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Additional Reports: Undoing the Coup
Entering a New Era One Year LaterSaturday, December 22, 2001 celebration at Local 32-BJ of SEIU, 601 Avenue of the Americas
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Sing Along SongsRichieD.
Re:Dec 22nd Coup Anniversary Event
Sun Dec 23 03:16:10 2001It was a marvelous night of food,fellowship,remembrance, celebration,entertainment,and detailed information concer-ning the post-settlement situation at Pacifica. Some BAI listeners attended the $50 a head event on the 22nd Floor of 101 Ave.of The Americas/6th Ave.SEIU Local 32BJ Union Hall while many more attended the $8-$15 potluck dinner on the ground floor between 5-7 PM. The food at the potluck dinner was varied and plentiful, with white linen tables and dual red/white wine setups at each table along with bottled water. The gathering was cordial and the energy was generally positive and optimistic though many seemed more than a little concerned about the full terms of the settlement. A great number of the fired and banned were present,many of whom participated in the satirical and generally funny "WBAI Bunker" theme material written by Janet Coleman,David Dozier,John McDonagh,and the irrepressible Cannibal of this board,among others.Robert Knight was the MC of the evening and carried on with his usual and delightful acerbic wit. There were also BAI themed Christmas singalongs,audience participation BAI Coup Trivia games with prizes awarded, taped commentaries from Pacifica dissident luminaries like Larry Bensky,and on-stage recognition of the fired and ban-ned both present and in spirit,including a candlelight re-membrance of the struggle both at WBAI and Networkwide. Juan Gonzalez and Leslie Cagan provided the detailed info concerning the Settlement and "The Work That Still Needs To Be Done"---Full Democratization of The Network,Restoration of Fiscal Responsibility,Local Station Autonomy,Revocation of The Gag Rule,The Return of The Banned and Fired,etc. The confab broke up at Midnight.By and Large,a good time appeared to be had by nearly all 1000 strong in attendance.
Tompkinsville
re: tonight's benefit
Sun Dec 23 02:07:11 2001It was a homerun. At the last ining last team with tie score.All the tables were occupied and there were about three hundred people standing. in the back it was about 5 deep standing room only. our man canibal is a star performer. He did a superb imitation of armand. I will not go into any more details as Im not good a describing the program. The majority of banned and fired participated in the program.I was very impressed.
Cannibal
Listener Joyce the absolute most as Margerine.....
Sun Dec 23 11:34:27 2001in the morning show take off. I am overwhelmed at the high energy of satiric intellect from everyone that I was priviledged to work with! ...Much of it we have seen on this board over the last year! Happy Festivus!
- Cannibal
Roger M
Saturday December 22, 2001
NYC WBAI love festMuch fun and food was had by many at the beautifully decorated large union hall at 101 6th Avenue in lower Manhattan as the Concerned Friends of WBAI and the Pacifica Campaign commemorated the one year anniversary of the horrible WBAI "Christmas Coup" and celebrated the settlement of the 4 lawsuits against the so-called Pacifica National board. The hall was filled to capacity, as it was almost a year ago when a passionate meeting in response the coup drew approximately 1200 people.
The event with it's hilarious (to loyal WBAI listeners) lengthy theatrical satire to the speeches and ceremonies of acknowledgement for the Fired and Banned as well as various NYC Free-Pacifica activists was almost completely "New York/WBAI-centric." That is up until the end , when in the wee hours the thinned out crowd heard 3 articulate, moving Keynote speeches, that more completely addressed the spirit and focus of where the Pacifica free speech radio movement is at present.
Juan Gonzalez of the Pacifica Campaign was extremely optimistic and grateful for the efforts of the national movement. Soon to be Interim PNB member Leslie Cagan clearly reiterated that this whole effort has not been primarily about the fired and banned or even WBAI, but the regaining of the national treasure that is The Pacifica Foundation, a fiercely progressive radio network. Amy Goodman's brief comments reinforced Leslie's statement and in addition clearly supported the upcoming introduction of democratic process to Pacifica.
It was certainly a magical evening. Most everyone was in a great mood. This was particularly evident as some gave into an urge to dance to splendid music the djs were spinning. (We could of used a bit more dance time!) The potluck was a huge success. Pacifica listeners sure know how to cook or at least shop for food. The organizers did an amazing job, especially considering this event was pulled together on relatively short notice. Many thanks to the folks at Local 32BJ of SEIU for their facilitating the use of their lovely space.
Much to do and keep on top of now. Stay tuned to www.wbai.net, all our sister sites and the message boards!
Roger M
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