For A Mass Labor Party In The USA

2 weeks ago

A Thing Of The Future And A Thing Of The Past, Robotaxis And Land-lines?

countercurrents.org/2024/04/a-thing-of-the-future-and-a-thing-of-the-past-robotaxis-and-land-line…

Ahead of the 118th annual San Francisco 1906 Earthquake Commemoration on April 18, a speak-out/press conference was held across from historic Portsmouth Square in the City’s Chinatown to express grievous concerns regarding the state of preparation for the next earthquake when considering the issues of robotaxis and the possible loss of landline telephones. Portsmouth Square is historically important, too, for the event as it is where in the aftermath of the1906 earthquake, having been unscathed, it was used as a refugee camp for displaced victims of the disaster.

Earthquake preparedness, along with robotaxis and a proposal by AT&T now before the CPUC (California Public Utility Commission) calling for the company’s release from providing landline phone service to four million customers across the state, were the interrelated topics of discussion in calling for “people before profits.” As per its application before the CPUC, AT&T describes the need for terminating landline service as a “plain old telephone service” and in its seeking “…tailored relief from its outdated COLR its (Carrier of Last Resort) obligation, which effectively mandates that AT&T California maintain a copper-based network throughout its service territory. In effect, this obligation requires AT&T California, but not its major competitors, to wastefully operate and maintain duplicative networks: one, an antiquated, narrowband network with an ever-dwindling base of subscribers, and the other, a forward-looking fiber and wireless broadband network.”

Overlooked is the fact that many people cannot afford cell phone service or are able to use a cell phone while many others who live in rural locations are beyond the limits of cell phone coverage and thus be unable to connect to summons help in an emergency. As any cell phone user can attest, even under the best of condition, coverage can be intermittent at times.

The presenters voiced their concerns for all these reasons and more in a modern era that sees cell phones as the way of the future. They noted, too, that discontinuing landlines in an earthquake-prone city whose streets are flooded with robotaxis which are dependent on cell phone tower coverage that is easily overwhelmed during normal times and especially so during a disaster is sheer madness.

Robotaxis have adequately proven over and again how they can interfere with and block emergency vehicles and traffic during normal operations, and when losing coverage and unable to connect, they stop functioning wherever they happen to be. As wireless demand increases during an emergency, cell phone systems become overloaded, can lose power and or simply shutdown. Without hard-wired copper landline phones, in the absence of cellular coverage, people are unable to communicate or call for help making an already dangerous situation even more so at the peril to the loss of life and property.

Steve Zeltzer of the United Front Committee for a Labor Party (UFCLP) and of the Safe Streets Coalition questioned what would happen in earthquake-prone San Francisco “when you have robotaxis on streets without drivers?” He related that they would “shutdown” when cell phone service was interrupted or for other reasons. “A week before Chinese New Year when fireworks were going off up the street, a robotaxi shutdown in the middle of the street. And as a result, some people broke the windows and set it on fire because they were angry that it was blocking the road.” He went on to say that robotaxis do not have the ability to back up, “and yet a requirement to get a driver’s license in California is that you have to demonstrate that you can back up. The people of San Francisco need to be protected from robotaxis along with workers whose jobs would be eliminated due to AI and this autonomous transport automation.”

Eduardo Escobar, founder of the Alliance for Independent Workers, spoke about robotaxis by illustrating a situation last year during the Outside Lands music festival when heavy cell phone usage caused ten robotaxis to shut down in a group next to each other in the North Beach area of the city that resulted in a massive traffic jam. The cars were unable to move due to high cell phone demand related to service connection issues that in turn froze the robotaxis in place blocking streets and intersections.

He said that as a result Google, Waymo and Amazon Zoox “Have suggested that they want us to pay for infrastructure to provide their own cell towers for the companies.” That’s big companies calling upon us to pay for their infrastructure so that they can drive us out of work, drive us out of a living. This is the privatization of the public trust. They put profits before people 24/7.”

AT&T’s COLR obligation for providing landline telephone service is part of a 1982 decree that allowed the company to purchase the Pacific Telephone Company in the breakup of the nationwide “Ma Bell” monopoly. Its purpose as explained in the CPUC document was to ensure “…that everyone in California has access to safe, reliable, and affordable telephone service. AT&T is the largest COLR in California in many parts of the state. Where AT&T is the default landline telephone service provider, it must provide traditional landline telephone service to any potential customer in that service territory. AT&T’s proposal calls for its withdrawal as the COLR in certain areas without a new carrier being designated as a COLR.”

“If the proposal is approved as set forth in its application, then no COLR would be required to provide Basic Service in the areas in which AT&T is the COLR. This does not necessarily mean that no carriers would provide service in the areas—only that they would not be required to do so. Other outcomes are possible, such as a carrier other than AT&T volunteering to become the COLR, or the CPUC denying AT&T’s proposal.”

It seems highly unlikely that another company would take over the COLR obligation for a “plain old telephone service” in a high-tech cellular era if AT&T is allowed to drop its obligation based on its desire to do so in what looks more like a profitable move for the company than one ensuring public safety. The net effect was pointed out by the activists saying that “A major earthquake would also disrupt cell phones meaning that landlines would be the only means of communication. We must protect workers and the public.”

Ironically, at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia where the Masters Tournament was played, cellphones were not allowed and AT&T, a sponsor, provided guests of the tournament access to landline phone banks to make free calls worldwide. Evidently, “plain old telephone service” is good enough to advertise the high-tech cell phone company through accommodating the guest’s telephonic needs regardless of cost. But in their way of thinking, landlines need to be removed in areas susceptible to natural disasters because of the cost of operating an expensive “plain old telephone service” is not profitable enough. This beckons the question of why public safety is viewed actuarily and not as an a lifeline to society. “Profit over People” is how the activists described the entire matter on both issues.

If the proposal to terminate landline service is granted, this backup line of defense during a cell phone shutdown in an emergency would not only imperil Californians, but as California goes, so eventually goes the nation.

Report and photo by Phil Pasquini

© 2024 nuzeink all rights reserved worldwide … See MoreSee Less

A Thing of the Future and a Thing of the Past, Robotaxis and Land Lines

countercurrents.org

Share:Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on X (Twitter)Share on TelegramShare on RedditShare on EmailAhead of the 118th annual San Francisco 1906 Earthquake Commemoration on April 18, a speak-out…

For A Mass Labor Party In The USA

1 month ago

From Japanese Workers
Dear friends around the world,

On November 19 last year, the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in Tokyo was filled with enthusiastic people. And all participants adopted the Korea Japan Labor Joint Statement and the Palestine Solidarity Resolution.
We, the three labor unions, have issued a joint appeal for the third time (attached) to develop this Nov. rally and demonstration into a struggle for a genuine change of the labor movement.

Our steady step forward can open up a new path.
In solidarity,

International Labor Solidarity Committee of Doro-Chiba
General Secretary
H. Yamamoto

