On Wednesday night, the West Michigan Enforcement Team executed a search warrant on an apartment in Allendale, Michigan outside of Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

During the search, the police shot an unarmed student. According to the Michigan State Police, there was no confrontation.

Check out the following article on MediaMouse.org for more information:

Unarmed College Student Shot by Police During Drug Investigation

*** PLEASE FORWARD, TELL YOUR FRIENDS ***

Passed along from Facebook:

IRAQ WAR PROTEST

Saturday, March 14
12pm - 3pm
Corner of Fulton and Division in Downtown Grand Rapids

There doesn't seem to be any big organizing going on this year for the anniversary of the illegal U.S. occupation of Iraq, so it's down to us to do something.

If you want to have your voice heard and let our leaders and fellow citizens know you're against this heinous crime we call the "War On Terror" get out to the corner of Fulton and Division on Saturday, March 14 at noon. Bring signs, flags, noisemaking equipment, drums, ANYTHING (anything) that gets attention. Don't let another year pass by quietly, stand up and exercise your rights.

This is OUR protest; everybody should have an equal part in creating it. So invite everybody you know, it doesn't just have to be on Facebook. Put up flyers, call people, write letters, send secret messages in invisible ink, do anything you can to get as many people as possible out.

Facebook Event (invite your friends!):
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=80561631448

*** PLEASE FORWARD, TELL YOUR FRIENDS ***

Following up on our collection from last month, here's a list of some of the better articles on MediaMouse.org posted over the last month.

As always, please let us know in the comments if you think we missed anything that we should have covered...

Economic Crisis

• Shock Doctrine" Author, Naomi Klein Speaks at MSU; Addresses Economic Crisis


• Video: Naomi Klein in Lansing


• Report: Union Growth via Employee Free Choice Act Could Stimulate Economy


• Cash Assistance Program Failing to Help Many Poverty-Stricken Michigan Families


• Are You Stimulated? Media and Money


• West Michigan Groups Organizing to Oppose Employee Free Choice Act


• Details Emerging on Michigan Stimulus Money


• Study: Single-Payer Healthcare would Act as Economic Stimulus


• Looking to the Left on the Economic Crisis

Environment

• Report: "Green Jobs" Aren't Necessarily "Good Jobs"


• Eco-Activist Sentenced to 21 Years for MSU Arson


• Granholm Advocates Expensive, Unproven Carbon Sequestration Technology


• UP Sulfide Mine on Hold


• Report Finds Increase in Cancer Rates near Michigan Nuclear Plant

U.S. Foreign Policy

• Obama Plan: Less Troops in Iraq, Withdrawal Slower than Promised, Unclear End


• Efforts under Way to Oppose Obama's Afghanistan Escalation


• Afghanistan: Attack on 15 "Militants" Really was Against Civilians

Organizing

• Organizing for America: Not Really a Movement


• Event Looks at the State of Radical Grassroots Social Movements in Michigan, Chicago


• The RNC 8 and the Criminalization of Activism


• Animal Rights Arrests Target First Amendment Activity

Media

• Press Coverage of "Freedom to Marry" Focuses on Anti-Gay Voices


• Focusing on Twitter, Missing the Story on Iraq


• WOOD TV Rescinds Offer to Air Anti-Gay Program

Book Reviews

• The Porning of America: The Rise of Porn Culture, What It Means, and Where We Go from Here


• Between Barack and a Hard Place: Racism and White Denial in the Age of Obama


• Global Warming for Dummies


• Green, Inc.: An Environmental Insider Reveals How a Good Cause has Gone Bad


• How to Watch TV News


• Illegal People: How Globalization Creates Migration and Criminalizes Immigrants


• Prison Profiteers: Who Makes Money from Mass Incarceration>

We're starting a new monthly feature this year where each month we'll recap what we think were the best articles published on MediaMouse.org in the previous month. Here's the January 2009 list, divided by topic:

Israel's War on Gaza

• Supporting State Terrorism: The US Media on Israel & Palestine


• Michigan Professors' Group Issues Statement Against Israel's Attack on Gaza


• Carl Levin Co-Sponsors Resolution Supporting Israeli Attack on Gaza


• Press Coverage of Israel's Gaza Invasion Reflects Pro-Israel Bias of US Media

Afghanistan

• Report: Almost 4,000 Civilians Killed in Afghanistan Last Year; 680 by US


• Afghanistan War Protestors were Right: The War has Failed


• Distorting or Ignoring the US War in Afghanistan


• New Effort Launched to Oppose Afghanistan War

The Iraq War

• Anti-War Groups Re-Tool for Obama Era; Pressure the New Administration


• Obama Makes First Moves Towards Partial Iraq Withdrawal


• Resisting the Iraq War: A Short History of Anti-War Organizing in Grand Rapids

Animal Rights

• Montcalm County Renews Animal Contract


• Speakers Deliver Compelling Talk on Race and Gender and their Relationship to Animal Advocacy

Media

• Controversial Radio Host Michael Savage Still on the Air in Grand Rapids

Organizing

• NLRB Lets Starbucks Settle Rather than Face Trial


• Starbucks Settles Charges, Union Refuses to Sign


• Long After the RNC, 8 Activists Facing Terrorism Charges

Racism

• Study: Segregation on the Rise in US Schools


• People of Color Experiencing "Silent Depression"

The Environment

• Longwall Mining: A Destructive Means of Obtaining Coal

Book Reviews

• Disappearing Palestine: Israel's Experiments in Human Despair


• Born Under a Bad Sky: Notes from the Dark Side of the Earth


• Anarchism For Beginners


• Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in an Age of Climate Crisis


• Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design

On Monday, Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama delivered a major policy speech on energy at Michigan State University in Lansing. In the speech, Obama unveiled his energy plan and outlined a number of specific policies designed to lessen the United States' dependence on foreign oil by switching to a renewable energy economy through a mix of new funding and expansion of oil production, nuclear power, and so-called "clean coal" technologies.

Obama began his remarks by putting them in the context of higher gas prices. He said that politicians--going back to Richard Nixon--have promised to reduced dependency on foreign oil yet it continues to increase, with the United States now getting a half of its oil from foreign sources. Obama said that current policy proposals--such as opening new areas to drilling--are insufficient and will not provide enough oil to lower prices, although they are politically popular. Instead, he said that every American should be given a $1,000 energy rebate paid for by taxes on excess oil company profits, that domestic production and exploration of oil and natural gas should be increased, and that 70 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve should be sold. However, he said that none of these--including expanded offshore drilling which he supports as part of a "compromise" on energy legislation--would do enough to end dependency on foreign oil.

Instead, Obama outlined his plans for an "all-hands-on-deck effort" aimed at transforming the United States' economy with the "overarching goal" of eliminating reliance on oil from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 years.

To accomplish this, Obama promises a $150 billion investment over the next ten years to build a "new energy economy" and to develop programs that spur investment from the private sector. He promised that he would help states--such as Michigan--build fuel-efficient cars and will get one million 150 mile-per-gallon plug-in hybrid cars on the road within six years. To facilitate that goal, he promised tax credits to consumers and $4 billion in loans to auto plants and manufacturers.

Obama also committed to having 10% of the nation's energy coming from "renewable sources" by the end of his first term. He promised more research and development investment, while specifically promising to extend the Production Tax Credit for five years to encourage the production of wind power, solar power, and geothermal energy. He also set a goal of having 6 billion gallons of the United States' fuel coming from biofuels by 2022. Obama expressed support for expanded nuclear production and "clean coal" energy as well.

Finally, he said that he will call on "businesses, government, and the American people" to meet the goal of reducing the demand for electricity by 15% by 2020. In this portion of his speech, he had few specifics, beyond "a goal of making our new buildings 50% more efficient over the next four years."

According to Obama, all of these efforts will yield results by the end of his first term and will eventually lead to the creation of 5 million new jobs.

However, while some of what Obama said was refreshing--notably cutting carbon emissions to 80% of 1990 levels by 2050--he also remains committed to l so-called "solutions" to the energy situation and global warming that have received staunch opposition from environmental advocacy groups. For example, Obama remains committed to "clean coal" despite its negative environmental effects and uncertainty about the technology. Similarly, Obama is committed to developing nuclear power despite the environmental risks and huge financial costs. It is worth noting that over the past several years, Obama has received significant financial support from Exelon Corp, one of the nation's largest operators of nuclear power plants.

Beyond the proposals outlined in Monday's speech, Obama's energy plan also makes several additional proposals on energy, global warming, and related issues. His entire energy plan is available online.

Mediamouse.org E-Newsletter: July 20, 2008

We're still not getting these out that timely, but such is the pace of summer in Michigan--especially during an election year when so many people are focused on the election. That said, here's some stuff going on pertaining to either Mediamouse.org or social change efforts in West Michigan more generally.

Election Watch 2008

Mediamouse.org and the Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy's (GRIID) "Election Watch" project is in full swing with new articles about the presidential campaign. While the corporate media focuses on who's ahead in what poll and ignores real issues, we've been focusing on the major and third party candidates' positions on a variety of important issues as well as providing analysis of the systemic problems with the election system. So, if you want to find out about who pet owners prefer for president, read The Grand Rapids Press. If you want to find out more about what the candidates actually will beyond their rhetoric check Mediamouse.org

http://www.mediamouse.ogr/griid/electionwatch/



Film: The Day the Country Died: A History of Anarcho-Punk - July 28

With Crass and Poison Girls opening the floodgates, the arrival of bands such as Flux of Pink Indians, Conflict, Dirt, Subhumans, and Icons of Filth heralded a brand new age of honesty and integrity in underground music. It was a time when punk stopped being merely a radical fashion statement, and became a force for real social change; a genuine revolutionary movement, driven by some of the most challenging noises ever committed to tape. Anarchy, as regards to punk rock, no longer meant "cash for chaos," it meant "freedom, peace, and unity." Anarcho-punk took the rebellion inherent in punk from Day One to a whole new level of personal awareness.

Following the film, there will be a punk show featuring the contemporary anarcho-punk band From The Depths.

July 28 / 6:30pm / $5

The Division Avenue Arts Cooperative (The DAAC)
115 S Division SE


Really, Really Free Market - July 27

The Bloom Collective is sponsoring an interesting event:

Let's share what we've got and ask for what we need, because there is enough for everyone. Let's respond to the corporations that would rather the landfills overflow than anyone get something without paying. Let's meet this month to show that we mean what we've been saying--we want an alternative, and we're going to invent it for ourselves.

Come to the first ever REALLY, REALLY FREE MARKET in Grand Rapids! Bring usable stuff that you don't need and/or aren't using to share with others. You might consider bringing clothes, furniture, records, toys, or even food.

July 27 - 2:00pm
Corner of Wealthy and Fuller


Statewide RNC Protest Planning Meeting - August 2

Unconventional Michigan, a group organizing against the upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC), is hosting a statewide meeting in Grand Rapids early next month:


August 2
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Planning to attend the upcoming protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC) in the Twin Cities? Wondering how you will fit into the plans for shutting down the convention? Wondering about logistics?

Unconventional Michigan is hosting a planning meeting for folks who are going to be attending the protests. It will be an opportunity to meet radicals across Michigan to discuss how we can work together to shut down the RNC and articulate a radical vision for the future.

TO ATTEND, RSVP TO UAMICHIGAN@RISEUP.NET

MORE ON THE PROTESTS: HTTP://UAMICHIGAN.WORDPRESS.COM


Check Out The Bloom Collective

In addition to the above events, we urge you all to go to The Bloom Collective, an infoshop and lending library here in Grand Rapids. Located at 1134 Wealthy St SE, The Bloom Collective offers a large selection of books and films to borrow and membership is only $5-$25 per year. It's a perfect place to find a good book to read outside--perhaps even at the beach.


Support Independent Media by Donating

Finally, Mediamouse.org relies on contributions from our readers to stay afloat. We don't receive foundation money, we don't receive money from political parties, and we don't receive ads. In addition to our regular work, we'll be posting live from the upcoming protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC). All of this requires--unfortunately--some money, so please consider making a donation or purchasing a DVD from our online store:

http://www.mediamouse.org/contribute/donate.php

http://www.mediamouse.org/store/

The Bloom Collective, an infoshop and lending library in Grand Rapids is hosting a screening of BEHIND THE MASK, a film about the radical animal rights movement and the risks that people take to save animals. It's happening at 8:00pm at The DAAC (115 S Division). The cost is a sliding scale donation of $5 to $10 to benefit Marie Mason's legal defense fund (more information below the trailer).

Trailer:



Description:

$5-10 suggested donation as a fundraiser for Marie Mason's legal defense fund. Marie Mason is a midwestern environmental activist recently indicted for two arsons claimed by the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).

After spending nearly 11 years in prison for breaking into an animal experimentation laboratory to expose animal cruelty, a young man is finally released and risks it all again to save more animals.

Who is he? What kind of a person would risk so much to save the lives of animals?

The Animal Liberation Front, comprised of clandestine animal rights activists, is now labeled the 1 domestic terrorist threat by the FBI.

Who are these "animal liberationists" and why do they believe that breaking the law is the best way to help animals? What inspires them to challenge the status quo, fight against all odds, and endure public reproach?

Director Shannon Keith goes BEHIND THE MASK and captures the hearts and souls of men and women who unveil their individual struggles for Animal Liberation.

This controversial documentary weaves together the lives of people who face jail, devastation, and even death for their ideals.

BEHIND THE MASK exposes never-before-seen footage that reveals the extent to which these individuals will go to save the lives of animals.

People of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the globe, tell their tales of liberation, incarceration, sacrifice and determination, while exclusive underground footage reveals heart-thumping action sure to leave you wondering, who are these people?

Democracy Now Petition Presented to WYCE and WGVU

On May 20, 12 people attended the Community Media Center's (CMC) monthly board meeting to present to them a proposal that they air Democracy Now! on their radio station, WYCE. The group delivered a petition circulated by Mediamouse.org with nearly 600 signatures of people who want to have Democracy Now broadcast five days a week between the hours of 7am and 10pm. All of those who came advocating for Democracy Now! addressed the CMC board and gave a variety of reasons why it would be beneficial to broadcast this program in West Michigan.

The only question that was asked by the CMC board was "It is safe to say the Democracy Now is left leaning in its political orientation. What do you think we should do if after agreeing to air that show, someone else comes in and asks us to air a show that is politically to the right?" The response was that "if you are a community radio station you should consider all programming ideas that come from the community. However, in this case, you could also say that in looking at the spectrum of talk radio shows that already exist in this market, there seems to be an abundance of politically right shows and virtually no programs that could be considered progressive."

Since the CMC board did not have enough members present to make any decisions, the issue was tabled until their next meeting on June 17. The group of 12 have requested to be put on the agenda for June 17 and are encouraging others to send e-mails to the Executive Director of the CMC, Laurie Cirivello laurie@grcmc.org.

This campaign is also asking for WGVU, channel 35 to air Democracy Now!, but since they have no local board structure and there are no local open meetings, 2 people involved in the campaign delivered copies of the petition signatures to the station manager that same week.

Mediamouse.org Amy Goodman Fundraiser a Success

175 people attended the Amy Goodman fundraiser at Plymouth Congregational Church in May. If you missed the lecture and want to see it, Mediamouse.org is selling copies on DVD in our new online store:

http://www.mediamouse.org/store/

You can also purchase a bunch of other lectures on DVD by folks such as Ray McGovern, Andrea Smith, Robert Jensen, and Vandana Shiva. Proceeds from the sales help support Mediamouse.org

Michigan RNC Consulta this Weekend

Unconventional Michigan is hosting a statewide consulta for folks planning to attend the upcoming protests against the Republican National Convention (RNC) in the Twin Cities. The consulta will take place on Saturday (June 14) at the NorthStar Center in Lansing (106 Lathrop St) at 9am. There will be workshops on independent media, blockades, direct action, legal, and health and safety. Mediamouse.org is doing the workshop on independent media, drawing on our experience covering the RNC protests in 2004 and our experience generally as media activists. We'll be talking a bit about plans for independent coverage of the RNC protests as well as discussing the question of when--and if--it is appropriate for radicals to communicate only within movement media.

For more information, visit:

http://uamichigan.wordpress.com

Canary Effect Screening - June 25

Mediamouse.org is co-sponsoring another film showing this month with The Bloom Collective. This month we're showing THE CANARY EFFECT, a really well put together documentary about the genocide of Native Americans and the ongoing effects of colonialism. The film will be shown at 8:00pm at The DAAC (115 S Division Ave) on June 25. Admission is $2, but no one will be turned away for a lack of funds.