Showing posts with label Pittsburgh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittsburgh. Show all posts

Friday, August 19, 2011

Hershey’s Sour Kisses





Hershey's is exploiting international students and, as a bonus, denying Pennsylvanians jobs.



Hundreds of international students signed up for a special U.S. State Department approved visa program designed to promote cultural exchange and international understanding. However, once here, they found themselves working long hours packing chocolates instead of working in a public position. But the exploitation goes further. First they paid $3,000-6,000 for the “opportunity” to work for Hershey. Then they were forced to live in company housing and also were charged for other expenses leaving most of the students with $40 to $140 per week after 40 hours of work. On top of that, when they complained about their working conditions they were threatened with deportation.



You can click here to send a message to John Bilbrey, Hershey Company CEO, that we won't stand for this.



You can also go to Market Square today at 12:30 PM where One Pittsburgh, community supporters and guestworkers from the Hershey plant in Palmyra will be performing a short skit to "inform people during their lunch-break of the exploitation the guest workers faced at the hands of Hershey."

.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rally at Toomey's Office at Noon Today



Sen. Pat Toomey (Tea Party-PA) is a favorite son of both the Club for Growth and the teahadists. Pennsylvania's junior Senator believes in magic -- he believes that tax cuts create revenue. Not only did he sign Grover Norquist's anti tax pledge and voted no on raising the debt ceiling, he believes the best course of action during the 2008 financial meltdown would have been to do nothing and let the chips fall where they may.



Of course, this meant that he was deemed to be eminently qualified to become a member of the "Super Congress."



If you believe that what Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the country needs is jobs and not tax cuts. If you believe that the past decade of tax cuts for the "job creators" has only made the rich richer and not produced the promised jobs. If you believe your own lying eyes and not the smoke being blown up your ass, then this rally is for you:



August 2011 Recess Action

Station Square - Toomey's Office

100 West Station Square (Map)

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Thursday, August 18th, 12:00 PM


This action is being sponsored by many groups including MoveOn, OnePittsburgh, We Are One, Democracy for Pittsburgh, and, undoubtedly many more.



There's strength in numbers -- join us!



Many of the groups are meeting at the Stattion Square T station at 11:45 to walk over together.



Also, if you listened to Lynn Cullen's show yesterday, you know to expect to see her and Pittsburgh City Paper Editor Chris Potter there too.

.



Monday, August 1, 2011

Burgess to vote YES for anti fracking referendum

Last week Councilman Ricky Burgess abstained from voting on having a referendum to amend the city's Home Rule Charter to include a ban on fracking.

He just said in council chambers that he would vote yes on the final bill (even while questioning the motives of Council members who were for the referendum).

He said he was voting yes because he favors letting the people decide and in hopes that his bills for referendums would be able to go through.

So, that would be six yes votes -- making it veto proof from Lil Mayor Luke.

Yes!

Dowd to vote NO on having fracking ban referendum in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Councilman Patrick Dowd just said he was going to vote no again on giving Pittsburghers the ability to vote on amending the city's Home Rule Charter to include a ban on fracking. Dowd had received numerous emails and phone calls asking him to reconsider his vote.

The bill received five yes votes last week in a preliminary vote (Shields, Peduto, Kraus, Rudiak, Harris).

Lil Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has already said that he would consider vetoing a proposal.

Council would need six votes to overturn that veto.

Looks like we don't have them.

UPDATE: Burgess to vote yes -- that's six votes.
.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

All Things Marcellus Shale


  • Pittsburgh City Council will hold a preliminary vote today on Councilor Doug Shields' legislation "that would put a referendum on the November ballot, asking voters whether they want to amend the charter to include the drilling ban that council enacted for the city last fall."

  • Via the P-G: "In an email to reporters, Mr. Shields said Mr. Fitzgerald, the Democratic nominee for county executive; Dennis Yablonsky, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development; Barbara McNees, a conference official and one of Pittsburgh's state-appointed financial overseers; and Richard Stanizzo, a union official and another state-appointed overseer, were "putting significant political pressure on council members" to vote down the referendum bill." (Also in the City Paper here and Early Returns.)

    The email was also forwarded from Shields to at least one blog -- this one -- you can view it here.

  • Marcellus Shale Protest (via Facebook) urges city dwellers to email City Council to vote for the referendum/show up at Council today.

  • Via the Trib: "Increased production and higher fuel prices helped natural gas producer Range Resources Corp. drive profit up 466 percent to $51.29 million, or 32 cents a share, for the second quarter compared to $9 million, or 6 cents, a year ago." The increase in profits was credited to "outstanding" drilling results the Marcellus Shale.

  • Via Keystone Politics: "20 Year Old Worker Dies at Fracking Site" in PA.

  • Finally, some levity. From Gab Bonesso: "Frack Yeah!" (the movie).

  • .

