Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Patricia Okoumou, the woman who scaled Lady Liberty, ordered back to court

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New York, NY - Patricia Okoumou, the woman who scaled the Statue of Liberty, headed back to court on August 28, 2018 for a procedural hearing to schedule Okoumou’s trial date for early November.  

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The activist could face up to 18 months in a federal jail if the prosecution pursues full penalty associated with her charges. U.S. Attorney Berman has not indicated what course he will pursue should the case go in the government’s favor. 

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Patricia launched a petition prior to her hearing on August 3 calling for U.S. Attorney Berman to drop the charges. Since, the petition has garnered nearly five thousand signatures.

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Our national government has ripped apart thousands of families and put young children in cages. As part of our basic right to protest outlined in the constitution, Therese Patricia Okoumou climbed Lady Liberty to raise awareness of this injustice, a pattern wrought against thousands of families over the course of America's history. Sign the petition and let the U.S. attorney know we will not tolerate further injustice and we will not be silent about the harm our government is inflicting on children and families. DROP THE CHARGES TODAY!

Statue Of Liberty climber court appearance

#AbolishICE #Activism #CivilDisobedience #climber #CourtHearing #DirectAction #FourthOfJuly #ICEfreeNY #immigration #IndependenceDay #KeepFamiliesTogether #LadyLiberty #NewYork #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #NYC #PatriciaOkoumou #ProtectFamilies #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #ReturnTheChildren #RiseAndResist #RonKuby #SanctuaryCity #StatueOfLiberty #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs #TrialDate

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Sunday, August 26, 2018

NYC rally to stop the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court

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New York, NY - Community organizations, activist groups and concerned citizens gathered at Foley Square on August 26, 2018 in solidarity with rallies all across the country, as Americans took a stand united in commitment to their freedom and future, demanding that the U.S. Senate stop Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination for a lifelong appointment to the Supreme Court.

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In Brett Kavanaugh, Donald Trump chose a nominee who not only has extremist, ultra-conservative legal views on a range of issues, but who has repeatedly argued that the Supreme Court should put the president above the law. Donald Trump is at the center of a criminal investigation, and he should not be allowed to pick his own judge and jury.

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The Trump/Pence regime has already done shocking damage: from Trump’s Muslim Ban to his open encouragement of murderous white supremacists and Nazis; from his flippant threats of nuclear annihilation to his vile misogyny, threats against the media, and even tearing immigrant children from parents. If left in power, the Trump/Pence regime will effect a thoroughly reactionary restructuring of society. 

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With the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, the Trump/Pence regime is poised to impose an extreme and long-lasting transformation of the highest court in this country—a major leap in the consolidation of fascism.

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It’s not just that Kavanaugh would eviscerate women’s fundamental right to decide for themselves whether to bear children, which alone would be reason enough for millions to rise in massive political revolt. With Kavanaugh, the Supreme Court could become a rubber stamp to the whole Trump/Pence agenda: shredding the separation of church and state in favor of Christian fascism against women, LGBTQ people, science, and the environment; backing xenophobic ethnic cleansing of immigrants and terror against Black people to “Make America WHITE Again”; eviscerating civil liberties, the separation of powers, and the rule of law; unleashing even more vicious torture and military aggression against the people of the world.

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Senators in all fifty states must listen to their constituents, do their jobs to uphold the will of the people, protect the soul of our country and Constitution, and block this nomination. United, we will fight to ensure Brett Kavanaugh never gets confirmed by the Senate. 

NYC Rally against Kavanaugh’s SCOTUS nomination

#Activism #BlockKavanaugh #BrettKavanaugh #corruption #DefendDemocracy #demonstration #DirectAction #FoleySquare #GOP #impeach #impeachment #ImpeachTrump #KavaNope #MoveOn #NARAL #NewYork #NotMyPresident #NYC #PeacefulResistance #politics #ProChoice #Protest #rally #ReclaimSCOTUS #ResistTrump #SCOTUS #SCOTUSnominee #senate #StopKavanaugh #SupremeCourt

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Friday, August 24, 2018

"Manhattan Madam" Kristin Davis opens beauty salon

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New York, NY - Two weeks after giving her grand jury testimony in the Mueller probe, “Manhattan Madam” Kristin M. Davis opened 'Bombshell Beauty Lab', a beauty salon at an East Harlem storefront on August 24, 2018.

