BASICS Free Community Newsletter

BASICS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

2010-01-08T19:10:00.003-05:00

All new content for BASICS Free Community Newsletter, Radio Basics, and affiliated organization will be posted our new and improved website.Click image to visit:

"In the face of global economic crisis, migrants have no other choice but to organize Migrante Canada, December 18, 2009"

2009-12-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

Video of panels from International Migrants Day - OPSEU, Wellesley/Yonge, TorontoPart 1Parts 2-7 available on YoutubeStatement by Migrante CanadaOn the Occasion of International Migrants Day - December 18, 2009Migrante organizations in Canada join migrants around the world in celebrating International Migrants’ Day and renewing our commitment to struggle for the rights and welfare of all migrants

VIDEO: Footage from Party for the People BASICS FUNDRAISER

2009-12-21T17:10:00.001-05:00

The FBI Assassination of Detroit Imam and community leader Luqman Ameen Abdullah

2009-12-14T23:03:00.009-05:00

by Steve da Silva – Reporting from DetroitClick here to listen to December 14 RADIO BASICS for a special feature on Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah, and hear what Detroit community leaders are saying about his assassination.On October 28, 2009, the 53-year-old Luqman Ameen Abdullah, the Imam of the Masjid Al-Haqq in Detroit, was shot 18-times by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and

"MU TODAY, YOU TOMORROW": Artists Rally to the Defense of Mujahid Carswell, the son of FBI-Assassinated Imam

2009-12-14T12:22:00.005-05:00

by Steve da Silva - Reporting from DetroitMujahid Carswell (right) and brother Jamil, sons of the assassinated Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah, rapping at ‘Mu Today, You Tomorrow’ Benefit Concert.On December 10, 2009, the downtown Detroit venue The Shelter hosted the ‘Mu Today, You Tomorrow’ Benefit Concert to raise funds for the legal defense of Mujahid Carswell – the son of the FBI-assassinated Imam

Local MC Verse assaulted by Toronto police

2009-12-14T11:43:00.002-05:00

by Mike BritoOn December 6, Toronto police in the downtown entertainment district assaulted Toronto-area hip-hop artist and youth worker, Verse.The incident began when police decided to intervene in a discussion between the MC and a taxi driver. Verse was struck at least once, before being thrown to the ground and repeatedly punched. Verse sustained injuries that included bruising and swelling

Party for the People: A Fundraiser for BASICS

2009-12-09T14:02:00.007-05:00

Join us to celebrate and support one of the few people's newspapers in Toronto - BASICS Free Community Newsletter: http://basicsnewsletter.blogspot.com/.More than just a newspaper, BASICS is an organizing tool for the multiple struggles unfolding in our society -the struggles for decent housing, for a livable wage, to bring police brutality to a halt, and more.Party for the PeopleSaturday,

Fred Hampton: The Canadian Connection

2009-12-04T23:15:00.002-05:00

BASICS ONLINEBy Norman (Otis) RichmondShortly before his assassination Fred Hampton prophetically pointedout, "I believe I'm going to die doing the things I was born to do. Ibelieve I'm going to die high off the people. I believe I'm going todie a revolutionary in the international revolutionary proletarianstruggle."December 4th 2009 marks the 40th Anniversary of the assassinations ofFred Hampton

VIDEO LINK: BASICS, J4A, NO COPS - A Public Forum on Oppression, Popular Education, and Community Organization

2009-12-02T20:07:00.005-05:00

BASICS, Justice for Alwy, and NO COPS speak at a Public Forum held by the Equity Studies Students Union of the University of Toronto, Monday, November 23, 2009.

NEWLY RELEASED SRO REPORT GETS FAILING GRADE

2009-11-30T15:18:00.003-05:00

A Public Statement by NO COPS (Neighbourhood Organizing Coalition Against Police in Schools)Toronto Police Services’ own report on the School Resource Officer program shows that the program has had no positive impact toward any of its claimed goals. Toronto – November 25, 2009: The Neighbourhood Organized Coalition Opposed to Police in Schools (NOCOPS) questions whether the Toronto Police

9 Theses: The Right to Rebellion - Statement by Rebellion-Denmark

2009-11-30T12:51:00.004-05:00

Editor's Note: The following is a statement of Rebellion-Denmark that demonstrates how the right of all people's to struggle against illegitimate government and foreign occupation, even up to the point of armed struggle, is a right enshrined into international law and is an essential component for the maintenance of any democratic system. But the so-called "democratic" countries of the world

Denmark Solidarity Organization 'Rebellion' Facing Terrorist Charges

2009-11-27T13:01:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: The following statement is from Rebellion-Denmark. Rebellion's spokesperson Patrick Mac Manus is facing charges under EU terrorist legislation because of the organization's material support to liberation movements in Colombia and Palestine. Patrick Mac Manus was interviewed on Radio Basics on November 29, 2009 to talk about his case and why all people's have the right to struggle

The War In Afghanistan

2009-11-05T15:18:00.009-05:00

A War of Conquest Against the Afghan People BASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009) by Steve da Silva While the debate was playing out this past October in the American media about the planned “surge” of as many as 45,000 more American troops into Afghanistan, reports were surfacing that certain NATO members – namely, Canada, Italy, and Germany – were paying off Taleban elements in exchange for peace in the

Esplanade Youth: “End Police Brutality Now!”

