Solartopia Green Power & Wellness Hour

GREEP zoom #186 opens with the brilliant, beautiful poetry of our great Laureate MIMI GERMAN.

We then dive deep into the nightmare of money in politics with GREG COLERIDGE of Move to Amend.

RAY MCCLENDON of Communities United for Justice gives us the full report for embattled, disenfranchised Georgia.

We take a deep dive into the dark world of the Electoral College and the possibility that the 2024 election could hinge on MAGA decertifying enough states to swing the presidency.

WENDI LEDERMAN gives us the latest report from Ron Desantis’s Florida.

PAUL NEWMAN, MIKE HERSH, MYLA RESON & LYNN FEINERMAN give us great insights into saving our democracy.

Chair SUSAN YOUNG of the Pacifica Radio National Board gives us the call to vote in the on-going Pacifica election.

DR. RUTH STRAUSS updates us on Pacifica and the protection of our national election.

TATANKA BRICCA then introduces the great DENNY ZANE, former mayor of Santa Monica, who explains the Earth-moving referendum process in Los Angeles.

Denny is joined by the great LINDA SEELEY of the Mothers for Peace of San Luis Obispo, working for 50 years to shut the insane reactors at Diablo Canyon.

STEVE CARUSO jumps in to remind us of the immense power potential of using hemp to move our vehicle fleet.

MYLA RESON reminds Denny of the need to protect what’s left of Santa Monica and LA’s decimated tree canopy.

Quick recap

The team discussed the upcoming elections, focusing on the need for secure voting methods, fairness in ballot counting, and the role of activists in ensuring a fair election. They also introduced notable figures, including Christian and Dennis Bernstein, who shared their views on women's rights, voter education, and the importance of poetry in times of uncertainty. Lastly, they engaged in discussions about potential running mates for Kamala Harris, the interconnectedness of all work, and the historic nature of Harris becoming the first woman of color to hold the presidency.

Next steps

Karen Greenberg and Julian Zelitzer to continue promoting their book "Our Nation at Risk: Election Integrity as a National Security Issue

Christian Nunez and NOW to continue get-out-the-vote efforts and voter education initiatives

Dennis Bernstein to follow up on discussing Diablo Canyon on his radio show

Harvey Wasserman to connect Karen Greenberg and Julian Zelitzer with Dennis Bernstein for a potential radio interview

Harvey Wasserman to reach out to Barbara Koppel about obtaining video footage from Woodstock '94

Myla Reson to monitor astrological aspects related to upcoming political events

Harvey Wasserman to write a letter to the current Mayor of Chicago regarding protest permits for the upcoming Democratic Convention

Mike Hirsch to prepare audio recording of his composition for next week's call

Harvey Wasserman to invite Mimi Gurman back next week to read her poetry

Call participants to continue discussing and analyzing potential VP picks for Kamala Harris

Call participants to monitor and support Cori Bush's primary campaign in the coming days

Harvey Wasserman and Myla Reson to host their radio show on Wednesday at 3:05 PM Pacific time on KPFK.org

Summary

Automatic Meeting Summary and LSD Discussion

Gree-Gree introduced an automatic meeting summary feature, which could simplify the work of the station board secretaries. myla and Mike discussed the potential benefits and issues, including name recognition accuracy. Meanwhile, karen presented while Win led a discussion on LSD legalization and the Fermi nuclear plant incident. The group also discussed a book by karen and julian about a potential "armed coup," with Win praising their credentials. Lastly, Linda Foley, a Maryland representative, joined as a guest, and plans were made to feature poetry readings by Dennis Bernstein in the following hour.

Election Security and Voting Rights Discussion

Win initiated a discussion about the security of the upcoming elections and the nation, with karen and julian sharing their concerns. karen emphasized the importance of viewing elections as a national security issue, given the various vulnerabilities and threats. julian discussed the relevance of the issues surrounding voting rights and election administration in the current political climate, highlighting the potential for increased political support to tackle these problems. The discussion also touched on the origins of these issues in the 21st century, with Win citing examples of voter roll purges and alleged electoral fraud in several states. The conversation concluded with the importance of election security and the potential threats to the upcoming presidential election being emphasized, with julian suggesting the reintroduction of measures to restore the Voting Rights Act.

