Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 3

46] Why did Mikulski vote for the NDAA? – Jan. 17

47] Protest the death penalty – Jan. 17

48] Torture Prevention Act – Jan. 17

49] Remember Patrice Lumumba – Jan. 17

50] War Is Not the Answer – Jan. 17

51] Film THE INTERRUPTERS – Jan. 17

52] MOCO Budget forum – Jan. 17

53] Philadelphia peace vigil – Jan. 18

54] Green Space workshop - Jan. 18

55] WIB Frederick vigil – Jan. 18

56] Green Currency Meeting -- Jan. 18

57] Chestnut Hill Peace Vigil -- Jan. 18

58] Truth about Islam -- Jan. 18

59] End Corporate Rule rally – Jan. 19

60] Report on UN Climate Summit – Jan. 19

61] Meet Jill Stein – Jan. 19

62] Resilience Circle – Jan. 19

63] CCAN is hiring

64] Support Baltimore Brew thru Kickstarter campaign

65] Support finishing film THE ACTIVISTS thru Kickstarter campaign

66] Sign up with Washington Peace Center

67] Fund Our Communities campaign

68] Submit articles to Indypendent Reader 

69] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

70] Do you need a television and/or a computer?

71] Join Global Zero campaign

72] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

73] Click on The Hunger Site 

74] Fire & Faith  

75] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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46] – As part of Occupy Congress on Tues., Jan. 17, the Montgomery Council Civil Rights Committee will visit Sen. Barbara Mikulski's office to discuss why she voted for the National Defense Authorization Act and its indefinite detention provisions. Email mococivilrights@gmail.com for the time and details of this visit.

 

47] – There will be a protest at the U.S. Supreme Court to Mark the 35th Anniversary of Executions starting at 9 AM on Tues., Jan. 17.  A legal demonstration will take place on the sidewalk to support an action calling for an end to the death penalty.  Meet at 9 AM at the United Methodist Building, 100 Maryland Ave., NE, next to the Supreme Court.  Action and demonstration will follow at 10 AM.

 

Thirty-five years ago, on Jan. 17, 1977, the State of Utah shot to death Gary Gilmore, who "volunteered" to be killed in revenge for his murder of Ben Bushnell and Max Jenson.  This state-assisted suicide was the first execution under the Supreme Court's upholding of the death penalty in 1976.  Members of the Abolitionist Action Committee will stage a demonstration to mark the anniversary.  Some participants will gather on the steps outside the court and unfurl a 30-foot long banner that reads: "STOP EXECUTIONS!"  One of the participants will be Randy Gardner, whose brother, like Gilmore, was executed in Utah by firing squad in 2010.  Contact Scott Langley at scott@abolition.org  or 518-249-8094. Go to www.abolition.org.

 

48] – Unveiling and discussing the Law Enforcement Torture Prevention Act with Congressman Danny K. Davis is on for Tues., Jan. 17 from 2:30 to 5:30 PM in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2203.  Davis will hold a briefing to unveil and discuss the Law Enforcement Torture Prevention Act pertaining to torture by domestic law enforcement.  Call 202-225-5006 or email Caleb.Gilchrist@mail.house.gov.

 

49] – 51 Years Later: Fulfilling The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba takes place on Tues., Jan. 17 from 3 to 9 PM at The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave. NW, WDC 2005. Join the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) for a day of demonstration, film screening and teach-in on the current crisis in the Congo and how you can join the global movement in support of self-determination in the heart of Africa. From 3:30 to 6 PM, rally in Lafayette Park (Gathering in front of the White House); from 7 to 7:30 PM, see a screening of "Crisis in the Congo: Uncovering The Truth;" and 7:30 to 9 PM, there is Teach-in on Congo's 2011 Elections and how you can become a part of the global movement in support of self-determination in the heart of Africa.  January 17 is the 51st anniversary of the assassination of Patrice Lumumba. Call 202.584.6512. Go to https://www.facebook.com/congofriends.

 

50] – There is a vigil to say "War Is Not the Answer" each Tuesday since September 11, 2001 at 4806 York Road. Join this ongoing vigil.  The next vigil is Jan. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

51] – On Tues., Jan. 17 at 6 PM at the DC Central Library, the DC Peace Team invites you to view the movie THE INTERRUPTERS.  This documentary tells the moving and surprising story of three "violence interrupters" in Chicago who with bravado, humility and even humor try to protect their communities from the violence they once employed. They have "street cred" so they to intervene in conflicts before they explode into violence.

After the screening, there will be a panel discussion and community dialogue about innovative ways that local citizens are organizing to address the issue of street violence.  Go to http://www.dclibrary.org/mlkweek or contact Eli McCarthy at eli_trinity@hotmail.com.

 

52] – On Tues., Jan. 17 at 7 PM, there will be a forum on the 2013 Montgomery County Budget.  Residents are welcome to provide input at Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Rd., Silver Spring.

 

53] – Each Wednesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the House of Grace Catholic Worker holds a weekly vigil for peace in Iraq outside the Phila. Federal Building, 6th & Market Sts. The next vigil is Jan. 18. Call 215-426-0364.

 

54] – Join Baltimore Green Space to learn how to make your community garden, pocket park, or other urban oases last forever! Baltimore Green Space works to protect these green areas and other open spaces created and cared for by city residents.  At the request of community groups, Baltimore Green Space acquires community-managed open spaces and provides support to those who care for them. This allows communities to ensure that their urban oases will endure without taking on the responsibilities of acquisition, ownership, and liability.

Learn about the benefits for your neighborhood on Wed., Jan. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at HEBCAC, 1212 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, 21213. The evening will also feature a "virtual tour" of some of the loveliest community green spaces throughout Baltimore. RSVP to Galadriel Rosen-grosen@hebcac.org or 443-524-2800 ext. 126.

