Jun 29, 2002

MADISON, Wisc. – Groups with diverging politics converged June 14 -18 around the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

In decrying the human rights abuses continuing in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, some have asked why “the Jewish people” are doing to the Palestinians what they would not want done to their own people, terrifying things that have happened historically. Good question – if “the Jewish people” were guilty of the current atrocities occurring under the reign of terror imposed by Ariel Sharon.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Del punto de vista de la administración Bush, es mejor no hablar del atentado derrocamiento de Hugo Chávez, presidente de Venezuela, del 12 de abril, una derrota extraordinaria para el único superpoder del mundo.

BHOPAL, India – Many people around the world may not have heard of the Narmada River Valley, yet the struggle unfolding there will directly affect over one million people and the biodiversity of South Asia.

Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) is nationally known as an outspoken progressive, and George W. Bush and the ultra-right are chomping at the bit to oust him in November. Their hand-picked candidate, former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, is trying to woo women voters. But Jill Pearson-Wood, board president of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Minnesota chapter, said her group is backing Wellstone, who is seeking a third term.

EL PASO, Tx. – Texas Democrats were exuberant at their convention, held here June 13-15, about their chances to sweep state offices in November. Their senior U.S. Congressman, Martin Frost, told delegates, “If George Bush gets beaten badly in his home state in 2002, that will send a message across the land.”

Pledge to ‘link arms’ vs. Right

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The nearly 1,000 delegates and guests to the National Organization for Women’s (NOW) annual conference, held here June 21-23, are united to make a difference in the 2002 elections, at the ballot box and in the streets. The participants, who came from 42 states and the District of Columbia, agreed that the 2002 elections are the main arena for the defense and advancement of women’s equality.