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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Support a Smart SAG/AFTRA Merger!

Forgive me for a while if you're not a member of SAG (Screen Actors Guild) or AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists)...  I am a proud #unionmember of both.  For many years, there has been a hot debate on the merger of these very different performers' collective bargaining organizations. The heat rose past the boiling point, creating factions and even a two-party system within SAG.  (Was this an inevitable reaction to the success of America's two party system in eliminating independent thought and original ideas from politics?)  
Years ago, I wrote to the then pro-merger powers in SAG, asking what the merger would mean.  As a vested member of both organizations, would the retirements amounts promised from each be combined?  Would the benefits of the better insurance plan (SAG's) prevail?  The response (which has not changed in the years the followed) was: "We'll deal with those issues after we merge."  After.    The response to others' questions was the same.   ...Eventually the survivors of the pro-answers faction dropped their 'party,' but are still focused on common sense.
A message from Esai Morales, William Mapother, Scott Bakula, Valerie Harper, George Coe and David Jolliffe said:
"Every day, SAG members from Hollywood are asking questions about merger. Our answer, 'Let's make sure a merger benefits all Screen Actor's Guild members.' The usual response from the ruling majority of the SAG board?: “We’ll deal with that once merger happens.” Is that answer good enough?  We don’t think so.  Therefore, we’ll demand that before you’re asked to vote on merger, SAG answer your questions about a merged union. For example:
-Will the pension and health plans of the new union be as strong as SAG’s are now?
-Will the new union require its members to work ONLY union jobs (Global Rule 1) as SAG does now?
-Will actors have the majority vote regarding their own interests like SAG does now?
-Will the new union have requirements for membership as SAG does now?
-Will the facts, both PRO and CON, be included in the merger referendum sent to members for a vote?
... Creating a merger plan behind CLOSED doors with AFTRA is unacceptable... SAG members must know the whole truth about a merger plan before being asked to vote... Please vote for the following independent candidates to ensure all voices are heard and all questions are asked.
Sincerely, #3 William Mapother,  #20 Scott Bakula, #26 Esai Morales, #27 Valerie Harper, #31 George Coe, #56 David Jolliffe.  We also ask for your vote for the additional independent candidates: #6 Scott Pierce, #24 Pete Antico, #39 John Tremaine, #46 Mobin Khan, #48 Ron Ostrow.   Ballots must be returned by September 20th."

I support those who pledge to get answers to the major questions on the SAG/AFTRA merger...BEFORE the merger! OK?  For more info on these candidates, Click Here! 

Thank you for reading my blog today. Please be kind to yourself and to others. Share your visions of peace and justice with the world. Strive always to leave each place you visit the better for your having been there! - TCK


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Sunday, August 7, 2011

End California's Death Penalty!


The death penalty debate elicits strong emotions on both sides.  Surely something must be done in response to the violent actions of killers and the like.  Many people like to believe that killing killers is a just punishment that deters others from walking similar paths. Although the death penalty clearly prevents those who suffer that fate from further terrorizing citizens at large, so does life in prison.  
According to Death Penalty Information Center, not only is the death penalty not a deterrent, states that carry out the death penalty have higher murder rates than those who do not.  To the question of 'just' punishment, I've always thought that killing killers and the like only serves to fuel blood lust; I've always wondered if the administrators of the death penalty, the killers of killers, are judged for their actions by a higher court.   Just or unjust, these killings certainly do not bring victims back from the dead, nor leave the criminal any chance of rehabilitation.  I will acknowledge that there are psychopathic individuals who are beyond redemption, but maintain that they are a very small minority of those on death row.  
There is also the matter of executing the innocent. Amnesty International reminds us that since 1973, 130 people have been released from death row after forensic evidence proved them innocent.  Who knows how many innocent people were not so fortunate. Who knows how many still await a horribly unjust fate.  As my readers know, I believe Troy Davis is such a person.  I therefore feel that we should reconsider this practice of executing those member s of our society we wish to permanently throw away.  In California, the discussion is on the table.  

The Care2 Petition site says:
"While California schools struggle to stay open and the job market dwindles, the state is spending $184 million annually on death penalty proceedings.
The death penalty has cost California $4 billion since its 1978 reinstatement. It is projected that it will cost the state $9 billion by 2030.  It takes an average of 25 years for execution to occur after an individual receives a death sentence. During that time, inmates on death row usually pass away due to other causes.  Senate Bill 490 proposes that the death penalty be repealed in favor of life without parole--a sentence 20 times less costly than a death sentence."

If you would like to join me in urging the California legislature to support the passing of Senate Bill 490, Click Here!

Thank you for reading my blog today. Please be kind to yourself and to others. Share your visions of peace and justice with the world. Strive always to leave each place you visit the better for your having been there! - TCK
 

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