Protesters Use Denver Convention as Forum
NAM Special Exchange with The Final Call, News Report, Ashahed M. Muhammad , Posted: Aug 26, 2008
DENVER—Protesters marked the beginning of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver by demanding justice for political prisoners, redistribution of America’s wealth to help the poor, and an end to what they perceive as a failed economic and political system that leaves a majority of Americans without a voice.
The Recreate 68 Alliance held an “End the Occupation: End the War” rally and March on Aug. 24, drawing close to 1,500 vocal protesters, many of whom were not yet born in 1968. The organizers have planned protests at various locations during the entire duration of the DNC.
Despite the heavy police presence in Denver, seemingly in preparation for unrest, organizers say they simply want to have their voices heard and to be recognized for having the desire to make a difference. These are laudable goals, according to activist and Black Panther Party icon Kathleen Cleaver.
“It’s not the same movement (as in 1968)," she told The Final Call. "What it is the same bunch of criminals that are perpetuating imperialist aggression and war with the same devastating consequences directed against the people. The war is a war against the people."
Cleaver also warned against people looking at the political ascension of Sen. Barack Obama as an indicator that things are not as bad as they seem.
“People who think that are looking for a way to avoid acknowledging how bad things are. So this is an opportunity for them. The people who are in the thick of how bad things are don’t say that. The gap in between the wealthy and the poor living in the United States is greater now than at any time since the depression, so the people saying those things must be on that end of being benefited -- they are not on the end of being stomped on."
Organizers for the Recreate 68 Alliance say that when they talk about “recreating” the events of 1968, they are not talking about recreating the violent riots which were seen in 1968 in which, according to accounts, protesters were tear-gassed, beaten with nightsticks, and arrested for holding massive protests during the time of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago under then Mayor Richard J. Daley.
M1 from Dead Prez told the crowd that Mumia Abu Jamal sent a message to those in attendance at the rally that they do not need to “recreate ’68, they need to do 2008.”
“It’s a slogan and if people were just going off the slogan, then they were wrong,” said Ms. Clemente, who appeared at the rally with Green Party presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney, despite the fact that the Green Party in Colorado tried to prevent them from appearing at the rally. Ms. Clemente said local Green Party officials tried to discourage attendance at the rally and march by spreading the word that the rally was canceled, and that the local Green Party is actually trying to get the McKinney/Clemente ticket removed from the ballot in Colorado.
Ms. Cleaver saw this as evidence of the same Cointelpro tactics of the 60s. She also decried the political system of the United States, saying that although the Republicans and Democrats use different symbols and are represented by different candidates, they are in reality “two wings of the capitalist party.”
This sentiment was shared by outspoken critic of the Bush administration and former University of Colorado professor Ward Churchill.
“It’s not two parties, they're two sides of a coin," said Churchill, who is still involved in a legal battle with the University of Colorado which pressured him to resign after some writings and comments made immediately after 9/11 in which he said it was a case of justice and the “chickens coming home to roost."
Numerous protests are planned by a variety of organizations throughout the days of the convention. The Progressive Democrats of America have a nightly schedule of speakers, including Rev. Lennox Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus and Ann Wright, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and advocate of women’s rights in the military. Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has scheduled a protest rally on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
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Leona Shaffer on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:08:50 said:
Comedy Central’s Lauren Corrao Wins Second Annual “Most Sexist” Award in Media
-->Feminist group Women’s Flash Network cites Comedy Central 2008 development slate as “appropriate for Syria.”
MIAMI, FL (August 24, 2008) A month in advance of the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, to be broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, Feminist group Women’s Flash Network (WFN) revealed its Second Annual “Most Sexist Media Figure of the Year” – and with a surprise twist.
This year, the most sexist media figure is actually a woman: Lauren Corrao of Comedy Central, a Viacom subsidiary. Last year’s award was given to Fox anchor Bill O’Reilly.
According to Myra Foster, chair of WFN, Corrao, who is president of development for Comedy Central, won the award based on a Comedy Central development slate for 2009 announced last spring that contained the name of not a single woman either as an entertainer or as a producer.
“We did a content analysis of the March 12th press release sent out by Corrao, and what we found were the names of 45 men and the name of one woman – herself,” said Foster, an entertainment lawyer active in women’s issues. “This is a development slate more appropriate to Syrian National Television than to an American cable network owned by Sumner Redstone’s Viacom.”
WFN Vice-Chair Jodie Spring noted that past Comedy Central press releases boasted of the fact the network’s President, Michele Ganeless, is also a woman. “Are these two executives ‘women who hate women?’” asked Spring. “We don’t know. Some studies have shown that when women reach positions of power, they often pull up the ladder behind them.”