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Kristin M. Davis, formerly known as the Manhattan Madam, is a former madam who was famous for running a high-end prostitution ring in New York City which claimed to have offered its services to several high-profile clients, including Eliot Spitzer, Alex Rodriguez and David Beckham. 

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After her conviction for her prostitution activities, Davis ran a novelty campaign for Governor of New York in 2010 and was poised to run for New York City Comptroller in 2013 before being arrested (and later convicted) for drug dealing.

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She is also a close friend of Roger Stone, a former Trump campaign adviser who has become a target of Mueller's investigation. 

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In July 2018, Davis was contacted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller in connection with his investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election campaign.

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Davis was expecting to be asked about her close friend, Roger Stone, a former Trump campaign adviser who has become a subject in Mueller's investigation.


"Manhattan Madam" Kristin Davis opens beauty salon

#BombshellBeautyLab #celebrity #collusion #corruption #DonaldTrump #EastHarlem #ErikMcGregor #FBI #GrandJury #Investigation #KristinDavis #ManhattanMadam #news #NewYork #NYC #Photography #photojournalism #probe #RobertMueller #RogerStone #testimony

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Fifty union workers arrested after thousands of hardhats to call on NFL to ask Miami Dolphins owner to step down from the league’s Social and Racial Justice Committee

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New York, NY - Fifty union workers committing civil disobedience were arrested outside the NFL Headquarters in Manhattan after thousands of unionized construction workers held a rally on August 22, 2018 to call on the NFL to ask Steve Ross, Related Companies Chairman/Founder and owner of the Miami Dolphins, to step down from the NFL’s Social & Racial Justice Committee.

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The NFL announced the Committee earlier this year as a joint player and ownership commitment focused on social justice and a part of a campaign to highlight work on social and racial equality. 

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Related Companies has been accused of condoning racism, sexism and union-busting at the massive Hudson Yard project, as well as other Related construction projects. 

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From allegations of sexual exploitation to the surveillance and outing of a formerly incarcerated African-American  worker on its job site, Related has failed to address social and racial justice on its own jobsites.  It is offensive that the NFL has given Related Companies’ Chairman and Founder a seat on a committee that supposedly works to address social and racial justice.

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“We’re out here today because we won’t stand for the hypocrisy of having Steve Ross on the NFL’s Social and Racial Justice Committee,” said Mike Hellstrom, Assistant Business Manager of the Mason Tenders District Council and #CountMeIn Campaign Director. “Hardworking New Yorkers have seen firsthand the deplorable actions Related has allowed against minorities, women and unionized construction workers. That’s why we’re calling on the NFL to insist Ross step down from the Committee.” 

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"It is the responsibility of the civil rights movement and the labor community to support workers of all walks of life,” said Anthony Harmon, President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) New York Chapter. “Eric Smokes should be held as an example of how, when we work together, a successful path to the middle class can be achieved." 

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“As a young woman who was subjected to constant harassment on the job, it’s insulting that the leader of the organization that has employed contractors that continue to tolerate such a toxic environment is a member of this Committee,” said Tierra Williams, a former worker on a Related site. “The NFL should call on Ross to step down immediately if it’s actually serious about making any progress on social justice issues.” 

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“I was fired from a Related job for circulating a petition among workers that was simply asking for more information about the benefits we were promised and entitled to,” said Darnell Thomas, a former worker on a Related site. “While the National Labor Review Board has issued a complaint and is investigating the case, this is only one of many instances when contractors hired by Related have shortchanged workers while Related looks the other way. Ross’ position on this committee spits in the face of thousands of sports fans and reflects poorly on the NFL.” 

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#CountMeIn is a movement of rank and file workers fighting for good wages and benefits in the face of Related’s continuous attacks on the middle class and hardworking New Yorkers. The movement has grown in direct response to the developer’s blatant disregard for workers’ rights.

