My Activism

Since my young adult life, I have dedicated myself to activism, championing a myriad of issues that intersect human services and environmental impacts. My activism is rooted in a profound belief in A-political, direct action support for collectives, groups, or individuals who embody the potential for significant intellectual and transformative change in the world. This commitment stems from a recognition that existing systems whether political, religious, or academic often seek to infiltrate and undermine these agents of change. My engagement in activism is deeply personal and driven by a visceral connection to the causes I support. It is the passion borne out of direct or interrelated experiences that has guided my efforts, shaping a path where I stand in solidarity with those who dare to imagine a different future. This journey has not only been about advocating for change but also about defending the space for intellectual and innovative thought against the forces that threaten its existence.

Movements & Collectives

I have been deeply involved in the movement to End Modern Slavery, a pervasive issue where individuals are exploited through forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion in various industries worldwide. This commitment to combat modern slavery is personal; my family has been directly affected, which has ignited a fervent drive within me to advocate for change. I believe that a crucial step towards eradicating this heinous practice lies in fostering greater transparency within global supply chains. By shedding light on the origins and processes of the products we consume, we can push capitalism towards a model that prioritizes conscious consumerism. This approach emphasizes the interconnection of our actions and their impacts on one another and the planet. It is through the lens of conscious consumerism and supply chain transparency that we can begin to dismantle the structures that allow modern slavery to thrive, paving the way for a more ethical and sustainable future.

I have been actively involved in the Disclosure Movement, a burgeoning initiative that seeks transparency and public awareness about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), especially those encounters and evidences that have been acknowledged and released by military forces around the globe. This movement has gained momentum as governments and military institutions begin to share previously classified information, signaling a significant shift in the narrative surrounding extraterrestrial technologies. My engagement in this cause is driven by a profound concern over advanced technologies, potentially capable of revolutionizing our approach to energy and ending our reliance on gas, coal, and oil, being sequestered under national security acts and military patents. These patents, I believe, hold the key to addressing the climate crisis through innovative solutions previously deemed the realm of science fiction. By advocating for transparency and the release of these technologies, we can initiate a global paradigm shift towards sustainable living and a healthier planet.

I have been a inspired supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement, a grassroots initiative that sprang to life in 2011, demanding a profound reevaluation of the global economic system. The movement, originating in the heart of New York City, quickly resonated worldwide, spotlighting the stark disparities in wealth and resources and a reflection of a deep-seated class divide that spans the globe. My involvement was fueled by the movement's critical examination of how this consolidation of wealth is intricately linked to systemic corruption within the banking and financial sectors. Occupy Wall Street was a direct action call for the urgent need to overhaul our global economic frameworks to foster equity, dismantle classism, and address the inherent injustices that perpetuate inequality. It advocated for a world where wealth and resources are not hoarded by the few but are distributed in a manner that supports the well-being of all, highlighting the imperative for economic systems that are fair, transparent, and inclusive.

I have been an active participant in the March Against Monsanto and the GMO labeling movement in the United States, a significant public outcry that demanded transparency and choice regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply. This movement emerged from the collective concern of families and individuals who wished to make informed decisions about their consumption, advocating for clear labeling of GMO products. As a young father, my passion for this cause was deeply personal; I was driven by a desire to safeguard my family's health and wellbeing, ensuring we could choose what we consume. Furthermore, my involvement was fueled by an understanding of the broader implications of GMOs, particularly the way patented seeds have threatened the livelihoods of organic farmers. These seeds, often controlled by large corporations like Monsanto, have not only monopolized the agricultural industry but also posed significant challenges to traditional and organic farming practices, impacting biodiversity and the autonomy of farmers worldwide. The movement was a stand against these practices, fighting for the rights of consumers and the preservation of sustainable agriculture.

I have been deeply involved in the Skid Row - Protect the Homeless initiatives in Los Angeles, a critical response to the challenges faced by one of the most densely populated areas of unhoused individuals in the United States. Skid Row, located in downtown Los Angeles, has become a focal point for discussions on homelessness, gentrification, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. As the area undergoes transformation, with rising property values and the influx of new developments, the original inhabitants face increasing pressure, highlighting the stark contrasts between affluence and poverty. My commitment to this cause was manifested through my active participation in the Skid Row community, where I volunteered with organizations such as The Salvation Army and United Coalition East Project. These efforts aimed to provide support, advocacy, and direct aid to those affected by homelessness—a mass epidemic that is sweeping across the nation. My work is driven by a passionate belief in the dignity of every individual and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address and alleviate homelessness, ensuring that those on the margins are not forgotten but supported towards a path of stability and recovery.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply involved in Antiwar Activism, particularly galvanized by the global protests in 2004 against the war in Iraq. This period saw millions of people around the world taking to the streets to voice their opposition to what many perceived as an unjust war. My involvement was driven by a critical understanding of the motivations behind the U.S. government's decision to invade Iraq under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction—a narrative that was increasingly scrutinized for its validity. I was particularly concerned with the underlying economic interests at play, notably the country's rich oil reserves and the lucrative contracts secured by American corporations, such as Halliburton. These companies stood to benefit immensely from the war, raising questions about the true motives behind the military intervention. My activism was fueled by a desire to expose these connections and advocate for peace, challenging the narratives used to justify war and highlighting the impact on innocent lives and global stability.

