Nonogirl Radio

Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad

A testimony to the importance of being able to tell your truth and how most media serves the interests of the elite:

A woman who helped take over a television station in Oaxaca said they wanted an opportunity to tell, "a little bit of so much truth."

The truth about:

• the needs of the school system (the schools, the teachers, the students)
• the needs of the poor while the rich resources and Oaxaca benefit the rich
• the peaceful protest disrupted by strong armed police and military

I should start listening to work that produces work with that kind of direct service to the community, and immediacy. Would that be FSRN?

Breaking the Law

  September Critical Mass 
  Originally uploaded by nonogirl.

To break in my new bike, I rode in my first Critical Mass in ages and I'd forgotten how fun they can be! It still started out slow and messy as my new skinny tires made my shaky over Market Street.

But then we headed to South of Market and up into the bus terminal! My bike rode beautifully up the onramp and as we entered the cavernous bus area, another rider pulled two amps that blasted out Judas Priest's "Breaking the Law"!

Self Determination

Only after talking with folks does Thursday's YBCA's community conversation on what is "revolutionary" in revolutionary art make sense.

Jeff Hull, founder of the short lived gallery space called Oaklandish, received a public spanking for questionable commitments to the Oakland community and art scene. Audience members felt insulted that he was on the panel (particularly since he said he does not see his work as part of the revolutionary movement). They asked if there might be a better place for him to work within the white, rich male community rather than dabbling in urban arts.

From what I've been hearing, he put his money into a space that the community appreciated. But then decided that this wasn't his thing and pulled out leaving many people disappointed.

But do we need to do the workshop on self-determination all over again?! We need to be the controllers of our own destiny. We can't rely on money from the outside, no matter how friendly the gesture may seem. We need to build institutions that will be accountable to the community. We need to build leadership and power within our own communities.

Although many were upset that the discussion was negative and dwelled too long on calling out Jeff, like Greg Morozumi, I agree that it was an important discussion.

High Honors

The Sex Pistols' "fuck you" to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame proves that punk rock still lives!

Towards Land, Work, & Power

Upon the heels of the Hugo Chavez screening, I picked up Towards Land, Work & Power published by People Organized to Win Employment Rights.

This is a great entry for me to try to catch up on anti-imperialist strategies and a better understanding of advanced capitalism.

It's published in Spanish and Chinese and at the Modern Times book event, I realizezd that one of the authors is an old college collegue (with her new name)!

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

There ain't nothing like a documentary film to provide a quick lesson on any topic. Sure, reading and researching will help you get into the details, but in just TWO hours, I feel caught up on the Hugo Chavez story: with his increased democratic participation, progressive social programs, and anti-imperialist cooperation.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, produced by the BBC, has unique footage as the producers were there in Caracas, when the coup in 2002 took place.

Unfortunately, after the festival circuit, there hasn't been distribution of the documentary, so viewings will need to take place in small house party settings or from internet downloads. Let me know if you're interested in viewing; I've got a copy!

Lord of War

I love this billboard hack! I hope someone has this up on Saturday.

Disasters

I'm Glad I'm Hip Hop

After learning about various "rituals" in suburban punk rock culture (like playing down your money, dumpster diving, and self-tattooing), a disgusted R said, "I'm so glad I'm hip hop."

And last week, the hip hop nation represented. From P. Diddy and Jay-Z pledging $1M, calling on other Black celebreties to step it up, and stating it like it is, "This is our community. When I turn on CNN, I see a lot of black people on the streets. I know it's other people too, but those projects have been hit hard," to Kanye West taking his time in the spotlight at the Red Cross Benefit to spell it out, "George Bush doesn't care about Black people!"

Even after the horrible relief effort, stories continue to air about ongoing inequities, like this morning's report on how Jefferson Parish, which leads the state in per capita income, is coming back to life, perhaps at the expense of a re-flooded New Orleans!

I remember when Bush stole the 2000 elections, some thought punk rock might become a threat again. As long as gutter punks are panhandling "money for beads" in Santa Cruz, I'm putting my money on hip hop.