Torture: So it goes

Jeff Norman notes that treaty obligations, the Geneva Conventions, accepted international law, the U.S. Constitution and Eric Holder's testimony under oath combine to require that persons guilty of "acts of torture" be held accountable for their crimes. Glad that's settled.

Go. Read. Myths by Citizen Jeff.

Clip File: 31 Ways to Jump Start the Local Economy

31 ways to make it with less, share more, and put people and the planet first. (Yes! Magazine 2009-05-07)

Change Watch: United States prevents Cuban musician from attending Pete Seeger's 90th birthday

The great American patriot, activist and folk artist Pete Seeger is 90 years old. In a nod to tradition, the Obama state department has failed to process the visa of Cuban singer/songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, a leader of the progressive nueva trova movement and an invitee to the birthday celebration in Madison Square Garden last Sunday. According to an account published on Granma, the Cuban news agency, the CubaDebate website received a message from the singer/songwriter saying that he had failed to receive a visa by Friday, thus thwarting his plans to travel to New York in time for the party.

Blockade, it turns out, is still the official policy of the Land of the Free.

"It is 8:40 p.m. on Friday, May 1 in Paris" Silvio wrote,

"and I have just connected to the website where the U.S. embassy in France publishes news on visa applications. Mine appears as still being processed, as it has been since I applied for it. Since today is the day that I was supposed to fly to New York and the visa hasn’t appeared, I leave for Havana tomorrow. I think that the State Department’s attitude is very much in contradiction with President Obama’s express desire for a rapprochement with Cuba. As a worker in (sic: Granma translated this, not me -jg), I still feel as blocked and discriminated against as by other governments. I hope that this will really change some day."

Seeger, who made the song Guantanamera – by Joseíto Fernández, with verses by José Martí – a worldwide hit, has been a tireless critic of the pointless U.S. blockade of Cuba.

Looks like Pete Seeger has his work cut out for him as he works toward a century of activism.

Pete Seeger: Guantanamera

The artist at work:

Fundraiser: Make A Difference

Here's a chance for those who support a broader menu of choices at the polls to get behind a worthy and viable alternative to the sorry offerings of the establishment parties -- and have fun doing it! Labor activist Cindy Varela Henderson is the only candidate in the 26th with a program for change. It's just a bonus that the benefit's comedy and music line-up includes some of the finest performers in L.A. Not to miss.*

Comedy Night Fundraiser
a night of political
comedy to benefit the
CINDY VARELA HENDERSON
for State Senate
campaign

Featuring:

-> Rick Overton
-> John Fugelsang
-> Jann Karam
-> Ann Randolph
-> Bill Bronner
-> Judith Scott
-> Gary Gordon

-> with Jeff Norman, MC

-> and Special Music Guest Suzy Williams

Fanatic Salon, 3815 Sawtelle Blvd.,
just south of Venice Blvd.

Sunday - May 3 - 7:30 p.m. - $15

Proceeds go to the Cindy Varela Henderson for State Senate Campaign

* And, if you have to miss, send them some money anyway
info: 310-568-9622 or http://www.votecindy4senate

Slacker: Holly's Buddies

I've been listening this morning to one of my Slacker concoctions, the rockabilly-centric Holly's Buddies -- with the likes of Gene Vincent, Dale Hawkins, Boyd Bennett, Eddie Cochran, Wanda Jackson, Carl Perkins, Johnny Horton, Bobby Helms, Billy Lee Riley, Ersel Hickey, Bob Luman, Bobby Fuller, Jack Scott, Roy Loney, Lee Rocker, and the genuinely from-another-planet Hasil Adkins -- now playing Sleepy LaBeef's take on the great Gene Thomas tune, Sometimes. Go: Holly's Buddies. Enjoy.