Introducing Notable Figures and Endorsing Kamala Harris

Win introduced several notable figures including Delegate Foley, a journalist and former president of the newspaper guild, and Christian, a social worker and women's rights advocate. Christian, representing the National Organization for Women, emphasized the importance of fighting for women's civil, voting, and reproductive rights, and the need to combat disinformation and oppression in the upcoming presidential election. He also announced their Political Action Committee's official endorsement of Kamala Harris as the Presidential nominee, made the day after Joe Biden endorsed Harris.

Securing Elections and Protecting Democracy

The team discussed concerns about the integrity of the US election process, focusing on the need for secure voting methods, such as hand-marked paper ballots, and the importance of fairness in the selection of those who count the ballots. They also highlighted the role of activists and grassroots movements in ensuring a fair election, and the potential impact of high volunteer rates for campaigns. The discussion touched on the upcoming election in North Carolina, the need for voter education, and the potential challenges and vulnerabilities in the election process. The team also emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity in protecting democracy, and the need to prevent a regression to pre-Civil Rights era conditions if Donald Trump is re-elected.

Dennis Bernstein's Poetry and Election Discussion

Win introduced Christian, who had to leave early, and then invited Dennis Bernstein, a poet and talk show host, to share his work. Dennis read two poems: one in memory of his brother who was a skilled mechanic, and another in honor of his father, a war hero who often spoke of a bee that saved his life. The meeting also included an open forum discussion about the upcoming election, but no official endorsements were made.

Poetry Sharing and Resilience Discussion

Dennis shared a poem about resilience and hope, emphasizing the importance of living fully despite difficult circumstances. Tatanka thanked Dennis for his poetry and encouraged others to continue sending letters to Biden and Harris. Win then shared a poem about his experience at Woodstock, reflecting on the loss of his parents and the spiritual connection he felt at the event. The conversation ended with Win sharing another poem titled "Shoshi and Daddy," which he dedicated to his mother.

Sharing Personal Poetry and Emily Dickinson

Win shared a personal and touching experience with his daughter on Mother's Day, which was followed by Tatanka's drum song "2 Hearts, one drum," emphasizing the power of love and the importance of being present in the moment. Dennis shared a personal anecdote about his mother's poem and encouraged others to share their own poetic works, with myla affirming that everyone in the Zoom call likely had a poem to share. The group also discussed the life and work of Emily Dickinson, highlighting her impact and influence, and mentioned an ongoing exhibition in Amherst, Massachusetts, and a yearly gathering of her fans to read her poetry.

Woodstock Memories and Regrets

Ron and Win reminisced about their experiences at Woodstock in 1994 and 1969. Win recounted being asked to give a speech criticizing Pepsi and other bottlers at Woodstock '94, though Pepsi threatened to withhold sponsorship if he did so. Ron shared an anecdote about interacting with Country Joe of Country Joe and the Fish. Win discussed the chaos of being introduced by Graham while Crosby, Stills & Nash were playing during his 1969 Woodstock speech. He also mentioned a premonition about his mother's death while dancing to Tatanka's music. Both speakers lamented their inability to obtain a video of the events to show their grandchildren.

Hope, Diablo Canyon, and Songwriting Discussion

Dennis shared a poem about hope, which led to a discussion about Diablo Canyon and a promise to provide more information. myla then shared her nostalgic experience selling the Berkeley Barb during the war and the group discussed the upcoming primary election for Cori Bush, a Democratic Squad member. The group considered endorsing candidates and supporting Bush's campaign through the Progressive Democrats of America. Towards the end, the group engaged in a light-hearted discussion about singing and songwriting, with a focus on the Scalia and Thomas themes. The possibility of future discussions with songwriter Steven Seinheim was also suggested.

