By Wayne Alt, LASC Coordinator
 
Many recent developments, legislation and projects have taken place that need your immediate action and support:

School of the Americas
The present leader of the recent military coup in Honduras was trained at the Schools of the Americas.  The US House of Representatives recently passed a bill to publish all SOA graduate names.  At this time we are urging you to call Senators Gillibrand and Schumer to support the bill (which is presently in a House/Senate conference committee)
 
Forgiveness of Debt
A forgiveness of debt bill to benefit the poorest countries of the world has been passed. The bill also prohibits poverty, exasperated conditions typically imposed by institutions like the International Monetary Fund.

Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act
The inaction of the New York State Senate has highjacked the Farm Workers Fair Labor Practices Act.  Since last November Faith, Labor, Student and Community Organizations have come together in coalition to support the struggle of NY migrant farm workers. On May 12 Tom Potts, Charles and Ann Marie Bowman, Carol Sundberg, John Hague, Chris Dyson and Wayne Alt journeyed to Albany, meeting up with four additional busloads of advocates along with other individuals to rally and meet with NY State Senators regarding Farm workers. Along with testimony of  farm workers we were able to advocate for more just working conditions.  Just 10 days previous, Bill Marx, Bill Jungels, Alina Diaz and Wayne Alt visited Sen.William Stachowski to persuade him to vote for the upcoming Senate Bill #2247.  Locally other unions  (NYSUT, BTF, and SEIU) and organizations (WNY Council on Occupation and Health, Pax Christi, Rural and Migrant Ministry, United Church of Christ, NY Catholic Conference) joined in the support of Farm workers’ Justice. As we all know the NYS Senate struggling to prove who is in charge still have no made a decision about farm workers. Even though, according to reliable sources, the Senate has enough votes to pass the bill. Please still connect with your NY State Senators, Stachowski (826.3344), Thompson (854.8705), Volker (856.8544) and Ranzenhofer (631.8695) to pass Senate Bill #2247.
 

 
Honduras
Hondoras is in the news with the recent military coup and the takeover of a publicly-elected President.  Many parts of the country are highly militarized since the 1980’s through the influence of the CIA. Two US Congressmen from Massachusetts, Delahunt and McGovern, have introduced a bill in Congress to have President Manual Zelaya reinstated as President of the country.  Call your representative to co-sponsor this bill.  Capital Switchoard: 202.224.3121.
 
The Pastors for Peace Cuban Caravan
The Cuba Caravan was supported locally in the collecting, packing and labeling of humanitarian aid.  Appreciation is acknowledged to the following people for their participation:  Terry and Mary Bisson, Maxine Insera, Cliff Cawthon, Tom Potts, Bill Jungels, Carol Sundberg, and Wayne Alt.  Also many people contributed to the purchase of space on the caravan.  The over 40-year embargo continues along with the 30-year travel ban to Cuba.  LASC continues to work to eliminate those draconian laws.
 
Mexican Corn
In the July, 09 issue of In These Times, Adam Case writes that the Zapatistas have created the “Mother Seeds in Resistance”, a project to protect native species of corn.  Since Monsanto wants to market their genetically modified corn seed it is only a matter of time till it penetrates the farms of Mexico.  What you can do: To protect the Mayan corn:  Go to the Schools for Chiapas website at www.schoolsforchiapas.org/english/getinvolved for additional information.  Mother Seeds in Resistance exports seeds of their indigenous corn to supporters around the world.
 
Calendar Items
The Venceremos Brigade will be crossing the Peace Bridge Monday morning 9 AM, August 3rd.  Over 150 people will be returning from Cuba in 40 years of defiance of the U.S. Economic Blockade and the Travel Ban!   Come greet them at Front Park and at the brunch for the crossers near the bridge.  website: www.venceremosbrigade.net  
 
September 6th,  LASC Organizational Meeting at June and Roger’s Annual Pot Luck Picnic 1515 West River Road, Grand Island, 2:00 pm.  Bring a dish to share.