2009-11-05T15:17:00.001-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009)by Solomon Muyoboke, Jessica Luke-Smith, Daniel Mayers and Farshad AzadianOn October 8th, 2009, Esplanade youth made a resounding statement to the indignity of police violence, harassment and racism in our community. Some 40 youth made their way to the Youth Forum organized by the Esplanade Community Organization to discuss their issues, experiences and concerns. The

Coroner’s Inquest for Police-Murdered Alwy Al-Nadhir to Begin December 2009

2009-11-05T15:11:00.002-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009)by Salma Al-Nadhir and Alok PremjeeThe Justice for Alwy campaign (J4A) was launched in early 2008, just months after Alwy Al-Nadhir was shot and killed by Toronto police on October 31, 2007. This past Halloween marked the second year since his death. Over the past two years, J4A has been raising awareness about the issue of police brutality and helping other victims start

Northern Students Stage Walk-Out

2009-11-05T15:09:00.005-05:00

Hundreds participate in walk-out after student arrested at No BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009) by Noaman Ali Two hundred students gathered on either side of Roehampton St. south of Northern Secondary School at 11:30am on Thursday, October 22 to protest the arrest of a 16-year-old male on October 2 and also to protest the very presence of the police officer in their school. The “School Resource

“Tonight’s Your Lucky Night”

2009-11-05T15:08:00.006-05:00

31 Division raids Jane/Finch home, terrorizes family, finds nothingBASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by WasunOn Sunday November 1st, 2009, 31 Division conducted a raid at 40 Turfgrass Way, Apartment 113 in a TCHC complex in the Jane and Finch area. That night, 18 year-old Brandon Miller, his 14 year-old sister, Shaquel Miller along with their mother, Dorolee Miller, were brutally assaulted and left

U of T Continues Attack on Accessible Education and Marginalized Programmes

2009-11-05T15:08:00.002-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Noaman AliHuda is a 22-year-old young mother with a disability who intends to study Sexual Diversity Studies, Creative Writing, Visual Arts and French at the University of Toronto. “It’s a lot, but I’m focused because of the support that TYP provides me.” In an educational system and society that repeatedly fails working people, the Transitional Year Programme (TYP)

Death from Above

2009-11-05T14:57:00.002-05:00

The “Peace” President Obama’s Indiscriminate Bombing of PakistanBASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by J.D. BenjaminAlmost a year after the election of U.S. President Barack Obama, the rhetoric of “hope” and “change” has been dashed against the brutal realities of an escalating campaign of targeted assassinations using remote controlled “predator” drones. During the first ten months of his presidency,

Nepali Maoists Launch Insurrectionary Wave for People's Supremacy and New Democracy

2009-11-05T14:54:00.005-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009) by Derek Rosin This November 1st, Nepal’s Maoist revolutionaries initiated a new mass movement aimed at bringing down the current government in Nepal. This potentially history-making movement is unfolding as we go to press. The Maoists of the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) began their rise to power and influence in 1996 by initiating a decade-long armed

Haiti’s Minimum Wage Struggle

2009-11-05T14:52:00.001-05:00

Choice Between Super-Profitability and Two Meals a DayBASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Niraj JoshiThe United Nations Security Council has just voted to extend the UN “peacekeeping” mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) for another year. MINUSTAH will now enter its sixth year of illegal occupation, in violation of both the Haitian constitution and international law. The military force was imposed on Haiti

India Launches War Against Tribals

2009-11-05T14:51:00.002-05:00

Counter-insurgency offensive is really a resource and land grab BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Dhruv JainOn June 17, 2009, the Indian state launched a major counter-insurgency offensive, Operation Lalgarh, to “restore law and order” to the West Midnapore district of West Bengal. In the months leading up to the military offensive, the adivasi, or tribal, populations of Lalgarh and surrounding

The Hudson’s Bay Company

2009-11-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

From colonial empire to union-busting and the 2010 OlympicsBASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Michael Red The Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) was first established in 1670 and effectively became the first colonial government in Canada. The original name of the corporation – The Company of Adventurers of England Trading – foretold what would become a legacy of land expropriation and genocide. For example,

Guilty Pleas and the “Toronto 18”

2009-11-05T14:46:00.005-05:00

Questioning Canada’s Terror Convictions by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009) Last month, twenty-four-year-old Zakaria Amara pled guilty to terrorism charges arising from the 2006 allegations that a radical “homegrown” Islamic terrorist cell was plotting large-scale terrorist attacks in Ontario, including bombing the Toronto Stock Exchange and storming Parliament. Much of the

Crisis of Public Sector Workers

2009-11-05T14:46:00.003-05:00

McMaster TAs go on strike as UofT Sessionals Set to Walk OutBASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Farshad Azadian and Noaman AliHundreds of teaching and research assistants at McMaster University in Hamilton set up picket lines at three different entrances on Monday, November 2, after the university administration tabled an offer that actually was a step backward from an offer they had tabled earlier.

