Am I Not Human: Get Free

Over the years, the Am I Not Human campaign has sought to raise awareness of human rights abuses with a monthly commitment on the 27th to take action (usually through blogging). With the uncertainty of western freedoms and bills like NDAA and SOPA, the writing on the wall is now appearing in neon ink: We have no choice but to stand and Get Free.

Now is the time to gain independence, prepare and support like-souls in off-grid, independent living and merchantry. Information abounds. Acquire as much of it as you can. Even wikipedia can be downloaded (seriously, look up the link on their site).

I've blogged monthly even after the initial Roots Of Humanity group fell away, but I will now be raising awareness on the 27th beyond the blog. Posts may appear here from time to time to update on issues and actions that can be taken, but you can find more information at Ultraviolet Underground on a regular basis. I do not plan to blog every 27th day of each month any longer. It was hoped a good deal of progress could be made with the blogging aspect of the 'Am I Not Human' campaign, but it has been fairly slow to catch on. I thank all of you who read and participate. The goal now is to focus on potential book and zine projects that can raise awareness hopefully with more efficacy. Updates will be posted about the direction the campaign will take in terms of zines or zine columns and events or days of group action.

I hope everyone knows how serious the importance is to get mentally prepared and seek alternative news outlets. "Program" yourself rather than tune into mainstream programs. Your mind is precious. Care for it. Know who your dollars support (google the companies who make your products and see how they treat the workers and the earth - look them up in the green pages or only shop with transparent, ethical, green merchants). You have power. It's in your focus : your choice.

I'll continue to uphold a focus on human rights on the 27th every month in varying forms as an alternative to blogging (art pieces, events, etc). I hope you will too.

On behalf of us all, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Don't Feed The Monsters

Whether or not the Occupy movement was initially "seeded" to create conditions that would justify the shadow government and its puppet goverment(s) to attempt martial law, it is changing the international conversation to a focus that can produce an evolution of the condition of the 99 percent from perceived powerlessness and apathy to one of solution and autonomic action. It's making it clear to people of all economic positions that feeding corporate monsters is killing the planet and its inhabitants. If we're to improve our condition, we should have indie merchants on speed dial, and establish bartering systems that can sustain us through these times of transition out of the dungeon of the grotesque-mind as we return to humanity.

In essence, we can't feed the monsters if we expect change. They'll change nothing but the positions of the actors (entertainers, politicians, and whoever else picks lint from their pockets) and props in their international puppet show, but the script will remain the same in their hands. Will it be easy to green ourselves and distance ourselves from the flashing lights and hollow-promises issued from our hypno-boxes and spin-papers? It will be psychologically difficult for some more than others, but starting even with the smallest steps creates actual change.

Here are some ways to make the transition easier:

-Get familiar with DIY alternatives
('Making Your Own' supplies and culinary and hygiene staples cuts puppet strings)

Microcosm publishing (among others) can help.



-Support Indie
(Indie artists, Merchants, and Opensource technology abounds. We've had solutions for quite some time now...)

Ubuntu
Gimp
Openoffice
Scribus
Etsy
Artfire



-Share Information

Movements like Occupy the dollar are ingenious and encourage a departure from the hoarding rat race through the return of shared valuables like: education (even in bits).

I plan to update the Indie list with more resources. If you know of some sparkling ones, your suggestions are welcome in the comments.

On behalf of, and as one of, the 99%, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Occupy Your Heart

image: Occupy ATL

Too corny? It shouldn't be. For this month's focus, I'm going to keep the Am I Not Human post short and centered. I'm placing the emphasis on centeredness because, that's what we're all lacking. Even as the masses wriggle, shout, and march, we need to look at what aspects of this beast of a western system that we support and how we can discontinue it.

We all have to eat, but our blood, sweat, and tears (at least for many of us) benefit a system that won't think twice about taking out a village of innocents or installing a fake dictator it controls like a puppet until it doesn't need him anymore. Until we can gather the resolve to develop real bartering systems, communities that are sustainable, and the will to fight a very evil giant with our own steel wills, our protests may well lack the center (power) they need.

What we're missing, is our rootedness. We can ask for and demand justice, but we can also build our own community with the many alternative resources available to us. So long as we provide the fuel and consume its products, this system is unlikely to truly hear anything we have to say. It ignored the masses, the pope, the previous execution staff, and the ex- fbi director of the Reagan administration to kill the obviously innocent Troy Davis (to cover up God knows what). It has entirely too much of our power and energy in its grasp.


On behalf of us all I ask us all:



And if so, will we demand through action as well as word to be treated as such?