Japanese Joint Appeal of the Three Labor Unions 2024 On November 3, 2024

On November 19 last year, the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in Tokyo was filled with enthusiastic 2,800 people from all over Japan, in spite of the remaining Covid-19 pandemic. More than 200 people jumped in the demonstration along the roadside, making it the largest demo in recent years. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who supported our struggle.
A large number of foreign workers and students living in Japan participated in the event. It symbolized that wars and coup d’etat over Ukraine, Gaza, Taiwan/China, Myanmar, and other areas have plunged into quagmires and intensified, and that the Japanese government is deeply involved in them. It also reflected the current situation of the Japanese society in which the number of foreign workers has surpassed two million, and above all, the irreplaceable solidarity that has been built up since the year before through countless anti-war demonstrations and struggles organized by our colleagues across the country and numerous workplace struggles.
At the rally, the representatives of the three unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Seoul Regional Council read their Korea Japan Labor Joint Statement and the all participants adopted the Palestine Solidarity Resolution. The November Rally 2023 marked a landmark in terms of the advancement of international solidarity, making 3,000 participants’ determination: “the power to stop war and change society lies here with us—workers who forge solidarity across borders.”
In the following days, the members of the Minato-Godo Shoichi Metal Branch, JAM Japan Machinery Workers’ Union, Funabashi Futawa Hospital Workers’ Union, SK Sakura Transportation Workers’ Union, and other workers who were at the forefront of organizing the November Rally waged strikes from November to December. By uniting with these struggles, the November Rally has provided us with an opportunity to develop a rally and demonstration into a struggle for a genuine change of the labor movement. We hope to further promote this fresh achievement and have determined to issue a joint appeal for the third time.
All around the world, the battle cry of “Stop the Gaza genocide now! Free Palestine!” is roaring. The world is in the midst of struggle which is shaking the time against the crisis of wars, now engulfing Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of the world. In East Asia, the threat of an aggressive war against China under the pretext of a “Taiwan contingency” is rapidly rising, and the Kishida administration, rocked by the slush fund scandal, is pushing ahead with a massive military buildup. The revision of the Three Security Documents has fundamentally changed the character of the nation: even the doubled military budget—43 trillion yen for next five years—is to be exceeded. In the name of “national defense as a national power,” a “mechanism to effectively utilize the budgets of all ministries and agencies for strengthening the comprehensive defense system” has been created. In the ordinary Diet session, a bill to revise the Local Autonomy Act—final dismantlement of local governments’ autonomy—is to be railroaded.
The crisis of capitalism, which has lost its last room for growth, is the root cause of war. Above all, neoliberalism has starved hundreds of millions of people around the world, destroyed all that is democratic, and created violent clashes between countries. Confronting the economic and political crisis that has been brought about in these conditions, workers’ revolts around the world have flared up in huge waves of demonstrations, strikes, and burning cries of national liberation.
In Japan, we are facing an extraordinary situation that the financial circles and the government are repeatedly shouting for “higher wages”. Behind this a grave crisis, which may lead to a total collapse, is deepening. In consequence of forcing the lower wage over the 30 years, they have finally become aware with astonishment the reality of collapsing society. And now they fear the on-going development that voices of unbearable anger fill the earth, break out in struggles and finally flare up in strikes.
“It’s no joke! Who have been plunging 21 million workers into non-regular employees?” We must raise the voice of accusation now. Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation) is also to be blamed for lending a hand to this. We are determined to strengthen the anti-war struggle, and also make our full effort for revitalization of strikes.
Once more again, we present the following 4 tasks: Firstly, we ask you to concentrate all nationwide efforts to smash the massive crackdown on Kan-Nama and the JR Company’s assault on workers to establish a society without unions.
Kan-Nama has gained the acquittal of 7 members in the ruling of the Otsu District Court after the earlier same ruling of Osaka High Court for the Wakayama case, and is now going over to counter-offensive.
Secondly, let’s rise up for putting an end to neoliberalism, and for revitalizing workers’ rights which have been ruined and for the rebuilding of the society which has been completely torn apart! Only Workers’ united struggle can achieve such fundamental change.
Thirdly, let’s rise up for the anti-war struggle as the most important task of labor unions! Especially we must do our best for stopping the war in East Asia.
Fourthly, let’s develop the international solidarity across borders, as an indispensable task of labor movement! This is the most urgent task for us.
We have a strong desire to develop powerfully November Rally which began 27 years ago, with a nation-wide appeal to fellow workers: “Let’s build all Japan network for fighting labor unions!”
We call on you to join us in International Workers’ Anti-War Rally—Ten Thousand People’s March against Constitutional Revision and War—at Hibiya Open-air Concert Hall in Tokyo on Sunday November 3, with slogans: “Stop Constitutional Revision and War by Workers’ United Power! End neoliberalism! Let’s revitalize the labor unions!”
Our steady step forward can open up a new path. We sincerely ask you to participate with a lot of fellow workers in this struggle. Let's fight together!
February 11, 2024
Solidarity Union of Japan Construction and Transport Workers Kansai Area Branch (Kan-Nama)
Metal and Machinery Workers’ Union in Osaka (Minato-Godo)
National Railway Motive Power Union of Chiba (Doro-Chiba) … See MoreSee Less

doro-chiba English page

www.doro-chiba.org

We are very thankful for your enthusiastic international solidarity: Over 40 members from KCTU Seoul Regional Council, the delegations from the United States and Germany and many representatives of fo…

For A Mass Labor Party In The USA

2 months ago

Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding allies
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nazis-mingle-openly-cpac-spreading-antisemitic-conspiracy-theories-f…
The presence of these extremists has been a persistent issue at CPAC, and in previous years conference organizers have ejected well-known Nazis and white supremacists such as Nick Fuentes.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, MD, on Feb. 23, 2024.
The Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 23.Mandel Ngan / AFP – Getty Images

Feb. 24, 2024, 9:49 AM PST
By Ben Goggin
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Nazis appeared to find a friendly reception at the Conservative Political Action Conference this year.

Throughout the conference, racist extremists, some of whom had secured official CPAC badges, openly mingled with conference attendees and espoused antisemitic conspiracy theories.

The presence of these individuals has been a persistent issue at CPAC. In previous years, conference organizers have ejected well-known Nazis and white supremacists such as Nick Fuentes.

But this year, racist conspiracy theorists didn’t meet any perceptible resistance at the conference where Donald Trump has been the keynote speaker since 2017.

At the Young Republican mixer Friday evening, a group of Nazis who openly identified as national socialists mingled with mainstream conservative personalities, including some from Turning Point USA, and discussed so-called “race science” and antisemitic conspiracy theories.

One member of the group, Greg Conte, who attended the deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, said that his group showed up to talk to the media. He said that the group was prepared to be ejected if CPAC organizers were tipped off, but that never happened.

Another, Ryan Sanchez, who was previously part of the Nazi “Rise Above Movement,” took photos and videos of himself at the conference with an official badge and touted associations with Fuentes.

Other attendees in Sanchez’s company openly used the N-word.

For several years, CPAC and its supporters have attempted to temper the most extreme fringes of the conservative movement, and have welcomed the continued debate between Trump and more moderate conservatives.

This year, however, some attendees and former attendees have expressed frustration with the conference’s stronger association with Trump and his wing of the party.

In one of the most viral moments from this year’s conference, conservative personality Jack Posobiec called for the end of democracy and a more explicitly Christian-focused government. While Posobiec later said his statements were partly satire, many CPAC attendees embraced his and others’ invocations of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.

