Is “Community Organizer” code for “Communist Agitator”?

"Beneath the rhetoric of survival, behind the Sierra Club calendars, beyond the movie-star appeals, lies a full-fledged ideology – an ideology every bit as powerful as Marxism and every bit as dangerous to individual freedom and human happiness. Like Marxism, it appeals to seemingly noble instincts: the longing for beauty, for harmony, for peace. It is the green road to serfdom."
—The Green Road to Serfdom, Virginia I. Postrel

Is the Republic dead? Long live Democracy, the path to Socialism?

Associated Press – June 23, 2005
• "WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses - even against their will - for private economic development.”
• June 27, 2005 – Supreme Court rules against displaying the Ten Commandments

Leninism:
· Democracy is indispensable to socialism
· The exploiters need to be liquidated as a class. This ambiguous phrase sometimes just meant taking their property and exiling them, but often enough it meant killing them and sometimes their families. ** Liquidating the capitalists as a class made the country poorer.

Marxism:
· Democracy is the road to socialism
· The socialist slogan is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his work."
· The communist slogan is "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."
· Communism, which evolves peacefully from socialism, is a classless society under which the state will wither away.
· Class hatred is a good thing and class collaboration is a bad thing.
· Full Marxism in power has been a disaster in every country where it has gained power.

Democratic Socialists:
· “Believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically—to meet public needs, not to make profits for a few. To achieve a more just society, many structures of our government and economy must be radically transformed through greater economic and social democracy so that ordinary Americans can participate in the many decisions that affect our lives.”

Democratic Progressive Caucus United States Congress:
· "The members of the Progressive Caucus share a common belief in the principles of social and economic justice, non-discrimination and tolerance in America…”

United Nations Agenda 21 Preamble
· No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.

Sustainable Communities Nearby Lake County:
· Sustainable North Bay NAPA, MARIN, SONOMA http://www.westsong.com/snv/
· NAPA COUNTY LEAGUE OF GOVERNMENTS http://www.nclog.org/Content/10016/Preamble.html (this web page has been modified since the original article was written)

Sustainable Development: (Chronology)

Entered the world officially in 1987 in a report of the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development entitled, "Our Common Future." This commission was chaired by Gro Harlem Bruntland, Prime minister of Norway and Vice-President of the World Socialist Party. A well known mantra that originated from that report is "meeting today's need's without compromising future generation’s ability to meet their own needs." If one looks, this mission statement has been incorporated into many government and non-government organizations. It was also reflected in the old Soviet constitution.

Then in 1992, the United Nations conference on "Environment and Development" was held in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. This summit is commonly referred to as the "Earth Summit." Then-President George H. Bush signed what is commonly referred to as the "Rio Accords." Out of this conference came the Agenda 21 document. Agenda 21 was adopted as a work plan to implement sustainable development by 179 nations - including our own.

The following year, newly-elected President Bill Clinton created "The President's Council on Sustainable Development" through executive order. This order created the framework for the federal government to begin implementing sustainable development programs nationwide. All of this has been moving forward with virtually no legislative debate. Congress has never defined, debated nor approved a national policy of sustainable development. Nevertheless, the Executive Branch of the federal government is promoting and implementing the principles of sustainable development through each of its agencies.

"Each local authority should enter into a dialogue with its citizens, local organizations, and private enterprises and adopt 'a local Agenda 21.' Through consultation and consensus-building, local authorities would learn from citizens and from local, civic, community, business and industrial organizations and acquire the information needed for formulating the best strategies."-- Chapter 28.1.3 U.N. Agenda 21


HOW AGENDA 21 CAME TO LAKE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

57 • Lake County, California • July 2002

RECOMMENDATION #18:
Organizational structure: Who’s on first?

APPROXIMATE COST:
Staff time

FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A

RESPONSIBILITY:
County staff

TIMELINE:
Fall 2002/Winter 2003

DESCRIPTION:
The economic development organizational structure in Lake County can be confusing to the outsider. It is a loose-knit coalition of individuals and organizations overseeing projects and providing services to businesses. As part of unifying the Vision and agreeing upon an integrated plan for all of Lake County, the economic development duties and responsibilities of government, organizations and boards should be clearer. There appears to be six main entities that may be involved in the funding and oversight of this strategy – County of Lake Economic Development Committee, Cities of Lakeport and Clearlake, Tourism Contractor, Economic Development Contractors (CDS & BORT). There are numerous other agencies that would be involved in the implementation. There are three keys to efficient and effective delivery of services and a successful plan from a coalition of service providers, focus, commitment, and collaboration. Each entity participating in this plan for a sustainable and healthy future for Lake County should agree to these success factors:
• Maintain a focus to ensure the plan is carried out,
• Be committed to the vision and implementation strategy, and
• Collaborate with partners to achieve common goals.