    Tuesday, July 26, 2011

    Pittsburgh Meet & Greet for Rep. Eugene DePasquale, candidate for Auditor General of PA -- Tomorrow

    Meet & Greet with State Rep. Eugene DePasquale

    WHAT: Pittsburgh Meet & Greet for Rep. Eugene DePasquale, candidate for Auditor General of PA
    WHEN: Wednesday, July 27, 2011, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
    WHERE: AVA Restaurant, 126 S. Highland Avenue & Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206

    Suggested Contribution: $25

    RSVP: Via email to liz@eugene4pa.com or on Facebook here

    Checks may be made out to “DePasquale for PA” and brought to the event or mailed to: DePasquale for PA, PO Box 1822 York, PA 17405

    Donations may also be made online via ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/24166

    http://eugene4pa.com
    Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-95, York) is serving his third term in the state House of Representatives, and has established himself as a strong progressive voice and a leading reformer in Harrisburg. Among his many accomplishments, Eugene was the first legislator in Pennsylvania’s history to post his legislative expenses online, and he was a leader in the fight to strengthen our state’s open records law.

    Eugene is running for Auditor General because he believes we need a strong check on Governor Corbett and his administration. As Auditor General, Eugene will fight to protect working families by eliminating wasteful spending and increasing accountability.

    Prior to serving in the legislature, DePasquale served as a Deputy Secretary in the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) where he fought to protect the environment and expand Pennsylvania’s alternative energy production capabilities. While at DEP, Eugene also played a key role in attracting the world’s largest wind energy company, Gamesa, to relocate a significant portion of their operations to Pennsylvania.

    A native Pittsburgher and lifelong Pennsylvanian, DePasquale has a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Wooster (OH) where he played football and baseball. Eugene has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a juris doctorate from Widener University School of Law. He also is a graduate of Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School and played for the first Quad-A state football champions in state history.

    We hope you can join us in supporting a candidate for Auditor General with the experience, proven track record and core progressive values to protect Pennsylvania's taxpayers and keep state government honest, open and transparent.

    On Marcellus Shale:

    Thursday, July 21, 2011

    I'll be on PCNC’s "NightTalk: Get to the Point" tomorrow night

    I'll be a panelist on tomorrow's PCNC TV's NightTalk: Get to the Point (Channel 35 on Comcast.)

    The show will air live on Friday, July 22nd from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (with repeats at 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM).

    The program commonly features conversation on a wide range of topics local to Pittsburgh, the Southwestern Pennsylvania region and some national items. Expect anything from the Pittsburgh Pirates to Marcellus Shale.

    The host will be P.J. Maloney.

    Also appearing will be Dale McCoy whose Blue Collar Commentary blog can be found on conservative radio host Glen Meaken's website. I heard that McCoy describes himself as a "Tea Party Democrat." (Say what?) Don't know who the third panelist will be.

    Tune in -- it should be interesting!
    .

    Tuesday, July 19, 2011

    Who knew?

    Who knew that James and Rupert Murdoch dressed like Kennywood Twins?*


    * Pittsburghese for couples who dress in matching outfits (so that they might find each other easily if separated at Kennywood Amusement Park).
    .

    Thursday, July 7, 2011

    "Speak Up for Jobs!" Congressional Listening Tour Comes to Pittsburgh


    (Click graphic to enlarge. Click here for .PDF)

    WHAT: Join Congressman Mike Doyle (Pennsylvania), Congressman John Conyers (Michigan) and Congressman Raul Grijalva (Arizona) as they come to our city to hear your concerns about jobs and the economy.

    WHEN: Monday, July 18th, Community Rally & Picnic @ 5:00 PM, Congressional Listening Tour @ 6:30 PM

    WHERE: Kinglsey Association, 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15206 (map)

    WHY: Our communities need JOBS! But, Congress is giving tax breaks to millionaires and oil companies. Join us and tell Congress to invest in citizens before corporations!

    RSVP: Here
    .

    Song of the Day: "Jordan Miles"

    Here's the full video for "Jordan Miles" by Jasiri X (directed by Paradise Gray) that we mentioned last week.



    Call Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. at 412-350-4400 and demand he file charges against the three police officers -- Richard Ewing, Michael Saldutte and David Sisak -- who brutally beat Jordan Miles.

    For more info go to http://justiceforjordanmiles.com
    .

    Wednesday, July 6, 2011

    Pittsburgh City Council Approves Clean Air Act


    Via press release from Councilman Peduto's office:
    CLEAN AIR NOW
    City Council Approves Clean Air Act

    PITTSBURGH – Today, Pittsburgh City Council approved two pieces of legislation sponsored by Councilman William Peduto that will dramatically reduce harmful diesel emissions to improve air quality throughout the City. The first requires publicly subsidized developments to retrofit construction equipment with the best-available technology to limit their impact on the City’s air quality. The second puts in place a 10-year plan for the City to retrofit all of their diesel vehicles.

