Members and visitors present: Rev. Joyce Hartwell, Terry Jeroloman, Jim
Miller, Ed Bloch, Rabbi Aryeh Wineman, Rev. Dr. Senley Jack, Gene Rowland, Euan
Somerscales, Liz Pearson, Seth Leibson, Anne Marfey, Ruth Fleishman, Lou Ismay,
Bernie Fleishman, Ed McCartan, Bob Lamar, John Amidon, Shirley Drake Byers,
Deb Riitano, Florence Skiff.
The meeting was called to order by B. Fleishman. Invocation was given by Rev. Dr. Senley Jack. The minutes of Dec. 8 were approved. Joyce H. added that the attendance at the ARISE conference was about 500.
Treasurers Report. Gene R. reported that the balance was $3386.76. He had copies of the annual finance report for those interested in seeing one. Dues of $30 for 2004 are now payable.
Agenda was approved with two additions.
REPORTS
Electoral/Campaign Reform: No report. Gene said they were disappointed that no candidates have chosen public funding. It was commented that Bush had so much money that the others must try to compete if they are to have a chance at winning.
SAVI: Stan Bunce talked to Sue Dwyer and she was optimistic about student involvement.
Seth Leibson, Bernie Fleishman's grandson, is a junior at Brown University, majoring in History and Latin American Studies. He recently spent a semester in Nicaragua and also some time in Cuba.
Remarks on Nicaragua/Cuba - Seth Leibson: Seth started with a brief review of the political history of Nicaragua. U.S. Marines went in to Nicaragua in 1911. A National Guard was organized to protect U.S. interests. In 1936 Somosa took over by means of a coup. He was followed by his son. There was a big earth quake which destroyed Managua. Aid money for reconstruction was pocketed by Somosa and the city is still not rebuilt. The people rebelled and Ortega and the Sandinistas were in power until 1990. the semi-socialist government improved literacy, health care, and higher education. The U.S. helped defeat Ortega. They now have a three sided stand-off between Ortega,(majority party but leader is in jail), Boulanga, and the "liberal" right wing. Barbara Moore, the U.S. Ambassador, is blatantly involved in the politics.
The country is very poor, and 80% earn $2 or less per day. Unemployment is 40-70%. About 50% of the population is involved in very inefficient, primitive agriculture. Of the 5 million people, 1 million are outside the country, mostly in U.S. Transportation is in old US school buses. There is no regulation of traffic. Trading is done out of private homes or on the street.
Seth stayed with a family in Managua and also spent some time with a farmer and family. All of the family sleep in one room. Villages are isolated. Planting was done with a stick.
The religion is mostly R. Catholic but Pentecostal groups are very active and growing. Only American movies are available. Family relationships are unstable.
People on the Caribbean coast are of a different culture descended from early native people and they speak Creole or English. They are very poor but the country has many resources. They feel they are used by the west coast Spanish speaking people.
Cuba is a beautiful country. The people get housing, health care, and rations (enough food for 2 weeks per month). Unemployment is 3%. Buildings are in disrepair. Tourism is vital to the economy. Tourists come from Europe and Russia. Foreigners are bothered by "hustlers" - people who 'latch on' and follow them around.
There are expensive restaurants etc. for the tourists, and there is a big black market in things stolen from the state factories. There is no street crime, and its very safe.
What is the response to US? - In Nicaragua there is no anti Americanism, but they do resent the US government imperialism. He could no comment on Cuba because he was not allowed to have contact with the people.
Do they have hope? Their hope is in trying alternatives to the political system to get things done.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT
President: Bernard Fleishman
Vice President: Jean Cowan
Secretary: Florence Skiff
Treasurer: Eugene Rowland
Executive Committee: Senley Jack, Deborah Riitano, Massarat Chaudhry.
Dr. Chaudhry has not responded yet as to whether she can serve. Bob Lamar moved that we elect the nominations presented except Dr. Chaudhry and postpone action on the third committee member until next month. Seconded by Shirley D.B. and passed.
Anger Management: John A. said another program session will start March 1, 7-9 pm. They decided against the SOA speaker, thought it would not be helpful for our goals. Veterans for Peace is planning a conference again, August 27-29 at Kateri Shrine. Plans are going well, John will give us more information as it shapes up.
Clean Elections - No action reported
Executive Committee Report:
The Bethlehem Bill of Rights Defense Committee held and informational program "Preserving Our Civil Liberties", on January 11th. They asked us to be listed as a co-sponsor and the executive committee endorsed them. Shirley D.B. made a motion supporting the endorsement of the conference. Seconded by Bob L. and passed.
ES2 - Empire State Economic Security Campaign, a grass roots mobilization and legislative advocacy for a common sense budget. Motion was made to endorse the ES2 Campaign, seconded, passed. There will be a budget briefing by Fiscal Policy Institute, January 27, 2004, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Hearing Room C, LOB.
Stop the Hate 2004. Deb Riitano continues the planning for the fall event. Criminal Justice/Fiscal equity -- Should we develop a speakers committee? Lou suggested that the executive committee discuss allocation of time and committee structure.
Feb. 15 Global Vigils for Peace (anniversary of last years demonstrations)
March 20 "World Still says no to War". Local and NYC demonstrations.
National TIA is working this year to get people out to vote.
The National Meeting of TIA will be in Chicago Feb. 27-29. Ed would like to go. Perhaps others also. Motion was made to refer action on reimbursement to the executive committee. Motion passed.
The Buddhists want to build a facility in Berne to care for terminally ill. There was some negative reaction reported. Lou will investigate to see if it is a continuing problem.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
The next Executive Committee Meeting will be Monday, January 26th, 9:00 a.m. The next General Meeting will be Monday February 9, 2004 at 9:00 a.m. at Latham Community Baptist Church.
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