Law

From VICII:

In this era when nation-states are amassing more weapons, engaging in more wars, and spreading more hatred, join us at the Vermont Institute of Community and International Involvement as we host a summit meeting of Burlington’s Sister Cities. Together, we aim to reinvigorate our Sister Cities and strive again for true peace through Détente From Below. Let's build bridges of friendship and understanding, proving that people-to-people contact can foster peace and community across the globe.

Objectives include:

• Promote Cultural Exchange: Enhance mutual understanding and respect through cultural, educational, and social exchanges.
• Foster Economic Collaboration: Identify and develop economic opportunities and partnerships that benefit sister cities.
• Support Peace and Conflict Resolution: Use people-to-people connections to support peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
• Strengthen Community Bonds: Engage local communities in sister city activities to build lasting relationships.

Opening Remarks and Welcome Address: Eric Agnero, Executive Director, VICII

• Keynote Speech: Peter Clavelle, former Mayor of Burlington

Session 1: Historical Context and Origins of Détente From Below

• Presentation: "The Peace Movement 'Détente From Below' - Origins and Evolution" by Sandy Baird, Historian

Session 2: Case Studies, Success Stories, and Strategies for Strengthening Sister City Bonds"

• Panel Discussion: "Burlington's Sister Cities - Building Bridges Across Continents"
• Moderator: Peter Clavelle
• Panelists:  Representative from Puerto Cabezas, Bilwi, Nicaragua; Representative from Yaroslavl, Soviet Union (Russia); Representative from Bethlehem, Palestine; Representative from Thiès, Senegal; Representative from Honfleur, France.

Host Sandy Baird is joined by Manix Mantho, Political Analyst from London, and Eric Agnero to discuss the Supreme Court's recent decision to grant absolute immunity against criminal prosecution for any of a president's “core” executive acts. Later, they discuss the results of the elections in France and Great Britain.

The theme is exploring significant global political events and their implications. This episode covers the recent Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity in the U.S. and review recent elections in France, the UK, and Iran.

From Iris Sánchez Porro:

The video message is oriented to let the Chinese citizens know about the situation of the Peruvian president, Dina Boluarte.

From Cris Ericson:

Cris Ericson, acting chairperson, is starting a new minor political party in Vermont, the United States Marijuana Party, in light of recent reports that a man in Rutland, Vermont was denied some unemployment benefits because he tested positive for cannabis, even though it is legal under state law. His employer tested him for drugs under federal law. The case is now being brought to the Vermont State Supreme Court.

In the meantime, acting chairperson Cris Ericson is trying to raise awareness to the fact that this one case could devastate people in Vermont - where 10,000 Vermonters receive types of federally subsidized benefits such as food stamps, fuel assistance, federally subsidized housing, college grants, medicaid, etc. If this one man is punished for using medical cannabis marijuana because it is NOT legal under federal law, then thousands of Vermonters could be at risk, and if they start losing benefits, then grocery stores and landlords and medical facilities and colleges will suffer from the loss of federally subsidized benefits in Vermont. This feels like entrapment.

For more information visit: http://crisericson.com | http://vt2024.com | https://cannabis2024.com