The Copass Report

Bankers, Financial Speculators & Lobbyists React in Horror to idea of a "1% Sales Tax on Wall Street"

2010-03-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

Update: After helping launching a campaign to save California through a 1% tax on speculative trading activities, we expected some pushback from the Wall Steet financier clique and their powerful lobbying arm, the Chamber of Commerce - and here it is:

from the March 11th edition of The Guardian)
US Chamber of Commerce slams Tobin tax proposals
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/mar/11/us-chamber-commerce-tobin-tax

Indeed, the bankers are correctto fear for their excessive profits, which are squeezed out of the working people by such tricks as speculating the price of gasoline up to $4.50 a gallon (from which Goldman Sachs profited about $1.00 each gallon) via speculation in ICE trading, futures markets, and market manipulation.

From San Diego to the City of London, those who WORK for a living are starting to look at the concept of a "Sales Tax on Wall Street", (a VERY modest one, mind you) of only 1% on each securities trade over $1 million in valude, compared to the 8.25 to 10.25% sales tax that Californians must pay on necessities like school supplies.

The idea of taxing speculative trades was proposed by Nobel prize-winning economist James Tobin in 1972. Recently, Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and union leaders in the AFL-CIO have joined this growing and urgent call to implement small levies on speculative trades in a way to help rescue failing cities, counties and state governments.

I am very pleased by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's howls of impotent fury in response. There are few greater compliments than to have one's ideas attacked by the paid 'Meretrices' of the parastic financiers -- it gives the proposal for a "Tobin Tax" idea a sharp edge, and credence.

As New Dealer Franklin Roosevelt said in 1933, "The Wall Street Banks hate me; and I welcome their hatred." We will see more push-back from Wall Street. As the popular movement to save states like California, Iceland, New York, Greece and Spain gathers international steam, we will be treated to the spectacle of Wall Street and its lobby arms starting to look like Rush Limbaugh at a PRIDE parade -- the Chamber will be sputtering in rage, howling epithets and protestations of purple fury.

In fact, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (which is currently aggressively lobbying against any Consumer Financial protections) howls, if a Sales Tax on Speculation is implemented the "stock market will plunge" -- and it "would hurt Main Street!"

Really.

Think about it: we Californians pay nearly 10% in sales tax on things like our kids' school supplies and shoes. The hedge funds, banks, and entities like Goldman Sachs pay ZERO sales tax on their speculation on oil, electricity, commodities, mortgages, and the like.

As these ideas percolate up through our consciousness, and gain traction, the Chamber and allies on Wall Street (and San Francisco's financier establishment) will surely launch a howling and distortion-fueled PR campaign of opposition -- and with every fear-inducing soundbite coming across the TV screen, you will be further convinced of why the bankster class, engorged with wealth transferred from your pocket to their, fears such ideas so much.

The good news? If such a modest sales tax were to be implemented, Wall Street will survive. In fact, resilent as ever, the markets will simply adapt away from pure speculation and "betting", and towards productive investment. (Right now, pure bets of billions and trillions are the most lucrative, precisely because they face no regulation nor fee.)

What will happen to California if we don't get serious about calling for similar "Tobin tax" proposals coming into legislation? Without a revenue-producing giant like this (capable of turning $15 to $60 billion annually), the chances of the state of California surviving as we know it are slim.

The threat of California bond debt default looms, which can only be avoided with savage cuts across critical functions. (Hedge funds are already buying and selling positions in order to turn a profit on a California default, believe it or not. JPMorganChase and other large financiers have already placing large bets on Greece and Spain defaulting, and stand to make a killing. (Literally.)

Why do we believe that a small "Tobin Tax" on speculative trades may be able to help rescue the Golden State, which faces a $20.7 billion shortfall? The world-wide notional value of derivatives trades (and all securities transferred) annually has skyrocketed to estimated $743 trillion to $1.5 quadrillion. California's fraction of that trading is estimated at well over $6 trillon each year. One percent of Six Trillion is a big number.

Here's our proposal: Make all derivative trades reportable, just like equity trades are (i.e. stocks) -- and levy a 1% tax on trades of over $1,000,000 annually -- so that it is a "Millionaire's Tax" -- and a fairly modest one, at that.

What follows is a short resolution submitted to the California Democratic Party and a number of political clubs.

Emergency California Economic Stabilization via a One Percent Sales Tax on Wall Street Speculation”

Whereas reckless and unregulated financial speculation by investment banks and hedge funds in securities transactions, particularly the use of derivatives to manipulate markets, has contributed to spikes in California prices of electricity, oil, and commodities via a hidden and massive financier “tax” on working people, and speculation results in the siphoning of capital away from investment desperately-needed productive manufacturing enterprises, and

Whereas the State of California is in a state of budgetary crisis, with a predicted deficit for 2010-11 of at a staggering $20.7 billion, and faces greater rounds of austerity measures, including cuts to fire crews, educators, and police, coupled with continually increasing unemployment and a contracting tax revenue base,

Whereas of California’s fraction of the est. $743 to $1,500 trillion global annual securities and derivatives turnover, investment banks and hedge funds operating in California currently pay zero sales tax on speculation and trading, in contrast to the highly regressive sales tax of between 8.25% to 10.25% paid by Californians on purchase of items including children’s shoes and school supplies;

Therefore be it Resolved that the [institution or group ] proposes that “Wall Street banks” and hedge funds pay a fair share in California through the levy of a 1% “Sales Tax on Wall Street” (aka “Tobin Tax” after Nobel Prize Winning Economist James Tobin) on all securities transfers of greater in value than cumulative $1,000,000 per year per seller (exempting the vast majority of retirement-associated investment moves) and that over-the-counter derivative transactions currently hidden be made reportable and subject to the same levy, particularly speculation in oil futures, credit derivatives, commodities, foreign exchange, and mortgage-backed securities,

Be it further resolved that a such a “Sales Tax on Wall Street ” on securities transfers, notably may generate revenue of between $15 and $60 billion in the first year, and be used for the purpose of lowering or eliminating the California state budget deficit, to reduce tax burdens on job-creating small businesses, and off-set or reduce California’s high personal income tax, all of which would have a net effect of creating a desperately-needed new sources of revenue for California, as well as returning investment flows towards creation of job-producing enterprises and productive manufacturing (including energy-efficient technology), rather than to the reckless speculative “casino finance” currently created by investment banks and hedge funds.

Authors: Mike Copass & Derek Casady, San Diego CA

News Release: Lutz for Congress 2010

2010-03-09T13:00:00.001-08:00

Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
http://www.VoteRayLutz.com
CONTACT: Raymond Lutz, Candidate, U.S. Congress, 52nd District
raylutz@VoteRayLutz.com / 619-447-3246
1265 Avocado Blvd Suite 104-335
El Cajon, CA 92020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2010

Citizens' Oversight Advocate, Blackwater Foe Enters Congressional Race

Citizens' Oversight Projects (COPs) founder Ray Lutz declares candidacy for the 52nd Congressional District

SAN DIEGO, CA (March 8) – Ray Lutz, advocate for citizen oversight and activist who fought with the community against Blackwater expansion in San Diego, took out nomination paperwork and paid fees today to formally declare his candidacy for the the 52nd Congressional District, encompassing most of East San Diego County.

Lutz responded to an overwhelming response to the “Draft Ray Lutz for Congress” campaign, only active for a couple of weeks and resulting in a landslide of support from the community, even with residents still hard-pressed by the economic meltdown.

“I feel like George Bailey, surrounded by friends and neighbors as they try to cover the lost check at the bank,”

Lutz said.

“One fellow said he was completely strapped but was able to pledge $2.17 -- like the woman asking for money at the Bailey Savings and Loan, and willing to accept just a couple of dollars to get her through the week. Tears come to my eyes -- I thank everyone for their kind and unwavering support.”

Lutz was initially reluctant to run, but now he says he has no choice but to respond to the tidal wave of support. “You've got a candidate now!”

This grassroots support is in stark contrast to that of Lutz's ultimate opponent, who inherited his seat through name confusion (he has the same name), and who has a long list of favors to repay, continuing from the first 28 years of his father's regime. But today, the voter is sophisticated enough to see through the glitz. More than ever, we obviously need to shed the "good ol' boys" incumbent legacy.

Lutz says he intends to push for a “Green Manhattan Project” to build solar panel plants across the country, and especially in the 52nd district. “We need solar panel manufacturing plants, not more outdated and polluting fossil-fuel power plants or dangerous nuclear plants,” Lutz said.

Lutz explained that we are, at the present time, at worldwide peak of oil production. In the next few years, the amount of oil that can be produced will decline, while at the same time demand will continue to increase. The developing countries of India and China, for example, will increase their demand by 15% per year. The result is that we will face a dramatic change in the energy landscape, from cheap and plentiful to costly and scarce energy supplies. Even if we drill all we can, it won't alter the larger trend.

Lutz is also noted as one of the leading opponents to the Blackwater mercenary training camp in Potrero, and then the expansion in Otay Mesa and at Southwestern college. He says he will be pushing for enactment of the “Stop Outsourcing Security Act” which will defund and outlaw private mercenary forces such as Blackwater (AKA “Xe”).

But that’s not the only important issue for Lutz. He’s also been an active opponent of the Sunrise Powerlink, a massive 500kV transmission line planned by Sempra Energy and San Diego Gas & Electric. The transmission line was planned to go directly through the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park but is now slated to run along a southern route taking private property from backcountry residents and going through the pristine El Monte valley.

“The Sunrise Powerlink has little to do with the energy needs of the San Diego area, and it is not required to tap into renewable plants in the desert. Instead, SDG&E has admitted their long-term plans will mainly benefit the LA market with Mexicali power plants dodging California smog regulations and using fuel imported from Asian sources through Mexico. This proposal takes us in the wrong direction and costs $7+ billion over the life of the project with little, if any, benefit to my district.

“Instead we must push for rooftop solar, local generation, and conservation. We are on the precipice of dramatic change, and we must not continue to repeat mistakes from the past.”
Lutz included health care, the economy, and jobs in his top issues.

Lutz is a native of East San Diego County and is also the founder of watchdog group Citizens’ Oversight Projects (COPs). His website, http://www.VoteRayLutz.com includes a careful analysis of many other important issues confronting our region and state. He is a resident of the unincorporated county area bordering on the City of El Cajon. Lutz and his wife operate a private school in El Cajon, and he sells electronic devices into the medical marketplace for drug-free treatment of ailments such as ADD, austism, and migraines. He has a Master of Science degree in Electronics Engineering from San Diego State University. His novel, Coils of the Serpent, describes a linkage between DNA science and biblical texts and is available at CoilsOfTheSerpent.com.

LINKS
> Please visit http://www.VoteRayLutz.com to submit your pledges to the campaign.
> Please endorse the Stop Outsourcing Security act here: http://www.copswiki.org/Common/OpenLetterToCongress
> Read the full report of the COPs review of the Registrar of Voter's office: http://www.copswiki.org/Common/COPsRovReport
> Visit http://www.StopBlackwater.net for background on Blackwater.

Update: Homeless, Stranded No Longer (AMIKAS)

2010-03-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Young woman living on San Diego streets and shelters receives transportation home to Texas from benefactor -- feel the AMIKAS energy moving forward!

Wednesday March 4th, 2010 (San Diego) -- In a previous posting on this page, I recounted that Jeeni & I had met a San Diego homeless "Street Family" with ersatz "Mom" and "Dad" , and few more. The self-assembled family group rotates between 8th and 10th, helping each other with meals, water, finding shelter, providing companionship and assistance to each other.

In a follow-up that might cheer you, a reader of this blog reached out found a way to contact the young woman on the streets who wanted to go back home to her family in Texas. The reader, a San Diegan, bought the girl a Greyhound bus ticket, and met her at the Broadway Bus Terminal to see her off with a "Bon Voyage." (young woman, benefactor are not pictured) A very kind gesture by a member of the San Diego community -- and a sign that if simply take a moment, and take an action, we can do wonderful things. Like help families who are already helping each other!

From February 10th: http://copassreport.blogspot.com/2010/02/from-city-hall-to-city-streets-amikas.html

"The "family" on the San Diego sidewalk, with gear, blankets, and puppies, proudly talked about having already helped each other stay safe, dry, clothed and fed. The family included a young ex-Marine named Matt with a leg injury, aka "Dad" and "Mom" -- a homeless woman who looks after their small cluster.

(Pictured at above, right: Jeeni Criscenzo of AMIKAS, and Street Mom & Dad)

The street family's small bivouac in the East side of Broadway area was abuzz with tales about their own organizing activity -- this impoverished group was collecting money to help a young woman, abandoned by her partner, to get Greyhound ticket back to her mom in Tyler, Texas.

A cold wet sidewalk - or a jail cell (a possible penalty for "obstructing" the sidewalk) - is hardly a place for such energetic warmth and humanity."

If only each of us could be moved to take a simple action. For those who have a home to get back to, let's offer a helping hand, extending the compassion we would hope others would extend to us or our loved ones.

For those that need a home, we can create them.

For those that need work, we can create those jobs -- trading with an updated version of a non-debt-based monetary system, like many of our grandparents did during the Great Depression.

For those that are already forming "families" -- let's create a way to keep that family structure, and build on it.

With the vision of AMIKAS, nearly 2000 human beings -- including families, kids in school, moms, dads, working people, who currently live on the streets, in shelters, or in their car, could be housed and provided with the opportunity to work towards their own betterment and that of their community.

People are ready to work, want to work, but having a job does not = housing. Fully ONE THIRD of all San Diegans who spend time living in their minivans, on the streets and in shelters have jobs, and are working people -- but they can't afford rents and mortgages in San Diego.

So, kids who need a desk to study at -- instead read in the Pollo Loco, sleep in minivans, and bathe in the sink at school. Dads sleep on the street, so that the family can stay in the shelter. Inevitably, the family unit is strained, and suffers.

The success of the AMIKAS project seeks to re-create the family structure, by providing clusters of housing for 10 people, with very modest personal space surrounding a common area. Farming, learning, teaching, work, recovery, libraries, recreation centers, sustainable currency, sustainable energy, water recycling -- its all in the AMIKAS business plan.

A compassionate San Diegan reached out and helped a young girl get home last week to her mom. But for those San Diegans who ARE the moms, the dads, they have to create a home, here. It's not sustainable to shuttle the working poor and homeless from County Services to Shelters to Streets to City Jail to Courts to County Services and back.

Let's try something new.

I can see the cardboard signs, already: "AMIKAS: Will Work."

(See petition to advance the AMIKAS "re-creation" project here in San Diego -- and show the rest of the nation 'how we do in the 619')

Mike Copass
http://copassreport.blogspot.com

California Emergency Economic Stabilization via One Percent "Sales Tax on Wall Street"

2010-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today, banker Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, warned investors that "California is at greater risk than Greece" for default.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/7326772/California-is-a-greater-risk-than-Greece-warns-JP-Morgan-chief.html

Dimon, (pictured at right) who holds a seat on the Board of the New York Federal Reserve bank, may in fact be in a position to make a very educated assessment -- made with the precision that comes from a lifetime of taking huge bets and hedging against default risks, a strategy which has created record profits for JPMorgan Chase recently, despite the hardship experienced by nearly everyone else, save Goldman Sachs, a fellow practitioner of the "dark side" of the financial arts.

California faces a massive budget deficit of $20 billion -- and growing -- which may precipitate a debt crisis not dissimilar to that of Greece. Despite the already-bloody axe that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken to the state budget, including cuts in subsidies for medications necessary to life for those living with HIV/AIDS and diabetes, Schwarzenegger now demands that the legislature must come up approximately $9 billion more in state budget cuts over the next 16 months. Failure is not an option; default on California bond payments would trigger a tsunami of credit rating downgrades on the state's bonds, and foreclose on the California's ability to borrow in the future -- not unlike the effect on personal credit of mortgage default or missed credit card payments.

But where are the solutions? To deal with the debt crisis, California faces brutal choices, either proceed with massive cuts including laying off hundreds of educators, peace officers, and state fire crews, or revert to issuing IOUs, a stop-gap measure at best, according to Treasurer John Chiang. The austerity measures envisioned for California are tantamount to "death by Banker" -- and default would make the Golden State the nation's first failed state.

Should the state increase taxes? California residents already pay between 8.25% and 10.25% sales tax, even on necessities like a child's shoes, and the current state income tax already has the "Tea Party" movement issuing calls to arms.

But what about the fees on transfers of securities, such as bonds, credit default swaps, and mortgage-backed assets, and the alphabet soup of Wall Street's securitized instruments (CDO, MBS, ABS, etc)?

It may come as a surprise, but the state of California imposes no fee on the sales of these arcane and largely speculative financial instruments, many of which first came to our attention during the collapse of Bear Stearns, nor on any securities transfer. Period. This, despite the fact that California's own Orange County was forced into bankruptcy, having lost billions gambling in the derivatives game, with the connivance of Wall Street's Merrill Lynch & Co.

Furthermore many of the most complex structured finance products are traded "over the counter" designer derivatives bets which ought to be cleared on regulated exchanges. Proprietary and speed-trading systems churn further billions daily at banks and hedge funds from San Francisco to San Diego. All in all, not a dime's sales tax is levied on California's fraction of the estimated at $1,500 trillion of annual securities transfers world-wide. (In case it didn't register, that's $1.5 quadrillion dollars, a sum that dwarfs the GDP of the planet many times over.)

Therefore, as one pillar of an urgent "Emergency Economic Stabilization Program" for California, we issue a call for a small fee to be imposed on the sales of securities -- not the 8.25% rate paid by a working parent for a child's shoes, but a far more modest one percent sales tax, payable by the seller of the security or paper instrument. Moreover, this "Tobin Tax" (named after the Nobel-prize winning economist James Tobin who first proposed it) would only be levied on securities trades of over $1,000,000 in value per year, exempting the vast majority of California households making sales or trades in their personal investment portfolio.

This securities transfer tax (SST) would truly be a "Millionaires' tax" -- and may be critical to generating the kind of annual revenue streams California so desperately needs to stay afloat and thrive. Moreover, in addition to staving off collapse, a securities transfer tax could provide the foundation for California's eventual recovery and growth, allowing the state to invest in large scale infrastructure projects, such as the maglev & high-speed rail project, massive renewable energy arrays, and improvements to shipping ports, all of which would support California's organic economic growth.

How much annual revenue could this modest "Sales Tax on Wall Street" generate? By requiring all securities transfers to be reportable, including the opaque and obscure derivatives market, and subject to a small sales charge, a conservative estimate suggests that California could raise $15 to $50 billion per year in revenue through such a plan. (Precise estimates are difficult to calculate, since the trades of many structured financial products are not reported.)

We fully expect howls of protest from bankers and hedge fund managers like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Goldman Sachs and the titans of private equity. They have become accustomed to profiting through massive daily trading operations, even during the recession, and earning large bonuses as a result of the trillions in securities traded. Let us welcome the howls of Wall Street rage. It would be a small price to pay for what could be gained. Unlike many services that the state of California provides, speculative financial trades are not essential to human life.

In the year 2010, California faces no easy choices. It is time for California to seriously consider a 1% tax proposal on securities transfers, for the sake of its survival, and for the people, the children and grand-children of the Golden State.

The author is a former Candidate for United States Congress, currently working with the San Diego homeless, working poor and the new victims of the economic collapse.

Mike Copass
California53@gmail.com

From City Hall to City Streets: AMIKAS outreach on Tuesday February 9th

2010-02-10T18:09:00.001-08:00

Wednesday February 10th, 2010 (San Diego)

Dear AMIKAS supporters,

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of accompanying Jeeni Criscenzo to two appointments in to offices of City Hall. We brought AMIKAS information to the Chief of Staff of Councilmember Tony Young, where we met with Mr. James Slack and Mr. Bruce Williams. Later, we had a separate meeting with Ms. Raquel Maden, a policy advisor to Councilmember Ben Hueso.

Jeeni (left, at City Hall) brought a copy of her professional-grade AMIKAS business plan, which has carefully calculated budgets, timelines, and goals for creating a sustainable working neighborhood in San Diego.

With the vision of AMIKAS, nearly 2000 human beings who currently live on the streets, in shelters, or in their cars could be housed and provided with the opportunity to work towards their own betterment and that of their community.

After sharing the business plan and AMIKAS concept with City Hall, (see photos of meeting with Mr. Sack and Williams in the Councilmember Young office) Jeeni went out on 9th Avenue and talked to San Diegans living on the streets.

These included a young ex-Marine named Matt with a leg injury, and his "mother" -- an older homeless woman who looks after their small cluster. Their small bivouac in the East side of Broadway area was abuzz with tales their own organizing activity among the homeless -- this impoverished group were collecting money to help a penniless young woman, abandoned by a new husband, to get Greyhound ticket back to her mom Tyler, Texas.

The "family" on the sidewalk, with gear, blankets, and puppies, proudly talked about having already helped each other stay safe, dry, clothed and fed. (Photo of Jeeni with "Mom" and "Matt", wearing his Marine battle dress trousers aka "BDU" - where you can see the USMC logo, in detail.)

A cold wet sidewalk - or a jail cell - a possible penalty for "obstructing" the sidewalk - is hardly a place for such energetic warmth and humanity.

To help Matt the Injured Marine, his "Street Mom," their ersatz family unit, and hundreds of other self-assembling street families like them, AMIKAS needs a space of about 75 acres of arable land in a quiet place not to urban but not too far from Downtown and mass transit.

We may have found the perfect location at an Executive Golf Course near University of San Diego, where the City has land. The golf course and open space is for the purpose of recreation.

It is very apt that the City documents specifies the critical importance of public lands as being for "recreation" -- or "re-creation" if you change the emphasis. It is high time that San Diego considers a way to "re-create" itself, and AMIKAS will be foundational aspect of the "Recreation of San Diego."

With the waves of an economic tsunami beginning to rise, with 10,000 people on the streets and in shelters -- San Diego' social services simply cannot absorb new people into too-few beds, and too few jobs.

Forget the hope of a "bailout" -- the State is bankrupt, the City is too, and our city and region will have to bail ourselves out -- or more accurately, not "out" -- but rather "Up." The old ways have been tried, and we need an Addendum to our skill-set of living. The "old ways" aren't wrong, they are merely insufficient to meet the task.

A "bail-UP" --and by stroke of the pen (or 5 pens, precisely) it's do-able. We need to start by getting the AMIKAS plan on the November 2010 ballot. Jeeni and AMIKAS board members will continue meeting with un-housed San Diegans, City Council representative, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, the Girls Think Tank, and other stakeholders.

Mike Copass
AMIKAS Secretary
http://copassreport.blogspot.com

Will Congressmen Bilbray, Issa & Hunter support Obama's War Funding Request?

2010-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Obama Seeks Record $708 Billion in Defense Budget

President Barack Obama on Monday asked Congress to approve a record $708 billion in defense spending for fiscal year 2011, including a 3.4 percent increase in the Pentagon's base budget and $159 billion to fund U.S. military missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The White House budget request also included $33 billion in additional funding for fiscal 2010 to pay for increasing military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and drawing down U.S. forces in Iraq. That comes on top of $129.6 billion already provided for the current fiscal year, which ends September 30.

The Pentagon's base budget request of $549 billion is up $18 billion from $531 billion in fiscal 2010, and will pay for continued reforms of defense acquisitions, development of a ballistic missile defense system and care of wounded soldiers.

The budget also calls for cancellation of several major weapons programs, including Boeing Co's C-17 transport plane, saving $2.5 billion, and a second engine for the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jet, saving $465 million in fiscal 2011 and more than $1 billion longer-term. The White House tried to kill both programs last year, but lawmakers revived them during the budget process.

The second engine is being developed by General Electric Co and Britain's Rolls-Royce as an alternate to the main engine built by Pratt & Whitney, a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The proposed budget also kills plans for development of a new Navy cruiser, scraps plans to replace the Navy's EP-3 intelligence aircraft and halts work on a missile early-warning satellite, opting instead to upgrade the Space Based Infrared System satellite already being developed by Lockheed.

The budget proposal also calls for a delay in replacing two new Navy command and control shops until after 2015, a move the White House said would save $3.8 billion across the Pentagon's five-year defense plan. The Navy had planned to buy one command ship in 2012, and a second one in 2014.

Procurement of a new amphibious vehicle being built by General Dynamics Corp for the Marine Corps would be delayed by one year, saving $50 million in fiscal 2011 and cutting risk by allowing more time for testing.

The Pentagon also said it would further reduce its use of high-risk contracts in areas that related to time, material and labor hours by 17 percent through the end of 2011.

The budget underscored the administration's commitment to a "robust defense against emerging missile threats," saying it would pay for use of increasingly capable sea- and land-based missile interceptors and a range of sensors in Europe.

The Pentagon's budget continues to fund new weapons already under development, including the F-35 fighter, a new ballistic missile submarine, a new family of ground vehicles and the P-8 surveillance aircraft built by Boeing.

It will also pay for more unmanned planes, helicopters, electronic warfare capabilities and cybersecurity measures.

Overall, the budget includes $112.8 billion for weapons procurement, up from $104.8 billion in fiscal 2010, and $76 billion for research and development, down from $80 billion.

David Swanson on "Undoing the Imperial Presidency"

2010-01-24T01:39:00.000-08:00

January 15th, 2010 (San Diego, CA)

Has the executive branch taken on more authority than is proper for our Constitutional system, creating a dangerous "Imperial Presidency?"

Mike Copass interviews David Swanson, author of Daybreak

David Swanson SpeechCopass Report.

Author and nationally-recognized activist David Swanson came to San Diego as part of coast-to-coast tour discussing his latest book, "Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Creating a More Perfect Union."

Swanson shared his views in an inteview with Mike Copass of San Diego-based Liberty One Radio. At a relatively youthful age, Swanson has already put in many years of media and activism at a high level of visibility, penning the introduction to "The 35 Articles of Impeachment and the Case for Prosecuting George W. Bush," by Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and having served inthe labor movement for a year, serving as media coordinator for the International Labor Communications Association, which is the AFL-CIO's organization of labor media outlets.

In early 2005, Swanson was instrumental in publicizing the "Downing Street Memo," which directly implicated the highest levels of American and British government in covert collaboration to "sell" the Iraq war to the public based on false information. In response to this revelation, Swanson founded AfterDowningStreet.org, and led a powerful campaign to use Congress's Constitutional authority to impeach and remove President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard B. Cheney for their role in the Iraq war deception and sales operation.

David Swanson's Speech to the San Diego Progressive Community, Jan. 15, 2010

David Swanson SpeechCopass Report.

Swanson serves on a number of high-profile boards and anti-war organizations. Swanson is a Director of Democrats.com, with Robert Fertik, and serves as a board member of Progressive Democrats of America, a nationwide grass-roots lobbying group.

Swanson reminded the audience that the struggle for justice may remind one of Sisyphus endlessly rolling the rock up the mountain, but that activists must find joy in the fight. Moreover, admonished the writer, "all relevant victories in social justice movements were not won by those who initiated them; rather, by successive generations that built upon their work."

More about Swanson's book "Daybreak" can be found here.

-Mike Copass, for Liberty One Radio

"No More Money for War" - San Diego Brown Baggers to Rep. Susan Davis

2010-01-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

January 20, 2010 (San Diego)

As part of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Brown Bag Lunch Vigils, a delegation of the Metro San Diego PDA chapter met with staffers in Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office this afternoon to let her know that they expect their Representative to act in the interest of the working people in her district, and not fat-cat corporate lobbyists. (Davis below, right.)

In keeping with the theme, "Brown Bag Lunch Vigils" former Democratic Congressional candidate Jeeni Criscenzo (above, red hat with Patricia Law, black beret) brought a basket of brown bag lunches with homemade scones, peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and organic apples, so people who were taking their lunch break to meet with their representative could have a healthy lunch. The leader of the delegation, Criscenzo explained to Davis's San Diego office staffer Jessica Poole that most working people in her district (and those looking for work) can’t afford to go out for lunch, and the humble PB&J sandwich in a paper sack is a representation of "who we are."

While they munched on lunch, the delegates, including San Diego activists, Carol Jahnkow, Dan Watman, Patricia Law, Juan del Rio, Pat Gracian and Jerry Malamud, explained to Davis’ staffers that they strongly oppose the Adminstration's latest request for an additional $33 billion dollars for war in Afghanistan.

“We need that money here. Congress tells us there isn’t enough money for single payer healthcare, and then turns around and spends billions upon billions to blow up and destroy civilians in other countries. We can’t afford that and it has to end," said Malamud emphatically.

Others in the group stated that the mandate in the health care bill being considered by Congress is a giveaway for corporate health insurance that does nothing to help people, many of whom can barely pay for the necessities in today’s dismal economic climate.

Brown Baggers from around the country, representing America’s working class, will be returning to their representatives’ offices on the third Wednesday of every month to make sure the voice of the people is heard loud and clear.

Criscenzo, a former progressive candidate in her own right, noted to the Davis Congressional office, “What just happened in Massachusetts (the stunning rejection of Senate Democratic candidate Martha Coakley- Ed.) is a clear wake-up call. The voters were promised change and we don’t see it happening. Start listening to the people or they will look for someone who will.”

(article contributed by Jeeni Criscenzo)
Photo credits: Juan del Rio, Jerry Malamud

(Top: Former Congressional Candidate, Jeeni Criscenzo, brought brown bag lunches for staff and activists meeting at Susan Davis’ office as part of a monthly program sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America. Pictured Jeeni Criscenzo, Patricia Law

Second: Congresswoman Susan Davis, a 5-term Democrat representing San Diego's 53rd Congressional District.

Lower: Local activists meeting with staff at Congresswoman Susan Davis’ office as part of a monthly Brown Bag Lunch Vigil sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America.

Progressive Congresswoman Woolsey Endorses Pro-War Blue Dog Jane Harman?

2010-01-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2010 (San Diego) -- It looks like the anti-war netroots is not exactly pleased with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey's recent decision to help raise money for Congresswoman Jane Harman (Woolsey, Harman pictured).

The controversy is focused on Sonoma County's Woolsey, who is heading to LA to speak at a Jane Harman for Congress event taking place in Venice, California on Saturday, January 16th, at Danny's Deli on Windward Ave.

In most cases, the support of one incumbent Democrat for another would raise few eyebrows. This is not one of those cases.

Why is Harman now asking for Woolsey's help?

There are more than a few reasons why it seems curious that Woolsey, (pictured at an anti-war rally) known for her standing in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and leadership Out-of-Iraq caucus would show up to help collect a hatfull of shekels for Harman, who is about as hawkish as a Democrat can get these days without pulling a "full Lieberman."

In fact, Brad Blog contributer Ernest Canning calls the planned appearance by the high-profile progressive Lynn Woolsey "baffling."

Multi-millionare Harman doesn't need the money. However, the conservative Democrat Harman may be concerned about the strength of a primary challenge coming from Marcy Winograd, left.

Congresswoman Harman, who once referred to herself as "the Best Republican in the Democratic Party" has been embroiled in many issues which have outraged many Democrats, including a goodly fraction of Congresswoman Woolsey's own supporters, no to mention anti-war and pro-civil liberties voters across the country.

Certainly, there is no shortage of "Apples of Discord" with the netroots and Ms. Harman -- from her pro-war Iraq votes to her appearance on "Meet the Press" to defend Bush's warrantless wiretaps and her own bill called HR 1955, the Orwellian-sounding "Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007."

Known for her connections the RAND Corporation, Harman's proposed legislation caused Richter-sized temblors of outrage to ripple across both libertarian and progressive continents on the blogosphere.

Who is Congresswoman Jane Harman?

An 8- term US Representative and former candidate for California Governor, Harman is member of the corporate-friendly Democratic Leadership Council, which was founded in part by Neocon Patriarch Henry "Scoop" Jackson. Harman shocked many Democrats in 2002 by voting to authorize President Bush's request to use the US Armed Forces to invade Iraq -- one of few Democratic votes in favor of the war authorization.

Similarly, Harman's consistent support for President Bush's "emergency war funding" supplemental expenditures, (now Obama's) which number in the hundreds of billions of dollars, are not well supported by the relatively liberal residents of the 36th Congressional district,
centered around Torrance, and which includes the very blue-collar neighborhoods of El Segundo and parts of Long Beach.

According to some in the anti-war movement, Harman's votes have undermined the work of the Progressive Caucus to organize cohesive Congressional support to end the costly wars, and re-direct the occupation funding to domestic needs in education, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Homeland Security: the "new Defense Department?"

There's a lot of money to be made by keeping wars going, and few members of Congress know that better than Ms Harman, both on a campaign level and in her personal finances. According to her financial disclosures, approximately $6,260,000 of Ms Harman's net worth of estimated $236 to $558 million is invested in companies with Dept of Defense contracts, including weapons or surveillance-related interests -- an investment that Harman probably does not have in common with the majority of her district's voters.

Harman is strongly supported by donors from within the weapons and defense sector.

Additionally, Harman (pictured with Pentagon brass) serves on the Homeland Security Committee. While the defense contracts have grown by leaps and bounds over the last 8 years, the growth is now "flat" -- no longer expanding rapidly. Thus, many savvy defense firms are now targeting the growing budget of the Department of Homeland Security for "growth" in their revenue, something that pleases Wall Street analysts who issue critical stock ratings.

In America, everyone is allowed to try to pick up a buck or two where they can -- and Jane Harman is within her legal rights to take campaign donations from whoever she feels are her constituents and supporters. Additionally, Harman can legally maintain personal investments in corporations that receive Pentagon contracts -- the few areas of the economy in which handsome stock returns are still possible.

But it looks a little unseemly for Representative Lynn Woolsey, one of the few outspoken anti-war progressives in Congress, to be giving a public benediction to the re-election of Harman, a Blue Dog so closely connected to the military and defense establishment, and a lightning rod for progressive criticism of the "wandering soul" of the Democratic Party.

(If you want to see some seriously prickly outrage over the decision, see Howie Klein's Blog for the reports on the announcement about the strange bedfellows Woolsey-Harman fund-raiser. Crooks & Liars blogger John Amato isn't very happy, either -- and calls for Woolsey to step down from her co-chair of the Progressive Caucus.)

Other anti-war and progressive political action groups across the nation are quietly calling for Woolsey to simply rethink her stance on the Harman for Congress appearance.

One proposal was that Woolsey simply give equal fund-raising support to Harman's anti-war primary challenger Marcy Winograd, who received an astonishing 37.5% of the primary vote when she took on Harman in the 2006 Congressional race.

(Winograd, who sent a letter to Woolsey expressing her dismay with the appearance, will be busy elsewhere on Saturday promoting her strategies for creating new jobs in the region with a "A Green New Deal.")

It would appear that an angry electorate -- frustrated with Democratic Party inaction on ending the unpopular Iraq war -- is in no mood for further betrayals.

It will be interesting to see what Woolsey's next move will be.

- Mike Copass, for the Copass Report

Mike Copass: Interviews Bob Graham

2010-01-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

Graham on CivicsLiberty One

Civics, rarely taught in schools anymore, is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. Listen to former Senator Bob Graham (D,Florida), as he speaks to the students of SDSU about civics and what it means to be an American Citizen.

During a 2009 visit to San Diego State University for his book tour, former Florida Senator Bob Graham was interviewed by Mike Copass, about his New Book on Civics "America an Owners Manual", which details how do get things done, politically, in the USA.

Graham InterviewMike CopassLiberty One

Listen to the entire Bob Graham speech at SDSU.

Entire Graham SpeechLiberty One Radio

Interview with Walter Meyer, author of "Rounding Third"

2009-12-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Walt Meyer Interview, Segment 1

Segment 1The Copass ReportLiberty One Radio

Walt Meyer Interview, Segment 2

Segment 2The Copass ReportLiberty One Radio

Walt Meyer Interview, Segment 3

Segment 3The Copass ReportLiberty One Radio

Walt Meyer Interview, Segment 4

Segment 4The Copass ReportLiberty One Radio

Liberty One Radio's host Mike Copass interviewed San Diego-based author Walt Meyer about his new work, "Rounding Third"

The book touches on familiar themes surrounding high school identity issues -- sports, school, bullies, and family life. But "Rounding Third" isn't your typical high-school baseball novel. Meyer's literary accomplishment is realized in the way he draws the reader in to the relationship between the two protagonists -- a story that will leave you both cheered, heartbroken, and changed.

Listen to author Walt Meyer reading an excerpt from his new novel in the link above.

Read the Copass Report blog about "Rounding Third."

US Veterans: Conversation with Homeless Veteran Advocate Maurice Martin

2009-12-23T19:49:00.001-08:00

Liberty One Radio contacted US Army veteran Maurice Martin by phone on Monday December 21st, to talk about his advocacy work regarding San Diego's homeless veterans.

Mr. Martin works with some of the directors of Veterans Village of San Diego, which operates a winter survival shelter for vets.

Additionally, Martin is doing outreach with San Diego's Bethel AME Church, which is part of a church network offering holiday sanctuary to San Diegans without homes, and is working to bring over 600 Christmas meals.

Martin is a member of the Hugh Thompson chapter of Veterans for Peace, lobbying US military veterans through legislation, as well as active outreach with homeless veterans.

According to Maurice, "We can't leave a fellow veteran out there on the street."

Mr. Martin is not only an staunch advocate for improved mental and physical health services for veterans, and for the growing San Diego population without permanent housing -- he is also currently a homeless vet himself.

(Martin notes that his own journey to eventual homelessness did not occur immediately after his discharge; it began ten years later.)

Also See VETERANS FOR PEACE

- Mike Copass

U.S. Veterans & Volunteers Share Holiday Gratitude

2009-12-16T22:21:00.000-08:00

"This made my day," said one participant.

December 16th afforded an opporunity to see some of the best in San Diegans, as members of local volunteer groups reached out to some of the many homeless military veterans in San Diego on a chilly eve. The Girls Think Tank and the San Diego Young Democrats joined together at a Midway-area temporary winter shelter for homeless veterans operated by Veterans Village of San Diego. Participants helped distribute150 winter survival backpacks filled with hats, gloves, toiletries, blankets, and food, along with donated clothes, books, and home-baked treats.

Equally warming was the conviviality of the event, a chance to meet and share greetings in the spirit of the holiday. Veterans shared personal stories and a few laughs with the volunteers, at tables between rows of neatly-kept bunk beds with Army Green blankets.

Women & Democratic Activists Connect with Area Vets
For the fourth year running, the non-profit activism group Girls Think Tank (GTT) put together the event. The Girls Think Tank is an all-volunteer group drawing many of its members from San Diego's law firms, including Coughlin Stoia and Zeldes & Haeggquist.

San Diego Young Democrats joined enthusiastically in the service project, bringing several dozen members, including President Bryan Crane, VP Stephanie Tesch, noted California political columnist Lucas O'Connor, and Jason Everitt, a candidate for Escondido City Council.

Event organizer and GTT member Amlyu Weas commented, “with the Winter Survival Backpack project, Girls Think Tank and its supporters are able to show thanks to military veterans who have served our nation and given of themselves. As President John Fitzgerald Kennedy said, ‘as we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ ”

Jenny Kressel, the Community Service Chair for the Young Democrats Club, expressed her enthusiasm for the outreach. "Hearing the moving testimony from area homeless, I decided to help coordinate this service project with the Girls Think Tank. The San Diego Young Democrats are grateful to our military veterans, and this outreach is one way for us to give back to our military community, and show our support through service." Seemingly everywhere, the SD Young Democrats shared homemade baked goods, warm clothes, and good cheer with the veterans at the shelter.

San Diegan Barbara Cattedra of the Gothic Volunteer Alliance of San Diego was all smiles, "This is a great project -- we're happy to help."

Congressional Support
U.S. Representative Bob Filner of San Diego released a statement in support of the event, noting, “It is imperative we take care of our homeless veterans all year around especially in the cold winter months.” Filner is chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and remains committed to ending chronic homelessness among veterans, particularly as Iraq and Afghanistan veterans begin to join the ranks.

The outreach by Girls Think Tank memebrs is not limited to veterans out in the cold this winter. In November, the GTT distributed out Winter Survival Backpacks outside the winter shelter downtown and has distributed approximately 1000 backpacks since the project began four years ago, working frequently with tireless advocate David Ross, aka 'The Water Man', who ministers to the homeless community year-round in San Diego, providing bottles of water he purchases with his retirement savings.

Maurice Martin, a formerly homeless veteran helped assemble the backpacks last week, which contain warm gloves, hats, and other gear. "I was homeless a while. I know what its like to live on the streets. But these groups are great, and we have to do more to help vets get back on their feet." Individuals and organizations wishing to donate used clothing and survival gear for further GTT events this winter can check the information below.

-- Mike Copass, Liberty One Radio

About the Girls Think Tank:
Girls Think Tank started in 2006 when local attorney Rachel Jensen (left) was frustrated at a sense of injustice seeing the same homeless man day after day, accompanied by a sense of futility about what could be done. Rachel gathered girlfriends for a dinner party and brainstormed solutions. They decided to start Girls Think Tank, with a theme of empowerment and individual action to make a difference in our community. A $20 donation, 1 hour of time: microjustice – like microcredit, hands-on and direct – is the Girls Think Tank model. The new GTT Homeless Coalition will launch a Basic Dignity campaign in 2010. The Coalition includes GTT members, social service and homeless groups, places of worship, businesses, residents, and homeless persons.

For more information about GTT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Diego, and the Winter Backpack Survival project, email girlsthinktank@gmail.com or visit our website, GirlsThinkTank.org.

Pictured: (l) Maurice Martin, (c) GTT's Helen Zeldes and volunteers assembling, (r) David Ross & partner

Urgent: Toys & Donations Needed for Military Families & Veterans

2009-12-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Urgent: Donations and toys are needed this holiday season to support vital services for military families and veterans in San Diego and Camp Pendleton.

Podcast,blogs

Mike Copass talks by phone with Carla Mays (pictured) of Organizing for America about service programs, including a survival pack assembly for homeless veterans, gifts for military families in Camp Pendleton, and donations to Interfaith Community Servies "Safety Net" for military families & vets.

Assemble Survival Packs for Homeless US veterans
Wednesday, 16 December, 6:15pm - 7:15pm
Point Loma -- in VA Tent behind Goodwill
3663 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA
See Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/#/event.php?eid=208120370515&ref=mf
(Hosted by San Diego Cy Young Democrats and Girls Think Tank, girlsthinktank@gmail.com)

Interfaith Community Services

For donation to Military and Veterans Safety Net Program: contact
Greg Anglea, aka "Angel"
(760) 489-6380 x220
ganglea@interfaithservices.org

Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton needs toys for families in need.
How to donate: drop off toys at Camp Pendleton YMCA, or at the San Diego County Democratic Party HQ at 8340 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite 105, between 9am-5pm)

Contact Liberty One Radio at 619.573.9567 for your public service announcements.

Walter Meyer: Author of new novel "Rounding Third"

2009-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Walter Meyer Reads from "Rounding Third"

Mike Copass of Liberty One Radio sat down to talk to San Diego-based author Walt Meyer about his new work, "Rounding Third." Published by MaxM Ltd, the baseball-themed story is Meyer's third work.

The book touches on familiar themes surrounding high school identity issues -- sports, school, bullies, and family life. But "Rounding Third" isn't your typical high-school baseball novel. Meyer's literary accomplishment is realized in the way he draws the reader in to the relationship between the two protagonists -- a story that will leave you both cheered, heartbroken, and changed.

Listen to author Walt Meyer reading an excerpt from his new novel in the link above.

Read the Copass Report blog about "Rounding Third."

Interview with EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE Editor Miriam Raftery & Viejas Fire Reports

2009-12-05T21:00:00.001-08:00

Mike Copass interviews Miriam Raftery, Editor of East County Magazine about the Fire Safety situation created by your San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Session 1blog post

Learn about East County Magazine's innovative new Fire Warning Systems, sponsored by Viejas Fire Department.

Session 2blog post

Finally, there is a new paradigm emerging in the independent media. Listen to Mike Copass and Miriam Raftery discuss the future of Local Independent Journalism in San Diego.

Session 3blog post

CA Democrats Consider Afghanistan Exit Resolution...

2009-11-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

The following Resolution calling for has been submitted to California Democratic Party, to be voted on Saturday and Sunday.

CA Democratic Party Chairman John Burton has already issued a similar call.

Will California Democrats lead the way?

- Mike

End the US Occupation & Air War in Afghanistan

WHEREAS, the California Democratic Party, concerned citizens and lawmakers are calling for a U.S. exit strategy from Afghanistan that will end the occupation and air war while ensuring the safety and security of our troops, our nation, and the region ...

WHEREAS, the plight of women in Afghanistan is such that they continue to bear an especially heavy price under an eight-year occupation, and that far from eradicating the Taliban and other insurgencies, our presence has instead strengthened them, creating greater insecurity, death and impoverishment of the Afghan people; and

WHEREAS, polls show a majority of Americans are increasingly disturbed about the toll the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan is taking on our killed and wounded troops, as our involvement there continues to cost hundreds of billions of dollars per month while the United States and particularly the State of California are in an economic crisis without money to fund domestic needs;

THEREFORE, Be It Resolved, that the California Democratic Party, in addition to reiterating its support for a time-table for withdrawal of our military personnel, calls for an end to the use of mercenary contractors, as well as an end to the air war on civilian populations, and urges our President to oversee a redirection of our funding and resources to include an increase in humanitarian and developmental aid, multi-party talks, aimed at ensuring a democratic and legitimate representation ofthe people of Afghanistan, as well as multi-party regional diplomacy for the safety and stability of neighboring countries; and

Be It Further Resolved, a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the California Democratic Party Congressional delegation, as well as the White House.

Walt Meyer, Author of "Rounding Third" - a Novel about Baseball, High School, and much more...

2009-11-05T15:28:00.000-08:00

San Diego author Walt Meyer stopped by the Liberty One Radio studios today to talk about his new work, "Rounding Third." The novel, published by MaxM Ltd, is Meyer's third work, and is already receiving critical acclaim.

The novel draws you in to its story, with echoes of familiar themes of high school identity issues, sports, and coming of age. As the book's jacket describes

"Rob Wardell is a seventeen-year old who feels like he doesn't quite fit in anywhere--not at home, not at school and not on the baseball field. The small, shy boy stays on the high school baseball team only to please his father since he knows he will never get to play. He’s living his life alone until he finds himself drawn into a friendship with the team’s new star pitcher, Josh Schlagel..."

The book's main character, Bobby Wardell, faces a number of challenges familiar to many young men: he's on the baseball team, (but only as a bench-warmer) while his father looks with a disappointment sigh at his sensitive son who won't shoot the deer. Bobby faces harassment and physical abuse from jock bullies as part of his daily existence. Not to mention the sweaty confusion of adolescent romantic feelings.

What's unusual about Meyer's work is the fact the attraction that Bobby begins to feel is for the newest member of the baseball team. Josh Schlagel is that friend -- the good-looking star pitcher who is the first one on the team to acknowledge Bobby's contributions. As their friendship develops, Bobby gains confidence, scores an important run, and even receives accolades from his father on the pick-up basketball court. Through Josh, Bobby gains a sense of self -- and is coming of age.

Yet all is not well in Harrisonburg -- a fictitious town in Northern Ohio, where the Chevrolet signs hang proudly, and Civil War history is still relevant. Bobby's new friend Josh has his own issues to deal with -- a conservative religious family that will not accept a son for who he is. "Rounding Third" unflinchingly strides into difficult, even dark territory.

As the author puts it "the book sort of sneaks up on you." Through the metaphor of sports and youth, Meyer (above, right) is able to access deeper questions about justice and freedom. The questions he raises could not come at a more appropriate moment. American soldiers (including LGBT warriors) have been sent overseas to ostensibly bring American ideals of freedom, when back home in America many people do not enjoy freedom or equality.

As Meyer puts it "America talks a good game about freedom sometimes," but has yet to live up to its promise, or as Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. said "all we ask America, is that you be true to what you said on paper."

In the age of Proposition 8, Maine's Question 1 and brutal violence against kids like Matthew Shepard, an important conversation has to take place: are we able to make good on the promise of America?

The issues raised by "Rounding Third" are part of that critical conversation. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.

- Filed by Mike Copass for Liberty One Radio
(see audio interview to be posted 11/12/09)

Rounding Third is available at the Obelisk Bookstore in Hillcrest (see yelp) in San Diego, or you can order a signed copy on Walt Meyer's website. Copies are also available from any online bookseller including Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

Arrested: San Diegans Confront Blue Shield on Corporate Practices, non-violent disobedience action

2009-11-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

November 2nd (San Diego) -- Blue Shield corporate offices in San Diego were the scene of a civil disobedience protest today, as three single-payer health care activists occupied the health insurance company's Rio Bonito Way offices.

Wearing hand-made shirts inscribed "Patients, Not Profits," San Diegans Mary, Carl, and Jerry(pictured at right) entered the office building of health insurance giant Blue Shield of California at approximately 10:30 AM on Monday.

The health care activists are part of a group called "Single Payer Action Coalition" (SPAC), and Monday's action was the promised follow-up to a letter presented last week to Blue Shield of California. Activists had requested that the insurance concern stop using the money from monthly premiums paid by policy-holders for the purposes of corporate advertising, TV campaigns and lobbying -- and instead use that money for patient care.

Blue Shield executives and representatives refused to meet with or talk to the activists, and instead called the San Diego police department (see photo, left.) More than 12 San Diego peace officers responded to the scene to deal with the 3 health care reform advocates who held their ground at Blue Shield's front door, and reiterated their requests. regarding. Police eventually took the activists into custody.

Through their non-violent action, the health care action group SPAC and its supporters hope to highlight what they perceive is one of the fundamental problems with the US health care system – self-dealing and abusive business practices of for-profit insurance corporations.

The actions are part of a national groundswell of civil disobedience at health insurance company offices to end insurance abuse and win health care for all. So far 115 people across the US have been arrested in 18 cities, while demanding real health care reform that treats health care like a human right, not a commodity.

The San Diego protesters were matter of fact about their demands, and refused to leave until their concerns were addressed, or they were physically removed from the site. (Mary Bell left, talking with San Diego police)

“The enormous amounts of money you’ve seen health insurance corporations lavishing on members of Congress, on non-stop TV ads, and advertising is killing us. Where do they get the money they spend to rig the debate about the health care system? By denying care to those who need it most – in California one out of every five treatments is denied an insurance company, resulting in denial of treatments and deaths,” said Jerry Malamud, pictured being taken into police custody below, right.

Added the silver-haired and energetic Malamud “They get their lobbying dollars by jacking up our premiums at quadruple the rate of inflation, and denying essential care to policyholders. Americans are being made to pay the bill for their own enslavement to this corrupt for-profit system. We say ‘Enough!’”

Noting that the civil disobedience efforts follow months of 'by the books' grass-roots efforts to bring attention to the need for fundamental reform to the health care system."We've written hundreds of letters, lobbied our representatives Congress, made phone calls, and held signs on street corners pointing out the abuses of insurance corporations. We hope through our efforts, including the non-violent confrontation today at Blue Shield, that we contribute to meaningful improvement of the health care system, and end the abuses that are linked to so much needless suffering and death. Patients, not profits."

During a 45 hour vigil at the site preceding the confrontation, activists gathered pointed out that failures of a for-profit health insurance system are linked to up to 45,000 deaths each year in America, adding that lack of national will to create universal coverage becomes literally a death sentence for thousands.

After having literally "placed their bodies against the grinding gears and levers of the health insurance machine," the activists arrested in a civil disobedience action today hope that their refusal to "passively collaborate with an unjust and immoral system" will help lead to a better system with "everybody in, nobody out."

(Below: Demonstrators including Progressive Democrats of America gathered in support of health care reform display signs at near Blue Shield offices just off Friar's Road in Mission Valley, San Diego)

- Filed by Mike Copass, for Liberty One Radio

Mike Copass Interviews Sen George McGovern

2009-11-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

Liberty One Radio Interview with Former Senator George S. McGovern

“I think we have to be very careful about where we commit American troops to battle.” – Sen. McGovern

November 2, 2009 -- Senator McGovern, the 1972 Presidential opponent to Richard Nixon, joined Mike Copass for a brief interview with Liberty One, San Diego’s future progressive AM Radio outlet. McGovern discussed his concerns about the lives of soldiers committed to the current wars, and echoes Eisenhower’s warning about the power of the military-industrial complex.

Senator McGovern will speak this Wednesday, November 4th in the city of La Mesa. Hosted by the La Mesa-Foothills Democratic Club, the former Democratic Presidential nominee will discuss his recently-published biography of President Abraham Lincoln, as well as current events.

The McGovern event takes place at the La Mesa Recreation Center, on 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa. (Map) Meet to socialize at 6:30pm, event begins 7:00pm. $5 admission, open to general public.

California Economic Recovery: La Jolla Democrats Approve 1% Tobin Tax on Derivatives

2009-10-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

SAN DIEGO -- October 11, 2009

As California confronts a growing economic crisis, a new idea is emerging: create a small tax or "Tobin tax" on derivative financial transactions to help finance California's fiscal stability, curb reckless speculative bubbles, and encourage investment into productive manufacturing.

The La Jolla Democratic Club (San Diego) has taken up the fight, unanimously passing a resolution in favor of imposing a modest 1% fee on derivatives, and citing the harm done by "reckless and unregulated financial speculation by commercial banks, investment banks, and hedge funds in derivatives transactions" to the state economy.

The budget crisis in California and unimpeded rise of unemployment and homelessness are signals that the California facing a growing risk of becoming "the first failed state" of the Union. The cause of the fiscal emergency is not a lack of productivity or resources; rather, it finds its roots in the devastation wrought by an greed-fueled orgy of financial speculation in unregulated derivatives, which are paper financial instruments with no instrinsic value of their own, and "derive" their value from the often complex and shifting mathematical relationships of underlying assets.

Dealing in derivatives, done mainly by investment banking and brokerage houses, largely in unregulated, over-the-counter exchanges, and purchase of derivatives carries little or no tax -- considered unfair. Commented one of the resolution authors, former Congressional candidate Mike Copass, "Working families in California pay between 8.75% and 10.25% sales tax on items such as school supplies and children's shoes -- a highly regressive tax burden on those least able to pay. Yet the multi-trillion dollar sales of derivatives including the sort of credit default swaps that felled AIG, incurs zero tax."

In recognition of California's dire economic straits, the La Jolla Democratic Club resolved in support of a "Tobin Tax" (named after the Nobel-prize winning economist James Tobin) of one percent on such derivatives to be levied and collected for the State of California or by the Federal Government on California’s behalf. Since derivative trades are largely unregulated and opaque, California's fraction of the $1.5 quadrillion derivatives outstanding globally is impossible to calculate, but one estimate puts potential Tobin Tax revenue at $20 and $100 billion in the first year.

Commented one of the contributors to the resolution, "California is desperate for economic investment to grow jobs and promote a real recovery, raising all ships. A Tobin tax can help direct capital flows into investment in productive manufacturing enterprises." The Southern Californians plan to submit their resolution on Monday October 12th to the State Democratic Party for consideration by the Executive Board.

Added Copass, "This is part of an emergency economic plan for the State of California. A real economic recovery in our state must confront unhesitatingly the reckless speculative 'casino finance' of investment banks and hedge funds, and provide strong incentives for job-creating investment in the real economy."

{Pictured: James Tobin, winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize for Economics)

###

For information, contact Mike Copass, California53@gmail.com

Text of Resolution:

Promoting a California Economic Recovery through a 1% Tobin Tax on Derivatives

Whereas reckless and unregulated financial speculation by commercial banks, investment banks, and hedge funds in derivatives transactions (estimated $1.5 quadrillion world-wide) has contributed to the collapse of banks and lending institutions, to the contraction of credit and lending in California, to statewide economic downtown and loss of revenues, and siphoned investment away from job-creating productive and manufacturing enterprises, and

Whereas the State of California faces increasing and dangerous economic hardship, with an approximately $24 billion revenue shortfall for 2009, along with continually increasing unemployment, conditions due in part to the financial collapse triggered by derivatives trades, and

Whereas the State of California currently charges no transaction fee or sales tax on derivatives or speculative financial instruments, yet charges a highly regressive sales tax on working California families between 8.75% to 10.25% on necessities, including Fall school supplies and children’s shoes,

Therefore be it Resolved that the California Democratic Party supports the establishment a 1% Tobin Tax on all derivative financial transactions, including speculation in oil futures, credit derivatives, commodities, foreign exchange, and mortgage-backed securities, whether as a fee on California-based derivative trades, or as California’s population-proportional fraction of a nation-wide federal derivatives tax,

Be it further resolved that Tobin taxes or fees collected for the State of California or by the Federal Government on California’s behalf, which may total between $20 and $100 billion in the first year alone, be used for the purpose of lowering or eliminating the California State budget deficit, to lower the highly regressive sales tax, and to lower tax burdens on small businesses, all of which would have a net effect of both massive new sources of revenue as well as returning capital flows towards creation of job-producing enterprises and productive manufacturing including green technology, rather than to the reckless speculative “casino finance” of investment banks and hedge funds.

Authors and Contributors: Mike Copass, Derek C., Benjamin B, Gerry S.

Approved by the La Jolla Democratic Club, October 11, 2009

Sonic Weapons at Susan Davis Town Hall Meeting - Interview with East County Magazine

2009-10-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Liberty One Radio Host Mike Copass discusses LRAD Deployment Story and the "New Collaborative Media Model" with Miriam Raftery of East County Magazine

East County Magazine, in partnership with Liberty One Media, reported a story about Iraq-tested military-grade Sonic Weapons deployed by the San Diego Sheriff at at Spring Valley Congressional Town Hall.

The LRAD is capable of well over 140 decibels, louder than a jet engine, enough to permanently damage hearing, and cause potential brain damage, particularly to people with mobility issues, or small children.

Oddly, Mike Copass was unable to get a straight answer from the Sheriff's Deputies at the Spring Valley site -- what is the device, why was it brought to a Town Hall meeting?

Listen to this follow-up interview with Miriam Raftery, the Editor of East County Magazine, about the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) deployment scoop that is flashing across the political spectrum, hitting TV, blogs, and other mainstream radio outlets, and provoking reaction from U.S. citizens from all political persuasions. Click link to hear interview

Mike Copass: Francine Busby Interview Part 1

2009-10-02T21:35:00.001-07:00

Busby, running for congress again in 2010, talks candidly about her political carrier with Liberty One host Mike Copass.

From Busby

Listen to the Podcasts at Liberty One Radio
Segment 1 - LOMpodcast083109a.mp3
Segment 2 - LOMpodcast083109b.mp3

Mike Copass: Rep. Bob Filner Interview

2009-10-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Representative Bob Filner from Chula Vista celebrated his 30th year of public service, Sunday, August 30th, 2009. - LOMpodcast083009.mp3

Candidate Paul Clay is running for the State Senate in California's 36th District, which runs from Riverside down to the boarder, most of east county San Diego. - LOMpodcast083009c.mp3 (paulclay36th@aol.com)

Welcome to the Copass Report

2009-10-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new blog space. I'll be posting news and interviews of interest to the San Diego progressive community here on a regular basis.

Follow the Copass Report at Liberty One Radio.