June 2004, 24 posts, 981 lines
For those trying to stay up on the Critical Art Ensemble situation, here is the latest information I've received. I'd urge everyone to check out the website [http://www.caedefensefund.org/] to stay up on what is happening.
Just today I learned that an old friend of mine, Andrew Johnson, was among those who just received a subpoena. It just keeps getting worse. Those who were tailed to MASS MoCA by the FBI were there for a show curated by ex-Chicagoan and sporadic Other Group contributor Nato Thompson. This is in your backyard folks. Go to that site to sign the letter of support or donate to their legal defense.
Marc
June 2, 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Beatriz da Costa, mailto:media at caedefensefund.org
ARTISTS SUBPOENAED IN USA PATRIOT ACT CASE Feds STILL unable to distinguish art from bioterrorism Grand jury to convene June 15
HELP URGENTLY NEEDED - SEE BELOW
Three artists have been served subpoenas to appear before a federal grand jury that will consider bioterrorism charges against a university professor whose art involves the use of simple biology equipment.
The subpoenas are the latest installment in a bizarre investigation in which members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force have mistaken an art project for a biological weapons laboratory (see end for background). While most observers have assumed that the Task Force would realize the absurd error of its initial investigation of Steve Kurtz, the subpoenas indicate that the feds have instead chosen to press their "case" against the baffled professor.
Two of the subpoenaed artists--Beatriz da Costa and Steve Barnes--are, like Kurtz, members of the internationally-acclaimed Critical Art Ensemble (CAE), an artists' collective that produces artwork to educate the public about the politics of biotechnology. They were served the subpoenas by federal agents who tailed them to an art show at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. The third artist, Paul Vanouse, is, like Kurtz, an art professor at the University at Buffalo. He has worked with CAE in the past.
The artists involved are at a loss to explain the increasingly bizarre case. "I have no idea why they're continuing (to investigate)," said Beatriz da Costa, one of those subpoenaed. "It was shocking that this investigation was ever launched. That it is continuing is positively frightening, and shows how vulnerable the PATRIOT Act has made freedom of speech in this country." Da Costa is an art professor at the University of California at Irvine.
According to the subpoenas, the FBI is seeking charges under Section 175 of the US Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989, which has been expanded by the USA PATRIOT Act. As expanded, this law prohibits the possession of "any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system" without the justification of "prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purpose." (See [http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/175.html] for the 1989 law and [http://www.ehrs.upenn.edu/protocols/patriot/sec817.html] for its USA PATRIOT Act expansion.)
Even under the expanded powers of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is difficult to understand how anyone could view CAE's art as anything other than a "peaceful purpose." The equipment seized by the FBI consisted mainly of CAE's most recent project, a mobile DNA extraction laboratory to test store-bought food for possible contamination by genetically modified grains and organisms; such equipment can be found in any university's basic biology lab and even in many high schools (see "Lab Tour" at [http://www.critical] -art.net/biotech/free/ for more details).
The grand jury in the case is scheduled to convene June 15 in Buffalo, New York. Here, the jury will decide whether or not to indict Steve Kurtz on the charges brought by the FBI. A protest is being planned at 9 a.m. on June 15 outside the courthouse at 138 Delaware Ave. in Buffalo.
HELP NEEDED
Financial donations: The CAE Defense Fund has so far received over 200 donations in amounts ranging from $5 to $400. This is a wonderful outpouring of sympathy, but a drop in the bucket compared to the potential costs of the case. To make a donation, please visit [http://www.caedefensefund.org/]
Letters of support: Letters and petitions of support from biologists, artists, and others, especially those in positions of responsibility at prominent institutions or companies, could be very useful. See [http://www.caedefensefund.org/] for a sample letter of support.
Legal offers and letters of support: If you are a lawyer, offers of pro bono support or offers to write amicus briefs would be very helpful.
Having served on a federal grand jury panel from 2001-2003, I can say that artists being subpoenaed to appear for this case is a good thing. In fact, I'm really surprised that the Feds issued them. Ideally (from their point of view) they would only give the panel access to police and FBI field agent testimony, to insure an indictment from the panel. Bringing forth the artists will surely spoil the case against Steve Kurtz, as these individuals will be well-spoken and obviously not the terrorists/anti-social ilk (personal impressions in those closed chambers go a long way to influencing the panel).
For those of you unfamiliar with grand jury procedure, a subpoena is just an order to appear and answer questions regarding a target's case (a target is not invited to the procedings). The prosecution will have its line of questioning (the defense is not represented there) but then the grand jury members may ask any questions they wish.
On a few occasions, it became obvious to my panel that a few cases were initiated and some subpoenas served, a few folks questioned before us, but there was no intention from the Feds to pursue the matter all the way to a bona fide trial. The intent seemed to be to send a signal to the community under investigation, or some other sort of tactical maneuvering. I imagine, from the Feds point of view, that they really don't want artists dabbling in biotechnology. Not because they believe that the Kurtz/CAE works pose a physical threat, but because these artists run a risk of inspiring other artists (especially since they are getting some pretty good shows with this work). Of any social/professional branch that could traffick in biotech, artists have got to be the most difficult for the Feds to predetermine. So in this case, an artist is raked over the coals for a bit, inflicted with legal fees, and that should be just enough for potential footstep followers to reconsider. At least that's my conspiracy theory.
Erik
Marc Fischer wrote:
So, does youse guys knows anything about these guys?
http:/www.takingtheleap.com
Michael
I know that stuff like this is so pathetic it makes me sad. $200.00 an hour to talk to a mentor on the phone?! $200.00 for: "Is there a contemporary artist you have always admired? Spend an hour sharing thoughts with him or her" WTF?! Marc
From the website:
A few ways to use this program:
* When planning a trip to new city or country, get the inside scoop on the gallery scene.
* When planning a new or renewed approach to finding a gallery, ask an expert for feedback on your promotional materials.
* Do you have a show coming up? Meet with an expert on how to get media coverage.
* Unhappy with your artist s statement? Show it to a professional art writer.
* Have a great idea for a project but need to get funding? Get some tips from a professional fundraiser.
* Is there a contemporary artist you have always admired? Spend an hour sharing thoughts with him or her.
Fee: An hour with a mentor is $200.00 and may be conducted by phone, email or in person. Taking the Leap will help you find the right mentor, help you prepare for the meeting if needed, and arrange the details."
bulka wrote:
Marc,
Why is this offensive? They are offering a service that could be valuable to some. Let's say the artist gets half of it for his service. $100 for one hour of consulting is cheap by most standards. Or is it that you don't think artists as consultants don't deserve to get the same rate as other consultants?
Let's assume you feel that the artists SHOULD be willing to do it for free. Still the logistics of analyzing the city, making the calls, and finding the appropriate person take time, energy and connections.
I recognize that this may be more than most artists have to waste, but it's an investment in one's career. It may appear to be a reasonable price to some.
Curt
Curt, I find it more sad than offensive. Artists constantly want to take shortcuts to investing time, thought, energy, and effort into how their work goes out into the world. A community where people create positions of opportunity for one another and help each other shouldn't be something you have to buy. I hate these kind of hierarchies and PR organizations for artists and try to avoid them if I can. Artists don't have to buy into them to be successful and get shows.
Yes, it's very good to have people read things you write before you send them out and all of that stuff. But anyone who is halfway thoughtful should be able to approach successful artists or friends they admire and ask them for reasonable suggestions or advice. Is it really that hard to find a friend, or a friend of a friend living in a city that you are visiting or moving to who can give you free advice? Yesterday I had a lovely lunch with two French and German artists I met once for about 10 minutes who are now living in Chicago for the next few months. They wanted suggestions about a myriad of things so my cohorts and I gave them all we good. Is it insane that I feel obligated to do this stuff for free? I don't think so. There are a million people who would do the same for me if I asked. These are basic fundamental things artists can do for each other.
Even if you can't write, are painfully shy, or otherwise are hindered in your ability to do this work, paying someone else to do these things for you feels desperate to me because it supports a power structure that I think is bullshit. It is possible - albeit harder - to find people who can help with these things who do not have a profit motive. The group I'm part of has been a liaison like this for several people who are extremely marginalized for a variety of reasons.
