Category Archives: Miscellaneous

Butterflies Are Free: Trauma, Turmoil, and Testimony at the US, Mexico Border– Public Program, March 30th, 2019, Elgin.

Free Public Program, March 30th, 2019, 2:30 PM, the Elgin Room,  Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Street, Elgin.

Why are families from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, many with small children,  leaving their countries in large numbers and coming to the US border asking for Asylum?

Public Artist David Stocker and Videographer Mike Barr, from Rockford, IL, traveled to the US/Mexico Border for the past two years to participate in the massive demonstrations held there each November.  There, many times over,  they found answers to the question above.  They will share their stories and insights with us.  

Most of us grow up up learning that the United States brings democracy, freedom, and human rights to countries around the world.  All too often, especially in Central and Latin America the truth is just the opposite.

Come and learn the painful history of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras and of their suffering populations.  Come and rejoice in the triumphant survival of these people as they defy nightmarish conditions to reach out for a better life for themselves and their families.

Bring your questions, ideas, and experiences.  There will be time for Q&A and discussion.
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Occupy Elgin for Sat, March 23rd, 2019

Occupy Elgin will gather on Saturday, March 23rd, 2019 from 1 PM till 2 PM at the corner of Kimball Street & Grove Avenue.in Elgin.  We will hold signs and distribute flyers calling upon Congress to Cancel Student Debt.

44 Million Americans are struggling to pay off their student loans.  Collectively they owe nearly $1.4 trillion dollars.  This debt burden can take the joy out of their individual lives.  But it also delays their major life decisions, like getting married, having children, buying a house or starting a business.  This means that student debt ends up being a drag on our entire economy, affecting whole families and larger communities.  If we hit an economic downturn with serious unemployment,  many of those debt holders would have to default, so it could help tip us into a full recession.  This is a problem for all of us. read more