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Today's
Stories
Febrauary 10, 2004
Elizabeth Schulte
The Many Faces of John Kerry
February
9, 2004
Michael
Donnelly
Will Skull and Bones Really Change CEOs?
Inside John Kerry's Closet
Chris
Floyd
Smells Like Team Spirit: the Bush B-Boys
Replay Their Greatest Hits
Bill
Christison
What's Wrong with the CIA?
Dr. Susan
Block
Janet Jackson's Mammary Moment: Boob Tube
Super Bowl
February
7/8, 2004
Kathleen
Christison
Offending Valerie: Dealing with Jewish
Self-Absorption
Jeff Ballinger
No Sweat Shopping
Dave
Lindorff
Spray and Pray in Iraq: a Marine in
Transit
Alexander
Cockburn
McNamara: the Sequel
February
6, 2004
Ron
Jacobs
Are the Kurds in the Way?
Joanne
Mariner
Anita Bryant's Legacy
Saul
Landau
Happiness and Botox
Kurt Nimmo
Horror Non-fiction: A How-To Guide from
Perle and Frum
Niranjan
Ramakrishnan
The Real Intelligence Failure: Our
Own
February
5, 2004
Benjamin
Shepard
Turning NYC into a Patriot Act Free
Zone
Khury
Petersen-Smith
A Report from Occupied Iraq: "We Don't Want Army USA"
Mokhiber
/ Weissman
The 10 Worst Corporations of 2003
Teresa
Josette
The Exeuctioner's Pslam? Christian Nation? Yeah, Right
David Krieger
Why Dr. King's Message on Vietnam is Relevant to Iraq
Christopher
Brauchli
Monkey Business: Of Recess and Evolution in Georgia Schools
Norman
Solomon
The Deadly Lies of Reliable Sources
Cockburn
/ St. Clair
Presenting President Edwards!
February
4, 2004
Brian
McKinlay
Bush's Australian Deputy: Howard's
Last Round Up?
Mark
Gaffney
Ariel Sharon's Favorite Senator: Ron Wyden and Israel
Judith
Brown
Palestine and the Media
Frederick
B. Hudson
Moseley-Braun and the Butcher: Campaign for Justice or Big Oil's
Junta?
Kurt Nimmo
Bush's Independent Commission: Exonerating
the Spooks
M.
Junaid Alam
Philly School Workers Fight for Fair Contract
Fran Shor
Whose Boob Tube?
Kevin
Cooper
This is Not My Execution and I Will Not Claim It
February
3, 2004
Alan
Maass
The
Dems' New Mantra: What They Really Mean by "Electability"
Nick
Halfinger
How the Other Half Lives: Embedded
in Iraq
Rahul
Mahajan
Our True Intelligence Failure
Neve Gordon
The Only Democracy in the Middle East?
Laura
Carlsen
Mexico: Two Anniversaries; Two Futures
Jordan
Green
Democratic Patronage in Northern New
Mexico
Terry
Lodge
An Open Letter to Michael Powell from the Boobs & Body Parts
Fairness Campaign
Hammond
Guthrie
Investigating the Meaningless
Website
of the Day
Waging Peace
January
24/5, 2004
Patrick
Cockburn
Iraq's Shia: "Our Day Has Come"
Laura
Flanders
State of the Conservative Union
Simon
Helweg-Larsen
Enter Berger: Signs of Hope in Guatemala
Dave
Lindorff
Ground Control to Maj. George
Susan
Davis
The Birdwatcher Menace
Alexander
Cockburn
The Fog of Cop Out: McNamara 10, Morris
0
January
23, 2004
Yonathan Shapira
An Israeli Pilot Speaks Out
Standard
Schaefer
Italian Philosopher Giorgio Agamben
Protests US Travel Policy
Josh
Frank
In Defense of Polluters: Howard Dean's
Vermont
William
A. Cook
Rule by the Corrupt and the Capricious
January
22, 2004
Sam
Smith
Howards End?
Patricia
Koyce Wanniski
Lost in Space
Alexander
Lukin
Putin and the Clans
Katherine
van Wormer
Dry Drunk Confirmed: O'Neill's Revelations
and Bush's Mind
Forrest
Hylton
The Prisoner, the President and the Mafia
|
February
10, 2004
Meet the Oxmans
"The
Wealthy Shouldn't Sleep at Night Either"
By MICKEY Z
In
February 2003, I received an e-mail from Richard and Sylvie Oxman. They
contacted me to see if I'd have any interest in participating in an
event in Salt Lake City in January 2004. Called OneDance: The People's
Summit (http://www.onedancesummit.org),
the event was scheduled to take place right before the Sundance Film
Festival...and would involve activists, documentary filmmakers, and
wide range other folks. Almost immediately, I agreed to take part. Over
the next 11 months, my participation evolved into accepting the role
of MC as the event shifted to Santa Cruz, California (a move that had
the Oxmans and their three-year-old son Marcel trekking to and from
Utah by car).