Province-Wide Day of Action for a Poverty Free Ontario

2009-11-05T14:43:00.008-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Corrie SakalukSince the 1990’s, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) has organized province-wide days of action in Ontario as part of our ongoing struggle for affordable post-secondary education. This year other groups have joined forces with the CFS through the Coalition for a Poverty-Free Ontario to host another mass mobilization on November 5.According to

The Struggle of Sessional Lecturers for Job Security at U of T

2009-11-05T14:43:00.004-05:00

An Interview with Dr. Krista Hunt, member of CUPE 3902 Unit 3 and a BASICS supporter BASICS #16 (Nov / Dec 2009)by Luis Granados CejaSessional Lecturers at UofT have been in bargaining for several months, and could be on strke as of November 9th. Many UofT Students, including supporters of BASICS Free Community Newsletter have been actively building a solidarity network on campus called

Canada’s Cell Phone Monopoly

2009-11-05T14:42:00.006-05:00

...and why you can’t get an affordable cell phone plan in CanadaBASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009)by Derek RosinOn Thursday October 29, regulators in Canada barred Globalive, an Egyptian-owned cell phone company, from operating in Canada.Globalive was promising to charge lower fees for cell phone services, but the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) barred them, arguing that

Genocide Washes Up on Canadian Shores

2009-11-05T14:42:00.005-05:00

76 Survivors of Sri Lanka’s anti-Tamil ethnic cleansing are now shackled and jailed in CanadaBASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009) by Kabir Joshi-VijayanSince January 2009, the Sri Lankan state has launched a full-out holocaust on its minority Tamil population. This began with a 5 month indiscriminate shelling and bombing campaign of the north coast (home to a majority of the Tamils) and included the

Rock to the Rescue

2009-11-05T14:39:00.007-05:00

Benefit concert raises more than $700 for disaster relief in the Philippines BASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009) by J.D. Benjamin On October 24, it was standing room only in cozy Parkdale bar Not My Dog, as the Philippine Solidarity Organizing Group and local rock band Hot Karl and the Cincinnati Bowties came together for a benefit concert to raise funds for disaster relief in the Philippines. The band

Open Mic Advances Work of Hood2Hood in Vaughan & Oakwood

2009-11-05T14:37:00.003-05:00

BASICS #16 (Nov/Dec 2009) by WasunOn Friday, October 9, 2009 the Hood2Hood movement organized an Open Mic “Less Than A Week’s Notice!” at Ellington’s Jazz Café (805 St. Clair West). The event was hosted by 9-year-old Chairmane “Lucky Charms” Asare-Chuck representing the northside of Jane. This was Lucky Charms first event and she held the event down from start to finish.The open mic began with

Solidarity Fundraiser for Victims of Typhoon Ondoy

2009-10-17T15:32:00.004-04:00

Philippine Solidarity Organizing Group presents...8pm, Saturday, Oct 24 at "Not My Dog" 1510 Queen Street West (just west of Lansdowne) Featuring: Hot Carl and the Cincinnati Bowties and other musical guests.Solidarity Fundraiser for Victims of Typhoon Ondoy8pm, Oct 24 at Not My Dog(1510 Queen Street West, just west of Lansdowne)featuring: Hot Carl and the Cincinnati Bowties and other musical

CHRY ANNUAL FUNDRAISIND DRIVE

2009-10-13T11:56:00.004-04:00

The home of RADIO BASICS, CHRY 105,5 FM presents:A SOUND INVESTMENTTUNE IN FROM OCTOBER 14-24AND SUPPORT TORONTO'S BEST COMMUNITY RADIO STATION

The 8th Annual New College Conference on Racism & National Consciousness | LAND AND FREEDOM

2009-10-07T22:33:00.005-04:00

Announcing THE 8TH ANNUAL NEW COLLEGE CONFERENCE ON RACISM & NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS "LAND AND FREEDOM" SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2009 10 AM - 5:30 PM WETMORE HALL | 21 CLASSIC AVE. @ SPADINA UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO http://

THE WRONGS OF THE IMMIGRATION SYSTEM!

2009-10-06T17:01:00.002-04:00

A statement by No One Is Illegal - TorontoOctober 2009Some believe that the Canadian immigration system is fair and generous. Itisn't. And Stephen Harper and Jason Kenney are swiftly making it evenworse.They are underhandedly taking apart the so-called 'objective' points-basedsystem. They are moving quickly to get rid of its 'humanitarian' part, therefugee process. In its place, they are setting

VIDEO: Student Gets Arrested at Northern By Toronto Police

2009-10-04T00:23:00.002-04:00

Editorial Note:The context of the following arrest is not clear to BASICS Free Community Newsletter. But what is clear from the video is that arrests can be made of youth in Toronto schools with no justification provided, even with hundreds of witnesses. That this can happen with so many witnesses should give us pause to reflect on what happens to racialized Toronto youth when arrested by police

Venezuela – Grassroots Movements and the Revolution – Bringing it Home

2009-10-02T20:08:00.004-04:00

Thursday October 15th 7 to 9 p.m. Central Neighourhood House 349 Ontario Street Toronto Join delegates reporting back from the Frente Norman Bethune solidarity trip with Venezuela. This event will focus on struggles and gains made by poor and working people, students, youth and communities in Venezuela and provide space to discuss how we can continue to build for social change in our

Breaking News: President Zelaya has returned to Honduras

2009-09-22T11:23:00.004-04:00

By Lucho Granados CejaIt has been confirmed that the legitimate President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya Rosales, has returned to the capital, Tegucigalpa, after traveling by land over a period of two days. Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela, spoke with Zelaya on the phone and has called for the de facto government of Roberto Micheletti to respect the life of Zelaya and to peacefully return power to

May 1st Movement Presents: "National Liberation and Toronto Workers: Is there a connection?"

