November, 2006

Voices from Benton Harbor, Mich.

Democracy is rule by the people!

BY REV. EDWARD PINKNEY

Justice rally in Benton Harbor. PHOTO/ADRIAN GARCIA

Imagine waking up at 7:30 a.m. to the sound of someone knocking on your front door. Imagine looking out your window to see a massive police force surrounding your house. Imagine this happening anywhere -- not only in Benton Harbor, Michigan or Alabama in the1950s.

On Oct. 5, 2006, officers knocked on my front door under the pretense of tracking down a woman who did not live at my house. As if they didn't know. Neighbors and friends are outraged by the number of Sheriff's Department Officers and Benton Harbor Police and SWAT Team Officers that filled up the neighborhood. This was such an obvious act of intimidation. Who knows what else the racist, corrupt power structure will attempt to scare me?

Make no mistake, this is just another step in the calculated process of Whirlpool's takeover of Benton Harbor and the forced "removal" of people of color. Profits from their "dream resort" town are FAR more important than the civil rights of human beings.

Unfortunately, many people are easily misled by people in power. We need to educate each other about how the law should work and about how things change.

Democracy is more than the right to vote. Democracy is rule by the people. In a true democracy everyone would have the guarantee of a decent life: a quality home, education, and health care, plus more. No one would have the right to exploit anyone's labor. Prisons would not house the poor. Everyone would contribute to how the society is run.

Call Rev. Edward Pinkney at 269-925-0001 anytime or visit the web site: http://banco.blogspot.com/, or write: 1940 Union St., Benton Harbor, 49022 (Legal fees are very much needed for the defense in Rev. Pinkney's frame-up trial.)

Pinkney and Harper Win Award

Rev. Edward Pinkney and Ex-City Commissioner Etta Harper were given an award for Outstanding Work in the Benton Harbor Community by the NAACP on October 24, 2006, at a "Get out the Vote" event at the Benton Harbor High School.

A New Film:
What's going on in Benton Harbor?
The Trial of Reverend Pinkney

Published and Directed by Steve Keys, Co-Directed by Phil Bassett

This film deals with the efforts of a giant corporation to silence the people of Benton Harbor, Mich., by attempting to jail one of their leaders. A recall election that was won by more than 50 votes was overturned on the basis of five or so tainted votes and one judge's "belief" that there was voter fraud. Send a donation of $10 or more to Tri City Production, c/o PT, PO Box 3524, Chicago IL 60654, or email phil@kalamazoo.com.