Category Archives: North America

USA: Rock solid rules to ensure the internet stays open and free

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

an article by Pressenza International Press Agency (Reprinted according to creative commons licenses 4.0) (abridged)

Breaking news: in an historic victory of global importance, the US Federal Communications Commission just passed rock solid rules to ensure the Internet stays open and free for generations to come. . .

Click here to enlarge photo

Just six months ago, we were facing staggering odds. Big corporations like US cable TV giant Comcast had spent more than $750 million lobbying for a corporate- controlled Internet. Google, the biggest lobby in the industry, was refusing to speak up. The FCC chair Tom Wheeler, a former Big Cable lobbyist, was hostile to Net Neutrality.

But against all odds, we’ve pulled off one of the biggest victories in the history of the Internet, in what the New York Times called “the longest, most sustained campaign of Internet activism in history”, won by “an army of Internet activists.”Together, here’s a snapshot of some of the amazing things we’ve done:Submitted tens and tens of thousands of comments to the FCC in support of Net Neutrality, making sure the agency received more comments than ever before on a public consultation.

Flooded FCC offices with thousands of phone calls, to build internal pressure for the agency to do their job and protect the open Internet.

Tied FCC chairman Tom Wheeler to his past as a former Big Cable lobbyist on social media and his personal Twitter account, forcing him to publicly choose a side.

Helped turn out hundreds of people to emergency rallies and vigils across the country, including outside the White House.

Organized tens of thousands of people to speak up online and on the phone to demand Google publicly support real Net Neutrality.

Pulled off a creative protest to bring Internet slow lanes to life by literally putting private buses transporting Google employees to work in a SumOfUs-created “Slow Lane”.

Worked together with a huge coalition of amazing groups like Demand Progress, Free Press, Fight for the Future, Color of Change, and too many others to count.

And it worked! Following each piece of the campaign President Obama, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, and Google all came out in support of Net Neutrality — and now the FCC has adopted an official decision to protect Net Neutrality.

But even though we’ve won this crucial fight, we must stay vigilant.

Big telecom corporations like Verizon and Comcast are already working with conservatives in the US Congress to try and undermine our win. We need to be ready to put the pressure on again in the coming months to make sure we don’t lose an inch of our progress.

Please chip in $1 to make sure we defend this historic victory from Big Cable corporations and keep up the fight to save the Internet.

Up against corporate millions, this decision to protect Net Neutrality is a massive victory for citizen campaigning. Thanks to all of us, we can finally say 2015 was the year we won Net Neutrality. Let’s keep working together to make sure it stays that way.

Thanks for all you do,

Taren, Paul, Nick, Nicole, and the team at SumOfUs

Latest Discussion

Is Internet freedom a basic human right?

Here are additional remarks from the speech by Mary Robinson.It has been inspiring to see how new communications technologies have allowed us to expand the space for public debate in recent years. The internet has enabled an explosion of information and expression worldwide, and while I am sceptical about claims that Twitter and Facebook ‘caused’ events like the Arab Awakening, it is evident that social media was an indispensable tool in the dissemination of uncensored information and the coordination of public protests in the region.

This raises questions concerning the role of companies and highlights a critical gap – many business leaders are taking major decisions on their own, often without a firm understanding of their impacts on human rights. To help mainstream respect for human rights in corporate decision-making, the European Commission has embarked on a project to develop guidance for three critical industry sectors, including information and communication technologies, which are so important in today’s world. My colleagues at the Institute for Human Rights and Business and Shift are working with the Commission to develop this guidance in order to give practical meaning to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which were adopted in 2011.

As these tools become more accessible to people around the world – by 2020 there will be an estimated 5 billion people with access to the internet – civil society becomes better-equipped to engage in public life. Citizens have used mobile phones and internet platforms to record human rights abuses, pressure leaders to become more accountable, and connect and work together across borders. As one young Egyptian told us, “the only borders now are on maps.”

At the same time, our expectations are getting higher – and this is a good thing. When we are used to finding information freely available online, we expect to have the right to access that information without restriction. When we see various world leaders on Twitter, we expect to be able to contact our own leaders directly through such platforms. The more we grow accustomed to voicing our opinions online, the more we resist being silenced.

I believe this is part of a broader global trend towards greater participation. There is such a strong desire now to be consulted – really consulted, not just in a tokenistic way – and to be involved in government as opposed to just being objects of someone else’s policy decisions. We must embrace this trend; by supporting greater inclusivity and participation in governance, we will strengthen the development of democracy worldwide.

March 5, 2015FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North AmericaNorth AmericaCPNN Coordinator

Toward a Culture of Peace Commission for Ashland, Oregon (USA)

.. DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION ..

by Eric Sirotkin, Ashland Culture of Peace Initiative

[Editor’s note: The following remarks were submitted on February 2 by Eric Sirotkin on behalf of the the Ashland Culture of Peace Initiative to the City Council Study Group on a City of Ashland Culture of Peace Commission.]

Scene from Ashland proposal video

If you could have one chance to speak to the world’s most powerful political body, what would you say? When Václav Havel, the former political prisoner and then President Poet/playwright of the Czech Republic, got his invitation to speak to a joint session of the United States Congress he said that “the salvation of the this human world lies nowhere else than in the human heart, in the human power to reflect, in human meekness and in human responsibility.”

He told people preoccupied with getting reelected that they should “put morality ahead of politics, science, and economics” and that “the only genuine core of all our actions–if they are to be moral–is responsibility.”

Responsibility is “that fundamental point from which all identity grows” Thus, Havel declares, “I am responsible for the state of the world,” and he calls it a “responsibility not only to the world but also ‘for the world,’ as though I myself were to be judged for how the world turns out.”

A CULTURE OF PEACE

In 1999 the United States along with the International Community approved the adoption of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace which defined the culture of peace as a goal much broader than the traditional idea of peace as the absence of war or violence. It called upon individuals and government to take actions to build and expand a culture of peace.

What is a culture of peace? In your discussions today you may want to share what it means to you. But also respect that it’s not the same for everyone and it’s not always easily translated. For us it has meant many things, but primarily it is a “way of life” that solves problems through dialogue and works to balance and expand respectful relations, even between people who disagree.

It is an idea whose time has come. Over 75 million people signed the Manifesto 2000, committing themselves to cultivate a culture of peace in daily life.

You don’t hear about these efforts in the traditional media.

But on the Transition to A Culture of Peace Blog website (http://decade-culture-of- peace.org/blog/), it mirrors the words of Vaclav Havel to Congress some decades before:

“…over the past few decades, the consciousness is growing that we must cultivate and create a culture of peace to replace the culture of war. If you believe, as I do, that the ultimate force in world history is the consciousness of people, then you can see why I believe that the world is on the verge of a great transformation. What is still lacking, however, is an institutional framework outside of the nation-state to make it possible.”

This is where we believe that you all play an essential and historic part.

(Continued into discussion)

ASHLAND CULTURE OF PEACE COMMISSION

(Continued from main article)

As a group of concerned citizens we have been engaged in a process that not only is intended to institute a Culture of Peace Commission in Ashland, but also has been meant to model it. We know we could go to the voters and get this approved, but as we told you in our packet we want to work with you and use our collective wisdom to come up with something that works for everyone.

In our individual meetings with you over the past month we have worked hard to resist charging forward, learning to apply the very principles inherent in the culture of peace to our own process. We’ve listened deeply and reflected individually and as a group, on your suggestions and your wise input gleaned from years of working within the City. It has convinced us that we all want the same thing.

COMMONALITY

Few disagree that we want to be embody a culture of peace. Adrienne Rich once said: “We all go to sleep dreaming of a common language.”

In many ways Ashland has key elements of a culture of peace:

Hundreds gathering each year for the International Day of Peace Feast for Peace;

Annual commemorations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that question aggression and strongly urge us to remember something greater;

Mediation school Programs that help children look at conflict differently; • Courses in Compassionate Listening, Restorative Justice Circles;

• Local programs produced like Immense Possibilities that help us to listen
and build a more connected community;

Since 1998 Ashland has been part of the Global Mayors for Peace 6,538 member cities in 160 countries & regions; http://www.mayorsforpeace.org/english/index.html

We are as Mayor Stromberg said in his State of the City address a city in the “quality of life business”…it’s in our” lifeblood. “ A community that institutionalizes a culture of peace becomes one that, in the Mayor’s words “attracts students and their

families regionally and nationally to this extraordinary and celebrated community.” We have listened to the important goals set out by the Mayor and all of you over the past months

A city that attracts young people

b) A city Council that in reality is working every day to build a peaceful culture;

c) The complications and limitations of the current commission process.
So we are more and more convinced from our discussions with you that we all want the same thing.

So what do we do?

We wish to hold off on a vote on any permanent Culture Peace Commission or in holding an election to implement it and follow some of your advice.

#1 – FORM AN INDEPENDENT ASHLAND CULTURE OF PEACE COMMISSION: This entity formulated outside of City Government would choose representatives from all sectors of the community – Like the Peace Wheel – Education Business Culture Science Environment Religion
Law Habitat

It would hopefully have a Liaison from the City Council and I understand that Pam Marsh has been willing to serve in such a capacity.

. …more.

March 3, 2015DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, North AmericaNorth AmericaCPNN Coordinator

Edward Snowden Congratulates Laura Poitras for Winning Best Documentary Oscar for Citizenfour

.. EDUCATION FOR PEACE ..

an article by American Civil Liberties Union

[Editor’s Note: The film “Citizen Four” by Laura Poitras, based on interviews with Edward Snowden, won this year’s Hollywood Oscar award for best documentary.]

Photo credit: The Guardian/Laura Poitras (click on photo to enlarge)

The following is a statement from Edward Snowden provided to the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents him:

“When Laura Poitras asked me if she could film our encounters, I was extremely reluctant. I’m grateful that I allowed her to persuade me. The result is a brave and brilliant film that deserves the honor and recognition it has received. My hope is that this award will encourage more people to see the film and be inspired by its message that ordinary citizens, working together, can change the world.”

Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, had this reaction:

“Laura’s remarkable film has helped fuel a global debate on the dangers of mass surveillance and excessive government secrecy. The ACLU could not be more delighted that she has been recognized with an Academy Award.”

The ACLU’s petition asking President Obama to grant clemency to Snowden is at: https://www.aclu.org/secure/grant_snowden_immunity.

Question(s) related to this article:

What are some good films and videos that promote a culture of peace?

This discussion question applies to the following articles:

WACC-SIGNIS Human Rights Award 2013 Goes to “Caminhos da paz”
Edward Snowden Congratulates Laura Poitras for Winning Best Documentary Oscar for Citizenfour

February 23, 2015EDUCATION FOR PEACE, North AmericaNorth AmericaCPNN Coordinator

NetGain: Let’s Work Together to Improve the Internet

FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

an article by Lisa  A. Hayes, Center for Democracy & Technology

Video: Launch of Netgain Challenge

This week, Nuala and I had the opportunity to take part in the launch of the NetGain Challenge, an exciting new initiative aimed at realizing the full potential of the Internet to “spark the next generation of innovation for social change and progress.

click on photo to enlarge

Launch of Netgain Challenge

Launched by the Knight, MacArthur, Mozilla, and Ford Foundations, the NetGain Challenge aims to unite all sectors to find genuine solutions to the challenges of our digital age. At the launch event, several innovative and proactive speakers started the conversation. Many talked about the immense amounts of data we now have and the potential it creates for both incredible good and serious privacy abuses; others spoke of the power of the Internet to facilitate free speech, to connect people, and to spread good ideas; and still others cautioned against censorship and the chilling effect of government surveillance.

The most motivating parts of the launch for me were the discussions around digital inclusion and empowerment, especially of women and minorities. The digital world we build depends on everyone being involved in shaping it – not just those with the most privilege or access to the newest technology.

The great news is that YOU can be a part of finding ways to shape this empowering digital world. The NetGain Challenge is about harnessing the power of the Internet to find solutions. It’s about engaging the global Internet community and generating fresh, new ideas that propel us forward. And with the philanthropic community rallying around these efforts, it is far more than just talk – it is action.

The Center for Democracy & Technology encourages everyone to take part in the NetGain Challenge. Share you voice. Share your ideas. Shape the digital society you want to live in.

Question related to this article:

Is Internet freedom a basic human right?

Here are additional remarks from the speech by Mary Robinson.

It has been inspiring to see how new communications technologies have allowed us to expand the space for public debate in recent years. The internet has enabled an explosion of information and expression worldwide, and while I am sceptical about claims that Twitter and Facebook ‘caused’ events like the Arab Awakening, it is evident that social media was an indispensable tool in the dissemination of uncensored information and the coordination of public protests in the region.

February 15, 2015FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, North AmericaNorth AmericaCPNN Coordinator

Peace and Planet Events, April 24-26 in New York City

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY .

an article by Kim Stoner, Board of Directors, Promoting Enduring Peace

It was exciting for Promoting Enduring Peace to work with a broad coalition of environmental organizations in support of the Peoples’ Climate Mobilization last September in New York City. Now, we would like for environmental groups to join us in mobilizing a broad coalition in support of nuclear disarmament this April – again in New York City.

click on photo to enlarge

Specifically, we invite you to participate in the Peace and Planet International Conference for a Nuclear-Free, Peaceful, Just, and Sustainable World on April 24 and 25, and the following Rally and March on April 26. When representatives of the nations of the world gather at the United Nations for the 5-year Review of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty, we want to deliver the message to these representatives that the peoples of the world want good faith negotiations to eliminate nuclear weapons, as required by the Treaty since it entered into force in 1970. For the specific demands of the organizers, please go to the website www.PeaceandPla net.org.

Despite the end of the Cold War, and President Obama’s pledge in 2009 to seek a “nuclear-free world,” there are about 17,000 nuclear weapons in existence worldwide, including over 7,000 in the US and 8,000 in Russia. According to a recent federal report on modernization of the US nuclear arsenal, over $1 trillion will be spent to upgrade US nuclear weapons over the next 30 years. So, rather than eliminating our nuclear weapons, we will be “modernizing” them.

Proliferation of nuclear weapons also increases the likelihood of their use in regional conflicts, such as between India and Pakistan. This would, of course, result in tremendous human mortality and suffering and regional environmental effects from the blasts, the pressure waves, direct radiation and radioactive fallout. In addition, even a relatively small regional nuclear war (using 50 weapons on each side) would have devastating global environmental effects by sending vast amounts of smoke and soot into the atmosphere resulting in a nuclear winter lasting for a decade or more.

The continuing threat of nuclear weapons has, for many of us, been present our entire lives. As a result, it requires a big psychological step for us to realize that the nuclear war culture, like the reliance on fossil fuels, is an aspect of our civilization that can and must change.

Question related to this article:

Can we abolish all nuclear weapons?

30 August 2012 — The following opinion piece by Secretary-General BAN Ki-moon appeared in leading newspapers in Argentina, Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, The Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine and European weekly publications and has been translated into 10 languages.

‘THE WORLD IS OVER-ARMED AND PEACE IS UNDER-FUNDED’

Last month, competing interests prevented agreement on a much-needed treaty that would have reduced the appalling human cost of the poorly regulated international arms trade. Meanwhile, nuclear disarmament efforts remain stalled, despite strong and growing global popular sentiment in support of this cause.

The failure of these negotiations and this month’s anniversaries of the atomic bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki provide a good opportunity to explore what has gone wrong, why disarmament and arms control have proven so difficult to achieve, and how the world community can get back on track towards these vitally important goals.

Many defence establishments now recognize that security means far more than protecting borders. Grave security concerns can arise as a result of demographic trends, chronic poverty, economic inequality, environmental degradation, pandemic diseases, organized crime, repressive governance and other developments no state can control alone. Arms can’t address such concerns.

Yet there has been a troubling lag between recognizing these new security challenges, and launching new policies to address them. National budget priorities still tend to reflect the old paradigms. Massive military spending and new investments in modernizing nuclear weapons have left the world over-armed — and peace under-funded.

Last year, global military spending reportedly exceeded $1.7 trillion – more than $4.6 billion a day, which alone is almost twice the UN’s budget for an entire year. This largesse includes billions more for modernizing nuclear arsenals decades into the future.

This level of military spending is hard to explain in a post-Cold War world and amidst a global financial crisis. Economists would call this an “opportunity cost”. I call it human opportunities lost. Nuclear weapons budgets are especially ripe for deep cuts.

Such weapons are useless against today’s threats to international peace and security. Their very existence is de-stabilizing: the more they are touted as indispensable, the greater is the incentive for their proliferation. Additional risks arise from accidents and the health and environmental effects of maintaining and developing such weapons.

The time has come to re-affirm commitments to nuclear disarmament, and to ensure that this common end is reflected in national budgets, plans and institutions.

Four years ago, I outlined a five-point disarmament proposal highlighting the need for a nuclear weapon convention or a framework of instruments to achieve this goal.

Yet the disarmament stalemate continues. The solution clearly lies in greater efforts by States to harmonize their actions to achieve common ends. Here are some specific actions that all States and civil society should pursue to break this impasse.

* Support efforts by the Russian Federation and the United States to negotiate deep, verified cuts in their nuclear arsenals, both deployed and un-deployed.

* Obtain commitments by others possessing such weapons to join the disarmament process.

* Establish a moratorium on developing or producing nuclear weapons or new delivery systems.

* Negotiate a multilateral treaty outlawing fissile materials that can be used in nuclear weapons.

* End nuclear explosions and bring into force the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

* Stop deploying nuclear weapons on foreign soil, and retire such weapons.

* Ensure that nuclear-weapon states report to a public UN repository on nuclear disarmament, including details on arsenal size, fissile material, delivery systems, and progress in achieving disarmament goals.

* Establish a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

* Secure universal membership in treaties outlawing chemical and biological weapons.

* Pursue parallel efforts on conventional arms control, including an arms trade treaty, strengthened controls over the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, universal membership in the Mine Ban, Cluster Munitions, and Inhumane
Weapons Conventions, and expanded participation in the UN Report on Military Expenditures and the UN Register of Conventional Arms.

* Undertake diplomatic and military initiatives to maintain international peace and security in a world without nuclear weapons, including new efforts to resolve regional disputes.

February 2, 2015DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, North AmericaNorth AmericaCPNN Coordinator