2009-09-08T02:52:00.000-04:00

The May 1st Movement 'May Day Schools' for class solidarity presents: National Liberation and Toronto Workers:Is there a connection?Sunday, September 27th, 20092:30pm - CUPE 4400 Offices1482 St Clair West., Torontowith, Diwa Marcellino of BAYAN Canada, speaking on the PhilippinesJey Jeyarasallingam of Canadian HART on Tamil Eelam, andAmparo Torres of the Bolivarian Circle Manuelita Saenz, on

CELEBRATING LIFE, WE STAND AGAINST ALL COUPS

2009-09-08T00:17:00.000-04:00

7:15pm, Friday September 11, 2009Bavia Arts Studio 898 St. Clair West (Oakwood & St. Clair), Toronto.Parade begins at: 7:15 p.m.March to the Artscape Wychwood Barns (Christie & St. Clair)Rally begins at 7:45 p.m. At the Barns, with speeches and live performances.8 p.m.: Opening of the Allende Arts Festival.This September 11 thousands around the globe will be commemorating 36 years of the military

Book Launch: Jose Maria Sison: FOR DEMOCRACY AND SOCIALISM AGAINST IMPERIALIST GLOBALIZATION (Collected Works of, Volume II)

2009-09-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

BAYAN Canada and BASICS Free Community Newsletter present...A public event and book launchThe Collected Works of Jose Maria Sison, Vol. 2:FOR DEMOCRACY AND SOCIALISM AGAINST IMPERIALIST GLOBALIZATIONFeaturing Coni Ledesma (spokesperson for MAKIBAKA, member of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines negotiating panel) speaking on Sison’s latest work and the prospects for peace and human

Public forum: Organizing Working Class Communities

2009-09-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

Featuring Steve Williams Co-Director of the California based group People Organized to Win Employment Rights and co-author of the book Towards Land, Work and Power. Williams' presentation at Building Leadership for Change (March, 2009).Co-sponsored by Socialist Project and Centre for Social Justice. Endorsed by Black Action Defence Committee (BADC), No One Is Illegal (NOII) and Ontario Coalition

The History of Black August

2009-09-04T22:08:00.002-04:00

Submitted by Black August organizers in Toronto BASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)Black August was established in the California prison system in the early 1970s by men and women of the Black Liberation Movement. Black August holds great significance in the African tradition of resistance against white supremacy and imperialism in the United States. In the late 1970s, the observance and practice of Black

Prisoners Justice Day 2009, 34 years strong

2009-09-04T22:03:00.002-04:00

Anonymous SubmissionBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)Prison Justice Day (PJD) started on August 10, 1976, to remember two prisoners who died while locked up in solitary confinement in a Canadian Maximum Security Institution. PJD has continued to be celebrated both inside prison and outside, and has become an international day to recognize all those who have died unnatural deaths while in prison. Every

The Frente Norman Bethune Organizers Brigades: Summer 2009

2009-09-04T21:56:00.003-04:00

Canadians and Venezuelans Building People-to-People Solidarityby Pablo Vivanco, Solomon Myobuku, & Kelly O’SullivanBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)On July 3rd, 2009 the first delegation of Canadians with the Frente Norman Bethune Brigade of organizers departed for Venezuela for nearly a month of exposure with the mass movements of the socialist ‘Bolivarian Revolution’, soon to be followed by a second

Condemn the Coup in Honduras

2009-09-04T21:54:00.002-04:00

by Lucho Granados Ceja and Karen SpringsBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)In the early morning of June 28th, 2009 democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras was abducted from his home by the military and exiled to San Jose, Costa Rica. This coup has been widely condemned by multiple international organizations, including the Organization of American States, the European Union and the

Iranian Revolution marches on!

2009-09-04T21:48:00.002-04:00

Regime divisions deepen, people’s movement progressesby Arash AziziBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)Iran is going through its most vital days of the last 30 years. For the last 10 years, a deep hatred for the Islamic regime has been brewing among the people which has effectively led to a wide range of social movements and protests. However, it was in the aftermath of vote-rigging in the recent

Tamils in Concentration Camps Continue to Suffer

2009-09-04T21:45:00.002-04:00

by Minnalkodi SivanBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)As of mid-May of this year, the war between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the chauvinistic Sri Lankan regime came to an end after over 25 years of brutal battle. Yet, while Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse uttered the words “equality” and “unity” during his national post-war speech, Tamils continued to endure terrible hardships

A youth speaks out against police brutality in Alexandra Park

2009-09-04T21:39:00.002-04:00

Open Letter from Elliot Vredenburg to BASICS Free Community NewsletterBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)It is with great concern that I compose the letter that is to follow, but I feel that I have no choice but to lament about the conduct of several police officers of the Toronto Police Services.On August 17, 2009, 4 friends and I were in Alexandra Park, at Dundas and Bathurst. At approximately 11:30 p.m

