News and Views from the People's Struggle
Chicago, IL – On the morning of March 20, 2003, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) news anchor opened the broadcast with the news that the bombing of Baghdad had begun the night before. “Protests have broken out in Bonn, Tokyo and London, and in San Francisco and Chicago, hundreds of protesters have been arrested.”
Jonas is currently on case of anti-war and international solidarity activists
“Hands off our families, hands off our friends! Barry Jonas, this must end!” This chant rang out in front of DePaul’s College of Law in Chicago, where over 30 protesters gathered to denounce Assistant U.S. Attorney Barry Jonas’ speaking at an event titled, “Fighting Terrorism in the Courtroom,” about government targeting of charity organizations that send humanitarian aid to Palestinians, especially the Holy Land Foundation (HLF). The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at DePaul raised the call, “Hey DePaul, let’s be clear – racists are not welcome here!” Other members of SJP organized a silent protest outside the door of the event, giving visual representation to how Palestinians are often silenced and reminding attendees of the killing of Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli military.
Chicago, IL – “Israeli soldiers torture and kill! We say we won’t foot the bill!” This chant rang out in front of the building housing the Israeli Consulate here, March 6. Close to 100 people picketed, shouting their response to the March 2 death of 30-year-old Arafat Jaradat. An autopsy revealed that Jaradat died after being tortured during interrogation by Israeli security, sustaining a total of six broken bones in his spine, arms and legs; his lips lacerated; his face badly bruised.
Chicago, IL – An Israeli legal theorist and former officer in the Israel Defense Forces spoke Feb. 25 at the University of Chicago. Professor Amos Guiora helped provide the justifications for ‘targeted killing’ programs like the one pursued by the Obama administration. 40 protesters, including ten from the campus’ Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), turned out.
Chicago, IL – Joe Iosbaker, of the Anti War Committee here, denounced Pentagon plans, Feb. 23, to place a new drone base in West African country of Niger.
Chicago, IL – Elizabeth Parisian of the group Stand Up, Chicago, stood outside the Boeing Company's world headquarters in Chicago. 30 protesters attempted to deliver a letter to Boeing CEO W. James McNerney Jr. Boeing is part of a ‘coalition’ of politicians and big corporations that wants to shrink the federal budget by cutting services to poor and working people. But McNerney received more in pay last year than Boeing paid in federal taxes. Boeing is one of the largest U.S. contractors. Most of their contracts are for weapons, such as fighter jets, attack helicopters and spy drones.
#ChicagoIL #AntiwarMovement #BoeingCorporation #WJamesMcNerneyJr
_Fitzgerald organized Grand Jury against anti war, international solidarity activists _
Chicago, IL – “Fitzgerald doesn’t belong on the Board of Trustees. He’s against the right to dissent, and he’s responsible for some of the worst persecutions of Palestinians in the US,” stated Joe Iosbaker of the Committee Against Political Repression in a statement to gathered news media, on Jan 24.
Chicago, IL – More than a dozen activists protested outside the Hyatt Regency hotel here, Jan. 20, while inside former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald received an honorary degree from the John Marshall Law School.
Chicago, IL – More than 60 people gathered at the Greek Consulate here, Jan. 19, in protest of the Greek anti-immigrant group, Golden Dawn. Golden Dawn has carried out violent attacks on immigrants and spouts fascist rhetoric. There were protests in Athens and in other cities around the world as part of a day of solidarity with recent victims of racist attacks in Greece. In Chicago, protesters included immigrant rights activists, Greek Americans and gay activists.
Chicago, IL – Anti-war and international solidarity activists, who have been the target of a massive and continuing two year Department of Justice investigation into their First Amendment protected activities, are calling on John Marshall Law School not to honor former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will be the commencement speaker at the law school's graduation Sunday, Jan. 20, and will receive an honorary degree.
Chicago, IL – Joe Iosbaker, the anti-war organizer who helped lead the massive protest at the NATO summit last year, condemns the French/U.S war on the people of Mali. Numerous press sources indicate the use of U.S. drones in Mali.
Chicago, IL – The massive 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed into law by President Obama Jan. 2, contains sanctions that effectivly ban Iran’s popular station, Press TV, from U.S. airwaves or cable networks. Press TV is still available on the internet.
Chicago, IL – As the first winter storm of the season arrived here, Dec. 20, 20 hearty souls stood outside the Boeing Company headquarters by the Chicago River, carrying signs opposing war.
Chicago, IL – Fight Back! is circulating a letter of greetings to the Chicago 20th Annual People’s Thanksgiving, sent by Gerardo Hernandez, of the Cuban 5. He is currently serving two life terms in federal prison. The letter includes a reference to Sarah Smith, one of the 23 anti-war and international solidarity activists who were subpoenaed to a grand jury investigating “material support for terrorism.”
Chicago, IL – A spy drone made in the U.S. by Boeing Corporation was captured by Iran after violating their air space. Called a Scan Eagle, it was displayed on Iranian television as evidence that the U.S. government is making moves toward war with Iran.
Chicago, IL – The 20th Anniversary of People’s Thanksgiving was held here Dec. 1. Sponsored by Fight Back! newspaper, it included awards to a number of groups and individuals who had played prominent roles or waged big fights in Chicago this past year. 100 activists, including friends of Fight Back! and their families, gathered to celebrate what they are thankful for: another year of struggle and progress for the people. Together they raised almost $2000 to help publish Fight Back!.
Chicago, IL – The 20th Anniversary People’s Thanksgiving will be held here Saturday, Dec. 1. Sponsored by Fight Back! newspaper, the event honors fighters in the people’s struggle. This year, awards will go to:
Chicago, IL – The military bombardment of Gaza by Israel’s military was applauded by 300 supporters of Israel at a rally organized by the Jewish United Fund (JUF) here, Nov. 20. 100 opponents of the war, including activists from Chicago’s Palestinian community and Palestine solidarity activists, held a counter-protest in response.
Chicago, IL – 2000 people marched in the streets here, Nov. 19 chanting, “Obama, Obama, you will see – Palestine will be free!”
Sarah Chambers speaks out
Chicago, IL – How is Sarah Chambers feeling after the historic victory of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) strike? “There are two ways to answer: I’m tired, but I’m excited to be in such a union and such a movement of people, all marching for the same reason.”