ACTION:
Existing groups should not be abandoned. Each of the cities have their own economic development committees with which they need to work and become a part of this overall vision. Existing committee and organizational structure should be kept in place and enhanced with visionary leaders. Contractors implementing these plans should keep their programs focused on the goals and objectives. A recommended organizational structure is included in the Supporting Documentation section of this plan.

Oversight Committee
Lake County Economic Development Team
• Kelly Cox
• Matt Perry
• Andy Peterson
• Gerry Shaul
• Mark Dellinger
• Kim Clymire
• Mary Jane Fagalde
• BORT
• CDS
• Plus representation from the two incorporated cities, should they choose to join the program.

Implementation lead:
Contractor/recruitment program

Support agencies:
• R&R Assoc.
• Chambers of Commerce
• Bus. Merchant Associations
• Main Street
• Tribal groups
• Art Councils
• Wine Commission
• Audubon Society
• BLM Forestry
• State Parks & Recreation
• Visitor Information Center
1. Expand the team to include city managers of Lakeport and Clearlake
2. Meet monthly to ensure work program milestones are being met and to provide updates on the recruitment process, and new tools being developed.
3. Meet quarterly with Support Agencies to review milestones and collaborative work activities.
4. Contractor meets quarterly with Economic Development team.
5. Contractor would continually work, hand in hand, with the Visitor Information Center with regards to publicity, tracking, distribution of marketing materials.

RECOMMENDATION #19:
Create a “Spirit of Entrepreneurs” Program

APPROXIMATE COST:
$80,000

FUNDING SOURCE:
Existing County grant (not included in the budget because it is being funded through grant sources), and from participation from the two cities.

RESPONSIBILITY:
County Administrative staff & contractor

TIMELINE:
Fall 2002/Winter 2003

DESCRIPTION:
The cornerstone of a healthy local economy is the community’s existing businesses. Existing business should be a priority of any economic development program. Lake County should leverage an existing business development program into a marketing business attraction niche. The best fit of businesses for Lake County is small, entrepreneurial firms. A strong existing business assistance program is a better marketing tool to attract new businesses than any promotional recruitment plan. The key is to make the program unique and different than other areas. Many areas boast of their programs and surveys, but what is needed is a program that the local companies praise and tell others about.

ACTION:
Design and initiate an existing business/entrepreneur program to be called Lake County’s Spirit of Entrepreneurs. The program should be designed to incorporate elements of the Sirolli Institute 1 and business coaching, custom designed for Lake County. The program theory is a mix of business retention-expansion identification program elements and small business development center counseling elements and taking the counseling to the next step. Identifying companies that want to grow or diversify their businesses, providing market research, hands-on technical assistance and coaching on a long-term basis. Apparently the SBDC in Lake County has closed its doors with no expectations of continuing to provide services. This leaves a big gap in assistance and building the existing economic base. Currently BORT and CDS are filling the gap as they can with their limited capacity. It is important this program begin as soon as possible.

RESPONSIBILITY:
Recommend contracting with the County ED contractor who currently provides financial technical assistance to oversee designing a program. The ED contractor should work with a Business Coach such as Catalyst Group2 to design the program. Attend a Sirolli workshop to learn the foundations of the Enterprise Facilitation concept. Once the design is finalized, coordinate and pilot test with the City of Lakeport’s business retention program which will be implemented late summer-early fall 2002. Create the program to derive as much publicity, awareness and success so the County becomes known for the unique spirit and service.1Sirolli Institute Information is contained in the Examples 2Catalyst Group, Barbara Potts, bpotts@oro.net, 530-432-2767 http://www.co.lake.ca.us/edsite/plan/57.pdf. (this page has been greatly modified)

State Assistance Fund For Enterprise, Business And Industrial Development Corporation SAFE-BIDCO (2004 Green Entrepreneur Award Winner)

SAFE-BIDCO acts as a catalyst for economic development. We serve as a non-traditional financing source for existing and start-up businesses, whose financing needs are underserved by traditional lending institutions. Created by the Legislature, SAFE-BIDCO operates several state and federal loan and guarantee programs that can assist all types of small businesses at almost every stage of their development.

What Can Loan Funds Be Used For?
Any project that: a) Conserves energy equal to 15% of normal usage; b) Manages load;c) Retrofits;d) Adding energy-efficient measures in existing facilities; ore) To acquire certain equipment for a new facility.