Scotland releases wrongfully-convicted Libyan Abdelbaset al-Megrahi

2009-09-04T21:32:00.004-04:00

al-Megrahi's appeal proves the Scottish system to be a sham. by Justin PanosBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)On August 20, 2009, convicted killer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was released from a Scottish prison on what was said to be compassionate grounds. The 57-year-old former Libyan intelligence officer, who is dying of terminal cancer, was convicted on 270 counts of murder for allegedly bombing Pan Am

Evictions Target the Esplanade’s Poor Residents

2009-09-04T21:28:00.002-04:00

Co-op boards and the TCHC go after some of the most vulnerable in our communityby Farshad Azadian, an organizer with the Esplanade Community OrganizationBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)The Esplanade community, like many working class neighbourhoods across Toronto, is seeing a wave of attacks on its poor and working class residents who are seeing their ability to live with dignity trampled on. Members

2nd Annual Jusitce for Alwy Ball Tournament in T-Dot Against Police Brutality

2009-09-04T21:23:00.001-04:00

by Salma Al NadhirBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)The second annual Justice for Alwy Basketball tournament was held with great success this summer, held for the second time at Carlton Park (Symington and Dupont area). The tournament was held to raise awareness about the issue of police brutality and was dedicated to the memory of Alwy Al Nadhir (a 17 year-old murdered by police in October 2007). The

COPS IN SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE

2009-09-04T21:18:00.002-04:00

Pulling Back the Curtain on the SRO Programby James CampbellBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)Many parents, teachers, school administrators, and especially students were surprised to see the headlines in late-June announcing not only the renewal, but the expansion of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.The surprise came from the fact that there had been no final public evaluation of last year’s

CUPE Strikers Head Off Concessions

2009-09-04T05:37:00.001-04:00

by Herman RosenfeldBASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)The 39 day strike of 24,000 members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Locals 79 and 416, representing inside and outside Toronto municipal workers, ended in a partial economic victory, but a political setback as well.It was a victory in the sense that both groups of workers were able to work together to stop a host of major concessions

U of T Students: Support Workers for a Dignified Contract!

2009-09-01T11:09:00.008-04:00

Contract Faculty at CUPE 3902 Fighting for Basic Job Securityby Farshad AzadianBASICS #15 (Sep / Oct 2009)Contract faculty and various other instructor staff at the University of Toronto (UofT), represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local 3902, have been bargaining with their employer since July 15, 2009. These academic workers are pushing for a better contract, with

“Investigative Powers for the 21st Century (IP21C) Act”

2009-09-01T11:09:00.005-04:00

Bills C-46 and C-47 will authorize sweeping internet surveillance powers for Canadian police and intelligence services by Steve da Silva BASICS #15 (Sep/Oct 2009)On June 18, 2009, the Conservative government introduced two bills in Parliament that will give Canadian intelligence and police forces unprecedented powers to monitor the communications and internet browsing of Canadians.The “

Indian State Fails to Quell Lalgarh Uprising

2009-09-01T11:03:00.002-04:00

by J.D. BenjaminBASICS # 15 (Sep / Oct 2009)Starting in November 2008, the people of the Lalgarh region of West Bengal, India have been engaged in a massive uprising. Starting as a protest against abuses by the police, the uprising has expanded into a general revolt against the government and social system. Backed by the guerrilla forces of the Communist Party of India-Maoist, the people have

Condemn the Coup in Honduras

2009-09-01T11:00:00.002-04:00

by Lucho Granados Ceja and Karen SpringBASICS # 15 (Sep / Oct 2009)In the early morning of June 28th, 2009, democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras was abducted from his home by the military and exiled to San Jose, Costa Rica. This coup has been widely condemned by multiple international organizations, including the Organization of American States, the European Union and the

20 Years On, Remembering Huey P. Newton

2009-09-01T10:58:00.003-04:00

by Norman (Otis) RichmondBASICS # 15 (Sep / Oct 2009)Twenty years ago in Oakland, California, during the month of August, Huey P. Newton was murdered.It is August 22, 1989, at about 8:30 am in the morning. Gwen Johnston, the co-owner of Third World Books and Crafts (Toronto’s first African-Canadian-owned bookstore) phoned me ---- the news is shocking, dreadful even. Mrs. Johnston is in tears,

BASICS Interview José Maria Sison of the International League of People's Struggles

2009-08-11T08:38:00.006-04:00

On the current economic crisis and the struggle for democracy and socialism against imperialist globalization.On August 9, 2009, the BASICS Free Community Newsletter Editor Steve da Silva interviewed José Maria “Joma” Sison, the chief political consultant to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a founder of the central organizations of the revolutionary movement in the Philippines –

Barrio Nuevo condemns coup d’état in Honduras

2009-06-29T10:22:00.003-04:00

Barrio Nuevo is a Latino community organization in Toronto which runs the radio program by the same name on Voces Latinas 1610AM. Barrio Nuevo is also the founder of the Frente Norman Bethune international exchange of community organizers, information of which can be found elsewhere on our website.Barrio Nuevo strongly condemns and opposes the military coup d’état carried out today in Honduras

COMMUNITY RALLY in support of Justice for Live-in Caregivers and Temporary Foreign Workers!

2009-06-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

We are a network of workers, advocates and community allies who are calling for fundamental changes to the federal Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) and other Temporary Foreign Worker Programs (TFWP). Please join us as we call for real protections and landed status NOW for all Temporary Foreign Workers! There will be music, performers and speakers! Refreshment provided! Bring your family!