Keep in mind of course that I'm not looking for gallery representation or trying to schmooze collectors. I've found that you can get tons of opportunities without a gallery. All of that organization's website reads like an extension of the usual scam of paying $30.00 to enter three slides in a juried show, paying exorbitant rental fees to borrow a room in an 'established' gallery for a month with someone keeping the hours who could care less about your work. Artists are endlessly susceptible to these scams because so many of us are social misfits who want to be cloistered in our studios rather than actively finding ways to create new audiences for our ideas - which is of course hard and time consuming. But I think it's a hell of a lot more satisfying to work with your peers and create opportunities for each other than being a tool who has to pay a business to do it all for you so you can remain self-marginalized. I'd rather see people bite the bullet and get more creative about finding ways to assert their ideas by working with others - not by paying people to follow these staid paths. But if your objective is to kiss ass until your lips are sore, spend buckets of money to get into pay to play shows, and maintain every ugly hierarchy that the artworld loves to death - well, I'm sure these organizations are worth every penny.
My harsh 2 cents, Marc
calanc wrote:
Marc,
I generally agree with you. I have been a loud proponent of artists getting off their ass and making their own rain. And this site might be a scam. Or it might just be a bad business model.
But believe it or not, creating a business is like creating art. You get an idea, you think people might want it and pay for it, and then you execute it to the best of your abilities and see what happens. I'm a proponent of that type of initiative also.
Secondly, I do believe your method is better and not that hard for anyone that tries. I get 3 calls a month from artists I don't know asking me how to get their work shown in Chicago and I always try to help - and I don't charge. But that's just one strategy and I can't fault another if it works, is honest, and no one is hurt.
Heck, rich artists all over the world pay starving artists to make their work for them (what do you call them? "Artist Assistants?"). We accept that. How far of a stretch is it to accept paying someone for some PR, so long as it's legitimate.
Curt
Take the 100.00 and talk to a lawyer or an accountant, much better advice. I sincerely doubt any service making calls outside of some sort of fprofessional agent who knows the business is going to be terribly helpful.
At 08:47 AM 6/10/2004 -0500, you wrote:
Hear hear.
At 09:20 AM 6/10/2004 -0500, you wrote:
There is a book called taking the leap, about business for artists. It is okay, there is some useful info, but it is in no way superior to any other text of the same genre, a bit hokey really.
At 01:11 AM 6/10/2004 -0500, you wrote:
I like the book. It seems to offer practical advice for aspiring artists with various aspirations.
The Take a Leap folks sent it to me in a recruitment package - they want me to be a phone-mentor.
Like Marc, I like the idea of helping strangers with my local knowledge, and I have spent many hours as an informal art-counselor with friends, but I have a problem with an artist paying $200/hr for phone-crit.
On the other hand, when I breakdown the cost of sitting in an overcrowded, impersonal SAIC lecture class, maybe this makes some sense.
I'd rather do this for free, but, until the Socialist revolution, maybe this is how we share.
michael
Mark (et al), I take it you've heard about this?
It's attached below.
But first, if I can make an additional appeal for support. [http://www.freefreenow.org/] - this kid, I think he's around 20, burned 2 SUVs in a closed used car dealership because he's a hard core environmentalist and thinks SUVs are bad. No one was hurt. No one was around. But Ashcroft categorized this as environmental terrorism, and the kid got 22 years, more years than the poor kid's been alive. For him, it's a done deal, he's been sentenced and is currently in jail. It's a real disgrace.
Don't get me wrong, I support action taken for each victim, one action at a time. But to say the obvious, know that sweeping civil rights violations are affecting, literally, millions of Americans. And that doesn't even touch on people in other places.
Democracy can only work with an informed citizen body.
From: calls at theredproject.com < Add to Address Book > To: kathryn at diamondlifecafe.com Cc: Subject: calls x bus to kurtz protest june 15th Sent: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 23:51:32 -0700
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The Calls and Opps List A weekly digest of calls for artists
Edited by Michael Mandiberg
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Hello everybody on the list.
Here is an update to last week's info about Steve Kurtz. There is potentially a bus going from NYC to Buffalo this June 15th. Please go and voice your protest! Get in contact with Sharon Hayes or Valerie Tevere for more information.