Discussing Potential Running Mates for Kamala Harris

Win suggested several potential running mates for Kamala Harris, including Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, and Mark Kelly. Win believed that Mark Kelly would be a strong candidate due to his impressive resume and potential to deliver Arizona and Nevada. However, Steve disagreed, suggesting that Roy Cooper would be a better choice due to his experience and ability to attack the Republicans. myla also expressed her preference for Cooper and Tim Walts, highlighting their progressive values and leadership qualities. The group also discussed potential drawbacks of having two women on the ticket and expressed uncertainty about the progressive credentials of Roy Cooper.

Ancestors, VP Candidates, and Elections

Tatanka initiated a discussion about the interconnectedness of all work and the significance of acknowledging ancestors. The group then engaged in a lively conversation about potential vice presidential candidates, with suggestions ranging from Muhammad Ali to Eleanor Roosevelt. The historic nature of Kamala Harris becoming the first woman of color to hold the presidency was also discussed, with references to Gracie Allen's 1941 presidential campaign. The participants also discussed the possibility of international observers for the upcoming US election, the influence of big tech money on Kamala's campaign, and the upcoming Democratic Convention. Personal anecdotes and memories were shared, and the importance of remembering names correctly was emphasized.

We open GREEP Zoom #184 with ANDRA WATKINS & her uniquely powerful view of Christo-Fascist / Christian Nationalism and Project 2025, the far-right blueprint for a new American theocracy.

Andra grew up in a South Carolina fundamentalist community but somehow came away to give us a powerful ground-up view of the forces trying to make America Puritan again.

DR. NANCY NIPARKO, our resident neurologist, wonders about the psychology behind this increasingly powerful fascist movement.

ERIC LAZARUS, LYNN FEINERMAN, DR. RUTH STRAUSS, JOHN STEINER, DIANA ARTEMIS get into the nitty gritty of what the far right is really saying.

Voter Suppression in Ohio is explained by NANCY LARSON in deep detail, especially when it comes to Ohio’s disenfranchisement czar Frank LaRose. 

Nancy is joined from the Buckeye State by STEVE CARUSO who explains the cyber-now rages over the right to vote.

WENDI LEDERMAN reports from Florida about how the DeSantis disenfranchisement campaign is destroying what’s left of democracy in the Sunshine State.

MARY STONEWALL-BUTLER volunteers her service to help anyone working to protect the vote.

We then hear from long-time pro-democracy organizer LORI GRACE warns us of the likelihood of violence in the upcoming election.

From Georgia, RAY MCCLENDON reports on the rise of massive movements for Unity against Project 2025 and MAGA.

We are illuminated by the great DENNIS BERNSTEIN, host of the nationally-syndicated FLASHPOINTS, originating at KPFA/Pacifica.

Dr. Niparko takes a deep dive into the mental challenges of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump and “malignant normality.”

BARBARA WIMSATT and TATANKA BRICCA give us important new perspectives.

Then MIKE TABOR stars in a major presentation on the production of safe, clean food.

 MYLA RESON updates us on the importance of food growing.

MIKE HERSH then gives us the lowdown on Mike Tabor & his landmark work on clean agriculture.

4 PILLARS OF AMERICAN FASCISM; THE TRAGEDY OF HOMELESSNESS

 

 

We begin GREEP zoom #183 with HEDY TRIPP and her announcement of the public showing of the new documentary film “Detroit’s Olympic Uprising.” 

 

The great ANDREA MILLER from the Center for Common Ground then takes us through a devastating exposition of the US Supreme Court’s decision to restore an absolute monarchy to the North American continent.

 

Her “Protecting Democracy from the Court” lays out in terrifying detail the Supremes’ attack on democracy.  Their decisions range from dismissing charges against January 6 insurrectionists to establishing the divine right of a sitting president—-and maybe even an ex-president—-to break any laws they want.

 

MYLA RESON asks about the Biden Plan for reorganizing the Supreme Court.  