Toronto’s Biggest Gang

2009-06-22T17:35:00.001-04:00

More police brutality not the solution to violence in our communitiesby Kabir Joshi-Vijayan and E. Jamal ChangBASICS #14 - June/July 2009There has been a lot of talk recently about the supposed ‘gang war’ in some of Toronto’s poorest neighbourhoods. Over 12 people have been murdered and more than 50 shot in the west-end since January alone; including a 14 year-old youth gunned down on Scarlett

Anti-Native Militia to be Formed in Caledonia

2009-06-22T17:23:00.003-04:00

by Steve da Silva - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)In early 2006, the Haudenoshaunee (“Iroquois”) people of the Grand River Territory began a reclamation struggle to halt the “Douglas Creek Estates” housing development on the outskirts of Caledonia, Ontario, which was being constructed on their unceded lands. Since then, people from Six Nations have continued organizing and have blocked over $2

BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)- Coming June 22, 2009.

2009-06-19T22:13:00.002-04:00

2nd Annual J4A Basketball Tournament Against Police Brutality

2009-06-19T19:34:00.004-04:00

See poster for details. More information will be available soon on this website.For more information, call 647-887-7857 or email justiceforalwy@gmail.com.Registration will be available soon through the Facebook group "Justice for Alwy Campaign Against Toronto Police Brutality".

The Iranian People: “Death to the Dictatorship”

2009-06-19T19:14:00.003-04:00

by Farshad Azadian - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)On Sunday, June 12th, results from the Iranian “elections” showed an overwhelming victory for Ahmadinejad. That same day in Tehran, hundreds of thousands of Iranians hit up the streets to express their opposition the election process, followed by protests in the major cities of Esfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad and Rasht among others.Unexpectedly, the

Witness Statements of Police Terror in Pelham Park on May 13, 2009.

2009-06-19T18:59:00.003-04:00

The following two statements were provided by witnesses to the police terror that transpired in Pelham Park, Toronto, on the night of May 13, 2009, against young teenager Shaq. Shaq's statement to BASICS, "My Statement About the Need for Justice", was published a few weeks earlier and appears in BASICS Issue #14. Statement by Michael GodeliaIt was Wednesday, May 13, 2009 between the time of 9:

Imperialism and the Genocide of Tamils in Sri Lanka

2009-06-19T18:56:00.002-04:00

by Michael Red - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)The horrors now facing more than 300,000 Tamils held in prison camps in northern Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in imperialism. Ever since the British colonial regime vacated the country in 1948, war and oppression have plagued the peoples of Sri Lanka. Following in the footsteps of Dutch and Portuguese colonialists, the British ruled Sri Lanka according

Is India plotting an invasion of Nepal?

2009-06-19T18:51:00.002-04:00

by Derek Rosin - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)Back in 2000, Nepali Maoist leader Prachanda was blunt when talking about the future of the growing revolutionary movement in his country: “Ultimately, we will have to fight with the Indian army.” Prachanda said this when he was an underground revolutionary leading a guerilla war and was speaking of Nepal as a base area for the world revolution. He

A DECLARATION OF WAR: The Arming of Canadian border Agents in Mohawk territory

2009-06-18T12:54:00.003-04:00

by Sandra Cuffe - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) As part of a national plan regarding border security to be put in place by 2016, the Canadian government insists on arming all Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA) agents, even at their controversial post within the sovereign Mohawk territory of Akwesasne. After months of respectful communication opposing the arming with 9mm guns of the very same

Obama’s regime signals destabilization and all-out war for Pakistan

2009-06-18T12:51:00.003-04:00

by N. Zahra - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) The coming to power of Barack Obama, while making some jubilant, has others asking questions, especially in South Asia. Obama’s Pakistan Strategy is rooted in the U.S.’s ‘War on Terror.’ According to Obama’s National Security Advisor, General James Jones, the American ‘strategy now starts with…[an] attainable goal which is to disrupt, dismantle, and

15 Years On, the ‘Rwandan Genocide’ Continues to Kill

2009-06-18T12:40:00.003-04:00

Western Imperialism’s Genocidal Wars in the Great Lakes Region of AfricaBy Steve da Silva - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)In recent years, it has become fashionable for the ruling-classes of the West, and their servants in politics and academia, to distort the story of the conflict in Rwanda in such a way as to build support for the neocolonial ideology that the West has the moral authority to

The Naxalites and Maoists of India

2009-06-18T12:38:00.004-04:00

“They Will Rule a Grand Majority of India” by Mike Brito - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) Indian Professor Arindam Chaudhuri recently said the following regarding the Naxalites in India: “These Naxalites in India are there to stay and grow. Mark my words, the day is not far when they will rule a grand majority of India. These 200 districts will become 400 in no time, and inch towards more… And as

NATO’s May 5 Massacre at Bala Baluk

2009-06-18T12:34:00.001-04:00

NATO Kills as Many Civilians in One Day as Canadian Troops Have Been Killed in 7 Years By Justin Panos On May 5th, 2009, between 127 and 147 Afghan civilians were killed in one of the deadliest bombings of NATO’s war and occupation of Afghanistan. Red Cross spokesperson Jessica Barry confirms that among the dead were many women and children. The bombings took place in Bala

Alberto Fujimori Convicted and Jailed

2009-06-18T12:27:00.002-04:00

Greatest Enemy of the Peruvian Revolution Now Behind Bars By Derek Rosin - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) This past April 2009, former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori was convicted of murder and kidnapping and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Fujimori's crimes stem from the vicious counter-revolutionary war he led against the Maoist rebels of the Partido Comunista del Peru (PCP), popularly

Our Day

2009-06-18T12:24:00.002-04:00

The May 1st Movement Reclaims May Day in Toronto by Bryan Doherty - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) On the 1st of May every year, workers around the world take to the streets in a show of force and celebration of workers’ resistance. For over a century, major cities have been witness to what our bosses and politicians spend much of the year trying to keep from view – the working class, strong and

Tamil Canadians: A Community Transforming Itself and Its Freedom Struggle

2009-06-18T12:19:00.003-04:00

by Pragash Pio - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) The last couple of months have been a turbulent time for Toronto and its Tamil community with constant mass mobilizations; the successful subversion of the police force’s violence tactics of repression; large scale marches and occupations from Parliament Hill to downtown Toronto; the mass media’s failure to effectively represent the community’s

DPRK Defends Its Sovereignty

2009-06-18T12:15:00.007-04:00

Interference of Western powers the real cause of crisis in the two Koreas. By JD Benjamin - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) successfully tested a second nuclear device in an underground detonation last month, following shortly after a test of a ballistic missile in April. The U.S. has responded by attempting to whip up anti-DPRK sentiment and

Understanding the New Auto Sector

2009-06-18T12:14:00.000-04:00

by Herman Rosenfeld - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) In the past couple of months, there have been important changes to the auto sector in Canada and the US. In the midst of the ongoing economic crisis, started by the financial meltdown, auto sales dropped through the floor. The restructuring of GM and Chrysler was engineered by the U.S. state. Its goal was to transform

Filipinos Rally against Charter Change

2009-06-18T12:12:00.003-04:00

Move to amend constitution seen as another power-grab by Arroyo regime. by JD Benjamin - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)People's organizations across the Philippines and around the world are outraged by the Philippines Congress passing of Resolution 1109, legislation that paves the way for the Congress to convene itself as a Constituent Assembly to change the Constitution without the

Toronto City Workers Resist Concessions

2009-06-18T12:10:00.002-04:00

Support the City Workers Strikeby Farshad Azadian - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009)Toronto City Workers, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) locals 79 and 416, made a strong statement that they will not accept any concessions in their ongoing bargaining with the City of Toronto.On June 22nd the Toronto City Workers walked off the job after their

Ontario’s Criminal Injustice System

2009-06-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

How the underfunding of legal aid pushes the poor into the prison system by Kabir Joshi-Vijayan - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) The province’s criminal defense counsels are refusing to take on future homicide, guns and gangs cases. They say it is in desperate protest to the province’s severe underfunding of legal aid, which results in pronounced disparity in the

HST: Another Gov't Cash Grab

2009-06-18T12:05:00.003-04:00

by Jesse Benjamin - BASICS #14 (June / July 2009) At first glance, it sounds reasonable enough. Take two sales taxes, the 5% GST and 8% PST, and combine them together into a single 13% Harmonized Sales Tax, or HST. Seems fair, doesn't it?Turns out, it's a massive cash grab by the provincial government. After July 2010, working people will see an 8% increase in the cost of a whole host of

Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas on Border encroachment and human rights violation by Indian security authorities in Nepal

2009-06-16T14:32:00.004-04:00

Dr. Manamohan SinghRight Honorable Prime Minister of IndiaRoom No. 148 B South BlockNew Delhi 110001, IndiaJune 15, 2009RE: Border encroachment and human rights violation by Indian security authorities in NepalDear Prime Minister:As global citizens and citizens and friends of Nepal, we are deeply saddened by the recent actions of the Indian Border Security Forces (IBSF) on Nepali territory. The

Ruby Dhalla’s Just the Tip of the Iceberg: A Short History of the Live-In Caregiver Program in Canada, and Why it Must Change

2009-06-14T12:44:00.001-04:00

By Philip BrownA shorter version of this article will appear in the upcoming issue of BASICS #14, June / July 2009. Ruby Dhalla — beautiful, charismatic, articulate, media hound, successful professional, a star candidate handpicked by former Prime Minister Paul Martin — seemed destined for the Liberal Party political stratosphere when suddenly she found her political career at risk because of

LIGHT UP OUR ALLEY STREET FESTIVAL COMES TO ANNEX NEIGHBOURHOOD JUNE 27, 2009

2009-06-09T14:02:00.001-04:00

Toronto, June 27 2009 - For one day only, Light Up Our Alley street festival will take over the corner of Dupont and Spadina to celebrate the reclamation of public space with music, art, a community rummage sale, and a night time lantern walk. Events begin at noon in the alley on the Southwest corner of Dupont and Spadina, across the street from the Dupont subway station. Activities will include

The Dangers of Public Surveillance

2009-06-08T17:32:00.005-04:00

Submitted by Cara Chellew from elchaos.org - June 2009.It was a warm evening for January. We were in the back alleyway on our way to a comfortable Annex hang out called the Green Room when I looked up. Staring back at me were two small black eyes. Well, eyes of the video recording sort. I was shocked to realize that I was being recorded for unknown reasons. There has been much