Michael
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SHARON HAYES purpleshaze at yahoo.com VALERIE TEVERE neurotransmitter at mail.com
BUS FROM NYC TO BUFFALO for PROTEST JUNE 15th Calling for an IMMEDIATE END TO THE INVESTIGATION OF STEVE KURTZ and the CRITICAL ART ENSEMBLE
PLEASE CIRCULATE WIDELY TO ANY INTERESTED NYC folks.
Sorry for the cross posting.
A group of artists in NYC are organizing a bus to go to Buffalo in support of Steve Kurtz from the Critical Art Ensemble (CAE) who is scheduled to appear in front of a Grand Jury in Buffalo on Tuesday June 15th, 9 AM at the Mahoney Federal Court House, Court St. Buffalo, NY. (If you are not familiar with this case, please see below for more details.)
Thus far seven subpoenas have been issued to: Adele Henderson, Chair of the Art Department at UB; Andrew Johnson, Professor of Art at UB; Paul Vanouse, Professor of Art at UB; Beatriz da Costa, Professor of Art at UCI; Steven Barnes, FSU; Dorian Burr and Beverly Schlee.
Please see the information about the CAE, the case and the peaceful demonstration attached below or visit www.caedefensefund.org.
The plan for the bus from NYC is to leave on the evening of the 14th, drive overnight to be there for the 9am hearing and return that same day to arrive back in New York City on the 15th at night. EXACT DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
We are currently researching commercial bus rentals and the type of bus and would like to gauge how many people will be interesting in traveling from the NYC area to Buffalo. The cost could run anywhere from $45 - $70 each based on the amount of travelers and the bus size. If we can get 47 people, we can keep the cost at $45 and make a strong showing in Buffalo.
If you are interested and would like to take the bus contact us ASAP as reservations must be made soon and we have to asses the amount of people joining the protest from New York City.
SHARON HAYES purpleshaze at yahoo.com VALERIE TEVERE neurotransmitter at mail.com
Please pass this request on to your mailing lists as we'd like to bring as many people as possible up to Buffalo. It is crucial to have a large presence of supporters for Steve Kurtz and the Critical Art Ensemble.
best, Valerie Tevere and Sharon Hayes
PRESS RELEASE: June 8, 2004 Contact: organize at caedefensefund.org
PROTECT US??DON?T PROSECUTE US! SECURE LIBERTY??CRITICAL ART ENSEMBLE IS INNOCENT!
CALL FOR DEMONSTRATION AT GRAND JURY HEARINGS IN BUFFALO. SUPPORT CRITICAL ART ENSEMBLE, FREE SPEECH RIGHTS, AND FREEDOM OF KNOWLEDGE.
The committee to organize CAE Defense is calling for a peaceful demonstration of support outside the Grand Jury hearings on the case of Steve Kurtz (CAE), on June 15th.
WHERE: Mahoney Federal Court House, Court St. Buffalo, NY (See map at: www.visitbuffaloniagara.com) WHEN: 9 AM, June 15, 2004
Critical Art Ensemble (CAE) is a collective of internationally recognized artists who work in public, educational, academic and art contexts. Most recently their work has been directed towards providing the general public with awareness and understanding about biological research. The aim of their work is not alarmist or sensational. Through participatory performance experiences CAE provides information and knowledge. It brings people into contact with the reality of scientific research often not accessible to the general public. The work is always undertaken in a safe and considered way, using materials commonly available in scientific education and research practices.
The FBI in its efforts to protect the public is now overreaching its mandate by using an overwhelming amount of pressure against a group of artists making their work for the peaceful purpose of vital public discussions. Artists like CAE stimulate public debate necessary to a healthy democracy. Our constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and our government is charged with securing that right. The job of democracy is to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority. In the United States we are not governed by mob rule, nor should government exploit its responsibilities to the public by persecuting innocent people. We too, as citizens must stand up now to affirm our rights and defend our liberty.
This is a peaceful demonstration. Please bring signs and banners. Check the website for PDF?s of signs and slogans you can print out.
CIRCULATE THIS CALL AS WIDELY AS YOU CAN PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES ON THE DEMO. www.caedefensefund.org
A Word About Demonstrations. As with all demonstrations it is advisable to bring personal identification (driver?s license, passports, student id?s, proof of address, etc.) Let someone know where you are going to be. Stick with a buddy.
