Democracy

A Mandela Legacy Locally?

There will be much talk over the coming days about the true legacy of Mandela. What it is, and what it isn't. And possibly whether or not it has any relevance to democracy and politics in Orange County.

First, Mandela himself, and his immediate legacy. For me, a middle-aged white Brit, of American parents, a former Thatcher groupie, but now more center-left, the lasting legacy of Mandela will be his achievement in creating the space which allowed South Africa to transition to black majority rule without massive bloodshed.

Open Letter to Govenor McCrory

Dear Govenor McCrory:

Please pubically come out against Bill 589. And to veto the Bill. The bill takes away constitutional rights of people with disabilities, like me. 

I have CP, and I'm in an electric wheelchair, and the only way I can vote is to vote early, and once in awhile I have to vote provisionally. I have voted provisionally twice, because it is too hard to get to my precinct. The bill takes away these options. And, with the bill, my staff can't come with me anymore and get paid. And it makes it harder for people who aren't their own guardians to vote. This is against the ADA reasonable accomodations. 

You all should think twice about this. BEFORE passing it. 

From, 

Ellen Perry

Weaver Street Workers' Woes Continue ...

As an active worker-owner with Weaver Street Market Co-operative these past six years, I have worked hard not only to help WSM be successful as a business, but also as a model for democratic co-operation. It is with regret that I have to report that WSM continues to fail on both counts. It is time now to begin an active, community-wide conversation about the future financial and co-operative direction of WSM, and I invite OrangePolitics to take part in that conversation.

Bottom line: WSM has a crippling long-term debt of $8 million, incurred undemocratically in order to pay for the dubious expansion project of 2007/2008. That debt is costing our co-op millions in capital and interest repayments each year. Hence, the need for the 15% sales increase in 2011. With similar efforts required in the next four years.

It is WSM workers who are having to make those repayments by working ever harder, for less. We get longer opening hours. Less shift hours. Insufficient staff support. Paltry pay raises. And no dividend (haven't seen one for the past three years).

Elizabeth Edwards luncheon in Raleigh

Join Common Cause North Carolina this Saturday, December 5, at 11:30 AM, as we honor Elizabeth Edwards for her courageous struggle for health care reform! This event, which is co-sponsored by the AJ Fletcher Foundation, will be held at the brand new Campbell Law School in Downtown Raleigh. Ms. Edwards will offer some remarks on health care reform, and take questions from the audience. Tickets include lunch and are $25; hosting sponsorships are available for $100. Space is limited; please visit www.commoncause.org/nc/eedwards to RSVP!

Location: 

Campbell Law School, 225 Hillsborough St

Candidate Forum: Social Issues Facing Chapel Hill

Gene Nichol moderates this social justice focused candidate forum on Wednesday, Oct 21 from 7-9 p.m. Hear candidate ideas and positions on issues like affordable housing, democracy reform and civil rights, welcoming Chapel Hill's immigrant and refugee communities, and environmental justice. 

Candidate forum sponsors include: NC Common Cause, Democracy North Carolina, League of Women Voters, NAACP (UNC Chapter), Justice and Peace Commission of The Church of Reconciliation. Individual sponsors include: Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams (Chapel of the Cross), Rev. Bob Dunham (University Presbyterian Church), Richard andJill Edens (United Church of Chapel Hill), and Rev. Peter JB Carman (Binkley Baptist Church).

Due to other church business that evening, THERE IS NO PARKING AT UUMC. Please plan to use street or other available parking.

Contact Josh Glasser, JGlasser@CommonCause.org or 919-260-1364 for more information

Date: 

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 - 3:00pm to 5:00pm

Location: 

University United Methodist Church, 150 E Franklin St.

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