Busting Myths: The purposeless University District Organization trashes and defaces the University District itself

Empty beer can on the ground outside at night

As I demonstrate in previous essays, the “city” of Columbus, Ohio and The Ohio State University are two peas in a decaying pod. (See references below.)The intertwined failings of the two disorganized, anti-constituent, private-profiteering, anti-public institutions are symbolically and practically encapsulated in the purposeless, falsely-named University District Organization. The UDO, as it calls itself (but does not pronounce out loud at least in my hearing), is the illegitimate creation of the two. It is  no more than an offense to members of both communities. 

Mary Jane’s Guide – SPECIAL ANGEL: In Loving Memory of Angelica Warren and all she taught us

Logo with photo of Angelica

Artistic. Natural. Gracious. Eclectic. Loving. Intelligent. Courageous. Adventurous. What other adjectives might describe Angelica Warren? With her passing on September 2nd, she’s now the stuff of legend, or at least she should be.

Angelica – Angel for short – might have been your typical Millennial. A free spirit who challenged authority. But any vision of a normal life became colored by the worst possible diagnosis: brain cancer. For the last 15 years, terminal illness transformed a beautiful young woman with endless possibilities into a debilitated, housebound patient. Was Angel content with this fate? Frankly, No. But she defied the odds. Considering her journey, she was one special Angel.

These memories make this clear.

Is the Transition to a Radically New Future Even Possible?

Fist

Many thought leaders now recognize that incremental reforms, although useful, are not sufficient to propel the radical changes needed to transition to a future that avoids catastrophic climate chaos. As noted earlier, the poly crises we now face — income inequality, global warming, nuclear war, etc. are symptoms of the economic globalization that has emerged in the last 50 years. Corporate oligarchies now effectively “rule the world” with international trade agreements designed to manage the neoliberal order.

Does City Council candidate Adrienne Hood have a case with the Voter Rights Act of 1965?

Adrienne and Remy

For the first time, after more than a century, Columbus will vote for district candidates in November. But as activists have repeatedly argued, there’s nothing district about it. Candidates must live in one of the nine geographically designed districts as each has roughly 100,000 residents. However, the November 7 vote is citywide, and representation will remain “at-large.”

“If it were just my district to win I’d have a huge chance of winning,” said City Council candidate Adrienne Hood who’s running in District 4, which includes large swaths of the Northside, parts of Clintonville, North and South Linden, and also the street where undercover Columbus police shot and killed her son.

Last decade, three citizen-led initiatives sought true districts, also known as wards, through the ballot, but all lost. In 2016, Issue 1 was championed by the group Everyday People For Positive Change. They were soundly defeated by Columbus voters after a $1.1 million corporate-funded ad campaign by City officials.

Earth Care: From Anxiety to Action

Details about event

Saturday, September 30, 9am-12:30pm, North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway

Join us for a seminar on small actions you can take to care for the Earth.

Lunch will be included; giveaways will be provided by our exhibitors!

Event Overview

8:30am: Doors Open

• Exhibits with complimentary beverages

9am: Welcome

• Welcome Message

9:15am: Opening Session

• “Uncomfortable Choices: Climate Justice for Generational Thriving,” with Dr. Tim Van Meter, Methodist Theological School in Ohio

10am: Breakout Sessions

• “Columbus Recycling and Composting Trash,” with Areyh Alex from Sustainable Columbus

• “Being a Green Church,” with Rev. Phyllis Fetzer

• “Clean Energy Tax Breaks and Grants from the new IRA [Inflation Reduction Act],” with Mike Holm

• “Living more Sustainably,” with Mariellyn Grace

11am: 15-Minute Break

11:15am: Breakout Sessions

• “Greenspot: Practical Tips for Individuals,” with Shanikka Flinn and Dave Celebreeze from Sustainable Columbus

Ghosts of the Past: For Israel, War on UNESCO is an Existential Battle

Jericho does not belong to the Palestinians alone. It belongs to the whole of humanity. 

 For Israel, however, the recognition by UNESCO of Jericho as a “World Heritage Site in Palestine” complicates its mission of erasing Palestine, physically and figuratively, from existence. 

 The decision was described by Israel’s foreign ministry as a “cynical” ploy by the Palestinians to politicize UNESCO.

Make America Dumb Again

Presidential library for traitors

Legalize Abortion Once And For All

Details about event

Thursday, September 28, 6pm, ​The Royal Oak Initiative (ROI), 80 Parsons Ave.

This location is across the street from Upper Cup Coffee at 79 Parsons Ave.

Join us for a community forum and art workshop to demand we legalize abortion once and for all!

Hear from leaders in the movement fighting for reproductive justice at the ballot box, in the prisons, and in the streets! Engage in block printing, collaging, coloring, and drawing in our art workshop as we create pieces of art in support of the movement for abortion.

Masks will be required and will be provided; refreshments will be provided.

Hosted by PSL [Party for Socialism and Liberation] Columbus.

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