#grassroots governance

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur MLA Pledges Infrastructure Boost for Bonta Village

Villagers Demand Tube Well and Road Repair in Meeting with Legislator Bonta residents voice concerns over water scarcity and poor road conditions, prompting MLA Kalindi to assure swift action on rural development initiatives. JAMSHEDPUR – Local legislator Mangal Kalindi met with residents of Bonta Tola Jiradungri to address urgent infrastructure needs, promising rapid improvements to water access…

[voxina]

👏👏👏

[tmarshconnors]

"There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part! You can't even passively take part! And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels ... upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop! And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"

Mario Savio (December 8, 1942 – November 6, 1996) was an American activist and a key member of the Berkeley Free Speech Movement.

[dailyanarchistposts]

Normally the settlement of claims to property are something the court system takes very seriously. The very foundation of capitalism after all is that some person can claim ownership of a piece of land, and through that ownership charge others rent to use it.

Or that ownership of machinery can be used to take most of the value of what the workers using the machines produce to sell for profit. Obviously such a system depends on the courts and the threat of violence to prevent those actually doing the work or living on the land telling the ‘owner’ to get lost.

The major exception is when those with the legal claims are from the First Nations, in particular when the claim is one of collective ownership by a community to the land. Then rather than usual pattern of careful investigation and prompt decisions we see the most absurd ‘sales’ treated as valid, legal documents all but torn up and legal processes drawn out for decades without conclusion. Meanwhile the courts are used to suppress the protests of those who appear to have the best legal claim to ownership.

In 1995 Tyendinaga Mohawks submitted an official land claim which included the gravel quarry worked by Thurlow Aggregates. It took till 2003 for the claim to be acknowledged as legitimate by the Canadian government. Yet this did not halt the quarrying, the Ontario government continued to renew the license to Thurlow and thousands of truckloads of gravel continued to leave.

Another occupation began February 2006 when members of Six Nations reclaimed the Douglas Creek Estates bordering Caledonia. Their claim is based on the fact that the so called agreement where they were said to have surrendered this land was obviously invalid. Yet far from waiting on the sidelines until the courts resolved this the police in April moved in to evict them.

So why don’t the Canadian courts jump to the defense of indigenous property rights in the manner they would if workers occupied a factory or tenants refused to pay rent to a landlord?

Fundamentally they face the problem that courts all over the Americas face. Capitalism in the Americas was built out of a massive theft where the existence of the indigenous populations who were living on the land was not even recognized. Indigenous nations that tried to defend their usage were murdered. Many were enslaved in the mines and the estates of the new owners. Across the America’s any legal system that recognized the de facto claim to the land by those who had been living on it would undermine the base of North American capitalism.

Historic conditions in Canada meant that here more than elsewhere the colonial power was forced to concede some recognition that there were people already living on the land. Legal treaties recognizing this are thus more common and of quite recent origin. Yet at the same time a significant wing of capitalism in Canada makes it profits from the massive extraction of resources from the land covered by such treaties.

A speedy and fair resolution of the land disputes would be a major problem for these corporations and the courts and government know this. This is why last August Canada was one of only four countries to vote against a UN declaration on indigenous rights.

[ivygorgon]

Embrace Civic Engagement with Resistbot

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Resistbot inboxes: Apple Messages, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Instagram

Growing up and becoming politically active in today's internet-connected, densely populated United States was initially intimidating. Balancing daily life with political awareness seemed daunting, especially beyond the presidential elections. It often felt like engaging as a citizen was beyond reach, considering the demands of everyday life.

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However, I've noticed that despite its power, Resistbot's impact remains limited due to low engagement. That's why I'm reaching out to you. I urge my family, friends, and even strangers to experience this incredible tool. I hope it inspires you as it did me, prompting action on causes that may seem distant but are worth fighting for. Whether it's using this tool to participate in elections or advocating for important issues, every action matters.

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💘 Q'u lach' shughu deshni da.