50 union workers arrested at NFL protesting Steve Ross

#Activism #arrests #CivilDisobedience #CountMeIn #demonstration #DirectAction #discrimination #hardhats #HudsonYards #ItsAboutFreedom #Labor #LaborRights #legislation #MiamiDolphins #NeverQuit #NewYorkCity #NFL #NotOneStepBack #NYC #politics #racism #rally #RelatedCompanies #sexism #StepDownSteve #SteveRoss #Union #UnionBusting #UnionProud #UnionStrong #UnionWorkers #UnrigTheSystem #WeWontBackDown #WorkerRights

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Activists deliver thousands of petitions to Cuomo’s New York City office urging him to be a true climate leader

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NEW YORK, NY - A large crowd of New York climate leaders delivered thousands of petitions to Governor Cuomo, demanding he reject fossil fuel projects across the state.

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Sponsoring organizations including Sane Energy Project, Resist Spectra, Food & Water Watch, New York Communities for Change, The Climate Mobilization NYC, NYPIRG, United For Action, 350Brooklyn, 350NYC, People's Climate Movement - New York, Democratic Socialists of America - NYC chapter, organized a rally outside Cuomo's Manhattan office on August 16, 2018, calling on him to stop fossil fuel infrastructure and shift New York to 100 percent renewable energy and delivered thousands of petitions to Governor Cuomo, urging him to be a true climate leader.

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Following a months-long petition drive, a coalition of community, environmental, and social justice groups rallied outside the governor’s Midtown office. The rally featured multiple speakers, all urging Cuomo to reject fossil fuel projects. Following the rally, they delivered multiple boxes filled with over 40,000 petitions demanding an immediate halt the buildout of all oil and gas projects.

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”Governor Cuomo’s recent visits to Puerto Rico to experience the devastation from climate change must be a clear wake-up call that we need an immediate halt to fossil fuel infrastructure in New York,” said Kim Fraczek, director of Sane Energy Project. “Our state must set the paramount example for the nation. We cannot continue to kick the can down the road on community-owned renewables, like the current VDER policy that makes community solar impossible to develop, or slip in more fracked gas projects. Time’s up, and we demand he act with urgency.” 

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The petition delivery is part of a larger campaign to increase pressure on Governor Cuomo ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit and builds momentum ahead of a massive march and rally – over 70 groups announced the New York Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice mobilization on September 6 ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit, urging Governor Cuomo and elected officials at all levels to move off fossil fuels.

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“New Yorkers are demanding real climate leadership from Governor Cuomo. Today, we’re delivering thousands of petitions urging him to reject all fossil fuel projects. Voters know it’s time to move off fossil fuels. The question is whether Governor Cuomo will listen to his constituents” said Laura Shindell, organizer Food & Water Watch.

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“The voices of the people in New York State are loud and clear on climate. We recognize the devastation of climate chaos and the hope of climate action towards a greener, fairer future. It’s concerning that Governor Cuomo is not demonstrating the climate leadership that the people are calling for,” said Patrick Houston, Climate and Inequality Campaigns Organizer of New York Communities for Change.

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“A warming planet has dire consequences. Students like myself will be the generation to deal with climate damages from actions, or inactions, taken today.  We students are calling for a future powered 100% by renewable energy, and we call on Governor Cuomo to help New York break its addiction to fossil fuels today,” said Tom Wendol, NYPIRG Board of Directors member and Queens College student.

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“Governor Cuomo needs to step up now to take meaningful action on climate change and commit to signing the #NoFossilFuelMoney Pledge,” said Dee Aherne of 350NYC’s Steering Committee. “He must commit to making NYS a leader in combating climate chaos. The spotlight is on the corruption and double-talk coming out of the Cuomo administration and Cuomo’s failure to support climate legislation speaks volumes. Time is running out for the planet. New York needs to transition to 100% renewable energy now and stop all fossil fuel infrastructure. Voters will judge the governor’s legacy on climate by his actions not his slick TV ads.”

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“New Yorkers overwhelmingly support decisive action to decelerate climate change”, said Sara Gronim, Co-leader of 350Brooklyn. “We know how to do it. And we know time is running out. What we don’t have yet is bold, genuinely committed leadership.  We don’t need more talk from Governor Cuomo, more speeches, more press releases.  What we need is for Governor Cuomo to act right now: stop all new fossil fuel projects and build a new economy around renewable energy accessible to all.”

