During the past Independence Day weekend, several concerned residents bipassed picnics and fireworks in favor of a more thoughtful approach to the 229th anniversary of the United States' independence from Great Britain.

On Friday, locals gathered at Seabright Beach for an old-fashioned flag burning party, complete with a bonfire and a large improv band. They saught to draw attention to the current bill pending Senate approval that would outlaw flag burning. More..

Local college students gathered Sunday in downtown Santa Cruz amid pleased onlookers in a demonstration against the corporatization of our culture.

An unusual parade entry in the Aptos World's Shortest Parade generated both applause and boos as members of the MediaWatch and Art and Revoltion project simulated a global power struggle --- with George and Laura Bush behind the wheel of a massive truck and the majority of the world pushing it from behind. More..

By: Johnny's Dad (Please distribute freely)

This is from the Portland IMC:

author: Joseph Hillier
The evidence of brutality, torture, murder, corruption, conspiracy, and complete contempt for all standards of human decency that is certain to come out during the impeachment of Bush and his high administrative officials will forever discredit the evil neo-con, capitalist, corporate, militarist ideology.

Revolutions in the rich, presently imperialist countries like the US are necessary to open the door to real, worldwide socialism. Without a capitalist US to crush or smother other revolutions, they will explode everywhere, like fireworks on the Fourth of July.

This week on Sprouts, we hear about a campaign to rebuild homes in the Gaza Strip, begining with the home Rachel Corrie was defending the day she was killed by an Israeli military bulldozer. Khaled and Samah Nasrallah, along with Cindy and Craig Corrie, went on a speaking tour of 7 West Coast, and Midwest states through the month of June. They visited Santa Cruz June 12. This week on Sprouts we hear highlights from the event.