SAFE-BIDCO AGENDA Board of Directors Meeting
Date: April 8, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: SAFE-BIDCO Corporate Office
I.
Call to Order
II.
Public Comment
III. Action Items
A. Consent Calendar
1. Financials
a. Most Recent Financial Statements
2. Minutes
a. 12-03-04 Board meeting minutes
b. 12-02-04 Executive Committee minutes
c. 12-03-04 Audit Committee minutes
d. 12-08-04 Loan Committee minutes
e. 02-01-05 Loan Committee minutes
f. 03-03-05 Loan Committee minutes
B. Strategic Reserve/Budget Practices and Procedures Draft
C. Buy or lease? In 2006? (verbal)
D. Corporate Resolution – Checking account at Exchange Bank for TMC Working Solutions
E. Finance Policy Revision
F. Creating a Certified Development Company
IV. Discussion/Presentations
A. Retreat
B. Mt. Konocti Facilitation Project (Sirolli)

LEARNING POINTS TO THE PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE HELD IN NEWCASTLE 1-5 JUNE 1997 RR 5606

INTRODUCTION
The conference was designed to build on the June 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and the 1996 United Nations Habitat II Conference held in Istanbul. The focus was on moving the pattern of human settlements to a more sustainable future, and the emphasis was clearly placed on the role of local government in this and achieving the objectives of Agenda 21. Agenda 21 is the agenda for the 21st century drawn up at the UNCED Conference.

[Item]10. Avoiding the Growth versus Environment Conflict
In a highly entertaining and very enjoyable presentation Ernesto Sirolli who is Enterprise Facilitator of the Sirolli Institute in Bozeman USA, drew on his current work, his earlier work experience in Australia and his Italian culture to make a strong case for the importance of fostering and developing entrepreneurship in moving towards sustainability. His central thesis was the simple and obvious one that sustainability requires the development of eco industries and who is going to develop these industries except well motivated entrepreneurs, and they need to be cultured. He was very strong on the role of small business

CENTER FOR RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP:
http://www.ruraleship.org/index_html?page=content/California.htm
Enterprise Facilitation® is a program that transforms individual passion and citizenship into rewarding and sustainable local enterprises. The Sirolli Institute International is a 501C3 training organization dedicated to teaching civic leaders how to establish and maintain Enterprise Facilitation projects. The program is currently underway in Lake County, and in the City of Riverbank in California. Since 1985, thousands of new and expanding businesses resulting in thousands of new jobs have been started with the help of Enterprise Facilitators in dozens of communities in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. Enterprise Facilitation has helped demonstrate that the provision of caring, competent, dedicated advice and support to entrepreneurs is as important as the development of physical infrastructures to the development of a stable and successful economy.

Core Partners:
The following core partners provide significant long-term institutional support for the Center's work:
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri
Partner Ewing Kauffman Foundation:
World Federation of the UNAs (WFUNA) http://www.wfuna.org/

Agenda 21
By eco-logic 1998 edition, entitled, Sustainable Communities

Sustainable Communities
Sustainable Development is the process by which societies are being reorganized around the central principle of protecting the environment -- as called for by Al Gore in his 1992 book, Earth in the Balance. It is a process that originated in the international community and is now sweeping across America, encompassing small towns and large cities, without legislative authority or legal definition.

In almost every state and in most communities, activities are underway to impose the principles of sustainable development. In only a few communities, are the citizens told that the ideas being advanced come directly from the United Nations. Santa Cruz California openly admits that its vision for the community's future is "Local Agenda 21," and the activity is openly sponsored by the United Nations Association. In Florida, the Department of Community Affairs vehemently denies that its Sustainable Communities Program has anything to do with the United Nations or the President's Council on Sustainable Development. Nevertheless, many of the requirements for participation in the program mirror the recommendations of Agenda 21 and the President's Council on Sustainable Development.

More often than not, the "visioning" process in local communities tries to avoid any connection to the UN or to Agenda 21 by adopting positive-sounding names such as "Environment 2000" as in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, the program is called "Economic Renewal." All sorts of names are used to camouflage the UN's influence on public policies that are being developed for every American city. Regardless of names used to describe the process, the end result looks very similar, whether in Santa Cruz, Birmingham, or St. Louis.

More often than not, the participants in the visioning process are unaware that they are being led through the "collaborative consensus process" to conclusions that were reached in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Professional facilitators are used to lead selected individuals through a process that is intended to validate the recommendations advanced in Agenda 21, while appearing to be the ideas and conclusions of the participants.

Both the process and the product are the invention of the United Nations. The process is called consensus building; the product is called a sustainable community. The purpose of the process is to avoid the possibility of rejection by elected officials; the purpose of the product is to create the legal mechanism for managing the lives and affairs of people.