Shine bright and march on (with focus).

Am I Not Human: Peace

MyFellowAmerican.us has launched a campaign to help us remember tolerance in a time of doublespeak where media messages, angles, and outright deception have done alot to skew reality. We're focusing on this campaign this month because the ethnic group of anyone can find itself the target of a hate-focus, especially if they happen to be of lands with natural resources to be had... Eyes and hearts open, we send peace thoughts to our muslim brothers and sisters inside and outside of America. Borders are manmade. We are all humans upon the earth, and most of us are seeking peace.



On behalf of muslims and victims of middle-eastern descent who have been harassed, assaulted, and injured by hate crimes, we ask:

Am I Not Human: Police Brutality and Community Outrage

What is it going to take for concrete measures against police brutality to be taken? Without staunch regulation that acts as a strong deterrent, we can expect more riots like the one that took place in the UK earlier this month to happen again. Community "powerlessness" will soon become communal fury faced with terrors issued from the hands of those who are charged to serve and protect.

Please take a moment to visit the following links and add any word you may have of movements to push for severe regulations that will discourage the abuse of power in uniform (post links in or outside of the states in the comments so everyone can hopefully find resources). At the very least, we all have the power to spread news of resources and organizations who are dedicated to eradicating police brutality.

5 Ways to fight Police Brutality
Petition Against Police Brutality Targeting Disabled People (US)
Stop Police Brutality of the Samburu (Kenya)
Coalition Against Police Brutality (Asia)
Petition Against Police Brutality in Delhi (India)
Petition Against Student-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Police Intimidation and Brutality (US)
Global petition against Rastafarian-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Black-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition against Latino-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Racism And Police Brutality (Greece)
Stop police brutality of Namibidian Youth (Namibidia)
An earlier broadcast from RadioProject (US)
Resist Police Brutality (US)
Contemporary Police Misconduct (US)


This is a global problem:

Uganda
Barcelona
Johannesburg
South Asia
China
Tanzania
South Korea
Australia
Arkansas
Vietnam
Egypt
Sydney
East Africa
Syria
Malaysia
Morocco
Austria
Russia
South Africa


Let's put our heads and voices together and find a solution.
On behalf of all innocents who deserve to be served and protected without threat or power-abusive beatings, electrocution (tasers), and murder, we ask:

Please Excuse The Absence of July's Post

Peace,

I apologize for the absence of July's 'Am I Not Human' post. Things have been challenging on this end after a big move and a robbery (we weren't home and are okay). I have every intention to post a bright light for the August 27th campaign.

Unnecessary setbacks be damned. We persevere.

Blissings 'pon your lights.
-PZ

Am I Not Human: Evidence Of Good

For this month's installment of the Am I Not Human campaign, we're taking a look at the good news we're rarely shown. Our flames need the recharge that comes with seeing the triumphs as well as the violations we need to take a stand to correct as a collective.

As difficult as it might seem to find, there are victories happening in human rights.
Feel free to share your heartlight-igniting findings in the comments.



Evidence Of Good:





Impassioned Human Rights advocate, Ai Wei Wei, is finally free after being detained since April 3rd (with literally no word from the government about his abduction until recently - his wife and friends were also held for a time for "questioning"). Ai Wei Wei is no stranger to the stifled-voice-by-government approach issued from those disturbed by his candor. He's been detained before and beaten (to the point of hospitalization) for speaking his heart against injustices.

Despite efforts to remove demands for his freedom from websites and placing pressure on campaigners to avoid using his name directly, the international pressure grew quite substantial and weighed heavily over the heads of his captors. Ai Wei Wei is considered a hero in Human Rights. it's very good to see him released from the censorship machine.

More intel is available at SMH: http://www.smh.com.au/world/chinese-artist-ai-weiwei-released-on-bail-20110623-1gg84.htm

President Juan Manuel Santos signed the Victims and Land Restoration law into on the 10th of this month, with the aim of seeing stolen land returned to internally displaced peoples in Columbia. The Law includes financial compensation (reparations), and intended protection from armed bands that have expressed opposition to the legislation.

For over 20 years, more nearly 4 million Columbians have been forced into a displaced position and abused for seeking to having their 16 million acres of land returned. Leaders have also been subject to multiple assassinations for taking a stand in favor of restitution.

While implementing the legislation will be a challenge, to say the least, its existence is a beacon of hope for a disenfranchised people.

Read more at HRW: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/10/columbia-victims-law-historic-opportunity



Uplifting news for negatively-saturated times.
Keep your heads up.
It ain't over 'til it's over.