If you can't join the crew on the bus but want to drive yourself. Driving directions: From Interstate 90 take 33W into downtown all the way to the end. It will put you onto Oak St. Continue on Oak for 2 long blocks to Broadway. Go right on Broadway which runs right into Court St. The first square is Lafayette and then comes Niagara Square. There are paid parking lots all around this downtown area. Information on possible housing will soon be available on website also.
BRIEF BACKGROUND STORY: To date Steven Barnes and Dorian Burr, founding members of CAE, as well as Beatriz da Costa and Paul Vanouse, artists who have collaborated with CAE, and artists Adele Henderson and Andrew Johnson, have been served with subpoenas to appear before the federal Grand Jury that will consider bioterrorism charges against University professor Steve Kurtz whose art involves the use of simple biology equipment. The subpoenas are the latest installment in a bizarre investigation in which members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force have mistaken an art project for a biological weapons laboratory (see first press release on www.caedefensefund.org). The artists involved are at a loss to explain the increasingly bizarre case that shows how vulnerable the PATRIOT Act and other post-9/11 ?security? measures have made freedom of speech in this country.
According to the subpoenas, the FBI is seeking charges under Section 175 of the US Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989, which has been expanded by the USA PATRIOT Act to prohibit the possession of "any biological agent, toxin, or delivery system" without the justification of "prophylactic, protective, bona fide research, or other peaceful purpose." (See [http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/18/175.html] for the 1989 law and [http://www.ehrs.upenn.edu/protocols/patriot/sec817.html] for its USA PATRIOT Act expansion.) For more detailed information on the nature of CAE?s projects and the biological agents they were working with please see the website: www.caedefensefund.org.
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If someone blew up the statue of liberty because he hated America and no one was hurt and no one was around, is it terrorism?
Curt
That probably depends on your skin color, nationality, voting record, last time you ate middle eastern food, and a couple other variables. If the FBI can find a copy of the Loompanics mail order catalog in your apartment - then yes, I am certain it would be terrorism. Of course if you do it with CGI and let crazy weather destroy the Statue of Liberty in a movie then it's totally cool.
Marc
calanc wrote: "If someone blew up the statue of liberty because he hated America and no one was hurt and no one was around, is it terrorism?"
Sure, but the statue of liberty is a priceless work of art, and the total damage of the SUV is $40,000.
If it was a Halloween prank, he wouldn't be doing that kind of time. So when people are given long sentences because of the ideology behind the act, then they really do become political prisoners.
That's why these artists, dealing with the issue of genetically engineered foods, are really pissing off the government. We, as a corporate-dominated nation, are so bent on shoving genetically modified foods into other countries that we are threatening to withhold AIDS relief if they don't take the seeds.
And once they take the seeds, they owe Monsanto, because legally, Monsanto "invented" corn and soybeans. And you pay them, harvest after harvest, season after season. Brazil, is literally, like music sharing, getting busted by Monsanto for "Piracy", planting corn seeds without paying a royalty.
K
"the statue of liberty is a priceless work of art"
Ah, I hadn't thought of that one.
OK, so the penalty should be the same regardless of the intent. So by that reasoning, you are opposed to hate crime laws.
Curt
At 12:39 PM 6/11/2004 -0500, calanc wrote:
I'd need to see what statute that person was charged under. Assumably yes.
In regards to the SUV torching guy.
Now, I have heard of this guy before, and seem to recall meeting someone who was pals with/dated or something him and had a conversation about this case. I looked on the website and looked at what he was convicted of. (see bottom of e-mail).
Now I loathe the Ashcroft/Bush/Cheney regime more than most, but I don't see, on a cursory look, how the patriot act, environmental terrorism, or Ashcroft ties into this (This reminds me of the argument I had with a member of Negativland about how they were (in my mind wrongly) representing themselves as martyrs of copyright enforcement when in reality they were being sued under the Lanham act for trade dress violations, which is a lot less sexy). This seems to be surprisingly dull and normal as criminal prosecutions go. Unless I missed something exciting in the web site text (which is possible as I just glanced) I don't see anything terribly bizarre in this case.
His sentence seems egregious, but these days they all do. Thank you the "Tough on Crime" fab. I would be interested in looking at the statistics on sentencing in Oregon. But none of the sentences look terribly out of line for the crimes. I think it is a pity, as incarceration is undoubtedly not going to serve any real purpose, but you have to remember if you go around burning car dealerships, someone will track you down and make you pay.
I hope he gets a sentence reduction on appeal, or exonerated entirely, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Jeffrey Michael Luers Sentencing - June 11, 2001 Lane County, Eugene OR
Convicted of the crimes of ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Counts 1, 2, and 3), CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 4), UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Counts 5 and 12), UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Counts 6 and 13), ATTEMPTED ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Counts 9 and 10) and ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 11).
* UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Count 12) - sentenced to 90 days, considered served. (Lane County) * UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Count 13) - sentenced 90 days, considered served. (Lane County) * ATTEMPTED ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 9) sentenced to Dept. of Corrections, State of OR, - 44 months. Sentence imposed for County 9 shall be concurrent with the sentences imposed with Counts 12 and 13 above. * ATTEMPTED CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 11) merges with Count 10. * ATTEMPTED ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 10) sentenced Dept. of Corrections, State of OR - 18 months.Sentence imposed for Count 10 shall be consecutive to the sentence imposed for Count 9. * UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Count 5)sentenced 24 months. Sentence imposed for Count 5 shall be served consecutive to the sentence imposed for Count 10. * UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE (Count 6) sentenced 18 months. Sentence imposed for Count 6 shall be concurrent with the sentence imposed for Count 5. * CRIMINAL MISCHIEF IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 4) merges for the purposes of sentence with Count 1. * ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 1) sentenced 90 months as established in Ballot Measure 11. Sentence on Count 1 shall be consecutive to the sentence imposed for Count 5. * ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 2) sentenced to 90 months as established in Ballot Measures 11. Sentence on Count 2 shall be concurrent with the sentence imposed for Count 1. * ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE (Count 3) sentenced to 90 months as established by Ballot Measure 22. Sentence on Count 3 shall be consecutive to the sentence for Count 1. It is the finding of the Court, pursuant to Ballot Measure 11, that for each Count 1, Count 2, and Count 3 the defendant shall serve the entire sentence imposed by the Court and shall not, during the service of this sentence, be eligible for release on post-prison supervision or any form of temporary leave from custody, and that said defendant shall not be eligible for any reduction in sentence for any reason whatsoever under ORS 421.120 or 421.121, or any other statute.
The length of post-prison supervision shall be 36 months. If defendant violates the condition of post-prison supervision, the defendant shall be subject to sanctions including the possibility of additional imprisonment as provided by law.
The defendants Motion for Acquittal as to Counts 7 and 8 (CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT ARSON IN THE FIRST DEGREE) is granted and Counts 7 and 8 are dismissed.
I'd love to see a trial transcript of this case. I don't feel like I know enough about the facts to really have a clear opinion. However, I am sure his ideology came into play, but lets not forget the fact that we are talking about someone who firebombed some-elses property. Possibly creating risks to the health and safety of other people. Granted SUVs seem like they have it coming, but that is one groups view, keep in mind that without some standards societal norms break down.
Okay, fine, we allow people to torch Hummers, maybe next time someone else decides it's okay to torch an art museum (They hate that modern stuff), then maybe someone else want to blow up a rivals Political offices, or maybe someone decides the country's problems can be tied to the Jews and they have it coming. One groups ideology should not exempt them from prosecution under the law when they break the law. It shouldn't deny them equal protection either.
The legal system may not be perfect, but as a default set of rules it does a reasonably decent job.
These are both good points. If I really had to pick, I guess I would have to say that I would be, on some level, opposed to hate crime laws, mostly because I really believe that real rehabilitation of people is possible, but not through the prison system. Before everyone jumps on me, I'm saying that if supporting hate crime extreme sentencing meant I also had to support other types of throw-the-book-at-them sentencing like the "three strikes" sentencing, then fine, I would go for lesser sentencing.
Three dudes who had been fired from their jobs running prisons in the US for gross mistreatment of inmates and were recruited up by the government to set up Abu-Gareb. They tortured and killed and let people get raped here in the US before they took their show on the road.
