Current Events

Please write to the US Forest Service in Arkansas: Don’t cut the mature trees in the Buffalo River headwaters Do you care about trees? Most of us do. Activists from Newton County report that the Forest Service policy of clearing mature trees in the headwaters of the upper Buffalo promises to be extremely dangerous to the purity of the water and safety for the drinking water of people who live along the river. It’s a commitment to profit that says the value of mature trees is only measured in dollars from loggers. It does not take into account the environmental […]

Can our democracy hold sedition and treason to account? It’s a dangerously open question. Will America tune into this horror story and take note? It’s getting clearer by the day how much our democracy depends on it. Episode 4 of this cliff-hanger and nail-biter will be Tuesday June 21 at noon central time. PBS is my favorite station to watch it on, but others are carrying them now and the House channel is carrying them. The only people are are not moved by this tragedy are people who don’t know to watch it. Share the links with family and friends who might […]

Sat March 18 – noon on Dickson Street There’s just nothing that needs to be said about the Pride Parades. They’re electric and inspiring for LGBTQ folks and all allies too. Come to support justice and equality for everyone in this wonderful community. And have a blast while you do it.

My Justice Our Justice. The first episode is on solitary confinement. Speakers are formerly incarcerated people telling their own stories. They are insightful, smart and interesting people with “insider” understanding of a system that few of us understand. Definitely worth following.

Ellen Bruce, Fayetteville It is estimated that 4 trillion plastic bags are used each year; 100 billion of them are used in the U.S. They do not degrade. They are found everywhere on earth, from the oceans to Mt. Everest, to the bellies of whales, seals and dolphins. Walmart has an estimated 230 million visits each week to its stores which number 4,742 in the U.S. an 10,593 worldwide. Seven states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont) have outlawed plastic grocery bags. Walmart has over 800 stores in those states, providing groceries without plastic bags. Walmart is boasting […]

Omni Library NotesPeace Books from Joanie Conners One of OMNI’s earliest supporters was Joanie Conners, professor at UAF. She now lives in New Mexico, is downsizing, visited here recently, and donated to Omni’s library a box of distinguished books.   The books, catalogued by Abel Tomlinson, will be available for loan for one week at OMNI.  This is a good time to remember two other generous book donors: Rev. Dave Hunter, retired minister of UUFF, and Adolph Reed, Jr., Prof. Emer., UAF, and others. — Dick Bennett (Note: Dick Bennett also donated many of the books in our library. Thanks to all of you) […]

June 25 Citizens First Congress (CFC) in Little Rock will be holding the bi-annual convention where the “people’s agenda” is adopted for the legislative session for next year.  The convention will be in person this time, barring more spikes. And they’re exciting events. Lots of people attend from all over Arkansas with issues that are important to them. And CFC delegates have the task of narrowing the wide field of needs to hone in to issues that most of the body can support. CFC then develops those agenda issues into strong legislation that they lobby for during the session.   It’s the most […]

Transition US – virtual film screening of “Revolution Generation” Thursday, May 26th – 7:00 pm centralLink provided after registering The virtual film screening will take place on Thursday, May 26th at 8pm EST / 5pm PST. As noted in the earlier email, there will be a special intro message from the filmmakers directed to folks involved in the Transition Movement (that’s you!). We’ll then watch the 80 minute film (everyone will get access to watch it on their computer or device), and we’ll virtually reconvene afterwards for a 30-45 minute discussion.    Click here to RSVP for the virtual film showing   […]