“Neverthless, to have 45 men involved in developing your new comedy season, and not a single woman, should set off alarm bells to both Corrao and Ganeless and MTV’s Doug Herzog that something is majorly wrong at their network.”
Entertainment insiders say it was Corrao who was rumored to have opposed giving a new show to Comedy Central’s sole female success story, Sarah Silverman, whose show has turned into a huge hit for Comedy Central. She was overruled by MTV Networks Entertainment Group prexy Doug Herzog.
As her prize, Corrao will be sent a giant bronzed rat, according to Spring.
Women’s Flash Network is a membership organization of women in media from 42 states and Puerto Rico. The press release that the award is based on is reproduced below.
* * *
March 12, 2008
COMEDY CENTRAL (R) Presents the Future of Comedy With its 2008-2009 Talent and Development Slate
Fantasy-Comedy 'Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire' Receives Series Order and Will Premiere in 1Q 2009
NEW YORK, March 12 NEW YORK, March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- With a week of new series and new seasons on COMEDY CENTRAL featuring the premiere of "Lewis Black's Root of All Evil," new seasons of "South Park," "Lil' Bush" and "Kenny vs. Spenny," and ongoing, award-winning "Indecision 2008" political coverage from "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report," the all-comedy network could be excused if it sat back and laughed along with its viewers for a spell. But, not resting on its laurels, the channel, coming off its second consecutive record-breaking year, is hard at work securing the future of comedy with a star-studded 2008-09 development slate, announced today by Lauren Corrao, president, original programming and development, COMEDY CENTRAL .
Projects in development run the gamut from short-form and sketch/variety to scripted narrative and animation, as well as COMEDY CENTRAL's first foray into medieval comedy, and feature a cross-section of top comedic talent including Snoop Dogg, Andy Richter, David Alan Grier, Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter, Nick Swardson, Daniel Tosh, Bobby Lee and Opie & Anthony .
"This year's development slate features an incredibly diverse and versatile array of talent and concepts," said Corrao. "Our core viewers expect nothing short of the best comedy options and continue to connect with the brand we've built. We're confident that these ideas will resonate with them and will continue to grow the network's success into the coming year."
The first of the 2008-2009 development slate to receive a series order marks COMEDY CENTRAL's first fantasy-comedy and will premiere during 1Q 2009. "Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire" is an outrageous, live-action, character-driven comedy that takes place in the "long ago past" and features the reluctant hero Krod Mandoon, a sensitive, clueless freedom fighter, as the last great hope in a medieval struggle. The series is written by Peter Knight and executive produced by Knight, Keith Samples, Brad Johnson, Courtney Conte and Flody Juarez.
Other projects that have been greenlit for pilot/presentation production include: Untitled Snoop Dogg Animated Project, a half-hour animated comedy featuring Snoop Dogg as a 15 year-old growing up in 1980s Long Beach, CA; Untitled Andy Richter Sketch Show, a sketch show starring Andy Richter, executive produced by Kent Alterman ("Semi-Pro," "Elf"); "David Alan Grier's Chocolate News," a fake magazine show hosted by the "In Living Color" alum that covers inherently urban pop culture topics; and "Gay Robot," an animated, scripted series about the day-in-the-life, post-college adventures of Gay Robot, voiced by Nick Swardson ("RENO 911!," "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"), and his roommates partying their way through life while trying to find their way in the world.
COMEDY CENTRAL will also continue to feature the best in original stand-up comedy and will premiere three one-hour, original stand-up specials in 2008 starring Carlos Mencia ("Mind of Mencia"), John Oliver ("The Daily Show with Jon Stewart") and Brian Regan.
Descriptions of all 2008-2009 development projects follow: SERIES GREENLIGHTS
"Krod Mandoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire"
Krod Mandoon is a reluctant hero in a medieval world. After the death of his mentor, Arcadius, Krod becomes the last great hope in the fight against the evil Dongalor. If only he wasn't so worried about his hairline. Written by Peter Knight and executive produced by Knight, Keith Samples, Brad Johnson, Courtney Conte and Flody Juarez.
PILOTS/PRESENTATIONS (all titles listed are working titles)
Untitled Snoop Dogg Animated Project
A half-hour animated comedy featuring Snoop Dogg as a 15 year-old growing up in 1980s Long Beach, CA and dealing with family, school and the streets, giving viewers a hilarious look at growing up in the hood. Executive produced by Snoop Dogg and Tom Lynch.
Untitled Andy Richter Sketch Show
A sketch show starring Andy Richter executive produced by Kent Alterman ("Semi-Pro," "Elf") and Tim Sarkes.