 

ERIC LAZARUS proposes a civil assembly to substitute for the Court as is done in Ireland.

 

GREGG GORDON says “we’re the King” and points out that the Court’s decision now applies to President Biden, giving him absolute power….for the time being.

 

LYNN FEINERMAN tells us of GREG PALAST’S cinematic warning, in the movie “Vigilantes”,  against vote challenging, which allows a single individual to disqualify thousands of registered voters without due process.  

 

Georgia’s RAY MCCLENDON confirms our worst nightmare about mass disqualifications in the Peach State among others.  An Executive Order from the President would have no impact against this because of state’s rights.  Ray urges us to focus on local election boards to counter this assault on democracy.

 

WENDI LEDERMAN, MIKE HERSH, PAUL NEWMAN, STEVE KAISER and DENNIS BERNSTEIN chime in on various aspects of this deep attack on our democracy.

 

We then welcome the legendary DONALD WHITEHEAD of the National Coalition for the Homeless.  Dr. Whitehead takes us deep into the horrifying plague of homelessness that now so deeply taints the American soul.

 

LORI GRACE then begins digging into the Project 2025 documents and provisos that might include a treason trial for Liz Cheney complete with execution of, at least, the death penalty.  In the eyes of Christian Nationalists, she said, “God has ordained Trump.”

 

TATANKA BRICCA brings us consideration of the Housing First organization that is successful 90% of the time for people who are unhoused.

 

SANDY BOLZENIUS tells us of Move to Amend which works against the Citizens United decision that has opened the floodgates for corporations to take over our government and extinguish our democracy.

 

DR. NANCY NIPARKO reminds us tat a major part of the homeless crisis has to do with overpricing on rents, bad zoning regulations and more.

 

Tatanka reminds us of the horrendous crisis we face with LEONARD PELTIER, who faces a de facto death penalty unless he is soon freed.

 

STEVE CARUSO has engineered another phenomenal gathering.  We’ll see you next week!!!

We begin GREEP Zoom #181 with a terrifying report from WENDI LEDERMAN on the declining state of democracy in Ron DeSantis’s Floridastan.

The great former California Public Utilities Commission Chair LORETTA LYNCH gives us a deep dive into the brutal battle over the Diablo Canyon nukes and the additional $400 million the once-green Governor Gavin Newsom wants to hand his pals at Pacific Gas & Electric.

MYLA RESON, TATANKA BRICCA, PAUL NEWMAN, RON LEONARD, LINDA SEELEY and STEVE CARUSO jump into this truly electrifying mega-theft being perpetrated on the people of California.

We then hear from KEN STERN on the dark, dire history of the trials of LEONARD PELTIER and the reality of his last parole hearing. 

As we explore the horrific 50-year injustice done to this beloved AIM activist, JAMES STARKEWOLF reminds us of the early travesties accompanying this horrible persecution.

We hear further about the possibility of having Congress appoint a new member to the Parole Board that might restore Leonard’s freedom.

MYLA RESON then fills us in on the vital upcoming election at the Pacifica Radio Network. 

VINNIE DESTEFANO gives us a quick update on the case of JULIAN ASSANGE.

Finally, CAMILLA REES fills us in on the latest developments with THE PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO GRASSROOTS ELECTION ORGANIZING, a definitive document we hope will help us save American democracy.

We start GREEP #179 with JOHN STEINER and LEAH GREENBERG, co-founder of the great grassroots juggernaut Indivisible.

Leah is joined by ANDREA MILLER of the Center for Common Ground, RAY MCCLENDON of Communities United, MAYA VAN ROSSUM of the Green Amendments campaign, and HOLLY MOSHER of Why Do You Vote, who shows us a wonderful video of folks explain to us why, in fact, they vote.

KENNY BRUNO chimes in with cogent questions about the impacts of Gaza and other key issues in the upcoming election.

