Guerrilla Radio News Blog

Elaine Brown, former head of the Black Panther Party, on Guerrilla Radio

2007-03-31T09:16:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's Guerrilla Radio featured an interview with the only woman to head the BPP, author, and long time political activist Elaine Brown. Brown will be in Cleveland on April 7, 11:30am at CSU's University Center Room 1, as part of a panel titled, "Why is standing up for your rights a capital crime in Ohio? The Case of the Lucasville 5." Brown spoke about prisons, political imprisonment, political prisoners, and the need for the American left to start winning tangible victories through the ballot. Click here to listen to what she had to say.

Seymour Hersh, the Islamist Right, Iran, and the American Empire

2007-03-17T16:30:00.000-04:00

Check out this long but very important piece by independent journalist and writer Tom Englehardt on the "Bush" administration's long term plans for the Middle East. Englehardt brings up excellent points regarding past support for rightist Islamist forces by sections of the U.S. ruling elite, the use of these forces in foreign policy gambles for the purposes of imperial expansion, and the connections all this has to the historical and present relationship between the U.S. and Iran.

Protests Abound in Begining of 5th Year

2007-03-17T16:15:00.000-04:00

As the U.S. invasion of Iraq entered its fifth year, protesters around the world demanded it come to an end today. In the U.S. the largest demonstration took place in Washington, D.C. where a conflict erupted with a much smaller "pro-war" crowd. Click here to listen to yesterday's Guerrilla Radio as Zirca interviewed a representative from the D.C. protests as they prepared for today's rally and march, along with other anti-war news and interviews. This past week also saw an eight day long vigil at Public Square in downtown Cleveland.

Friday's Guerrilla Radio

2007-03-06T15:36:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen to last Friday's edition of Guerrilla Radio. We spoke with Josh in Pittsburgh where several people were arrested for blockading a robotics center in protest of the center's role in making war machines. We also spoke with Raed Jarrar, Iraqi and author of the blog Raed in the Middle, about the pending oil and natural gas law in Iraq.

My Name is Rachel Corrie to Premiere in Cleveland

2007-02-10T11:17:00.000-05:00

The play My Name is Rachel Corrie will premiere in Cleveland next weekend at Cleveland Public Theater as part of their Big Box series. We spoke with director Trad A. Burns and actress Elizabeth Wood on yesterday's Guerrilla Radio about what inspired them to bring this play to Cleveland and how it changed them in the process. The play starts February 16th and runs through the 18th. Rachel was killed in 2004 while standing in the way of an Israeli bulldozer in the Gaza Strip as part of the International Solidarity Movement. You can check out Rachel's memorial website here.

Black Hawk Down

2007-02-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Anti-occupation forces in Iraq are improving their ability to combat U.S. forces by using new anti-aircraft weapons in anticipation of Bush's "surge." The increased use of helicopters in Iraq is likely a result of the insurgents' success with IEDs and small arms urban guerrilla warfare. Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate continue to debate over a resolution that will likely have little affect on the actual deployment of the troops absent the use of Congress' power of the purse. Nonetheless, it seems even this "toothless symbolic gesture" is drawing heavy criticism from the staunchest supporters of the U.S. occupation of Iraq.

The Urge to Surge and the Spoils of Iraqi Oil

2007-01-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

Is President Bush's plans for a surge of 20,000 more U.S. troops in Iraq related to legislation pending before Iraq's parliament which would grant oil corporations historic access to Iraqi oil? Chris Floyd thinks so. He argues that Bush and company have already "won" in Iraq with the passing of this law, expected to be approved some day this week.

The Pot of Black Gold at the end of the Rainbow in Iraq

2007-01-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

The Iraqi parliament will be considering the passage of a law this week which will likely set the stage for massive privatization of the country's oil. This privatization will allow for the flow of profits from the oil supply to benefit outside investors much more than the people who live on the land above it. The weakness of the Iraqi government in relation to its neo-colonial masters in Washington makes it very difficult for a different deal to be struck than the one being proposed.

Surge Talk

2007-01-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

Robert Dreyfuss' recent article, "Traveling the Planet Neocon Road to Baghdad (Again)," outlines the ridiculousness of the debate around increasing the number of troops in Iraq in an attempt to do something, anything, about what is increasingly being seen as a U.S. failure. His conclusion is historically on point and will likely be repeated in this current occupation: "It will be the Iraqis who end the war. It will be the Iraqis who eventually kill enough Americans to break the U.S. political will, and it will be the Iraqis who sweep away the ruins of the Maliki government to replace it with an anti-American, anti-U.S.- occupation government in Iraq. That is basically how the war in Vietnam ended, and it wasn't pretty."

We've always had him...

2007-01-02T10:30:00.001-05:00

Check out this flash video on the history between Saddam Hussein and the United States. You might be surprised to learn that up until the begining of the 1991 Gulf War the relationship was a fairly cozy and mutual one. Sadaam's rise and fall in Iraq has more to do with American economic and political interests in the region than with human rights and democracy.

Project Censored's Top 25 Censored Stories of 2006

2007-01-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

Every year Project Censored, a media watchdog organization, puts out their top 25 under reported and censored news stories of the past year. Check out this years' top 25 for further proof of the need for independent and non-corporatized media.

#1 Future of Internet Debate Ignored by Media

#2 Halliburton Charged with Selling Nuclear Technologies to Iran

#3 Oceans of the World in Extreme Danger

#4 Hunger and Homelessness Increasing in the US

#5 High-Tech Genocide in Congo

#6 Federal Whistleblower Protection in Jeopardy

# 7 US Operatives Torture Detainees to Death in Afghanistan and Iraq

#8 Pentagon Exempt from Freedom of Information Act

#9 The World Bank Funds Israel-Palestine Wall

#10 Expanded Air War in Iraq Kills More Civilians

#11 Dangers of Genetically Modified Food Confirmed

#12 Pentagon Plans to Build New Landmines

#13 New Evidence Establishes Dangers of Roundup

#14 Homeland Security Contracts KBR to Build Detention Centers in the US

#15 Chemical Industry is EPA’s Primary Research Partner

#16 Ecuador and Mexico Defy US on International Criminal Court

#17 Iraq Invasion Promotes OPEC Agenda

#18 Physicist Challenges Official 9-11 Story

#19 Destruction of Rainforests Worst Ever

#20 Bottled Water: A Global Environmental Problem

#21 Gold Mining Threatens Ancient Andean Glaciers

#22 $Billions in Homeland Security Spending Undisclosed

#23 US Oil Targets Kyoto in Europe

#24 Cheney’s Halliburton Stock Rose Over 3000 Percent Last Year

#25 US Military in Paraguay Threatens Region

“I don’t see evidence that the Democrats are interested in cutting this.”

2006-12-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

The Defense Department is requesting Congress approve a $100 billion expense bill to further fund the U.S. occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan and the War on Terrorism as a whole. With the new Democratic heavy Congress convening this month, analysts doubt the anti-war stances taken on the campaign trail will turn into a refusal to continue funding the occupations. U.S. Forces continue to suffer loses at the hands of anti-occupation forces in Iraq, however, with December being the most successful month for insurgents in all of 2006. Anti-war activists at home are planning protests once the American death toll reaches 3,000. The Iraqi death toll is now being estimated at over 655,000 since 2003. And somehow hanging Saddam Hussein is supposed to make that all ok?