After
hundreds of e-mails and a handful of phone calls, my wife Michele and
I finally met Richard, Sylvie, and Marcel (to whom I became the honorary
"Uncle Mickey") as OneDance took on a life of its own. Cynthia
McKinney, Michael Parenti, William Blum, Stan Goff, Yves Engler, Stephen
Zunes, Greg Elich, John Trumpbour, Jim Lobe, Caleb Kleppner, Mark Zepezauer,
Larry Everest, and countless others descended upon Santa Cruz for the
better part of a week. Personally, we had a blast. As an event, OneDance
was a mixed bag for sure-but an experience, for me, that will resonate
with positive energy, renewed commitment, and new ideas.
The
work Sylvie and Richard did to pull OneDance together is an inspiration
for all activists. Therefore, I felt compelled to get them both to share
their post-event thoughts with me.
MZ:
You said you got the idea for OneDance because you couldn't sleep at
night. Can you elaborate?
Sylvie:
Richard and I were sitting with a group of American people in the French
countryside discussing our plans for the summit and one of them asked
why we were doing it. I said it was because we couldn't sleep at night,
that we felt, down to our bones, that things needed changing. The response
from that particular crowd was at first bewilderment and then defensiveness.
Being wealthy people of leisure they had no need or desire for things
to change. They were quite comfortable. There is a need for a whole
change of attitude in the U.S. regarding concern for others. If there
are people living below the poverty line, and there are many, we need
to care. The wealthy should not sleep at night either. They should not
be comfortable. As long as people do not have adequate wages, housing
and healthcare the wealthy should feel guilty.
Richard:
Still can't sleep at night any more than the Moon sleeps during the
day...with the screams of you-know-what the bells of an alarm clock
that won't go off. It is said that we are born in another's pain and
perish in our own, but I would say we're born out of joy --not into
the world, but out of it (as Watts used to point out, much like waves
emerging from the ocean)-- and only "perish" if we ignore
the cry of the world.
MZ:
How did you settle on the idea of a 3-day summit?
Richard:
Didn't want to create another talkathon, but, rather, saw the need for
coming up with strategies. It was clear that that would call for a few
days in close quarters, time to process input, etc. The flexibility
of a three-day frame also allowed for limited schedules to be accommodated.
I'm guessing that the focus of your question is on the number of days.
Sylvie:
We originally envisioned the summit as a great opportunity for strategizing
amongst the participants and attendees. We wanted people to have the
time to bond, interact and do follow-up sessions.
MZ:
Why was the event changed from Salt Lake City to Santa Cruz?
Sylvie:
For me it went against my grain to spend a great deal of money on an
event in the city of Salt Lake. I believe in trying to spend wisely
and also in boycott. The city of Salt Lake has put profits above people
routinely. They've made a successful industry out of accepting highly
toxic waste into the area and the local population is suffering for
it. They have very high cancer rates and the highest MS (multiple sclerosis)
rates in the U.S. They have a chlorine manufacturing plant that is one
of the grossest violators in the nation. It is common to look to the
west of the city and see a green cloud hovering over the plant. The
coal mines are another great polluter and health risk to its employees
and the citizens of Salt Lake. The city doesn't even have the basics
covered, like recycling. They have no recycling containers available
in the downtown and high density areas of the city. They have curbside
recycling for paper and plastics but not glass. When I questioned the
city offices about the glass they said they determined that "it's
just not worth it."
Richard:
Really, it was like JAWS where the choice for locals was face the truth
and pay the price or.... Some of it wasn't on a conscious level, I'm
sure. Perhaps INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS is a better flick to cite;
you have to wonder if what it means to be human hasn't taken some quantum
leap off of a cliff.
MZ:
What was it like getting the speakers and participants together?
Richard:
It was hell and heaven. Some contacts required months of unrelenting
salesmanship, an incessant flow of faxes, emails and calls whereas other
commitments came long before one could possibly have expected. The most
difficult commitments were contingent upon constantly compromising on
this or that, refraining from one's natural reaction. I mean, when you
have no budget to work with and no fax machine, and someone tells you
that they've misplaced your missive for the third time, requiring another
go-round immediately...just when you've run out-of-time for the day...one
has to keep the eyes on the prize. It was 24x8 for over a year, but
pure joy.
