YES on 92 for GMO labeling: Who's funding the Yes and No campaigns?

GMO labeling: Who's pouring cash into Oregon's Yes and No campaigns? (Interactive map, database) | OregonLive.com
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/10/gmo_labeling_whos_pouring_cash.html
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Purple is money that says you will be confused by accurate, objective information about what's in your food.  Green is money that says you should be free to buy and eat what you want, but also be free to know what you buy and eat.

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

PBS Uses Advertising to Retaliate Against Critical Coverage

PBS  has long meant little but "Petroleum Broadcasting System" like its radio counterpart, "Nominally Public Broadcasting."
http://www.fair.org/blog/2014/09/30/pbs-uses-advertising-to-retaliate-against-critical-coverage/

The piece has a great quote from PBS mainstay Bill Moyers:

Night after night…the realities of life for the vast majority of Americans rarely show up on public television—neither in its public-affairs programming nor its primetime fare. There has been onedocumentary all year on the flailing middle class and the forgotten poor. Our Washington coverage, by design or not, serves up "news" the way the butler serves tea on Downton Abbey, so as not to disturb the master class. Even my friends at WETA, our flagship station in Washington, passed up the award-winning documentary Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth to air instead another episode ofAntiques Roadshow and a program about the British royal family. And PBS has commissioned a series for next year, using US taxpayer funds, on the "great homes" of Great Britain. Not on homelessness in America. Unbelievable!

Undernews: Germany's figured out the college tuition thing

http://prorevnews.blogspot.com/2014/10/germanys-figured-out-college-tuition.html

Germany's figured out the college tuition thing

Think Progress. Prospective students in the United States who can't afford to pay for college or don't want to rack up tens of thousands in student debt should try their luck in Germany. Higher education is now free throughout the country, even for international students. Yesterday, Lower Saxony became the last of seven German states to abolish tuition fees, which were already extremely low compared to those paid in the United States.

German universities only began charging for tuition in 2006, when the German Constitutional Court ruled that limited fees, combined with loans, were not in conflict the country's commitment to universal education. The measure proved unpopular, however, and German states that had instituted fees began dropping them one by one.

"We got rid of tuition fees because we do not want higher education which depends on the wealth of the parents," Gabrielle Heinen-Kjajic, the minister for science and culture in Lower Saxony, said in a statement. Her words were echoed by many in the German government. "Tuition fees are unjust," said Hamburg's senator for science Dorothee Stapelfeldt. "They discourage young people who do not have a traditional academic family background from taking up study. It is a core task of politics to ensure that young women and men can study with a high quality standard free of charge in Germany."

Compared to American students, Germans barely had to pay for undergraduate study even before tuition fees were abolished. Semester fees averaged around $630 and students were entitled to many perks, such as cheap (often free) transportation within and between cities.

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

NO ON 90: Say NO to Selling Oregon to the Highest Bidder

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

Dear friends, Looks like they're at it again. Oregon's Ballot Measure 90 campaign continues to be inundated with corporate dollars, so that Big Business can take control of our elections. Why does Big Business care about the "Top Two" Primary measure? Because Measure 90 will dramatically change our elections to give big corporations more influence, while limiting voters' choice. Measure 90 was written and funded by big corporations and millionaire CEOs to support their agenda at the expense of working people. Learn more: www.NoOnMeasure90.org The campaign just got another infusion of hundreds of thousands of dollars from its big backers, including a $25,000 check from out-of-state billionaire investment banker David Crane. Crane is an outspoken critic of working people, including supporting the Wisconsin attacks on working families. He's been called California's "chief public employee pension critic" leaving many wondering if he's "just another Kochhead?" Crane's not the only billionaire donating to Measure 90 efforts. One of the biggest funders of Measure 90 is the Association of Oregon Industries (AOI), the far-right business group that acts as the state affiliate of Koch Industries.              Protect Our Vote! Share this image on Facebook  Don't give big corporations and anti-worker billionaires any more control over our elections. Their funders may represent hundreds of millions of dollars, but our coalition represents hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. Help protect our vote and join with the dozens of organizations, alliances, and civic leaders who agree: No on 90. Learn more and get involved: www.NoOnMeasure90.org Only 34 days and so much more work to do! Meghan Moyer Campaign Manager Protect Our Vote: No on 90 LIKE ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW ON TWITTER Protect Our Vote Coalition - info@noonmeasure90.org - 503-239-8029

YES ON 92: Scary cost estimates are utter BS lies

Consumer Reports plays it straight when analyzing things, and their work shows that the cost of Measure 92 is trivially small.
http://consumersunion.org/news/gmo-labeling-will-cost-consumers-less-than-a-aenny-a-day-new-report-says/

GMO Labeling: Facts not hype!

