[Peace] AWARE Minutes 5/09/04

[Gabriel Stanton]

News of the Week- Carl was not present so we shared what we had picked up in 
the news.  Apparently there was another coup attempt to depose the 
democratically elected Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Chavez’s forces captured 70 
of the 150 or so men responsible. The latest report is that even more were 
captured.They were raiding the armory in order to get weapons. The AUC was 
thought to be the faction responsible. Captured men said that they were 
forced into carrying out the coup attempt. For more information check 
vheadline.com

Someone also mentioned that Donald Rumsfield hinted to even worse human 
rights violations against Iraqi P.O.W.s committed by U.S. Troops

Karis Taylor mentioned Samantha Taylor’s book on the civil war in The Sudan 
and the continuing violence that is going on there.

WORKING GROUPS

Finances- (Peter)We have about 1500 dollars in our account after paying for 
table at the farmer’s market.

Representation-(Lisa) Atty Ellyn Bullock would still like to meet with us 
about Pro Bono consulting once she has finished working on her current case.

Prospect4Peace- Protest is still going on the first of every month at the 
corner of prospect and marketview. Al suggested that perhaps we could change 
the dynamic by approaching street walkers. Westside park was recommended 
although there is a lack of heavy foot traffic. Others suggested an area 
with more dense foot traffic such as a street corner in downtown Champaign 
or campus town in Urbana. Questions of asserting our right to be at these 
public places were considered. Police would have to be notified ahead of 
time.

WILL - Audio commentary by David Green will be on AM 580 but we aren’t sure 
when it will be played.



Peter R.  (Flyer distributed) Balata Refugee Camp art installation -Come see 
video, photography and children’s art. Hear stories and interviews about 
life under the occupation. TONIGHT Tuesday, MAY 11 from 7-9pm at the 
CHANNING MURRAY FOUNDATION (on the corner of Oregon and Matthews Streets in 
Urbana.

FUTURE EVENTS/ACTIONS

Democracy NOW on (FSTV) should AWARE raise money($300 initially) so that we 
can have Democracy Now! On public access cable TV at 7AM and have access to 
other Free Speech TV shows? Randall believes that we can raise the money and 
thus allow others to enjoy this service

Wallmart has a commercial underwriting NPR. Is there something AWARE can do 
to highlight this

Bob Mchesney will beat the IMC at 218 W. Main St. In Urbana on Sunday May 
16th from 3-5 PM in a fundraiser for the Public I. He will speak about the 
media and copies of his book will be available for $12. All proceeds go to 
support this resource of the Independent Media Center. There is a small fee 
to see him speak if you don’t purchase a book.

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