25 10 291 https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5aee996ba939069439ed60c518960e55.pdf 5e092134d61b02ca13890f6e12c3e472 PDF Text Text O C T . 1 2 - 2 5 2 0 1 2 VOL.16 ISSUE 21 (No. 236) PAGE 3 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 facebook.com/streetvibes cincinnati PAGE 5 inspiring stories from around the world twitter.com/streetvibesnews PAGE10 9 PAGE streetvibes.wordpress.com �2 EDITORIAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 “It’s looks good, stop complaining!” From the Director I cannot begin to tell you how many times we have heard people say of Washington Park or the three blocks of Vine Street 3CDC has attempted to re-term the “gateway quarter” or the future tourist hotel that displaced Metropole Tenants … “Oh it looks nice, so what are you all complaining about!?” Folks say this as if it is the most logical argument against our stances. If it looks good, move on. This argument reveals how truly oppressed we are- how we have been turned into consumers. If you think about it, it really is no surprise that folks constantly make this argument of aesthetic. Enormous corporations are continually studying what will catch our eyes and therefore our pocket books. We are taught if it looks nice and is easy; buy it. So we purchase the pre-made products we could make ourselves; we buy cars because we like the bells and whistles JOSH SPRING Executive Director and the color; we buy houses because “it’s the right place to buy a house;” we go to the restaurants we see in commercials versus the ones that might have real homemade food; we buy clothes that are easily accessible even though they were made by People in sweatshops; the list goes on and on. If it looks good, go for it. Of course many people due to systematic ills, don’t have the dollars needed in some cases to be able to choose the more responsible, and often more expensive, choices. The problem in each of these examples is we are shooting ourselves in our own personal foot, shooting someone else in their foot or shooting our collective community foot. It is interesting to me that in the discussion of the Civil Rights Movement we often don’t hear much mention of Malcolm X. I have heard a good number of folks disregard Malcolm X because of that famous line we attribute to him, “By any means necessary…” We don’t necessarily consider the context of that line or all of the other things he said. We also don’t necessarily consider that he was talking about achieving access to the extremely important inalienable rights of humans. Yet it seems that what we are saying by exclaiming- “It looks good, stop complaining” - we might as well be saying, “By any means necessary we must achieve what looks and feels good to me and those I know.” Essentially folks who make the “looks good” argument are saying that it does not matter what happened, who was displaced, who’s civil rights were walked over, how much money was spent, who had a say and who did not, who had what they needed taken away, who had what they did not need put in…none of that matters as long as “I and those I know think it looks good and we feel good”. This is so frustrating and absurd. When talking about social justice and human rights, we hear responses such as- oh wait, calm down, don’t be inflammatory, you should compromise, etc. But if something looks good- then it is all good- no matter what happened or is happening? If you think about that two seconds beyond the corporate drivel hammered our way- you will realize that injustice is not okay just because the outer face of its consequences may look pretty. Sure, nice paint, new parking garages, hip shops, re-done sidewalks, new stages, water fountains, and catchy bars all look great, but that doesn’t make injustice okay. Is it right that injustice is being justified just because a particular income class, deemed more desirable by themselves and corporate run organizations, now feels comfortable where they once felt uncomfortable (because of the fears pushed on them by the same corporate run organizations that want control)? Is it right that injustice is being accepted because the same class of people is now spending money in this community? Nothing makes injustice okay. -Josh Spring, LSW, Executive Director Places to go, people to see DYLAN SPEEG Contributing Writer My wife needed a break today so I took our toddler to the museum to expose my daughter some culture while wearing her out. Little did I know I would see a photography exhibit that would blow me away at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Herb Ritts produces photographs that capture the human body in its most exotic splendor. His photography has transformed mere celebrities into icons and the naked body into a visual poem. The Cincinnati Art Museum has his many glorious works on exhibit, letting people see the legendary artistry that will forever impact the art and our culture. Herb Ritts: L.A. Style is at The Cincinnati Art Museum at 953 Eden Park Drive and lasts until December 30th. Saturday, October 13 from 2-11 p.m., the Glendale Village Square will be stuffed with over 119 craft ales, domestic and import wines, plus food from some of Cincinnati’s best places to eat. The reason is because it’s the Glendale Festival. There will also be tastings, accompanied by food, as well as live music that night. Kids of all ages can have a blast at Parky’s Farm for some kid-friendly attractions. At Halloween Nights at Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1.50 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. Parky’s Farm you’ll take a creepy wagon ride through Spooky Hallow Ghost Town before roasting marshmallows at the campfire. Explore it Thursday through Sunday in person at Winton Woods at 10245 Winton Road and lasts until October 28th. The Lloyd Library and Museum on 917 Plum St. is a gem in the crown of the Queen City. The Magic and Myth of Alchemy is the current exhibition and it is really interesting and fun. This exhibit features historical texts on alchemy and how it helped develop the modern chemistry laboratory and fostered the scientific methods and pursuit of miracle cures that have aided in the development of today’s pharmaceutical chemistry. You will also like that it’s free. I will be on the lookout for fun and exciting stuff to do around our city. I always find some really cool stuff. �3 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 The Columbus Controversy Every Friday at Noon People’s Platform for Equality & Justice Peaslee Neighborhood Center Friday, October 12th 1-4PM Drop Inn Center’s Mental Health Forum Health Foundation Thursday, October 18th Noon Homeless Coalition’s Annual Meeting Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park Thursday, October 18th 5:30-7:30 Over the Rhine Community Housing’s Celebrating Our Beloved Community Music Hall Saturday, October 20th 1-3PM Homeless Awareness March Buddy’s Place in OTR, 1300 Vine Saturday, October 26th 6-9 p.m. Day by Day Calendar Launch & Exhibition Emery Theatre, 1112 Walnut Street Friday November 2nd 7 p.m. Faces without Places “Yellow Bus Ball” The Syndicate 18 East 5th Street Newport Kentucky 41072 513-549-3155 or www.faceswithoutplaces.org Tuesday December 11th Homeless Coalition Annual Dinner Syndicate in Newport If your organization is having an event, demonstration, etc. and you would it like it included on the Streetvibes calendar, please email with the details: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Replicas of the Nina and Pinta in Newport Kentucky. Photo: Justin Jeffre DAN LABOTZ Contributing Writer W e in the United States celebrate Columbus Day mostly because of the enormous immigration of Italians that took place in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some 4.1 million Italians entered the United States between 1880 and 1920, more than any other group in so short a time until the contemporary Mexican immigration. The white, Protestant, Anglo-Saxons who claimed descent from the original founders of American looked down at the Italians because their complexions were dark and their religion was Catholic. In a desire to be accepted in the United States, the Italians argued that an Italian from Genoa, Christopher Columbus, though he had sailed for the Spanish Catholic Ferdinand and Isabella, had been the real discover of America. By the time of the four-hundredth anniversary in 1892, Columbus Day had become associated with American patriotism, nationalism and Americanization campaigns meant to uplift the unwashed and benighted Southern and Eastern Europeans. The Italians could thus claim that they had gotten here even before the English Protestants landed the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock. The decades long Italian fight for the inclusion of Columbus Day in the country’s calendar was finally won by the lobbying of the Catholic Church’s Knights of Columbus and the U.S. Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made October 12, Columbus Day, a national holiday. Columbus may well have been Genoese, though the matter is disputed, but whether or not he should be seen as a forerunner of the United States is a matter of debate. Columbus’ motivation in searching for a route from Europe to Asia was to be able to help finance another Christian Crusade to take back Jerusalem and the Holy Lands from the Muslims. When he arrived in the Caribbean and first saw the natives, Columbus described them as being as beautiful and innocent as Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden, and in the next breath suggested that they could be enslaved to pay for the further exploration and conquest of what he had not yet recognized was the New World. He did in fact capture and enslave some Indians and carried them to Europe, though Isabella ordered that they be freed and returned. When European diseases unknown to the Indians caused massive epidemics that eventually wiped out 90 percent of the indigenous population, the Spaniard imported African slaves to work in the mines and plantations of Spanish America. The Day of the Race In Mexico, as a result of a series of revolutions in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the small Spanish ruling group, the white elite of landlords and merchants, was forced to cede power to a new more modernized capitalist class made up of mestizos, that is, people of mixed race. As a result mestizaje or race mixing became a kind of national ideal. So since1928 Mexico has celebrated October 12 as El Día de la Raza or the day of the race, meaning the new race created by the mixing of the Spaniards with the Indians who were the continents indigenous inhabitants and with the Africans who had been brought as slaves. In Mexico City, where I lived for some time, there is a park with a beautiful set of statues on a huge scale, perhaps 30 feet long with three somewhat larger than life figures which might be said to depict the reality of El Día de la Raza. In the middle is a statue of beautiful child about a yearold, perhaps taking his first step toward the viewer. On the right hand side is a Spanish conquistador in his armor, his sword raised in a heroic stance. And on the left is an Indian woman sitting in a chair, behind her a shield and the broken bows, arrows and spears of what we know to be her deceased father, brother, and perhaps her husband. As Mexicans know only too well, the mestizo is the product of war, murder, rape and subjugation. Meanwhile, in the United States since the 1980s rightwing conservatives have embraced Columbus Day as representing Western values in the face of the threat from other forces from socialism to Islam. They argue that Columbus should be seen, as one source puts it, “as a representative of the spirit of inquiry, Christian religious zeal, and the notable achievements of Western Civilization.” The Day of Resistance When the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ so-called “discovery” of America came along—I say so-called because the indigenous people had discovered America several thousand years before—a great international debate took place concerning the proposed celebration of the event. The indigenous people, especially where they are most numerous in Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, but also in Canada and the United States, objected vehemently to the idea of celebrating either Columbus Day or the Day of the Race. So October 12, 1992 was widely celebrated throughout the Americas as the Day of Indigenous Resistance, though it evolved into a day of resistance of all of the oppressed of whatever nationality. Clearly the significance of October 12 has become a touchstone for understanding attitudes toward war, conquest, racism, and even rape. One might best celebrate the day by asking whether or not we want to place ourselves in the Columbian tradition of conquest or in the indigenous tradition of resistance. As for myself, I will go with the latter. �4 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix THOMAS A. DUTTON Contributing Writer I n Cincinnati today the mantra guiding development is “economic mix.” It’s curious, this economic mix. In a country arguably more geographically segregated than it has ever been in its history, one wonders why economic mix dominates the developmental imagination. But on closer inspection, while the hum is ubiquitous, resonating at high frequencies and drowning out all challengers, economic mix is not really evenly applied. No, economic mix is pronounced worthy only in underdeveloped neighborhoods like Over-the-Rhine. Nobody talks of pursuing economic mix in Indian Hill or Hyde Park. The prevailing assumptions circulating in and through economic mix, animating it with a false and decep- tive commonsense that is beyond reproach, are many: -It is an absolute good, well beyond question or justification. Having neighborhoods with a range of incomes and races is automatically positive. -Economic mix travels under many aliases, including “mixedincome development,” “Over-theRhine is everybody’s neighborhood,” and “all current residents will be protected from displacement.” -Economic mix is delivered through gentrification (which is Stereotypical Native American imagery is used at a car dealership on Paddock Road, not the same thing as equitable Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre development). This too has its automatic pretensions. Developa more nuanced and complete unstructure; it did not come from the ers and planners need only to derstanding of the false promises of People’s Movement. And the political stir in some market-rate housing in meanings surrounding the term serve neighborhoods like OTR then, presto, economic mix. All terms have political connotathat structure’s interests. Example? “economic mix”! Over-the-Rhine, it tions, and economic mix is no differBy its very essence economic mix is said, will now be a better neighborent. Constituencies struggle over the presumes the existence and continued hood because it will have a “better meaning of various terms—it is an acceptance of a class-based society. If mix of people.” Apparently, poor important political project, on which you are one, like me, who still holds to folks are better off with rich people much rides. Why else did Republithe goal of eliminating poverty, espeliving around them. cans, for example, invest so heavily cially race-based, ghettoized poverty, You will pardon local commuin substituting the “death tax” for even advocating a progressive concept nity activists and the Over-the-Rhine of economic mix already positions People’s Movement for resisting these the estate tax, and “climate change” for global warming? Economic mix you to a rearguard action (more on prevailing assumptions and their comes on down courtesy of the power chauvinistic core, and for having {Continued on page 5} Living Green in Cincinnati Community Gardens: A Solution to Food Deserts MIMI ROOK Contributing Writer E arlier this year, Cincinnati City Council member Laure Quinlivan began an effort to send mobile produce trucks into Camp Washington, Fairmount, Avondale, Westwood, the East End, Evanston, Northside, Over-theRhine, the West End, and Winton Hills. Quinlivan was targeting a number of Cincinnati neighborhoods classified by the United States Department of Agriculture, as food deserts. Food deserts are areas where residents cannot easily access sources of wholesome food product, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fresh dairy, meats, etc. In urban neighborhoods such as the ones listed above, the nearest fresh food source, (usually a Kroger’s grocery store) is over one mile or more away. High percentages of residents who live there have limited incomes, and many have no personal transportation. They depend on bus routes, neighbors, expensive taxicab rides, or - if they are capable – their own two feet, to get to a grocery store. That grocery store might as well be in another country for the amount of effort involved to get there. Once they reach the store, another problem is getting those weighty sacks of groceries home. The amount of thought, time, and effort involved to do so can take up the better part of a day. Planning and eating wholesome food becomes more than just “what am I going to eat today?” It is an obstacle course of challenges, requiring a discipline that even those with the best intentions rarely possess. Urban food deserts also house convenience stores, gas stations, and fast food restaurants selling highly-processed, high-fat, high-salt, and high-sugar foods, providing little to no nutritional value. Despite higher markups, for the same items they could buy at a grocery store, they don’t involve the time, cost, physical effort and frustrations of getting to and from that store. Not so coincidentally, they are also areas with high rates of obesity and other diet- related health problems such as diabetes and heart problems. Rarely does another problem get Community garden in Over the Rhine. Photo: mentioned -- the ugliness of food deserts. Not only are such places thrive, they become more than a usually lacking the green space cost-effective alternative to buying of well-kept yards and parks, but and accessing fresh food. also quite often, there just aren’t A successful community any. Food from these convenience garden also creates an “inner” stores, gas stations, and fast food transformation in the lives of those restaurants is all about wrappers. who build up that garden. There is Getting to the food, which is a unique and fulfilling pleasure of bagged, boxed, wrapped not just sharing in its bounty with others. once, but frequently twice, means A barren, weed-infested, trashthat such neighborhoods are full of strewn parcel of land is restored, trash and waste. The wrappers, cups, transforming the neighborhood lids and straws, and leftover food, where it exists. litter sidewalks, yards, and streets. Most other types of gardens are Trash receptacles are overflowing places of refuge to escape into, rather and/or ignored, and the coverings than a place of engagement in the around the so-called “food” are community. The effort involved in a simply tossed on the ground along community garden yields much more the path of travel. than a green refuge. On an emotional Sometimes these problems are level, it elevates work to a rewarding the kick-start for change. Sometimes return, on an investment of time and that change is a community garden. energy. It connects a community to These are gardens large enough the beauty and abundance of nature, to yield food and flowers for personal which is meant to be shared, not use and more importantly, to share hoarded. garden-grown products with friends Just like community gardening, and neighbors. When such gardens Cincinnati Living Green will Justin Jeffre expose you to the positive forces of change in Cincinnati. Expect to read about the resistance efforts here, to reverse the trend of inner and outer “desertification” of our neighborhoods, and our citizens. Our city has plenty of problems. The purpose of this column is to focus on the green solutions, the forward thinking, and community benefits, resulting from the efforts of those who have decided, to quote Mahatma Gandhi, to, “be the change you want to see.” This is a different kind of “war on poverty;” it is a war on poverty of our thinking and our actions. Change our thinking, and we can change the world. Cincinnati Living Green is a front line view of the battle to restore the health, heart, thinking, and spirit of our city. Next up: The Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati: A Great Place to Begin Community Gardening �{Continued from page 4} this in a moment). Is economic mix actually possible in America today? A more nuanced understanding of economic mix begins by calling mainstream America to task about the way it thinks about race relations and racism today, with particular regards to ghettoized inner-cities. That racial inequality and discrimination abound should be obvious, but how do we account for racism and discrimination at a time when few Americans ever consider themselves racist? “How is it possible,” writes sociologist Eduardo Bonilla-Silva in his Racism Without Racists, “to have [a] tremendous degree of racial inequality in a country where most whites claim that race is no longer relevant? More important, how do whites explain the apparent contradiction between their professed color blindness and the United States’ color-coded inequality?” (BonillaSilva, 2). For Bonilla-Silva and many other scholars, “Most whites assert they ‘don’t see any color, just people,’” and that they aspire to live according to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s challenge to judge people “by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin” (1). Such are the contours of what many scholars call the “new racism”—the new commonsense of the colorblind or post civil rights era, 5 LOCAL Oct.12th-25th, 2012 characterized by a new racial ideology that actually sustains racial inequality while allowing whites and racial structures of privilege (white supremacy) off the hook. How does this new racism of colorblindness play itself out in the black inner-city, in a community like Over-the-Rhine? Indeed, what does it mean to advocate colorblindness at an historical time where too many African Americans experience “mass unemployment, mass incarceration, and mass disenfranchisement” (Marable); are trapped in intractable, ghettoized poverty with few well-paying jobs available; and where the prisonindustrial complex and the police state are merely the latest vehicles to “racially enclose” blacks to keep them in their place? Just how does white America perceive the inner-city? If the recent book Urban Nightmares: The Media, the Right, and the Moral Panic over the City by Steve Macek is any indication, not so well. This book concerns itself mostly with the decades of the 1980s and 90s in looking at how downtown, inner-city America became painted as “violent and out of control, as populated by murderers, muggers, drug addicts, and lowlifes, as places where the rules of normal, decent behavior no longer apply” (viii). Macek convincingly argues how this conscious, ideological campaign came to depict inner-city conditions Denver March Powwow. Photo: Justin Jeffre. as a “moral panic,” where an urban underclass of working-class blacks and Latinos became “so deviant, murderous, and immoral as to constitute a serious danger to the nation’s security and well-being” (xiv). From the point of view of the white imagination, colorblinded by the filters of the new racism, such conditions of the black inner-city is a black problem, having nothing to do with whites and fixable only by blacks. Is it really too extreme to suggest that white society never intended to fully include blacks and other people of color and shows no inclination to bring about such inclusion and equality? History verifies this. After abolishing slavery and establishing Black Reconstruction, white America retrenched to establish the legal segregation of Jim Crow legislation. And {Continued on page 6} Janitors Demand Fair Wages JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor S EIU local 1 rallied on Fountain Square and then marched to the 5/3 building to demand better treatment for their janitors. Fifth Third Bancorp has recaptured its spot as the largest bank in the region and is one of many profitable Cincinnati-based corporations whose offices are cleaned by members of SEIU Local 1. Despite cleaning the headquarters of some of the biggest and richest companies in the country, full time janitors in Cincinnati are paid less than $18,000 a year—below the poverty level and not nearly enough to support a family. Cincinnati is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, including Procter and Gamble, Macy’s, Fifth Third Bancorp, and Western and Southern Financial. Janitors march for justice in Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre. Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld told the crowd of about 90 people that, “Cincinnati has one of the highest infant mortality rates not just in Ohio, but in the nation and part of the reason why is because of people making wages that are too low. We all need to take responsibility for the problem of poverty in our communities. That’s what the Cincinnati janitors are doing here today, and I’m proud to stand with them.” More Vigils at W&S JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor O n October 8th over 50 people (and 2 dogs) gathered in front of Western & Southern to rally in support of the Anna Louise Inn and in protest of the bullying actions of Western and Southern, John Barrett and the corporation’s Board of Trustees. This vigil was organized by area churches, the Amos Project, SEIU and the Homeless Coalition. Support across the tri-state for the Women of the Anna Louise Inn continues to grow. Protesters continued their call for John Barrett and his Board of Trustees to stop trying to block the planned renovation of the Inn. Many people were outraged by John Barrett’s recent editorial in the Cincinnati Enquirer. One protester that wished to remain anonymous said that, “John Barrett’s behavior really is psychopathic.” Protest Vigil at Western & Southern in support of the Anna Louise Inn. Photo: Justin Jeffre. �n od y, ng cess ” 6 LOCAL upon two competing conceptions about the Sioux Indians by American citizens. In the 1870s, The stated purpose of U.S. policy was assimilation. Although many officials and missionaries were undoubtedly sincere when they professed a desire to rescue savages for civilization, assimilation functioned in the larger scheme of things as a rationale for the dispossession of Indian lands and the destruction of diversity in the name of national homogeneity. In practice, Christian and secular ideas about the common humanity of all peoples were overwhelmed by the corollary belief that existing Indian ways of life were heathen and primitive. The result was a form of management that was at best paternalistic and often simply racist (8). Ostler gets more interesting: Remarkably, as the Sioux began living on reservations in the late 1870s, many Sioux leaders genuinely thought they might be able to work out a relationship with the United States Denver March Powwow. Photo: Justin Jeffre that would allow them to preserve some of their land and ways of life, then after the overthrow of Jim Crow while adjusting to new conditions by the Second Black Reconstruction and demands. By the late 1880s, of the 1950s and 60s, white society however, as the United States relentagain regrouped to establish the new lessly cracked down on Sioux ways of racism, less overt, and completely life and demanded further cessions effective in vacating any theory that of land, these hopes began to seem might hold society responsible for the elusive (8). problems of socially and economiThere’s plenty to unpack in these cally oppressed groups. As black legal two passages. The first quote fascischolar Derrick Bell bleakly puts it, natingly depicts how two irreconcil“each wave of racial change, reform able ideas came to be resolved in the and apparent progress, in the end, American psyche of the time. On one merely reconstitutes black subordihand, there was the “undoubtedly sinnation on a new plane” (Bobo and cere” belief that assimilation for IndiSmith, 184). ans was possible and desirable. But Hold this thought and consider on the other hand was the corollary a second example of a more nuanced belief about Indians being heathen understanding of economic mix that and savage, a view that facilitated exdoes not bode well for its success. It termination and dispossession. The is a lesson from the history of US-Nacorollary belief won out. tive American relations from the mid The lesson here for Over-the19th century, a lesson that illuminates Rhine is also grim. In ways reminisinteresting parallels with Over-thecent of what Ostler portrays about the Rhine. Sioux, two irreconcilable ideas are In his The Plains Sioux and U.S. battling themselves out in the current Colonialism from Lewis and Clark to American psyche about the inner-city. Wounded Knee Jeffrey Ostler reflects {Continued from page 5} While, on the one hand Cincinnatians chant their mantra about economic mix, the corollary belief permeating mainstream America on the other hand is the gripping fear associated with the black inner-city. How does economic mix come to resolve the “moral panic” of a “wild” and “deviant” black underclass sitting on prime real estate? How will the contemporary societal mindset resolve this fissure? With history as our guide, why should anyone believe that economic mix is possible? Will not the contemporary corollary belief that fears the Other, fears blacks and homeless folks, and that automatically equates young, black males with criminality, win out? History is repeating itself. Need more evidence? Consider the intriguing concept introduced by social scientist Arjun Appadurai in his Fear of Small Numbers. Appadurai evokes the term “econocide,” which refers to new modes of violence playing out across the world in the wake of massive inequalities and the rapidity of change produced by world capitalism. To Appadurai econocide does not just mean that whole sections of the world are undergoing death by economic means. He says something else: “Econocide is a worldwide tendency to arrange the disappearance of the losers in the great drama of globalization” (41). “Arranging the disappearance of the losers” sounds just like the contemporary version of Ostler’s corollary belief about the Sioux that led to their “disappearance” by extermination and dispossession of their land. For Over-theRhine econocide is precisely what is transpiring. “Arranging the disappearance of the losers” is the game plan, evidenced by “crime prevention” through police sweeps (Operation Vortex), mass incarceration, calls for a new jail, more police officers, more surveillance cameras, more punitive legislation on panhandling, and more procurements for military hardware; displacement by gentrification; and social cleansing by criminalizing the homeless and relocating the Drop Inn Center—to name a few of the obvious occurrences. I’m not suggesting that what is happening in OTR today is the Oct.12th-25th, 2012 equivalent of the genocidal force of power and forced dispossession of life experienced by the Indians. There is no equality of pain in this equation. But pain there is. And community activists should not pursue the same path as the Indians, which is the lesson of the second quote above by Ostler. Think of what it must have been like for Sioux leaders on the reservations in the 1870s/80s, motivated by the official buzz about Indian assimilation, genuinely trying to work out a relationship with the United States because they saw an opening to preserve some of their ways of life, only then to have their people cruelly broken down from the full genocidal thrust of extermination, removing all hope. Learning from this lesson, Overthe-Rhine activists remain leery of mainstream jubilations of economic mix and its lure of inclusion, not wanting to find later that they have been displaced and dispossessed of their land. What happened to the Sioux was that two irreconcilable positions—assimilation and extermination—became conflated: assimilation came to be extermination. The Overthe-Rhine People’s Movement cannot allow a parallel conflation: that economic mix comes to be displacement and dispossession. Is there a way out for the People’s Movement? Yes, there is. The commonsense meanings of economic mix need radical redefinition, something the Sioux could not do with the concepts of assimilation swirling in their time. In its prevailing, mainstream understanding, supposedly delivered seamlessly through gentrification, economic mix will never bear fruit for the poor and oppressed. Economic mix sounds well and fine, but it’s more like a Trojan Horse—seemingly a gift for OTR residents to include them in their own neighborhood undergoing drastic transition, but really harboring a sinister force plotting their demise. It’s hard to argue against economic mix because the knee-jerk response is to evoke the binary and say that one advocates separatism. Such has been the fate projected onto the People’s {Continued on page 7} Ralph Stanley’s still got it at age 83 JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor The highlight of this year’s Midpoint Music festival for me was when Ralph Stanley took to the stage in the historic Emery Theater in Over-theRhine. The living legend kicked off his set with “Man of constant sorrow” which thrilled the crowd. It was one of the songs he heard his father sing as a kid. The song had a resurgence after it was featured in George Clooney’s 2000 comedy O’ Brother, Where Art Thou? In the movie the song was performed by the Soggie Bottom Boys, but on this night it was performed by Stanley and his Clinch Mountain Boys which features his grandson. The movie also helped to create a resurgence for Stanley as well. There were several other highlights in the show as well. Stanley wowed the crowd with an accapella rendition of “O Death” which was also featured in the film. Another highlight was when Stanley put on his banjo and started “picin” something he hasn’t done publicly in nearly 4 years. He said, “It’s heavy”. The banjo is an African instrument that is best known in this country as a staple in Appalachian mountain music. In Cincinnati he’s not only celebrated for his work, but he’s a part of our rich musical heritage. In the late 50’s the Stanley Brothers were on our hometown’s record label King Records. An eclectic label which featured both country music, blue grass and Rhythm & Blues greats like Hank Ballard and the Midnighters, Otis Williams and the Charms and the legendary James Brown. Ralph Stanley at the Emery Theatre in Over the Rhine. Photo: Kirk Hunter �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 7 LOCAL City Link- Long Time Coming JOSH SPRING Staff Writer C ity Link has been a long time coming, but after 9 years it just had its opening. Some of you remember the anti-City Link signs, the anger and organizing against it. You may remember the lawsuit and the fight over zoning. The litigation went all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court- which found that City Link could develop where it was proposed in the West End. Some may remember the political attempts to create zoning that would prevent something like City Link from developing again- many of us spent many summer evenings in 2008 arguing and working over zoning- some of us attempting to make it equitable for social services, others attempting to practically outlaw social services all together. Eventually some of the negative changes made it forward, proposing for example that a social service could not develop within 1000 feet of a school or 1000 feet of a park or 1000 feet of each other- so virtually nowhere. They also tried to change the definition of religious assembly to say that faith groups could only gather to sing and preach, but not to serve others. We fought back with others, the Coalition sued and those ill-proposed laws have never legally gone into effect- though there have been some behind the scenes attempts to put them into effect. Those involved in City Link pushed through the legal and political battles. They have worked to bring more existing groups into the plan than were in it to begin with. They have worked hard to find the structure they believe will best serve people. It seems that City Links focus will be on prevention- attempting to join with people before they are forced over the edge into homeless- City Links grand opening ceremony, October 3rd in Cincinnati Photo: Justin Jeffre ness. This will include a focus on community, access to education for employment, and other basic services to lower barriers. City Link also seems to have some focus on providing stereotype-killing education through community. City Link, like everything else, is still a work in progress. We should get involved where we can to see it be all it can be. Despite ups, downs, differences of opinions on tactics, structure and a long struggle- City Link will be a testament to people sticking to a goal- trying to put into action what they believe in. The race for Hamilton County Prosecutor JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor S Prosecutor’s Office should be at the table for all these discussions; and although it may not change how a case is handled, the Office by being at the table, should understand how it prosecutes cases could affect the underlying purpose of legislation such as this. Streetvibes: What is your position on the death penalty? Streetvibes: What can be done to reduce disproportionate minority contact with the criminal justice system? treetvibes asked both candidates running for the Hamilton County Prosecutors office these questions. Joe Deters did not respond. Please remember to vote this coming November. Trotter: Regardless of my personal beliefs and/or position on the death penalty, at this time, it is the law in the State of Ohio and my job as Hamilton County Prosecutor is to carry out the laws of the State of Ohio. I strongly believe though that the administration of the death penalty needs to be fair and equitable. Streetvibes: What is your position on the sentencing reforms that recently took effect in Ohio? ( i.e. Now fewer nonviolent and first time offenders will be incarcerated), Trotter: I am in favor of the sentencing reforms that recently took effect. The State has realized that being “tough” on crime is not enough. For serious and violent offenders being tough on crime is necessary but for those non-serious, non-violent offenders being “smart” on crime is the answer. Being smart on crime at every level of a person’s involvement in the system from the time they enter into the criminal justice system to the time they return to society benefits everyone; as most offenders will be released and this reform answers the question how do we help to ensure that the transition is smooth and conducive to becoming a productive, law abiding citizen. I believe that the Trotter: There are so many parts to this issue beyond the control of the prosecutor’s office, which include policing and sentencing. As far as the prosecutor’s office is concerned, I plan to implement a case tracking procedure to determine at what level bias enters into the prosecution of a case. Only when you understand the problem and where it arises can you take the steps to correct it. I can assure the public that when elected Hamilton County Prosecutor there will be not be disparities in how cases are prosecuted or who gets prosecuted – justice will be administered equally and fairly regardless of race, class or any other factor that should not enter into decision making process when prosecuting a crime. Streetvibes: Should the Prosecutor’s office be headed by a full-time leader? Trotter: The Prosecutor’s Office should definitely be headed by a full time leader. The Prosecutor’s Office represents the State in juvenile, adult misdemeanor (outside of the City of Cincinnati), and adult felony matters on the criminal side. The office also represents the County, including the County Commissioners, Sheriff, Coroner, Auditor, Board of Elections, etc. This office We Know Our Housing Rights Do You Know Yours? Everyone has a right to an equal opportunity to live where they choose and to live there without discrimination. The federal Fair Housing Act provides specific protections from housing discrimination that is based on:  Race  Religion  Color  National Origin  Gender (including sexual harassment)  Familial Status (families with children)  Disabilities (mental or physical) Ohio laws add protections against housing discrimination based on military status or ancestry (relatives). And the City of Cincinnati includes protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status or Appalachian heritage. Fair Housing laws govern all aspects of housing, including the renting, buying and insuring of a home. Since 1968, Housing Opportunities Made Equal has helped to protect these rights through advocacy for clients and education for the public. If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination or if you would like a speaker for a meeting of your church, school, civic or social organization, contact HOME. Fair Housing Advocates Since 1968 513-721-4663 www.homecincy.org touches the lives of every citizen in Hamilton County and needs a full time leader. The citizens of Hamilton County did not vote for the division heads to manage the Prosecutor’s Office, while the Chief Prosecutor they voted for is off handling cases at a law firm. With an office this size, responsibilities of this magnitude, and a budget to manage this large, a full time Prosecutor is definitely needed and when elected, unlike my opponent, I plan on serving as a full time prosecutor. �8 PHOTO ESSAY Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Indigenous American’s Celebrate their heritage Annual Denver March Powwow in 2006. Thousands of Native Americans from across the nation gather each year to celebrate their culture. Photo Essay by Justin Jeffre �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 PHOTO ESSAY Streetvibes Distributor Deborah Poindexter takes to the streets with her camera Like many people experiencing homelessness, Deborah Poindexter and her partner Johnie Kerns make due with temporary shelters or “shantys” tucked away in hidden parts of Cincinnati. Photo: Johnie Kerns. Seeking to document and share that there are multiple people with multiple stories of homelessness in Cincinnati, Deborah took to the streets with her camera, asking people to hold up a sign that reads “I AM ONE, HOMELESS” Photo: Deborah Poindexter and Johnie Kerns. 9 �10 {Continued from page 6} Movement by the likes of Jim Tarbell, former Mayor Charlie Luken, Laure Quinlivan, and scholars who should know better such as Zane Miller and Bruce Tucker. Separatism has never been the goal of the People’s Movement. Its position is more in line with what professor Iris Marion Young provocatively puts on the table in her Inclusion and Democracy. Young is an anti-segregationist, but also holds that people “desire to live and associate with others for whom they feel particular affinity” (Young, 2000, 216). Clearly there is a fine line here between affinity and segregation, and policy makers need to be vigilant to ensure that affinity doesn’t devolve LOCAL into segregation. But what worries Young more is the manner by which integration/ economic mix typically unfolds, which is usually very simplistic and falls far short of being socially just. “According to the ideal of integration,” says Young, “the problem of segregation is that groups are spatially and institutionally distinguishable and the remedy is spatial and institutional mixing in proper proportions” (217). While this sounds correct, doing so does not address at all the “primary wrong of segregation,” which is “not that groups are distinguished but that through its processes certain groups establish or retain material privilege” (218). In other words, the issue is not spatial distinction per se but the uneven distribution of wealth and material privilege that takes form in exclusionary spatial processes. Understanding this maxim takes fundamental solutions in another direction. Instead of focusing on moving people from one place to another, which “requires members of the segregated group to change their lives and conform to the expectations of the dominant group” and “hardly makes a ripple in the processes that reproduce the privileges of segregation” (217, 227), urban policy should focus more on the movement of resources. Only this can address the inequalities of socio-economic privilege that plays out materially and spatially. For economic mix then to have purchase for the Over-the-Rhine People’s Movement, it will be a tool to redistribute wealth and resources, counter the colorblindness of the new racism, as well as the criminalization of the poor, homeless, and a whole class of people of color tossed aside by a capitalist machine now chugging at global levels. And if Cincinnatians could open their ears, this is what organizers of the People’s Movement and activists on other terrains have been saying for a very long time. One last thought about economic mix before I end. For Over-theRhine, right now, debating economic mix may be mostly moot. There are not many poor people left to even constitute an equitable mix. Because of the urban unrest of April 2001, the police slowdowns in the wake of that unrest, the opt-outs of project-based Section 8 housing by Denhart and others, the Housing Impaction Ordinance that ties the hands of non-profit housing development corporations to address the housing needs of lower income citizens, punitive legislation that criminalizes panhandlers and the C HANGES at Streetvibes are fearful! When we lose good editors -- and artists and writers and lay-outers -that’s rough, but the fine thing is that other good people come along to do the job. Somehow they always come along! Religious people would say “it’s a blessed paper,” and perhaps it is. It’s a paper I have read and supported for many years, and sometimes written for whenever a good story comes along, and today I want to honor those who keep us going and have always kept us going, issue by issue -- come what may. It was back in 2007 that editor Jimmy Heath died, rather suddenly. He was a fine editor -- and person -and simply lived the paper for a long stretch of years. The newspaper gods must have loved him. We weren’t ready to lose him, but Greg Flannery came along, found new writers and page-makers, and created the bimonthly paper. When Greg left a couple of years ago, that was rough again, though Jen Martin helped out, and then Jason Dean came along, and the paper was itself again! -- with differences. Josh Spring is the godfather of Streetvibes today, the magic discoverer of editors, so now we have Justin Jeffre on hand. Justin’s paper is not quite like Jason’s or Greg’s, but it’s quickly evolved into a good smart paper of its own. Jimmy Heath seldom wrote anything himself, and Jason Dean didn’t compose a great many stories, but Justin is a writing editor for sure. He’s a roving reporter who travels all over OTR and downtown and seems to find out everything, see everything, and write up everything. When a professional volleyball tournament arrives in Washington Park, Justin is on hand to interview the players (and mourn the loss in the park of basketball and swimming). When John Legend opens an Obama office in OTR, Justin is on it. When a crowd at the Freedom Center honors the Sikh community, Justin takes the pictures, gets the story. When competing rallies take place August 11 around an attack in North College Hill, Justin is there with camera and notebook. An article of his on Food Not Bombs provides us all the facts about the local contingent. What a group this is! It’s good to be reminded that these individuals of conscience turn up to feed people every Saturday at Piatt Park at one o’clock, every Sunday at Washington Park at five. I can personally recommend those nutritious, home-cooked meals of theirs. These days Streetvibes also looks in on Cincinnati nightlife of a counter homeless, the shutting down of laundromats, the closing of public schools, the militarization of public space through Operation Vortex and other forms of police sweeps and raids, the blaring of classical music 24/7 on street corners to dissuade drug dealing, and 3CDC’s exclusive focus to promote homeownership in their new developments, many poor folks have moved or have been pushed out. All these actions have been systematic, if not concerted. Displacing the poor and arranging their disappearance is the game plan. Less for the dominant to account for that way. Thomas A. Dutton, Professor and Director, Miami University Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine. Want to help fund Streetvibe’s Mission? Register your Kroger Plus Card! It’s easy. www.kroger.com/mykroger/pages/ community_rewards Register with your Kroger Plus Card number or use the phone number associated with the registered card. Our agency number is #82944 Forward this on to friends and family. This takes seconds...one time! You can help bring $100 of dollars for our agency. Each time you use your Kroger Plus Card we get 4% of that sale back. Streetvibes Reinvents itself -- Once More! MARTHA STEPHENS Contributing Writer Oct.12th-25th, 2012 culturish kind, and Justin’s September 14 story on where to find local salsa-dancing is full of fabulous details. (I want to learn salsa dancing at the Mad Frog with the Tropicoso band!) I’m sure many readers were as glad as I was to learn in Streetvibes about the film on Nashville’s paper, The Contributor, and to find a followup story on how the film was made. Perhaps many Streetvibes supporters will study the way Nashville has gone about increasing, so impressively, their circulation; for after all, our street papers may be the best and smartest propaganda we have in the struggle for a just and peaceful world. A September Streetvibes includes a piece by the editor on the anniversary of 9.11, a day of frightening violence to be sure, but Justin’s article bids us remember the violence around the world that we ourselves have perpetrated -- often in actions, remarkably enough, on this same day of September. It was on September 11, 1973, that the president of Chile, Salvador Allende, was overthrown with U. S. collusion. On September 11, 1990, an anthropologist standing up for indigenous Guatemalans was assassinated by a U. S.-backed death squad; and the 9.11 catalog of crimes goes on and on. Noam Chomsky has said, we read, that if we in the U. S. want to stop terrorism, we should stop engaging in it. Exactly! In the past, good reports from other street papers were reprinted by Jimmy Heath, and Jason Dean was also good at this culling from other papers. (Greg Flannery is doing the same thing today in Article25.) In my dining room I have a cardboard box of such reports that I keep for sharing with people -- a vivid report on the green housing boom in Switzerland, for instance. Roof-top vegetable plots in Paris. A huge soup kitchen and general poor people’s center in Edinburgh, run all day long by a wonderful priest. (If only we had such a place in Cincinnati!) I liked reading a recent note in Streetvibes from The Big Issue in the North that half a million Brits have now switched their bank accounts to “ethical credit unions.” Occupy Wall Street kicked off such a movement last fall, and this writer was out on marches to banks in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Move Your Money Day. We need to get that crusade going again! Last week I sent a street paper article I found in a recent Streetvibes to P. G. Sittenfeld; it describes the effort by the city of Chicago to turn abandoned condos into rentals. As for all those abandoned homes in Cincinnati -- isn’t there some way they can house the people who need them? Remember the posters put up in the doorways of such homes by Occupy the Hood? “People should be living here!” they said. Telling It Like It is -- and Ought to Be �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 STREET VOICE 11 Are Streetvibes Distributors Being Stereotyped? LEE MCCOY Streetvibes Distributor D an I truly wonder if this is a trend across America, or just in Cincinnati. Well, at the present time, I do not have the luxury to find out if this is true or not, but you wouldn’t believe the things a Streetvibes distributor has to go through to make an honest dollar. I don’t mind if you don’t buy the paper, that’s your choice, nor will I chase you down. Anyway, this is not what this article is about. The main reason for this article is I think that my rights were violated. Last time I checked, I have the right to pursue a chance to make a living, especially when you are doing something that is legal. The Constitution of the United States of America says I have the right of freedom of speech. Oh what was I thinking? I live in Cincinnati, but one thing is for sure in Cincinnati, I have the right to be heard in a court of law. Let me run down the facts of this article. September 21, 2012, I am right by the Senate, as is my customary spot for the better part of a year. If you are a panhandler I will run you away from there. I work very hard to establish a repoire with my customers. This night, there were two panhandlers who were not listening to what I had to say. So the hostess happened to look out the door, and I pointed out the two who were actually begging at the ATM machine. She went back in and called the police. These guys were very aggressive when the police came and asked them to leave. They left, and this Sargent turned around and tells me he thinks it’s only fair that he asks me Streetvibes Distributor Lee McCoy. Photo: Aimiee Willhoite to leave also. I tried to explain that I am a distribuBeing surrounded by 3 I think I guess once they had me inside tor of Streetvibes. I also explained it’s only a natural thing to be aware of the patrol car, which sat there for that I am far enough away from the of who was doing what. So I turn this a full 10 minutes, my anger came out. ATM, and I wasn’t even there messing way and that way, so I can see and When I say anger I am not talking with people. Hell, I even have had a find out who is really listening to what about acting out in any uncool way. conversation with a few other officers I am saying. If you have had as many Me, myself, and I want to thank about this and that and my conduct run in’s with the man (as I have), you the people who actually had the time has never come up; but lets get back have this radar when you know things to stand there and watch this injusto this Sargent and myself. are not going right. Mine was going tice. It has given me the strength to So I started to walk another 10 to off like it was over loaded. look forward to my court date. 15 feet and turned around and I asked Then I heard this Sargent say, Never before have I felt like fightthis Sargent, “am I far enough away “Oh you want to be an asshole? Aring. Usually it’s ok that you got me. now?” By the time I ask this question, rest him, charge him with disorderly I’ll plead guilty or cop out to a lesser up pops another patrol car with a charge, but not this time. I’ll fight this police officer and who knows what his conduct.” Where on earth did this come from? It really didn’t bother me all the way to hell if need be. I believe sidekick was. He wasn’t in uniform so until I looked around, and all eyes in what I am doing. The money isn’t I am going to say that he was probwere on us. I felt this small, that little. that great it’s the people I meet that ably a Cadet, maybe even a citizen on I was totally embarrassed by this acmake what I do worthwhile. patrol. Who knows? tion. A THEFT IN THE ECONOMY It takes a thief to steal the people of the countries belief It takes a thief to have the people have to change their lives, now that’s deep It takes a thief to double the price of football stadiums and fields It takes a thief to convince the county the police deserve a Las Vegas deal It takes a thief to steal channels from our children, scanning for the T.V. Whether it be for the Converter Box, Cable Box or Direct T.V. Do you understand me? For me to steal anything or to be classified as a political thief Would for me never to have believed in the Constitution and damn Democracy So now where do we go as a people in order to regain the stability we so freely lost In the future we must read every dotted line, keep the faith and let God alone be the boss! BY WILLA D. JONES Streetvibes Distributor {Continued from page 10} Josh Spring (director of the Homeless Coalition) is a true dissident and a creative strategist of the first water. You can’t put anything past him. “Lawsuit!” is the name of his column for August 17, in which he retells the splendid tale of the Metropole Tenants Association. For me, this is an iconic story of fight back against huge powers, with wonderful images I like to remember: the tenants taking over the Metropole ballroom, for instance, leaving all the suits stuck in the hallway and then parading two of them into the lonely center of a great circle of angry residents. The residents did not get back the 250 apartments they lost, but they did win a money settlement. It was one battle, as Josh puts it, in a larger war for affordable housing. Shades of Anna Louise Inn -whose tenants Josh is also defending in his fierce and canny way. The public imagination has become widely engaged, it seems, by the efforts of Josh and Occupy and the many visionary Friends of ALI to support this long-time sanctuary for working women. I expect other readers were as moved as I was by distributor Lee McCoy’s very personal narrative in August (“Remix and Mix”) about a crisis in his life brought on by the death of his woman friend. Lee had sat by her stricken sickbed for many days before her death. Ben Stockwell’s name is one we see on a series of well-written and detailed reports on such issues as 3CDC and Washington Park, and I loved Ben’s severe critique (for August 31) of a new NBC reality show about the glories of war, “Stars Earn Stripes.” One of the celebrity contestants was so enthralled with the feats of the soldiers on the show that he said, “I can’t wait to fire a real gun, with real bullets!” No reference at all, as Ben points out, to the consequences of the wars being glorified in this way. I expect we’ll see more good stories from Ben. He’s active in movements for change and graduated recently from U. C. Bob Turansky, who teaches history at Seven Hills and is on the Work and Wages Committee of Occupy, gave us an incisive summary of what has happened over the years to the minimum wage -- there’s nothing much left of it! A story about another local Occupier, Dan La Botz, describes Dan’s struggle in the courts to contest his exclusion from the senatorial debates of four years ago. A U. S. District Court has ruled in Dan’s case that candidates must at least be provided, beforehand, with the criteria for debate participants. I’m sure we won’t have seen Jill Stein in the presidential debate of October 3, but I wonder if she has made any use of the La Botz decision. Candidates like Dan La Botz give of themselves in long, hard, daily endeavors to make their voices heard. I regard them as heroes in the struggle for the free public discourse that might help us change the country. I’m sure Jim Luken’s Meet Ups are always popular with readers. It was good to read recently about Carmen Jackson, who lives at Anna Louise Inn and works the night shift at a nursing home -- but isn’t worthy, it seems, of being the neighbor of Western and Southern in Lytle Park. Jim is a respected journalist of long standing, but he writes for Streetvibes as a volunteer, as brigades of writers have done over the years. I hope buyers and subscribers will read the new paper cover to cover and share it all over town! Our street papers tell us not only about poverty and homelessness, but about the root causes of poverty and homelessness, and help us map out the struggles we must wage to provide every citizen with a place to live and a job, with healthcare and all the rest -- in short, to usher in all the changes we need in our whole rapacious economic system. Streetvibes covers the understrata of Cincinnati -- and even the overstrata -- in a way nothing else does. ## Martha Stephens is a writer and retired university teacher. She can be reached at stephem@ ucmail.uc.edu. �12 SOCIAL JUSTICE Oct.12th-25th, 2012 Pre-Occupied with Changing the World JIM LUKEN Contributing Writer N ot long after Occupy Wall Street activists set up their tents in Lower Manhattan (Sept. 17, 2012), I was heading for Chicago. After a few weeks of the Zucotti Park occupation, news of this radical, new form of protest was seeping out of the major media, but flooding the blogosphere, until finally this new reality forced its way into the consciousness of most Americans, and of much of the rest of the world. Occupy had created some major waves…if not a tsunami. I participated in a number of exciting Occupy Chicago events, but couldn’t wait to get back to Cincinnati, where—as I read online--things were beginning to crackle with intensity. As an activist for 40 years, I knew instinctively that this “Occupy” thing had the potential to be lifechanging and world-changing. I arrived back home the day of the first major arrests at Piatt Park, which occurred not long after midnight on October the 17th, and a few hours before the cops took down the tents. Even those of us who stood on the sidewalks chanting our support for the arrestees, were electrified by the solidarity, love, and empowerment we felt during the hours of the arrests. A year has passed since Occupy Cincinnati’s first big rally at Lytle Park (Oct 8, 2012). The famous “people’s mic” has gone all but silent. Many Occupiers have become disillusioned, some even bitter. But others feel that the movement—like the mythical phoenix—will be born again out of the ashes of this first great push, against those who would own us and steal our democracy. In this article, four key Occupy participants voice the thoughts and feelings of hundreds of others in our town, who have pinned our hopes on the dream of a cultural and political revolution. Jennifer Kinsley, co-counsel attorney, represented Occupy Cincinnati and hundreds of individuals who were arrested and cited: “It’s something I reflect on often. I’m not sure I have settled the issue in my own mind. It was a rare opportunity to represent people whose views I am in full agreement with. [Because] I too believe the message of the 99%. [But] hands down, it was the most stressful case of my legal career. I know I will never experience something like that again, something as rewarding and time consuming, as all-encompassing, and as allimportant. It felt like for months on end we [attorneys] worked on this 24 hours a day. The worst thing was not sleeping. I hope that we [the lawyers] made a difference. Sometimes I question whether it was worth it. I mean we fought so hard for that park [Piatt]. After we won the right to occupy a part of the park [through the night], I went there early in the day, alone. I remember getting tears in my eyes over those Occupiers mark the 1 year anniversary of Occupy Cincinnati with a march and signs [several signs reading: “Area general assembly in Piatt Park. Photo: Justin Jeffre near statue open 24 hours a day”] There was such hope for that park. Cincinnati came into full swing, Iranian-American anti-war activist. Now, nobody uses it. For me those she returned to Cincinnati from She works as a chemist: “The Occupy signs symbolize a whole lot more. It’s California. Her thoughts, in terms movement was the most exciting sort of like a bitter-sweet victory.” of this article, came by way of an thing in my activist life. On the first e-mail: “Occupy Cincy was a brilliant day, it [Occupy Cincinnati] was Dorsey Stebbins, retired Lutheran uprising/movement of Town, Gown exciting and invigorating. I was happy minister and long-time activist: and Others, which at one point, to see all the numbers and diversity “When I first came to the Occupy confronted local officials and a of people. Everyone seemed in tune “General Assembly” meetings, I saw judicial system which were handling with the theme. It was cool to see that something that I had never seen their parts well. There were good we could all come together with the before: the fact that there was so actors and actions which the media message that we needed to defend our much respect for each person, and mostly covered. democracy against corporations and lots of diversity. Everyone had a The [Occupy] group shone a light money. voice. It was the first time I had seen on the housing foreclosure problem, The people [Wall Street and the [poor] African Americans involved The American Education Council’s war industry] who had caused the with whites. The meetings were Occupy movement had also caused generally moderated by someone who [ALEC] hidden grip, Western and Southern’s effort to take over the us to go to war. The same reasoning could take care of the situation when Anna Louise Inn, the Citizen’s United that forced us into Iraq was [is] problems [unruliness, etc.] arose. Of hoax. And it has taken a stand against pushing us toward war with Iran. course, I loved the commitment to fracking. Occupy had brought me to the place non-violence. Occupy Cincy held together as of understanding that the [peoples’] The most painful thing for me a group through the winter, but in struggle was the same here as there. It was the fact of the disappearance of spring was derailed by a few guys made the connection that war is about people, after seeing the commitment repeatedly insisting [that] attention profiting for the rich corporations that so many of them had to the be paid to their unique visions. I and the elites, and about suffering for cause. It seemed that a number of fomented a book club to restore everyone else. people involved lacked the maturity [Now] the excitement is gone. to handle personality conflicts. [But] I calm by reading member’s treatises, but that didn’t help. Ad hoc actionThe people are mostly gone. To think that the vision is strong enough planning gatherings occur now, me, it seems to have pretty much to survive; I anticipate that this which may be less vulnerable to the disappeared. But the problems [Occupy] can happen again. vociferous.” persist. We’re no longer working together to address them. So it’s Harriet Mathey is a freelance Fariba Nourian is a 29 year-old, super-sad.” videographer. Recently, as Occupy Rev. Jesse Jackson at the Rockdale Baptist Church JUSTIN JEFFRE Streetvibes Editor On October 9th Rev. Jessie Jackson spoke at the Rockdale church in Avondale. The civil rights leader spoke about voter suppression. He said it is important for people to vote early because it helps prevent problems that can occur. Jackson said, “Voter suppression has always been with us in this country throughout our history. For two and a half centuries you couldn’t vote because of race and gender.” According to Jackson Citizen’s United is nullifying honest elections and many of the problems that occurred in Ohio during the 2004 election haven’t been properly addressed. “In 2004 you had wet people standing in lines and dry machines sitting in a warehouse,” he said. According to Jackson it was “an abomination and a sin to democracy”. He continued, “In Ohio you have a million people taken off of the voter rolls. The fraud was causing fraud by purging and taking people off of the voter rolls. If that would have happened in South Africa we would have decried it as corruption.” Jackson says that early voting is better than absentee voting. “It gives voters more time to see if there are any problems with their registration,” he said. Jackson also spoke at Cincinnati State in Clifton. The event was hosted by the Baptist Ministers Conference and Think Progress. Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking about voter suppression Oct 9th in Cincinnati. Photo: Justin Jeffre �Oct.12th-25th, 2012 SUPPORT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE October 20 to November 11, 2012 13 �14 STREET VOICE Oct.12th-25th, 2012 STREETVIBES CROSSWORD PUZZLE #002 From: puzzlechoice.com CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION #001 Across 33. Particle 1. Seed case 36. Ambit 66. Mother-of-pearl 10. Petty quarrel 42. Mesh 4. Animal foot 38. Ode 67. Oaf 11. Part of a church 44. Objective 7. Charts 39. Female sheep 68. Legal document 12. Noisy insect 47. Sprocket 11. Halo 40. Arm bone 69. Scan 14. Optic 49. Cry 12. Six-sided figure 41. Claw 70. Allow 16. Make reference to 51. Small boat 13. Wide open 43. Transmitted 71. Uneven 20. Stray 52. Not trimmed 15. Head teacher 45. Leak slowly Down 25. Fuss 53. Uncanny 17. Pass along 46. Find 1. Blended food 26. Examine closely 54. Obviate 18. Perceive 48. Wonder 2. Type of window 27. Distant 55. Let for money 19. Frozen spear 50. Vote against 28. Portent 56. Large vase 21. Consumed 51. Remedy 3. Grade in judo or karate 29. Row 57. Scorch 22. Long fish 53. Armed conflict 30. Choose, ___ for 59. Small stream 23. Lecture 56. Country, initially 31. Prod 62. Epoch 24. Engrossed 58. Farm 32. Pertinence 63. Married 27. Scarlet 60. The night before 34. Trial 65. Deuce 28. Severe experience 61. Regenerate 30. Fiend 64. Origin 4. Student 5. By surprise 6. In good health 7. Spoil 8. Mature 9. Acceptable to the taste 35. Be indebted to 37. Strike lightly �Shelter: Women and Children Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Bethany House 557-2873 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Shelter: Men City Gospel Mission 241-5525 15 RESOURCES Oct.12th-25th, 2012 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 Mercy Franciscan at St. John 981-5800 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 NAMI of Hamilton County 458-6670 PATH Outreach 977-4489 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 Treatment: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Other Resources Prospect House 921-1613 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Emmanuel Community Center 241-2563 Starting Over 961-2256 Peaslee Neighborhood Center Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Treatment: Women Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Shelter: Both First Step Home 961-4663 Goodwill industries 771-4800 Healing Connections 751-0600 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Anthony House (Youth) 961-4080 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Treatment: Both 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Dana Transitional Bridge Services 751-0643 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 863-3184 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Northern Kentucky Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 Faces Without Places 363-3300 Stop AIDS 421-2437 Health Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 St. Francis Soup Kitchen Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 535-2719 621-5514 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-559-5011 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 PainterStreetNew:Layout 1 4/17/2012 11:10 AM Page 1 Compliments of Judge Mark Painter United Nations Appeals Tribunal 2009–2012 Ohio Court of Appeals 1995–2009 Hamilton County Municipal Court 1982–1995 Judging strictly on merit for 30 years www.judgepainter.org �16 DISTRIBUTORS Oct.12th-25th, 2012 CODE OF CONDUCT STREETVIBES IS DISTRIBUTED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO PURCHASE THE PAPER FOR 50 CENTS PER COPY AND SELL IT FOR A $1.50 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 CAN BE FOUND SELLING THE PAPER IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, CLIFTON, NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND AREA CHURCHES. CURRENT DISTRIBUTORS ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 GRADY COOK SINCE 2/2002 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 DEBORAH POINDEXTER SINCE 9/2012 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 DIANE CUNNINGHAM SINCE 2007 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2003 All Streetvibes Distributors must abide by the following rules. They are made aware that any infraction of the rules may result in suspension of their privilege to distribute Streetvibes and possible termination from the program. Streetvibes will be distributed for a dollar fifty ($1.50). Distributors agree not to ask for more than $1.50 or solicit donations for Streetvibes by any other means. If a customer donates more than $1.50 for a paper, distributors are allowed to keep the donation. Distributors only purchase papers from the Homeless Coalition. Each paper can be purchased for a cost of 50 cents. Distributors must show their badge when buying papers. Distributors will never buy papers from and/ or distribute papers to other distributors. Distributors agree to treat all others – customers, staff, and other distributors – respectfully. Distributors will not use abusive language or force someone to buy a paper. Distributors will not give a “hard sell” or be aggressive. Distributors will not continue to ask someone if they want a Streetvibes after they have verbally or non-verbally said no and they will not make someone feel threatened. Distributors will not panhandle while distributing Streetvibes. JOHNNY KERNS SINCE 9/2012 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 KENNETH STONITSCH SINCE 12/2007 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 KIM GREEN SINCE 1/2010 JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 JULIE WALKER SINCE 6/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 Distributors agree to stay off private property when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes door to door. Distributors will not stand in front of doorways, walkways, crosswalks or parking meters nor will I impede traffic or sit down while distributing Streetvibes. Distributors understand they are not employees of Streetvibes or the Homeless Coalition but a contract worker responsible for their own well-being and income. Distributors agree not to distribute additional goods or products when distributing Streetvibes. Distributors will not distribute Streetvibes or purchase Streetvibes under the influence of drugs or alcohol. LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARK ANTHONY SHEARS SINCE 12/2007 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 There are no territories among distributors. However, distributors must respect the space of other distributors, particularly the space of distributors who have been at a spot longer. It is unacceptable for any distributor to persuade or ask customers not to purchase Streetvibes from other distributors. Coercion will not be tolerated. If a customer prefers to purchase from certain distributors that is up to them. RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 JERRY DAVIS SINCE 5/2011 RICHARD WIGGINS SINCE 2012 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 TERRY RANSON SINCE10/2008 TIM NEUMANN NEW 7/2011 TOMMY THOMPSON SINCE 2/2009 WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 W. KENNETH BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 WILLIAM BURDINE SINCE 8/2009 For questions or comments pertaining to the distributor program contact: Jeni Jenkins, Distributor Program Manager. Ph:513.421.7803 Ext. 14 jenijenkins@cincihomeless.org Distributors will not deceive the public by saying they are collecting for a nonprofit charity or collecting for the “homeless” in general. Distributors will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes go to the distributor. Distributors will only use the word “donation” when referring to themselves, not the Coalition. There are special rules for distributing at Findlay Market. Only distributors with approval may distribute at Findlay Market at a time. Other rules as established by Streetvibes and Findlay Market. Distributors will attend monthly meetings. Monthly meetings occur every 4 weeks on Fridays at 1PM, (dates are posted in the lobby) these meetings are mandatory. Anyone who cannot make the meeting must talk with the Distributor Program Coordinator, before distributing Streetvibes for that month. Ten papers will be given to those who attend the meeting. It is the responsibility of each distributor to police fellow distributors or former distributors. Distributors will report violators of the rules to the Homeless Coalition. The value of the paper depends on keeping it credible. � 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 2012 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 12-25, 2012 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: “It Looks Good, Stop Complaining!” Places to Go, People to See Pg 3: The Columbus Controversy Pg 4: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Living Green in Cincinnati Pg 5: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Continued Janitors Demand Fair Wages Pg 6: Indian Reservations, Trojan Horses, and Economic Mix Pg 7: City Link-Long Time Coming The Race for Hamilton County Prosecutor Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Streetvibes Distributor Deborah Poindexter Takes to the Streets with her Camera Pg 10: Streetvibes Reinvents Itself Pg 11: Are Streetvibes Distributors Being Stereotyped? Pg 12: Pre-Occupied with Changing the World Pg 13: Support Pg 14: Street Voice 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 12-25, 2012 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Justin Jeffre Josh Spring Jeni Jenkins Jason Dean Leslie Moorhead Jeff Kelly Jerry Davis Pete Roper Karen Chatman Chris Fowler Rubye Goode Dan Labotz Jason Haap Jim Luken Willa D. Jones Lee McCoy Thomas A. Dutton Mimi Rook Dylan Speeg Martha Stephens Kristin McGee Jamillah Luqman Larry Baibak Kirk Hunter Deborah Poindexter Johnie Kerns Aimiee Willhoite Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimiee Willhoite Chris Fowler City Link Columbus Dan LaBotz Deborah Poindexter Dylan Speeg Fair Wages Hamilton County Heritage Indigenous People Jamillah Luqman Jason Dean Jason Haap Jeff Kelly Jeni Jenkins Jerry Davis Jim Luken Johnie Kerns Josh Spring Justin Jeffre Karen Chatman Kirk Hunter Kristin McGee Larry Baibak Lee McCoy Leslie Moorhead Martha Stephens Mimi Rook Pete Roper Photography Ralph Stanley Reservations Rev. Jesse Jackson Rockdale Baptist Church Rubye Goode Thomas A. Dutton Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/b6b084e57d41ced854f476cbbc75669c.pdf f5822a2a7029429bfb6bec845b97505f PDF Text Text Local Politics Heats Up Library Tax Levy Pages 4-7 Page 9 Mayoral Debate and Candiate Surveys STREETVIBES $1 Oct. 15-31, 2009 • Advocating Justice, Building Community • Issue 163 There’s No Place Like This Box Shantytowns return because they’re still needed the global number of slum dwellers will increase to about 2 billion in the next 30 years if no concrete action is taken. Organizers hope that aware­ ness can make a difference. “Overall, I hope people come to re­ alize that homelessness may be closer than they think-- in fact, it's right in their back yard, and we should do whatever we can to help,” Gorman says. By Pat Clifford Contributing Writer Students at Xavier University (XU) are planning this year’s Shantytown, set to take place on the campus from Oct. 18-22. Organizers expect to have at least 30 shanties and more than 150 students participating. The theme this year is finding ways to assist homeless youth. “We chose this focus because we want to bring the issue home to our campus,” says Justina Gorman, a se­ nior. “The 18-to-24 year old demo­ graphic is something the students here can relate to.” Slums and shantytowns are a glob­ al reality. The United Nations report­ ed in 2001 that 924 million people, or 31.6 per cent of the world’s urban population, lived in slums. Obviously, ‘Wake up!’ Xavier University students attended the Housing Now! march in Washintgon, D.C. in 1989. Photo by Pat Clifford. these areas are not usually located in America’s institutions of higher learn­ ing. That juxtaposition is part of the point. The Shantytown schedule is filled with a variety of meals, films and oth­ er opportunities to build awareness. A campus group, Artists for Others, will perform a skit written for the event. Sadly, the UN report warned that This year marks Shantytown’s 20th anniversary. I know because I was a senior at XU in October 1989. Tech­ notronic’s “Pump Up the Jam” was on the boom box (sharing the charts with Milli Vanilli). George H.W. Bush started his presidential term amid a self-proclaimed “peaceful, prosper­ ous time.” But many of us who had been vol­ unteering at local shelters and food pantries saw another side to the story. See Box, p. 14 All Dolled Up and Nowhere To Go Braiding Miss Daisy: Promoting compassion or profiting from homelessness? By david Heitfield Contributing Writer Mattel's American Girl doll line. (Although her popularity and limited edition status suggests t's about time someone you will pay much more: As I started cashing in on write this, she is selling for $230 homelessness. After a dis- on amazon.com). appointing box office, I was afraid American Girl corporate marthe efforts of The Soloist would keting (via palmbeachpost.com) go for naught – I was expecting explains their cosmology, enat least a homeless clothing line, visioning a kinder world where because fedoras are becoming homeless people provide benevcool again – but, olent wisdom as one of my for white folk, p e r f o r m a n c e Gwen’s father walked out on taking over the reviews once of her family. Then her mother province accurately stat- lost her job. Now she and her old black folk: ed, I just lack a mother are forced to live in a “Our singugood corporate lar goal with car in the middle of winter. vision. these stories Meet Gwen is to help girls Thompson: She wears a white find their inner star by becomeyelet lace dress with embroi- ing kind, compassionate and lovdered accents, a pink head- ing people who make a positive band sweeping back her blond and meaningful difference in the hair and matching sandals. See, world around them.” Gwen's father walked out on her Well, sure. Let’s teach their litfamily. Then her mother lost her tle inner stars that men are asshjob. Now she and her mother are oles, women are helpless victims, forced to live in a car in the mid- social problems are commodities dle of winter. and the only thing that can make But thanks to the redemptive you happy in life is buying usepowers of capitalism, you can less crap, just like mommy does buy the 18-inch-high cold and to fill the void of her inner black hungry cherub for your child to hole. play with for a mere $95, part of The praise of the doll on the I American Girl website is universal: “I love my Gwen doll. I was hesitant at first as the advertising showed her as a hippy-ish character and I was afraid her hair would always look like it did in the picture. … I was rather disap­ pointed by the lack of items for Gwen ...” “I brought my little girl to American Girl to celebrate her fourth birthday and to spend some one-on-one time togeth­ er! We had a wonderful day. … I think the simplicity of Gwen's white dress and her long hair won over my daughter in the end. She brushes her hair and plays makebelieve with Gwen. What a special gift for her birthday!” “Gwen is a beautiful doll. My daughter saved her allowance for eight months to get her.” “I didn't want to regret not getting her, so I got her, and I'm not disappointed!!!” “I just purchased this doll a few months ago for my granddaugh­ ter. She loves it and plays with it for hours! She even made a house in the corner for Gwen.” “American Girl dolls are great for our kids, it's not just a doll. It is about morals as well.” Gwen, $95. Irony value: Priceless. Photo courtesy of Mattel Inc. �2 The Vibe By The Numbers 1960 the year students at Miami University trained to register African-American voters in the South (see page 16). 11 the number of words in the title of Steven Lansky’s new book (see page 13). 1.5 the percentage of the city’s general fund that the Homeless Coalition wants devoted to human- services funding (see page 4). 7 the number of C-sections at the Creation Museum (see page 8). 95 the percentage of wealth in the United States controlled by 1 percent of the population (see page 12). 230 StreetSense No One Could Wake Adam, No One Ever Will 1 By Marilyn K. SCHirMer Contributing Writer Drug addiction and its devastating consequences can occur anywhere, even in the pastoral setting and safety of my country home. I’ve changed some names and omitted others to protect privacy. The next to last time I saw Adam was on my living room floor. A team of paramedics was working over him. I watched helplessly as they repeatedly injected his heart while alternately trying to shock him back to life. My daughter had known Adam since high school. And while their life paths often led them apart, when they reconnected, it was absolute. They were kindred spirits. Adam had a keen sense of humor, was adorably cute, musically talented and had an un­ shakeable addiction to heroin. I knew of all his attributes except the last. Adam was always welcome in my home. My daughter and Adam would sit up all night talk­ ing, playing music and laughing. I could hear them all the way into my living room. I remember finding out that he did body piercings. I’d always wanted my nose pierced. Afraid that he would make fun of this old lady, I asked if he’d do my nose. He laughed and replied, “Why sure!” There was no judgment. Only once in my life had I felt sure I was in the presence of someone on heroin. I was at a rally in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine. Under the trees, away from the main gathering, sat an emaciated young man with stringy blonde hair. He clearly was not participating in the rally; he could barely walk. I couldn’t help but glance over at him from time to time. My heart was breaking as I watched him pee in full view of everyone; he didn’t know what he was doing. After a time, he lay down under a tree and nodded off. As the skies opened and it started raining, some kind soul thought to cover him with a jacket. So for me, the “real” drugs, the dangerous ones, were confined to the city. That last February night, Adam came in smiling as he greeted me. I offered him dinner and he said, “Maybe later.” He and my daughter disappeared into her room. Sometime later he went into our bathroom. He was there a long time. If we’d only known he was shooting up, we would’ve broken down the door and the end of this story would be very different. My daughter kept knocking on the bathroom door, laughing and saying, “You need some help in there?” He finally came out and still we were clueless. Zero, zip, nada Early the next morning, my daughter enlisted my help to awaken Adam because he was due at work in an hour. We laughed as we shook his shoulders and jumped on the bed. My daughter told me that he was notoriously difficult to wake up. Even this seemed normal to me. After all, I had had a son with the same attitude toward greeting the day. 924 the number, in millions, of people across the world living in slums (see page 1). .38 the caliber of a pistol involved in a drug deal on Short Burnet (see page 10). 12 the number of city- council candidates who didn’t complete a Streetvibes questionnaire (see page 4). Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@ yahoo.com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes. wordpress.com Streetvibes Staff So how did he get caught up in the allure of heroin? There is no way for me to know. I’ve never done this. But years ago I warned my daughter that, in my limited experience, heroin was an insidious master, that to try it once seemed a sure snare, a one-way ticket to hell. the cost, in dollars of a “homeless doll” on amazon. com (see page 1). the number of times Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has asked for a tax levy in the past 156 years (see page 3). STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 After a time, we became concerned that he would get into trouble at work, so we called his girlfriend. She assured us, “Yep, he is impossible to get out of bed.” Daughter and I sat on the couch, taking a break and wondering what to do. Louder than the TV came a strange sound. We didn’t – couldn’t – recognize the sound for what it was, Adam’s death gasp. Daughter said, “Oh, that’s just my TV.” A couple minutes later daughter went into her bedroom. I heard her scream, “Oh my God! He’s turning blue!” Blood turning to ice, heart rising yet sinking, my mind hardly able to obey, I somehow ordered my daughter to call 911. While my daughter tried to follow the operator’s CPR directions over the phone, I could only shake and pray and watch for the help that was so terribly slow in coming. Finally, finally, they arrived; and as the paramedics worked, all I could do was sit on the couch and sob. All I could focus on was the tattoo inked across his stomach, under his belly button, “D.O.A.” Daughter was screaming, “Adam, wake up! Adam, don’t do this to me.” Editor Gregory Flannery Art Director Lynne Ausman Vendor Coordinator Jeni Jenkins Contributing Writers Lew Moores, Dave Scharfenberger, Margo Pierce, Paul Kopp, Jeremy Flannery, Michael Henson, David Heitfield, Kelissa Hieber, Josh Flannery, Stephanie Dunlap, Saad Ghosn, lea Ottenheimer, Ariana Shahandeh, Amanda Wolfe, Dan LaBotz, Mark Payne Photography/Artwork Aimie Willhoite, Lynne Ausman, George Ellis, Jeni Jenkins, Anthony Williams, Berta Lambert Proofreaders Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati through coordination of services, public education, grassroots advocacy and Streetvibes. We are members of: But he did do it. He was gone. I later found out that Adam had really tried to overcome his addiction; he’d left his old friends behind and moved back home. He’d gone through extensive rehab. He’d been clean for a year. Adam’s family, unable to deal with the wrenching loss, blamed us and especially blamed my daughter. I understood this. Hadn’t I lost my own son when he was exactly Adam’s age? “Why did you wait so long to call 911?” was the father’s anguished question. How could I ex­ plain? I told him that the whole time we thought he was asleep. He’d been breathing and even snoring. I spared him the horror of the death rattle that is burned into my daughter’s and my own memory – a memory we would be happy to spend a lifetime without. The last time I saw Adam was in the funeral home, lying in a casket. All the lives touched by Adam in his short, mostly joyous, years will never be the same. �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Local News 3 Cincinnati’s Public Library at Risk One of the nation’s best library systems requests first tax levy ever By JereMy flannery Contributing Writer The Main Branch of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County was the busiest main-branch library in the nation in 2008, with a circulation of more than 4 million items, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). In 2008 “We’ve made all the Hennen’s Ameri­ can Public Library cuts we can make ranked without jeopardizing Ratings the library system our services to the community. If the tax as 10th in the na­ levy fails, the library tion for the third consecutive year. will have to make In 2008, about more cuts that will be devastating to the 15.7 million items were borrowed community.” from the Cincin­ - William J. Moran nati Public Li­ brary, an increase of about 750,000 borrows from 2007. The library’s Web site received about 87.3 million online visits, a 23 percent increase from 2007. While the local library boasts record circulation for last year, it is facing about a $16 million budget deficit for 2010. A 1.0-mill property tax levy for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s operating expenses will be on the ballot for the first time in the library’s 156-year history. If Issue 7 passes Nov. 3, it will cost 10 cents per $100 of valuation, to meet the library’s expected $16 million budget defi­ cit of 2010. The county’s library system operates on a $45 million annual budget, with 90 percent of the funds provided by the state of Ohio, according to William ‘Book Fountain’ by Cincinnati sculptor Michael Frasca. The fountain features water J. Moran, a 13-year li­ flowing over a stack of books and represents the free flow of information and ideas brary board member through printed word. Photo by Maria Campolongo. and head of its financ­ ing and auditing. The only lo­ cember, he says. 2010, administer budget cuts cal funds for the library come “We’ve made all the cuts we now and wait one more year from fees and donations, as can make without jeopardiz­ to request a tax levy from the For more the library system is the only ing our services to the com- county for its operating budinformation metropolitan library system munity,” Moran says. “We’re get. about the in Ohio that doesn’t receive squeaking by this year, using Voters have various other Public Library city or county tax dollars, he all of our savings and revenue, proposed tax levies to conof Cincinnati says. If voters reject the tax but we’ll be completely de­ sider within their districts and and Hamilton levy, the library system might pleted by the end of this year. throughout the county this County, need to shut down about half If the tax levy fails, the library year, according to Tom Brinkvisit www. of all its services by early De- will have to make more cuts man, one of COAST’s found­ cincinnati that will be devastating to ers. library.org the community.” “The risk is this will break The state of Ohio has the bank of too many taxcut about 28 percent of payers and they will come the library’s funding since out and vote no to some if 2001, about 19 percent of it not all of these items,” Brinkin 2008 alone, according to man writes. “Voters will have the library’s Web site. The to weigh the public disaster library system has elimi­ should so many good pro­ nated 20 percent of its staff grams fail against the very positions and cut 10 per- personal disaster should their cent of its total operating personal budgets be swamped hours per week since 2001 with over one half-billion dol­ to balance the funding lars in taxes.” cuts. The library has also Brinkman suggests that the cancelled or postponed library system raises all of its all current capital projects current fees, begin charging and renovations and post­ $1 per audio-visual item bor­ poned or reduced its staff’s rowed, tightens the restric­ wage raises. tions of access for cardhold­ “We have such a won­ ers with overdue charges and In 2008, derful library system,” Mo- close nine branch libraries 15.7 million ran says. “It’s heavily used with the lowest of circulation. items were by all walks of life and Issue 7 might not halt all borrowed provides great services to possible cuts for the library’s from the the community, especially 2010 budget if state funding Public during hard economic drops again next year, Moran Library of times when people need says. Cincinnati computer and Internet ac­ “It depends on the state,” and cess to get resumes out if he says. “If the state revenue Hamilton they can’t afford that ac- stays the same, we won’t have County. cess at home. The library is to make any additional cuts. also a safe haven for good But if the state revenue de­ kids and good parents who creases, some cuts will still want their kids to be able need to be made.” to do their homework and The library has not yet made stay off the streets while any official proposals for spe­ they’re at work. So it’s a cific budget cuts, Moran says. latchkey system for fami- The board of trustees will be lies as well.” considering budget cuts and Citizens Opposed to adjustments in November and Additional Spending and begin administering them in Taxes (COAST) urges vot- December if the tax levy fails, ers to reject the tax levy. he says. The organization suggests “Right now, we’re hoping it through its sample ballot won’t come to that,” Moran that the county library sys- says. tem adjusts its funding for �4 STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Local News Burning Questions,Tepid Replies Most candidates ignore ‘Streetvibes’ questionnaire N ineteen candidates are vying for nine seats on Cincinnati City Council in the Nov. 3 election. The candidates can be grouped according to party affiliation, according to status as incumbents or challengers or by other criteria. We’re going to group them, however, according to those who answered the Streetvibes questionnaire and those who didn’t. Streetvibes sent a list of eight questions to all 19 candidates, asking them to reply by Oct. 5. Seven candidates responded, and their answers are below. The seven are Tony Fischer, Bernadette Watson, Nicholas Hollan, Laure Quinlivan, Jeff Berding, Laketa Cole and Anitra Brockman. The candidates who didn’t reply by the deadline are Kevin Flynn, Lamarque Ward, Charlie Winburn, Wendell Young, George Zamary Amy Murray, Chris Bortz, Greg Harris, Chris Monzel, Roxanne Qualls, Cecil Thomas and Leslie Ghiz. ------ Gregory Flannery Following are the questions Streetvibes asked candidates: 1. The primary cause of homelessness in the United States and in Cincinnati is a lack of affordable housing. If elected, would you address this need in Cincinnati and if so, what are some potential ideas/solutions? 2. Would you support an initiative in Cincinnati to change the definition of a hate crime to include attacks on homeless individuals? 3. In cities across the country, laws criminalize behavior by homeless people that is necessary for survival. Examples include storing property, sleeping, camping, eating, sitting, drinking and urinating in public. Cin­ cinnati even enacted a food-sharing restriction in public parks. Where do you stand on the issue of criminalization of homelessness? 4. In Cincinnati there are not enough family shelters to meet the needs of the community. Family homelessness is an increasing problem, especially considering the unemployment rate and the foreclosure crisis that affect renters and owners equally. What solutions do you propose that would help families experiencing homelessness? 5. Do you support keeping the Drop Inn Center at its present location so long as the agency chooses to remain there? Why or why not? 6. Do you support a charter amendment allocating 1.5 percent of the city’s general fund to human-services spending? Why or why not? 7. What are your top three priorities for Cincinnati? 8. What is your opinion on the status of affordable housing in Cincin­ nati? What policy change, if any, would you implement if elected? Jeff Berding For more information on Jeff Berding, visit www.jeffberding.com 1. Cincinnati has a plentiful housing stock, especially rental housing, and Cincinnati needs programs to place resi­ dents in those properties, especially foreclosed and abandoned homes. 2. Yes. 3. The city of Cincinnati provides substantial funding to homeless services, and to the extent that such laws en­ courage homeless individuals to seek help in those shelters to end the cycle of homelessness, I will support them. Homelessness itself is not a crime, but public urination and public intoxi­ cation have negative impacts on our city, and I support criminalization of those acts. “We have a seriously challenged 4. I’ve done my best to keep families in their homes with the United Way’s budget, and we are struggling to 2-1-1 counseling hotline and voted for the Homeless to Homes Plan and provide core city services.” would also welcome an increased focus on homeless families. 5. The Drop Inn Center leadership indicated in a letter to Council earlier this year that they would be willing to relocate, and I would definitely support that move. Over-the-Rhine is bustling, and with the acceptance regulations at the Drop Inn Center and its proximity to Music Hall and the new School of the Creative and Performing Arts, the center is no longer a good match for a neighborhood on the move. 6. No, I don’t support this charter amendment. We have a seriously challenged budget, and we are struggling to provide core city services. Making any kind of commitment for funding is a bad idea given the current circumstances, and the potential for continued budget deficits. The state of California’s budget crisis shows the severe negative con­ sequences of budget by referendum. 7. My top three priorities are public safety (keeping more cops and firefighters on the streets), economic develop­ ment (bringing more jobs into the city) and foreclosure prevention/neighborhood vitality. 8. There is a large stock of housing available, and I support the provision of affordable housing to Cincinnati resi­ dents. I would support a program using foreclosed and abandoned homes for short-term affordable housing units, especially in partnership with local community development corporations. Bernadette Watson 1. We have 52 neighborhoods, and in Cincinnati we must learn to understand the meaning of what we want our neighborhoods to be and if we want to be inclusive and allow mixed housing throughout this city. I will work to bring Cincinnati together as one Cincinnati. 2. Hate crimes against any individual should be punished to the extent of the law. We must work with the court system and provide proper representation for individuals who hate crimes are directed because they are homeless individuals. 3. Homelessness does not constitute being a criminal. It is about survival, and we must work to assist people in understanding this does not necessarily mean that being homeless does not have to be a permanent situation and work to provide solutions for those who want assistance. There must be some restrictions because of public cleanliness and safety for all. “Hate crimes against any individual 4. Efforts need to be focused on assisting families to assist with elimi­ nating the problems that create homelessness and work with human-servic­ should be punished to the extent of the law. We must work with the es agencies with assisting, but to also assist families around the social chal­ lenges and situations that create the need. court system and provide proper We must look at the feasibility of best serving the Drop Inn Center representation for individuals who 5. hate crimes are directed because population. The location is not an issue for me. Accessibility is the key to make sure those needing this facility are in a position to utilize the services they are homeless individuals.” that the center provides. I believe we need to look at the services and how best this population is being served. How we should think about providing a better way of life for many of the individuals and families that are facing/dealing with homelessness. 6. Budget allocations must be looked at realistically when it comes to human services. Measures and outcomes of the services that are provided through human-services organizations that receive city funding. Accountability of the effect these services have on the population being served. Be creative and find additional resources during a time when the city is facing large deficits and trying to continue to provide the public services elected officials are responsible for to all citizens of the city. Collaboration among human-services organizations must become a key factor in assisting our homeless population and people needing services during this economic crisis cities are facing across the country. 7. Health/safety; employment opportunity; business and neighborhood development. 8. I believe affordable housing is available, and elected officials must be informed as to the actual amount of af­ fordable housing available in the city. As our population needs grow, for affordable housing it is important to make sure we are meeting the needs of our citizens. Policy possibly needs to be reviewed, and I am willing to work to ensure we are in compliance with the policy/legislation in place. For more information on Bernadette Watson, visit www.bernadettewatson.com See Questions, p. 5 �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Local News Burning Questions,Tepid Replies 5 Continued from page 4 Laure Quinlivan 1 For more information on Laure Quinlivan, visit www.lqreportingtoyou.com 1. Yes, I think it’s important as we develop downtown and Over-the-Rhine and all our neighborhoods that we strive for diverse mixed-income neighborhoods that include affordable housing. If we get to move forward with the street­ car plan, I would support efforts to ensure affordable housing remains in the neighborhood. Portland did this with success when their streetcar investment created vibrant neighborhoods like the Pearl District. 2. Yes. 3. My position is we need to work with leaders in the Homeless Coalition on solutions to these issues. Together, I’m sure we can come up with creative solu“If we get to move forward with tions that benefit the homeless population and the general public. the streetcar plan, I would support 4. I think Citylink will be a great resource for families experiencing temporary efforts to ensure affordable housing homelessness, given its focus is to remove obstacles that prevent people from remains in the neighborhood.” being productive citizens. Furthermore, Citylink is not asking for any taxpayer funding, but will be supported through private donations and citizen volun­ teers from churches around Cincinnati. 5. I hope we can work together for a long-term solution/location for the Drop Inn Center. I know that Pat Clifford and other Homeless Coalition leaders are working to improve the shelter and decrease the number of transients who use the shelter but refuse to register as “residents.” I’ve also witnessed and reported on the numerous problems caused by some shelter clients who hang out drinking and violating laws in Washington Park, which should be a park that’s safe and welcoming for all of us. 6. I don’t support it as a charter amendment, but I do value human services in our city and believe we should con­ tinue funding the services with demonstrated and measurable results. 7. Watch over taxpayer money and make government open, accountable and responsive to citizens. Attract jobs to Cincinnati by better promoting the city to the rest of the world, bringing streetcars. Promote “Green” Cincinnati with bike paths, alternative energy, recycling, urban farms and “green collar” jobs of the future. 8. I think we should require and incentivize developers to include affording housing (and green space) in their de­ velopments, especially if city money is involved. 1. This has been a problem that has plagued Cincinnati for a long time. I believe that finding ways to encourage redevelopment in the central city can go a long way in curbing the issue of affordable housing. That's why I've con­ sistently supported the utilization of local, state and federal funds to redevelop low-income housing. I also voted to support the Homeless to Homes plan. 2. Yes. Economic status is a constitutionally protected class, and I believe that homelessness can, therefore, be in­ cluded in hate-crimes legislation. 3. I find efforts to criminalize (or even tax, as has been recently suggested) homelessness pretty absurd. It makes no sense to "double penalize" some­ “Economic status is a constitutionally one for being homeless. We need to take a pro-active approach with efforts to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place. protected class, and I believe that 4. I believe that prevention is the best approach to dealing with homelesshomelessness can, therefore, be included in hate-crimes legislation.” ness. I think we can direct more of our Community Development Block Grant money toward short-term family housing and look at things like foreclosure- prevention to help alleviate burdens on families. 5. Yes – the city shouldn't be in the business of telling private entities where they can or cannot operate. 6. Yes, I do and have signed a motion to that effect (see document #200800808). I believe human services are critical for our city. 7. My top three priorities are increasing neighborhood/economic development, attracting and keeping jobs in the city of Cincinnati and youth. I have been focused on these issues by creating the Neighborhood Business District Support Fund, working to attract 3,800 new jobs since 2007, saving the jobs of 902 city employees and providing $1.5 million for youth job development. 8. I think we've made some positive steps in bringing affordable housing in Cincinnati, but we have a long way to go. I think we should bring our $1 lottery house, which would encourage development and help the status of provid­ ing affordable housing. Laketa Cole For more information on Laketa Cole, visit www.laketacole.com Nicholas Hollan For more information on Nicholas Hollan, visit www.nicholashollan.com 1. I believe that housing is a human right and we as a society have an obligation that all housing is safe and clean. One solution that has merit is supporting a Housing First model to provide a continuum of care with an end goal of independent living. This program should work in conjunction with job training and continuing education to provide people with the tools necessary to become self-sufficient. 2. Any crime that is targeted against a specific group is a hate crime, and I would support legislation to classify crimes against the homeless as such. “I believe that housing is a human right 3. Local government should strive to not punish the homeless but rath- and we as a society have an obligation er serve as the voice for those individuals who far too often can’t speak that all housing is safe and clean.” for themselves. I will endeavor to strike a balance between basic human survival and acceptable public behavior. 4. The city must work in collaboration with social-service organizations to address the immediate need of family homelessness. The ultimate aspiration is to provide the support necessary for at-risk families to overcome complex challenges that often include substance abuse, domestic violence and mental-health issues. By working proac­ tively, we can diminish the number of families’ currently experiencing homelessness. 5. This issue boils down to how the city can provide for the safety of students and neighboring residents while simultaneously providing emergency care for individuals seeking shelter. If a strategy was implemented to help ensure that the Drop Inn Center remained a good neighbor in the community, then I would support keeping it at its current location. 6. As the current community outreach and disaster services coordinator for the American Red Cross and a former development professional for United Way of Greater Cincinnati, I strongly support the city funding at 1.5 percent. 7. Promote pre-natal care to lower our region's deplorable infant mortality rate. Support the police on the street and implement job training and education programs. Revitalize neighborhoods by working with each community to create a long term, strategic vision. 8. Studies indicate that more than 30 percent of household income should not be spent on housing. The city should strive to ensure through building code inspectors that a minimum level of quality exists so that all Cincin­ nati residents reside in clean, safe and decent housing. See Questions, p. 6 �6 Local News STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Burning Questions,Tepid Replies Continued from page 5 Tony Fischer 1 1. Cincinnati can help address the lack of affordable housing by improving public transit. Creating a real market for housing that does not require an individual or family to own a car will make a real difference both in increasing the type of housing offered by the housing market (which is largely driven by private investment) and will at the same time allow for families and individuals to greatly reduce the portion of their income they must currently devote to transportation and shift it to housing and other essentials. I believe that the city can best affect the market for afford­ able housing through improvements in public transit. 2. I would be more than willing to consider that proposed change. 3. While I am unequivocally against the criminalization of homelessness, many of those behaviors listed above are clearly anti-social and cannot be tolerated. Ultimately, the question of homeless­ ness is a question of responsibility for the problem. For too long, society has been “The question of the physical content to lay responsibility at the door of our nation's major cities, allowing indi­ viduals to avoid having to help by simply moving across local political boundary lines. location of the Drop Inn Center is less relevant than This is the primary reason why the underlying causes of homelessness are unable to be addressed, because those who can afford to help are able to avoid any responsibil­ the question of whether or not it is effectively fulfilling its ity simply by moving out of the city. Until this legal loophole is confronted (though in the meantime, attracting new middle class residents to the city to increase the tax mission of service.” base can help alleviate the problem), the underlying causes of homelessness will con­ tinue. 4. This is a major problem that I look forward to working on when I am elected to Cincinnati City Council. 5. The question of the physical location of the Drop Inn Center is less relevant than the question of whether or not it is effectively fulfilling its mission of service. 6. I do not support governance by referendum or mandatory set-asides. That has led to the state of California to systemic failure and I fear it would do the same in Cincinnati. However, that does not mean human services funding at the current level is not necessary. These distinctions are important. 7. My top three priorities for Cincinnati are keeping the city safe and clean, revitalizing neighborhood business districts and strengthening the local economy. 8. As I said in my answer to question 1, I believe that the best way Cincinnati can increase the amount of affordable housing is by making significant improvements in public transit. The ability of the city to direct effect the type and quality of housing that is offered by what a market that is largely privately funded is quite limited. But transportation is a market that is largely government funded. If Cincinnati makes wise investments in public transit that encourage the ease of convenience of lifestyles that do not require the amount of private expenditure on transportation that our current car-centric system does, then I believe the market for affordable housing will open up significantly. For more information on Tony Fischer, visit www.votetonyfischer.com ELECTION DAY is November 3, 2009. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anitra Brockman For more information on Anitra Brockman, visit www.whoisbrockman.com For information about voting in Hamilton County, Ohio, visit www. votehamiltoncounty.org 1. I will most definitely address the need of lack of affordable housing in Cincinnati. In my opinion, providing af­ fordable housing in Cincinnati is vital. Although there are many stipulations and criteria surrounding qualifying for homeownership, I believe that the “American Dream” should still be affordable and made available for all in Cincin­ nati. We must ensure that we are providing residents with the necessary resources to be responsible homeowners and tenants. The city should partner with local businesses and promote “affordable housing workshops” that in­ clude topics such as financial planning, foreclosure prevention, risk management and more. 2. Absolutely! Yes, I would support an initiative in Cincinnati to change the definition of a hate crime to include homeless individuals. All persons shall be created equal in accordance to the Civil Rights Act with it is neither ac­ ceptable nor tolerable for our city to discriminate against – no exceptions. 3. I can definitely tell that, with the current economic crisis, homelessness in Cincinnati seems to be increasing. There obviously is not enough adequate shelter space for the homeless in Cincinnati, and that is a serious problem. I believe that as a city we must provide adequate resources to provide homeless individuals with an opportunity to seek a safe place to sleep and an opportunity to regain some form of stability. We must partner with social-service agencies to provide resources such as treatment programs, housing options, transportation assistance and jobreadiness skills to homeless individuals. I do not believe that criminalization is the solution to getting rid of home­ lessness. 4. I propose a few solutions to assist families who may be experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati. First, I would propose the city consider providing an affordable-housing seminar or workshop. Some topics that can be discussed for families could be how to avoid foreclosure or financial planning. We must provide community outreach and have resources readily available for families. We must understand that many peo­ ple are losing their jobs within Cincinnati or some have lost a loved one, and we must provide sufficient resources and support to these individuals and families “The status of affordable so that they have an opportunity to regain stability. housing in Cincinnati is 5. While I realize that relocating the Drop Inn Center will cause a tremendous something that requires some hardship on several homeless individuals, I do not support keeping the Drop Inn immediate attention and action.” Center at its present location. With youth development being one of my platform focus areas, and the new School for Creative and Performing Arts being built nearby, the city’s primary focus should be to ensure that we are providing a safe environment for the youth. Also, I understand that the Drop Inn Center is a huge resource for the homeless so I would support relocating it somewhere else within the city. 6. I do support a charter amendment allocating 1.5 percent of the city’s general fund to human services spending. I believe that a city’s responsibility regarding “human services” or “social programs” is vital. Human services or “so­ cial programs” should be established as a resource to provide essentials such as health, food, shelter, job placement assistance, counseling, and safety to those who are least able to assist themselves. There are individuals who are less capable of caring for themselves due to extenuating circumstances such as job loss, homelessness, disability, veteran, single-parent households, death of spouse or primary caregiver, etc. Being a single mother of three has not been easy for me, and I could not have made it as far as I have in my life without the support of human-services programs over the years. I have worked hard all of my life and received an education, but needed services to supple­ ment my sole income such as WIC and daycare assistance. There are so many other residents in Cincinnati with similar situations that need the same assistance. While I believe that “human services” are necessary, I also believe that there must be accountability in the programs and the people utilizing the services. I think that the major is­ sue is that there are people in Cincinnati who may have never had to utilize human-services programs before, and therefore are reluctant to stand by and support human-services programs. Also, there is this misconception about the people who utilize human-services programs that they are the cause of other problems in the city such as vio­ lence and drugs, etc. I am in support of human-services agencies that are in place to help those individuals who are making an effort versus just “milking” the system. The city must be willing to support the human-services agencies such as the YWCA, Talbert House, FreeStore/FoodBank, See Questions, p. 7 �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 7 Local News Streetcar Enlivens Mayoral Debate Cuts in bus service were not discussed For more information on Dr. Brad Wenstrup’s campaign, visit www. bradwenstrup.com By dave SCHarfenBerger Contributing Writer W hat began as an informal civic discussion be­ tween mayoral candidates soon heated up once candidates opened the floor for ques­ tions. The discussion between Democratic incumbent Mark Mallory and Brad Wenstrup, Republican, was Sept. 24 at Christ Church Cathedral. After the two candidates’ presentations, a question was addressed to Wenstrup: “I didn’t hear your position on the streetcar.” Wenstrup said that he was against the streetcar proposal. “Not a good time,” he said. With the current state of the economy, he said that this isn’t the time to invest almost $200 million in a streetcar project. Wenstrup called for more study of the idea be­ fore the city makes this kind of investment. He called for more efforts to increase other forms of transportation, including light rail. Mallory, on the other hand, openly promoted the streetcar proposal. “The streetcar is about how you approach the future,” he said. “We have to figure out how to invest in the fu­ ture.” Rail transportation has always created economic de­ velopment, Mallory said. He promoted modern street­ cars as a way of bringing economic development to downtown and Over-the-Rhine. Both candidates opened the forum by talking about their positive qualities and reasons for running for of­ fice. Wenstrup listed his service to the community as a physician and his service as an Army reservist in Iraq. He Mayor Mark Mallory addresses the audience during a debate at Christ Church Cathedral. Photo by Bill Haigh. Democratic incumbent Mark Mallory, left, and Brad Wenstrup, Republican, debated the proposed streetcars, on Sept. 24 at Christ Church Cathedral. Photo by Bill Haigh. said his reasons for running for mayor are to serve the community and work on the issues of safety, supporting businesses and budgetary restraint. Mallory said he is running for a second four-year term to bring a new type of leadership. He listed the accom­ plishments that have occurred under his administra­ tion, including improved safety, economic development, youth jobs and the neighborhood enhancement pro­ gram. Several other issues were raised during the forum rang­ ing from the dangers of lead paint in Over-the-Rhine to the greening of the city and the environment. Mallory promoted his efforts to increase recycling and other conservation programs. Wenstrup said that he supports some of these efforts, although he voiced op­ position to the City’s recent Environmental Justice Or­ dinance. The ordinance, recently passed by city council, gives communities input in the process of approving the location of new businesses or expansion of existing busi­ ness that could affect the air quality. Still, some left the forum with questions unasked and unanswered. Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said he was concerned about proposed cuts in the Metro bus service by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. “I wanted to ask them, ‘Where are you going to get the money to make up the $16 million shortfall in our Metro bus system?” said Smitherman, who believes that SORTA should not be cutting public transportation at a time when residents need the bus system to get to work. With more forums scheduled, voters will hopefully get opportunities to get their questions answered. For more information on Mayor Mark Mallory’s campaign, visit www.facebook. com/mayormallory Burning Questions,Tepid Replies Continued from page 6 Anitra Brockman Women Helping Women, etc.; that provide its residents with the resources required to get their lives back on track. 7. Youth development: The youth in Cincinnati do not have an active voice. The youth are not given the opportunity to actively express their opinions or views on important issues. If elected to City Council, I would like to implement a Cincinnati Youth Council. The Cincinnati Youth Council will allow youth ages 12­ 25 an opportunity to identify key issues relating to them and address these issues with key decision-makers in the commu­ nity. We need to start developing strong minds for Cincinnati’s future now. Public safety: I have a vision for the city of Cincin­ nati to be one of the safest and most united communities in Ohio. That cannot happen unless we work together to support public safety. If elected to city council, my focus will be to ap­ ply myself to support what is working in terms of public safety and really challenge the status quo on crime and response time. I would like to see our 52 communities stand united against crime, and I stand in support of protecting the jobs of the fire and police departments who protect our lives every day. “If we can’t be safe, we can’t be anything in Cincinnati.” Economic de­ velopment: We need to make it easy and empower our residents so that entrepreneurial spirit can rise up in this community to reduce blight and transform Cincinnati. If elected to city coun­ cil, I will encourage and support the growth of minority- and women-owned businesses. 8. In my opinion, the status of affordable housing in Cincin­ nati is something that requires some immediate attention and action. A long-term commitment, especially from elected offi­ cials, is required to take on the housing issue in Cincinnati. I would propose to implement a comprehensive plan to not only increase the availability of affordable housing, but also preserve affordable housing for Cincinnati residents. Also, I would like to see the city promote and encourage stability when it comes to home ownership and property rental in Cincinnati. Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in the candidate survey are not to be perceived as an endorsement or reflecting the views of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, which publishes Streetvibes. �8 Local News STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Yes, it’s Creative but Is it Science? Two writers learn about C-sections, faith the fossil record purported by modern science. LO: On the façade of a dirty brick wall, like a city JF: I wasn’t sick the day they taught the fossil record building, a sign poses the question, “What happens purported by modern science in Catholic school. when “Scripture (is) abandoned in the culture”? LO: Another sign instructs visitors that these two Around a sharp corner is another façade of a brick By lea ottenHeiMer and JoSH flannery different views are in conflict with each other. The wall, covered with graffiti and plastered with scraps Contributing Writers human view follows modern science while God’s of newspaper and magazine headings and articles view follows the word of the Bible, which claims the about same-sex marriage, evolution, wars and Lea Ottenheimer (LO): In this article I attempt to earth was formed 4,350 years ago. abortion. objectively study the Creation Museum and what it JF: Remember that number. JF: I was wondering how long it was going to teaches about creationism. LO: A TV near the ceiling in take to throw homophobia at Josh Flannery (JF): And I shall interject from time one room has a short video that us. They didn’t seem too keen on An exhibit about the Garden separation of church and state to time to mock this absurd idea. loops over and over. The video LO: Many other articles have offered opinions, says that, because all we know or a woman’s decisions about of Eden features statues of but I would rather present neutral observations and about dinosaurs and the fossil her own body. Hmm, doesn’t that all different sorts of animals allow readers to come to their own conclusions. record comes from incomplete sound a bit like some of the terfrolicking together peacefully, JF: To be honest, L. Ron Hubbard was a bit more clues unearthed by scientists, including dinosaurs, along with rorist states we’re all supposed to imaginative. “different scientists can reach be quaking about? Adam and Eve LO: Approaching the entrance to the museum, I different conclusions depending LO: The next section is a think I was surprised to see statues of dinosaurs. I on their starting assumptions.” If long, narrow, winding room must have picked up the false notion somewhere a person’s “starting assumptions” are based on the where window frames and shutters are constructed that dinosaurs didn’t figure into the theory of cre­ scientific tradition, their conclusions will be differ­ around TV screens showing videos of people who ationism. ent from a person whose “starting assumptions” are supposed to be inside the houses we are look­ JF: We didn’t make it to the petting zoo, but I’m are based on what the Bible says. ing into. The first window shows two teenage boys told, however, that they don’t have dinosaurs there. JF: Real science doesn’t assume. It takes facts that looking at porn on the Internet and smoking pot. LO: Just outside the entrance to the main exhibit have been proven by preceding scientists to build JF: For this part, the museum probably did some is a large colored sign that illustrates the “7 C’s in upon. Assumptions create flawed experiments. actual research because that is exactly what teenage God’s Eternal Plan”: Creation, Corruption, Catas­ LO: The next room has writing all over the walls, kids do. trophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation. large and small stenciled letters in bright colors: LO: In the next scene, a teenage girl freaks out Each C represents a length of time in history during “Same Facts, but Different Views … Why?” … “Dif­ about finding herself pregnant. which a significant event in the Bible is said to have ferent Views of Dinosaurs because of Different JF: She’s always got the option of getting an abortaken place. Starting Points.” … “Descartes: ‘I think, therefore I tion. JF: I was sick that day in Catholic school. am’.” … “God: ‘I AM THAT I AM.’ ” LO: The next scene shows two women gossip­ LO: This is offered as an alternative timeline to JF: ‘Wanting another Nutter-Butter peanut butter ing about their pastor’s wife while one’s husband sandwich cookie, I am.’ lounges on a couch drinking beer, eating pizza and LO: A diagram illustrates the watching TV. argument that “Human Reason” JF: Now beer, pizza, and television are detrimental holds an opposing position to to our society? “God’s Word.” Many diagrams LO: The “Time Tunnel” is a long, straight walk­ show how these two “starting way through a tunnel of black with tiny sparkling assumptions” have different ex­ lights and a sign that says we are journeying back planations for how the natural to the dawn of creation 6,000 years ago. world was formed: Opposing JF: Remember that number you were told to keep the “Evolution Tree” used to il­ in mind a while back? How is it that there is a 1,650lustrate how different species year gap between the beginning of creation and the evolved over millennia is the making of the earth? Didn’t it take only six days – or “Creation Orchard,” where all is it possible someone is picking and choosing which species came into being just as parts of the Bible to interpret literally to validate they are. “Human Reason” claims their opinion? To tell the truth, nowhere in the Bible the physical surface of the earth does it say creation happened 6,000 years ago. That was formed by ongoing process­ was an idea created by James Ussher in 1654. es, whereas “God’s Word” claims LO: The tunnel leads to a small theater showing a it was formed by Noah’s flood. video that begins reciting the first words of Genesis “Slow Processes” vs. “Rapid Pro­ and ending after the sixth day of creation. cesses.” “Human Reason” claims JF: Then God had a kegger! that “the present is the key to the LO: The first of the C-sections is Creation. A sign past,” whereas “God’s Word is the reiterates the theory that, because everything is key to the past, present and fu­ such an intricate process with such exact ingredi­ ture. … God’s intervention at key ents that it must have been created all at once. periods of history explains most JF: How come the Bible never mentions dinosaurs of the world we see today.” then? You’d think a big lizard would somehow be In another room, a TV plays worth noting, seeing how men wrote the Bible and a video about William Jennings men love dinosaurs. Bryan’s struggle in the 1920s to LO: An exhibit about the Garden of Eden features have creationism taught in Amer­ statues of all different sorts of animals frolicking to­ ican schools instead of Darwin’s gether peacefully, including dinosaurs, along with theory of evolution. The video Adam and Eve. Plaques along the walkway sport goes on to suggest that it was quotations from Genesis about the Garden of Eden Darwin’s theories being taught and God’s command to Adam and Eve not to eat widely that spawned Hitler’s eu­ from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. At the genics programs. end of the section, as a scene of Adam and Eve sit JF: Many states in the United in a jungle pool, a large red snake stretches out on a States had eugenics laws on the tree-limb. The snake has a spiked, dragon-like head books by this time, and some of and an evil grin. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden near the Tree of Knowledge the defendants at the Nuremberg JF: He has an uncanny resemblance to Dick of Good and Evil (fruit is not an apple, as the Bible doesn’t specify a trials cited the U.S. eugenics laws Cheney. type of fruit. The Creation Museum uses a berry-type fruit, grown in as their inspiration and defense clusters like grapes). Photo courtesy of The Creation Museum. for the Holocaust. See Museum, p. 13 ! ? t a h Say W We’ve got to take back the ideal of justice, we’ve got to take back this principle of human dignity. We’ve got to take it back from vengeance, from hatred, we’ve got to say: look, we’re all in this together. We are human beings. – David Kaczynski _____________________ �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Local News Recycling for Fellow Brothers Prospect House gives addicts a new way of living 1 9 By KeliSSa HieBer Contributing Writer S ubstance abuse is nothing to be tak­ en lightly; so many have been lost to their addiction, never to return to their former lives. Addiction has claimed the most affluent to the poorest of the poor. Around 2.7 million people in the United States are addicted to some sort of drug, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Many of these people wind up in the prison system. Drug offenders make up around a quarter of all prisoners in this country, with a high rate of returning to their addiction once out of jail. Prospect House is the oldest residential treatment center in southwest Ohio, provid­ ing a successful option for men faced with the crippling cycle of addiction. Founded in 1970 by the Rev. John Loyatt, Prospect House has continued to grow. David Logan, director of the agency, joined its board in 1980. Logan says the house “pro­ vides a highly structured program for those who have lost the struc­ ture of their daily lives.” “Changing your mind about who Participants have to go through an application you are takes a lot of courage.” process and must prove - David Logan they have the desire to change their lives in a positive way. Phase one, which lasts for two months, consists of group therapy in the morning, individual therapy later on and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the evening. There David Logan, executive director of Prospect House. Prospect House is the oldest are several specialized groups to help people residential treament center in southwest Ohio. Photo by Aimie Willhoite. have a better support system while trying to beat their addiction. Examples include the Black Support Group, Life After Bars and the After Nam group, which has recently been expanded to house to support the residents. Other efforts to help the those who have returned from the U.S. wars in Iraq and men get back on their feet are the tutoring programs and Afghanistan. GED prep for those who wish to further their education. The program attempts to have the men not feel alone, Men who reach phase two often help to tutor other resi­ For more as all the counselors are recovering addicts, and many who dents. Some have jobs, some are going to school and some information, visit have successfully completed the program return to the residents have even completed their masters’ degrees www.prospectwhile in the program. Prospect House tries to provide house.org/ a variety of outlets for the men in the program. They have various sports teams, and they have attended ev­ ery opera for the past five years. Once residents have completed phase one, they have to present what they want to do after they complete phase two; often this will be going back to school or getting a job. The house will do everything it can to help the residents reach these goals. Around 200 men are treated per year, with a success factor of 64 percent completing the 90-day program. The house likes to keep tract of former residents to see how they progress. Be­ tween 1990 and 2008, 68 percent of for­ “I hope I can live to see a day mer residents have remained sober, ac­ where people care enough cording to Prospect House. Committing about their fellow brothers to a program like this is no easy task; as they do an aluminum can many addicts feel they have a love affair – we care enough to recycle with their addictions and standing up to them.People deserve a defeat this love is very challenging. second chance, too.” “Changing your mind about who you - David Logan are takes a lot of courage,” Logan says. As Prospect House has grown, it has purchased several of the surrounding houses. Around 30 men live in the Parish House while they complete phases one and two. The surrounding houses are for those who have received more privileges and often have a job or are attending some sort of school. Many who have completed the program live or are trying to find houses within a one-mile radius of the Parish House. These alumni receive the support of the house when­ ever they need but also can be role models for the new guys in the program. Prospect House not only works to help residents build a better life while in the program; they also stay connected while residents battle with the difficult task of transitioning back to normal daily life. “I hope I can live to see a day where people care enough about their fellow brothers as they do an alu­ minum can – we care enough to recycle them,” Logan says. “People deserve a second chance, too.” �10 STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Short Story SBS:The Short Burnet Soldiers By MiCHael HenSon Contributing Writer F rom the steps where they sat, sheltered from the street lamps, the two young men could see clearly in all four directions. They were posted at the crossing of two streets. Behind them, a sidewalk led up to an apart­ ment building with broken plaster facings. The building was set back from the street and did not block their view. To one side, a large maple tree with a trunk thick as a barrel. To the other, a honeysuckle bush in full bloom. These pro­ tected them from certain eyes on the street. But by craning around the one or the other, they could easily watch the traffic on the east-west street, and by turning back and looking forward, could watch the traffic on the north-south street. They could always know what was coming. The east-west street was McGregor. The north-south street was Burnet – called here Short Burnet because it dead-ended two blocks down and did not hook up with Long Burnet, which strode for over a mile past hospitals, man­ sions, apartment complexes, a big hotel and the zoo. Past that mile, flanked with shops and ragged buildings, Long Burnet stopped itself in the blazing heart of the ghetto. But this was Short Burnet, tucked away between two deadends and lined with nice old houses, just now beginning to turn. The sidewalk in front of the two young men and the stop sign just a few feet away and the trunk of the barrel-thick maple tree were marked, just like the wall of the apartment building and even the surface of the streets themselves, with various slogans spray-painted in black: Each of the young men was tall, and very dark; each of them had long, grace­ ful limbs stroked by long, sleek muscles that shone in the lamplight like the coats of horses. Their limbs were so long and so slender that, gathered on the Short Burnet S B S Home of the Short Burnet Soldiers steps, they seemed to be a collection of lances. People walked past every few minutes. “Wassup,” one might say. Another might say nothing at all and pass without looking. Still others crossed the street to avoid them. The smell of honeysuckle was heady and tended to make them drowsy, as did the cigar that they passed between them. Later, they would take another ci­ gar, slit it open, gut it and repack it with marijuana. And then they would chill, and relax. But for now, they were kept alert by the need to watch the street con­ stantly and by the cars which either sped along about their business or slowed to check out the young men in theirs. * * * * * A car passed slowly down Burnet, headed south. It was a boxy, sensible make. Though it was late, the driver, a white man, still wore his carefully knotted tie. The lamplight glanced off his glasses so that, for a moment, he had the dazed look of a beetle kicked up into the light from under a stump. One of the young men looked away with a sneer. The other stared at the driver with a calm, fixed stare. He made his stare as obvious as possible by piv­ oting with the motion of the car and by concentrating in his eyes and brows all the contempt he could muster. The driver looked away. He looked confused for a moment, then pulled over to the curb where it was darkest. The young man who had stared him to the curb watched as his companion rose with a soft laugh, trotted into the street to the sensible, boxy car, talked briefly to the driver, then returned, folding out and counting dollar bills. He returned to the perch at the top of the steps still laughing softly. “He bought two twenties, man.” “Just two?” “He say he tryin to slow down.” “He be back.” “He a buster.” That was their word for someone in a tie and a sensible car. “He a dope fiend and a buster.” * * * * * Andre, the one who stared the man to the corner, was the smaller and young­ er of the two, though not by much. He was leaner in the jaw and longer in the eye. He and his companion, Robert, checked the approaches in turns. Robert Photos by Aimie Willhoite. made a short glance in each direction, then looked back to count his money or to examine the coal of his cigar. In his turn, André looked slowly down the eastwest line, then craned back and leaned forward to check the north-south line. Each time he followed the line out to its furthest point, gazed into it a moment and turned in the other direction. Between them, in syncopation and without a word passing, they covered the street. ***** Andre heard, or rather felt, the car before he saw it. The pulse of the speak­ ers was palpable all down the long line of Short Burnet. He felt it first as a light pressure at the back of his scalp, slow and regular as a heartbeat. He turned and stared southward down Short Burnet. A hundred yards to the south, the street dipped downhill and so, for a moment, he saw nothing, but he felt the pulse begin to beat across his cheekbone. Gradually, as he expected, a car came over the rise and into view and the sounds of the speakers came clear: a heavy bass line that, as it reached the houses nearby, put a nervous shimmer to the windows. DOOMpapaDOOMpapaDOOMpapaDOOMpapaDOOM It was a green BMW with gold trim and it approached slowly. “It’s that dude,” he said to his companion. “That downtown dude?” Robert did not turn to look. Andre watched his companion closely as he toked slowly on his cigar, looked to see that it was burnt to the tip and flicked it out into the street. He laughed again softly. Andre did not laugh. He tried to frame his face as a stolid mask. He tried to breathe slow and steady. The green BMW slowed for the stop sign, turned east onto McGregor and rolled slowly past the two young men. The car was just a dozen steps away. But the two young men saw only dim shapes behind its tinted windows. Andre saw that his companion gazed straight and steady into the windows of the car and that he had settled himself into the stone of the steps as if he had become stone. He did the same and even stared the BMW down the street to where it turned and disappeared. “What he want?” he asked his companion when the car was gone. Robert shrugged. “He gone tell us if he want us to know.” He looked slowly to the east-west corners and to the north-south corners, then reached into his pocket for another slim cigar. Several minutes passed before they heard the downtown car again. A pickup truck rattled west up McGregor, slowed in front of them, turned right onto Burnet, stopped and cut off its lights. It was Andre’s turn to score. His companion checked again the east-west and north-south corners as he stood and crossed the street to the darkened truck. “What’s up?” the driver called. He was white, with a mustache and longish hair. And a tattoo on the arm that rested against the truck door. “Depends on what you got for me,” Andre responded. He knew this white man and did not trust him. “How’s your buddy over there?” He nodded over to the steps where, after quick glances north and south, east and west, Robert was watching them both. “He all right,” he told the white man. “He all right.” “Yeah,” the white man said. “He’s all right. I guess he’s lettin’ you take care of business tonight.” The young man shrugged. If he don’t want to deal with me, he thought, he don’t have to deal. “So wassup, man. You want to get busy or what?” “Yeah,” said the white man. “I want to get busy.” “So wassup?” “Check it out.” The white man nodded back toward the bed of his truck. The young man looked, but did not move. “Go ahead, man, check it out.” A large, dark tarp covered something big and square like a piece of furni­ ture. “Naw, man. This ain’t it.” “Just look, man. You can’t knock it til you see what’s up.” “What I wanta look in your …” “Just take a look, man. If you don’t want to talk, then I’ll go on.” He looked over to Robert on the steps; he was shaking his head and grin- See Soldiers, p. 11 �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Short Story SBS:The Short Burnet Soldiers 11 Continued from page 10 ning. He stepped to the back of the truck, grabbed a corner of the tarp, raised it, and saw the wide, blank eye of a television. “It’s wide-screen, cable-ready, got a remote. It’s almost new. Look at it. There’s not a scratch on it.” Andre shook his head again. “What do you think? That ought to be worth a hundred dollars.” “So go get a hundred and we talk.” He threw down the tarp. “Come on, man. You could be watchin’ ESPN. I can show you how to bootleg cable.” “Fuck you and your fuckin TV.” He stepped back from the truck and cradled his heart in his hands. “What the fuck you talking about? I got my own motherfuckin’ TV. Wide-screen nothin’. I got a bigger TV than that. You can take this shit on out of here.” His voice was rising, enough that he would draw certain eyes from the buildings around, but the fury had him. “You want to talk to me,” he shouted, “you get me some money. Cash. Green money. I want to see some cheese, motherfucker.” He turned his back on the white man and his television and the white man started off with his darkened truck down the dark of Short Burnet. Dope fiend fool, he thought. Butterhead. He had decided dope fiends were fools who would sell their mothers. He looked across to the steps where his companion was grinning and, he knew, chuckling softly. The man would be back. He would find somewhere to unload the television for 50, 40, or even 10. And he would be back. The young man felt a small thrill of power, squared his shoulders and stepped back into the street. But as he stepped across the patch of spray-painted slogans on McGregor, he felt again the heartbeat pressure against his cheekbones and heard again the heartbeat sound of the speakers. DOOMpaDOOMpapaDOOMpaDOOM And the sound seized every nerve. * * * * * You know you doin’ wrong out there, Andre’s mother challenged him, over and over. Night after night she demanded, Why you want to hang on that corner night and day. You know you doin’ wrong. Over and over she lamented, So many young men getting’ killed. And I just know you gonna be one. His father, each time he visited, sat through the long rain of words and did not move a muscle in his face. He did not move from the table where he had crossed his thick arms, except to shift his eye to her as she spoke. And to say, briefly, She right. You got no call to be on that corner. * * * * * Twice more the green and gold car swung around. Each time Andre felt the heartbeat pressure in his forehead and cheekbones. Each time he heard the pulse of the bass line as the car slowed for the stop sign and cruised slowly past. Each time the people in the car were no more than shadows behind the tinted glass. The next time, as the car approached, he was in the shadows, dealing with a pair of brothers in from the suburbs. He felt the pressure at his back and shoulders, then heard, DOOMpaDOOMpaDOOMpapaDOOM He settled with the brothers quickly – they dealt out a quick, cool hun­ dred – and moved quickly, without seeming to hurry, across the street to his position at the top of the steps. He did not need to hurry, for the green car did not cross them for several more seconds, several more beats of the heartbeat pressure that he felt in his forehead and cheekbones. This time, the car pulled right to the curb and this time the car did not roll past. This time, the car stopped right in front of them. He glanced to his companion, careful not to turn his face, careful only to flicker an eye to the left, just to see. His companion grinned slightly; a slim wrinkle, just to this side, rose in his lip. He knew his companion was strapped; he had a .38 holstered in leather under his shirt. He himself did not have even a knife. Unconsciously, he moved his hands back and forth between his knees. The near window of the green car ran down with a hum and a man of maybe 30 looked out. His brows were thick and black, his hair cropped close, and his jaws pitted with the scars of acne. He leaned his right el­ bow on the door and placed his left hand over it. A gold bracelet on the arm and a gold ring on the hand shone in the lamplight. Behind him, the driver leaned forward to watch. His hands were crossed on top of the steering wheel. The tinted rear window remained closed. The young man thought he saw a shadow move behind the glass. “Wassup, my brothers,” said the man with the scars. “Just chillin’,” said his companion. The man with the scars leaned back and said into the car, “He say they just chillin’.” The driver, still leaning forward, nodded. From behind the tinted glass, Andre could see dim, shadowed movement in the back seat. The man looked back to them. “So you just chillin’, young brothers. That’s good. But you wouldn’t be out here tryin’ to turn a little trade?” “Depends on what you want to trade,” said his companion, still with the wrinkled grin. The man with the scars pulled back and created a look of manufac­ tured shock. “He think we want to trade,” he said to the shadow. “These young brothers out here servin’, think we butterheads.” The driver was smiling at this, and the shadow moved back in his seat. “No, young brothers. We ain’t lookin’ for nobody to sling us no dope. We just want to ask y’all some questions.” Robert had shifted himself so that his knees were spread wide, each el­ bow rested on a knee, his left hand dangled low, and his right hand rested open in front of his heart. He looked relaxed and natural, but that way, Andre knew, his companion’s hand was close to the handle of his pistol. Would the man in the car know that? Andre pulled his own hands from between his knees and placed each hand at his side. It was all he could do. His companion stared at the car with his hand before his heart. He shrugged and indicated he was ready for the scarred man’s questions. “Now where you pick up what y’all servin’?” “Ain’t nobody said we servin’.” The scarred man glanced back to the shadow, but ignored the claim. “We been talkin’ to a runner, see. And he be lookin’ all roughed up and he ain’t got no money and he ain’t got no product. So we say, ‘Wassup, young brother?’ And he say, ‘Couple young brothers from up on the hill come down, caught him, beat him down, and took his shit. Now what you think of that?” “That’s deep,” said Robert. “Shouldn’t nobody do like that.” “Said it was a couple tall, slender, long-legged brothers,” the man said. “Like y’all.” He raised his thick brows, as if the thought had just occurred to him. Andre rubbed his hands on his legs. He noticed that the scarred man had pulled his hands away from the door. “We don’t play that,” said his companion. “I hope not, cause a couple young brothers like y’all could get hurt.” He nodded toward the driver. The driver nodded back, and when the man turned back to the window, he swung out a nickel-plated pistol. Robert pulled his own, but the man with the scars had been faster. “Hold on, young brother,” the man said, and Robert stopped with the pistol half-drawn from his shirt. Andre stared, helpless and immobile. The man’s gun shone in the lamp­ light, white as ash. The blood drummed in his temple. He scrambled in his mind for something that could save them. Could he leap fast enough to snatch the pistol? Were there more? What about the shadow in the back seat? Robert was frozen, fixed as stone, with the half-drawn pistol still within the fold of his shirt. Am I gonna die now? Andre thought. Momma? He sucked in his breath. Suddenly, the awful moment was over. A blanket of light swept over them all. And all of them looked aside. The white man with the truck had turned back onto Short Burnet. Having swung his headlights across them all, he parked in the shadow. The driver of the green car jammed it into gear and the car screeched like an animal suddenly wounded. The car shot down to the corner, turned and disappeared. Neither of the young men moved for another long moment. The white man waited with his truck humming in the dark. The shrouded television was gone. It was not the young man’s turn, but Robert did not seem ready to move. So Andre checked quickly, leaning forward and back to check the northsouth line and the east-west line and, wiping his hands on the sides of his jeans, made his face into a stolid and stony mask and swallowed down the tremors he feared would fill his voice. Once he settled with the white man in the pickup truck, he started back to the steps. His face was still cased in a stolid and stony mask and would remain so. He had locked down the tremors in his voice and they would not emerge again. He saw that the wrinkled and superior smile of his companion was gone and that his face was grim and heavy as sand. He saw with contempt that the hands of his friend were trembling. �12 Film Review STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 A Sub-Prime Kind of Romance Michael Moore raises the alert level to orange By david Heitfield Contributing Writer name names or place blame or identify prescriptive mea­ sures – indeed, Moore’s as­ ichael Moore sault on “capitalism” doesn’t was promoting seem that far from President his new movie, Bush’s assault on “terrorism.” Capitalism: A Love Story, on It’s rather vague, but if you alBill Maher’s show, Real Time, low yourself to just sit back when the host took issue with and get caught up in the emo­ the premise of Moore's movtion and fear, maybe you’ll ie: Capitalism is not evil, Maagree with him that there are her insisted. It just evil people out needs a little lovin’. there who want At the end of the in- As you leave the theater after watching this two- to kill you so they terview, he snidely hour-plus mishmash, you can’t help but think to can cash in on the wished Moore suc- yourself that you just watched a major film with insurance. cess in becoming a major distribution in a suburban theater where Capitalism: A extremely rich off you paid $10 for popcorn and a Pepsi with the Love Story says his new movie. Oh, message that capitalism is evil, and it hits you – much more about that droll, ironic we have become so powerless, so entrenched the state of the Bill. American Left in our plutonomy, that that message is not I understood the than it does about viewed as a threat any more. issue better after capitalism. The I saw the movie. Maher interview Moore does pronounce capi- that the memo also pointed was instructive: Maher, the talism evil and suggests it be to other nations develop- devout atheist, could never replaced with “democracy,” ing into a plutonomy, such condone the pronouncement but the basis of his judgment as Canada, Great Britain and of “evil” based on a cosmolis none other than the Catho- even China. Moore thinks ogy (organized religion) that lic Church. He asks a couple the root of our political inac- he sees as even more evil. of priests in Michigan if capi- tion in the face of this devel- One huge rift of the Left in talism is evil, they say it is, he opment is that people think America is that conflicting shows a funny montage of they can become part of that worldview: a kind of Vatican Jesus telling a sick person he 1 percent elite; and his hope II, liberal Paul Tillich-type cannot heal him because of is that, as people wake up to Christianity, in which we shall a pre-existing condition, and the fact that they never will, be judged by how we treat the off we go. the people will revolt. least among us (the Moore The movie doesn’t so much But I’m not convinced view); versus a sort of earthadvance an argument as pres- even Moore believes that. To worshiping paganism that ent a montage of the evils of his credit, he places the bail- extols the virtues of a vegan our culture – airplane pilots out pretty squarely on the lifestyle and believes protectmaking $17,000; people be- shoulders of the Democrats ing Mother Earth is our most ing kicked out of their homes in Congress. He also shows compelling morality (the Maand jobs; P&G buying “dead President Obama’s election, her view). peasants” insurance on their with people cheering and These views are, it seems to workers, so they can cash crying and reveling in Ho- me, incompatible: the Maher in big in case of premature penchange, and then points folk believe the Christians are death; Citigroup's infamous out Goldman-Sachs became idiots who believe in invisible 2005 memo proclaiming the Obama’s biggest campaign men in the sky; the Moore folk United States a plutonomy. contributor. The message is believe the pagans are idiots In a plutonomy, a shrinking not so subtle: Even the good who simply replaced a belief number of people control a guys with a popular mandate in God with a belief in Earth, majority of wealth– in Amer- are bought and paid for. bestowing magical characterica, the top 1 percent hold Moore is not trying to be istics on trees and animals. more wealth than the aggre- bipartisan so much as trying In line with post-Enlightgate bottom 95 percent – so to reach a slightly broader enment Christian theology, that the health of the entire audience – no teabaggers Moore romanticizes a past economy depends upon the were harmed during film- that I don't believe ever quite fortunes of that small elite. ing. But that means failing to existed: He talks of growing up M Although the movie doesn’t mention it, this is exactly the basis of the “too big to fail” reasoning about socializing losses in the financial sector. We bailed out Wall Street because we had no choice (according to this view, anyway) – failure for the ultra-wealthy means failure for everyone. The movie fails to mention Buddy Gray speaking with Michael Moore about homelessness and affordable housing in1996. Photo by Jimmy Heath. in a union household in Flint, their Escalades through For­ where everyone was pretty est Park. much happy and school was And that’s why I don't think paid for and people worked people are ready to do anyand owned houses and lived thing about the system: One, the American dream. as long as there are homeless I’m about the same age as people to spit on or gays or Michael, I grew people of color to up in a union hate on or a new household He talks of growing McMansion in a just a couple gated community up in a union hundred miles to buy, you'll al­ household in Flint, south of Flint, where everyone was ways have value and I don’t in your life, repretty much happy remember it gardless of how and school was that way. What far you are from paid for and people I remember the top 1 percent. worked and owned were resent- houses and lived the Two, we live in ful, pissed-off a time when all American dream. mothers who politics and mespent most dia – including of their time Moore – pander watching soap operas and to the middle class, the most hating the fact they had no intellectually vapid and mor­ social cache, let alone career ally bereft segment of our options. I remember fathers demographic. Three, espeworking third shift and some- cially on the left, there is just times weeks without a day off no consensus on our moral who were too tired and disen- authority, or even if there is franchised from factory work any. Hell, on the left, you can’t to spend any time with their even get consensus between families. Both generally hated City Beat and Streetvibes. their lives. I remember beans And the final irony, the one and cornbread when Dad the smug Maher has right: was on strike; I remember his As you leave the theater after two heart attacks at work; I watching this two-hour-plus remember the pent-up anger mishmash, you can’t help but and resentment that some- think to yourself that you just times led to violence (and no, watched a major film with a there was no alcohol in our major distribution in a subhouse). I remember a popular urban theater where you paid culture that made fun of all $10 for popcorn and a Pepsi of it: From the Kinks’ “A Well with the message that capitalRespected Man” to the Mon- ism is evil, and it hits you – we kees’ “Pleasant Valley Sun- have become so powerless, so day.” My older brother and I entrenched in our plutono­ never, ever had any desire to my, that that message is not work in a factory, even if that viewed as a threat any more. option were available. It’s as hollow as the terrorism And much of that stems alert levels. Had Moore made from another aspect of Amer- a movie saying the middle ican culture that I don’t think class has shit for brains and Moore has quite right: It’s not our best option is anarchy – the desire to be in the top 1 a message in which I like to percent that motivates Amer- think post-Enlightenment icans; it’s the desire to simply Jesus would have been well be better than you. The peo- pleased – well, I don’t think ple who live in West Chester the Weinstein Group would might envy those who live in have produced that movie, Amberley Village, but you can because no one who would bet they always smile in smug see it would pay $10 for pop­ self-satisfaction when driving corn and a Pepsi. �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Candidate Interview 13 Dew to Others as They Due to You Lansky’s poetry of the streets and the mind By aManda Wolfe Contributing Writer Steven Paul Lansky’s new book of poetry, Eleven Word Title for Confessional Political Poetry Originally Composed for Radio, is a frank account of a personal journey inexplicably intertwined with the struggle of a community. Opening with poems concerned with vastly different subject matter, such as a pizza deliveryman receiving a parking ticket; the violent death of Nathaniel Jones at the hands of Cincinnati Police in 2003 and a harsh critique of George W. Bush’s policies, Lansky’s book serves as a reminder that these kinds of subjects are not as different nor as isolated as they might seem. It is most notably in “Red Mark” that the book begins to combine the political with the personal. The speaker in this poem, having received a dose of anti-psychotic medication, is arrested and mistreated – not in the same violent manner as Nathaniel Steven Paul Lansky. Photo by Maria Campolongo. Jones, but in a way that links the two nonetheless. He is “cuffed, locked in a room. / To sleep off my thorazine. / A rite of passage. / From citizen to criminal.” Lansky’s language here invites the reader into this unjust world as he asks, “Do you know your name? Do you / have ID? / Are you marked like me?” Even “Socks,” which begins with a harmless enough scene, does not allow the reader a rest. We are shown abandoned socks on the ground, and we follow the speaker to the nearest convenience store for a bag to retrieve them. Finally, though, after this bizarre situation, Lansky strikes us with the fi- nal lines of the poem: “The buses have progressively more people on / board as it gets later. I can see black faces in the lit / interiors. It is too early for the white workers to be / on the bus going downtown from College Hill.” White socks on the ground, black faces on the bus—what connections is the reader to make of these images? It’s difficult to articulate, but leaves the reader with an uneasy feeling, similar to this poem’s speaker who is “afraid of (the socks’) wet karma.” This ambiguity is a particular strength of Lansky’s writing. The poems that do not make explicit judgments but instead portray poignant scenes are the most forceful of this collection. Another talent of Lansky’s that shines in this book is his ability to distort words, to break a seemingly innocuous word into pieces that completely shift its meaning. This is most evident in the clever “Kaddish to allen,” one of the most outstanding pieces in Eleven Word Title. Written three days after the death of poet Allen Ginsberg, this poem is a tribute and lament that reaches beyond Ginsberg himself. By deconstructing Ginsberg’s mother’s name, Naomi, Lansky creates his own hypnotic mantra: “Naomi, no home me, me no home, no we, no we know no home. / Home me, homey don’t know no home Naomi.” From “lobotomy” Lansky derives “Me low bottom me, low bottom, bottom low” and LSD becomes “long slow day, long slow death.” These examples on their own could be perceived as gimmicky, but within the context of the poem, they truly illuminate the struggles of a family with mental illness and the desperation, that “rage of a generation, the rage against madness,” that comes with it. Lansky’s book continues with poems touching candidly on war, segregation, hallucination. The music of poetry persists throughout all of these and culminates in the collection’s final poem, “Insomnia.” “Judge poetry not unlike moist dew / on grassland,” Lansky writes. “Pardon. / But, was there grass in Overthe-Rhine / enough to reach sample dew? / Do as you must, old doer.” This, another unsettling ending, leaves the reader with the question of whether grass/poetry/beauty can thrive in an environment such as OTR, and with the challenge of making that de­ cision for himself. But Lansky himself has proven that this can indeed be the case with this honest portrayal of the need for social justice, toler­ ance and peace. Eleven Word Title leaves its reader desir­ ing the life of Sadie the street dog, from “Wild Turkeys” who “went from cement side­ walks, / busted glass, park­ ing meters, gas eating cars, / and car tires rotting on street corners, / to a life full of shit chasing wild turkeys.” Steven Paul Lansky will give a reading at InkTank, 1311 Main St. at 7 p.m. Oct. 30. He will be showing Tomato Tomahto, reading from the new book, and serving food, wine and dirty lemonade. Admission is $2. Yes, it’s Creative but Is it Science? Continued from page 8 LO: The section called “Corruption” has pictures of war, famine, drug addiction and other awful things. JF: But it fails to mention broccoli. LO: A sign tells how God had an idea of how to fix the problems Adam and Eve caused: “He replaced the fig leaves with clothes made by animal skins.” JF: The first hand-medowns. LO: The next section includes life-size scenes of primitive people wearing animal skins and involved in various pre-historic village activities. Plaques tell what existed before “Adam’s Sin” and what existed after. JF:We Catholics know it was really Eve’s fault but Adam took responsibility, as a man always does. LO: Before “Adam’s Sin” there was no venom, no death, no disease, no carnivores. These are the explanations for why some animals became carnivorous: “Changed diet – the diet of some animals merely changed. Revealed information – the potential for meat eating was placed into the original creation, but not revealed until after the Curse.” JF: So there’s a self-destruct sequence, eh? LO: One sign asks, “Where did Cain get his wife?” It goes on to explain that incest was an unfortunate necessity for Adam and Eve’s children but that fact reinforces creationism’s position that all humans are related to each other, no matter what race or culture they belong to. JF: How touching after the display of homophobia just a few rooms ago. LO: Rooms full of diagrams, pictures and charts offer proof of the impact that Noah’s flood had on geological and biological conditions on the Earth. The fourth C age is Confusion. JF:You mean that’s not what the whole museum was? LO: Pictures show Babel and its fall. A sign proclaims, “Babel explains our differences.” Just past the doorway leading out of this section is a large banner depicting the final three C’s—Christ, Cross, Consummation, ending in the movie The Last Adam, the finale. JF: Oh, thank Science! LO: The movie begins with an older white man fondling a T-Rex tooth and talking about how the Bible supports all the facts illustrated in the exhibit. JF: And by that, he means without giving any scientific proof. LO: He goes on to give a synopsis of Christianity and its tenets. Actors playing Mary and a Roman soldier tell about how things re­ ally went. JF: It was eerily like what they showed us in religion class at Catholic school, The museum is located on 49 beautifully landscaped acres, with a mile of except Catholic nature trails. Photo courtesy of Creation Museum. school taught religion in religion class, not pseudoscience. I could present without any up to fail at any sort of scienLO: Two young blond- opinionated commentary or tific field in both school and haired girls in the next row judgments. I do not offer any career. got bored after the first five conclusion. minutes and began squirmJF: Here’s mine, though. My suggestion: Take your ing in their seats and tug- This way of thinking has the $20 and burn it. You’d at least ging on their parents’ sleeves, potential to hamper human- save yourself some time and whining about wanting to go ity’s ability to learn the na- gas money. Better yet, send to the petting zoo and the gift ture of the universe and the it to me. My favorite charshop. physical world around us. I ity is always accepting doJF: No amount of whining overheard two pairs of par- nations. Make checks out to could convince Lea to let me ents telling their children that Cause Against Social Harm, go to the petting zoo. the earth is only thousands of or C.A.S.H. LO: So there you have it. years old – not billions. Telling As accurate a description as kids things like that sets them �14 STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Local News There’s No Place Like This Box Continued from page 1 Some of us had just recent­ ly seen Spike Lee’s 1988 film, The Rev. Ben Urmston, along School Daze. In it, Laurence with MiMi Chamberlin (who Fishburne’s character, Dap, is now execu­ organizes a tive director s h a n t y t ow n of Church­ After sleeping outdoors on the cam­ es Active in pus of “Mis­ for five nights, students Northside) sion College” boarded a full bus to led Dorothy to urge di­ Washington to join Day House – a hundreds from Cincinnati vestment in campus pro­ South Africa. and thousands from gram devoted The movie across the country to social jus­ demanding housing as h i g h l i g h t s tice and vol­ Dap and the a right and an end to unteerism. socially ac­ homelessness. For me, the tive shanty house be­ dwellers who came a link to an experience sought to confront a student that felt more “real” than body made up of “wannabes” campus life. The previous preoccupied with trivial vani­ year a group of XU students, ties. The prominent closing including me, engineered an scene of the movie featured informal summer internship. Dap, rising at sunrise, stirring For three months we lived in a sleepy campus with the re­ Over-the-Rhine and hung out peated cry, “Wake Up!” at local agencies like the Drop This was our feeling. We Inn Center, ReSTOC and Pea­ would stage a shantytown to slee Neighborhood Center. wake up XU. We also witnessed first­ hand the decade’s spike in Berding and Springer homelessness. Many grass­ roots agencies were springing Some in the administra­ up, trying very hard with little tion were quite leery about or no resources to respond student safety, unseemly con­ to an impossible economic duct and potential damage to situation. The activists were the XU Mall. Our group also sounding a warning call. And grappled with amassing the in the meantime, Milli Van­ large quantity of cardboard illi kept playing on the boom needed, food, logistics, pub­ box. licity – and let’s not forget the Earlier that year the Na­ bus to Washington. tional Coalition for the Home­ That week was cool, no less called for a large march rain, but very windy. More on Washington, D.C., to call than one shanty was not to for increased federal involve­ be up to the task. A couple ment to address the growing roofs blew off during the homeless crisis. What later night. But despite the flimsy came to be known as the cardboard, the event had a Housing Now! March was a strength because of its clar­ massive undertaking, espe­ ity. It gained momentum as it cially in Cincinnati. XU stu­ went along. The week started dents alone had committed with a cross-campus collabo­ to filling a bus. Ten additional ration. A group of College busses were to be filled by lo­ Democrats from Miami (led cal Homeless Coalition mem­ by current City Councilman bers and other organizations. Jeff Berding) added a shanty To help meet our goal, we of their own. Visitors included looked to plan an event that civil rights leader Rev. Mau­ would both call attention to rice McCrackin, Drop Inn Cincinnati’s own growing Center founder Buddy Gray homeless problem as well as and then-Councilman Pete generate excitement around Strauss. this national march. The media highlight was a The first Xavier University Shantytown was in 1989. The annual Shantytown is still held on the Xavier Mall. Photo by Pat Clifford. feature story on Channel 5 – complete with a closing com­ mentary by Jerry Springer, ending, of course, with “Take care of yourself – and each other.” Then it was over. The shan­ ties were dismantled on Thursday, and we were off to Washington on Friday. Af­ ter sleeping outdoors for five nights, students boarded a full bus to Washington to join hundreds from Cincinnati and thousands from across the country demanding housing as a right and an end to homelessness. As I began my work the next year at the Drop Inn Center, I was aware that shantytowns continued. Over the years, many universities and lo­ cal high schools have orga­ nized shantytowns. Last fall the Mayerson Service Learn­ ing Program helped over 450 students from 18 local high schools stage a coordinat­ ed Shantytown, believed to be the largest multi-school Shantytown in the country. And 20 years later, the goal remains raising awareness of those for whom homeless­ ness is neither voluntary nor temporary. We never envisioned the Homeless Shantytown as an ongoing event. Now, as direc­ tor of the largest shelter in the region, I am proud that teens and young adults in Cincin­ nati still feel called to bring awareness to the suffering of those that are homeless. In this lies the key to ending homelessness. �STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 15 Resources Need Help or Want to Help? Shelter: Women and Children Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 Central Access Point Cincinnati Union Bethel 381-SAFE 768-6907 557-2873 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 3600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 St. Vincent de Paul 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 681-2365 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Treatment: Men 872-9259 Charlie’s 3/4 House Shelter: Men DIC Live In Program Prospect House 241-5525 961-2256 Treatment: Women First Step Home 961-4663 961-4080 761-1480 721-0643 Joseph House (Veterans) 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 351-0422 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 241-2965 471-1100 221-3350 Hamilton County ADAS Board Recovery Health Access Center Sober Living Talbert House Hamilton/Middletown 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 Northern Kentucky Advocacy 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-4555 751-0643 381-1954 Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 621-5300 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen People Working Cooperatively The Caring Place United Way Women Helping Women 946-4888 281-7422 681-0324 641-4300 Housing: Tom Geiger House Dana Transitional Bridge Services Volunteers of America 771-4800 751-0600 721-4811 351-7921 631-1114 211 977-5541 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Tender Mercies 381-0111 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 AA Hotline CCAT 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 621-5514 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House Treatment: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 661-4620 241-2600 241-2563 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Drop Inn Center Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center Peaslee Neighborhood Center Shelter: Both Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 458-6670 977-4489 Other Resources 721-0643 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Anthony House (Youth) 558-8888 981-5800 784-1853 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Starting Over 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Justice Watch 241-0490 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Mt. Airy Shelter Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 City Gospel Mission 357-4602 352-2902 352-6363 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van McMicken Dental Clinic 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 562-8841 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Bethany House FreeStore/FoodBank Crossroad Health Center Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 721-4700 421-7803 579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care Brighton Center 863-3184 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 535-2719 Creative Writing Serfication - a.k.a. I am One With the Land By tHe Mad Poet I am tired, old, and poor, I line up twice in soup kitchens for more. Can you see that I am down but not out, Why must I get the fuck out? I am one with the land, You must seriously reconsider your plan. Please grant me more time to pay, I am currently learning the right way. By simply taking it day by day, I know what they say. I am society’s so-called ill, Lost my job, can’t pay the bills. No matter what the sun always shines, Today I opposed a sip of wine. Instead I drank cold lemonade, Things not perfect, but soon I’ll have it made. My pain is sometimes un-bearing, Upscale society is so uncaring. A smile gets me through the pain, I do this even in the rain. The community is growing and expanding, I am taking vocational classes through understand­ ing. The poor cannot compete with the riches, Does Darwin’s theory mean I must sleep in ditch­ es? Is your community redevelopment approved by God, Or should I march and scream a Christian Jihad? Unnecessary causalities is so unkind, What happened to no man left behind? Can you see that I am down but not out, Why must I get the fuck out? I am one with the land, You must seriously reconsider your plan. �16 Column STREETVIBES October 15 - 31, 2009 Painting to the Point of Truth Scott Donaldson speaks through his art “Art has always been part of my life,” says Scott Donaldson. “I failed second-grade reading because I spent all my time drawing. Art is my expression, my communication. It gives me an outlook on my life and on life in general.” A visual artist, Donaldson graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in studio and theatre arts and from the University of Minnesota with a master’s degree in theatre arts. Donaldson had a longstanding interest in theatre. As a child he mounted plays in his backyard for the neighborhood. In college in the early 1970s he worked with David Olsen and the Cherry Creek Theatre to develop shows that involved the community. After grad­ uating from college he worked for five years as a set designer for the Kalamazoo Civic Players, then for 15 years as an exhibit designer for various museums, including the National Underground Rail­ road Freedom Center in Cincinnati. Donaldson also did his studio art all along – landscapes in the beginning, later more socially engaged paintings, with a sense of black humor reminiscent of the theater he likes. His social and political interests and liberal views started at an early age, working on George McGovern’s presidential campaign when he was 18, then getting involved in the political and sociallybased experimental underground theatre of the early 1970s. When he first arrived in Cincinnati, Donaldson participated in Ahimsa, a show on non-violence. His piece in the show, A Beautiful World, represented a figure of Buddha facing the violence of the city. He cut a hole and put a light inside the piece, a reference to his belief that light has to come from within and that peace is only possible through a as deeper understanding of the inner being and a peaceful self. By Saad gHoSn In 2005 Donaldson reContributing Writer ceived an individual art­ ist’s grant from the city of Cincinnati to visually interpret stories of the Underground Railroad in modern times. Boxed, a drawing from the series, represents a black woman hid­ ing in a confined space; Donaldson meant it as a modern allegory for how we cut ourselves off from the richness of the world by our fears, prejudices and obsessions. In Hide and Seek, two men hide in the dark among trees; they depict the fearful hider with whom we sympathize and the frightening seeker, whether a government agent or a criminal, from whom we fear ambush. This series served also as a statement about slavery and its history. Donaldson then became involved with the Artworks summer teen program, designing and facilitating the painting of neighbor­ hood murals. He remembers, while painting a mural for the Mel­ ville school building, the intricate involvement of the community in its progress and the pride at seeing portraits of different kids and A rtists ctivists ‘George Carlin,’ acrylic painting on canvas by Scott Donaldson. Photo by Scott Donaldson. Scott Donaldson paints to promote his values. Photo by Bill Howes. members of the community being displayed. “It gave identity to these people” Donaldson says, “Nobody had done this before for them.” In designing the murals, Donaldson always involves the commu­ nity, bringing it together and giving it a voice. He also often inserts in his murals symbols with a message. A Camp Washington mural, for instance, includes, next to a picture of George Washington in a dress, a picture of a cow, reference to the cow that escaped from the Camp Washington slaughterhouse and ran free for 12 days. Don­ aldson wanted it as a symbol of freedom and courage. In 2009 Donaldson had a portrait show of celebrities he se­ lected because they made a statement through their lives or had personal integrity. He painted them in a realistic but twisted way, using an odd color scheme; this of­ ten revealed something hidden or intriguing about them. A new series In designing the murals, Donaldson of portraits includes, for instance, always involves the community, Oppenheimer, because of his guilt bringing it together and giving it a feeling at having facilitated the crevoice. He also often inserts in his ation of the atomic bomb and of how murals symbols with a message. he lived afterwards trying to limit its further use. Donaldson painted him with gold eyes, the color of enlightenment; and a rust background, the color of remorse. He also included Helen Keller, who, despite losing her sight, overcame her limitations and spoke up. The portrait of George Carlin is in homage to the man who never gave in and always pushed the envelope of free speech. Carlin, a stand-up comedian, always said the truth. He was audacious and anti-establishment. Donaldson painted his face blue-grey, re­ lated to his recent death; his piercing uncompromising eyes gold for knowledge; and his beard fiery red in reference to his outspoken mind. Over the past years Donaldson participated regularly in SOS ART, a yearly art show of sociopolitical expressions for peace and justice. His pieces in the show generally communicated his critical views of what hinders peace in our society, also his messages for a better world. American Happiness, his 2007 painting, was in reaction to the Virginia Tech shooting and about America’s love of guns and violence and our inability to pass effective gun laws. In addition to his personal art, Donaldson still does ex­ hibit designs. He is designing the permanent display of “The Freedom Summer” exhibit at Miami University. The exhibit will document the story of individuals who, in the summer of 1960, trained at Miami University in order to go south to regis­ ter black voters, at the risk of their own lives. Carlyle Brown, an African-American playwright who teaches at Miami University and whose plays are an unapologetic avocation for justice and equality, will write the story. Donaldson’s works, be it his paintings or his exhibit designs, always reflect who he is, what he believes and the values he cherishes. His themes are universal, always in favor of integ­ rity, freedom and justice. “I am true to my heart” he says. “I paint to the point of truth I see, and I am not afraid of saying what I think. Of course, I am not interested in getting in a fight, but one thing is certain: I will not back down from what I believe.” Artists as Activists is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati artists who use art as a vehicle for change. Saad Ghosn is the founder of SOS Art. � 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 2009 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 15-31, 2009 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: There’s No Place Like This Box All Dolled Up and Nowhere to Go Pg 2: The Vibe Pg 3: Cincinnati’s Public Library at Risk Pg 4: Burning Questions, Tepid Replies Pg 5: Burning Questions, Tepid Replies Continued Pg 6: Burning Questions, Tepid Replies Continued Pg 7: Streetcar Enlivens Mayoral Debate Pg 8: Yes, It’s Creative but is it Science? Pg 9: Recycling for Fellow Brothers Pg 10: SBS: The Short Burnet Soldiers Pg 11: SBS: The Short Burnet Soldiers Continued Pg 12: A Sub-Prime Kind of Romance Pg 13: Drew to Others as They Due to You Pg 14: There’s No Place Like This Box Continued Pg 15: Resources Pg 16: Painting to the Point of Truth 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 15-31, 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Lynne Ausman Jeni Jenkins Lew Moores Dave Scharfenberger Margo Pierce Paul Kopp Jeremy Flannery Michael Henson David Heitfield Kelissa Hieber Josh Flannery Stephanie Dunlap Saad Ghosn lea Ottenheimer Ariana Shahandeh Amanda Wolfe Dan LaBotz Mark Payne Aimie Willhoite George Ellis Jeni Jenkins Anthony Williams Berta Lambert Jennifer Blalock Lynn Baker Type The nature or genre of the resource PDF Activists Aimie Willhoite Amanda Wolfe Anthony Williams Ariana Shahandeh Berta Lambert Braiding Miss Daisy Burning Questions Cincinnati Cincinnati Public Library Dan LaBotz Dave Scharfenberger David Heitfield Election George Ellis Gregory Flannery Jeni Jenkins Jennifer Blalock Jeremy Flannery Josh Flannery Kelissa Hieber Lea Ottenheimer Lew Moores Lynn Baker Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Mark Payne Michael Henson Michael Moore Paul Kopp Poetry Saad Ghosn Scott Donaldson Soldiers Stephanie Dunlap Steven Paul Lansky Streetcar Tax Levy https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/627dab65b83f60058f4d3a63baa7e2a8.pdf c855e3c1a3b82f161d86f604e9b446f2 PDF Text Text Hate crime hearing One Nation gathers to protest in D.C. - See page 3 - See Page 8 Oct. 15-31, 2010 • Issue 186 • One Dollar ADVOCATING JUSTICE • BUILDING COMMUNITY Union Gets Slaughtered in Vote ­ Intimidation at meat plant or lack of interest? By Carly Tamborski Contributing Writer E Ellen Dienger, organizer with UFCW Local 75, led a Sept. 29 rally of about 40 persons in support of workers at Tri-State Beef. Jon Hughes/ Photopresse. mployees of Tri-State Beef, one of the last major slaughterhouses in Cincinnati, voted Oct. 1 to reject union membership. The vote was 38-to-9 against being represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75. There was one void ballot in the election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board. Workers voted from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on whether they wanted Local 75 as their agent for collective bargaining with Tri-State Beef. “We feel like workers just aren’t ready at this time,” said Ellen Dienger, an organizer with Local 75. “They’ve been through a lot. There’s a lot of intimidation that’s been going on – people were afraid. When your employer is threatening to shut your plant down if you vote against the union and they have the police walking through there, that creates fear. They told the workers things like, ‘Well, you can vote for the union, but if you do, you’re not going to have a job anymore. A lot of them believed that and just weren’t ready. Owners say that in lots of plants, but the workers didn’t see that it was kind of a tactic of their employer to keep them from joining the union.” Robert Runtz Sr., owner of the company, denied that any threats were made. He said the company treats employees well. It was the union, not the company, that was heavy-handed during the campaign, according to Runtz Sr. The microwave dispute Two days before the election, on Sept. 29, Runtz Sr. and his son, Bobby, an employee, stood outside the slaughterhouse as Local 75 held an outdoor rally in support of the workers. “I don’t think my people even want this,” Runtz Sr. said. “It’s the union that keeps pushing them and harassing them – going over to their houses at 7, 10, 11 o’clock at night. They come here and bribe them with T-shirts, pop, potato chips, pretzels. On Monday morning, that woman (Dienger) was here at 4:30 a.m. giving out T-shirts.” But the union simply tried to communicate with employees as best it could, Dienger said. “We did our best to explain how unions worked to everyone we possibly could,” she said. “We weren’t always able to contact all the workers because we didn’t know how to get a hold of them, but we sent information and tried to talk to as many people as we could.” Local 75 filed petitions in August asking the National Labor Relations Board to conduct an election. Microwave ovens for heating workers’ lunches seem to have been a flashpoint at the plant. The first set of microwaves was brought in by the workers, according to Dienger. Runtz Sr. said he provided them, which wasn’t something he had to do, but he considered them a small luxury for his employees. See Union, P. 13 Environmentalism through Art and Design ZeroLandfill turns scraps into new art By Corey Gibson Contributing Writer T he United States generated nearly 246 million tons of trash in 2005, according to the latest estimate by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The highest point in Hamilton County is “Mount Rumpke,” a mountain of trash at a Colerain Township landfill standing at an astounding height of 1,045 feet above sea level. A 2006 survey of municipal solid waste management in the United States revealed that Ohio contributed over 15 million tons of trash to the ever-growing piles of waste in the United States. The numbers become even more staggering when one realizes that, on average, each person in Ohio generates over one ton of garbage every year, recycling only 26 percent and throwing 74 percent into the dump. Although Ohio beats out many other states when it comes to the number of curbside recycling programs – some states have none – Ohio still ranks high among other states when comparing average amount of trash thrown away each year, according to the study. ZeroLandfill, a program dedicated to keeping the amount of trash thrown into landfills at a bare minimum, is working to change those statistics. ZeroLandfill “fills the gaps for educators’ material needs and creates behavior change for architects and interior designers, as what was formally considered waste is redirected into the community,” according to its website. Jeff Krejci, co-founder of the company, began picking personally to take that stuff. Landfill employees began to up expired carpet specificaJeff used to take it to his invite artists and arts education books during sales calls garage, and him and his kids tors to pick up the material to in 2004. He took the books, would separate the stuff and use for their own projects or removed the carpet samples find places to take it to.” and recycled them. The carRealizing he needed a See Landfill, P. 7 pet, the cardboard books and simpler way to recycle all the the pages themselves were material he was picking up, sent to different recycling staKrejci, Dungan and tions to be broken down and other fellow Zeroreused. “The very early origins of it started because I work for a company called InterfaceFLOR,” says Susan Margraf, co-chair of ZeroLandfill Cincinnati. “Jeff Krejci, who is the representative for Cleveland, started with Mike Dungan. They starting going around and noticing in design firms as they were in there, calling on these firms, piles and piles of stuff loaded up and ready to go in the trashcan. They took it upon themselves Photo by Tyler Macko. Illustration by Joseph Szydlowski �2 The Vibe ­ Streetwise By The Numbers ­ 30 The maximum percentage of a person’s income spent on housing defined as “affordable” (see page 7). 60 The number of years the family of Ahmad Al’Azzah has lived in a Palestinian refugee camp (see page 4). 52x82 The size, in inches, of Judging Me by Albert Andrew Fausz Jr. (see page 16). 43 The number of homeless people killed in hate crimes in the United States in 2009 (see page 3). 1-10 The rating system for judging candidates in “range voting” (see page 11). 200,000 The number of vendors distributing street papers around the world (see page 9). 25 The length, in feet, of a rope Republicans would throw a person drowning 50 feet from shore (see page 6). 210 The number of cows slaughtered at Tri-State Beef every day (see page 1). 2 The date in October when tens of thousands rallied in Washington, D.C. (see page 8). 400,000 The amount of decorating scraps, in pounds, repurposed by ZeroLandfill (see page 1). By Gregory Flannery Editor Of Forked Tongues and Bedbugs Electoral politics is essentially a popularity contest, and successful politicians know that they can often succeed by appealing to the least common denominator. It is no surprise, therefore, that Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory went to the trouble of coming out in favor of the local professional baseball team: “All year long, the Reds have given us great moments to celebrate, and they won the division in the most dramatic fashion. That was the perfect way to win the division and head to the playoffs. Cincinnati has Reds-fever and we’re going to ride it through October.” Unfortunately, Mallory was wrong. October isn’t yet finished, but the Reds are. The Philadelphia Phillies beat them in a three-game sweep. U.S. Rep. Jeanne Schmidt (R-Miami Township) at least has the courage to take on a more troubling issue: “Ohio is at the epicenter of a growing national bedbug problem,” she says. After due consideration, she has publicly stated her position. Schmidt opposes bedbugs. More surprising is the endorsement that former state legislator Tom Brinkman Jr., candidate for Hamilton County Auditor, received from what he called “Cincinnati’s Progressive Weekly.” Brinkman is co-chair of Citizens Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes (COAST), a group that few would consider progressive. Nor do many consider CityBeat progressive any longer. But that’s the publication Brinkman was citing. In the paper’s Oct. 6 edition, the “Porkopolis” column written by Kevin Osborne carried this headline: “It’s Not a Misprint: Vote for COAST Leader.” After accusing incumbent County Auditor Dusty Rhodes of duplicity, Osborne makes this statement: “Although I certainly don’t agree with Brinkman on some issues, he is exactly as he sells himself to voters.” That, however, is the opposite of what Osborne said in the same column 18 months ago. The Jan. 21, 2009, edition of “Porkopolis” opened with this headline: “COAST Speaks with Forked Tongue.” Jeff Berding’s Latest Monstrosity Consistency isn’t the highest good in public affairs, of course – and it’s a good thing, too, or we’d have seen a whole lot of earnest voters and activists cited to court a few weeks ago. In order to encourage people to take advantage of Ohio’s opportunity for early voting, Christopher Smitherman, president of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), camped with supporters outside the Hamilton County Board of Elections. The Sept. 27 stunt included tents on the sidewalk. Fortunately, none of the campers held signs saying, “Homeless – Please Help.” The Cincinnati Police Department, ever vigilant about public safety, has been issuing citations to panhandlers who dare sit down on the sidewalk while asking for alms. The charge? Obstructing the sidewalk. That charge apparently applies only to people so desperate that they have to beg for sustenance. This is not to say that the NAACP supports the city’s cruelty toward poor people. A few days later the organization blasted a new restriction on panhandling. The proposal came, of course, from City Councilman Jeff Berding, who has distinguished himself in office by working hard to make the lives of poor people even more difficult. Last year he proposed taxing the nickels and dimes given to panhandlers. He dropped that idea but has now succeeded in getting council to forbid asking for money from people feeding parking meters. Smitherman blasted the new ordinance. “Only a monster would propose legislation that criminalizes the poor in the middle of an economic great depression,” he said. “Council does not know what it is like to be poor and engage in class warfare instead of teaching citizens how to say no.” Dangerous Drawings by Children But then, saying no can get citizens in big trouble. Witness the Sept. 24 raids by the FBI, targeting anti-war protesters. Agents entered eight homes and offices of union and anti-war activists in Minneapolis and Chicago. They seized computers, books, documents, notebooks, cell phones, passports, children’s drawings, photos of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, videos and personal belongings. The FBI also raided offices of the Twin Cities Anti-war Committee, seizing computers; served federal grand-jury subpoenas to activists in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan; and paid visits to others in Wisconsin, California and North Carolina. The majority of those targeted by the raids had participated in anti-war protests at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. Harassment of peace activists is not exactly new in the United States. President Richard Nixon was notorious for his heavy-handed suppression of opposition to the Vietnam War. But what makes this latest round of harassment all the more disheartening is that it was conducted by the FBI under a Democratic administration. STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 Streetvibes is an activist newspaper, advocating justice and building community. Streetvibes reports on economic issues, civil rights, the environment, the peace movement, spirituality and the struggle against homelessness and poverty. Distributed by people who are or once were homeless, in exchange for a $1 donation, Streetvibes is published twice a month by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Address: 117 East 12th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 Phone: 513.421.7803 x 12 Fax: 513.421.7813 Email: streetvibes2@yahoo. com Website: www. cincihomeless.org Blog: streetvibes.wordpress. com Streetvibes Staff Editor Gregory Flannery Art Director Joseph Szydlowski Vendor Coordinator Georgia Bohannon Contributing Writers Michelle Dillingham, Samantha Groark, Margo Pierce, Carly Tamborski, Jeremy Flannery, Michael Henson, David Heitfield, Corey Gibson, Jeni Jenkins, Saad Ghosn, Lew Moores, Larry Gross, Eli Braun, Jesse Call, Michael Fanning, B. Clifton Burke Photography/Artwork Aimie Willhoite, Lynne Ausman, Anne Skove, Vinit Murthy, Jon Hughes, Brad Foster Proofreaders Jeremy Flannery The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works to eradicate homelessness in Cincinnati through coordination of services, public education, grassroots advocacy and Streetvibes. We are proud members of: �STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 3 National News ­ Counting Hate is the First Step Congress considers “Hunt for homeless. Kill one for fun. We’re 87 percent sure it’s legal.” tracking attacks on homeless people ‘Protect all Americans equally’ By Margo Pierce Contributing Writer “W hen I hear the horrific stories about murders, assault and rapes committed against our nation’s homeless, I ask myself, ‘Is this really America?’ When I hear the story of Norris Gaynor being beaten to death by baseball bats while sleeping on a park bench. I ask myself, ‘Where’s all this violence coming from?’ When I hear about John Mc Graham being doused with gasoline and set ablaze, I was shocked and horrified this could happen to a fellow human being and just wonder where we are heading.” This was part of the opening statement by U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Maryland), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs. The statement was part of a Sept .29 hearing, “Crimes Against America’s Homeless: Is the Violence Growing?” A five-person panel presented testimony regarding the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act (S.B. 1765). Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is a co-sponsor of the bill, which would require the FBI to add attacks on homeless people to the data it collects on hate crimes. The Hate Crimes Statistic Acts of 1990 requires the Justice Department to track crimes motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation and ethnicity. Disability was added in 1994 and gender or gender identity were included later. The new bill does not add additional punishments for hate crimes against the homeless. “I want the federal government to track how many crimes are being committed against homeless just because they are homeless,” Cardin said. “The best way to develop a strategy to deal with a problem is to make sure that you have accurate information in order to be able to act.” Pointing to the limited statistics collected by the National Coalition for the Homeless over the past 11 years, Cardin characterized hate crimes against the homeless as “pervasive and growing.” The report indicates that 43 homeless people were killed as a result of hate crimes in 2009, making it the deadliest year to date. During that same year approximately 640,000 people were homeless on any given night, according to the latest report to Congress by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Here’s what we do know: violence is occurring against this population. We know that the un-housed population is growing. One could make an educated guess that these two facts may lead to more victims,” Cardin said. “I don’t want to guess – I want to get the facts.” ‘Hunt for homeless’ The effort to clarify what hate crimes are and the importance of this legislation fell to Erik Luna, a professor at Washington and Lee University School of Law and an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute. Quoting the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, A protester holds an anti-hate sign at a rally in Denver. REUTERS/Gary Caskey. which establishes the guidelines and procedures necessary for collecting data, Luna began by defining the crime itself. “The UCR guidelines describe a hate crime as a ‘criminal offense committed against a person or property which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender‘s bias.’ In turn, bias is defined as a ‘preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity/national origin.’ The guidelines then provide a series of criteria that might support a finding of bias,” Luna said. “All told, the guidelines attempt to provide some type of standards for data collection and a basis for subsequent scrutiny of this information.” He took issue with some of the reporting by the National Coalition for the Homeless in its latest annual report, “Hate Crimes Against the Homeless: America’s Growing Tide of Violence,” published in August. Luna said that some of the 43 deaths reported were unsubstantiated, as the report itself acknowledges. The methodology for the data collection is inconsistent and therefore unreliable, he said. These facts support the need for data gathering by the FBI, according to Luna. Cardin introduced U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) as “the voice of many people who otherwise would not be heard in the chambers of Congress.” She spoke in favor of the legislation. “Between 1999 and 2010 there were more than 1,000 bias-motivated attacks committed against the homeless; 291 of these attacks were homicides,” Johnson said. “This is more than twice the number of homicides committed in all other hate-group categories combined. A misconception is that these attacks happen to belligerent bums. However, many of these individuals were sought out by their attackers. Some victims never even spoke to their attacker before they were killed.” Johnson gave two examples of hate crimes committed in 2009, including a wheelchair-bound homeless woman in Seattle who was repeatedly raped by an attacker who said, “I can rape you and get away with it. …You’re homeless? No one cares about you.” Near the University of Texas at El Paso, four unknown men set a 41-year-old homeless man on fire. He survived the attack but “lives with serious burns.” “The federal government has fallen behind the states on this issue,” Johnson said. “Currently, there are four states who already recognize homelessness as a category of hate crime. Several more have legislation pending. These are not simply Democratically run states. Florida had a Republicanelected governor and legislature at the time their homeless hate crimes bill was signed into law. “If Congress continues to not take a stance on this issue, we send the message that we are willing to look the other way. Treating homeless individuals rudely or inhumanely is seen as acceptable by far too many Americans. It is the one group where it is still acceptable in most circles to disparage. How do we end that if even Congress is unwilling to treat these individuals equally?” Before going onto the next round of testimony, Cardin quoted an advertisement in “a popular men’s magazine”: Law enforcement officers are used to seeing the worst of human behavior. While they can be perceived as hardened by the constant barrage of violence in their work, they are also the most well-informed about criminal activity and how to develop strategies to deal with it. Richard Wierzbicki, commander of the Hate Crimes/AntiBias Task Force of the Broward County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office in Florida, testified that data is the best place to begin. “I am a longstanding member of the nation’s law enforcement community with over 32 years of public service and can attest to our profession’s interest in advancing strategies that enhance the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against the homeless population, including crimes motivated by bias,” Wierzbicki said. “Rigorous and widespread collection, reporting and analysis of bias-motivated crime data is one such solution. … That is why the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the largest accredited sheriff’s office in the United States, supports the legislation.” Wierzbicki also gave examples of homeless people who have been attacked in his community, including one that was videotaped and posted on YouTube. “The availability of data about biasmotivated crimes is instrumental in inspiring community action to protect various population groups subjected to bias and is critical to law-enforcement agencies for developing plans of action, deploying resources and measuring our progress,” he said. “Take our experience in Broward. I lead the Hate Crimes/ Anti-Bias Task Force created in 2008 … as a direct response to data in the Florida Attorney General’s annual hatecrimes report, which indicated that our county – Broward County – led the state in reported hate crimes. “The data told us where the crimes were occurring, who was being targeted, and why they were being attacked. Based on the data, we were then able to decide how and where to deploy resources to combat hate. Regrettably, our attorney general’s hate-crimes report – no different than similar reports in other states – did not tell us anything about bias-motivated crimes against the homeless population because such data is not collected as part of uniform crime reporting, even though those of us who have worked the beat know full well that such crimes occur. By lacking such data, our task force simply could not plan a meaningful response to bias-motivated crimes against our large homeless population.” Wierzbicki said that the legislation will not create an “undue burden” on law enforcement and that the data collection is critical for ensuring public safety. “It is my strong conviction that it must become standard practice for all law-enforcement agencies to vigorously collect data on the number and types of incidents of bias-motivated crimes against homeless victims,” he said. “When the homeless population is left out of national hate-crime data col- See Crime, P. 12 �4 International ­ STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 Three Wise Men in an Occupied Land It’s not the Bethlehem of Sunday school By Carly Tamborski Contributing Writer Most people in Western culture aren’t very familiar with the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Ask which lands are fighting or why, and most will respond with vague stories about terrorism or suicide bombs they overheard on the evening news; and, of course, most assume the conflict is over religion. Little Town of Bethlehem, a powerful, eye-opening documentary, explores all sides by telling the stories of three men with distinctive identities in the conflict: One is a Palestinian Muslim, another a Palestinian Christian and the third an Israeli Jew. All three grew up in the cycle of hate and went against their societies’ norms to encourage the two lands to resolve issues peacefully, willing to risk everything to end the violence. Most viewers can connect with one of the faiths represented in the film, but different religious traditions are not what’s causing suicide bombs, air raids or discrimination – fear is the root of the problem. The movie doesn’t talk against Israel or Palestine, but rather against the Israeli occupation, focusing on the negative effects often distorted by the media. Little Town of Bethlehem was screened Sept. 30, free of charge, at the University of Cincinnati by Howard Tolley, professor of political science and director of the UC International Human Rights Certificate Program. The film referenced both the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, connecting the Israeli/ Palestinian struggle with other historical movements that resulted in the expansion of human rights. Home is a prison The three main characters speak English, with Arabic subtitles at the bottom of the screen. After the three characters are introduced, the film’s title is shown as urban rap music plays and scenes of modern Palestine are shown: people playing volleyball on the beach and lounging in bikinis, armed men, checkpoints, riots and burning flags; people playing cards, smoking a hookah, sharing a family dinner, woodworking and drinking wine. Sami Awad is a Palestinian Christian whose grandparents lived in Palestine. When the oldest was 12 and the youngest was 2, the family lived in a village shared by Muslims, Christians and Jews. In 1948, Israeli forces came and tried to kick the family out of Jerusalem. As Awad’s grandfather tried to save his family and escape, a sniper’s bullet killed him, leaving Awad’s grandmother alone with her seven children. In 1967, four years before Awad was born, war broke out between Israel, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. This resulted in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and parts of eastern Syria being occupied by Israeli forces. Awad’s parents fled to the United States. Awad was born in Kansas City, Kansas. His family moved to Bethlehem when he was 6 months old. Ahmad Al’Azzah is a Palestinian Muslim. Before the conflict, his grandparents lived in a village where Jews were considered neighbors and friends. When Israeli forces came to their village in 1948, his grandparents escaped. His mother was 1 year old at the time, and they lived in caves until 1949. After that year, they were told to live in a Bethlehem refugee camp for 10 days, but those 10 days became 60 years. Al’Azzah has lived his entire life in the Azzah refugee camp, where he now lives with his wife, three children and mother. In 1949 the refugee camp had about 900 people. The area is small – 200 meters by 150 meters – so the ability to expand as a community is limited. Since then the camp has grown to more than 2,026 people. Approximately 48 percent are children. Refugees are allowed to come and go during the day, but must return at night to the “prison,” as Al’Azzah referred to it. “I live in a place where violence could be on a daily basis,” he said. Yonatan Shapira is an Israeli Jew and former Israeli fighter pilot. His grandparents, Zionist settlers, moved from Eastern Europe to Palestine in 1933. Most of the Zionist activists who went to Palestine in the beginning of the 20th century weren’t religious, he said. The immigration was a nationalist movement of people who had enough of anti-Semitism in their old communities. Fifteen years after settling, his parents witnessed the establishment of Israel. Shapira was born on an Israeli Air Force base in 1972; his father was also a fighter pilot. ‘Cry with them’ Each of the three main characters discussed what it was like to grow up in their environments, sharing some of the moments that hit them hardest. As their number of violent experiences increased, they came to believe that peace is not achieved through violence. Awad was greatly influenced by his uncle, who moved to Jerusalem in the 1980s and created the Palestinian Center for the Study of Non-Violence. “Many people went to my uncle’s center with Palestinians in non-violent actions against the occupation, so that opened my eyes to a different world that existed. Israelis came who were neither soldiers nor settlers. I started to hear Israelis say, ‘We understand.’ I heard Israelis say, ‘Forgive us. We don’t know.’ That was powerful. It reached the point where my uncle was actually seen as a threat to the security of Israel and led to him being arrested, put on trial and deported.” His father soon sent him to the United States to finish his education. Awad moved back to Palestine, settling in Bethlehem, in 1996. He Courtesy of Ethnographic Media and his future wife worked at an organization that tried to bring back the concept of non-violence to Palestine. He describes his community as so interconnected that friends from first grade are still his best friends. Some of his friends chose to engage in acts of violence and armed resistance, but Awad did not. “I’m still friends with those people, and I’ve seen many of them reach the point where they said violence was a wrong choice,” he said. “I’ve had friends who’ve had members of their families in prison or killed, so it’s not easy. When people are in pain, you have to feel their pain. When they cry, you have to cry with them. When they’re angry, you have to be angry.” Al’Azzah recalled Israeli soldiers surrounding Bethlehem and shooting at houses. When they started shooting at his house, Al’Azzah’s father, mother and some neighbors escaped to the basement. Al’Azzah went back upstairs to save a valuable appliance. “I wanted to save the TV because we paid a lot of money for it, and we need TV,” he said, laughing. He carried it to a back room, but soldiers noticed him and started shooting. He laid flat on the floor for 10 minutes – the longest 10 minutes of his life, he recalled. “I made it down, and everyone was crying because they thought I had turned into a martyr, but I saved the TV, and we still have it,” Al’Azzah said. In 1996, after studying abroad, Al’Azzah moved back to Bethlehem and opened Holy Land Trust, where he was reintroduced to the woman who became his wife. Shapira said his high school years included classes in a variety of interesting subjects and a great social life. He loved to hang-glide. At that time he wanted to be an Israeli fighter pilot in the air force like his father, but knew little about Palestinian perspectives. “When I was in high school, to me, the Palestine Liberation Organization was a group of Palestinians who were very angry and didn’t like us,” Shapira said. “Israel was supporting the peace, but very, very militarist, encouraging you to enroll in the army and be a good soldier.” ‘Every child born’ The increase in violence after the creation of Israel created a snowball effect, as more and more problems created an even greater need to address the issue. In 2002 all the leaders of Arab nations made a peace offer to Israel in what was called the Arab Peace Initiative in Beirut. Within a day or two a suicide attack in Israel sparked a massive military raid in many Palestinian cities, including the siege of the Church of Nativity. During the arrangements for the peace process, the Israeli government Continued on next page �STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 tightened its occupation of Palestine, creating more distress for the three men. Permits became necessary to travel between the West Bank and Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza or the West Bank and Israel. Roads were created only for Jews. Checkpoints were established on roadways and access points to borders. One of Al’Azzah’s children has a low immunity and he knocked on every doctor’s door and every hospital he could, looking for a treatment in Palestine. He gives his son shots to raise his immunity, but his condition isn’t improving. When he realized he had exhausted all the local resources and the Palestinian doctors couldn’t help him, the Israelis gave Al’Azzah and his wife a one-time permit to take his son to an Israeli hospital. During the massive military raid in Palestine shortly after the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, Awad’s wife went into labor during a night of fighting, screaming and gunshots. Two of his Spanish journalist friends helped the couple. At a checkpoint, Awad presented his U.S. passport, and his friends presented their Spanish passports. The Israeli guards would allow the three of them through, but not the pregnant woman. That was not an option. “Then we went on a dirt road that only settlers used and snuck into Jerusalem,” Awad said. “The next day our daughter was born in a hospital. We snuck into Bethlehem to be with our family, and on coming from our house, we see the tanks and hear the shooting and shelling and sirens. It was incredible – in the midst of all of this there was such peace in our family. Every child born on this earth is a gift of God. Every child born is born in the image of God.” As a young man, Shapira looked up to his father as a hero, loved his country and was proud to call the Israeli Air Force a key part of his identity. “The air force directed me to fly helicopters, and I remember saying to everyone, ‘They found the best job for me because I’m willing to risk my life to save other people’s lives,” Shapira said. “The Israeli society is very militaristic. The way we’re being educated and told about the army is an amazing example of a society that worships power, military strength and growing this nation.” ‘I can’t be silent’ Of course, violence is not a new method of resolving conflict. Wars in the 20th century, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and studying peaceful leaders impacted each man in his own way. “I was exposed to Martin Luther King, who had a very strong, very powerful presence,” Awad said. “He always had the attention of everyone around him when he spoke. To be strong is not something to be ashamed of, but the message that you bring out is more important. For Martin Luther King, it was a message of non-violence, a message of equality.” The Holocaust influenced both Awad and Shapira, who visited former concentration camps during their ethical journeys. “I went to Birkenau to witness what really happened in the Holocaust,” Awad said. “To be in such a place, International where so many people were killed, seeing the wall of death where thousands were shot, the ovens where people were burned, the ponds where their remains where thrown in – it was horrifying. “I witnessed busloads of Israeli children with Israeli guards come off the bus and they would walk into Birkenau through the railroad singing the Israeli national anthem. The shocking part was to hear the language this guide was using. Not to explain this violent act as an act that happened against the Jewish community, but humanity in general, and shouldn’t happen to anyone in the world – but presenting this act as ‘what the Arabs and the Palestinians want to do to us now.’ These children are experiencing one of the most traumatic episodes of their life, and many of them probably had family killed in these places. That planted fear in their hearts. They hear, ‘Fear the Palestinians, don’t trust them, don’t make peace with them.’ ” In the film, eerie scenery of Auschwitz-Birkenau is paralleled with modern Palestine. “In high school, I went to Poland to see the concentration camps,” Shapira said. “I remember standing next to this huge pile of human ashes and the notion of knowing that I am the son of a fighter pilot and exsquadrant in the Israeli army, I was so proud that we made it, and I am proof of that fact, and I’m standing there.” The world kept silent while Israeli families were executed in concentration camps, as Shapira’s family constantly reminded him. “Because I’m an Israeli, I can’t be silent,” he said. He grew increasingly uneasy about the occupation of Palestine. “It was after they dropped a bomb on a house that killed 15 innocents, including nine children, that left me with a feeling that I’m one of the children’s killer,” he said. It was at this time that Shapira questioned his ability to identify with his country or the motives of the air force. “My older brother called me and said after what he saw and what he experienced, he would not go back,” Shapira said. “My younger brother was traumatized by what he was told to do. He told me he has constant nightmares, that he sees the eyes of the Palestinian girl trapped in the car they shot. ‘No way back’ Each of the three men had his own method for promoting peace and non-violence. Shapira participated in a retreat where Israelis and Palestinians lived together for a weekend and promoted dialogue between the two groups. “The man next to me said his young sister was paralyzed after an Apache Israeli helicopter shot a missile on their neighbor’s house,” he said. “For the whole weekend, I was very active – talking, organizing things, playing. We sang together, ate together. But I couldn’t tell. I couldn’t tell anyone that I was a pilot in the air force, and something that was so much a part of my pride I couldn’t mention, because I was ashamed.” He also went to a meeting for Courage to Refuse, a group of soldiers, reservists and ex-soldiers who had the courage to say no to their commanders. He watched as people like him stood on a stage and proudly shared their stories. “I looked at them with admiration and envied their wholeness,” Shapira said. That meeting inspired him to bring a few pilot friends to another meeting, and he got the idea to join even more pilots with similar beliefs and drafted a letter to the air force. He joined the group Courage to Say No, which refuses to hunt innocent civilians. “We were raised to love the state of Israel and to contribute to the Zionist enterprise, but we refuse to take part in the attacks in the air force in the concentrations of civilians,” the pilots’ letter said. “We are of the idea that the air force is an inseparable part of us, but we refuse to hunt innocent civilians. These actions are illegal and immoral, and are the direct result of growing occupation, which corrupts Israeli society as a whole.” The next morning’s newspaper criticized the pilots’ letter in an article titled, “Rebellion of the Pilots,” in which the air force commander referred them as traitors. A few days after the article was published, Shapira’s father ran into a friend while grocery shopping. The friend didn’t know Shapira was one of the organizers. “He said to my father they should put us all against the wall and put bullets in our heads,” Shapira said. “The air force commander referred to us as traitors. To say, ‘No, I’m not going to obey this order or participate in something illegal or immoral,’ is very important. But it’s just the first step. The second step that is maybe more important is to now reach out to your enemy and to try to correct the wrongdoing on your part.” The first meeting for the group Shapira created, Combatants for Peace, was held in Bethlehem and had 25 Israeli ex-fighters, 25 Palestinian ex-fighters, both men and women, and some had even spent time in prison for fighting against the Israeli occupation. “The meeting was very, very charged, with people who literally wanted to kill you,” Shapira said. “Many of us Israelis were afraid that we’d be kidnapped or killed, and many of (the Palestinians) were afraid that we were collaborating with Israeli intelligence. … We know there’s no way back from here because the ‘we’ and ‘them’ cannot exist anymore, and we felt as Israelis we are actually joining the Palestinian non-violent struggle for liberation.” Most of the Palestinians in the group are Muslim. Some are very religious, just as some of the Israeli members are very religious. “If we who fought against each other and killed each other struggled together in non-violence, anything is possible,” Shapira said. ‘Fear takes you over’ What makes these people brave is that they’re purposefully standing out in a sea of violence to get their message across. People who don’t flow with the traditional rules of society tend to get noticed faster, which has definitely been the case for these men. “I was accused by other Palestinian 5 political factions of being a collaborator, an agent to the Israelis,” Awad said. “It has happened many times that people who are accused of being collaborators were killed. My determination always came and continues to come from seeing how the Palestinian community reacts to non-violence and in turn engages in nonviolence. All three men had the opportunity to choose a better life in other countries multiple times, but all three refused. “I’ve been given many opportunities to live in the U.S.,” Awad said. “As difficult as it is, as there is so much pressure here, I feel there’s a calling, and you can do something to make the situation better for millions of people. When Jesus talked about loving your enemy, no longer will there be two of them. No longer is there an ‘us’ and ‘them.’ As humans, we are one.” Today Al’Azzah trains people in the methods of peaceful activism at the non-violence program at Holy Land Trust, which he heads. He’s still unable to take his son to an Israeli hospital. Because the three main characters in the film are men, gender is somewhat skewed in the film, but women from both Palestine and Israel have been active in the nonviolent movement and side for peace. Some were seen in the film at the checkpoints, and Shapira’s mother goes to Palestinian villages every week to give aid and support. A discussion followed the screening. Each of three panelists representing the three religious viewpoints in the film gave a fiveminute statement. Zeinab Schwen is founder of the Cincinnati Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). “The situation is distorted by the media,” Schwen said. “Even before 1948, Palestinians have used nonviolent-like strikes. Even now there are weekly peace demonstrations: Every week people gather together and march against violence. Some have lost their lives to bullets doing so.” The second panelist, Susan Einbinder, a professor at Hebrew Union College, was ordained as a reformed rabbi in 1983. She’s also a member of the Refusal Solidarity Network. “I really want to say that it touched me that no one in the film made the conflict about religion, which is what Western culture typically thinks,” she said. “The second part is that all participants describe the militarism of their society.” The power of fear caught the attention of Sister Alice Gerdeman of the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center. “One of the things that struck me was the emphasis of the power of fear and what can happen when fear takes over,” she said. “Fear takes you over, and when it takes you over, you don’t do rational things. When we allow fear to permeate society, we give up the ability to make rational or kind decisions. There’s something wrong in a society when fear of a person or probable event dictates how we’re going to react. This film shows how fear can lead people to put up a wall.” �6 Issues STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 City Backing for Affordable Housing Cincinnati must have an inclusionary ordinance By Michelle Dillingham Contributing Writer A s downtown Cincinnati sees major redevelopment projects, most of which receive assistance from the city in one form or another, Affordable Housing Advocates (AHA) continues its quest to ensure there are affordable housing options for all of Cincinnati’s citizens. Of course, “affordable” is relative if one ascribes to the definition that housing cost is affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of one’s income. Using this definition, for someone making $100,000 a year, “affordable” means something very different from what it means for someone making $20,000 a year. Typically, when you hear people talk about “affordable housing,” they are generally referring to housing for those who live at or below the federal poverty line. For us in Cincinnati, this means a full one-quarter of us. One strategy that advocates use to ensure these individuals and families are able to afford housing in new developments is to promote required inclusionary language for those projects that receive city funding. Last year the Housing Committee of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) drafted a proposal for a local inclusionary ordinance, which was endorsed by AHA. If passed, it would require that any market-rate housing development receiving city assistance include some affordable housing. Specifically, developments that receive city assistance would have to have no less than 20 percent of all rental units in each development affordable by households with incomes under 50 percent of area median income, and no less than 20 percent of all residential units for sale in each development would have to be affordable by households with incomes under 80 percent of area median income. This proposal defines “city assistance,” showing the variety of ways a developer can (and often does) receive help from the city: • A developer can receive tax increment financing. • A developer can receive land acquired through eminent domain. • A developer can buy land sold to it by the city at a price less than fair-market value. • A developer can use a city-funded housing or economic development loan or grant program, including the Community Development Block Grant Program, the federal HOME Program and funds from the general fund or from the capital fund. As development deals pass through City Hall day in and day out, many of which include city assistance, the time is ripe to resurrect this discussion once again and keep the focus on how to promote access to affordable housing for all Cincinnatians. It takes a majority – five votes of the city’s legislative body, city council – to pass an ordinance. One way to keep up on recently passed ordinances is to read the City Bulletin, which includes all legislation passed by city council. The City Bulletin is published by the clerk of council, and anyone can go to the clerk’s office on the third floor of City Hall to pick up a free copy. Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport ­ Get involved or get screwed 1 By Nicholas Hoesl Guest Columnist www.facebook.com/street­ vibes cincinnati ­ twitter.com/streetvibesnews ­ streetvibes.wordpress.com ­ T hank God we still have the print media. Don’t you get a little tired of all those TV commercials (excuse me – infomercials) in which candidates tell you all their good points in 30 seconds? Then there are the “attack ads,” which send the message, “Why should you vote for me? Well, because my opponent is a bum.” This year we are told that one party might stay home because the other party is angry but enthusiastic at its chances, sucking most of the electricity out of the TV set. Whatever happened to one’s civic duty to vote? Show me a no-show and I’ll show you a nerd (for lack of a better four-letter word). Even Plato had a message for them: “Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” Television has changed politics. Woe to the contender who abhors make-up, comes across as wooden, stiff, or has a smirk on his face. When the late Daniel Schorr asked a producer what it took to be a success on TV, the answer was, “If you can fake sincerity, you’ve got it made.” The turnout among young no-show voters, the worst age group, is expected to be dismally low this year. Would it suit them if they could vote on-line or from their cell phones? How about giving them a chance on a new car? Would declaring Election Day a holiday help? It’s harder to run for office today. You have to be thick-skinned or be skinned. When President William Howard Taft was campaigning, someone threw a cabbage at him. It rolled to Taft’s feet. He was quick to re-act: “I see that one of my adversaries has just lost his head.” Another politician answered an unrelenting heckler, “If I ever need a brain transplant, I’ll ask for yours. I want one that hasn’t been used.” There are pundits who try to make politics simpler. Political satirist P.J. O’Rourke says, “God is a Republican, and Santa Claus is a Democrat.” Here’s another definition of the two parties: If a man were drowning 50 feet from shore, a Republican would throw him a 25-foot rope and tell him to swim to the other end of the rope because it would be good for his character. A Democrat would throw him a 100-foot rope and run off for others to save. Then there was the “come on” want ad: Young Republican woman would like to marry young Democrat. Object? Third party. To be sure, politics can be fun. Will Rogers told us, “Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke.” Who couldn’t agree more when he added, “Politics has gotten so expensive that it takes lots of money just to get beat with.” What would he say today? Jay Leno likes to tell his young audiences, “If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.” Political promises can go in one year and out the other. When candidates waffle, have they seen the light or just felt the heat? Democracy is not a spectator sport. Use it or lose it. Vote often. �EPIC Win Elderly Persons in Community is about to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Courtesy of EPIC. An EPIC Community Asks for Your help Best kept secret in housing for the elderly By Ruth Ravenna Contributing Writer E lderly Persons in Community (EPIC), 910 York Street, has been a home to elderly, low-income men and women for 21 years. The house was renovated to accommodate nine residents at a time. Each has his or her own bedroom with a private bath, community living and dining rooms, three meals a day, laundry facilities and an attendant on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is not a nursing home. It is a shared living facility for the elderly who cannot live alone, but who do not need the restrictions or expensive care provided in a nursing home. The residents call EPIC their home and the other residents their family. Most of the residents have no living family to look out for their best interests. EPIC Home is really their home. It looks like a home and feels like a home. The residents will tell you the home-cooked food is good, almost like their mothers cooked. We all know that “ 7 Local News ­ STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 no one cooks like Mom did, so this is a great compliment to those who prepare the meals. EPIC is celebrating its 21st Anniversary Dinner at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21 in the undercroft at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. Dinner reservations are $35 per person. Send your reservation check to Monika Cure-Shahid, 703 Ezzard Charles Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45203. Like other small non-profit organizations, EPIC has need of financial assistance. Approximately 65 percent of its funding comes from Residential State Supplement, which is capped at $877 per month per resident. The actual cost per resident is $1,350 per month. In order to meet expenses, $4,257 per month has to come from outside sources. The difference in funding is made up from grants, corporate and private donations and fundraising events. Unfortunately, all sources of funding are less this year than ever before. Donations can be in the form of a check; goods such as paper products, cleaning supplies, food or storm doors for the four outside doors. There is always a need for volunteers to help with the grocery shopping or to take residents to their medical appointments. To help, contact Marlene Hamilton at 513241-7979 or mail your donation to EPIC, 910 York St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45214. Donations are tax-deductible. EPIC is celebrating its 21st Anniversary Dinner at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21 in the undercroft at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral.” Landfill Continued from page 1 as educational materials for students. In the back parking lot of a Cleveland, Ohio, furniture store in 2006, ZeroLandfill was founded. ZeroLandfill says it has repurposed over 400,000 pounds of expired samples since its founding. With ZeroLandfill programs in Cleveland, Cincinnati, the Twin Cities, Indianapolis, Boston and other cities on the way, this newfound way to think of discarded items has been catching on around the country. “It started from one guy putting stuff in his garage, and now it has almost grew to a nation-wide thing,” Margraf says. ZeroLandfill Cincinnati alone has kept nearly 80,000 pounds of trash out of the landfills since 2008. In 2009 a man from Brown County came in a large truck and hauled away thousands of pounds of tile for a project, according to Margraf. The total last year was around 70,000 pounds of material, including large amounts of tile and rubber flooring that were donated. “You can take as much as you want,” Margraf says. “We just weigh it before they leave, and we record how many pounds of each category of material gets diverted and we total it up at the end,” says Carrie Harms, co-chair of ZeroLandfill Cincinnati. “Architect and interior design libraries are filled with this kind of material,” Margraf says. “They gather it for projects and then it just becomes overwhelming in terms of the amount of materials they have, so this is an outlet for them to provide the stuff they don’t want or need to be used in a different way.” The program distributed material to artists and educators on three days last month. “We’re probably close to 10,000 pounds, and it is our last day,” said Carrie Harms, co-chair of ZeroLandfill Cincinnati. They expected the number to rise by the end of the day. The small Norwood building that operated as distribution headquarters contained small mounds of material along three walls: metal scraps; uniquely shaped and colored pieces of square and rectangle tiles; a long row of huge binders filled with little squares of carpet, each a different color and texture; piles of fabric in hundreds of different prints and styles. A sign-in sheet showed the diversity of participants. Some people identified their occupations as student or art teacher; others wrote, “Grandmother.” People with a variety of interests pick up the material. “We get a lot of art teachers, day care centers, artists and just people who are crafty,” Harms says. “Anyone can come.” �8 National News ­ STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 One Cause, Many Voices:Why We Went Progressives try to gather strength Editor’s note: Tens of thousands went to Washington, D.C., Oct. 2 for the One Nation Working Together rally. More than 200 people from Greater Cincinnati participated in the rally, including union members, peace activists and members of faith-based groups. Katy Heins collected the following statements from local participants, explaining their reasons. “I so wanted to attend President Obama’s inauguration but was simply unable to make the trip. This trip is a unique opportunity for me to show support for our president at a time when the media seems full of negative information about him and the programs he is putting forward. I have faith that Obama is the best person for the job of bringing this country back to a place that we all can be proud of, so I’m presenting myself in honor of what he’s doing and what we might be able to do, as a nation, to live up to our creed.” – Sarah Davis “I’m going first of all because I believe President Obama is doing a good job. I agree with the direction of his policies and believe they will make for a stronger country in the 21st century. My other reasons are more personal. My father (who is deceased) marched in Selma. My parents were members of NAACP. My Dad was an activist in Harold Washington’s mayoral campaign. My husband (also deceased) was an activist in the West End. I believe I am representing them and my granddaughters in standing up for justice for those less privileged.” – Margie Wells-Davis class, or a massive counterattack by the ultra right that will sweep everything we have fought for, away. I’m going to Washington to join the broadest coalition possible to stop this right wing counterattack on working people in this country. I recognize, with no illusions, the Democrats are not, nor have ever been in my lifetime, ‘my party.’ But I also recognize that the current Republican Party is at this time in history my most dangerous enemy. I do not exaggerate. Losing my health care, with as many shortcomings as it has, losing my union contract, losing my disability benefits, in my view is what is at stake. I hope October 2 can be part of the strategy of defeating the ultra right in the November elections and preventing them from re-taking Congress and putting into effect their antiworking class agenda.” – Phil Amadon “The only cushion I have in my life at this time is the solidarity of my union and the century of progress that made it possible for me to have disability benefits. This is a time where there can be a little bit of progress, a reversal of decline for the working “I’m attending this trip to represent a government that stands for change from the old status quo. This climate of status quo has eroded this country for years and should not be allowed to resurface. We must unite and stand in support of our present administration that vows through democratic means a nation finally at peace in all fronts. This trip adds representation from all those interested in eliminating the fundamental prejudices and misconceptions made by the disruptive force that is intent on dividing this nation and to create chaos where there wasn’t. In the words of the great Martin Luther King, ‘We shall overcome.’ And this dream should live on through our efforts. And I want to be a part of that effort.” – Mike Austine “The reason I’m going to the One Nation March is because I have three boys that I have to take care of, and I want them to know that, if we all stick together in this world, we as a nation can keep moving ahead. We have had too many leaders who have come before us to make this way already, like Dr. King and Malcolm X. These men died fighting to make this world a better place for us. But if we let the Tea Party people get their way, we will all have more problems than we have now. We can’t let that happen. My kids need a better life just as well as their kids will.” – Dina Smith Top: Dan La Botz (gesturing), an Ohio candidate for U.S. Senate, led supporters to Washington for the One Nation rally. Paul Davis. Above: The One Nation rally drew progressives from across the United States. Paul Davis. “It means a chance for us as a country to stand up again to rise above the hate for our country, our president and even ourselves. Since Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a Dream’ speech, when have you seen plenty or anyone have a successful march of people of many colors? You have not. Well, today marks a new beginning, a better tomorrow and a goodbye to yesterday. Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, we are losing jobs left to right. But if it took eight years to mess up how, can we clean it up in two? What this march means to me is a chance to listen, a chance to be heard, a chance to live, a chance to rise again and a chance to not ‘take back America’ but to move America forward. Let’s be like Rosa Parks: Refuse to let our freedom go.” – Rob Richardson, SEUI Local 1 �STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 An open letter to President Obama... Fighting Poverty a Single Page at a Time Homeless people change their lives by selling street papers least I’m earning an income selling The Big Issue. If I’m having a tough day at work, I go to the park and take a spin on the playground roundabout. When I have cleared my mind, I go back to my pitch and get on with the business of selling the magazine. My dream is to have a place of my own. Danielle Batist I’d like to set up a small Street News Service Editor home-based business, as I am now a good salesman. uying a paper at I tell other vendors to keep cost price and sell- pushing forward with the skills that they have and to ing it for the cover never give up.” price – keeping the proMore than 100 street ceeds. It sounds like a very papers across the globe, simple business model, and it is. But providing an in cities like London, Cape income is only the first tool Town, Chicago, Oslo, Tokyo street papers use to tackle and in between, share that homelessness and exclusame vision: to provide the sion. means and opportunity for Every day, street paper homeless people to help vendors around the world themselves. hit the streets with the latVendors with street est edition of their paper or papers can access a range magazine. They sell from of other services, includtheir designated pitch in ing sales training, drug and busy shopalcohol ping streets, counseloutside malls ing and or in front of housing office buildsupport. ings, hospiSeveral tals, universistreet-paties, sports per projects grounds or also run train stations. savings They are programs there, come and art and rain or shine, literacy working to classes or earn their organize own living in rehabilitaan increasingtive sports ly challenging activities. climate. “Street Street papers from around They are papers are the world. INSP. people like a hand up, Steven Robnot a hand ert, a vendor in Cape Town, out,” says Lisa Maclean, South Africa, who like so executive director of the many people moved to the International Network of city as a teenager with big Street Papers (INSP). dreams. But without money An international charity or a job, he roamed the organization, INSP unites streets, struggling to meet and supports 110 street pahis basic needs. When two pers, including Streetvibes, of his close relatives passed in 40 countries. The netaway, loneliness kicked in work was founded in 1994 even harder. It was through with a handful of street the street paper that he papers and a few hundred found back purpose in his vendors. Today more than life. 200,000 homeless vendors “Life is still not easy for me,” Robert says. “I live in See Street, P. 14 a homeless shelter, but at B 9 National News ­ Streetvibes wants to interview President Obama. REUTERS/Larry Downing. Streetvibes also doesn’t pay its writers and Volunteer requests photographers. We are all volunteers. Many street paper vendors in the Unitinterview for street ed States are veterans, so this is a senvenue to talk about your agenda to newspapers worldwide sible broaden support for veterans with PTSD. D ear President Obama, I volunteer as a contributing writer for Streetvibes, the award-winning street paper from Cincinnati, Ohio. Streetvibes, published by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, is part of the International Network of Street Papers, reaching millions of readers around the world. Vendors, who are financially struggling, homeless or formally homeless individuals, go through training and become certified distributors of a street paper. At Streetvibes, vendors distribute the paper throughout the community for a profit of 75 cents per copy, which serves as a supplemental income. I am reaching out to you to request an interview for Streetvibes on behalf of street papers, our vendors and the international community. Streetvibes is non-profit and grassroots. It does not take government money. Should you grant this request, Streetvibes will collaborate with our vendors to include their questions. Street papers aim to be the voice of homeless individuals and homeless or poverty-stricken families, who are often left voiceless in the public discourse. The interview would be published in street papers worldwide, so by granting an interview to the street-paper community, you would be recognizing a legitimate source of grassroots journalism, positively reaching out to the international community and getting in touch with the roots of how your campaign started. There is no amount of partisanship that can undo that. No president has yet granted an interview to a street paper, so this is an historic and long overdue request. Sincerely, Ariana Shahandeh �10 Poetry Corner The Welcome Tour: Camp Smedley Butler, Okinawa STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 In My Heart “Homeless and Alone” By Booger Love By Elisa Hill They got into my heart over the years When other people tried I walked away From them and left but when it come to I may be homeless and alone, but that doesn’t mean I’m any less important. I too have a heart and a reason to be alive. It just may take me longer. With a greater will to survive. I’ve endured all the stairs and the questions of why I don’t have a home. I sleep in the grass like I am one of many sheep being tended to in a flock. We fall in tune and the loneliness never seems to stop. I pray nightly hoping for a better tomorrow. Hoping for a place to stay. A decent meal to eat. A nice warm shower to clean my feet. But my reality is that I am homeless and alone. I come from a big family with plenty to spare. Only problem is I was too far gone in my addiction. To understand all the hurt I had caused. So I do not hold any blame unto my family. For me, I did this to myself. Each day now I do go to counseling and seek help. I go to groups and while I wait, I listen. To others’ stories of despair and hurt, of how hard it is to allow yourself the right to be better. Have a drug free life. I just feel so grateful to be alive. Many nights I thought it would be my last. There are times at night I relive my deadly past. Of smoking crack and selling my body. To being beaten and thrown out like trash. I managed to make it through to see another day of life. At this time I may be struggling, but I know things will get better. As long as I continue to pray. Seek help for my addiction. Most of all stay true to myself. No one can do this for me. I must fight for my own life and health. So today I am homeless and alone. Tomorrow I will struggle to fight on. See, I am important and worthy of life. So when you walk by and see me sitting on the grass, Please don’t pity me. I accept my mistakes and will regain my composure. God is my blessing. My life can be renewed. I start today while you’re there sitting reading the news. Homeless and alone, we’re important too. By David S. Pointer The dead Marine’s mother Is being escorted around Okinawa, she arrives at The Provost Marshal’s Office with the officer of the day fairly early in the morning, and an incarcerated prisoner elects to bombard her with his fresh feces. The desk sergeant has me trade my blackgear and .45 for a mop and bucket high blocking prisoner haymakers while helping him to hold his new mop and conduct unbecoming becomes a clean black tile floor Your kids, there’s no walking out on you all I have a lot of little sisters and a lot Of little brothers that love me So much they are a lovely family and They won’t give up on you and I Tried to walk out on a lot of them But they put Jesus on me and He Opened my heart up so they could get In and now they are indeed in my heart I love my younger family with All my heart and they are deep in My heart forever and ever always This is my story about my young Family I can’t walk out on Hope to see all of you soon Love you all with all my heart �STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 11 Issues Women Flee, and White Men Just Can’t Think A modest proposal to end electile dysfunction By David Heitfield Contributing Writer M y secret high-school crush was a beautiful, intelligent woman who was way out of my league. She was my little red-haired girl (although blond), so I couldn’t actually talk to her; we would flirt by ringing the landline phone once to let the other know s/he was being thought about, and the occasional anonymous prank phone call. As soon as she got the chance, she got the hell out of Ohio. Times have not changed. Attractive, intelligent women do not think about riches, or landing the man of their dreams; they simply think about getting out of Ohio. All the time. When they get up, when they go to sleep, when they eat, when they poop, when they make love. The few who manage to stick around, usually because they have a family or they’ve lobotomized themselves with alcohol or religion, still dream about leaving Ohio and berate themselves for never doing so. And the latest Quinnipiac University poll gives good evidence that while the weather might be cited as the reason our women want to leave, the real reason is that Ohio men are the most selfabsorbed idiots on the planet. How else to explain the overwhelming desire of Ohio men (63 percent to 30 percent) to send President George W. Bush’s former budget director to the U.S. Senate, all in the name of “change”? “It would seem that Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher’s best shot at victory might be finding a way to stop men from voting,” opined Peter Brown, polling assistant director. I’d take it further: The only way to save democracy, our economy, our country is to stop white men from voting. Let ‘em spit and scream and scratch their nuts on the radio and cable news and in the bars. Just don’t let them near a voting booth. Now, I have many white male friends, being one myself; even so, I must admit that, as a group, Ohio white males are incapable of complex thinking outside sports or the occasional stray thought, “I wonder if that penis enlargement pill really works.” And while taking away their right to vote is probably not feasible, at least until China takes over in 30 years or so, we could tweak the voting process itself in a way that will promote true democracy, decentralize the two-party system, and confuse the poor Ohio white male in a way that he’ll need a pill just to have an Election. But first we need to understand the source of the problem, and for that I’ll turn to the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, who understood the basis of whitemale thought better than anyone. Life is paradox and uncertainty, stupid First, let’s acknowledge that any attempt to encapsulate Kierkegaard in a few paragraphs is itself banality. But when the argument is to take away the white male’s voting power – and you’re probably one of three people reading this in a newspaper you bought to help some homeless person – it’s best not to take ourselves too seriously here. For Kierkegaard, the essence of human life is anxiety, and the fully realized life courageously embraces this fact. Any attempt to “let go” or relieve oneself of such angst is cowardly and always results in self-deception and despair. Anxiety comes from the existential angst resulting from a self that is a synthesis of elements that will always remain in opposition to each other: the human vs. the “natural” realm, self-assertion vs. relating to others, finite vs. infinite, subjective vs. objective, necessity vs. possibility, temporal vs. eternal. The anxiety of human life only goes away when one ceases to be a complete person – basically through death, insanity or self-deception. In his seminal work, Either/Or, Kierkegaard presents two distinct ways of living: The first is that of the romantic idealist, and the response is from the “ethicist” (a Christian judge) who argues for an enlightened ethical life. Many college students who read the work mistakenly see it as a progression – that is, that the “ethical” life is a higher state of being than the romantic non-conformist. Kierkegaard actually preferred a third option – his infamous “leap of faith” – but of the two, he was clearly partial to the former, because the romantic at least tried to make life “interesting.” For all his reasoned sense of social obligation, the ethicist merely turns his life into an abortion. (See Limbaugh, Rush.) For our purposes, Kierkegaard saw the basis of white male thinking – bourgeois life – as personification of the Hegelian dialectic: That is, all conflicts that are the paradox of human life should be synthesized and “resolved” for some “greater good.” Since Kierkegaard believed such synthesis to be impossible, the white-male way of thinking is nothing more than cowardly selfdeception. Easy money, easy life, easy religion, finding the path of least resistance – all come at the price of one’s humanity. You gain a little peace, you go to sleep thinking you are always right, and you lose your integrity in the process. And that’s how the white men of Ohio end up sending George W. Bush’s budget director to the U.S. Senate. The results of the Quinnipiac poll are filled with hysterically self-deceptive paradox: 37 percent of voters say they are angry at the federal government; and of those, 81 percent support sending George W. Bush’s former budget director back to Washington. Fortyfive percent of Ohio voters say the economy is getting worse, and so 79 percent of those voters favor sending George W. Bush’s former budget director back to Washington. “ Nader running for president. You like Nader, but you don’t want to “throw your vote away” by voting for him, thus helping Bush. With range voting, no problem: Give Nader a 10, since you like him best; give Clinton a 6, since you like him better than Bush; and give Bush a 1, since you think he sucks. Instead of making a “false” choice based on some self-deceptive resolution for the “greater good,” you vote in accord with how you feel about each candidate. You have an authentic vote, rather than a cowardly vote. Cincinnati has a history of trying to change the voting system, given its brief try at proportional representation in the 1950s and subsequent attempts to put proportional representation on the ballot. There is good evidence that range voting is superior to proportional representation and would appeal to a wider political spectrum of voters. For more information, you can go to RangeVoting.org. I’d also recommend an interesting read from William Poundstone, Gaming the Vote, although I believe it might be out of print now, even though it only came out two years ago. At the very least, maybe angry voters who hate the federal government and think the economy sucks will evaluate their vote a little more closely before sending George W. Bush’s budget director back to Washington. And maybe, just maybe, we can keep some of those intelligent, attractive women in Ohio. Until January, anyway. The only way to save democracy, our economy, our country is to stop white men from voting.” Home on the range Range voting is the best answer I know. Both major parties hate it, and for good reason: It invites paradox and uncertainty into the results. Third-party candidates would actually have a chance to gain power and influence. Pollsters would hate it, moneyed interests on both sides would hate it. No longer would the Democratic Party run on the “We suck less than they do” platform. Political ads couldn’t just attack one candidate, but would have to attack several; and in doing so, negative ads would be much less effective. Studies have shown that the real winners in range voting are the voters themselves: They come out of the voting booth with a much greater sense of satisfaction. It’s so simple, and it so reflects our own vox populi culture that the only reason this isn’t getting more press and acceptance is that it scares the hell out of the established order. Instead of voting for a single candidate, you vote for each candidate based on a “range” of scores, say, 1-10. For example, say you have Bush, Clinton and �12 Crime Local News STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 Continued from page 3 The Size of the Problem lection and reporting, we fail in our responsibility to protect all Americans equally.” “With 43 known deaths, 2009 was the deadliest year for attacks on homeless people in a decade and the second highest since NCH (National Coalition for the Homeless) began tracking the violence in 1999. NCH has found startling data in the number and severity of attacks. However, the reports also acknowledge that since the homeless community is treated so poorly in our society, many more attacks go unreported. ‘Almost a sport’ But not everyone was in agreement during the hearing. David B. Muhlhausen introduced himself as a research fellow in empirical policy analysis with the Heritage Foundation but immediately distanced himself from his credentials, stating “The views I express in this testimony are my own and should not be construed as representing any official position of the Heritage Foundation.” “While every case of a violent act committed against homeless person is tragic and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, the prevalence of these crimes do not rise to a level that requires formal data collection by the federal government,” Muhlhausen said. He cited the conclusion – “deadliest year in a decade” – in the annual report by the National Coalition for the Homeless. “By the collation’s own count there were only 43 … homicides in 2009. To properly understand the prevalence of these murders as a percentage of all murders reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation: In 2009 the FBI counted 15,241 murders in the United States,” Muhlhausen said. “The 43 murders counted by the National Coalition for the Homeless represents 0.28 percent of all murders reported by the FBI. Conversely, all other murders accounted for 99.72 percent of the total. Needless to say, the number of murders of homeless by domiciled individuals is a minuscule fraction of total murders.” Muhlhausen challenged the need for collecting data related to “perceived social problems.” “When Congress considers the need for collecting data on any social phenomena, the nature of the evidence presented to Congress should be instrumental to the decision-making process,” he said. “A wrong assessment of the evidence can lead Congress to waste valuable resources. An objective and fair analysis of the data presented in the collation simply does not provide support for the need for the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act. “While some may argue that the lack the of reliable and objective data on the number of crimes committed against the homeless by domiciled individuals is justification enough for federal intervention, such logic leads the federal government down the unending road of collecting data on any perceived social problem, whether the problem warrants attention by the Federal government. The Hate Crimes against the Homeless Statistics Act of 2009 is unnecessary.” Cardin was surprised that Muhlhausen testified against the bill – he said he was expecting to hear testimony in support – and responded by turning Muhlhausen’s point back on him. “I appreciate you mentioning the statistics of the advocacy community,” Cardin said. “The issue is whether we have the same numbers as to the number of people who are victimized because they’re homeless versus the other statistical information we have about violent crime, which is collected in a different manner. It seems to me we’re comparing apples to oranges. “The debate today … is to decide whether we have adequate information to make judgments.” Cardin pointed to the ease with which this data could be collected: Wierzbicki said it would be as simple as adding a check box with “homeless” as a category, in the same way that law enforcement already identifies hate crimes against religious, ethnic, gender and other protected groups. “I applaud your efforts with the Hate Crimes/AntiBias Task Force,” Cardin said. “You have recognized that you have an issue that you need to deal with in Broward County. … I take it that you are seeing crimes, violent crimes committed against individuals solely because they’re homeless.” “Correct,” Wierzbicki said. “They’re not being targeted for robbery,” Cardin said. “ They’re not being targeted for an anger assault. They’re being targeted because they are being perceived by the attacker as a worthy victim because they are homeless.” “The beatings in Broward County … it was almost a sport and the attacks were very violent,” Wierzbicki said. “The research shows that the attacks on home- • 1,074 reported acts of bias motivated violence have been committed against homeless individuals between 1999-2010. • 291 homeless individuals lost their lives as a result of the attacks. • Reported violence has occurred in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Michael Hesson of Norwood has been charged in the brutal beating of a homeless man in Cincinnati. Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. less are more violent because the attackers view them as sub-human. They have no place to retreat.” Cardin returned to Muhlhausen and asked if he’d object to having “uniform national information” on status crimes related to race, religion or homelessness that goes beyond types of crimes. Muhlhausen said he agrees that data collection is a good idea but doubts that the report by the National Coalition for the Homeless “rises to the level” of “requiring national legislation.” “I do not oppose collecting the basic information,” he said. “What I’m concerned about is that the data presented in a way to suggest that there’s a rising tide of violence and in fact there is no tide.” “We don’t know that,” Cardin said. “Based on the evidence that we have,” Muhlhausen said. “If you base it on the evidence of the advocacy community, then we do have a rising tide,” Cardin countered. “We do have a problem, that there has been an increased amount of violence. It reminds me of people who say we shouldn’t try to stop war because we can’t stop all wars. We can’t fight for human rights because we can’t end all human rights abuses.” “The fact is that there are other segments of society that are probably far more victimized,” Muhlhausen said. “Burglars target people with homes; we’re not concerned about that. What about crimes about people with homes? We’re not collecting statistics on that as a hate crime.” “But we do have uniform statistics on that,” Cardin said. “I take issue with you. We do have good information on burglaries in this country. We don’t on attacks against the homeless. You say you don’t object to having good information. You say you don’t object to having it isolated into protected classes. I interpret from your comments that you want to be opposed to this bill – and it’s your right to do that – but I don’t see any rational support for it.” Like a smoke alarm Cardin then turned to Brian Levin, director of the nonpartisan Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University, where he teaches in the Department of Criminal Justice, and asked him to address one of the reasons for addressing homeless statistics – ending homelessness in this country. Cardin wanted to know if this data collection could ultimately help military veterans, victims of domestic violence, addicts and others get off the streets and prevent people from losing housing. “With unemployment at over 9 percent, the housing situation, which has been well documented … it’s important to recognize that many people who never thought they would be homeless have in fact become homeless,” Levin said. “It would be nice to have some common sense prevail here. “As Professor James Weinstein from Arizona said, Kristallnacht was more than the sum of assault and arson that took place on the evening of November 8, 1938. These are offenses are against a pluralistic democracy.” Kristallnacht, German for “Night of Broken Glass,” “Our data also suggests that the perpetrators of these attacks tend to be young men and teenaged boys. In the 11-year history of our hate-crime reports, the vast majority of the attacks against homeless people have been committed by youth as young as 10 years old. In 2009: • 80 percent of the attacks were committed by people under 30 years of age. • 98 percent of perpetrators were men. • Nearly one in three attacks ended in death. Source: National Coalition for the Homeless Annual Report – Hate Crimes Against the Homeless: America’s Growing Tide of Violence, published August, 2010. For the full report, visit http://www. nationalhomeless.org/publications/hatecrimes/ hatecrimes2009.pdf. For more information on the Senate hearing, visit http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing. cfm?id=4815. was a Nazi pogrom in which 91 Jews were murdered, between 25,000 and 30,000 were placed in concentration camps, more than 1,000 synagogues were destroyed and tens of thousands of Jewish businesses and homes were looted. It is widely considered the prelude to the Holocaust. “The criminal law consistently looks at the context, the target, the timing, the occasion and the motive of offenses. …The U.S. Supreme Court held … motive is something that the government can punish by statutes, not just with regard to sentencing,” Levin said. “For example, burning a church in a pluralistic society such as ours is different than burning a barn. And we have to look at the fact that many of the homicides that take place are due to things we would call routine, personal relationships – bar fights, intimate. These are horrible crimes, but the notion of random attacks by people who select others because the status characteristic is egregious. “In the same way a smoke alarm sends out a message that something is wrong, I believe that we have enough data to indicate that there’s an additional problem. … The homeless are regarded as a socially acceptable target for aggression.” In written testimony, Levin addressed the issue of devaluing homeless people. He quoted President Barack Obama at the signing of hate-crime legislation in 2009: “At root, this isn’t just about our laws; this is about who we are as a people. This is about whether we value one another.” And he went on to say explain how gathering data – an apparently clinical activity – is essential to the valuation of human life. “One of the hallmarks of our civilized society is our national commitment to the transparent collection and analysis of official data that impact the public’s health, safety and welfare. … Advancements in computer-aided crime data collection … will significantly enhance our knowledge to combat a terrible evil scourge that is killing and maiming some of the most vulnerable souls in our society,” Levin wrote. Reviewing the arguments against adding the bill, Levin chose to focus significant attention on the question of “choosing to be homeless.” “Perhaps the least impressive argument relates Continued on next page �to the mutability of homeless status,” he wrote. “The argument states that homelessness, unlike race, is a changeable condition that most people would not want, so why offer to count it or protect on the basis of that condition? As a practical matter, mutability is a diversion from proper analysis of whether a group characteristic should be covered in hate crime laws, because many currently covered categories are in fact mutable. “Hate-crime categories like religion, nationality, gender, age or disability are either mutable or potentially so. The fact that one’s religion can be altered does not make it less worthy of statutory recognition, and for that reason it is covered in both federal law and by virtually every state statute. Furthermore, the fact that a particular status characteristic, like disability, is one that many would not choose has not precluded its inclusion in many statutes either.” ‘That’s not America’ Cardin pointed out that Simone Manning-Moon Union 13 Local News STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 eloquently explained how some people find the only way to manage life obstacles is to live on the street. Her brother, Norris Jay Gaynor, was a man with mental disabilities, who was beaten to death in Florida in 2006 for being homeless. “Your brother, Norris Jay Gaynor … was proud that he was taking care of himself on the streets,” Cardin said. “I’m impressed by the fact that he didn’t want to take government benefits because he thought he could take care himself. He didn’t ask much of this country.” “He didn’t,” Manning-Moon said. “If he did realize on some days that he needed help, his innate notion that he shouldn’t rely on the government or anyone … took over and won out. It is ironic that his killers … actually had many of, if not more of, the problems my brother had in his younger years, but they somehow never carried the accompanying notion that they were to man-up and try to take care of themselves.” Cardin told Manning-Moon that is was reasonable for her brother to expect this country – which promotes and defends freedom and diversity – to address hate crimes. “The local newspaper described one of the convicted killers of my brother and the attacker of two others that night as ‘someone whose friends said routinely went out seeking homeless people to beat and attack.’ If we think about what the value would be of having legislation would actually help law enforcement … track, understand, have on their radar this type of behavior – imagine what the possibilities if that tracking had happened earlier and Brian Hooks would have been identified earlier as someone who is prone to this type of behavior,” Manning-Moon said. Closing the hearing, Cardin thanked the panelists for their testimony and putting a face on the broad concepts being discussed. In what could have been rhetoric for supporting a foreign war and fighting terrorism, he summarized the argument for passage of the Hate Crimes Against the Homeless Statistics Act. “The nation’s first priority is to protect its citizens,” he said. “When someone is brutally attacked or put in harm’s way solely because they don’t have a roof over their head – that’s not America.” Continued from page 1 Over time, workers began to complain about how dirty the microwaves had become. Runtz Sr. said that, because the workers were the ones who used them, it was their responsibility to clean them. “I kept telling them to clean them, and finally I threw them out because of the roaches,” Runtz Sr. said. Workers told their churches about the loss of the microwaves, then brought in new microwaves that had been donated, according to Runtz Sr. Dienger says Runtz Sr.’s version isn’t true. “Part of the issue with the microwaves was that they belonged to the workers, but the owners threw them away,” she said. Runtz Sr. doesn’t consider himself a difficult employer. “We don’t enforce the rules we’re supposed to enforce,” he said. “We’re pretty lenient.” Employees are supposed to go through a 90-day training period, when they’re paid $8-8.50 an hour, but TriState Beef only makes employees go through a 30-day training period, after which they’re paid at least $9 an hour, Runtz Sr. said. Some workers arrive around 5 a.m., but most arrive at around 6:30 a.m. and leave at 4:30 p.m. They have 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon. Dienger acknowledged that the workers like Runtz’s lenient attitude about scheduling, and thinks some might have voted against the union because they were afraid they would lose that flexibility. “We told them that they’d still be able to have that type of freedom, but like I said, it was just the sheer intimidation and fear of not having a job or the fear that things were going to change,” Dienger said. A bloody mess A tour of the plant showed the environment to be disgusting, of course – it’s a slaughterhouse. The company and its employees would be out of work if they didn’t cut up cows everyday. The company processes 210-220 cows a day. The smell was wretched. Inside and outside the building, flies periodically landed on arms, legs and faces. Runtz Sr. led the tour. He walked to the microwaves, three stacked on top of each other on a shelf. Speckles of old, dry food stuck on the inside from lunch breaks past. He turned and stopped at a doorway, of- fering a peek inside but warning about what lurked beyond it. The slaughter room was large and open. Blood flowed and settled in pools on the gray floor before being washed down a drain. Carcasses of cows hung upside-down from a track that danced around the perimeter of the room. Some of the bodies still had heads, while others were decapitated and skinned. Others were cut down the middle, and the innards had become outtards. Employees seemed upbeat, joking and laughing. Granted, the owner had just walked through the door, but friendly shouting, joking and conversations between workers echoed through the building. Runtz Sr. only allowed a few steps into the slaughter room. Walking further could contaminate the process. White aprons soiled with blood were a staple of every employee in the room, and walking just a few steps closer would’ve gotten a visitor spattered with blood as well. Before leaving the slaughter room, Runtz Sr. thanked the workers and asked if they were happy, to which they replied with laughs and “Oh yeah.” After showing the freezer room, walking upstairs to a hallway off the entryway, Runtz Sr. stopped a worker who was cleaning his equipment. “Hey, Jose, do we treat you bad? Yell at you or anything?” Runtz Sr. said. The employee smiled and shook his head, saying “No.” That response isn’t surprising, according to Dienger. “When the owners are standing outside the building with the workers, of course the workers feel like they have to say they love their jobs,” she said. In a press release prior to the rally, Dienger gave a less cheery picture of Tri-State Beef. “The plant owner and his family have been continuing intimidating and trying to divide the workers with continued threats of shutting the plant down, surveillance of workers as they talk to union organizers and forcing workers to remove union stickers that they have the right to wear,” she wrote. “The plant is approximately 70 percent Latino and the rest split between white and black Americans. Some of the reasons workers have been trying to organize is to stop discrimination in their pay and the way they are treated, to obtain living wages and fair wage increases, and to improve safety conditions at the plant. “At least one out of every five workers The union rally attracted more support than the union election did. Jon Hughes/Photopresse. have been injured on the job, and recently Tri-State Beef received a serious offense and fine from OSHA (Occupational Safety and health Administration) for not having a guard placed over the trough where the entrails are disposed without which workers could fall into and be seriously injured.” Runtz Sr. dismissed the allegations. “We’ve never had any problems or complaints before,” he said. “All I know is, one day a church tried to call OSHA, but I don’t care. Let them. None of what those people are saying is true.” Like it or leave it Recent union organizing campaigns in Greater Cincinnati have had mixed success. United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75 won an election to represent workers at American Food Group. But workers at Champion Windows turned down a bid to join the Iron Workers Shopmen’s Union. Unions enable employees to collectively negotiate their wages and working conditions, potentially obtaining benefits they wouldn’t have received on their own. Also, union-sanctioned strikes are legal, so workers can’t be fired for striking. The possibility of strikes makes employers realize that downtime will hurt productivity, and a negotiated solution might be better for both owner and employee. Unions can offer training courses for workers to advance in their fields, encourage teamwork, give legal protection and keep workers from being exploited by their employers. Others, however, argue that unions could raise wages and benefits to unrealistically high levels above what the market can sustain. This causes the owner to raise the costs of goods, making them unattractive to customers. Some believe unions pit employees against employers, instead of bringing the two together to create quality products. Unions also require members to pay dues. The reason workers at Tri-State Beef rejected union membership is clear, according to Runtz Sr. “These people are happy with what they’re doing,” he said. “I don’t know why they’d be afraid of me. I’m the easiest going guy in the world.” But Dienger sees it differently. When working conditions are poor in any company, it’s easy for workers to complain to each other or talk to one another about it, but not many workers are OK with being the whistle-blower about the company’s anti-union campaign, she said. “It’s definitely illegal to say they’re going to shut the plant down, but it’s hard to find employees who are willing to go and be a witness in front of their boss, in front of the labor board, and say, ‘Yes, I heard that,’ ” Dienger said. “So, if and when people are willing to do that, that’s when they could make more progress.” But Roy Runtz, another of the owner’s sons, said the company’s workers have other choices. “If you don’t like how you’re treated, go work somewhere else like McDonald’s or White Castle and see if they pay you more,” he said. �14 Extras STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 Cartoon by Anne Skove ­ One Street Paper at a Time around the world have improved their lives through selling INSP street papers. Maclean’s aim is to increase that figure over the next few years. “In the 16 years of our existence, the INSP network has grown immensely,” she says. “The number of existing papers on all continents has expanded and we have helped to launch new ones, particularly in Africa. “The 200,000 figure is a landmark for us, but we always look at the road ahead. Street papers provide an opportunity unlike any other charity, giving Continued from page 9 homeless and marginalized people a chance to speak out, earn a living and change their lives. Our job is to unite these papers and support them in their fight against homelessness, poverty and social exclusion around the world.” Coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, INSP released the outcome of its latest study into the impact of street papers on poverty and homelessness elimination. The research shows that, in 2009, 71 per cent of street papers helped their vendor force to get out of their homeless situation and move on. In addition to providing an income, 84 per cent said they improved their vendors’ well-being and almost 90 per cent said they increased their confidence. A quarter of papers were involved in creating policy change on housing and homelessness in their city or region. As part of an international campaign on the UN’s anti-poverty day, street papers on all continents will run an advertisement (see page 10). The poster slogan, “The Future is in Your Hands,” urges read- ers around the world to get involved in the streetpaper movement, regularly buy a copy from their local vendors and help to tackle poverty in a manageable way. The relationship between readers and their papers is unique. As the 2009 INSP study shows, 80 per cent of street papers engaged their readership through interaction with vendors and the content of the magazines. Articles on social injustice and tackling homelessness appeared in North American and European street papers, while taboo-breaking issues such as HIV/ Say AIDS and women’s and gay rights helped to break down barriers in societies across Africa. Interviews with celebrities and other public figures boosted street-paper sales from Australia to Latin America. Articles written by any of INSP’s 110 member papers are made available through its independent news agency, the Street News Service. Street papers can republish all material free of charge. At the same time, readers around the world can access the best of international street paper journalism online via www. streetnewsservice.org. ! ? t a h W “There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart, is our temple. My philosophy is kindness.” – Tenzin Gyatso the 14th Dala Lama __________ �Shelter: Women and Children Central Access Point Cincinnati Union Bethel St. Francis Soup Kitchen Churches Active in Northside FreeStore/FoodBank 557-2873 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 4230 Hamilton Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45223 241-1064 112 E. Liberty Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 6037 Cary Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45224 Salvation Army 535-2719 591-2246 381-SAFE 768-6907 300 Lytle Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Bethany House 762-5660 131 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Shelter: Men 271-5501 4600 Erie Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street, Cinti, Ohio 45214 Treatment: Men 784-1853 2121 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 241-5525 Prospect House 241-0490 381-4941 Starting Over 1419 Elm Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 1437 Walnut Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mt. Airy Shelter 661-4620 Shelter: Both Anthony House (Youth) 921-1613 682 Hawthorne Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45205 Justice Watch St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 761-1480 1821 Summit Road, Cinti, Ohio 45237 Drop Inn Center 721-0643 217 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Youth) 471-1100 221-3350 3330 Jefferson, Cinti, Ohio 45220 Housing: CMHA Excel Development OTR Community Housing 721-4580 632-7149 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Tom Geiger House Dana Transitional Bridge Services Volunteers of America Anna Louise Inn Treatment: Women Food/Clothing Lord’s Pantry OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 621-5300 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 357-4602 352-2902 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Mental Health Access Point Mercy Franciscan at St. John 558-8888 981-5800 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 NAMI of Hamilton County PATH Outreach 458-6670 977-4489 Center Independent Living Options Emmanuel Community Center Peaslee Neighborhood Center 241-2600 241-2563 621-5514 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 1800 Logan St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 First Step Home 961-4663 Treatment: Both AA Hotline CCAT 351-0422 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. Cinti, Ohio 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Hamilton County ADAS Board 946-4888 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 641-4300 Advocacy Catholic Social Action Community Action Agency Contact Center 421-3131 569-1840 381-4242 771-4800 751-0600 721-4811 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels Salvation Army Serenity House Day Center Open Door Pantry 863-3184 863-1445 422-8555 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY Franciscan JPIC Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 721-4700 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. Legal Aid Society Ohio Justice & Policy Center Faces Without Places Stop AIDS 579-8547 241-9400 421-1108 363-3300 421-2437 Health Center for Respite Care Goodwill industries Healing Connections Mary Magdalen House 1223 Main St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1227 Vine Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-4555 751-0643 381-1954 421-5211 Health Resource Center Homeless Mobile Health Van McMicken Dental Clinic 214 E. 14th St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 2728 Glendora Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45209 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 1308 Race St. Cinti, Ohio 45202 961-2256 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 961-4080 Crossroad Health Center Other Resources Charlie’s 3/4 House City Gospel Mission 15 Resources STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 ECHO/Hosea House 859-261-5857 Fairhaven Resuce Mission 859-491-1027 Homeward Bound Youth 859-581-1111 Mathews House 859-261-8009 Homeless & Housing Coalition 859-727-0926 Parish Kitchen 859-581-7745 Pike St. Clinic 859-291-9321 Transitions, Inc 859-491-4435 Welcome House of NKY 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave, Cinti, Ohio 45229 Women’s Crisis Center VA Domiciliary VA Homeless 859-491-3335 859-559-5011 859-572-6226 �16 Column STREETVIBES October 15-31, 2010 A Father’s Fight, a Father’s Art ­ Andy Fausz’s struggle for justice A rtists as ctivists By Saad GhoSn Contributing Writer “A rt is a part of me,” says Albert Andrew Fausz Jr., also known as Andy. “It is like the heart that beats to keep me alive or the brain that activates my body. I cannot live without it; and when I make it, I am fulfilled.” Art is also Fausz’s conversation, his way to communicate with others, to convey what he thinks and believes, what preoccupies him. Raised by principled, highly ethical and religious parents, since his childhood Fausz has been very sensitive to evil in the world and to the potential power in each individual to make a difference. He uses art as a guiding light to interpellate the viewer and trigger a better change. “Our world has a lot of pain, destruction, problems,” he says. “We need to work out our differences, make earth a better place for all. Art is a potent tool in this respect. It can get the word out on various issues, create communication, lead to answers and favor transformation.” Fausz, a visual artist born and raised in Northern Kentucky, attended Grandview Elementary School and Bellevue High School; he excelled in art all along. After high school he took a break for few years, exploring life, working different jobs, then entered Northern Kentucky University to study drawing, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in fine art. Even before art school Fausz drew all the time and exhibited his work; it consisted mostly of images out of his head, many related to rock and roll, popular at the time. In college, his art became more personal both in imagery and content. It was often religious-based, questioning the reason for evil when we’re all given the ability to be good spirits and well-doers; it was dark, reflecting the darkness in the world, but also always included elements of hope and beauty. “I was being an activist, speaking to the world of what I felt was wrong,” he says, “but also pointing to the beauty available, to the fact that we can share and help each other.” In college, Fausz started a relationship that brought him a daughter; unfortunately the relationship soon derailed and he had to fight in court for the right to see and spend time with his child. From that moment on all his work focused on the pain caused by a broken relationship, his longing and concerns for his daughter, his dealing with a judicial system often insensitive to the needs of fathers. “Our family-court system is failing fathers,” he says. “I had to prove I was the father of my child, that I was drug- and alcoholfree, that what I was being accused of was wrong – and this despite an impeccable past. I had to hire lawyers and lost all my life savings. Most important, I wasted precious time I could have spent with my baby.” Sweet V, a large mixed-media painting Fausz “ created around the time he split up with his child’s mother, shows in its center a big, ominous head representing the mother, a dominating, powerful and controlling force in this instance. In its left lower corner is a small portrait of himself being pushed out of the page; in the background is a fading, ghost-like image of his daughter as he remembered her the night before, sleeping peacefully. He depicted the mother’s face with eyes and mouth closed, as if unwilling to see or talk, thus unresponsive to his helpless and hurt feelings. In Judging Me, a very large 52”x82” mixed-media painting on paper, Fausz shares his experience battling the court to gain the right to see his daughter. He drew the judges as skeleton referees surrounding him and accusing him. He is in the middle of the picture, his mouth wide open, screaming to defend himself. In the right half is the mother of his child, her head upside down, radiating thick lines of aggression; on one side of the painting are knives being thrown at him. To add hope to his situation, Fausz also incorporated a little house, flowers floating in the background, a Sacred Heart, allusion to himself, a good person wanting a good relationship. In Protecting our Eggs, also a very large painting on paper, he states that even when one is the father, the rightful provider of the “egg,” the current family court system often denies him all rights, as if only mothers matter for a child’s healthy development. Fausz’s recent paintings have all included self-portraits, portraits of his daughter, of her mother, images of good and evil, all interacting in different fields of color, line work and stylistic imagery, to reinforce emotions and feelings. They contain both beauty and pain and incorporate stories, poems, conversations, They can be hard to see, uplifting at times, but always trigger conversations with the viewers and an opportunity for Fausz to talk about his struggles and the family court system he has been experiencing, thus clarifying his message. “Artists and art shows provide a vehicle for conversations, for people to meet and talk,” he says. “They get thoughts and exchanges started, vital to any change. My work right now focuses on my situation as an estranged father, also at shedding light on our family court system in order My work right now focuses on my situation as an estranged father, also at shedding light on our family court system in order to make it more humane.” Top: Andy Fausz stands in front of one of his paintings. Saad Ghosn. Above: Sweet V, mixed-media painting and photo by Andy Fausz. to make it more humane. It will always deal with the pain I see and feel around me, thriving for a better world.” Now that he is able to spend more time with his daughter, Fausz hopes that the beauty of their relationship will start to transpire into his art. He would like to continue addressing religion and its good values, the power of love, ongoing social issues such as fighting greed, food and famine, the futility of wars. “For me, the best aspect of art is sharing it and sharing myself and my feelings through it,” Fausz says. “My images come naturally and subconsciously; they reflect what I had lived, thought, experienced. My art breathes on its own; it urges me to partake in the goodness of life.” Artists as Activists is a regular column highlighting Greater Cincinnati artists who use art as a vehicle for change. Saad Ghosn is the founder of SOS Art. Ghosn can be contacted at saad.ghosn@ uc.edu. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2010 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 15-31, 2010 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Union Gets Slaughtered in Vote Environmentalism Through Art and Design Pg 2: Street Wise Pg 3: Counting Hate Is the First Step Pg 4: Three Wise Men in an Occupied Land Pg 5: Three Wise Men in an Occupied Land Continued Pg 6: City Backing for Affordable Housing Democracy is Not a Spectacular Sport Pg 7: An EPIC Community Asks for Your Help Pg 8: One Cause, Many Voices: Why We Went Pg 9: Fighting Poverty a Single Page at a Time Pg 10: Arts & Poetry Pg 11: Women Flee, and White Men Just Can’t Think Pg 12: Crime Continued Pg 13: Union Continued Pg 14: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 15: Resources Pg 16: A Father’s Fight, a Father’s Art Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 15-31, 2010 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gregory Flannery Joseph Szydlowski Georgia Bohannon Michelle Dillingham Samantha Groark Margo Pierce Carly Tamborski Jeremy Flannery Michael Henson David Heitfield Corey Gibson Jeni Jenkins Saad Ghosn Lew Moores Larry Gross Eli Braun Jesse Call Michael Fanning B. Clifton Burke Aimie Willhoite Lynne Ausman Anne Skove Vinit Murthy Jon Hughes Brad Foster Jeremy Flannery Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aimie Willhoite Andy Fausz Anne Skove B. Clifton Burke Barack Obama Bethlehem Brad Foster Carly Tamborski Cincinnati Congress Corey Gibson David Heitfield Democracy Eli Braun Environmentalism EPIC Georgia Bohannon Gregory Flannery Hate International news Jeni Jenkins Jeremy Flannery Jesse Call Jon Hughes Joseph Szydlowski Larry Gross Lew Moores Lynne Ausman Margo Pierce Michael Fanning Michael Henson Michelle Dillingham Protests Saad Ghosn Samantha Groark Vinit Murthy Women https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/0dd396e2dcc8ab577960935b7500879d.pdf b1b6beb70ab30dea294ef1942e1de7a0 PDF Text Text O c t o b e r 1 7 t h - O c t o b e r 3 1 s t 2 0 1 9 | Vo l . 2 3 I s s u e 2 1 ( N o . 4 1 8 ) advo cating justice | building communit y Any opinions in this issue are of the authors and don't necessarily represent Streetvibes or The Homeless Coalition. I Didn't Even Know Article on Page 8 This Issue is sponsored by (Retired) Judge Mark P. Painter Find previous issues of Streetvibes online at: cincistreetvibes.com Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition 113 E. 12th Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 streetvoice | 12 �2 COALITION N o v 17 2 - -NOct o v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 Oct 31,22019 No. 418 From The Editor: Activism: A Critique Gabriela Godinez Editor-in-chief A ctivism is a confusing topic. Many people believe activism looks like taking to the streets and shouting, chanting, maybe even some violence. While civil disobedience in this manner is part of activism, it is often considered the bulk of the topic. Even while talking about marching, there is a lot of background work that has to be done before the march is even announced. A group of people can’t just show up at an area. They have to know about it, and know about what the mission of the gathering really is all about. This is where graphic designers and public relations writers can become activists. All of that is under the category of activism but it is often forgotten since it isn’t what is shown in mainstream media. Part of the background work that goes into mass and grass roots movements is research. Whether it is simply doing Google searches or going into the depths of city records, this research is useful to activists because it can cut down work if there is some sort of historical blueprints, and/or this research can be used to back up the mission statements of the groups. What if you are a lone activist? What if a group isn’t around you because of the culture of your geographical area? Organizing a group of people is hard work, and cannot be done by only one person. Yet, this perception makes activism seem inaccessible to people who don’t want to be in the chaos, or cannot be in the chaos whether it be because of a mental or physical hurdle. Individual activism is still useful, though it is only a part of the larger movement. You don’t need multiple people to write an opinion essay, create a painting, or other artwork, but at the end of the day you are still contributing to a larger conversation that is built up by multiple people. So in reality, there is 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 www.cincistreetvibe.com Photo By Blake Burrell never an activist that is truly alone. However, this is often not viewed as activism or worthy of admirable and useful work. This is where a false hierarchy can come into play, but I say try your best to not fall into that rhetoric. If what you are creating is powerful to you and those you wish to share your work with, then that might as well be good enough. There is no sense in pushing ourselves as activists to the point of burning out, just to show that we are “real” activists. Inserting certain ideas into a conversation, whether in person or not, is important and powerful work. Creating and submitting a piece of art that attempts to join the conversation of any activism-oriented topic is not more or less valuable than marching in the streets. Furthermore, marching in the streets is just half the battle. That is still legitimate work that is being done at marches and demonstrations, but there has to be follow-through. This is where another piece of activism comes into play: policy. Writing and advocating for policy is not easy work, nor is it glamorous. Many people don’t get the thanks they deserve. They do the work not for the notoriety, but because it is necessary. When we think of policy we often think of politicians, and then we get disillusioned. But you don’t have to be a politician to write/work on policy. Get involved with a grassroots organization working on such efforts, and you’ll learn that you have so much more power as a resident of the United States than you are often lead to believe. We, as people who identify with the activist community in some way, have to do a better job at communicating with one another. Finding allies and other organizations that intersect with our own missions is important. We can then work together and collaborate on larger movements, and amplify the work of activists not traditionally scene in the media. If something calls out to you, and it makes you think that it can create a difference, then do it. Sure, it’s always smarter to ask around about where to get started in your line of activism (mostly because there is no sense in re-inventing the wheel) but there is also a time to just go off on your own and create. Re-joining the conversation with new creations should not be a scary thing and too often do I hear people say “I don’t even know where to start.” Well, you can start right here. Any ideas that push for a better world are welcome in Streetvibes. Submit your articles, essays, and opinion pieces to streetvibes@cincihomeless.org. If you have an organization or an activist and are willing to help people find their way, please contact me at streetvibes@cincihomeless.org S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED EMAIL: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Editor-in-chief: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Executive Director: Josh Spring Director of Development: Mona Jenkins Director of Education: Dr. Mark Mussman Volunteer Editors: Katelyn Lusher, Chris Wilkey Distributor Program Manager: Sallie Mascus Layout: Gabriela Godinez Feregrino Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper ------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Gabriela Godinez, Bill Woods, Teresa Kramarz, Joanne Zuhl, Rajendra Jadhav, Dr. Mark Mussman, Martha Stephens, Alex McIntosh, Katelyn Lusher, Willa D. Jones, Kim Green ------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Gabriela Godinez, INSP.com, Blake Burrell ---------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition do not endorse candidates for public office. �No. 39 Nov 31, 2- N o v 19, 2 0 18 Oct 173-|Oct 2019 | No. 418 3 HOMELESSNESS When Anti-Displacement Means Segregation Joanne Zuhl Street Roots C ongressman Earl Blumenauer doesn’t consider himself naïve. He’s been in politics most of his life: from the Portland City Council to serving Oregon’s third congressional district for more than two decades in Washington, D.C. But this summer he experienced an awakening of sorts—spurred on by this year’s 400th anniversary of U.S. slavery—about how much our national housing crisis is rooted in systemic racism. “It’s taken me recent months to come to grips with the scale of government-sanctioned segregation— closing people out of programs— how pernicious it has been and its compounding effect,” Blumenauer says, during an interview at Street Roots’ office. “It’s a scandal… When you look at the big picture in terms of what happened to African-American veterans, what happened with New Deal projects, and, more recently, with redlining and sundown laws— these are all government-sanctioned discrimination against significant portions of the population.” His research on the issue, and his proposals for solving the nation’s housing crisis, comprise a new report by his office titled “Locked Out: Reversing Federal Housing Failures and Unlocking Opportunity.” Blumenauer was in Portland to talk about the report and his plan for how the federal government can address public housing shortages, homelessness, skyrocketing rental prices, homeownership inequity and discrimination. Shelter and housing, he told Street Roots, are a fundamental human right, along the lines of nutrition and health care, and they are worthy of federal support, rather than neglect. However, what federal support there has been has historically and deliberately favored white homeowners and discriminated against communities of color. “We spend lots of money on housing,” Blumenauer explains. “We spend billions every year. But it just tends to be concentrated on those who need help the least, and we shortchange those who need help the most. It’s long overdue that we acknowledge it.” Blumenauer’s report is part policy map and part history lesson. It looks back to the roots of the nation’s housing programs, from the theft of Native American lands to the subsidized housing built cheaply for white settlers by enslaved Africans. Owning property quickly became the chief source of wealth in the new country, and for centuries it was reserved almost exclusively for white people. Even after the turn of the century, with African-American workers providing labor during World War I, housing was substandard. Discrimination existed legally when it came to securing home loans or benefits from the Veterans Administration, the report notes. And local governments freely mandated segregated housing developments. The GI Bill, with its guaranteed housing loans, was a vehicle of wealth for white veterans buying new homes in the suburbs. But banks wouldn’t loan to black veterans for homes in black neighborhoods, and housing convenents and racism kept them out of white communities. The federal government was investing signficantly in housing during this time. In 1934, Congress passed the Housing Act, creating the Federal Housing Administration and providing loans for housing and home improvements. “These loans helped subsidize neighborhoods built entirely for whites, with explicit requirements that none of the homes be sold to African Americans,” according to the report. Subsequent programs in the ’40s and ’50s continued to push housing development in white communities and deny access to African Americans. “African Americans would continue to be denied access to federal programs, as well as the right to buy homes in white neighborhoods, even if they could afford it,” the report states. “If they were able to buy a home in a white neighborhood, they faced fierce opposition and sometimes violence.” In 1969—only 50 years ago— Congress passed the Fair Housing Act. It prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status or ability. It called for the federal housing administration to prevent segregation and discrimination based on race and to ensure housing was available to all. “Many developers and public housing authorities blatantly ignored the law and continued to discriminate for decades,” the report notes. Blumenauer doesn’t buy the argument that the solution should be left to a free market and not the government. “The private sector has had dramatic assistance from the government,” Blumenauer says. “What’s happened with exclusionary zoning programs, what’s happened with the loan programs, what’s happened with the tax system. There’s no free market for housing in this country. You’ll look in vain. And we need to acknowledge that.” As a result of being robbed of wealth-building tools for generations, progress was slow-moving under the Fair Housing Act. But homeownership rates did improve among black households, approaching 50 per cent at one point. But that progress has receded. In 2018, the black homeownership rate nationally was just 43 per cent—nearly 30 percentage points below white ownership. In his report, Blumenauer provides 22 ideas by which to correct the nation’s housing crisis. Chief among them is ramping up investments in housing for extremely low-income renters, which necessitates the availability of public housing. That means repealing the Faircloth Amendment. As of October 1999, the Faircloth Amendment prohibits public housing authorities from constructing new public housing if it would create a net increase in public housing. Over the intervening 20 years, public housing stock has declined— with an estimated $35 billion shortfall in investment for maintenance and construction and a wait list totalling 1.6 million people nationally, according to Blumenauer. “One of the things that drives me crazy is the fact that we’re prohibited from investing in public housing,” the congressman says. “The only way we can help people with extremely lowincomes is via federal investment. The private sector cannot support them, won’t support them and can’t afford to support them—and doesn’t want to.” One way to finance that investment is to change the mortgage interest deduction, a $30 billion national subsidy that is given to homeowners and tiered to benefit the wealthiest Americans most. It is even offered on second homes. Blumenauer wants to end the deduction on second homes and restructure the deduction into a tax credit capped at 15 per cent of interest paid, which would apply to all taxpayers and not just the small fraction who itemize their tax returns. He would also create a renter’s tax credit so low-income renters wouldn’t have to pay more than 30 per cent of their income toward rent—the THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED percentage the federal government considers affordable. According to the report, more than half of all renters pay more than 30 per cent on rent. In Multnomah County, approximately 1 out of every 4 renters is paying more than 50 per cent of their household income on rent. For renters with extremely low incomes, 3 out of 4 are paying above 50 per cent. Blumenauer is also calling on the federal government to enforce the antidiscrimination laws already on the books and to establish targeted loan programs for populations that have been discriminated against for generations. Blumenauer proposes a new Restorative Justice Home Loan Guarantee Program to support homeownership for firsttime homebuyers living in formerly redlined or segregated areas. He would also reinstate the first-time homebuyer credit, which was in place between 2008 and 2011. Other initiatives include doubling homeless assistance funding, increasing funding for eviction prevention, providing federal incentives for statewide caps on rent increases and expanding Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to cover everyone who is eligible. Currently, only about 1 in every 4 applicants receives a voucher. According to the report, there are 2.8 million families waiting for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Blumenauer returned to Washington after the August recess with plans to shop his proposals among lawmakers for policy action, and he hopes the context of our current housing crisis will help drive change. “I do not underestimate the power of knowledge and understanding,” he says. “The more people understand how we got to where we are now, and how we disadvantaged certain populations, particulary African Americans and Native Americans, we can help flip the script a bit. I hope to have people understand that we have an obligation to help people who have been suffering from these policies for generations [and] to understand that we’re paying a tremendous price right now for that failure.” Courtesy of Street Roots / INSP.ngo �4 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED NOct o v 217 - N v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 - oOct 31,2 02019 418 �N o. 39 ov 231, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Oct 173 -| N Oct | No. 418 5 U.S NEWS Reasserting Proper Relationships Of Accountability In The Age Of Greta Teresa Kramarz The Conversation S he sits small on the large stage her face contorted trying to contain emotion as she labours to push her words out; on the brink of crying. She tells those listening: “This is all wrong; I shouldn’t be up here. I should be back in school on the other side of the ocean.” And this is what we see and hear as we watch Greta Thunberg, the 16-yearold girl who just one year ago started a global climate movement, speaking to world leaders meeting in New York for the United Nations Climate Summit. The adults on stage watch her, the audience watches, the young people outside the UN holding signs watch, and that moment on stage in which she holds so many of us at the edge of our seat is played over and over in an endless chain of social media tweets and likes. We all watch with some mixture of fascination, awe, inspiration and curiosity. Yet there is a line past which Thunberg’s activism can become spectacle. The young person, who in her own words has felt the loss of her childhood because of empty promises from state leaders who were supposed to be the keepers of a healthy planet for her generation, becomes a human sacrifice that none of us should accept. Unacceptable sacrifice Her suffering - for our collective benefit - becomes part of what we used to deem an unacceptable sacrifice, and in this time of desperate politics, adults allow it to continue. It is time that Thunberg, who sparked millions of people to action, got some rest. It is time for proper accountability relationships to be redrawn between citizens and their political representatives, consumers and producers, civil society organizations and their members, children and adults. This article is directed at the adults left in the room. After all, when our states raise taxes or run deficits, wage war abroad or build infrastructure at home, freeze wages or create training programs, legislate clean water or relax industrial waste pollution, we don’t rely on our children to scream loud enough for our governments to create the change we need. We have accountability mechanisms in place. We agree on shared purposes, establish who is going to be held to account, to whom and for what. Then we regulate processes, standards and sanctions. In our regular lives, we read to become better informed and ask political candidates hard questions during election campaigns. We join organizations, discuss the issues with our neighbours on our street and create or sign petitions. Once these political demands have been articulated, we hold public leaders and private companies to their promises by naming, shaming or leaving them. We vote with our ballots and with our wallets as consumers to orient social action. We try to buy goods produced responsibly and shun those suspect of being socially or environmentally damaging. We take legal action when required. We cajole each other to keep defending agreed goals in our workplace and our neighbourhoods. Collective actions Our best social achievements are the products of relentlessly negotiating goals and then enforcing them until we accomplish peace, a liveable wage or a safe place to live and thrive. Though many of these hard-fought battles have been preceded by untold human suffering and environmental disasters. Just as we have mechanisms to create rules and assign responsibility for public, private and voluntary action in our diverse societies, we also have established modes of sanctioning rule-breakers who individually, and for private benefit, undermine our collective public goods. These accountability mechanisms of our everyday lives need to reassert themselves in the most comprehensive way possible as we face an existential threat to our planet. This week has been about a collective will to prioritize our quality of life over “endless economic growth,” in Thunberg’s own words, and in some cases setting up specific accountability metrics. Performing accountability City mayors, including Toronto’s John Tory, have declared climate emergencies, joining 800 other cities around the world who have done this so far. Companies are supporting the climate strikes by closing stores, temporarily ceasing operations and launching their own digital strikes in which their websites go dark. Giants like Amazon are pledging to drastically reduce their carbon emissions ahead of their own targets. Pension funds and insurers are committing to carbon neutral portfolios by 2050. Some academic institutions, like the University of California, are also divesting from fossil fuel holdings their billions of dollars in pension funds and endowments. Some media outlets are changing the language they use when reporting on climate, introducing into their style guides wording like “climate crisis” instead of “climate change.” Some professors are cancelling their regular classes and holding teachins, open and participatory fora for lecturing and debating large social issues that are reminiscent of ones that helped galvanize student protests against the war in Vietnam. Children, who are so much at the core of this fight, have resorted to domestic courts and complaint mechanisms in international conventions. Most recently they have filed a complaint to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, against the five largest emitting states that are signatories of the convention. They accuse states of violating their rights by subjecting them to the devastating effects of climate change. To reassert proper relationships of accountability, the next steps must include ensuring compliance and effecting sanctions wherever failures to deliver results start to emerge. After all, we cannot set standards if we as citizens, consumers and members of civil society are not equally committed to enforcing them. Just as we sanction those who undermine our political resolve for peace, equity or human security we have to sanction with all the accountability mechanisms we already have at our disposal those who undermine carbon emission standards and maximum carbon budgets. Adults must reassert and enforce the collective will – not marvel at a young person’s self-control on a global stage to get that work done. Teresa Kramarz is associate professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs and co-director at the Environmental Governance Lab of the University of Toronto. Courtesy of The Conversation / INSP.ngo Climate change teen activist Greta Thunberg joins a climate strike march in Montreal, Quebec, Canada September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Andrej Ivanov THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �LOCAL 6 NOct o v 217 - N v 19, 18 | N o . 393 - oOct 31,2 02019 | No. 418 Climate Strike Alex McIntosh ContributingWriter A s a college freshman, at once indecisive and overly-enthusiastic, my most feared question was, “What are you studying?” Pair this with the vulnerable position of being in a dentist’s chair, and picture me fumbling over my words—and the fingers in my mouth—trying to explain my Outdoor Education major and that I wanted to teach kids about the environment by taking them backpacking and canoeing. I hadn’t even gotten to the rock climbing skills when my well-meaning, extremely conservative dentist looked me in the eyes over his mask and said, “Oh, you’re one of those environmental liberals.” I started to protest, to explain that I wasn’t even talking about politics, just a basic appreciation of nature, but quickly resigned, sinking back into the chair while he poked at my gums and lectured me about the dangers of the welfare state. I had yet to learn the power of political connotations, or the fact that something as broad as “the environment” could be owned by one side of the political aisle, or the fervor of those who opposed my so-called liberal agenda. Flash forward eight years to find me—a more decisive but still enthusiastic version of me—in front of Cincinnati’s City Hall on September 20th of this year. Hundreds of voices rise together, joined in the words of a call-and-response song led by a local high school student: “I hear the voice of my great granddaughter saying ‘climate justice now.’” The protest, organized by Ohio Climate Strike and the Young Activists Coalition in conjunction with similar events around Ohio and the world, is a demand for political action in response to the problem of climate change. Of course, for politicians and voters to respond to a problem, they must first be convinced that there is a problem. In this era of fake news and flat earthers—two of this decade’s most popular anti-consensus trends— it’s no wonder that something as scientifically evident as climate change might be up for debate. The tiniest bit of research— via sources as trustworthy as NASA, The World Wildlife Fund, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations, National Geographic, and every major news source (including Fox News)— reveals that the Earth’s temperature is rising at an unprecedented rate, and that the vast majority of climate scientists (97% according to NASA.com) agree that human activities are the likely cause. Rather than speculating on the financial and political causes for many politicians’ refusal to make climate concerns a priority, the Climate Strike’s anthem was a song of unity, of our belonging to the Earth and to each other, as well as to those who will come after us. As polarized and divisive as our current political situation remains, the environment stands to serve as a unifying factor. Might the ground we walk on— and the air we breathe, and the water we drink— become neutral ground? As a lover of the outdoors, who is by no means an expert in climate science, I’m constantly amazed at the power of nature to rekindle our humanity. Being outside— and away from the demands of modern technological society—allows me to rest in a completely unique way. Even sitting in a neighborhood park provides the mental and spiritual space for me to breathe more easily, listening to birds chirping and watching the sunlight dance between tree limbs to play on the sidewalk. Science shows again and again that being in nature is good for our mental well-being, and even those who distrust science can’t deny that we rely daily on the natural world. It saddens me deeply that the environment has been manipulated into a political tool that divides, rather than a blessing that unites. Big Media Vs. Street Papers: Sparking Conversation Martha Stephens I ContributingWriter read almost every issue of Streetvibes. It tells truths you can’t find in any other paper. I always like the column on the first page of the paper by editor Gabriela Godinez. Godinez doesn’t hesitate to tell it like it is -- on many difficult subjects. I have admired her take on our mounting gun violence, for instance, and the need to ban assault weapons; and I agree with her entirely about Title X, the federal program for family planning, and her insistence that a woman must have the right to make decisions about her own body. I always read Dr. Mark Mussman. His knowledge of the city is phenomenal, and I learn from him about the struggles people are facing in all corners of the town -- and what we need to do about it. I like the poems and stories of our homeless friends, and I enjoy the many articles from other street-papers in the U. S. and around the world. I wish, though, we had more local writers pitching in with their personal stories and insights. As I see it, we need more dialogue in the paper, so I’d like to reply to a Streetvibes article in a recent issue by Bill Woods. News media is “Both Under Attack and in Decline,” he writes in the Oct. 3 edition. Mr. Woods contributes a lot of fine thoughtful writing to Streetvibes, and he is very good at explaining what caring people need to do to organize ourselves to create a town where no one lives in fear and grave distress. On big media, though, I have a somewhat different take from Mr. Bill. He writes on how he regrets that corporate news (the large papers and t. v. news) is losing out - to social media, perhaps? Yet as I see it, the corporate media has never been a true friend of ours. Only this past year have they been willing even to mention climate change. What was happening to our sick little planet was basically a secret from their readers all those years! The business cartels that put out the papers did not like the whole subject until quite recently, when they felt they had to get on board. Big media can be good at human-interest stories of all kinds, but we are suffering horribly now from this absence of climate news over the years. Do we love and admire the New York Times? Do we love NPR? Think of them as progressive? Don’t we recall how they helped get us into the terrible war in Iraq; their total support for those killing fields? I recall only too well when the NYT wrote that Hussein was a Hitler and had to be gotten rid of, no matter what. Once the invasion began, NPR (though it’s a better program today, under Trump) would not let us hear a single voice opposing that war. Many of us in Cincinnati marched against the invasion of Iraq in 2003. We felt there was no point in that war. The Iraq Body Count -- of civilians killed in the conflict -- is still rising every day. (We can take a look at this count on line. As I write, it’s up to almost 200,000 deaths.) In short, the American Empire has torn up much of the world through its wars and installing its bases around the world. Jim Luken can tell this story much better than I can, and I hope we’ll still hear from him from time to time. Jim was once a war correspondent, and he wrote about war for many years for Streetvibes, even after he moved away from Cincinnati. One could go on and on -- as to what we learn from Big Media and what we don’t learn. We may be fortunate that today we have Democracy Now and a good many other progressive and truthtelling organs for news. Facebook, for THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED all its drawbacks, does allow us to learn from each other. My Facebook friends post all kinds of eye-opening reports from sources I wouldn’t otherwise know about. And again, we have our street-papers to help us understand what’s happening to common people in the U.S. and around the world. It may be that we are not worse off for less corporate news, but better off - or so it seems to me, when it comes to the grave decisions we have to make in the U. S. today. Maybe those of us reading and writing for this paper should have a thorough dialogue on such subjects, and perhaps others will pitch in right here on Streetvibes. In short, let’s talk to each other through letters and counter-articles. That’s what keeps a newspaper alive! Martha Stephens is a writer and retired teacher. Her book about the victims of a research project in the U.C. College of Medicine is titled The Treatment: the story of those who died in the Cincinnati radiation tests (Duke University Press 2002); and her most recent work is a memoir titled Me and the Grandmas of Baghdad (in libraries and on Amazon). She can be reached at stephem@ucmail.uc.edu. �NOct o. 39 3 |- N ov 231, - N2019 o v 19,| No. 2 0 18418 17 Oct LOCAL 7 History Repeats Itself Katelyn Lusher ContributingWriter A few months ago, you may have read that I am creating a digital archive for Streetvibes. Since I started archiving the back issues (dating as far back as 1997), I have discovered so many great and fascinating things about the Cincinnati community. I have seen how people will come together in a moment of crisis to stand up for what is right, just like we did last week for the Housing Now! March. I have read about the rise of activists who didn’t know that they would become activists until they were called to stand up. I have seen people lifted up and given a platform to share their story when everyone else turned a deaf ear. I have seen so, so many strong relationships forged within the pages of Streetvibes. The people who were involved in the paper early on still tell stories about each other and refer me to others who can help me build the archive. It’s truly amazing how deep these roots go in the activist community. But on the darker side, I see the same tragic things repeated far too often. One reason why community advocates become so close and know each other for so long is because they are continuously fighting the same hard, uphill battle against oppression and greed. Time and time again, I see stories reporting the mistreatment of people experiencing homelessness, the displacement of an entire neighborhood, or the complete lack of affordable housing in the city. The story repeats itself and the same people are always on the front lines fighting back against big businesses and government entities who are very selective about who they consider “worthy” of a decent place to live. As Bonnie Neumeier said in her speech at City Hall last week, she attended the first Housing Now! March back in 1989. Thirty years later, we are still marching for the same reason. Similar protests for better affordable housing options are littered throughout Streetvibes’ timeline. In November 2009, the front page headline reads, “Metropole Tenants Tell 3CDC: Hell No, We Won’t Go.” In July 2004, citizens mobilized to protest “the war on the poor” in Washington Park in honor of the late Rev. Maurice McCrackin. The previous year, in August 2003, people fought against the city sweeping away a tent city by the Bailey Bridge (not unlike a similar eviction that happened in August 2018). People organized to protest the city bulldozing public housing projects for redevelopment in June 1999. The list goes on and on, and it’s appalling that this is still a fight that needs to be fought not just in Cincinnati, but all across the country. This is the kind of history that people conveniently forget. The struggles of others do not stop just because it isn’t reported or is given minimal coverage in mainstream media. In many ways, Streetvibes purposely runs counter to what we expect to read when we pick up something that looks like a newspaper. What I’ve come to understand about Streetvibes is that it’s not just a run of the mill newspaper (which many of you who already know if you’ve followed Streetvibes for a while) and it’s not supposed to be. What Streetvibes represents, in my mind, is a common place. It is a place to discover what other activists and community advocates are doing in Cincinnati, in the U.S., and around the world to improve the lives of people. It is also a place to share a story, voice an opinion, or talk back to injustice. It is a place where people can see themselves represented. With that being said, I am happy to announce that I am now at the point where I can show everyone the website’s progress and start gathering community feedback and contributions. If you go to svarchive.omeka.net, you will see what I have added to the archive so far. At the moment, I have only added the 1997 and some of the 1998 issues, but it will gradually expand to catch up to the present. All of the issues can be downloaded as PDFs and they are all searchable. In the future, I plan to add profiles of people who frequently appear in Streetvibes and add interview audio and video with them. However, I am also welcoming contributions from any community members who are currently or were formerly involved with Streetvibes in some form. If you click on “Contribute an Item” in the left sidebar of the website, you can pick your content choice (story, image, or profile) and contribute your voice and memories to the archive. If you have any questions or suggestions for the archive, please fill out the contact form on the website or come by the Homeless Coalition on Thursdays at 3:30 and I will be glad to talk to you! Streetvibes exists because of community and the archive should reflect its roots. The China Puzzle - How Big Money Can Buy And Protect Legislation Bill Woods ContributingWriter H ave you received a scary postcard in the mail? It warns not to give your phone number, email address, home address, or other personal information to a particular petition gatherer, because it will end up in the hands of the Chinese Government. Besides making you personally vulnerable to wily Chinese bureaucrats, signing this petition will aid China's plan to invade Ohio's Energy Grid while taking away thousands of jobs! A plethora of TV ads with the same message also blanket the air waves on a regular basis. What is going on here? Is China really about to take over Ohio's energy resources? The answer to these questions is a resounding no! What we are experiencing is another round of "dark money" attempting to protect a terrible state law enacted last summer and purchased by the same "dark money." Here is the story in brief. First Energy, a corporation located in Akron, Ohio, is the primary villain in this tale. As the operator of two failing nuclear power plants in Ohio, First Energy tried but failed to persuade the Ohio General Assembly to enact legislation that would subsidize its nuclear facilities. Even a Republican dominated Legislature that is inclined to assist business saw this as a losing proposition. After this initial defeat, First Energy and its allies decided on a plan based on campaign contributions to elect House and Senate members that would do their bidding. First of all, the plan called for supporting a new Speaker of the House who would be amenable to their bailout legislation. Rep. Larry Householder, a co-sponsor of the unsuccessful bailout bill, became their choice, and he received during the 2018 election year $67,416 in campaign donations from First Energy and the other energy corporations supporting such state assistance. Next, First Energy supported candidates in eighteen House Districts who ran in the 2018 Republican primary against incumbents who had voted against the bailout. With significant donations from First Energy, fifteen of these challengers won, and twelve of them were elected in the fall general election. These candidates received a large percentage of the approximately one million dollars spent by First Energy's PAC during the 2018 election cycle. Meanwhile, three other PACs representing coal-fired power plants spent another $700,000 in this campaign to line up enough members of the Ohio House and Senate to support a bailout. The plan worked. First, Larry Householder was chosen by the new House as its Speaker when it convened in 2019. Then, work began in earnest to craft new legislation that would effectively bailout both the nuclear and coal corporations in Ohio. While this Bill was being drafted, several million dollars worth of TV and radio ads touting this approach ran on stations throughout the state. What emerged and was passed by both the House and Senate in July was a law that would provide a bailout of $1.1-billion to First Energy and the coal plants over a period of seven years. Known as House Bill 6, it was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on July 23rd. It should also be noted that DeWine received a $25,000 campaign contribution from the First Energy PAC in 2018. Almost immediately, a group called Ohioans Against Corporate Bailouts, began a statewide petition drive to repeal House Bill 6 by the initiative process. It currently works to get 265,774 valid Ohio Voter signatures by October 21st in order to THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED stop the bailout from beginning before a 2020 referendum vote. However, once signature gathering began, a new limited liability corporation named Ohioans For Energy Security began a $3.4-million ad and mail campaign attacking this petition drive. This brings the story to the present moment and the ads on TV and the post cards designed to scare us about the threat of China taking over Ohio's Energy Grid while misusing our personal information. Although research by journalists and good government groups can find nothing valid about these claims of potential Chinese misdeeds, one possible link has been put forward. Apparently, one energy company that may be supporting the repeal got some financing from a Chinese bank for a natural gas plant in Ohio. This is speculation and not necessarily true, and it hardly ranks as a Chinese takeover. It does show, however, that Ohio election laws cannot currently stop well-financed false information campaigns. A follow up article will focus on what reform groups such as the League of Women Voters and Common Cause propose to do about this dilemma and the crisis of "Big Money" in general. �FEATURED 8 N ov 2 o v 19, 0 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Oct 17- -NOct 31,22019 418 I Didn't Even Know Dr. Mark Mussman Staff Writer “S hould we still go out to bars and restaurants in Over-the-Rhine?” asks a participant on a recent Alternative Break trip with us at the Homeless Coalition. Our Alternative Break (AB) program is one of the most robust and educational programs in the country. Over-the-Rhine provides us with diametrically opposed perspectives on the simple question: “Who belongs here?” On the surface, participants see an amusement park with pedalwagons, scooters, outdoor drinking, ax-throwing, arcades, sports, arts, music, and did I mention drinking? But as we get deeper into the complexities, they begin to question what impact they themselves are having on the neighborhood of Overthe-Rhine. My experience in advertising has taught me that first impressions last forever, and that consistency must persist throughout a relationship to be successful. I have long said that “Over-the-Rhine is a neighborhood: OTR is a brand” as a way to distinguish between the many perspectives on this area. While the neighborhood has been abbreviated as “OTR” for many years, delineating between the two is an important first step in seeing the divide between those who claim ownership in the neighborhood and those who yield to a common voice. Our Alternative Breaks have a different effect on local participants. People who have never been to Cincinnati, who have never heard of Over-the-Rhine, look at the situation with an almost unemotional gaze, as if they are taking it in, comparing it to their own experience, and tucking it away as a memory in a scrapbook. I have been contacted by many former participants who said they have been able to apply what they experienced in Cincinnati to their own communities. Local participants tend to have more difficulty understanding the power dynamics in the neighborhood. Often they have a common historical knowledge of Over-the-Rhine: “It was bad, but now it’s not.” But reconciling their own, often entertainment-based experiences, becomes more difficult. Don’t get me wrong, our AB program is intense and often demanding, but when students become AB Participants at the Catholic Worker House so emotional that they are in tears in the room with strangers, I realize there is something else going on in their lives. During a trip last year, one of our community speakers simply opened up the discussion with “What is gentrification?” One of the participants broke down in tears, because they were having a difficult time reconciling their own experiences and, in essence, their own identity. They explained that they often go to bars in “OTR” and that they feel guilty for contributing to the displacement of residents, businesses, social service agencies, in the name of profit. The student was definitely on to something — and this was just the first day! The question of who belongs in the neighborhood is examined because gentrification is displacement, and displacement has consequences. For example, when people are displaced from a park, whether it Washington, Zeigler, or Findlay, once the parks have been privatized, should people who enjoy the park before feel comfortable and able to use the park after the investment is made? And if they do feel comfortable enough to use the park, should their enjoyment be impacted by knowledge (and experience) of AB Participants develop strategies to deal with food insecurity THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �N o. 39 Nov 231, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Oct 173 -| Oct | No. 418 Climate change teen activist Greta Thunberg joins a climate strike march in Montreal, Quebec, Canada September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Andrej Ivanov exclusion? Shouldn’t all people in the neighborhood be able to use something that is available to all of the people in the neighborhood without judgement of fear? How can this even be measured? When your neighborhood changes right in front of your eyes, and indirect gentrification has removed your schools, your neighbors, your play spaces, your stores, your laundromat, your hardware store, your post office, your family and friends, but you still must survive, you will likely still participate in your community, but in a different way, with a different lens. Life becomes complicated and burdensome. Being able to flow freely through the neighborhood becomes impossible. Another example of this is the removal of the Kroger grocery store from the neighborhood last month. Many of our neighbors depended on that store to have basic staples and we have spent a lot of time with our neighbors shopping — even in that small, over-priced store. Once the new downtown Kroger opened, creating a 9 FEATURED food desert for many in northern Overthe-Rhine and the West End, should people who shopped at the old Kroger feel different about shopping at the new “fancy” Kroger downtown? Will they feel included or excluded by the security and staff at the new store? What choices do they have when the corner stores that sold cleaning supplies and other items not found at Findlay Market have been closed down? When you are simply trying to survive, not only is closing a neighborhood grocery story difficult on the community, especially the most vulnerable, the elderly, people with disabilities, people who have to walk up many flights of stairs and cannot carry all their groceries at once, but it also forces our community connections to be altered. These are the social fabric changes that people facing displacement must deal with every day. The effect of indirect gentrification is the same as direct gentrification — displacement. Eventually, the bottom falls out, and you are forced from the neighborhood. The zip code that covers AB with Streetvibes Distributor Lee McCoyCanada September 27, 2019. REUTERS/Andrej Ivanov AB at the Coalition with Mona Over-the-Rhine, Downtown, and Mt. Adams has been found to be the most expensive rental market in the entire state, which is partially why the question of “who belongs?” persists. Clearly, there are power dynamics in the neighborhood that are tipped in favor of those who have more resources, coming from generational wealth, and who enjoy privilege due to their color of their skin. Many times AB participants are resistant to the message that racism even exists, and they exert their fragility by becoming quiet, afraid to speak up. They want to believe that their are only two sides, and that things can be painted as either “good” or “bad” unless the “bad” somehow includes them or the decisions that they make. Some participants break free by critically thinking and they start to unlearn racism through the experiences they have on the trip. In either case, the memories they make in Over-the-Rhine will be carried with them throughout their lives. Whether or not they are able to answer the questions they pose about their own actions and choices is not something that I would ever be able to measure. If they go out in Over-theRhine in the same manner as before the trip doesn’t mean that the trip failed. Their AB experience should enable them to see how they can be supportive in their own communities. Hearing from community leaders and residents, people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, gives them the opportunity to take those voices with them to answer the most pressing questions about homelessness, poverty, hunger, displacement, housing, and gentrification. It should also give them the tools to organize and become advocates for affordable housing, People who Have Died from Homelessness List THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �10 ADVERTISMENT THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED N ov 2 o v 19, 0 18 | |NNo. o . 393 Oct 17- -NOct 31,22019 418 �N o. 39 Nov 231, - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Oct 173 -| Oct | No. 418 11 GLOBAL The Indian children who take a train to collect water Rajendra Jadhav Reuters A s their classmates set off to play after school each day, nine-year-old Sakshi Garud and her neighbour Siddharth Dhage, 10, are among a small group of children who take a 14 kilometre (9 miles) return train journey from their village in India to fetch water. Their families are some of the poorest in the hamlet of Mukundwadi, in the western state of Maharashtra, a village that has suffered back-to-back droughts. India's monsoons have brought abundant rain and even floods in many parts of the country, but rainfall in the region around Mukundwadi has been 14 per cent below average this year and aquifers and borewells are dry. "I don't like to spend time bringing water, but I don't have a choice," Dhage said. "This is my daily routine," said Garud. Their cramped shanty homes are just 200 metres (220 yards) from the train station. "After coming from school, I don't get time to play. I need to get water first." They are not alone. Millions of Indians do not have secure water supplies, according to the UK-based charity, WaterAid. It says 12 per cent of Indians, or about 163 million people, do not have access to clean water near their homes - the biggest proportion of any country. Recognising the issue, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to spend more than 3.5 trillion rupees ($49 billion) to bring piped water to every Indian household by 2024. More than 100 families in Garud and Dhage's neighbourhood do not have access to piped water and many depend on private water suppliers, who charge up to 3,000 rupees ($42) for a 5,000-litre tanker during summer months. But private water supply is something Garud and Dhage's parents say they cannot afford. Siddharth Dhage, 10, waits to board a train with empty water containers, at Mukundwadi railway station, Aurangabad, India, "Nowadays, I don't get enough money to buy groceries. I can't buy water from private suppliers," said Dhage's father, Rahul, a construction worker. "I am not getting work every day." Garud and Dhage and other children from Mukundwadi take the train daily to fetch water from the nearby city of Aurangabad. The train is often overcrowded, so a group of small children jostling to get on board with pitchers to fill with water is not always welcome. "Some people help me, sometimes they complain to railway officials for putting pitchers near the door. If we don't put them near the door, we cannot take them out quickly when the train stops," Dhage said. Garud's grandmother Sitabai Kamble and an elderly neighbour help occasionally by pushing them on board in the face of irritable passengers. "Sometimes they kick the pitchers away, they grumble," Kamble said. When the train pulls into Aurangabad thirty minutes later, they scramble to fill the pitchers at nearby water pipes. Garud can't reach the tap, so she relies on her taller sister, Aaysha, 14, and grandmother. Others from Aurangabad, like Anjali Gaikwad, 14, and her sisters, also board the train every few days to collect water and wash clothes. Their neighbour Prakash Nagre often tags along with soap and shampoo. "There's no water to bathe at home," he says. When the train pulls into Mukundwadi, they have just under a minute to disembark. At times, Dhage's mother, Jyoti, is waiting at the station to help. "I'm careful, but sometimes pitchers fall off the door in the melee and our work is wasted," she said, holding her infant in one arm and a pitcher in the other. "I can't leave my daughter at home alone so I have to take her along." Courtesy of Reuters / INSP.ngo Prakash Nagre washes himself at Aurangabad railway station, Aurangabad India, Siddharth's mother Jyoti Dhage holds her four month old daughter Akansha as she watches her neighbour Gaurav Ganesh, 13, as he helps fill the containers with water at Aurangabad railway station, India, THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 STREETVOICE N o v 17 2 --N o v 19, 0 18 || No. N o . 418 393 Oct Oct 31, 22019 The Ghost The Ghost Behind me Firing Red Hot Heat at me Lying to me Worrying me Grabbing out At me Dripping Sour Honey On me Expanding Out At me Looking For me It wants to Destroy me Having no mercy For me It wants me to deceive for thee Standing, on the other Side of me It wants to Destroy me The Ghost Kim Green Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor Streetvibes Writing Circle If you would like to submit a story for publication in streetvibes, come join Katelyn Lusher, Chris Wilkey, and Alex McIntosh for a group writing session! THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 Nov31, 2 - 2019 N o v 19, 2 0 418 18 Oct 173- |Oct | No. Starting Over 13 STREETVOICE 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 HOW FAR ABOVE THE LAW CAN HE GET? peers After the talbert house, bethany house and the drop inn center I found the off the street program only then did my life Trump's new low may now have been reached. The House is declaring he should be impeached. 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 But the President claims his boast is quite true, That he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue. would be the blame I felt reborn and started singing aint no stopping me now an i stop looking back BILL WOODS I found a place of my own where i could be alone and get Contributing Writer my life back on track Next i found cincinnati homeless coalition 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 street vibe paper for the cincinnati homeless coalition Saying my being homeless my poetry needed to be shared sounds like a mission Finally i found myself on findlay market where my life found a new direction The day the coalition 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 D. Jones Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �PUZZLES 14 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 108 Across Down 1. Stalk 1. Male red deer 5. Possessed 2. Long hollow cylinder 8. Scorch 3. Panache 12. Bulbous plant 4. Stingy hoarder 14. Female animal 5. Part of a shoe 15. Desire 6. Veneration 16. Humiliate 7. Style of glazed 17. Snakelike fish earthenware 18. Building offering lodging 8. Black bird and meals 9. Detest 19. High ranking officer 10. Report or maintain 21. Ornate manner of speaking 11. Depend 23. Relieve from 13. Danger 24. Rapid active commotion 15. Part of a song 25. Mediterranean fruit tree 20. Worship 28. Deposit of valuable ore 22. Illuminated 30. Disorderly fighting 24. Sultry 35. Part of the eye 25. Number one 37. Let for money 26. Very angry 39. Beauty shop 27. Presumption 40. Rant 29. Depression in a surface 41. Come after 31. Grains of rock or coral 43. Small semi-aquatic 32. Slumber salamander 33. Further down 44. Warhorse 34. Way in 46. Change direction 36. Outstanding tournament 47. Cervid player 48. Bid 38. Divot 50. A great distance 42. Represent as if in 52. Inquire in a meddlesome a play way 45. Ten years 53. A small compartment 49. Color 55. Crib 51. Cook by dry heat 57. Bluster in an oven 61. Steadfast 54. Venue 65. Speedy 56. Private instructor 66. Actor's prompt 57. Boast 68. Took without consent 58. Complain bitterly 69. Part of a church 59. Part of a church 70. Employ 60. Despicable 71. Sum 61. Ooze 72. Mirth 62. Short letter 73. Deplete 63. Group related by 74. Rip blood or marriage N ov 2 o v 19, 0 18 || N o . 393 Oct 17- -NOct 31,22019 No. 418 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 3- EASY 64. Contained 67. Country, initially PUZZLE SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD #107 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 2- EASY PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 Nov 2 - N2019 o v 19, 2 0 18 Oct 173-| Oct 31, | No. 418 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children RESOURCES Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside Bethany House 557-2873 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 591-2246 FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Salvation Army 762-5660 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 131 E. 12th Street 45202 1125 Bank Street 45214 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelter: Men Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 Shelterhouse 721-0643 2121 Vine Street 45202 411 Gest St. 45203 Prospect House 921-1613 1437 Walnut Street 45202 Starting Over 961-2256 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 Parkway Center 661-4620 First Step Home 961-4663 Shelter: Youth 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Shelter: Family Interfaith Hospitality Network Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Joseph House (Veterans) 471-1100 1522 Republic Street 45202 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Seraph Ministries 549-0542 St. George Food Pantry 2554 Dennis St. 45219 751-8771 St. Anthony Center 1615 Republic St. Advocacy Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 241-2965 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Housing: 15 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Other Resources Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Cancer Justice Network 404-3882 Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 859-491-8303 ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 799 Ann St. Newport, KY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Gabriela Godinez Feregrino, 961-0600 email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio McMicken Dental Clinic 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �16 NOct o v 217 - N o v 19, 18 | |NNo. o . 393 - Oct 31,2 02019 418 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. 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ALFRED WOOLFOLK SINCE 10/2003 ASRES AYENAW SINCE 2012 BERTA LAMBERT SINCE 1997 BETTIE BAILEY SINCE 10/2017 BRANDON NELSON SINCE 4/2008 BRIAN ADAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHARLES WILLIAMS SINCE 7/2017 CHRISTOPHER KAIHATSU SINCE 7/2017 CLEO WOMBLES SINCE 10/2003 CRANDALL COBB SINCE 2004 DARREL ROZIER SINCE 7/2017 DAVID MCCANE SINCE 2017 ERIC VALDEZ SINCE 2/2017 GERALD FRANKLIN SINCE 7/2017 GRADY COOK SINCE 1997 HENRY BRELAND SINCE 7/2017 JAMES BROWN SINCE 3/2009 JAMES DAVIS SINCE 8/2000 JENNY BURTON SINCE 7/2017 JIMMIE GIPSON SINCE 2001 JON DARBY SINCE 2/2006 JOHN HORN JOSEPHINE BASKERVILLE SINCE 9/2008 J’TORI TYMAN SINCE 5/2014 KIM NGUYEN SINCE 7/2017 KENNY BUSSELL SINCE 10/2009 KAREN COLLETTE SINCE 7/2008 LARRY BROWN SINCE 10/2007 LEE MCCOY SINCE 7/2009 LEONARD JACKSON SINCE 2/2005 MARY MUELLER SINCE 5/2005 MARK SHEARS SINCE 4/2012 MAURICE GOLSBY MELISSA MOSBY SINCE 9/2014 MIKE CARANO SINCE 4/2016 RAESHAWN GIPSON SINCE 3/2009 RAYNARD JONES SINCE 10/2008 RICKY WOODS SINCE 4/2015 RICCARDO TAYLOR SINCE 1999 RONNIE PHILLIPS SINCE 10/2009 SAMUEL JACKSON SINCE 10/2006 STACIA HOLLANDER SINCE 2017 STEPHANIE EAKES SINCE 7/2017 SYLVESTER WALKER SINCE 7/2017 TALINA HILL SINCE 2/2011 VICTOR MUMPHRY WILLA JONES SINCE 1/2010 WINNIE RICE SINCE 7/2017 QUEENACELASTINE SINCE 7/2017 TIA CASS SINCE 11/2007 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED TONY THOMAS SINCE 3/2005 KEITH EUTSEY SINCE 2/2011 VIOLET COLLINS SINCE 2017 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2019 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 17-October 31, 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: Activism Pg 3: When Anti-Displacement Means Segregation Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Reasserting Proper Relationships of Accountability in the Age of Greta Pg 6: Climate Strike Big Media vs. Street Papers Pg 7: History Repeats Itself Pg 8: I Didn’t Even Know Pg 9: I Didn’t Even Know Continued Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: The Indian Children Who Take a Train to Collect Water Pg 12: Street Voice Pg 13: Street Voice Pg 14: Puzzles Pg 15: Resources Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Streetvibes Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 17-October 31, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Gabriela Godinez Bill Woods Teresa Kramarz Joanne Zuhl Rajendra Jadhav Dr. Mark Mussman Martha Stephens Alex McIntosh Katelyn Lusher Willa D. Jones Kim Green INSP.com Blake Burrell Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Activism Alex McIntosh Bill Woods Blake Burrell China Climate Change Dr. Mark Mussman Gabriela Godinez India INSP.com Joanne Zuhl Katelyn Lusher Kim Green Martha Stephens Media Rajendra Jadhav Segregation street papers Strike Teresa Kramarz Willa D. Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/b015f4b13a1eb48ed5593f3ab8784d36.pdf 89240d3d86e1fd8e531c71e45e02bc24 PDF Text Text October 19th - November 1st 2018 | Vol. 21 Issue 19 (No. 392) advocating justice | building community Religious Peacemakers: Father George Hajj Puts His Faith into Action | 8 This Issue is sponsored by Cecilia and Tom Kloecker INSIDE THIS ISSUE Issue 1 - A Grassroots Proposal For Ohio’s Criminal Justice System | 2 Living Abundantly in an Age of Scarcity | 7 General Wayne Begins His March North |9 How Long Does it Take | 12 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 Promise of Tomorrow? I n the book of James, in the Christian Bible there is a verse which translated in English reads, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14, New International Version). This verse has for years been very vivid in my mind. I think it creates a concise, stark image; an image that should spur on the way we live. An evening ago, I was leaving the office and was thinking to myself how I had not finished what I was working on, but that I would continue on the work the next day. Then I was reminded that I don’t have the promise of tomorrow. I really didn’t know if I would continue these tasks the following day, because I didn’t even know if I would be alive. Then I thought of the common phrase, “Live like there’s no tomorrow”, which has much the same connotation as the verse in James. And then I thought, JOSH SPRING Executive Director Josh Spring Credit: Homeless Coalition I really can’t completely “live like there’s no tomorrow” because there is not enough time in the moment to accomplish everything each of us is trying to accomplish in life. When I think of a mist I picture when you see your breath in cold temperatures. You blow out, it is clearly visible, but in almost an instant it is completely gone. When you consider how long humans have existed and how many people have been and may be in the future and the incomprehensible number of occurrences through time, it should be clear that our lives really are but blips on a grand radar screen which is greater than our mind’s eye can hold. In fact, when you think about the enormity of even the world as we know it, our lives really are that mist that is here and quickly gone. In truth, the length of our mist, as short as we know it will be in the grand scheme, is not known to us at all. We simply do not know when we will die. So, what do we do with this? Obviously, none of us can accomplish everything in the moment that we hope to accomplish before we die, and we really don’t know what tomorrow will hold or if we will even be here tomorrow or a minute or a second from now. I think the point is to know that we are a part of something (Continued on page 7) State Issue 1 - A Grassroots Proposal to Bring Some Common Sense and Healing to Ohio’s Criminal Justice System W hat do voters need to know about State Issue I before they go to the polls this fall. At the Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on October 11th, attendees heard the inside story about this proposed Ohio Constitutional Amendment from one of the organizers and key campaigners for this issue. Elizabeth Hopkins, Staff Lead for Project AMOS, gave a detailed and impassioned presentation about why this proposal is badly needed. First of all, Hopkins stressed that Issue I emerged from a grassroots movement across Ohio dedicated to reforming a criminal justice system that many people realized wasn't working. Part of a statewide coalition called the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, AMOS initially assisted in the process of holding approximately 2,000 conversations with Ohioans about this system that is sending so many nonviolent offenders to prison. The consensus from these conversations was that "incarceration did not make people feel safer." Instead of healing communities, sentencing so BILL WOODS Contributing Writer many young African-Americans to prison for drug related crimes hurts neighborhoods and tears families apart. The next step was drafting a public proposal that would insure real reform of the criminal justice (Continued on page 11) O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 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: Sallie Mascus Layout: Key Beck Reception: Bonita Batton, Larry Johnson Maintenance: Pete Roper ----------------------------------------------CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jason Haap, Tim Kraus, Saad Ghosn, Michael Earl Patton, Desmond Brown, Cleo Wombles, Kim Green, Willa Denise Jones ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Homeless Coalition, RAINN, The Partnership Center, Steven Wuesthoff, LinkedIn, Saad Ghosn, Michael Earl Patton, Alice Schneider -------------------------------------------------Thank You For Reading Streetvibes And Supporting Our Mission To Build Community And Advocate Justice. Bill Woods accepting last year's buddy gray award Credit: Homeless Coalition THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED Streetvibes and The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless do not endorse candidates for public office. �3 LOCAL It Couldn’t Happen to Me No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 A DR. MARK MUSSMAN common trope heard in advocacy circles is “It could happen to anyone.” Whether we are talking about homelessness and hunger, or disease and sexual assault, there tends to be a moment where people’s level of concern increases when they realize that it could happen to them, or someone close to them. In our work at the Homeless Coalition, we strive to uplift and amplify the stories of people who experienced homelessness so that the public can put a face on the issue. This humanizes an often distanced and muddied issue. Homelessness is a systemic issue, rather than a personal one, so this act is often confused as a “scared straight” tactic, even though the humanization of homelessness is what it will take to get people involved in the struggle for affordable housing, housing protections, and a livable wage. Following a recent Speaking Engagement with the Homeless Coalition, one of the audience members said the event will stick out in their head because “It could happen to anyone.” Each time I hear that, my heart sinks a little. The issue is really in that it erases historical and contemporary issues of equity, power, and control. Am I glad that people feels more strongly about the issue of homelessness because of this experience? Of course I am. But if you cannot see how the issue is related to structural violence, then your advocacy comes out of a place of selfishness, not out of a place of common decency, fairness, and Staff Writer equity. Let’s look at it through the lens of sexual assault. Could anyone be a victim of sexual assault? Of course. If you have a body or a mind, you can be victimized. But if 15% of women are raped, as compared to less than 3% of men, is it fair to erase the gender imbalance and say “Well, it could happen to anyone!”? That kind of mentality is not compassionate, nor is it realistic. It denies humanity to women who are deeply affected by this issue, and it doesn’t allow for a full scope to be developed because underneath that one statistic there is a culture of violence against women. Women are likely to experience aggressive sexual acts on a daily basis, whereas men rarely are victims of sexual confrontations like catcalling, unwanted sexual advances, verbal harassment, stalking, etc. The #MeToo movement was created by an African-American women because minority women are much more likely to be victims of sexual and violent crimes: Black women experience intimate partner violence at a rate 35% higher than white women. The Movement was co-opted by the majority, effectively erasing the intersectionality of sexual violence. Gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic class, and even physical location, impact the likelihood and severity of sexual assault; therefore, saying “It can happen to anyone” erases those who are most vulnerable in our society. This is also true for homelessness. Women are much more likely to be victims of sexual assault Credit: RAINN Homelessness is growing for women and children at the highest rates, but for women who are Black, Native American, or Latinx, the rates of homelessness (and poverty in general) are much higher than for white women. (There may be more white women living in poverty in the United States, but this represents a smaller percentage of white women than it does for Black women.) Black women in the United States will almost universally experience poverty either before or after their 65th birthday. This means their risk for homelessness, sexual assault, violent crime, adverse health, etc., are all disproportionately high. Saying “It could happen to anyone” ignores the structural issues that we do collectively have control over, and puts emphasis on individualism, which is messy and allows us to ignore the suffering by not acting. In the end, your advocacy should be based on the simple notion of equity — that all people deserve to be treated with fairness — with the footnote that there is no universally applied remedy. The forces that create equity for one person, are not the same for everyone. The likelihood that something will happen to someone is wholly based on factors that were determined before birth, and have little to do with choices someone has made. Unless we accept the truth about structural violence, including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, etc., we will continue to hurt, and erase the lived experience of people who are victims of our unjust society, when we proclaim, “It could happen to anyone!” [Editor’s note: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition is a nonpartisan organization.] African Americans are disproportionately affected by homelessness due to racism and continued oppression. Credit: The Partnership Center “Breakdown Stereotypes” “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Mark Mussman at MarkMussman@cincihomeless.org. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 �LOCAL Something about friendship is bigger than ideas we may hold in a particular moment No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 W ith Justin Jeffre's tenure as editor of Streetvibes coming to an end, I started reflecting on lessons I've learned from him - and the more I thought, the more I realized these lessons may have a universality given our current political moment. I first met him in 2005, and he was a Green Party candidate for Cincinnati Mayor. We were introduced by a candidate for City Council named Andrew Warner. "He's also from that band 98 Degrees," Andrew explained just before introducing us. At the time, I wasn't sure I had ever heard a 98 Degrees song. Instead, I had some stereotypes about "boy bands" and "pop music," mostly instilled through my cliquebased understanding of the world from high school. Pop music was for people who lacked intellectual depth, or so my adolescent ideas maintained. When it came to music, I was into artists like Frank Zappa. Zappa's music, and lyrics, challenge his listeners on almost every front. Zappa was experimental, controversial, and provocative - three traits I fancied attributing to myself, too. For me, pop music was predictable, formulaic, and not thought-provoking. What kind of people would listen to something like that? They must be predictable, formulaic, and non-thoughtprovoking people, I figured. This kind of narrow thinking is typical for adolescents, but what was I doing holding onto these ideas well into adulthood? What I found in Justin was the opposite of what I might have expected. He was smart, and politically radical. He had a keen connection to social justice, and to policy that targeted helping people, particularly the most vulnerable among us. I found him to be thoughtprovoking and intelligent, which was striking because that's the opposite of what I think about pop music. The truth, naturally, is that we are more than our tastes in something like music. This obvious lesson was one I should have known. After all, during the late nineties and early aughts, I absolutely loved watching The Jerry Springer Show, and I can only imagine what sorts of negative stereotypes might exist for fans of that program! People are not their interests. They are more than that. And now this next sentence marks the point in this article where I'm likely to lose readers... People are also not their ideas, or their beliefs, either. We are bigger JASON HAAP Contributing Writer than all those temporary aspects that are subject to change. Over my lifetime, I have changed my interests, and ideas, and even some of my core beliefs. But I'm still myself, in a matter of speaking. Through these changes, I have maintained core friendships and relationships. I believe these friendships are based on something more consistent about human identity than dynamic elements like our opinions du jour. I have a conservative friend, for example, who I cannot be Facebook friends with. We always argue, and unfriend each other. But this month, a new installment in the Halloween movie franchise comes out, and as soon as I heard I knew I had to call him to make plans to see it. We've been fans of Michael Myers since junior high school! That's the thing: there is something about friendship that is bigger than many of these smaller, limiting ideas we may hold at a particular moment in time. There is something to the core of our personalities, having nothing to do with politics and current events, and it constitutes a social connection my conservative friend and I have 5 maintained, in one degree or another, for over three decades. We need to learn to look past some of these differences in the name of fostering friendship. Friendship is more important, I think, than politics and ideology. In fact, it is through real friendships that people with different ideas will ever learn from each other. With friendship, our guards might be down, and we might be more apt to trust a differing opinion as opposed to judging everyone against the rubrics of our own dogmas. With my friend leaving his role at Streetvibes, I'm not sure how often my voice will appear in the paper moving forward. For all I know, his replacement will not send me regular emails nudging me to write something! But in the event, gentle readers, you hear from me less in the future of this newspaper, let me tentatively leave you with this lesson I learned, at least in part, from befriending Justin Jeffre. STEPHEN WUESTHOFF THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 �JUBILEE CAMPAIGN Living Abundantly in an Age of Scarcity No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 W e live in a world of Paradox. A Paradox is a phenomenon in which two opposing ideas or realities that are both seemingly true exist side by side in the same space and time. Paradox is the greatest of teachers because it is in that area of tension between opposing Truths that humans experience the deepest amounts of growth and learning. Knowledge itself is born out of paradox. As a high school history teacher, I knew that I was entering the most sacred of learning spaces when I could ask questions of my students that would force them to live in and struggle with the tension of opposing truths. For example: How could the early leaders of our country write truly revolutionary founding documents and governmental structures that proclaimed and institutionalized the political philosophy that all men (or people) were created equal, and then, at the same time they enslaved a whole population of people thereby making a mockery of the very ideals they held to be absolutely true? Here is another. How can the creation of one thing of social value lead to the destruction of another thing of equal and great social value? This question poses the dilemma of technological and philosophical progress. Is it really progress when an industrial revolution that massproduces the tools and materials necessary for a modern society to exist while at the same time it causes the destruction of the social and family structures that we all cherish? Or, The United States is often considered a country with the greatest amount of Freedom in the world. On the other hand, the United States also has the largest number of people in prison and the largest percentage of its people in prison than any country in the world. It is only by wrestling with JOSH SPRING (Continued from page 2) that is so much bigger than ourselves. We by no means are either able nor supposed to live on an island unto our own being. We should consider what we can do with our mist to positively affect the other mists around us and the mists to come and then act. The life that we have, when TIM KRAUS Contributing Writer the tensions or conflict that these contradictory realities create that we of its natural resources to provide enough to sustain every living being. We see and feel an abundance of Tim Kraus Credit: linkedin.com find ourselves most fully alive and at our most creative. This is not easy work. In fact, it is hard work. But it is essential for us to struggle with these kinds of lived contradictions if we are to create a better world for ourselves and for future generations. One of the most striking paradoxes that we experience today is that we live in a world of great beauty that is gilded by every sunset, sunrise, twilight, and starry night. And we also live in a world populated by an abundance of human talent; enough talent to make right almost all the challenges and problems that we face. In short, we have inherited a paradise of unfathomable proportions and possibilities that continues to give and inspire us daily. abundance and great scarcity; both, at the same time. If living on this earth for the past 66 years has taught me anything, it has taught me that we live in a world of abundance. We experience that abundance every day of our lives. We live in a world filled with the capacity But we also must recognize that there are limitations to the abundance that surrounds us. There are real issues of scarcity that are driven by the fact that we have squandered the abundance we inherited. We have abused and destroyed so many of we have it, is very valuable and we should invest it in long-lasting good. We should do this in concert with other people, spurring one another on to use the moment to accomplish our goals together, outcomes bigger than ourselves. The lack of promise of the next moment or the truth that each of our lives are minutely short, should not be a reason for sadness or stress, but instead should be reason for encouragement that we have the opportunity to use whatever time we have available to join other people in progressively pursuing the establishment of a just and empathetic world. (Easier said than done, I know.) I don’t mean any of this to read as overly philosophical or something THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 7 our natural resources that we now face the real possibility that we will not pass down to future generations a planet that can sustain human life in any of the ways in which we are accustomed. I do not need to recite the litany of endangered or extinct species of animal and plant life that have been depleted in our lifetimes. Nor do I need to review with you the impact of Global Climate Change. We all know that the collective human impact on this earth is so huge and so predominantly negative that something must be done to turn the trend of extinction and destruction around or we will no longer have an inhabitable planet. The paradoxical twist to this scarcity is that there is still enough of everything for everyone to live a reasonably good and comfortable life. The problem is that a very tiny percentage of the world’s population is unsustainably consuming and destroying close to 90% of the world’s resources leaving most of the world no option but to live in squalor. This is an issue of false scarcity. There is enough wealth and enough food in our world for everyone to live. No one should be starving, and no one should lack enough wealth to maintain a survivable standard of living for themselves and their descendants. But our predatory local, national, and world economies have created a world in which 62 of the world’s richest people now own more wealth than half of the rest of the world. Additionally, the top 1% of wealth holders control more wealth than the entire 99% of the world below them. This kind of lopsided economic order spells disaster for all of us. Rich and poor. Therefore, a Big Dream of a Better World is essential. Scarcity thrives on inequality and injustice and it demands inequality and injustice. The sharing of abundance, the sharing of salvation for all, the sharing of the oneness of our existence exposes the lie that many people must suffer so a few can have obscene levels of luxury. Universalism and the best thinking that every religious tradition all provide us with the tools we need to turn our predatory and slave holding world into a world of God’s abundance. [This article is adapted from a sermon given by Tim Kraus of the First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati.] --------------------------------------- like that. The truth of the limited space in time available to us and the important opportunity we have to invest it in life and justice is almost as practical as we can get. While all of us will often miss the mark as we make choices in the moment, this truth should serve to prompt us to be thankful for the moments we have and the opportunities to invest them. �8 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS Father George Hajj, a Maronite, Always Puts His Faith into Action and Fosters Conditions to Allow Others Become Holy Persons "F O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 SAAD GHOSN Contributing Writer or me, social justice and faith are inseparable," says Father George Hajj, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Maronite church, located on Victory Parkway, in Cincinnati. "And faith without action is only echo." Hajj was born in the country of Lebanon in a Maronite family where secular and religious lives were closely married and intertwined. Growing up, his parents would always refer to religious events as milestones for those of daily life, associating, for instance, in the summer, the Feast of the Assumption to a change in weather, or the Holy Cross Day to the onset of rain. His parents also raised him with strong moral values, teaching him not only to help the vulnerable and those in need but, as well, to be compassionate and nonjudgmental. "We were always taught to hate the sin but love the sinner," he says. Being the first grandchild, Hajj grew up very close to his paternal grandfather of whom he carried the name and whose unshakable faith strongly influenced his. This latter instilled in him his own good values, teaching him to have complete trust in the work of God in his life, and to always be thankful for God's mercy, giving back to others. "My grandfather had a small cookie jar in his business store and would regularly put in it 10% of his daily income for the poor and the needy," states Hajj. "I learned from him this tithing and have been practicing it myself ever since my first earned income while at the university." For schooling, Hajj attended three different Maronite schools where he strengthened his faith and put it regularly into action. As a student member of the Knights of Mary, a Christian youth organization, he would regularly do volunteer work for families in need and go to camps in poor villages helping with various needed chores. After high school he joined the Lebanese University, studying Archeology, and graduated with a Master's degree. While there he became a member of the Christian Students Youth and participated in their weekly prayer services and masses, in drives of goods and foods for students financially strained and for home shelters, in camps and spiritual retreats. He was not much involved into politics even though Confiding in his girlfriend, "a faithful woman with wonderful values" as he describes her, she encouraged him to know himself and to make up his mind about priesthood or about committing to a family with her. Wanting to be certain, Hajj decided to join the seminary to test himself and get a clearer idea on where to take his life. He went to the Maronite seminary in Washington, DC, kept an open What is the Maronite Church The Catholic Church is comprised of twenty-one Eastern and one Western (Roman) Churches. They all share the same: Dogmatic Faith, Seven Sacraments, Moral Teachings, and Unity with the Pope of Rome. Their worship, however, differs and each: • Encompasses a unique liturgy, theology, spirituality and discipline • Is characterized by its own cultural and linguistic tradition • Is guided by a Patriarch, Major Archbishop, Metropolitan or other Hierarch, who along with their Synod of Bishops are in full communion with the Pope.  The Maronite Church is one of the 21 Eastern Catholic Churches. It is headed by a Patriarch, and has over forty Bishops who shepherd the many Dioceses in Lebanon, the Middle East and throughout the world. The Patriarch governs the Church in a synodal manner with his body of bishops. He resides in Bkerke, Lebanon. The Maronite Church dates back to the early Christians of Antioch. It uses Syriac as its liturgical language, a dialect of the Aramaic that Jesus spoke. It takes its name from the hermit-priest, Saint Maron, who lived an ascetic life in Syria and died in 410 AD. Within a few years after his death, over 800 monks adopted his way of life, built the Monastery of Saint Maron on the Orontes, Syria, center of their faith, and became known as the Maronites. Later, the Muslim invasions (7th -10th Centuries), coupled with conflicts from within the Byzantine Empire, caused the Maronites to flee the plains of Syria to the natural protection of the mountains of Lebanon. By 687, they organized themselves around Saint John Maron, whom they elected Patriarch of the vacant See of Antioch, and thus developed as a distinct Church within the Catholic Church. Maronites can attend and worship in any other Catholic church. Today there are approximately 3 million Maronites throughout the world. Due to emigration since the 19th century, approximately two-thirds of them live within the worldwide Lebanese diaspora in Europe, the Americas, Australia and Africa. Approximately 1 million live in Lebanon where they represent roughly 20% of the population. The Maronites played and still play an influential role in Lebanon's politics. Father George Hajj he participated in marches, for instance against the Syrian presence in Lebanon, and in defense of various human rights. "Christian values were driving me rather than political affiliation," he says. "My goal was to be a good citizen, to become the light, salt and levain of the earth, and to bring love and God's values wherever I was." Twenty-five years old and with a degree in Archeology, Hajj was convinced by his parents not to pursue a doctorate in that same field but rather to travel to Detroit in the US, to live with his aunt and study Business Administration. He enrolled there at Oakland University and graduated a few years later with a Master's degree. While at the University he continued practicing his faith, attending church and praying, but his time was full, studying and working. He was also dating, feeling successful academically, socially and financially. "I had had, however, and for a long time, a strong inner longing for a consecrated life in the church, but had always hesitated about it," he says. Credit: Saad Ghosn attitude, and immersed himself in everything the place offered, studying theology, reading the scriptures, praying, participating in various church activities. "Everything was telling me to be there," he says. "I listened, stayed for 4 years, felt deeply fulfilled, was ordained priest and was assigned afterwards for one year to serve the Maronite church in Cleveland, OH." There, Hajj shadowed and helped the pastor, learned from him, was in charge of the church's youth group, taught a class in Syriac and started a new group for the men of the parish, called the Sons of Mary. "The purpose was to form the men by prayer, by scripture studies, by programs that helped them put their faith into practice, giving back to the church and to their human fellows, particularly those in need," says Hajj. After Cleveland, Hajj relocated to Cincinnati as the pastor of its Maronite church; this was four years ago. The Cincinnati church, which had been in existence since 1910, was the home of a large group of Christians of varying (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 �LOCAL General Wayne Begins His March North 9 No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 MICHAEL EARL PATTON O n September 11, 1793 General Wayne finally received his orders to march against the Indians and on October 7, he did. His main force was stationed at a camp he called Hobson’s Choice, a little downstream from Fort Washington in Cincinnati. The town itself had too many vices to tempt his troops so rather than lodge his men in and around the fort he had a new camp built on a spot of high ground. I do not know exactly how far downstream it was but it almost certainly was before Mill Creek. The name of the camp indicates that General Wayne was far from satisfied with its location. His march began from there and troops from Fort Washington joined. Contributing Writer independence, even the former British prohibition against settlement north and west of the Ohio became a dead letter. The young United States took the position that the Indian tribes could not and did not actually own the land. All they had was the right to occupy the land. This was called the “Discovery Doctrine,” which was upheld as recently as 2005 in a U.S. Supreme Court decision. In essence, the Discovery Doctrine said that the land belonged to the governments of the Western discoverers of that area (“I claim this land for …”). Sales of land by the Indians to individuals were null and void on their face. Treaties with the Indians actually involved their ceding the right to occupy certain land. Even at the time many thought that this was a violation of fundamental human rights, but its effect is still felt today. In the Treaties of Fort Finney (near the mouth of the Great Miami) and Fort Harmar (near present-day Marietta, Ohio) some Indians did cede the right to occupy southern Ohio. They saw this as the only way to avoid war. It was not about the payment they received, though in some cases Indians probably signed away rights to land they probably did not and could not occupy anyways – not all Indians agreed as to who had rights to what. The Indians who signed in no way represented the majority yet the American officials touted success. George Washington, along with many others, wanted to open up southern Ohio to settlement. Of course, money was to be made. Many had, or expected to get, tracts of land that would make them wealthy if only they could get the Indians off it. Yet under the Articles of Confederation, which was the constitution that was the framework for the national government immediately after Independence, there was almost no standing army. It had mostly been disbanded and at one point was down to about eighty men, mostly stationed at West Point. In case of a foreign invasion, the idea was to call upon the states for their militias. After breaking away from one empire, many did not want to start creating another. But enough others, such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, did want a stronger Fort Washington Monument Plaque Fort Washington Monument Credit: Michael Earl Patton Credit: Michael Earl Patton Wives, girlfriends, and children of the soldiers stayed at Fort Washington. When representatives from the United States and King George III signed the Peace of Paris in 1783 which ended the Revolutionary War, the group who was going to be the most affected was not even present. American Indians, who were almost all of the population west of the Appalachians and north of the Ohio River, did not agree that they were now living on land that was no longer theirs. Britain had even prohibited settlement from the Thirteen Colonies west of the Appalachians in 1763. This was too extreme to enforce so the line was redrawn in 1768 at Fort Stanwix in New York, restricting settlement west and north of the Ohio River. There was some self-interest involved since leaving such a large tract of land for the Indians also meant that the British would still enjoy a lucrative trade in furs with them. But some Indians, who were not a party to the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, resented losing Kentucky and took to arms to stop the settlements there. With Military Roads Sign Credit: Michael Earl Patton THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED national government. This meant doing away with the consensus form of government under the Articles and going to majority rule. It also meant the power to tax and raise money to keep troops, and a president who also acted as commander-in-chief. The new constitution, with the same basic form as we have today, took effect in 1788 and George Washington was elected the first president. He took office in 1789. It did not take long for him to get active about creating an army and using it. Fort Washington was started in late 1789 and soon there were military expeditions from there against the Indians. The heartland of the Miami Indians was around present-day Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1791 General St. Clair led a major expedition with the intention of conquering this area and building a fort. The Indians ambushed him while he was still on his way and inflicted massive casualties – St. Clair barely escaped with his life. President Washington replaced St. Clair with General Anthony Wayne, a hero of the (Continued on page 12) �10 LOCAL O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 Do you live in a low-income situation? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. Are you a struggling student? Or an artist? YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. Even if you're just unsure if live theatre is your "thing," and want to see what we offer without stretching your budget: YOU, TOO, ARE WELCOME AT THE KNOW. All Wednesday performances in our MainStage season are part of the where we offer half the available seats for and offer the rema.ining half for FREE AT THE DOOR on the night of the show. \ WELCOME EXPERIMENT, $5 IN ADVANCE, The 2018–2019 Welcome Experiment made possible in part with support from Judge (Ret.) Mark P. Painter �(JW November 16 - December 8, 2018 For tickets please call (513) 381-2273 Purchase tickets online at www.cincyshakes.com AD Donated by Mark and Sue Ann Painter season sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) system. The decision was made to reclassify crimes, and to make many non-violent acts misdemeanors rather than felonies. Studies show, stressed Hopkins, that convicting people arrested for drug related offenses to prison terms creates huge and often permanent obstacles for them, and that prison certainly does not help a person overcome his or her addiction. Issue I, then, reclassifies current felonies for obtaining, possessing, and using illegal drugs to misdemeanors. It prohibits jail sentences for these acts unless a person is arrested for a third time within a twenty-fourmonth period. If passed by the voters, the Amendment would be retroactive and include people currently serving prison terms for obtaining, possessing or using drugs. Hopkins refuted the argument that Issue I would make it difficult to prosecute drug dealers, as she noted that sellers caught with a large quantity of an illegal drug would not meet the criteria of the Amendment. She also emphasized that the projected dollars saved by implementing the Amendment would be earmarked for rehabilitation and treatment programs. Another facet of Issue I will impact a large number of people serving prison terms. Unless SAAD GHOSN (Continued from page 8) backgrounds and diverse cultures, most of them connected somehow to the Middle East. It was frequented not only by Maronites but also by individuals of other faiths such as Orthodox, Melkite, Coptic, Latin... Under Hajj's leadership it has seen its cohesiveness increase and functions now as one united family, enriched by its differences. Hajj maintains a good blending of the secular and religious lives of its parishioners, preparing them to be the best for themselves and for others, living their Christian values, and always putting their faith into action. The church offers various classes in scriptures, Aramaic, art and social studies, also various activities geared to the different age categories of the parishioners. The MYA, Maronite Young Adults, ages 18 to 35, for instance, gather regularly, socialize, but also participate in programs of spiritual formation, of moral teaching, of various social justice activities such as serving in soup kitchens, helping the needy, doing actions of mercy. A movie night, a book club, speakers from out of town or from the community, present them with meaningful topics and messages, followed by enriching discussions. A new group, the MYO, Maronite Youth Organization, does 11 LOCAL convicted for murder, rape, or child molestation, inmates will qualify for reduced sentences if they participate in educational programs or rehabilitation work. Those who take part in such programs can reduce their sentences by as much as 25-percent. Another group who will benefit from Issue I is made-up of people who have served their time, but are then sent back to prison for a parole violation such as missing a meeting with a Probation Officer. Hopkins noted that approximately 27-percent of Ohio's inmates are in prison due to such violations. Under the Amendment, such parole missteps would only be misdemeanors not punishable by prison time. Although Issue I is vocally opposed by certain judges and prosecutors, Hopkins thinks the people of Ohio are ready for a more workable and compassionate criminal justice system. This grassroots initiative, she emphasized, was tested throughout the state while collecting the 730,000 signatures to qualify the proposal for the ballot. During the campaign, the Ohio Organizing Collaborative has also registered 180,000 new voters. The key, said Hopkins, is to get out the word and to make sure supporters actually vote. --------------------------------------- Elizabeth Hopkins, Spokesperson for Project AMOS Credit: Alice Schneider the same with youth ages 12 to 18. A supportive group of women also exists to meet and pray, visit the sick, provide material support to various charitable organizations. There are also religious education classes offered every Sunday to children. The church recently bought 2 adjacent buildings to its sanctuary. It currently uses them as educational centers, but they may also become centers for charity works, even possibly living quarters for the needy or elderly. Recently, Hajj proposed to his congregation a new program, yet to be implemented, consisting of giving a certain % of the church income in charity. "We are currently studying the structure of the program," says Hajj, "keeping in mind the importance of not only providing fish to eat but also a fishing pole to help survive." With other Catholic and Orthodox local churches, Hajj founded the One Church of Mercy, a group of churches whose mission is to bring together the different Christian faiths in the metropolitan Cincinnati, to know each other, participate in common rituals, work through prayer, exposure and with government agencies for the persecuted, religious or otherwise, in the Middle East. The group, started in 2015, organizes major events throughout the year. Last year, for instance, it sponsored the public viewing of the movie "Our Last Stand" ​which told the story of an ​ Assyrian-American ​school ​teacher ​ from ​New ​York, ​who spent ​her ​ summer ​vacation ​traveling ​to ​Iraq ​ and ​Syria ​to ​help ​raise ​awareness ​ about ​the ​plight ​of ​the ​Christian ​ communities ​(Assyrian/Chaldean/ Syriac) ​threatened ​by ​civil ​war ​and ​ ISIS. ​The movie was followed by a community debate. Last March, a Lenten prayer service for unity and religious freedom, gathered Roman Catholics, Eastern Rite Catholics and Orthodox in appreciation of diverse, yet complimentary, rituals. The event was an effort to strengthen bonds and also pray for persecuted Christians around the world. On Sept 14 also of this year, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a common divine liturgy also took place at the St. Anthony of Padua church, and included an educational program on religious persecution. It also addressed, in particular, the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land. Hajj also involved his church heavily in the 1st Cincinnati Festival of Faith which took place recently at Xavier University, and at which the church choir performed. "We are involved with various charitable organizations such as Soup Kitchens, Food pantries... and we provide various services according to people's needs like visiting the sick, helping parishioners at their THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED home, etc." says Hajj. "We add our voice to those that already exist, thus being part of the Garden of Eden and contributing to it." Hajj does not see himself doing things differently in the future, but rather better. The Christian mission he follows will remain the same and his actions and those he will try to impart on his church will always be after the message of the Beatitudes, the blessings that Jesus listed in the Sermon on the Mount. He points to the fact that the Cross of the Maronite Church has 8 dots, 2 at each end, which represent the 8 beatitudes. "We, disciples of Christ, are asked to take care of the poor, the meek, etc." says Hajj. "We have to be reminded that we are also the poor, the meek, etc. and that we need to take care of each other, walk together on this bumpy road, and contribute to a better world." Many of Hajj's efforts are devoted to projects and actions that form the human and make the human a holy person, able to improve and sanctify the other, thus adding peace and justice in the name of Christ. His inspiration is his Maronite faith, also the teaching he has constantly received, to always put his faith into action. --------------------------------------- �12 STREET VOICE I Need a Beer DESMOND BROWN Contributing Writer I called her Pocahontas Couldn’t talk to her like I wanted to Because Deters was poking behind us Chased to a land where dog’s shit Chased from that land, I guess the dogs are better And we ain’t shit Took many losses Prayed a million crosses Shift gears I wish Pocahontas was here A shear delight… she’s not though So, I need a beer Self-medicated, situations over and over Deep thought, mental depression, revenge contemplated Tears of blood cleanse the sinner like suds Greed dirties us like mud We been chewed up and spit out like cud Overzealous egos MICHAEL EARL PATTON (Continued from page 7) American Revolution. There was an attempt to negotiate with the Indians to get them to surrender southern Ohio, but the Indians having just won a major victory were in no mood to give up. General Wayne used that time to secure supplies, train his troops, and widen the road he would be taking. There is a historical monument marking the site of Fort Washington near Lytle Park. There is also a plaque Top ranked zeros Pinpoint Cranley like bingo Short man complex like Nero Open arms are up in arms Mayor sued his own city Chivalry is dead and there is no charm Armies and coalitions News cameras and politicians Unfair laws got members of the Colony missing Jealousy arose because of the blessings Ambulance calls because of the stressing Citations written because of the pressing Wisdom gained because of the testing I wish Pocahontas was here She’s not so I need a beer ------------------------------on Central Parkway supposedly giving the route north of Generals St. Clair and Wayne. This part of the inscription seems to be in error. The plaque says they went west along a route that corresponds to presentday Central Parkway, but a couple old maps that I examined show no road there. General Wayne had widened the road that St. Clair had made to 44 feet. His first destination was Fort Hamilton. Surely this road would have remained in use after the campaign was over. It did elsewhere and along the first part of his route O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Waiting on the bus It’s good to have a bus schedule. Buses and the streetcars are sometimes delayed And I get impatient sometimes But I’m accepting things as they are. Living by a schedule is okay But being homeless, it is hard to say Finding where to go For good showers, and shelters too. You learn as you go. No matter how long it takes You have to live the best Way you can CLEO WOMBLES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer was initially called “Wayne Trace.” I have noticed a couple roads named either Wayne or Anthony Wayne just to the west of I-75 in Cincinnati and Lockland. I do not know for certain, but my guess is that these are part of the route he took. I took much of the information about the actual movement of Wayne’s army and some of the background information from the book Autumn of the Black Snake: The Creation of the U.S. Army and the Invasion that Opened the West by William Hogeland. “Black Snake” was a term of respect the Indians gave to General Wayne because of his exceptional, constant vigilance. Unlike his predecessor General St. Clair to whom they had given a crushing defeat, they could not surprise or ambush him. It is the best book I have found about this part of American history. The events of 225 years ago secured Cincinnati’s future and set this country firmly on a certain path, yet remain largely unknown to the general public. I plan to do at least a couple more articles on this subject. Streetvibes Writing Circle S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �13 STREET VOICE No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 THE JOURNEY ADVICE FOR VOTERS MOTHER GOOSE The path has been a journey Voters be nimble. Time traveled through time Days gone bye Voters be aware. Memories and thoughts remembered Attack ads aim to Love and pain uncovered What’s important is now realized and If I could of, should of is thought about But time goes bye Confuse and scare. BILL WOODS Contributing Writer Time whispering something YOU AND I Time’s journey not forgotten Where has this journey landed you You and I must make a pact KIM GREEN Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer To be mindful of how we act Toward each other no matter what And not hold hatred down in our gut We must understand that everyone is unique And know that a change is what everyone seeks With time and patience, with help from up above We can conquer the hatred we feel and replace it with God’s love For only with God’s guidance and his so many blessings Will we understand living life together without ever guessing We’ll finally know what it is to live on this planet together To love each other for who we are and not what we are for now and forever!!! WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �PUZZLES 14 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 160 Across Down 1. Supplication 1. Preen 5. Part of a hospital 2. Relating to the moon 9. Look searchingly 3. Access 13. Part of a ladder 4. Era of history 14. Woodwind instrument 15. Malicious burning 17. Incorporate 19. Out of fashion 20. Spoil 21. Assimilate 23. Storm center 24. Be nosey 25. Layer 26. Level 29. Female chicken 30. Well-being 32. Reverberation 35. Strong wind 38. Mythological nymph 40. Contest or fight 41. Sheltered side 42. Wan 43. Small donkey 45. Soapstone 47. Decelerate 48. Promptly 50. Playing card 52. Notion 53. Part of the ear 55. Nocturnal mammal 58. Part of a circle 60. Surgical drill 62. Fuss 63. Discontinue 66. Subvert 68. Used with a mortise to form a joint 69. Small pond 70. Fiend 71. Salacious 72. Material, can be used as fuel when dried 73. Rind O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 5. Verbiage 6. Humiliate 7. Rotating mechanism 8. Cervid 9. Drivel 10. Epoch 11. Indispensable 12. Reflecting optimism 16. Indicating maiden name 18. Admission receipts at a sports event 22. Hymenopterous insect 27. Vehicle 28. Pass by 29. Car modified for greater speed and acceleration 30. Part of a shoe 31. Aura SODOKU PUZZLE NO 290 - MEDIUM 32. Flow back or recede 33. Change of government illegally or by force 34. Severe tropical cyclone 36. Singing voice 37. Pasture 39. Form of condensation 44. Single 46. Floor show 49. Tackiness 51. Fractional monetary unit 53. River embankment 54. Drama set to music 55. Flatbottom boat 56. Worship 57. Cloth used for drying 58. Perform 59. Bobbin 61. Frolic 64. Female hog 65. Conclude 67. Jump lightly PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 391 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 159 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 289- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �RESOURCES No. 39 2 | Oct 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 Central Access Point 381-SAFE Shelter: Women and Children Bethany House 557-2873 St. George Food Pantry 751-8771 2554 Dennis St. 45219 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 621-7265 1528 Race St. 45202 Churches Active in Northside 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 Other Resources FreeStore/FoodBank 241-1064 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Salvation Army 762-5660 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 131 E. 12th Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 215 E. 14th St. 45202 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 1125 Bank Street 45214 Shelter: Men Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 1223 Main St. 45202 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 411 Gest St. 45203 St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 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 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 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 591-2246 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 6037 Cary Ave. 45224 Shelter: Family 15 First Step Home 961-4663 Hamilton/Middletown 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Joseph House (Veterans) Northern Kentucky Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both 471-1100 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 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 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 Food/Clothing Health 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 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 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 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 859-491-8303 799 Ann St. Newport, KY Advocacy Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 Brighton Center (11-17 y/o) 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513-421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@cincihomeless.org Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 Health Resource Center 357-4602 McMicken Integrated Care Clinic and Mobile Medical Van 386-7899 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 1730 Race Street 45202 St. Francis Soup Kitchen 535-2719 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti, Ohio $100 for 26 issues $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �LOCAL 16 O c t 19 - N o v 1, 2 0 18 | N o . 392 Redefining Cincinnati Style for Generations FIREPLACES • 117 West fourth Street FURNITURE Downtown Cincinnati • 513-621-0620 street vibes ad 1 Bromwells.com 10/17/18 11:29 AM Expertly Crafted Classic Cocktails Live Jazz Every Thursday - Saturday 125 West fourth Street street vibes harth ad.indd 1 UNIQUE FINDS Downtown Cincinnati Curated Wine and Beer Selecitons Bromwellsharthlounge.com THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 10/17/18 12:01 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2018 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 19-November 1, 2018 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director State Issue 1 Pg 3: It Couldn’t Happen to Me Pg 4: GCHC Pg 5: Something About Friendship is Bigger than Ideas We May Hold in a Particular Pg 6: How to Respond to Panhandling Pg 7: Living Abundantly in an Age of Scarcity Pg 8: Religious Pacemakers Pg 9: General Wayne Begins His March North Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: Bill Woods Continued Saad Ghosn Continued Pg 12: Michael Earl Patton 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 October 19-November 1, 2018 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Dr. Mark Mussman Jason Haap Tim Kraus Saad Ghosn Michael Earl Patton Desmond Brown Cleo Wombles Kim Green Willa Denise Jones Homeless Coalition RAINN The Partnership Center Steven Wuesthoff LinkedIn Alice Schneider Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alice Schneider Bill Woods Cleo Wombles Criminal Justice System Desmond Brown Dr. Mark Mussman Homeless Coalition Issue 1 Jason Haap Josh Spring Kim Green LinkedIn Michael Earl Patton Ohio RAINN Religion Saad Ghosn Steven Wuesthoff The Partnership Center Tim Kraus Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/9714170de44f064b19447ac9818468a6.pdf 92fb8beb123547a1aa1ddb4de594ef03 PDF Text Text 1 1 When Home is a Scary Place by Malaka Sanders "Coming together in remembrance of these w~men means knowing that we as women must continue to grow in truth about ourselves and our place in the world." Jude' Haley, Streetvibes (Feb. 97') These womén that we should all come · together for, espécially this month, are the victims of domestic viotelí'ce in their own homes (...-and their childrens' homes: The Greater Cincinnati Coalition on Domestic Violence cites that over 3 million children witness acts of domestic violence each year). Yes, this month, because October is, "Oomestic Violence Awareness Month", and locally the YWCA, Women Helping Wo~en lnc., the Greater Cincinnati Coalition ón Domestic Violence, and the Women's Crisis Center have put together two empowering events: October 7, 11 :30-1 Fountain_ Square "Day on the Square", information will be available about the services offered to battered women locally. October 21, 7:00 Hamilton County Courthouse (Main St. side) "She Screams Without Sound", Rembering women murdered as a result of domestic violence. Please come out and show your support. Also, remember the YWCAITalbert House Family Violence Hotline number: 221HELP. In addition to these free events, the Greater Cincinnati Coalition on Domestic Violence is sponsoring a conference on Halloween, October 3 1, from 9 am to 4 pm at Forest Fair Mali. The event is titled, "When Home is a Scary Place." Topics to be covered by the conference include Children's Services Protocol, a Safety Plan for Children and School lnterveñtion. · F~r more information on this event, call Carla Mentlow at Bethany House Services at 557-2875. Another project of the Coalition is the Domestic Violence Safety Plan brochures which give tips to victims on how to safely leave a bad relationsh ip. Harsll New Welfare 'Rules Go Why Are the Shelters into .Effect, Planners Told to Crowded? Value F3mllies . - Commenlary by Donald Whilehead Community Organizing Updale _by lynn Williall!s Events are rapidly moving along at the County level with welfare policy. Cassandra Barham and myself have been a,ttending the Human Services Planning Committee meetings to . hear the dis<:ussion as our County sets its welfare policy. Although the Welfare Rights Coalition was . not "officially" included on the Committee, a welfare recipient was included after the Welfare Rights Co~lition voiced much outrage that re~ipients were left out of the planning process. This is a victory for all recipients! Another success was our Pub.lic Hearing on September 25th at the Sharonville Convention Center. The Welfare Rights Coalition alohg with . the Coalition for the Homeless and other groups representing labor unions, child care providers, and others, has formed the Hamilton County Values Families Campaign. At our hearing, we presented our positions on what we want included in our county's welfare policy. At least seven Contents Page Page Page Page Page Page Page 3: 4: 6: a:· 10: 12: 14: News Agency Protiles Edilorials Personal Experiences Word on lhe Slreet Nalionwide Games members of the Human Services Planníng Committee, . including Don Thomas, the Director of the Hamilton County Department of Human Services, were present to hear our concerns about welfare policy. Our speakers at this Hearing were impressive! They spoke from the heart and from lived experience. - They not only spoke on our policy positions but about the need for welfare caseworkers to treat recipients humanely and compassionately. The WRC is proud of our members and .allies who courageously and boldly spoke out to r.epresentatives of the Welfare Department. We are a committed group and we have a wealth of ·talent & ability among our members! An "official" Public Hearing will be held on October 8th at 10:00 AM at a yet to be named location. We plan to have another strong showing at this hearing! The Hamilton County Values Families Campáign urges that County welfare policy include the following for Child Care, Work Requirements and the Prevention, Retention, Contingncy Program or PRC: Child Care Ideas Allow the wprking poor to r 7ceive child care subsidies. Set the entry level at 150% of the poverty level. 150% of poverty leve1=$9.6 l /hr. wage for a family of 3. lncrease funds for infant and toddler care. Establish a waíting list for the working poor child care subsidy to show the need for child care _subsidies. Protect our children by maintaining the criminal Continued on page 2 The headline in last month's issue of Streetvibes read "AII Shelters Full tn Cincinnati." Many times since then, people have asked me why this has happenecl. The answer to this question is very complex, just as the cause of homelessness is very complex. The most obvious reason fof the increase in shelter population is the lack of affordable housing. Accordmg to the National Low lncome Housing Coalition, there is a ◄. 7 million gap_in the number of low-income renters ( 11.2 million) and available lowincome housing ·units in America. ' Thís gap is growing due to changes in public housing. Evictions have increased at an alarming rate. Many evictions in Cincinn~ti have been for suspecte drüg activity, not just the usual .non-payment of rent. Other public housing units are in jeopardy as housing authorities apply for federal funds to demolish them with no replacement . . HUD (The Department Of Housfng Ancl_ Urban Development) is also in crisis with its project· based Secti9n 8 program. Section 8 provides housing that is subsidize~ by the government but owned by private landlords. The subsidy allows the landlords to rent to low-incorñe residents at 30% of their income. These contracts can last up to 20 years. Every year, many of t~ese contracts expire while HUD's budget is being cut .. With less funding 1 and more expiring co'ntracts, HUD cannot keep up. lt is estimated that one-th ird of all HUD contracts _will not be renewed, thus increasing the shortage of affordable housing. In order to further limit the ñumber of . renewed contracts, HUD has investigated Section 8 Conlinued on page 2 • �1 · STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Streetvibes, the-Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, far and about the homeless. lt is compiled by 'rhe Greater.Cincinnati Coalition far the Homeless. Vendors buy the paper far 20 cents and then selt it for a dollar donation to get back . on their feet. AII vendors signa cede of co·nduct befare being given a badge. The Greater Cincinnati Ccialition for the·Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati thro.ugh coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. The Streetvibes Committee meets monthly to plan our issues an~ increase . circulation. lf you are interested in helping <;>r have a comment, please call 421-7803 . Va.lue .Familias Continuad records check, home inspecticins and add a personal reference ~heck far home care providers. - Allow parents to protect their children by being able to end a child care agreement and not be sánctioned (Example: lf provider uses too harsh of discipline method on children). protected by Labor Protection Laws, including th_e mínimum wage requirement, discrimination laws, and health & safety laws. No displacement of workers by workfare participants: · Workfare training slots m1.Jst lead to a REAL job, WORK REOUIREMENTS Emergency Assistance Continued from page 1 Early Childhood Development studies have shown that infants need special attention from their · parents during the first year of life. Parents with children under one should be exempt from the work requ irement. During the first 6 months after giving birth, no work activities should be required. Education and training classes should be the priority for Any savings Hamilton Co1.Jnty accrues in the TANF Program must be used far the peor and working poor population in a positive way. The savings money_should go into child care funds, transportation far OWF participants, and affordable housing. lt should not go far court programs, jails, administrative costs or other county programs .Further / Wr iters Angelo Anderson Margaret Tell~z Bearringer Alice Blackman John "Byrd Dog" Byrd Ron Carter Pat Clifford DeniseCrew Emanuel Minister Michael Harris James Heath Lemuel Israel · Robert Norse Carla Osgood Gregory Payton MarkSalter Malaka Sanders TomSeel The Shadow MJchael Stoops Tess Donald Whitehead lynn Williams Volunteer Editors Becky Rinaldo Malaka Sanders Ki'mberly T enai Rete, stories or inquiries to: Streetvibes e/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 4521 O (5 rJ) 421-7803 fax(513}421-7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net · http://cinci.com/gcch US Constitution·:- First Amendment Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of a religion, or prohibiting the free exercis.e tf:ierof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people peaé:eably to assemble, and to petition the Govemment for a redress of grievances. Participant must be fully infarmed of all programs s/he is eligible to receive, not be pressured to accept one over the other. Allow participants to make -the final choice. Accept the State Model. and allow OWF participants to receive Emergency Assistance. Do not allow this program to become a bandaid solution instead of funding child care and medica! care in a wholistic way. , County Savings trom Relorm Staff · Pat Clifford, Coordinator Don~ld Whitehead , Outreach Coordi-. nator Frank Corrinó, Vender Support Ron Carter, Vendar Support Photographers James Heath -Pat Clifford Page: 2 Hamilton County Planning Committee Member Eileen Cooper Reed ponde~s over propos-ed welfare policies. the rest of the first year. , ' County policy should not be overly punitive. Give people a reasonable and realistic, choice by allowing all possible exemptions .and good cau_se reasons allowable under the Ohio Department of Human Services state policy. This inclúdes good cause reasons far getting back on OWF (Ohio Works First) after being off two years, good cause reasons for quitting a job, xemptions from work requirements, and allow the first year of post-secondary education to be counted as the full work requirement. Single adults between ages 18 - 59 without children be allowed to do volunteer work to get food stamps (as allowed by both Federal and ODHS policies),. Protect all the working families of Hamilton <;:ounty ensuring that workfare partiipants are Caseworkers must be trained to treat participants in a humane, respectful manner. People who apply for government assistance do so as a last resort because they are desperate. They do not need insult to injury when they apply far help. They also do not need to be treated as criminals. For more information call the Hamilton County Welfare Policy Taskforce at 381-4242 or 421-7803. Endorsement torm tor tasktorce campaign on page 14. Things that make you go hmmm... Hamilton County held its Stop Welfare Fraud Month, during _which it exposes cases of welfare fraud to the press, in September--the month before tough new restrictions will go into ·effect in October. Shelter Crowding CiJntinued trom page 1 ·' housing to. determine if the subsidized properties are up to cede. Properties not meeting codes will be foreclosed. We have seen several units in Cincinnati deemed unfit or substandard. This is no surprise. We have expressed this belief for many yearswith our complaints always falling on deaf ears. \ Another warning that has fallen on deaf ears is the danger of welfare refarm. Sanctions on recipients have aJready started. Many new shelter visitors have listed loss of benefits as the primary cause of their loss of stable housing. Wor:k requirements, which do not provide training, daycare and transportation, are short-sighted and impossible to meet. The loss of benefits will also cause an increase in domestic violence. Domestic violence i_s one of the leading causes of homelessness among families. Welfare reform, regardless of what people may tell you, has contributed to homelessness in Cincinnati. W.t,ile local, state and federal officials cheer the reduction in welfare, they continue to ignore its obvious relationship to shelter overcrowding and increased homélessness. While the above reasons have a huge impact on our shelter population, there are many more. Deinstitutionalization, a huge cause for the existing homeless population, may begin again. Deinstltutjonalization is the release of mentally ill patients from merita! institutions into the general population . Deinstitutionalization is admirable in theory; people should not be warehoused because of . their disease. · Although the theory is worthy, it has not worked previously and its success is doubtful in the 'future. Many of those who leave institutions need assistance before they are able to survive on their own, yet there is a deplorable lack of facilities with adequate care and supervision available to the newly released. Because of their illness, the mentally ill are among the most victimized members of homeless population. While advocates for the mentally ill in Cincinnati have created sorne ver; wonderful facilities, their facilities are like other homeless facilities: operating at capacity. Substance abuse is also a major contributor to homelessness. According to national statistics, 40% .· of shelter residents are addicts. People suffering from substance abuse face the same barriers suffered by those with mental illness. · There are simply not enough facilities to treat their disease. The average cost for substance abuse treatment in Cincinnati is $ I0,000. While there are a few facilities available for low-income a'nd no-income residents, there are not nearly enough to even scratch the surface of the . Shelter Crowding Continued on page l i1 n r p n s e s, t' ti e ' fi o ti ti '( �----~---------------------------~~-~--~- ----~~-~-~--~'-•""-~-------~-------!!!'-!"'!---=------""~ STREETVIBES The Tri Stote's Home/ess Grapevine · Page 3 School ·Board Election Bri'ngs lssues to Surface by Pal Clillord Several candidates for Cincinnati School Board are using their campaigns to shed light on the workings of the -Cincinnati Public Schools. Tim O'Connor and Barry Cholak are part of a group called Citizens for an Accountable School Board (CASB). O'Connor is a former director of the 'Nilmington College branch at Warren Correctional lnstitution and Cholak is a former liasen between the School Board and the City of Cincinnati. They claim that many decisions made by the 'current board are done "behind closed doors" and are being steered by the Cincinnati Business Committee (CBC), an organization comprised of many large Cincinnati corporations. The cornerstone of their campaign is calling attention to a process called the "Facilities Master Plan." This plan was started to develop a strategy to deal with the many school buildings which needed repair and renovation. As part of this plan, the School Board contracted with architects Steed, Hammond and Paul to look at 12 buildings as possible targets for replacement. CASB candidates charge that political and development factors were the deciding factor-in · getting a school on that list, not kids or communities. O'Connor realizes that there are m_any competing interests at play in the Facilities Master Plan. "A business-as-usual, closed process caters to special interests and development iriterests, not necessarily what will be best fer the kids and communities." He prefers an open process with public dialogue at every step. Cin,cinnati School Board President Lynn Marmer disagrees with the characterization of the process as closed. There will be two forums in óctober to discuss the planning process, one on October 18th at IO am at the Mayerson Cent~r and one on October 20 at 7 pm at Western Hills High School. She said that decisions will be made with three facto.rs in mind: that they .are responsive to cq.mmunity values, that they are educationally sound and that there are funds available to implement the plan. She also said that public hearings would be ongoing until a final decision is reached, possibly by the end of the year. O'Conn~r is sceptical about the School Board's willingness to have open dialogue. He believes the hearings will open, but "very structured," giving the public limited facts to work with. As an· example, he cited the fact that his group needed to file an Free<;iom of lnformation Act request to the School Board just to get a list of the twelve · schools under consideration and facts such as when .the study was commissioned. School Board · Candidate Tim O'Connor relocate SCPA to the Washington Park Area to make an arts campus. Social services agencies including the- Drop lnn Center, located across from Washington Park, expressed concern that the move míght result in displacement. Candidate Barry Cholak believes that there is a "clear connection , between the School Board, the CBC and the Kunzel group." One suggestion which has come from the -Kunzel group is that SCPA may have to become semi-private if voters balk at paying the full cost of relocation. President Marmer stated that "the Kunzel group is outside of the School District and that it has bee-n made clear to Mr. Kunzel that SCPA will remain a Public School." However, as the plan móves foward, there is growing concern amoung community, pareñt and social service groups as to the implications of the Facilities Master Plan. "The_se concerns give us no choice but to continue on, even after the election," said O'Connor. 1 SCPA and Washington Park in the Balance? One of the major issues contained in the Facilities Master Plan is the replacement of the School for the Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) , relocation. A 1993 development study suggested that it might be cheaper to replace the building than to renovate it. SCPA also lies in the middle of the Pendleton/Main Street area which is under development pressures by the local business communíty. Conductor Erich Kunzel from the Cincinnati Orchestra unveiled a dream over a year ago to Other Candidates B_oard Cincinnati School Board President Lynn Marmer, center, believes the planning process is open~ . Shelter Crowding Continued from page 2 problem. Many homeless addicts find it almost impossible to access treatment. Substance abuse combi_ned with homelessness can be a devastating mix. An additional cause for homelessness is a lack of job security. Companies often close their doors without any advanced notice at all. One example is Steinbergs, whose confused work force showed up for work only to find that the company was about to close its doors forever. In an attempt to cut costs, companies also hire temporary workers in order to avoid paying for medica!, dental and vacations benefits. As a result, many Americans have been forced into minimum wage jobs witho.ut benefits, where they must work 80 to 100 hours a week just to pay for housing. ' The complexities of homelessness could fill the pages of a novel, but since there are only 16 pages in Streetvibes, 1 will only list other factors. Racism, sexism and gentrification all have considerable impact on our c:ity shelter population. 1encourage readers to investigate for themselves. Your investigation, however biased it maybegin, will bring you to the same conclusions that ·I have drawn. Homelessness is too corñplex to -be solved· quickly, simply or through the efforts of a few. AII sections of the population must work together to eliminate it; lf you have not had the opportunity to get involved, now is your chánc~ .. Help us in our struggle. People have escaped homelessness and have gone on to be successful members of society. For many like myself, escape has been a miracle, but there a~e a lot of miracles in tattered clothes and old sleeping bags. tor School This November, three incumbents are up or reelection including Harriet Russell, Lynn Marmer and Catherine lngram. Dennis · Sullivan, current board member, is not seeking another term. In addition to 0'Connor and Cholak, Herb Smith, an adjunct professor of Sociology at !JC and NKU, and Rousseau O'Neil, education Chairman of the Baptist Ministers Conference, are running with a CASB and Cincinnati Federation of T eachers endorsement. 0ther candidates include Sally Warner, an active parent and mother of CPS students, and Neil Aquino, former aide to Councilman· Tyrone Yates. The election will take place November 2nd. ,· Reprieve Won ·by Newport Tenants ·: by Tom Seel As previously reported in Júly's issue of Streetvibes, Newport, Kentucky city officials ·had planned to bulldoze a~d not replace public housin.g on its riverfront to ma~e 'way for an NBA arena or sorne other up-scale development. · The Housing Aut~ority residents who ·would have been at risk of inadequate affordable housing alternatives rose up in protest. The Northern Kentucky Coalition for the Homeless along with others condemned the ' plan. The outcry of protest finally forced the powers that be to acknowledgé that people have a need for ·affordable housing. The Housing Authority Board and its director, Mark Brown, ~ave now pledged that the present housing will be retained indefinitely. Development of the site'will only be allowed if . someone offers enough money to build one-for-one replacement public housing elsewhere in the city _ first. ·-' ' The residents will now work to negotiate the details of the-new plan, whi!=h would build at least 156 s_ingle family homes on individual lots ~catte~ed in Newport. When' combined with 46 new unitsJor senior citizens in a ñigh ~ise: ¡11 202 existing ~nfts would be replaced. . • ' ; ~ But nothíng 'will happe~ until a developer p1,1ts up the money. �_ STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Page 4 STR.EETV·IBES SerVices Center for lndependent ·Living Options by Carla Osgood The Center for lndep~ndent Living Options é:elebrates its twentieth year assisting individuals with disabilities lead more productive and independent _ lifestyles . Founded by individuals with disabilities and chartered in 1977 as a non-profit agenq, the Center is staffed by a majority of professionals with dis·abilities who are capable of empathizing and empowering persons facing life challenges. The Center's most recent program, Homeless Disabilities Services (HDS), helps individuals and families secure permanent housing and needed s~pportive services to ensure long-term stability and independence. Though the Center works with all individuals, HDS was designed specifically to assist homeless persons with physical, sensory, or cognitive disability due to the lack of community programs serving these individuals. HDS provides emergency transportation to ~helters when necessary as well as ' case management, personal care attendant services, peer counseling and independent skills training. Funded under the HoÚsing and Urban Development Department's Supportive Hoüsing program, HDS has surpassed annual grant projections in less than six _ Catholic ·Worker Hfres · New Manager· The St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker on Walnut Street has named a new house manager last month, David Dietz. Dietz is also the coordinator for the Cincinnati Chapter ~f the Buckeye Forest Council. The St. Francis-St. Joseph House is a men 's shelter which can house between IS and 20 people each night. STREETVIBES T-Shirts! Only $5 each! STREETVIBES 1h, Ir )icJie ~ Homeless Grapevme Center for lndependent, Li-ving Options Staff: Back, From Left to Right:Barb Koerner, Muhjah Hasan, Gloria Feder, Henry Riddl-e , Terre · Garner, Jon Sapunar, Carla Osgood. Front, From Left to Right: Dixie Harmon, John _Krai~e~~ _Suzanne H O k¡ n 5 • _ Systems Advocacy, American D1sab1ht1es Act mo!rhs, exemplifying che rise in Cincinnati's homeConsultatio.n, Family Life Education, lndependent lessness dueto welfare cuts, inadequate affordable Living Skills Training, Accessible Housing Referral , housing and displacement. Peer Support Groups and PersQnal Care Ass_istance Services. Participants of Homeless Disability Services are · able to access other supportive programs through AII programs within the Center are focused the Center for lndependent Living Options. The upon -che be lief that all individuals have the right to entire staff at the Center is comm itted to assisting inclusion withi~ che community as well as pursuing individuals with disabilities reach their life goals and their own life objectives. With over 600 consumers live both independently and inclusively within the served annually, the Center for lndependent Living community. With a mission of breaking down Options helps empower individuals to overcome architectural and attitudinal barriers while building obstacles, realize dreams and contribute to rich bridges of understanding, the. Center helps e.reate diversity of the community. options and choices for successful living through Homeless in a Wheelchair by A/ice 8/ackman 'My name is Alice Blackman and I was recently ho~eless, staying .at the Chabad House shelter with my two sons, ages nine and eleven, along with my· three-year-old granddaughter. Beirig homeless and staying in che shelter was very hard . 1 was very depressed and stressed out fro·m endlessly trying to . find hoüsing far myself and the three children . ' One day, the--Assistant Girector of the Chabad House called Carla Osgood from -the Center for lndependent Living Options; and things began to happen far me. 1 have a disability and am in a wheelchair due to surgery on my femur. Carla _ began giving me hóusing lists and also helped me get my Section 8 certificate. lt was pretty hard far me to - Alice Blackman and Family get around in che wheekhair with the kids, so Carla arranged far me to use WAVE (WheelchaiÍ- Accessible Van Express) to make it easier for the kids and me to look at the apartments that she was finding for me, as well as the apartments that 1,s aw in the daily newspaper. . lt seemed as if I was running into brick walls,· trying to find the type of apartment I needed with my disability, \.mtil one day Carla called to see how che apartment hunting was going. 1 told her not good , On WAIF 88.3 and she told me that she knew of a three·- bedroom The Homeless Coalition has a live radio apartmentthat she wanted me to see. 1 cal led and program which can be heard on W Alf radio on the we arranged to see the apartment with Carla, myself second Saturday of each month at noon . The show and che three kids. The klds and i loved the is co-hosted by Mary Burke, Pat Cliffo rd and Donald apartment. Within a week, the apartment was mine-keys and all! 1 am so happy now, and so are Whitehead. The show mixes talk focus ing on the stories in this paper and eclectic musical selections. the kids. Car la and che Center for lndependent Living Here are the next show dates. Options_have really been my guardian angels . 1 WAIF 88.3 fm appreciate the program and Carla. 1 thank her with Saturday, October 11, 1997, noon to I pm all of my heart for helping me and my family get _on our feet . Thank xou so much, Carla, and God bless! Stré,etvi bes Radio Hour lm 100% While Collon Shirts XL or XXL Your choice olpurple or sky-bllle lagos _ 1506 T-shirts are ava ilaple at our o_~ice at Elm Street. Pl ease stop by and see us. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Page _5 What·s Cookin Virg! 1 An lnterview _with Virgil Balden of- the Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen by lemuel Israel The following interview is done about t he Over-the-Rhine Soup Kitchen by Streetvibes reporter Lemuel Is rael. SV stands for Streetvibes reporter Lemuel Israel. WB stands for W illiam Virgil Balden. SY: We all know-you as Virgil. never known your full name before. 1 was 1 have wondering if you v.oiiit mind tell ing me far the record. \/18 No,I don't mind . lt's William Virgil Bolden.SV: Now,· if you take the game as far as Bill C linton is concerned. He is asking citizens to take a more active role in community service. What de;, you call it when people give of themselves? Charity type work. Th is has been going on for a while. Maybe you would like to give us sorne history on this place as far as who siarted it? How far back does it go? Did it begin with you ? No. lt goes a lot farther back than WB: me. l've been with the organization far the last fourteen years, and Kojak's b~en with them - God bléss his soul he passed away two years. ago - he was with them twenty-t\YO years. lt started twentyfive years ago. Fathe r Tom started the kitchen itself. SV: Father Tom. Who is Father Tom ? WB:. Father To m, he's ove r the kitchen. He's ou r adviso r. He makes sure all the stock is paid for from donations. From people like Procter and Gamble, Sears and Kahn's Meat Company. Various people give us contributions such as vegetables, meat: canned goods, and' so on in arder to help us ou t. But we could really use sorne more contributions in arder to help keep this kitchen runnin '. The stock alone costs $2,500 a: month . _ That's just stock like can goods and aluminum foil and stuff like that just to he lp things go. Then we have to get pots to cook in . And we really need · sorne more help. lf there is any possibility fo r anyone that reads th is article, if they can, 1 would like for them to donate to o ur kitchen . lt's called, OverThe-Rh ine Kitchen. Were at 37_ Back Street, our phone number is 241-5121 . Anyone who wants to get in touch with me, just call that number and ask for Virgil and I can explain, to the best of my abi lity, anything that you ásk ab-out. Thank yo u very much, 1-hope that - SV: sorne reade rs will take Bill C:linton 's advice to heart, and we will see the whole natio n participate in more -community service. They call th is th e age of Aquarius ) hat's coming in . They say Aquarius stands fór the serve r of the world server. So I hope that this influ ence you've been able to have here over the _ homeless, the poor and the elderly who -don 't have any other means of survival, will cause other people to see -your good example and jump in to give a helping hand. W illi a m"Virgil" Solden wo rd vigil and connect it with the name we call yo u, Virgil, it will exp lain that you are a man that is on his job. WB: Thánk you ve r.y much . 1 try to do the best I can with what I have. 1 háve be en here fourteen years and l've come to know a lot of people down here. lt's really great 'cause I get t he chance to do so mething far the public. lt's not only the public, 1 also get the chance to do something for mysel{ Since I do n 't get a chance to go to church o n Sunday because we're o pen on Sunday, this is a way of serving God by helping other people. SV: Well. we know the commandments rest on the fact that we should leve our ne ighbors as ourselves, as well as lave God. 1 know from my own experience in eating here frequently, that you ·put a lot of love into thé food and the work you do here. _1 very seldom hear a complaint from the people you serve. That in its self should say something positive. WB: 1think we serve the best food out of all of the five soup kitchens downt,own. We have five sister kitchens down here. We're the only soup kitchen in the downtown/Over-the Rhine area that doesn't serve soup. SV; You mean to tell me in•all the years you've been here you haven't served soup. No soup at all! Ali full course WB: meals!! SV: Well, 1 have to say, when I think about it, 1 can't remember ever eating a bowl of soup and l've been coming here since July of '96. l'm still coming here. 1 still depe~d on the Kitchen, and if it weren't here, 1 don 't know what I would do. WB: l'm glad we are able to serve the public. Saturdays and Sundays are our worst days, and we feed anywhere from 500 to 600 people . lt's a lot of work because we have a lot of special people here. There are exactly ten of us here and they are all special to me. An d I hope they ar~ special to the pu blic, because they take time o ut of their )ives five days a week. W e're closed on Mondays and Fridays. but on Tuesday, Wed nesday, Thursday! Saturday · and Su nday, these special people take time ou t of their lives to wo rk ·with me and they don 't get any pay at all . SV: lt seems to me yo u're ahead of the The Over-the-Rhine Soup Kifchen serves meals from noon t9 1 pm from Tuesday-Thursday, S~turday and Sunday. They are 't he only soup kitchen that never serves soup, just full cour$e meals. , Photo by James Heath. Conference and Stand Down Planned· The Greater Cincihnati Coalition for the Homeless and the Cincinnati VA Medica! Center are putting together a Stand Down for the Hbmeless on Friday, October 17, in and around Washington Park. The goal is to provide comprehensive services to the homeles's of Cincinnati. The majority of the services be located at the Drop lnn Center including medica! care, eye care, hair cuts, social services, clothing and blankets. "There will be more than enough clothes and ' · blankets to go around," said Nancy Lester, who works at t he VA Domicillary in Fort Thomas and one of t he o rganizers of this year' event. Sorne materials were donated fro m unused military su rplus. The term "stand down" is' a military te rm used to describe the time wh en so ldiers in combat would come off the fro nt lines and recuperate, The Homeless Stanct Down will give the homeless ti me to take care Óf their needs in much the same w ay. Organizers hope to create a "one-stop shop" for services. Even Judge Kim Burke will be holding cou rt on-site at thé Drop ln n Center to help the homeless take care of legal issues. People with wiU minor offenses will be given community ~ervice to~be done right there at the Stand Down. Many volunteers inclUding students, Veterans Service Organizations and the National Guard will be on hand to assist with providing services and guiding _ people to the right services tó meet their needs. People involved with the Stand Down often point to the lárge community participation in this event as · evidence of its success. - The last Stand Down was held in 1995 and seFVed over 500 people. In the past, services weré located in tents set up in a field to resemble a military stand down. However, memories of the rain and mud which plagued the last event caused organizers to plan a b'asically indoor eve nt. Homelessness Co nfere nce the Same Day In conjunction with the Stand Down , the Home less Coalition and the VA are also presenting the fifth annual Greater Cincinnati Homelessness Co nference that same day at Emanuel Community Center near W ash ington Park. The Natio nal Coalition for the Ho meless board of directors is meeting in Cinci nnati that weekend and many of the bpard me-~ bérs are coming a day , early- to participate in panel discussions on everything �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine · Page 6 STREETVIBES Editoria/s and Letters Homelessness Doe·sn·t Matter . Unti I lt Happens to You by Mark Saller P,erhaps you have never experienced home- · lessness, let aloné can understand it or empathize with a person or family who has. become homeless. Perhaps even by now, you are fed up with hearing abouuhe h<:>_m eless and their plights. Reading . articlE:s and listening to mecjia stories on "Homeless. n,ess," P.r{ haps you and your co-workers talk abo.ut ho.w lazy ,homeless people are, or even criticize w~lf~re~f~ r helping id cr:-ea{e ~he problem. Maybe yoLJ .si,:npJy !?flieve ~haf th,e homeles.s are nothi~g but a worthl_ef s_bun_ch of addicts and alcohoJics. You may ,~~y, so_rry to hear that, 1feel for them, t>~t l've got. ~':\9..~~h pro~lefl:l_S of r:ny _o wn." And you may be, right, because in o r;der to keep that "cu.shy" job, money in the bank, bills paid and s9 on, you wor·k hard and put up with personalities, that you, it'yoú :\ ;,i,gj, ,. _d • Why ·is th~re so much violehce in the world . Why has this country turned into the Wild West, where everyone had guns and shot and killed their enemies? 1 think we have became a little confused abo~t . the times and where we are: This is not the old . Wild Wesi, and all of the violence and corruption shouldn't be happening. For those of youwho feel like you want revenge on someone, there is a place where you can go to take these frustrations out. lt's called the United States Army. lf you think you are. a real tough guy, then there's the Marine Corps. There you may get the opportunity 'to go to war and legally kill someone, namely the ·realenemy and not our own people. lt is wrong and senseless · to kill our own. - We r;,eed each other to make a better world. , lf your record is still clean, don't mess it up by doing something crazy. Stop the violence. . 1 cou-ld go on and on, but I think I will stop for now because I think you have the messagé. Repeating the famous words of Rodney King, "Can't we -all just get alon,g." Let's give ita try, OK? ' make a difference . As well, you may know, there are all kinds of ways to create a solutio~. /. But what is· good about having knowledge, if you do n't use it? Remember nothing matters until it happen·s. to you. · · ··1· lrom the Natiolial Coa/ilion tor the Homeless by Ron Carter " Mark Salter Action Neédéd to Save Funds for Education' 9f Homeless Youth Stop the Violente oo~f could, would rather not be aro und . You know best what you endure to kee p t hat · job, that pays the bill, etc. But for what? · So t hat maybe you won.'t find yourself writing articles abo ut being ho meless, o r what is good and bad abo ut th e ho meless people in o ur city ? So OK, you 've heard all of th e rhetoric about ho meless ness . Perhaps you have been homeless and yet neve r set foo t in a she lte r. That sti ll was home lessness; but ho ld it ! Wasn 't there a "buzz" wo rd o r te rm for that? 1 believe it was "displaced." We're nóf ho meless, we 're .displaced individual s and . fami lies who h ave lost ou r right, o ur chance, our means_of maintaining and sustaining the place we called home, whether by neglect or simply not enough money or loud e~ough voices. Let's not forget those of us who were "visited by mother nature." You know what it's not always about money, although it probably is . lt's about uniting as a group and becoming "one voice." As you know we may not always win. When we actas "one," when we vote, wewin . Homelessness., is a very intricate and involved issue. lt can involve the loss of low-income housing, neighborhoods that-are weakened by drug selling and individuals who make .less than $20,000 year. This does not mention people with mental and emótional disorders and disabilities, temporary or long term. • ._. · Very few enterprising busimess:es are located in poorer areas. This is the issue of gentrificatio n. . That's ,more or less relocating IÓw-income residents further away fróm their,"home city" to make room for businesses who prefer to haveremployees closer to their jobs. (S.o when they are laid off they won 't , .'D . have far to go.) But did you know that Octt l 7, 1997 w ill be a 1 ' homelessness. conference/convention at,W ashington Park? Yoü know yoÍJ can help. You know you can The Senate passed a floÓr amendment offered by Senator Gorton (R-WA) to the Labor-HHSEducation FY98 Appropriations bill, S. 1·061 . The plock grant consolidates most K-1 Z education programs, including the McKinney education of Homeless Children and Youth program, into a gigantic block grant. This new block grant _would go directly to local e,ducation agencies with no reqüírements or restrictions\on how funds are to be spent. The. EHCY program would be eliminated under such a bl,ock grant. · A similar amendment offered by Representative Peter Hoekstra to the House version of the bill, H.R. 2264, was withdrawn .today. The House then voted to pass the bill. , A conferehce committee must now meet to reconcile the differences between the two bills. li is critica! that advocates work to make sure that the final bill_does not contain the Gorton amendment and that it does contaiñ the odginal amount of · funding proposed by the Senate ($28.8 million) for the EHCY program . The National Coalition for the Homeless is recommending that you write or call your . Congresspeople immediately to ask that they urge the Commíttee Chairmen, Rep. John Porter (R-IL) and Senator Arlen Speéte·r (R-Pa), to remove the . Gorton Am_endment from the final FY98 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Bill, ANO support the · $28.8 mlllion"originally appropriated for the program by the Senate. .. . AII members_ of Ce>_ngress· may be reaé:hed by calling the U:S- Capitel Switch board at 202-22431 H . Pleas~ send yoür opinions, commentary, letters, compliments and criticisms to: S'treetv1bes \ 1 506 Elm Street ~~.Ciru:innati,. . .Ol:::I.-4521.~ - - - - - - - _ _ __ Street Newspapers Combat Hateful Mentality by Angelo Anderson · Santa; Barbara, California: 43 year old Li,nda · _Archer was raped and· bludgeoned to death August 16 in the bushes near Highway I Ol. Both of her Achilles tendons were severed and a Sleeping Ban ticket was-found near her body. A homeless · acquaintance said that she was driven from her safe sleeping spots by recent police bursts under the ban. With not enough emergency and transitional shelter beds, a large proportion of the homeless population has no alternative but to sleep on public property, in parks, vacant lots, buildings and under !reeways . . Since theré is nowhere for people to g~. sleeping and camping citations only help criminalize being homeless. The "not in my back yard" mentality of intolerance makes poverty a crime. Something is wrong when I can sit at a sidewalk cafe in impunity, but can't sit next door on the sidewalk. Legislating our mortality on the poor will not make them go away or eradicate them. These ordinances aré as futile as trying to legislaté sex, skin éolor or national origin. lt's a brilliant phenomenological strategy. Out of sight, out of mind; out of mind, out of existence. The poor and liomeless are not human litter to · be swept away by force of law. To be poor and homeless is devastating. Discriminatory laws that Continued on page 13 �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Page 7 Is Kunzel's Plan a Nightmare on Elm Street? by Berta Lamber/, . /he Purple Turlle Erich Kunzel's "Nightmare on Elm Street" is a typical land grab 9y the ·rich in a poor neighborhood. No care or concern for the residents of Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is demonstrated outside a dubious claim that no one will be displaced. No thought ha:s been_given in this elitist plan to the economic, social and recreational impact, on the poor. The Pops Orchestra conductor has proposed an L shaped "arts campus" ,for OTR's Washington Park. Two basic proposals have been floated: an expansive Linear Model and a Condensed Model. The Linear Model would include the parking lot ·south of the park including six buildings, four of which the Drop lnn Center (DIC) owns and is in the process of rehabbing for low income renters. Also included are all buildings around the DIC exclusive of the YMCA building. The next three blocks going north between Elm Street and Central Parkway which includes Music Hall would be gobbled up. _Sorne planned overspill in the WCET/WGUC complex is suggested in both models. The Condensed Model concentrates facilities around the l·,500 seaHhree story theater in the parking lot south _of the park. Both of these schemes place a band shell.amphitheater in Washington Park, the largest recreational are.a in OTR. The idea here is to create the dominant institution in OTR by locating the Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum south of Washington Park and in turn surround it and connect it with Music hall by sorne co.nfiguration of buildings to be known as the new SchooT for Creative and Performing Arts , (SCPA), having that institution abandon their 191 O Renaissance Revival structure on Sycamore Street, their home since 1973. The "Nightmare" hopes to be born through a majority rubber stamp vote by the newly named Washington Park Center for Arts and Education (formerly the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center). Not insignificantly, the only two African Americans present at its September 8 meeting were two from the OTR resident delegatíon. This in a group making horror plans for a neíghborhood · largely Black. But the architectural firm Steed Hammond Paul donates its services, disgraced former State Senator Stanley Aronoff identifies possible fund1ng sources and Erich Kunzel uses the leverage of his 28 years residency and high profile job to do public relations, all to no avail s_ince seed money 'is not forthcoming for this controversia! and devastating plan. Sorne of the consequences of tbis Elm Street Nightmare are: · * Land speculators will cause a rise in real estate costs * Rents will go up causing displacement · * Food and services prices will go up * Washington Park wíll be lost to OTR residents * The DIC and Tender Mercies will be isolated from the user public Let SCPA stay in its presént building with its newly refurbished auditorium. lt will cost Cincinnati Public Schools less than the $220 mi Ilion proposed , for the_ new site io keep the older site in tip top shape. Cincinnati's citizens are rightfully proud to have,the possiqility of locating the Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum in their city. Let's find a Berta .Lambert 1 good pla~e outside OTR where its impact will be positive and .not negative. Erich Kunzel should probably sleep more to keep the N ightmares away and devote more of his . time fo great classical music. By the way, Erich, in case you have not notice~. the vast majority of SCPA students are not music majors. And why, Erich, would a ambitioris orchestra member agree through union contracts to teach or tutor young stúdents when other qualified people are available? -They won't and -shouldn't! Why Is God Playing With Me? ./ A View o/ Prayer by Tess -Oo we choose to be homeless? Do we choose to be an account executive for Cinergy? Do we choose to pray? · Yes? Well then, how powerful we each are with another gift from God, our own power, our own light, our own self-being. Choices have never come easy for me. 1think and worry too much about each choice/decision 1 make, except for when I open my mouth and begin shooting from the hip! " 1 am not political, you know." That is what I said thé last time •~thoughtless" words shot from my mouth! How powerful our minds are! Just think: if we all got -t ogether and chose not to be thoughtless or homeless, what would hapl?en? Is this how prayer works? Prayer is a noun and is defined as follows: 1. A devout petition to, or any form of spiritual comrhunion with God oran object of worship 2. The act ar practice of praying 3. A spirituál communion with God or object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession 4. A formula or sequence of words used° ir:' ar appointed for praying: the Lord's Prayer 5. A religious observance, either public or _ private, consÍsting wholly or mainly of prayer 6. That which is prayed for 7. A petition; entreaty 8. The section of a bill in equity, or of a petition, which sets forth the complaint the actioh , desired To pray is to beg; to crave, to plead for change in sorne circumstance in our lives. Many of the great saints have said to "pray unceasingly" and your prayers will be answered. 1 don't .know about Yº':l· but sorne of my prayers are not answered the way 1 think they should be answered! So, what is wrong with my prayer? Is it my self-doubt that undermines the right answer? · Or is God playing with me? Teasing me? Testing me? Blessing me? 1 am convinced that if we are devout in our prayer, we not only become closer to God but also begin to see things differently. The homeless wor:nan responds, "I am blessed." The friend who has been passed over subtly reminds you of the faith that lies in prayer and the difference we make with a smile or a simple touch of a stranger's hand. Last night. 1stopped by the Drop-lnn-Center. 1 needed to ·be there for sorne unknown reason, and 1 , made an excuse to a friend about why I was there. As I sat ánd watched the people, 1 thought of buddy gray and what it must have been like far him at "the (1) e :) .o ._ ·¡: .!!? o a. ffl (1) e .S :? ._.......s::. (1) ~ o ffl (j) Q) > Q) U) -~ ··••·•........ __ ·:::; : ..• ~... drop." A man was reading a Bible, a woman was taking notes from a book and I was worrying about how awful it would bé to be homeless. Tears welled in my eyes and I really wanted to cry. 1 have such a strong hatred for sickness and suffering, but I quickly held back the tears. 1'm ust be strong. Did buddy gray choose to leave us? lf so, why? My vision last night was of him cruising around "the drop," simply checking out the situation and giving a nod of support or greeting to each gue~t. He's there, watching over the place like a fath~r watching over his children. Will you chose to see him the next or first time you visit "the drop?" �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine The ·C·ircle ot Care 1 Chose Honest Part Five by Mark Salter by Gregory Payton Dear Friends and Customers: Where would we be without each other? My name is _G regory and l'm ' so happy. During The man and -women who decided "I will becomé a the previous issues, l've tried to share the events that dentist." Can you imagine the jokes\ their friends have happened in my life. · From being with no job, . made and how even they wére called geeks nerds no home, no spirit or hope, just walking around with and so on? no where to go, or any thing to do to something But they are one of the very few people we . better. After being touched -by an Angel my life depend on when we can no longer endure thé pain began to change, · of a·t?oth ache. The same goes for the do~tors, In my first story, l listened to an angel and 1 lawyers, and engineers and major profes~ions. was tolclto go to the Drop-lnn- Center. There I had Yeah we ali need each other. And what shelter and was able to gain back a lot of strength by about school teachers? l'd have-to think twice ea~ing and.being able to.rest. aboyt taking that responsibility on. But there are In pa,:t II of my story, 1met another Angel who people who :teach, Because it is ajoba responsibilenlightened me by bringing Streetvibes Newspaper ity and a challenge. One thing we need is the to my attention. 1 also believe that I have been . cashiers, clerks, secretaries, laborers, movérs. And blessed at this point in my life. whatever jqb that is imaginable, its ali an intricate In part 111, 1 leaned how- to start living again, part of our continued survival, sorne long term fitting into society, learning goodwill an·d thinking effects, sorne intermediate, the rest day to day, and keeping others in mind. _ second to minute stirvival. No doubt we need each In part IV, another Angel gave me direction other, the aforementioned jobs and professions are and another gc,al was in sight. 1 stepped out on faith responsibilities that were chosen because they all and I now Uve in my own apartment ca~e. Because a person wouldn't do a job, if h__e or In part V, 1 need to tell you the Angel shared she real/y didn 'e care. with -me an~Idea: me being abl·e to follow my heart ~ 1 mean the imature "I don 't give a #$%& if and to do what was so freely done for me. 1 needed you paid 500 dollars an hour feeling." Face it there a way to give back and the Angel d·~ected me again. are sorne jobs a person won't do. Do you think 1 needed a job and again 1·was blessed. · 1 now work President Clinton would come down here and work at the Drop-lnn-Center, the very same place where 1 in the Drop-,lnn-Center for a month? Sleep .on the got my new start in life. 1 can say with all my heart 1 mats. We need each other still. want to be there. 1 also just happen to get my And its the continui_ng ¡involvement of paycheck there. When I think about my job; 1 feel individuals, throughout existenc¡e that enables us to like 1'm in school, learning how to ,be patient arid provide for the needs., wants and sometimes desires humble, gaining sorne humility in mx life, experiencof ourselves, families and others. Is this not a circle ing unconditional love, being able -to care and share of caring? Red Cross, United Way, the Drop lnn with someone I just met, trying to inspire and _ encourage, and letting another hu~·an being know Center, the Coalition for The Homeless and the that help is in reach and they're not~alone. This job countless other people who provide services to us is truly a major influence in my life. 1 have learned all, with little and sometimes no pay. - today that God works through people. Helping Yeah amazing! as I think back through my others means God is working through you, you're an life. My school teachers. foster parents, group Angel. The definition of Angel is a messenger from home counselors, and there were quite a few. AII God, a guiding spirit of influence. Please remember those people along with the lady 'that took me that if you allow him God will work through you and under her wing. Where would I be now if it wasn't the Life you touch may be your own: for her or any one of the many people who have been in my life, those who are still in my life today: http: cincy. com/gcch l'm not as inuch of a recipient, 'as an obse.rver and participant. That's mainly because I am in recovery. T oday, 1 am grateful for these and all those people who accept part of the responsibility of being there, for the homeless, the disabled and the _abandoned. 1 observe Human Service Workers · deal with hundr~ds of personalities daily many on a We have just a_dded a searchable interface for one to one basis with varying situations .and · our Streetvibes articles. Websurfers can index our circumstances. stories by date or subject. Volunteers :needed fer They do it because you ~an't or won't. -Think updating stories. about those· moments in life when someóne perf.9rmed a random act of kindness. What about the time you hada flat? or moved to a new town or city, or when you just didn't know something. Yeah!! rand_om acts of kindness I like that. Still its not enough. We still neéd you, the one who wishes he had time to yolí.mteer. You the one who knows that you should. The Romeless Coalition could use Volun!eers l'm sure. l'm willing to guaranteé volunteering will not hurt. However, in earnést, the first few times · you will have mixed feelings .. -After those first few times, l'm almost certain you will come to look .forward fo it. And the others that do it truly it's a wonder. Thank God . As I bring this to ·a close, Just let me say; thank you ·; Substance Abuse , Support Groups. Human Services Workers and Voh.mteer~. the D.I.C:, Coalition for The Homeless, Free Store·. <;hurches, Salvation Army. and all the others, and I am certain theré are many others with your kind of h'e art, minds and tenacity for injustice and suffering. Thank you for helping us and keeping the '1Circle of Care " going... Streetvi.bes Online Page B STREETVIBES Personal Experiences E f< ti \ by Margare/ Tellez Bearringer So mány timés while living in the city I saw the homeless. Most times I passed them by with hardly a notice to them. Just the same as most people, 1 thought of them as people with drug or alcohol próblems. or were those that had been discarded by the mental health syst~m. Also when I had been frustrated by living in a small town without the conveniences the city can provide, 1 would say that I would rather live on the ~treets of Denver. When my plans for a place to stay had fallen through, there I was on the streets of Denver. Upon my arrival in Denver, 1 managed to get to stay one night with a.-friend. When morning carne also carne the phone calls. Soon I had found a day shelter that said they would find me place to stay. Little did I know of what was to come. For 1, too, was counted among the homeless. ." The night shelter found me with a roof over my head , a bed at night and food in my stomach. The rules were easy to follow, basica_lly those of society with sorne variation. The chores giVen were not hard but necessary to run the shelter. The day shelter was where we got our lunch and they gave us activities to keep us occupied. The women there were from various backgrounds but the one thing that bound us together was our homelesssness. We all had suffered from sorne sort of bad luck in the past. What I saw in these women was that they were people first, th·en whatever afflicted them was incidental, whether it be physical, emotional, mental or just hard times. Ufe as someone who is homeless is hard. 1was lucky I found places to go. There are those who don't. "It;s a step up. Now I get to hate Corporate America · instead of the Welfare Department." e u n Homeless in Denver 1 1 a S• ti 1 ; u s a p ir t g V 17 I◄ V s p a r e e s ·C e �q '1 ,,,,- \l ,l '·\ STREETVIBES The Tri Stote's Homeless Grapevine Page 9 \ \' i: 1Was About to be Put to Death by John "Byrd Dog~~ Byrd On Sunday, March 13, 1994, at 12:35 p.m., _ exactly 35 hoúrs and 26 minutes before my sc:heduled state-sanctioned murder, the "Death Row Jscort Squad" arrived at my cell. "lt's time Byrd Dog," one said. · "Strip," said another. A number of men stood in front of my cell, nervously watching as I shed my clothing, perhaps for the last strip search of my life. After going through the usual routine of "lift 'l..1m and spread 'um," 1 got dressed, backed up to the cell door and was handcuffed. While this was going on, an eerie ,silence had settled over the entire cell block. There was none of the usual boisterous yelling, laughter, loud radio ar TV playing. There was nothing but complete silence. · As I backed out of my cell and started on the long walk, the block erupted into a cacophonous uproar. "Stay Strong!" "Good Luck," t_he voices yelled out. As I bid thenifarewell, J vowed, ''1'11 represent us ali well, and no matter what happens, stay ·strong," meaning that I would not grovel añd whine as sorne involved in this process would like to see. As ·1walked down the long main corridor and passed each cell block, there were loud voices raised in solidarity and encouragement. The shouts from che cell block caused my escores and the numerous guards that lined the corridor to become alarmed with the fear and terror of the last riot fresh in their memories. lo an effort to make me speed up my leisurely pace as I met each and every eye along the way, they started walking faster. 1 maintained my stride, and soon they slowed down, resigned to the pace l had set. Upon arriving at the J-1 supermax, 1was once again stripped and searched and my regular deathrow clothing was exchanged for death-house clothing. ''Odd," 1 thought to myself. "What difference does one's clothes have on the fact of one's impending deatht' The atmosphere of the death house was smothering, suffocating as if there was no oxygen. Everyon'e moved as if in slow motion. Their every move seemed a thoroughly rehearsed, learned, robot-like professionalism. Now for the first time in -over: 30-years, they, the elite death squad, had been called upan to commit murder in the name of the state of Chio. In sorne of their eyes I saw fear, concern and revulsion. In other's, 1 saw sadistic glee. Looking at each one of them with a steady unblinking eye, 1 sized them up individually. Soon after entering the death cell proper, my attorney arrived to inform me as to the current status of my situation. We discussed this at great length, and I felt confident that everything possíble was in fact being done to halt the insidious_plot to murder me that had been set in motion by Chio. After enjoying the time I spent with my lawyer, 1 immediately contacted my woman and then other family members on the phone, which had been provided. 1 attempted as best I could to assuage their worries and fears. With each one, 1 tried to explain the situation, based on my knowledge and information provided to me by my lawyers._This was very difficult, given tbe fact that they were all aware of the appeal process. They all knew this latest attempt by the. state of Chio to murder me wa-s simply a political move and not based on law. 1 had to agree, but nonetheless, 1still wanted to calm their fears, give them strength and assure · them all that everything was under control and th~t my lawyers were on top of every move the state was trying to make. For the most part, 1 remained in constant contact with woman and my family by phone, and I was-permitted to have a couple of short visits with my lovely woman. 1also engaged in spirited 'conversation with SQme of the people that had come down from the Chio Public Defenders Office and was truly touched by them. At times, there were periods-that seemed to stand still. Then suddenly, everything wo4ld speed up. 1 was offered food, but I refused to eat, fearing it my may have been doctored with drugs to make me less resistant and responsive. This refusal was not based on sorne unreasonable paranoia but tlirough years of incarcer:ation. 1 know first hand just how devious prison officials can be, and I wasn 't about to take chances! The whirlwind of activity continued around me, andas night approac.hed, there was no thought of sleep in my mind. Throughout the night, 1 was on the phone talking to people I haven't heard from in years. Everyone expressed their support, lave, concern and pledged their assistance. ' Monday morning, March 14, was indeed a blue Monday for us all. We learned of the apparent unprecedentecl and mean-spirited tactics being employed by the judge assigned to my case, the "Honorable" Carl Rubín. lt seems that even though he had my writ of habeas corpus and_motion for a _ stay of execution before him sin~e March 7, he decided to wait until the "eleventh hour" before making any ruling, knowing full well that the situation was critica! and that time was of the essence. Being on death row~ in and ot its_e/1, is a torm ot de~th. The environment sucks the lite out. An example of the insidious plot he'd hatcfted · in his muddled mind began when he instructed two of my attorneys to meet in his chambers at noon. At the conclusion of the meeting, he informed my attorneys that he would deny my motion foi- a stay of execution and that he would issue a ruling at approximately 3 p.m., nine hours before my scheduled execution! He made this ruling with full knowledge that it was legal ly wrong, but in keeping with his own personal feelings about the length of time my appeal was taking. He had stated on one occasion, "There comes a time when ali of this rnust come toan end." Now he had appointed himself the supreme litigator and usurped the power of the United States Supreme Court, as well as that of his own district court. Had it not been for the tireless efforts of my attorneys, who fought gallantly, he may have very well succeeded. Through their efforts, an emergency panel of the Sixth Circuit Court Convened and issued a stay of execution around 6:30 p.m. Not to be out done, Chio Governor George V. Voinovich personally contacted his friend, Attorney General Lee Fisher, and went directly to the U.S Supreme Court and asked them to dissolve the stay of execution so that my murder could take place as scheduled. This move was purely political. Both men have political aspirations, and with elections coming this year, they knew how profitable jumping on the "kili- them-quick" bandwagon would be. , After the U.S Supreme Court in its entirety had been convened, they declined to lift the stay of execution at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday. Everyone breathed a deep sigh of relief, including, 1 might add, the corrections officer that had been there during- the en tire ordeal. Around 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, 1 was again escorted by guards. This time, however, 1 was going back to death row. Again the corridors were filled with loud cheers and good w!shes, but it was when 1 arrived back on the "row" that I received the most thunderous ovations. Everyone had been following the events closely as they unfolded over the TV and radio, so the men were all aware ·that I was coming back. ln<the aftermath .o f Júdge Carl Rubin's machi-e nations with my case, he was removed from further involvement. This validates my suspicions that he · was so overly prejudiced toward me, my case and death row prisoners and that he was losing his judicial temperament. To him, the bench from -· which he is supposed t~ make decisions based on law had instead become a soap box upan which he . had climbed to orate his personal convictions! For those that are chomping at the bit for my death and complain about the length of time it's taking for my appeal, it doesn't matter whether l'm innocent or not. AII they want is to have their blood lust sated. Nothing else matters, damn justice. "Give us the body!" they cry. Many people have written and asked me what · it is like being on death row, being sent to the death house and coming within 30 minutes of being murdered by the state. They ask why I refused to eat my last meal and why I chose the electric chair instead of lethal injection. 1 will try and answer these questions based ·o n my o~n experience, as l'm sure it differs from others who have been as fortunate as myself and who have walked into the very jaws, of the beast and walked out again. Sadly, this has not been the case- for many throughout this country. Being on death row, in and of itself, is a form of death. The environment sucks the life out. The passing of single day at times can be but the blink of an eye or as long as a heart breaking life. Then theré's the drudgery, the soul wrenching monotony of staring at the same steel, concrete and people, ad _ nauseam. Being taken to the death house is, in a way, a · relief. Finally one is afforded the, opportunity to confront one's killers who co:wardly hide behind the mask of shamelessness, to look into their eyes, to smell their raw fear and to feel one's own strength being pitted against the ultimate sanction - death. As for the só-called "last meal" and my refusal to eat it and other meals, as I said earlier, years of ~onditioned paranoia, coupled with the exigencies of events going on around me, made eating the farthest thing from my mind. 1 chose the electric chair because I refuse to give any credence to the state's attempt to contrive a rationale for its murders by offering lethal injection as a more humane form of murder. lf they were going to kill me, 1 was intentupon making itas ghastly as possible for ali that bore witness to it. - What went through my mind during those 36 · hours.were thoughts of my woman, of people that 1 , care about and love an_d what my death would do to them. 1was hopirig for the best and expecting the worse. 1devoted those 36 hours to the ones I love and care about. 1 had to keep my wits about myself because I saw it was on me to give the ones I love and care about strength. 1 had to maintain courage in the face of adversity, so that the burden on them . would not become overbearing. Their lave and support had sustained me all that time. Now it was my turn to show and give them strength. There is a plague in this country that is being controlled and manipulated by politicians, judges, prosecutors, police, professionals, victims and · victims' rights groups. Until society faces what is realiy going on in- this country and starts wanting real answers for what's going on in our streets, a number of innocent pe_ople are going to be put to death or placed in prison for the rest of their lives. Locking them up and k1lling them is not the " answer. Who do you think is going to be on death row, in prisons and in jailsr Open your eyes before it's too late. The future of th.is society is at stake · until you people take off your blindfolds and look at the real problems and not sweep them under a rug with a quick fix thát has never worked: Crime is nothing new. The way it is dealt with is a reflection on the society we live in. The reflectión I see is a holocaust against the poor and less fortunate. To all of the brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who are on death row and in jails and prisons througholit this country and who are struggling to get through the day to put food on the ' table, stay strong and don't give up. Stop tuming on each other and stand togeth_e r against the opp.ressors and raise your voice. ~ ., �_ STR·EETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine - WORD ON .THE STREET Arts and Poetry Mildred by Oenise Crew choose to think my grandmother's spirit lives in Mildred Gentle, poised and feminine almost stately is•she, _a model for the motherless child in me surely well read ris she as I listen to every word And each one spoken is a gift for my soul without ever trying it comes to her so easily and feeds the motherless child in me a gift that is personal and unknown That her spirit is truly showing that '!lotherless child still yet growing , Page 10 Group Goals by Emanuel '' Our Side Of The Street" We are here to sw~ep off our sidE: of the street, realizing nothing worthwhile can be accomplished until we do so. Never trying to tell others what they should do. Theirfaults are not discussed. We must stkk to our own. 1 \ W,ishful, Thinking by Ron Carie, The Night was dark and the' sky was blue The,streets were clear and kind of spooky, too Everyone was low Profile Just trying to be cool and calm for ~ while -W e all wanted to see ,how it would be Having a peaceful City and being trouble .free The Police were enjoying this sight While walking their beats and eating donuts a,11 night No· Noise., No_Fights, No Problems at all The police were having themselves a ball _Well, this_is justa dream you see But itcould be a reality ,_ So .let's wake up ·and see what we can do To make tlÍis Special Dream come true "The Gift Of Bonding" Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better dQ thy will. (;Living lt" The spiritual life is nota theory. we have to live it. "The Upward Path" ·Here are the steps we took: twelve steps. . The steps advise me about the footholds · that are safe and about chasms to avoid. by Denise Crew Because I believe in what we do there is no gray area lt is written in _my heart clearly in black and, • white lt blooms in the yellow peace roses of Berta lt hangs ~n the colorful canvas of Mary Ann _ lt's the lmpeach Voinovich T that Sonny wears lt sings in the angry voice of women in Bonnie lt floats in the air as homeless advocates -speak truth these colors are vibrant and electric but never arethey gray no movement could be more éolorful than . in Over-the-Rhine · _Emanuel Opportunity Knocked Movie Review: Hoodlum by Frank Carrino Many opportunities are missed because of sorne insigni'ficant little twist A mistake of time and of place . A missed shave ora mistep y.ou've lost the race When opportuníty does knock You musn't hesitate, You do not stop Just, hope you have the sense to know Who to meet and where to &? · There is the little bity if Of when to bow and not be stiff Great opportunities are few . Oh Lord, if I had only Knew - We -Exist! by Margare/ Tellez Bearringer no color of gray .· l._ ,' We stand át the lines of soup kitchens waiting for handouts that they give. We are the hom_eless. We live not only on the streets but with Jamily and friends that will take us in. Going from place to place still not having a p)ace to call home. In some1places they-say we do riot exist, we are a non-entity. We may be given bus tickets to leave town as not to disrupt their false sense of the ,perfect little town . 'fle come from many báckgrounds but we share in the misfortune of not havihg a place to ·call home. What has brought us to the place called~ · "homelessness"? We may have lost our job. We may be the working poor. The reasons are_ as many as there are of-us; W~ are the homeless: We do exist! by lhe ShadiJw_ _ - The Shadow predicts the film "Hoodlum," will become a dassic. This is the only movie that l ,.:an truly say is unforgettable. _ , The movíe is about a black gangster, Bumpy _.,,...-,Johnson, who stancls up to the· mob. lt takes place in Harlem, New York, in 1934 during the Great Depression. 1viewed thé movie in Harlem while attending a book fair held at the Adam Clayton , Powell Building in Harlem . ·, While I was in New York, 1 met writers from all over the world. The Muslims escorted me thr:oughout the city arid stlowed me great hospitality. 1 was introduced to an 80-year-old black man who was a close friend of Bumpy Johnson. He showed me sorne old pictures of the original_ga.ngster and said if I wanted-fo stay healthy, 1 woul,dn't reveal his name. He said he still had connections with the mob and that Andy García, who played the role of Lucky Luciano, wa~ wearing the real ring worn by Lucky Luciano. This is the reason that he flashes it all of the time: He also told me Madame Stephani-e St. Clair, the Queen of Harlem, portrayed by Cicely Tyson, actually existed and was a mentor to the legendary Bumpy Johnson. The movie ·lights up the .world and causes audiences to cheer, applaud and weep with emotion. Laurence· Fishburn portrays Bumpy Johnson, a · chilling, brilliant gangster, who gets involved with Francine, played by Vanessa L Williams.; AII of the · actors bring history, fury and ecstasy to the silver screen. BilJ Du.ke's directing was spectacular. After viewing the movie, 1aske9 the old man how he liked it. He told me that he enjoyed it except that the_character of Francine did not exist and that Bumpy Johnson never took women with him while doing business. He also wished that the movie had shown more of Bumpy giving money back · to the community. That's wh.at made him such a · popular gangster; he always gave back to the community. He also said maybe that's why, for the first time in Cicely Tyson's acting career, she decided to take a role in a gangster 'movie. lf the National Amusements Theater would not object, 1 would stand out in front of the theater and pass out this movie review to promete this historie fflm · �1 \ STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless ~rapevine Pag.e 11 Strong Hearts Exhibit .Confronts .Native American Stereotypes 11 11 by Pal C/iflord A powerful ~ense of identity and empowerment through art is eviden't in Strong Hearts: Native American Visions and Voices, This exhibition of photos and writings is on view at the Cincinnat'i Art Museum. The collection, organized by the Aperture Foundation, includes approximately 100 color and black and white photographs taken by 33 renowneci contemporary Native American photographers. The collection offers a first person verbal and visual account of the lives of Native Americans. The images confront stereotypes, both romantic and derogatory, which affect Native Americans-. The issue of ~rue identity is the theme of many of the photographers. The intent is to draw the viewer in and make them think of their own identities and stereotypes. "As you explore the prints and read the words in this exhibition, we hope you will explore your own issues of identity," writes Charlotte Heth, Assistant Director of Public Programs, National Museum of the American lndian. Amos Keye, lroquois Confederacy, /983, is one of a group of photographs which depict Native Americans in ceremonial dress. The intent of the photographer is to use clase ups and black and white images to show the individuals who are oft~n "masked oy the brilliant color" of ceremonial attire: Jeffery M. Thomas taught himself photography while living and working near Ottawa. He explains, "As portrait sitters and performers at Wild West shows and World Expositions, the 're~I lndians' he photographed were no longer human_beings, but ic'ons, symbols of a vanished race of sávages." His photos are an attempt to confront thes~ lingering scereo• ' '¡·-··"" types. Another photographer is "Richard Ray - Whitman, a Euchee/Creek lndian. He is also a video artist and culturál activist. Hí_s photos called t~e "Street Chief' series deals with homelessness among Amos Keye, lroquois Confederacy, by Jeffrey M. Thomas , a . . ' ' ) . Native Amerl~ans. At one time, Whitman found himself homeless after returning to his native land. With this experience, he felt that he_could help relate the homeless experience of others. His work expresses the contradiction of being "homeless" in. your "ancestral home." Several photos entitled "Shooting Back" provide an example of _ empowerment through art. The photos are the product of a Minneapolis group which seeks to empower Native American children _ at risk by teaching them photography. The agency is called Shooting Back from the Reservation. In arder to oppress someone physically, financially or socially, it is necessary to see them as something other than human. By creating_,either idealistic or derogatory stereotypes, one can strip a people of their huma_nity: ' This exhibition is an;~ :: attempt to break down the false images and repÍ'ace them with reality. .: The cost of the exhibition is included in the , regular admission tor_the Art Museum and runs. through November l. 6~ 1997. Streetvibes Band Moving_; Out of the WQodshed for Gospel Benef i.t by lemuel ÍSfl!BI "STREETVIBES! STREETVIBES!! STREETVIBES!!! Thit's all I ev:er seem to here you talk about!", my fr~end exclaimed. "Get alife will ya. Sheeesh!". In fact, that's exactly 'Nhat's going on with Streetvibes. First there was STREETVIBES, die newspaper (formerly the HOMELESS GRAPEVINE); then there was STREETVIBES, the TV shovv; next carne STREETVIBES, the radio show; and now there's STREETVIBES, the band. What's next? · STREETVIBES, the theater company?° STREETVIBES, the sound recording studiosl STREETVIBES, the movie producers? STREETVIBES, the satellite broadcasting corporation? Sdunds like STREETVIBES madness to me! But I just can't help myself with all this STREETVIBES stuff. Let me just back upa _little bit befo re I get ' ahead of myself. Let's go back to the part, STREETVIBES, the band. The idea was formulated back in August of '96 when I was awarded a trip to Chicago to the Ist annual Nacional Street Newspaper Association Convention. This was the weekend that changed my direction for good. 1 haven't been the same since then. 1 saw so much effort beihg put into finding true solutions to empowering the homeless while at the same time informing the community at large on the_real problems of homelessness. After selling street newspapers, as well as training other vendors to sell the paper, 1 realized · not everyone whÓ is homeless has the same abilities in dealing with sales type work. Because of my experience as a professional musician I was constantly yearning to play music (l'm a keyboardiS't/ singer/songwriter) and knew I could get out of this homeless rut if only I could get in a decent band that was working regularly (at least two or three times a week). In speaking my heart's desire to "The D_o n" (Donald' Whitehead}, he suggested that there are a lot of musicians staying in the homeless shelters or living with friends_or other family members who have similar desires. So, he offered to help me and whoever I could get to play, if we preved ourselves to be serious. And like always, "The Don" was true to his word. Talkabout a man of integrity; talk about a man of virtues; talk _a bout a man who is selfless in his giving; talk abc¡,ut a man who just keeps on going and going and goihg ... , uh, excuse me, folks. 1 ju's t can't say enough about "The Don". Now, Where was H Oh! Yeah. STREETVIBES, the band. lnspired by Donald Whitehead with his STREETVIBE'in self. Go 'hea_d! Go 'head! Go 'head! O00-000-wee! 1 can't st~nd it! Lookout everybody! STREETVI BES, the band is moving out of the woodshed and o_n to the stage once more with a whole new sound. lt's big, it's phat, and way more than all dat! lt's the new and iinproved model, ready to puta pep in your step and all those other great lines they use to promete great a;tists like STREETVIBES, the band. We'II be doing the next, latest and greatest, second annual "Help_ing the Homeless Through Song" gospel music performance, featuring sorne of Cincinnati's finest talent. Sponsored by The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, this great gospel affair will be held on Saturday, October 18th, 1997 at 7:00pm-9:00pm. The place is the Salvatfon Army Chapel located at 1 14 E. Central Parkway. Tickets are only a measly five dollars to hear thereturn of recording artist Joel Davis and Choir, Gail Holly and Family, Burnetta Price, the very talented David MizeU, Angie Pepper, Miss Black Cincinnati 1997, and much, much, more, including the up and coming band of the year, that's right, STREETVIBES, the band. lt's defi~itely going to be a "hallelujah!", shoutin', good time. Bring the whole family. Until then, will you please excuse me? 1gotta get outa here so I can go practice. OK? Bye! P.S _lf you would like the Streetvibes Band to play at your function please call the Homeless Coalition at 421-7803. Subscribe to Streetvi bes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. Your subscription helps keep our paper alive. Streetvibes 1506 Elm__Street Cincinnati, 'OH 4521 O Please make checks payable to the 'Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the H~meless-~ Streetvibes. lf you have any questions, call the office at 421-7803. ,:. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Page 12 STREETVIBES Nationwide !' Minister Convicted in .Buena Vista f or Sheltering by Angelo Anderson lf Dante had experienced the inferno of homelessness in America today, he would have been ashamed of the nu rsery school environment about which he wrote. l've personally experienced the long lines, slept on steam grates, in bus shelte rs, door ways, seen the mistreatment an-d general attitude of the public towards this particu lar population of society today. CLEVELAND HOMELESS .- GRAPEVINE . Editor John ''Indio" Was~ington of New '(ork's Street News educates the attendees of the founding meeting of the North A.,.;erican Street Newspap~r Association (NASNA) : The Association met in Seattle in September. Photo by James Heath. · Homeless lnterred, Protests ·Planned in Eureka, CA by Robert Norse ·'"- J My name is Angelo and I was in Seattle during the second conference of the North American Street Newspaper Association (NASNA). There we heard how much hell homeless p~ople are catching on the _ streets of America toda y. Here are sorne of the stories. WELCOME TO HELL. . Reverend Wiley Drake of che First Southern Baptist Church has becóme an .unlikely champion of the homeless people in the heart of conservative Orange County's Buena Park. , In a two week trial that went to the jury on July -25, Buena Park prosecutors charged Rev. Drake with one count of letting homel~ss people camp on church property, one count of allowing homeless people to sleep in their vehicles, and three counts of violating zoning codes by letting homéless people sleep in a patio building. AII this dispute because two women testifred that Buena Park police sent them to Drake's church and later they w_ere found sleeping in their car on the street. On July 28, the jury carne in with a verdict: guilty on four counts for Drake, guilty on four counts for his Baptist Chu~ch, innocent on the charge of allowing vehicles on the property. Despite the guilty verdicts, Drake reports four jurors carne up to him afterwards three of them in tears saying: "We had no choice; we had to follow the Law. lt was the har;dest thing we've done in our lives". "lt, is asad day when a judge and jury can , sentence a church," commented Drake. "lt is asad day when our nation has said its a crime to help people." The unrepentant minister now faces a maximum 30 months in jail and $6,000 in fines: the First Southern Baptist Church also faces the same penalty. · As the number-of people becoming homeless continues to rise, we also see a parallel rise in those with the Not In My Back Yard mentality and more legislation from cities and municipalities reflecting that charíge. As more cities across Ame rica go after - the to urist da llar they fin d it easier to justify changes making it illegal to Sit or Place Your Bags on the Sidewalk. lt is also deemed illegal to Camp in Urban Areas (sleeping in ones car etc.) . Most of these new laws will have a broad an d wide sweeping effect on the ho meless. trom Homeless News Service · A march, rally and demonstration, which In Eureka, Calif., the homeless are being support the homeléss, are scheduled in Eureka, -. subjected to armed guards, wrist bracelets, locked Calif., for Sept. 26. Participants wfll protest the gates, eviction and the death of their pets. threatened eviction of over 300 homeless men, ~ Redwood Legal Assistance attorney, Jan womén and children from fed al prope-rty. -· Turnér, is seeking a restraining order on behalf of LocataütlÍorities are planning to forcibly .the clients ata homeless encampment at the South remove all the homeless and their personal property SpitJetty; "The county has placed a locked gate at the _ from the unused federal land if they do not va~ate the area by Oct. 2. The area is located on the South top of Table Bluff with 24-hour armed guards, is Spit peninsula of Humboldt Harbar near the Couhty restricting public access to the Spit and threatening of Humboldt. · to forcibly relocate my clients or arrest them and Most of the homeless adults on the penins_ula confi scate their pets and possessions if they do not are disabled. Many are war veterans unable to find move within 30 days," Attorney Turner wrote to housing or shelter elséwhere in the northernmost Court Coúnty Judge John Buffington. California county. Turner says that the homeless co_mmunity of Under the federal Stewart-McKinney Act, the several hundred was given an ·eviction d~te of Oct. 1 _ homeless have the legal right to live on unused as an "emergency measure.'~ federal property. In the past few decadés. t~e Seven cases of Shigella dysentery are the homeless have been living on the federal property pretext for the eviction, although the doctor without incident. The federal government has never providing health care on the Spit has decl~red there before asked the homeless to leave. is no health emergency and the county's eviction is The County of Humboldt has no legal authorunwarranted. ity to evict the homeless from the federal property, Health officer Dr. Ann Lindsay has ordered but local officials are nevertheless moving forward. -those at the Spit to be issued picture identification or They hope the feºeFal government does not interfere wrist bracelets. Any other people, including the in the unlawful and unwarranted eviction. media, are excluded from the area. Hundreds of homeless men, women and A significant portion of the money authorized children, as well as their suppofters, will begin the to find housing for those in the encampment is march from the exclusive Carson Mansion in Eureka instead now slated fer the 24-hour guards and to on Friday at 11 a.m. They· will continue to the local euthanize or adopt the pets owned by the homeless rescue mission, a soup kitchen, and then to the community. county courthouse, where speakers will address a Local activists suggest the city and county want rally at noQn. th.e property on which the South Spit Jetty residents Aélditional events are also scheduled. are living and are evicting them to secure it quickly. At noon on Sept. 25, a protest rally will be held near Dr. Ann Lindsay's medical office in Arcata on H Street. Dr. Ljndsay ordered the unwarranted eviction of the South Spit homeless. She did so únder pressure from Stan Dixo n, th.e county supe rvisor·who sought state authority to remove the · South Spit homeless via Sen. Mike Thompson's failed Senate Bill 39. Con cerned no n-ho meless- citizens have also -"'.' . . :·';;~J:ttit -~ asked Governor Wilson an d President Clinton to intervene on behalf of the homeless in the escalating conflict. A showdown is expe.cted at the barrier to ~ · the South Spit community. Support Your;; LOt&"a l Ve ndtffi~i;; Tell A Frie.nd· Abotlt' �- ~ ;/ \ STREETVIBES The Tri Stote's Home/ess Grapevin~ Seattle Conference .Unites Street Newspapers by James Healh SEATTLE- Seattle's homeless street newspaper, Real Change, hosted this year's second annual NASNA conference fr~m September 1 1th - 14th , on the cam pus of the University of Washington. Street newspapers from over 30 cities from around the country including representatives fro m Canada and Great Britain attended the c~nfe rence. Represe ntatives inc:luded formerly ho me le ss writers and vendo rs and socia l activists._Representatiyes attended numer::ous worksho ps Ofl how to use the street newspaper asan effective comm un icat ions too l on issues -surroundiñg líomelessness and so cial justice, while at the same time, provide a means for homeless and low in<:ome person's to continue to achieve financia! stability. During the daily plenary sessions the grou p continued th e work from last year's conference, held . in C hicago, lllinois: finalizing the structure ~f ·NAS NA, electing the r;-epresentatives and bo ard members w ho will oversee the o peratio n of N ASNA. and developing goals for NAS NA in t he future. Mike Harris, of Seattle's ho.meless newspaper, Real Change, was elected president of the newly formed NASNA. lssues concerning advertis ing, membership dues and new paper start-ups were discussed and debated by every~ne involved in the confererice. Sixties actívist and underground newspaper repo rter, Walter C rowley, gave the keyn9te address at this year's confe rence . A lot of good work was performed by all who attended t he co nfere nce. Eve ryone leaving the co nfe réncé left with -a fe eling of solidarity anda sense of accomplishment. , NASNA will be a force in dealing constructively with the problems of homeless persons providing str~et newspapers with the strength of a national orga:nization fo cused o n so cia! issues and justice for all poo r p erson_s. Anti-Homeless Altitudes On the Rise in America:s Cities by Michael Stoops Jn a recent s urvey of t he 50 largest cities in the United States, the N ational Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty found : 54% have sorne kind o f anti-sleeping laws (27 cities) · 77% anti-panhandling laws 3 1% have enacted panhandling laws over the last fo ur yea rs 38% have cracked down on homeless people 54% have done police sweeps T erry Messman of Street Spirit writes: A flood of anti-poor legislation in California cities over the past three months (April through June 1997) has nearly swept _a way the idea that homel ess people have constitutionally protected rights to freedo m o f speech and e q ual protection unde r t he law. The hard rain o f repressio n has thu ndere d down in Palo Alto, San Jo se, Santa Mo naco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Mou ntain, T hou sand, and San Francisco- a bew ilderi ng torrent of anti -sitt ing, anti-sleeping, anticam ping, and anti- panhandli ng l~ws t hat has nearly : · legislated t he rights o f poo r people out of existence ." From ·Canada to Geo rgia, from San Frand sco to Boston governme nts attack Food Not Bombs an d church activists for feedi~g hungry people. The San Francisco police have made over 1,000 arrests for feed ing the hungry; havé seized tons of fresh'food and cooking equipment . The city of Richmond, Virginia is waging a "war" on the homeless by passing laws to drive the homeless from the city. ·One such law makes it a violation for ;Í church to serve food to more than 30 peopl~ daily. Several other restrictions are being _enacted that impact the ability for seryice providers to find building space within the city. Advocates are planning to take the city to court. San Francisco-A homeless person writes: "I am sitting in the park 'on my blanket in the sun. 1 have just dozed off. AII of my stuff is in a shopping cart parked nearby on the pavement. 1 feel a nudge on my foot and look up to see the back end of a citatioh pad, bl_a ck leather boo~. and a blue uniform. 1 hear the Honda purring in background. The cop tells me to get up, and can't wait'for me to get my stuff together. 1 get a ticket f~r camping and am told to leave the park." "Bum bashing" has been reported by homeless peóple in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Palo Alto, Ca- lt is now a crime on sit or líe on the streets. Even in progres~ive Seattle, you can't sit on Page ¡3 Anti Begging Law Struck Down inMas·sachusetts _ by Mínisler Michael Harris The highest court in Massachusetts struck dowh the state la_w prohibiting begging in public places on May 4, 1997. In a unanimoús decision, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial court held that the law is an impermissible burden on the_poor's First Amendment right _to freedom of spe ech. With the pro bo no he lp of the Jen ner and Boic k law firm, t he National Law Center o rí Homelessness and Poverty submitted _a frie nd of the co.urt brief in_, suppo rt of plaintiff Cráig Benefit. Benefit, a 36 year old homeless man, had been arreste d three times under the law. He was represented by the AA")erican Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. The court held that 1) peaceful begging involves communitative act ivity protecte d by the First Amendment . 2) the criminal sanctio-n imposed was an imprope r viewpoint-base d restr iction on speech in a publi~_fo rum ba's ed on the content of the message conveyed'. and 3) t ne stat ute was not constitútiof"!ally viable w hen subjecte d t o st rict scrutiny. The decisio n-also emphas ized t hat t he law not only supp resses the right to fre e speech, but also · "an even broader right-the right to engage fellow human beings with t he hope _of receiving aid and compassion.''. The rul ing has national significance at a t ime wh en state and local governments a.cross the count ry áre cracking down on homeless and poor peo ple by making co nduce associated with poverty, such as begging an d sle eping in public places, · criminal offe nses. · ·-- the sidewalk. A similar anti-sitting ban in Sa n Jose prompted this reaction from homeless activist Becky · Jo hnson: "The r e is nothing new, about the attempts of the wealthy t o r emove,the poor from t hei r mi dst. Yet to equate sitting with criminal activity is such a stretch, on ly a ·homeless-o-phobic could dream ,u p this prescrip_tion. lt wo uld take an ethically-chal~ontinued from page 6 l_e nged politician to produce such an insidious form reduce your freedoms erode more of your dignity. of torture." · - They deepen your sense of hopelessness. We must She continued, "Like a rapidly spreading educate ourselves and wake up to the plight of the disease, their so cial cleansing process has been homeless across the country. For once we start to growing and multiplying across cities in California threaten, attack and take away basic rights and and elsewhere--criminalizing t he young, the poor, freedoms, we all stand t o loose. and the homeless for innqcent, nece ssary ·a cts. Since Educat io n is vital t o o ur fre edom. · Education when has ·the act o f sitting been a c rime?" shows us our chains, which , fn our ignorance, we Santa Cruz-you can t,e fined up to $500 for tho ught of as jew elry, p ri de, honor and o t he r violati ng the sleeping, encampment and blanket superstit ious gho sts enslaving the world. sectio ns o f the Camping Ban Law . The average fi ne T here are vast diffe rences in the right to a safe . has been $ 162. night's sleep and e ducátio n, but an ordinance that _ Atlanta- lt is estimated th at t he re are 12,000 _ denies t hat right, discriminates because I bear the to 22,000 homeless people in Atlanta on any given hand icap of po verty. night, and fewer than 3,000-eme rgency and We need an authentic puplic media that is t ransit ional she lter spaces. The homeless citizens rooted in the reality of urban lif~ in America today. who do not find room in a s helter have no choice We hope to help fill that vacuum w ith the formation but to conduct Jife sustaining activity such as sleep, of the North American Street Newspaper Associain public spaces. In spii:e of this, the City Co~ncil .tion (NASNA). We probably w_on't solve all or even passed an ordinance making citizens criminal~ if they most of the probléms, but we· might help. _, sleep, líe down, reside or store personal property·in 1 know it's not enough to give the homeless public. Since November _of 1996 there have been and poor a voice if we do not gain the ear and the over 200 arrests for violating the urban camping understanding of those who are not homeless and ordinance. lt is also now against the law to walk poo~. Our most important task is to bridge the gap, through a parking lot unless you own a car there. so that -those who can help understand how and Homeless advocates have filed suit. why. "Atlanta's·urban camping ordinance makes is aThis will be the hardest thing we have to do, crime to be homeless," said Gerald Weber, ACLU's because we will have good cause to curse the Légal Director. "The City once known ~s being too indifference and cruelty of the relatively affluent, busy to hate is now housing_its homeless citizens in those who have l)Ot crossed America's interna! jail." -. border separating the passively powerless from the In Dallas-you can't ~oze in the park. actively victimized, separating mere frustration from Missoula, MT- you ~an't _"linger in á public utter despair. lf we abandon hope for the majority, place." _ the homeless become the hopeless fo r no single class 1n Hollywood, Ca. a disabled homeless man or sex or race or culture or othe~ category of - deans and polishés the stars on that famed celebrity humanity can break the chains now being forged in sidewalk. The police in Los Angeles-ha.ve warned the devil's workshop of unrestrained co rporate him that the city's new anti-panhandling law that power and its obedient media oligopolies. outlaws "abusive soliciting," applies to him as well . We'II do our job with skiU, with honesty, and They told him that he can't have a cup out to accept above all with love, because our ultimate weapon is donations. truth, our ultimate message is human dignity, and Pete White of the Los Angeles _Coalition to our ultimate victory is simple empathy. After all, who owns the media? Continued on page 14 Street Papers ' 1 t - �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES Obituaries Margaret Towe Margaret Towe, a loñgtime Over-the-Rhine residerit and advocate, lost .h er battle with cancer on September 27 at the age of 58. She was a meníber -of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the Over-theRhine Steel Drum Band and a co-founder and supporter of the Peaslee Neighborhood Center and board member of Crossroads Clinic. "Margaret was always about pastoring the • common folk in the community. She has always been a guiding light to us. Her heart was in the right place, connecting compassion with justice," said Bonnie Neumeier, a long-time friend. She had played with the Steel Drum Band for 9 years and was one of the founders of the adult section of the band. She was a chaplain for the Lutheran Federation of Cincinnati at University Hospital. Along with this, she helped to found the Perinatal Loss Support Prográm for parents who lose their babies during pregnancy. She will surely be missed-by all. Bill Engelo Bill Engelo, a ReSTOC' employee who _h elped to.rehabilitate apartments for the homeless, died on September 29. He will be remembered for all .t he well crafted wood fences and other improvements in the Washington Park area of Over-the-Rhine. He was very committed to !,is job, .he worked long hours and 'p roduced quality workmanship. RaymOnd Jackson The West End community and the city of Cincinnati lost a great man and a great ·community activist on Sept. 13, 1997. Raymond Jackson was a father, a grandfather, a product of the C inc1nnati Public School System, a U.S. Army Veteran, a distinguished retired employee of the Cincinnati Highway Maintenance Department and a v_olunteer who was involved in many organizations. Raymond Jacksorf was an activist fer equal rights and social change fer the residents in the West End where he had been a resident for over 40 years. Raymond Jackson was a poet, a mentor and a role model who ass isted ove r 200 End residents in obtaining employmént w ith the city. Recently Raymond Jaékson was voted vice-president of the West End Community Council. He-was also the immediate past pre_sident of the W.E.C.C. He was a founder of Genesis Development Corporation, a board member of the Community Action Commission, a member of the Over-the-Rhine Redevelopment Corporation and a 1997 New Voices recipient of the William Monroe Trotter Social Activist Award. Mr. Jackson perished at his home on Saturday, Sept. 13 , 1997. He leaves behind children, grandchildren, three siblings (Eugene Jackson, Willa Hayer and Evangelist Betty Clark), h!s loving companion, Véra Johnson, and a list of lifelong friends and associates. Services for Mr. Jackson wére held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at IO a.m. at the Union Baptist Church located at 405 West Seventh Street. Funeral ár,rangements were ·handled by Jaminson & Jaminson Funeral Home . Streetvibes Vendar Code óf Conduct Each vender has to sign the following cede to be abl~ to sell the paper_ l _ Streetvibes will be distributed fer a $1 _voluntary donation . 1 agree not to ask fer donations more than $1. 1 also understand that I wiU be able _ to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalit ion for 20 cents _ 2. 1 ag ree that I will never d istribute Streetvibes wh ile underthe influence of drúgs or alcohol. · 3. 1 agree that I will not ask fer donations afte r 1·2 midnight. 4. 1 agree to treat others with respect. 1will not use abusive language or fo rce someone to give a donation _ 1 will not give a "hard sell" or maké someone feel threatened. -5. 1 agree that I will not supply copies of · Streetvibes to persons who are riot registered distributors_ 6. 1 agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting fer a riot-fer."'. profit charity 9r that 1 am collecting fer the "homeles,s" in general. 1 will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the indiyidual· vender. 7. 1agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors . 8. 1 understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or fermerly homeless. To help in this effort, 1will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. 1 understand that the .failure to comply with any of the. above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. _. Page /4 Conference ~o ntinue d fro m page 5 from welfare reform to med ical ~ervices. The presenters w il l come from many cit ies in cl uding San Francisco, Philadelph ia, W ashington DC and Pue rto Rico. The group will be welcomed by Mary Ann Gleason, Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. According to Ms. Gleason , many of the board members really pushed to have their ne~t meeting in Cincinnati to pay tribute to buddy gray, a founding member of the National Coalition for the Homeless who was killed last Nóvember. "Many of the board members had a real _respect for buddy and want to see all the things he worked fer and talked about," said Gleason. Both the Stand Down participants and the conference goers will converge for a large lunch at 12:30 pm in Music Hall Ballroom. They will be entertained by the Streetvibes band . Then, there will be a keynote panel which will discuss bringing together service providers and those who have become homeless to work together against poverty. To participate in this event as a volunteer ora conference participant, call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803. Anti-Homeless Continued from page 13 End Hunger & Homelessness comments, "As advocates for members of our communíty that are peor, hungry ahd IÍomeless, we must stand accountable fer their well-being. We are fighting a war _that will seemingly never end--the war to end the criminalization of homelessness. Political campaigns from. the federal level right down to the cities c.nd counties are being run on_th~ acks of ~ur least franchised . We are beginning to witness a pattern-o anti-homeless ordinances sweeping the nation. lt is as if states, cou nt ies and cit ies are running a race to see who can further dehumanize or exterminate the homeless. 1 am ashamed to say that my home, Los ~ Ange les is now lead ing the nat ión in this ,effort." ~ Santa Bar bara- ha _made · ·1+ega1ror anyone, except in case of medical eme rgency or "permitted:' activities, to sit down o n the sidewal k eve n if they are not bloc king pedestrian traffic , panhandling or playing mu sic. Commenting o n this anti-sitting law, Jack Zelitz writing in St reet Spirit , "When viewed through the lens of legislative history, th e re has been a series of laws, each specifica lly targeted at homeless peo ple, which attempt s to vi lify, scapegoat, and socially legitimize the pe rsecution and abuse of an entire group of people. 1 will stop short of using t he wo rd fascist, but where else in history have we seen this happen?" Sacramento_:,Sharing loaves and fishes is a high-risk calling as you can be sued for serving the peor on Sundays. The City of Sacramento sued Loaves and Fishes fer alleged zoning and city code violations fer expanding their feeding the homeless program to include Sundays. Organlutlons Endonlng the Hamilton Coúnty Values Families Campalgn u of Hamilton County Values Families · Campaign Endorsemenl Form Name_ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ Organization ______ _ _ _ __ Address --------------Z ip Code. _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Phone_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _;,;._ _ Fax._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _Yes, my organizatJon en.dorses Hamilto C,o unty Values Families campaign _Please put our name on the letterhead _Please do not put our name on the letterhead _Yes, 1 indi~idually -endorse the Hamilton County Values FamiJies campaign . _Please put my name on the letterhead _Please d_o not put my name on the letterhead _Yes, we/1 will volunteer to work on this campaign Please return this form to the Contact Center, 164 L Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 4521 O or fax it to 51 3·381-4022. . f.or more informatiori c~II us at 513-381-4242 1011/97: . AFL•CIO Central laborCouncil A. Philip Randolph lnstitute Bethlehem Leuning Centr:r Bethany House Services Bre.ul for the World Cincinm,ti Clrist Clild Day Nursery Comrnmity Organimg Cent«, Columbus Contact CenterDrop lnil Center FirstStep Home Friends and Neighborhs of Over•the-Rhine Greater- Cincinnati ~ition for the Homeless · HeMth R.esource Center lntenommunity Justice & Peace Center Justice Watch Madisonville Education & Assistanr;c Center 9 to 5/Wortcing Women Offke of Social Adion ancl World Pear;e/Arr;hdiocese of Cinciooati 0---the-Rhine Conn1unity Council Ove,.the-Rhine Housing Networl< Over-the-Rhine Soup Kltchen Peaslee Neighborhood Ccnter ReSTOC Saint Francis Ministries (Church, School & Soup Kitr;hen) Slsten of Clarity of Clndnnatl Leadershlp Coundl T omGelg« Gucst House WalnutHlls Soup Kltchen Welfatt Rights Coalltion WomenConneálon �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 15 October Word Games Word Search L s T T y R I F A N H A E e: M R N R I F I o -L T N E E R É I o o e A H D E A T E T T M D N o T D e o I w T L I A I N H E N H A L E T F u D E B N D p H I p o I - V G B o e A L F V p G L M T E R y N u Scrambl·e by Gregory Payton A I Find these words in the puzzle: 1 STREETVIBES Announcements Please send your announcements lo Streelvibes Announcements, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnali, OH 45210 or fax lhem lo 513-421-7813 by /he 20th o/ each month. October 7, 1 f: 30-1 Fountain Square "Day on the Square", information will be available about the services offered to battered women locally. October 8, 1997, Public Hearing on W~lfare Reform Plan, Date and Time TBA, sponsored by the Hamilton County Welfare Planning Committee, call 381- Standdown Dental Benefits Children Podiatry Aid Big Fi ne Fun Hey Clothing Vocational Optometry Materials Welcome Free AHandUp Red Fit by Ron Carter Try to unscramble these names of Cincinnati neighborhoods. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.9. 10. 11. 12. IGLRELENHS DWTENES WLRSEOAN NTONEAVS KLDALNCO DYKRPHEA LEMDSINLIAVO · DRANGIE DN ELEAEV DTHSRONIE RHENGOTAT MTIARF NO .4242 for time and place. for more information. · October 17, 1997, Fifth Annual Greater October 31, 1997, "When Home is a Scary Cincinnati Homelessness Conference, Place" 9 am to 4 pm, Forest Fair Mall,9am to 5 pm, Wa~hington Park Area, Conference on domestic violence, call features Speakers from the National 557-2875 for info. Coalitio n from the Homeless, call 4217803 fo r info. October 18, 1997, Hearing on Cincinnati Public Schools Facilities Mast er Plan, 1O am, Mayerson Center October 20, 1997, Head ng on Cincinnati Public Schools Facilities Máster Plan, 7 pm, Western Hills-High School Oc;:tober 21 , 7:00 Hami_lton County Court•Beginning in our November issue, Stre~tvibes house (Main St. side) "She Scream_s will featute advertising; lt is a chance for businesses Without Sound", Rembering women .,, to help a good cause while promoting thems~lves to 4,000 concerned people each month. The rates are murdered as a result of domestic vioshown below. lence. October 27-28, 1997, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio ConferBusiness Card Size ence, Colurnbus, OH, Call 614-280-1984 Advertise in / Streetvibes! 2" X J 1/2" $1 O per month STREETVIBES C/assified Ads Streetvibes is now acceptihg Classified Ads ·for items such as Help Wanted, ltems for Sale. Apartments for Rent and other non-personal items. The rate is only $ 1 per line, approximately four words per line. Classified ads are due by the 20th of the month. Sample Ad One two three four tive six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve thirteen fourteen tifteen sixteen seventeen eighteen nineteen twenty People below the poverty level will be allowed five free lines for six months to advertise their skills or products to our readers. Otherwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds wjll be made. Also, if there is an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street , Cincinnfti, OH 4521 O or fax it to 421-7813 Helping the Homeless Through Song O.ctober 18 "Helping The Homeless Through Song" is a gospel music benefit for the Greater Cincinnati ·Coalition for the Homeless, This year's benefit concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 18, 1997. The concert will take place in the Salvation Two Business Card Size 4" X J l /2" $20 per month Army Chapel at 114 E. Central Parkway. Admissi_o n ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ , . is $5 at the door. lf you have missed previous concerts, you A check or money order must accompany the missed a treat. In 1995, the concert was a tremenad copy. We reserve the right to deny any ad, dous success with sorne wonderful performances. especially those which promote alcohol or tobacco products. In the case of your ad being denied, you last yeár's most outstanding performers súch as Joel Davis, Burnetta Price. Angie Pepper and David Mizel will receive a full refund. return for this year's concert. Added this year are For larger ads. call the number below. the New Life lnspirational Baptist Church, the "Tribe Ads are due by the 20th of each month. Gospel Choir" from the School for Creative and lf you need assistance in preparing your ad or have any other questions, call the Homeless CoaliPerforming Arts and our own Streetvibes Band. · This year promises to be a truly wonderful tion at 421-7803. evening of music and fellowship. We hope that you Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes will join us. 1S06 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 �- [ i STREETVIBES The Tri State's Home/ess Grapevine Page /6 Vendar Prafile: Maurice Bennett ·by Oonald Whilehead The first thing you notice about Maurice Bennett is her smile. lt seems to always be t~ere. Like many others in -her situation, a smile is something you might not expect. Maurice now has an apartment after a long period of homelessness. Her homelessness was due to many different factors, she suf.; fered through domestic violence, divorce and the disadvantages of living doubled-up. Maurice may not be the vendor that sells the paper the fastest or the most, but she is one of the most consistent vendors · Streetvibes has. _ Maurice was the first female vendar of Streetvibes. -She is no longer homeless. . "Now that I have an apartment, 1 use Streetvibes to help with ali the extras like soap, deodorant, toothpaste and., even food when I get low," says Maurice with ·a big grin. ·· Maurice has a goal in sight, she wants to become an office manager and she studying for it. Since Maurice has been around, she has _, also had the opportunity to advocate for other homeless individuals. She had the opportunity Streetvibes is produced at the facilities of Cincinn_ati Community Video. Streetvibes TV Seplember This show focused on Mental Health lssues and the Homeless and featured Chris Engel from Tender -_Mercies, Jim Frasca from Excel Develópment and Dr.Connie Ragiel from Health Resource Center. Channel 10 Saturday, October 4, 4 pm Friday, October I O, 11 . am Friday, October 17, 1·1 am Stteetvibes TV October This show will focus o·n Public Housing issues in the Great~r Cincinnati- area. Maurice Benn~tt to attend the housing rally in Kennebunkport Maine in 1991. Maurice is notas active as she once was due to a disability, but she uses Streetvibes as an advocacy tool today. We have a few more female vendoí-s · now but ~e will always be grateful to Maurice Bennett because she paved the way!!! ,_____ :, • i Channel 10 Saturday, October 26, 4 pm Monday, October 27, 1O' pm Streetvibes Wi s.h--t ist' i . Channel 7 (5B Basic in most of Hamilton County) Monday, October 20, 7 pm live .Vendor: 80 cents Dallar Go s One of our vendor computers bit the dust. ·We need to get another 286 or 386 IBM _ ~ompatible Computer for word process- • _/. mg. . . ~ TV and .V B.--t-e-Show--St--reervi· es Episodes to Groups_ . Blank VHS Cassettes Our copier is about to give out so we will start isking now for a replacement Volunteer Copy Editors and Stories Advertisers to help support the paper· Volunteers for two or three hours to help paint parts of the office. Any time! Call 421-7803 if you can help! ·- eed Help or Want to Help? lf for sorne reason you find yourself honieless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. lf you have any questions, feel free to call the Homeless Coalition at 421-7803. SHELTERS: Women_ and Children 241-2757 Alice Paul House (abuse) 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvatiop Army 431-8717 - Welcome House SHELTER ~ Men City Gospel ~ission Garden Street House Joseph House (veterans) St. Francis- St~Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America 241-5525 241-¡0490 241-2965 381-4941 66 1-4620 38 1-1954 SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad HouseDrop lnn Center (singles) Friars Club Haven House (Hamilton) lnterfaith Hospitality_Network 761-1 480 821-5100· 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 244-7226· Lighthouse Youth Center · St. John's Temporary Housing HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miámi Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Merci.e s (Mental 111) T om Geiger House TREATMENT: O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 961-4080 651-6446 721-4580 241-9683 241-0504 369-0004 381-0954 721-8666 961-4555 Women 241-7343 921-7324 / Men TREATMENT: Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over TREATMENT: N.A HopeHne A.A Hotline c.c.A.T. T albert House T ransitions, lnc. VA DomiciÍiary 784-1853 ' 921-1613 751-3260 Both 820-2947. 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 49 l .;.4435 559-5011 OTHER SERVICES 421-2437 AIDS Volunteersof Cincinnati 621 ~5991 Appalachian ldentity Center Center for lndependent Living Options 241-2600 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside - 961-0600 Cincinnati _Health Network 569-1840 Community Action Agency 381-4242 Contact Center 241-2563 Emanuel Community Center 241-1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 621-7149 Hamilton Ca.Mental Health Bd. 631-7186 Hamilton Co. TB Control 357-4602 Health Resource Center 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van 221-3679 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 271-5501 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee_Neighborhood Center 721-7660 T ravelers· Aid 721-7900 United Way 559-6656 VA Homeless Program 491-3335 Women's Crisis Center � 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 1997 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 Language A language of the resource English 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. Text Any textual data included in the document - 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 1997 Vol. 1, issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness 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 1997 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="https://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-sa/4.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />This work is licensed under a<span> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a>. Relation A related resource - Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource - Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context - Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant - Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project (curated by Katelyn Lusher) Description An account of the resource Issue covering: welfare reform domestic violence homeless shelters school board election independent living disability Over-the-Rhine soup kitchen homeless youth displacement homeless protest street papers anti-homeless sentiment Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Angelo Anderson Margaret Tellez Bearringer Alice Blackman John "Byrd Dog" Byrd Ron Carter Pat Clifford Denise Crew Emanuel Minister Michael Harris James (Jimmy) Heath Lemuel Israel Robert Norse Carla Osgood Gregory Payton Mark Salter Malaka Sanders Tom Seel The Shadow Michael Stoops Tess Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Alice Blackman Angelo Anderson Carla Osgood Denise Crew displacement domestic violence Donald Whitehead Emanuel Minister Gregory Payton homeless James (Jimmy) Heath John "Byrd Dog" Byrd Lemuel Israel Lynn Williams Malaka Sanders Margaret Tellez Bearringer Mark Salter Michael Harris Michael Stoops Pat Clifford policy reform Robert Norse Ron Carter shelter Tess The Shadow Tom Seel welfare https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/0c2a653943f01157719c7b088828b44f.pdf bb48d2aeed32a732fc988ea473100998 PDF Text Text JESSE JACKSON VISITS CINCINNATI: Forging Along the Appalachian Trail by Motorcade by Brett Zwolinski The Reverend Jesse Jackson has joined hands with the Appalachian community as his Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition forges its most recent friendship in the struggle for justice and equality for "red, yellow, brown, black, and white" of all social statuses. He said, "The real issue for us is to build coalitions and pull down walls. This is not about black and white! This is about wrong and right!" The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition is collaborating with the Appalachian community to incite organized labor and bureaucrats to improve the conditions and finance of Appalachians in areas such as health care, education, housing. and work environment. Reverend Jackson ardently proclaimed, "Lets talk about health care, in YOUR house! Let's talk about poverty, in YOUR house! Let's talk about unions and a right to organize, in YOUR house!" Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition are in the midst of a bus tour rally for the Appalachian movement spanning Ghio, Kentucky. West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Rainbow/PUSH Coalition led by Reverend Jesse Jackson rallied at the University of Cincinnati last week. Looming over an ebullient crowd from the .steps of McMicken Hall, he was accompanied by numerous community leaders- pastors, unionists, and politicians among them. United M ine Workers Cecil Roberts, President of the United Mine Workers, addressed the crowd bewailing the wretched conditions of former mine workers. He and the Reverend Jackson recently visited Pikeville, KY where they encountered ailing coal miners who are dying of black lung disease. Referred to by Reverend Jackson a~ his "soul mate," Cecil Roberts said definitively. "Jesse Jackson cares about mine workers." M ayor Roxanne Qualls Mayor Qualls accompanied Reverend Jackson throughout the Cincinnati portion of the bus tour rally for Appalachians. In the midst of her struggle for a congressional seat in the House of Representa­ t ives, Mayor Qualls seized the opportunity to rally for her campaign against incumbent Steve Chabot. After his fierce and choleric speech, JUE (Interna­ tional Union of Electric Electrical Salaried Machinist and Furniwre Workers) President Ed Fire beseeched God, " Make Qualls our next congresswoman." Mayor Qualls began by declaring, "Jesse Jackson is the conscience of America! He speaks out for those who can't speak out." She said, "Coal miners have been forgotten by a right wing congress (not to mention the left and the middle), but not by Jesse Jackson. Continuing her diatribe on the misgivings of coal miners, she conjured up images in o~r minds by way of her Titanic analogy. Chastising a profligate American culture, obsessed with quixotic notions of death and grieving, she chided mordantly, "There is a Titanic sinking every year in Appala­ chia!" 'Jackson• Cont. on Page Two... F~ed Shuttlesworth (left} and the Rev. Jesse Jackson address attendees at UCrally. Photo by Jimmy Heath Rally Held at Chiquita Headquarters Concerned Citizens Vocalize Plight of Banana Workers by Odi Goodman · On Friday, September I Ith at 12 noon, different groups concerned with labor, human r ights, and the environment gathered to protest in front of the Chiquita Center at Sth anc;I Sycamore in down­ town Cincinnati. The Action was coordinated by the Justice for Banana Workers Coalition of Cincin­ nati, and launched a series of similar non-violent demonstrations across the globe. Unified workers, activists and concerned citizens from d!fferent parts of Latin America, the United States and Europe publicly requested that Chiquita begin dialogue with their workers. COLSIBA (Latin American Coordination of Banana Worker Unions), which encompasses roughly 22,000 workers, has been requesting since early August to rryeet with Chiquita in order to address "serious concerns" over work and living conditions on their plantations. Many who live in Cincinnati are aware of the articles published by the Enquirer in early May of this year, as well as the papers withdrawal, payment and public apology to Chiquita. The Justice for Banana Workers Coalition has n~thing to do with the Enquirer or its present or former employees. We consist of a broad range of concerned citizens, many of whom have visited or lived in Central or South America. We are in contact with the people at the grassroots level, the banana workers and their families, and we keep our commitment to them. As a result of the Friday 11th protest, two of our group met with Steven Warshaw, president and chief operating officer of Chiquita Brands Interna­ tional. Warshaw declined to meet with COLSIBA. on a technicality arguing that COLSIBA does not represent the workers, and that the company would rather meet with unions on a country to country basis. SITRAT ERCO. a Honduran union whom the company agreed to meet with this summer, has since sent a letter to Chiquita that acknowledges COLSIBA as the union that represents the united international concerns of all Latin American banana workers. The following is a speech given by one of the protesters at the September I Ith protest. "I would like to thank you all for coming out on this Friday on behalf of the banana workers of Latin America. I send this message out to all those who can hear, whether you are protesting, walking down the street, or especially if you are working inside the Chiquita Center. I think that I can speak. for everyone here when I say that we do not · represent the newspapers, neither their staff, nor do we represent any big business. We are not fanatics who get our kicks out of protesting and being in the limelight. We come here because we are concerned citizens. Many are here. because we understand that sometimes you have to be a voice for those who 'Chiquita• Cont. on Page Three... �STREETVIBES The Tn State 's Homeless Grapevine Page 2 STREETVIBES •Jackson• Cont. On The Road The Tri State's From Page Again Homeless Grapevine Donald Whitehead One••. by Streetvibes, the T~i-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspaper written by, for ·and about the homeless. It is compiled by the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home­ less. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents and then sell it for a dollar donation to get back o n their feet. All vendors sign a code of conduct before being given a badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati through coordinating services, educating the public and grassroots organiz­ ing. The Streetvibes Committee meets monthly to plan our issues and increase circulation. If you are interested in helping or have a comment, please call 421-7803 . Staff Donald Whitehead, Director Jimmy Heath, Coordinator Brett Zwolinski, Vendor Support Ron Carter, Vendor Support James 'Hobbs, Vendor Support Photoirapher Jimmy Heath Writers , Maryann Bravo Ron Carter Denise Crew Lee Crum Brian Davis Lalonta Foster Robert Freking Odi Goodman Jimmy Heath l eni Hochman Michael Nelson Jam es W. Pryor Aaron Pitchford Rodney Sutton Jessica Wallace. Gloria Wiggins D o nald Whitehead Lynn Williams Brett Zwolinski E'ltorlal Pa/11:1: Streetvibes accepts all letters, poems, com­ ments or editorials. We will print every­ thing we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or vendors. Please send all material to the fo llowing address: STREETVIBES 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 452 10 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421 -7813 e-mail: homecoal@primax.net http://cinci.com/gcch Quote of the Month (by Lora Joi/is, Hamilton County Dept. of Human Services regarding her staff}: "I hope they love their jobs here too much to want to go. This is the best laboratory you could ever work in." Evidently, Roxanne Qualls is a tutor in our Cincinnati community. She advertently stated, 'The kids I tutor are not concerned about Sex, Lies, and Videotapes, but their education, health, and future." Questionm Then why is it that our culture is saturated with the sale of Sex, Lies, and Videotapes. fronically, only moments later, Jesse Jackson urged that we are too concerned with the- Sex, Lies, and Videotapes as evidenced by our coverage of Bill Clinton's infidelity in the mediam Indeed, it seems our youth are imbued and preoccupied with Sex, Lies, and Videotapes as evidenced by escalating crimes of sexual harassment and assailment, as well as increased teen birth control and pregnancy. And the problem is much more profoundly embedded in our culture than our community leaders comprehension. It seems they are more concerned with treating the symptoms of the "war on the poor," rather than struggling with the inherent problems within our media saturated culture that breed greed and avarice: the quick fix. "There is a Titanic sinking every year in Appalachia." -Mayor Roxanne Qualls Diffused throughout.his speech, Reverend Jackson dropped parables and quotes from Jesus Christ's teachings, conjuring up analogues of moder­ nity. As he spoke, cries of affirmation came pouring from his flanks where several outstanding ministers girded the Reverend- Shuttlesworth, Dwight Wilkins, Damon Lynch Jr.. among them. At a particularly climactic point in Jesse Jackson's speech, in the words ofJesus, he urged, "You measure character by how you treat the least of these." His biblical analogues culminated in the classical parable of the Good Samaritan in which he spurred the crowd on towards love and good deeds. LEAVE NO AMERICAN BEHIND! This is the motto of the Rainbow/PUSH Coali­ tion, enunciated incessantly by Reverend Jackson throughout his speech. Sunday September 27, 1998 from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm, amidst the Wayne National Forest in Nelsonville, Ohio Reverend Jackson led a March For Appalachia. From wh~re was the phraseology, "Leave no American behind," culled? And what exactly is the March for Appalachia all about? ''This is not about black and white! This is about wrong and right!" -Jesse Jackson Revere nd Jesse Jackso n's Statment:: "Let us march and say to the nation that the children born here are just as precious in God's sight as the children who are born to the wealthiest of households. There is no gap between Appalachia and the rest of the nation when it comes to willing­ ness to work, when it comes to patriotism, or creativity, or love and respect for one's family. Let us march, then, to close the gaps that still persist-gaps in decent health care, quality education, housing, transportation, and financing for business growth­ gaps that prevent.too many people of this region from fully realizing their God-given potential. Let us march in the finest American tradition with a message taught to us by the Marines in time of war: Leave no Ameri­ can behind!" The best thing about traveling is the learning experience gained from exposure to different meth­ ods in different regions of the country. My most recent trip was a great source of valuable information that I can hopefully use in the effort to end homelessness here in Cincinnati. I will get to that a little later. First let me tell about my first trip, this trip was a journey to almost every city in the U.S in less than three hours. This trip was impossible before our route was invented- it now happens on a regular basis. I was accompanied on this trip by some of Cincinnati's most well known residents. My compan­ ions came from all walks of life. There were; clergy­ men, politicians, radio and television personalities, advocates, students, families and business leaders. Our trip was made possible by The National Broad­ casting Company(NBC). Our mode of travel was the nations airwaves. We were guests on a Town Hall Meeting The topic of this mee~ing was leadership in America. I was poised to talk about important issues such as homelessness, welfare reform, poverty, healthcare and all the other burning issues facing America at this time. The true focus of the meeting became clear at the beginning when panel members were steered into a conversation about the ongoing saga of the affair involving the President. I was almost embarrassed to be a part of the feeding frenzy around this issue. When finally given the opportunity to speak 1·was able to try to shift the focus back to real issues, my comments were quickly interrupted by one of what seemed like a million commercial breaks. That's the last' I will talk about this trip because I refuse to use the pages of Streetvibes to promote this issue consuming so many pages and so much airtime in so many other Media sources. W ednesday Se ptember 23, 1998 Once again I am at 30,000 feet gazing at the clouds-things are so peaceful here, far from the day to day struggles I encounter on the ground. My destina­ tion on this trip is Brooklyn Park Minnesota. I am in Minnesota to present at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless's State Conference. It is my second opportunity to present at this conference. It always make you feel special when someone asks you back a second time. My presentation entitled "Helping Homeless People Advocate For Themselves" is very fulfilling for me personally. The audience consisted of former and currently homeless residents. I have done this workshop in several places; Washington D.C, Cincinnati, and Minnesota. It is always fulfilling to see homeless people reclaiming their lives. I am joined in this workshop by my co-presentors Mary Ann Gleason, Executive Director of the National Coalition for The Homeless, and Greg Horan, President of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. The Work­ shop is a series of role play exercises, discussions and dialogue that thoroughly engages its participants. The second day of the conference provides me with an opportunity to learn. This unique opportunity allows me to observe different methods of addressing the many needs of the population we serve. I attend one workshop called "Living On The Edge" which focuses on people who do not utilize the shelter system. The title alone sends chills up my spine considering what I know about the harshness of weather ~nditions in Minnesota. I also learn from Mary Ann Gleason's keynote that it is very likely that HR.2, the very damaging public housing legislatiori attached to HUD Appropriations is likely to go through. This legislation is likely to cause the loss os subsidy's for 270,000 low-income people. This coupled with Welfare Reform, Hope VI demolitions 'Road' Cont. on Page 7••. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 3 'Chiquita• Cont. From Pg. One... cannot be heard. This is what we are doing today, as different groups concerned with labor, human righ.ts .and the environment gather acro ss the globe. W ithin the next three days t here will be non-violent demonstra­ tions similar to this from different parts of Lat in America, the United St.ates and Europe. We ask that Chiquita begin Dialogue with the union CO LSIBA.· We believe that as a multinatio nal corporat ion, Chiquita needs to meet with their w.o rke rs who are also united across many nations. Many peo ple who work at Chiquita might say that the co mpany treats its workers better than any other company that operates in Latin America. I think that it in o rder to understand the present you have to look into the history of the countries in which United Fruit o perat ed and in which Chiquita now operates. Brutal civil wars have wrecked many of these countries, from Colombia to Guatemala. Those who have historically run Chiquita's plantations abroad play a part in a power structure, an oligarchy, that sustains savage inequalities between the minority rich and the majority poor. In Latin America, the governments, land owners and military are the oligarchy. These are synonymous with secret police, death squads, private armies, massacres, disappeared persons, torture, rape, illegal detention, and other forms of intimidation and abuse. Guatemala, one of the most violent countries in Latin America, had their democratically elected government overthrown in 1954 by the CIA in part on behalf of United Fruit. This kicked off a decades long civil war leaving some 140,000 to 200,000 dead. This was a war waged against civilians. Some would call it genocidal in the magnitude of which indigenous peoples were targeted and slaughtered. I ask you, do you think that by . changing headquarters, changing cities and changing names you can change the past? You have not convinced me, nor have you convinced the people of Latin America. Not when organizers such as Medardo Varela are gunned down for filing suits on behalf of workers who have gone sterile from pesticides used on plantations that are banned in the U.S., not :-'hen private company secur ity guards carry assault rifles and intimidate workers, not when families are evicted from their communities for taking part in a strike. Maybe Chiquita should put more effort int~ changing the conditions of their workers and their families than changing names and silencing newspa­ pers. I would prefer it if you would invest your profits into improving lives, not building public works in a foreign country. I t hink that you need to talk with your workers, as one big union, united interna­ tionally as you are international. In this age of global economics, we need global corporate responsibility. It would be a beautiful thing if C incinnati could be instrumental in sett ing a global standard of better conduct for wo rkers abroad". Contents Welfare News Livable Wage Update Visible Homeless Arts &Poetry Haiku · Prisoners' News Tactics Letters &Editorials Findlay Market Update Homeless Veterans Cleveland News Movie Review Announcements Classifieds Vendor Profile Page 4 Page4 Pages Page6 Page7 Pages Page9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 15 Page 16 ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Protestersgatherin front of Chiquita Building in downtown Cincinnati. OUR YOUTH byGloria Wiggins Are the youth responsible for their attitudes, and trouble they get in? The answer is, No, No, No! We the adults of our neighborhood are. We are the role models that they copy. Because they are young, they think their new fashions , or should I say todays fashions, are for young folk. Fact of the matter, nothing in the world is new, especially not fashion. The is a pony keg that I used to live very close to that would sell just to be selling. The youth in the neighborhood ask adults to buy their beer, cigarett~s, or Black and Mild cigars. The adult would say yes 1f the child bought him or her a beer, or cigarette, or gave them a dollar or two. I was approached by one of the youth, who asked if I would buy him a beer as I was entering the pony keg. I said no. I wanted to ask ~he kid ~here he lived and talk to.his parents. I decided against my quest.ion since I knew the child would not tell me. Behind half, more or less, of every youth's trouble is an adult not taking a good look in the mirror. If you don't like what you see in a child its only because they watch these grown folks that are supposed to be responsible. They are not. I blame TV for the violence of children. Also, daddies beat mommies. Little boys grow up thinking this is the way to treat women who cook, clean, and bring their children into this wor ld. And little girls think that its okay that the father of their children beat the crap out of them. If a man beat a woman like me he can never expect to sleep in bed with me and make love o r anything else. Even though I'd be 150% behin~ my man. I cannot and will not take verbal or physical abuse from my lover. Of co urse we all have lovers quarrels from time to time. Basically only 20% of men are even 50% behind women. They belittle our hard work, taking for granted that she makes it look so easy and it is not. I est imate 2% of men can take care of a new­ born. It takes being maternal in a way that a man will never understand unless someone like me write a book about it. Wake up ladies, smell the coffee that you have been brewing that he too drinks. There is a lot of cream and no sugar. Use the mind GOD gave you a little more. Maybe then you will see the fear you put in your child's eyes. If mom can't trust da~, ~r vice versa, not to hurt each other with domestte violence, who can that child trust. Nothing from nothing leaves nothing. The hoodlums come from adults, who's parent are not always on the job or at work while their child screams and mess up because they are unsupervised. What happened to the GOOD O LD DAYS when children were taught and 1.earnt good deeds from the community of adults. To respect any adult even if they are wrong. And parents communicate to teach an understanding. When I was growing up, disrespecting an adult would get your butt spanked or grounded. I'd also have to apologize and say yes mam and no mam or sir. I will never disrespect any adult. One time I boarded a bus, paid my fare. At the front of the bus sat a young girl of about 15 years old with her legs stretched out and crossed, slumped in her seat blocking the aisle. The bus pulled off as I . , politely asked her to move her legs. She looked at me as if I were crazy and d1dn t move. One false move by the bus driver as I stepped over her legs and I'd be floored, I tho ught to myself. And there was no room to walk around. I again asked her to move her legs. She gave me a dirty look , then moved her legs. The young lady did not realize I knew her mother. One day I saw her mother shopping in the same neighborhood we both lived, Peeble Corner. . The little girl was with her. I told the mother of the incident on the bus. Her mom said to me, "KIDS WILL BE KIDS." When I was 15 my mom would never st.and for that, disrespecting an adult the slightest bit. She'd correct me in such a way that I knew she meant business. She did not be abusive verbally or physi­ cally. So see, there is more than one way to skin a cat. For Mothers Day 1998, I bought my mom a Mothers Day card that read, "Thanks mom for making me clean my room. And teaching me how to cook. And making me eat my lima beans." Todays mom generally don't make a child do much that they don't want to do for fear that child may call 241 ­ KIDS. Then there are parents who say screw 241­ KIDS and chastise a child when needed, not brutally however. "Spare the ro d and spoil the child." Schoo ls are talking about corporal punishing kids once again. W hat about 241-KIDS. Mothers yo u ho ld a nation in the palms of your hand. Don't you want your child to be safe. And dead beat dads, I feel so sorry for you, 'cause nothing good will come to you 'til you take responsibility for your seed. Of course, child support is unfair. Sure men should pay for making a baby just like women do. But come on. Men need food to eat and a roof over their head too. There should be a limit to all the madness. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip can you? Men should pay what can be affordable and reasonable. That's why we have as many dead beat dads going to jail. What can he do in there? Pay child support. •our Youth' Cont. on Page 14•.. �STREETVIBES The Tn State's Homeless Grapevine STREETVIBES Welfare News YEAR 2 OF 3 YEAR COUNTDOWN by Lynn Williams October Ist marks the start of Year 2 of the three year countdown of time limits for welfare recipients in Ohio. The pressure is on Ohio's unem­ ployed to find a job that is going to provide for one's family, have stability, provide health care, and get one's family out of poverty. With the time limits in effect, there won't be any cycling on and off welfare as jobs come and go. Welfare will no longer be able to be used as 'employment compensation' for the many people ineligible for the real unemployment compensa­ tion. The pressure to find jobs intensifies for recipients who have extra barriers, such as disabilities, children with disabilities, domestic violence victims, poorly educated in Ohio's public schools with low reading and math skill levels, and middle aged persons. (employers state that they prefer young workers over middle-aged ones). The prospect looks really bleak for recipients with borderline IQ's or with an undiagnosed mental illness. A lot of people with children are going to be left out in the cold, literally, when the final month's check is a memory. •••business 'leaders' are praising welfare reform, because it is creatingareadysupply ofcheap, disposable workers who will work under almostany working conditions. With the pressure of time limits on recipients, businesses are having a field day with the labor market for entry-level, low-skill positions. Facing the time limits, recipients are forced into any job that comes along, regardless of labor violations, inadequate pay, inadequate safety and health standards. As the three year limit comes even nearer, recipients will be willing to accept any job that they can get for survival, regardless of pay rate and working conditions. Wel­ fare reform is creating a whole new underclass of workers, people frantic for any job to survive. Busi­ nesses know that if they let entry-level workers go, that there will be a ready supply to replace them. This is why business 'leaders' are praising welfare reform, because it is creating a ready supply of cheap, dispos­ able workers who will work under almost an working conditions. Does this sound like a Third World Country? An overseas country? In Ohio, starting October Ist, recipients will be allowed to use even fewer hours for education. The 20/ I0 ratio of work/developmental activities is reduced to 25/5. This allows recipients a grand total of one hour a day to get an education! The rug is also being pulled out from under recipients who want to get a solid college education first. Currently the federal law limits recipients to one year for counting college classes as the total work requirement. Only 20% of the caseload is allowed this option, and teenagers trying to get their high school degree or GED are included in the 20%. Before federal law went into effect, recipients could survive (or try to survive on welfare) while they made it through college. With a degree they were far more likely to obtain a livable wage job to escape the welfare roles forever. Currently there is a bill in Congress, the Higher Education Act, otherwise known as the Wellstone Amendment, that would permit recipients two full years of college to coun·t as the work requirement. Many legislators staunchly oppose this bill. They don't view it as an opportu­ nity for welfare moms to get a degree and then get off of welfare for good. Instead, they view it as depriving Big Business of entry-level workers with low skills who will accept any job that comes along. A college degree might make them 'uppity' about accepting low-skill positions. As one business owner put it, "Why should they get a degree? They don't even need a high school degree to work in my business." Yes, they just have to be willing to do mindless, grunt work for 40 hours per week, 160 hours per month, one thousand and twenty hours per year, not counting overtime, be willing to have a two hour commute, rarely see their children, and get an inadequate wage. One woman who left welfare for work, lacking a college or high school degree, shared with me her life's work. "What I do now is stand on an assembly line for eight hours a day, zapping a laser at a bolt. I'm a little afraid of the electric volts. In case I do it wrong, it might hurt me pretty bad." This is what she has to look forward to at the start of the work week, 4 am on Monday mornings when she rises to take the children to the sitter and a long commute to work in the suburbs. Welfare reform with its time limits has been depicted as the Titanic, with women and children being thrown overboard. Welfare reform also resembles another ship, the Slave Ships coming to America. Human beings are still being forced and coerced to work the jobs on America's 'planta­ tions' that no other workers will do. Page 4 studies done by WOW (Wider Opportunities for Women) and ACORN. Utilities are included in rent, clothing and laundry are included in Miscellaneous. There is no longer a "with or without car" distinc­ tion. Instead, there is one averaged modest figure. Federal, state, and payroll taxes are included, so the figure is Gross Wages. Some see it as a moral issue;1it is only fair that someone who works all day and all week should be paid enough to support themselves. To determine the livable wage, such essentials as rent, food, transportation, and health care were considered, plus a few quality of life "extras," such as, recreation and savings. $ 16,500 was determined to be the cost of living in Tompkins County for an individual. A person with dependents would need to earn more. Childcare costs vary depending on age of the child. Family day care costs average $4432 per year, or $4678 for an infant. At a child care center the range is $4680 for a child to $7800 for an infant. Other expenses, such as, food and health care would almost double, while rent would go up to $678/month. There are many variations in family structure and life-style choices, leaving the livable wage insufficient for some employees and generous for a few. Nonetheless, the livable wage figure is a useful benchmark for employees and employers. • •••••••••••••••••••••••••• NATIONAL COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS STREETVIBES Nationwide LIVABLE WAGE UPDATE byL11nlHochman, Alternative Currents, Ithaca, NY Alternatives Federal Credit Union took a new look at how much money it takes for an individual to live in Tompkins County. The bottom line? $16,500. In 1994, the Alternatives Credit Union did its first Livable Wage Study to address the question: What does it take to live decently, but frugally in Tompkins County? Different than minimum, competitive, or comparable wage, the goal of livable wage is to pay all full-time workers a high enough wage that they are able to support themselves without living in poverty. When the Alternatives Credit Union introduced a "livable wage" in 1994 it was a unique idea. Since then, many in this community have taken up the call for livable wages. Some see it as a moral issue; it is only fair that someone who works all day and all week should be paid enough to support themselves. We also see it as a good policy. A livable wage fosters good morale and less employee turnover. Data for our study were collected in January 1998 by Yat-Che Shum, an intern from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. The latest swdy has been simplified, with fewer categories, more closely matching NCH is leading an initiative to establish a federally-funded targeted homeless addiction disorder treatment program. As part of t his e ffort, N CH is seeking information about the substance abuse t reatment needs o f hom e­ less p eople in states and communities across the country. Homeless people, advocates, housing and health service providers, researchers. and others are requested to provide NCH staff any information that you can obtain. Thank you for strengthening our case for a targeted substance abuse treatment program for people experiencing homelessness! · ACTION ALERT Ask the Clinton Administration to Request Full Funding for Homeless Assistance Programs in Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) FY 2000 Budget. STATUS: Senior HHS staff and the budget and domestic policy advisors to the President are currently reviewing budget requests that have been submitted by HHS's component agencies. These officials will decide the funding levels that the President will include in the Fiscal year (FY) 2000 budget in the Fall. ACTION: Write the President's HHS, Office of Management and Budget, and Domestic Poticy Council leadership and request that they ensure that the Administration's FY 2000 budget request includes fun~ing for the HHS homeless assistance programs at the levels recommended below. It is c r itical that' yo u w r ite letters immediat e ly because the w indow of opportunity for the public t o impact the FY 2000 budget is closing. For more information please contact Bob Reeg. Please send any written information to Bob Reeg at NCH, I012 14th St. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005-3406; FAX: 2021737-6445; E-Mail: nch@ari.net. Call Bob at 2021737-6#4 :x.31 '4 if you have information to share by telephone. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine The Visible Homeless... .. .. •..,. ,,,., , ,, , by Rev. Douglas May Everyone in substance abuse counseling has at one time or another pointed to the "skid row bum" and said, "you don't have to be like him to be an addict or alcoholic." While this type of person may represent only 5% of all addicts, Christians who are in recovery have a lot more in common with him than they may think! A drive through the streets of any major city reminds us that the·"skid row bum" has not disappeared. Alarmingly, he has been joined by hundreds of th~usands of people now called "the homeless." Who are they? 18-53 year old men and women who are 16-30 years of age, and single parents with children now represent the bulk of the homeless population. Most are minorities and local people, not transients, who have been homeless for one year or less. On today's "skid row" we find 1 people who are dependent on a variety of drugs, emotionally dysfunctional, mentally ill, and medically at-risk, especially for HIV/AIDS. A high percentage of them have been sexually and physically abused. Addiction and Ho m e lessness Besides not having a home to call their own, most of the 500,000 to 3 million people identified as homeless have something else in common-addiction and mental illness. According to one study, up to two-thirds of homeless adults suffer from alcoholism and at least half suffer from drug disorders. In their book, A Nation In Denial, Alice Bum and Donald Burns shatter many of the myths surrounding the root causes of homelessness, which have little to do with the economy, governmental social policies, lack of affordable housing, and ·so forth. According to t heir research at least 65-85% of all homeless adults suffer from chronic alcoholism, drug addition, mental illness, o r some combination of the three, often complicated by serious medical problems. At least s dent on spotty AOL and e-mail from you all, it appears that the environment in Washington is increasingly disinterested in the important issues o f community and place. No netheless, I thought a different frame of reference might be of value. In the past week I have been participating in a tour of community lending activities in Romania, Russia and the Caucasus. While not directly related to work in housing domestically, I have learned from the struggles, strategies and problem solving approaches. Before I came on this trip a couple of friends asked me why I thought it was relevant for any community developer and houser in the United States to spend any time building capacity in other parts of the world given the conditions at home. My initial response was that we live in a global economy and the economic condition in Russia or Costa Rica or Romania has a real impact on America. I remain convinced that this is true and I would now both expand the answer and understand thequestion'scomplexity. Many of the challenges surrounding generating private capital investment, finding ways to maintain housing stock, the influences of race and class issues and costs of government regulations and policies are similar. Manwith shopping carton Vine Street. HOMELESSNESS ADDICTION RECOVERY: A LASTING SOLUTION Page I/3 of the homeless suffer from severe and persistent chronic psychiatric disorders. Forty to fifty percent of these individuals are "dually diagnosed"-suffering from addiction to alcohol and/or drugs, as well. Ultimately, the condition labeled "homelessness" is best described as a state of "disaffiliation" or complete alienation from meaning­ ful human relationships and the social support systems most people have working for them. Most homeless people are either addicts themselves or are the products of dysfunctional families and broken homes that were significantly impacted by addiction. These are root problems and unless they are adequately addressed, any other help we provide will not be effective. While millions of dollars may be spent on education, housing, and employment for the homeless, these efforts do little to improve their lots if they are unable to stay sober by working through the very same recovery issues that many of us are dealing with in our own lives. Sadly enough, while these problems are on the rise, the resources that are available are usually priced beyond what those who need help the most can afford! Between 1978 and 1984 there was a 17% de'Crease in treatment beds for the indigent (those without insurance or funds to pay for care). According to recent congressional figures, only 12.5% of the nations 6.5 million drug users have access to publicity funded treatment. Christian Recovery and Hom elessness Is it possible that what we've called the "Christian Recovery Movement" could be helpful in solving this problem? Recovery in the Christian community is still largely a phenomenon of the middle-class. Most Christian support groups meet in predominantly white suburban churches, usually outside of the reach of inner city people who could greatly benefit from them. Additionally. almost all of the Christian self-help literature is written with a cultural and educational bias aimed at this social status. There are, however, some encouraging signs. POINT OF VIEW by Helen Dunlap It seems slightly out of context to take this space to share some observations and reflections from a week in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, especially while housing advocates in Washington are attempting to. make sure that the 1999 Budget is sufficient. From half way around the world, depen- To be more specific, I have spent the week visiting USAID and IFC (International Finance Corporation) development$ where the United States and the World Bank are investing resources to build local capacity to do small business lending. The objective is not just to make loans but to build the infrastructure to do so. This is ironic at a time when the entire infrastructure in Russia disappeared almost overnight in the past month. Imagine an environment with ATM machines and credit cards that all broke down at once. Imagine a place where traveler's checks can't be cashed. If you are in Russia right now that is the environment. Sounds like some neighborhoods in America dependent oR check cashing outfits. While relevant observations are endless here are a few which I hope are of interest. I have been fascinated with what is happening with the privatization of the publicly owned stock. As you are aware, housing was typically publicly owned until the disillusion of the Soviet Union and the democratization of Eastern Europe. Much of the stock is or has been made available to current occupants for a nominal price. T his is not to say that there isn't then value. Resale has real market value. Of course, one needs a place to live so the value is not liquid but it is collateral for business and not having a mortgage payment is interesting. On the other hand, since most of the buildings are multiunit buildings and there are few cooperat.ive arrange­ ments, when the roof leaks there is no association to repair it. When the elevator breaks down, repair happens only when someone takes the initiative to collect from their neighbors and get it fixed . In discussing the various lending programs I have found repeated illustrations of something which is called the taX police. Few folks pay taXes unless they get involved in the organized system. Tax collection is irregular and often corrupt. When someone uses a bank or other organized lending program they find themselves in the system and subject to taxation. This does not necessarily mean that they just pay their taXes however. Since the system could well not be consistent some end up paying more than they owe with the consequence that the business they just started or tried to build goes bankrupt because of taXation. l oan repayment is at risk of the "taX police". I leave it to you to think about the similari­ ties between this situation and the growing second economy in the United States, one which if fo lks had 'VIEW' Cont. on Page Nine... �., STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine GIVE IT UP LIFE IS by Denise Crew by Lee Crum, 239·589 Orient CorrectionalInstitution Y9u are a clinging vine, digging in deep becoming a part of all that has been created LONESOME ME by Denise Crew I couldn't wait until I had time to myself no little ones outside the bathroom door doing a battle royal about a pair of socks No book fairs to scrounge up money for so that my little ones could be privileged to a book or two of their choosing no lunches to pack for school and complaints about what was in them or discovering them uneaten the following day Worrying who will do child care next week because the new baby-sitter just isn't working out now my mind is on other things · how are the children are the grandchildren doing all right Why don't they call why don't they visit some things never change one it was just poor me ,now its just poor lonesome me ARITHMETICIAN byAaron Pitchford If you have a potato and divide into halves, then into quarters, then eighths, then into sixteenths, what would be the correct answer? Potato salad! STREETVIBES Sweat and T-Shirts! Only $5 for T's, $1Ofor Sweats. You want to be a earth woman, protect all things that live, as well as all things are precious to you Kind woman of spirit you can live gently on this earth, at one with all that's good an right Soothing words come form your heart. But YO';! do not know their impact on my being. As forceful a blow that could be deadly if connected with fatal violence You keep only that which you are in need if to survive. When it comes time for you. Without hesitation or reservation, you give it up MOTHER THORITOI by Denise Crew Surely you are the matriarch of the family putting all you have into yours is what you do being all to those who are, and bringing each one through It must be a thankless task sometimes I dare say, but you are the woman who made the tireless way I know you must get tired with all you have to do the care, the love and a stern talk or two You've always been a mother now your grands are true because they see, and they will keep your legacy come true Press for education, is focus for the day This you do encourage in every single way so proud you are, I know it Because you are the Matriarch STREETVIBES The Tn State's Homeless Grapevine God knows you do your best so He brings you peace at night when you lay down to rest you wake early in the morning and do your daily thing do people know or even care that you are crowned a queen 100% White Cotton Shirts and Long Sleeve Sweat Shirts XL Purple logo T-shirts and Sweat Shirts are available at our office at 1506 Elm Street. Please stop by and see us. Page 6 What is life, a meaningful thing More precious than money; I do mean! A Prisoner Of War That still have dreams, No chance for parole Is how its seems Incarcerated! No help from the outside, Behind the walls of a prison Is where I lye_. In need of friendship thats no lie, For many of reasons and this says why? Confined with envelopes, pens, and paper But no o ne to write, It seems as though a long last fight! ''HE DON'T WAIT TO SEE YOU'' Aaoa1111oa1 She visited as often as possible. Sometimes with her husband john, sometimes alone, as today. She sent postcards, stamped envelopes, cards and letters. She bought him an electric typewriter for school. A good friend to a prisoner, to an old friend. Now the man at the check-in window said she could not visit. Her name and her husband's was scratched off the visiting list. "Yes, my husband's name was taken off so my mother could visit since you only allow 2 friends at a time. She was to put on in my husband's place for now. She's been to ill to come. My nam~ was not to be removed." "Well, it's off the list and he don't want to see you anyway so you can't go in." "There must be some mistake. I've been here before and there was no problem. Please check to see if my mother is on the list." "How would I even know if she was your mother? You're just a liar and you might as well leave now!" "Her name is Bessy Stevens. Is she on the list? Why would they remove her name?" "That name is here but I have no way of knowing if that is your mother. I wouldn't make any difference anyway. You were only on as the wife of a visitor. When your husband is off, you are off." 'This just is not right! I've visited before on my own, without my husband." "No you haven't, you're lying, you're not even on the list!" The officer at the other window stepped over and verified that she had visited before, quite often. said he'd seen her and she had been signed in. "Don't matter, she's not on the list now. With her attitude she shouldn't even bother trying to get on the list again. She won't make it, so forget it." Shaken by the threat, and feeling the anger rise in her throat after being called a liar twice, she hesitated. Then she answered, "You may be allowed to talk to the prisoners like that, but I am not locked up, so you don't have the right to treat me so!" "Get on out of here and don't bother to come back!" She turned quickly, her face flushed. She saw the faces of other waiting visitors, now apprehensive and threatened also. As she pushed the door open she said, not too softly, 'This really sucks!" The desk sergeant grinned at her, before he called the next visitor number. ' �SJREEJVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 7 • Phone: 921· 1231 STATE AVENUE SALVAGE HISTORICAL BLDG. MATERIALS EARL (CHARLIE) MATIINGLY 1958 State Ave. Cinti., OH 45204 (:C~ $1i HAND UP .\~OTHER C LASS PRODvCT I O~ Disc-Jockey Service NOT a CLIFFORD JONES {513) 761-3464 (513) 230-6353 payroll and human resource management HAND OUT TRANSCON EMPLOYMENT COMPANY Angle E. St runk , CEO 1-888-841·7900 P.O. Box 12545 (513) 841-5550 Cincinnati, Ohio 45212 Fax: (513) 841·5545 angie_strunkOmsn.com WILLIAM R . WALi.ACE, D.D.S. 5258 MONTGOMERY RO. NORWOOD. OH 452 12 OCTOBER 15-16, 1998 DROP INN CENTER 217 W. 12TH STREET Telephone (513) 531 ·2338 CINCINNATI, OHIO ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Subscribe to Streetvibes HAIKU by Brett Zwolinski An Unrhymed Japanese verse form of three lines containing usually 5,7,5 (or 7,5 ,7) syllables respectively . Please submit your suggestions for monthly Haiku to Brett Zwolinski at STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Now, Jessica Wal lac e' s Haiku: such an endless glass you drink such an image kept such sour endings you swallow Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $12 per year. Ple'ase send a check to the below address and the paper will be m ailed to you each issue. Streetvibes I 506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Home less--Streetvibes. If you have a ny questions, call 421-7803. 'Road' Cont. From Page Two.... and a stagnant minimum wage make for a very bleak next few years for poor people. The next speaker offered a ray of hope. Brooklyn Park was chosen as a sight for very good reason. Residents there had saved over I000 units of housing from demolition. The housing was in very-good condition, similar to Newport Publi~ Housing. Just like Newport, Lincoln Courts and just about anywhere else in the U.S., the land had suddenly become valuable for developers. My host Sue Watlov Phillips is A-1 as far as hosts go, took me on a very extensive tour of Minnesota that focused on social services. Minne­ sota has a slightly different emphasis than we do here in Ohio. With a lot of state-wide support, legislators have been able to produce a substantial amount of scattered sight transitional and permanent housing. Conversely they have less emergency services. It a shame in the richest country in the world that providers have to make difficult choices about who to serve. If you read this NBC, how about that for a Town Hall Meeting. Happy Trails. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page B • EDUCATION AS CRIME PREVENTION:~ PROVIDING EDUCATION TO PRISONERS by James Pryor, In Struggle Ohio's prison population is rapidly increasing. and current statistics place the number of people incarcerated in Ohio to be over fifty thousand. This -estimate is over thirty three thousand more people incarcerated today than there was fifteen years ago in 1980. The United States has a higher proportion of its population behind bars than any other nation. Yet, proportion-wise, Ohio ranks among one of the highest (states). and still its public schools are faltering. I would like to demonstrate the history of education in prison. and the changes in crime rates contributed to it; a measure that Ohio needs to consider at a fraction of the cost that it takes to build only one new prison. However, the taxpayers money is spent ludicrously. as thought it flows from a never ending fountain. In 1965, Congress passed Title IV of the Higher Education Act, which explicitly permitted prisoner's to apply for financial aid in the form of Pell Grants to attend college. The passage of Title IV allowed for the expansion of what had been a smattering of higher education programs in correc­ tional facilities. The number of programs peaked in 1982 at over 350 available in 90% of states. Ohio's prison population is rapidly increasing, and current statistics place the number of people incarcerated in Ohio to be over fifty thousand. In the 1970's, studies were conducted to determine the achievements of correctional higher education. Success was measured by the rate of rearrest and the offenders ability to obtain and maintain employment upon release. The results were overwhelmingly positive, indicating that higher education was responsible for reducing an individu­ als chances of returning to crime. In turn. this resulted in savings by reducing the costs of incar­ ceration and victimization, and by providing skilled workers to the economy. In the early I990's, elected officials began introducing legislation to prohibit federal tuition assistance to prisoners. A counter-effort started by educators, correctional officials, prison advocates, and prisoners themselves managed to stave off the legislation until 1994, when the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act effectively dismantled correctional higher education. Since 1994, the crime rate in ·Ohio has d'rastically increased according to law enforcement officials. The prison population alone has increased from around forty one thousand in 1994 to over fifty thousand prisoners currently. These types of increases reflect a downfall in the rehabilitative measures incorporated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. We could theoreti­ cally predict that by the year 2002, more than seventy thousand individuals in Ohio alone will be incarcerated. The United States has to seriously reconsider its approach to criminal justice, and incorporate legislation to bring about change. especially in states like Ohio. Ohio truly warehouses its prisoners, with no rehabilitative goals in mind. It has merely eliminated any form of quality educational programs. They are currently employing vocational programs which are based on outdated curriculum that is so outdated, that it serves no fundamental purpose. One could not use it upon return to society. They have a landscaping and tree care program which is insti­ tuted by an outsider college. They go through instructors regularly. In these programs, there are courses that prisoners will receive full credit for, but attending only two or three courses a semester. This is because the college has no instructors to teach the program. Yet, this does the prisoner no good, as he will still be unqualified to obtain the job, because he is still undereducated and doesn't have the skills required to perform the job. This is one of the many ways in which the Ohio prisoner is exploited to show the paperwork to generate funds. I had, through diligence and maintaining an institutional record of adjustment, been allowed to be lowered to minimum security and placed in an honor status dormitory. About a month ago, I went before the unit manager and case manager of this honor status dormitory to be asked to consider a voluntary job. I did not accept it because I wanted to remain in a vocational program. Approximately two weeks later, I was transferred out of the dormi­ tory for refusing to give up my educational opportu­ nity to push a broom and do menial labor! These are the rehabilitative strategies of the Ohio Depart­ ment of Rehabilitation and Correction. What is their goal? [Statistical Source: The Center on Crime, Communities & Culture; (Se ptember I 99 7). Educa­ tion A Crime Preve.ntion: New York, NY, Open Society Institute.] THE ONGOING CONCERN OF PRIVATIZATION ethics! We must consider the capitalistic drive of the Ohio bureaucrats to build more prisons. They legitimize this need by building up the public with get tough on crime tactics. They down play the Ohio prisoner as scum for their own political gain. The Ohio state system, systematically abuses their prisoners who are harsh and bitter for return into society. What form of rehabilitative initiatives would private prisons employ? It's time for questions and answers as a people, instead of as an unheard voice! The state system should be fully scrutinized before you so eagerly downgrade privatization. This is the t.ime to seek prison reform of Ohio State Prisons, because they affect you in a lot of ways and society as a whole. What form of rehabilitative initiatives would private prisons employ? It's time for questions and answers as a people, instead of as an unheard voice! The Ohio bureaucrats hide behind a barrage of media tactics. This allows them to keep hidden the abuses that exist within the Ohio prisons. With their strategies they have the public believing they are running a tight ship, when in actuality it's sinking. Myself, I've suffered enough, and am ready for some positive change. What changes can be guaranteed us by private firms ; education. proper diet, proper medical care, and adequate security? We need to know the answers to these questions. There seems to be a lot of abuses by private prison corporations nationwide. How much more existent are these abuses than the ones suffered regularly by state prisoners in a state prison? The main issue should be prison reform, not who operates them. When we compare and contrast private or state run Prisons, who comes out ahead? What exposure have the state prisons received on their abuses as compared to private prisons? There exists a lot of hidden applicable factors that must be considered before we are swayed by the media into accepting what a biased individual wants you to believe. We as a people, society included, need to take back our voice, and not let capitol hungry bureaucrats dictate what affects us. I would like my State Representative and the representatives of the private firms to give me answers and assure results towards reform. ••••••••••••• • •• • •••••••••• by James Pryor Does the public have an ongoing concern of privatization of Ohio prisons, or is it a concern played up by the media? The Youngstown incident, or recent incidents, have been the focus in opposing privatization. Yet, one must consider the numerous incidents taking place regularly in the Ohio state prisons that do not receive media coverage. During my brief stint here at Orient Correctional Institution (OCI), there have been numerous incidents of violence that were not publicly reported, nor were they checked by the prison administration. Ohio prisoners' concerns are focused on the standards in security and care privatization can offer. They can consider that your legal resources would be more readily available, because a private firm is not exempt from certain liabilities as is a state prison. Therefore, private prisons would have to provide you a higher standard of medical care, something nonexistent in a state prison. What other ar~as would one worry about with privatization/ Do Ohio State Prisons offer any positive form of rehabilitation in educational programs, do they offer you standard food .or adequate living conditions? These are decisions you are going to have to decide o n yourself based on yo ur own set of values and Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $12 pe r year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. . Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for t he Home less--Streetvibe s. If you have any questions, call 421-7803. �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine OLDER ADULTS DEVE·LOP LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLAN basis. Men can join Genesis or other similar groups that help to find you work and provide a place to "let it all out," if you feel the need. Remember, we are not responsible for our disease, but we are responsible for our recovery. Don't take your recovery lightly, but don't try to work it alone. Don't be too proud to share your inner-feelings, or.they may lead you to relapse. "Just for today," don't pick-up. Trust in the Lord, He too is a great help in troubled times. Submittedby Greater Cincinnati Joint Council On Geriatric Care CHILDREN'S DAY Recommendations made by older adults during the follow-up to the White House Conference on Aging on April 29 include keeping choice of doctors for Medicare, maintaining Social Security at current levels, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act with suffiCient funding. The Older Americans Act is three years overdue of reauthorization. Without reauthoriza­ tion, no increases can be made in programs funded by the Act. These programs include home delivered meals, transportation, and many other services ne~ded to help older adults stay in their own homes. In spite of the dramatic rise in this population as more people live longer, the increasing needs of frail older adults, and the growing costs of providing services, federal funding for these programs has remained the same since 1992, resulting in long waiting lists for essential services. Work-group sessions during the conference identi·fied several other recommendations including stricter sentences for crimes against older adults, nationwide recognition of advance directives, better communication and funding for adult protective services, more police involvement with older adults, and greater collaboration for transportation services. Conference participants, including more than 130 older adults, developed an action plan to address their major areas of concern as well as other strategies to spread the word about the needs and issues facing older adults. Those interested in volunteering to get involved with this advocacy effort are asked to call the Hyde Park Center for Older Adults, 321-6816, or Senior Services of Northern Kentucky, 292-7968. Sponsored by the Kentucky Association for Gerontology and Greater Cincinnati Joint Council on Geriatric Care, the conference was based on the results of a survey completed by more than 600 individuals over 65. LIFE AFTER REHAB? by MichaelNelson Six months rehab at the Drop Inn Center Live­ In Program and seven months at the Recovery Hotel. What happens after this? I guess it's up to the individual. There are many books to read: Living Sober, Life Without Liquor, and Be Happy. Also, the Big Book and Twenty-four Hours A Day. Go to meetings, call your sponsor, get phone numbers, and call these new acquaintances. But, is this enough for us? Does all this keep us clean and sober? I think not. What to do with all of those idle hours in­ between meetings and reading? I'm beginning to understand why so many in rehab return again and again to one program or another. I think they find a sense of security there they don't seem to find living o n their own. "Living Life on Life's Terms," is easier said than done. Now, I can't seem to find enough to do with myself many times. "One Day at A Time, 'Live and Let Live."' These all make sense when we read them, but how to live them is another story! We all have the same disease, but some of us are sicker than others. This is true, I'm sure of it. Find someone you can talk honestly to on a regular No one proclaimed it. No one said it was a day for children in the Prison Visit Room. It just happened. Many more than usual were visiting that day. One, across form us, I titled, "Boy with Bangs." Neatly cut in an old-fashioned style, his dark bangs were straight and silky. The collar on his stylish gray and white striped shirt was open. Its tail tucked snugly into stone-washed jeans. Snappy brown eyes darted here and there with curiosity. He ran over to check out the vending machines. He gazed through narrow window panes at chain fence and razor wire. Abruptly he turned, flashed a grin that lit up his face, then da~hed back to burrow his head in father's arms. Jest then a wee, pudgy girl came hopping down the aisle hugging a candy bar to her yellow shirt. Rumpled jeans hung low. Her tummy pooched out a bit. Floppy scuffed sandals plopped as she bounced along, swinging one lone pigtail and humming a tune. Nearby sat three girl children all surely under five years old. Littlest girl baby had chubby choco­ late cheeks. Perky pink bows nipped tiny hair tufts. Middle girl wore deep purple with matching beads on each braided corn row. Big sister's gold slacks and blue jacket, sporting red sleeve emblems, looked very military. Gold barrettes clasped her long plaits. Soft words and gentle smiles flitted throughout the murmurs I heard. These young ones sat politely on hard plastic chairs, watching their grandpa. At a far table a three year old wiggled on her Daddy's lap. Reaching up to caress his face, she gave his neck a quick poke, then giggled. After seeing him kiss her mother she grabbed his chin, pulled it down, and planted a fat kiss right smack on his lips! Embarrassed, she ducked her head, then peeked out. He smiled and winked down at her. She snuggled close, content. A boy, maybe eight years old, wore a long sleeved, silky shirt. Vertical lines of turquoise, purple and mauve ran down the sleeves. His legs. not long enough to touch the floor, dangled and kicked impatiently. Opening his popcorn bag he crunched the last kernel before leaning his head against his father's blue uniform. Visiting hours ended. Visitors lined up, waiting to be released to freedom. A slender young woman cradled her flaxen-hair daughter in one arm. By her side huddled a young son, trying to hide his sobs in her skirt. Great tear drops popped from his sister's eyes, and rolled down rosy cheeks. Over mother's shoulder she stretched out stubby hands to reach across the room. Their Daddy stood there help­ lessly, waiting in lin~ to be returned to his cell. She called to him with a whine, then raised it to a plaintive chant. Brother added his plea. "Dad-dy, Dad-dy, Daddy," they mourned. Other children heard their cries. Recognizing those sounds, sounds of their own anguish , they joined the chor us. The room pulsed with their hurting hearts. "Daddy come with us! Daddy come on! Daddy, Daddy, Please Daddy! Please, come home!" Tears filled our eyes as our heavy door banged open. Children's Day was over for us. As fathers waited to be stripped and body searched, fists rubbed grown-up eyes, sobs were muffled. People in prison aren't thought to be human. Everyone there is supposed to be a brutal, hardened criminal. On a Children's Day that doesn't seem to ring so t rue. Page 9 TACTICS by.Robert Freking This is my final column on tactics. I don't have much more to add to the first two columns. What I've been discussing in my last columns is that we have to 'get in. their faces'. We have to make them uncomfortable. We have to make them think: "Oh no, we don't want to mess with them!" I'm not advocating doing anything illegal. I'm saying what we are doing now is not working. We need to change the offensive play book. I'm not criticizing. All I'm saying is please, sit back and take a fresh look. Hannibal crossed the Alps with an invincible force. Fabius met Hannibal on the battlefield but quickly withdrew. Time after time Fabius withdrew until when he finally attacked, Hannibal was demor­ alized and suffered defeat. A new tactic prevented Rome from being destroyed. Can we prevent the slow and steady removal of low-income housing and poor people from Over­ the-Rhine? Are those who care willing to come together, open the process, and work out a winning strategy that the neighborhood can get behind? Can we come up with new ideas that will shatter the forces who want to convert the neighborhood to luxury homes and BMW parking lots? 'View• Cont. From Page Five.. to pay taxes would result in them being unable to support their family, thus increasing the government's welfare burden. My favorite observation was the relationship between having electricity and paying for it. When I arrived in Tblisi I was told that the electricity was off much of the time including in offices there because folks don't pay their bill. After learning more however I found out that people don't pay their bill because they don't have electricity much of the time and they have no way to influence the quality or quantity of the service. Alternative systems are of course developing and the sale of generators is a great business. They have been experimenting in some places with privatizing the utilities, offering electricity 24 hoUf's a day and cutting it off specifi­ cally to the folks that don't pay. Guess what, people pay and they are involved in those situations. As I reflect on this visit my overwhelming observation is how much emerging markets, rural and very vrban America have similar challenges and similar problems in other parts of the world. Comparisons are valuable not to create choice between limited resources but to build knowledge and a recognition that when we discuss the value of healthy communities to each of us that we think as broadly as we can. �STREETVIBES The Tn State's Homeless Grapevine POINTLESS POINT LIVABLE WAGE Dear STREETVIBES: I read your recent article on a livable wage with some interest, as I belong to a credit union in Ithaca, New York which is concerned with facilitating opportunities for low-income members of the community. Interestingly enough, many members of Ithaca and staff are affiliated with Cornell university, and elite private university that co sts about $20,000/ year (minimum) to attend. Yet, Ithaca has pioneered concern for wage equity and developed an " Ithaca Hours" barter system (copied by groups in Athens, Ohio and elsewhere) which values all labor at a minimum of $1 O/hr - whether restaurant service or legal work, consulting or housecleaning. In addition, the Women's Rights National Historic Site in Seneca Falls, New York, which is within the National Park Service, was visited by Hillary Rodham Clinton in July, and which celebrates the efforts of early suffragettes and anti-slavery activists including Frederick Douglass, ha.s an exhibit dealing with the efforts in the state o f Minnesota to develop equitable wages for undervalued work* (which is often done by women and/or minorities), rather than allowing the extremes of income inequality typical of most of the U.S. (we are the WORST industrialized nation in this regard, if you didn't already know - Canada has much less severe inequality) and of our own city of Cincinnati. Best wishes on following up on these ideas! I wish somebody besides the articulate secretaries organizing at UC (UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI) would deal with this issue. Where's some socially responsible business/leadership in this community? *Interestingly, Minnesota raised the waies of some so-called low-skilled jobs and valued them for their necessity to be done instead of for how much private profit they earn for particular individuals as we do as a society. As only one example - I have OFTEN wondered why selling real-estate for example , is so grotesquely QYIB paid. What does sales - of any kind - do to better our world? Sincerely, C indy De nton A Subscribe r (and member, Alte rnatives Fe d eral C redit Union) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• DEAR DONALD: Thank you for coming Monday to speak about the Coalition for the homeless. Your story touched the hearts of many. I'm sure the subscription to STREETVIBES will continue to be a reminder to the TACKLERS. Wishing you blessings as you continue your work for the poor and homeless. Thank you. Sincerely, Joanie Schaffer and The TACKLE STAFF Well you people, So, now I've been to a conference, and I've' emailed you guys. I believe the concept was to learn from each other and unify the voice of the homeless and their advocates. YAKITY YAKITY YAK. Creating my own paper, be it ever so limited, did help me get off the street. From it I learned to socialize and to open my mind to a continual search of understanding. I saved my ass fro the streets. As was mine, your papers ·a re vehicles for self-serving indulgences. They help only to create beer money for bums. Whoops, am I wrong? Then why the lack of true communal spirit among the papers? As I am off the street I no longer need the paper. Oh, I continue to write. Perhaps someday I'll have my own column somewhere. Still, the only one I can thank for getting off the streets is myself. Kevin Barb ieux (N orth American Street Newspaper Confere n ce participant) • •••••••••••••••••••••••••• Page 10 A PLACE FOR EXPRESSION Dear Readers: I would like to take time to thank you for your dedicated contribution to STREETVIBES. ram merely a reader myself, because of the variety of material printed by STREETVIBES. Yet, I can be assured that your character is compassionate. That's why I encourage you to pay heed to the issues brought forth by STREETVIBES, which create a sincere conscience of our social injustices. Being a prisoner myself, I can truly say that the opportunities to express the injustices of Ohio's prison system shows that we can have a voice through those who care at STREETVIBES. It would be inhuman to ignore the sufferings of our fellow man. Please continue to read STREETVIBES and allow your heart to guide you towards whatever actions you may take towards the pains of those portrayed on the pages of STREETVIBES. Furthermore, encourage your friends and associates to read this paper and subscribe if it be their choice. Healing our society is a step by step process, so please take a step and may God bless you in so doing! In struggle, Jam es W . Pryor •••• • • • •••••••••••••••••••• WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST..• LEVONNE FAMILY by Mary Ann Bravo I have met this family last year, December of lames 2:1 4- 17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful for the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Last month I told you about the merger which has become Helping Hands Community Services/ A.W.O.L. Outreach Ministries, and I introduced to you Pastor Leonard Williams, Sr. Pastor Williams is a man of God who believes in putting his faith to work, and because of thi$ he is a blessing to all who come to know him. Presently we are offering a multitude of referral services and programs such as: "W omen of Vision," w hich is held on Saturdays in South Cummingsville and facilitated by Evangelist Cordelia Nowell. And there program assistance to the Fay Community Center's Afterschool Program. The Whole Life Church of Jesus Christ will be dedicating the month of October to the women of the church, November to the men, and December to the family. If you do not have a church home, come fellowship with us at 1814 Powers Street in South Cummingsville. We will have a blessed time in the Lord. If you would like to contribute in some way, or if you would like to learn more about our ministries and services call 681-5537. We are a growing ministry, but we challenge the man who says, "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works Oames 2: 18)." In His Service, Evangelist Rodney Sutton, Sr. 1997, by the grace of God. I could not have met a nicer family than this. This is a wonderful family to be around. She has grown around the crime. She is now living in Lincoln Heights. She has four beautiful children. They are very smart and well behaved. She has three girls and one boy. She is a single parent and she is working very hard for her children. She is a grandmother. One of her oldest daughters has a beautiful child named Sky. You can notice this family anywhere because of their smiles, and the way they carry themselves. One of her daughters looks just like her, they look like twin sisters, them, mother and daughter. I am glad I have met this family. This is a warm, caring family. God bless them all. • •••••••••••••••••••••••••• COMEDY CORIER by Ron Carter The Steak: There were three guys rooming together and their food was all gone except for one steak in the refrigerator. Everyone wanted the steak and didn't want to share it. Lets say their names were Brett, Jimmy, and Don. They decided that they would go to sleep and who ever had the best dream would get the steak. So they all went to sleep and woke up when their alarm clock went off. Brett said, "I dreamed that I go t the job that I applied for that pays well and has very good benefits." So, they all agreed that was a good dream. Jim said, " I dreamed that I hit the lottery real big and I donated a lot of the money to the Home less C oalition." Brett and Don agreed that was an excellent dream. Jim asked, ''What was your dream about Don?" Don replied, "I dreamed that you two guys had left town and wasn't coming back, so I woke up before you two did and ate the steak." �STREETVIBES The Tri State's Homeless Grapevine Page 11 Scramble The Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless presents the 3rd Annual a gospel music performance, featuring some of Cincinnati's finest talent. Please help us help those less fortunate. Saturday, October 17, 1998 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Mt. Auburn Presbyterian C·hurch Auburn & E. McMillan Ave efeaturin§Sdm& efcrindmtatis c:finesl c2J11spcl rc'alml Joel Davis Saint Anthony Catholic Church Choir, Gail Ho.lley Burnetta Price David Mizell Angie Pepper Denise Wilburn 'The Voices Of Hope" "Tribe Gospel Choir" and more !!!! otr<? Donald Whitehead & c:f;uest Ant1dllt1eetr or send a check made out to "Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless", 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210. ••• • •• •••• ••• •• •••• • • ••••••• •••••• •••• •• • ••••••••••• •••• Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per ye ar. Please send a check to ·the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each issue. Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street C incinnati, OH 45~ I 0 Please make che cks pay­ able to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless-­ Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call 421-7803. Try to unscramble these related words: TROCOD REYWAL EILOPCMNA RANMFEI REHCAST EGJED GSNSNCRMAEO ROTASNE LICONUCAMN RENIGENO STSNATMPO Answers on page IS. FINDLAY MARKET UPDATE byRon Carter For tickets contact Donald Whitehead at 421-7803 Subscribe to. Streetvibes byRancarter Community Celebration. The Findlay Market is as always the place to go on Saturday for whatever you need. Not only will you find good meats, fruits, and vegetables, there are a lot of other stands with numerous items of interest to you. Findlay Market is expanding and getting better all the time. Come and check it out if you haven't lately and see for your self. You too can sell items you think the people would like. Just come down and discuss it with the Fin!:llay Market Manager and you too .can be part of it all. I have been doing outreach work at Findlay Market since February for the Over-the-Rhine Community. Mainly getting petitions signed for the One-Way Vine Street situation. I have collected around 1400 to I500 signatures in favor of One­ Way Vine. I enjoy talking to the people and explaining why Vine Street should remain a one-way street. I think a lot of the shoppers get a big kick out of me talking them into signing my petition. Some of the shoppers, both young and old, that I talked to never knew that Vine was formerly all two-way and can't believe anyone would want it that way again. We are very much c;;oncerned about everyone's safety on Vine and that's why we're fighting so hard to keep in that way. And from the response that I have gotten from the Findlay Market shoppers, the majority of them feel the same as we do at the Over­ The-Rhine Community Council (OTRCC). Hopefully by the time this story gets to the press, a decision will have been made in our favor. Let's keep our fingers crossed. And remember, We Are Doing Fine With One-Way Vine. Thank you all who signed petitions. We really appreciate your support. Live Music! Friends and Neighbors Every Sunday -6PM Free of Charge ot Over·the·Rhlne Nast-Trinity .United Methodist Church 1320 Race St. Cincinnati 721-7339 An Organization Seeking Justice for People in Cincinnati's .Most Endangered Community �STREETVIBES The T1-i State's Homeless Grapevine Page 12 HOMELESS VETERANS FIND HELP by Iola Green Since 1987, the Department of Veterans Affairs 01 A) has addressed the problems of homelessness among veterans through a wide range of specialized programs. These pr~grams are known as the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV). The core of the HCHV program is to reduce homelessness among veterans by conducting outreach in the community to those veterans who are not currently receiving services and engaging them in treatment programs. The Cincinnati VA HCHV team consists of a Master Level Social Worker, a Nurse Practitio­ ner, a Program Specialist and administrative support from two part-time clerks. The HCHV outreach activities include identify­ ing veterans in shelters, soup kitchens, parks and other community locations. Once a veteran enters into the program; the veteran is placed in one of three community-based contracted residential treatment facilities. They are the Prospect House, Droege Transitions for men and WRAP for women, and Joseph House. Through the outreach efforts of the Cincinnati VA HCHV team, there are veter.ans who have found their way off the streets and into jobs, careers, school and housing. Howard Turner is one of those veterans. Here is Howard's' story in his own words: I first became homeless in June of 1993 after being released from prison for drug trafficking. It was my third time doing time in prison, 't he other two times for drug abuse, and the one for trafficking in drugs. Well, the only reason that I wasn't homeless before my last imprisonment was because Howard-Turner my dad had passed away a couple of years prior, and left me a nice three family home, to be shared with my brother. Needless to say, when I got out, or just before my release, we sold the house and I proceeded to spend all the money on drugs and treating my so-called friends. Staying here and there, and before I knew it, all my money was gone and so were my so-called friends. So I tried working out of tempora,.Y labor services to get back on my feet, but I could never make it. I was caught up in the drug scene. I found myself not knowing what to do. I knew that there was a 28 day p~ogram at the VA Hospital, and being a vet it would be free of charge, and I would have a place to stay. Well I did that and went from there to a long term treatment program at the 'Dom.' I stayed clean for a while but I didn't work the program like they suggested. I thought that I could do it by myself, that's stay sober. I went back out and again I was homeless, once again I returned to treatment. It took me another long term treatment program and I still 'went back out'. But I remembered two things; the Photo byJimmy Heath lady at the furlough board saying "we're going to release you and give you a chance to save your life", and the members of AA telling me to keep coming back. From 1993 until November 3rd, 1997, which is my sobriety date with the exceptions of when I was in treatment, I slept in parks, abandoned buildings and shelters. I walked in the Prospect House on November 3rd, 1997 and I thank Mrs. Iola Green from the bottom of my heart for believing in me. Also my counselors and the staff at the Pros­ pect House, and above all, I thank God for allowing me to be a productive citizen. I work for a company where I started nine months ago through a tempo­ rary service and worked hard. I was hired on full time with the company. I am presently living in transitional housing paying $255 per month for rent. My job pays $8 an hour with good benefits. Today I am up in the morning at 4:30 AM getting ready to leave for work at 5:25. I thank God for the VA Homeless Program and Mrs. Green, the Prospect House, and of course AA. ,I­ ,{ .r.1 ~·-·- ­ . . .. .. - •M -·­ I~-':-~ =-~-~\ r-- . __ ·­ : L J- .. ­ \ ~-:- ~--- i : I -·--­ -·-· . i : I ·1 \ - ­ l lI I .. . ·-l­ . . \ • .,....-..;;..;;;;;....,.........-~1" I . I.. ._____.. I - r­ j 10: .. �STREETVIBES The T1-i State's Homeless Grapevine Page 13 News From Cleveland's llraperine ARefugee of the New Health Care System by Brian Davis On September 24, a young man 21 years old showed up at the shelter doors with burns over three fourths of his body. He was dropped off at the men's shelter by the only public hospital lett in Cleveland. The hospital social worker did not check with the shelter ahead of time, but just dropped "Ray" off. There was no room at the shelter as is the case every night of the year in Cleveland. Ray had to spend the night on the floor. Only 24 hours earlier Ray had tried to commit suicide by lighting himself on fire. He had second and third degree burns. He spent 24 hours in the Psychiatric Ward, and was discharged to the streets. He was given four paper prescriptions for pain and antidepressants and dumped at the Volunteers of America shelter. The staff at the VOA were out­ raged. Officials from MetroHealth hospital could not be reached for·comment. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Homeless Man Lost But Not Forgotten There are a group of people in our society who always seern to be in the way. Those people who find solace in a bott le. Society calls them "drunks" and "bums." They are arre sted by the police on a regular basis, and swept away. Pedestri­ ans see them sleeping in a doorway and forget about them as soon as they pass. But in a memorial service for Charles "Boogie" Akers those who remembered Charlie repeatedly mentioned "God's way", and this is "what God wanted for Boogie." As Ron Reinhart, Director of Salvation Army's PASS program said, "As a provider, even being an alcoholic myself, what we may think is best for someone, like sobriety, may not be what God. meant for this person." There was a great deal of mythology associated with Charles Akers. Some said that he was a college graduate who lost everything. Others claimed he was a former well paid business executive who had lost everything. In reality what was known about Charlie was that he had a great sense of humor, and was a kind and feisty individual. He loved to dance and he loved Hank Williams. He would go to dances and ask everyone to dance until he found someone who WJ.S willing. Akers was born in 1933. He was educated through the sixth grade. He used to say the only Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. Please send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each month. Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless-­ Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call '421-7803. BP thing that'kept him out of high school was 8th grade. He was just learning to read in the past few years. He loved to sing, and he was fond of Mad Dog 20/20 alcohol because of its cheap price and intoxicating effect. He did have a mental illness, ar:id had received funds from his father's railroad pension fund. He had interaction with the Cleveland Police over 400 times in the last 30 years: most were calls that involved Charlie's public drunkenness. He was struck by a drunk driver on Saturday August 22 and died early on Sunday morning. Police records indicate that the driver was tharged with vehicular homicide for striking and killing Charlie near W. S2nd and Lorain. In 1997 and 1998, he had some success in his lifelong battle with alcoholism. He had obtained 43 consecutive days of sobriety while in the PASS program. Reinhart believes that given the opportu­ nity and the time, he "absolutely" would have made progress with his drinking problem. 'The only way to reach him was through patience and tolerance," Reinhart said. "He was like a kid in a toy store when he was sober," according to Reinhart. There were many new experiences that he discovered at PASS, ii:icluding going to Bob Evans Restaurant. He found the joy of sitting down at a meal and being served. He also was so proud to be able to buy thi!'gs, even food, for people with his own money. Reinhart said, "We were fortunate to be a part of that. He went to Bob Evans regularly while sober." David Simmons, a friend of Charlie and social service provider, described how proud Charlie was of his clean suit that he got while at PASS. He would show off his clean clothing and his new life-style. This is a life foreign to most people, but he lived o n the streets for thirty years from one bottle to the next. He reportedly said, "Live life to the fullest, because no one else is going to live it for you." In fact, he got his nickname from a song that he use to sing about bogeying all night with the ladies. He would pan handle or scrape together money to buy alcohol to cover up some childhood trauma or abuse, and then sleep it off. He lett no family or history that can be verified. His parents did buy him a cemetery plot years ago, which local homeless service providers were able to find in Akron where he was buried. The Cleveland Fire Department who had to come to his assistance on many occasions came to pay their respects. Members of the Second District Police unit also visited Charlie's memorial. Homeless service providers from both the East and West Side who had helped Charlie and had been touched by Charlie came together for his memorial service on August 28 on the near West Side. His friends from the streets were well represented. His drinking buddies remembered him. One gendeman said that he was going to drink a bottle of Mad Dog for Charlie, and then he was never going to drink that kind of alcohol again because it made him sick. Another man said that no one again would pan handle on the corner of W . 40th and Lorain. Eric Wolf, a hard core homeless man who never came in for services, said before he was homeless when he first got to Cleveland he met Boogie. He said that he allowed Charlie to baby sit for his kid. When Eric got home he said, "the kid • came running out saying that Charlie was going to sell him for a bottle of wine. He was a hell of good man." Charlie wasn't much of a baby-sitter. Mark Budzar, Outreach Director of Volun­ teers of America said, "He was one of funniest people you could know. He was a good guy. Like a member of the family." Budzar said you could look past his faults and take care of him when he was in need. Budzar will miss Charlie saying, "My name is Jimmy. I'll take whatever you give me." (Boogie's rap that he used while pan handling.) Reinhart said, "He didn't lie about who he was. He knew who he was and what he wanted." Simmons said, "He kept getting back up. He is a testament to man's ability to pick themselves up and continue." Simmons, a recovering alcoholic, said he met Charlie in the drunk tank at the Justice Center. "He wa.s so annoying. He was singing and telling jokes, and you just wanted to kill him." David grew to enjoy Charlie, and tried to help him when he could. "He was a rare individual, a truly honest human being. The only people who could communi­ cate with him was those he was drinking with," David said. The death of Charlie is fraught with irony. He was struck by a drunk driver while he had spent his life drinking and staggering along the Cleveland streets. He had never stepped out in traffic in all those years of drinking. His service was held across from where he spent many years pan handling. In fact, he wa.s known to cause some disruption for the funeral home in the past because of his irreverent behavior. For social workers, Charlie is the person that they wake up nights in a cold sweat worrying about. Service providers extend every effort to get an individual to a point of self reliance as dictated by societal ne>rms. There was a great deal of anguish by many providers over Charlie Akers, but Charlie ' survived and woke up everyday. He never gave up . the struggle. As Reinhart said, "He opened my eyes to not try to run things in neat squares when you are working with human beings. He changed my outlook on how to deal with people." Budzar said he agreed w ith the sentiment expressed at the Memorial Service that, "Charlie taught us how to take care of each other." ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Dealing With Welfare byCrystal W. Speaking as someone who really knows just what it is like dealing with the welfare department, I'm here to say that they are so far off base and poorly trained to deal with human beings period. The entire system is going through some sort of massive change over in the computer software or something of that nature, until the phone system isn't letting any phone calls reach workers and supervisors. People who have appointments and have a legal reason for needing to reschedule are quickly whisked onto the sanction list because their phone calls aren't reaching their caseworker. I've overheard a worker say, "well too bad" they should have made their first appointment. The workers take personally the power that they hold over a client and their way of living (or should I say way of surviving.) It is to the point that they think nothing about how much they hurt people. I was sanctioned by my caseworker in May and June. When July rolled around, I didn't receive my health card, my food stamps weren't listed in the system and when I tried to talk to my worker, of course the phones were out of service. I traveled down to the building on Payne Ave., and was taken through a thousand changes until I was finally understood. By then they told me that my case­ worker was gone on vacation and there wasn't anyone covering her caseload. My worker, I believe, on purpose did not update my file, she neglected me and my case, leaving me in the wind so to speak. They don't care if you suffer or not! Nothing is ever their fault, nor will they bother to look into situations that obviously don't seem right even to them. It is like they are afraid that they might have to do some extra work, or actually help someone! They need some help badly. �STREETVIBES The Tt~i State's Homeless Grapevine •••·our Youth• Cont. from Page Three The solutions are right under everyone's nose no one will look. Men cut off their face to spite their nose when they don't work...when simply they can set up a back payment plan if child support laws were fair. Women reading this probably are saying who is she, she must not have children. Yes, I do. And believe me the law is not helping to get child support for them. Believe it, we women should work for a solution. And of course there are men who say, I'm not giving my money to that women, she'll spend it on herself. You are darn right she should because after all sooner or later she will have to come out of her pocket to buy those $200 Reeboks or Nikes. Let us not forget Air Jordans. Men your money is only allowing her to put food and a roof over your child's head. Believe me when I say, your child benefits more than· that women. On to a crucial topic. Mommies who curse their children calling little girls little B's and little boys Little MF's. Get real. When they grow up they will curse you. If you want respect you have to give respect. Every adult lives long enough to know right and wrong. So for Christmas I wish Santa Claus would let me see adults be more responsible in how they raise their child. Rap music is cool, but what is not so cool is the profanity. Women are not hoes or B's. If you ask me some men act mor e like a "B" than I ever will. Come on! Capitalist society that we are, should think more on morals than dqllars. All that slang in rap is raising our children to be little ghetto te rrorists of the ir own neighborhood. I could go on and on about adults teaching children to be or do abusive things that are harmful to themselves as well as society. Whether you believe me or not, it is easier to do right than wrong. Wrong begets more wrong. It is easier to love than hate. Hate torments the soul. Kindness should be more asse rted. When I was a kid dad used to say, "If you can walk away from a fight do so." When I grew up I learnt the hard way that what he meant was use my mind instead of my fists. We as parents should learn to teach our children that. I mean that just as it is written. Parents should learn to teach our children. I repeat. Don't we as parents want the best for our children? Therefore watch what is said or done to our children. And remember adults, we are all role models for. our youth one way or another. Be moral. God doesn't like ugly. Ugly is racism, drugs, domestic violence to name a few. It is time to teach our gun toting children to respect themselves first ~o that they will learn to respect others. It is also time for the law to let the parents whoop some behind. And only take parents who brutalize children to jail. Kids need more restric­ tions today. And the belt is a good place to start. "Peace out," they say. I say PEACE IS IN. If the law is going to stop parents from spanking their children then maybe the law should raise the children. I'm not saying beat the child. I'm saying when necessary spank them. I find that talking to a child and what you say is most important. And ask or make the child repeat what you say to make sure they heard you. And you have to reinforce everything you say 'cause even if they hear what you say, they will forget in the next 5 minutes. So check again and again. Make sure what you say sticks. I love all kids. If you love your children, show them and teach them. They need you. Children are like balls of clay. If you mold them properly they will make great sculptures. It's up to parents. I know even when you t each them the best you can they still won't be good. So remember different tactics are necessary. And as Malcolm X use d to say, "BY ANY MEANS NECES­ SARY." But raise your child to be a good man or good woman. ~nd THE SHADOW REVIEWS: ''HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK'' by The Shadow Terry McMillan, playwright and author of this bestselling novel, admitted she was involved with a younger man and that relationship inspired her to write this romantic but controversial book. Movie Review Angela Bassett portrays Stella Payne, a successful San Francisco stockbroker. Although she is 40, she displays a hardrock body that makes men weak in the knees. Bored with her life, she decides to take a trip to Jamaica, where she discovers romance in the name of Winston Shakespeare who is portrayed by T aye Diggs. He is the perfect gentlemen-supportive, caring, and romantic. Plus he's a hunk. But there's one problem. He's twenty years younger than her. Diggs, who graduated from Syracuse University starred in the hit Broadway musical, Rent. When he discovered that he got the role as Winston, he got so excited that he took off all his clothes, and streaked around the theater screaming at the top of his lungs, "I got the part! I got the part!" Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis co-wrote and _ produced the album for their Flyte Tyme Produc­ tions for Flyte Tyme Records. It also features a host Page 14 of artists who include Boyz II Men featuring Chante Moore, Shaggy featuring Janet Jackson, K-Ci and Jojo, Soul II Soul featuring Caron Wheeler, and Jazzie B. Also, Stevie Wonder and Wyclef Jean. It also had a funky reggae flavor that was perfect for the movie with its two settings, America and Jamaica. Terry McMillan wanted to make the movie as close to the novel as possible, so she features artists that were included in the book like Mary J. Blige, Diana King, Maxi Priest, and Beenie Man. Regina King who starred in the NBC·sitcom "227" kept me laughing as Stella's sister, Vanessa, but it was Whoopi Goldberg (Stella's best friend in the movie) who not only 11dded humor, but drama. Suzzanne Douglas played Stella's bourgeois sister, Angela, who didn't believe or support her relation­ ship with a younger man. Most men cannot relate with this movie. Some. even feel intimidated. It's all right for older men to date younger women, but they feel threatened when older women date younger men. But men who have been in this situation know that love has no color or age, and it doesn't matter what position one holds. I feel good to review a movie that instills hope, and faith in love, romance, and relationships. This powerful movie subtly encourages Black men to stand by and support the Black women who has suffered heartache and pain like a beautiful flower in the frozen rain. I know that the greatest war is not the war among men who fight with guns, atomic bombs, and jet bombers. Yes, my brothers and sisters, the greatest war is the war among the sexes. --Contributed by The Shadow, author of "The Odd Cookie." Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Looking for a place .to call home? ·Call the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Affordable rent that never exceeds 30°/o of your income ... Many buildings equipped with security systems ... Units located on buslines and near stores, schools, hospitals, banks Rental units are available in these family and senior communities: Avondale Hopple Street/Fairmount West End Winton Place For more information, call 421-8190 today. �STREETVIBES The Tt-i State's Homeless Grapevine ANNOUNCING A new Group at AVOC••. For Heterosexuals Living With Aids FREE POLITICAL PRISONERS by Sonny Williams There are several political prisoners in Ohio's prisons. If you are interested to write to them, like James Pryor or Dan Cahill, please contact: Areyou looking for a broader knowledge ofthe challenge ofliving with HIV/AIDS? Would you like to meetpeople who haresimUarexperiencesandheartheir copingstrategies? Are you looking forpeers with whom ou can discuss andplan for the future? Page 15 In Memory of 11 Mac 11 Who Believed In Human Rights For Everyone & Who Founded Justice Watch ••• Because Every­ one includes Prison­ ers and Former Prisone rs. 1 Ohio Prisoner's Rights Union P.O. Box 1746 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201-1746 Phone: (513) 241-8014 COME MEET WITH US••• 1 Where: AVOC ''Gray Room" When: 1st and3rd Thursdays 6:30 PM to B:PM More information: Susan or Judy 421-2437 Band Lookinz for Work Streetvibes (the band). We like to party. R&B, Oldies, Blues/ Jazz, Reggae. Helping the homeless to help themselves through free enterprize. Call 421-7803 . Streetvibes is now accepting Classified Ads for items such as Help Wanted, Items for Sale, Apart­ ments for Rent and other non-personal items. The rate is only $1 per line, approximately four words per line. Classified ads are due by the 20th of the month. People below the poverty level will be allowed five free lines for .six months to 'advertise their skills or products to our readers. Otherwise, payment must be received before the ad will run. No refunds will be made. Also, if there is an error, notify us after the first printing. You will be given an extra month of ad time. Mail the ad copy to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 42 1-7813 for sale Native A mer ican cookies; orders being accepted~ R. C. Janus, (Fax) 891-8663. Office worker seeks 20­ 30 hour sit down job on bus line, within 2 miles of the river in either Kentucky or Ohio; non-medical terminology, non-filing cabinet office work; social services, sales, public information, crafts, and other background, some computer experience; contact Box 2, Streetvibes, I506 Elm St., Cincinnati, 45210. Laborer Looking for a laborer! Has worked at Riverfront. Is willing to do any kind of work. Call Sonia Craig at the Drop Inn Center, 721­ 0643. Elderly or Children Looking for a community oriented job dealing with elderly or children. 3 year ourteach worker/ counselor aide at YMCA. 13 years typing. Computer and cashier experience including Windows, Lotus, Any Word Processor. Call Anjail Madyun at the Drop Inn Center, 721-0643. Degreed, successful grants administrator/writer seeks commissioned, free lance position as same; ten percent commission per award. Contact J. Janus, Jr. (Fax) 891-8663. Native American-Hispanic female seeks sit down, slow­ paced industrial FACTORY position; physically challenged. (Fax) 891-8663. Scramble Answers from page 11••• DOCTOR LAWYER POLICEMAN FIREMAN TEACHER JUDGE CONGRESSMAN SENA TOR COUNCILMAN . ENGINEER SPORTSMAN STREETVIBES provides Classified Ads free to low income job seekers. Others may place ads for only $1 per line.· Call 421-7803 for info. Streetvibes Vendor Code of Conduct Each vendor has to sign the foll0wing code to be able to sell the paper. I . Streetvibes will be distributed for a $I voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for donations more than $1 . I also understand that I will be able to keep 80 cents of each dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. I agree that I will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3. I agree that I will not ask for donations after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I will not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard sell" or make someone feel threatened. 5. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distributors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that I am collecting for a not-for-profit charity or that I am collecting for the " homeless" in general. I will be honest in stating that all the profits from the sale of Streetvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. I agree that I will not contest territories with other distributors. 8. I understand that Streetvibes strives to be a self supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort, I will try to spread the word and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that the failure to comply with any of the above statements will result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. Sales Re presentative Looking for position as sales representative or management. Has good bookkeeping, typing and supervisory skills. Has experience in retail management, customer service and sales. Is available to work immediately. Call Dea Harris at 552-935 I. Restay rant Work Responsible older man able to work any shift. Would prefer work as a busser at a restaurant as well as work as a dishwasher or cook. Is very dependable and available immediately. Please contact Wiley Powell at 831-8404. Baby Sitter Need a babysitter? Former child-care worker with day­ care experience. Call Mary Ann at 665-4375 or pager at 610-8527 Contlnzency Fee Lmui: Not afraid of Catholic Church or PUCO. Send office hours and name of law school on letterhead paper to 11 11 Elm Street. No. 432, Cincinnati, OH 45210. Streetvlbes Radio Hour On WAIF 88.3 fm The Homeless Coalition ha.s a live radio program which can be heard on WAIF radio on the second Saturday of each month at noon. The show is co-hosted by Mary Burke, Donald Whitehead and other monthly guest hosts. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories in this paper and eclectic musical selections. Here are the next show dates; WAIF 88.3 fm Saturday, Oct. I0th, 1998, noon to I pm Advertise in Streetvlbes! . Advertising in Streetvibes is a chance for businesses to help a good cause while promoting themselves to 4,000 concerned peopfe each month. The rates are shown below. ***Business Card Size 2" x 3 1/2" $10 per month ***Two Business Card Size 4" x 3 1/2" $20 per month A check or money order must accompany the ad copy. We reserve the right to deny any ad, especially those which promote alcohol or tobacco products. You will receive a full refund should your ad be denied. For larger ads, call the number below. Ads are due by the 20th of each month. If you need assistance in preparing your ad or have any other questions. call the Homeless Coali­ tion ·at 421-7803. Mail ads with payment to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cindnnati, OH 45210 �STREETVIBES- The Tri State's Hom eless Grapevine Page 16 VENDOR PROFILE: James Hobbs Streetvlbes TV The Streetvibes TV Show is produced at the facilities of Cincinnati Community Video. Some viewers might not see the show appear at the right channel or time during the next couple months as W arner Cable changes programming and channels. I spent my early days growing up in the West End. As a kid, I remember playing army in the cement squares when Lincoln Courts was being built. I was living with my aunt and uncle on 14th street up from the burlesque bar called the Pink Pussycat and around the corner from the State Theater. Later, I moved to West Eighth St., where I sold the Cincinnati Herald and Cincinnati Post, where I froze my fingers off. I was robbed by some thugs. My pride was hurt, but with time I healed. I built and operated my own shoe-shine stand. All this time I never missed a day of school, played sports and belonged to the Cub Scouts Pack 64. Nowadays, I'm the fella who was homeless and lived at the Drop-Inn Center. I'm selling STREETVIBES which covers issues concerning the homeless and poor community. I'm glad to be part of the Homeless Coalition. Streetvibes TV October Schedule This month's LIVE SHOW, on October 19th at 7PM, will discuss the many issues surrounding Breast Cancer. Teresa Adair from the YWCA is scheduled to appear along with other guests. If you have any ideas for future STREETVIBES TV shows please contact our office at 421-7803: We always enjoy hearing from our veiwing audience. Ideas should address subjects related to homeless­ ness and poverty in our city. We are always inter­ ested in viewer ideas, so please give us a call... Streetvlbes Wish List Channe l 7 LIVE CALL-IN SHOW. Monday. O ctober 19th at 7PM. STREEVIBES is published monthly on a shoe­ string budget. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If you can help out with some of the items on our wish list please give us a call... Rebroadcast Dates for Show on Chan­ nel 10: >Adobe Photoshop Software for IBM to save scanning costs Saturday, October 3, 1998, 4 PM Friday, October 9, 1998. I I AM Friday, October 16, 1998 , 11 AM Saturday, October 24, 1998, 4 PM Monday, October 25, 1998, I0 PM Broadcast schedules a re subject to change - consult your local TV directory. > Adobe Pagemaker Software for STREETVIBES layout > 35 MM Film for STREETVIBES photo's >Laser Printer >Advertisers to help support the paper Where Your Dollar Goes Vendor: 80 cents Printing and Production: 20 cents SHELTERS: W omen and Children Alice Paul House (abuse) YWCA Transitional Living Prog. Bethany House Salvation Army Welcome House 241-2757 281-5770 557-2873 762-5660 431-8717 ..JHELTER: Men -ity Gospel Mission Street House seph House (veterans) . Francis- St. Joseph House :. Airy Center ,lunteers of America ·~ arden 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 i ELTER: Both racole (AIDS) abad H:;·..ise :>p Inn Center (singles) i rs Club ven House ti-; 1. :. :i~on) 761-1480 821-5100 721-0643 381-5432 86J ·8866 >Supplies for Vendors Lounge (coffee, cups, donuts, etc.) >Computer for STREETVIBES layout and writing Call the STREETVIBES office at 421­ 7803 if you can h e lp! Streetvibes has a minimal overhead cost so t hat the vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. If anyone selling Streetvibes claims to be collecting for a private charity, please call our office at 421 -7803. Thanks for your support. Need Help or Want to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Homeless Coalit ion at 421 -7803. >Office Supplies Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center St. John's Temporary Housing 244-7226 961-4080 651 -6446 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTOC Tender Mercies (Mental 111) Tom Geiger House 721-4580 632-7149 24 1-0504 369-0004 381-0954 721-8666 961-4555 TREATMENT: W o.m e n O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 241-7343 921-7324 TREATMENT: Me n Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Oyer 784- 1853 921-1613 751-3260 TREATMENT: Both N.A. Hopeline A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 Beech Acres 23 1-6630 Center for Independent living Options 241 -2600 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside 961-0600 Cincinnati Health Network 569-1840 Community Action Agency 381-4242 Contact Center 24 1-2563 Emanuel Community Center 24 1- 1064 Freestore/Foodbank 771-4800 Goodwill Industries 621-7149 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bd. 632-7186 Hamilton Co. TB C~ntrol 357-4602 Health Resource Center 352-2902 Homeless Mobile Health Van 221-3679 House of Refuge Mission 241-9400 Legal Aid Society Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 271-5501 721-4811 Mary Magdalen House 621-0248 Oral Health Council 621-6364 Our Daily Bread 621-5514 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way 559-6656 VA Homeless Program 491-3335 Women's Crisis Center OTHER SERVICES AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 421-2437 621 -5991 ( --- � 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 1998 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 1998 Vol. 2, issue 21 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Jesse Jackson Visits Cincinnati: Forging Along the Appalachian Trail by Motorcade Rally Held at Chiquita Headquarters Pg 3: Our Youth Pg 4: Welfare News Livable Wage Update Pg 5: Visible Homeless Pg 6: Arts & Poetry Pg 8: Prisoners News Pg 9: Tactics Pg 10: Letters & Editorials Pg 11: Findlay Market update Pg 12: Homeless Veterans Pg 13: Cleveland News Pg 16: Vendor Profile Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Streetvibes Archive Project (curated by Katelyn Lusher) 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 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Maryann Bravo Ron Carter Denise Crew Lee Crum Brian Davis Lalonta Foster Robert Freking Odi Goodman Jimmy Heath Leni Hochman Michael Nelson James W. Pryor Aaron Pitchford Rodney Sutton Jessica Wallace Gloria Wiggins Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Brett Zwolinski Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <span>This work is licensed under a</span><span> </span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License</a><span>.</span> Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Aaron Pitchford Brett Zwolinski Brian Davis Denise Crew Donald Whitehead Gloria Wiggins James W. Pryor Jessica Wallace Jimmy Heath labor rights Lalonta Foster Lee Crum Leni Hochman Lynn Williams Maryann Bravo Michael Nelson Odi Goodman prisoner Robert Freking Rodney Sutton Ron Carter vendor profile veterans visible homeless welfare welfare reform https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/1e839ead57199d736b89f6b49bf5bf69.pdf 1c75def09036d73df188ec300ab52c6d PDF Text Text ~---· ----~-------- - - -~- " ­ / __) ['--_______________________) ( City Council ·c andidates P ro mis~ Support for Drop l·n n Center and Affordable Housing. Will They Walk their Talk? PRESERV E THE DROP INN WHERE IT IS Nearly all the candidates up for election to the Cincinnati City Council this November gathered at the Drop Inn Center Thursday, Sept. 16, to voice their support for affordable housing and neighborhood self-determination - Charlie Gardner, Scott 'Seidewitz, Theo Barnes, Chris Monzel, Jane Anderson, Forrest Buckley, Minnette Cooper, Alida Reese, Jeanette Cissell, Todd Portune, Kaye Britton , Ken Anderson, Charles Winburn ......... But ..... Who is against Mom and Apple Pie ? ......who is going to insult the hosts on their own turf? The two questions posed to the candidates: \ncreasing the amount of affordable his house at the Mt. Auburn "borderline", he dreams of building up the dozens of dilapidated buildings he sees. ...... Promises he won't be one ofthe councn members who forgets the people he's working for. housing in Cincinnati, especially since Welf~ re Reform is likely tC? put 800 families on the street come riext October, and Since Cincinnati's Hope 6 demolition is likely to displace up to 2,000 more people. Chris Monzel, engineer by trade, lives in Winton Place, where he is trying to develop a solid mixed income neighborhood . He believes that giving money to the nonprofit organizations in neighborhoods is one of the most efficient ways to make things happen. 1) What is your strategy for and 2) Do you support the Drop in Center staying where it is? (One can't necessarily equatEt elo­ quence of speech with eloquence of action; some of the candidates, such as Charlie Gardner, were maybe busy thinking of what they would do rather than what they would say.) Scott Seidewifz, however, had it all laid out in dollars and cents. President of the Over-the-Rhine nonprofit credit union Smart Money Commu­ nity Services, he describes himself as being dedicated to helping people develop the resources to lift themselves out of poverty. His "Seidewitz Sensible Government Plan" is designed to save 11 million from cutting out layers of bureaucracy, giving workers on the bottom layer more decision­ making power. Sounds great. Sounds li~e a miracle, almost. Hope he has the political sawy to see it through. Theo Barnes, Independent candidate: Believes strongly that people with criminal records should not be written off and thrown in the dump heap, but allowed the chance to prove themselves capable of fitting into newly developed jobs and housing. Walking through the neighborhood on his way from (~ Jane Anderson has taken on Housing as a top priority and special interest in her campaign. 'The City of Cincinnati needs to be proactive about developing a Housing Plan" . Housing Projects get bogged down in city hall. A Coordinator within City Hall is need~d to see them through. Forrest Buckley worked at the fire house · at McMicken and Vine Street for 12 1/2 years. He fears that welfare reform will mean a lot of people falling through the cracks, espe­ cially when the economy takes its eventual downturn. : ... Though CMHA promised that no people will be displaced , the numbers don't match up. He is in favor of Maintain­ ing the 5,540 units of low-inco'me housing in OTR. In fact, the City has a moral responsi­ bility to maintain them. Outsiders (slum lords) should not be milking dry the re­ sources of OTR, running poorly maintained properties. Minnette Cooper wants to focus her attention on the "Training, education, and readiness" of the people moving into new housing. [I think that really boils down to bringing up the economic; level of people who are too poor to afford market-rate housing.] Current plans are designed for people with money and jobs. We have to bring up the people leaving welfare to1hat state. Alicia Reese, first time candidate for City Council, grew up with her Grand­ mother on Linn Street. She is working with the Cinti Public Schools...."Preparing Cincinnatians for Cincinnati Jobs". People .need access to capital (though Candidates Forum continued on page 3..... ____________________) �ST RE~ TV I BES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine The Traveler by Donald Whitehead Streetvibes, the Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine, is a newspa­ per written by, for, and about the homeless, social justice and poverty related issues. I t is p ub lished once a m onth, 12 issues a year, l:?Y the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for t he Hom eless. Vendors buy t he paper for 20 cents ( t o cover printing costs) and then sell t he paper for a dollar donation. The vendor keeps the profits. Becoming a Streetvibes Vendor is a g reat way for homeless and other low-income people to get back on (or stay on) t heir feet. Streetvibes ven.dors are given an orientation and sign a code of conduct before being given a Streetvibes vendor badge. The Gr eater Cincinnati Coali­ tion for the Homeless is a group of shelters, agencies and individuals committed to ending homelessness in Cincinnati throug h coor:dinating services, educating the public and grassroots organizing. Staff Donald Whitehead, Director Susan Knight, Admi nistrative Coordinator Tom Billman, Streetvibes editor Ron Carter, Vendor Support Gina Miller, Rapid Exit Program Warren Perkins, Tenant Organizing Photos by Bev Brooks and others Paintings are from the traveling Homeless exhibit soon to come to Cincinnati Writers Donald Whitehead Brook Gumm Mildred Grinney Shelia Lindsey Tom Billman Ron Carter ·vannette Lacy Te'tro Amaru Donald Whitehead Lynn Williams Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories, essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print everything we have room for, giving preference to those who are home­ less or vendors. Please send all material to the following address: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513) 421-7813; e-mai l : streetvibes@juno.com (text­ only) or homecoal@primax.net ( attached files) web page: http: / /cinci.com/gcch Most advocates probably .g o through the phase I recently went thro~gh. A phase were normal optimism is replaced by discouragement. Mounting losses encountered challenge your commitment to the social justice movement you to feel as helpless as the character Sisyphus. He was the character in Greek Mythology who pushed the bolder to the top of the hill only to have it roll back down forcing him to began the process over again, this fate lasted an -eternity. The struggle to end homelessness is far from the top of the hill, it fact if it were the boulder that Sisyphus had to push it would just barely have started its climb. I guess my boulder is a just a pebble in this boulder of a problem that called homelessness but even pebbles can be heavy when your pushing them up hill. In times like these I always find myself searching for that thing or that event that renews my commitment and makes me believe that maybe just maybe we can make a dent It's funny how those kinds of happen when you least expect them. When I began this column two years ago it was in an effort to share my experiences and insights during my travels. To be honest my most recent trips have been rather uneventful. Meet­ ings with politicians or cabinet members don't offer the insight that readers of Streetvibes deserve. I am much more pleased when I have the occasjon to meet with everyday ordinary people. For quite some time I have hated hotel . rooms they seem so unfriendly and synthetic. I was very pleased to learn that· my next trip would be much differeht from the norm. Not only would I get the chance to meet with homeless and formerly homeless men and women I would also get the chance to stay at the home of a staff member from the agency that had requested technical assistance. At the very beginning of my trip I began to realize that this trip was going to be much differ­ ent than most of my recent trips. After landing in Nashville Tennessee I proceeded to the ground transportation waiting area were I was to wait for Bob Reeg Health Policy Analyst from the National Coalition for the Homeless. Normally in the feverish pace that you encounter in airports people rarely have time for conversations. The first indication that something special was hap­ pening was a conversation at the airport with a very friendly gentleman returning from a two week trip to Los Angeles. I will call him Reverend Jackson, Reverend Jackson was very tired because for twenty years he had been working with orphans (talk about commitment). I was delighted by his stores of orphans that had gone on to success in college, or sports or life in general. He was so grateful that many of them kept in contact with him regularly. I told him that I really appreciated that kind of commitment and perseverance that his work took to accomplish, he re.plied " we both ~ave tough jobs but they are the mission that God wanted us to complete we should be grateful he didn't choose us to build an Ark." Just then my ride pulled up and so did the Reverends, as we parted I kept thinking what a wonderful person. My next stop was the National Healthcare for the Homeless Office. There I met the staff and the Director John Lozier a friend and fellow National Coalition for the Homeless 'Board Mem­ ber. The first thing I noticed is that it was after 6 PM and everyone was still working. They were. getting ready for there national meeting and they were committed to making the event a success. Page 2 Later that evening we met John Lozier"s at his cozy country home complete with a hammock and a wondertul family. We dined at an Italian restau­ rant that overlooked the Cumberland River, the restaurant belonged to a couple that had moved there from New York, the story was that she was from New York and he was from lta!y they met and feel in love and moved to Tennessee to pursue there dreams. When we arrived at the place were we would conduct are workshops it was very dark, so dark in fact that we had a consid­ erable amount of trouble finding the key to the house. The house was the families summer home and it was on a private lake that also overlooked the Cumberland River. There is nothing more peaceful than being in the_woods away from I civilization. I realized that I f ,.. 1¥ had not had a night that was i I ' this serene in a very long time. No street lights, no traffic noise, no gun shots, no sirens. We I woke the next morning I was startled by the view, absolutely breathtaking, this was no synthetic hotel room. We were not completely primitive we did have cable television, air conditioning and most importantly a coffee maker but it was as close to nature as it had been in quite some time. N I have done technical assistance in several places with several homeless groups. I have to say this groups was one of the most impressive I've seen. One member of the group had started his own non profit temporary service, another had worked with Mitch Snyder there was one Graduate of Vanderbilt University, another from the Univer­ sity ofTennessee, a woman from out west New Mexico I believe who was now a provider. This very diverse group was very attentive and pas­ sionate about there work. At the end of the day the mission was accomplished. The group had formed an advisory committee, elected officers, and decided on a model for voting. All this was accomplished in an eight hour day, that also included a boat ride and a game of horse with a former NBA player who was also a member of our group (incidentally I lost the game). I have no way of knowing how much work this group will accomplish but I left with a renewed sense of commitment and a feeling that something special had just happened. I was so enthusiastic when I left Tennessee I couldn't wait to get back to Cincinnati. I arrived at home by 12:00 EST in plenty of time to watch the Bengals play Tennessee (another loss for the home team). Monday morning I talked with two women first thing. The first woman was living in an abandoned building she suffered from an obvjous mental · disorder and when I asked her about agencies she immediately got frustrated and left. The next young lady had been moving from place to place and had recently been raped in one of those places. These two women had very difficult situations but I was able to find shelter for one and hope to find shelter for the second if I can get her to open up to someone. It suddenly dawned on me that there's a reason I'm working here and I must continue to push the boulder up the hill. For other travelers and advocates although your task may seem hard and losses may seem frequent, in the words of Reverend Jackson " What if God had asked you to build an Ark." "Success is not a destination that you ever reach. Success is the quality ofyour journey." - Jennifer James '· �-· STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 3 auctions seem to have been private scams which cheated the taxpayers and the poor people of Cincinnati out of perhaps millions of dollars. CMHA, which owns 1800 buildings, is missing . trucks, cars, cabinets, refrigerators, etc. ~· banks/business) to reach the state of housing ownership. Thinks "Welfare to Work" strategies should be designed to employ people within their own neighborhoods, to benefit both them and their neighborhoods. Jeanette Cissell, a present member of City Council , chairs the Committee on Employ­ ment and Job Training. ..... She says that the success claims of "Welfare to Work" programs are not true numbers; people are not really becoming self sufficient, able to adequately support their families. Ms. Cissell recently returned from Washington, where she lobbied for the $10 million in Empowerment Zone money that was promised to Cincinnati. ....says ....a oneshot 3 million dollar program is not sufficient to really get people securely into the work force. A more continuous program is needed. Todd Portune is running for his·final term on council (due to term limits) Says...... Public policies do not support the preservation of housing at affordable levels. Welfare Reform is NOT working. The City needs to block- grant human services money to individual neighborhoods, to the people who really know what is needed. Affordable housing means 2 things: a) Keep the price affordable and b) Increase income , which means... jobs Mr. Portune favors making City expendi­ tures on public works/bid contracts contingent upon contractors having policl es in place to reduce local joblessness and poverty. There are 12 neighborhoods in Cincinnati where over 60% of the adult population' is without work. He also strongly favors a City policy against the destruction of public/affordable housing. 2) Question # 2: Should the Drop Inn Center stay where it is? Todd Portune says YES - . a) The OTR community Council deserves the support of the City in determining what is best for its commu- · nity. b) The arts center is a luxury. City money needs to be spent to improve city schools. c) Why should money, time, etc. in­ vested in the Drop be cast aside on a project, which, if redesigned, could peacefully coexist with the Drop. In the end, Mr. Portune believes that Cincinnati will achieve more fame by supporting the creative coexistence of the arts and the concerns of the homeless than by picking one side. Jeannette Cissell believes in coexist­ ence, says students will benefit from the pres­ ence of homeless people. Minnette Cooper, a strong advocate of self-determination, believes that money now targeted for a new arts center would be better spent fixing existing schools. The police' sweeps of Washington park before "highbrow" events at Music hall scare Forrest Buckley, who notes .......... Kunzel said he feared for the safety of the Children if the Drop stays; but Washington Park School has been operating almost inside Washington park, without any problems, for 20 years. Charlie Mattingly asks the Council candi­ dates: What would you do to protect the funds committed to low income housing?, to make sure they benefited the people for which they are intended. Gregory Payton: In the "Invest in ·Cincinnati campaign, - of the $140 million spent, none was invested in neighborhoods. Tommy Lee Drop Inn staff member, is insulted by the insinuation of some members of Council that homeless people all need training to be able to benefit from the opportunities extended to them. Many homeless people are very well educated and intelligent. Jane Anderson and Chris Montel (Chris has worked in a Homeless shelter in Oakland) both use the term "Win-Win" to describe their belief that a world class arts center and the Drop Inn Center can peacefully coexist. Scott Seidewitz believes that (a) "Where the Drop Inn Center is located should be decided by the Drop Inn Center." The Drop is Private property,·therefore can only be moved if the City of Cincinnati claims the right of eminent domain; and that, he would­ definitely oppose. (b) "lt is an absoJute insult to say that students would be threatened by the existence of homeless people or social service organizations. Part of the arts is exploring the human condition, so certainly students should be encouraged to come and get involved in social issues." Charlie Gardner spent a few nights at the Drop Inn, and wouldn't want to see the demise of what was a stepping stone for him. The City should not only leave the Drop Inn Center, but build another one besides. ..Several more candidates straggle in and are asked to answer questions 1 and 2 : Kaye Britton, (realtor}, Ken Anderson, realtor and title examiner, Charles Winburn , working to preserve the Fort Washington Hotel.. ... Winburn, who once lived in Allen House, states "I am not in the pockets of big business" (amidst a good bit of laughter) ...... but watch the next mayor carefully...... Whoever it is might favor moving out the Drop Inn Center. ..... and Ken Anderson : In expressing his opinion in favor of self-determination, .... ."people should be given a helping hand up, not a kick in the face" Part 3: THE AUDIENCE GETS ON ITS OWN SOAPBOX: Charlie Mattingly, A member of a local City government watchdog group, has been gathering evidence of alleged fraud and corrup­ tion within the administration of CMHA, occurring especially during the remodeling of Lincoln Court just before its demolition. Supposed PUBLIC Joyce Robinson, a 62-year old resident of the Drop Inn Center.... "lf it wasn't for the Drop Inn Center, I don't know where I'd be ....maybe dead." Though she has depression, she still has skills, and the ability to work, and believes strongly in a ­ long term program to help mentally and physically disabled people develop their talents so they can have the benefits of work. CONCLUSION: It was a helluva Jisplay of theoretical support for Homeless People and Affordable housing. We hope you-all do the right thing when the heat is on. Streetvibes Vendor code Each vendor has t.o sign the following code to. be able to sell the paper. I. Streervibes will be distributed for a S I voluntary donation. l agree not to ask for donations more than $ 1. l also understand that l will be able to keep 80 cents of ~ach dollar collected. Future issues of Streetvibes will be purchased from the Homeless Coalition for 20 cents. 2. l agree that l will never distribute Streetvibes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 3 . I agree that I will not as k for donaiions after 12 midnight. 4. I agree to treat others with respect. I wi ll not use abusive language or force someone to give a donation. I will not give a "hard se ll .. or make someone feel threat­ ened . S. I agree that I will not supply copies of Streetvibes to persons who are not registered distribu­ tors. 6. I agree not to deceive the public by saying that l am collecting for a not-for-profit cha rity or that I am collecting for the "home l ess~ in general. I wi ll be honest in stat)ng that all the profits from the sa le of Streelvibes will go to the individual vendor. 7. l agree that I will not contest territories with other dis tributors. 8. I understand tha t Streetvibes strives to be a self­ supporting paper created by people who are homeless or formerly homeless. To help in this effort. I will try to spread the wo.rd and write stories if possible. 9. I understand that fai lure to comply with any of the above statements w ill result in me no longer being able to distribute Streetvibes. The Greater Cincinnati ·c oalition for the Homeleaa �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Charlene Robinson, Much- loved local advocate and caretaker, dies · af~er long illness. Charlene Robinson, long time Over The Rhine/West End resident and community activist, died at University Hospital on Sep­ tember 17, 1999 after a long .illness. Charlene was born in Louisville, Kentucky on June 1, 1945. At the time of her death , Charlene was a resident at Caracole in Rose Lawn. Charlene worked with the Dominican Page 4 NATIONAL CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES OCT 2nd JUSTICE FOR ALL? We must REJECT: We DEMAND: o o o o o o Out-of-sight, out-of-mind homeless policies and programs o Shelters as prisons o "Closing" our parks and public spaces o Economic cleansing of our communities o Continued criminalization of our homeless sisters and brothers o Anyone ever dying in our streets again! Living wage Jobs Safe, affordable housing Treatment on demand Community childcare Quality education Join With People from Across the Country to Launch the National Coalition for the Homeless Civil Rights Organizing Project! Saturday · October 2nd, 4:30 p.m. San Francisco United Nations Plaza (Hyde and Fulton Streets) Sisters Home Health Agency as a community health worker for 18 years. In this capacity, she visited the sick and elderly in their own homes and provided services at the Contact Center the OTR Senior Center and Gateway Senior Center. As a resident, Charlene was involved in the Community Council and a variety of community activities including early efforts to stop displace­ ment. Charlene was a staunch advocate for single parents and their children, insisting on their right to be treated with respect and to receive adequate support. In the late 1980's Charlene became the first house manager of EPIC (Elderly People in Community), a shared residence for elderly people in the West End. Later Charlene became a cook and housekeeper for Caracole, a resi­ dence for people living with Aids. Charlene was a generous and kind caretaker and treated all those she served with deep respect. Her commitment to justice was evidenced in her advocacy for all those who were poor or in any way marginalized. Charlene retired in 1991 due to failing health. At this stage of her life she continued to be active with AVOC and served on their speak­ ers bureau . Charlene freely shared he own story and struggle with AIDS because she believed that understanding on the part of the general public would result in more just and loving care of people with AIDS/HIV. Charlene received the Maurice Mccrackin Peace and Justice Award in 1995 in recognition of her many years of commitment to the work of peace and justice. In 1996 she was given the Ohio Aids Service Award for her activity on behalf of the AIDS community. Charlene was appointed to the Cincinnati Board of Health by Mayor Roxanne Qualls in 1995 and served for two and one half years. When you met C~ne. she because y0ur friend and she treasured all of her friends. Charl8ne was recognized as a wise mother figure (Endorsed by (partial list): Building Opportunities for Self Sufficiency, Caducsus Outreach Services, Coalition for Ethical Welfare Reform, Community Housing Partnership, Eviction Defense Network, Haven House Services (Jeffersonville, IN), First Unitarian Church, Food Not Bombs, Homeless Prenatal Project, Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, Media Alliance, Metropolitan Community Church, national Coalition for the Homeless, National Lawyers Guild, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (Cleveland), OPEIU local 3­ .AFL-CIO, People Organized to Win Employment Rights, POOR maga.zine, San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness, San Francisco Tenants Union, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee, Street Spirit, Swords to Plowshares, Task Force for the Homeless, Atlanta GA. For more information, contact your local Homeless Coalition: 421-7803 in the community. Young people and old alike experienced her warmth, her caring concern , her love arid sought her counsel. She was an excellent cook and took great pleasure in serving delicious meats to her family and friends. Charlene loved to celebrate and could be counted on to liven up any party. Gerald passed away on September 13th from a heart attack. The cleanliness of the Drop Inn Center is a testament to his high standards. He ran a tight ship and let his workers know what was ex­ pected of them in no uncertain terms. As his friends could tell you, he was very generous with everyone he met. He always seemed to have an encouraging word when you needed it the most. About 100 people turned out for his memorial service held at the Drop Inn Center on September 16th to bid their farewells. Charlene leaves four daughters - Rosa (West End), Angela and Donna (Over the Rhine), and Markita (Mount Auburn), and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her oldest grandson, Sherman, and her mother Dorothy Anderson. Services were held at St. Joseph Church on Wednesday evening, September 22. Interment was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Price Hill. Shelter Worker Will Be Missed by Pat Clifford Gerald Deer was always atthe Drop Inn Center, helping to keep the doors open and the food hot. He was technically the coordinator of Food and Building Maintenance, but he was much more than that. He was a trustee and trusted friend. ·His combination of a sense of humor with his strong WOfk ethic will truly be missed.··said co-worker Andy HlltZel of the Drop Inn Center. .. . �~--~---•-.-._....c;;;..-~------~- -- ­ STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Who is the Real.. me? WORD ON THE STREET Am I the womon who sits ot tlie desk ot Peaslee ond pleosontly ond politely answers the phone, writes thonk you notes, ond chots with the people around me? Or om I the one who gozes out the window wishing.for o dirrerent life - o life of adven­ ture ond excitement? Who is the reol me? Sometimes I don' know. I would like to be on o form with oll sorts of creatures - cots. dogs, horses, chickens, ond birds - ond growing flowers in o gor~en. Am I the 't;VOmon who in another life wos the dancer on the stoge -0- o Flamenco dancer, o belly dancer, or the womon who sings. In o littfe Bistro. songs of lost loves ond flaming passion? Or om I the perennial mother that loves babies ond smoll children ond feels the poin when the childbearing period of her life is over? Who is this person in this eighty-year-old body? Whot wos she in o former life? Wos she hoppy? Am I content with my life os I now live it? I feel sometim!='s thot there is something missing. Con I find the me, the reol me? Whot would I be os the reol me? I don't feel thot I'm the person the world see. My friends see me os o wise womon. I om not wise. I om o coring being. is that the real me? I wonder? Arts & Poetry SPIRIT'S SONG ......Shelia Lindsey The Spirit Song was lost in me, my heart was sillking low I drifted on the winds of change, and I had nowhere to go. Then you came and spoke to me with words so soft and light, You gave me hope, you gave me l;ove and then my soul took flight. While I'm with you, I know, my love, that nothing can go wrong. You are my strength, you are my Heart, You are my Spirit's Song. Page 5 WINDSONG Last night I heard somewhere Sometimes I feel I need, for a soothjng song on the wind, so much alone, me, a friend. I hear the night winds calling, but lulling me to sleep When I awake , this friend. is gone. It's for Him I weep The dark it seems to comfort me and Rock me like a Friend. To me it seems, my only one, and he is there until the end. The Night c·a n keep my secrets, for the stars, they · do not speak The Night winds hold me tight_, they lay me down when I feel weak So at night when I'm outside I toss my secrets to the wind , The Stars they are my s i s ters and the night sky is my friend. ......Mildred Grinney I Used to Have Eight Teaspoons Now whether it be Right, or Whether it be wrong, the N ight will always hold for me, my soothing Wind Song. I used to have eight teaspoons in my set Now I zealoµ sly guard the two that remain. I used to ride my bike for miles on scenic trai ls Now I run beside you in the parking lot whi le you learn to ride your own. l used to read inspiring books in the evening Now I'm coerced into wrestling and pillow fights : Ready to Die I used to clean house once a month. Now the kitchen floor needs overhauling once a week. ..........by Te'troAmaru God got me shit'n mud and piss'n out blood. He got to know how hard I try to live my life right What the fuck ... I'm ready to die. I previously had no clue who Molly was Now I know the names of Power Ran_gers and Teletubbies. used to have no desire for pets. Now I look forward to getting you a dog and volunteer to take your class' crab over spring break How did you change me so so fast? Like - bow did the penc iled marks on the wall ever get this tall? .......... by Brook Gumm, in honor of her son's 6th birthday Throughout this life I'm living I've experienced ups and downs. I've been so low the devil won't dwell places my seoul has fell. But still my wil.1to fulfill my dreams is stronger than the doubts you have in me. And with everything to win and nothing to lose don't question why I choose to die. Ready to die You don't understand me. And you don't want to comprehend what I'm going through. It's so demanding, this rollicoaster ride of my life. I've felt pain like no one else. I've thought things you can't imagine. I've done wrong but I've done right. I've got a good heart when I try. But at times' it's hard to find that one thing that means everything in my life. , I don't want to cry anymore. And I don't have the water for tears anymore. ­ I'm rea_dy to die! (an excerpt from the song 'Ready to Die') �STREET VI BES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine / The Lamb 'I Who say that the tender plant was white with blue eyes? Who wanted black people to accept a white christ? Why then do we hang a portrait of falsehood upon the wall? Who was lead to the slaughter, as a sheep . to the shearers is dumb Who has done no violence, nor sinned with his lips? Who was wounded for our sins? But this soul has justified many. He hath poured out his soul unto death 4 the world. This black man died 4 our sins His name is the Lamb WORD SCRAMBLE. Send your poetry, writings or artwork to . 1506 Elm St., Cincinnati 45210 Phone - 513-421-7803, EMail (text): streetvibes@juno.com, E-mail (attached files, graphics): homecoal@primax.net But by the Grace of God there go I Now I live but soon I must die God is my father who gave life to me Mary is my mother for she loves me Jesus is my brother for all eternity God sent his angel from Heaven above • He sent me to earth to teach people love For a little while I will be with thee He will send his angels soon to come and get me But by the grace of God there go I Now I live but soon I must die. CHAMPION ..... ....Alford Cephas (D. 0. O.P.) As the seed is planted,·so were you. What process took place before the beauty ofthe bloom Watered with love and attention, Fed knowledge and information I do mention Armed are you now · -' to fight the aimy of we~~ · .) ·~ as they IJrowl "..': ·1 Will they defeat you, overtake you? Are you strong enough now? Spiritually, mentally and physically sound, You take a disciplined sword and cut those weeds on down. The soil is now turned, taking in ~he healing powers of the sun rays So the face of the flower now wears a champion's grin. TOP 20 SAYINGS WE'D LIKE TO SEE ON THOSE OFFICE INSPIRATIONAL POSTERS 1. Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings, they did it by killing all those who opposed them. ......... Beverly Keifer .......by Ralph Bolden geographical An alien society, comforts - formed from iron. illusions fill' captivity freedom attached with chains. Prosperity- prisons thrive. slavery legalized. Oppression - a way of life, suffering enhances happiness. Men fade: thoughts darken, hope disintegrates. looking for a way out, an end to suffering. The will to survive is strong some live, other embrace death's allure. Survivors suffer another day, hoping to enter an alien society. c/o GCCH (Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless), P.C. (Potassium Chloride) NWTCNCNI OTNANC EVLNDACEL MOLUBSUC KNYCTUKE: OLIEULILSV: GNTXLENON: RTOPEWN: .....James Prince 5treetvit7ee, ... ......by Ron Carter Hint: An Alien Society We Need Your Creativity! Who was crucified 4 us? When he was born, didn't the three wise men bare gifts 4 thee? Who was raised for an inquisition, for blood? Who had no beauty that we should desire him? Who was despised and rejected of men? Who was esteem stricken? And opened not his mouth. And who was ordered to death by King Herod, and Pilate carried carried out that order? Page 6 I'm dreaming ofdeath.. When I close my eyes for the last time I rewind... Will the last thing I see be my mother 's smile? Or the faces ofthe jury from my trial. Watching the P.C. come down the track, going into my vain, now there is no turning back. Strapped to the crucifix - pacifist cringe; If murder ain't right, why would the state kill them. Coughing up blood when I wake up in my cell, I think ofmy mother and a tear of love breaks my shell; But truthfully I'll never fold; day to day stay strong L iving in a place where no one belongs 2. If you can stay calm, while all around you there is chaos ... then you probably haven't completely understood the seriousness of the situation. 3. Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG fourteen times gives you job security. 4. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines. 5. Artificial intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity. 8. If at first you don't succeed , try management. 9. Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid altogether. 10. TEAMWORK .... means never having to take all the blame yourself. .... ...continued next issue - Death Row is a place where I lay captive, 24-7 lockdown is how we live. I S1!1U .:U!f-outside, tormeqt!- .U}Y.lYdreams. I see Potas°fmm'<Dhloride enter my oloodstream .......Mr. Bolden is currently on Pennsylvania s Death Row. He is a performance poet, writer and mustcian. Among his manyinspirations are his brother, an accomp lished musiccian, his mother, a published poet and author, and his great grandmother who at 92 years old has just publishedher second book. His interestsw are : religion (comparative studies), music, and current events. Correspondence is welcome. ,,_~The Old Man ·~ '"7'.f:,;. ,.._. ....... by Ron Colter ~ ¥t;I.­ . · ;..~ · .·!~ ·:~~~~- young women was drivin~· · down the road. All of a sudden she spotted an old man lying on the ground . She asked him why he was lying on the ground. He said, "A 1988 ford blue with a white top a man driving a women in the passenger seat, two kids in the back seat playing tic tac toe, radio playing 'On the road again', Ohio plates." The women said, " Wow, you can tell that car is coming just by lying on the ground?" Ralph Bolden #CZ 1411 1040 E. Roy Furman Hwy. Waynesbutg, PA. 15370-8090 He said, "No, that's the car that just ran over me." �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine BEHIND THE BATTLE LINES Page 7 by Josh Brandon DATELINE: No Man's Land, San Franciscp I didn't see them out of the corner of my eye until they were ten yards away, the early morning light flashing on their guns, both of them silently creeping up on my sleeping form, huddled in my hiding place. I woke up with a fearful start, a sixth sense had finally flashed danger through my fitful sleep, and the uniformed troopers stopped and told me to freeze. I froze, with only my wits for weapons, scared of being mistakenly shot. They told me to get up and come with them so they could report my capture. They walked me down the hill and lined me up against a wall , one covering me while the other decided what to do with me. I was going to be charged , not with a felony, not with even a misdemeanor, but with the more minor infraction of sleeping on state property. Overkill. I kept flashing to how similar this scene was to the filmed footage of 1930's Germany I had seen in documentaries, except here I was the Gypsy, the Jew, the Slav, the political dissident - the undesirable, however defined - that was being led away by aggressive, armed, and uniformed men to an unknown future. Then, too, the undesirables had been sought where they were hidden, hounded in public when flushed out, and lined up against walls to await their fate, simply because they had committed the crime of living and existing when and where others, with guns, had decided they shoul~ not be. And I also.knew that s0me homeless San Franciscans have been shot - and some have been killed - by those who "serve and protect." And I am not including the scores of homeless San Franciscans who have been found murdered with no witnesses, no motives, and no suspects. Qr the others, whose killers were caught, who were shot be­ cause they had panhandled tourists in front of a hotel, or whose throats were slashed simply because they had been sleeping in the wrong door­ way. And I'm not even counting the unknown numbers of homeless people who lived through their own private terrors at the hands of others, either armed with official authority or with vigilantee justice or with the primal joy of mayhem against the weak.. But this isn't the horror of the Holocaust happening to homeless San Franciscans a half century later in San Francisco. That night­ mare of systematic governmental madness was over there, not here, and a long time ago - although East Timor, and Kosovar, and Bosnia, and South Africa keep reminding us, time after time, that the past is still present. This is much more like. that time after Kristalnacht, the Crystal Night, the prelude to that Horror, when that government condoned a night of beatings and killings, the burning of businesses and the theft of prop­ erty of people who had been stereotyped by both government c;ind media as flea-bitten, insect-ridden dregs and parasites of good society. For it was soon after that night-that the Nazi state decreed and enforced - with the support of good citizens everywhere - fewer and different civil rights for people without steady jobs, with below-average intelligences, with mental disabilities, with physical handicaps,1 with severe illnesses, and anyone else who had held fast to different beliefs, different religious convictions, or different political principles - as long as it wasn't their beliefs, or them. Their civil rights were limited to low-paying jobs no one else wanted, to travel only to certain places at certain times, to be excluded from policy decisions that directly affected their lives, to lose their homes and possessions to whomever wanted to take them, or to be forced to go wherever government fiat decreed. I say this because I am merely another r~luctant and recent American draftee forced onto the frontlines in the War on America's Poor ­ the social civil war pitting housed Americans who have against homeless Americans - and I have seen my civil rights, as well as others, vanish as fast as my housing. Formerly homeless but housed for. the past seven years, I had worked as a newspaper editor in this city's poorest neighborhood, a freelance writer to the dailies, on the citywide planning body for develop­ ing Treasure Island, and for San Francisco's Department of Public Health as their homeless deaths researcher. But a DPH budget cut slashed my parttime job out of existence and, coupled with a systematic snafu with unemployment benefits, I had no income for six weeks. Three tempo­ rarily missing checks later, my housed life turned inside out. I planned a budget to regain my housing within three months, and then spent the next six weeks out of the public eye, foxholed into a nook of a bridge, where conflicts with official authority were few only seven years ago. I thought I knew and understood homelessness - both profes­ sionally and personally - better than most people, yet I didn't fully know or understand what it means today to be a homeless San Franciscan until I became homeless this time. What I have seen happen to others or have had happen to me during the past six weeks makes me believe that this city's public spaces have now become brutally vicious social battlefields, where guerilla-like tactics of camouflage and ~vasion are needed in_order to just keep those same rights we used to have when we were housed. Sidewalks and alleys, plazas and parks, bridges and benches are now where people with backpacks and bags battle badges and uniforms, unnecessarily protecting the housed San Franciscan , who is relatively secure, from the homeless San Franciscan, who is just trying to survive. In San Francisco in 1999, as in 1930s Germany, or apartheid Sputh Africa, or present-day Russia, some are clearly more equal than others. . Otherwise, I would not have had my clean, orderly, and wellhidden camp torn down and my possessions thrown away four times in nine days by the California Highway Patrol - and then told to stay on city property instead. Or get followed by private security guards into the public bathrooms of the Embarcadero mall complexes to be told that I would have to make a purchase in order to wash my hands, urinate, or shave in their restrooms. Or be told by a beat cop to not sit on the curb across the street from St. Anthony's as I waited to get something to eat while other people in plain sight on Market Street were sitting with their lattes. Or witness two beat cops confiscate the wares of homeless sidewalk vendors and write them tickets, conveniently ignoring the housed heroin dealers across the street selling cheap and potent heroin laced with flesh-eating bacteria. Or see a police cruiser on Powell Street stop in the middle of the block, weave through groups of drinking tourists to take away a street alcoholic's beer - and cite him. Or be instructed by another police officer in Union Square ­ firmly, yet gently - tO just move along, a phrase I never heard when housed, but .is now a part of my daily life. Being homeless in itself - like living in grinding poverty or enduring a terminal disease - a little piece of yourself wastes away each day. Every sunrise means another battle, another place to go or to avoid, another loss of heart, a smaller source of strength to spend. Some have heavy burdens and small frames, -and don't make it. A few, resigned, wait for the inevitable. But many more make it off the streets and back into the housed world, knowing they might be back, but damned sure they won't be soon. And when they do, they will look again at h51w they themselves were once seen by the others who are housed. If they - and the rest of us, as a matter of fact - are lucky, they won't have to see thfs on their television set: ·~ lot of them [the homeless] don't want to work. They would preferjust to get handouts. And my take on it is, there's a dog pound, and there should be a human pound. You know, there should be like a three-strike law. You're picked up and written up, and if you don't get a job, and you're picked up again, the government can help you get a job, if the third time you're picked up, it's the gas chamber." ..... Baywatch actress and Playboy model Donna D 'Erri.;o, as quoted from "Politically Incorrect" on ABC. June 25, 1999. .....Josh Brandon I E-MAIL STREETVIBES: STREETVIBES@JUNO.COM I • { t t •• r • J �__ ____ ___ -.__,. --'- ....­ ~-----~---- STREETVIBES - -~ ~ .. ~ ·----..........-........­ - - . - -- ·----------~------· - ­ The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Dear Sonny. .... I hope this reaches you and finds you keeping cool. I hear it has been hotter than hell out there. I only get out a couple times a week for the big hour if I'm lucky and it's been nice - a bit warm and muggy, but nice just the same. Any fresh air is nice, even if it is hot and muggy at that. You take what you can get around here, but you know that. I can't imagine working out in this shit all day like some people - has to be hell. I'd . be heading for the lake or a pool after a few hours! I must apologize for not getting back with you sooner. I did not mean to blow you all by any means. I lost your letter somewhere along the line, but looked on my letter sheet and realized I didn't have a check by your name meaning that answered your letter and for this I'm sorry. I've been busy these p~st couple months with legal work and trying to get these guards to admit my knee cardiologist tore and fix it. The latter is unfortunately dragging on for four months now. It's crazy and frustrating as hell. Had this idiot doctor they got back here just look at my knees - never even bothered to bend, wiggle them or anything just looked and said I was fine. Needless to say I went off! Then he tells me I probably just sprained or twisted It and all he was going to do is give me some aspirin. I have to pay for some quack to tell me this. This is the same idiot that tried to give me aspirin for a sore throat and cough! I was fuming with this idiot as you can well imagine and have been going round and round with them since May. He insisted it was nothing and I'd be fine in a couple weeks - their blow-off answer to everything. · Finally got them to x-ray it a couple months ago, but it took them over a month to have the damn thing read. Of course, it doesn't show any damage - cartilage damage doesn't show up in x­ rays - I L<now this. I saw the idiot again and was told now that my one knee is losing muscle mass and I need to work out with it more! It will be a few more months. Hell, if I could work out .with it and do everything I was doing before, it wouldn't hurt! so·four months of suffering this pain, my knee is finaly showing sigtns of me favoring it. I swear I'd love to put these idiots in here and give them the same.BS & run-around they give us. I just happened to be in a mi8nister visit the last time the quack came back to see me a couple weeks ago and my minister just shook hsi head at his 'diagnosis' and remedy. Talk aobut being struck between a rock and a hard place. The doctor reufuses to send me for an MRI even1hough I told him all the symptoms classic for cartilage damage. He now says that I didn't suffer any major injury to my knee from my history which he got by asking me if I ever had a ACL tear - Never did, but that doesn't mean you can't tear your cartilage. i should know my brother did it to both his knees before he blew them both out! I guess I'll have to blow it out before I get any help until then I have to suffer. Messed up and aggravating as hell. On a.lighter note, last week when my mom came to visit, she brought in an article from the paper about my appeal. They overturned a bunch of my charges, but affirmed my murder charges and death sentence. It's crazy, but that's the Ohio Supreme Court for you. I should know more next week when I get the ruling back or hear from my attorneys. Wild how the papers find out things before me or my lawyers even do. Where this leaves me I'm not quite S!Jre. I never expected anything form the State and the main part of the appeal I thought I might get something good on was turned down, yet the minor points prevailed! Just goes to show you that you never know what to expect. I'd doubt seriously that a prosecutor will let this go unchallenged, but then again, I know they don't want me back in that county. I don't really want to go back there, so the feelings are mutual. I doubt they will retry me if it means my coming back, especially since my death sentence is still in effect. I guess we'll see. So that's my reason for the delay and again I apologize for not getting back with you sooner. I'm more than busy trying to get some play on my appeals and these idiots to give me some PROPER medical care. Yeah, I know I'm wishing on a star on the latter, but I have to keep trying b/c my knee is killing me. Well, I better let you go. I've rambled long enough. Once again, sorry for not getting back with you sooner. Take it easy. Take Care & God Bless, James .... from Death Row, Mansfield, Ohio MUMIA ABU-JAMAL (quoted from the Progressive 712197, by Marin Espada) Mumis is an eloquent African-American journalist convicted in the 198a slaying ofpolice officer. Daniel Faulkner in Philadelphia under extremely dubious circumstqances. Officer Faulkner was beating Mumia's brother with a flashlight when Mumia came upon the scene. In the ensuing confrontation, bbth Faulkner and Mumia were shot. . Although Mumia had a licensed .38 caliber pistol in his taxi that night, and the gun was later found beside him, the initial judgement ofthe medical examiner who removed the fatal bullet was that it came from a .44 caliber weapon. Serveral witnesses claimed to see an unidentified gunman fleeing the scene, leaving both Faulkner and Mumia severely wounded in the street. Page a .for Mumia Abu-Tamai : Another Nameless Prostitute Says the Man is Innocent The board-blinded windows knew what happened; The pavement sleeper ofPhiladelphi, groaning in their ghost-infested sleep, · knew what happened; Every black man blessed with the gashed eyebrow ofnightsticks kneW what happened; Even Walt WHitman knew what happened, poet a century dead, keeping vigil from the tomb on the other side ofthe bridge. More than fifteen years ago, the cataract state ofthe cruiser's headlights, the impossible angle ofthe bullet, the tributaries and lakes ofblood, Officer Faulkner dead, suspect Mumiashot in the chest, the witnesses who saw a gunman running away, his heart and feet thudding. The nameless prostitutes know, hunched at the curb, their bare legs chilled. Their faces squinted to see that night, rouged with fading bruises. Now the faces fade. Perhaps an eyewitness putrefies, eyes open in a bed of soil, or floats in the warm gulf stream ofher addiction, or hides from the fanged whispers ofthe police In the tomb 9fWalt Whitman, where the gramite door is open and fugitive slaves may rest. Mumia; the Pantehr beret, the thinking dreadlocks, dissident words that swarmed the microphone like a hive sharing meals with people named Africa, calling out their names even after the police • bombardment that charred their black bodies. After the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's recent So the governor has signed the death warrant. decision denying Mumia a new trial, a federal appeal is his last recourse. His situation is grave because the recently anacted Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act i;nakes it difficult to win such an appeal. Time grows sho1t for Mumia. and it may be only the public demands for a retrial that can save this trother from execution. Write, call, shout, march, talk about this to your elected federal representativess, to family, friends , co-workers. Mumia Abu-Jamal is the first U.S. political prisoner to face execution since the Rosen burgs. For details on actions, or· for othet infom1ation about Mumia, call (215) 476-8812 or www.mumia.com / PAN-OHIO Prisoners Advocacy Network Statewide Meeting Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio November 13-14, 1999 Call PAN-Cincinnati, (513) 241-8014 ~ / The executioner's needle would flush the poison down into Mumia's writing hand so the fingers curl like a burned spider; his calm questioning mouth would grow numb,and everywhere radios sputter to silence, in his memory. The veiled prostitutes are gone, gone to the segregated balcony ofwhores. But the newspaper reports that another nameless prostitute says the man is innocent, that she will testify at the next hearing. Beyond the courthouse, a multitude of winesses chants, prays, shouts for his prison to collapse, a shack in a hurricane. Mumia, ifthe last nameless prostitute becomes an unraveling turban ofsteam, If the judges' robes become clouds ofink swirling like octupus deception, ifthe shroud becomes your Amish quilt, ifyour dreadlocks are snipped during autopsy, then drift above the ruined RCA factory that once firthed radios to the tomb of Walt Whitman, where the granite door is open and fugitive slaves may rest. • • • �STREETVIBES James F. Love, #329-475 P. O. Box 45699-L3-30 When in the Course of Human Events You are being deceived. Do you care? Before I ever crossed swords with the justice system, I read the letters from prisoners printed in various newspa­ pers and magazines, just like you are doing now.. 1paid them little attention, especially to the ones that claimed they were innocent. After all, how many times had I heard that all prisoners say that they are innocent? I'd heard that hundreds of times during my life. I heard it from prosecutors. I'd heard it from Judges. I'd heard it from the Police. I'd heard it from lawyers. I'd heard it hundreds of times.... Every time some prisoner wrote a letter protesting his innocence, I'd hear it again from some naive reporter. After all, why listen to this one when he's just saying what all the rest day? Then I came to prison. What I found out was that I had been lied to all my life by both the media and the government. I think the media simply repeats what they are told because the new generation of journalists are lazy. It's easier to go collect a sound byte from the prosecutor's office. or the police department, after. . lunch, than it is to go to all the time and trouble of sitting through a long trial, or, God forbid, actually visiting anyone in jail or investigating the case independently. It's easier and the story is so much better and sellable when it's a one-sides slam. Sensationalism. I mean, what story would there be if they're innocent? It's so much more suitable for gossip, and selling more papers, or getting more air time, if he, or she, or they, are guilty. Did you ever notice that in the cases where a conviction is obtained that the story is several columns tong, naming names of not only the person convicted , but their family and friends? Did you ever notice that in the hundreds of cases overturned over the past 5 years on DNA testing that they appear as one-inch blips buried on page 14? · John Doe was released from the Ohio State prison system this morning after 17 years when DNA tests revealed he was innocent. Mr. Doe plans to reside with his mother." End of story. The United States Department of Justice did a study a few years ago that encompasses all the cases and prisoners in the United States. The study con­ cluded that between 8% and 12% of all State prisoners in this nation are actually or factually innocent and that 4% of all federal prisoners are actually or factually innocent. That is a legal distinction, so please allow me to explain. Factual innocence is like the man I know at Chillicothe Correctional Institution who was drunk one night and walked into a Kroger's and stuffed $23.00 worth of meat down his pants and tried to walk out the door without paying. He was guilty of shoplifting. He was convicted of robbery and sentenced to 6 to 15 years. He is factually innocent because the facts of the crime do not sustain the conviction for robbery. Actual innocence, is like me. I was accused of crimes in Cincinnati, and have now adduced undisputable evidence in my federal writ of habeas corpus that at the time the crimes were testified to have happened, I was in Mexico. I'm not talking about a day or two, I was in Mexico for an eight month period of time during which I was testified to by the "victim" as being in Cincinnati committing the alleged crimes that led to 3 or the 4 life sentences that I am presently serving, and when she testified to 5 of the 6 total allegations made against me. That is actual innocence. Taking the mean of the percentages given by the DOJ in their study, considering the difference between the greater numbers of state prisoners as opposed to federal prisoners, and even cutting that number in 112, it still means that as you go to sleep tonight, wherever that my be, across this nation approximately 80,000 men and women, just like you, sit in a prison cell knowing they are innocent an.d shouldn't be there. 93% of all convictions are obtained by a plea agreement. Only 7% go to trial. Why the disparity in the numbers? Well, sometimes if you have a record and are facing a sentencing enhancement of 10 to 20 years, it is easier to plead guilty to something you did not do and take the 2 years offered in exchange for the guilty plea, as opposed to tryin!:J to convince a jury that you are innocent after the prosecutor drums your prior conviction into their head. Even though that is not supposed to happen in theory, it is what happens in Hamilton County. Go sit through a few of Judge Nurre's trials. That's his specialty. He's the county's "hatchet judge,", did you know that? Nurre and Ney, AKA Judge Roy Bean and Company. Appear before them and it doesn't matter if you were just truant from school when you were twelve, the jury will hear it somehow. That's called judicial activism. Circumvent The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine evidentiary rules to get the outcome you want and have plenty of friends cultivated on the Court of Appeals to uphold the case on appeal, or appoint an ~ppeal attorney that owes you a favor. A large portion of the "recidivism" rate of ex­ convicts in this nation is artificially generated by the police and prosecutors, not only focusing on ex­ convicts as suspects, but in them having leverage over the ex-con by way of"prior conviction sentencing enhancement" that runs into decades of extra prison time. Put that together with a judge who thinks that if you've been in trouble before you must be guilty now also, and it's a winning combination, for the state. So if 93% stood up and told the court and society that they were guilty, do you think they come to prison and then scream they are innocent? No, they don't. In the ten years that I've done in prison my experience is that most cons will tell you that they are guilty and that they are just doing their time. So who is this "all" that we always hear say they are innocent" It's that 5% that are innocent. That 5% are making so much noise that it just seems like "all" prisoners say they are innocent. What's worse is that the government and the trial judge know that they are innocent and don't want you to listen. By deceiving you, the public, into not listening to that 5%, and looking into why they are in prison and innocent, who is benefiting? Well, let's see. The court appointed attorney that sided with the prosecutor and allowed an innocent person to be placed in prison is probably in private practice now. He is benefiting. Who would hire him if they knew? The prosecutor who charged the person, and twisted or ignored the evidence to get the bogus conviction, is benefiting. He has to run for re-election in the county next term and wants to be State Treasurer in a couple of years. Wouldn't want a strong political opponent to be able to advertise the fact that he puts innocent people in prison during the campaign, would we? The Judge also has to run for re-elections next term. Might even be up for the Court of Appeals or a Federal appointment. He has the same motives as the prosecutor. The press? They · ran the first story about his conviction, and even if they didn't, they don't want to look like they either didn't do their job the first time around, or that they are siding with those nasty criminals and soft on crime, do they? Besides, if they actually run this story they will not be welcome in the prosecutor's office for the sound bytes and will actually have to w.Q!K for stories form the prosecutor and the police. Wouldn't want that. would we? So they all hide their heads in the sand. The police, hell, they arrested the guy. Don't want it on my record that I made a bad arrest....and if it~ bad, and he gets out and sues, all of the above hit the spotlight. 80,000 strong +they sit and wait. Anger? You don't know the meaning of the word. More than that, though we feel sadness for you and this nation. W hat right do I have to feel sad for this nation? Every right and rights that many of you w ill never have. I spent a year in Vietnam with the 101 st Airborne in Northern I Corp. But this is just another prisoner's letter. Read it and forget it. I used to. None of this means anything to you. It won't mean anything to you ever, hopefully. Why do I say "hopefully"? Because you will only remember this letter when you cross the fence, either in an orange jump-suit yourself, or to visit your son, or your daughter, or your father, or your mother, or your brother, or your sister, or your wife, or your husband. It will only mean something to you when you know that you or they .am innocent and that the "system" broke down. I say "hopefully" because I pray that God in his Mercy never allows that to happen to you or anyone that you love. So you forget that you read this letter and pray tonight that the day never comes when you wake up on a flat steel bed and remember it. I you ever do, you'll be like me. Wishing that I had not taken what I was told at face value and went on with my life. Wishing I had looked further into what I was tol d in those letters by those faceless prisoners and tried to make sure it w asn't true, and if it was true, to find out why and change the system to correct it. For those of you who don't recognize the title of this article, those words are the first seven words of the Declaration of Independence. Sometimes things go so wrong that they warrant drawing a line and making a stand for what is right. Your immediate reaction is that you are only one person and, "What can I do even if I want to?" In struggle, James F. Love, #329-475 Page 9 CORRECTION From Sep em er s ssue of Streetvibes: I Please Noted The address of the Justice for W.J.M. Campaign, stated in the September issue of Streetvibes, is incorrect. Please send re lies to : 2877 Wilson Avenue, Cinti, Oh 452251 , Phone: 825-0903 Freedom: A Native American Political Prisoner needs our help: Leonard Peltier. Ojibwe, was convicted of murdering two FBI agents on June 26, 1975. Since that time he has been held in Leavenworth Penitentiary serving 2 life sentences. The conflicting reports of the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the allegations of falsified evidence and testimony, and affidavits from Peltier's extradition from Canada have harbored suspicion concerning the case . Other evidence has come forth since. We need your help now. November is Peltier month . A culturaly brilliand and attention -attracting event in front of the White House in November will take place. Such people as Rigoberta Menchu, Des~ond Tutu and Arvol Looking Horse will lead prayers and speak. There will be visual display of teepees, drumming and singing. Leonard's dream is to continue what the trail of broken treaties started - an event that will have an historical and lasting effect in the minds and consciousness of the public. If you are a group or organiza ti on th at is serious about s upporting L eonard, please con tact Sonny or Chery l Hensley o f the local A IM (A merican Indian Mo vem en t) s uppor t group, at 586-721 0 (after 3 P.M.) , STREETrlBES ,,,,,.,,, #IB cont ains the writings ofpersons incarcerated in our nation's ~ j ails and prisons. Subscribers within the waUs receive Streetvibes free. If you want t o support us in t his effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $1 2 for a year's subscription Send y our comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail: _ STREETVIBES 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 Fax: (57 3)427-7813 " \ ' I '• .• �, STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Welfare News Recipients Rights ' Another victory for the Ohio Empowerment Coalition in our campaign to change welfare sanctions will benefit mothers with small children across the state. Caseworkers are now required to inform single parents that they CANNOT BE SANCTIONED if they are unable to do the work requirement because they lack sufficient child care for a child under six. . ' The Ohio Empowerment Coalition discovered through a statewide sanction survey that parents were be3ing sanctioned for this reason. Some parents were being forced to choose between complying with a work component and leaving their children alone or in other unsafe situations, or being sanctioned for not working. In some cases, if the children had been left with unacceptable child care providers, the mothers would have faced being investigated by Children's Services, or far worse, harm to their children. One mother from Athens County broke into tears when she told us her story. She had been unable to find child care for her two-year old. Her caseworker told her this was insufficient reason to not work. She was sanctioneq, losing all her cash assistance to support her three young children. Now the good news is that caseworkers are mandated to inform recipients of this good cause reason. /' I I I Page 10 "Affordable Child Care Arrangements". "All OWF participants are guaranteed eligibility for child care subsidies wit~ co-payments based on family size, income and number of children receiving subsidized child care." Each and every recipient has the rights to a state hearing if she feels her child care arrangements are A\ Ii\ inadequate. Caseworkers will be trained about this federal law. However, enforcement of this law will still largely be left up to individual caseworkers' interpretation. Recipients will still have to prove one of the following reasons: / J \ I I \ The Ohio Empowerment Coalition continues to monitor sanctions. If you have been sanctioned , please . send us your story with or without your name. Your name will be kept confidential. .Send to: Ohio Empowerment Coalition, c/o Contact ·Center, 1641 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio45210 I 1) "Unavailability of appropriate child care within a reasonaole distance form the parents' home or work site? 2) Unavailability or unsuitability of informal child care by a relative or under other circumstances. 3) Unavailability of appropriate and affordable formal child care arrangements. "Appropriate Child Care" means availability of a licensed or certified child care provider." "Unsuitability of Informal Child Care". This will be based on information from Children's Services. (We ask<, "Will recipients be investigated if they claim this good cause reason? W ill they ,have an open Children's Services case") STOP THE CLOCK • • ' No Liberty at the Liberty Bell "Reasonable Distance is defined by county welfare departments & based on transportation services available in the county. - • r Some broad definition are provided by the Ohio Department of Human Services. ' Homeless Mothers Fined and Banned from Liberty Bell for Exercising First Amendment Rights Sep tember 22, 1999: Members of the Kensington Welfare Rights Union were given fines of$250 each· in Federal Court today. In additon; Cheri _Honkala, Mar iluz G o~al ez, and Tamz in Cheshire were given "stay-away" orders, banning them from the entire historic National Independence Park area, and tbe Liberty Bell in particular, for an entire year. What was their offense? A peaceful gathering on March 3rd to protest welfare cuts and call attention to the cri.sis ofgrowing numbers ofhomeless people in Philadephia as a result ofpoverty and "welfare refonn". <> extend the time limit for receiving Ohio Works First cash assistance -- to a minimum of five consecutive years o restore the children's portfon of cash assistance to households under sanction, cutting only the adult's portion of the check <> respore the adult's portion of food stamps t o sanctioned households Join our Team! Volunteers and Interns Needed Legislators across Ohio decided, when they passed welfare reform, t hat childhood poverty was acceptable. They decided, when they passed welare reform, that childhood homelessness was acceptable. Legislators decided to cut families off from all basic means of survival when they dicided on a three-year time limit. On October 1 , 2000, thousands of children across Ohio will lose their basic survival means. The three year time limit on welfare will have rim out for their families. Moreover, every month thousands more children will be facing the same crisis. LegislatQrS have the power to st op this destructive policY.fi:.om h.apperong.. "I.bay...ba¥e-t~&i*)werto--- - 1 extend the time limit to the five consecutive years allowable using federal TANAF money. . To endorse the campaign, send/f.ax the following to: the Contact Center, 1641 Vine St., Cincinnati,· 4521 0/ 51 3-381­ 4022, contactcenter@overtherhine.org : _ ~....._~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ l.pOxP~--~____.RDE.__~~~~~Fax.__~~~~~ -----Yes, my organization endorses the Stop the Clock Campaign _ _ _ Please put our name on the endorsement list _____Yes, I individually endorse the Stop the Clock Campaign ------ Please put my name on the endorsement list , ________________________________ / If you would like to get experience worki ng for a progressive, grassroots organization call us at the Contact Center, 381-4242 The Contact Center is looking for students to volunteer or do internships at the Center. We are a progressive organizations working on poor people's issues, especi~lly welfare, housing and neighborhood self-determination. Activities would include: • Surveying neighborhood residents about what they want changed in their neighborhood • Interviewing welfare recipients on how welfare reform is working • Participating in outreach to low-ioncome people • Helping to organize workshops and teach-ins • Helping organize annual conference • Helping with basket and toy programs Call Katy or Cassandra at 381 -42~2 for more inforination, or stop by 1641 Vine Street �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine PROGESS MADE IN CINCINNATI TENANT ORGANIZING ......By Warren Perkins Car Living: How to Make it a Successful. Sane. Safe Experience f rom: "Bill Tinker" <wfi nker@fcqrielworks.nel > Subject: lives little luxuries Dale: Wed, 22 S ep 1999 07:16 :10 ­ 0400 The issues surrounding subsidized housing in Cincinnati are complex. No one person can possibly have all the answers but, the quest for those answers has become my mission. This search lies in contrast to what I had initially thought I would be doing. · I had visions of riding in on a ':Vhite horse and telling the evil, dastardly, landlords to stop their evil and dastardly actions. The People living in the buildings would cheer as the corrupt property owner was led away in chains. From that point on, only good things would happen to the tenants and I would gain their trust and admiration forever. Now I have found out the hard way that tenant are the ones who should be equipped with white horses. One thing I have found is that self-determination is the key to making affordable housing better. No person from the outside can come.in and magically organize tenants to do something great for themselves. Who decides what should be done? Is it outsiders who have preconceived notions of what is right or the people who actually live in and have first hand experience with the property they call home. Unfortunately, the former is often done. After reading the above statements you might now say to yourself, wasn't this article about progress made in Cincinnati tenant organizing. Progress can be found in the fact that I have learned. The first step in the gains I have helped with is to realize that I do not have the answers. The second step was to realize that no one except tenants could know what is best for them. The third step is to listen and hear. That has been the focus of the organizing efforts so far. I have been educated in this by the fine ten~nts of Ashwood Apartments, Metropole Apartments, and Shelton Gardens. The tenants in these building have shown me about their needs. My attitudes about section 8 housing have changed immensely mostly due to those tenant efforts. I have been humbled into changing my self to better serve the people who need my help. I~ organizing your project base.d Section 8 building is som~~hing you would lik~·~o do, please call Warren Perkins at (513) 421-2701. v1~·f;;. . Hey..... ... there's a new book out, titled ----­ ..... .By A J. (Jane) Archer. ($14.95) . Also check out www.carliving.com or e-mail Archer at ajarcher@earthlink.net. As an Americorp VISTA member, I was hired to work with Tenants in project based section 8 housing. Starting off, I had no Idea what project-based section 8 housing ·was. After working with project based section 8 housing, for three months I can honestly say I know just a little bit more. ~· ' Page 11 .'~~ ~~· yOU. The Cincinnati Tenant Organizing Project is part of the Cleveland Tenants Organization and Cohhio (The Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio), an· association ofhousing .activists.from across Ohio who came together in 1984 to end homelessness and promote decent, safe, f air and affordable housing. For more information: ohiotenants@l!arthlink.net Ah, that shower you took this morning was so refreshing, wasn't, it? And that second cup of coffee really hit the spot, did it not?, and now it's on to work and earn that pay check, to keep that mortgage paid and the little wife happy....The american dream has fallen flat on its face for many of us who, in retrospect, know the dream was all a figment of our imagination.or somebody else's ...... Because when you wake up cold, frightened, and alone in a alley, box car or in a shelter where you know no one, reality crashes in on you fast, brother or sister.and the lies our government - be it local.or federal - has fed us since we could under­ stand right from left, hits us squarely in the face ... This is America, home of the free, land of the brave.and you look around and realize that it was all bull crap .... And right now you are craving a nice balanced breakfast that will not materialize on its own unless you pan handle it, or wash a few windows, or sweep off some store owner's side walk for a couple of bucks .... OK, you say, enough. When somebody like_the guy that just walked by you muttering can get a job..... doesn't he know that he is only six months from being exactly where we are or have been???? No, he he's living the great LIE and he, he's never had to move because the police said to .... no loitering or you'll be arrested ....so arrest me I need a meal and a place to lay my head down that is safe, you think..... ... ...It is in reality a scamming cold cruel world,and once in a while you do have a hand full of true friends; hang onto them because they are the greatest wealth or riches you could amass in a.life time, believe me ..... I have been there on at least five occasions in my life time. But I would fove to see an end to hunger and homelessness in our counJry fir~t, b.eto;~ :!"e spend all that monl . .!l! ., c~ntne~ can never repay th~1 · ~t··.s' So~ tak~·nce o~~ f~llow. a~ : ~ ~:;.I;.... Then pe~s-the great amer~ca!:l <fr ~n start to be fulfilled ...... . ........Bill Tinker wfinker@fcg nefworks.nef Subscribe to Streetvibes Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be purchased for $12 per year. (Get 'em now before the rate goes up!) Just send a check to the below address and the paper will be mailed to you each month Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 Please make checks payable to the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless--Streetvibes. If you have any questions, call 421-7803. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Simple, Smart Ideas for Bringing.up Happy Kids. Sept. 21, 1999 Northern Kentucky Legal Aid Society, Inc. 302 Greenup St. Covington, Ky 41011 (ph): 606-431-8200 (fax): 606-431-3009 Letters Page 12 Believe in your children, so they can believe in themselves. Turn accomplishments into celebra­ tions. Donald Whitehead, Director Praise your kids in public (but make sure not to be embarrassing) Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Dear Mr. Whitehead: Letters are still coming in concerning the Greater Cincinnati Art's and Education Center board plan to relocate the Drop Inn Center. To support the Drop Inn Center's' right to not be move<;f, Write to: Erich Kunzel, 1241 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210, Send Copies of your Jettf!r to: Drop Inn Center Attn: Pat Clifford, 217 West 12th St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45210, and to Streetvibes _ By St. Cecilia Conference St. Vincent de Paul Society 3105 Madison Road · Cincinnati. Ohio 45209 We would like to protest the proposed relocation or the Drop Inn Center. It seems much more expediant to have the Center near the people iL serves Lhan Lo move it elsewhere. As you know. ther are build ings_in the neighborhood where those working toward perma nent ho.using can be assisted. We hope you will work to'an amicable solution. Sincerely l!:ileen Schweizer. secretary Us, Write Us! Attention Streetvibes (513)421-7813 Sincerely, Richard A. Cullison . When you children talk to you, turn off the TV or put down the newspaper so you can give your complete attention. Get down on the ground and play with your kids, even if they're big! Be patient when they talk (never say: "Hurry up") Give your little ones an appreciative smile or hug when they are gentle with animals.· Treat you r children to a soothing foot massage. It will relax them and give the two of you some special time to­ gether. Bestow sweet nicknames on them to use only in private. Show how pleased you are when they're kind to younger kids. Support Your Local Vent.lor .. . Tell A Friend A 1:7o ut When your family is out to dinner or at home, let your children invent and deliver a toast. Dear Mr. Kunzel: I am writing to express my concern about the forced relocation of the Drop Inn Center in order to accommodate a new arts complex connected to Music Hall. Although a concentra­ tion of the arts is good for this community endeavor, relocation of the center is not the solution. As you know, the Drop Inn Center has been serving the homeless in their current location at the corner of Twelfth and Elm for 21 years. The center has been able to improve this property over these years through donations and grants. It is an anchor in the Over-the-Rhine neighbor­ hood and is critically linked with many other programs and services. The current residents of the neighborhood should not suffer in order to make a home for the arts complex. Contac~ FAX: now you have probably heard that the Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) did not fund Newport's HOPE VI application for a grant to demolish the public housing North ofFourth Street. On behalfof the Newport Housing Authority Resident Council, I thank you for the letter you wrote opposing demolition. We will keep you posted in the event there is a similar effort in the future that does not address adequately the needs of the residents. Thank you for your continuing cooperation in this matter. Executive Director Mr. Kunzel 1241 Elm Street We welcome input from our readers. Send your letters and editorial comments to: STREETVIBES: 1506 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 When they come home dirty, say it looks as if they had a great time. I feel that this forced relocation is an injustice to those who are being served by the Center and that a more equitable solution should and can be found. I trust that you will take into consideration the needs of the homeless and the curr-ent residents of.the area asyoo move forward with your planing . __ Learn how to say "I love you" in sign language, and send 'secret' messages to one another. Notice your children's bright ideas. When your kids are home alone after school, call from work just to say "I Love You." Secretly wink at one another when you are in public, especially in a serious environment. Give each of you kids one beautiful · rose tied with a ribbon. Thank them for showing respect to the elderly. Share stories of something positive or wonderful that you each accomplish every day. Sing, dance and get really silly to­ gether. Let them know how much you like the way they're growing up. Tell your kids what they've taught EMAIL: streetvibes@juno.com Please include your name, address and daytime phone number with all correspondence. Sincerely, you. Ruth Kuhn, SC When your children admit the truth about something they have done wrong, be sure to express thanks for the honesty. Cincinnnati 45238 R_Kuhn_SC@juno.com o Speak to them as if all the angels could hear you . ·streetvibes@juno.com �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 13 The Changing ·Faces of Homeles.sness, ..... by Reggie Brown The face of the homelessness has changed over the years. The first homeless were the bums that hopped trains and traveled from city to city. This was the way the homeless were thought of - as alcoholic men who had lost the will to live. As times changed, so did the homeless population. We started to see mothers.with children, whole families, newly released prison­ ers, and - sad to say - the mentally ill. Why, you might ask? Because of the government's unwill­ ingness to help the people in the most need of assistance. The established society was not receptive to the needs of their fellow humans; t was all about ME. Laws were passed cutting funding for any programs that aided the poor, mentally ill, and working poor. "Where will it end?" This is a question we need to ask our­ selves when we go to the polls to vote. The Workin2 Poor There was a time when a dollar was a dollar, but now it is not worth more than half its face value. The devaluing of income for poor people affects their ability to buy good and services needed to fuel the nation's economy. This in turn creates jobs and more money. This theory has good principle behind it, but, unfortu­ nately, no meat. Industry was our biggest employer. Now, most of that has been moved to other countries that have a cheaper labor force. This leaves many unemployed or underemployed, working for minimum wages and trying to make it stretch. The power to be able to pay all the bills is a distant memory. Now a person must pay this bill this time, and the other bill next time. Soon all the bills are behind. What can be done? there is not help in sight. P.ray that the electric ~ will not get cut off before payday. Now that rent is still another thing . If I pay it, I can't pay the - Cl!Jergy bill; but I need lights. The circle starts to close, the pay is getting smaller and smaller. It is not enough. Soon I'm facing eviction. I will try to pay some on the rent; could you just give me a week or two? That day never comes, and your belongings are set out on the street. You must guard them or people will take what they want. I, who work everyday as hard as I can, am homeless. So another face joins the crowd. The working poor are part of the homeless community. The Mentally Ill The headline read, "We will not warehouse the mentally ill; they are to be set free .n Free to do what" Exist just above the animals? The controlled environment they are used to is now gone; Who will see that the pills to help with the mental illness are taken? The doctors say, "We are sure that they will take their medication as prescribed on the bottle." This is a person that is not given to rational thinking without the meds. ~ow is he/she to know when the time comes to take a pill or two? They go further into their mental illness. The vultures that prey on them next are only a few drugs or drinks away from being mentally ill themselves. These people introduce alcohol or other drugs of abuse to these child-like people, which takes then to another level of mental illness - a deep pit of drug-induced reality. Our govern­ ment has set up agencies to regulate their money through payees. But how much attention is placed on what is done with that money? The rent is paid, and the utilities. The authorities think · they will do the rest, but this is false. Even rationally thinking people make mistakes, but these persons are not on a normal wavelength. Consider this possibility: A mentally ill person is drunk one night with a cigarette burning in·their hand. A fife star1s, and only by GOd's grace is the person saved from the fire. when the case manager infonns the landlord that tile person he has rented to is mentally, ill the landlord may no longer be willing to rent'to another person with the same or similar prob­ lems. Tolerance is a learned virtue, we are not born with it. It is developed over time. Under­ standing must.be part of.this process. The intolerant person thinks: I need to keep the crazies away from me and my property." The total is that highter numbers of mentally ill people join the homeless community. Women and Children Welfare reform will give the taxpayers the break they need; that's the thinking behind the legislation passed in Congress and in the State houses across the country. The thinking is that the welfare queens will no longer stay on the rolls for years; the concept is over and done. But must of the women on public assistance are only on it because they have children not of school age and day care is expensive. so expensive that they find it hard to pay for day care while covering expenses with a low paying job. They cannot stretch their earnings enough to make a minimum wage job cover all the expenses. Family is not much help either, because in most cases they are also just making ends meet. Medical care is another reason women hold on to public assistance, as it assures they will have medical insurance for treatment of the children and themselves. The way things are is more in favor of the societal goals than hu­ mane goals that Goad has set for mankind. In the time of Jesus, the families of widow would then take them in care for them until one of the sons or daughters takes responsibility for the parent. The 1980's made people feel like : it is all about me, grab what you can, take all you can get, and don't share with anyone. People didn't connect with their fellow man on a human level: the people that have will not look at or listen to the have nots. And so the community of the homeless grow with the addition of women with children. Prisoners Increase the penalty and reduce the crime rate, build more prisons to House more criminals. The state has made an effort to control criminal activity by making sentences longer, and to keep these prisoners for this longer time period more space is needed. Today, we have found that you can be released back into society, but with certain restrictions. The Parole Officer. says, "No drugs and no alcohol for a period of1 and not more than 3 years. You will need to find yourself and job and maintain it while you are a ward of the state. You will report once a week to me and have a urine test done at this time." This expectation that the releasee maintain total abstinence is unrealistic because he did not receive treatment for chemical dependency while imprisoned. The ex-con is thinking, "I don't think so, X amount of years I have waited for the day when I get out to have a cold beer and shot of liquor and no-one is going to stop me." The Parole Officer says, "You need to find yourself an apartment, your old neighbor­ hood is not a place for you to be. There is a very nice place to stay on Atty Street ~ you make first and last month's rent and have a police check." The landlord says, Sorry, but we don't want one of you in our building. I have very expensive things in my House, and I want to keep them. No, you can't rent from me without a police check even if you have the rent and deposit." The Parole Officer says, "Why haven't you found an apartment yet? I aJYl going to refer to a transitional House but you still must find yourself an apartment." The former prisoner is thinking, "Everywhere I go they want so much from me that I don't know which way to turn. Rent and deposit, police check, gas and electric, food, clothes, a television, furniture and help making all this come together. The Boss says, "You r pay is $5.15 per hour to start, what do you expect? Be glad I took a chance on an ex-convict." Bus fare lunches, washing clothes. soap to wash your body with and any number of other things, out of $206 before taxes. Prison releasees - come on in and take your place in our ranks, homeless and on the run, because without a permanent address you are a fugitive. There are more sections of the .Population that I could mention, but the picture is cl.ear. We as a society have turned our backs on the people that are in the biggest need of help. The prevail­ ing wage is not nearly enough to support one person, let alone a family. We have thrown the mentally ill to the mercy of the wolves. The recently released prisoner is to just flow back into society, and become productive and an outstand­ ing member of the community, but this is not realistic. There are all kinds of obstacles in the way. One last group not mentioned in this paper is the people who have just given up on life in general. They live from day to day be their wits even if it is at another's expense. They liv.e by survival of the fittest, dog eat dog, because the will to live is still there but the will to change the situation is long gone. God made man in his image, but man was given free will. The Bible states that we should love our brothers and sisters, and help those in need. But on the road to this point, we have been sidetracked. We need to get Goad-centered and less self-cen­ tered. Homelessness is a reality, yet it is a condition that can be fixed. It can be fixed with better jobs offering a decent wage and benefits, more help for mothers going into the wort« force for the first time, and by taking the stigma off the prisoners coming out of jail. We have a chance to change the direction this thing is going, but only a total commitment will bring about the changes needed to offer these people long term shelter, housing for the homeless. • • • �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine The Evangelist .....Rodney Sutton It may seem as ifl have been missing in action again, however, that is, not the case. For one reason or another my articles were not included in the last few months of Streetvibes. Whether it was the design of satan or the will of God I do not know. I only know God has been revealing much to me through his Word, and it is some ofthese revelations which I wish to share with you now I Corinthians 9:22 tells us that the Apostle Paul became all things to all men, that he might save some. Here in this text the Apostle gives us some simple principles for witnessing to others: 1) find some common ground with the person 2) avoid a know-it-all attitude 3) make others feel accepted 4) be sensitive to their needs and concerns 4) Then look for opportunities to tell them about Christ These principles used by the apostle are just as valid today as they were during the early church, because there are those among the body ofChrist today who feel that because they are ·s aved they are better than others; but my Bible says, "for all have sinned, and come short ofthe glory ofGod? (Rom. 3:23) As an "evangelist", I have often made the mistake ofbeing so eager to tell someone about Christ that I have neglected to establish some common ground with the person to .whom I was witnessing. And this missing connection has resulted in my words falling on deaf ears. I have also bee~ guilty ofhaving a "know-it-all attitude'', especially when I first earned my Bachelor ofScience Degree in Bible. I now try to remember that it is not how much I know about the Bible, or anything else I know, for that matter, that can save an individual; but it is the grace of God (Eph. 2:8) So, ifyou find yourself out preaching the word of God, or just being a witness of the gospel, remember the above principles and I promise you, when "you" get out ofthe way, His Word shall not return unto H~m void (Isa. 55: 11). It does not matter if you are witnessing to the rich, poor, or the homeless; the same rules apply. The other revelation I wish to share with you is one many of us already know, and that is in Genesis 1:31. It says "God saw everything that He had made, an? behold, it ,, was very good Recently while studying in the book ofPhilippians, I was reading Chapter 2, and Death Becomes Us Part 1 Suicide through the eyes of a child .... Te'tro Amaru I remember the day like it was yesterday. My biological mother was putti~g t~e fi~ishing preparations on my younger sister s birthday party while the children playe~ in t~e backyard. I had just began living with my b1olog1~al m?t.h.er again on a full-time basis instead of Just v1s1ting for the summers. My father had allowed me to live in Philadelphia with her on a condition that I stayed out of trouble and kept my grad~s up. At that period in my life everything seemed different. I had left behind my grade school buddies in Maryland and come to Phila­ delphia to attend a new school. Also, my biologi­ cal mother had went from being that friend and weekend mother, which gave me anything and everything that my heart desired no ma~er ~hat I did, to being a parent which now had to inst1.11 discipline, responsibility, and various 0th.er hfe lessons that included whippings and punish­ ments. life had quickly bec;:ome drastically differently from the many summer visits spent . with her while I attended scho9I in Maryland with my father. I was no longer the center of attention day in and day out. I had chores and other . responsibilities that I either did or paid the consequences for not doing. Life hit me smac~ in the face as I realized that my heaven was turning to hell and that I could no longer indulge myself within.the comforts of being a spoiled brat. The previous Wednesday we ha~ attended church as usual for bible study class. The guest speaker presented us with the story of · "W things would be for those of us who fail to 10<>us Christ has your _-.1(..UIT'.,.") 'sav' · · Lord ano s; . - ...rding to ·-, the testaments of the bible) and how difficult it would be, after God took his people to heaven and allowed the devil's beast to roam the earth, to repent and submit yourself unto God. But, for those who somehow managed to survive the devil's temptation and follow the will of God, heaven awaited them for the rest of the days of their lives. As a child, the metaphoric semblance of the story escaped me. I merely took it as verbatim and assumed that what was told would happen. With that, when Saturday car:rie a~d I was constantly being ignored by my b1olog1cal mother, while she put the finishing touches on my sisters birthday party, I decided to put an end to the unfavorable treatment that I had been receiv­ ing from the moment I decided to live and attend school with her. It's truly a sad-funny tale of how my calls for help/attention went ignored and merely taken as ooe the many cr:azy things lwoula do as a child . But I guess I have no one to blame but myself since I was a very mischievous child . . Anyhow, I recall first using verbal threats to kill myself unless my biological mother paid some attention to me instead of being so consumed with my sister's birthday party. This in turn aggravated my biological mother, but only enou_g h for her to shove me aside and mutter.some slang words in her native tongue of Jamaica, as she often did when mad beyond what English words could contain. Next, came time to put my words to some action. I remember thinking of a way to get her to stop what she was doing and pay some attention to me. And with that, I went into the kitchen where she was cooking and grabbed a knife from the sink and held it to my wrist, Page 14 verse 6 jumped out at me. Particularly the part which say"s "He which hath begun a "good work" in you will perform it until the day ofJesus Christ" . The Holy Spirit at that time led me to Genesis 1:31 and showed me the connection between the Lord's completion of creation and declaring it to be very good, and His completing a good work in us. A work that will not be complete until the return ofJesus Christ. So for all of you who are in despair regarding your present situation, fear not, for God hath not given us the spirit <?ffear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (11 Tim. 1:7) Last month some ofyou may have gotten my article as an insert, so you know I am no longer with Helping Hands Outreach Mission Ministries. The Lord has taken A Way ofLife Ministries in a whole new direction and you will soon be able to get more information by logging on to my website. For now: you PC users can send your prayer request, Bible questions, and all other related matters to awol@goodnews.com; or you can join me in the chat room "I Got a Testimony", where I am your host AWOL. For tho~e who do not have a PC, you can still reach me at 210-4181. In His Service, Evangelist Rodney L. Sutton, Sr. threatening to slit my wrist. Now if you know anything about Jamaicans, believe t~e stereo~pe that we have terrible tempers. And with that said, my biological mother snatched the knife from my hand and poked me in the arm and screamed at me at the top of her lungs. With me not being a pain freak, I retreated upstairs to con~emplate a better and painless way to get my point acro~s to my biological mother. My next threat came with me entering the kitchen with a glass of w~ter f~ll of broken pieces of tylenol capsules, threatening to drink it unless she stopped what she was doing and paid some attention to me. This in turn lead to me being drenched with water and broken tylenol capsule pieces. . · Once again I retreated upstairs for a better plan of attack to get my biological mother to pay some attention to me. This time h~wever, I thought about truly killing myself. I stoo~ in the bathroom and looked in the mirror and recalled the minister from Wednesday's bible study class and ofthe story he told of how life would be just before judgement day. I recalled how he said it would be hard to overcome the devil's tempta­ tions, but he did not say impossible, which said to me that it could be done. Therefore, my next step was to open the medicine cabinet and take my younger sister's entire bottle of asthma pills. As a child, the thought of dying never entered my mind as something which ended my life. And the thought of pain accompanied death was certainly not factored in my plans. I simply wanted the attention of my biological mother and assumed that if I died, she would blame herself and miss me. But when I returned just before judgement day, I expected that she would have missed me so much that she would never neglect me ever again. I merely wanted to hurt her for not giving me the attention as she had given before, during my summer visits. Life and death at that point in my life was more like stop and go. I had no clue of what death involved nor of what death actually meant. I just wanted to be spoiled rotten again. �STREETVIBES The Tri-State's Homeless Grapevine Page 15 "Problems are sent to us as gifts." - ·Ancient Oriental teaching ADVERTISE IN STREETVl!3ES Streetvibes Live Radio Hour Streetvibes TV covers news on poverty, homelessness and related issues Contact us at the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless if you would like to be a part of the audience for more Information, call 421­ STREETVIBES Classified Band Looking for Work Streetvibes (the band). We like to party. R&B, Oldies, Blues/Jazz, Reggae. Helping the homeless to help themselves through free · enterprize. Call 421-7803. promoting yourself to over 5,000 concerned people each month. Tune in to WAIF 88.-:3 fm! on the second Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon for The 7803 Next Streetvibes Live : October 21st Help a good caus~ while Business Card Size 2" x 3 1/2" $1.0 per month ~ <otp' Homeless Coalition's live·radio program. The show is co-hosted by Mary Burke, Donald Whitehead and other monthly guest hosts. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories in this paper and eclectic musical selections. If you need assistance in designing your ad or have any other questions, call us at NEXT SHOW DATES: 421-7803. 9"'rw9 Business Card Size 4" x 31/2" $20 per month Larger Adds also available Saturday, October 9th Saturday, November 13th Please send your add by the 20th of preceeding month, accompanied by your check I money order, to Streetvibes, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 Streetvibea TV We reserve the right to deny any ad, especially those which promote alcohol or tobacco products. You will receive a full refund should your ad be denied. Wanted: Position.working with homeless or individuals with mental illness and their families. If you have any ideas for future Have MSW, will travel. ...Kevin Kelso- (513)542­ STREETVIBES TV shows please contact the 3776 ......... - Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless office at 421-7803. Ideas should address STREETVIBES provides Classified Ads free subjects related to homelessness and poverty in to low income job seekers. Others may our city. We are always interested in viewer place ads for only $1 per line. -ideas, so please give-us-a-can:-::---- ­ Call 421-7803 for info. ~--------------------- --~., ~·dS~ .~ . .v ANOTHER CLASS PRODUCTION Disc-Jockey Service (513) 230-6353 Rapid Exit JOB DESCRIPTION: (513) 761-3464 Mail the ad copy, or deliver, to: Streetvibes 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 or fax it to 421-7813 With Project Connect in Cincinnati, A program that provides educational services and support to homeless children and youth in Cincinnati. They assist children and their families when enrolling in school , provide transportation to and from school, facilitate in-school food service, provide educational - supplies, provide opportunities to join an after school tutoring club and create fun-filled enrichment programs for the children and thei.r family. QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree • Concentration in social type fields preferred • Ability to work with administration, staff, and community • Must have car CLIFFORD JONES Streetvibes accepts Classifie'd , Ads for items such as Help Wanted , Items for Sale, Apartments for Rent and other non-personal items. The rate is only $1 per line, approximately ten words per line. People below the poverty level will be given five free lines for six months to advertise their skills or products to our readers. Americorps Position Available assists · • • · • • • • • families and •ndividuals in moving from homelessness to permanent housing rapidly for more information contact The Greater Cincinnati Coalition For The Homeless : 421-7803 and ask for Community Outreach Tutoring homeless youth Recruit train and placEU).u.alified.v0iunteers Promote parental involvement Generate funds -grant writing.etc Assist in the database development Conduct and organize presentations Design outreach to runaway youth Organize a resource bank for reqeiving educational materials and supplies If interested in the position, please contact: Debbie Reinhart, Project Connect 1425 Linn Street, Cincinnati, Oh 45214(513) 357-05720,Fax: (513) 357-5722 Gina Miller ,/ �' · -. ' - . STREETVtf3ES TV Schedule Check us out, We 're on tv! The Streetvibes TV Show is produced at the facilities of Media Bridges (Cincinnati Commu­ nity Video), 2114 Reading Road, Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to be a part of our live studio audience please call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless at 421-7803 for more information . OCTOBER Schedule October's Live TV show will begin at 7PM, Thursday, October 21st, and will be . broadcast from the Reading Road Studio. The .new show format includes a studio audience along with a guest panel discussion: .; Re br~adcast Dat es for September 's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Saturday, October 2nd, at 5 PM Thursday, October 7th, at 10 PM Saturday, October 9th, at 5 PM Tuesday, October 12th, at 10 AM Tuesday, October 26th , · at 10 AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change - consult your local TV directory. the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If you can help out with some of the items on our wish list, please give us a call... O 35 MM Film for Streetvibes photos, one-time cameras, digital camera 0 ·Advertisers and Subscribers ~ O Editing, graphics and-La~tp Streetvibes has a minimal overhead costs so that the vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. If anyone selling Streetvibes claims to be collecting for a private charity, please call our office at 421­ 7803. \ Thanks for your support. Need Help or Want to Help? If for some reason you find yourself homeless, contact a Coalition Member Agency for Shelter, Treatment, Housing or Services. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. =--­ SHELTERS: Women and Children YWCA Battered Womens Shelter 872-9259 !-888-872-9259 (Toll Free) 281-5770 YWCA Transitional Living Prog. 557-2873 Bethany House 762-5660 Salvation Army 431-8717 Welcome House SHELTER: Men City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (Veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America SHELTER: Both Caracole (AIDS) Chabad House Drop Inn Center (Singles) f riars Club Haven House (Hamilton) l 24 1-5525 24 1-0490 241-2965 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 761-1480 82.1-5100 721-0643 381-5432 863-8866 244-7226 Interfaith Hospitality Network Lighthouse Youth Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. John's Temporary Housing 651-6446 HOUSING CMHA Excel Development Miami Purchase OTR Housing Network ReSTGG Tender Mercies Tom Geiger House TREATMENT: Women O.D.A.A.T First Step Home TREATMENT: Men ,Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over TREATMENT: Both NA Hopeline A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 721-4580 632-7149 241-0504 .369-0004 381-0954 639-7056 961-4555 241-7343 961-4663 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 820-2947 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491-4435 559-5011 O Website Update Help O Computers/components (monitors, hard drives, etc. for Streetvibes writ­ ing and editing, and for homeless computer lab If you can help!, contact us at: Streetvibes, c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 452 10 ph: (51 3) 421-7803, fax(513) 421-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com OTHER SERVICES 421-2437 AIDS Volunteers of Cincinnati Appalachian Identity Center 621-5991 Beech Acres 231-6630 Center for Independent Living Options 241-2600 Churches Active in Northside 591-2246 Cincinnati Health Network 961 -0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Community Center 24 1-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Hamilton Co.Mental Health Bd. 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 621-6364 Our Daily Bread Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721 -7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 559-6656 Women's Crisis Center 491-3335 · � 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 1999 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 1999 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: City Council Candidate Promise Support for Drop Inn Center and Affordable Housing Pg 2: The Traveler Pg 3: The Traveler Continued Pg 4: Charlene Robinson Pg 5: Arts & Poetry Pg 6: Arts & Poetry Continued Pg 7: Nationwide News Pg 8: Prisoner’s News Pg 9: Prisoner’s News Continued Pg 10: Welfare News Pg 11: Progress Made in Cincinnati Tenant Organizing Pg 12: Editorials & Letters Pg 13: Changing Faces of Homelessness Pg 14: The Evangelist Death Becomes Us Part 1 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 1999 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Donald Whitehead Susan Knight Tom Billman Ron Carter Gina Miller Warren Perkins Beverly Brooks Brook Gumm Mildred Grinney Shelia Lindsey Vannette Lacy Te’tro Amaru Lynn Williams Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF affordable housing Brook Gumm campaign Cincinnati city council Donald Whitehead Drop Inn Center Editorials & Letters Evangelist Gina Miller Lynn Williams Mildred Grinney nationwide news prisoners news Ron Carter San Francisco Shelia Lindsey Suicide Susan Knight Te’tro Amaru tenants the broken city The Traveler Tom Billman Vannette Lacy Warren Perkins welfare welfare news https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/bfa8d4524bfe2c638ce1ad1d020c2001.pdf 253ae86dde84adbdf159b5b60e9a149e PDF Text Text October 20th - November 2nd 2017 | Vol. 20 Issue 48 (No. 367) advocating justice | building community Photo Essay: Blink | 8 This Issue is sponsored By (Former) Judge Mark Painter INSIDE THIS ISSUE Out of Sight, Out of Mind? | 3 Education and Determination: Solution To Homelessness| 5 Religious Peacemakers: Jaipal Singh | 7 The Consumer Economy and its Crushing Assumptions | 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: Federal Judge Grants Injuction Against Hud O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 JOSH SPRING Federal Judge Granted the Alms Residents' Association an Injunction Against HUD which stops HUD from working to close the 200unit building while the Residents' lawsuit is heard. T his is a big deal. For years HUD allowed the Alms Hill Apartments to fall in disrepair. Bad landlords took all they could get out of the property, with zero concern for the hundreds of people who live there. For years, especially the last nearly three years, Residents of the Alms have been working to significantly improve their homes. The Homeless Coalition, Legal Aid and the Alms Residents' Association have pursued legal remedy to bring the Alms into quality, sustainable housing to stop the threat of eventually loosing these 200 homes all together. As the Residents of the Alms were finally seeing significant improvement, HUD decided to enter the process of closing the building. The Residents' Association sued HUD. The first step in this case was to seek an injunction from the court. On Friday, October 6 Residents continued to show their united, steadfast position that they will not leave their homes by appearing in federal court as Legal Aid wonderfully argued their case. On Thursday, October 12, the Executive Director federal court granted the injunction to the Residents. This means that the court has decided that the Residents' case is of such strength and the probable harm to Residents if HUD continues to work to close the building is great enough that HUD must stop all work to close the building while the case is being heard. Furthermore, while HUD had the building under closure orders, vacant units could not be rented, resulting in approximately 70 vacant units. Because of this injunction, these units can now be rented. We are not near the end of this struggle. The work to save the 200 homes in the Alms and the 550 other homes in this full portfolio continues with urgency, but this is a big deal, most notably for Alms Residents who are working so hard to save their cherished homes. 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 ----------------------------------------------- WHILE OHIO REFORMERS COLLECT SIGNATURES THE SUPREME COURT PONDERS WHAT TO DO ABOUT EXTREME GERRYMANDERING IN WISCONSIN R eformers in Ohio are busy collecting signatures to put a state constitutional amendment proposal on the ballot to end the practice of gerrymandering Congressional districts. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court on October 3rd heard oral arguments in a case challenging the extreme gerrymandered districts in Wisconsin. A long overlooked practice that both political parties have used to their advantage over the years, gerrymandering has received greater attention since 2010 because 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 computers have greatly aided politicians in drawing district maps that insure safe majorities for their parties. The Republican Party has been particularly successful in using this technique. The Party made a selfconscious effort to win majorities in state legislatures across the country at the time of the last Census. Their success gave them control of the redistricting process in a large number of states, and the results were the creation of a slew of safe state and Congressional districts for the GOP. Wisconsin and Ohio are examples of this partisan handiwork. Ohio reformers have used the ballot initiative to end this practice. In Wisconsin, opponents of gerrymandering have challenged the practice in Court. After the 2012 election in Wisconsin gave Republicans sixty of ninety-nine seats in the Legislature with only 48.6 percent of the vote, activists began preparing their case that the district maps drawn in 2011 deprived too (Continued on page 6) THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE Writers: Josh Spring, Bill Woods, Dr. Mark Mussman, Jason Haap, Peter Block, Abbey Smith, Saad Ghosn, Bobby Morris, Dick Croy, Jordann Sadler, Willa Denise jones ----------------------------------------------Photography/ Artwork: Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, Dr. Mark Mussman, Economics of Compassion Initiative, Cincinnati Country Day, Saad Ghosn, Dylan Speeg, Laura Domet --------------------------------------------------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 7 A 3 LOCAL Out of Sight, Out of Mind? | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 s I sit here listening to Melissa Mosby, one of the Coalition’s speakers, talk about how people live in their “puffy pink clouds” I am forced to think about how recent actions in Cincinnati are having an effect on people’s lives. Melissa says that people don’t want to believe that people are experiencing homelessness because it will mess up their version of reality. If they know there’s a problem, then maybe they will be forced to do something about it, is essentially what Melissa is getting at. Recent events in Cincinnati make it impossible to not agree with what she is saying. A couple of weeks ago, our city started destroying the benches that line 3rd Street downtown. On any given night throughout the year, many individuals use the area as a refuge: it’s well-lit, close to the Shelterhouse, near bathrooms at Smale Park, close to event spaces that are amenable to panhandling, and there is safety in numbers. In the past, the Homeless Coalition worked for years to get the city to take crimes against people experiencing homelessness more seriously – after years of advocacy, we became the 3rd city in the country to add hate crime legislation to protect people experiencing homelessness. Evidently, these protections aren’t enough. The City Manager claimed that the benches provided an area for people to do all sorts of lewd and dangerous things, but really the call DR. MARK MUSSMAN Staff Writer to remove the benches came from Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated (DCI), and other business interests. It did not come from the police or homeless advocates. As we are seeing with the wholesale destruction of the low-income housing in Over-theRhine, corporate interests don’t include people in poverty, and those experiencing homelessness are seen as vermin who must be removed from sight. Removing us from sight does nothing but create an unsafe situation. Is it a coincidence that the very week when the benches began to be removed, a woman who was experiencing homelessness was beaten to death in an alleyway a few blocks from 3rd Street? Is it possible that this was an attack by someone who simply didn’t want to be burdened by someone else’s circumstance? It’s definitely possible. When we remove people experiencing homelessness from the public view we are putting them in harm’s way. I encounter people all the time who stereotype people experiencing homelessness as “dangerous,” “criminal,” “evil,” or “uneducated.” These stereotypes are far from the truth, as people living in poverty or homelessness are actually more likely to be victims of crime, rather than perpetrators. We can readily see this in the youth demographic. Could you guess how many hours will go by before a youth who is experiencing homelessness will be propositioned for sex? Children as young as 9 years old (and younger, actually), are participating in survival sex because they want to have a place to stay tonight. It’s within a matter of hours that they will be asked, or forced, into sex with adults. And of course, since Melissa Mosby Spoke to Xavier University Students Credit: Dr. Mark Mussman drugs are a part of street culture, they will be exposed to, and often forced, into doing drugs. All because they are in the shadows, hiding from their abusers (often this includes their family), they are exploited and abused by people in the streets. This We need more empathy for those we disagree with D o you have Hulu, the online streaming television service? If not, maybe wait a couple weeks and get the free one-week trial so you can see Sarah Silverman's new "latenight" television show, "I Love You, America!" It is a singularly unique show, with its fair share of the crude humor you might expect if you know Silverman's stand-up comedy - but, more importantly, it has an approach to political discourse that our culture desperately needs right now. Shock-factor alert: in her opening monologue, Silverman shows a fully nude man and woman sitting in the audience. We see a close up on the man's flaccid penis. But as she points out, this image feels so jarring because we don't typically see non-sexualized, clinical bodies on television. This idea serves as foreshadowing into the rest of her show, where she takes us into political discussions we are not used to seeing on television, either. For her first segment, she travels to Louisiana to have dinner with a family of Trump voters. The family had never met a Jewish person JASON HAAP Contributing Writer before. But more significantly, for the liberals in Silverman's viewing audience, they likely have never seen a humanized version of Trump voters before. Contemporarily, Trump voters are not even depicted as real people - but instead as cartoonish and buffoonish symbols of hatred hatred of gays, Muslims, any nonwhite people, Jews, and on and on and on. Did Silverman choose a highly educated and articulate family of Louisiana Trump voters? No. This is a comedy show by a liberal comedian, after all. But did she dismiss them insultingly? No. As much as a comedian can achieve depth in a short segment on a latenight show, what we get to see is a very human exploration between a group of people who, on the surface, have nothing in common. Why did this family vote for Trump? They wanted change, and he was the "change" candidate. In an interesting twist, we learn that most of this family supports gay marriage. is not a drill, this is happening today. Today in Cincinnati. The same can be said for adults who are experiencing homelessness that are swept into the shadows. The Cincinnati Police are currently conducting sweeps of underpasses, citing safety and state law. Every time a camp is destroyed and people’s belongings seized, we are putting those individuals at greater risk. They are not getting into the shelters because they are already full. Most people are turned away from the shelters in Cincinnati, not because (There goes that stereotype of all Trump voters being anti-gay bigots.) But why, some of my liberal friends might ask, would people who care about gay rights vote for an anti-gay rights party? That is a great question. Instead of assuming the worst, I think more of us should take Silverman's approach: we should ask them! We should talk to them and seek to understand them. This is the kind of empathy that I've been very interested in recently, though it's missing these days on the left, I fear. The last segment of the show featured an interview with Megan Phelps-Roper, granddaughter of Fred Phelps, founder of the deplorable Westboro Baptist Church (the people who picket soldiers' funerals with signs that say things like "God Hates Fags.") Phelps-Roper left the church five years ago, and has been completely shunned by her family and former community since. We learn from Phelps-Roper some insights on what it's like to be an extremist. As crazy as it sounds, that group, according to her, acts the way they do from a position of THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED the shelters close their doors, but because they are already over capacity. Sweeping them away like trash doesn’t land them in a better situation, it may just land them in a body bag. --------------------------------------love. During the interview, PhelpsRoper made a powerful point, after discussing how a Twitter user engaged her in deep, one-on-one discussions over a long period of time (a user who ended up becoming her husband!): We can’t expect to, like, isolate these people and hope that those ideas will just fade into oblivion. We have to actually engage those ideas and find ways of, one, understanding the mind-sets of the people that we’re dealing with and then effectively constructing arguments and evidence and presenting those things. New episodes of Silverman's show will be released every Thursday. So, like I said, consider (if you don't already have Hulu) waiting a few weeks and then checking out a few episodes. More importantly, let them serve as a model for how to practice empathy. We all need to do better to listen to people who disagree with us, and to understand them. We will not make change by shouting people down. instead, like Phelps-Roper's example shows, we change minds when first we seek to understand them. This is a lesson we are never too old to learn. [To contact Jason Haap email him at jasonhaap@gmail.com] --------------------------------------- �4 LOCAL THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 �No. 36 7 5 LOCAL The Consumer Economy and its Crushing Assumptions | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 W e can complain about the 1% who have all the money, complain about the sins of the rich and the suffering of the poor. There is truth in this, but it is an old and tired conversation that does not take us anywhere. It ends up trying to fix the current system by changing taxes, arguing about government, changing wage policies. These are trying to reform the effects of the current economic system without questioning the nature of the system itself. If you participate in a predatory and privatized economy – based where profit is the main point and low cost is the means to get there – you reach what we have. The option is to question the assumptions we act on which we think are in the nature of things but are, in fact, un-natural. The new assumptionalternative economy- is called by many names: Compassionate Economy, Well PETER BLOCK Contributing Writer Being Economy, Informal Economy, Cooperative Economy. These seek to tilt the economic system towards the common good and end the exiling effects of the current market system. To do this we need to question the basis of the dominant free market consumer economy. The consumer economy is based on certain assumptions: 1. Whatever you have is not enough. If what you have is not enough, then you are not enough. If you have less, then obviously something is wrong with you. This is a scarcity worldview. Scarcity is the engine that drives our economy. Only what is scarce has value. This idea of scarcity is constantly marketed. It is what keeps us constantly wanting. Rich people and poor people both constantly want more. 2. Whatever you need can be purchased. Everything can be outsourced. Want to raise a child, care for the elderly, be safe, and be healthy? Be happy? You can hire people and systems to do this. Schools will raise our children, police will keep us safe, medical services will keep us healthy, golden years residence wills care for the elderly. The service economy is a catchword for this. In this belief, we no longer need our communal capacity to produce much of what truly matters. Being poor in this context means that you do not have the means to outsource and buy these services. It also means that people on the margin pay more for everything. 3. Labor is a commodity. A person can be purchased at the lowest cost and is expendable, replaceable (Continued on page 12) Peter Block, Economics of Compassion Initiative Credit: Economics of Compassion Initiative S Education and Determination: The Solution to Homelessness o many of us live in our own little world. For some of us, that means waking up at seven in the morning, going to work, coming home at five, getting something to eat, and going to bed. For others, that means getting up, driving through a beautiful upperclass neighborhood to work, sitting down at a desk with the label PhD or DDS. But for millions of Americans, it means waking up on a bench in the city, asking for money, waiting in endless lines just for a shower, and not knowing where a meal is going to come from. We all live in our bubbles, and most of us don’t know what’s outside of them. But by bursting these bubbles, we can break down barriers. People that are homeless can buy a house. Saudi women can drive. Immigrants are welcomed. Slaves are set free. I knew homelessness was a problem in Cincinnati. I’ve walked downtown and seen people in need. But until Cleo came to my school and shared with us his life story, I couldn’t comprehend what it was like to not have a home, a comfortable bed, heat and air conditioning, and food whenever I needed it. Cleo, a man who overcame drug addiction, ABBY SMITH Contributing Writer would wait for hours upon hours to take a shower. He didn’t have some of the basic necessities all people should have access to. Public spaces becoming private, such as parks or various areas of the city, have negatively impacted Cleo and others who have relied on them for somewhere to sleep. As he explained to us, people aren’t homeless because they’re bad people. Many get into drugs and other bad situations because they’ve been pushed out of these previously public spaces. As the world continues to advance, people without a home have been left behind. The average homeless person is nine — yes, nine — which I had no idea about before Cleo informed us. I didn’t know about any of this before Cleo came and talked to us, which illustrates how clueless so many of us are. Education can be the spark that makes a difference. Spreading the word can make a huge difference. It can make a big impact on people; I can verify. By bursting these bubbles we all entrap ourselves in, focused on only our lives day after day, we can break down the barriers between us and make a positive difference. Knowledge is valuable. Because of worldly knowledge, Saudi women can drive now! The world is progressing and more people are gaining rights! If these things can be accomplished (which they have), through education and determination, we can get rid of homelessness too. Cleo Speaks at Cincinnati Country Day Credit: Cincinnati Country Day THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �6 LOCAL BILL WOODS (Continued from page 2) many citizens from casting a meaningful vote. Last year, a Federal District Court agreed with that argument, and it ruled Wisconsin's recent redistricting had gone too far in establishing a safe, long term majority for the Republican Party. Writing for the majority in that case, Judge Kenneth F. Ripple wrote: "The map was designed to make it more difficult for Democrats, compared to Republicans, to translate their votes into seats." The District Court's decision was then appealed to the U.S Supreme Court. The October 3rd oral arguments provided the impression that another five to four decision would eventually emerge from nation's highest Court. For instance, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg showed her predilection to view extreme gerrymandering as an infringement on a person's right to vote. She remarked: "If you can stack a legislature this way, what incentive is there for a voter to exercise his vote.?" On the other side, Chief Justice Roberts expressed his YOU CAN SUPPORT THE O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 fears that the Court's interference in the redistricting process might make matters worse. Justice Anthony Kennedy appears to be the swing vote in terms of deciding this case, and both sides seemed to direct their legal arguments to him. Although he has voiced concern about the negative impacts of gerrymandering in the past, Kennedy has never seen an effective way for the courts to measure when states have gone too far in insuring a majority of seats for one party. To that end, the legal team challenging Wisconsin's current district maps offered the Court scientific criteria for measuring redistricting's impact on election results. The ruling by the Court may not be announced until next spring or summer. In the meantime, reformers in Ohio continue with their campaign to change the redistricting process with a ballot initiative. The next big push to gather signatures in order to qualify their proposal for a vote will be on Election Day on November 7th. --------------------------------------- • 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 7 RELIGIOUS PEACEMAKERS Jaipal Singh Lives to Be a Guru and to Spread Sikhism's Peace & Spirituality | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 W 7 SAAD GHOSN hile a freshman at the University of Washington School of Architecture, in Saint Louis, MO, Jaipal Singh asked one of his favorite teachers what it took to be a good architect. His teacher responded that the world was in need of good people and not of good architects. This startled Singh at first, but the more he thought of it the more it became clear that his teacher was telling him not to focus on labels as such but rather to strive to be the best he can be as a human being and that all the rest will follow. This message has always accompanied Singh ever since. Actually, it was not foreign to him and very much in tune with the education he had received all along from his Indian Sikh parents. Since childhood, Singh's parents had instilled in him and in his older brother the basic Sikh values of reaching perfection in harmony with the spirit of a unique, everlasting, ubiquitous, loving and just God; to aim at becoming in some ways a "guru", similar in spirit to the 10 gurus who have founded and shaped Sikhism. "Every Sikh is a guru, a leader," says Singh. "God is everywhere and in every one of us. His name is truth, "satnam," and we each need to realize this truth within ourselves." Growing up, Singh was like an everyday American boy, active in sports and on the US karate world team, member of almost every club at school, playing music, excelling academically. Even though religious, he was rather secular in his approach Contributing Writer and did not pray every day. He grew his hair long, however, in accordance with the Sikh teachings, and at home, spoke penjabi with his mother, so to keep alive the connection to his ethnic origin. It is in high school that he started questioning who and what he was and became more involved in religion. "At age 15 spirituality found me," he says. "I went to a Sikh summer camp for one week and it changed my life. I found my home." At the camp, Singh decided, like strict Sikhs, to become vegetarian, and to devote, from then on, his life to the guru. He started learning the Sikh scriptures; also reading and writing Gurmukhi - a script tightly associated with the Sikh religion, created and standardized in the 16th century CE by the second Sikh Guru Angad, in order to make the reading of punjabi at the reach of every individual and not only the priestly class -; also reading and singing the hymns of the congregation. He also started wearing a turban, instead of only a hair bun, a sign for him of entering manhood, and at the same time of his identity. From age 15 to 21 Singh made strides in his spiritual growth, adhering strictly to the principles of Sikhism, letting himself be imbibed by its history. It became clear to him that, throughout centuries, Sikhs had not only defended themselves from persecution, but also other religions and humanity as a whole, and that the story of Sikhism had to be seen through the lens of justice for What Is SIKHISM Sikhism is the ninth largest religion in the world with a population of close to 30 million worldwide. There are an estimated 250,000 Sikhs in the USA. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, founded in the Punjab region in India, in the 15th century, by Guru Nanak Dev. It broke from Hinduism due, in part, to its rejection of the caste system. The fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include faith and meditation on the name of the one creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice for the  benefit and prosperity of all, and honest conduct and livelihood while living a householder's life. The Sikh place of worship is the gurdwara which means "doorway to God." Traditionally there is no official clergy within the Sikh tradition. Over time however, priests have become more commonplace. Now, many gurdwaras employ priests to conduct services, while others are run entirely by members of the local congregation.  Most Sikhs wear one or more of the Five Ks articles of faith as ordered by the 10th Guru Gobind Singh: •Kesh, or unshorn long hair, protected by a turban. •Kangha, small wooden comb to comb the hair twice a day. •Kara, iron bangle worn on the hand used most. •Kachera, specific undergarment for men and women. •Kirpan, short dagger. everyone. By then, Singh having finished high school, had joined the school of architecture. "My goal in studying architecture was to make the world a better place, to improve people's lives," he says. "I also saw social justice in building a space that could be inspirational, in particular a spiritual space of worship where people would connect to the divine and serve others." In fact, Singh contributed significantly to the building of the Sikh house of Jaipal Singh worship in West Chester, now home to close to 1000 families of the local Sikh community. At age 21, Singh was asked to join again the summer camp that had radically changed him, but this time as a teacher to the youngsters. "My role as an educator grew and became very important, forming youth and teaching them about Sikhism and its spiritual and social values," says Singh. "Half of it is Sikhism one on one, and the other half human activism; divinity and humanity hand in hand...," he adds. This was also 2001 the year of the terrorist attacks on the USA carried on by individuals who, because of their physical and wearing attributes (dark skinned, long beard, donning a turban), could be easily mistaken for Sikhs. "But they are not us," states Singh. "We're not related and we're different." Since that moment, Singh went on a mission to educate and enlighten others about Sikhism, its history, and its legacy fighting for freedom, for peace and justice, and for the underdog. Singh by then had also become himself an activist. In 2000, while at Washington University studying architecture, he was caught unwillingly in a demonstration protesting the presidential election's debate taking place between only major party candidates Bush and Gore, excluding Green Party candidate Ralph Nader. Witnessing, however, police brutality beating one of the protesters, he strongly objected to it, was arrested and temporarily jailed. This reminded him of the many Sikhs who, in history, opposed oppression, and determined in him Credit: Saad Ghosn social activism, not to be scared, and to always stand up for who he was and for the right things. Years later, believing in the social values propelled by presidential candidate Obama, then more recently by Hillary Clinton, Singh volunteered at their respective campaigns, canvassing neighborhoods, encouraging people to vote. [Editor’s note: The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition does not endorse political candidates.] In 2003, at the age of 23, and part of his personal spiritual evolution, Singh underwent the Khalsa baptism ceremony committing to total dedication to Sikhism, to shedding his ego and personality, and to fully living up to the high spiritual expectations of the guru. "My aim has been to live my life with righteousness under the direct authority of the only and everpresent God," says Singh. "Divinity is humility and love, in which one finds compassion and service, no strife, only peace." "It also requires equality and social justice," he adds. "I want to live like a guru, and contribute, in whatever I do, to peace and to a better 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 �PHOTO ESSAY 8 Blink Cincinnati, Ohio October 2017 DYLAN SPEEG Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 �No. 36 7 | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 PHOTO ESSAY THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED 9 �10 LOCAL O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 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 7 11 LOCAL THE DOG BOY’S ESCAPE | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 DICK CROY … in which the Dog Boy Is Sprung from Day Camp hen Otz died, it was as if he’d merely turned up missing from the open-air toy chest that was the woods and fields and overgrown yard around the house where my brother the Dog Boy and I lived. Someone had taken him out and forgotten to put him back as far as Douggie and I were concerned. We knew Otz wasn’t coming back, but death was even more of a mystery to us then than it is now. My brother really missed the irascible little runt, much to my surprise, until it finally occurred to me that whatever his constant teasing had meant to poor Otz, to Douggie it had been no different from hanging around me when I didn’t want him there. In lieu of the kind of attention he would have preferred, he’d learned to turn being annoying into his own amusement; he really hadn’t meant to make Otz’s life miserable. But now he hardly knew what to do with himself. Unfortunately for Douggie, I’d begun to hang out with a roughneck kid about twice my size and age who lived across the pasture field from our house. Junior Cheaseley was always getting me to play football with him in the side yard, and I went around with a perpetual headache from our one-sided games of tackle. Gone were the rainy days in the summer when Mom would fashion loincloths for us so we could streak around the yard playing Tarzan. And the day-long cowboy sagas, starring me as Roy Rogers and the Dog Boy as Gene Autry, with Mom often as not playing the saloon-keeper when we’d come in for lunch or a drink of water. (She said that once or twice she became the madam of Ma’s Bordello for her own amusement, aware that we would be clueless.) “Howdy, pardners, what’ll ya have?” she’d say. “I’ve got some mighty cold cherry Kool Aid on tap, and I can rustle up a couple of egg-an’olive sandwiches pronto that oughta satisfy a cowboy-sized hunger.” We’d play right along with her unless our game had already ended, in which case (Mom has told us) we’d give her this condescending look as if she were a rank amateur reading for a part that was way over her head or for a casting call that had come and gone. Gone, too, were Douggie’s and my daily safaris on all the game trails between our house and the woods. With weeds and tall grass W Contributing Writer up to our heads and higher, the familiar territory never lost its allure. Adventure was always beckoning, leading us to the next turn or through the stand of underbrush that we knew as well as we knew the way to the bathroom at night with the lights off. What we could never know for sure was what might lie just ahead. Once it had been a copperhead coiled on the path to sun itself. I saw it just in time to jump back, and then Mom lobbed a rock at it. I’ve never seen anything disappear as fast as that snake did. There were a lot of snakes on our property and in the woods behind our house. Occasionally we’d discover a long thick blacksnake climbing the stucco siding; less often, Dad would bring one still very much alive up from the cellar where he’d been shoveling coal into the furnace. He’d hold the writhing snake pinched between thumb and forefinger just behind the head, unwilling to kill it because blacksnakes kept the rat population under control. The rats had been drawn to that dank subterranean setting of a recurrent nightmare of mine by black walnuts Dad had unwisely accepted from a farmer who’d sold him logs. His mistake was storing them in the cellar. Although I don’t remember it, Mom said the smell of roast rat, cooked in the furnace flue, would stay with her forever. Douggie and I never ventured down to the basement unless Dad was there, but we foolishly insisted on playing horse on our hands and knees in high grass around an old stone spring house in the back yard. Our parents had tried keeping the dogs there at night when we moved in, but they howled so piteously the idea was abandoned. Later when workmen demolished the spring house, they found it infested with copperheads and blacksnakes alike, normally mortal enemies. So, no more horseplay in the high grass, and with Otz gone, my younger brother had no one to play with other than his loyal band of dogs in the back yard when Junior Cheaseley and I were together. Concerned, perhaps, that the Dog Boy was adapting only too well to the four-legged company he was keeping, Mom decided to take action. Poor Douggie was sentenced to Day Camp. I thought it was so unfair. What had the Dog Boy done to deserve such punishment? Incarceration every summer afternoon when he should be “Breakdown Stereotypes” outdoors in the fresh air, swinging under the apple tree, feeding the hard-little green apples to Frank, the neighbors’ big workhorse, who almost always got a bellyache from them. Or making a splash in his underpants (Mom and Dad called them “training pants”) in one of the galvanized washtubs filled with water that were our wading pools in those days. Anything but being cooped up indoors with a bunch of little kids his age. When I told Junior he said, “What’s to stop us from rescuing him?” I just looked at him, remembering the winding 15-minute drive it had taken us to deliver the prisoner the first day. “I know where it is,” he said. “If we cut up through the woods, it’s not that far. What’s wrong, you afraid you can’t make it?” “No!” I said indignantly. “Only, what about the Mean Dog?” “Oh, he lives in the other direction, you big fraidy cat,” he said. “I’m not either afraid. Let’s go – you lead the way.” So off we started, much higher up the steep hill and deeper into the woods behind our house than I’d ever ventured, until the green leafy branches and a cool echoing silence closed over our heads. Soon there was no longer any path, just the thickly leaf-strewn slope punctuated with rock outcroppings and small trees struggling, as I was, for a foothold on the hillside. Junior’s long legs and arms served him well. He would take a big gallop and lunge forward to grab hold of the nearest sapling, then repeat the procedure over and over, churning his legs in the thick mulch of leaves and loose rock beneath us, pulling himself up the steep slope tree by tree. Though I watched and tried to imitate him, he got farther and farther ahead of me until I finally yelled, “Wait up!” It had suddenly occurred to me that I could get lost if I lost sight of him. But he waited and was true to his word, because when we finally reached the top of the slope and I looked back behind us at the seemingly endless, nearly vertical vista of trees we had climbed through to reach this high place – from which shimmering glimpses of the river were visible far below – Junior suddenly yelled, “See, there it is!” Sure enough: I turned to see ahead of us a long low building of cedar siding which I recognized from my visit earlier. This was where the Dog Boy was being held prisoner. We scurried bent over, as I’d seen soldiers do in war movies, toward the Day Camp. It was somehow sinisterlooking despite the absence of the cyclone fence topped with barbed wire that I’d been picturing in my mind for days. Somewhere inside the Dog Boy was being held against his will. As we got closer we could hear little kids’ excited voices. Then Junior motioned for me to get down. They were all outside, in some kind of playground – and there was Douggie! This was going to be easier than I had imagined. It took us a minute to get his attention, but when he saw us hunkered down behind some pine trees that ringed the Day Camp’s perimeter, the Dog Boy grinned goofily and waved. Junior cursed, gesturing angrily for him to get his butt over here, now. Douggie ran over, his chubby little legs appearing somehow pitiful to me when I thought of him locked up all day – well, most of the day: all afternoon anyway – in this creepy place. “Come on!” said Junior, “we’re gonna bust you outa here!” The Dog Boy just stood there for a moment with a puzzled expression on his face, looking from Junior to me, then back to Junior. “Get your ass in gear, Douggie!” barked Junior. “We’re blowin’ this joint!” I ran forward and grabbed his hand, and away we went, back into the forest and down that steep hillside. The Dog Boy didn’t say a word, he didn’t have a chance to; we were too busy trying to keep from breaking our necks. Once again Junior got farther and farther ahead of us. I couldn’t go any faster because I was holding my brother’s sweaty little hand. “Wait up, Junior!” I shouted. “Wait for us!” But there was no sign of him now. A vast stillness had taken hold of the forest. The only reply was the echo of my voice and the Dog Boy’s plaintive whimper beside me. “What’re you cryin’ for?” I said gruffly, to hide my own fear. “We can find our way home.” Although there was no path to guide us, obviously we needed to keep going downhill. Maybe I’d spot a landmark of some kind. Once that had occurred to me and we were on our way again, I began to feel almost as confident as I was trying to appear. We angled our way down the steep slope, grabbing small trees to slow our descent in the (Continued on page 12) “Eradicate Misinformation” The Coalition for the Homeless provides Education and Service Programs that help to portray a more accurate and holistic picture of homelessness in Cincinnati. We believe an educated public can be a more compassionate public, willing to dedicate time and effort towards creating solutions to homelessness. The “Voice of the Homeless Speaker’s Bureau” program is made up of individuals currently experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness, who share their experiences. The program is designed to put a face on homelessness and raise awareness about those struggling in our community. To schedule a speaker, contact Dr. Mark Mussman at MarkMussman@cincihomeless.org. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �12 I Friends? meet her on the streets At the time, I was a geek I remember her smile Her ease of walk Someday Bob you two shall talk It began as HI’s Then more and more became those eyes I stuttered to speak My voice always got weak She laughed, she cried, She fell asleep by my side Should I touch her Do I dare? No I can’t that’s not fair We lost contact due to addiction She got sober PETER BLOCK (Continued from page 5) and a holding action for automation. Capital chases cheap labor. It commodifies us. It dehumanizes us and separates us from the human soul that provides the labor. Community and the common good pay the price for this often in the form of debt that will never be repaid. In an economy that only rewards market value, if you live on the margin, or are elderly, or a child or youth, or unschooled, then you are declared useless. And for what labor you do provide, you owe your soul to the company store. 4. There are a widespread number of legal ways for making excessive money off the poor. It is the Poverty Industrial Complex. Some examples: Payday loan check cashing services are open 24/7. They charge interest rates of 30-100% a year, many needing to take out another loan just to repay the last. Convenience stores, liquor stores, Dollar Stores, and others charge 20% premium in low income neighborhoods. Cigarettes 50 cents each. Day labor at low rates DICK CROY (Continued from page 11) same way Junior and I had used them to pull ourselves up half an hour earlier. Then we came to a deep rocky gully that I knew Junior and I hadn’t crossed, and my fear of being lost returned. “How are we going to get across?” asked the Dog Boy. Getting across isn’t the point, I wanted to yell at him. Where the hell are we? Then I had a Junior Woodchuck kind of brainstorm. (For you latecomers, the Junior Woodchucks were the scouting-like organization Huey, Dewey and Louie, Donald Duck’s nephews, belonged to. Before TV almost any kid could have told you that.) This was probably the same gully, just farther up the hill, that I had fallen into a few months earlier – egged on by Junior. If it was, there was a grapevine hanging in the middle of it a little farther down the slope, which the two of us used to swing on. ‘Til I cracked my skull, that is, and went crying all the way home, LOCAL BOBBY MORRIS Contributing Writer I stayed addicted 5 years later she’s still going strong Me myself just 90 days’ long We work together once a week Always I try just to peak Does she know I always wonder? Perhaps I should tell her But I know I will Blunder ????? is her name Sweet as can be Maybe I’ll do it just wait you’ll see ????? your Great, ????? your Awesome Someday I will tell you But for now, I am LONESOME O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information email: streetvibes@cincihomeless.org with deductions for transportation, uniforms- taxes that will never be declared. Landlords that rent their properties abandon them and enjoy tax incentives. 5. Debtor Prisons. We saw in Ferguson that penalties on tickets and infractions became a major source of income for the municipality. Crime does pay. That civil nonpayment became criminal charges and in so doing reinstated debtor prisons. All of these are part of the current system. Jubilee Call We are creating an Economics of Compassion Initiative to create an alternative to this free market consumer economy. It is a project of consciousness and commitment. It is based on the idea of Jubilee, which is to forgive the debts of the poor. But it is not so simple as forgiving debt. There is no financial solution to the breakdown in community caused by the consumer assumptions listed above. Those assumptions create a culture of isolation, class divide and fear. The loss of care for the commons. The solution is a communal enterprise, for many an expression of our faith and religion that commands our attention and generosity. In the context of the consumer assumption of nothing is enough and income and purchasing power is the key to well-being, the economic disparity and the burden on the poor cannot be solved by writing checks or creating new policy and legislation. Nor can financial literacy and economic education break the spell. They all help and are worth doing, but what is required is an act of imagination. To re-imagine our local, neighborhood economies and the capacities and financial sobriety of those who reside there. Of creating a neighborly social order instead of market defined social order. To replace consumption with neighborly covenant. It may naturally begin with acts of forgiveness. We can each begin in our own personal lives. Who owes us money and how might we authentically lift that burden? We also need communal structures to release people from debt burdens and de- facto imprisonment. We need Slow Money and Rolling Jubilee. We need a community conversation about reparations. This can occur within a local and national movement. We need to recognize this effort is occurring in every city and rural town in America. This is an alternative economic system. It shows up under many names: Localism, Food Shed, Social Entrepreneurship, Cooperatives and Mondragon. It is publicized by the Our Harvest Coop in Cincinnati. This alternative economic system calls us to build resident controlled, neighborhood businesses. It demands that we, especially those who are economically isolated, be obsessive about where we spend our dollars. We must keep the dollars circulating locally. We need to support groups like Mortar who are building local minority businesses. We need to explode the myths of fast foods and big box stores being cheaper; the myth of cell phones or social media really connecting us; and the myth that more schooling is what will reduce the economic divide we began with. More on these later. with Junior pleading with me to shut up, lest his father hear me and make the grapevine off limits, which he did. “Serves you right,” I told Junior, still angry that he’d talked me into jumping from the side of what seemed to me like the Grand Canyon for the grapevine that he had no trouble at all reaching. He’d bolstered my confidence by swinging the vine – which was hard and as thick as my wrist – toward me from the other side of the gully and having me jump a little farther for it each time, until finally it was just hanging there over the abyss. Which, after much urging from Junior, I had leaped into. That was the first time I “saw stars,” as the saying goes. Now my place of pain might lead the Dog Boy and me home. I explained to Douggie why we had to make the treacherous descent into what was now the Grand Canyon to him, though I don’t think he really understood my reasoning. A few minutes later we were picking our way through jagged rocks like those I had learned my lesson on. There was just a trickle of water, but its happy bubbling sound kept us company as it flowed along with us downstream. In no time at all, it seemed, we were beneath the grapevine I hadn’t seen since my fall, and the hike home from there was a cinch. When we came out of the woods, who should we see but Junior’s father working in the field. My pride at leading my brother and me to safety was punctured when the Dog Boy called out to Mr. Cheaseley, “We were lost!” “We weren’t lost,” I said angrily, feeling humiliated in the eyes of Junior’s father, who had heard me bawling like a baby just a few months earlier. Douggie just gave me a look which, half a century before the evolution of the word as it’s used now, said clearly, “Whatever.” I certainly received no hero’s welcome at home. Mom was furious at me for the furor that had ensued when the Dog Boy turned up Missing at Day Camp. She’d been worried sick, she said. Just wait till your father gets home. “But, but we only did it for Douggie,” I stammered, feeling misunderstood and unjustly accused. “Tell her,” I said to him, “tell her how you hate the place.” Even I could see how confused the Dog Boy was, looking from my mother to me, then back to her again. I got a sick feeling in my stomach when I realized he was struggling to hold onto a semblance of sibling loyalty. If he was trying to defend me, that could only mean that I’d been wrong after all. “...It is kind of sissy,” he said, repeating what I’d said to him after hearing the description from Junior. But that was as far as he was willing to go. To my chagrin, he quickly added, “But I can go again tomorrow can’t I?” That night in bed I would nurse a feeling of betrayal (which didn’t last more than a day or two), but right then all I could think of was the utter certainty of being sent out the next day to the apple tree to cut a switch for my corporal enlightenment. To be administered of course by my father “Roshi” Nathan, the Zen master of punishment. THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 7 | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 13 STREET VOICE TRUMP TRUMPETS HIS IQ Are you puzzled about what's going on? Did Rex really call Prez Trump a moron? Then Donald responded right on cue, That his brain surpasses old Rex's IQ. Such words make us wonder the fate Of Trump's current Secretary of State. LIVING BY GODDNESS Each day God gives us life How merciful our creator He gives us a wonderful start To live life with breath In our lungs and a beating heart Living by goodness and by grace Thank you God for another day Living by goodness makes one feel good And thankful for Gods good grace BILL WOODS Contributing Writer KIM GREEN Signs are held in front of faces In the rain, in the snow, in the heat The signs are held by tired hands Who wait for food or a warm handshake Signs are held when doors are closed, and families Walk away, or bills becomes hammers Making sure each nail is pounded on the coffin. JORDANN SADLER Contributing Writer Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer BELIEVE IT Believe it when you see someone bundled up sleeping in the street Believe it when you see someone looking in the garbage for food to eat Believe it cause all of these things are real and none are made up Believe that there are many men, women and children who are down on their luck Believe that with the economy all twisted and headed straight to hell Believe that there are many who just give up, commit suicide or take leave for a jail cell Believe that to the homeless, jail with three hot meals, cell buddies for friends and a cot Believe to some may mean nothing but to the homeless means one hell of a lot Believe with faith all things are possible for all including you and me Believe in God, have faith, and pray then change will come all you have to do is believe WILLA DENISE JONES Streetvibes Distributor & Contributing Writer THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �14 PUZZLES O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 136 Across Down 1. Large and scholarly book 1. Military lights out signal 5. Personnel 2. Merely 10. Halt 3. Dock at a wharf 14. At a later time 4. Power to withstand 15. Mistake 16. Starchy tuberous root 17. Trudge 18. Comparitive of bad 19. Panache 20. Sweet sticky liquid 22. A portion of medicine 23. Depend 24. Regret 26. Broaden 28. Changeable 32. Brine-cured smoked salmon 33. Block of writing paper 36. Similar 37. Chart 39. Misapply 41. Capture 43. Distilled from fermented molasses 45. Theme 46. Not awake 48. Also 50. Recreational facility 51. Very small 52. Any high mountain 54. Movie advertisement 56. Sedate 58. Used to control a horse 59. Reverberation 62. Small fastener 64. Jewish spiritual leader 68. Dreary 69. Part of a church 71. Golf club 72. Bloodshed 73. Relative magnitude of two quantities 74. Row or line of people 75. Pitcher hardship or stress 5. Darn 6. Trampled 7. Pointer 8. Remains from a past age 9. Liberty 10. Austere 11. Story 12. Examination by word of mouth 13. Small horse 21. Tavern 25. Hard tough wood 27. Way out 28. Long-tailed parrot 29. Edict 30. Heading 31. Sense organ SODOKU PUZZLE NO 266 - MEDIUM 33. Student 34. Stage whisper 35. Interior furnishings and design 38. Place 40. Game for one 42. Warmth 44. A clever remark 47. Advertising sign 49. Sphere 53. Column 55. Atmosphere 56. Not intoxicated 57. Repeat an action or statement 59. Surface boundary 60. Utter shrill sounds 61. Long-eared mammal 63. Symptom of hurt 65. A small nail 76. Stingless male bee 66. Alliance 77. Mini whirlpool 67. Dark cloudy appearance 70. Fish eggs PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ISSUE 350 CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 135 SODOKU PUZZLE NO 265- MEDIUM PUZZLES from puzzlechoice.com and puzzles.ca THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED �No. 36 7 RESOURCES | O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 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 352-6363 40 E. McMicken Ave, Cinti Mental Health Access Point 558-8888 NAMI of Hamilton County 351-3500 PATH Outreach 977-4489 131 E. 12th Street 45202 Madisonville Ed & Assistance Center 271-5501 Other Resources St. Vincent de Paul 562-8841 215 E. 14th St. 45202 1841 Fairmount Ave. 45214 The Esther Marie Hatton Center for Women 2499 Reading Road 562-1980 Grace Place Catholic Worker House 681-2365 4230 Hamilton Ave. 45223 Salvation Army 762-5660 112 E. Liberty Street 45202 YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter 872-9259 4600 Erie Ave. 45227 Serves area codes: 45226, 45227, 45208, 45209 Shelter: Men Shelterhouse 721-0643 1125 Bank Street 45214 411 Gest St. 45203 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Men St. Fran/St. Joe Catholic Work. House 381-4941 Charlie’s 3/4 House 784-1853 1437 Walnut Street 45202 City Gospel Mission 241-5525 2121 Vine Street 45202 Prospect House 921-1613 1805 Dalton Ave. 45214 Parkway Center 661-4620 682 Hawthorne Ave. 45205 Starting Over 961-2256 Shelter: Youth Sheakley Center for Youth (18-24 y/o) 2522 Highland Ave. 45219 569-9500 Lighthouse Youth Crisis Center (10-17 y/o) 3330 Jefferson Ave 45220 961-4080 Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Women Shelter: Family Treatment or Supportive Recovery: Both Interfaith Hospitality Network First Step Home 961-4663 2203 Fulton, Cinti, Ohio 45206 AA Hotline 351-0422 CCAT 381-6672 471-1100 Housing: 830 Ezzard Charles Dr. 45214 Caracole (HIV/AIDS) 761-1480 CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 OTR Community Housing 381-1171 Joseph House (Veterans) 241-2965 1522 Republic Street 45202 114 W. 14th Street 45202 Talbert House 221-HELP Tender Mercies 721-8666 27 W. 12th Street 45202 Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board 946-8000 Recovery Health Access Center 281-7422 Sober Living 681-0324 Talbert House 221-HELP Advocacy Tom Geiger House 961-4555 Volunteers of America 381-1954 Anna Louise Inn 421-5211 2401-2411 Reading Rd. 45202 Cincinnati Union Bethel 768-6907 2401 Reading Rd. 45202 VA 977-6800 VA Homeless 859-572-6226 Food/Clothing First Lutheran Church 421-0065 1208 Race St. Food - Last Monday 12-1 Clothing - second Monday 12-1 Lord’s Pantry 621-5300 OTR/Walnut Hills Kitchen & Pantry 961-1983 Catholic Social Action 421-3131 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Franciscan JPIC 721-4700 Gr. Cinti Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 117 E. 12th Street, Cinti, Ohio 45202 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Ohio Justice & Policy Center 421-1108 UpSpring 363-3300 Health 961-0600 Center for Respite Care 621-1868 OTR: 1620 Vine Street 45202 Walnut Hills: 2631 Gilbert Ave. 45206 3550 Washington Ave. 45229 Crossroad Health Center 381-2247 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart 381-0111 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 Intercommunity Justice & Peace Cr. 579-8547 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 1223 Main St. 45202 People Working Cooperatively 351-7921 The Caring Place 631-1114 Talbert House 751-7747 United Way 211 Women Helping Women 977-5541 Off The Streets 421-5211 Hamilton County Office of Reentry 946-4304 138 E. Court Street Room # 101 First Floor Hamilton/Middletown St. Raephaels 981-4200 Salvation Army 863-1445 Serenity House Day Center 422-8555 Open Door Pantry 868-3276 Northern Kentucky Brighton Center 799 Ann St. Newport, KY ECHO/Hosea House Fairhaven Resuce Mission Homeward Bound Youth Mathews House Homeless & Housing Coalition Parish Kitchen Pike St. Clinic Transitions, Inc Welcome House of NKY 205 West Pike Street, Covington, KY 41011 5 E. Liberty St. 45202 for 26 issues 859-261-5857 859-491-1027 859-581-1111 859-261-8009 859-727-0926 859-581-7745 859-291-9321 859-491-4435 859-431-8717 Women’s Crisis Center 859-491-3335 VA Domiciliary 859-572-6202 Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky 634 Scott St. 41011 859-291-4555 You can support our mission and spread the word about your business. For more information contact Justin Jeffre at 513421-70803 x 12 or email streetvibes@ cincihomeless.org $100 859-491-8303 Want to advertise in Streetvibes? Cincinnati Health Network 2825 Burnet Ave. 45219 Center Independent Living Options 241-2600 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 $150 THE VOICE OF THE STREET...UNSILENCED for 26 issues and a $50 donation �16 O c t 2 0 - N o v 2 , 2 0 17 | N o . 36 7 S treetvibes is distributed by individuals who purchase the paper for 75 cents per copy and sell it for a $2.00 donation, keeping the profit they have earned. Becoming a Distributor is a great way for individuals who are financially poor to get back on (or stay on) their feet. This program provides supplemental income for those unable to secure other employment. Money earned helps meet basic housing, food and health care needs. The program is a hand up for people who are often in a place of getting only a hand out, or even no hand at all. All Distributors wear a badge and usually a vest and can be found selling the paper in Downtown Cincinnati, Clifton, Northside, Northern Kentucky and at area churches. 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 20-November 2, 2017 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Cover Page Pg 2: From the Director Pg 3: Out of Sight, Out of Mind? We Need More Empathy for Those We Disagree With Pg 4: 4th Annual Oakley Masquerade Pg 5: The Consumer Economy and Its Crushing Assumptions Education and Determination Pg 6: Bill Woods Continued Pg 7: Jaipal Singh Lives to Be a Guru and to Spread Sikhism’s Peace & Spirituality Pg 8: Photo Essay Pg 9: Photo Essay Pg 10: GCHC Pg 11: The Dog Boy’s Escape Pg 12: Friends? 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 20-November 2, 2017 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Josh Spring Bill Woods Dr. Mark Mussman Jason Haap Peter Block Abbey Smith Saad Ghosn Bobby Morris Dick Croy Jordann Sadler Willa Denise jones Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition Economics of Compassion Initiative Cincinnati Country Day Dylan Speeg Laura Domet Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Abbey Smith Bill Woods Blink Bobby Morris Cincinnati Cincinnati Country Day Dick Croy Dog Boy Dr. Mark Mussman Dylan Speeg Economics of Compassion Initiative education Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition HUD Jason Haap Jordann Sadler Josh Spring Laura Domet Ohio Peter Block Photography Reforms Saad Ghosn Willa Denise Jones https://streetvibesarchive.net/files/original/5cd2253c0894ea4be69f5a16face76b3.pdf d268c98d7dce97b4d3de641efb0f1420 PDF Text Text c1Nc1NNAT1: .U~ion's March in Support o.f~ickle Boycott / ...-.page 1 ~ Cincinna i Advocates Mobilize for N.6ypmbe~ meeth?' of \ t . e ;fABD .....pagf 1 ~ . r rHE ~ ) I ~£RYES R~_ciS l !Vj . Unit~d Biack Front Pickets o 6wnto\lvn' . Restaurants .......... page 11 lnteftyie, . Todi I Pr r:tune ...pa~e 3 I BUY FROM BADGED I lj ] VENDO~ ONL ;; 1 / STAN0-00wN 200 Hel s Veterans of the street Fi t f r Survival... .. paqe 10 GREA7£l (1.NC)NNA I COA~lTlON F 1.00 DONATION THI HOMll SS �• OCTOBER 2000 - - - - - - - -- -- ­ MT. OLIVE PICKL·E .'B OYCOTT DRAWS HUNDREDS OF PICKETERS ... Farm Labor Organizers Rally with AFL-Cld Convention Delegates at Biggs' KROGER AGREES TO IDGH-LEVEL MEETING TO DISCUSS MT. OLIVE BOYCOTT photo by Tom Billman Under terms of an agreement brokered by United Food and Commercial Workers Local l 099, top officials from Kroger Co. have agreed to meet with a delegation from FLOC to discuss the national boycott of Mt. Olive Pickles on -September 28th. This breakthrough was reached after ·FLOC plans for a rally at Kroger Co. national headquarters in Cincinnati were officially announced. °The rally was previously planned to call on Kroger Co. to follow the lead of Kroger stores in Northwest Ohio and drop Mt. Olive Pickles nationwide. The rally is expected to draw thousands of boycott supporters. For its part of the agreement, FLOC agreed to move the rally site to Biggs Depart~e:°.~ ~}01:~ on Ridge Avenue, 1 and foc us on more general boycott iss,~«h . 1 _, IJ~ " 1,.J'. I I • The theme for the rally w~,s : ucha.s,Luchas, Un Esfuerzo' , t 1t-OlJ I! Jt• > ("Many Struggles, One Target"). It highlighted many issues related to economic globalization and corporate power, such as dignity for migrant farmworkers, amnesty for immigrant workers, corporate accountability, economic rights, and environmental justice. "These issues are literally life and death struggles for millions of people around the world," according to FLOC boycott organizer, Steve Steel. "But they are too often just . abstract goals with no focus or strategy in mind." The FLOC boycott of Mt. Olive Pickle Co. has implications for all these issues and the Biggs rally illustrated those connections, Steel explained. Organized labor has endorsed the boycott campaign and took an active role in the rally. The Ohio AFL-CIO broke from their state convention in Cincinnati to participate in the rally. And a memo dated August 14, 2000 frbm Claudette Moskalik 1 of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Region 4 (which includes Kroger employees in the Cincin­ nati area) notes "that the UFCW International has en­ dorsed" the boycott, and states, "We have pledged our support to FLOC in their struggle to bring justice and fairness to the Mt. Olive farm workers." The memo further encourages UFCW locals in the region to "send a delegation from your local to attend [the] rally to show our support for the over 3000 workers who have signed autho­ rization cards at Mt. Olive." Nineteen Kroger stores in Northwest Ohio dropped Mt. Olive Pickles in March, 2000 after months of organiz­ ing and educational leafletting by FLOC supporters. The FLOC boycott continues to spread and strengthen nation­ Demonstrators work to educate Cincinnati and wide. business conference attendees on Globalization ... by Susan Knight For more information: Steve Steel (419) 243-3456 Is this going to be another Seattle? Or Washington DC? That is the most frequently asked question by people having heard the news that large demonstrations are planned for Cincinnati in November. MSNBC stated almost a month ago: "Cincinnati is the next to be blitzed." Reporters want to know what are the actions planned, how are the delegates going to be protected, are those people dressed in black with bandannas over their faces coming? All are excellent questions. But the Coalition for a Humane Economy (CHE), the group organizing many of the actions, is choosing to focus less attention on the extensive actions planned and a bit more on the issues and concerns CHE, continued on page 11 Educators and Advocates Take to the Streets of Cincinnati In November! WRECKING BALL DRAWS CLOSER TO LAUREL HOMES IMF/World Bank protests in DC this past April (photo by Susan Knight) Wednesday, September 20, at a 6 PM Cincinnati City Council Meeting, The Laurel Homes Community Council agreed to accept $10,000 from the new Hope 6 Developer, to allow the removal of Laurel Homes from the Federal/State/Local His­ torical Registry. This opens the door for the Destruction of Laurel homes, and the loss of 970 Public Housing Units . ...... Tyrone Smith GREATER CINCINNATI COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS �11/ l l l f l l l f l l ll•J • •• •' •• , STREETVIBES . Streetvibes, 1h'e ztri-Star~·s ~omeiess,.Grape­ vine, is a oe.wspaper Written by, for, and about homelessness~ SQCial ji1stice, and poverty-related issues. It is published once a month by the Greater «~incinnati Coalition for the Homeless. Vendors buy the paper for 20 cents (to cover printing costs) ana then sell the paper for a dollar donation ,. The vendor keeps the profit<>. Becoming a Streerl'ibes Vendor is a great way for homeless and other low-.income people to get back on (or stay on) their feet. Streetvibes Vendors are given an orie.ntation and sign a code of conduct befoTe being given a Streetl'ibes Vendor badge. The Greater Cincinnati Coaliti,on for the Homeless is a gronp of she1ters, agencies and individuals ~ommitted .to ending homelessness in, Cincinnati through coordinating services. educat­ ing the public and gra~sroots orgaajzing. GCCHsm.ff Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom BiJlman Dan Marschner Gina Kohlheff Ron Carler Warren Perkins Pat Mit-chell Mary A. Gaffney Sonny Williams Director ... Administrative Coordinator Editor .... Assistant Editor Streetvilres Intern Outreach COQrdioat9r Tenant-Organizing Olltreach Voluhteer Receptjonist Prison News Editor .. ·~us-an Knigbt Matt P11fkhou~m · Elizaoolh Weill~Greenberg Bomani Shakur Dawnya Ferdinandson Jo~ Henry U onheart Doctor Donovan Riccardo M.Taylor Rodney Sutton RonCarter . Lynn WdJi3ms Gina Kohl\ieff John Perotti · Deb,bie Mays Kate Pilac.ky _Tim Wheeler Bob Jo.nes Beverly Seymour Hal Ros-enthal Kenneth D. Smith Warren Perkins Tyrone Smith GraJ?hics Photographs by Berta Lamben, Sonny Williams, Jimmy Heath, Tom Billman, and more.,,.,, Streetvibes accepts letters, poems, stories. essays, original graphics, photos.... We will print everything we have room for, giving preference to those who are homeless or veri~ors. Subscriptions to Streetvibes can be pur­ chased for $ J5 per year. (Please make checks payable to GCCH) Please send -all material to the following addres~: Streetvibes c/o Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless (GCCH) 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45210 (513) 421-7803 fax (513} 421-7813~ ...... . .. . .. LOCAL NEWS Soldier in the War on ·poverty ·lnj_ured in·Action ....... ).B., editor. Election 2000 - Voter Campaigns Gaining Support. by Gina Kohlhepp With the Presidential elections now only a month away, if s crunch time for voter registration. The process of registering to vote is so easy, that there really is no excuse not to vote. Voting is also a right that many homeless people don't know they have. A homeless person can register to vote, as long as they put the address of their shelter, or that of· the Homeless Coalition, on their registration ballot. Qualifications to vote are minimal. You are eligible to vote ifyou are: - a citizen of the United States. - a legal resident of your state. - at least 18 years of age by election day. - not in prison or on parole for a felony. - not declared mentally incompetent by a court. • , •• t .' .' ... .- . . ' homecoal@primax.net I Page 2 Raynard Jones. STREETUIBES Vendor Ray Jones remembers the exact day he. became homeless - July 16,1991. And the exact day he found an apart­ ment - January 26, 2000. For years he was sleeping on the streets, in parking garages, under bridges, in Washington park, in the Drop-Inn Center..... Just before coming to the Homeless Coalition office, he was staying with the Cincinnati Restoration Church, selling M&Ms and peanuts to earn his keep.He was inspired enough by his selling success, that he thought he might try selling Streetvibes. So, in October of 1999, he came into our office to try his luck. Soon after, he met our Vista/ Americorp worker, Melissa, who was helping people get into permanent housing via the Rapid Exit program. Ray says his experience vending Streetvibes teaches him how to turn the other cheek. "Through it all, you say 'thank you'" • • • ''The November 7 election will impact nearly every level of ·government - from the White House to the State House, the Court House and even the Supreme Court of Ohio. Also at stake will be school levies and other ballot issues that will have a direct impact on communities throughout our..region." These beliefs fueled the fire for the "Voter 2000 Campaign," a major non-partisan , grassroots civic effort to register new voters and mobilize them, as well as those already registered. The Over-the-Rhine community is especially inactive in the voting procedure. Many residents feel their vote won't matter anyway. While it's true that politicians On September ·14th, the Homeless Coalition set up a Voter Registration table at the Stand Down 2000 in Washington Park. This was one of the many recent efforts by non-partisan groups to increase voter participation in Over-the-Rhine for the Presidential election. The low number of active and registered voters in the area has resulted in the many voter campaigns we have seen in these months before the e lection. Included in this list is the "Register Cincinnati I Hamilton County D ay" effort that will take place VOTE, continued page 4 Saturday, O ctober 7. Co-chairs of "Register Cincinnati I Hamilton County photo by Berta Lambert Day" are Governor John Gilligan and Councilwoman Alicia Reece, along w ith the help of David Crowly, Vote 2000 Coordinator. Vote 2000 stresses that voter participation in Cincinnati has dropped from 70% in 1992, to 62% in 1996. Last November, only 33% o f registered voters came to the poll s, which marKed that election as the lowest Council election turnout of the 20th century. This past March, only 28% turned out for the primary election. Vote The Gore-Leiberman Educationmobile breezes through 2000 explains that: Cincinnati, rallying in the parking lot at Cinti. State. e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com or web page : http://cinci.com/gcch I \..I .1 , Our. illustrious comrade, Ron Carter, veceran soldier of the from lines (desk) in Streetvibes' never-ending war against ignorance and .misunderstanding, was wounded in acrion in September, and is now recovering with a heavy case on his leg. Vendors and well-wishers out there, curn your face to ehe wind and beam your healing vibes over to rehab ciry to help Ron gee back on his feet. Thanks. . ... " · ' ..t" " Streetvibes exists as a forum for the expressiqn of the views and opinions of our readers and supporters. The opjnions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Streetvibes staff or the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. I �STREETVIBES LOCAL NEWS INTERVIEW WITH TODD PORTUNE interviewed by Debbie Mays Debbie Mays: There are currently 24,000 units of affordable housing in Hamilton County. 2 1,000 of tho se units are w ithin the C ity of C inc innati. What role(s) do you feel the county can play to he lp ma inta in a nd/or inc rease the affordable housing stock outside of the c ity limits? Todd Portune: Well, the first thing the County has to do is acknowledge that the issue of providing affordable housing is part of its mission, and part of its responsibility. I' ve not seen that in the current County Commission, and how they' ve meted out the ir duties. T he County needs to work with the City to develop a fair-share housing a llocation plan as well . The re is a hi gh concentration of low­ income hou ing within the c ity of Cincinnati - not that there i n'ta need outside of the city, but because the County, by policy, refuses to partner and to develop that fair- hare hous ing pla n, whic h a ll ho usi ng a na lys ts have in dicate d . is both inappropriate, a nd maybe in violation of state or fe d e r a l law, a nd c learl y d oes n ' t .rpe~l its responsibi lity. So I thi nk the Countiy n eeds to partne r with jurisdic tions coun(y. ~ide .rfor the support and development of affordable housing, in a way that is designed to address the needs of those that need the housing, as we ll as the interests of the communities they li ve in ............ Debb;e: How do you ' pe rceive welfare reform ? Todd: I ca ll it We lfare Deform. I don' t think it's working. M y o pponent th is year talks a bout what a success welfare reform has bee n for the county because he claims to have saved county taxpayers ten of millions of dollars on welfare payme nts. I do n ' t see h'im reduc ing taxes an ywhere, so I think that that argument rings hollow. But it's more tha n a dollars and cents question. You can' t gauge the success or failure of we lfare reform just on a statistical analysis. In my mind, the more importa nt s tatistic is: How many individuals or fam il ies ha ve been moved from poverty to self-suffi ciency? And we know that the a nswer to that questions is: anything but a success. Upwards of 58% of the families who are no longer on we lfare are in low-wage earning/pr9?u,cingjobs.,1 If this economy takes a down-tum , wh),cn it like!y . will, those individuals are going to be without work again. Just simply cutting people off of we lfare based on arbitrary dates or deadlines is neither an effective way to create healthy communities, nor an appropriate way to try to support people. What I think should be the goal, County-wide, is aiding and assisting individuals and families in dealing with the impediments and obstacles that they face, in moving from poverty to self-sufficiency... What the institutions do, impe rsona lize. How do I just cut the roles, without necessarily saying what impact wi ll I ha ve on the human lives that are involved? I realize we need to be more concerned about providing people with resources that they can link up to as they make that transition, whether it is dealing with housing, c hildcare, healthcare, transportation- a ll those things are very important to help make that transition.a success. Debbie: Do you see ho me lessness in Hamilton County as a serious problem? If so, how have you addressed the issue in the past, and how do you inte nd to address the issue in the future? Todd: Home lessness is a serious problem, especially if you' re the inqividual that doesn' t have a home. There's probably no more serious an issue that people confront on a daily basis who are in that position. I have a record as a City Council me mber, that has been supportive of providi ng te mporary and transitional housing fo r those who are home less ­ Continued from September 's Streetvibes BACK TO THE STREETS Why Community Developers should Join the Fight Against Corporate Globalization .... by Miriam Axel-Lute The Shrinking Toolbox For all those whose work in volves trying to give under-served areas and thei r residents a leg up, challenging the curre nt approach to globalization may go beyond international solidarity. It may be a matter of being able to do their jobs. Und er the WTO rul es o n subs idies, NAFfA's Chapter 11 , and the as-yet-held-at-bay Multilateral Agreement on Investments, much of what commun ity develope rs do could become illegal. Though they vary on the specifics, these treaties all define "trade barriers" to include de facto discrimfoation against foreign companies, even by policies designed to do other things. According to the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), this means that first-source hiring agreements (unless they are a direct quid pro quo for a subsidy), minority contracting preferences, Ji vi ng-wage ord inances, th e Co mmuni ty Re investment Act, revolving loan funds that target small local bu inesses, many land use and zoning laws, and pub I ic job training programs for particular sectors, to name only a few, can be outlawed under these treati es' prov isio ns . Co mpanies can sue governments over any of these existing laws, and new creative approaches to economic development will be stymied. Even the silver lining - that the treaties also outlaw the outrageous subsidies that states and localities use to steal companies away from each other - is tarnished by the fact that tax breaks are not covered, so the least accountable form of corporate subsidy remains untouched. These restrictions don't bring fairness to disadvantaged areas argues Bill Schweke of CFED in lntemational Investor Rights and Local Economic Development. Jn fact, he says, they can be seen as a . . ' Page 3 whether it is providing fu nding to complete the Drop Inn Center, to supporting housing programs such as Buddy's Place, to supporting the most recent ReSTOC pro posa l on Vine Street, and be l ieve tha t we need to conti nue as a local governme nt in ma king certa in tha t the re is adequate housing for the homeless population in this community. That's a number that fluctuates from time to time. But as a major metropolitan area and an urban cente r, communities such as C incinnati fi nd themselves with individuals who come to those locations because they' re in need of help and assistance. Part of the responsibility of t he go od ti mes co mes t he bu rde n , the responsibi lity of making certain that the re are basic safety nets there for everybody, and r see our role as being one to make certain that we have adequate and appropriate shelter for those who are homeless. Debb;e: What cha llenges do you anticipate the county must face as welfare fami lies get c ut from the welfa re system every month tarting in October 2000? Todd: I think the re's going to .be a greater burde n placed on the human services delivery of the County. In some cases, there will be additional burdens pl aced on the Judicial syste m that is administered by the County, because of issues or circumstances that people may get caught up in, when support is no longer there from the State. But I think that the longer-range issue (and I think the County is ill-prepared for thi s right now) is whether or not the County really wants welfare " reform" to work , whether they really want to transition people from we lfare to self-sufficiency... Debbie: Do you feel that the current system is adequate to he lp people in transition? Portune: No. Whe ther on a national scale, with programs like Medicare or Medicaid, or on a local level, in the delivery of health services out of clinics and the like, I don't think it's adequate. One of the reasons why the C ity of Cincinnati sued the Hea lth A lliance over the privati zation of University Hospita l was the refu sal of the alliance to commit to the delivery of services to the indige nt population of Hamil ton County, in writing. I think that the County could play a role in that. They' re going to be asked by the Alliance, and by the University Hospital, to put that levy on the ballot; and County could very easily say, "We' re not going PORTUNE, continued page 9 way for the nations and communities that have used economic development too ls to leap over their competition to now prevent anyone else from using them. The Power of O rganizing Community Development's roots are in organizing for j u tice. "The only way [community development] got to the table in the first place is because people took the streets," says McNeely. In the face of globalization, continued gaps between ric h a nd poor, a nd a n e lection season where affordable housing is ba re ly on anyone's radar screen, many people are raising the volume on a call to reco nnect com munity deve lo pm e nt to its movement roots. "It is ironic to me that the roots of many of today's community development a nd affordable housing organizati ons are in the insurrections in Watts, Detroit, Newark, and New York City in the m id- ' 60s, a nd o ne of the major hous ing a nd community development tools of the past was the rent strike, but now we measure our success against the performance of financial markets," says Jeffrey Michael Meyer, an A l6 participa nt and project STREETS, continued page 15 �r-. I 4 I r,11 ' t I • CJ ... ' , , ' •.' t f . . . I • # +'• • • t •~ T? ' • ft' f f f T '~. ~, t t ~ •" .,, . • •' •'" •*'' •'• ,_• , -..•· - .r. LOCAL NEWS STREETVIBES l·"Yll"ISI II' I i _....__ _ _ _.._ I ~ Our Advertisers help a good cause while promoting themselves to over 8,000 concerned people each·month. Business Card Size , • S9111'°111i · I ft I f f 11 2 x31/2" · ~ Two.Business e&f'.Ci Size : 4". x.3112" ~ '~- ~ $15 per month . Send your add copy to Btreetvibes, 1506 Elm Stree(,Cinti, 45210 , homecoal@primax.nef , or call 421-7803. ~ " 1 '$30 per month (Larger Adds ~Atso Available) ' .. '1 An Apptoach to the Quest for Social.Justice By Frank Lienkart In A ugust we . pisc ussed some o( .t he implications of the distinction that th e German ·sociologist Tonnies made between associations wh ich are Gessellschaft from chose which are Gemeinschaft. Gessellschaft suggests the idea of society (n ote- remember Ge~. = ~oc.), and Gemeinschaft suggests the idea of community (note- remember as Gem. =com.) Gessellschaft is connected with the institution of the economic market, and perhaps implies the larger scale of the two. Gemeinschaft involves the richer emotional fabric, with human interchange more personal, and multivalent. In Ges. social role and status are fluid, with relatively rapid upward or downward changes ofstation an ever present possibility. Gem. suggests the sort of small, rural village that the poetic banality ofanother age might have termed "sleepy". "To begin with," said Confucius, "we must have a rectification of names!" He meant, of the names ofsocial roles, and indeed for such macro theorists as Confucius, Plato, and Talcott Parsons, che social fabric consists of the knitting together of the various functions of its members. The 18th Century Scottish philosopher D avid Hume complained that all of the thinkers then in vogue would begin their theo rizing by asse rting incontrovertible matters of empirical fact; but then, as by an almost imperceptible alchemy, they would leave off asserting w~at "is", and take up deducing what "ough t" to be. H ow, Hum e wondered, can ic be valid to deduce an ethic ofthe prescriptive from a science of the descriptive? How can one derive "oughc" from "is"? The answer, for thinkers such as Plato, Parsons, Confucius and others, is that a social role as an ideal-type has implicit within its structure a prescriptive standard. Thus the very idea of «carpenter" or '"farmer" endem ically contains a criterion by which one can decide what one should do or be to fulfill the role in a more or less adequate manner. While it would be an over simplification to call Plato conservative, Parsons probably is and Confucius certainly so. All ofthese thinkers share a concern with the attainment and maintenance of holistic social equilibrium. This tends to generate a conservative point of view tantamount to becoming a "Cheerleader for the Scams-Quo." Since Confucius privileged family status over attained econom ic function, his view of the social order parcakes more of Gem. than of Ges. Ocher schools of Chinese philosophy did so to an even greater degree. The Taoist peasant ideal posited a farmer who would cultivate not economic rationality, but rather a largely unconscious harmony of fe llowship with the soil and seasons. This ideal favors the provincial and local over the cosmopolitan. Should the next village be near enough to h is own that the Taoist peasant could hear the crowing of its roosters at dawn, he would still feel so little curiosity about his neighbors th at he could live his entire life without bothering to go there to visit. O ne thinks at once of Marx's comments about..th e «idiocy of rur.al life." But also perhapsi He!dt;gger's ~iller 9( the soil comes to mind, and the latter's mysti~al contact.wit)'i Being. H eidegger also favors the local and particularise O':'er the cosmopolitan. "We are like flowers," said Heidegger, "rooted wP,ere we are born. Jf transplanted, we die." , T he current ethnic, racial or· nation alist resurgence feeds on the values of Gem. !ie{d~gg~r's.. work has solid value by way of artistic, literary and cultural critique. It helps us understand the social implications of technology. Psychotherapists who ignore his insights into the human condition are the poorer for doing so. H owever, the proclivities ofhis thought for fascist politics represent the very real dark side of Gem. In the modern inner-city, gang culture would constitute the dark side of Gem. The dark side of Ges. would be the propensity of modern society to create a residue of unassimilated marginality. This would include the imprisoned, the insane, the unemployed. In the 1950's and 1960's, the French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre saw the failure of modern life to ascribe social and vocational roles (as did prior ages, i.e. ,by heredity) as creating not a freedom ofplenitude, but rather a nauseating fate of indecision. In 'the 1970's and 1980's, ano t her French philosopher named Michel Foucault set out to analyze what he called "the micro-physics of power" inherent within systems of ideas and institutions created by such ideas. Foucault points out that in times past that which deviated from the norm was thought to be laudably extra-ordinary. For inst an ce, O dysseus was marvelous precisely in that his wiliness exceeded al l measure. Likewise, St. Simeon Sw~,t~ was marvelous in demonstrating what h is contemporaries cook co be an unparalleled piety by livin,g the last thirty years of his life on a pi llar fifty-five feet high. Or again, the protagonists in medieval ballads such as T he Song ofRoland excel precisely in that their martial prowess and courage surpass all previous anticipation. For Foucault, in times past man's deviation from the norm shone forth an unanticipated epiphany of man's transcendence. Now compare this sense of humanity as residing withi.n the unique with che modern concept of "the case". In a mental hospital, the behavioral therapist anticipates the norm, and equates deviation from the norm with pathology. On an academic exam, the examiner anticipates the ideal or perfect answers. And the examined pupil can demonstrate h is uniqueness only in the pattern of m istakes by wh ich he falls short of a perfect score. Or again, in a prison, a convict becomes a model prisoner only to the extent that he conforms and renounces his individuality. For Foucault, the play ofthis "micro-physics ofpower" shapes and oppresses modern man's spirit in a thousand petty ways. Indeed, Foucault is in a see SOCIAL JUSTICE, page 18 t ff f It>• I'}•~ ' i ' ' •••.· t . J f .... f • '" • • t J .1 " ' ' . ..• I t t • t ' ~· • ,,,.1 . • • f • • • .. •,' , ' • , , \, .. " , " Page 4 VOTE, continued from page 2 generally do not concentrate their efforts or energy into Over-the-Rhine, it is also true that the residents of OTR only account for .2% of Hamilton County's voting population. In fact, out of Hamilton County 's 35 districts, OTR was by fa r the least active at the polls. The most recent stati stics fro m the Board of Elections, highlight that out of the 279,899 voters in Hamilton County, onl y 672 were . residents of Over-the-Rhine! (Hence the .2% statistic.) The next least represented district in Hamilton county had twice the voter turnout of OTR. Ahother-.Pro~ram', put on by Network, a Catholic Social Justice Lqbbying' Group, held a forum ~t St. Monica, St. George Church in Clifton on September 24th about importa nt issues surrounding tiealth care: homelessness, and other Social justice issues. The Network fon:ifn was led by Sr. Louise Akers, a local itle~bef't>f the national Network organization based in1.'Washington D.C. Representatives f~orrl the ''Homeless Coaliti'on gathered information from the Network forum to use in their own Voter Campaign, which included registering voters at local shelters like Mt. Airy Men's Shelter,' Bethany House, and Chabad House. The deadline to register for the Nov. 7 election is Oct. 10. There is still a week left to get as many people as you can to register! 1f you want to change the ,direction of the non­ interest in politics among Over-tbe-Rhine residents, PLEASE VOTE!!! It is your decision whether or not to have a say in your own future . After a11 , politicians are theoretically supposed to represent the interests of the people. Just remember, if you haven' t voted, you have no right to complain. So don ' t forget , not only register, but also to visit your local polling site on November 7. • • Studi0(Audience Wanted !!! lf~r b (;J ")~ Streetvibes TU is produced live. the Fourth Thursday of each month. (Sept 23) 1 - 8 PM at Media Bridges (Cincinnati Community Video), 2114 Reading Road,­ Cincinnati Ohio. If you would like to be a part of our studio audience, or have ideas for shows, please call us at 421-7803 September Schedule Re-Broadcast.Dates for August's Show on Channel 24: (Please check your schedule) Saturday, Oct. 7, at 5 PM Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 1O PM Saturday, Oct. 21 , at 5 PM Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 1O AM Thursday, Nov. 2, at 1O AM Broadcast schedules are subject to change ­ Consult your local TV directory. �STREETVIBES THREE HUNDRED & FIFTY CITIZENS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF CHILDREN WELFARE NEWS Page 5 "Welfare Reform-- It's Not Working" by Sharon "Weis, OEC Organizer Each family averages cwo children. That's 10,678 children, the largest county being Cuyahoga, with 2,350 families. This does not For more information call cake into account the many families in Ohio the Stop tlu Clock Campai.gn at who have given up on. the system, and are out By Lynn Williams 5131381-4242. there struggling in low-wage employment. If you are looking for lower caseloads, yes, On September 12th, between 350 and C hildren have been left ouc of the debate of welfare reform is indeed working. A caseload 400 people from diverse areas of the state welfare reform. The focus has been on .the reduction of 44,000 since 1992 in Hamilton rallied in support of extending cash parent, when in reality, two-thirds of people County is very impressive. Of che remaining assistance to families facing the welfare cut­ affected are children. The misinformation is so 20,000 cases, one-halfare child only cases, off October l st. The rally, held at the prevalent that many media reporcs still report meaning a child is living with relatives where statehouse in Columbus, included Ohio that the majority of adulcs facing time limics they receive $233 per month for one child, and Empowerment Coalition members from have children. The reality is all adults facing an additional $82 for cwo children. The Akron, Cleveland, Youngstown, Athens, time limics have children. Stopping the time remaining 10,000 families , representing 20,000 Dayton, Toledo, Cincinnati, Middletown, and limits will protect children in Ohio. children, will loose welfare benefics as their 36 Columbus. Bus after bus arrived to bring This spring, the Hamilton County months run out. people out despite the rain. The people who Children Defense Fund reported that the county The O hio Empowerment Coalition is very rallied were a diverse group of people: has 219,152 children, ofwhich 19%, of 43,830 co~cerned as we see the erosion of the safety net Catholic Sisters, recipients, social service live in poverty, Nearly 75% of poor children live for families chat are most vulnerable. Low-skilled agencies, advocates, Protestant 111inistecs, in working famil ies. In 1997, the beginning of manufacturing jobs that paid a livable wage have Black, white, Appalachian, Somalian~ , . ~ r; . Ohio's 3 year time-limit for families receiving 1 gone to Third World countries where labor is Citizens, children, and legislators! ~~B:i/~~~~ welfare, they found that only 40% of our local cheaper. What is left, according tO a University Miller and Rep. Catherine Barrett1,9001 k:d,rJ children in poverty are getting any form of cash of Cincinnati study, is an increase of bocrom­ sponsors of HB 578, both spoke on the need assistance. In a Cincinnati Enquirer editorial level service sector .jobs: cashier, sales clerk, for extending cash assistance to families in entitled, A Misguided Protest, the Hamilton homecare worker, teacher's, nurse's aide and need. receptionist. Speakers read off the number A single mother with two of children county by county who children working 40 hours at $6.00 will be cut-off on October 1st. Two an hour as a cashier at McDonalds is thirds ·of the caseload is children. not eligible for a welfare benefit. Many of the speakers at the rally Support programs like Medicaid for wondered what would become of the children, Food Stamps, Child the children losing cash assist~ce, Care are critical t0 their survival. But worried that they would be in order to keep rhese support removed from thejr homes and programs it rakes careful planning, pl aced in foster care. • , 1 much ti.me and energy and just plain September l marked the last luck. T he endless rectification for check that many families wi ll each program during their work receive. So in effect, these families hours, the unanswered caseworker are already cut off . There will be phone calls, the rudeness of no October check comi ng i n the caseworkers and the fear of being mail. What will happen to these sanctioned off these survival programs mothers with children? has caused families to say "just forget Spokespersons for the September 12 Stop the Clock Rally, Columbus it, I'll do this on my own". Department of Job and Family But isn't this "exactly what was Services are telling legislators that . supposed co happened". "everything is going well with Ohio ~orks County Department ofJobs and Family Services In the end, it is the children who are First, that counties are in good shape to deal reported that only 25 families would be dropped damaged by Welfare Reform. Their mothers are with the time limit". We know that this is not from the welfare rolls on October fi rst. When struggling in poverty whether working or on the the case for many families. Approximately 44,000 children throughout Hamilton County system. For true reform, we as a society must 9, 550 families face the cut-off between are in poverty, you muse ask the question. Is valve all of our children, and the JOB it is t0 October and December this year with many welfare refordi really working? raise them properly. It is time to stop more facing the cut-off as months roll on. Across Ohio, according co Ohio punishing poor women and their children The Ohio Empowerment Coalition remains Depanment ofJobs and Family Services, 5,339 and begin investing in a system that truly ends committed to fighting the time limjt for the families will be cut qff welfare October first. poverty in America. • • • long haul if that's what it will take to get justice done. The Second Annual Organize! Ohio Statewide Gathering ­ Strength in Numbers, Strength in Each Other by Kate Pilacky ofOrganize/Ohio. Timothea Howard from the National Organiz­ ers Alliance in Washington DC holds a T-shirt fo be used for the Ohio Organizing Quilt The Second Annual Organize! Ohio Statewide Gathering took place at the beautiful and inspirational Conference Center at Grailville in Loveland on September 16 and 17. It proved to be the ideal location for the 2nd Annual Organize! Ohio Statewide Gathering to nurture and inspire over 75 activists and organizers from around the state, working on diverse issues such as welfare rights, homelessness, factory farms , farm Labor and low cost housing. The weekend was full of opportunities for networking, learning, inspiration and celebration. Participants were inspired and encouraged by their fellow organizers, and gained valuable insights and knowledge from a di verse group of committed groups and individuals. Lynn Williams was recognized with an "Outstanding Organizer of the Year" award for her work with the Contact Center in Over-the-Rhine. The positive aura of Grail ville and the combined energy of all the Gathering participants made the Organize! Ohio Statewide Gathering a very special event. For more information about upcoming events or to 6e put on the O!O mailing list, please call 877-0RG-OHIO or email info@organizeohio.org Go to our website at www.organizeohio.org. ._ �Nati 0 n a I News .sTREE TvI BE s Page 6 . Working their \Vay out of a job .•..by Matt Parkhousem RN routinely and only half-jokingly claim that they are trying to work themselves out of their jobs . We agree with Mitguard that the city needs to plan for the future. But the city - and the Colorado Springs, CO, August 10, 2000: deal with the likelihood of increased security Red Cross and El Pomar - would better serve the community if they stepped up to the plate to The Colorado Springs Planning Commission problems for the surrounding neighborhood. After hearing testimony from the neighbors tackle the root of the problem, the city's critical should be commended for their gutsy rejection lack of affordable housing. of a massive one-stotthomeless mall that would· and affected business owners., many planning Three years ago, the City Council appointed have an immediate and negative impact on the commissioners noted the proposal was not in harmony with the neighborhood, which is their a committee to study the affordable housing Mill Street neighborhood south of downtown. crunch, and last year the group's findings were Last week's 5- 1 vote to reject the $6 million number one requisite when determining whether presented. The statistics are of near-emergency center came after nearly five hours of emotional to approve a project. Standing up against two of the most powerful proportions; Colorado Springs needs roughly testimony from home and business owners in 37 ,000 affordable housing units to meet current one of the last working-class neighborhoods in nonprofits in town is never easy, and the backlog in low-rent apartments. Colorado Springs, where the non-rich can still comm1ss1oners reJect1on took guts. But, as The commission recommended that the city Commiss ione r Ce dric Johnson noted , the attain the dream of being proud homeowners. respond to the crisis by creating a trust fund for Jn effect, the American Red Cross and the c itizens' concerns outweighed the need for the affordable housing projects. Instead, the City El Pomar Foundation want to combine the city's sparkling new shelter. Counc il polite ly thanked the group and set their A larger question - whether Colorado homeless shelter, the soup kitchen and several recommendations aside. At the time, the elected other services geared toward the homeless, the Springs reaJly needs such a massive one-stop s ho ppin g home less ma ll - has not been leaders noted that they pre ferred private sector low-income and the needy. funding soluti ons (i.e. contributed money) to Ironically, these powerfu l groups wanted to adequately addressed . The curre nt shelter is aJleviate the citts dearth of affordabl e housing. buy out several Mill Street homes and tear them housed in a ware house, but in recent years, After last week's denial , El Pomar President down to build the massive complex designed to thanks to El Pomar's generosity, it has received Thayer Tutt said El Pomar and the Red Cross consolidate many of the services for low-income a half-million dollar facelift. It is far from filled would need to " reevaluate support for homeless a nd home less individu als a nd famili es. The to capacity. During her testimony, shelter director Deb services in the Pikes Peak region." For decades, increase in homeless people wandering through the philanthropic found ation - currently with th e ne ighb orh oo d wo uld ha ve in c re a sed Mitguard stated that, though the existing faci lity $450 million in assets - has helped an untold currently has many empty beds, the Red Cross dramatica lly. mu s t " pl a n fo r th e fu ture.,; Du ring he r number of needy in Colorado Springs and this We co ntend lh a t no ne i ghborh ood ­ community owes it a debt of gratitude. whether it be M ill Street, the Broadmoor or presentati on, she a lso argued that Colorado But, wi th respect to Mr. Tutt and M s. Hillside - where proponents initially hoped to Springs could become a national mode l fo r Mitguard, we don' t need to be a national model build the complex - should bear the brunt of homeless services. for home less serv ices. It would be nice We admire Mitguard for her devotion to the ' such a massive complex. however, to develop a national model that would dow n-and-out. But we find those comments Consolidated services may be easier for the help alleviate the heartbreaki ng problem of provider , but not necessarily for the patrons who disconcerting. Mitguard's claim - that the city homelessness here. And we hope that, when E l use them. In this proposal, basic logistical issues needs to make plans for an economic downturn Pomar appea ls the pl ann ing commission's - li ke the lack of a regular bus route to the that would result in even more homelessness ­ decision to the City Council, our elected leaders is an antithesis to the whole tenet of the battle complex - were not addressed. urge the groups to focus on the real solution ­ ln addition, neighbors pointed out that the against homelessness. creating affordable housing - by be ing the first In the two decades-plus since homelessness center's promise of a 24-hour hotline, to be to donate a large contribution to the communi ty manned by the center's staff was inadequate to has become a national crisis, service providers housing trust fund . • • ' • • l Silence Equals Death by Elizabeth (Buffy) Weill-Greenberg During the Republ ican National Convention on August first, a day dedicated to protesting the Prison Industrial Complex, I was arrested at a puppet warehouse. As I walked out of a puppet warehou e and was handcuffed, an officer called me hon. f quickly scolded him. After four hours of itti ng, handcuffed on a broiling hot bus without water, we were fin ally let off. As I was waiting to be photographed, an officer told me how pretty I was - I giggled a thank you. While on the bus, one man, whose skiit had been taken from him by an offi cer and who was left in his underwear, pleaded for at least thirty minutes for his cuffs to be loosened. His hands were numb and turning blue. When we began to chant for another man's cuffs to be changed, a protester banged his feet on the di vider between us and the officer driving the bus. The officer j umped up, held his club and threate ned: "If you keep that up, I' ll make you sorry in there." As I was photographed in the jail, my body was roughly patted down by officers. I was led by the arm; walki ng on my own sudde nl y became reckless. After giving my name, address, and Social Security Number, I was given an arm bracelet with the name Jane Doe scribbled on it - despite the fac t that I had given my real name. I was then led to the holding cells. I was placed. with five other women in a fi ve by seven cell. Despite the cold temperature, there were no blankets and no mattress. We slept holding each other to stay warm. The next few days are a patchwork of abuse. Women were dragged down the hall ; women were ha ndcuffed ankle to wri st; med ical emergencies were ignored; one woman reported she had seen another prisoner's head smashed against the wall . ..We were fed two slices of bread with a piece of cheese every nine hours or so. (My last night there we were treated to peanut butter.) Despite our constant demands to see our attorney, we only saw him once. The guards told us that our attorney had been in to see us already that day (we hadn't seen him). The public defenders were allowed inside more often. When we chanted protest songs, a guard threatened to take away our phone calls. (Most of us were not allowed to make any calls anyway.) Standing in a li ne, waiting to be released, four hours after my arraignment and fifty-seven hours after I had given my name, an offi cer singled out one young male prisoner. He took him out of the line and pushed him forward, leading him away. When the man came back, he reported to us the officer had been makino I:> fun of him. A few moments later, the officer led him away again. We were re leased and the young man was not with us. When people have asked me, with an amused smirk, how my j ail stay was, I respond by saying, "Terrible." The reaction is always the same: ''That's the way jail is supposed to be." There is an underslood and accepted brutality against priso ne rs that is ra re ly spoken of with the exception of the occas ional joke on a sitcom concerning prison rape. The protesters at the Roundh ouse were abu se d, de ni ed bas ic human ri ghts and denigrated. The conditions were anything but exceptional. Most people who are arrested and serving time in jail or prison, suffer the same, if not worse, condi tions. I have the privilege of being out of jail to educate people about what the protesters endu red. Most people in jail are shamed and silenced for years, while the outside screams for longer sentences and tougher crime policies ... The mark of a prisoner, the maj ority continued next page �STREETVIBES INTERNATIONAL NEWS People From Across the U.S. Welcome Castro By Tim Wheeler New York- In a city famous for sold-out performances, the hottest ticket during the U.N.' Millennium Summit was for the "Welcome Fidel" rally at Riverside Church Sept. 8. Thousands converged on the huge gothic church in Morning Side Heights, many waiting four hours to get through numerous security checkpoints to hear Cuban President Fidel Castro. A standing-room-only crowd inside cheered his four hour speech while 1,000 more listened over loudspeakers outside. Among those waiting in the long lines was Egellye Hall , an elderly African-American woman sitting in a wheelchair. "What brought me out this evening is the same thing that brought me to the Theresa Hotel in September 1960," she , ., / told the World. " Back in those years, I was working down­ town and my boss told me I shouldn't go up to Harlem to greet Castro. But I went anyway. We were out in the streets chanting, ' Fidel, Fidel.' So now I'm back 40 years later to greet Fidel." Minnie Bruce Pratt worked with the Jersey City, N.J. Committee to Return Elian. Elia_n Gonzalez is the Cuban boy found floating in the ocean off Miami Thanksgiving Day. His mother was bringing him to the U.S. by boat but she drowned when the boat capsized. m s Miami relatives tried to keep him form being returned to his father in Cuba. "The return home of Elian Gonzalez and his family was a big victory," Pratt said. "It brought reliable information to millions of Americans that Cuba is a country that cares deeply for its chil­ dren, providing free health care and education. Many people asked. 'Why don't we provide these same benefits for our own children?"' Also in the line was Rep. Jose Serrano (D­ NY) from the Bronx, sponsor of legislation to lift the 40-year embargo and normalize relations with Cuba. " l believe this is a great opportunity for the U.S. to change relations with Cuba for the better. The Elian Gonzalez case has OP.ened people's eyes to a relation with Cuba that is improper," Serrano to the World. "Fidel Castro is seen around the world as one who speaks on behalf of the poor." ~ Working for Human Rights? Labor Rights? Environmental Rights? Animal Rights? 200+ of the World's top CEOs will be in Cincinnati November 16-18 Called the TABD (Transatlantic Business Dialogue), this group, along with government officials, sets the agenda of the WTO (World Trade Organization) MASS DEMONSTRATIONS PLANNED!!! Call 513-588-8883 SUBSCRIBE: che20QO@egroups.com check it out: www.che-2000.org ® " Let our president treat Cuba the same as he does Vietnam and China, "Serrano sajd. " in­ stead of trying to destroy Cuba, we should be opening a dialogue with them." If the Republican leadership perm itted a straiaht up or down vote on legislation to exempt 0 food and medicine from the embargo and to lift the ban on travel between the U.S. and Cuba, _"it would pass with a two-thirds yes vote," he said. "It is a shame that while we denounce Castro, we are sending aid to Columbia that is going to aggravate the problems there." . Castro, dressed in his olive drab military fatigues, arrived at the church j ust after 9 p.m. and the crowd cheered, waved small Cuban flags and chanted, "Cuba Si, Bloqueo No!" A delega­ tion of New York school children handed bou­ quets to the Cuban leader and he embraced them. The Rev. Dr. James Forbes, senior pastor of Riverside Church, welcomed Castro. "The news in the paper today was about a handshake, he said, referring to President Clinton's handshake with Castro, which became the talk of the sum­ mit. "Was there any substance in the symbol? The answer is that the people bring the substance to the symbol," Forbes said. "What we do tonight wiJI teach us what a prophetic handshake is. It tells us that the Cold War is over." In the Nov. 7 elections, he added, "People are not looking for candidates who will perpetuate the same pattern of alienation between the U.S. and Cuba. Our aim is to move us from a hand­ shake to an embrace." The crowd cheered. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) thanked Castro for coming to "a very important summit. I would like to apologize for the very bad manners of the Mayor of this city." She was referring to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's refusal to welcome the dignitaries to the U.N. Summit. The crowd burst into loud jeers. "I am pleased to say that I helped oraanize a trade fair in Cuba that represented over 0 I00 firms. We were treated like royalty in Cuba and we can do no less for you. It is time to end the embargo.!" Serrano recalled that in 1995, Castro had come to his district. "At that moment we gave you a Puerto Rican welcome... I bring greeting from my constituents, many with children like Elian. We will not stop until the blockade of Cuba ends and the United States and Cuba are SILENCE, Page 7 like brothers." . Other speakers included the Rev. Lucius Walker, leader of the Cuba Friendshipment that has deli vered 2600 tons of food and other humanitarian goods to Cuba, Luis Miranda. leader of Casa de las Americas, a Cuba solidarity group. In his wide-ranging marathon speech, Castro read the horrible statistics of the crisis in Africa of poverty, hunger, ill iteracy and pandemic diseases like malaria and AIDS. As the capitalist nations grow wealthy, he charged, Africa is ·sinking under a crushing burden of debt owed to the banks of wealthy nations of Europe and the U.S. and to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. A I-percent tax on the $6 trillion in daj ly stock market transactions would generate enough revenues to attack this world wide human crisis, he said. Cuba, itself a poor nation, is guided by the moral imperative of "solidarity, " the 74-year-old Cuban leader said. He quoted Amilcar Cabral, the martyred African revolutionary leader who praised Cuba for sending troops to fight the C IA and South African­ backed UNITA rebels in Angolas in the 1980s: "When the Cubans returned home, they took with them the dead and wounded who fell in battle." Cuba, he said, has not one dollar invested in any country of the world. " No one in Cuba profited from fascist, racist apartheid, " he said. Castro spoke at le ngth of Cuba's health-care program, which provides medical care throughout Cuba, free of charge. Now, he said Cuba is providing thousands of doctors and other health care professionals to Latin America, the Carib­ bean, and Africa. He spoke proudly of Lhe new medical school built at an abandoned naval academy near Havana for thousands of medical students from Latin America who study six years, free of charge, with only the commitment that they return home and provide medical care for their communities. He drew laughter and applause when he reported that several members of the Congres­ sional Black Caucus informed him that they have communities with no medical doctors. "I said, 'How come? It sounds like your district is in the Third World? We are willing to send you our doctors free of charge.' He said Cuba is willing to accept up to 500 U.S. students to study medicine, selected from conaressional districts without doctors. 'They 0 would be trained free of charge with only the requirement that they agree to return and serve in those districts. from page 6 of those in jail being people of color and poor, is, after all, a mark of s hame and worthlessness - the overwhelming cry is that those in jail have forfeited their right to humanity. Paul Wright, editor of Pri son Legal News and a writer presently serv in g time in a US prison writes:"In ... many ... s tates, no one who is victimized while confined in jail or prison can seek victim' compensation for their injuries ... Oth er s tate s deny victim's compensation to anyone who has ever been convicted of a crime." I received a small taste of the tongue of the prison system. Tho e in jail are consumed by it - their voices suffocated. Two million people, seventy percent of who are people of color, with silenced voices; a silence filling the missing pages of newspapers and news stories ... While I was s igning my release papers, the two officers began to talk about how stupid the protesters were. I was accustomed to the officers' belittli ng atti tu de - moc king u s, officers gave each other the Black power sign or sang Solidarity Forever. One officer. though, said something that has been reverberating in my head since that Friday morning - ·'Don't you watch TV? Don't you know prisoners don ' t have a voice?" Alona0 with the two million people in US jails and prisons, our dignity and rights have been qu ietly interrogated and perverted - the bruta lity against all prisoners that is tacitly and publicly accepted. We were, in fact, Prisoners in the US. That s logan begins humming to me again - "S ilence Equals Death." �STREETVIBES Sonny, Prisoners~ Nevvs Dear Streetvibes: My name is Keith LaMar, and I I'm assuming you sent me a "Streetvibes" was recently sent a copy of your issue? I got an empty envelope and a newspaper by a friend, Sonny "contraband" slip, saying the publication Williams, who thought and sug­ "Streetvibes" was "not from the Publisher"(It was.) Have them send me one? I have another gested that I should write some­ article drafted. Will try to type up and send this thing for publication. I'm one of five men who make up "The weekend, O.K. ? I have many ideas and Lucasville five," So, already, because of your information! What about legal issues? Let me August issue, you should be at least a little famil­ know particular topics you'd like. I'm in the iar with my situation. And you should know, mood, and I do not mince words. They can also, that we here really apprecieate you providing shoot me tomorrow. us with a voice to get our story out. Thanks for trying. As you may know, so much is happening nowadays around the issue of the Death Penalty, Blessed Be! Beverly Seymour 25777 V-2, ORW 1800 Harmon Columbus, OH 43223 we really need. to seize this opportunity to make as many people as possible aware of what's going on. So that we might join forces and put a stop to this Madness. I hope what I've presented wil contribute to that effort. In closing, let me say that what you, there, are doing is inspiring and admirable. I hope you wil continue. As Kwame Nhrumah once said: "So many worlds. So much to do. So little done. Such things to be." Be encouraged, Keith P.S. I'm working on some poetry, as well. Stop The Violence! .... by Bomani Shakur Dear Sonny, I got your letter on Sept l I 1h! First of all, thank you for writing and for the envelope. Second, no I have never gotten the Sept. 2,000 issue of Streetvibes; this place has kept it and never notified me they got it! Are you writing in concern to the successful suicide of my friend Carol Ann Bell? If so, I thank you! I am sorry I never got the Streetvibes newspaper; these people are trying really hard to stop me from telling Carol Ann's story! They are really all over my mail! But I just keep praying, so it'll all work out in the long run! I have wrote to subscribe to the Streetvibes; I hope they let it in for me! I wi ll call you, I' II try in the morning! Well, hope to hear from you again soon and thank you again! Sincerely, Dawnya Ferdinandson #27006 1479 Collins Ave Marysville, OH 43040 PEN PAL WANTED Anthony Driscoll Pages 261789 OCI. P.O. Box 511. Columbus OH 43216. STREimBES PrisonersNews contains news about the justice system and the writings of persons incarcerated in .our nation's jails and prisons. Subscribers within the walls receive Streetvibes free. If you want to support us in this effort, please sponsor someone on the inside by sending us $15 for a year's subscription Send your comments and questions to streetvibes@juno.com mail : STREETVIBES, 1506 Elm Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45210 (AKA Keith LaMar) It's sad and not just a little shocking to look out on the world and see contradiction parading as justice. But here today our Govern­ ment continues to kill in order to show us. Thei say that killing is wrong. And not only do they kill, but innocent people are being murqered, setting in motion repercussions that keep us all mixed in this vicious circle of madness. And for these reasons, we must remain engaged in collective struggle. For, while many more will unfortunately but inevitably fall victim, lasting and constructive changes are on the horizon. Only a little multiplication now, and this system, this monster that's eating away at our soul and future will, if we continue in our efforts, be dead. Power belongs to the people, and if we, black and white, stay together on the side of righteousness, without allowing our force to be decimated by our differences, we can change the system. And those who pretend to represent our interest, but only represent themselves, wilt' be constrained to comply to our demands. Why? Because they - Clinton, Gore, Bush, et al.- are not causes but effects; we put them where they are and gave them our power, which they are abusing. But we can take it back. How? By standing up and saying: Stop the Violence! · Most recently, an innocent man was executed by the state ofTexas. His name was (is) Shaka Sankofa (formerly known as Gary Gra­ ham) and there was an ample amount of proof (via eye-witness testimony) pointing to his innocence, proving, not only didn't he commit the crime fo r which he as ultimately murdered, but, that this system is inherently flawed with inexperienced and underpaid defense attorneys who, up against overpaid and overzealous pros­ ecutors, looking to for their careers by the accu­ mulation of fresh (Bills?) (innocence be damned), simply do not possess the means and /or know­ how to see that justice is preserved. Consequently, innocent people can and will continue to be slaugh tered. But that's Texas, and in the "wher­ ever" you are, stuff like this will never happen, right? Don't believe it. It's said that a butterfly flapping its wings in China can set off a tidal wave a thousand miles away. And so we're all in some way connected and, in every way, respon­ sible for hat's happening in the world around us. Some of us still think we can sit back and not say anything; after all, that wasn't our Father, Son, Brother..... And yet our silence speaks.volumes! If we don't stand up and say "Stop ;;f'.hd/iolence'', then we're just as culpable as th~serwhdperpetrate and perpetuate it. And that tidal wave, ... The one that seemed so far away, will one day find its way to your door. And then what? Right now, more than any other time in the history of this country, we have more people in prison and more prisons than ever. In the _short span ofjust a few years, the prison popula­ tion has quadrupled and, along with homeless­ · ness and unemployment, state sanctioned execu­ tions have similarly increased (especially in Texas), as well as that of juvenile violence and the call for them, too, to be discarded by this ma­ chine. If innocent people continue to be killed, and if, as is the present standard, more money is continually invested in the building of prisons than the building of schools; and if the age by which we are willing to treat juveniles as adults continues to get younger and younger - where will we be?! Everywhere you look nowadays, this society is in conspiracy against our awareness, prompting us to believe that, because of the so­ called booming economy, all is well. Don't believe it. In 1940-45, the economy was "boom­ ing" in Germany; underneath the boom, how­ ever, six million people were being escorted to gas chambers. so let us be alert - alert in a rwofold sense: Since Shaka Sankofa, we know what this system is capable of And since Amadou Diallo, we know what's at stake. We all have a part to play in the disman­ tling of rhjs machine. Silence is no longer an option. If we stand up today and fight for our rights, and for the future of our children, the power of all oppressed people across the world will be in our hands. Power to the people! Don't Miss the Next Pan Ohio Statewide Meeting , Oct 29, 1-5 PM, Old Presbyterian Church, Bryden and Ohio Aves. Columbus Ohio. info: 513-241-8014 �•' STREE'f VI BES Page 9 Walt Whitman: Patron Saint of Nomads by Johll H enry U onlleart C ALIFORNIA - l n June 1999, the Albany City Council announced plans to evict 80 homeless individuals from a colorful array of shacks they had built on an abandoned landfi ll in San Francisco Bay. The land had been littered with trash and construction debris until the squatters moved in, building homes, planting gardens and erecting sculptures. Albany officials promised to provide housing support for evicted residents. But, after police raided the encampment, expelled residents and destroyed their belongings, the homesteaders found themselves forced to sleep in alleyways and under freeways. Albany's only gesture o f support was to install a portable trailer surrounded by a chain link fence in the middle of a large asphalt parking loL More than 80 people were made homeless when Albany passed its anti-camping ordinance: T he trailer only had cots for 2 1. One homesteader, "Picasso Mike" Smith, repeated ly tried -·and failed - to secure a cot in the trailer. When he returned to a teepee he had built on the landfi ll, he was arrested. Smith de manded a jury trial and, last December 15, he was acquitted. T he jury ruled unanimously that, under the " neces­ sity defense," Smith was entitled to return to his teepee, since the city had failed to provide "ad­ equate and suffi cient alternative" to sleeping on the street. During the heat of the Albany debate, John Henry Lionhcart, a formerly homeless poet, offered the following thoughts on the plight of urban nomads. "Now I see the secret of the making of the best persons, l t is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth ." - Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road," fro m Leaves of Grass, 1856. S urprise, Walt Whitman! Welcome to the 2 1st century! Try eating and sleepi ng anywhere "with the earth" aro und these parts, and your kiester will end up in the hoosegow. That's the story for people like you, buddy, with your "leaves of grass" and songs of freedom. Poor people cannot bed down anywhere, without incurring a fine or co urting arrest. Should one have to pay another to walk, sit, or sleep upon the earth? ls mere existence a cond ition that should require the transfer of wealth to another? The Albany Bul b is a manmade peninsul<!- that snakes out into the bay. Over the past decade, a community of homeless nomads built handmade shelters here out of cast-off materials. Slowly, the landfi ll was transformed into a beautifully bizarre landscape of trails and trees and brush and jutting rubble , all interlaced with thick twisted rebar and rusting cables. "The landfill was a very beautiful place," marveled Osha Neumann, a local civil rights attorney, "There was coyote bush, pampas grass, fennel, dense thickets fu ll of birds . ... It seemed like a perfect match between people and the environment." Some o f the ho mesteaders had lived here for l 0 years or more. Some were laborers or carpen­ ters or trained in other manual arts. Some were unable to work due to illness or disability, and co llected a smaJI government stipend . They were mostly shy people, sensitive to the unnatural demands of modem society. They lived on the landfill because it's the best they could afford . The Albany Bulb encampment may well have bee n the last stop on Earth for some who found sanctuary there. As one wheelchair-using squatter, Pat McMull in, told a local newspaper, "l t won't be long before people like me are pushed into the sea." Save Trees and People, Too We recognize the value in allowing stands of trees to put down roots and grow in the open air, undisturbed. Why should . On September 11, all of the men in Jl cell block at Southern Ohio Correctional Facility went on a hunger strike/fast, requesting to see prison officials about: 1) L ac k of water in the cells 2) Small portion s of food for J-1 block priso ne rs . 3) Ove r-usage of rec reatio nal restric tions for J- 1. prisone rs 4) M ixing p sych priso ners w ith non­ p sych priso ners 5) Inabil ity to o b tain magaz ines and books 6) D eviatio n from DRC policy o n placement and referral to J- 1 7) Re fu sal to provide legal c ase fi les th at J- 1 prisone rs need to present a ny c iv il o r c riminal cases against prison admini. tration. PORTUNE, from page 3 to do it" , unle s you commit in a binding way, in wr iti ng, that that is going to be a primary purpose o f your missio n and your focus, and that the people of this community are not go ing to have to worry abo ut whethe r they have certain basic health needs met. So l think that the who le health care question is a big one . Ins ura nce p lays s uc h a key role in whether peo ple have adequate health care or not. A nd the kind of jo bs that are available to people in trans ition from we lfare to work, typically do not provide those types of bene fits, and so the whole health care question is one which the County need s to address, and the State of Ohio needs to ad d ress , in o rd e r to h e lp fa milies m ake the transitio n. Debbie: What do you feel about tbe working poor, who are homeless and struggl ing to make a li vab le wage? Portune : They' re the real sainb of the Earth; who have all sorts of challenges; who. in spite o f it. are out there trying their level best to do what they can; who arc experiencing some of the benefits of the dignity of work; who have the same hopes, Sig ned by: prisone rs in J-1 isolation cell block, Lucasvi/le, Ohio. goals, dreams a nd asp iratio ns as anybody else; who deserve the full meas ure of trust and res pect and a ccep ta nce i n to th is com mu n i ty t hat everybody e lse has; but yet, quite often, are not gi ven that, because there is such a te ndency of people to vie w others in te rms of winning or losin g, h ave a nd h ave not. T h at's not on ly inappropriate and unhealthy for a community; I think that's an im moral approach to life. I think the indi viduals w ho are trying to work, who are struggling to earn a liv ing wage, deserve not onl y o ur full meas ure o f appreciatio n and s upport and respect. but need to know that the problem s that they face wi ll no t so mehow become vilified toward them, b ut that we a re g oing to h ave responsible officials who arc going to be the re to try to help indi\ iduals overcome those challenges, -;o that they can continue to move o n ... Oehhie: '\re there any other issues that Todd Portune. the candidate. sees, things he wants ., human beings not have the same rights to Live free? It is j ust as important to preserve our planet's last vestiges of ancient indigenous and nomadic cul­ tures as it is to save disappearing flora and fauna. Do you think this view is radical? Take a look again at W hitman's "Song of the Open Road." : ' 'To see no possession but you may possess it, enjoying all,. without labor or purchase" It's a bit difficult to wrap our minds around such a sentiment. How could Whitman walk so freely upon the Earth, and we not? Was he a fool? Or did he know something we have forgotten? Perhaps we must re-examine our concepts of private and public property, morality and socially acceptable behavior. Some believe that the Earth and everything on it - including us - are creations of the Divine, and that ultimately ownership rests with the C reato r. T his view g ives rise to the notion that we are stewards of the land, charged by the Al­ mighty with preserving and enhancing his handi­ work. We don' t how this phil_osophy could be inte­ grated into law. Maybe it couldn' t, at least not right away. There seems to be a strong force taking society in the other direction: T here is a great taking-away of the public domain and transferring it to private ownership. What can you do? Begin by being aware of how you feel when these issues come up. If you' re paying another for living space, if you pay rent or a mortgage, how does that feel? Can you freely pick up and go? How would your life be different if it were possible to live as freely as Walt Whitman recommends? And if you are currently charging another for living space, if you' re a landlord or a mortgage­ holde r, how does that feel? Are you comfortable with the morality of what you do? Can you imagine not charg ing for what you do? What would you rather be doing with your life, if your own right to live where you want were less conditional on the permission of other ? In W hitman's words: " Henceforth I ask not good-fortu ne, I myself am good fortune; Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing ...Strong and content, I trave l the open road." A longer version of this article f irst appeared in the Street Sheet [65 Ninth St. , San Fran cisco, CA 94103-1401, (4 15) 565-0201), a monthly paper devoted to ''.justice news & homeless blues in the Bay Area ·• published by the American Friends Service Commillee. lionheart can be contacted clo People Are Trees Too!, 2342 Shat1uck Ave.. Suite 108, Berkele)~ CA 94704. www.iPoet.com. to address in Hamilton County? Todd: The big issue, of co urse, is the w ho le question o f providing work . I think that takes many fo rms. The County, has a poor record, i n my opi n io n , in a pproaching issues of pla n ning o r deve lopment, in a way that is designed to reinvest in, and re-bu ild ex isting communities, whether it is the city of C inc innati , or some of the other urban or suburban communities that surround Cincinnati . There has been a historic practice of d is-investment th at h a s d rive n peo p le a nd j o bs ou t of those comm un ities . W hat you have left behind are those who are e ither very wealthy a nd whe re cost of getti ng what they want is not an obstacle, or those that are le ft behind and don ' t have the ability to move o ut. The County need . to quit that approach, needs planning a nd development that's go ing to strengthen and nurture and s upport those existing commun ities: cleaning up the abandoned toxic sites that arc a blight o n communities. leading to the development of industr) and jobs in areas that PORTUNE, continued page 15 �r STREETVIBES Page 10 .. Helping Our Homeless Veterans by Dan Marschner ~I I ~_:0 ~. . Stand Down 2000, Cincinnati 's annual event to help homeless veterans, took place on September 14 and 15, 2000. Washington Park and the Drop Inn Center were the home base for what the National Coalition for the Homeless calls "a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nations's estimated 275,000 homeless veterans 'combat' life on the str.eets." Homeless veterans were provided with a variety of services including legal services, eye care, health care, housing referrals, job counsel ing, social security checks, haircuts, and voter registration. Stand Down was stared by two Vietnam veterans, Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison, in San Diego in the summer of 1988. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that 100,000 photo by Jimmy Heath homeless veterans nationwide have been assisted by Stand Down. Veterans and non-veteran homeless wait in long lines outside the Drop-Inn Center This year marked the fifth Stand Down in to check out Over-the-Rhine service organizatioas and gather clothes for the winter Cincinnati. As a group, homeless veterans are overwhelmingly male, mostly single, generally coming from poor, disadvantaged communities. 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, and 50% have substance abuse problems. Clearly, homeless veterans have significant difficulties outside of their lack of housing. Locally, 70% of the men in one shelter are veterans. Half of those veterans served in Vietnam. A third are employed, generally at a temp agency that does not provide a stable work structure. 38% of these veterans have spent time in a coD"ectional facility. An overwhelming 79% of veterans report using drugs or alcohol, illustrating an enormous substance abuse problem. 50% reported mental health problems. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of homeless men are veterans. Approximately 275,000 veterans sleep on the streets each night. Veterans that have served in post-Vietnam and late Vietnam eras have the greatest risk of homelessness. 47% of homeless veterans served lns_ide the Drop Inn: Tables display information from OTA Organizations serving Homeless People <luting the Vietnam era, and 67% of them served more (from column 1) .......... continued Column 3 -.­ Outside, in Washington Park, U.S. Veteran's Administration Tents held Information Tables by Over-the Rhine Organizations than 3 years. Only 33% were stationed in a war zone; this statistic suggests that recruitment methods may have been a factor Homeless veterans are in dire need of services. Veterans need outreach, psychosocial assessments, refeD"als, residential treatments, and follow-up case management. 1995 VA sn1dy- determined that long-term permanent housing, dental care, eye care and child care are the greatest unmet needs of homeless veterans Stand Down 2000 was a huge success in providing essential services to homeless veterans. The organizes of Stand Down 2000 believe that supporting those who served America is not a privilege, but a duty. • • • • V' �' ..., • ~ 4 I ,, ' ' ~ ST REET VI BES Page 11 \:.i PROf'EsTORs TARGET by Dan Marschner The Cincinnati Black United Front recen dy targeted several restaurants downtown to draw attention to their dosing during the Jazz Festival, closings the group believes were racially motivated. The group of protestors, clad in yellow t-shirts and hardhats, took to the streets in front of these restaurants and urged patrons to reconsider their business. The protests began after several restaurants closed during the Jazz Festival, a predominantly African-American festival, over the summer. The restaurant owners claimed that street closings and poor business during the weekend were· the motivations to close. The Cincinnati BJack United Front counters with the belief that the restaurants were closed due to racial stereotypes of black cusromers. One of the group's statements claims several previous examples of racism in the city: "Cincinnati's Black United Front is a movement to improve the quality oflife for black people. We will fight chis organized, institutionalized racism in the City of Cincinnati. God is not partial; so­ no one else has the right to be (Acts 10:34)." CHE. from page 1 surrounding this group of CEOs coming to Cincinnati November 16th-18th. This group of CEOs is called the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD) and the recommendations coming out of this body have a profound impact on the aoenda of the World Trade Oroanization (WTO)~ Many may recall the :normous demonstrations in Seattle were a successful effort to put a halt to the WTO talks. Effectively, the TABD works with European and US government officials to make "recommendations" to the WTO regarding decisions and agenda items. The decisions on these items supersede decisions made by governments. Subsequently, the WTO has evolved into the most powerful economic body in the world. Who then Controls global economic policy? It is the multi-national corporations, not our government, no~ the European Union and certainly not the vast United Black Front Picketing the Plaza 600 According to literature passed out by the group, the group also recognizes several issues chat it says are racist: "Separate but equal is still against the law. But you see it in the City of Cincinnati through issues related to housing, education, social services, transportation, travel & tourism, big business and the media. The brutal "police shootings, mass arrests of young The group also majority of the public, those who face the affects WTO decisiqns daily. . . And so, human _ngh_ts advocates, environmental advocates, labor nghts advocates, ~ni~~l rig hts advocates, ~nd com_pa~sion.ate md1v1duals are all_ converging o~ Ci?.cmnatI to challenge the pubhc and the media to Ask them about the ~ABD." C~ wants you to ask them how labor nghts affect lives, ask them how human rig~t~ affect lives and ask them_ how ~~u can pos1tJ~eJy affec~.change. There will b~ a Call to Consc10usness, a cballenge to all faiths, to see how working to end global injustice directly relates to what the Gospel , the Koran and what many spiritual guides profess to be "The Truth." The demonstrations in November, much to the chagrin of sensationalistic news reporters, will focus on solutions as much as the problems associated with corporate dominance. So going back to the questions, it i s recognizes several issues that it says are racist:. "Separate but equal is still against the law. But you see it in the City of Cincinnati through issues related to housing, education, social services, transportation, travel & tourism, big business and the media. The brutal police shootings, mass arrests of young people around the curfew issue, and driving while black are just the obvious examples of how black people are mistreated. The closing of the restaurants during the Jazz Festival weekend is just an indicator of the disregard for Black people chat permeates the City of Cincinnati." The targeted restaraurants include the Masionette, Akash Indian, Peterson's, La Normandie, Redfish, Roma Resrorante, Plaza 600, Carol's, and Havana Martini Club. Nicholson's and Ruby's were previously targeted restaurants that have agreed ro keep their doors open during these weekends. The Cincinnati Black United Front promises to continue representing the best interests of the black population in Cincinnati. • • • difficult to say what will happen in November. Cincinnati's demonstrations are not in any way modeled after any of the recent major actions around the country, inc1uding Washington, DC and Seattle. CHE is attempting to organize legal demonstrations and support peaceful actions. The message is one of restructurin g a damaged system, not of protest. There is damage to be done, however; but it may not be on the part of demonstrators. The mainstream media has the power to silence the voice of the poor and deny them a forum for legitimate, educated issues that affect the world. In this process, the media actively pru.ticipates in the suffering the World Trade Organization's policies wreak upon the world. If you measure "violence and damage" on these terms, many activists and demonstrators fear the damage from these demonstrations could be immeasurable. • • • Anthony Mack: A Veteran Perseveres Alcoholism caused Anthony's homelessness. Like so many, he had_ served with the United States Army, umil he was honorably discharged. At the age of 47 he found himself homeless and on the streets. With nowhere to go, Anthony turned to the Drop Inn Center. Anthony's alcoholism had complete control of his life as recently as one year ago, ro the extent that he would risk sleeping on the streets to further his addiction. March 16, 2000, however, Anthony made a choice that completely changed his life. March 16, 2000, Anthony came to the Joseph House for Homeless Veterans. There he sought treatment and found himself able to complete their accelerated program. Anthony so impressed the Joseph House staff that he was hired as a Counselor. Now, at 48, with two children, Anthony reflects on Stand Down - the services it offered and the opportunities it provided him. H e looks to the Med Van medical staff remembers chat even though he continued to destroy his health for years, the doctors and nurses on the Med Van continued to provide for him. They continued care until he could Anthony Mack and Todd Portune at Stand-Down press Conference provide for himself. Today, Anthony hopes ro further his studies to obtain a masters in Chemical Dependency. Anthony says, "I understand addiction emphatically notes, "I must mention the Joseph House. I would never be because I was there. Because of my experience I can reach out ro ochers chat where I am today without them. I must mention the Joseph House, and I are like me. I want to help as I have been helped." Anthony also must thank them." + • • �STREETVIBES Letters Page 12 Journalistic Responsibility by Hal Rosenthal The fact some geniuses were laughed at does not imply all who are laughed at are geniuses. They laughed at Columbus, they laughed at Fulton, they laughed at the Wright brothers. But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. - Carl Sagan Wise Ben Franklin when asked by our first inquiring reporter, " What kind of government have you given us?" answered, "A republic, madame, if you can keep it." Two hundred years later, we, the United States, the oldest continuing democracy in the world, find ourselves butt up against FrankJin 's fear. We now have the lowest voting percentage of any free country in the world. Jefferson warned us, "Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom." But who is watching? Who cares? Leno, Letterman and other comedians are watching. A ll happy to make a buck denigrating our leaders and our government ( not that they are perfect). Lobbyi sts The Homeless and Poor SutT~r While Politicians Pervert the Law Hundreds ofMillions are Wasted to Secure State Jobs by. Kenneth D. Smith The Cincinnati <2ity Council's vote on June 27 of this year to kill the ReSTOC building project is just another example of politicians ignoring the needs of the people, the rights of the people and the harm their deci sions cause. . The city couneil had a_ plausible excuse. These people always do. And , if they don ' t have one then they manufacture some excuse which is usually parroted by the mass media. Since the media is NEVER biased the average citizen believes what he or she is told. The politicians almost always get their way. Seven hundred thousand dollars is a lot of money to the average Ohio citizen. To politicians it is just another dip foto the working sriff 's pockets. We have a booming economy, right? If so 1 then why so many poor, so many homeless, so many needy? Could it be because the economy is only booming for a few? Could it be that the politicians want us to.believe we are doing great so tbat when they dip into tax payer pockets we won't s cream too loud? The seven hundred thousand Cincinnati refused to contribute could be easily available from the state except for one small detail. They too are playing fast and loose with your hard earned dollars and, of course, the mass media has helped them cover their tracks. How, you ask? It's s imp le. Manipulate the law to enhance politi.c al careers at the expense of 20,0000 men and women. Degrade them, slander them, tell plenty of lies and then pass a law to legitimize your perversion. I'm not making sense? I'm making sense all right, 800 million dollars per year worth of sense. I' JI give you a real short hi story course. ln the early 1990's Ohio's legislators decided that prisons were costing way too much and decided to establish a Sentencing Commission to look at what could be done. T he Commision was directed to make Ohio's representing powerful businesses and special interest g roups care. They spread around millions of dollars to be sure they get theirs. The weak bulwark against di stortion of our democracy is left to small groups each formed around issues such as, civil liberties and civil rights, equal opportunity, environment protection and participation. They are underfunded, underpowered and, like Rodney Dangerfield, "get no respect." Most of the popular press, like Nero, fiddle around while our government, which was founded to protect the inaHenable rights of the people, is being chipped away. Got 34 million, we' II make you a S e nator. Be a wrestling buffoon, we'll make you a governor. Afraid .universal medical care will cut your income, just spend a couple million on some TV spots and we'll cloud the issue and scare the public. What happened to Franklin's inquiring reporter? What happened to the "fourth estate?' Remember that term? It applied to the press. Its freedom was constitutionally guaranteed so it criminal sentencing laws mote ealistic and thereby reduce the prison populations. They recognized that Ohio's sentences were excessively harsh and far too costly. The Commission set to work and shortly came up with a system that was dubbed "flat time". What they did, basically, was take the minimums of the old sen.tencjng code and, with slight modifications, made these the new sentences. This reduced the overall sentences by fifty percent. The authors of this new code, including the Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Moyer, wrote the new law to be retroactive and would be applied to- all old law prisoners. Immediately then State Senatpr, now Attorney General, Betty Montgomery and Senator Bruce Johnson started preaching "tough on crime". This mantra was pjcked up by the mass media and the public was saturated with the idea that somehow the current prisoners were blood thirsty beasts who shouldn't receive the benefits of.the new sentencing code! After a good deal of publicity to prepare the citizens for the coming robbery the retroactivity clause, written by Chief Justice MoY,e'f, was removed and the new sentencing eode became law. While this was taking place the bureaucrats were busy miking sure th.e re would be enough prisoners to fill the new prisons. Paroles dropped from 40 plus percent a year to the teens. People who should not have ever been paroled, wer~, so when they reoffended negatjve head.lines would hammer the parole process. It worked, and the people bought it. Remember, the mass media is NEVER biased. The Dept. of Corrections budget skyrocketed, hiring i_ncreased , new prisons were built , Youngstown became a prison welfare city, and 24,000 men and women became political pdsoners ! To make s ure that there would be enough prisoners, our legislators took offenses tbat were traditionally mi ~demeanors a\1-d invented tbe Felony Five. Now there were even more pdsoners, more felony records, more lives destroyed. And why? To protect 7,000 s tate employees jobs. Had S.B. 2 been retroactive the eight oldest prisons could have been closed and destoyed, the staffs returned to the tax paying work force, the Adult Parole Au thority would have been u seless. no paroles. no need for them, and all the statewide network of officers, staffers, etc. would have also been added to the tax paying work force. There would be unfettered in its responsibility to be the watch dog of government and to be able to sound a clarion call when our public servants misuse the power of their offices. Today the press fixates on stories such as about a survivor, one little Cuban boy and who did Diana in. It prints press releases with little effort to investigate or report opposing views. Then there is the phenomenon we refer to as "TV news," or touchy feely. The required woman, African American and white guy sit around saying cutsy things to each other while the viewer sees four second pans of this and that in between 29 second commercials. Our country was founded because of an outside e nemy, s ubjugation by England. Authors, s uch as Thomas Paine, u s in g "Common Sense," helped the public recognize our right to liberty and why we must fight to obtain it. Today, we have enemies within. -But little is heard from the fourth estate to wake the public tp Jefferson's warning, if we are not eternally vigilant, we will loose our freedom. 1, . f ' I • • • • would have been a net gain of 17,000 w,orkers added so the work force froµl the prison populations. And yes I know of Ohio's 34 percent actual recidivism rate. I discounted that from the original 24,000 prisoners. So, where do we stand today? We have an artifically inflated l.25 BILLION dollar a year prison budget. We have approximately 22,000 old law prisoners who have been converted, by our legislature, from offenders under punishment into political prisoners. The only reason they are still incarcerated is purely becanse of politics! We still have schools in trouble. We still have people struggling to help the homeless with inadequate funding. We still have inadequate low iQ,come housing. B yr, we have a real nice bunch of brand new prisons, prisoners who ru.-e held. for political reasons only, new laws added to ensure these prisons stay full. And, the waste of hundreds of minions of our doHars, while thousands of lives are being d~stroyed for political convenience. If •our elected representatives stop being manipulative and deceitful and start doing their jobs running the government for the betterment of ALL of society, there would be no problem funding low income housing in Cincinnati and anywhere else. If Ohio's present prison farce were stopped that 800 million dollars couJd be spent on college level education for the disadvantaged. Then there would be more low income people earning living wages and Cincinnati City Council would get their wish: more mar.ket income.renters. It is rny recommendation that Cincinnati City Council do two things: First, approve the housing project and take care of the current problem. Second, they should actively work to make the free the 20,000 men and women who are now providing the guard unions with working dues payers, destroy the eight oldest i;>risons and use the 800 million dollars savings for low-income reeducation progran1s and employer incentives. Then they wil1 have what they want, and so will the poor: decent living conditions and decent paying jobs. Oh , and the political prisoners? They will have what they want too, a reunion with their families and a chance to starl life over a~ productive tax paying citizens instead of tax drains. Thu1k about it' • • • �'• • • •' '(-;.'l·~....T"t" )'~'j ')'~ '{ '' \ ' ' ' ' • •' ' # T '" •' • • # ' .. ,~ t • • > • 1 i > t I • I~ t t 'I ' I l;l.'~~\'<J'J.".F\."J:~-~-?,•1~~.\~~ f..~~.,•,•,,~~ ~-~.-,. a:t ~,, ~ 1-~ -~ -~·~:t·1 { . f ; MED VIBES STREETVIBES Homeless Health Tips by Doctor Donovan Adult Immunizations It's getting a bit colder; autumn is here. That means that the flu season is just around the corner. Influenza, or "the flu" is caused by a virus that is one of the top ten killers of adults in the US every year. People who are homeless are particularly susceptible, so preventing it is .very important The flu shot is made of three different strains of flu that scientists guess will come to the US that particular year. The shot is made from kille<l virus, so you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. Some people may feel a. bit under the weather for a day or two, butit's a Jot less severe than someone who's actually got the real flu. ' : Each of the last l 0 ye~, theHealth Care for the Homeless Program has had1 a flu shot campaign to try to prevent-the flt' spreading through shelters. Some years when I saw very many people with the flu in tile dbm suburban population, I saw few cases of the flu among people who are homeless, largely due to the flu shot. This year, the companies that make the flu shot are having trouble growing one of the strains, so the vaecine won't likely be ready until November, and even then it rnigbt be in short supply. The Health Care for the Homeless Program will try to get the vaccine as soon as possib1e, so ask us about it in November. Those who have other illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes,. and those who are over 65, will have first priority since they are more susceptible to thedeadlyeffectsoftheflu virus. We'replanning a flu shot clinic on Sunday, November 19 at the Drop Inn Cepter,, so plan fo stop by about 4:00 PM to get y;our shot for this flu season. Even if you've had a flu shot in tlie past, you need to get , another one each year. There are several other shots adults should be aware of. • Tetanus is a disease that comes from a dirty cut. Even a small cut can cause tetanus, which can be deadly. Adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years. BLACK SUPPORT: Same Disease/ Different Issues by Mr. Lee Are there issues unique to being black that hamper, retard or delay the recovery process? This is a question asked and answered long ago by Roger ZeUars, Associate Director, of the Prospect House. It was in November or December of 1987, that he organized the first Black Support meeting in Cincinnati. It is an amazing experience to sit in a room full of African American people in party gear with no alcohol , drugs, concert, gambling or sports involved. A ll present share the common bond of chemical dependency. Alcoholic, addicts and co-dependents and children. As obvious and permanent as color and race are, recovery has formed an even stronger bond and relationship among the people in this room. A Black Support meeting is similar to but different to an AA, NA or other 12 step support group meeting. This meeting has a person who functions more as a moderator than a chairperson. He opens the meeting by describing what black support is and why it was organized. He then asks for discussion topics. Several in attendance will offer topics. Because of the size of the room, a microphone is used and the moderator moves around the room recognizing those who want to "share" and offering them the mike. Those in attendance are not only the resident clients of Prospect House and Prospect House alumni, but recovering persons, men and women of color from various treatment programs and half-way houses across the Greater Cincinnati area. Members of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, Christians, Muslims, gay, lesbian, straight, old, young all are welcome, all are represented. The meeting/dance is given in the Great Hall. A large, non-air conditioned room. With ceiling fans, window fans, working at maximum capacity, all try to Jook good and stay cool! A unique room with it's yellow painted brick walls, contrasting against the old brown painted wooden floor many a Prospector has labored over "step work" within these walls. Every Prospect House resident must bring a guest, or face consequences. This is a long standing Prospect House policy and is intended to aggressively encourage socialization and fe11owsh ip. It was a most touching experience for the writer to look in the audience and see my third grade teacher, now 77 years old, the guest of her near 50 year old son, who is building a foundation of recovery in the Prospect House. I was amazed that she remembered me after all these years, and deeply touched by her words of encouragement to all. People share or talk about their feelings, pain, hope experience and faith. Sometimes the shadng can be very ... raw. Honesty is more important than eloquence. Character more important than style. Here it is not so much about your talk as it is about.your walk. The meeting lasts for two hours from 7­ 9:00pm. After- wards, there is a much anticipated social gathering. The partying begins! This dance is probably tbe most important social affair within the recovering community. Although the meeting was for People of Color only, the dance is for all. Non-African American Prospect House residents as well as guests are invited to freely join in on this part of the evening. I asked Roger Zellars, affectionately know by many as Mr. Z, what would be say was the most important by-product of Black Support. After a few moments of reflection and a couple puffs on his cigar, he stated that "self knowledge is the basis of all knowledge. That Black Support allowed the participants to learn how to be black in recovery". Consistent with the AA motto, to thine own self be true, black support helps folks to do Page 13 Hepatitis B is a potentia11y deadly virus that is spread through blood - by having unprotected sex, shooting drugs, or even sharing personal items~ like shavers or toothbrushes. People who have hepatitis C should get the vaccine. It is a series of three shots over a six-month period. Even babies are now getting the hepatitis B vaccine, so it's a gdod idea to fie protected. The Pnetlmococcal vaccine, or "pneumovax;', helps prevent the complications of a type ofstrep bug. Anyone over the age of 65, or anyone with a chronic illness, like diabetes , heart problems, alcoho1ism, sickle cell disease, 1.mmune problems, or anyone who's had their spleen removed, should have this vaccine. It's gjven once, but may be repeated in 5 years under certain .c ircumstances. lf you think you should have one of these shots, see your family doctor, or come to the Med Van and ask about i. t Preventing these illnesses will save you from a lot of sickness and even death. fellowship "our way." And that is truly a beautiful thing. Men who h ave reclaimed their roles as heads of households; women wbo have regained lost self-esteem, reclaimed children. Li ves being rebuilt-out of faith and hope. Black support meets M onday and Saturday at 7:00pm. On the last Saturday of the month, there is a dance after the meeting. All sober recovering peoples and their sober guests are welcome. ChiJclren are allowed to attend because long ago Mr. Z. adopted the belief that children needed to see their parents and families in sober recreational activities and to be a part of them also. Children need to recover too. The Prospect House, Inc., a non-profit, tax exempt organization, is a long term drug and alcohol rehab program. The prospect house has served the Greater Cincinnati area for over 30 years. Dave Logan, Executive Director, stated that the organization's mission is " to provide high quality drug and alcohol treatment to men in a long term residential setting to men who are without money, insurance or other resources. We mean to lighten the burden for these men, to bring sobriety within reach, and help rekindle dignity through self respect and self support.. . Based upon an annual in house review, approximately 67% of residents and ex-residents stay clean and sober." The agency operates off grants, rent payment from working residents and donations. There is always a need for men's clothing, coats, personal care products, bedding and towels. Financial donations are always needed to meet the agency needs that don't fall within budget limits. Anyone interested in making a donation can send or drop it off at 682 Hawthorne Avenue, in Price Hill. The phone number is 921-1613. To Mrs. T., my elementary school teacher, may God continue to bless you and thank you for the many years you gave to teaching and nurturing our youth (especially knuckleheads like me). And by the way, I still have lousy handwriting. • • + �STREETv1ees Poetry Page 14 I Help me Jesus! My life is ruined! SHHH ...by Mr. Lee Pre Thang I need to apologize for the profanity and for the use of the"N" word. In order to keep the piece "real", I had to give it to you raw. It is what it is. The language is not intended to shock. It's intent is to give a true portrayal of what might be said in the scene described in the piece. It's a slice of life. Not necessarily a pretty one, but for those for whom this experience is familiar, it is just as it is. Thang Thang Shhh Shhh! I hear them commin' ! Damn! This is it! Man, I don't hear nuthin' Gimme another hit of that shit! Shhh! Fool be quiet-I can see Somethin' movin ' Man, ain't nuthin' out there, Come on, Let me get one in? Quiet! Turn those damn lights off! They can see in here. Man, I don't see nuthin' Is that my piece there? Shhh ! Don't move -' hear those voices? Man you're high - thems just noises. Shut up N igger! They' re commin ' ! Man if you don 't... Knock! knock! knock! Open the door, this is the Police! Damn! Man! This is it! Quick, Fool get rid of that shit! God please help me! (I' m afraid!) DO NOT FEAR MY SON. Man move! Flush that shit! Oh Jesus! Help me ! (God be with me!) I AM HERE MY SON. Open the door or we' ll break it down! M an get rid of that stem! BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD by Bob Jones Put your hands behind your back ! Man, I don' t even Iive bere! Oh God! (Where are you?) ' I AM EVERYWHERE I was deep into bondage, And the master was me. I sought out destruction, And from this world to be free. Oh! Lord, please ... . SHHH! I was ruled by my fear, And I ran from the pain. The pain of existence, In a world that's insane. PostThang (As you can see) Sometimes God has to allow us to go through some things to get us to the pla~ where he can work with us -Minister Myles Monroe There is a passage from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous that this scene brings to mind. ft is as follows: "When ,. we become alcoholics, crushed by a self- imposed crisis we could not postpone or evade, we had to fearlessly face the proposition that God is ~verything or else he is nothing. God either is, or he isn' t. What was our choice to be?" The Big Book ofAlcoholics Anonymous, pg. 53 Sometimes it is in our times of trouble that we receive blessings in disguise. Perhaps the praying addict/sinner will find recovery and salvation in this drama. The following scriptures speak to this in a very eloquent fashion. 2 .. ..and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.(confident that the purpose for which God created us will ultimately be realized) 3 ...we glory (rejoice) in tribulations (our suffering), becauseWe know that tribulations (suffering) produces patience (perseverance); 4 And patience (perseverance), experience (character); and experience (character), hope: 5 And hope does not disappoint us; because God has poured out the love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us. Romans Chapter. 5, vs. 2-5 When God seemed far away, who moved? • Free I covered my feelings, I chose to forget. I was numbing myself, With a drug that was wet. I I ' I fell deeper and deeper Into an abyss, a black hole. r was quenching my spirit, '·· • t' A~\i I was selling my soul. But then I hit bottom, And in the mire I was stuck. I was all out of excuses I had run out of luck So I bowed down my head, And I tried hard to pray. But my mind was blank, I knew not what to say. And then I cried out, From the depths of my soul. Oh dear God up in heaven, I now surrender it all. Then He answered me gently, With a tear in his eye. I have been waiting so long, From your heart, to me cry. Now He wakes me each morning, And He guides me each day. If I yield to Hi m all, And don't stand in His way. Oh God! Please help me ! I'M HERE IN YOUR TIME OF NEED (Boom! Crash! Smash! Break! (The sound of a door being broken in.) Every one on the floor! -Empty y_our pocketsl Man I ain't got nuthin ' ! Oh Lord! Please help me! MY GRACE IS SUFFICENT Get on the floor-Let me see your hands! Man I ai n't done nothin' ! Oh Lord! My job, my wife the kids­ What's going to happen to me now? NOTHING THAT YOU AND I CANNOT HANDLE TOGETHER Empty your pockets - where's your ID? Hey man, none of that shit is mine. I'm just visitin 'I Again!5t Culture You are not who you listen to You are more than your issues Your skin color is not who you are You are more than your genes. More than the sum of your parts More than part of a whole Time changes ~and 2/5 have no power Everything is the same ~of something is a whole upon itself You are complete You are more than your race You're more than your ethnicity You have a ship You are the Captain .....Warren Perkins He has given me directions, And a reason to be. I'm blessed with a spirit That's happy, joyous and free. Now each morning I kneel Thanking Him from my heart. For the salvation He's given A re-birth, a new start. And each night I look back, And I speak to His Son Saying: Thank you Dear Lord, For another day that is done. I seek only the knowledge, Of His divine Will for me. And the power to carry it out, To help others and be free. �STREETVIBES PORTUNE, from page 9 then support the local communities. Outs ide this issue of welfare reform ­ welfare reform is onJy going to work if there are jobs, meaningful jobs, weU-payingjobs, jobs with benefits, jobs with livable wages for people to realize and to be able to get. There's been a lack of focus on investing in those areas close to where people live- to develop those jobs and businesses, so then transportation to work is eliminated as an obstacle. The re's another feature, too - a key distinction between my opponent and myself ­ he doesn' t believe in using the bidding processes of the county as a way to encourage or support businesse s - to hire people from local communities - to use the bidding and spending practices of the County in a way desig ned to reduce local j oblessness, unemployment and poverty. I believe that every dollar that we spend, especially when we're contracting o ut to build bi g pub lic works projects like stadiums , for ex ample, we need to s pend in a way that is designed to reduce poverty and unemployment . in communities, to force contractors to hire out of areas that ar e impacted by high-poverty indices ... Debbie: Do you see the County being able to create new opportunities to deal with some of these issues? · Todd: Sure; but you have to have a commitment to it first- whether it's from the bully pulpit, or whether its the way in which the County contracts, or whether it's the areas that the County decides to in vest in, or the manner the County STREETS, trom page 3 developer for Vfrginia Commun ity Development Corporation, a statewide intermediary. "What we're suffering from is a lack of constituency other than ourselves," he continues. "We've become just one more industry. We have very little impact on policy and allocation of resources." . Although dialog ue about strategy and philosophy also need to occur w ithi.n the field , collaborating with the new networks opposing corporate globalization can be one piece of regainioa . 0 a constJtuency. CDCs have several thinas to 0aain 0 from such a collaboration. First, the networks forming since' Seattle and DC are ripe for new allies. Most of the people at the Columbia Heights march were not familiar with housing issues. But they were interested in learning. In fact, one of the most talked about characteristics of this wave of protests is the connections forged between different, but related, causes. "That's the whole point of large actions," says McNeely. " You realize you are standing alongside people that despite real differences .. . are fighting the same fi ght." A strong presence in these networks could he lp make affordable bousing a more visib le issue . in the spectrum of progressive causes. In fact , it may be under this larger tent that community developers can be reunited with their natural allies - tenant organizers and homeless and welfare rights advocates. The Kensington Welfare Rights Unio n of Philadelphia, for example, has been active in both the Seattle and DC demonstrations making sure the voices of the poor and homeless are heard as leaders. Another benefit of the new networks is their model of limited, almost ad hoc, coalitions that come together for one specific purpose without needing to agree on every issue or strategy. This could be a good fit with the busy schedules ·of hard workina 0 local activists and developers. Last but not least, a key part of community development's heritage is the value of citizen Page 1s chooses to build, o r its whole approach to stabilizing communities and neighborhoods, the County can play a significant role in creating the opportunity and setting the tone of how issues are going to be dealt with. Debbie: Looking at your past history on Council, how do you best feel that you can be out there , (Well, I know you had a new proposal on Council to deal with some of the concerns but what I'm thinking is , the inner c ity concern~ are somewhat different than the County concerns. A nd so we run into the conflict of "territory".... Portune: We do, but we don ' t. Fortunately, we have had some leadership fro m outside of us, who have come in and said that: yes, you have a lot of individual jurisdictions, but you are a region, you are a community of people who, regardless of whether you live in Sharonville, Northern Kentucky, or the inner city, you're all linked and you're all connected. What those experts have actually said is that: The key to the success of the region is to e nd the practice of dis-.i nvestment. Whether you' re rich or not the key is to have everybody realize that it's not between " us" or " Them" . At o ne point or another, the chickens come home to roost and the problems that people face, iu;specti~e of where you live, are everyone's prob le ms. Because we all end up reaping, not just the good, but the bad, that comes out of the failure to attend the problems. It doesn' t matter where you live. Issues of crime permeate beyond you ; the lack of wealth will creep out. All of these issues are important to the entire community. We need to participation in the decisions that affect them. The non-hierarchical consensus-based organizing process of the new networks can provide a powerful tool for that empowerment. Giving Roots The CDC movement is i~herently place­ based, focusing on specific target neighborhoods and sometimes missing e lements of the bigger picture. The new movement comes from a big picture perspective, sometimes forgetting what things look like on the ground. But they are both working toward a common goal of ajust society based on values other than greed. And both recognize the importance of not just criticizing current policy, but trying to build something to take its place, based on the real needs of real people. The new networks have focused on buildina 0 democratic St{Uctures and communities that are based on democratic process, local control, and solidarity with each other and the world's poor. They are skilled at incorporating art, celebration, food and gardening in their work. Place-based groups, from community land trusts to credit unions to co-operatives, are "actually doing alternative model s: of ho us ing ownership, local development altemati ves ..." says Matt Siegel of the Preamble Center. "They are examples of people who've done it and can make it work." A 16 protester Daniel Haran is one example. Upon returning to Nova Scotia he went back to work with two cooperatives creati ng a community economic development investment fund. Working with the day-to-day needs of poor. communities also keeps the reasons for being involved from becoming romanticized or distant. "It feels very grounded to me to be working on housing locally while I'm talkin g a bout privati zation nationally," says Caplan, who has stayed involved in local housing struggles in DC since A 16. "l feel much more of a place in my community." Connecting to community organizations can also help the movement's image in a similar way. "Without US based interests involved you end up address them as o ne. Debbie: Since.most of us know you in the City, What are the challenges you face in getting people to know you in the County areas? Todd: The biggest challe nge is just to have people see me as more than a sound bite, because that's what they know me as, unless they' ve done business in ways, on regional issues, that have involved the city. People who I' ve worked on multiple issu_e s, in the outlying areas, have come to the same conclusion as a _vast majority of the people in the c ity have come to, concerning my service and my approach to issues- that it's one of care and compassion, one of prudence, one where I try to accumuJate as much information as I can to do things under a process where the public ha~ an opportunity for meaningful input. I get accused, sometimes, of dragging my heals o n issues. But I'll accept that criticism , because I think the public's business needs to be done in an open, public, de liberative process, in a way where the sometimes competing interests of people, around a single issue, who share the common thread of people living in our community, have not only the opportunity to be heard ; but that we explore in which we can, perhaps, address everybody 's issues. You don ' t have to have winners and losers on things. If you look at an issue long enough, and if you allow enough voices to be a part of the process, usually you can find a way that everybody benefits. ln the end, that's better for all of us. + Todd Portune s opponent in che County Commissioner race, incumbentBob Beddinghaus, was given the opportunity to respond to these same questions, but declined. with a campaign that seems critical only of what's happening e lsewhere," says Siegel. "There's onJy so much legitimacy to that." Connecting to housing advocates and community developers specifically can he lp ac tivi sts converai for a laroe 0 na 0 0 demonstration to connect with particularities of the neighborhoods they are visiting. It can also help to have a progressive, yet established , institution backing you up. In Seattle, the Low Income Housing Institute - a community de veloper that works c losely with homeless advocates - used its housing knowledge and contacts during the WTO protests to negotiate between the police, squatters who were using an empty building for shelter, and the building owner. LlHI also provided she lter for the squatters - out-of-town demonstrators and homeless alike - when they left the squat. Next Step Philadelphia/LA? Globalization is happening. The question to be decided is by whose rules and using what values. " We want people to open up the ir C DCs, the ir shelters, their prog rams, a nd load the buses and march side by side with the ir clients," says Cheri Honkala of the KWRU. KWRU is one of the main organizers of the demonstrations at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, which have focused on making the connection between global and domestic issues, including economic justice, the prison system and police brutality. Perhaps these are the perfect opportunit ies for the co mmunit y development industry to reclaim its movement roots. Reprinted by permission of Shelterforce. A one-year subscription to Shelteifor• '" i:: ::vail­ able for $18 for individuals and $30 f ;yr onm•iiza­ tions and libraries. To start your subscnptton, send check or money order for the amount above, to: S helterforce, PO Box 3000, Denville, NJ 07834. Or call 973-678-9060, fax 973-678-8437, or e-mail: miriam@nhi.org for more information. �STREETVIBES I www. ~IIJ}il WI.l.l:iJl.]I[J I Vote - Sm a rt . or g The Web's Best Political Resource by Dan Marschner The November elections are quickly approaching and they represent a major turning point in the direction that the country will take for the next few years. Often, candidates' positions become confused by constant streams of political advertising designed to produce sound bites rathe~ than ~ucate the general public. Sensing this void in adequate political information, www.vote-smart.org was born. The site's goal is to provide "abundant, accurate, relevant information about thos~ who govern and those who wish to replace those who do." The founding board members of the site include several significant political figures, including former Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter and various former Congressmen. According to the site, Project Vote Smart is "the single most important effort to preserve and protect our rights to self-govern in the force of campaigns, parties and the spec ial interests who's increasing control and manipulation strikes at the heart of our democracy." Project Vote Smart has a hotline and a regular publication that support its efforts at educating the populace. To ensure its independent operation, Project Vote Smart does not accept funding from corporations, PACs, Veggie .I Vi~es ~RO"' Page 16 Tift' t)O'WW- tmt)EQ WOQtt) ••••• by Ron carter unions or any other special interests. Due to the belief that campaigns ave lost their focus on issues in favor of mudslinging politics that limit access to important information, Project Vote Smart has undertaken an enormous effort to provide more knowledge about candidates. Over 13,000 candidates for public office have been interviewed by one of the 50,000 members of . the project. Five areas of each candidates-­ campaign are highlighted: background, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances, and performance reviews. The site provides a database of each candidate so that visitors can get information about any number of political races throughout the country. The site also provides special services for journalists, teachers, and students. In addition to the website, Project Vote Smart provides several other services. At the Voter's.Research Hotline, a caller can connect with one of the researchers who helped create the database. The Voter's Self-Defense Manual is a sample of the site's resources about candid~tes throughout the country. Each candidate's profile is a compilation of several reviews from various organizations, spanning the political spectrum. The National Political Awareness Test is a resource designed to test candidates' positions on issues that are valued most by their pcsiymlo sntine lngwsetir wigismsmn aktrc ryarhce lbablsteka xngboi (answers, page 19) constituents. By filling out the test, a visitor to the site can also determine which candidates have positions closest to his or her own. The Youth Inclusion Program provides special services to potential voters ­ everything from voter registration to publications to banners. Project Vote Smart ev'e n offers internships to people who are interested in keeping candidates accountable to the public. Project Vote Smart has focused special interest in the Presidential campaigns of Al Gore and George W. Bush. The site offers a National Political Awareness Test for each cand~dC}te, ~s well as a database of campaign sp~~h<r& and -ii:ecords. , , 1·'.f;hq <t4siest way to find political information on the web is www. vote­ smart.org, the site that has challenged the candidates to stop focusi ng on political commercials. Instead, Project Vote Smart hopes to focus elections on the issues and record of each politician, in order to provide better access to t~e political process. • .. FQR YQIJR HEALTH Al\JU YQIJR WAl~TLINE By Susan Hueske11 . ,; Choosing a plant-based diet is possibly the most powerful step that you can take to im­ prove your health and possibly prevent many of the diseases and conditions effecting a majority of Americans. According to the American Dietetic Asso­ ciation, vegetarian diets are associated with reduced risk for a number of chronic diseases that plague Americans, inducting coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, kidney disease, and obe­ sity. According to a Or. Carl Gabbard of Texas A &M University as reported in Reuters Health in August of 2000, about half of American adults are overweight. Reuters Health also reported that a startling 22% of the population (including school -age children) are obese: approximate ly 39 million Americans. Why has our nation become so fat? Certainly obesity was never a problem for our ~i ancestors. f··. :~ · A major­ ·l< ·1~ ~ '* ity of U.S. ~J:citizens now eat 6 a diet where a • very high percentage of their calories are derived from meat and dairy products, that are loaded with fat and cholesterol and devoid of fiber: a radical change from the diet of our ancestor's I00 years ago. Whole grain breads, cereals, and fresh local vegetables were the mainstay of their diet, while beef and poultry consumption were but a fraction of today 's amounts. Diets that are high in fat are one of the main causes of becoming overweight, which leads to obesity. Obesity is not merely an aesthetic issue. It has been found to be a· significant co-factor in all the degenerative diseases that kill and cripple modern' man. The obese, and to a lesser, but significant extent, the overweight, have higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, diabe­ tes, liver disorders, gallbladder disease, cancer, arthritis and virtually every other degenerative disease. But good news for vegetarians; major studies published in the Journal of ClinicaJ Nutrition, the New En­ gland Journal of Medicine and elsewhere, have fou nd that vegetarians suffer far less from being overweight than do meat eaters. And pure plant-based vegetarians (vegans) tip .the scales in an even healthier fashion. Plant-based diets of grafos, legumes, vegetables and fruits help you to lose weight because they are low in fat, which makes them low in calories, You can pile up your plate with these foods and feel filled up and satisfied. Animal foods are so calorie dense that it doesn' t take much to have eaten more calories than your body needs, and when this occurs you will probably still be hungry. ) ' Mary Magdalen House, which provides showers for homeless people, is asking for donations of washcloths from Streetvibes readers. For more information, call 721-4811 If you are currently eating a high fat animal based diet and are looking at your self saying " I am not overweight, why should I consider this vegetarian way of eating", just recall pictures of Rosemary Clooney when she was younger. She certainly was not overweight when she was a Hollywood film star. Or take a look at your parents. If they have a weight problem today, it probably is not because they have been eating too much broc­ coli. Gaining excess weight happens gradually, not overnight, except in Eddie Murphy movies. The best chance that you have of keeping that lean and trim body of today (or to get yourself lean and trim) and to avoid the many health problems plaguing many Americans, is to start including more vegetarian selections in your diet right now. + + + <db.£ .lJJa1.1. 6JL_ ~lm£JC ~·~~-4P~~r . ' 3722 Camden Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 513-708-2228 bgeaster@fuse.net www.theglasscharmer.com Economy and deluxe wedding invitations, birth announcements, parties and custom worlc. \ �f I I ' t • .. STREETVIBES STREETVIBES VENDOR INTERVIEWS READERS by Riccardo M. Taylor rr~-,.,....----. For vendors, the success or failure ·the Streetvibes newspaper depends on consume r con­ awareness and tribution. Jn appro­ priation of our success, I feel that feedback from our readers is warranted. Th.erefore, in response to your contribution, on behalf of all the vendors, this artic1e is dedicated to our ,. . ' . readers. In formatting consumer/reader' response I submitted a three-question survey to a random selection of our readers. The bases of response is the personal opinions of those who answered the survey in their own words. The survey asked opinions concerning tlie effecti veness of relayin g the ~nemeless conditions, views of vendarS>rnact'il:>n-s';1 approach, etc., while selling;1th& fJ~per and what, if anything, readers would like to see printed in the paper. Again, on part.of all vendors we appreciate your support. David Miller, age 24, Co-owner Kaldis : I believe that Streetvibes portrays a very straightforward realistic view of the homeless conditions. Personally I feel that Streetvibes gives an honest firsthand account of the homeless condition and the day to day lifestyle of the homeless individual. The vendors, I have found , are very personable and informative in relaying the homeless issue. The vendors are basically very courteous and act in a professional manner. Their approach is usually friendly, however, some are a bit overbearing at times belligerent or aggressive. Still for the most part vendors are quite well behaved. It is usually the unlicensed vendor who causes problems. I suspect that these vendors are not a part of the program as such mi:¥h.t be , the case. These vendors act ag#~Ysively:ah''d''"' insist that a customer either buy'· tfle papBf:of'h give money for other reasons. AH badgeli · vendors act more responsible and again I believe the un-badged vendor is acting without authority to sell the paper. INTERVIEW, continued page 19 Page 17 Tom Geiger House Serying the Community Hand in Hand. I By Pat Mitchell Tom Geiger House is a program of structure offering, 12 fully equipped apartments with all the necessary items for mod~stly comfortable living. I recently interviewed and toured the House and Tom Geiger House, rear view was most impressed with their newly constructed building called the Gertrude House, which blends in with the old Walnut Hills neighborhood. Gertrude House is named after Fr. Thomas Bohenkourer's mother. Father Thomas, (Board President) presided over July 9m dedication ceremony. Each apartments was adopted by donors, who were called "Angels of Earth". Donors, who provided the $2,000-$3000 needed to furnish each apartment, were asked to name the apartment after a loved-one. Gertrude House has 12 transition units with 2-3 bedrooms ­ apartments equipped for handicapped homeless mothers, victims of domestic violence and mothers with children. These mothers will be able to move in starting Sept JS1• The project cost about 1.3 million dollars and inc1uded a 400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tom Geiger House is an emergency shelter operated by Bethany House Services and the YWC~ of Cincinnati, working in partnership with other Cincinnati agencies who do tbe outreach, provide support services and fund permanent housing for families after thei r IDSTORY of TOM GEIGER HOUSE The Tom Geiger Guest House in Cincinnati, Ohio evoJved from the work of Cincinnati's Over The Rhine Soup Kitchen that was founded in 1976. The founder and director of the kitchen, Father Thomas Bokenkotter, was also the pastor of the Assumption Church in Walnut Hills, a parish that had lost many of its members in the l 960's. The parish school, which had closed in 1972, was empty and in a bad state of repair. As the problem of the homeless in the Cincinnati community became more pressing in the 1980ps, the idea occurred to him and those working with him to use the school to help alleviate this problem. A committee was formed in 1987 to pursue the idea, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati donated the building for use by the transitional stay. The program also offers education, goal setting, case management, counseling, child care, support groups, legai and medical assistance, parenting c1asses, job readiness, nutrition and health care (Ohio Board of Health), and tutoring for children (Cincinnati Board of Education) While talking with Director Patty Donneberg, I found her to be a very dedicated person. ·She has been.presiding only I year at her new position, but believes she has been placed . there by God to do his work. Patty indeed share$,a passion for the work, as do aJI the staff and volunteers working there. So111e of her goals, which are many - After school programs for the kids and -Reconstruction of the OED Assumption School building into a Day Care Center. Currently there are 15 babies residing at Tom Geiger. And at this time there is a great need for disposable diapers, size 14-35 lbs. But all donations are greatly appreciated. Because the need and work of the homeless never ceases, I am glad to be able to write about T.G.H. because of alJ the programs out there. I was most impressed with the facilities they have for the Handicapped mothers - because when I think of homelessness, I never once thought of a handicapped homeless mother. And also, this is a good facility for the mothers who are victims of domestic violence. These are good things to know. homeless. It is located in Walnut Hills at 2631 Gilbert Avenue, only a few miles form downtown Cincinnati, just north of Peebles Corner. The renovation of the former classroom building was accomplished under the direction of Pat Mechley, a man who has given bis life to serving the poor. He was able to muster a large army of volunteers, specifically from Ohio labor unions. He also secured large donations of material, and as a result, the building was rehabbed at less than half the normal cost, and no debt was incurred. The building was named in honor of Tom Geiger, an active volunteer at the soup kitchen and much loved in the community, who died suddenly of a heart attack just before this Inside one of Tom Geiger House's Apartments· housing for the homeless was completed. The Tom Geiger Guest House has proven itself to be a successful entity in the Continuum of Care for needy people in this community. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Assumption Parish have been generous and foresighted in agree.ing to dedicate this former Catholic School property to the living out of the Gospel, by bringing shelter to the homeless and food to the hungry in the Walnut Hills Soup Kitchen, located in the former school cafeteria. Neither the soup kitchen nor the housing are involved with any particular church, but were established to serve the disadvantaged in the Cincinnati community. The Tom Geiger Guest House, Inc., 2631 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio �STREETVIBES Mt. Airy Shelter: From the Inside Out by Mr. Lee I didn't want to write this article. I'm writing this story because I feel compelled to write this story. Overview In the August edition of Streetvibes, was an article written by Pat Mitchell, Volunteer Assistance Vendor Coordinator, entitled, "M t. Airy Shelter: A Solution for Every Problem." What disturbed me about this article was not what the writer wrote, but what was not in the article. As amateur journalists, we struggle to find the balance between fact, reader interest and our own opinio ns. The writer drew an excellent but incomplete picture. The focus of this a11icle is to expand upon the foun dation that M s . Mitchell Laid, and to give the reader a more indepth look at life for the men w ho actually live at Mt. Airy Shelter. I know more, much more than Ms . MitchelJ was privy to aod have talked to a number of men who reside in the she lter. So this is sort of, Mt. Airy from the inside out. My hope is to share much that is good, and much that needs to be reported from the perspective of the 60-65 men who at any given time are trying to get their lives together. Life is usually not easy for the home less, but it is always real. Ope rating a facility that houses, feeds, counsels, serves and monitors 60-65 men is a toug h, demanding, stressful and often thankless process. It, too, is always real. Mt. Airy is staffed by 12 full-time county employees, part-time cook and maintenance man. Th ese includeone Administrator/sociaJ worker, one social worker, a supervisor, seven social service aiaes 2, a cook and a maintenance person. They staff a facility that is in operation 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. They work with a difficult, diverse population with many physical, psychological and emotional issues. The majority of clients are African American, over the age of30, have a history of alcoholism and che mical dependency, mental health issues (diagnosed and undiagnosed) . Most have physical health problems and have had court and legal problems.. They are angry, distrustful, unhappy and struggling with basic li fe management and survival issues. In short we are talking about people whose Lives are in chaos. For many, Mt. Airy is a haven from the chaos and drama of the inner city. For others it is the stool in the fighters corner where the fighter gathers himself before returning to the fray. As M s. Mitchell's article stated, Mt. Airy works with a number of agencies to make needed and des ire services available to this population, which has many different service needs and as a result, uses many different provider sources. Mt. Airy Shelter houses the SAMS (substance abuse · man agement services) Program formerly known as the Alpha Program, a service of the Alcoholism Council of Greater Cincinnati. Bob McBrady, Ph.D., a psychologist and SAMS Program Director, works with a staff of three to prepare resident/clients for pat1icipation in treatment at other existing commu nity based facilities, res ident treatment, transitional housing and re-entry into the community. SAMS provides assistance with housing and e mployme nt needs, financial nee d s, fami ly relationships, persona] issues and educatio n and health needs. They run a feelings g ro up from 9­ 1l:Oam, Monday-Thursday and an education class, Monday-Thursday, l-3:00pm. Oh, and by the way Krispy Kreme donates fresh donuts for the shelter clients, which has increased voluntary attendance at morning group. In addition they have an open door counsel ing policy, which gives any resident the opportunity to stop in when the crisis occurs and Page speak to a trained chemical dependency counselor or counseling professional. McBrady and his staff show practical sensitivity to the .need for laughter and re lief from the stress of homeless ness, withdrawal from alcohol and drugs, depression, anger and the ever present loneliness. The Alcoholism Council ofGreater Cincinnati has made a significant commitment of financial and human resources to this project. It helps the motivated client tremendously and has great­ untapped potential to a ssist the less motivated client who needs more structure to successfully embark o n the journey into lo ng term recovery. In addi tion, Bob's staff, Joy Vantreas, Wes Gregory, and Kevin Curry work with c lients placed at Mt. Airy by the mental health system. This staff brings a broad range of skills and diverse styles to the Mt. Airy community, represents the most important service avai lable at the shelter. Medical Van There is a medical van providing various health services which comes to the shelter every Tuesday from 3-5:00pm. It is staffed by Dr. Donovan, a kind physician, and Bec ky and C ynthia, two attractive, but very mean, nurses. (Homeless men need love too). OK, they are not that mean. 1s meeting is proceeded by a one hour bible study led by Lonnie Lewis. There are a lot of good things at and about Mt. Airy. For the most part the county staff are doing the job they are asked to do. Much of the anger that is directed at staff by residents is misdirected self-anger.and frustration frequently fueled by alcohol and drug withdrawal. Next Month: Mt. Airy from the Inside Out -- The Pickup Point SOCIAL JUSTICE, tram page .f sense, ifnot a revolutionary like Marx, then at lease a rebel against the coercive pressures of social taxonom ies and rhe institutions which they beget. But w hile Marx defined the oppressor as a class of people, for Foucault the source ofoppression is not a group of persons, bur rather is diffused into the idea: systems'ot the modern age. • • • ii r ! I t Veterans Assistance Iola Green and Susan B all from Veterans Affairs assis t the large number of homeless veterans at the shelter to identify their health care or chemical dependency treatment needs or other services from Veterans Administration. They come on Tuesdays and work closely with Shelter sociaJ work staff to assist the veteran residents. Cincinnati Health Department Aids testing is provided periodically to the residents through the Health Department. Io addition, Clifford Jones provides de ntal health workshops and on site counseling. AVOC ( Aids Volunteers of Cincinnati) periodically sends a staff member through to do an aids presentation. Housing Assistance. T h e Center fo r Independent Living Options , Trish Broadrick and Kathy Miller, Homeless Disabilities Services Coordinators assist resident/clients with physc ia l senso ry a nd cognative disabilities to locate assistance not necessarily accessed by the residents during their stay at Mt. Airy. They also do "good tena nt workshops" for all shelter residents. Alcoholics Anonymous Th ere are five closed (for chemically dependent people only) Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week at the Shelter. Attendance by non­ resident members of the recovering communitee is encouraged. Those meeting are Sunday thru Thursday, from 7:30-8:30pm. ACTS Alcohol and Chemical Treatme nt Series(ACTS) is an o utreach ministry of Calvary Pentacostal Church every Friday from 6:30-7:30 every Friday. This is a fellowship and counseling program provided by former alcoholics and addicts who have been saved. Brother Clive Tribble, ACTS D irector facilitates thi s meeting. T he Wish List Streetvibes newspaper)s published monthly on a shoe-string budget from the offices of the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless. We depend heavily on the goodwill of many volunteers and donors. If&9trcan help out ~ith some of the irems on our wish list, plea.Se give us a call... ' Advertisers -C lassified a nd undassified Q, a Supplies fdr vendor's lounge (coffee, tea, paper towe1s, cream and s-ugar,etc a a Office and Cleaning Supplies A New Coffee Maker Q Photography Help • film (400,800, 1600), developing help, digital and/or film camera(s). a} ContpnferS/components for Streetvibes •·storysWiiting, editing, research. a A new vehicle (van?) If you can help! , contact us at: Streetvibes, clo Greater Cincinnati Coa1ition for the Homeless, 1506 E lm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45210 ph: (513)421-7803,fax (513)42J-7813 e-mail: streetvibes@juno.com Streetvibes Live Radio Hour Tune in to WAIF 88.3 fm! on the second Saturday of each month at 12:00 noon for CLIFFORD JONES (513) 230-6353 (S13) 761-3464 e-mail: jonesocp@tbol.net The Homeless Coalition's Live radio program. The show is co-hosted b·y Mary Burke, Donald Whitehead and other monthly guest hosts. The show mixes talk focusing on the stories in this paper and eclectic musical selections. �t.', • .I , .... " .. • STREETVIBES , • " . .. ....... . " ' ' " I .._ f • ' • • • • Page 19 Calendar of Events Streetvibes has a monthly calendar of events to keep you informed of happenings around the Greater Cincinnati area. Please contact us ifyou have an item to list. Any submission is welcome: local community council meetings, social justice foiumsf protests, community festivals, art shows, etc. Call 421-7803, fax to 421-7813.ot email to streetvibes@juno,com, to list event. an October 5 - Welfare Rights Coalition Potluck lunch and meeting, 12 noon at the ­ Contact Center. Call 381-4242 for:. more information 5 EarthSave Dining OUt, ·a:OO p.m. at a restaurant to be detemiined. . Call 1 EarthSave at 929-2500 or Mary Ann Lederer at 591..:3003 for more information. 7 "It l"akes ~ Village"' Second Annual "G>ne Hundred Men Cooking· EvenE, Hartwetl Recreation Center, 7:00-11:00 p.m. Sample some gonnet food, listen to "Blue . Sapphire", and particippte. in an art auction. 'the cost is $20 in .advance, $25·at the C:toor to benefit ttie·West Ena Health Center Commu_ttey '"'traMWPl'PMJMf. 1~~~~,~ infoi:mation, call 621-27~6. WORDS FROM THE EVANGELIST I come to you this month with a burd~n on my beart for a community called Crank's Creek. Take a seat w~ile I tell you a story about one of the poorest coal-mining areas in the United States. In Ju,y, Steve Myers, a fell ow brother in Cbrist and founder of Crusaders for Christ Ministries; wa~ vacationing with hi s wife and they decided to visit this small community located in Kentucky near the Virginia border. Most of the jobs and businesses have closed causing the residents to live without the means to buy many basic necessities. There is a center in the community caJled Crank's Creek Survival Center, which is operated by a co~pl e who has lived there for sixty-five years. Over the years they have helped their community by providing food, clothing, and shelter for those who live there. They try their best to help each and every­ one that comes with a need, but sometimes the means is not there. Steve informed me that Bobby and Becky Simpson were raised in this region and know what it is to be in need of the essentials most of us take for granted. Bobby, who has been com­ pletely blind since 1962 organizes the nearly 1200 volunteers that pass through the Center each year. The Center has built some 600 homes in the past 20 years which has blessed hundreds of families with warm and dry shelter. When Steve returned in July and told me his story; and his plan to fill a tractor trailer with clothing, food, toys, furniture, wheel-chairs, etc. I thought it a great idea. Then on September 25 I talked with Steve again and had the opportunity to view a home video sent to Washington United Church of Christ by a volunteer who was in Crank's Creek. The video revealed some things which Steve's telling had not. The need for food, Interviews . from page 17 15 EarthSave Vegetarian Pot Luck Dinner, 6:00 _p.m. at St. John's Unitarian Church, 320 Resor. For more tnformation, call EarthSave at 929-2500 or pall Mary Ann Lederer 591-3003. 17 2nc1 Annual Friends Peace Lecture: "Truth and Reconciliation: A Nation Recovering from the Violence of Apartheid ," presented by Dr. John Daniel. Cincinnati Friends Meeting, 8075 ~eller Road. Call 942-9598 for more information or free tickets. 18 Over the Rhine Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting, 12:15 p.m. at the Contact Center. Call· 381-4242 for more information. 19 Greater CincinnaU Coalition for the Homeless General Body Meeting, 1 :30 p.m. at the Drop Inn Center. Call 421 -7803 for more information . I would like to see Streetvibes work more with local businesses and perhaps list help wanted ads which might promote the hirin g of more homeless individuals. Alan Sayer, age 31, Laborer: I feel that Streetvibes gives an honest and open view of the homeless situation , exposing the life­ styles and activities of the homeless population. Also, I believe that Streetvibes biings to attention the infringement of many of the peoples rights and the mistreatment that many people suffer under some laws . A ll in all I find Steetvibes very informative and relative to the homeless plight. I generally look at vendors on an individual basis. For the most part vendors are courteous giving of their time to converse or otherwise inform you of what is happening on the homeless scene. Often I find them entertaining, and even enjoy hanging out with them a bit. There has been occasions when I have been approached by a vendor who acted aggressively, demanding money, or becoming irritable when I don 't buy the paper. Usually these vendors are strangers or vendors I've never seen. I'm suspect that these vendors are not legitimate, as they often are without badges. I would like to see more visual art in the ANSWERS to W01)f} SC~AMB1 E: Streetvibes, perhaps a comic strip or something of that nature. hJd4:>.1y 'flUHl SdJM 'TI U!XOij ')j:'.>lUl 'S!UU;;Jl' (lBQl;;J){St?q' g ll!UIUl!MS 'S:>IdWA(Q Joe Barnett, bartender at Kaldi's: Streetvibes offers a unified voice. The vending clo~hi n.g, and household items was very real, however, the need for water fi lters to purify the drinking water, which when Jeft to set in a glass for fi ve rninutes changes to a rust color, is just as great. The one water filter which is at the Sur­ vival Center cost several thousand dollars, ·and they are still paying on it; so monetary donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated also. As I write this the tractor trailer is half-full because there has been an overwhelming re­ sponse to Steve's call for heJp on behalf of those at Crank's Creek, however. on October 7 we will be departing for this part of Appalachia and I would like to see this trailer over-flowing; so please as you read this don'tjust th ink "poor souls" be a part of the outpouring of love which God·wants to shower on these people. The tractor trailer is located at- Station Road Farm, take I-75(north) to Ci ncinnati-Dayton Rd. exit, turn right onto Cinti-Dayton Rd. and follow that to Station Road, turn left onto Station Road go about a half mile, and the farm will be on the left side of the road. Please place all items inside the trailer packed in marked boxes stating what­ ever is inside. If you can.not get to the trailer, please bring your donations to Washington United Church of Christ 2950 Sidney Ave, or call me at 210-4181. I have never been to the mountains of Appa­ lachia before , so this trip shall be more than an evangelistic one for me. I ask that if you are reading this that you take a moment and do your part, even if your part is just supporting prayer. Next month I will give you an overview of our trip, which will include pictures. In Hi s service, Rodney L.Sutton,Sr. The Evangelist shows, for the most part, many of the homeless who are working to get out of their condition. Those with the potential for progress- this I find is the value in projecting the overall condition of the homeless. My community i s Main Street, Over the Rhin e . This is a s trange mix of cultures: suburbanites kickin it downtown, suits buyin ' the town, and those of us who live here-indoors and outdoors. Inside each of these groups is a lot of diversity. The homeless are some of the most di verse in their attitudes. For conversation's sake , there are the good and the bad. There are some that' ll holler in your face louder than the fo ol swinging his bottle and beggin for an extra 53 cents for another. But it all seems worth it when you meet the R iccardos and the Gradys (my reguJar vendors) who are actually working toward chang ing thei r cond itions. My regul ar conversations with these men- who 1 probably would never have befriended if it was n't for Streetvibes-shows me what 's right about the paper. I would like to see a jumble puzzle or the likes printed in Streetvibes. Fwther, I'd like to commend the Cincinnati Police Department for their diligence in dealing with Streetvibes vendors. A special thanks is given to those officers who work the Main Street circuit durin g the weekend. The for ti tu de and understanding of our position as viewed by the dep~rtment, where con flict of order or interest is concerned. is handled superbly by the officers as far as accommodation is wan-anted. • • • �Need Help or Want to Help? ll' tor ~me rea"Stm ~ find ~rselt hM1clts~ eMt'~t a C\»l\ti{)l\ M~ll\00\' Agoo~y fut Shelmt, 't'teatmern, Hoo~i~ ~f S~r\)I~ lf ~\t h~we a~ quesdons. fee\ ~ to ca\i the Omter ClnchlMti tmtlitlQl\ fur \he t'i~ll\cl~i SH.EL.!ERS; Womtn ond Children YWCA Battered Womens Shelter 872-9259 (Toll Free) 1-888-872-9259 Bethany House 557-2873 Salvation Army 762-5660 Welcome House 431-8717 lliEL.l£B ~-.M'n City Gospel Mission Garden Street House Joseph House (Veterans) St. Francis- St. Joseph House Mt. Airy Center Volunteers of America 241-5525 241-0490 241-2965 ' 381-4941 661-4620 381-1954 H.OUSlNG; CMHA 721-4580 Excel Development 632-7149 Miami Purchase 241-0504 OTA Housing Network... 369-0004 ReSTOC 381-1171 Tender Mercies 639-7056 Tom Geiger House 961-4555 TREATMENT: Women O.D.A.A.T First Step Home 221.-6937 961-4663 TBEATMENT; Men Charlie's 3/4 House Prospect House Starting Over 784-1853 921-1613 751-3260 IB.EAT.MENI: Bo.lb .13tl.E!..IEB;...J9.tb ~ Lighthouse Youth .Center (Teens) 961-4080 St. _John's Temporary Housing 651-6446 Caracole (AIDS) 761-1480 Chabad House 821-5100 Drop Inn Center (Singles) 721-0643 Friars Club 381-5432 Haven House (Hamilton) 863-8866 Interfaith Hospitality Network 471-1100 N.A. Hopeline 820-2947 A.A. Hotline C.C.A.T. Talbert House Transitions, Inc. VA Domiciliary 861-9966 381-6660 684-7956 491 -4435 559-5011 KIDDE Home Fire Extinquls her 8 49 32-gallon Wheeled Trash Can 899 True Value Trash Bags 3aa 90 13-gallon or .c() 33-gallo n I I WhePie !j u t I 1 I rOUr uu11ar !' · ~D l!JAA,. ~ has a minimal over­ head cost so that vendors can keep as much of the proceeds as possible. Thanks for your support.. OTHER SERVICES; AIDS Volunteers of Cinti 421-2437 621-5991 Appalachian Identity Cntr 231-6630 Beech Acres Center for Independent Living 241-2600 Options 591-2246 Churches Active in Northside Cincinnati Health Network 961-0600 Community Action Agency 569-1840 Contact Center 381-4242 Emanuel Comm. Center 241-2563 Freestore/Foodbank 241-1064 Goodwill Industries 771-4800 G.C. Coalition for the Homeless 421-7803 Hamilton Co. Mental Health Board 621-7149 Hamilton Co. TB Control 632-7186 Health Resource Center 357-4602 Homeless Mobile Health Van 352-2902 House of Refuge Mission 221-3619 Legal Aid Society 241-9400 Madisonville Ed. & Assistance Ctr. · 271-5501 Mary Magdalen House 721-4811 Oral Health Council 621-0248 Our Daily Bread 621-6364 Peaslee Neighborhood Center 621-5514 Project Connect -- Homeless Kids 357-5720 St. Vincent De Paul 562-8841 471-4357 The Emergency Food Center 721-7660 Travelers Aid 721-7900 United Way VA Homeless Program 572-6226 Women's Crisis Center 491-3335 Women Helping Women 872-9259 � 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 2000 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 2000 Subject The topic of the resource Homelessness Description An account of the resource Pg 1: Mt. Olive Pickle Boycott Draws Hundreds of Picketers Educators and Advocated Take to the Streets of Cincinnati in November! Pg 2: Soldier in the War on Poverty Injured in Action Pg 3: Interview with Todd Portune Back to the Streets Pg 4: An Approach to the Quest for Social Justice Pg 5: Three Hundred & Fifty Citizens Rally in Support of Children Pg 6: Working Their Way Out of a Job Silence Equals Death Pg 7: People from Across the U.S. Welcome Castro Pg 8: Prisoners’ News Pg 9: Walt Whiteman: Patron Saint of Nomads Pg 10: Stand Down 2000: Helping Our Homeless Veterans Pg 11: Protestors Target Local Restaurants Pg 12: Editorials & Letters Pg 13: Black Support Pg 14: Editorials & Letters Continued Pg 15: Portune Continued Streets Continued Pg 16: For Your Health and Your Waistline Pg 17: Tom Geiger House Pg 18: Mt. Airy Shelter: From the Inside Out Pg 19: Words form the Evangelist 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 2000 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Alicia Beck Susan Knight Tom Billman John Halpin Dan Marschner Gina Kohlheff Ron Carter Warren Perkins Pat Mitchell Mary A. Gaffney Sonny Williams Mr. Lee Sharon Weiss Dan Marschner Susan Huesken Miriam Axel-Lute Frank Lienhart Matt Parkhousem Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Bomani Shakur Dawnya Ferdinandson John Henry Lionheart Doctor Donovan Riccardo M. Taylor Susan Knight Rodney Sutton Lynn Williams John Perotti Debbie Mays Katie Pilacky Tim Wheeler Bob Jones Beverly Seymour Hal Rosenthal Kenneth D. Smith Tyrone Smith Berta Lambert Jimmy Heath Roger R. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Alicia Beck Arts & Poetry Berta Lambert Beverly Seymour Bob Jones Bomani Shakur Boycott Castro Cincinnati Community Dan Marschner Dawnya Ferdinandson Debbie Mays Doctor Donovan Editorials & Letters Educators Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg Evangelist Frank Lienhart Gina Kohlheff Hal Rosenthal Jimmy Heath John Halpin John Henry Lionheart John Perotti Journalistic Responsibility Katie Pilacky Kenneth D. Smith Lynn Williams Mary A. Gaffney Matt Parkhousem Miriam Axel-Lute Mr. Lee Mt. Airy Pat Mitchell Pickle poverty prisoners news protest Restaurants Riccardo M. Taylor Rodney Sutton Roger R. Ron Carter Sharon Weiss Social Justice Sonny Williams Street Scope Susan Huesken Susan Knight Tim Wheeler Todd Portune Tom Billman Tyrone Smith veterans Violence War Warren Perkins welfare news