    Pittsburgh ranks among the worst cities in the nation for short-term particulate matter and ozone pollution and for year-round particulate pollution. Clear linkages exist between these environmental pollutants and serious chronic health problems such as heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

    It is estimated the 25% of the City’s diesel particulate pollution originates from diesel construction vehicles and the technology exists today to reduce this pollution by more than 85%.

    The Clean Air Act was supported by a strong coalition of labor unions, environmental organizations, faith-based groups, and community organizations. The coalition stood together on the principle that Pittsburgh cannot compete for jobs, residents, and businesses unless we commit to environmental quality and sustainability.

    “Today is a critical step forward in the City’s battle to improve air quality for all residents and visitors in the City of Pittsburgh,” said Councilman Peduto. “The passage of this bill, along with the prevailing wage legislation and Clean Water Act previously passed by City Council is part of a new policy of triple bottom line economic development that City Council supports. This policy recognizes that all development should have a positive economic, social, and environmental impact.”
    This was a preliminary vote and it passed 8-0.

    Thursday, June 30, 2011

    Jasiri X's "Jordan Miles" Premieres Today

    There will be a premiere of Jasiri X's "Jordan Miles" today:

    WHAT: One Hood Media presents: "Jordan Miles" World Video Premiere and Forum on Police Brutality
    WHEN: 7:00pm, Thursday June 30th
    WHERE: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Homewood Branch, 7101 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15208 (map)

    Here's a snippet of the new video:




    Pittsburgh rapper Jasiri X is probably best know for "What if the Tea Party was Black?"

    Wednesday, June 29, 2011

    Ask the Pittsburgh Pirates to make a video for the "It Gets Better Project"

    Via Sue from Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents:
    Are you familiar with the "It Gets Better Project"

    Recently, a series of Major League Baseball teams have contributed videos to the project. The first team was the San Francisco Giants followed by the Cubs, Red Sox and the Mariners. According to the project, other teams are considering signing on.

    So I contacted the Pirates Diversity Manager whom I've met and began a dialogue about the project. I recruited some other folks to advocate for our community and teamed up with Equality PA (they are also working with the Phillies).

    The time has come for fans to weigh in so we set up a Change.org petition, much like folks did in the home cities of the teams listed above. Please take a moment to follow the link and sign on. Include a message in the comments section if you like. But please remember, we are in encouragement mode.

    The Pirates hosted their first "Pride Night at PNC Park" in 2004 so there is precedent for them to work with our community. And I would hope they would appreciate that taking a stance against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity is not exactly a controversial LGBTQ rights stance. It is tremendously important issue and the more allies the project gains, the more we can hope to improve the lives of youth in our community.

    Here's the link. Please pass it around. http://www.change.org/petitions/ask-the-pittsburgh-pirates-to-make-a-video-for-the-it-gets-better-project

    Tuesday, June 28, 2011

    Poplawski gets death penalty and you get fries with that


    No matter how you feel about the death penalty in general or the sentence in this case in particular, can we all agree that this sign on the door of a South Side bar is fucked up?
    .

    Saturday, June 25, 2011

    March for Justice for Jordan Miles: Today at 1:00pm

    Time: Saturday, June 25 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm
    Location: Freedom Corner (Center and Crawford) Across from old Civic Arena
    March for Justice for Jordan Miles
    June 25 at 1:00pm
    Gather at Freedom Corner (Crawford and Centre)

    *Please forward widely*

    Join the Alliance for Police Accountability to demand:

    Prosecute Richard Ewing, David Sisak, and Michael Saldutte!
    Release the Office of Municipal Investigations report to the public!
    Fire the three officers!


    On January 12, 2010, Jordan Miles was attacked by three undercover police officers while he was walking to his grandmother’s house in Homewood. The officers punched and kicked Jordan, and even ripped the dreadlocks off of his head. Jordan was not committing any crime; he was targeted simply for being a young Black man in Homewood.

    The Department of Justice announced on May 4th that it would not press federal charges against the officers guilty of this racist act of brutality: Richard Ewing, David Sisak and Michael Saldutte. The same day, Police Chief Nate Harper announced that they would be reinstated and put back on the streets. However, the struggle for justice for Jordan Miles is by no means over.

    Regardless of the Department of Justice’s decision, District Attorney Stephen Zappala still has the power to prosecute Ewing, Sisak and Saldutte, and has not yet announced what he intends to do. Hugely successful demonstrations were held every week in May, but the people of Pittsburgh need to continue to mobilize and keep up the pressure on city officials. The DA could make a decision at any time, so this is an especially critical moment in the struggle for justice. Join the Alliance for Police Accountability and its allies for a march from Freedom Corner to the Allegheny County Courthouse.