🏹 "What I say is true" in Dena'ina Qenaga

Resistbot social medias: Discord, Mastadon, Substack, TikTok, Threads, Twitter

To get started, I recommend signing this petition:

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[greenthestral]

Crushing Poverty: Unleashing the Power of Goal 1 for a Prosperous World

Introduction

In an ideal world, every individual should have the opportunity to thrive, free from the grip of poverty. However, poverty remains a persistent and complex challenge that affects billions of people worldwide. Acknowledging this dire reality, the United Nations set forth a transformative agenda known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Among the 17 goals, Goal 1 stands as a beacon of hope, aiming to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. In this article, we will explore the significance of Goal 1, delve into the multifaceted nature of poverty, discuss its impacts, and outline a roadmap to achieve a poverty-free world.

The Urgency of No Poverty

Poverty is not merely a statistic; it represents the daily struggle of countless individuals, families, and communities. The urgency to address this issue is paramount, as poverty engenders a host of other social, economic, and political problems. Poverty leads to increased social inequalities, limits access to basic human rights, perpetuates cycles of deprivation, and hampers sustainable development efforts. It is crucial to acknowledge that poverty is not an isolated problem but rather interconnected with several other SDGs, such as those related to hunger, health, education, and gender equality.

The Significance of Goal 1

Goal 1 serves as the foundation upon which the other SDGs can be achieved. By focusing on poverty eradication, societies can break free from the vicious cycle of deprivation and inequality, creating an environment conducive to sustainable development. Goal 1 encompasses three dimensions of poverty: extreme poverty (living on less than $1.90 a day), moderate poverty, and multidimensional poverty, which takes into account factors such as education, health, and standard of living.

Understanding Poverty

Defining Poverty

Poverty can be defined as a state of deprivation, where individuals lack access to resources and opportunities required for a decent standard of living. Beyond financial poverty, it encompasses various aspects, including inadequate education, limited access to healthcare, lack of clean water and sanitation, insufficient housing, and social exclusion. A comprehensive understanding of poverty requires recognizing its multidimensional nature, acknowledging the complexities that perpetuate its existence.

The Multi-Dimensional Nature of Poverty

Poverty extends far beyond monetary measures. It manifests in different forms, affecting diverse dimensions of human life. Access to quality education, healthcare, housing, clean water, sanitation, and basic infrastructure are crucial components that contribute to poverty alleviation. Additionally, social exclusion, discrimination, and gender inequality serve as barriers, exacerbating the effects of poverty and limiting opportunities for marginalized groups.

The Impacts of Poverty

Economic Consequences

Poverty has far-reaching economic consequences, creating a vicious cycle that hampers economic growth. Individuals living in poverty often lack access to education and skills training, limiting their employment prospects and perpetuating low-income jobs. Reduced productivity, limited market participation, and insufficient investment in human capital are key challenges that stem from poverty, inhibiting economic development at both individual and societal levels.

Social and Psychological Effects

Beyond economic implications, poverty takes a toll on the social fabric of societies. It breeds social inequalities, marginalizes individuals and communities, and leads to a lack of social cohesion. Poverty often results in increased crime rates, unequal access to justice, and limited political participation. Moreover, the psychological impact of poverty cannot be overlooked, as individuals experience heightened stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which further hinders their ability to break free from the poverty trap.

The Roadmap to No Poverty

Empowering Individuals

To effectively combat poverty, empowerment plays a pivotal role. Empowering individuals involves providing access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection systems. Equipping individuals with skills and knowledge empowers them to participate fully in the economy, enabling sustainable livelihoods and enhancing their overall well-being.

Enhancing Economic Opportunities

Promoting inclusive economic growth is crucial in eradicating poverty. This requires creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, job creation, and investment. Governments, in partnership with the private sector, can foster innovation and provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic development and reduce inequalities.

Creating Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is essential for breaking the cycle of poverty. It entails investing in infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and adopting environmentally friendly practices. Embracing sustainable development principles ensures the conservation of natural resources, mitigates climate change, and creates opportunities for economic growth that benefits all segments of society.

Success Stories and Inspiring Initiatives

Microfinance Revolutionizing Lives

Microfinance has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against poverty. By providing small loans and financial services to the most vulnerable populations, microfinance institutions empower individuals to start businesses, improve their livelihoods, and escape poverty. The Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, founded by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, stands as a shining example of how microfinance can transform lives.