Subpoenaed Journalist Sarah Olson on Guerrilla Radio

2006-12-30T08:31:00.000-05:00

An independent journalist and radio producer who has been covering the case of Lt. Ehren Watada, Sarah Olson joined us on yesterday's Guerrilla Radio. She has been subpoenaed in the U.S. Army's case against Watada who is being court-martialed for refusing to deploy to Iraq this past June. Check out some of his remarks on why he refused to fight in Iraq and why he encourages all soldiers to do the same. Lt. Watada is the first commissioned officer to protest the war and occupation of Iraq by defying deployment orders.

Antonia Juhasz on Guerrilla Radio

2006-12-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

Check out last Friday's show to hear Antonia Juhasz break down the recent proposal by the Iraq Study Group. Juhasz says that one of the key elements of the proposal concerns the privitization of Iraqi oil for the benefit of corporations chomping at the bit since 2003 and before. You can also check out two recent articles she's written on the issue on alternet and in the LA Times.

Mumia Abu-Jamal: 25 Years Later

2006-12-03T09:29:00.000-05:00

Nearly 25 years since his December 1981 arrest, Black journalist, author, and political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal remains on death row in Pennsylvania. This most recent article on the case by Linn Washington Jr. points out the continued effort being made by the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police to see Mumia executed in the face of some the best legal developments his case has seen. Currently, Mumia and his defense team are awaiting an announcement from the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals as to when oral arguments will be heard regarding the fairness of his 1995 Post-Conviction Relief Act hearing with Judge Albert Sabo as well as other constitutional violations which occurred during his initial 1982 trial. Click here to read the latest legal update.

Rossport Solidarity Camp and media critic Jeff Cohen on Guerrilla Radio

2006-12-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

Check out yesterday's edition of Guerrilla Radio where we spoke with Eve of the Rossport Solidarity Camp about the campaign to stop the construction of a Shell-run natural gas pipeline and refinery on the western cost of Ireland. After a year or so of successfully stalling Shell it looks like the pressure is mounting to deal with the Shell to Sea campaign, one way or another. We also got a chance to interview Jeff Cohen, FAIR founder and author of Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Cable News. Cohen's exposure of tv corporate news shows is a must read for anyone who doubts the need for independent media sources.

Rossport Solidarity Camp

2006-11-26T10:41:00.000-05:00

On Friday's Guerrilla Radio we were joined by photographer and solidarity activist Angela Beallor to talk about an Irish encampment protesting the construction of a natural gas pipeline by Shell in the northern part of the Republic. We attempted to interview members of the Rossport Solidarity Camp but, due to technical difficulties, we were unable to make an international phone call from the radio station. We hope to interview them this coming Friday so be sure to tune in. Check out this video for more information.

2006-11-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

Good ol' boy Robert Gates is getting set to replace Donald Rumsfeld as Secretary of Defense but really, is this former head of the CIA, participant in the Iran-Contra affair, funder of fundamentalist Islamist forces in Afghanistan during the 1980s, and former board member of a less than stellar elections company all that hott (yes, with two t's)? What apparently is hott are silicon fake boobs as the FDA ended numerous restrictions on the use of a product called "the most defective medical device ever approved by the FDA" by some critics. Women's safety versus image and status? Cmon, we know who wins that one! And somehow O.J. is back in the news, telling us how he would have killed two people. Perhaps a similar motivation is in the back of Pres. Bush's head during his recent visit to Vietnam when he denounced comparisons between the southeast Asian nation's successful battle against the U.S. occupation which ended in 1975 and today's occupation of Iraq. Bush touted that "the Vietnamese people are at peace and seeing the benefits of reform." Perhaps Iraq is Bush's way of showing how he would have killed the over one million Vietnamese who died in the war there. I mean, he's already at 650,000, why stop when you're so close? "We'll succeed unless we quit!" You just very well might Mr. Bush! And we're honestly surprised by recent findings which declare us as 99.5 percent similar to neanderthals?

Battle of Oaxaca Continues

2006-11-12T21:37:00.000-05:00

The Popular Assembly of the People of Oaxaca, a coalition of over 350 organizations in the capital city of the southern Mexican state, continues to stand in the face of repressive police violence. This latest article from Counterpunch talks about attempts to "stabilize" the city through force as well the determination of the teachers' union and others to remain steadfast until Governor Ruiz steps down.

Post-Elections: Elizabeth Holtzman and Robert Jensen on Guerrilla Radio

2006-11-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

Yesterday on Guerrilla Radio we interviewed both Elizabeth Holtzman and Robert Jensen on a post-election situation which saw Democrats take control of Congress, defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation, and conservative back-tracking on the war in Iraq. Holtzman, a former Congresswoman, argued that this election showed that the electoral system is still very much democratic and puts ample pressure on politicians with failed policies. She thinks it entirely possible that President Bush could be impeached with this new Congress. Jensen took a much different stance about the elections, using the analogy of a train simply changing conductors while maintaining the same overall direction. He urged the formation of grassroots social movements independent of the Democrats as the only real hope to radically alter America's direction. Listen HERE to hear the show and if you have thoughts of your own post them below or email us here at Guerrilla Radio.

The World Anticipates a Kinder, Gentler Empire with Democratic Push

2006-11-08T13:29:00.000-05:00

World opinion is being portrayed as ecstatic with the gains made by the Democratic Party in yesterday's elections. While expectations obviously vary, very real differences are expected to surface in U.S. foreign policy. From the article it's obvious that what's expected to change is the nature of the "War on Terrorism" and not whether the U.S. will continue it.

"The enemy has the ability to regenerate..."

2006-11-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

An article form today's New York Times gives us some insight into how the U.S. occupation is having an incredibly difficult time with snipers and other urban guerrilla tactics being used and improved upon by Iraqi forces. If anything has the ability to force U.S. troops out of Iraq it would the success of these kinds of tactics combined with a continued inability of U.S. troops to respond with superior firepower and technology. Neo-conservatives are even beginning to criticize the war and occupation, jumping a sinking ship, no doubt. Relations between the U.S. and the al-Maliki government continue to be strained, keeping secret the contents and results of recent visits by National Security Advisor Hadley and Director of National Intelligence Negroponte. More and more churches, even evangelical ones of which Bush is a part, are politicking against the failing invasion.

Cheney: Terrorists are Sophisticated Internet Users!

2006-10-31T09:19:00.000-05:00

As the number of U.S. troops killed by anti-occupation forces in Iraq passed the 100 marker for the month of October, Vice President Dick Cheney railed against the insurgency for using the internet in strategically increasing resistance right before November elections. The "former" Hailburton CEO admitted the end of the holy month of Ramadan might have played a role, as well. And while Republican cheerleaders have been forced into admitting the occupation is failing due to many Iraqis' refusal to go along, one of the main solutions being considered is simply sending in more troops. No doubt, the over 150,000 U.S. troops there already are not capable of accomplishing the mission. The most conservative estimate of the number of dead Iraqi civilians is now at 44, 803. Other studies have indicated the number is over 650,000 total dead Iraqis since the war began in 2003.

"We're not afraid. We were born to die."

2006-10-29T09:24:00.001-05:00

Striking teachers of Oaxaca, Mexico are slated to return to work Monday after 5 months of refusing to work and demanding the resignation of Governor Ulises Ruiz. Local and federal police continue to threaten those holding steadfast to their goal of forcing Ruiz out of office over charges of corruption. On Friday, 3 people were killed in clashes with police, including a NYC Indymedia journalist.

