For Immediate Release                                                                       Contact: Drew  Duzinskas, cell (217) 691-7283

Press Release

Occupy Springfield IL Holds Rally Decrying Actions of NATO as Secretary General Rasmussen Visits

NATO’s Actions as the Military Arm of the Global 1% Lead to Civilian Deaths and a New Culture of Imperialism

 (Sept 21, 2012, Springfield, IL) – “NATO has from the beginning been an endeavor to protect the monetary interests of the global 1%.  Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the demise of its primary opponent, NATO has assumed its natural role as the military arm of Wall Street.  Through a series of seemingly haphazard “humanitarian” interventions and occupations NATO’s bomb loving culture has left scores of dead and injured civilians across the globe.”

On September 21, 2012 NATO Secretary General  Anders Fogh Rasmussen will speak in Springfield at Southwind Park, at the invitation of the Springfield’s Commission on International Visitors.  While Springfield’s Mayor, Mike Houston, has said that he is honored to have Rasmussen speak in Springfield, Occupy Springfield would like the Secretary General to answer for the deaths of civilians across the globe who have been on the receiving end of NATO’s militarism.  Whether the decade long occupation of Afghanistan or the “humanitarian” air campaign to liberate Libya, countless civilians have lost their lives thanks to NATO’s particularly violent brand of democratization.  NATO and their Wall St. brethren have worked tirelessly to veil their self-interested motives in populist rhetoric and calls for democratization.

There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the recent anti-American protests throughout the Muslim world.  One has to wonder which has a greater effect on global opinion; an obscure film or the deaths of countless innocent civilians at the hands of their “liberators.”  We cannot earn the trust of those we seek to help by dropping bombs without regard for the “collateral damage.”  We cannot expect one act of assistance to undo the damage of decades of support of authoritarian regimes and occupation.  We must seek out a new path that seeks to benefit the people and not the elites, the consumer and not the corporation, humanity not greed and economic interests.

As the world tremors with unrest and revolution, we must reject NATO and the 1%’s new culture of imperialism.  We cannot, as a society, support a militaristic brand of diplomacy that uses drones to bomb first and aim later.  As the 1% pours hundreds of millions of dollars into buying the loyalty of the next “Leader of the Free World,” they spend much more to try and bomb their way to peace.  While NATO is just a piece in this puzzle, they must answer for their crimes against humanity; their crimes in the name of the almighty dollar.

WHEN: Friday September 21^st, 2012, 5pm

WHERE: Southwind Park, Springfield, IL

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For Immediate Release                                   Contact: Chris Trader, 217.487.4948, OccupySpringfieldIL@gmail.com

Press Release

Occupy Springfield, IL Stands in Solidarity with Illinois Unite Against the War on Women for Rally at the State Capitol

At a time when legislation is being written, in Illinois and across the nation, that would violate a woman’s right to decide her own healthcare we stand with those who would fight such injustice

(March 29, 2012, Springfield, IL) – “Over many months we have seen an ever increasing number of legislative bills coming up which represent a direct attack on women and their reproductive rights. In Illinois specifically we are looking to bring attention to two pieces of legislation: House Bill 4117 would implement unnecessary new regulations on women’s health clinics, possibly causing closures of smaller clinics, and make legal and safe abortion less accessible. House Bill 4085 would require abortion providers to take an ultrasound image of the patient’s fetus after a request for an abortion.

Both of these bills stand between a woman and her right to decide her own medical care.”

Occupy Springfield, IL stood in solidarity today with Illinois Unite Against the War on Women. In front of the Illinois State Capitol building a rally regarding the recent attacks on women’s rights was held. Several other Occupy groups from the Midwest region were also in attendance.

All over the U.S. we have seen an increasing number of bills before legislatures attempting to pass laws to limit a woman’s right to reproductive healthcare. These bills range from making it more difficult for women to get birth control via their employer’s insurance to incredibly invasive procedures as a prerequisite for terminating a pregnancy. We are here today to specifically stand against House Bill 4117 and House Bill 4085, both which cross the line of individual rights and are only feeble right wing attempts to sidestep Roe v. Wade.

The closure of clinics could result in limited access to exams and screenings and other important healthcare services. A woman’s decision regarding healthcare is personal and private and should have no outside interference from the government. The ACLU has stated, “There is no reason – other than playing politics with women’s lives – to single abortion out for excessive regulation.” It also serves as a distraction away from the many other rights the government is stripping away from its citizenry. Occupy Springfield, IL will continue to help raise awareness to the oppressive assaults that are slowly looming over us and stripping us of our liberties.

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MS Word Version

Media Advisory

Occupy Springfield will Stand in Solidarity with Illinois Unite Against the War on Women for Rally at the State Capitol

At a time when legislation is being written, in Illinois and across the nation, that would violate a woman’s right to decide her own healthcare we stand with those who would fight such injustice

When:             Thursday March 29^th, 12:30 pm

Where:            Illinois State Capitol Building  (Outdoor Rally: 401 S. Second)

What:             Occupy Springfield, in Solidarity with Illinois Unite Against the War on Women will rally outside of the Illinois State Capitol Building

Statement:      “Over many months we have seen an ever increasing number of legislative bills coming up which represent a direct attack on women and their reproductive rights. In Illinois specifically we are looking to bring attention to two pieces of legislation: House Bill 4117 would implement unnecessary new regulations on abortion clinics, possibly causing closures of smaller clinics, and make legal and safe abortion less accessible. House Bill 4085 would require abortion providers to take an ultrasound image of the patient’s fetus after a request for an abortion.

Both of these bills stand between a woman and her right to decide her own medical care.”

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MS Word version of Media Advisory

 For Immediate Release              Contact: Chris Blankenhorn, (217) 487-4948, OccupySpringfieldIL@gmail.com

Press Release

Occupy Springfield Members Headline Friday Night Music at Occupy the Midwest Summit

Local Artists Tha MC and Gestalt Performing Friday Night at The Atomic Cowboy in St. Louis

(March 15, 2012, Springfield, IL) 

Two local Springfield musicians and members of Occupy Springfield, IL will be headlining the first night of music at the Occupy the Midwest Summit in St. Louis.  Following a night of violent assaults by the St. Louis Police Department on the peaceful Occupy the Midwest Encampment, the Summit attendees will regroup and the Summit will move forward as planned.  “I think that it is important that the show go on.  The Occupy Movement isn’t fueled by a wealth of money but by love, commitment, and passion.  When we are confronted with state violence in an attempt to beat us into submission, we must regroup and stand strong.  While before the musical portion of the Summit was primarily for entertainment and camaraderie, now it serves a great symbolic purpose of declaring we will not be silenced,” said artist Chris Blankenhorn.

Chris Blankenhorn, Gestalt, is an electronic music producer and will be performing a DJ set with political samples layered over dance music.  Chris is Occupy Springfield’s present Spokesman and Teach-in Organizer, the Director of membership for local non-profit the Foundation for a United Front, a co-founder of the UIS Radical Student Union, and a community organizer for Action Now in Springfield

A lyricist for most of his life, John Keating, Tha MC, has been writing and recording hip hop since 2006.  Active for social causes from a young age, JJ has been active in Occupy Springfield and was detained in December 2011 for chalking in front of US Rep. Aaron Schock’s Office.  Those charges were later dropped.  He is well known in hip hop circles for his precision, flow, and wild cadence.

The pair take the stage at the Atomic Cowboy in St. Louis tonight at 12:30pm.

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 For Immediate Release              Contact: Chris Blankenhorn, (217) 487-4948, OccupySpringfieldIL@gmail.com

Press Release

Occupy Midwest Encampment Violently Disbanded by St. Louis Police

As Occupiers from Around the Midwest Disbanded Their Occupy the Midwest Summit Encampment, the St. Louis Police Violently Assault the Peaceful Protesters

(March 15, 2012, Springfield, IL) – “As Occupiers from across the Midwest gathered for the beginning of an Occupy the Midwest Summit in the city of St. Louis, the St. Louis Police Department engaged in unprovoked violence against the peaceful protesters.  There is no excuse for state power to violently assault a non-violent gathering of citizens.  Such draconian measures show that those in power will use any means necessary to enforce control and submission.  Throughout the history of the Occupy Movement the state has tried to use violence to suppress our constitutional right to assemble in public space and voice our grievances.  Time and time again we have been beaten, tear-gassed, tazed.  And time and time again we have stood strong and committed.  We cannot be beaten down, we cannot be silenced. Every time we have returned stronger than before, more committed than before.  Occupy Springfield, IL denounces the St. Louis Police Department’s use of violence, and calls for those responsible for the assault of peaceful US citizens to be held responsible for their actions.  In times of strife our bonds grow stronger.  The power to bring about a better future exists within us all.”

Below is the Occupy the Midwest Press Release from 11:45pm on March 15^th, 2012.

For Immediate Release

March 15, 2012 11:15p.m.

Occupy the Midwest //Occupythemidwest.org//

@occupymidwest
Contact:
Occupy the Midwest: (314) 827-5048, occupythemidwest.press@gmail.com
Rachael Perrotta, Occupy Chicago: 314-596-2285, plusssone@gmail.com
Cathy de la Aguilera, Occupy St. Louis: cathy@organizemo.org

St. Louis Authorities Violently Disband Occupy the Midwest Encampment at Compton Hill Reservoir Park

At Least Twelve Arrested

(SAINT LOUIS) As protesters disbanded their camp at Compton Heights Reservoir, dozens of St. Louis police used pepper spray and violent tactics on the crowd of around 150. Twelve were arrested, several visibly bloodied.

Occupiers from around the region streamed into St. Louis today, gathering in Kiener Plaza.

“City officials had indicated that park curfew would be enforced, but the actions taken tonight were unprovoked and without warning,” said AJ Segneri, one of the summit organizers. “Tonight’s shameful actions by the City of St. Louis should be a wake up call around the region.”

The Occupy the Midwest Regional Conference will take place March 15th-18th in St. Louis, MO. The week of action has been endorsed by 18 Occupations, with participants converging to participate in actions, share skills, and form a network with which to coordinate regional and national demonstrations and campaigns.

- END -

For Immediate Release              Contact: Chris Blankenhorn, 217.487.4948, OccupySpringfieldIL@gmail.com

Press Release

Occupy Springfield and SEIU Hold Rally at Chamber Office for a Fair Tax System

Illinois’ Current Flat Income Tax Called “Fundamentally Unfair” as Millionaires and Corporate Executives Pay Half the Tax Rate as Average Taxpayers;

State Legislature Weighs Horrific Cuts to Vulnerable Residents

(March 15, 2012, Springfield, IL) – “The burdens of Illinois’ budget crisis should not fall on the shoulders of those who are already suffering.  Those who benefit most from the status quo- corporations and the 1% – need to shoulder their share of the burden rather than pass the buck to those most economically repressed.  With Gov. Quinn’s recent budget speech, social services are bracing for more cuts at a time while the struggling economy is pushing more and more people into hardship.  Combating such crises requires decisive action on the part of our elected officials, not passing the burden to those who are already oppressed.  Through actions like the establishment of a Fair Tax system in Illinois, one that does not allow the corporations and 1% to shirk their responsibilities to our communities, we hope to take a small step towards confronting our state’s vast economic disparity.”

 Occupy Springfield, IL and SEIU organized a rally at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce today to call attention to the State’s unfair and broken tax system which is devastating working families.  Recently, Gov. Quinn gave a budget address that calls for destructive and harmful cuts to health care and other vital assistance for low-income families and seniors.  This is yet one more example of how the state of Illinois is wrongfully balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens instead of calling for fundamental fairness by requiring the richest 1% to pay their fair share of the tax burden.

The flat tax in Illinois isn’t even flat, nor is it fair.  Millionaires pay a dramatically lower tax rate than average taxpayers by using schemes, loopholes, and deductions to avoid paying their fair share.  In fact, the state of Illinois loses billions of dollars in revenue every year because millionaires take advantage of these loopholes which denies vital funding for human services such as homeless shelters, food pantries, and mental health services.  And because of the extreme levels of income inequality in Illinois, requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share would raise significant revenue, help repair the State’s budget, and stop cuts to human services, health care, and infrastructure projects.

Until those in power fulfill their responsibilities and care for all in society, rather than simply their benefactors, Occupy Springfield, IL will continue to press for more equitable distribution of the budget burdens.  Moving Illinois to a progressive tax system is just one step towards a more just and equitable society.  Occupy Springfield, IL seeks to press for bottom up social and political change that reflects the government’s responsibility to care for all of its citizens.  For more information call and leave a message for Chris Blankenhorn at 217.487.4948.

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Microsoft Word version of this Press Release

Media Advisory

Occupy Springfield and SEIU to Hold a Rally to Stand Against Economic Inequality and Fight for a Fair Tax System

The Burdens of the Illinois Budget Crisis Should Not Fall on the Shoulders of Those Who are Already Suffering.  Those Who Benefit Most from the Status Quo Need to Shoulder Their Fair Share of the Burden

When:             Thursday March 15^st, 9:30 am

Where:            Illinois Chamber of Commerce (Rally: 215 E. Adams)

What:             SEIU and Occupy Springfield will rally outside the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce

Statement:      The burdens of Illinois’ budget crisis should not fall on the shoulders of those who are already suffering.  Those who benefit most from the status quo–  corporations and the 1%– need to shoulder their share of the burden, rather than pass the buck to those most economically repressed.  With Gov. Quinn’s recent budget speech social services are bracing for more cuts at a time when the struggling economy is pushing more and more people into economic hardship.  Combating such crises requires decisive action on the part of our elected officials, not passing the burden to those who are already oppressed.  Through actions like the establishment of a Fair Tax system in Illinois, one that does not allow the corporations and 1% to shirk their responsibilities to our communities, we hope to take a small step towards confronting our state’s vast economic disparity.”

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Microsoft Word Document with Contact Information

 For Immediate Release                                                                                                               Contact: Chris Blankenhorn  217.487.4948

Press Release

Occupy Springfield Holds Monthly “Campaign Foodraiser” Collection and Rallies for “Tax Fairness” On Behalf of the 99%

Illinois’ Current Flat Income Tax Called “Fundamentally Unfair” as Millionaires and Corporate Executives Pay Half the Tax Rate as Average Taxpayers;

State Legislature Weighs Horrific Cuts to Vulnerable Residents

(Feb 25, 2011, Springfield, IL) – “We, as Occupy Springfield IL, are collecting and distributing food to those who are left behind in our society, while the state of Illinois is giving massive tax breaks to corporations and taking an axe to health care and vital service budgets.  The burdens of Illinois’ budget crisis should not fall on the shoulders of those who are already suffering.  Those who benefit most from the status quo, corporations and the 1%, need to shoulder their share of the burden, rather than pass the buck to those most economically repressed.”

Occupy Springfield IL organized its monthly “Campaign Foodraiser” and held a rally today at the Old State Capitol Plaza to call attention to the state’s unfair and broken tax system that is devastating working families.  On Wednesday, Gov. Quinn gave his budget address that calls for destructive and harmful cuts to health care and other vital assistance for low-income families and seniors.  This is yet one more example of how the state of Illinois is wrongfully balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens instead of calling for fundamental fairness by requiring the richest 1% to pay their fair share of the tax burden.

In 2010, 14.5% of American households were food insecure.  That’s not a small minority population, that’s 17.2 million people.  And following Wednesday’s budget speech social services are bracing for more cuts at a time when the struggling economy is pushing more and more people into economic hardship.  Yet those in power still pass the burden onto the working class, rather than require everyone to pay their fair share.  The flat tax in Illinois isn’t even flat nor is it fair.  Millionaires pay a dramatically lower tax rate than average taxpayers by using schemes, loopholes, and deductions to avoid paying their fair share.  In fact, the state of Illinois loses billions of dollars in revenue every year because millionaires take advantage of these loopholes which denies vital funding for human services such as homeless shelters, food pantries, and mental health services.  And because of the extreme levels of income inequality in Illinois, requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share would raise significant revenue, help repair the state’s budget, and stop cuts to human services and health care.

Until those in power fulfill their responsibilities and care for all in society, rather than simply their benefactors, Occupy Springfield IL will continue to collect food to alleviate the stresses on social services for those in need and press for more equitable distribution of the budget burdens.  Moving Illinois to a progressive tax system is just one step towards moving towards a more just and equitable society.  Occupy Springfield IL seeks to press for bottom up social and political change that reflects the government’s responsibility to care for all of its citizens.

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Media Advisory

Occupy Springfield IL to Hold “Campaign Foodraiser” Collection and Community Rally to Call for “Fundamental Fairness” On Behalf of the 99%

As the State Legislature Weighs Horrific Cuts to Vulnerable Residents and Working Families, Occupy Springfield IL Calls On the Community to Help Those In Need and Demand That Millionaires Pay Their Fair Share of the Tax Burden

When:             Sat, Feb 25^th, 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Where:            Old State Capitol Plaza, 6^th St, Springfield, IL

What:             Occupy Springfield IL will hold its monthly “Campaign Foodraiser” to raise food for the Grace Lutheran Church’s food pantry and a rally for a “Fair Tax” policy.  At a time when the state of Illinois suffers from a structural deficit and is threatening to slash health care and vital assistance for low-income families and seniors, Occupy Springfield IL’s “Campaign Foodraiser” is an effort to provide relief to overstressed social services.  Pending cuts to such services could be avoided if Illinois adopted a fair tax policy in which everyone pays their share.  Most millionaires in the state pay half the tax rate as average citizens using schemes, loopholes, and deductions to avoid paying their fair share.  While workers across Illinois pay 5% of their incomes, millionaires pay an effective tax rate of 2.2%.  It’s time for the 1% to pay their fair share.

Statement:      “We, as Occupy Springfield IL, are collecting and distributing food to those who are left behind in our society, while the state of Illinois is giving massive tax breaks to corporations and taking an axe to health care and vital service budgets.  The burdens of Illinois’s budget crisis should not fall on the shoulders of those who are already suffering the most.  Those who benefit most from the status quo, corporations and the 1%, need to shoulder their share of the burden, rather than pass the buck to those most economically repressed.”

For Immed. release.

Contact: 217.487.4948

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OSI collected 401lbs. of food and $142 dollars for the Salvation Army this weekend.

Occupy Springfield IL is proud to announce the success of our Inaugural Campaign Foodraiser.  On Friday February 10^th, members of Occupy Springfield gathered in the icy temperatures around the Old State Capitol Plaza to collect goods to help those in need.  Following two hours of collection, OSI is thrilled to have collected 401 pounds of non-perishable food items and $142 to be donated to the Salvation Army.  While members of Occupy Springfield IL were standing in the cold collecting food for the needy, local politicians settled nicely into the Prairie Capital Convention Center for a $100 a plate dinner.  As the occupy movement is demonized by the established parties, those same parties are continuing to play into a system that does not benefit their constituents, but instead their patrons.  While the evil Occupy Springfield IL movement collected food for the needy, local politicos listened to Ted Nugent spout personal attacks and hatred that only serve to drive us apart as a society.

Campaign Foodraiser is an attempt to alleviate some of the stresses on the local social services here in Springfield by providing organizations and individuals with much needed supplies.    Friday’s event was the first of a monthly food drive to be run by Occupy Springfield IL.  In the future, Campaign Foodraiser events will be recurring on the fourth Saturday of the month, with this month being on Saturday February 25^th.  Many service organizations get donations at the beginning of the month that are used up by the last weeks of the month and it is with this in mind that the Foodraiser was established.

In the middle of a recession, at a time when social services are strained to the breaking point already, established political parties and their corporate and elite benefactors are engaged in what is predicted to be the most expensive presidential campaign in history.  President Obama had raised approximately $125 million through 2011 and had already spent about $46 million, and on the Republican Side approximately $154 million had been raised through 2011, with about $124.4 million being spent.  This is already a quarter of a billion dollars that has been raised through 2011 to ensure that elites don’t lose their influence.

In 2010, 14.5% of American households were food insecure.  That’s not a small minority population, that’s 17.2 million people.  People who work hard to provide for their families, but still manage to fall short; despite living in “the land of plenty.”  Considering the pending expiration of federal unemployment benefits on February 29^th, that will leave 1.2 million people without assistance by March and 3.3 million people by June, the stress on local food pantries and social services will only become greater.

Occupy Springfield IL would like to thank those members of the community who came out to the Old State Capitol Plaza on Friday and made a donation to the Salvation Army.  Campaign Foodraiser collection events will occur on the fourth Saturday of every month with donations going to a local food pantry in need.  The next event will be at the Old State Capitol Plaza on 6^th Street in Springfield on Saturday February 25^th from 11am until 1pm.  If you are interested in more information about Campaign Foodraiser or Occupy Springfield IL contact us at www.OccupySpringfieldIL.org, via e-mail at Foodraiser@OccupySpringfieldIL.org, or leave a message at (217) 487-4948.

OCCUPY SPRINGFIELD IL
-OccupySpringfieldIL.org