2 $ How to live for a day. page 4 OCTOBER 4, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 21 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? DONNA MCGAUGHY #310 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Outrage over resolution to increase downtown policing shuts down Ypsilanti City Council meeting. page 5 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Police block door to City Hall after it was prematurely adjourned. Photo credit: Emily Mills @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #
2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER GROUNDCOVER STAFF Get excited for the first-ever Groundcover Community Choice Awards! Throughout the month of September we complied the following categories and nominations from Groundcover News vendors. Over the next two weeks we will be polling in the community to determine the winners! Buy the next edition (October 18, 2024) of Groundcover News to see who the community chooses! Best Public Park • County Farm Park • Argo Nature Area • Waterworks Park (Ypsi) • West Park • Frog Island • Wheeler Park Best hot, free meal • St. Andrew’s Breakfast Church • Delonis Center • Fed-Up Ministries • Mercy House pancake breakfast • Bellflower Best affordable restaurant • Fleetwood Diner • New York Pizza Department • Mama’s Pizza • Pilar’s Tamales • Detroit Pizza Pub Best cup of coffee • Groundcover News office • Downtown Home and Garden • Argus Farm Stop • Bridge Community Cafe Best place to hear live music • Crazy Wisdom on Friday night • Sonic Lunch • Blue Llama • Ziggy’s • LIVE • Downtown A2 streets Best dispensary • Misty Mountain • Cross Street Shop • Jars • Bloom • House of Dank Best nonprofit / social service / homeless grassroots organization • Delonis Center • Groundcover News • Washtenaw Camp Outreach • Hospitality House Ypsi • Mercy House • Pizza in the Park OCTOBER 4, 2024 2024 Community Choice Awards coming soon! Best free daytime activity • Pizza in the Park • BBQ at the park • Go to the library Most supportive faith community • St. Andrew’s Church • St. Luke’s (Ypsilanti) • Trinity Lutheran Church • Karuna Buddhist Center • Bethlehem United Church of Christ Best mural • Pure Roots Alley • Bomber restaurant • Challenge everything. Create anything (Huron St.) • Flowers on Huron St. underpass • Geometric Rainbow on 432. Michigan Ave PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Michelle Lardie-Guzek — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Ramón Roberto Isla Caballero Jamie Cameron Dezz Clark David KE Dodge Cindy Gere Mike Jones James Manning Ken Parks Denise Shearer Shawn Swoffer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS CONTACT US Kendall Artz Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Christopher May Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Sim Bose Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Jacob Fallman Robert Klingler Stella Lansill Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com
OCTOBER 4, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What was your favorite subject in school? Reading and writing. — Donna McGaughy, #310 History. — Ramón Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Geography. — Wayne Sparks, #615 Physiology and anatomy. I enjoyed it so much my professor tried to convince me to switch majors to biology. — Ken Parks, #490 Smoking a cigarette in the hallway. — Shawn Swoffer, #574 History and civics. — Cindy Gere, #279 The girls. — Tony Schohl, #9 By the time I started liking school, it was math. I love numbers! — Lonnie Baker, #99 Probably should have been politics. — Terri Demar, #322 Physical education. — Pony Bush, #305 Doing the cars … body work! — Schillington Morgan, #148 English. — Stephanie Dent, #84 Home economics. — Tre McAlister, #519 History and social studies — and later I discovered sociology, knowing people, helping people. — Dezz Clark, #643 Lunch. But I excelled in math. — Jason Lozon, #212 Impromptu writing. — Will Shakespeare, #258 Math, as a student and a teacher. — Jim Clark, #139 History. — Mike Jones, #113 GROUNDCOVER NEWS The hidden truth about mental disorders People don’t understand the ones who have or know someone with a mental disability, that one in every eight people have to deal with. The people in this world think that they don’t have a problem but they don’t want the world to see the real you! Now people don’t know how widespread mental disability is. The funny thing is that people don't know that people who have a physical health disability are more likely to show it than that side of their mental disability because the physical is more visible. No one can see the mental pain that you know is there but can‘t do anything about it. The problem is people tend to hide their disorder. It becomes a factor in all of their life. Now as a person like myself who has PTSD, I DEZZ CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 643 have experienced a lot of unwanted looks and finger pointing because they have a disorder themselves. You also have those who know it is hard to hide the things we go through but we only wish for someone to help, to please just listen. Maybe one day people who feel that they are usually exempt from any connection person with a mental disability will recognize it’s not true. But maybe as a PERSON WHO HAS A MENTAL DISORDER, I need to come to to any type of 3 understand my own mental disability. I’m OK after a long stay in prison where I was subjected to a lot of abuse from the Michigan Department of Corrections, but this is about me, you or anyone that has been through the same thing. It is the person who has the mental disability who has to understand what brought this on. With my PTSD, I find myself speaking to others who have similar illnesses with different experiences and different disorders, feeling, thinking psychosis. The medical field comes with its own understanding. This results in people getting misdiagnosed and now you have people who don’t believe that they're suffering. Sometimes, especially in the case of misdiagnosis, people’s families try to hide their disabilities — the hidden truth. Undercover art intel: Luna gallery Low income and struggling artists took a huge hit when the pandemic raged through Michigan. All art galleries and art shops were closed. It only took three months to destroy the art communities in Ann Arbor. New art locations have now popped up across the Michigan landscape; one such location is the new Luna Gallery in downtown Ypsilanti. This location is a place for local artists to display and sell their beautiful creations and build a sense of community. Undercover Intel’s purpose is to bring people together, out and away from their computers and out of their shells, The pieces are from around a CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 and out into the community. Luna Gallery was first established in fall 2022 and the community totally received the gallery well. Luna is located at 50 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti. dozen local artists across southeast Michigan from all demographics, including LGBTQ artists. The kinds of art shown include paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and locally made soaps. There are also tarot readings with Madam Brule on the weekends! Luna Gallery hosts ongoing activities. The Michigan Pagan Gathering is going to be there on October 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will be located at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse at 100 Market Place in Depot Town. Come one, come all! Improvements for FlexRide I appreciate all public transportation because me and other people really need it. If we didn’t have public transportation, we all would be in bad shape. I especially appreciate the FlexRide that's part of our local transportation options, too. FlexRide is a shared shuttle service that helps riders connect to fixed-route bus stops and other hard-to-reach destinations. FlexRide provides on-demand, curbto-curb transportation in select locations of the greater Ann Arbor and Gold Card I.D. (Free). There are things I wish were different about the Flex. I wish the rides were easier to get for people with leg problems like I have. It’s too hard to climb up into the car. The step is too high. I wish that there were nicer drivDENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 and Ypsilanti area. A regular, oneway fare is $1 — unless you have a half-fare card ($0.50) or an A-Ride ers and dispatchers; I wish they would be nicer and more understanding to the riders. That’s the only thing I wish was different about the Flex. I wish they would pick people up when they say will, and be more compassionate.
