NWI Grassroots Organizing Collaborative - Truth to Power Movement

Stimulus Oversight Demands You to Participate In Holding Your State and Local Government Accountable

2009-03-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Local Community Organizations are required to have frequent Audits once received Stimulus Money Washington wants to hear from You!!

States are trying to launch their own Accountability websites but many are now complaining about not having the resources to accomplishing that task. The States will be responsible for making sure minority Contractors are able to receive biding opportunities and that the stimulus is being used “In the Spirit of the law and not just the intent of the law”. If you live in Indiana that means you had better get ready to rumble.

OMB has issued guidelines, that are virtually not written in stone, meaning that the guidelines will be tweaked over time to address reports in a proactive way.

Whistle blowers will find great protections under the leadership of Earl Devaney chairman of the recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board.

Mr. Devaney is on the Presidents Calendar starting March 24, 2009, to make reports directly to President Obama.

Mr. Devaney will be looking forward to hearing from Citizens and has provided to you the means by which to make reports.

I have provided to you a C-Span Video of Mr. Devaney’s Testomony on details of the beginning process of Oversight;

In the first of two portions of a hearing, Earl Devaney testified about how he intends to execute his duties as chairman of the Recovery Act Accountability and Transparency Board to prevent waste and fraud in the spending of economic stimulus funds. He focused on the roles the federal and state governments will play in this oversight process as well as plans for audits and investigations to identify and prosecute fraud in stimulus programs. In his remarks he talked about recruiting staff, the potential losses expected as a result of fraud, and further development of an Internet web site to monitor the contracting process.

The economic crisis has touched all of us, regardless of the states where we live or the industries in which we work -- whether it's health care or education, real estate or construction, technology or manufacturing. That's why the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to provide relief and reinvestment across the board.We want to know how the economic crisis and this recovery program are affecting you. If you're an employer, are they affecting your thinking about your business or personnel decisions? If you're a student, are they affecting your choices for your education? If you've been looking for work, how is your job-search changing?In a few months, this site will allow you to peruse extensive data that will enable you to measure our progress. But you don't have to wait to leave a comment -- use the form linked here to share your Recovery story now.

Get the Facts: Video Below!

The Finance Professor Posts on John Stewart Vs Cramer CNBC

2009-03-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hello every0ne!

I follow the Finance Professor and there is much to be learned about Finances in a Fun way on his blog page. I provided a link to his blog at the end of this Post. Watch the videos both here and below on my page to get a complete understanding of what Hedge Funds are and how they destroyed our economy and Why Governor Daniels and Greedy Local Politicians are looking to privatize every Governmental Service, Removing Public accountability, with the Good Government Initiative, and Using his Corporate Friends to force you out of your homes. NIPSCO, American Water, GSD, US Steel, and United Water.

Public Private Partnerships: see Indiana House Bill 1008 and then look at the voting record of your legislator. Now Dive into the articles below and watch the videos and you will get a clear Picture of why they want your property so badly. You will realize that "Lake Front Development" is really a Code word for Gentrification and Hedge Fund Investment behind regional development.

Change Has Come!

Our President knows what is going on, but the people here in NWI are just now beginning to slowly wake up to see they home town Buddy Mayor Clay and Mc Dermott are both pushing Daniels Agenda with no accountability to the poor and those whom have homes in this area.

I have provided to you a C-span Video embedded below that takes you full circle after you finish with the links in this post.

Speak Out Never Be Afraid to Stand!

YouTube - Jon Stewart vs Jim Cramer Interview Fight on Daily Show
While there was much hype in the days leading up to the show, the actual interview was pretty good.

Jon Stewart vs Jim Cramer. Here is the link from The DailyShow for the entire episode.It is also available (at least temporarily) on YouTube Jon Stewart vs Jim Cramer Interview Fight on Daily ShowSome talking points:

* Stewart's main point seems to be that while Cramer and CNBC claim to be looking out for investors, in actuality they are are nothing more than entertainment at best and accomplices at worst.

* It is interesting to see the discussion on Short Selling and the way that Cramer (and by inference other hedge fund managers) essentially lied to drive the price down. I would have to think the SEC might be interested in this.

* Stewart maintains that the financial media plays a role in governance. They dropped the ball.* Cramer was good in admitting that success (year after year of 30% returns) changes our view and we forget that things go wrong.

* Line of the day from Stewart: "We are both snake oil salesmen, but I let people know I sell snake oil.:* Line of the day from Cramer: "No one should be spared in this environment."The whole interview (unedited) is also available.

Check Out the Finance Professor's Blog! www.financeproffessor.com

Governmental Reform Gone Fascist

2009-03-01T00:19:00.000-08:00

We must not take this Post-Tribune article lightly my friends.

By John Byrne on February 25, 2009 10:39 AM Permalink Comments (4)

State Rep. Dan Stevenson, D-Highland, will sponsor a contentious bill on the future of Indiana's townships.

Stevenson hopes to toughen the measure, but knows he faces a hard road when the Senate measure arrives in the Democratic-controlled House next week.

Senate Bill 512 was a key piece of Gov. Mitch Daniels' government efficiency agenda this session, but it took a beating during the first half of the four-month legislative calendar.

Originally designed to eliminate townships entirely, the bill was watered down to get the votes necessary to pass the Senate. It now only eliminates township advisory boards, placing township budget approval in the hands of county councils.

"I would like to put some of the bill's original language back," said Stevenson, who has endorsed the elimination of townships in past sessions. "But at this point I'm not even optimistic it will get a hearing."

Understand this and understand it well, when the State of Indiana in sitting on more than $2m of your tax dollars that is supposed to go to the Townships throughout this state;

For the Governor to eliminate all township and/or its advisory boards is to clearly say to the Poor, while held hostage under this States so-called Good Government Initiative, “I do not care about the design of your presidents 2010 budget request designed to strengthen America from the bottom up, nor do I care about your poorest communities being lifted out of poverty, having an chance to survive this National crisis. I am going to restructure your government by eliminating boards that either pose a threat to or have the ability to challenge my cooperate friends, for whom I have promised to deliver over to the entire Northwest Indiana region under my dictatorship . ”

While many of us fought hard to keep our Township Assessors, in Gary and Portage Indiana, during the November Elections, and at a time when our local politicians did very little or nothing to alert us of what was on the ballots, we organized quickly and saved our townships.

But Daniels is determined to do everything he can to create the condition to force all the poor out of this region, shove down our throats “so-called Inter-Municipal Cooperation (Uni-Gov Gone Fascist)” by outsourcing all of our public services from the County levels of government where he has full control there and with the Regional Development Authority.

The Intent Daniels's most recent Legislation for governmental reform is contradictory to what our president’s ideals are, undermines his budget requests, and the True intent of our Stimulus package that was designed to help the poor while reinvigorating our National Economy.

WE MUST ACT.

WE must demand that our legislators, elected officials and board officials in all of our cities make it possible for the people to have the opportunity to choose whether or not we want to privatize our cities and town’s public services, and demand that our local officials take a stand.

Your Governor wants to control every aspect of your local government’s functions, instead of aiding those departments to bring the very best opportunities to your towns as our Presidents have asked him and other Governors across this nation to do.

Remind your mayors, city council members, and legislators, that if our President will not cut deals with Corporate lobbyist then they should gladly make the same statement clear to Corporate lobbyists on the local levels of governments. No More Business As Usual!

If these principals are good enough for our President to stand on, then these principals should also be good enough for them to adhere to as well.

Anything other than is a clear and willful disenfranchisement of the poor under our current circumstances.

Truth to Power!!!!!

UPDATE and Accountability Project Phaze (2)

2009-02-13T15:29:00.000-08:00

From the Desk of Darryl Harris- Appointed Northwest Indiana Lead

Region 1

Obama 2.0 project- "Organizing For America"

Grassroots Accountability Campaign has been officially Lunched

Calling All Obama Supporter in the Indiana Region 1 to Action!

House Bill 1211 and House Bill 1405:
RIGHT TO RECALL ELECTED OFFICIALS: SPONSORED BY BROWN AND STEVENS

Has Died In The Indiana House Rules Committee!!

These two Bills had been buried in the rules committee for more than 5 months. The two sponsors of these Bills made no real efforts to inform us of the status of these bills until too much time had passed.

I personally feel that this was no more than the usual political posturing that we are too familiar with in Northwest Indiana.

I think someone wanted these measures to fail from the conception of the proposal process. Hmmm

What do you think?

I offer up my apologies to all who made calls and supported our Accountability Campaign last week.

But I encourage you to say the course with bringing Change to NWI.

Our Executive Board is Considering asking these Two Legislators to Revises and Re-Submit the measures in another bill, making the necessary changes that would "PASS RECALL MEASURES" in the State Of Indiana.

Should Recall Measure only Target Northwest Indiana?

WE Know that WE Need them But should we just let it go ?

What do you think?

Post Your thoughts and Ideas and We Will respond to your Comments.

Look to the Right and Participate in our polls.

Your Voice is So powerful that they will do anything to silence it.

Rest assured that Our President understands what we dealing with here in Indiana.

Join the NWI Obama Grassroots Organizing Collaborative

http://www.my.barakobama.com/

1. Take two minutes to Create Your Personal Account if you don't already have one.

2. You will be able to find our Organization by

Clicking on "Find a Group in Your Area" Located in your personalized dashboard.

3. Do a Group Search by zip code "46407

Our organization will be the first one on the list.

4. Click on "Join This Group".

Join Us as WE Unite our Voices on Common Values and send our voice to Washington DC.

"Again"

The Bills have died in the House Rules committee because the sponsors of the bill included language that (I believe) they both knew would not pass in the house, and the sponsors did a very poor job of informing the public of its status as they must to have known it was not going to pass.

This Grassroots organization, along with other Organizations and supporters built the online petition most of signed, and some of us are so disgusted with Charlie Brown that we no longer want to be associated advocating anything he has his hands on.

( the online petition will be revised or Deleted depending the public’s response to this most recent update) so weigh in Here and leave comments and will will act accordingly.

However there are others Like our executive board whom are Considering Demanding that these legislators “Revise and Resubmit ASAP making whatever necessary changes to get Recall measures passed for Indiana citizens and/or just Northwest Indiana if need be.

I know that this sound like we are targeting one area and many will say,

"it is discriminatory and we should not ask for that."

I say to them that I understand how they feel, but the most recent Indiana legislative initiatives passed by the State

TARGETS OUR NWI REGION

Because we are the only ones whom have a Regional authority that was written Into state legislation to handle our Dollars for New Developments and Reinvestment's.

HB 1008 (Privatizing: Public Private Partnerships) and HB 1001 (Tax Caps)

and

Good Old Boy Mitch Daniel's “The Good Government Initiative”

ALL Three TARGETING Northwest Indiana!!!!!!!

This means private entities are planning to Control your Stimulus Money!!!!

AND

Your Lake Front Development !!!!

Until we do what is need to change the face of our local government

AND

Until our Congress Makes all necessary Changes,

We will continue to have a deregulated commodities market, where there is market manipulation going on, and our Federal tax laws have too many federal tax loopholes in it giving undeserving advantages to Private Companies, who all too often sends Opportunities, and our Tax Dollars across seas.

AND

Until We Stand Together

Will have local Officials and Private Business Investing our tax revenues away from our local communities.

Which means we must roll up our sleeves and get to work!

!!!!!This is our last chance!!!!!

Private entities have not behaved like good corporate citizens for a very long time.

Out sourcing your public Assets is not the key.

Should your local government continue to outsource your Public services and facilities?

Should your regional authorities, legislative Powers “Outsource all Your New Lake Front Development with no accountability to you as it is written in the “Good Government Initiative?

What did Outsourcing do to our Military?

What Did Private Equity Investment provide to your communities through local Government Partnerships?

What did Hedge Fund Investments do to our Securities Exchange Market?

The Northwest Indiana Obama Grassroots Collaborative Says

!!!NO!!!

To Outsourcing under the Current Circumstances!!!!!!!!!!!

Our executive board has not made a final determination as to what we are going to do with this recall mess, but rest assured that we are going to do something when we hear from you.

We need to hear from the people first.

Why? Because the Obama this campaign has always been about you {the People}, NOT about politicians any other small segments of people and idealists.

It's about all of us. So please comments at this website, and follow the directions above so you can receive a personalized invitation to our next public forum.

YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS!!!!

You may also register with us from this website.

1. Look on the right margin of this page

2. Scroll down to the last Item

3. Enter your Email and follow the directions

4. You will get updates on our activities.

Our Organization is Independent and will remain as such. Just the way the Obama 2.0 project was designed to be:

Our Organization has policies in place to make sure it stays independent going forward.

Accountability Project (Phase 2)

The Recommendations submitted to Gary City Council: February 17, 2009 at the bi-weekly council meeting.

It concerns this city’s plan to re-zone our city for The so-called Smart Growth Development, that leaves out the poor and the middle class in its planning project.

I in short they are ignoring Federal Housing Rights according to US Code 24 and Environmental Justice rights according to:

Executive Order 12,898 and Title VI as Tools for Achieving Environmental Justice, pursuant to Public Law 103-419

They are telling the Poor and native of the City of Gary and the region clearly to

!!!GET OUT!!!

The Local and County Government wants to isolate us from communication, and insulate us from the rest of America, as others just like us, are achieving real changes in their communities as we speak!

All being done from the bottom up! That means you!!!!!!

Obama has created a way for us to connect to him and the world! You must get involved to change the face of your local Government and they way it disrespect your rights.

Do not allow them to silence you any longer. http://www.my.barakobama.com/

Get register with us.

Follow the directions above.

I have 4 speaking engagements this week, but I will fit in to my schedule any new invitations for the month of March and so on.

Porter County or Lake County

I will make myself available.

Contacting Me For Speaking Engagements Only: truthtopower.harris@gmail.com
Darryl Harris,

CONGRADULATIONS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

2009-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

To all NWI Obama Grassroots Collaborative Members and Newcomers,

Reports are saying that because of our activism around the country that, each day more senators are began to change their minds. When speaking to our president, and seeing the power of the people in action the senate approved our stimulus bill!

Thanks to You!

This Campaign has always been about you! Now they see "Who Has the Power":
That my friends are you!

Congratulations and Don't Stop doing what you're doing no matter what!!!!!

End the Sleeping Senators Syndrome in Indiana: Don't Stop Organizing and Calling Senators who needs a wake up call on every issue!

VERY IMPORTANT: You must not forget to follow up with your attendees noting that they must be registered with http://my.barackobama.com/ and regularly invite others in your community or city to join this "Organizing for America Project online to receive campaign instruction directly from the Honorable President Barack Obama. Direct them to our Local Grassroots Website to register with our email distribution List: They will receive real-time updates on progress made, and notifications of meeting Town Hall Meetings, and Action Meetings that will be coming to their City.

If you are viewing this message online you have reached the Obama 2.0 project: Organizing For America Northwest Indiana Grassroots Organizing Collaborative's Community Page.

Continue to make calls to your elected officials, organize and network, but don't forget to follow through with your report to Washington.

Open Meeting to be scheduled soon!

Get connected and stay connected to NIOGOC
Many of us are doing our part as individuals, responding to our Presidents Call, and there are many more that are gathering in Homes across this nation to answer our Presidents Call to exercise YOUR power. We have our work cut out for us in Indiana, Evan Beyh seems to be still Sleeping.

Lets get Ready to Rumble!

Thank you for all that you do!
Sincerely,

Darryl Harris - NWI Lead Obama 2.0 Project "Organizing For America" Chairman/POC of The Northwest Indiana Obama Grassroots Organizing Collaborative

In Gary's Historical Midtown2034
Office: 219-886-2103

Inauguration Day/MLK Day of Community Service

2009-01-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

NWI/Gary Speaks! (Week of Events - January 16 -24 of 2009

We are a Grassroots Collaborative made up of Community Organizations, volunteers, professionals, educators, environmentalists, small business men and women, community Activists, and just every day ordinary, members of our Northwest Indiana society: Promoting The Collaborative Shoe Drive For The Poor at every event and activity planned. We are providing activities throughout the MLK weekend to the end of Inauguration week.

1/16/09- The Voice of the City Youth Open Mic will be atImages of Hope on 2131 Jackson St. in Gary on Friday @ 6:pm - 10pm : Lori Peterson, Kim McGee and a man of spoken word MC Jonathan Wilson and Promoting Shoe Drive for the poor. 1/17/09 Culture Cafe' Viewing of "At The River I Stand" fallowed by Q&A: 2pm-4pm @ 2452 Massachusetts St. Gary IN, 46407: MC TB and Promoting Shoe Drive for the poor.

1/18/09 Group Members will be addressing their Prospective Congregations, informing them of CDOP Community Actions and events planned for the week ahead, and Promoting Shoe Drive for the poor.
1/19/09 Community Awareness: Distributing Flyers detailing community issues and Promoting Shoe Drive for the poor.

1/19/09 Shoe Drive for the Poor: Shoe Drive Drop Off Locations- 2008 Massachusetts St. @ Baber Community Center First AME Church Janette Sanders, Darryl Harris, Cassandra Cannon and at the Salvation Army 1351 W 11th Avenue: Ask for The Honorable Mr. Bill Hill

Inauguration Day: Inauguration Parties to attend: Regan Hatcher's Party or Sean McGoughs Party with SEIU and Promoting Shoe Drive for the poor. Call Lori Peterson at 219-484-5108 or Johathan Alger 219 617- 1699 for details. Promoting Shoe Drive for the Poor:

Take shoes to Salvation Army 1351 W 11th Avenue: Ask for the Honorable Mr. Bill Hill

1/21-23/09 CDOP: Knocking on Doors in the community Passing out Information to the Public about Local Issues, The Central District Organization is taking Direct Action toward. While Promoting Shoe Drive for the Poor:

Take shoes to Salvation Army 1351 W 11th Avenue: Ask for The Honorable Mr. Bill Hill

1/24/09 2009 People Agenda, Du Bois Library 18th Broadway, Southeast Corner. Hosted by The Central District Organizing Project and The NWI/Gary Grassroots Collaborative. Chairman of the Public Forum: Jonathan Alger.

Darryl Harris, Chairman/POC
NWI/Gary Grassroots Organizing Collaborative www.socialjustice1118.blogspot.com
Call 219-8862103 or 219-314-3949
Or
Call Lori Peterson at 219-484-5108 or Johathan Alger 219 617- 1699 for details.

Community Fourm

2008-12-28T08:47:00.001-08:00

Speak Out !

Is Indiana Becoming a Fascist State

2008-12-19T23:41:00.000-08:00

The Honorable Barack Obama has repeatedly stated that, "when discussing Governmental Structure and Government "Efficiency, The arguments should not be about Big Government or Small Government, but should be implicitly about Smart Government!"

Mitch Daniels Seeks to reduce the size of government to a size that fits in his pocket with his approval of the "Good Government Initiative" even after we have voted against the removal of our Townships in the cites of Gary and Portage. He still wants to pursue grabbing the power of a dictatorship in the cities that survived the November 4th Referendum that would have change our cities into a subdivision according to Indiana Engrossed House Bill 1362 enacted in 2007. Uni-Gov or Inter-Municipal Co-op is the code word for public privater partnerships.

Now the Good Government Initiative also Known as the Shephard Kernan report seeks to appoint people to the remaining offices left after the reduction of Tax Levy's takes place, Thereby removing our democracy. Removing Government Accountability, while seizing power over the entire region appears to be the True Intent of the most recent regional legislation. The authorities as described in House bill 1008 and 1001 are going to use your tax dollars against your Democratic Values, public accountability and our democratic ideals.

Do you want to see what modern day fascism looks like?. Former Democratic Gov. Joe Kernan and Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard, the Governor Daniels.

Read Article:http://www.nwi.com/articles/2008/12/20/news/top_news/doc05ff10712dbd58de8625752500103a1d.txt

Topics of Interest at the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Counsel:

Lake County Good Government Initiative - Phase 1
http://www.iun.edu/~lga/ggi_phase1/

Lake County Good Government Initiative - Phase 2
Emergency Management
Financial Management
Human Resources
Information Technology
Libraries
Parks
Public Safety
Public Transit
Solid Waste Management
Summary

Indicators Report 2007

Have Your Representatives Notified You !? Are They in support of this power grab?
There is nothing smart about this extreme governmental reform strategy. It reaches so far to the right that Indiana will have to chang its Constitution just to accomindate it.

Truth To Power

Shared Vision of Hope

2008-12-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

Thoughts and Aspirations

I believe that Social Justice and Social Equality are all just around the corner so long as we educate each other, respect and honor the uniqueness of our differences and use those powerful attributes as means moving our nation and communities going forward, as a unified voice, towards a Change We Can Believe In. All these things must be anchored in our common values and mutual understandings.

Yet this won’t be easy.

There are forces out there that would rather you, (average everyday hard working American Citizens) not have a basis on upon which to stand firmly, on behalf of your best interest. History has shown us and it has been proven that by manipulating the markets and by controlling economical and social political dynamics, the powerful will assess our value as member of the human family, the value of our communities , the value of our work as a professionals, laborers, and students, in manner in which fits their agenda, leaving the lower and middle class young and elderly to fend for them selves.

It is my belief that the first order of business for all of us is us to seek out and ascertain all relative truths that guide us in our opinions and decision making, thereby establishing impenetrable, unshakable foundations guaranteeing us an the opportunity to solidify a legitimate stance against those whom would have contempt for our well being. To collectively operate in-and-on these principals generates a Power that unifies a Synergistic movement toward lasting empowerment and a better quality of life for our children for many generations to come.

The Movement toward a Change We Can Believe in must be rooted in the understanding that, any Society that does’t have a means by which it can dispel the lies and miss-information, designed to keep one in the dark; one in fact will have no Liberty, nor will one have any privileges to enjoy justice.

Social Justice and Social Equality then remain as a distant dream for ever unattainable.

We must stay active in our communities and elect Good People to our leaderships for the next eight years in order for us to witness any semblance of significant change nationally or to bring into fruition and equitable improvements to our current conditions locally. But that can only happen with your involvment.

For quality of life's sake Yes We Can, Yes Have and Yes We Will.

Welcome

Truth to Power NWI Grassroots Movement

Get Involved Get Grounded in Truth Never be Afraid to Stand

Video and Audio Provided by Freedom's Choice LLC Alternative and Renewable Energy Solutions

All comments are welcomed: Please remain respectful

CHANGE IS COMING

2008-12-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

Change Is Coming

NWI/Gary Speaks! One Voice Planning For Tomorrow Today.

Again, President Elect Barrack Obama has called upon local volunteers and Organizing Groups to provide a venue for the Peoples Voices to be heard, yet this time your voice goes to the White House.

Barrack has called upon those whom have been identified as outstanding Grassroots Organizers/Volunteers to continue the movement toward Change through out the Obama Presidency. Helping to move our nation forward with grassroots policy recommendations, influencing equitable policy making at the top levels of government is an unprecedented opportunity that an reasonable person would not let slip by.

NWI Regional Grassroots people, organizations and groups are forming a collaborative, and will holding a joint forum soon where there will be an oppertunity for public input. The final results will be presented to the public and to Washington. for this first time in NWI history the Voices of the Grassroots People goes to Captial Hill in a consensus on national policy.

Truth 2 Power Grassroots Organizing groups offers to host this event as this kind of fourum is not new to T2T. If the Collaborative ecepts T2T's Offer, It will share with the collaborative lessons learned and experience. It then will be the Second Time Truth to Power has hosted an event of this kind. CLICK HERE

The First Platform Consensus was held August 16, 2008: "The Y Generation Bridging the Gap.” Many great things came from that Platform Meeting as a small group people from different economic classes, ethnic groups, and ages groups collaborated on and developed what turned out to be a Regional Consensus. It didn't start out that way but as my pastor would say, " we are just instruments in God's Plans, just do the right thing and allow God to do his thing." Amazingly enough we where able to agree on what issues where important to all of us, and built a unique consensus that was sent directly Obama’s Main Headquarters. The consensus was and is entitled " NWI Regional Consensus: Turning Indiana in to a Blue State."

My self as the administrator had arranged for a professinal video recording of the event to be produced, but the Camera Man didn't show and there was no back up plan. Well I had no choice but to break out my little camquarter and try to the best I could. (Snippets of the forum will be comming soon.)

The event ended with us watching a video of great speach given by Van Jones the founder of Californias, Community Organzation "Color of Change". He Was the guest speaker at the Unitarian Ware Conferance. The video was sugested by Mrs. O'Brian Dunland Group Sierra Club ranking member and my friend. Van spoke about, the economy, enviromental oppertunties, and emplyment, as there were smiles and laughter, he engaged our hearts and minds to move spiritually on very serious National issues and subjects.

More information here >>http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/2008/commonthreads/115749.shtml

We had a great time. I went home looked at the poor video work I had done, and reviewed the notes taken by the T2T attendees, whom are now members, and devised a Consensus on the Issues with the written data and video taped discussions. I emailed the finalized version to everyone who provided emails on sign in list, and I called everyone via landlines to get approval of what had developed from our grassroots discussion. Those whom I spoke with on the phone all gave me a green light to move forward, and those whom responded via email had no complaints either. After waiting a few day giving those whom I had not reached time to respond, I immediatly ship our consensus off First Class Agust 20, 2008.

Obama’s Correspondence team Responded to our consensus and noted that they would consider our policy idea’s August 26th, and by November 1st a personalized letter from Obama with a message for our youth was emailed to me from the headquarters. I was so excited about this words cannot express. Both letters will be read to our young people at the Next Truth to Power Youth Organizing Rally The “Y” Generation Bridgeing the Gaps II."

Prior to reciving my letter from the Correspondance Officer, August 26th, little did I know that on August 25th Obama authorized his media correspondence to publish in the Wall Street Journal his renewed “Urban Economic Plan. This Newly Revised Urban Initiative addresses and speaks directly to the Line Items and to the spirit of our Consensus as it addressed regional concerns. Yes, our Census addressed Urban and Regional Concerns and shockingly in the exact same spirit of Obama's re-newed Urban Economic Policy. I was astonished then and to this day I am constantly being amazed by Obama's show of Integrity and willingness to listen to the Grassroots. Our consensus speaks to social Justice, common values like never before heard of in this NWI Region. We are so greatfull to have had this experience and we look forward to inviting more people from the grassroots to experience the same in the comming months and years.

How likely is it that something like this could happen in NWI. Northwest Indiana is known as the most racially polarized area in the Midwest and an accomplishment such as this should not go unrecognized and shared with the public.

However there is much more work to be done and it needs to be done quickly for regionalism has been shoved upon us in the worst way. All members in our regional community must find commond ground soon. Ther must be a mutual acknowledgement and understanding of the "truest and most universal definition of Social Justice" in the regional consciousness before our humanistic flaws destroys our newest oppertunities .

Before Regionalism can work in the interest of all whom live in this region we must COA: Communicate Organize and Act. We must hit the ground running like yesterday.

The meanings of Social Justice and Social Equality vary among diverse ethnic groups, and economic cultures, while intense pressures push for "Inter Municipal Cooperation" it appears to be producing disturbing social conditions, where politicians are hiding things public and acting against publics better interests and Community and Social Organizations are infighting or fighting against each other looking to find a way to extort, shmuz, or bogaurd there place at the regional table.

It is my opinion that the way regionalism has been brought to us has caused many of our citizens to panic and become distorted in their responses. In this kind of perplexing situation of being blind sided with such life changing governmental reorganzing move, it blinds some of us with selfish intent, and has encouraged the worst aspects of our human nature: Greed and Desperation. Now its Survival of the fittest, (the wealthy, or the loudest over barring voice) Division on some issues can be expected in these times of national crises where new ideas and inovative thinking are being demanded of us, but we can't afford loose our composure and rational thought. We cannot afford to loose the hope we all now know is alive and well. We people unite there is nothing that can happen without our approval, and there is nothing we cannot accomplish during trying times that call for action.

Understanding the truth is our starting point. We live in a world where the wealthy seek to stay wealthy by manipulating the markets, influencing legislation and policy, using your politicians for the reorganizing of your government, lives, and local resources to serve their greedy interests.

We Must COA: Communicate Organize and Act

Like never before in history Northwest Indiana, we must understand there is a dire need for Unity and common purpose for there is a power to be obtained and exerted upon the enemy from such understanding. We must not drop the ball now! The enemy has manufactured these conditions attrition and scarcity for a purpose, and look forward to maintaining a these conditions, trapping the peoples resources, standing on the borken sprits of most valunerable in our society .

These conditions if go untreated, will inhibit what productive relationships we may have had or had been able to nurture within various areas of the region. Providing a perfect place for the Political Industrial Complex sit back and watch us self destruct. The PIC will pick us apart using our own resources to do it. The PIC will use every social engineering tactics in there arsenal to infect us with confusion, desperation, hopelessness, and hatred, to be used to their advantages and against all of our interests. We must COA against the PIC.

As NWI is being targeted by Cooperate Interest, and special Interest Groups, we would be correct in predicting that their plan for us will result in the Social and Economic disenfranchisement of the most vulnerable in our society. Disenfranchised from what would be, under normal circumstances "inherent opportunities to build communities that serve the in interests of all of its citizens." Well unfortunately these are not normal circumstances.

The Gentrification of our communities and neighborhoods (imposes an increased risks of crime and poverty spreading to other communities throughout the region.) Crime is not reduced by regional development but is shifted to mixed housing develpment desinged to curb urban spraw. Read more about the results of >>> gentrification. Crime just becomes less concentrated to one area at the beginning process of regional housing development. Then soon due lack of equitable transportation and Employment Opportunities impoverished conditions creates an increase in crime and soon the area and its residence will be devalued all over again.

The Northwest Indiana Planning Commission, just recently held a regional forum, where the poor where disfranchised having no transportation to that public forum on regional planning. There are stories about this kind of planning process that can be found in New Paper articles in the wake of Katrina aftermath. Where the Ninth Ward and East End New Orleans had been left out of the redevelopment planning and cause a riot to break out at City Hall.

There is much for us to learn from their experience with regional planning. Especially since the same company that was contracted to do our regional public forum was the same company that conducted New Orleans public forum. America Speaks.

The Middle class Losing their Homes and the lost Revenues, and squandered city resources for the cities creates flight and those left behind are at risk to be homeless.

The Indiana Regional Development Authority whom hired America Speaks, has been given questionable authorities in the most recent State legislation. Legislation where there should be strong regulations to ensure government accountability for regional authorities. International businesses looking to partner with Government entities using RDA funding should have an obligations to reinvest a percentage of profits earned off tax dollars, and should be required to revitalize neighborhoods and old infrastructures before doing any major new developments. Moreover there should not be any appointed officials, but should be elected officials in the political restructuring holding regional authorities holding them accountable to the people.

We must not sleep on this, as these changes can provide to the region opportunities for business's, sustainable environmental projects, employment and Real Estate Investors, but we must be unified and move smart, demanding to be heard.

The 2008 Presidential Election is one major example that unity works, and We have another Local example right here at home.

In 2007 I made attempts to alert our citizens about House Bill 1362 (=regionalism) during our local government election cycle in 2007, where I ran for an office. City Councilman for the 4th District. I warned the public that in 2008 regionalism would be on the ballots as a referendum. Some listened and became concerned, while other didn't give it a second thought.

Therefore I reminded them again in 2008 and many of them whom had relationships with our representatives and/or are in politics, claimed to not know about it. Many where greatly upset.

Agust 2008, at first Truth to Power Platform meeting I drew attention to that referendum on the November ballots that would regionalize all cities with only a 5% Vote in the affirmative according to Law. Yes that's what I said (5%!!) can you believe the total disrespect with using such a small number?

At the time I didn't know how it was going to be presented to us on the ballots, and I had planed to go find out, yet because my employers hostility towards me, I was too busy fighting to save my job. Three months after the 2007 election I discovered I had cancer and that another enemy was added to my list.

Yet time passed and 2008 approached so quickly. My body was weak but my heart remained resolute. I planned one evening to help with the Obama campaign, you know do a little phone banking, and walk neighborhoods canvasing kinda thing when I felt up to it. However with the help of my family I was able to set up a grassroots volunteer meeting. At that meeting is where we began the fight by reading and discussing State Legislation, Engross House Bill 1362. By then it was revealed that the referendum was designed in such a way that would be deceiving to the public and located on the ballot at the very end where most people would just overlook it.

The referendum was written to remove our Township Assessor on pretext reducing tax levies. Yet the devil again being in the details, the referendum was effected by House Bill 1362. According to HB 1362 our city would no longer exist and it would be referred to as a "Regional Subdivision" if we didn't meet the rejection threshold required for no votes against the referendum that was designed to remove from our city authority, reduce the size of township Assessors Office. After that restructuring our city would legally according state law, become a subdivision.

We communicated this to every one we came in contact with. The local news paper did nothing to help us get out message, no returned calls or anything. Local politicians where very aware of what was happening but were doing nothing to alert and remind the public of what was on that ballot.

I called East Chicago paper, and two other local papers and then I call the local radio station and alerted the public while on-air during broadcasting times every day that I called. While the majority of talk show personalities promoted regionalism, or remained neutral, other Talk Show Hosts dedicated to championing the people cause, went on special assignment and brought back to the public the exact wording of that referendum and other vital associated information, and held public discussions on that issue all the way till election day November 4, 2008. We owe Much thanks to Phalippa Tolliver, The Hurricane and Ron Mohammad for helping get the word out.

We carried the message to the public and fought to keep our townships and we did it! Unity of Purpose Generates Power to Change our Destiny and this is that local example we can reference going forward.

Gary and Portage Saved its Townships and voted NO!, meeting the rejection threshold required to beat the referendum on November 4, 2008.

We were committed to a joint effort to inform others. In a very short time span we succeeded in spite of certain opportunistic, deceitful and greedy elected officials, whom were in favor of removing our township and whom where keeping the referendum a secret from the public in those last months.

Something was afoot then and something is suspect now:

It is totally unheard of for any city to be cutting revenue generating services in a time of crises!? The peoples eyes are open and we know what is happening. With Regionalization come Private Equity Buyouts, and Hedge Fund Management Investment opportunities that are grossly unregulated.

These are the ideals of Right winged republicans, and it would seem that during the Bush Administration our local so-called Democrats got co-oped. The mayor renewed a 10 year contract with the most incompetent Private Equity Management firm on US soil, which is at my place of employement and when on to privatize our garbage pickup. Again where Tax payers lost there jobs, and the private equity firm brings with it tax loop holes (Tax credits on borrowed tax dollars), and no commitment to reinvest in our community, taking our tax dollars out of our community while charging our citizens a fee that we should not have to pay. After discussing this with my Organizer Colleagues and Activist friends examining the information allowed to us, we where looking at the numbers, and clearly determined that would costs the city less to do the garbage pickup our selves. There was no legitimate reason for this except for personal gain.

It only makes sense if the Mayor wants to create the conditions where we would easily accept being regionalized by wasting more of tax dollars and adding more of an undue burden upon the public creating a situation where it would appear impossible to get out of. Hmm Governor Mitch Daniels also wants regionalization and privatization of public services. Hmm our mayor knows that very well when he whent into the contract with the private equity management group.

"Allied Waste is one of Gov. Daniels investments" along with "The Notorious Failed>>> Major Moves buying shares from Freddie Mack and Fannie Mae" the RDA invested in. Our city puts millions of dollars in the RDA and has gotten no services from it, and owes our air port millions of dollars. The RDA has met any of its proposed targets why is the city still giving it money? What is Going on? The Political Industrial Complex is what is going on and they plan to broaden their reach throughout the region.

As we so desperately need to bring legitimate business in our city, the mayor goes into a contract Governor Daniel's Allied Waste Inc, without compliance being done. Moreover this company is not a cooperate citizen in our City not obligated to hire City residence or re-invest in our community like in other cities they contract with. Yet Other businessmen and women have come to our city just to find themselves rejected, and turned away, after proposing things like: to open up factories and mills other services providing a large number of employment opportunities.

Did the Mayor decide that we didn't need them. Or is it a 'Pay to Play" environment at city hall and those business owners exhibited a little too much integrity to risk doing business in Gary or did the mayor find it risky to do business with honest investors.

Does someone want our city to go under receivership of the state? Gov. Daniels and his conglomerate friends would probably like that. Is the mayor doing him favor?

We have too many underutilized resources and there should never be a problem attracting Good Business to this area under a real-time assessments of value and purpose.

Analyzing these questions may lead to a little more insight and understanding as to this Administrations most recent actions, the positioning taking place at the county level, and the States Legislative Activities as Truth Reveals its Self.

Looking at the most recent legislation, with no public accountability measures written in to them, and no provision to enforce the Laws that are written therein HB 1362,The Unconstitutional allocation of state and local Tax funds to privatize Highways HB1008 and The Major Moves Initiative HB 1001, the re-organization of County Government HB 1451, and the legislation shifting the tax burden upon the Tax Payers from Corperations: HB 1858, and the Transfer of Educational funding to private foundations and organizations HB 1902.

All in concert with the way our city has been managed and is being managed, one would think the mayor, county officials legislators, and the Governor have all been talking in private, and going into agreements with the Conglomerates whom have been hanging out in NWI.

We Must COA.

Do you think they have figured out how to control the intrinsic value of our lake shores.? For what reason are they continually devaluing our property, our homes and our abilities, and having little regard for our lives? Social Engineering?

Do you thing they know something you and I don't know, or is our value of our resources such a big secrete.

Gary has the most promising Industrial and Public Service sector in NWI and together with East Chicago there should be a wealth of opportunity in the coming years but for who? You and Me ? You must be kidding? Who has the money to ride out the regional changes they plan for us. Last time I checked 40% of us have a income average of 19,000 year.

Gentrification of the region and emplyment oppertunity will determine just who will afford to stay after Development takes place. Yes it will be beautiful place to visit once the work is completed. Houses will increase in value, but so will the taxes increase for that same piece of real estate. Real estate investment would be the smart thing to do right now if you can afford it.

What did you say? The Honorable Mayor of the City of Gary Mr. Rudy Clay is buying up lots of property?

Well now ...maybe he's smarter than what some give him credit for, he just decided its best that the public did'nt get wind of it too soon, what's the harm in that?

Do you think your Legislators, councilmen, county officials, mayors, RDA, Quality of Life Council North West Indiana Forum, and NIRPC are supporting your interest or the regional planning process? Do you think those whom I have mentioned above did a study on the homeless Rates in Connection with Metropolitan Cities (regional government).

Isn't it true those rates are highest among all forms of Local Governments structures. Who is going to be held accountable to the people?

Oh yea... that's right maybe the solution to poverty will be Mix housing where he poor will be re-colonized to various areas of the region with boundaries to limit Urban Sprawl, and where one may even find it impossible find work within there own sector. Yes.... but under those circumstances crime will spread to other areas and may not just be concentrated in one area. Is that good news for your community or does that kind of concern you?

The Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission held a Community forum, and Hired the same idiots who conducted a public input forum in New Orleans, ultimately leaving out development strategies for the Ninth Ward and East New Orleans Sectors. Thank God for Volunteerism, and people whom geanuanly have a heart, or the Ninth ward would not be getting any help at all.

America Speaks is here in NWI and they have already show no concern for the poor in the first step taken toward building a consensus on regional cooperation.

America speaks has sincerely drooped the ball by not providing transportation for the poor to the forum. This just may be a clear example of their concern for Social justice going forward.

Do any of you ever remember there being any advertisement for transportation to the America Speaks- NIRPC Forum December 6th? Where was it advertised? Dont loose any sleep looking for it because it does not exist.

What do you think?

JOIN US! One God ....One Nation....One People....One Voice!!!!

Get Involved Stay Informed !

Sincerely,

Truth To Power
Darryl Harris – Administrator

Event Details are coming soon:

Video and Audio Provided by Freedom's Choice LLC Alternative and Renewable Energy Solutions

Welcoming The Intrinsic Value of Truth

2008-12-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our Documentary Blog Spot Northwest Indiana. There are never enough stories told about the triumphs of ordinary people or documentaries made about their hard won experiences.

There is much to be said about how fundamentally Powerful truth is in times of pervasive Obscurity, and darkness. We shall plan to work very hard to empower our readers with illuminating true stories about our campaign struggles and victories, and now we lovingly invite you to join in with our dedication to moving this nation forward and being inspired by Hope.

The Northwest Indiana/Gary Obama Collaborative blog spot is designed to engage the public in a venue, to document our work for Change. Most importantly to inspire others to reach for social equality, and for social justice as we unify our voices in truth poising our collective efforts to defeat this broken system of Government.

It was the power generated from the essences of truth, spoken from Barrack's lips that engaged our support for his bid to become our president. During this time as he demonstrated that he was in total sync with America's concerns values and truest ideals he earned our dedication to his candidacy. He is now miraculously our president of the United States and truth must continue to be spoken and acted upon going forward to Change our destiny.

The Gary Grassroots Obama Organizing Group: NWI/Change Is Comming Collaborateive will be posting very soon there work keeping alive the movement toward a Change We Can Believe In.

Our group consists of educators, business men and women, writers, past and present government employees, Community activist, laborers, environmentalists, and community organizers, whom are all average everyday grassroots American Citizens.

The video's and visuals and Documents are all original and authentic.

I pray that I live long enough to finish this work and witness the results. God Be willing.

Welcome

Darryl Harris
Truth to Power Grassroots Movement