I take this point after having spent some time in jail. (and yes, I made art in jail). I remember I got out, with marker writing all over my arms, and got into a fistfight with someone within hours of being released. I was so bitter and angry. I'm not saying we shouldn't pull people off the streets, but it HELPS no one.
We have more people in jail, per capita, than any other country, including Russia. We are among only 5 other nations to give the death sentence to people who committed their crimes as minors. We, as Americans, LOVE jail. We love locking people up and throwing away the key, it is widely supported by the American public. For-profit prisons are big, big, money. And money affects the media... And media makes Americans scared of crime.. Which affects public opinion.. And around and around.
K
The Linden is in bloom. You can smell it from a block away. Unfortunately also the Ailanthus is -- stinks from a block away.
/jno
"Unfortunately also the Ailanthus is -- stinks from a block away."
That's not the Ailanthus, its the crap being used to construct the pedestal for Reagan's sainthood.
On Sun, 20 Jun 2004 Aeelms at aol.com wrote:
And ... does not _anyone_ remember that he was _not_ a good president? Who runs these puppets anyway? Let the rich speak up now. /jno
October Surprise Creative Interventions and Underground Politics in Northeast Los Angeles October 8-11, 2004 [http://www.theoctobersurprise.org]
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
This is our city, let's live in it!
Open Call for Artists, Activists, Social Interventionists, Architects, Gardeners, Solar Engineers, and others for site-specific projects in Northeast Los Angeles to celebrate our neighborhoods and strengthen creative, grassroots power.
-East of the LA River and stretching up along Figueroa and the Arroyo Seco, Highland Park is girdled by Mount Washington, Montecito Heights, Glassel Park and Eagle Rock. Highland Park is but one town among many that we could all call home.
Global Capitalism asks us to ignore the unique histories, experiences and knowledge that each spot of earth provides its residents. We become global drifters--just one more consumer wearing a Hard Rock Caf T-shirt from Bangkok, Paris or Disneyland.
In response, October Surprise calls for site-specific installations and interventions that make THIS place our home. We are calling for work that reveals and celebrates the past, present and possible futures of Northeast LA
What:
- October Surprise will converge artists, activists and the community to
celebrate our neighborhoods and strengthen creative, grassroots power,
using site-specific installations, interventions, art, monuments,
performance, and other events.
- Projects will be situated throughout the neighborhood.
Where:
-We are calling for projects throughout Northeast LA along the boulevards
and arroyos; in the public spaces, community places and private homes.
-The Arroyo Arts Collective at 135 N. Ave. 50 in Highland Park will serve as a convergence, or meeting space, where participants can present and discuss their work. Additionally, we are interested in hosting pertinent lectures. And though the gallery space can be used to present documentation of projects and ideas, we are specifically looking for site-specific projects throughout the neighborhood.
When:
-Projects will occur on the long weekend of October 8, 9, and 10, 2004.
Documentation of the events will remain in the gallery through October
into the first week of November and Election Day. (Ongoing projects are
encouraged.)
Why:
-We hope to help reveal a city to itself and energize its communities. One
month before the election, we are organizing this event to show where
democracy really lives--in our neighborhoods, streets and homes. Now is as
good a time as any to strengthen political and cultural discussions where
it really counts--at the grassroots.
How:
-Send us a proposal by August 1st. This is a non-juried exhibition but we
would like to have a basic participants list for organizational purposes
(including for fundraising, publicity, and for a possible catalogue).
(Note: Having your proposal by August 1st will help us help you realize
your project)
-We don t need a fancy resume, just articulate some of your ideas and tell us how you connect to this place called Northeast LA.
Contact us with questions and proposals: email: opencall at theoctobersurprise.org ph: 323-449-9019 (English) ph: 323-227-5861 (Espa ol)
or mail proposals to: October Surprise c/o Flor y Canto 3706 N. Figueroa Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90065
Or stop by Friday nights at Flor Y Canto and ask for Jennifer.
Questions to get you thinking:
-As we barrel toward an ugly national election with frightening
implications for our country, it s time to also ask questions about our
immediate community and figure out how to at least make this small patch
of earth better for all. Projects should speak to an audience that is as
diverse as the neighborhood. Take the dare. Find the language.Northeast
LA:
-What memories of the neighborhood inform the way you live there today?
-What are the neighborhood s specific histories and geographies?