I was a dedicated supporter of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) through organizing benefit concerts to aid their communities in Chiapas, Mexico. The Zapatistas, a movement that rose to prominence in 1994 in response to the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), sought to highlight and combat the detrimental effects of globalization on indigenous lands and rights. My support for the EZLN was rooted in a deep concern for the impact of NAFTA on indigenous communities, particularly how the agreement exacerbated land dispossession and undermined traditional ways of life in Chiapas. The Zapatista movement has been pivotal in bringing international attention to the struggles of indigenous peoples in Mexico, advocating for autonomy, land rights, and cultural recognition. By holding benefit concerts, I aimed to contribute to their cause, supporting their fight for justice and equity. The Zapatistas' resilience and commitment to grassroots activism have inspired a global solidarity network, emphasizing the importance of local and international support in their ongoing struggle for dignity and self-determination.

My journey into activism was sparked by the movement to Free Tibet, a cause that first touched my life as a young adult in Northern California. Each year, Tibetan monks and nuns visited our town to create a sand mandala, an intricate and symbolic art form, while also raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by Tibet under Chinese rule. This experience, coupled with the inspirational Tibetan Freedom Concerts of the late 90s, profoundly shaped my worldview and artistic sensibilities. My commitment deepened after a transformative visit to Nepal in my later years, where I gained a closer understanding of the plight of the Tibetan community in exile. Witnessing firsthand the resilience and cultural richness of the Tibetan people, alongside the challenges they continue to face, reaffirmed my support for the Free Tibet movement. To this day, I remain a strong advocate for their right to self-determination, inspired by the enduring spirit of the Tibetan people and their quest for freedom and justice.

Individuals

I firmly support the work of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, especially in an era where government secrecy and compartmentalization reach unprecedented levels. In such times, the role of organizations like WikiLeaks becomes crucial for ensuring public accountability, shedding light on the expenditure of taxpayer money on wars, and programs led by politicians whose agendas may not align with the public interest. The DNC email leak, facilitated by WikiLeaks, served as a pivotal moment for many, unveiling the intricate workings of what has come to be known as the "deep state" and its profound influence on the democratic process in the United States. This revelation highlighted how the internal mechanisms and political maneuvering within influential groups can significantly undermine the integrity of what is supposed to be free and fair elections. It also brought to light the disheartening reality that candidates who genuinely resonate with the public's aspirations, like Bernie Sanders, can be unjustly sidelined due to the covert actions of political factions operating behind the scenes. My support for Assange and WikiLeaks is rooted in the belief that transparency and truth are indispensable for a healthy democracy, enabling informed decisions and holding those in power accountable to the people they serve.

I am a supporter of Chelsea (Bradley) Manning and wholeheartedly back all military servicemen and women who bravely come forward to expose war crimes, crimes against humanity, and any other injustices committed by the American military funded by taxpayer dollars. Formerly known as Bradley Manning, Chelsea disclosed a trove of classified documents to WikiLeaks in 2010, shedding light on the often harrowing realities of war and the conduct of the U.S. military abroad. This act of whistleblowing sparked a global debate on the ethics of state secrecy and military accountability. Manning's subsequent journey, including her transition and advocacy as a transgender woman within the military, adds a significant layer to her legacy, embodying the intersection of LGBTQ rights and whistleblower activism. I believe that the actions of military whistleblowers like Manning are crucial in helping to reshape the public's perception of the American military, urging a transition from viewing them solely as aggressors to recognizing their potential role as protectors of global peace and human rights. .

I am a supporter of whistleblower Bill Binney, a former National Security Agency (NSA) official who courageously came forward to expose the extent of the NSA's surveillance programs, notably "Stellar Wind." Binney's revelations shed light on the massive data collection efforts that encroach upon the privacy of millions of Americans, capturing a broad array of domestic communications without warrant or probable cause. In an era where digital data forms an integral part of an individual's identity and personal algorithm, safeguarding the privacy rights of citizens against such invasive surveillance is paramount. I believe it is crucial to protect and champion whistleblowers like Bill Binney, who risk everything to bring public awareness to the potential privacy dangers posed by unchecked government surveillance programs. My support extends to advocating for transparency and accountability among all intelligence agencies, holding them to account for covert actions that violate the principles of privacy and civil liberties.

I am a committed supporter of the movement to Free Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and member of the American Indian Movement (AIM) who has been imprisoned since 1977, convicted in connection with the shooting deaths of two FBI agents during a 1975 confrontation on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. My interest in Leonard Peltier's case and the broader American Indian movement was sparked as a young boy, following my meaningful interactions with the Native American communities of the Lakota Sioux. Learning about Peltier's plight and the historical context of his activism, particularly through Robert Redford's documentary "Incident at Oglala," deeply moved me. I feel strongly that the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) must be held accountable for their roles in the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in the United States, including their treatment of activists and the broader struggle for the protection of Native lands.

I am a passionate supporter of the movement to Free Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther and radio journalist who was convicted in 1982 for the murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner, a case that has since become emblematic of issues surrounding racial injustice, police brutality, and the death penalty in America. My involvement in the movement materialized through organizing benefit concerts to fund Abu-Jamal's legal appeals, which notably contributed to the commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment without parole in 2011. This endeavor, particularly during my time living in Oakland, California, provided me with a profound understanding of the systemic issues of police brutality and racial discrimination faced by the Black community. Through my support for Abu-Jamal and participation in these events, I've deepened my commitment to advocating for justice and equality, while also confronting the realities of racial injustice that continue to affect communities across the United States.