Pat Tillman, the War on Terrorism, and the Future

2006-10-21T14:23:00.000-04:00

In a powerful and to the point letter, Kevin Tillman points out simple yet biting contradictions of the entire so-called "War on Terrorism." Kevin is the brother of former NFL player and deceased soldier Pat Tillman. The two fought alongside one another in 2002 in Afghanistan. Kevin, like many friends and family of American soldiers, are beginning to ask what all this was really for and about. Only time will tell if enough GI's start asking these tough questions and, more importantly, start acting on them. Without a doubt the weakest link in the military chain is the soldier who refuses to fight.

New Study Indicates Over 600,000 Killed in Iraq

2006-10-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

John Hopkins University completed a recent study which concludes that over 600,000 Iraqis have been killed since the start of the U.S. war and occupation in 2003. The results are to be published in a British medical journal. It's not surprising that a recent poll by the Washington Post displayed widespread support for anti-U.S. occupation attacks. Although the number is likely much higher, the Wall Street Journal article on this same report stated that almost 300,000 were killed under Saddam Hussein. You do the math.

Resistance and Occupation Continue in Iraq

2006-10-09T10:47:00.000-04:00

While over 234 cities in the U.S. saw coordinated protests on the October 5 Day of Mass Resistance to Drive Out the Bush Regime, military battles continued to be waged in places like Diwaniya in Iraq. Shiite leader Moktada al-Sadr seems to play an interesting role, however. While militia forces engage U.S. occupation forces in Diwaniya, the linked New York Times article indicates the continued need for his cooperation by Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki.

Michael Lerner and the Inconvenience of Guilt

2006-10-07T10:02:00.000-04:00

Steven Salaita's piece, "What is Michael Lerner Really Talking About?", condemns the attempt by some liberals and progressives to place the blame for the current situation in Palestine/Israel equally in the lap of both Zionist and Palestinian. He stretches the argument to be part of a larger critique of white liberals who have greased the wheels of colonialism along the way. Salaita uses white liberal academics somewhat as a punching bag to prove his larger point, but it's one worth considering. Is the Israeli-Palestinian debate excluding critical Arab voices in favor of those who only claim to speak for them? Or is Salaita being stubborn in demanding that Lerner and company be abandoned by those in favor of Palestinian self-determination?

Robert Dreyfuss on Guerrilla Radio

2006-10-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

Click here to listen to the 10/6/06 edition of Guerrilla Radio as we spoke with author Robert Dreyfuss about the National Intelligence Estimate controversy and U.S. support for fundamentalist Islamic forces in the Middle East. You can read Dreyfuss' article, "Beware the NIE," here.

Guerrilla Radio Now on Fridays 6-7pm!

2006-09-09T11:39:00.000-04:00

Tune into WRUW 91.1 fm every Friday evening from 6-7pm to catch Guerrilla Radio's news, views, and interviews by and for the people of the world. Guerrilla Radio aims to see through the smoke and mirrors of much of the corporate media press by reading selected news articles, giving a platform to important under-reported stories and voices, and bringing exclusive weekly interviews. In the past Guerrilla Radio has brought listeners interviews with independent journalists on the ground in places like Iraq and Palestine, experts on the growing right turn of the U.S., labor battles in the Midwest, and much, much more! So don't forget, every Friday at 6:00pm roll your radio to the left and get tuned into Guerrilla Radio on WRUW 91.1 fm.

“We did not realize the paucity of human intelligence that the administration had on Iraq”

2006-09-09T11:25:00.000-04:00

In an obvious admission of what has been known for much longer than last fall, a report issued yesterday by the Senate Intelligence Committee makes it clear no link existed between Saddam Hussein and Al-Qaeda in Iraq. And while the report, not surprisingly, refused to draw any conclusions regarding the use of false evidence as justification for the occupation of Iraq under the Bush administration, it continues to get easier and easier to do so.

Beau Grosscup and Art McCoy on Guerrilla Radio

2006-08-26T09:48:00.000-04:00

Listen to last Thursday's edition of Guerrilla Radio here to check out interviews with Art McCoy and Beau Grosscup. McCoy is a member of the grassroots East Cleveland group Black on Black Inc. and spoke about an upcoming rally protesting the police murder of 15 year old Brandon McCloud last September. We got to speak with Grosscup about the political uses of terrorism, particularly by nation-states engaged in the so-called "warr on terrorism." Listen and hear why Grosscup says the war on terrorism is actually being waged by a war of terrorism.

George Galloway Blasts View and Coverage in Lebanon

2006-08-15T11:16:00.000-04:00

Check out this video of British Member of Parliament George Galloway denouncing media coverage of Israeli military aggression in Lebanon and Palestine.

Bush and Olmert Declare Victory But Did Israel Actually Lose?

2006-08-14T23:41:00.000-04:00

Bush has claimed the recent military campaign in Lebanon by Israel has ended in a defeat for Hezbollah. The U.N. enforced ceasefire has opened up serious criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Olmert. A former Israeli soldier's article points out how much of the Bush and Olmert praise for the recent aggression is hype. It appears that not only has it created more support for Hezbollah inside Lebanon, bolstered their fighting ability, and generated stronger criticism of Israel throughout the Arab world, it has created an important division within Israel itself. Read Uri Averny's article here.

2006-08-12T13:09:00.000-04:00

Israeli, U.S. Violence Continues to be Placed Out of a Historical Context

2006-08-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

In a brief two-part interview, Noam Chomsky lays out how recent escalations in military aggression on the part of Israel has important historical roots and serious consequences for the future. Chomsky points out the practice of kidnapping civilians and claiming they are members of so-called terrorist organizations by Israel, with the full support of the U.S., occurred well before recent captures of Israeli soldiers in Gaza and Lebanon. These acts received little press coverage in the U.S. and failed to prompt calls for extended military attacks against Israel. Independent journalist Dahr Jamail's recent article on the rise of Hezbollah points to how this continued military aggression by the U.S. and Israel is only increasing the popularity of the group. It seems clear that the initial goal of the recent Israeli campaign to embarrass Hezbollah out of power in southern Lebanon has radically backfired. Not surprisingly, the Bush administration continues to blame Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria for the "unwanted war" while Hezbollah has decalred it will abide by a U.N. sponsored cease-fire.

“If the people cannot talk, the stones will say it.”

2006-08-06T18:42:00.000-04:00

Check out this informative piece from today's New York Times on Hezbollah. The article points out the multiple roles the organization plays in southern Lebanon: social service provider, military defense, and police. While the U.S. and its media continue to blame the recent flare-up of military conflict on Hezbollah's kidnapping of Israeli troops, support for their armed resistance is growing.

Hezbollah Winning Support as Israel Continues to Destroy Lebanon

2006-07-29T11:41:00.000-04:00

Two recent New York Times articles point to how the Israeli invasion in Lebanon is building widespread appreciation for Hezbollah's armed resistance across the Middle East but at a heavy price environmentally. One Lebanese man said, "It's dripping fuel from the sky." As casualties continue to mount in Lebanon, Israel's justice minister ironically announced that anyone in the southern part of the nation would be considered a terrorist.

"... and then shrugs off the organization when it does not follow his lead."

2006-07-23T11:50:00.000-04:00

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is this week holding a hearing on the re-nomination of U.S. envoy to the United Nations, John Bolton. As part of a larger "war on terrorism," it seems the U.S. conception of multilateralism is much different than the rest of the world's.

"What John offers is what the U.S. needs at the U.N. today," he said in an interview. "John is the right kind of change agent in a universe that is resistant to change. In order to get reform done, you're going to have to push, you have to be assertive."

And what is it that the U.S. needs at the U.N. today?

