even had tears in her eyes. Otz was so happy to see them. Our own mother learned later that when these people, who had obviously been Otz's family at one time, had moved to the city they'd had to give him away because it was too dangerous for him there. When they left him behind once again, Otz couldn't understand why he still wasn't allowed to go with them. He stood in the driveway at the top of the stairs for a long time after they drove away. My brother says it was only a few days later that old Otz died. the chief of Middletown police, who, for instance, added social awareness and emotional intelligence to his officers' training. At work and with his colleagues, Richardson tries to live by example, with honesty, and according to his Buddhist faith. "When needed, I do not hesitate to be the hand who stops somebody to only go so far and no further, or to say, “that’s wrong”, “that’s mean”, or “that’s bigoted”. I’ve had to learn that a lot more good comes from consistently being the person willing to say, “this is not welcome here”," he states. Richardson would like to learn more about the Black Lives Matter movement and establish a liaison with its local leaders. He thinks that communication and respect are keys for dealing with any community. "At the start, I was a white male protestant policeman part of the majority. When I started getting rid of labels, I saw the diversity and embraced it. Others stopped being my enemy; they became part of me, me and me vs me and them." Richardson aims at living his life truthfully, honestly, with mindfulness and compassion. He aims also at being a Boddhisattva, at helping bring everyone else along to a better place. DICK CROY ...In Which Otz Lives a Very Short Happy Life E verybody -- Br'er Coon and all the real dogs -- hated Otz. Br'er Coon was the almost tame raccoon who lived with us for a year or so when my brother the Dog Boy and I were growing up in the Appalachian hill country of Southeastern Ohio. He thought he was a dog (Br'er Coon I mean, although this was equally true of my brother at the time), a sort of superdog actually, and even though they all knew he wasn't, none of the real ones would have considered contesting the issue with him. The dogs themselves were all sex slaves in the male harem of Libbet, our female collie, who held court under a big apple tree in our back yard. Old and disagreeable, with bad breath and a chronic case of mange, Otz hung around most of the time on the back porch (nobody'd ever heard of decks in those days) of a cabin down the road from our house. He was an irascible little runt, a faux fox terrier with a chip on his shoulder, who limped slightly for sympathy. Every day when he headed home in a huff, grumbling and growling down our long driveway, his limp was worse than when he had wandered up the drive an hour or so earlier. He didn't limp on the way up because he wasn't entirely abject, just mean and ornery. He hoped the painful hobble back to his house would make all those who had once more banished him from the back yard feel guilty again. It was an old story we had all gotten really tired of. Actually, most of the dogs just ignored Otz. He was beneath contempt: a foul little creature who couldn't catch a rabbit if they were in the same cage together -- who couldn't even open his mouth without grumbling about something. Oh, once in a while one of them would sidle over and give Otz a perfunctory sniff when he came into the yard, SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) civilians are trained to become police officers, and where policemen get their continuous professional training as required by the State. Richardson would like to expand the program, and, in addition to social justice, bring more diversity training to it, also introduce mindfulness and equanimity as topics of discussion. He likes to quote Rodney Mutterspaw, Contributing Writer "Thank You" to Retired Judge Painter for his ongoing generosity. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 T LOCAL Movement To Improvement his is something I thought I wouldn’t be writing about for at least 3-4 months from now. But things have changed. I don’t know if it’s God’s plan or the people who run the place I am staying at. It’s funny, I came here with a plan to get my recovery, get gainfully employed, build a nest egg and move into an apartment. I gave myself a year to accomplish these things. I have succeeded in all those areas, except the nest egg. It’s not quite where I would like it to be for me to move on but, Life happens. I have to say I’m sad in a way JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) Manager clearly does not see our people as “stakeholders”. So, for years company representatives and DCI have complained about people sleeping on Third Street. Over these years the City has responded by having CPD officers harass people sleeping on Third street and has corroborated the unfounded fears of people who are housed against people who are not housed. The city has also, in a variety of ways supported the displacement of people from housing and the closure of affordable housing while investing virtually no City dollars into affordable housing until a year or so ago when Vice Mayor Mann’s motion to put a relatively (yet important) small amount of one-time funds into affordable housing was approved. The City also spent a decade cutting the already relatively meager funds allocated to Human Services. In this context and in the context of increasing homelessness in our City, people the City Manager considers “stakeholders” complained and asked that the benches be removed and the city started removing them. In his memo Mr. Black states that “This area has also been identified as an issue in our Panhandling Stakeholders meetings.” He explains that this group includes JASON HAAP (Continued from page 5) fails to understand reality? As much as I'd like to think so, I recognize how crazily egomaniacal that sounds! So, instead of trying to convince my "opponents" they are wrong, I am trying to train myself to understand their perspectives first. Not in an off-handed