DENNIS BERNSTEIN, renowned host of KPFA/Pacifica’s Flashpoints, tells us about the great LARRY BENSKY. Emmy-winning DAVID SALTMAN adds to the eulogy, as does KPFK Chair Tatanka Bricca, who also underscores the need to become a voting member of the Pacifica Radio Network.

VINNIE DE STEFANO updates us on the Julian Assange case.

WENDI LEDERMAN urges us to think about Gaza and how it might affect the upcoming election.

RICK GOODWELL urges us to make sure we and our neighbors are, in fact, registered to vote.

RAY LUTZ updates us on the crisis in our voting machines.

PAUL NEWMAN, MIKE HERSCH and MYLA RESON get into the struggle of a southern high school and statue-defenders intent on being named for Confederate traitors.

LYNN FEINERMAN conjures “the furies” of great and powerful females and their “boiling rage” against Trump and the usurpation of the rights of women.

Georgia voter PATRICK THOMPSON reports from the corrupt killing fields of Georgia now dropped into the depths of dead nuclear age.

WILLIAM GRAVES ends with the insanity of what Myla has called FELONIUS TRUMP and the terrifying future he promises us all.

Next week, in GREEP #180, we will move deeper into the art and science of successfully fighting back…See you in Solartopia!!!

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> Our astoundingly dense GREEP Zoom #178 starts with VINNIE DESTEFANO giving us some rare but important good news on JULIAN ASSANGE & his ridiculous victimization by the US government.

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> In this case a British court has ruled that the US cannot guarantee him a fair trial, and that he therefore has the right to appeal against extradition.  Hopefully he’ll soon be free!!!

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> We follow with the great peace activist DAVID SWANSON and his illustrious cohort DAVID HARTSOUGH.

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> David Swanson tells us about his magnificent BEYOND WAR campaigns against the senseless militarism that plagues our species.

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> David Hartsough narrates some of his fantastic stories of peace activism, including an amazing moment when seven sailors jumped off a warship rather than deliver weapons to destroy Vietnam.

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> DAVID SALTMAN informs us that AMAL CLOONEY has had a helping hand in issuing the indictments to Netanyahu and Sinwar.

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> MYLA RESON and TATANKA BRICCA join PAUL NEWMAN in raising important questions about the war in Ukraine.

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> ANNA GYORGY, CORT DORSEY and BILL STUBBLEFIELD give us the low-down on a brutal grassroots fight against a lithium battery field criminally mis-sited in the rural Massachusetts town of Wendell.

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> This classic bottom-up battle shows how the coming of Solartopia must be done with eco-sanity.

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> Finally, CAMILLA REES introduces a stellar session on the World Health Organization, vaccines and COVID.

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> DR. MERYL NASS and MARY HOLLAND give us the devastating detail on the WHO attempt to install a global program on vaccination.

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> WENDI LEDERMAN, MIKE HERSH & DR. NANCY NIPARKO offer differing points of view of this critically important crisis.

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> Next week being Memorial Day we’ll take the time off and SEE YOU AGAIN IN 2 WEEKS.

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> No Nukes…shut Diablo Canyon!!!

We start GREEP zoom #177 with the great JERRY ASHTON and the amazing campaign to free the American public from medical debt.

Jerry announces the inauguration of his game-changing campaign which is taking on the debt of veterans while saving them from PTSD, suicide, poverty and more.

Among other things, Jerry tells us that his RIP Medical Debt campaign has retired more than $11 BILLION in life-destroying arrears lifted from more than 8 MILLION American citizens.

Don’t miss his descriptions of his astonishingly effective UNDUE operation that YOU can help.

Our second hour features RAY MCCLENDON with a terrifying description of voter suppression bills being forced through the Georgia Legislature to deny the right to vote.

The bills (of course) target mostly the communities of color, and have spread throughout the United States.

The anti-democracy campaign comes with violent MAGA terror against citizens who may want to work at the polls to guarantee a democratic proceeding.

Journalist STEVE ROSENFELD joins us from Arizona to amplify the national perspective on this fascist horror show.