Director of ACCESS Ohio Speaks on Israeli escalating of Violence

2006-07-21T11:05:00.000-04:00

Jeff Kassouf, director of the Arab American Community Center for Economic and Social Services in Cleveland, was interviewed on yesterday's Guerrilla Radio. Listen here as Jeff talks about recent military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the Israeli lobby, and the portrayal of various organizations in the U.S. media. Israel continues to claim the raids are in response Hezbollah's capture of two Israeli soldiers 11 days ago, and has rejected calls for a cease-fire. Israel has been clear in its desire to eliminate Hezbollah completely, but analysts point out the organization's social roots and high-level guerilla abilities. With the reality of the IDF meeting a much stiffer resistance than expected, there is also talk the Lebanese army may get involved in the fighting if Israel launches a fuller scale land invasion.

Israel Planning for Long Term Offensive in Lebanon

2006-07-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

Reports coming out indicate that Israel is planning to continue recent military actions in Lebanon for weeks and may involve ground troops. Amazingly, Israel is demanding that Hezbollah be disarmed before they end the recent military campaign that has claimed the lives of over 200 Lebanese. Doctors in Tyre, a city in the south of Lebanon, report that the current invasion is worse than what occurred in 1996. They indicate that the targets being bombed are far from being clearly controlled or having anything to do with Hezbollah.

Cleveland Gets Ready for Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign

2006-07-11T10:40:00.000-04:00

In an op-ed printed in yesterday's New York Times, Lawrence Downes paints the situation of day laborers as one of both growing difficulty and organization. Placing them at the margins, often composed of struggling immigrants, Downes points out how much of the current debate of immigration does not speak to these workers. Beginning this Friday, July 15, the Poor Peoples' Economic Human Rights Campaign is being brought to Cleveland by Organize Ohio! for a national Truth Commission. Their aim is to provide "an important tool in bringing attention to the Economic violence poor and working people are suffering in this country."

Evidence and Outrage Mounting Over Rape and Murders in Iraq by U.S. Soldiers

2006-07-09T11:46:00.000-04:00

Five more soldiers from the Army's 101st Airborne Division have been charged in the rape and murder of Abeer Qasem Hamzeh in Mahmudiya. While Steven Green is being charged as the main culprit, the other soldiers are being implicated in helping him carry out the actions that led to the death of an Iraqi family of four and the burning of their home in an attempt to get rid of evidence. Investigations are apparently looking into how the soldiers were able to conduct the actions independently, possibly placing some responsibility for what happened on the shoulders of commanding officers. With reports surfacing about neo-nazi organizing within the ranks of the U.S. military as exposure of attacks on Iraqi civilians grows, one might wonder whether, especially to civilians like those of the Hamzeh family, it makes any difference.

Israel Declares Palestinian Government "Terrorist" While Shelling Gaza

2006-06-29T09:05:00.000-04:00

"Terrorists" are being bombed and those blamed for the taking of a hostage are captured. In response to the capture of Gilad shield, an Israeli soldier, by Palestinian militants, Israel has reoccupied the Gaza Strip and bombed electricity plants and bridges. The IDF also arrested 60 Hamas members who were also politicians in the plagued but democratically elected Palestinian government. At least one of the arrests occurred in the West Bank, as military operations are apparently taking place there, as well.

Joseph Gerson on the "new military colonialism"

2006-06-22T22:31:00.000-04:00

On today's Guerrilla Radio we were joined by Joseph Gerson, editor of the recent book The Sun Never Sets. Click here to listen as we talk about the impact and scope of U.S. military bases around the world and specifically what the continued construction of them in Iraq may mean.

“Wealth is a global phenomenon”

2006-06-21T17:29:00.000-04:00

The number of millionaires in the world rose to about 8.7 million people recently, equaling about $33.6 trillion in total wealth. A U.N. report issued last week, however, cautioned that urban poverty is growing. The report suggested that some 6.7 million people were forced from their homes due to evictions between 2000 and 2002.

Zarqawi's Death Insignificant to Iraq?

2006-06-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

With news coming out of Iraq that Zarqawi's successor may be responsible for the death of two recently captured U.S. soldiers, the actual importance of the supposed leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq continues to be questioned. Some reports suggest the opposite in fact, claiming the U.S. is using Abu Musab al-Zarqawi as a cartoon-like character to build support for the war both in Iraq and the U.S. Whether Zarqawi was just another terrorist bogeyman or was an actual power player in Iraq's future seems somewhat irrelevant, however, as the so-called "insurgency" grows in strength. Regardless, Japan is not waiting around any longer and will likely have pulled out all 550 troops by the end of July.

Kunta Kenyatta on Today's Guerrilla Radio

2006-06-08T20:26:00.000-04:00

Former Ohio prisoner, board member of CURE-Ohio, and author of several pamphlets on his experiences in prison Kunta Kenyatta appeared on today's edition of Guerrilla Radio. He spoke about life in prison, getting out and dealing with society, his participation in CURE and an upcoming prison conference in Youngstown happening this weekend.

Cleveland Catholic Workers Using Trial to Protest War in Iraq on Guerrilla Radio

2006-05-31T19:48:00.000-04:00

Chris and Joe from the Cleveland Catholic Worker movement were arrested Saturday March 18 at the Lakewood military recruiting center. They plan to use their upcoming trial on June 7 to "Put the War on Trial." You can listen to the interview here on WRUW-fm 91.1 Cleveland.

Bush "impressed by the determination of the people" as anti-U.S. occupation insurgency grows

2006-05-30T17:28:00.000-04:00

Six months after Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced a reduction in U.S. troops in Iraq, the Pentagon made the obvious public: the economy and security of Iraq are getting worse under the control of the United States military. It should come as no surprise that drug abuse is on the rise there as violence, insecurity, unemployment, and despair continue to grow. The recent killing of 24 Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines in Haditha seems to be the norm rather than the exception.

Olmert Addresses Congress and Demands Palestinians Renounce Violence

2006-05-24T19:03:00.000-04:00

Placing the blame for the situation in Palestine/Israel squarely on the backs of Palestinians, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said today, "should the Palestinians ignore our outstretched hand for peace, Israel will seek other alternatives to promote our future and the prospects of hope in the Middle East." Meanwhile, settlers continue to use stolen land and Israeli forces killed three in a Ramallah raid today. The contradictions of the situation are pointed out in this editorial by Ghlai Hassan. Olmert, while correctly criticizing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's denial of the holocaust, agreed with U.S. concerns about Iran's nuclear developments but causually ignored the extent to which Israel possesses nuclear weapons. A day before Olmert's show, the House passed restrictive legislation declaring Palestine a "terrorist sanctuary" and called for reducing U.S. contributions to the U.N. in proportion to the amount of financial assistance given to deal with the growing crisis there.

AK Steel Lockout Continues, Company Wants a "New Era" Labor Agreement

2006-05-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

Calling for "fewer employees, fewer job classes, defined-contribution pensions and active and retiree health care cost sharing," AK Steel CEO James Wainscott continued to insist on locking out the Armco Employees Independent Federation (AEIF) union after its contract expired on March 1st in Middletown, Ohio. The union contends the lockout is seriously curtailing AK Steel's production and safety, and tried to influence stockholders on Wednesday to pressure the company back into negotiations.