Conditional Cash Transfer Programs: Breaking the Cycle

Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programs have gained traction worldwide as effective poverty reduction strategies. These programs provide direct cash transfers to low-income households, conditional upon certain behaviors such as sending children to school or attending healthcare appointments. By incentivizing education and healthcare utilization, CCT programs break intergenerational cycles of poverty, offering families a pathway towards a better future.

Education as the Key to Prosperity

Education is an indispensable tool for poverty eradication. Investing in quality education, particularly for marginalized communities, equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to break free from the chains of poverty. Accessible and inclusive education systems empower individuals to secure better employment opportunities, escape poverty, and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Role of Governments, NGOs, and Individuals

Government Policies and International Cooperation

Governments play a crucial role in implementing policies and creating an enabling environment to eradicate poverty. It requires effective governance, equitable resource allocation, and social protection systems. International cooperation, through partnerships and aid, is also vital in supporting countries' efforts to achieve Goal 1.

NGOs and Grassroots Movements

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and grassroots movements play a significant role in poverty reduction by filling gaps in service delivery, advocating for marginalized communities, and facilitating empowerment initiatives. Their on-the-ground presence and community-driven approaches help address the unique challenges faced by different communities.

Individual Actions: The Power of Small Steps

While governments and organizations have a crucial role to play, individuals can also make a difference in the fight against poverty. Small acts of kindness, volunteering, supporting local businesses, and advocating for social justice contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society. Collectively, these individual actions have the potential to create a ripple effect and drive meaningful change.

Conclusion

Goal 1: No Poverty serves as a rallying point for humanity to address the pervasive challenge of poverty. Understanding the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and its far-reaching impacts is essential for crafting effective strategies. By empowering individuals, enhancing economic opportunities, and fostering sustainable development, we can move closer to a world free from poverty. Success stories and inspiring initiatives, combined with the collective efforts of governments, NGOs, and individuals, offer hope for a future where no one is left behind. Let us unite and work tirelessly to achieve Goal 1 and build a prosperous world for all.

[selamat-linting]

fuck the military and all but making some tweets and wearing black on thursdays are. fucking stupid. because its ineffective. i hate liberals. political power comes from the barrel of a gun. at least have the guts to occupy some government office.

[auntiebillionaire]

Education department employees placed on leave

Alt National parks page

[quillsword]

Will Trump Save the World?

No, of course not. Seriously, you have got to stop watching only action adventure movies. Well, sure, they’re the best but Man does not live by shoot ’em ups alone. Need some more fiber in that diet. No, you’re not going on a documentary diet. What kind of a fiend do you take me for? But we do need to round out your media diet so that you stop expecting that one hero will save the world. At…

[stakeholders-sgv]

Stuck on Big Tech vs. Big China, America Overlooks the Real Social Media Revolution Happening Elsewhere

— Why the U.S. is Falling Behind as the Fediverse & Open-Source Take Over Europe & Canada The Fediverse and open-source social media are gaining momentum worldwide, and especially in Europe and Canada — while the U.S. lags behind. What is this all about? Why are we so disconnected in the way we connect on the web? In America, traditional platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter),…

[womenclature]

Family Faces 10 Years in Prison For “Stealing” Land They’ve Cultivated Since 1913

GoFundMe: Help the Maude Family Preserve Their Legacy

A grand jury indicted Charles and Heather Maude Hog and Cattle of Caputa, South Dakota on June 24th, 2024 for the theft of government property. The indictment stated that "Charles Maude and Heather Maude did knowingly steal, purloin, and convert to their own use of National Grasslands managed by the United States Department of Agriculture.....approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for cultivation and approximately 25 acres of National Grasslands for grazing cattle."

This carries a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both, if found guilty.

The Maude family has owned the US Forest Service allotment in question since the Forest Service came into existence and has managed that same land since 1913. The family has never been advised it was violating any rules and to this day the family maintains its grazing agreement in good standing. When the US Forest Service presented concerns to Charles and Heather, the couple immediately sought resolution- presenting options including a special use permit to be put into place until a permanent solution was found, or a land trade. After just two meetings, the US Forest Service stopped discussing amicable resolution options and within a couple of weeks, Charles and Heather were indicted.