4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS No smile, too much goofy On Thursday, September 12, Ramón Roberto Isla Caballero was sitting and selling his Groundcover papers on the corner of Washington and Main Streets. While selling he keeps his belongings under an archway to stay dry and off the sidewalk. A police officer driving by parked their car after they noticed Ramón and his things outside. They walked up to him and said he needed to move his belongings and find a new place to sleep by Monday, September 16 — just four days from then. The officer suggested Ramón talk with someone from the Washtenaw County’s Street Team (PATH) to get a tent and go camp in the woods behind the Kroger on Jackson and Stadium. If he stays downtown to sleep outside, then the officer said they will fine him $250, which he does not have. Ramón is most comfortable staying around downtown because it is where he feels safe knowing there are people around. It is where he sells his paper. This allows him to be close to the services he needs at the Groundcover office and the Street Team’s Annex office. Ramón has grown close to some of the downtown businesses and restaurants, whose staff look out for him in different ways, including helping him with food. This is important to him because he no longer goes to get breakfast at St. Andrew’s Church. There is too much fighting. He no longer goes to the Delonis Center for a meal because the last two or three times he It does not make sense to stress out Ramón about where he sleeps because he is already stressed about it, in addition to all that he has to do for his own health. En Español: El jueves 12 de septiembre RAMÓN ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 went, his belongings were stolen. He did not want to say much about it to the staff there because he did not want to get someone in trouble, or have someone then come find him outside to cause trouble for him later. Ramón is a cancer survivor. Now he has other health issues that he is taking care of. He sees doctors often who prescribe a lot of different types of medications to help him feel better and manage the pain on his hip. Staff in the Street Team help him get to all of his appointments so it is very important he is close to their offices for this, and also if there is any emergency, that he is close to the hospital. Leaving downtown to sleep elsewhere is not a better option for Ramón. Not to mention, the suggestion from the police assumes that he can just take the bus back and forth. After selling his papers he must use what he makes to get food. He says, “Who will give me money for bus tokens?” Ramón Roberto Isla Caballero estaba sentado vendiendo sus periódicos Groundcover en la esquina de las calles Washington y Main. Mientras vendía, mantenía sus pertenencias cerca debajo de un arco para mantenerse seco y alejado de la acera. Un oficial de policía que pasaba por allí estacionó su auto después de notar a Ramón y sus cosas afuera. Se acercaron a él y le dijeron que necesitaba mover sus pertenencias y encontrar un nuevo lugar para dormir antes del lunes 16, solo cuatro días después. El oficial sugirió a Ramón hablar con alguien del equipo de calle del condado de Washtenaw para conseguir una tienda de campaña e ir a acampar en el bosque detrás del Kroger en Jackson y Stadium. Si se queda en el centro a dormir afuera, el oficial dijo que le impondrán una multa de 250 dólares, cantidad que no tiene. Ramón se siente más cómodo quedándose cerca del centro porque es donde se siente seguro sabiendo que hay gente alrededor. Es donde vende su periódico. Eso le permite estar cerca de los servicios que necesita en la oficina de Groundcover y la oficina anexa de Street Team. Ramón se ha acercado a algunos de los negocios y restaurantes del centro que lo cuidan de diferentes maneras, incluso ayudándolo con la comida. Esto es importante para él porque ya no va a desayunar a la iglesia de San Andrés. Hay demasiadas peleas. Ya no va al Centro Delonis a comer porque las últimas dos o tres veces que fue le robaron sus pertenencias. No quería decirle mucho al personal porque no quería meter a alguien en problemas, o que luego vendrían a buscarlo afuera para causarle problemas. Ramón es un sobreviviente de cáncer. Ahora tiene otros problemas de salud de los que se está ocupando. A menudo visita médicos que le recetan muchos tipos diferentes de medicamentos para ayudarle a sentirse mejor y controlar el dolor de cadera. El personal del Street Team lo ayuda a llegar a todas sus citas, por lo que es muy importante que esté cerca de sus oficinas para esto y, si hay alguna emergencia, que esté cerca del hospital. Salir del centro para dormir en otro lugar no es la mejor opción para Ramón. Sin mencionar que esto supone que puede tomar el autobús de ida y vuelta. Después de vender sus periódicos debe utilizar lo que gana para conseguir comida. Él dice: "¿Quién me dará el dinero del token del autobús?" No tiene sentido estresar a Ramón por dónde duerme, porque él ya está estresado por eso y por todo lo que tiene que hacer por su propia salud. OCTOBER 4, 2024 How to live for a day How do those who are homeless live and what are their daily concerns? This article focuses mainly on those newly homeless, not chronically homeless. Our first need on Maslow's Pyramid focuses strictly on survival needs: food, safety and shelter. Food — Where to get food? Peggy's House (sometimes called Mercy House) offers free breakfast on Saturday mornings 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner Monday and Wednesday evenings, and some lodging. Inquire within at 805 W Huron St. The nearby Delonis Center provides lunch and dinner. Groundcover News sometimes has food during office hours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is a very early morning breakfast at St. Andrews Church (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.). Pizza in the Park is another option on Fridays at 7 p.m. at Liberty Plaza. FedUp feeds people in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti on Wednesdays at lunch, and Hospitality JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 House (169 N. Washington) has open hours Sunday 12-3 and Thursday 4-7. There is an outdoor barbecue at Wheeler Park at 3:30 every other week, and on the off weeks at the same time in Waterworks Park. Both of these places will change locations in the winter. Money — You can risk police contact or disturbing people by panhandling. Or you can charge for your talents, such as singing and playing guitar with an open guitar case as one example. Or, you can work for Groundcover News. We buy each paper for fifty cents, and go sell them at the cover price of two dollars, sometimes with tips. You can also earn income by participating in the freelance writing program (writing and editing articles). Inquire within (423 S 4th Ave.). As a new vendor, you get ten free papers and a badge to go sell. Safety — The best solution for safety is to be around other people, and sleep during the late day hours or around other people near churches. Tent encampments, the Delonis Center and Peggy's House have lodging potential. In a worst case, perhaps sleep in the ER of the University of Michigan Hospital, if you can be discreet. Clothing — Goodwill, House by the Side of the Road or the Salvation Army. Showers — If you have money, the Washtenaw County Recreation Center on Washtenaw Avenue has lockers and showers. The Delonis Center has laundry and showers. Inquire within for both. Social networking — Take free classes where offered, keep your eyes open as you walk down Main Street and Liberty Street. There are professional social networking shops. The YMCA off Huron or Washington is another option. Mental Health Resources — Community Mental Health is at the Annex on Fourth just north of Huron. This is where you can get help and get a caseworker to talk to. Transportation — The AATA has reduced fare for children, seniors and low income people. At the Blake Transit Center you can buy a weekly or monthly pass. Be safe and take care!
OCTOBER 4, 2024 HOMELESSNESSS Outrage over resolution to increase downtown policing shuts down Ypsilanti City Council meeting By the start of Ypsilanti City Council’s October 1 meeting, the hall chambers were already standing room only. The increased attendance was due to an agenda item introducing Resolution No. 2024-229. It reads the following: “Whereas it is in the interest of the entire Ypsilanti community to have a safe and welcoming downtown for all Ypsilanti residents, business owners and visitors and; Whereas the downtown currently has areas where safety is a significant concern for many of Ypsilanti residents, visitors and business owners and; Whereas it is inappropriate to focus on the safety concerns of a subsection of the population without addressing the safety concerns of the entire downtown population and; Whereas the effort to concentrate services for a vulnerable population in the downtown core has had a significant negative collateral impacts including open air drug dealing violence and threats to public safety and health and; Whereas business owners and property owners have a right to expect the city to take measures to ensure the safety of all interest a promoting a safe and private vibrant downtown that serves the diverse clientele; now therefore be it Resolved that the city manager is hereby directed to use all appropriate resources including police resources and police presence to ensure a safe downtown for all residents, visitors and business owners; be it further Resolved that these resources shall be used in a manner consistent with respect for the civil rights of all residents, visitors and business owners.” Introduced by Ward 2 Council Member Patrick McClean, this resolution comes after a more than yearlong narrative battle over what safety means on Washington Street in downtown Ypsilanti. This stretch of the neighborhood includes the high-traffic Ypsilanti Transit Center, Growing Hope’s Marketplace Hall, newly reopened Deja Vu Strip Club, Beer Cooler liquor store, the Tap Room and Bobcat Bonnie's bar restaurants, in addition to small clothing, food and other service-based businesses. The Ypsilanti District Library downtown branch — usually providing free Ypsilanti residents waitling in line for public comment completely filled City Hall on Oct. 1. LINDSAY CALKA Publisher restrooms, air-conditioned/heated space to sit and relax, outlets, wifi and other supportive services — has been closed since July 2023. Fed-Up Ministries moved their headquarters to the Growing Hope Marketplace Hall in June of this year. Services including meals, showers, air conditioned indoor space, survival supplies and activities were accessible almost daily. Care-Based Safety also began their pilot placebased non-police response program at the same location this summer. Earlier this year CBS sought funding from the City of Ypsilanti, but on June 4, 2024, the expenditure for an unarmed alternative to police fell short by one vote. A wide variety of Ypsilanti residents spoke about Resolution 2024-229 during public comment on Oct. 1 — housing and shelter activists, renters, homeowners, business owners, people experiencing homelessness, addiction and recovery — and a vast majority of speakers spoke against the passage of the resolution. Many echoed the phrase, "Police do not make us safe" and referred to the resolution as "violent." The business owners who communicated support for more policing of Washington Street articulated that they didn't think the resolution would accomplish much. There was obvious outrage towards the council members, with many speakers purposefully ignoring the rules of public comment. When Mayor Nicole Brown pleaded for respect in the chambers, one speaker responded, “This resolution is disrespectful to us all.” This outrage was directed equally, if not more, towards Stewart Beal, a landlord present in the chambers who has been criticized by his tenants for poor housing conditions and high eviction rates. Beal has publicly pushed this safety narrative with frequent Facebook posts that led to the proposed resolution. When Council adjourned for 10 minutes after a different speaker continued speaking after the three minute allocation was up, the crowd erupted into chants protesting Beal, and Mayor Brown adjourned the meeting for the night. The protestors marched out of the chambers chanting "Shelter not police!" One activist remained in the chambers and was arrested. The protestors switched their chant to "Let them go!" and this collective pressure released them immediately. The vote on Resolution 2024-229 did not occur Tuesday night. Council is meeting again Oct. 4 at 7 a.m. but the resolution is not on the agenda. Formerly homeless activist Seth Best reflected at the end of the night, “Both sides think safety is the problem. Both sides want to spend money on the solution, but one side refuses any solution that involves vulnerable people getting something life-saving for free — and are willing to pay even more to ensure they don't.” GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Fifth Avenue Press AADL founded Fifth Avenue Press in 2017 to support the local writing community and promote the creation of original content. The imprint publishes works by authors who live in Washtenaw County. Consider submitting your finished manuscript to Fifth Avenue Press at fifthave.aadl.org. Preschool Storytimes and Baby Playgroups Join our storytellers on weekdays inside the library for fun songs, stories, puppets, and movement! Visit aadl.org/storytimes to view a list of upcoming in-person storytimes and playgroups. You can also stream and download our recorded storytimes online at AADL.TV. FEATURED EVENT AADL Halloween Costume Contest Sunday, October 27 • 12–3pm Downtown Library Do you have a creative, cool, cute, or spooky costume? Come in your flashiest, most beautiful, or most outrageous costume to AADL’s annual costume contest! To enter, you must be seen by the judges between 12 and 2 pm. The award ceremony will be held at 2:30 pm. We will have a photo booth in the Lobby to commemorate the day. Check out aadl.org/ costumecontest for details! 5
6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WAR 365 days of war: the good, the bad and the ugly Wars and rumors of war — we are now at war and one can only imagine the end results of this war. We did not ask to be in this war; no one asked for this war. Things like this happen every so often in human affairs. It’s like an old volcano that's bound to blow its top. I believe in non-violence, and I desire peace. Many like myself believe in non-violence and desire peace. But there comes a time when an adversarial force won’t allow peace, thus creating a negative pervasive force so great, we end up in a space where peace no longer exists until the aftermath. Let me start by saying: in this war no one is safe! I mean no one. As we now see daily, children and women being killed en masse should be an indication of the intent of such an adversarial force. A genocidal massacre is taking place in real time (right now) in Palestine — live and in living color in the twenty-first century. This is old school warfare, but the only difference is, we have front row seating as we watch things unfold. But measures were put in place after WWII ended on September 2, 1945 to prevent things of this magnitude from taking place in the 20th and 21st century. On October 24, 1945, in San Francisco, CA, the United Nations was founded. Then why does the United Nations have no real effect on what takes place on the battlefield in Gaza? All these discussions, but no cease-fire? Let's examine the UN and its inability to solve world conflicts. The answer is simple: Those nations who hold veto privileges in the UN assembly are the five permanent member states of the security council. Who might those be? The United States, the UK, China, France and Russia. With this privilege and power they rule. There is more, but in short, this is why war-crimes committed by the Israeli Defense Force on the Palestinians continue to happen to this very moment — because of the backing and support of three nations: the United States, the United Kingdom and France. Protests take place daily and weekly, but no cease-fire. The people of these nations want a cease-fire, but rulers and leaders of their nations do not. Three of the most powerful nations stand with Israel. And these three nations hold veto power. Even though these three nations are the minority amongst all the other nations, the privilege of the veto trumps in this arena. We also need to take a look into the contracts of nations and their affiliation with other nations. There are 193 UN Member States. Each Member State has one seat in the General Assembly. MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Remember, only five members in this assembly hold and have veto power. All other members (nations) have no real say on what truly happens on the battlefield. Surely, smaller nations try their best to align themselves with bigger nations who might benefit them in one way or another. At the end of the day these five nations call the shots. Is it rigged? If so, that might explain why there has been 365 days of war and non-stop bombing and total neglect of innocent Palestinian civilians. Hypocrisy from the highest level of authority will be the downfall of these bigger nations, especially so-called democratic nations. Those in power in these nations have plans for global domination. My personal observation: it looks like it’s coming down to Nationalism vs its civilian population. The reason is because the citizens and governments of these nations, or empires, are becoming more restless as time goes on, and the citizens of these empires are becoming willing to challenge systematic authority. The powerful in these nations continually respond in the typical violent manner in order to try to quell dissent. There are nearly eight billion people on planet Earth. 