The consensus process in every community must have a starting point. While each community's program may evolve differently, each has common characteristics. An individual or an organization affiliated with one or more of the three major international NGOs will assume the responsibility of initiating the process. (The three major international NGOs are: the International Union for the Conservation of Nature [IUCN]; the World Wide Fund for Nature [WWF]; and the World Resources Institute [WRI]). The initiating organization will sponsor a meeting to which leaders of other NGOs, individual businessmen and other respected community leaders are invited. Frequently, state and federal agency officials are invited. Where there is an elected official with an acceptable environmental track record, he too, is invited. During the initial meetings of the group, care is taken to deliberately exclude individuals who are known to advocate Constitutional values such as private property rights.

The EPA and other federal agencies offer grants to organizations that undertake the visioning process. Frequently the ad-hoc group will organize itself as a not-for-profit organization in order to apply for federal and/or foundation grants. Once funded, the organization is institutionalized and the process of developing a long-range plan for the creation of a sustainable community is underway.

In Santa Cruz, the process took five years. The plan says its purpose is "to make long-term sustainability the driving criterion in every area of human activity and simultaneously alter these human activities for the better." The initiating organizations were ACTION - Santa Cruz County, and the Santa Cruz Chapter of the United Nations Association. Early on, the groups sponsored what they called SEED Summits. SEED stands for Social, Environmental, and Economic Development. The underlying objective of all sustainable development activity is the integration of economic, equity, and environmental policies. This principle of sustainable development was adopted by the UN through the 1987 World Conference on Environment and Development report entitled Our Common Future. The principle was translated into 288 pages of specific recommendations in Agenda 21, adopted by the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 at Rio de Janeiro. Those recommendations are now being translated into specific policy actions through groups such as ACTION Santa Cruz in communities across America.

Whatever the program is called in any community in the country, the outcome will be the same. Recommendations will be developed which call for a reduction of fossil fuel energy use with specific recommendations to apply special taxes to fuels and to automobiles based on miles driven. Mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian paths are called for, while automobile travel is penalized. Education is to include "lifelong learning" opportunities and embrace principles of "sustainable" living. Land use is to be strictly governed to prevent "urban sprawl" and to provide for "ecosystem management" -- irrespective of the wishes of private property owners. It is nothing short of amazing that the various plans from the various communities all come out looking so much alike, and so much like the recommendations contained in Agenda 21.

One of the usual features of these sustainable communities’ plans is that they tend to be "transboundary." That is, they tend to embrace more than one political jurisdiction, frequently taking several counties into the plan area. The Charlotte, North Carolina plan, for example, addresses a multi-county area that is described as "one region, one economy, one environmental area, and one society." When such a plan is developed, the organization promoting the plan can call on the local governments within the plan area to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement that allows the organization to review any and all local proposals for coordination with the overall plan. Too frequently, local city councils, or county commissions, are reluctant to adopt programs or policy proposals that are not "approved" by the coordinating organization.

Federal programs such as the American Heritage Rivers Initiative, the Vice President's Watershed Initiative, the Department of Transportation's Scenic By-ways Program, and several others, are woven into the fabric of the sustainable community vision. Jacksonville Mayor, John Delaney is actively seeking recognition of the St. Johns River as an American Heritage River without realizing that such a designation would give the coordinating organization the authority to actually set land use and river use policy, thereby by-passing the elected officials who are elected expressly to make such policy decisions. He thinks that the American Heritage Rivers Initiative is nothing more than a "beauty contest" to recognize America's great rivers. Were he to read Agenda 21, and Sustainable America: A New Consensus, he might realize that the program is just another innocent-sounding effort to strip local elected officials of their governing power and transfer that power to non-elected bureaucrats and non-governmental organizations, operating at the behest of federal agencies that are operating at the behest of the United Nations.

Across the land, Agenda 21 is being implemented. Elected officials at every level are being co-opted by the sophistication of a well-devised international strategy that is being implemented locally. Absent from all these visions of the future are the fundamental values on which America was built: freedom for individuals to live where they choose, drive what they choose, and do what they choose. Present in all these visions of the future is the notion that Maurice Strong advanced during the Rio conference in 1992: "We cannot pursue our futures solely as isolated individuals or as isolated sovereign nations." Sustainable communities will ensure that individuals and nations pursue the future only along the paths deemed "sustainable" by those self-appointed bureaucrats who think they know what is best for the world.
-- ecologic staff

James Madison (1792)
· "A man is said to have a right to his property, he may be equally said to have a property in his rights. Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.” — James Madison on Property, (1792).

1992 -- President Bush addressing the General Assembly of the U.N said: "It is the sacred principles enshrined in the United Nations charter to which the American people will henceforth pledge their allegiance."

In 1993 President Bill Clinton, through executive order, formed the: President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD)