May 30, 2012

Six drone test sites are up for grabs and states are eager to get the money that comes with them

States fight for drone biz
Six UAV test sites are up for grabs -- and state governments are eager to get their hands on them

More than a dozen state governments across the country are scrambling to get into the drone business with the expectation that unmanned aviation will create new jobs in the near future.

This summer, they will begin competing for approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to run one of six unmanned aviation test sites around the country. Mandated by Congress earlier this year, the test sites are intended to demonstrate that unmanned vehicles can be integrated safely and quickly into U.S. airspace.

The domestic drone market is still small. In 2012, the civil unmanned aviation vehicle (UAV) market will account for only 1.4 percent of the $7 billion-plus drone industry, according to a recent industry survey. This year 98.6 percent of all UAV spending will pay for military applications. But the burst of interest in funding the establishment of the UAV test sites indicates many businesses and elected officials expect that to change soon.

http://www.salon.com/2012/05/30/states_fight_for_drone_biz/

May 30, 2012

Why Activists in the US and Around the World Should be Learning from Montreal Student Strikers

http://www.alternet.org/story/155616/why_activists_in_the_us_and_around_the_world_should_be_learning_from_montreal_student_strikers/?page=1

When we ask how, over that time, so many students have been mobilized and politicized, the answer is both simple and complex. As student organizer Myriam Zaidi said, “We’ve been standing on corners handing out leaflets and having conversations with people about this for years. Just opening up that space of conversation has been hugely important. This didn’t happen overnight.” These basic forms of disseminating information about the tuition hikes and fostering debate about these issues have been pivotal in mobilizing massive on-the-ground support behind their call for a strike.

But the more complicated answer to our question lies in the organizing structure and history of student unions at universities in Quebec. Organized at a variety of levels — from that of the whole Quebec Province all the way down to individual departments — these unions provide a way for students to organize politically, granting them both legitimacy and power. Longer-term mobilizing strategies include campaigns to build strike votes at general membership meetings, carefully navigated negotiations with governments and university administrations, and coalition-building between the various unions. These have been pivotal in securing a unified front during the current strike. This current round of protests are also only the most recent expressions of a much longer history of radical student unionism in Quebec, which dates back to the 1960s.

May 29, 2012

New Face of Terror: FBI creates bogeyman out of Occupy:

At least it's official that "top-level" government agencies are actively after Occupy. Who gave them the orders?

May 28, 2012

Police are always right. Do what they say. Trouble is never their fault.

Some here appear to carry this philosophy. I have no concept why this would or should be.

The third video has a telling moment, when the cop says he'll just arrest the subject and let them tell a judge about it tomorrow morning.

Reminding that they are "Law and order puppets, remote-controlled by greed", to quote Devo.

Edit to add more:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002730754

This, and the quote about how much it hurts not to arrest "them":

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002731073

http://www.democraticunderground.com/101730531

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002713201

This just in! Comments section: Cops asquirm because lying and a phony felony charge didn't put DJ in jail! Don't even seem to understand that the NLG saw that the cop LIED. Only seem to care about arresting people.

http://www.policeone.com/Crowd-Control/articles/5677034-Occupy-protester-Week-in-Chicago-jail-was-awesome/

Posted by bhess on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 04:29 PM Pacific Report Abuse
His speaking of integrity is akin to when hookers accuse you of being a liar because you didn't tell them you were a cop. They can lie all they want but if you do, well that's just beyond the pale.

Posted by sgt195 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 04:14 PM Pacific Report Abuse
If he liked a week; hell let's give him a year he'll really enjoy himself.

Posted by ghostvet on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 04:14 PM Pacific Report Abuse
A cop's word no longer supports probable cause? Gonna be awful hard for arrests and warrants and such.

Posted by djbadback on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 01:27 PM Pacific Report Abuse
USTWO63, Be careful what you wish for.

Posted by ustwo63 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 12:06 AM Pacific Report Abuse
Oh gee, I only hope Im lucky enough one day to have my daughter find a guy with a great job like this shinning example of society! Professional Protester. Wow, thats really got to spiffy up the ole resume!

Posted by jjohn on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 09:51 AM Pacific Report Abuse
Time to vote the judge out of office.

Posted by KCSO107 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 08:33 AM Pacific Report Abuse
The Honorable (really ?) Marvin P. Luckman POS...

