This is a great cause and I think it is worthy of plugging again. Tonight's the night; I hope to see a big turnout for the benefit.
[via email:]

A Night of Solidarity

SILENT AUCTION--FOOD--MUSIC

Friday, May 23rd

7pm

Y’olde K-Records building

Downtown Olympia

Cherry and Legion

The Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee began efforts to bring displace Iraqi students to The Evergreen State College in October, 2007. We’ve made great progress by securing one tuition waiver for fall, 2008. There are currently more than four million Iraqi refugees living in Syria and Jordan ; this may be the largest refugee crisis since World War II. The Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee and The Evergreen State College have addressed this dire humanitarian crisis by offering a complete undergraduate education.

However, we must raise funds to cover expenses not included in the tuition waiver. These expenses, among others, include airfare, health insurance, books, and supplies. In order that the tuition waiver will be available for fall 2008, the Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee must raise enough funds, in cash or in kind, to pay for expenses that are not covered by the tuition waiver by June 30, 2008.

The Iraqi Student Solidarity Committee works in conjunction with The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice. If you would like to contribute or find out more information visit our website at olympia-issc.org or email ISSC.Evergreen@gmail.com

[tickets are $10 in advance, available at Traditions Fair Trade Café, and $15 at the door.]

I went to the city council meeting last Tuesday and here are a few remarks I would like to share in retrospect. I will also attempt to connect the dots between some of the topics of the meeting.

Near the beginning was the Police Department's presentation: "Telling our story." The Chief of Police, Gary Michel, told of some of the recent accomplishments of the department, including the city's very low statistics for certain crimes, like burglary for example. I couldn't find information about the presentation in the council meeting packet (I didn't take notes, sorry.). The Chief's presentation made the police department sound very good. If all I had to base my understanding on was the presentation, I might think that there were very few to no problems with the police department's operations.

The Puget Sound is in serious danger. Pollution has wreaked horrible consequences on this majestic waterway. For example, 92% of wild salmon runs are no more, and several stocks of other species are collapsing as well. Why is the Puget Sound in danger? Ask an expert.

Take it from William Dietrich. He published an article in the Seattle Times yesterday. It's about this very subject. It's very well written and it's titled: "Puget Sound: One man's indictment, love poem and call to arms", here's a link: seattletimes.nwsource.com/

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"Don't shed blood for oil"