The fact that the two are indicted separately means they must each retain their own legal counsel-doubling their attorney fees.

The indictment hearing was on July 8th, 2024. Now, they wait to learn the evidence the US Forest Service used to indict them.

Charles and Heather rely on this land including the acres in question for their feed base and are facing a feed shortage. They have been unable to utilize it in that manner this growing season.

Heather's stories and photography have appeared on the pages of TSLN for many years. Her writing slowed down as her two children arrived and her direct sales meat business grew exponentially. She now contributes a bi-weekly column, Day writing.

Please consider donating to this hard-working family as they face the unknown. Please help them continue to farm, ranch, and grow their family in western South Dakota as they have for 5 generations.

GoFundMe Link:

For even more info, if curious:

[mariacallous]

If you have read about fascism and tyranny or watched cable news, you have probably seen Professor Timothy Snyder, who has been warning about Trump and tyranny for a few years now.

Snyder’s book On Tyranny is one of the go-to modern works for people who want to understand tyranny and how to fight it, so what Professor Snyder posted on his X account on Saturday merits attention.

Snyder posted:

Something is shifting. They are still breaking things and stealing things. And they will keep trying to break and to steal. But the propaganda magic around the oligarchical coup is fading. Nervous Musk, Trump, Vance have all been outclassed in public arguments these last few days. Government failure, stock market crash, and dictatorial alliances are not popular. People are starting to realize that there is no truth here beyond the desire for personal wealth and power.

Professor Snyder’s perception is backed up by a mountain of polling that shows the country turning against Donald Trump in increasing numbers. If polling isn’t convincing, consider the large and growing number of almost daily protests directed at what Trump and Musk are doing.

There are also results. When the public gets angry and speaks out, the Trump administration has caved.

Actual fascists don’t allow their opposition to speak out. A real authoritarian doesn’t cave. When pressure is applied to the Trump administration, it breaks. The reason why it breaks is successful authoritarian movements have a majority of the population behind them.

Trump’s support is sinking like a stone.

None of this means that the country is out of the woods yet. As Professor Snyder wrote, Trump and his billionaires are going to try and try again, which means that it is going to take constant resistance from the American people to defeat them.

Things will get much easier for pro-democracy Americans if Democrats win control of the House in special elections this year or next year's midterm election.

Until then, it will be a grassroots battle.

The good news is that Trump is losing, and so far, Americans are fighting for their democracy.

[robertreich]

Friends, A grassroots movement is calling on all Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers — including Amazon — tomorrow, February 28, as part of an “economic blackout.” The purpose is to send a clear message: We have the power. We don’t have to accept corporate monopolies. We don’t have to live with corporate money corrupting our politics. We don’t have to accept more tax cuts for billionaires. We don’t have to pay more of our hard-earned cash to Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerberg or the other billionaire oligarchs. We don’t have to reward corporations that have abandoned their DEI policies to align themselves with Trump’s racist, homophobic, misogynistic agenda. We have choices. Most Americans are struggling to keep up. Most live from paycheck to paycheck. Most can barely afford housing costs, food prices, and pharmaceuticals — kept high by monopolies, and fueled by private equity. If politicians won’t hear the voices of average Americans who are being shafted by corporate America, we have to deliver our message to corporate America directly. From midnight tonight to midnight Friday night, please: No Amazon, no Walmart, no Best Buy, no Target, no Disney, no Google, no Facebook. Don’t spend on fast food, major retailers, or gas. Avoid using credit or debit cards to make nonessential purchases. Buy essentials such as medicine, food, and emergency supplies, of course, but make those purchases at small, local businesses. Consider this a test run. If lots of people participate, I’m sure a longer one will be organized. (Tomorrow’s economic blackout is an initiative of The People’s Union USA, which describes itself as a “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability, and corporate reform.”)' I hope you'll join. What do you think?

[shamballalin]

How to Fix the Broken Electoral College

For more than 50 years, Common Cause and their members have fought for the democracy we deserve,[1] working to make every vote equal with the National Popular Vote. The National Popular Vote compact is based on a simple principle: the American people should pick who serves as the President of the United States and the candidate with the most votes should win. National Popular Vote would…