CPAC organizers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ben Goggin … See MoreSee Less

Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding allies

www.nbcnews.com

The presence of these extremists has been a persistent issue at CPAC, and in previous years conference organizers have ejected well-known Nazis and white supremacists such as Nick Fuentes.

For A Mass Labor Party In The USA

2 months ago

Activists gather in Chinatown to demand immediate ban on self-driving taxis in California

sfstandard.com/2024/02/19/activists-gather-in-chinatown-to-demand-immediate-ban-on-self-driving-t…
in Newsom immediately ban self-driving taxis, accusing the companies that operate them of endangering public safety.
The group, called the Network for Safety in Our Streets & for Working People, held a press conference in Chinatown Monday calling on Newsom to remove all Waymo autonomous vehicles from city streets and revoke permits for other self-driving car companies like Cruise.
The demands follow an incident in Chinatown where a Waymo robotaxi was set on fire during Lunar New Year celebrations and a serious accident in October where a Cruise vehicle struck and dragged a San Francisco pedestrian.
"We cannot afford another catastrophe by these vehicles," organizer Edward Escobar said in a statement Sunday. "We demand that Governor Newsom remove all Waymo self-driving taxis from the streets of San Francisco and California immediately."
A firefighter hoses down a charred car wreck at night, with onlookers behind barriers.
A Waymo robotaxi smoldered in the aftermath of a Feb. 10 incident when it was defaced with graffiti, its windows were broken and fireworks were thrown inside it, causing it to burst into flames. | Source: Courtesy SFFD via Séraphine Hossenlopp
The coalition claims Newsom is beholden to corporate interests, vetoing legislation to limit driverless trucks and accepting $10 million in campaign funds from Alphabet, Waymo's parent company.
Self-driving cars have been involved in over 2,000 collisions in California since 2014, with a state motor-vehicle department tally finding most reported by Waymo and Cruise.
According to one International Transport Forum scenario, autonomous trucks could reduce the demand for drivers by 50% to 70% in the U.S. and Europe by 2030, resulting in a loss of between 2 million and 4.4 million jobs.
A man holds a posterboard sign and stands next to another speaking into a stand for multiple microphones.
Steve Zeltzer, representing Network for Safety in Our Streets & for Working People, speaks at a press conference Monday in San Francisco's Chinatown neighborhood. Zeltzer called for the removal of Waymo robotaxis from city streets. | Source: George Kelly/The Standard
The group has backing from the Alliance for Independent Workers and United Front Committee for a Labor Party, arguing the technology benefits corporations at the public's expense.
"We believe that self-driving cars are a threat to the public interest and the common good," committee representative Steve Zeltzer said.
At Monday's press conference on a Kearny Street sidewalk under a pedestrian bridge between a San Francisco Hilton hotel and Chinatown's Portsmouth Square, others joined Escobar and Zeltzer in calling out what they saw as danger and complicity.
A man holds a posterboard sign and stands next to another man speaking into a stand for multiple microphones.
Mark Gruberg, a San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance board member, speaks at a press conference in Chinatown calling for the removal of Waymo vehicles from city streets. | Source: George Kelly/The Standard
"We don't do the kinds of things that these guys do," San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance board member Mark Gruberg said, expressing concern over the presence of Waymo, Cruise and Zoox, as well as "40-some odd companies that have permits to test these robo-vehicles."
"We don't run into fire trucks. We don't drive into wet concrete," Gruberg continued. "We don't run over people and then drag them for 20 feet, because we don't recognize that there's a human being beneath our wheels. So the [California Public Utilities Commission] really has to get its act together."

When reached for comment Monday, a Waymo spokesperson shared comments from people with disabilities supporting its robotaxis.
READ MORE: Do robotaxis benefit people with disabilities? San Francisco activists are split
Anni Chung, the president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, called the vehicles "one of the great equalizers when it comes to safety benefits and transportation access for our senior communities."
Another comment, from LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco CEO Sharon Giovinazzo, asserted that "Waymo has offered me, as well as many other individuals with visual impairments, unparalleled independence and safety."
When advised of those comments, Escobar replied that the human aspect of traditional taxi service makes a huge difference.
"Who's going to help with the wheelchair? Who's going to help with the cane? Who's going to help them go that extra mile?" he said. "The vehicle can't do that. It doesn't come equipped with robots. At least, not yet."
This story has been updated with comments from leaders of groups that advocate for people with disabilities.
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George Kelly can be reached at gkelly@sfstandard.com … See MoreSee Less

Activists gather to demand a ban on Waymo robotaxis in California

sfstandard.com

A coalition of San Francisco residents, safety advocates and workers is demanding Gov. Gavin Newsom immediately ban self-driving taxis.