Hello all! I am Lee Thorpe. I first encountered Pacifica when researching the Vietnam War. I came across the Winter Soldier Hearings (1971) that was covered by Pacifica detailing American atrocities during the war. This archived recording helped with my political education. I was later introduced to KPFK when I was asked to assist with documentation, after that I served dutifully as interim and then regular Secretary of the KPFK LSB. In that time I have come to further my already deep appreciation of the service and history KPFK has to offer.
To me, KPFK and the greater Pacifica network serves, and has served, an ever important role in society, a fair progressive network that will permit the voices of the people to be heard. We look to the past and see how it has given voice to a great deal of movements over the years, both here and abroad. In the present it continues to provide a much needed voice in the fight against fascism and oppression. But, it is evident to me that the KPFK LSB must move into the future. If we are to preserve the legacy of KPFK for posterity and to continue building upon it, we must bring forward a new generation of progressive activists and leaders. I seek to join the LSB as the Vice-Chair to help bring this future forward, by building and working with New Day Pacifica there is an avenue to see it through. My views and the views of New Day tend to coincide on a number of matters, some of which being:
- Expanding programming that is both intellectually and culturally diverse.
- Building new outreach on various media platforms.
- Development of training and internships for youth and diverse communities
- Maintaining and ensuring access to Pacifica’s extensive and historical archives.
- Collaborating with community organizations, labor groups, media creators, and various groups across the country and beyond.
- Fiscal sustainability.
All this however can only be done through the efforts of many, should I be elected to the board by the desire and the will of the KPFK base, I will see to it that the foundations for this are sown by working with community organizations, the listener base, and the station staff to build up the necessary infrastructure within the KPFK LSB. It will undoubtedly be a long road, and so it is my hope that, in the name of liberation from the forces that threaten destruction of all in the drive of profit, hatred and greed, we all stand and do our part and duty in these times, no matter how small. Whilst I am most certainly new on the block, I believe with my ability and skills I can contribute greatly to the KPFK and overall Pacifica network. Be it through documentation, discussions, mediation, through networking and outreach or even simple technical skills, I can, and will contribute to the future of KPFK and its LSB. Thank you for reading this short statement, and hopefully I will earn your vote.