way, but in a deep and meaningful way. This has caused me some uncomfortable cognitive dissonance, and I think that means I'm successfully combating the Backfire Effect in an attempt to establish empathy. Let me leave you with these excerpts from Wilson's TEDx Talk: A lot of these guys were just O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer but also fearful and Joyous at the same time. All these emotions are hitting me at the same time. It’s sad to be leaving a place that gave me the time and environment to get some Recovery. It’s fearful because I’m starting a “New Adventure” (thanks Babe), and Joyous because It’s letting me know that the future is bright for me. Haven’t decided or even found a place, but I am eager to do just that. 9 months ago I was on the verge of suicide. And today I’m living life and happy (most of the time) living it. Once I became willing to do somethings and change somethings doors began to open. Along with doors, my heart opened to what I could be. Having this dream and this hope allows me to attack each day with vigor and laugh at myself and my faults. You see before I used to see my faults as negative attributes of myself. Now I see them as something I need and can change. Change is the Key word for me today. I have changed me, my outlook, my surroundings, my friends. All in the name of Peace within myself. How can this be? This can be because “…representatives from DCI, 3CDC, REDI, Strategies to End Homelessness, CPD, [the Manager’s] office and other city departments…” Strategies to End Homelessness (STEH) administers the local Continuum of Care for the Homeless process and system funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Kevin Finn who is the President of STEH wrote, “My feeling is that it is very disingenuous of the City Manager’s office to even mention the meeting in his memo, given that this action was never discussed in the meeting, much less approved.” Why do we need a meeting meant to curb panhandling, an action which is legal? In front of the City Council Neighborhoods Committee, Manager Black stated that the goal is to, “…increase the buffer between panhandlers and people who work downtown and are coming downtown to enjoy it; to create more space between the two…” It is worth saying here that we attended the first meeting of this group. In this meeting we re-iterated that panhandling is not illegal because people have the basic right to speak, that there is nothing morally wrong with panhandling and those organizations represented need to invest time, money and political advocacy into the creation and preservation of affordable housing. We also stated that the proposed donation meters were a terrible idea, which statistically produce virtually no positive results and simply reduce human contact, which is a bad thing. After that meeting we fell off the email invite list. In his memo he goes on to say that “It has been determined people are using this space behind the benches to engage in lewd and lascivious activities”. Lewd is defined as sexually unchaste or licentious, obscene and vulgar. Lascivious means lustful, wanton action arousing sexual desire, indicating sexual interest or behavior especially that is considered indecent or obscene. Despite the fact that earlier in his memo the City Manager states that it is a problem that the benches create a “visual barrier for patrol officers”, here he says it has been determined that people are engaged in these “lewd and lascivious activities”. Talk about defamation, you are clearly prejudiced against people without homes, people with homes complain about the presence of people without homes, you remove the protective barrier people seeking sleep have, you get caught and you say folks were engaged in sexually obscene, vulgar activities which reflect or produce sexual desire. I was trying to stop obscene, indecent and vulgar activities in public. Give me a break. If that were not enough he goes on to claim that the plan was to replace the benches with “…benches I have put my Life in the Hands of my God. See I no longer run things my way. Don’t get me wrong I do make mistakes but my God has a way of correcting them so that I can see them and learn something. It’s not easy every day, but just for me to be willing to do this is a step in the right direction. Movement to Improvement is the title (thanks Angelo), but it should and can be titled Moving Forward or Growing Up! Either way it’s a positive thing no matter what words I use. Life is a constant thing that comes with the passing of time. In God’s Time, not Mine has become my mantra. As I end this piece I can only think of the how much I have in store for me in the coming weeks. allowing more transparency and thus more accommodating to ensure a safe environment”. So, in addition to acting lewd and lascivious, the City Manager believes people sleeping on Third street cause the area to be unsafe. What is actually unsafe is having a city with a shortage of thousands of units of affordable housing, continuing housing displacement, underfunded Human Services, etc. to the point that an increasing number of people don’t have a home and sleep outside where the risk of a hate crimes attack is very real. On top of that the City is working to stop people from sleeping in a location out of a list where every option is bad, but chosen for the safety in numbers, the well-traveled and watched street and the lit sidewalks, as well as at least the minimal sense of security provided by the benches. This is what isn’t safe. I mean think about the big picture here. The city has provided no legal protections to stop displacement, has funded gentrification, gives tax abatements worth millions to companies creating exclusive living spaces, invests extremely little in affordable housing, harasses people who sleep outside and/or panhandle, has cut Human Services, defames people’s character, etc. and then says, oh you are sleeping behind a public bench on a public sidewalk, well were going to take it away so you are even more exposed. regular Joe's. A lot of outdoorsmen. Hunters. Computer nerds. Some