Posted by LPD679 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 08:22 AM Pacific Report Abuse
"Johnson, who was in Arizona Tuesday, said Luckman "kind of belittled me, and called me all types of names, but after his tirade, he said he wasn't going to send me to jail.""

Maybe he will sue the judge for defamation of character and another liberal judge will uphold the suit lol
Posted by diggy2121 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 08:19 AM Pacific Report Abuse
And it starts.... What a douchebag. And the judge too.

Posted by jrlc48 on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 07:44 AM Pacific Report Abuse
Liberal judge, believing this scum bag over an officer.


Remember there, the NLG and several people saw the cop LIE. Why aren't they upset at one of their own besmirching the very law they are supposed to represent?

NYPD vs. CPD: How Police Deal With Press and Protesters

Before the New York Police Department raided Zuccotti Park last year, officers on the scene asked everyone with an NYPD-issued press pass to raise their hand. Most complied, believing they were identifying themselves to officers who would allow them to remain and do their job unimpeded. Instead, those who showed their passes were escorted to a press "safety zone" several blocks away. Photographers and writers who remained (myself included) would later find themselves physically threatened, removed or arrested.

http://www.villagevoice.com/slideshow/nypd-vs-cpd-how-police-deal-with-press-and-protesters-36918686/#1

New video, this one's a hoot:

May 28, 2012

Rodriguez Vs. Winski: Montage of Police Suppression of Journalists

May 26, 2012

"Video taping the ass clowns goes a long way to deter."

http://www.policeone.com/Crowd-Control/articles/5588426-Observe-Occupy-Watch-the-tactical-evolution-of-their-revolution/

Posted by SAPDMAS on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 09:52 PM Pacific Report Abuse

Use their own tactics against them. Video taping the ass clowns goes a long way to deter.

On a seperate issue,I would hope there would be designated marksman monitoring the situation as well. All it takes is one psycho with a gun to start shooting innocents. A very bad deal if these protesters go that route.

---

Actually, WE are worried about YOU, cops. Rodney King. Kelly Thomas. And every person of color who has ever been profiled. Much less OCCUPY.

Get screenshots of this crap before they take it down. They'll see the re-direct from DU pretty soon.

May 26, 2012

National Lawyers Guild Provides Wrap-up of Police Actions During Week-long NATO Demonstrations

https://www.facebook.com/notes/national-lawyers-guild-chicago/national-lawyers-guild-provides-wrap-up-of-police-actions-during-week-long-nato-/10150991004840148

PRESS RELEASE

Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild
For Immediate Release: May 25, 2012

Contact: NLG Legal Worker Kris Hermes 510-681-6361

National Lawyers Guild Provides Wrap-up of Police Actions During Week-long NATO Demonstrations
Police violence, serious injuries, high-level charges & exceptionally high bonds symbolize city's reaction to protests


Chicago, IL -- The Chicago chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) has made an initial assessment of police actions on the streets during the week of NATO demonstrations, which was dominated by police harassment and violence, serious injuries, high-level charges, and exceptionally high bonds. At this time, the NLG estimates that 117 people were arrested, but fewer than 100 were ultimately charged. Of those charged, the vast majority were ordinance violations and misdemeanors, including disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, trespassing, and resisting arrest. Sixteen people were charged with felonies, including 5 protesters accused of terrorism-related crimes.

The NLG was disturbed to receive reports of more than 70 instances of police brutality, most of which occurred at the end of Sunday's antiwar march at Michigan Avenue and Cermak Road. Most of the injuries were from baton blows to the body and many resulted in serious head injuries. More than two-dozen protesters were taken to Northwestern and Mercy Hospitals and treated for broken bones, knocked out teeth, concussions, and several open wounds requiring stitches.

"Although police allowed some unpermitted marches to take place without incident, there were massive shows of force by police throughout the week of NATO demonstrations and indiscriminate violence perpetrated against many protesters," said NLG Chicago spokesperson Kris Hermes. "Contrary to rhetoric from Mayor Emanuel and Police Superintendent McCarthy, the city was anything but tolerant to political dissent." Several activists' homes and organizing spaces, including the Chicago Independent Media Center and the Wellington Avenue Church where activists converged, were targeted and visited by police. Numerous instances of unconstitutional stops and searches were also reported to the NLG throughout the week.