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“Governor Cuomo commissioned an Independent Risk Assessment, due to years of public outcry, that concluded what we have proved with years of studies and expert testimony -- Our community's public safety is threatened with Spectra’s dangerous high-pressure gas pipelines next to decaying Indian Point Nuclear Plant” said Tina Bongar, a resident of Peekskill, NY living just shy of the Spectra AIM Pipeline, and Coordinator of Resist Spectra, a local direct action group. “New York City is in the 50 mile evacuation radius of Indian Point, so this isn't just our community on the front lines. The people of New York are voters, and we demand Governor Cuomo fulfill our state's authority and tell the Department of Public Service to work with the Pipeline Safety and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) to shut off the gas.”Rally and Petition Delivery: Cuomo, Be a Climate Leader!

Activists delivered thousands of petitions to Governor Cuomo

#Activism #ActOnClimate #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #climatejustice #CommunityOrganizations #CuomosPipelines #CuomoWalkTheTalk #divest #DivestNY #EnergyDemocracy #energyefficiency #EnergyIndependence #EnvironmentalJustice #FossilFree #GoFossilFree #GovernorCuomo #infrackstructure #KeepItIntheGround #MakePollutersPay #MakeREVreal #NewYork #NYC #OffFossilFuels #PecefulProtest #petitions #politics #RenewableEnergy #SaneSolutions #StopCPV #StopSpectra #WilliamsPipeline #YOUAREHERE

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Immigrants Stand Up for Their First Amendment Rights As Federal Appeals Court Hears Arguments in Ragbir v. Homan

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New York, NY - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will hear oral arguments in Ragbir v. Homan, a First Amendment lawsuit filed against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its use of deportation and enforcement measures to “disappear” or silence its critics, namely directly-affected immigrant leaders who speak out against the agency’s policies and the deportation machine. The lawsuit was filed by nationally recognized immigrant rights activist Ravi Ragbir, along with immigrant rights organizations New Sanctuary Coalition, CASA, Detention Watch Network, National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, and the New York Immigration Coalition (the "plaintiffs").

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Ragbir v. Homan challenges the unlawful targeting of immigrant rights activists who have spoken out against the federal government’s immigration policies. As part of that lawsuit, plaintiffs sought a "stay of removal" for Ravi Ragbir, Executive Director of the New Sanctuary Coalition , who was abruptly targeted for deportation in January 2018 a decade after he was given an order of supervision to live and work in the U.S.  Mr. Ragbir is one of many outspoken immigrant rights leaders who has been similarly targeted nationwide. A district court denied the plaintiffs the initial protections they sought, including a stay for Mr. Ragbir, concluding that it did not have the power to review the government’s actions. The plaintiffs appealed and now seek a motion for a stay of Mr. Ragbir’s removal from the appellate court.

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Community members were invited to listen and observe the plaintiffs’ co-counsel, Arnold & Porter, argue before the Second Circuit why the Court should grant Mr. Ragbir a stay of deportation until ICE can prove that its attempt to deport Mr. Ragbir was not in retaliation for his free speech. 

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Following the hearing, immigrant rights leaders, activists, and prominent First Amendment lawyers held a press Conference and Rally at Foley Square, denouncing the federal government’s attempts to deny immigrants access to federal courts and their first amendment protections. Speakers included Ravi Ragbir, immigrant and reproductive rights activist Alejandra Pablos, the National Lawyers’ Guild National Immigration Project, the New York Immigration Coalition, and more. Under the U.S. Constitution, everyone in the United States--regardless of immigration status--is entitled to First Amendment rights. 

Immigration activist groups file lawsuit against ICE

#Activism #CourtHearing #DefendDACA #demonstration #DeportICE #DirectAction #DreamAct #dreamers #FoleySquare #HereToStay #ICEfreeNY #immigration #IStandWithRavi #NewSanctuaryCity #NewSanctuaryCoalition #NewYork #NoBan #NoHumanIsIlegal #NoICEinNY #NoWall #NYC #OurNY #Protest #rally #RaviRagbir #RefugeesWelcome #ResistTrump #SanctuaryCity #SanctuaryHood #SaveTPS #SinDACASinMiedo #‎Solidarity #StopDeportations #StopICEraids #TakenFromUs  

© Erik McGregor - erikrivas@hotmail.com - 917-225-8963