Black Resistance Against Police Terror, Philadelphia

Protestors in Philadelphia held a march against police terror on February 17th 2017 in Downtown Philadelphia. A group of anti-fascists blocked traffic with a home made shield wall that spelled out "ungovernable." The march traveled from Center City towards Temple University. Protestors criticize the city, real estate developers, and the institutions of higher education for taking place in a prolonged campaign of violent gentrification.


After this video ended an article made up of police statements claims police were hit with pepper spray and black spray paint. A Bank of America was damaged and four people were arrested. The article does not have a statement from protestors or mention why the protest took place. A video posted to Youtube shows police attacking protestors.

Anti-fascists at Trump's Inauguration

On January 20th I woke up before dawn to make my way to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of Donald Trump. This marks the second  time I've traveled to the capitol for an inauguration, the last was in 2000 when another guy got into office despite losing the popular vote. I had read a call out that the Antifa and anarchist march would begin at Logan circle. I was expecting a black bloc march reminiscent of days gone by and I was not dissapointed.

I shot the video below and set it Muertos De Cristo's rendition of Las Barricadas. A friend once told me its best to cut your newsreels like you cut a music video. I have to agree it's a tried and true method. If you go way back and watch the Newsreel film Amerika (1969) There is a sequence showing protestors fighting riot police set to some music by Led Zeppelin. This same style was picked up by the counter culture of 90's so much so that it was even named riot porn. So why not some riot porn now?

(I'll be posting more about #j20 and the national Women's march as time affords.)

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on Strike

On Saturday October 1st, I went for a walk in downtown, Dahntahn as us yinzers call it, in Pittsburgh. I came upon people marching with signs. I only had my ipad with me but I wasn't going to let a labor dispute go unrecorded. Musicians like everyone else are getting squeezed by the rich. Here are some statements by striking musicians.

Flugennock Documentary

Flugennock

Flugennock chronicles the art and activism of political cartoonist Mike Flugennock. Flugennock's comics have circulated for more than thirty years. Based in Washington D.C.,Flugennock's marijuana fueled posters have promoted smoke ins, marijuana legalization, protests against the World Bank, and human rights. His comics blast both Democrats and Republicans alike. His work circulates in the peace movement and promotes a better world.

A documentary by Ron Douglas 2016

Features art work by: Mike Flugennock http://www.sinkers.org

Music by: Rations and Utter Failure on 86'd records

Marijuana Legalization Action at the White House 5-20-2016

Marijuana Legalization Action

Protestors hold an action on 5-20-2016 in front of the White House.
Activists demand federal legalization of Marijuana.
Veterans call for a need to receive medicinal marijuana.

5-20 was chosen because it is the birthday of former drug czar Harry Anslinger.

Video also contains clips from an address by Ronald Reagan announcing an escalation of the drug war. The Reagan clip is available through the U.S. National Archives and is public domain.

Longest Running Continuous Protest in North America

Across the street from the White House, a permanent protest for peace.

Smoke In at the White House

On April 2nd 2016, hundreds of protesters seeking an end to marijuana prohibition gathered in front of the White House. Marijuana currently holds the same classification as heroin under federal law. The protestors publicly smoked marijuana on the street following a rally. Protestors voiced a number of concerns about marijuana prohibition including its denial for medical treatment, personal freedom, and current federal law contributing to mass incarceration. Marijuana consumption and cultivation is legal in the District of Colombia within certain guidelines.