Iraqi Gov't Comes Together WITHOUT Defense and Interior Heads

2006-05-20T08:52:00.000-04:00

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced top cabinet officials today, but left out who would control both the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior. The two ministries, which control the Iraqi security and police forces, may have heads announced tomorrow. In the meantime, however, 19 day laborers were killed in Shi'ite Sadr City as the unrecognized civil war in Iraq moves forward. Both Italy and Japan have suggested they will be pulling out troops very soon in response to the civil war. Italy's new prime minister, Romano Prodi, called the war a "grave mistake" but failed to give a date for troop withdrawal. For a run down of recent Iraqi Cabinet nominees, as well as basic info on other key leaders in Iraq, click here. Bush admitted the extent to which the war and occupation in Iraq was unpopular with the American populace in an interview yesterday on the "Today Show" but hinted at continuing to not give a shit.

NEW TIME FOR Guerrilla Radio

2006-05-17T22:48:00.000-04:00

Tune in to WRUW-FM 91.1 every THURSDAY from 6:00pm - 7:00pm to get all the news, views, and interviews you've come to expect from Guerrilla Radio!

Carol Fisher Ordered to Jail Pysche Unit

2006-05-10T15:56:00.001-04:00

Cleveland World Can't Wait activist Carol Fisher, who was arrested while posting an anti-Bush poster on a Cleveland Heights telephone pole, was recently convicted on two counts of felonious assault. Judge McGinty, a notorious pro-police conservative judge, ordered her to take a pyschiatric evaluation test which she flatly refused. In response, McGinty forcibly incarcerated Fisher to the jail pysche unit indefinitely. A "Speak Out!" for Carol Fisher will be held Saturday, May 13 at 7pm at the corner of Coventry and Euclid Heights Blvd in Cleveland Heights.

Crackdown on Radical Environmentalists Moving Forward

2006-05-09T09:20:00.000-04:00

With "anti-terrorist task forces" being built up by surge of funds from Washington, as recently reported by U.S. News and World Report, the targets of these intelligence units vary but all are being labeled security or terrorists threats. The publication says it "has identified nearly a dozen cases in which city and county police, in the name of homeland security, have surveilled or harassed animal-rights and antiwar protesters, union activists, and even library patrons surfing the Web." Radical direct-action oriented environmental groups, like the Earth Liberation Front, are recieving the brunt end of the FBI stick. In an article published in yesterday's Seattle Times the paper told of over 190 FBI investigations in the last three years which focused on what the agency has labeled "ecoterrorism." Others have taken notice, as well. The Southern Poverty Law Center recently published a report which illuminated the extent to which the FBI is going after groups like the ELF and ALF, using informants, plants, high-tech surveilance, and formerly obscure laws.

Bush Criticizes Anti-immigrant Movement

2006-05-07T09:37:00.000-04:00

Displaying more cracks in the conservative armor, Bush called out those on the right who have been calling for stricter border patrol and the passage of anti-immigrant bill HR 4437 as promoting a "sure path to stagnation and decline." While the debate over immigration reform carries on, border patrols arrests are on the rise. Some attribute it to increased patrolling, a possibility more likely after hearing Bush's above remarks. Others argue talk of the signing of a guest worker program and a possible amnesty campaign has led to the increase. It could also be the braggadocio beaming from the Whitehouse about how great the economy is doing. It also seems as if the more moderate wing on the right of the debate (which, strangely, Bush is clearly on) has created an organization to try and galvanize conservative Latinos around this idea that "immigration reform should not be a choice between two evils - giving up border security or giving up economic security."

Minuteman Tour Confronted in LA at Start of U.S. Tour

2006-05-04T17:24:00.000-04:00

Beginning a tour of the U.S. that will make its way to Washington, D.C. by May 12, the fiercely anti-immigrant Minuteman Project were largely given the cold shoulder by folks in L.A. The group, which encourages vigilante border patrol, attempted to find a sympathetic ear in poor Black communities with high rates of unemployment. Check out this new blog devoted to coverage of the Minuteman tour and efforts against it.

U.S. Creating Climate of Torture

2006-05-04T13:11:00.000-04:00

In a report made public yesterday, human rights watchdog Amnesty International told the UN Committee Against Torture that the U.S. was flagrantly contradicting its own policies on torture and was creating a climate where it could flourish. Comparisons to the treatment of prisoners here in the U.S. were also made. The U.S. plans to send a 30-strong delegation to Geneva to defend its increasingly narrow definition of torture and its track record in place like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. U.S. officials also continued to claim it had a right to detain people indefinitely because of the so-called "war on terrorism." "Like other wars, when they start, we do not know when they will end." Today, two more human rights organizations added to the chorus. The ACLU and Human Rights Watch both condemned the widespread use of torture in the "war on terror" and agreed that similar concerns exist about prisoners in U.S. prisons. "There is overwhelming evidence of torture and abuse of detainees held in U.S. custody abroad. Prisoners held within the United States have been similarly abused," an ACLU spokesperson said.

Guerrilla Radio Interviews Col. Janis Karpinski

2006-05-02T21:30:00.000-04:00

On today's Guerrilla Radio we played an interview conducted Monday with Col. Janis Karpinski, former Brig. Gen. who oversaw the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Click here to listen to Karpinski is what was a surprisingly forthcoming interview about impossible objectives, intelligence cover-ups, larger problems of prisoner torture, and how this all leads back to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

Mifuné Forced off Stage at Tri-C Jazz Fest for Anti-Bush T-Shirts

2006-04-30T12:07:00.000-04:00

The Cleveland-based Afro-beat band, Mifuné, was forced off stage at Saturday's Tri-C Jazz Fest event in Tower City. Tower City officials said the band's anti-Bush t-shirts, which simply had a picture of George W. Bush with a line through it, were inappropriate for the musical event. Tri-C Jazz Fest officials backed the decision, showing both their cowardice and lack of historical understanding of jazz's roots and political connections. You can check out an interview with Mifuné this Monday on "Off Blue," 8:00-9:30pm on WRUW-FM 91.1.

Afterword: Failed States by Noam Chomsky

2006-04-30T11:48:00.000-04:00

The afterword to Chomsky's recent book, Failed States, goes through four major crisises confronting the world today: Nuclear war, environmental devastation, disastrous U.S. foreign policy, and a growing lack of truely democratic institutions. Chomsky places these crisises in the context of the war in Iraq, the increasing economic and political clout of nations such as China and India in Asia, and the exapnding connections between Latin American nations outside of the U.S. sphere of influence. Click here to read the article. Chomsky's conclusion is rather hopeful and useful for those of us who grasping for a breath of fresh air in the currently stale American climate.

"Though it is natural for doctrinal systems to seek to induce pessimism, hopelessness and despair, reality is different. There has been substantial progress in the unending question for justice and freedom in recent years, leaving a legacy that can easily be carried forward from a higher plane than before. Opportunities for education and organizing abound. As in the past, rights are not likely to be granted by benevolent authorities, or won by intermittent actions attending a few demonstrations or pushing a lever in the personalized quadrennial extravaganzas that are depicted as "democratic politics." As always in the past, the tasks require dedicated day-by-day engagement to create -- in part re-create -- the basis for a functioning democratic culture in which the public plays some role in determining policies, not only in the political arena from which it is largely excluded, but also in the crucial economic arena, from which it is excluded in principle. There are many ways to promote democracy at home, carrying it to new dimensions. Opportunities are ample, and failure to grasp them is likely to have ominous repercussions: for the country, for the world, and for future generations."