-What was it like to party at Flat Tops, to cruise Arroyo Seco Park? Where can teens hang out now?
-Where locally must racism and classism be addressed? What specifically can be done to reduce racial and class-based injustice and tension?
-How can the diverse populations of the area find an equitable common ground? Where have they found common ground in the past?
-Who and what are the political forces that make real change in our community?
-How can we make the power-holders more accountable to all of the neighborhood s long-term interests?
-Will a Food 4 Less and a Trader Joes ever exist on the same block? How about a locally owned store that sells inexpensive healthy food?
-The new Gold Line brings alternative transportation and more gentrification; what does this all mean?
-What ways can we better live close to this beautiful land--should the hilltops be lined with windmills generating electricity? Could the hillside neighborhoods support orchards to feed the city?
-How can we strengthen the local economy to enrich the grass roots?
-What fun, beautiful, exciting things can you and your friends make happen here?
More on Northeast Los Angeles: October Surprise unfolds in a neighborhood that has a long history of art, politics, and cultural activism. This area once was the home of the indigenous Tongva, old west outlaws, old time Hollywood elite and the artists and intellectuals of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The area gradually morphed into a neighborhood of a mixture of classes with all the inherent tensions that implies. Today s residents' live in a surprising demographic patchwork with socioeconomic groups are scattered across the landscape. Italians, Philippinos, Mexicans, Central Americans and others hold onto niches carved out in LA s oscillating real estate market and changing social attitudes. Today, upwardly mobile newcomers from Silverlake, West Los Angeles and elsewhere snatching the funky old houses, their tastes and interests changing the neighborhood again.
Many residents are oblivious to the continued radical traditions of the area. Many others are unaware of social technologies that can change the way we all live in our towns. National consumer trends and media driven taste tell residents that family histories and local sagas are forgettable in the broad scope of the brave new world. New tastes have brought in stores selling the latest necessity of Global Capitalism in stores that threaten to replace the seemingly mundane auto body shops and beauty parlors that line Figueroa and neighboring streets.
Background:
-October Surprise is based on an event known as the DSLR (Department of
Space and Land Reclamation) which originated in Chicago in 1999. These
events invite artists and activists to converge at a central location and
then go out into the city and create artwork about the social issues of
the city. For more info on DSLR see:
[http://www.counterproductiveindustries.com]
[http://www.dslrwest.org]
[http://www.freewords.org/biennial/fbdir.html]
See also Portland Oregon s City Repair Project [http://www.cityrepair.org/projects.html]
-October Surprise s title refers to Ronald Reagan s 1980 election year duplicity. He illegally bargained covertly with the Iranian government to postpone freeing the American hostages until after the November Presidential election in order to reflect badly on incumbent Jimmy Carter. [http://www.skepticfiles.org/socialis/spriseoc.htm]
Resources:
-Some good on-line resources to learn about Highland Park and all of
Northeast LA are:
HIGHLAND PARK MURALS (various locations and artists) [http://first.grconnect.com/murals/html/highland_park.html]
Historical Society of Southern California [http://www.socalhistory.org/]
Bob Taylor's history of Highland Park development [http://www.bob] -taylor.com/highpark.htm
Gentrification in Highland Park [http://la.indymedia.org/news/2003/03/35086.php]
Hope that all you OG's are still following the Critical Art Ensemble developments which continue to get more disturbing even as news of this fucked up situation slowly vanishes from the media.
Some new information from [http://www.caedefensefund.org/:]
Update June 23rd, 2004: CAE's publishing company Autonomedia was served a subpoena yesterday! Autonomedia is a publisher from New York well known for its mid-sized publication of books on old and new media from writers such as Hakim Bey, Felix Guattari, and Michel Foucault.
Update June 17th, 2004: The results of Tuesday's grand jury hearing are still not officially known. However, the FBI continues to subpoena witnesses for further grand jury hearings continuing at least until June 29th. The ninth person subpoened, Julie Perini, is a student of Steve Kurtz at UB.
So now students and publishers are in the mix. If you haven't done so already, now might be a good time to buy an Autonomedia book, throw a couple bucks CAE's way, tell a sympathetic rich relative about what's going on, or otherwise figure out a way to support these folks. Just a suggestion, Marc