The first felony case to go to a preliminary hearing was dismissed by a Cook County Judge on Tuesday. Danny Johnson was arrested on May 15th at an immigration rally, charged with felony aggravated assault on a police officer, and held in jail for a week on $10,000 bond. Johnson's arrest was caught on film by several observers, which may have led to the dismissal of his felony charges. "The dismissal of charges against Danny Johnson certainly raises questions about the veracity of claims against many other NATO protesters," continued Hermes.

Eleven people are still in custody, including the 5 protesters facing terrorism-related charges. Most of the felony arrestees will have court dates this week and next. The so-called NATO 5 will have hearings on June 12th and 13th at 11:30am in Branch 98 at 26th and California. The NLG staffed a 24-hour legal office during the NATO demonstrations, dispatched Legal Observers to document police misconduct, and is committed to providing legal representation for anyone arrested and facing charges.

# # #

(that is the complete release)

May 26, 2012

"We call for Representatives to sign on to HR4848, a (foreclosure) moratorium bill now in Congress."

http://notohousingcrime.org/2012/05/26/occupy-fights-foreclosures-pressures-bank-of-america-into-rescinding-the-sale-and-foreclosure-of-dirma-rodriguez-home/

“'We are entirely elated to tell Dirma and her family that they can sleep well at night, knowing there won’t be another knock on the door telling them they need to get out,' said Carlos Marroquin, activist with OFF. 'One family has control of their own property once again. But we also know there are 10,000 more Dirmas facing this exact situation every single day. Dirma’s case is typical. We need a moratorium on foreclosures — we call for Representatives to sign on to HR4848, a moratorium bill now in Congress.'

Bank of America has brought tens of thousands of Americans to foreclosure court using fraudulent 'robo-signed' evidence, a mass perjury that it helped to pioneer.

'The only ones who’ve been breaking any laws here are the banks, and I don’t see the police breaking down their doors in the middle of the night,' said Suzanne O’Keeffe, writer and OFF activist."

May 25, 2012

Has the FBI Launched a War of Entrapment Against the Occupy Movement?

http://www.alternet.org/rights/155581/has_the_fbi_launched_a_war_of_entrapment_against_the_occupy_movement

May 24, 2012

With the high-profile arrest of activists on terrorism charges in Cleveland on May Day and in Chicago during the NATO summit there, evidence is mounting that the FBI is unleashing the same methods of entrapment against the Occupy Wall Street movement that it has used against left movements and Muslim-Americans for the last decade.

In Cleveland the FBI announced on May 1 that “five self-proclaimed anarchists conspired to develop multiple terror plots designed to negatively impact the greater Cleveland metropolitan area.” The FBI claimed the five were nabbed as they attempted to blow up a bridge the night before using “inoperable” explosives supplied to them by an undercover FBI employee.

snip

Stephen Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Cleveland office, claimed during the May 1 press conference “that at no time during the course of the investigation was the public ever in danger.” So if the public was never in danger, was there ever a threat?

---

"Here they come, here come the bastards..." -Primus

May 24, 2012

Great news for once! "Ugly foreclosure story starring BofA" is over, Occupy stops a foreclosure!

May 24, 2012:

OccupyFightsForeclos ?@OFF_LA

OFF press conference TODAY 5 PM Dirma's house

BREAKING NEWS: BofA rescinded sale and foreclosure. Pls Join Us!


One of a few DU threads on the topic, THANK YOU to everyone who posted and replied:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002559792

EDIT:

Video and pics of today at:

http://occupyobservations.blogspot.com/2012/05/dirma-beats-foreclosure.html

CBS Los Angeles story, with video. (The title is utterly incorrect; BofA were caught in bald-faced fraud and hated the attention it was receiving. When the LA Time published their story "An ugly foreclosure story" on April 13, Dirma, the homeowner, immediately received an irate call from BofA demanding to know how she could go to the press...and only a week or two before this final development, OccupyLA marched against the Pasadena home of a BofA mucky-muck, and the next day, Occupy Charlotte and other Occupations marched against the BofA shareholder's meeting...and THEN, BofA attempted to use high-pressure threats upon Dirma and Occupy Fights Foreclosure members...and finally gave in as the story continued to be picked up by progressive web sites...see, it's not so simple!)

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/05/24/bank-has-a-heart-and-returns-woman-disabled-daughter-to-foreclosed-home/