    For more information: bsfish27@aol.com or 412-628-5849

    In addition to marching, call DA Zappala at 412-350-4400 and demand that he file criminal charges against the police who brutalized Jordan Miles
    Facebook RSVP: Here
    http://justiceforjordanmiles.com/

    Wednesday, June 22, 2011

    2 Political Junkies shares "Best Political Blog in the Pittsburgh Region" - PoliticsPA

    PoliticsPA recently set about determining what are the best political blogs in Pennsylvania. Deservedly won were:

    Best Overall Political Blog: Capitol Ideas, Allentown Morning Call
    Best Print-Backed Blog: Early Returns, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    (Though, personally, I would have reversed those.)

    And, then there was this:


    (Click to enlarge)

    Hey, we're happy to share the distiction with Early Returns.

    A big THANK YOU to PoliticsPA and everyone who participated!
    .

    Monday, June 13, 2011

    What The Frack? Catholic Cemeteries ♥ Gas Drilling!


    Via The Trib:
    A Monroeville drilling company could tap natural gas beneath 15 cemeteries in Allegheny and Washington counties under a lease signed by the Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the association's director said Tuesday.

    The association leased nearly 1,060 acres of cemetery land in 2008 to Huntley & Huntley Inc., including the 200-acre Calvary Cemetery in Hazelwood, which City Councilman Doug Shields called "ground zero" in the debate over whether natural gas drilling should be permitted in Pittsburgh.

    "You don't put oil and gas fields in urban areas," Shields said during a news conference about legislation he will propose next month to ban drilling in city limits. "There's too much that can go wrong."
    According to the article, Bishop David Zubik could not be reached for comment. Which I guess means no one could ask exactly how deep the consecration of cemetery ground extends...six feet?...20 feet?...I guess less than a mile...Or mention anything about, oh, I don't know, Jesus and the money changers in the temple...

    I will add that this story brings to mind any number of horror movie plots starting with this one. And, of course, doesn't Pittsburgh have enough zombie problems already without stirring up more trouble?

    Seriously, the article even quotes "high-priced consultant to the gas industry, former Gov. Tom Ridge" having a problem with this. Unfortunately, the real problem with fracking is more for the living than the dead.

    Sick, sick, sick.

    UPDATE: I saw this on my Facebook New Feed the other day and didn't realize that the article was from last year until it was pointed out to me by Paz in the comments section here. That said, it still blows my mind.

    In case you missed it

    I've been out of town for a couple of days, so I'm playing catchup. In case you missed all the news stories on the flash mob that kicked of Pride Weekend, here it is:


    Friday, June 10, 2011

    March for Corporate Accountability Today

    Wednesday we saw a rally to tell Target to keep the corporate cash out of politics. Today there's a rally and march to "to demand that multi-billion dollar oil and gas company ExxonMobil pay its fair share of taxes to help build a better future for Pittsburgh."

    As the Post-Gazette reported yesterday:
    ExxonMobil Corp. has bolstered its position in the Marcellus Shale play with a billion-dollar acquisition, paying $1.69 billion for Warrendale-based Philips Resources and TWP Inc.
    Slag Heap notes about the sale:
    For environmentalists, it's yet another sign that the heavies are taking an increasing interest in the state's gas desposits. And that means that when citizens seek to protect water supplies, for example ... these companies are poised to blow them out of the water.

    You might have thought that Marcellus drillers had plenty of influence already, given the seven-digit sums the industry contributed to Gov. Tom Corbett and other pols last year. But that's chump change compared to what a big hitter like Exxon can do when it decides to put its mind to it.
    From the rally press release:
    By taking advantage of tax breaks and loopholes to the tune of $4.1 billion over the last three years, ExxonMobil is depriving Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and Pennsylvania of much-needed revenue, which is forcing cuts to education, public transit, healthcare and other critical public services needed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy. Exxon’s daily profits alone – $213 million – are double the proposed state budget cuts to all 43 school districts in Allegheny County and are ten times the $20 million cuts forced to Pittsburgh bus routes earlier this year.
    March for Corporate Accountability
    WHAT:
    March and rally to hold ExxonMobil accountable to Pittsburgh communities
    WHO: Hundreds of community members from across Pittsburgh
    WHEN: Friday, June 10
    3:30 Rally and Speakers at Market Square
    4:15 March across Smithfield Bridge
    4:30 Rally at Exxon Station (73 E. Carson St.)
    WHERE: Starting at Market Square and ending at Exxon Station (73. E. Carson St.)
    .

    Wednesday, June 8, 2011

    Thanks for visiting us, Target!


    (Click to enlarge)


    We'll visit you later today.

    I forgot to add in my previous post how ironic it is that a company which brands itself as being the hip big box alternative store with the name designers (many of whom are out gay) would give to an anti gay politician. We expect that of Walmart, honey. Really, how can you be "Targé" if you aren't pro gay?