As many citizens of undemocratic, unrepresentative, anti-public, and corrupt Columbus now know, the city faces a “Democratic” primary election on May 2, 2023 and a general election on November 7. As of this writing, two candidates have declared, the incumbent Democratic machine—but no democratic—candidate Andy Ginther, and a true democrat Joe Motil.

I write for the first day of 2023 to propose for discussion and perhaps debate, a new era of democracy for the city built on filth and lack of affordable food and housing, unsanitary conditions, broken streets and sidewalks, homelessness, campus neighborhood safety and stability, dominance of special interests, grift and corruption; and the expansion of democracy, public services, respect for residents and taxpayers, and a city rebuilt for the 21st century.

For discussion and debate, I propose:

Researching, criticizing, debating openly, reimagining, and then remaking Columbus

I. Bring Columbus into the 20th and 21st centuries

II. Promote democratic reforms beginning with a truly representative city council, elected by districts, not at-large, citywide

III. Reorganize city government

Support freedom for Jamal Niser, Palestinian-American businessman illegally held by Israelis in Administrative Detention. He is diabetic and has lost half his eyesight. He has not been charged and there's no reason for his detention. He is from Ohio and his release date was just extended by four months. 

Read about his case here.

Contact officials to demand his release:

CONGRESS: https://www.congress.gov/contact-us

ISRAEL: https://embassies.gov.il/Pages/IsraeliMissionsAroundTheWorld.aspx

US STATE DEPT: https://register.state.gov/contactus/contactusform

EU REPS: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/home

Saturday, December 31, 4-8pm, Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave.

Kwanzaa 614 is a seven-day celebration that honors community, family, and heritage of African American culture and African traditions. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili word meaning “first harvest” and is based on the seven principles of Nguzo Saba. We, along with Tawi Family Village, invite you to enjoy two festive evenings of Kwanzaa, featuring African drumming, live music, dance, storytelling, and hands-on art activities. This event is free.

This event is being co-hosted by several cultural institutions throughout Columbus.

Schedule:

• Saturday, December 31, 4-8pm: Today’s event will be at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17th Ave. Kuumba (creativity) is the principle.

• Sunday, January 1: Families get together at home. Imani (faith) is the principle.

More information about this event may be found at linktr.ee/kwanzaa614.

This event is sponsored by Huntington Bank.

Annual general operating support is provided by the Greater Columbus Arts Council.

The Ohio History Connection (OHC) is being called out from across the planet after it banned internationally best-selling author and journalist Graham Hancock from filming his docuseries Ancient Apocalypse at Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio.

Denying Hancock from one of the world’s most mysterious prehistoric effigy mounds occurred in the spring of 2021, but recently came to light after Hancock – author of the bestselling 2019 book “America Before: The Key to Earth’s Lost Civilization” – posted OHC’s email telling him and his film crew they did not have permission to access the high plateau where the 1,348-foot Serpent rests. 

Our voyage to Pitcairn Island continues as Aranui 5 sets sail from Anaa for Amanu, another one of the far-flung 80 atolls spread out across the world’s largest archipelago, the Tuamotus, a vast expanse of mostly water that is roughly the size of Western Europe. Amanu’s flat coral islets form an Oceanic oval that stretches over a turquoise lagoon for about 20 miles, and the 413-foot cargo/cruiser anchors outside of the atoll. From Aranui’s hatchway passengers descend into a barge that, in a succession of trips, swiftly, safely carries us over tranquil water, past surf pounding in the distance through a pass to Hikitake Village. As we ride to another adventure, once again I rise and mimic John Wayne in a cowboy movie: “Let’s paddle up and move ’em out, Polynesians!”