Take a moment to forward this to your friends and family so they can get the facts about GMO labeling costs.

Your message will contain a link to the report findings, so your friends can read for themselves what the real cost of labeling will be: Only $2.30 a year per consumer, not industry exaggeration of $200 or more.

After you forward this, you'll find a page where you can read the report if you want more details:  notinmyfood.org/gmo-labeling-fact
Thank you for helping us spread facts about GMO labeling, not hype!

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

YES ON 92: Monsanto, Superweeds & Your Right to Know

Some people make fun of Novick as a wonky Hobbit from Portlandshire, and sometimes he lives up to the Poindexter reputation of not being able to explain things in terms that work with normal folks.

But when he really gets something, that tends to fall away and the excellent communicator with the sharp left hook is seen again, making memorable and powerful points. Like in the ads that really captured a lot of attention.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/02/business/media/02hook.html?_r=0

His YES ON 92 message below is outstanding and dead-on accurate.  He is absolutely right about genetic tampering and super weeds being locked in an arms race that threatens us all.

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

From: "Steve Novick" <steve@novickforportland.org>
Date: October 2, 2014 at 15:58:11 PDT
Subject: Monsanto, Superweeds & Your Right to Know

Dear John, I wasn't very familiar with the genetically modified food fights until recently. But as a child of the Cold War era, I can relate to arms races. So when the supporters of Measure 92, the measure to label GMO products, told me it was really about stopping a dangerous arms race that threatens our environment, I paid attention. I'm voting for and donated to Yes on 92, and hope you will too. Here's what's going on. Since the advent of genetically engineered crops, herbicide and pesticide use has increased dramatically. The most common type of genetic engineering — which is completely different from traditional crossbreeding techniques — alters a plant's genes in a lab to make them resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, the chief ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup. This design allows the spraying of large amounts of Roundup on fields planted with these engineered seeds to kill weeds. Which is bad enough — considering that you and I and pretty much all fish live downstream from a farm. But then come the Superweeds. Superweeds arise over time as weeds naturally evolve a resistance to the poison they are doused in. To combat superweeds, plants are being engineered to be resistant to ever more toxic herbicides. This creates a vicious cycle of ever higher usage of ever more toxic herbicides, leading to health and environmental problems, and in time to the evolution of more resistant superweeds. So we now have an escalating battle between toxic chemicals and superweeds. Bees and butterflies are collateral damage, along with the Oregon farmers who face ruined crops if their fields are contaminated from genetically engineered plants nearby. The best way, as consumers, that we can change this vicious cycle is by making informed choices about what products we buy. Putting a label on our food that simply says whether or not it contains genetically engineered ingredients gives us that information. There's no question that Monsanto, DuPont and Dow will spend millions to tell voters this is a bad idea. These are the same companies that told us DDT and Agent Orange were safe, and they have pockets deeper than Crater Lake. But if Yes on 92 can turn out supporters, we'll win. With donations from thousands of Oregonians like you and me — the average donation is $67 — we can help Yes on 92 beat the odds and engage voters. Please make a donation of $67 today. Don't let big chemical corporations buy their way to victory: Contribute $67 right now to beat back Big Ag's attacks and stop the arms race! All my best, Steve Paid for by Novick for Portland • PO Box 42307, Portland, Oregon, 97242, United States

Same with Salem: the 1% spray toxic lead emissions on the rest of us

Oregonian Report on the Hillsboro Airport and Lead Emissions

An article by Luke Hammill on lead emissions at the Hillsboro Airport (HIO) entitled Airport Spews Half Ton of Lead in 2011, Critics Say It's Too Much was published in the Hillsboro Argus on 10/1/14. A shorter version Aim for Hillsboro Airport: Get the Lead Out was printed in the 10/1/14 Oregonian Metro section. The report, which initially appeared on-line on 9/24/14, is available athttp://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2014/09/hillsboro_airport_is_oregons_p.html . 

As noted by Hammmill, "Hillsboro Airport is the leading facility source of lead in Oregon." According to EPA documentation HIO ranks in the top one percent, 21st nationwide, among nearly 20,000 airports in lead emissions. The vast majority of flights in and out of HIO are training operations that continue to rely on leaded fuel. Port of Portland and FAA documentation released in February, 2014 projected that lead emissions at this facility will increase from the 2007 level of 0.7 tons per year (as noted by the Port in the initial environmental assessment on the third runway) to 0.8 (tpy) by 2016 and 0.9 tpy by 2021. 