My Statement About The Need For Justice

2009-06-01T23:54:00.005-04:00

A First-Person Narrative About Police Terror in Our Cityby victim of police brutality, Shaq. As we gather more information on this story, we will be posting it to the BASICS Free Community Newsletter website. Please check back for updates. More on this issue, including pictures of the terror, will appear in BASICS issue #14, due out in mid June.Also see Radio Basics show from June 1, 2009, for

Progressive Nepali Forum of the Americas denounces unconstitutional moves in Nepal

2009-05-29T12:53:00.001-04:00

Public Statement - May 28, 2009Progressive Nepali Forum in Americas (PNEFA) reiterates its previous stand that President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav’s move has not only violated the constitution but also seriously undermined the legitimate mandate of a democratically elected civilian government in Nepal. While reinstating the fired Chief of the Army Staff the President has overstepped the boundary of the

BASICS Statement on Sri Lanka's Genocidal Onslaught Against Tamils

2009-05-26T19:08:00.000-04:00

by Niraj Joshi - 25 May 2009 BASICS Free Community Newsletter condemns the Sri Lankan government’s ongoing genocidal war against Tamil civilians in their effort to occupy Tamil region in the north-eastern coast of the island. This historic Tamil territory had been under the control of the Liberation of Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) since 2002. The bloody climax of the war came last week with

Against All Odds: Maoist Revolution in Nepal Moving Forward

2009-05-19T19:57:00.008-04:00

by Derek Rosin - 19 May 2009BASICS Free Community NewsletterWritten for an upcoming issue of Socialist Project's magazine 'Relay' Right now, communists are on the verge of what could potentially be the first successful revolution in over a generation. They're internationalists, who boldly proclaim that either we all get to communism, or none of us do. And yet, there has been a bewildering lack of

Police Violence Against Peaceful Protesters and Bystanders is an Attack on Human Rights!

2009-05-14T12:12:00.001-04:00

Migrante Ontario Youth Statement8 May 2009Migrante Ontario Youth condemns the police violence against Adrienne Lee, Myk Miranda and Jeffrey Miranda at approximately 5:30 p.m. on May 2, 2009 near the peaceful Tamil protest on University Avenue. The police actions against them were a display of unnecessary use of force and an indication of the growing repression of Canadian law enforcers of people’

Tamils Take Over Gardiner Expressway, Demand End to Genocide

2009-05-10T22:19:00.007-04:00

Thousands of protesters, Tamil and non-Tamil, have taken over the Gardiner Expressway to protest Canada's silence over the massacre of Tamils by the Sri Lankan government.The surprise action of protesters in Toronto on Sunday afternoon overwhelmed the police, who were unable to stop the crowd from engaging in peaceful civil disobedience.From the night of Saturday, May 9 to Monday May 11, over

A TOAST AND ROAST FOR NORMAN OTIS RICHMOND!

2009-05-06T09:51:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND SPECIAL INVITEA TOAST AND ROAST FOR NORMAN OTIS RICHMOND!“There are few among us who aren’t afraid to speak their mindpublicly- and stand up for the interest of our community over and overagain. Norman is one of the few. This is how I know Norman” – FrankFrancis (The Trane Studio)Norman "Otis" Richmond, iconic broadcaster and journalist, will behonored for his

Stop the Sell-Off of Public Housing! Rally and Meal with OCAP

2009-05-05T22:14:00.002-04:00

BASICS Condemns Arrests, Police Brutality at May 2 Tamil Solidarity Rally

2009-05-05T01:04:00.004-04:00

BASICS Bulletin - 4 May 2009BASICS Free Community Newsletter condemns the disgraceful conduct ofthe Toronto Police Service in its treatment of of the Tamil communityand peaceful demonstrators attempting to join the Tamil rally at theUS consulate on May 2, 2009.For the last two months the Tamil community has shown exemplary unityand organization in demanding an end to the genocide of the

Winnipeg police viciously beat indigenous girl, Stephanie Kay Warren, 18.

2009-04-29T23:38:00.003-04:00

An open letter from Stephanie's grandmother.I wish to bring to your attention the grave matter of a vicious assault on my granddaughter by five members of the Winnipeg Police.The following events were told to me by my granddaughter, Stephanie Kay Warren, age 18, of 125 Barber Street. On Sunday, March 1, 2009, Stephanie was in an argument with some girls at the Robins Donuts on the corner of

The Black Book on Canadian Foreign Policy - Book Launch

2009-04-29T11:00:00.002-04:00

The Toronto Haiti Action Committee,Students in Solidarity with Haiti,Venezuela We are With You andLatin American Solidarity Present:CANADA VERSUS LATIN AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: FROM JACOBINS TO SALVADOR ALLENDE, HUGO CHAVEZ AND JEAN BERTRAND ARISTIDEWhen: Thursday, May 7, 7pmWhere: Bahen Centre (40 St. George Street at University of Toronto) Room 1130Presentation and book signing with author Yves

NOMADIC MASSIVE live in TORONTO

2009-04-20T08:11:00.003-04:00

The Arts and Culture Correspondents Group of BASICS Free Community Newsletter presents: