July 25th, 2005: Rustbelt Radio

Intro

Welcome to this week's edition of Rustbelt Radio, the Pittsburgh Independent Media Center's weekly review of the news from the grassroots, news overlooked by the corporate media. The show airs every Monday from 6-7pm on WRCT 88.3FM in Pittsburgh, PA and every Saturday from 5-6pm on WVJW Benwood, 94.1 FM in the Wheeling, West Virginia area. And we're also available on the internet, both on W-R-C-T's live webstream at W-R-C-T dot ORG and archived at radio dot I-N-D-Y-P-G-H dot org.

On today's show...

• We speak with Aisha White, founder of the local group Rights and Responsibilities
• a new Pennsylvania law has enabled utility companies to cut off service to thousands of residents; we'll hear from Steve Donahue
• and Bad Cop No Donut brings us updates about police brutality and misconduct

but first, these local headlines:

Headlines

Local News

[0:45] Man tasered by Mt. Lebanon police during traffic stop

Police in Mt. Lebanon last Thursday night fired a taser at a 66-year old man, hospitalizing him. Frank Caruso, a Pizza shop owner, was shot by Police Officer Scott Kunz after being warned for stopping his car on a sidewalk to pick up his wife.

The victim's wife Josephine said the offer screamed "Why can't you people listen to me? You can't park there!" during the incident.

After 19 hours in the Hospital, Caruso is facing charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and parking on a sidewalk. The police officer is not facing discipline. The Mt. Lebanon police chief says the officers did nothing wrong, but declined to share video tape of the incident with the Tribune-Review.

Mt. Lebanon police say they've used tasers six times since they purchased eight of the guns last year.

Bad Cop No Donut has more on tasers later in this program.

[1:50] Study under way to examine same-sex benefits for state workers

The Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund board voted unanimously last Thursday to study the cost of extending health benefits to same-sex and heterosexual "domestic partners" of state employees.

Determining the costs of these benefits is the first step towards providing state benefits to workers' domestic partners. It's a move that Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell supports, but many right-wing conservative Republican legislators oppose.

Rendell supports the move "as a matter of fairness," said Kate Philips, his press secretary. Philadelphia city employees had domestic partner benefits when Rendell was mayor in the 1990s, she added. The governor is also interested to find out how much an extension of benefits would cost the state.

Two top House Republicans, Majority Leader Sam Smith and Appropriations Committee Chairman Brett Feese, are upset about the actions of the Benefit Trust Fund board, which represents about 84,000 workers . They said, "It is not the place of political appointees and union representatives to unilaterally create state policy. To consider acknowledging legally unrecognized relationships,... the PA Employee Benefit Trust Fund would be usurping the powers of the General Assembly."

But trust fund board Chairman David Fillman said the decision on extending benefits rested with state unions and the executive branch of state government, headed by Rendell.

Smith and Feese attempted and failed to have a court injunction stop the trust fund board from holding its meeting in private, as it usually does.

A Commonwealth Court hearing is set for Tuesday on the injunction request for open meetings of the board. That also may determine whether the legislative leaders have a right to intervene in the trust fund board's deliberations.

While there is no deadline for completing the study, the investigation will seek to answer the questions: What exactly is the definition of a domestic partner? ; Once the number of domestic partners is determined, how much would it cost the state to extend the health benefits? and finally: What do other states, cities and private companies do in this regard?

[0:45] Downtown parking lot workers may strike, janitors show solidarity

The union representing workers at downtown Pittsburgh parking lots says a strike is likely at the end of this month when their contract expires. Negotiations between parking lot operator Central Parking System and Teamsters Local 926 reportedly have stalled.

Also, downtown janitors with the Service Employees International Union, or SEIU, local 3, will be holding a rally in support of striking janitors in Houston, Texas. The janitors are inviting the community to join them at 8:30 PM Tuesday the 26th, outside the USX Building downtown. The union is picketing the company ABM Janitorial Services.

Other sympathy actions are happening in 30 cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

[1:55] John Roberts Protest

The online political advocacy group "MoveOn dot Org" organized protests around the country on Thursday morning about Bush's new Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts. They charge that he is a "stealth candidate" being put in place to further President Bush's ultra-conservative agenda. We spoke with a MoveOn^? member at a protest in Squirrel Hill, in front of the Squirrel Hill Carnegie Library branch.

• 1:45 audio

[3:00] Shenango Coke Plant Given Largest-ever Fine for Air Pollution

The Allegheny County Health Department issued a fine of 252,000 dollars to the Shenango Coke Plant for its recent poor performance in meeting air pollution control standards. The fine is the largest ever served to a coke plant in the five-year history of the county’s monitoring program.

According to Roger Westman, the manager of air quality programs for the county health department, the fines have been served because (quote) "Shenango's performance lately has been abysmal. The situation has gotten much worse recently".

The Shenango Coke Works is located on Neville Island. It produces coke, a fuel used in steelmaking, by baking coal in tall, narrow ovens for 18 hours at 2,400 degrees to burn off impurities. The smoke from the baking coal includes many hazardous air pollutants, including benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and fine particulate matter. Health impacts linked to these pollutants are asthma, heart and respiratory disease, and cancer. The pollutants are released into the environment when the doors to the ovens leak, when the doors are opened, and when the coke is quenched in water following baking. The Shenango plant has been exceeding limits on pollutant release from the oven doors during baking, and also the opening of the doors after baking.

The Shenango Plant's dismal record of compliance with air quality standards has resulted in fines of over 2.1 million dollars since 2000 for over 580 pollution violations. Westman said that (quote) "I don't think the company is putting enough effort into making repairs. Coking is a worker-intensive process. It depends a lot on worker performance. The doors need to be kept in shape, they need to be kept clean, they need to be refurbished on a regular basis"(endquote). In comparison, Allegheny County’s other coke plant, US Steel’s Clairton Works, produces 12 times greater volume of coke than Shenango, but has been issued only ¼ as many fines since 2000.

As part of the penalty for the violations, the county is also requiring Shenango to bake each batch of coke for 24 hours instead of 18. The additional baking will burn off more of the impurities, according to Westman. It will also provide a financial incentive for the company to clean up the plant’s production methods, because production will be cut by appoxiamately 20%. County officials will monitor the plant rigorously after the new order is imposed; if pollution control improves, the plant may be allowed to reduce baking times by as much as two hours a week. If the problems don’t get better, they may be ordered to increase baking times by two hours a week.

Environmental groups responded positively to the county’s action.

Sue Seppi, a board member of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, said, "I think it's really good because it provides a financial incentive and an air-quality benefit. It's ongoing, and they really have to find a solution to the problem in order to rid themselves of these restrictions".

GASP’s executive director, Rachel Fillipini added, "I certainly think they’ll pay attention now." And board member Walter Goldburg, a retired University of Pittsburgh physics professor, said "I must say this is an imaginative solution".

Wrapup

For more on all of our local news stories, visit pittsburgh dot I-N-D-Y-M-E-D-I-A dot O-R-G.

[ optional music break ]

Global News

Intro

You are listening to Rust Belt Radio, the Pittsburgh Independent Media Center's weekly review of news overlooked by the corporate media. We turn now to headlines from Independent Media Centers around the world.

[4:00] Bringing Aid to Cubans

130 US citizens crossed the US/Mexico border just before daybreak with almost all of the 140 tons of humanitarian aid en route to Cuba and collected by the Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Cuba Caravan. Participants in the 16th Annual Friendship Caravan to Cuba were being held in McAllen, Texas at the border between Mexico and Texas by US Homeland Security Officers, and the Commerce Department. Six buses were eventually allowed to move forward on the journey, but one bus with aid and computers was ordered to stay in the US.

The San Franciso Bay Area IMC provided Rustbelt with this recording of a press conference discussing the reasons that citizens had for participating in the caravan.

• http://www.indybay.org/uploads/voices_from_the_caravan_7-19.mp3wge6si.mp3

[4:00] Free Radio San Diego Raided by the FCC

This past Thursday morning, July 21st, the FCC and US Marshalls executed a raid against Free Radio San Diego. A community-run pirate radio station, FRSD has been broadcasting for nearly 3 years and consists of local and national news and music programming. This raid took roughly $3,000 worth of broadcasting equipment including antenna, transmitter, cable, computers, and other essential hardware. Free Radio Santa Cruz has an interview with Bob Ugly, a co-founder of the station:

* free radio SD (3:32)

[3:30] Diverse Anti-Racist Coalition Confronts, Disrupts the Minutemen in California

The Border Patrol Auxiliary, also known as the California MinuteMen started their operations July 16th in Campo, California, located one hour east of San Diego on the Mexican Border. The minutemen are armed volunteer spotters, who patrol the U.S.-Mexico border ready to report illegal immigrants crossing into San Diego County.

The same weekend the MinuteMen began their operations, 150 protesters traveled to the desert from all parts of California to support the human rights of immigrants and show the Border Patrol Auxiliary that most Californians are against their vigilantly patrols of the border.

The Minutemen were confronted, disrupted and chased away by a diverse coalition of organizations from San Diego, Los Angeles, Mexico, Portland and many other cities. Elva Salinas, a Professor with San Diego City College, describes the protest to San Diego indymedia:

(MINUTEMEN PROTEST 2:30)

[1:00] Military recruiters use market research to fill boots

Wisconsin-based Center for Media and Democracy reports that Military recruiters are now using market research tactics to reach enlistment quotas. (quote) “As the Army struggles to fill boots, the Pentagon is slicing and dicing data from enlistees and the U.S. Census to sharpen direct-marketing efforts for all the armed services,” Advertising Age writes in an article offering insight on how (quote) “to get a piece of the $200 million U.S. Army account.”

The Department of Defense has already taken steps to better understand who is enlisting and why by establishing the Joint Advertising Market Research & Studies (JAMRS) program. A visit to JAMRS’ website illustrates how the military is using marketing communication—advertising, direct marketing, and PR—and market research and studies for recruiting.

According to Ad Age, JAMRS, using Claritas’ ConsumerPoint software, can sort recruits and applicants down to the ZIP-code-plus-four level, broken into 66 different subgroups. “This information will help the Services reach targeted markets and assist in the development of more effective marketing messages and incentive policies,” states JAMRS’ website.

[2:00] UN peacekeepers kill 23 in Haiti

On July 6th, around 300 heavily armed UN troops attacked a densely-populated neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. Multiple sources confirm the so-called "peacekeepers" killed at least 23 people. Eyewitnesses reported the UN troops used helicopters, tanks, machine guns and tear gas in the operation. Among those killed were children, women, and men on their way to work.

Last week people in San Francisco, along with people around the US and canada, marched to demand an end to UN killings of Haitian civilians.

We have more from indybay dot org.

• indybay audio - haiti_edited.wav - 1:30

[1:00] G8 debt deal under threat at IMF

Even before the ink has dried on proposals to relieve poor countries’ debts to international lenders, the deal agreed by the G8 at Gleneagles (Glen AY gulls) is under threat.

A number of European governments are apparently having second thoughts about proposals for debt relief which formed a key part of the help world leaders offered to Africa at the G8 summit.

The Belgians have apparently proposed changing the terms of the deal to give lenders more leverage over poor countries than they would have if they simply wrote off 100 percent of their debt.

A Belgian IMF representative reportedly told the IMF board that instead of giving unconditional debt relief, the countries would receive grants. The IMF would then be able to withdraw the grants if countries failed to meet IMF conditions such as implementing the Poverty Growth Reduction Strategy which is a pre-requisite for receiving debt relief.

[1:30] Filipinos demand Arroyo resignation

Amid growing rumors of a coup, up to 40,000 people staged a mini “people power” protest to demand the resignation of the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. A close ally of Arroyo has said she will never resign but admitted that the month-long political crisis over allegations of vote-rigging is potentially explosive.

Police and troops were on high alert for violence by the protesters, a possible coup attempt or even terror attacks. Security at the presidential palace was extremely tight. Container vans blocked some roads, and soldiers in battle gear manned checkpoints. Navy and coastguard patrol boats and assault teams sealed a stretch of river beside the palace and set up patrols.

The political crisis erupted last month over claims that Arroyo rigged the May 2004 election and her family took illegal gambling payoffs. The recent actions are seen as a test of public sentiment and an indicator of whether the opposition can muster enough support to oust her.

While the turnout was quadruple that of the largest anti-Arroyo rally so far, it was still a fraction of the giant “people power” rallies that forced out the dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada, Arroyo’s predecessor, in 2001.

Wrapup

You can read more about our global news stories by visting I-N-D-Y-M-E-D-I-A dot O-R-G.

Bad Cop No Donut [3:00]

In this week's Bad Cop No Donut, two police officers in Pennsylvania have been arrested on drug charges, one officer caused death in Altoona, PA and also this week's taser news.

Here is Ron Anicich (An-u-sich) from CKLN in Toronto:

Features

Intro

Welcome back to Rust Belt Radio, the Pittsburgh Independent Media Center's weekly review of news from the grassroots.

[14:00] Light at the End of the Fort Pitt Tunnel

Last week Rustbelt Radio spoke with Aisha White, who recently organized a screening of RACE: The Power of an Illusion.

(interview)

You're listening to Rust Belt Radio.

[7:00] New Pennsylvania Utility law dramatically increases winter shut-offs

Last year the PA General Assembly passed Senate Bill 677, called "The Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act". What this bill does is dramatically increase the power of utility companies to cut off service to homes who fall behind on payment.

Steve Donahue of the Thomas Merton Center tells us how the utility companies used to handle shut-offs, and how the state of Pennsylvania changed that quietly at the end of last year.

• [ steve_utilities_edited - 6:11 ]

To get in touch with Steve about this issue, you can call the Thomas Merton Center at 412-361-3022

[6:45] Vigil mourns shooting in London

Police in London have admitted that they killed an innocent man on Friday. Brazilian born Jean Charles de Menezes was shot eight times by plainclothes police who mistakenly suspected him for involvement in the subway bombings earlier this month. Police also cited (quote) "clothing and suspicious behavior" as reasons for their suspicion.

A Vigil was held in London outside Stockwell train station in south London, England, Sunday morning the 24th to remember Jean Charles de Menezes.

rampART radio has a report from the vigil

• london vigil -- 6:21

Ending

[1:00] Calendar of events

And now we present the Indymedia calendar of events:

• Tomorrow, The Thomas Merton Center invites you to join downtown janitors in solidarity actions with 15,000 janitors currently striking to achieve union recognition in Houston, Texas. The Pittsburgh janitors, represented by SEIU Local 3, are gathering outside the USX Building downtown on Tuesday, July 26 at 8:30 pm. Show community support for these workers who struggle each day for fairness and equity in the workplace. For more information, call 412-361-3022.
• This Thursday from 12 to 1 pm, The Three Rivers Center for Independent Living presents "Disability Pride Day" Join in the celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This event will be held at the Allegheny County Courthouse Courtyard, 436 Grant St. Downtown. For more information contact: www.trcil.org
• This Friday July 29th starting at 5:30 Pm at the dinosaur in Oakland, Pittsburgh Critical Mass will be holding its monthly bike ride throughout town. For more information log on to www.pghcriticalmass.org

Outro

Thanks for tuning in to Rust Belt Radio here on WRCT Pittsburgh and WVJW Benwood.

Your story submissions are welcome! To get involved with Rust Belt Radio, or to send us your comments, email RADIO at I-N-D-Y-P-G-H dot ORG. All of our shows are available for download on our website at RADIO dot INDY-P-G-H dot ORG

Tune in next week at this time for another edition of Rust Belt Radio, the Pittsburgh Independent Media Center's weekly review of the news from the grassroots.