Overseer of Abu Ghraib in Cleveland Monday

2006-04-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

With the recent announcement of Lt. Col. Steven L. Jordan being charged for the crimes committed at Abu Ghraib, the scandal of American torture in Iraq has made its way back into the headlines. Jordan is the highest ranking officer to be charged in the incident. Brig. Gen. Janis Karpinski oversaw the 800th MP Brigade which ran several detention facilities in Iraq, including Abu Ghraib. She was relieved of duty and eventually reprimanded but was not court martialed. Karpinski has spoken out against how she was treated, saying she has been scapegoated to take the fall for something that goes all the way back to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. On Monday, Karpinski and Captain James Yee, the former military Chaplain at Guantanamo Bay who was falsely charged with aiding Al Qaida and Taliban prisoners, will be speaking at Case Western University. You can catch Karpinski being interviewed on Blackout News Monday at 1:00pm on 91.1 fm. If you miss it then, be sure to check out Tuesday's Guerrilla Radio at 1:00pm. If you have any suggestions for questions for the interview please send them our way.

"Oil?? Who Said Anything About Oil? Somebody Cooking Something?"

2006-04-25T08:13:00.000-04:00

U.S. Ambassador, Zalmay Khalilzad, told Americans to suck it up and accept the U.S. presence in Iraq in an interview with the LA Times. "This is our destiny, given our preponderance in the world, our role in the world and because of our successes," he stated. Success stories abounded in other news media today as Haliburton was shown to waste over $75 million on an oil pipleline project. Plans are in the works to waste more, as well. And while U.S. backed Jawad al-Maliki is scrambling to put together a governing coalition, not suprisingly the issue of who will control Iraq's oil reserves and production continues to plague the occupied nation.

U.S. Concerns About Trade Deficit Shine at IMF Meeting

2006-04-23T17:03:00.000-04:00

Metting in Washington, representatives of the International Monetary Fund met over the weekend to discuss control of the global economy. U.S. representatives were pleased to see that surplus nations such as Germany, Japan, and "oil producers" understood the potential for the U.S. trade deficit and a lack of savings to destabilize the world. Some dissension flared over a proposed plan to restructure voting power within the IMF. The G-24 group of developing nations, led by India, called for more power within the IMF to better reflect their growing economies.

If you have insight on the issues of the IMF and its current meeting, Guerrilla Radio is all ears: gradio(a)riseup.net

Pro-parliament Protests in Nepal Attacked

2006-04-21T09:17:00.000-04:00

In the 15th day of coalition efforts to force King Gyanendra to restore parliament, 293 protestors have been injured and 3 killed. Even the U.S. ambassador to Nepal stated it was only a matter of time before the Nepali monarchy fell. This article, from last year, gives us a glimpse into the student movement driving much of the current protests.

Israel Looking to Retake Gaza?

2006-04-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

Maj. Gen. Moav Galant, head of Israeli southern security forces, responded to recent Hamas support for a a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv by suggesting anything from a partial to a full reoccupation of the Gaza Strip was in order. Retired Israeli Colonel, Shaul Arieli, said bombing was a result of "the greed of the Israeli government when it comes to Palestinian land" but said the solution was hastened construction of the apartheid/so-called security wall. Hamas maintained that a peaceful settlement with Israel would only come if pre-1967 borders were recognized, the right of return accepted, settlements were ended, the wall was dismantled, and Palestinian detainees were released. The U.S. banned all citizens from any "financial dealings" with the Palestinian Authority this week, following last week's removal of $92 million in infrastructure support. OMB Watch, a corporate watchdog in Washington, criticized what it called "unequal enforcement of anti-terrorist financing laws."

Video of Bill White being Confronted in Lansing

2006-04-19T09:56:00.000-04:00

During a television interview with TV8 in Michigan, neo-nazi and spokesmen for the National Socialist Movement Bill White was briefly confronted by local anti-racists. The NSM is planning to march on Michigan's capital this Saturday while members of the Lansing Coalition Against Nazis are planning "a visible and vocal counter-demonstration." The NSM attempted to march in Toledo, Ohio last fall but were quickly shut down by anti-racists and folks from the community pissed that the police were allowing them to march through their neighborhood.

Worries of a Iranian Nuclear Noogie Keep Options Open for Bush

2006-04-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

Saying Iran is prepared to "cut the hand of any aggressor and place the sign of disgrace on their forehead," President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continued to claim enriched uranium would be used for peaceful purposes only. While Iran talked tough, Bush refused to rule out any options, especially the more insane one of nuclear strikes against a nation far from being capable of producing enough enriched uranium for destructive purposes. As if anyone should be surprised, the saber rattling by Iran is gaining an audience throughout the Middle East as a response to the U.S. occupation of Iraq and the rapid plummet of aspirations for peace in Palestine/Israel. (and yes, we know the pic has nothing to do with Iran. How could we have passed it up though?)

Chocolate Bars and Partitioning Iraq: Don't Say They Didn't Warn You!

2006-04-17T10:31:00.000-04:00

The New York Times brought comparisons with Bosnia into the debate around Iraq yesterday, publishing an article that hints at what many feared (and perhaps others wanted) all along: the U.S. occupation of Iraq will lead to violent division of the country along mostly ethnic lines. Some have argued that this partitioning of Iraq was part and parcel of the neo-con agenda and Bush is just attempting to follow the script, with either little or tremendous success depending on who you ask. The Times article hints at what could be even more dissension within the military in Iraq, something the Pentagon has attempted to quell after criticism of Rumsfeld has been mounting. One thing seems to be clear, the U.S. role in Iraq is a heavy contributor to both ethnic/sectarian violence and ethnic unity under a broad anti-occupation banner.

Calls for Rumsfeld's Resignation and 2006 Elections Both Loom Over Washington

2006-04-14T09:48:00.000-04:00

In a Tuesday Pentagon briefing, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld stated, "There are hundreds and hundreds of retired generals, and they have opinions, and that'Âs fine."Â Taking cue from their civilian commander, more retired generals called for Rumsfeld's resignation today, opining that Rumsfeld's Department of Defense had too many opinions on how to run the war and occupation of Iraq. The mainstream liberal wing of the Democrats has been calling on Rummy to call it quits since 2003 and Lt. Gen. Greg Newbold's editorial piece for this Friday's TIME displays even more clearly the splits emerging within ruling circles over Iraq. Is it a coincidence that Newbold concludes, "We need fresh ideas and fresh faces" when elections are looming and Democrats hope to capitalize on growing distrust of the Bush administration? Although you have to take it with a grain of salt, whack-job right-wingers occasionally make good points.

Reprisals Hit Some After Walk-Outs and Protests Against Anti-Immigrant Legislation Last Week

2006-04-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

Last week's surge in street protests against anti-immigrant legislation pending in Congress is seeing a backlash as workers have been fired for calling off and students punished for walking out. In Toledo, OH hundreds marched yesterday and a march in Los Angeles set for Sunday plans to honor a 14 year old who apparently killed himself after being harassed for participating in a similar march there.

"Wild Speculation" Continues about Iran

2006-04-12T09:42:00.000-04:00

As Iran announced it had successfully enriched uranium Tuesday, comparisons between water falls and nuclear develop garnered criticism from Europe, Russia, and the United States. While Bush has been downplaying recent claims the U.S. is considering using military strikes against Iran, the wild speculation continued throughout the world. "Sources" told "your favourtie no. 1 newspaper" that regime change was most definitely on the Bush agenda for November while the Aussies had the nerve to interview Dr. Michael Nacht from the University of California. Nacht is apparently one of "your favourtie no. 1 newspaper's" sources, claiming "The language that he's using and the language that Condoleezza Rice is using about the Iranian threat suggests to me that they are gearing up and developing the options for military action."

Oskar Castro and Military Recruitment on Guerrilla Radio

2006-04-11T20:58:00.000-04:00

You can listen to Oskar talk about about important issues regarding the recruitment of young people into the United States military on today's radio show. His talk at CSU covered connections between consumerism and military recruitment. While some reports have pointed to a lull in military recruiting, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield said today numbers are "exceeding expectations." The Pittsburgh Organizing Group held an counter recruitment conference this weekend as part of the growing movement Oskar discussed on the show, as well. You can also check out Cleveland Indymedia for an update on two protesters recently arrested at the Lakewood military recruitment center.

Oskar Castro on Tuesday's Guerrilla Radio

2006-04-10T10:42:00.000-04:00

Head of the National Youth & Militarism Program of the American Friends Service Committee, Oskar Castro will be on the show Tuesday discussing military recruitment and the growing movement against it. If you can't tune on live at 1pm on 91.1fm you can always catch the stream or archive at www.wruw.org. You can also catch him at several events happening in Cleveland this week as part of "Peace Week" at Cleveland State. Oskar will be conducting two workshops while in town as well as speaking about countering military recruitment Tuesday night in the University Center, room 1, at 7pm.

“I think Iran has a secret nuclear-weapons program—I believe it, but I don’t know it.”

2006-04-09T19:07:00.000-04:00

The New Yorker has published an article exploring the possibility of military action being taken by the Bush administration in Iran. Hersh relies on a number of unnamed diplomats, intelligence officers, and other unnamed sources but presents the possibility as being real convincingly. The debate over the attainment of nuclear weapons by Iran is being framed by diplomacy versus air strikes. The impression the article gives is that the latter is being built in a similar way to the argument made to invade Iraq and has little basis. Further, the real goal would not even be elimination of Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities. It could be complete regime change and an even further shaking up of the Middle East for American interests.

Civil War in Iraq "Hinted At" While It Continues

2006-04-07T11:06:00.000-04:00

While the continous stream of news coming out of Iraq is full of "sectarian violence," U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad "warned" the world of possible civil war consuming the nation. Meanwhile, Israel continued its pursuit of peace in the region, Delphi is hopeful for "its future," and funding for teapot museums comes under intense scrutiny.

Supreme Court Backs Paranoia Shown in "Punishment Park"

2006-04-06T13:44:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Bush Administration's caputre and indefinite imprisionment of Jose Padilla Monday. The right for the President to label Padilla an "enemy combatant" and treat him the same as "detainees" in camps such as Guantanamo Bay was upheld in the face of Padilla's U.S. citizenship status. Wednesday, the Cleveland Museum of Art showed the movie Punishment Park on the Case campus, a film set in 1970s America after Nixon has used the McCarran Act to declare a state of emergency, round up leftists of the day, and try them in bogus tribunals. In the end defendants are allowed to choose between prison and being chased down by police and National Guardsmen in pursuit of an American flag some 50 miles away in the California desert. The film is a controversial one with a lot of possible interpretations. Send any our way.

Good News, Bad News, or.... No News???

2006-04-06T09:08:00.000-04:00

In a recent Reuters sponsored media panel panelists discussed how "polarized" reporting on Iraq has gotten. Complaining about how journalists get stuffed into a pro or anti-war camp within the first couple lines of an article, the panel ranged from the understandable to the ridiculous. Several international journalists, a pro-blogger, and a Lt. Col. from the U.S. military felt suited to comment on how news was being reported from Iraq. Take a look into the second half of the article to see what the real journalists in Iraq think about the situation.

Telethon Show

2006-04-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Listen to Guerrilla Radio's special telethon edition show with Joe Mueller and Michael McMurray. Both are Clevelanders who have recently visited Iraq. You can also hear AKT Aktion's Hide It Fuck Mr Bush track. AKT Aktion is an Iraqi War vet who's putting his experiences to beats, plus he's an old friend from k-12 days. You can also still donate on-line at www.wruw.org

WRUW Telethon Show This Tuesday

2006-04-02T15:35:00.000-04:00

This Tuesday's edition of Guerrilla Radio will be part of WRUW's annual telethon drive. On the show we will be joined by Joe Mueller and Michael McMurray. Joe was recently arrested for protesting the the military recruitment center in Lakewood and has been on Guerrilla Radio in the past to discuss his trip to Iraq last fall. Michael is a long time peace activist and opera singer who also travelled to Iraq as part of a Christian Peace Team delegation. As the situation in Iraq continues to worsen, listen in and consider donating as these two discuss their experiences in Iraq and how it has shaped their work to end the war.

Cleveland Isn't Even Mentioned....

2006-04-02T11:49:00.000-04:00

It should come as no surprise that the supposed debate opened by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita around issues of poverty and racism in America has created little concrete change. According to the Census Bureau, the poverty rate has climbed for the fourth straight year with 37 million folks living at or below the federal poverty level. Be sure to check out the comments from Rev. Randall Mitchell at the beginning and end of the AP article.

Delphi Looking to Legally Void Union Contracts

2006-03-31T19:29:00.000-05:00

As part of its plans to close 21 of 29 U.S. manufacturing plants and layoff up to 8,500 workers, Delphi has asked a bankruptcy to void its union contracts. The company has what are supposed to be legally binding labor agreements with the UAW and the UE but claims several of these are "unprofitable" and stated that "we simply cannot continue to sell products at a loss." If Judge Robert Drain rules in favor of Delphi, look for workers to lose wages, healthcare benefits, pensions, and even jobs.

Video of U.S. Troops: "If you start looking at them as human beings, then how are you going to kill them?"

2006-03-30T21:11:00.000-05:00

Check out this BBC video of U.S. troops in New Orleans. These are recently returned soldiers from Iraq sharing their stories and marching against the war.

French Protests Continue to Push for Status Quo

2006-03-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

Mass protests swept through France Tuesday as students and unionists protested the "contrat premiere embauche," otherwise known as the CPE. Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, with support from President Jacques Chirac, claim the law will create job opportunities for young people. Opponents, composed of millions of actual young people, point out that making it easier to fire those under the age of 26 does little is an opportunity they could do without. Over 130 protests took place across France and more are scheduled for April 4.

Jennifer Van Bergen on the "Unitary Executive"

2006-03-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

Author of the book, The Twilight of Democracy : The Bush Plan for America, Jennifer Van Bergen appeared on yesterday's edition of Guerrilla Radio. You can listen to that here. Van Bergen discussed the Bush administration's use of "signing statements" in the context of what is called the "unitary executive." She explained how these signing statements relate to the administration's interpretation of the renewal of the Patriot Act and the McCain Anti-Torture Ban. Read for yourself the signing statement issued on Patriot Act to see just how toothless the idea of "separation of powers" can be.

Scalia Confirms Status of Gitmo Detainees as Not Having a Status

2006-03-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

In the continued application of racetrack logic, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia stated in Switzerland today that detainees held by the U.S. at Guantanamo Bay are neither prisoners nor prisoners of war. Scalia affirmed U.S. claims detainees have no rights a government is bound to respect. After his speech, Scalia was questioned about the source of his statements and allegedly claimed all approximately 500 detainees engaged in a collective protest showing their true identities, singing this song.

"Iraqization" of U.S. Occupation Beginning?

