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Minutes of AWARE 5/9/04 meeting News of the Week- Carl was not present so we shared what we had picked up in the news. Apparently there was another coup attempt to depose the democratically elected Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Chavez's forces captured 70 of the 150 or so men responsible. The latest report is that even more were captured.They were raiding the armory in order to get weapons. The AUC was thought to be the faction responsible. Captured men said that they were forced into carrying out the coup attempt. For more information check vheadline.com Someone also mentioned that Donald Rumsfield hinted to even worse human rights violations against Iraqi P.O.W.s committed by U.S. Troops Karis Taylor mentioned Samantha Taylor's book on the civil war in The Sudan and the continuing violence that is going on there. WORKING GROUPS Finances- (Peter) We have about 1500 dollars in our account after paying for table at the farmer's market. Representation- (Lisa) There is a general expression of support from Atty Ellyn Bullock, but nothing definite. She is currently finishing work on another case. Prospect4Peace- Protest is still going on the first of every month at the corner of Prospect and Marketview. Al suggested that perhaps we could change the dynamic by approaching street walkers. Westside park was recommended although there is a lack of heavy foot traffic. Others suggested an area with more dense foot traffic such as a street corner in downtown Champaign or campus town in Urbana. Questions of asserting our right to be at these public places were considered. Police would have to be notified ahead of time. WILL - Audio commentary by David Green has been submitted to WILL AM 580, but due to changed policy at WILL, there is some question as to whether it will be accepted. Peter R. (Flyer distributed) Balata Refugee Camp art installation -Come see video, photography and children's art. Hear stories and interviews about life under the occupation. Tuesday, MAY 11 from 7-9pm at the CHANNING MURRAY FOUNDATION (on the corner of Oregon and Matthews Streets in Urbana. FUTURE EVENTS/ACTIONS Democracy NOW on (FSTV) should AWARE raise money ($300 initially) so that we can have Democracy Now! On public access cable TV at 7AM and have access to other Free Speech TV shows? Randall believes that we can raise the money and thus allow others to enjoy this service Wallmart has commercial underwriting for NPR. Is there something AWARE can do to highlight this Bob McChesney will be at the IMC at 218 W. Main St. In Urbana on Sunday May 16th from 3-5 PM in a fundraiser for the Public I. He will speak about the media and copies of his book will be available for $12. All proceeds go to support this resource of the Independent Media Center. There is a small fee to see him speak if you don't purchase a book.