"America's Biggest Idiot"
Each week, three guys compete against one another in a series of off-the- wall physical challenges to see who is willing to take the most punishment. Hosted by Daniel Tosh. Created and executive produced by Jim Biederman ("Tom Green Show," "Jamie Kennedy Experiment"), Vito Viscomi ("Tom Green Show," "Punk'd," "Jackass") and Paul Greenberg ("Jackass," "Punk'd").
"David Alan Grier's Chocolate News"
A fake magazine show hosted by "In Living Color" alum and Tony(R) Award- nominee David Alan Grier that covers inherently urban pop culture topics. The pilot is executive produced by Grier ("Little Man"), Robert Morton ("Mind of Mencia"), Fax Bahr and Adam Small, and Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordon Levin. (previously listed in COMEDY CENTRAL's 2007-2008 development slate announcement as a presentation deal)
"Gay Robot"
An animated, scripted series composed of two eleven-minute stories per episode about a gay robot, voiced by Nick Swardson ("RENO 911!," "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry"), and his friends Nick, Pat and Matt living together after college. The show follows the day-in-the-life adventures of Gay Robot and the guys partying their way through life while trying to find their way in the world. Produced by Happy Madison and Sony TV and co-written by Nick Swardson and Aaron Lee.
"The Scariest Show on Television"
Put a group of twisted comedy writers at the helm of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and you get "The Scariest Show on Television," an anthology series where host Julius Darkshaft, played by Paul F. Tompkins ("Lewis Black's Root of All Evil," "Anchorman"), takes us through his vault of hilarious morality tales and gorefests. Tales include such gems as "The Misfortune Cookie," where three Wall Street racists emerge from a Chinese restaurant to find that their gruesome fortunes are coming to life. Executive Produced by Jim Biederman, Brett Gelman and Jon Daly, Waverly Films and 3Arts Entertainment.
"Search and Destroy"
Executive producer Troy Miller ("Viva La Bam," "Flight of Conchords") brings viewers along on a scavenger hunt where nothing is off limits. Hosted by radio personalities Opie & Anthony, two teams of comedians run amok in New York City with a list of assignments and head-to-head competitions.
"Speed Freaks"
A scripted show starring Zach Galifianakis and A.D. Miles about two small town losers who are on the run from a redneck mafia hit-man after blowing up a local meth lab. As they fumble around the south trying to find odd jobs and shelter, the faceless hit-man is always hot on their trail.
SCRIPT/PAPER DEVELOPMENT (all titles listed are working titles)
Untitled Bobby Lee Project
This narrative comedy starring Bobby Lee ("MADtv") will focus on his unique point of view of living in his multi-cultural world. The show is co- written by Bobby Lee and Michael Hitchcock & Dick Blasucci ("MADtv").
"Gypsy Cab"
An animated series consisting of two eleven-minute stories per episode revolving around the life of a driver of a dilapidated Gypsy Cab and his passengers, who will be portrayed in each episode by a different stand-up comedian. The Cab will be "home base" but viewers will also visit the cab depot, his apartment and spend time with his mom. Created by Jordan Rubin and written by Rubin and Aaron Lee. Rubin, Lee and Generate's Dave Rath are the executive producers.
"Michael and Michael Have Issues"
A sketch comedy from comedians Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter ("The State," "Stella"), this show features segments addressing issues each of the stars has with themselves, each other and the world at large.
"Reality Bites"
COMEDY CENTRAL's "uber-spoof" on the reality genre, this series sets out to completely take the piss out of American television's popular, yet most hated, genre. Ten comedians compete to keep it "real-er" than the others and challenge each other to be the ultimate reality television star. Executive produced by 3 Ball Productions ("The Biggest Loser," "Beauty and the Geek").
SPECIALS
"Carlos Mencia: *Performance Enhanced"
A one-hour stand-up special starring Carlos Mencia ("Mind of Mencia") executive produced by Robert Morton. Premieres May 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
"John Oliver: Terrifying Times"
A stand-up special starring John Oliver ("The Daily Show with Jon Stewart") produced by Dakota Entertainment. Premieres April 20 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Untitled Brian Regan Stand-up Special
A stand-up special starring Brian Regan produced by Dakota Entertainment. Premieres 3Q 2008.
COMEDY CENTRAL, the only all-comedy network, currently is seen in more than 91 million homes nationwide. COMEDY CENTRAL is owned by, and is a registered trademark of, Comedy Partners, a wholly-owned division of Viacom Inc.'s (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B) MTV Networks. COMEDY CENTRAL's Internet address is www.comedycentral.com. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Press Central, COMEDY CENTRAL's press Web site at www.comedycentral.com/press.