Due to various shortcomings,Oregon Aviation Watch believes that the Port significantly underestimated lead emissions at HIO and has strongly urged that monitoring equipment be placed at, and in the vicinity of, this airport to determine actual rather than estimated lead emissions. Oregon Aviation Watch further supports a comprehensive lead study designed specifically to measure lead emissions at HIO - one that includes adherence to EPA guidelines, substantive public input, and an unbiased third party analysis.

Currently, Port estimates are based on a September 2010 study performed by a private consultant hired by the Port. The study lacked peer review, scientific rigor, public participation, and EPA involvement. Since the Port makes money off every gallon of fuel sold at HIO, their findings and estimates represent an inherent conflict of interest. 

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For additional information on airport issues go to www.oregonaviationwatch.org.

To subscribe or unsubscribe contact info@oregonaviationwatch.org.

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Miki Barnes
miki@psg.com

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

Great Stuff: From Cart to Art Event

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

From Cart to Art Fundraiser .... October 11th! Register Today! View this email in your browser Here is a sneak peak at some of the art items that have been donated to Straub Environmental Center's "From Cart to Art"! This is just a sampling.... Purchase tickets today to see the other gorgeous art pieces to be auctioned off - all made from recycled materials! Straub Environmental Center is excited to announce the social event of the year, "From Cart to Art".   FOOD!   BEER!   WINE!   LIVE entertainment!  All for $20/person or $40/couple   When?  Saturday, October 11 from 6pm - 8pm Where?  2505 Mission St., SE Salem, 97302 (the former Capitol Subaru building on the corner of Mission St. & 25th St.) Who?   Join other environmentally concerned community members for a night of fun, entertainment and learning about ways to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible! All while supporting Straub Environmental Center and our environmental education programs*! What? This innovative and creative approach to reuse and recycling is a way for artists, businesses, groups and individuals to share unique ways to be stewards of the earth by taking gently used, recycled items from their blue bins to create art! The art will be auctioned off at From Cart to Art and all proceeds will aid in supporting environmental education for all community members. Click here to purchase tickets for the party of the year!   * The Straub Environmental Center (SEC) has shaped environmental education over the years, moving learners from awareness to knowledge to influencing attitudes and motivating new individual behaviors and community action. SEC's role in our community as an environmental education leader informs and influences the entire mid-Willamette Valley by creating real change and having a measurable impact on our environment. SEC educational programs help attendees become more passionately involved in protecting and caring for our natural environment by teaching sustainable practices and motivating people to become stewards of the earth. Click here to purchase tickets for "From Cart to Art" Copyright © 2014 Straub Environmental Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you attended one of our programs and gave us your email address. Our mailing address is: Straub Environmental Center PO Box 12363 Salem, OR 97309

A must-see: GMO, OMG! Thurs, Oct. 9th PLUS sneak peak of Nov film

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."

Subject: GMO, OMG! Thurs, Oct. 9th PLUS sneak peak of Nov film
Reply-To: salemprogressivefilmseries@gmail.com