On behalf of all our global siblings impacted by violations against humanity, we ask:



The answer is yes.

An interview with Troy's Sister Martina Correia

Your voice may be the tipping point: http://colorofchange.org/campaign/save-troy-davis-life/

Am I Not Human: It Bears Repeating

The critical nature of this case has prompted a second call to action for this month's Am I Not Human Campaign.

If you haven't already signed, please support actual justice: http://colorofchange.org/campaign/save-troy-davis-life/


On behalf of Troy Davis, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Free Troy Davis

It is likely you are already familiar with this case. And this means you may have already signed the petition more than once. You're being asked to signed it again now, alongside the many of us who believe this man is innocent and are standing to disallow him to be sacrificed and put to death without evidence or justifiable cause. There is no evidence linking this man to murder. Police have coerced witnesses in this case. These same witnesses have advised they were forced to give false testimony. Has internal affairs even bothered to investigate the officers who are dishonoring their badges this way?
Where is the justice there? How can so much energy be placed on trying to put an innocent man to death, when it is obvious there is cleanup that needs to take place in a department, where there are officers who dishonor the law they claim to serve, by coercing testimonies in their 'favor'? What are we missing here? What happened behind the scenes we're not being told about that would motivate officers to force untruths out of people and claim they are witnesses? If we don't stand against corruption in the 'justice' system, who will?


Color of Change recently advised:

"The state of Georgia is moving to put Troy Davis to death despite major doubts about his guilt. All but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted their testimony — and many have sworn in affidavits that police pressured or coerced them into testifying or signing statements.

There is still serious doubt as to Troy Davis’ guilt, and by putting him to death Georgia runs the risk of killing an innocent man. Please call on the board to save Troy Davis’ life. And tell others about this -- Troy Davis needs as many of us as possible to speak up. "




The below video was filmed several years ago, and is unfortunately the same message we find we have to deliver today (he should have been freed long ago). Troy Davis is an innocent man. That matters. Free him.

Please take a moment to add your signature in a stand for justice here. A flood of voices communicates our non-compliance with corruption in our civil system. Thankyou.

On behalf of Troy Davis and the others the system has attempted to sacrifice despite their innocence, I ask:





note: Participants of Sunday Mass Meditation, there's now a link to an accompanying .mp3 you can use if you find it easier to work with guided meditation. Thankyou for all of the positive energy you're raising. It makes a difference. Shine bright.

Am I Not Human: Going Within

There are a number of theories why we're in the state of catastrophe we're in today, but rehashing them again, when you've all been over-exposed to images and thoughts of despair, bloodshed and deprivation, is not the most useful application of time or energy for any of us. We've learned that the enormous amount of money donated to relief efforts for Katrina victims, Survivors of the Haitian earthquake, and countless others I'm sure, have been largely pocketed by the more-prominent organizations that pledge to donate them on our behalf. It doesn't do much for our clarity as we seek direction towards the correct way to do something positive that will impact the catastrophes that have come of greedmonger-rooted abuses of peoples and resources. We have to find a new direction. My increasing belief is that the simplest way is likely the most effective way.
While I remain a staunch advocate that we raise our voices against tyranny, I also know the value of silence, and going within to balance our own and communal energy after we have said our peace.
With the reasons gov pulls out of its hind to go to war, the senseless catastrophe in Japan which added a man-made nuclear nightmare to an already impossible effort to grapple with an earthquake of mammoth proportions, we need to take control of our minds back. We need to meditate, and become acquainted with the very real, scientifically measured ability that masses of people have to reduce war and crime, when focus is projected to distressed areas. We need to begin visualizing justice, and balance. The images of horror that flood our media create a view of the world that claims many villians, when in reality most are media-created, or focused on to the disclusion of outnumbering positive forces. Our minds are used against us, and filled to brim with thoughts of despair, powerlessness and crippling fear. We can stop this. We can turn off our televisions. We can stop funding mass media outlets that report biased news they are paid to report to bury the 'full story'.
I do no believe the government wants us to believe peace is even possible, regardless of the doublespeak that is often used to confuse us into believing that they're actually seeking it on our behalf. They cannot give us something we possess within. Peace cannot be sold to us. Peace cannot be murdered out of or into us. Peace is ours, if we seek it.
And this is exactly why we need to breathe life into it with intention.
It was here before on a mass level. It will come back again.
We're taught, influenced and set-up to act inhumane. We are not naturally like this.

