Solartopia Green Power & Wellness Hour - 8.1.24

Quick recap

The team discussed the upcoming elections, focusing on the need for secure voting methods, fairness in ballot counting, and the role of activists in ensuring a fair election. They also introduced notable figures, including Christian and Dennis Bernstein, who shared their views on women's rights, voter education, and the importance of poetry in times of uncertainty. Lastly, they engaged in discussions about potential running mates for Kamala Harris, the interconnectedness of all work, and the historic nature of Harris becoming the first woman of color to hold the presidency.

Next steps

Karen Greenberg and Julian Zelitzer to continue promoting their book "Our Nation at Risk: Election Integrity as a National Security Issue

Christian Nunez and NOW to continue get-out-the-vote efforts and voter education initiatives

Dennis Bernstein to follow up on discussing Diablo Canyon on his radio show

Harvey Wasserman to connect Karen Greenberg and Julian Zelitzer with Dennis Bernstein for a potential radio interview

Harvey Wasserman to reach out to Barbara Koppel about obtaining video footage from Woodstock '94

Myla Reson to monitor astrological aspects related to upcoming political events

Harvey Wasserman to write a letter to the current Mayor of Chicago regarding protest permits for the upcoming Democratic Convention

Mike Hirsch to prepare audio recording of his composition for next week's call

Harvey Wasserman to invite Mimi Gurman back next week to read her poetry

Call participants to continue discussing and analyzing potential VP picks for Kamala Harris

Call participants to monitor and support Cori Bush's primary campaign in the coming days

Harvey Wasserman and Myla Reson to host their radio show on Wednesday at 3:05 PM Pacific time on KPFK.org

Summary

Automatic Meeting Summary and LSD Discussion

Gree-Gree introduced an automatic meeting summary feature, which could simplify the work of the station board secretaries. myla and Mike discussed the potential benefits and issues, including name recognition accuracy. Meanwhile, karen presented while Win led a discussion on LSD legalization and the Fermi nuclear plant incident. The group also discussed a book by karen and julian about a potential "armed coup," with Win praising their credentials. Lastly, Linda Foley, a Maryland representative, joined as a guest, and plans were made to feature poetry readings by Dennis Bernstein in the following hour.

Election Security and Voting Rights Discussion

Win initiated a discussion about the security of the upcoming elections and the nation, with karen and julian sharing their concerns. karen emphasized the importance of viewing elections as a national security issue, given the various vulnerabilities and threats. julian discussed the relevance of the issues surrounding voting rights and election administration in the current political climate, highlighting the potential for increased political support to tackle these problems. The discussion also touched on the origins of these issues in the 21st century, with Win citing examples of voter roll purges and alleged electoral fraud in several states. The conversation concluded with the importance of election security and the potential threats to the upcoming presidential election being emphasized, with julian suggesting the reintroduction of measures to restore the Voting Rights Act.

Introducing Notable Figures and Endorsing Kamala Harris

Win introduced several notable figures including Delegate Foley, a journalist and former president of the newspaper guild, and Christian, a social worker and women's rights advocate. Christian, representing the National Organization for Women, emphasized the importance of fighting for women's civil, voting, and reproductive rights, and the need to combat disinformation and oppression in the upcoming presidential election. He also announced their Political Action Committee's official endorsement of Kamala Harris as the Presidential nominee, made the day after Joe Biden endorsed Harris.

Securing Elections and Protecting Democracy

The team discussed concerns about the integrity of the US election process, focusing on the need for secure voting methods, such as hand-marked paper ballots, and the importance of fairness in the selection of those who count the ballots. They also highlighted the role of activists and grassroots movements in ensuring a fair election, and the potential impact of high volunteer rates for campaigns. The discussion touched on the upcoming election in North Carolina, the need for voter education, and the potential challenges and vulnerabilities in the election process. The team also emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity in protecting democracy, and the need to prevent a regression to pre-Civil Rights era conditions if Donald Trump is re-elected.

Dennis Bernstein's Poetry and Election Discussion

Win introduced Christian, who had to leave early, and then invited Dennis Bernstein, a poet and talk show host, to share his work. Dennis read two poems: one in memory of his brother who was a skilled mechanic, and another in honor of his father, a war hero who often spoke of a bee that saved his life. The meeting also included an open forum discussion about the upcoming election, but no official endorsements were made.

Poetry Sharing and Resilience Discussion

Dennis shared a poem about resilience and hope, emphasizing the importance of living fully despite difficult circumstances. Tatanka thanked Dennis for his poetry and encouraged others to continue sending letters to Biden and Harris. Win then shared a poem about his experience at Woodstock, reflecting on the loss of his parents and the spiritual connection he felt at the event. The conversation ended with Win sharing another poem titled "Shoshi and Daddy," which he dedicated to his mother.

Sharing Personal Poetry and Emily Dickinson

Win shared a personal and touching experience with his daughter on Mother's Day, which was followed by Tatanka's drum song "2 Hearts, one drum," emphasizing the power of love and the importance of being present in the moment. Dennis shared a personal anecdote about his mother's poem and encouraged others to share their own poetic works, with myla affirming that everyone in the Zoom call likely had a poem to share. The group also discussed the life and work of Emily Dickinson, highlighting her impact and influence, and mentioned an ongoing exhibition in Amherst, Massachusetts, and a yearly gathering of her fans to read her poetry.

Woodstock Memories and Regrets

Ron and Win reminisced about their experiences at Woodstock in 1994 and 1969. Win recounted being asked to give a speech criticizing Pepsi and other bottlers at Woodstock '94, though Pepsi threatened to withhold sponsorship if he did so. Ron shared an anecdote about interacting with Country Joe of Country Joe and the Fish. Win discussed the chaos of being introduced by Graham while Crosby, Stills & Nash were playing during his 1969 Woodstock speech. He also mentioned a premonition about his mother's death while dancing to Tatanka's music. Both speakers lamented their inability to obtain a video of the events to show their grandchildren.

Hope, Diablo Canyon, and Songwriting Discussion

Dennis shared a poem about hope, which led to a discussion about Diablo Canyon and a promise to provide more information. myla then shared her nostalgic experience selling the Berkeley Barb during the war and the group discussed the upcoming primary election for Cori Bush, a Democratic Squad member. The group considered endorsing candidates and supporting Bush's campaign through the Progressive Democrats of America. Towards the end, the group engaged in a light-hearted discussion about singing and songwriting, with a focus on the Scalia and Thomas themes. The possibility of future discussions with songwriter Steven Seinheim was also suggested.

Discussing Potential Running Mates for Kamala Harris

Win suggested several potential running mates for Kamala Harris, including Josh Shapiro, Roy Cooper, and Mark Kelly. Win believed that Mark Kelly would be a strong candidate due to his impressive resume and potential to deliver Arizona and Nevada. However, Steve disagreed, suggesting that Roy Cooper would be a better choice due to his experience and ability to attack the Republicans. myla also expressed her preference for Cooper and Tim Walts, highlighting their progressive values and leadership qualities. The group also discussed potential drawbacks of having two women on the ticket and expressed uncertainty about the progressive credentials of Roy Cooper.

Ancestors, VP Candidates, and Elections

Tatanka initiated a discussion about the interconnectedness of all work and the significance of acknowledging ancestors. The group then engaged in a lively conversation about potential vice presidential candidates, with suggestions ranging from Muhammad Ali to Eleanor Roosevelt. The historic nature of Kamala Harris becoming the first woman of color to hold the presidency was also discussed, with references to Gracie Allen's 1941 presidential campaign. The participants also discussed the possibility of international observers for the upcoming US election, the influence of big tech money on Kamala's campaign, and the upcoming Democratic Convention. Personal anecdotes and memories were shared, and the importance of remembering names correctly was emphasized.