On September 13 in Springfield there was a rally calling on politicians to pass stronger gun control laws. The rally was outside the corporate headquarters of Smith and Wesson, a maker of guns. The USA's gun murder rate is 25 times higher than other rich nations' rates. About 50 people attended the Springfield rally. The below photo shows people playing drums at the rally. To enlarge the photo click on it, then scroll down and click “see full size image.” photo by Liz Steinhauser

The organizers of the rally have a web page at:

www.twitter.com/bpeaceforjorge

Elizabeth Warren last month said if she is elected president she will push for a gun buyback program and to make companies like Smith and Wesson liable. “Nearly every other industry has civil liability as a check on irresponsible actions, but a 2005 law insulates firearms makers and dealers from civil liability when a weapon is used to commit a crime, even in cases when dealers were shockingly irresponsible,” Warren said. “No one should be above the law, and that includes the gun industry. Congress should repeal this law immediately.”

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The organizers of a September 20 noon climate change rally in Amherst have announced the exact location: the East Pond lawn at the University of Massachusetts. As of September 18 more than 160 people had RSVP'd. Climate change marches and rallies will happen around the Valley on September 20. See recent Valley Post articles for details.

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On September 21 in Northampton there will be a rally calling on politicians to deal with mass incarceration and other issues. No nation keeps such a high percentage of its people in prison as the USA. Europe's rate is a third of ours. Vermont sends prisoners to Mississippi to save money. The nation's prison system is racist, according to the book, “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander. The rally starts at 1 p.m. at Pulaski Park. Details are at:

www.facebook.com/events/2401051656834854

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In Holyoke on September 23 there will be a rally for better mental health care. It is being organized by nurses. The rally start at 5:30 p.m. at 45 Lower Westfield Road. The public is invited. Details are at:

www.facebook.com/events/1069046076626156