I propose a weekly mass meditation on Sundays, that includes either chanting 'We are at peace. Everyone's needs are met' or something related, a visualization of a peaceful, nurturing life experience for all of the world's diverse peoples, focusing on love and bliss and projecting it to war-torn areas and areas in distress.
I'd say we should do this collectively everyday but I'm realistic that day to day work demands, make this difficult. Purple Mag hosted a monthly mass meditation but a month is a long span of time to wait to do another mass meditation, when we are in times that are in as intense need as this.


If you're with it, please leave a comment. Something more official should be available soon in the way of a video, or mp3, etc that can make the process more easeful for folks who are new to meditation.


On behalf of the world populations struggling under the force of an inhumane few, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Grassroots Activism and V. May

The above screenshot comes from and interview done with grassroots activist V. May. It's done in a whimsical format, but touches on the very important work, being done in 'innercities'. It seemed appropriate in the increased confusions the world is beset with to focus upon a freedom fighter who is walking the walk to make an impact plenty just talk about.

The full interview can be read in this month's Purple #10 release, but a few key words have been extended here as food for thought as we watch and learn how to take back our communities:


'I was conceived during the tumult of the 1960’s; during the summer of 1968 to be exact. I’ve always felt that I am here to complete some unfinished business.
For some reason, Robert F. Kennedy’s paraphrase of George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote resonates in my soul and reverberates through every fiber of my being, “There are those who look at things the way they are and ask, “Why?” I dream of things that never were and ask, “Why not?”
I have always been hands-on with my activism. I don’t understand complacency. If things can be made better, I don’t understand inertia. '

'My present involvement in the quest for the balancing/greening of my city came about during a trip to the public library. On my way out, I happened to peruse the free community newspapers, weeklies, and event flyers lying on the public information shelf. One of the community newspapers had a story regarding the city of Los Angeles trying to secure a zone variance that would allow a trucking school to operate at the Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site. The Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site is a former landfill that is now zoned open space and is being transitioned back to a recreation area that is to be replete with hiking and equestrian trails, a park, and scenic vistas. Los Angeles is a concrete jungle. It needs more open and green space.
With a little research, networking, and synchronicity, I was able to hook up with others that held my same concerns. The effort to quickly transition the Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site to an industrial and commercial use free open space has blossomed. By reaching out, the effort has garnered many supporters.'

'As the early feminists of the early 1970’s declared, “The personal is the political.” Whether we like it or not, politics affects our personal lives. We have to be ever vigilant if we want to maintain personal freedom.
The section of the San Fernando Valley where I grew up and now reside is the step child of the Valley. This area is oversaturated with Section 8/low income housing, industrial zoned areas, and facilities that other areas do not want. The former landfill was the anchor for this designation. Once it was established, the area was targeted as the spot to put the “undesirables”.
There are some who want things to stay [as] they are. However, there are more that want to see things change for the better.

Now that the landfill is transitioning, some of us are hoping to bring about sustainable and attractive redevelopment without displacement. By decreasing the number of liquor stores, bringing in needed financial, retail, and commercial ventures, increasing community policing, providing positive alternatives for youth, and improving the overall appearance of the community; we hope to create community that attracts civic minded residents while retaining established ones. This community has been hit by the foreclosure crisis and new homes are being built. Consequently, there are homes available for purchase. We hope to create a community that home purchases will love to live in and contribute to.'


On behalf of our sisters and brothers scapegoated into lives conditioned to be caricature, through environments beset with the installation of liquor stores at every turn, poison peddling of other varieties, GMO-laden 'options' in cornerstores devoid of nutrition, and a dire lack of mind-nourishing outlets for healthy personal development, we ask:

Am I Not Human: Black Mother Jailed For Sending Kids To Wrong School District

So a mother decides she wants her children to have a better education than her district would provide her girls with, and fibs about her residence so they can attend a better school. This school is in a white school district. This mother and her girls are black. Her proposed punishment? A felony conviction.
This mother is also just credits away from her teaching credentials; a job she can't hold with a felony conviction. Guess this Ohio town had to show the Black gal where her 'place' is, in a land stolen primarily for 'white use', and begrudgingly 'shared' with freed-abductee and immigrated people of color.




'Williams-Bolar is black and poor. Plenty of observers in Akron, in Ohio and around the nation have called this further fallout of a history of racism in general and racial apartheid in American schools.
-Madeline Holler

(Click here) Your petition signature says 'you disagree' with Good 'Ol Boy justus.
19, 657 signatures and growing


Read More about this disgusting, a--backwards miscarriage of Justice

On behalf of indigenous peoples everywhere who have had their wealth stolen, only to be treated at nearly every turn as 'the criminal' reflection of real criminals, I ask: