(This post is taken from an urgent call to action email sent by Muslim Peace Coalition USA.)

The President has neither vetoed the NDAA bill nor he has signed it yet. Which means there is still opportunity to ask him to veto it.

The NDAA bill passed by Congress contains some of the most dangerous provisions we’ve ever seen: it would allow the government to imprison anyone indefinitely without trial or charges—even US citizens just based on suspicion.

This is America. We have rights, and we demand that our government respect and protect them.

Call President Obama Today: 202-456-1111

1. Call President Obama urging him to veto indefinite detentions in NDAA 2012 bill: 202-456-1111.
2. Call ten friends, colleagues and relatives to call President Obama as well. Do it every day.
3. Forward this action alert with your friends.

What is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)?

Read an excellent editorial of New York Times.

Read another critical analysis here.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a bill passed by Congress in early December. It contains provisions that, if made law, would order the military to arrest, and indefinitely detain, even US citizens merely accused (but never proven) of involvement in terror-related crimes. Americans who care about liberty and freedom must take immediate action.

Whether concerned about communities vulnerable to racial profiling in the war on terror, or the ideological profiling apparent in the FBI’s investigation of dozens of peace & justice activists around the country, or simply preserving the right to trial or the longstanding prohibition on domestic military deployment, all Americans share a stake in this struggle.

Please tweet on this topic by hashtags: #indefinite #detentions to tweet your messages about it.

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At March’s General Meeting, TSJ took a look at Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel’s plan for the future of public education in Chicago. We had a robust and interesting discussion both in small groups and as a whole. There were so many insightful views and ideas on this plan; here we will share some of those points that resonated most with the group:

Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss:

This plan is largely a continuation of education policies set in motion under Daley.

• Privatizing & corporatizing public schooling.
• Pushing merit pay and other measures that make up part of a larger, national attack on teachers & their unions.
• Withdrawing resources from neighborhood schools and building a 2-tiered education system. 

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Mural by Maya Escobar for Del Valle

It's election day in Chi-town and we wanted to share a few resources. Thanks to everyone for adding to the vibrant debate about what kind of city and education system we want and what kind of leadership and elbow grease it's going to take to get there.

Don Washington's research team is what's up- check out his "Election Day Pep Talk" and other resources.


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TSJ has decided to endorse Miguel Del Valle for Mayor.

We believe Miguel Del Valle is the candidate most likely to be responsive to the educational concerns of teachers, families, students and communities in Chicago. We know that real change in public education in Chicago will depend on all of us organizing and working together for the changes we need. But a mayor who listens to the people, not just business, is an important condition for us to have our issues heard and addressed and our solutions taken seriously. This election is a chance to make that happen.

To follow the Del Valle campaign, visit the Del Valle website and Facebook fan page.

For TSJ's education-focused breakdown of the Mayoral candidates, download our TSJ Voter Guide.

Be sure to Get Out the Vote on February 22nd!

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Sunday, Feb 13
1-3pm
UIC College of Education

--Get Involved! Learn about current & upcoming projects: TSJ Voter Guide, Raza Educators Tour, Campaign for the Elected Representative School Board, and more...

-- At 2:00pm hear Bob Peterson (Rethinking Schools editor and candidate for president of the Milwaukee Teachers Union) speak on how Milwaukee educators and activists defeated Mayoral control of Milwaukee schools!

On facebook.
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Chicago Urban Art Society
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Posted by TSJ member Belen Donahue:

Contact:
Or on the Facebook event page: http://tinyurl.com/teachersforcir Read the Full Story

The content focuses on the conflict surrounding labor unions from the perspectives of: the government, management, pro-union laborers, and anti-union laborers.

It should be noted that this was classwork for a college social studies methods class and taught to college-level peers.  The lesson would need to be adapted for younger students.  

Writers: Stephanie D., Gina C., and Sarah W.
Level: Elementary
Area: Social Studies

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