We further hear from STEVE CARUSO, MIKE HERSH, WENDI LEDERMAN, LYNNE FEINERMAN and JOHN BRAKEY on this unprecedented crisis.

Unless we all get active, we will lose both our democracy and our planet. 

We know what to do…we have no choice but to win.

ANTI-TRANS ATTACKS; JULIAN ASSANGE; LABOR RISING; CAMPUS UPHEAVALS; SAVING DEMOCRACY IN AZ

We open with BRYNN TANNEHILL’s powerful report on escalating attacks against trans people throughout the US, but with an astounding victory in Kansas (!).

VINNIE DESTEFANO’S information on Julian Assange includes a way YOU can help by calling your Senators & Representatives to get him FREE!

MYLA RESON, DAVID GURAN and WENDI LEDERMAN chime into the amazing battle to save the right to practice journalism anywhere on Earth.

RUTH STRAUSS talks to us about “Outside Agitators” and Joe Biden.

From Georgia's RAY MCCLENDON we hear the latest on the Trump prosecutions and also on the arrival of the Vogtle nuclear plant already devastating the Peach State economy.

Republican Arizona state Senator KEN BENNETT explains the 4-point program for guaranteeing safe, fair, digitally scanned paper ballots that produce accurate outcomes in public elections.

With legendary election protection pioneer JOHN BRAKEY we conduct an astonishing excursion into the workings of the AZ legislature’s progress into the world of actual democracy.

Will this publicly verifiable method of conducting the vote counting and auditing process become a national model? Let’s hope so.

Globally infamous “magician” DAVID SALTMAN jumps in to doubt the ability of run a fair and accurate vote count when professional slights of hand are lurking.

An Emmy-winning investigative reporter, Saltman challenges Sen. Bennett and Brakey to prove that they can produce a vote count without error.

DONALD SMITH warns of violence at the polls.

Myla Reson then challenges Senator Bennett to do face the realities of the horrendous Palo Verde nuclear plant. No Nukes!!!

In four weeks (on June 3) we will stage a national zoom gathering on how to conduct fair, reliable, verifiable elections this fall….

We start GREEP zoom #175 with the great LINDA SEELEY from the Mothers for Peace of San Luis Obispo explaining the latest hearing on shutting the Diablo Canyon nukes.

Linda explains that the extreme heat, pressure and radiation inside a nuclear reactor have embrittled Reactor Pressure Vessels, robbing nukes everywhere of their braking systems…rendering them all vulnerable to the next apocalyptic explosion.

As Linda says, we have far more battery storage in California than Diablo produces….so who needs nukes?  Answer:  NOBODY!!

MIKE THALLER of Progressive Democrats of America tells his personal horror show of what the San Diego utility has done to his electric bill (hint: it’s not pretty).

Ohio’s CONNIE KLINE tells us about the gargantuan pro-nuke bribery fire still melting the Buckeye State.

Green power pioneer RON LEONARD gets us to the solar nitty-gritty.

MAYA VAN ROSSUM tells us how Green Amendments can help shut the nuke industry.

STEVEN SONDHEIM offers his wisdom on saving the planet.

VINA COLLEY of southern Ohio warns us against the dangers of reviving the Piketon enrichment facility, which has “killed so many people in the community.”

VINNIE DE STEFANO gives us an update JULIAN ASSANGE just as Joe Biden has extolled freedom of the press at the National Correspondents Dinner.

The abortion issue is dissected by WENDI LEDERMAN, including an on-the-ground report of “baby killer” accusations all over.

MIKE HERSH explains the “Uncommitted” movement to get Biden’s attention on war and democracy.

LYNN FEINERMAN demands that the political mainstream pay more attention to the young and the marginalized.

RUTH STRAUSS and MYLA RESON bring reason and balance to the discussion of a nation in upheaval.

From Ann Arbor, we hear from BRIAN STERNBERG on Michigan's confused but vital debate over what happens to electoral delegates.

We conclude with the debate over reshaping the Electoral College and its devastating impact on real democracy.