Tomorrow (Wednesday) night, PBS will be showing the documentary, "Pete Seeger: The Power of Song," as part of its American Masters series. Check you local listings for the time. In LA, it begins at 9 pm on KCET-TV. Here are two links describing this incredible and inspiring documentary about one of the nation's legendary figures, who will be 89 on May 3, and who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize: http://www.kcet.org/programs/online-magazine/index.php?pID=3 http://www.yesmagazine.org/article.asp?id=2123. If you are unfamiliar with Pete Seeger, or just want to learn more, here's a website about Pete that includes a biography, discography, great photos, and lots of other material: http://www.peteseeger.net/
My article in The Nation today, "The History of Hope," examines the controversy over Barack Obama's emphasis on "hope." The Clinton campaign says Obama is peddling "false hopes," is more about "words" than action, and doesn't understand how to bring about change. Obama counters that his years as an organizer taught him that change only comes about through a combination of hope and struggle, and he uses examples from the history of grassroots movements to make his point.
An article I wrote for American Prospect a few weeks ago (with Kelly Candaele), "The Year of the Organizer," examines Obama's background as an organizer and how he's incorporated the culture and strategies of community organizer into his campaign, symbolized by the frequent use of the phrase "Si Se Puede/Yes We Can," the slogan of the United Farm Workers movement, at Obama rallies.
Occidental makes sustainable chic as the first college in the nation to offer professional wet cleaning service to the campus community.
What: Professors and students model clothing that has been professionally wet cleaned by Sunny Brite Natural Cleaners. The fashion show will also highlight garments by green designer Stewart+Brown. Where: Outside Herrick in the Academic Quad When: February 12th, 2008 11:30am-1:30pm
There's more excitement about this year's presidential election than we've seen in decades. The California primary tomorrow will play a big role in which candidate gets nominated. On the Democratic side, the Los Angeles Times said today that the contest between Clinton and Obama is too close to call, according to the latest poll. Political observers are expecting a very high turnout -- similar to what we've seen in other primary states. Turnout is particularly high among first-time votes and young people.
In California, Hillary Clinton's lead over Barack Obama is narrowing. The Los Angeles Times today even says the primary is now dead even. The same is true in other states where Clinton was leading, but where now the race is very close. Although some of Obama's momentum no doubt comes from voters watching the debates and from high-profile endorsements (like Ted Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy, Oprah Winfrey, and, yesterday, Maria Shriver), it is also due, in large measure, to Obama's grassroots campaign, which has recruited organizers from community groups, enviro groups, unions, and other activist organizations. They, in turn, have enlisted tens of thousands of volunteers and trained them in the skills of community organizing. Kelly Candaele and I examine this phenomenon in our article, "The Year of the Organizer," in The American Prospect.
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