Sylvie:
Like bees to honey and pulling teeth! Really, so many of them are so
gracious. It was a pleasure to have them. And having them together,
in each other's presence, was an important factor. It has led us in
a new direction for an upcoming project with OneDance.
MZ:
What surprised you (good and bad) as you organized OneDance?
Sylvie:
The big surprise, and disappointment, was people's lack of willingness
to work in solidarity. I'm talking about other organizations that we
tried to engage. The great destructive element of the movement can be
people's unwillingness to be spontaneous and open to new ideas and energy.
They have their routines and burdens just trying to get through the
day, and don't seem to realize how if we worked in concert on some things
it would relieve some of that burden.
Richard:
Shocked constantly. Surprised would have been a day off, which we never
had. Ralph Nader's people asking for $20,000. Kucinich's people and
Sharpton's people not responding to golden ops. TransAfrica Forum, bell
hooks, Angela Davis and --it seemed-- tons and tons of minorities of
all stripes turning down an opportunity for international coverage,
in the context of an invitation that would have had them participating
on a basis of their choosing. Most of this happened when we were going
to be able to take advantage of temporal and physical proximity to the
Sundance Film Festival. At the time that things were slated for Utah,
no one in his or her right mind could have possibly not jumped on what
we had to offer (on some basis), but...they did...in droves. There's
a huge lesson here. Most penetrating and appalling was the cross-the-board
lack of concern on the part of so many with "the sake of solidarity."
On the positive side of the street, so many were generous beyond belief
with their heartbeats. The absolute pits was finding that some activists
proactively tried to undermine our efforts over ego, territorial trauma
and the like. Honorable Mentions would be a) pledges not honored, b)
unforgiving activists and c) dogmatic barkers (standing on ceremony).
MZ:
Did you pick 2004 because it's an election year?
Richard:
Picked it 'cause it was "the soonest" we could have it as
planned. Urgency ruled --and still rules-- the day.
Were you anticipating conflict over the anyone-but-Bush issue? Where
do you stand on this year's election?
Sylvie:
I am barely standing on this year's election. There's a lot that I like
about Al Sharpton but I don't think that the position of president is
necessarily the best use of his talents. I'd like to see him in charge
of HUD, or the FCC! He's anti-war, anti-gun, anti-death penalty, and
pro people's right to live with equality, dignity and privacy.
Richard:
The "anyone but" thing was predictable, but we were always
confident that there were plenty of people who saw the country's (and
the world's) fundamental problem as Bushism, not Bush. The rulers are
presently testing the American public vis-a-vis democratic institutions,
including the voting process. The American public failed the test last
time around, not protesting worth a poop in the face of highway electoral
theft. Now things like "vulnerable" overseas online voting
is being sanctioned to test the public further. People should vote,
regardless. And work for reform. However, I say that only if they are
willing to take direct action simultaneously in solidarity with others...with
the aim of forcing significant change in the country in the only way
in which it's ever been made. On the streets, on their bellies, at great
risk. People must ask themselves what they would do if the powers that
be simply cut Amy Goodman's throat and cancelled elections on national
television ensemble. Because those in power know the public won't do
a damn thing...they've got more in store. It couldn't be clearer than
it is in the case of Wesley Clark. Why aren't people asking why none
of the Dem candidates are screaming that Clark's a war criminal? Our
choice looks like it's gonna be between picking one war criminal or
another war criminal...or war criminal wannabe. In short, the election's
a distraction from the war we must embrace, internationally. It's the
height of Ostrichism to think that anyone in power-meaning the wealthy,
not the Richard Pearles-cares a whit whether or not Bush is re-elected;
yet that's where the American electorate is putting virtually all its
energy.
MZ:
You talk about a "war we must embrace, internationally." How
did this play out during the event?
Richard:
It didn't. For several months prior to the event I had been feeling
that I was going to have to give a speech myself to address this point
in some form. I will never forget driving the U-Haul truck to (and from!)
Utah --as Sylvie drove the Volvo with our three-year-old Marcel-- in
the process of relocating twice in the fall...crying for miles, trying
to get the words out, alone with knowing what had to be done. But so
many things impacted on me, not the least of which was inappropriate
caution respecting action at the podium, wanting to honor promises about
scheduling, etc. Not being an experienced speaker, I also was a bit
shy, worried about blowing it. But that was a HUGE mistake. The call
for war on the order of what Arundhati Roy described on ZNet recently
could not be communicated by writing...which I eventually resorted to
at the event...feebly. The couple of times I went to the stage to (somewhat)
address the question during Q&As --calling attention to plans for
a People's Occupation-- I couldn't go back and forth sufficiently because
of the nature of the Q&A format. One morning I did run to the place
where many participants were lodging to make a plea for them to support
nationwide massive civil disobedience in some form (that evening), but
I decided to put the idea on the shelf when --in the afternoon-- Stan
Goff and Nasser Barghouti (just off the plane) explained why they thought
the country wasn't ready for such action. Thank goodness that Larry
Everest made some strong direct plea for revolutionary moves, calling
the "battle" between Dems and Reps for what it is; wish Ward
Churchill had been there to up the ante. Cynthia laid out a "Stop
the Machine" message and others touched upon the need for Mario
Savio-like furor, but very little embraced a practical call for action,
and even less attention (than I would have liked) was called to the
need for international solidarity.
MZ:
What were the highlights of the event?
Sylvie:
As I alluded to earlier, the coming together of the participants was
a highlight. They appreciated getting to meet (some after years of only
e-mail relations), lodge, and share meals with each other. They were
inspired by one another as much as the audience was inspired by them.
Richard:
The charm of Mickey Z, the wonderful, precious dynamic that took place
between participants, and the last night's panel which had Caleb Kleppner
of San Francisco's Center for Voting and Democracy, Ohio's Greg Elich,
Independent Researcher and Journalist, Jack Trumpbour of Harvard's Trade
Union Program, and North Carolina's Stan Goff, 20-year Vet and former
West Point Instructor. Geographically (and in other ways) it presented
quite a range...and it glowed. And speaking of glowing, Jack Trumpbour's
smile got me high...as did Greg's chilling speech on North Korea and
the unprecedented, deep hugs he gave me. Your humor, Mickey, held everything
together. It was so good that in complimenting you on it one runs the
risk of taking away form the sweet substantive points you made when
not doing the belly-laugh dance. Last minute contributions by supportive
locals helped enormously in many ways. Lunches with some of the luminaries
on a 8 to 1 basis, getting your Saving Private Power: The Hidden History
of The Good War (which came close to being pulped!) into many hands
as a giveaway was pesonally very satisfying, and distributing some of
my favorite publications such as Z Magazine ranks high. Having Michael
Parenti and other participants show up at a protest one afternoon (against
Santa Cruz' cruel Sleeping Ban) in support of the local homeless population
fortified one and all. People's expressions of thanks, deep appreciation
topped the list. Sylvie weaving in and out of the crowd doing her magic
was a close second.
MZ:
Lowlights?
Richard:
Not being able to carry through properly with Marcel's toilet training
is up there. Much is touched upon above. The low attendance, the discovery
that certain activists supported Israel's policies, the realization
of just how soft the underbelly of The Movement is, a couple of uninspired
speeches, the disconnect between fiery words and calls to action, documentarians
disappointing by either not showing (as promised) or leaving prematurely
(without saying goodbye), not receiving certain pledged documentary
footage, not focusing much more on strategies, the absence of certain
segments of society (in spite of the red carpet being rolled out), and
publicly witnessing some of the Big Figures either rationalizing inaction
or not advocating a significantly stepped-up pace for today. Those lows
keep me up...at night. I really wish we had invited Ward Churchill to
do his dance la "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens" and
Chellis Glendinning to address the environmental issues and more during
the plenary sessions.
MZ:
What has happened since OneDance ended?
Sylvie:
The next step for OneDance is to develop an institute. One upcoming
event in September is a sort of round table, a la Algonquin, where a
small group of inspired thinkers/writers/educators will converge, in
a summit of their own, for free thought to flow while being filmed by
videographers for free distribution to radio, community TV and schools.
Richard:
Without taking a break, Sylvie and I laid plans for a kind of Algonquin
Round Table/Camp David/Zapatistas in the Jungle type of thing for the
next group of participants that we invite to California. Also, we've
been doing some version of "damage control," believe it or
not, as a couple of activists who were invited to table (at no charge,
all was virtually free at OneDance)...have been putting the "fat
mouth" on us and the event; there's been way too much petty focus
on petty personal concerns at the price of solidarity sinking. On a
very positive front, we started a campaign to encourage Democracy Now!
to have Mickey Z (Omigod, that's you!) on the air so that we could have
a shot at soliciting input nationwide regarding what strategies the
public advocates...to pressure the Feds ASAP. And, yes, we're back having
Marcel on the Toilet Train.
Sylvie
and Richard can be reached at: mail@onedancesummit.org.
Mickey
Z. can be reached at: mzx2@earthlink.net.
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