2006-03-26T23:48:00.000-05:00

Harking back to how well the strategy worked for the Nixon administration, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice stated today, "Iraqi forces are getting better; American forces are ceding territory, and I think it's entirely probable that we will see a significant drawdown of American forces over the next year..." Meanwhile, U.S. forces backed Iraqi forces in a deadly community hall raid that left at least 65 people dead and shell casings oddly similar to those used by U.S. soldiers.

South Dakota Abortion Ban Creates Many Concerns

2006-03-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Not only could the South Dakota ban on abortions affect salad dressing options, but Native American women are standing up to declare their personal and national sovereignty. ''It is very important that we have access to safe, legal pregnancy termination services, whether it is emergency contraceptives right after the assault or an abortion service,'' said Charon Asetoyer, director of the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center located on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. When asked about the possibility of South Dakota's only abortion-provider, Planned Parenthood, building a separate - and sovereign - facility on an Indian reservation, Governor Rounds was reportedly quoted as saying, "Doh!" His approval rating has plunged from 72 to 58 percent after the ban was signed into law.

Condi Rules Out Occupying the NFL

2006-03-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

Secretary of State, and unfortunately a fellow Browns fan, Condoleeza Rice stated she had no interest in taking over as commissioner of the NFL when current head Paul Tagliabue retires. "Unfortunately, it came open at the wrong time," Rice said Wednesday. In the past Rice has suggested American "democracy" would work well in the NFL, especially in light of steroids being used as weapons of mass personal destruction in the league. Rice added, "Obviously, I'm very busy as secretary of state..."

Bill to be considered by Senate while Catholic Priest Declares Bill Frist Ain't the Pope

2006-03-23T23:02:00.000-05:00

In a New York Times editorial, Roger Mahony stands by statements he made last month to encourage priests from his archdiocese to disobey pending immigration laws. HR 4437 was passed by the House in December and will enter the Senate next week. Provisions of the bill include a broadening of what is considered "alien smuggling" with felonies potentially being dished out to those that assist "illegal" immigrants. While countless businesses depend on paying minimal wages for immigrant labor, the proposed bill also allows for fines of up to $40,000 to be leveled at organizations that help immigrants find work without checking on their legal status. Opponents say the bill will "relegate immigrants to a perennial underclass" and are planning a national day of protest on April 10. In Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Immigrant Support Network is holding a demonstration tomorrow, Friday March 24th, in front of Cleveland City Hall at 5pm.

Freedom to Assemble Lifted for Free Flow of Goods in Ecuador

2006-03-21T22:05:00.000-05:00

President Alfredo Palacio of Ecuador declared a state of emergency today in nice provinces, responding to Indian opposition to signing a free trade agreement with the United States. The state of emergency suspends constitutional guarantees to publicly assemble and grants police and military extended powers to arrest. The Interior Minister stated suspending public freedoms was necessary "to guarantee the free flow of goods and persons (and) permit citizens the right to work." Ecuadorian farmers, many of which are Indian, say the ability for the U.S. to flood Ecuador with subsidized agricultural goods will decimate their livelihood and hurt the Ecuadorian economy as a whole.

Imad Khadduri on Guerrilla Radio

2006-03-21T15:02:00.000-05:00

Former Iraq nuclear program worker and author of the book, Iraq's Nuclear Mirage: Memoirs and Delusions, Imad Khadduri was on today's show. Listen to Imad talk about his experiences in Iraq's nuclear power development program prior to the 1981 Israeli strikes and how those pre-emptive actions affected the transition to weapons development. He also spoke about the effects of the 1991 Gulf War on the program and what he thinks are the reasons for this current occupation.

You say Potato, Iran needs to know we say Patatoe

2006-03-21T06:45:00.000-05:00

"Like you, I mean, I asked that very same question: Where'd we go wrong on intelligence?" Bush stated, speaking at Cleveland's City Club forum Monday.

"Our coalition is also helping to build an Iraqi security force that is well trained and well equipped," Vice President Cheney said, speaking at a fundraiser also in northeast Ohio.

Meanwhile, at least 17 Iraqi police were killed when "insurgents" stormed a jail and freed 33 prisoners. Why would anyone have a problem with prisons in Iraq?

Iraqi Security Forces and Civilian Deaths from http://icasualties.org/oif/

Period	Total
Mar-06	664
Feb-06	846
Jan-06	780

"Clean words can mask dirty deeds"

2006-03-20T11:20:00.000-05:00

As the U.S. occupation of Iraq enters its fourth year Ghali Hassan's article reminds us just how deep the rabbit hole goes. The article is far from perfect, making several claims of "everyone knows," but the sad part is that much of what he presents we do know. These folks know a good deal of it, too. And these folks do not give a shit.

AP Writer Points Out the World is Round...and a few other things.

2006-03-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

Bush Using Straw-Man Arguments in Speeches

After reading the above editorial, Bush was, allegedly, reported as saying, "Some people say I use straw-man arguments to justify my own policies. I disagree."

In other news, the U.S. invasion of Iraq is not only responsible for the deaths of over 30,000 civilians, massive unemployment, and an impending civil war but for ruining honeymoons. Bastards.

U.S. Swarms to Create an Exit Strategy

2006-03-17T02:39:00.000-05:00

As if we needed a reminder, the U.S. launched Operation Swarmer on the eve of the third year anniversary of the occupation of Iraq. Touting it as "the biggest air assault operation since the 2003 invasion that toppled former dictator Saddam Hussein," the attack is being billed as a "joint" action between U.S. and Iraqi forces. Burried in the heap of news around how many troops, aircraft, and bombs are being used are nuggets of important information. The "Iraqi" parliament had a 20 minute meeting, unable to decide on who would serve in the top three positions. The U.S. is concerned over this "power vaccum." AND, "General John Abizaid, the commander of US forces in the Middle East, said that despite the violence he expects US troop reductions in Iraq to continue."

Culture War Continues between TV Corporations and FCC

2006-03-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

TV Stations Fined Over CBS Show Deemed to Be Indecent

The CBS show, "Without a Trace," was the source of a record $3.6 million set of fines to over 111 different stations that played an episode the FCC claims suggested a teenage orgy. CBS backed the showing of the episode, saying it contained "an important and socially relevant storyline warning parents to exercise greater supervision of their teenage children." The head of the conservative Parents Television Council stated, "We absolutely are elated by the rulings handed down by the F.C.C."

The scariest part? Click HERE.

Anita Dancs on Guerrilla Radio

2006-03-15T19:27:00.000-05:00

Reasearch director for the National Priorities Project, Anita Dancs, was interviewed Tuesday on Guerrilla Radio. She discussed the Bush administration's recent appeal to Congress for $72.5 billion more for Iraq. This would set the amount of money spent on the U.S. war and occupation of Iraq at $316 billion. She also broke down what this amount would be per state. Ohio came in at about $11.5 billion. Check that out here.

For some reason the WRUW archives are only streaming right now but you can listen to Tuesday's entire show here. (Don't skip the added bonus of the previous show playing the Crucifucks' "Hinckley had a Vision!)

2006-03-15T00:14:00.000-05:00

Bush in Cleveland

Monday, March 20

11 am

Renaissance Hotel, 24 Public Square

next to Tower City Center, downtown

Bush's visit is sponsored by the Cleveland City Club, and he is scheduled to speak about "the fight against terrorism." Guerrilla Radio has received an (allegedly) advance copy of his speech.

"Greetings Americans and Clevelanders. Freedom is in jeopardy. Terrorism is on the run. Freedom can not exist where terrorism is not in jeopardy. The mission of my administration is to make freedom, jeopardize terrorism, and run as much as possible. ...Especially from the "free press".... (laughter!)"