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raising awareness, one film at a time Upcoming Documentaries & Guest Speakers Fall/Winter-2014 salemprogressivefilms.net   Click here to email us.  503-881-5305 503-851-4028 In This Issue October Film November Film   What we do and why we do it The Salem Progressive Film Series (SPFS) mission is to raise awareness and educate the community on important current, local, national and world issues, provide a public forum for discussion and further research, and stimulate personal civic involvement.   Each month, we show high quality documentaries followed by expert guest speakers and an audience discussion.   Where and when we do it Every second Thursday from September to May. 7PM, doors open 6:15   Historic Grand Theatre 191 High St. NE Downtown Salem, OR.     Our Sponsors  Historic Grand Theatre   Salem Weekly   LifeSource Natural Foods   John Gear Law Office   Salem Summit Co.    South Salem Cycleworks   Marion County Environmental Services   BAM Agency   Cascade Baking Co.   Zena Forest, LLC   Salem City Club   Salamander Designs   Nathan Good Architects PC   Allied Video   Salem City Watch   Marion County Democratic Party   Oregon Environmental Council   Quick Links... Our Website More About Us     Please join us one week from tomorrow,  Thursday October 9th, for the screening of the documentary GMO, OMG.    "GMO OMG is an excellent film that accurately describes the complexities of the GMO controversy while making it a very personal, touching, and humorous journey to find non-GMO foods." - The Organic & Non-GMO Report -    "...GMO OMG could be the film that bridges the knowledge gap for hundreds of thousands of Americans and allows us to reach that 'tipping point'..." - ALT Health Works -   See below for more information about the film and guest speakers.   Also, see below for a sneak peak at the November Film!!   If you'd like to become an Individual Supporter of SPFS, for only $65 we will mail you a pass that gives you entrance to all 9 films, from September through May. See the information at the very bottom of this email.   Thank you for your continued support.  Upcoming Film  Thursday, October 9th -- 7 PM   "GMO, OMG"   Who controls the future of your food? GMO, OMG explores the systematic corporate takeover and potential loss of humanity's most precious and ancient inheritance: seeds. Director Jeremy Seifert investigates how loss of seed diversity and corresponding laboratory assisted genetic alteration of food affects his young children, the health of our planet, and freedom of choice everywhere. Each of us unknowingly consumes genetically engineered food on a daily basis. Yet the risks and effects to our health and the environment are largely unknown. The film accurately describes the complexities of the GMO controversy while making it a very personal, touching, and humorous journey to find non-GMO foods."   This is a timely film, since we will be voting on GMO labeling (Measure 92) on November 4th. Come and learn more about the issue of GMOs and labeling.    Films website and trailer:  http://gmofilm.com/     Guest Speakers:   Ivan Maluski, Director of Friends of Family Farmers     Scott Bates, Oregon Right To Know, GMO Labeling Campaign    -----------------------------------------------------------------   Thursday, November 13th --7 PM   "Citizen Koch" With the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling opening the floodgates for unlimited political spending, it's now easier than ever to buy an election. But what happens when the voters realize that the billionaires and corporations doing the buying do not have the people's best interests at heart? This question is at the core of CITIZEN KOCH, the new documentary from the Academy Award®-nominated directors of Trouble the Water, Carl Deal and Tia Lessin.   The filmmakers break down the politically-motivated maneuvering behind the Supreme Court case that changed the way our democracy works, making way for the 2010 midterm elections that ushered in a new wave of ultraconservative Tea Party politicians. The Tea Party positioned itself as a citizen-powered, homegrown movement borne from sheer patriotism, but was actually one of the most well-funded and corporately-orchestrated political operations in history. Republicans capitalized on this new era with huge gains not just in Washington, DC, but across the country.    Become an Individual Supporter of SPFS Help support the Salem Progressive Film Series.    Your financial contribution will allow us to bring high quality films and expert speakers to Salem.    Not only will you have personal satisfaction, but you will also be helping to strengthen our community. And your donation is tax deductible.   For only $65, we will mail you a pass for all 9 films, September through May. And, your name will appear as a supporter on our loop video. Mail your check to: PO Box 13184 Salem, OR 97309   Thank you!     ---------------------------------------------------------------------   We are not just an audience. We are not passive witnesses, sitting in a dark theatre. Many of the documentaries that we bring to Salem can be difficult to watch, but sometimes it's what we need to jolt us into action. The goal of SPFS is that each and everyone of you can resonate with our films, and by working together with discipline and persistence, we can overturn unjust authority.

Forward email Salem Progressive Film Series | PO Box 13184 | Salem | OR | 97309

All have a role in reducing lead emissions at Hillsboro Airport (editorial) | OregonLive.com

http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2014/09/all_have_a_role_in_reducing_le.html

Interesting editorial on toxic lead pollution from aircraft. Very revealing of the Oregonian mindset, which is the same one dominating in Salem, the one that says "It can't hurt you if you don't think about it."

To the Oregonian, rural Oregonians don't matter -- their solution isn't to make the easy fix, stopping use of leaded gas, but rather to send the lead emissions out to be sprayed around where we grow food.  Freaking brilliant.

Lead is a persistent, potent neurotoxin that damages the brain permanently.  When sprayed on crops, it enters the food chain and winds up in us.  When sprayed over urban areas, it gets on everything and begins being consumed with food and drink (in this era of eating while driving, who washes before touching every bite of food?).  Good comment on the article repeated below.

Miki Barnes4 days ago

The Centers for Disease Control has stated that there is no safe level of lead in a child's blood and recommends eliminating this toxin at its source. The largest source of airborne lead emissions in the U.S. are airports, especially airports that accommodate piston engine aircraft like Hillsboro Airport which ranks in the top one percent, 21st in the nation, out of nearly 20,000 U.S. airports in lead emissions.

In light of this substantial body of evidence revealing  the pernicious effect of lead on both children and adults, even at very low exposure levels, why does the Oregon Pilots Association view shifting flight training to rural communities as a solution to airport environmental problems? Is the health and well being of rural residents of less importance than urban dwellers? Why should the for profit flight training industry be entitled to degrade the livability and compromise the health of people who have chosen to live in less populated rural settings? For the record, rural and urban residetns alike are  already subjected to Hillsboro Aviation flight training activity over rural communities throughout the area.

"Let's live on the planet as if we intend to stay."