of them family guys with videos of their families. ... And I'm going to tell you what else led to the momentum of the alt-right: the left-wing's demonization of everything white and male. If you are a pale-skinned penis-haver, you are in league with Satan! Would you believe that some people find that offensive? ... However, one thing kept screaming at me through the subtext of those arguments ... why should I be hated for who I cannot help but be? As a black man in America, that resonated with me. --------------------------------------- Daryl Davis with a Klansman Credit: Google Images THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 6 13 STREET VOICE | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 SON THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF INSULTS Son talk to me Mommy needs to know What you feel And what you see Son talk to me Mommy loves you With all her heart Seems like we have been drifting apart It’s a feeling, I feel in my heart Prez, Prez, President Trump, Via Tweets or on the stump, Who did you insult today? "I attacked Senator McCain, Then Susan Collins of Maine, Plus the NFL and the NBA." I will never let anything keep us apart In the heart is where we need to start Like the good old days BILL WOODS Contributing Writer When learning and hoping were part of our start YESTERDAY And we would talk Let’s start over son Because you are my heart KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer Yesterday is long gone and so very far behind Yesterday is something only in our minds does it shine Yesterday is when the elders had troubles far away Yesterday I except is the past so I live only for today Someone said tomorrow is not promised and yesterday has past Someone said right now is what’s going on so tell me how long can it last I believe that a mixture of the past and the present in the world of today Is all we need to endure for the future belongs to only God I say So why not live one day at a time and each moment experience the treasure I believe our lives would be much easier, happier and full of God’s love and pleasure! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 135 Across 1. Acquire 4. Part of the hand 8. Constrictors 12. A narrow way or road 13. Comply 14. Lawful 16. Foreboding 17. A thin strip 18. Far beyond the norm 19. Total 20. Indicating maiden name 21. Possesses 23. Group of things of the same kind 24. Fashion 26. Definite article 28. Nocturnal bird 30. The night before 32. Fish traps 36. Decapod 39. Skin condition 41. Desperate 42. Lout 43. Aromatic herb 45. Operate 46. Male red deer 48. Convention 49. Small hard fruit 50. Sea swallow 51. Understand 52. Self 54. Employ 56. Inundated 60. Deciduous tree 63. Ballet step 65. Pelvis 67. Health resort 68. Percipient 70. Stretched tight 72. Prescribed selection of foods 73. Suggestive of the supernatural 74. Wheel shaft 75. Not in active use 76. Hemispherical roof 77. A quantity of paper 78. Mousse Down 1. Complete extent or range 2. Foe 3. Square root of one hundred 4. Impersonate 5. Having a strong healthy body 6. Pasture 7. Traditional story accepted as history 8. Redden 9. Lubricant 10. Subdivisions of a play 11. Father 12. Results from costs exceeding revenue 15. Make lacework by knotting or looping 20. Novel 22. Consumed 25. Tennis stroke 27. Conclusion 29. Workplace in short, for scientific research 30. Follow as a result 31. Garment that covers the head and face 33. Republic of Ireland 34. Proper alignment 35. Transmit 36. Monetary value 37. Charge per unit 38. A great distance 40. Feel concern or interest 44. On the sheltered side 47. Large African antelope 49. Female hog 51. Large body of water 53. Space between two things 55. Fling 57. Stage whisper 58. Trance 59. Detest 60. Playing card 61. Sleigh 62. Champion 64. Celestial body 65. Polynesian dance 66. Detail 69. Objective 71. Cutting tool SODOKU PUZZLE NO 265 - MEDIUM 72. Archeological site PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 134 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 264- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 6 RESOURCES | O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 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 352-6364 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 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 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 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 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 $100 558-8888 351-3500 977-4489 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 352-6363 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 O c t 6 - O c t 19, 2 0 17 | N o . 36 6 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 2/2015 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 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 October 6-October 19, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Mayoral Candidates Make Solo Appearances at the Community Issues Forum Pg 3: Why Metro is Critical to the Disabled Community “Other Fields” Pg 4: 4th Annual Oakley Masquerade Pg 5: Institutional Racism Still Lives Empathy Pg 6: GCHC Pg 7: Issue 2 Pg 8: From US vs THEM to Only US Together Pg 9: Don’t Privatize Our Library Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: OTZ & The Dog Boy Pg 12: Movement to Improvement 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 October 6-October 19, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Jeremy Moses Troy Jackson DR. Mark Mussman Jason Haap Michael Earl Patton Saad Ghosn Emma Wilson Dick Croy Bobby Morris Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Alice Schneider Better Bus Coalition Biblestudytools.com Bryce Phillips Stephanie Phillips Google images Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Better Bus Coalition Biblestudytools.com Bill Woods Bobby Morris Bryce Phillips Dick Croy Dog Boy Dr. Mark Mussman Emma Wilson Google Images Issue 2 Jason Haap Jeremy Moses Josh Spring Kim Green Library Mayoral Metro Michael Earl Patton Ohio Racism Saad Ghosn Stephanie Phillips Troy Jackson Voting Willa Denise Jones