1% of the population retains a majority of the wealth of the planet. Something is not right with this picture. With the middle class virtually eliminated, look at the disproportionate wealth gap, mental illness, poverty, the new racial-class segregation and culture wars. This is what we are facing within these so-called democratic nations, a war from within. Whether it be foreign or domestic, we are at war, and the majority of the population doesn't realize it, nor the seriousness of the situation. This war will consist of different types of components, but in plain language this will be war between the haves and the have nots, landowners against those who have no land at all. This war won’t be just nations fighting other nations; major struggles and conflicts will take place within nations, where government infrastructure won’t be able to stand on its own, thus leading to change (revolution) within these nations. War is inevitable. Change is inevitable. The eruption of a volcano is inevitable. Hold on ladies and gentlemen, it can blow any moment now! I would like to focus now on a particular aspect of this war because most of the world’s population will be involved. When most people think of war, they think of guns, tanks, battleships and more, but one should know that war can impact everything under the sun. Most noticeable is the war on information and public opinions. All nations control what they want people to see and hear, some more than others. Good and accurate information comes with a cost. If one chooses to stand on good journalism ethics, by bringing forth the truth, one must know his or her life could be in danger. In this line of work, the players “play for keeps.” Information rules the nations. Those in power know this, so they seek to control the flow and consumption of information. Nationalism is identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. Sovereignty means supreme power or authority. These are a few of the serious components we are dealing with. So, media networks are formed of a biased nature which leads to division, deception and confusion. The recent news and events is ugly personified, hypocrisy on the highest level. I would have never thought we would bear witness to a genocide in Palestine. However, things of this nature have happened before in recorded history. What happened to George Floyd isn't something new; it was just caught on video for the whole OCTOBER 4, 2024 Signs at a Pro-Palestine rally in Ann Arbor, October 2023. Photo credit: Mike Jones. world to see. We who live in the United States are living where once indigenous people lived. America is a product of genocide. Let’s take a look at the major media networks: ABC, NBC and FOX. We will say, ABC is somewhat neutral, and NBC is Democrat and FOX shares Republican views. Each of these networks put their own spin on the information released to their audience. So much so it’s obvious. I hate to say it, but it is almost fake news because you see and hear what they want you to see and hear. They put their own spin on the facts or hide certain facts, which misleads their audience. Those in power and these networks do this without pause because they know most people don’t do their research and will believe whatever information is given. At the core of journalism is truth (facts). Whether one likes it or not, the facts are the bottom line all the time. Those who choose to be informed, such as myself, rely on good, accurate news to be able to make a good conscious decision. By doing so, we have to learn to take a close look at what and where we receive information of any sort. Journalism and media outlets bear the burden of the good, the bad and the ugly — a constant pressure from all directions in the struggle for truth. The good lies in the hearts of those who have been charged with responsibility to resolve problems through the means of accurate and truthful information, and in the audience that receives that information and puts good use to what was given.
OCTOBER 4, 2024 VOTING DAVID KE DODGE Groundcover contributor Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) is a method by which voters in democracies cast ballots by ranking candidates according to their appeal and preference to each voter. Thus, if the ballot has five candidates running for one position in the office for which the candidates are running, a particular voter will place a number “1” beside the name of the candidate which the voter most favors, a number “2” beside the candidate whom the voter next most favors, and so on, with the candidate whom the voter least prefers receiving a number “5”. By a methodology which I will not try to explain here, the candidates are sequentially eliminated from the ballot according to their unpopularity, as evidenced by their having the fewest number of “1” votes. Each stage of the eliminations leaves each voter’s ballot changed by an elimination of the most unpopular candidate from their ballot, and a “moving up” in rank, by 1, of all the candidates who that voter liked less than the candidate who was eliminated in that stage. If, after a particular stage, a candidate has enough #1 votes to exceed 50% of the total votes cast, that candidate is declared the winner. Advantages to RCV There are a plethora of advantages of RCV to candidates and voters who love their nation: • During campaigns, a strategy of candidates to attack one of their opponents is not so appealing; the candidates realize that attacking one or more of the other candidates may alienate the voters who support those other candidates, so rank the offending candidate low on their ballot. The result is that candidates limit their campaigns to running on policies and positions on issues. • Because the candidates run on policies, the winners of the elections tend to disfavor gridlock, and thus serve terms of office promoting the public's authentic interests; legislative officers and administrators are more willing to reach across the aisle to garner support for proposed laws. As a result, more productive legislatures and administrators are elected. • Voters who don’t like either of the candidates of the two major political parties, and decide to vote for a third (or fourth or fifth…) party candidate, won’t necessarily be “throwing away” their vote. If enough voters share such sentiments, neither of the two main parties’ candidates will be elected. • Multiple interests will be reflected in the vote results — minority parties will be found in some elected offices. • Being a voting strategy which gives results similar to multiple runoff elections, the winner of an election will receive a majority of the vote, rather than the largest plurality; democracy will be more vital, and hence, government will enjoy greater trust and respect. • Parties and elections will be less subject to domination by small numbers of activists who are regimented to take control of local party processes for nominating candidates, and hence exercise power and influence far beyond what their small numbers can justify. • Participation rates in elections will likely be greater; surveys of voters leaving precinct stations after voting for the first time by RCV show a marked increase in the voters’ satisfaction with the experience. Challenges to RCV I’m yet in an early stage of taking a serious look at RCV; it’s appealing to me, but I anticipate there may be problems: • The means by which our leaders will be selected is more complex — it’s far easier to understand the details of how one of two candidates wins the election, by the most “X’s” beside his/ her name, than it is to understand the complexity of a computer repeatedly counting and eliminating candidates and ultimately declaring a winner who some bureaucrat on a silver screen announces to the public as the winner. In a nation which was once witness to a familiar, gradual, nationwide unfolding of state-by-state results until a candidate was declared the winner of the electoral college, there was a sheen of “legitimacy” to the process which has been increasingly automated, with increasing distrust in our electoral institutions; • The nation will have taken another step toward turning over the keys of our power-assignment institutions to technocrats, instead of precinct workers who have a love of democracy and have historically shown their work to be found accurate by recounts; some means of vetting the technocrats for devotion to democracy, perhaps by the administration of polygraph, is necessary. • RCV has a number of potential vulnerabilities to evasion of its intended performance. For example, there is a question of how names get on a ballot — if the process is not carefully thought-through, a ballot of five candidates might have two Democrats and three Republicans. The devil is in the details. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Ranked Choice Voting – enhancing democracy How it can happen here I’ve been aware of RCV for some time, and have recently learned of the existence of an organization in Michigan that is working to amend Michigan’s Constitution by an initiative to place RCV on the ballot in the 2026 election. That organization is named “Rank MI Vote.” RMV is very much a grassroots movement of private citizens. It is just starting to gain momentum in its efforts, and the people who join today will find themselves very involved in fundamental planning, conceptualization and decision-making. But an overall plan of action exists and was revealed in a Zoom meeting of its members on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. If you wish to fill yourself in on their overall plan-of-action, you can get RMV to send you a link to the Zoom meeting by submitting a request to: communications@rankmivote.org RCV is becoming increasingly used in cities, counties and states across the nation, including cities in Michigan. Once supported by many U.S. citizens of all political stripes, as RCV has been increasingly used in elections, it has accrued opponents as incompetent, extremist and/or corrupt politicians find themselves losing elections. Some such opponents are even participating in attempts to repeal the laws which provide for RCV. In addition to RMV’s Michigan presence, “Fair Vote” is promoting RCV nationwide. GET ACTIVE! Engage! Our self-determination is at stake. 7
8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY For Ronnie, Robert and Old Joe Gone to Rest in Peace I write poems About great things. I write poems about wars and walls and towers, Starting and ending, rising and falling. I write poems about leaders, Some who are good people, And others who make themselves into volcanic moutains. I write poems about nations collapsing, And about hope of a better world dawning. But it is the poems I write about "small" people With large and loving spirits That are my heart-poems! Perhaps they are the poems I treasure most, Because I feel and believe That writing about such modest And often impoverished but ever noble souls, Is the closest I can come to describing reflections Of the likely struggling And gentle soul of God. OCTOBER 4, 2024 PHILIP SPINK Groundcover vendor No. 630
OCTOBER 4, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS ROCKING SIMILIESby Tracy Bennett 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Comedic pranks 5. Crisler Center, for one 10. Crumb-carrying insects 14. Supermodel Macpherson who had a role on "Friends" 15. Wanders all over 16. Bubble on the stove 17. Absolutely spotless 20. Marie Kondo's "life-changing" method for tidying up 21. Like many a professor with job security 22. Exclamations heard after a stubbed toe 23. Information 25. TV dad on "Black-ish" 26. In absolutely perfect health 31. Early anesthetic 34. Employ 35. Feel poorly 36. Greeting between old-time sailors 37. Way in 39. Radio band letters 40. Tool with teeth 41. Night light? 42. Stews 43. Absolutely leak-proof 47. Tic-tac-toe win 48. The "Y" in MYOB 49. Cardinals, on scoreboards 52. Artist's studio 56. Potato dumpling dish of northern Italy 58. What 17-, 26- and 43-Across might be, if they "band" together 60. Marriage rights activist Windsor 61. Dogg who was a torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics 62. ___ the act (stop pretending) 63. Badminton dividers 64. Displays a form of sleepiness that's sometimes contagious 65. The : in (-: DOWN 1. Lizard with clingy toepads 2. Permit 3. Narrow valleys 4. Fashion line? 5. Where Noah's ark landed at last 6. Spanish-speaking Muppet on "Sesame Street" 7. Actress Longoria 8. Eye of ___ (part of a witch's brew) 9. Tennis great Arthur 10. Utterly ridiculous 11. Football powerhouse that last played (and lost to) the Wolverines in 2019 12. Mosaic piece 13. Go downhill fast, say 18. Lowest point opposite a zenith 19. Sundance film, typically 24. Pottery class project (back when every household allowed smoking) 26. Tina of "30 Rock" 27. Put on TV 28. Saute 29. Raise up 30. Stately shade trees 31. Toward the rising sun 32. Cuisine served at Tuptim on Washtenaw Avenue 33. "What's your life like these days?" 37. McNamara terminal approx. 38. Lil ___ X 39. One of two huggers 41. Keeping a stiff upper lip 42. Angry uproar 44. Sacred places, quaintly 45. "Oh, tell me more, please!" 46. Preceding periods, as to elections 49. Like many Halloween films 50. Sudden pang 51. Talks like Daffy or Sylvester 52. "So true!" 53. Sassy impudence, slangily 54. Popular online marketplace 55. Novelist Jaffe 57. Give up, as territory 59. "That smarts!"
10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Fear is a survival mechanism for a reason Do you ever get the feeling that something is off? That what is taking place before you, indeed the world you live in, has an artificial presence you can't put your finger on? And you begin to wonder if you're being screwed with. No, you're not going crazy, and you’re not alone in the suspicions of seemingly scripted events for the purpose of manipulation. I have days when I wonder if I've been psychologically toyed with to an extent. I might as well start taking the whole Matrix simulation theory seriously. Now, I'm not the type who is adamant in his somewhat paranoid belief that we are the unwilling subjects kept firmly in check by a corrupt system that will stop at nothing to acquire and maintain power in order to ensure agendas that not only lack benefits for the common man, but completely dominate him and demand his subservience. To break our will so thoroughly nobody would dare question, much less challenge, our assigned place in the world. No, I'm not exactly a hardcore enthusiast of conspiracy theories of ill-intentioned government plotting a tyrannical New World Order establishing a slave/servant class composed of lower and impoverished classes and other undesirables. I want to be clear that I hold no rock solid belief or conviction in that kind of paranoia. Unfortunately, however, though I don't anticipate such a bleak outcome for humanity, I cannot with certainty discard the possibility that the system we grant custody of our rights and freedoms would harbor nefarious intentions for the world's less fortunate. Now there are a lot of variables and factors that would make the transition into such a despicable system of governance somewhat rocky at best. And despite the embarrassingly large number of people who wouldn't be bothered by such a display of hypocrisy (at least where America is concerned) there will be people who are. I really don't think these people would embrace the total omission of their already uncertain chances of a better life. It would be a scenario that runs a very good chance of igniting a civil war. And ironically it would essentially be over the same line of ethics that the last American Civil War was fought over – human rights and America's official stance on slavery. I can see where the wealthy just love and eat such a practice up. I also see how pathetically selfish and immature such an ideology would seem in today's world. Perfect for spoiled brats who want to have JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 their way while operating with the absence of any accountability. That's entirely possible and probable by simply dehumanizing the lower social classes and undesirables. I can definitely see how a certain degree or legal word play would be employed to justify reverting back to the practice of outright slavery. Sure, it will be called or labeled as something different. But at the end of the day it will be outright slavery. I truly wish it was paranoia and my own mind coming unhinged that was the reason behind me making these observations, that they are baseless, unrealistic and delusional. But these fears are and have been confirmed by the simple fact that these practices occur all around us. There's no shortage of programs and organizations that take advantage of people in unfortunate situations and have no moral dilemmas taking these people and using their desperation to entrap and exploit them. And if that isn't proof enough you can always look at the market of human trafficking. That doesn't really need any explanation to tell you what the hell this is all about. You have to wonder why our country has such a vague stance on it. We're supposedly against it but I fail to see any serious effort to do anything about it. Other than the occasional raid on — excuse the expression — whorehouses here and there, like something that just happens to fall in the lap of law enforcement, a matter of convenience. But nothing ever huge, no real campaign to eradicate it. So it's back to that standard American mindset of indifference that enables the continued existence of such a thing. Can we really say with certainty that we're not being psychologically conditioned to adopt the kind of mindset that will opt to look the other way to the benefit of sociopaths that profit from these atrocities? A mindset of “better them than me.” I'm sure it's a great comfort to these victims that we're doing all we can to pretend they don't exist. The thought that we are intentionally manipulated to turn our backs on — and if need be, to destroy — each other is a fear that troubles my thoughts every day. A constant nagging suspicion that we are all being herded down a path of ruin. As negative as all that sounds I still have to reflect on certain facts that are in contrast to such a sense of defeatism. For myself, the first and most important one being that nothing is over and lost yet. Second, that anything is possible and it's not a certainty we’ll all be serving cruel overlords in the coming years. Also the fact that we're talking about the oppression of a society in which the vast majority holds a firm ideal in the concept of freedom. And like myself, there are people willing to fight like hell for it. Especially when those ideals are being attacked. So if any B.S. is pulled there is no way it's going to go on unchallenged. But really, I wanted to write this article to address my own fears in one way, and to serve as a warning in another. Because God, does it bug me when I see the levels of outright vanity and hypocrisy on display. And it makes me think of how it is exactly what’s expected of a plan that doesn't hold the best intentions for everyone. Acknowledgment to a fear that we should fight for what we cherish while we still can. OCTOBER 4, 2024 exp. 01/31/2025
OCTOBER 4, 2024 PEACE Day of Che Che Guevara is among the best known revolutionaries of the 20th century. He is widely honored in Cuba. Originally from Argentina, Ernesto Guevara was “Che” in Cuba from Argentinian-Spanish slang for “pal” or “buddy.” He became a top Commandante with Fidel and was the brilliant military strategist at the Battle of Santa Clara, which sealed the defeat of the Batista dictatorship. I believe the armed struggle began after Batista canceled the election in which Fidel was a candidate. I’ve already written about the attack on the Moncada barracks, which like Harper’s Ferry, was a big defeat. Unlike John Brown, Fidel was sentenced to prison rather than execution. Upon his release he went into exile in Mexico. Che was in Guatemala when President Eisenhower, at the behest of United Fruit Co., authorized the coup against the popular President Arbenz. Che, as an Arbenz supporter, was forced to flee and went to Mexico where he met Fidel. The rest is well-documented history. Luisa Yanez wrote “On the Trail of Che Guevara,” a great read from the Miami Herald; learn about the mystery of Che’s bones. Every year, hundreds of thousands make a pilgrimage to Che’s tomb/memorial in Santa Clara. Alberto Korda took the legendary photo of Che that is everywhere. It captures the pathos, perseverance and passion of the revolution. On March 4, 1960, the French freighter La Coubre exploded in Havana Harbor, killing up to 100 people and injuring several hundred more. Che participated in the rescue operation. The following day, the Che photo was taken. Jack Kenny, our Ann Arbor photographer, traveled to Cuba in the 1990s, met with Korda and came back with a good part of his collection. Jack’s work may be found at the Makeshift Art Gallery on Liberty Street. October 8 is the Day of Che in Cuba. By significant coincidence it is also my birthday. My 75th in 2017 was a great party in Cuba. This year I will be 82. We are setting up an October 6 event (the Sunday before), at the Friends Meeting House from 4 to 8 p.m. It is a potluck party with a film screening of “Salt of the Earth” at 7 p.m. This film embodies the spirit of Che as much as “The Motorcycle Diaries,” which is also a great film. I got the book “Salt of the Earth: The Story of a Film” to get a better feel for freedom of speech and the struggle for the mind of Hollywood. The witch hunts of McCarthyism, also called the Second Red Scare, sent many people to prison and exile. If you knew a communist you may have been subpoenaed and father find water with a branch that pointed down at the right spot. Please review the “People’s Peace KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 threatened with the loss of your job. It was a replay of the Inquisition, a tragedy that plagued Europe for centuries. World War I was the context for the Russian Revolution. The first Red Scare in America came immediately after the Bolshevic Revolution took power in Russia. Violent incidents and rumors of violence were the excuse for many raids, arrests and deportations in the United States. Sacco and Venzetti were executed based on their anarchist beliefs more than any evidence of violence. The anti-communist fervor that is an undercurrent in American culture has a long history and anyone who declares themself to be a socialist, let alone a communist, cannot be surprised to find themselves under attack. The Korean War and the Vietnam war were anti-communst crusades. The prejudice that comes from othering human beings feeds on fear, scapegoating and the creation of enemies if none exist. Indigenous people become savages as supremacism goes on a rampage. I met a veteran who became an expert at kicking in doors and shooting anything that moved inside. He thought his training in Iraq would qualify him for a job with the police. The mercenaries that I saw during the Detroit newspaper strike, and again at Standing Rock, believe that peace and justice activists are the enemies and their addiction to violence motivates them to act against us. We see this same dynamic in Palestine today as children and the World Central Kitchen become targets of bombs while snipers pick off medical workers and journalists. Peace is needed. There is plenty of work to do as we begin the healing. Let us end the war on ourselves. Smile in the mirror as you see who you are in a judgment-free zone. Honest health care would get toxins out of our food and water. Food would be medicine as we tune in to the wisdom of the body. Applied kinesiology, commonly known as muscle testing, is an important skill. Water dowsing works in the context of tuning into the wisdom of the body and the wisdom of the earth. I have seen my Bank” Groundcover article (May 17) and “Move The Money” article (August 23). It’s time to put basic research about money into practice. The first law of thermodynamics will go into play – everything we need is at hand. Let’s talk and go to work as we share in simplifying our lives. Peace is the way. We will begin and end with some mindfulness practice that empowers peace of mind. A natural breath is a miracle of presence. I am looking forward to meeting you on October 6 at Ann Arbor Friends Meeting House. My writing is preparation for a discussion on money, sharing of resources and organizing the details. Jim Clark told me about auxiliary dwelling units which is an ordinance in Ann Arbor. It may be the basis for a series of tiny houses as first done in Seattle. When we love one another we live in a fresh world and can live visions of peace. "Yes" and "no" are powerful words. “How about this?” Is a phrase that introduces new options. The blessings of a fresh mind are bountiful. Remember the famous slogan, “think globally, act locally?” Try a thought experiment with your breath. The average breath has 2.5 X 10 to the 22nd power number of molecules, 22 zeros is a large number. Check Google for the probability that a goodly number of those molecules have been around the world and breathed by every plant and sentient being that ever existed. That’s just one breath. How many dinosaurs do we meet in our breath? This is an example of how intimately we are interrelated. Science is now theorizing that consciousness is connected to dimensions we cannot perceive. We need to explore mental consciousness and contemplate the Clear Light of the Void, also known as "the all-good expanse of primordial purity.” God, Allah and unconditional love are in this field of word play. As is taught, one moment of the clear light of the mind can erase eons of karmic obstacles and habitual patterns. We can forget about the need to prove anything and rest in the natural state of spontaneous activity, uncontrived and decisive. The earth invites us to be at ease and do good work. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Tofu-veggie stir fry ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 14 oz. package firm or extra firm tofu 3 cups chopped green beans 2 cup diced carrots 1 cup chopped red pepper 4 T. toasted sesame or coconut oil for sauteing Sauce: ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium) 2 T. fresh grated ginger (I use a little less) 3 T. brown sugar 2 T. maple syrup 2 T. cornstarch Directions: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and begin drying your tofu. To drain, remove it from the package and place between two thick towels. Then place a plate or bowl on top of it. Let it dry for about 15 to 20 minutes, changing your towels if they get too wet. Once dry, chop tofu into 1-inch cubes or rectangles. Arrange tofu on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and bake for a total of Sunrise, sunset SHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 OCTOBER 4, 2024 25-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This will dry out the tofu and help give it a more meat-like texture. Once it’s golden brown and a bit tough and firm, remove from the oven and set it out to dry a bit more while you prep your vegetables. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil or coconut oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add veggies and toss to coat in oil. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. When the vegetables have some color and have softened a bit, add the sauce and stir. It should bubble and thicken. Then add the tofu and stir. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. When veggies are cooked to your preference, remove from heat. Serve immediately, as is or over rice for a more filling meal. $5 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 9/20/2024
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