 

55] – WIB does a silent vigil mourning all violence the third Wednesday of the month.  The next vigil is Wed., Jan. 18 from 6:30 PM to 7 PM at the intersection of Martin & Patrick Sts in downtown Frederick.  Wear black, but bring no additional signs. Call 301-834-7581 or wibfrederick@mizmail.com.

 

56] – The Baltimore Green Currency Association meets every Wednesday at 7 PM at Breathe Books, 810 W 36th St. # A, Baltimore, MD 21211-2554.  Call 410-235-7323.

 

57] – Each Wednesday, the Northwest Greens hold a peace vigil from 7 to 8 PM outside the Borders Book Store, Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, PA. The next vigil is Jan. 18. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com. 

 

58] – On Wed., Jan. 18 at 7:30 PM at the Annenberg Theater, Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, this question will be answered: What is the truth about Islam and Muslims in America? In recent months, anti-mosque protests, anti-Sharia legislation and related controversies have left many Americans confused about Islam and Muslims in America. Join a panel of experts for a civil dialogue that separates fact from fiction in the current debates about Islam in the U.S. The panel will include Haroon Mogul, Columbia Univ., Institute for Social Policy and Understanding;  Rabbi Marc Schneier, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding; Melissa Rogers, Center for Religion and Public Affairs, Wake Forest University; Asma Uddin, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding. The discussion will be moderated by Charles C. Haynes, Religious Freedom Education Project at the Newseum.

 

Admission is free, but registration is required. RSVP to Ashlie Hampton at ahampton@freedomforum.org or 202/292-6288.

 

59] – Progressive Maryland is hosting with others on Thurs., Jan. 19 from 11 AM to 1 PM a Take Back Democracy/End Corporate Rule in Lawyers' Mall, College Ave. and Rowe Blvd., Annapolis.  On Jan. 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that corporations have a First Amendment right to spend as much money as they want to promote or defeat candidates. Leading up to the two-year anniversary of the ruling, January 21, 2012, people across the country are organizing to protest this Supreme Court ruling and are calling for a constitutional amendment that would ensure democracy is for people, not for corporations.

 

Need a ride?  Can you provide rides? Contact Mark Hays, campaign coordinator, Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People Campaign at mhays@citizen.org or 202-588-7757.

 

60] – Durban Download: Report From UN Climate Summit in South Africa takes place on Thurs., Jan. 19 from 6 to 7:30 PM at 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, WDC.  Join in welcoming IPS staff and guests home from the UN climate summit held in Durban, South Africa this past December. While some are touting the outcome of the negotiations as a success, others have raised serious concerns about a lack of urgency and equity in tackling the climate crisis. Panelists will give their perspectives on what was won and lost for people and the planet. Panelists Include Bob Baugh, executive director of the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, Kari Fulton, acting director of the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative, and Janet Redman, co-director of IPS's Sustainable Energy & Economy Network.  RSVP to Netfa Freeman at netfa@ips-dc.org.

 

61] – You are invited to an evening with Jill Stein at the home of Brian Bittner and Shanna Bittner-Borell, 2813 Maisel St., Baltimore, 21230 (just minutes from I-95) on Thurs., Jan. 19 at 7 PM. Stein and Ben Manski, co-founder of Move to Amend [www.movetoamend.org] and campaign manager for Jill Stein for President.  Enjoy food, door prizes and the opportunity to speak with Jill and Ben. 

 

This will be a fundraiser for Jill Stein for President. In order to win matching primary federal funds, Jill has to collect $5,000 from each of 20 different states. If you can't attend, you can send contributions to Jill Stein for President, P.O. Box 260217, Madison, WI 53726-0217. RSVP to brianbittnerborell@gmail.com or call 443-449-4159.

 

62] – A COMMON SECURITY CLUB/RESILIENCE CIRCLE NEEDS THREE MORE MEMBERS and will start THURS., JAN 19 at 7:30 PM in a home in Catonsville, MD.  The circle will meet for 7-8 sessions, about every two weeks, at dates to be determined by the circle members.  There is no cost.  Materials can be emailed to you. Contact Lore Rosenthal at lore@simplicity-matters.org & 301-345-2234. 

If you cannot make Thursday meetings, but are interested in a possible Resilience Circle on another day, please email time/date preferences, and you will be informed of other Resilience Circles in the Baltimore area.  Go to http://localcircles.org/what-is-a-resilience-circle/ .

 

63] – CCAN is Hiring. Do you want to fight global warming while gaining valuable grassroots organizing knowledge and experience? If so, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network has the perfect internship for you. It is hiring interns for the spring semester to work out of the Takoma Park and Richmond offices. For ten years, CCAN has been working in Maryland, Virginia, and DC to fight climate change by standing up to polluters and working to pass clean energy policies. Call 1-240-396-1981.

 

64] – Baltimore Brew - News for Your City is seeking your financial help.  The news outfit has launched a Kickstarter Campaign. Help It Keep Percolating.  They are asking readers, as well as supporters of quality community journalism around the country, to help out by dropping a generous donation into the Kickstarter tip jar.  Visit the Baltimore Kickstarter page today or donate directly at Baltimore Brew, 623 W. University Pkwy., Baltimore, MD 21210.

 

65] – Melody Weinstein of www.melofilms.com notified me that the documentary film she has been working on with Michael Heaney is nearing completion. Titled "The Activists," it chronicles the anti-war movement over the last 10 years, and the major players in the movement. They have filmed us in Baltimore and D.C. and New York City and other places.  After years of filming and researching, they look forward to showing the final cut in a few short months.

 

They have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for finishing the film and have until January 11 to reach the goal of 15K.  To support the film, go to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/melofilms/the-activists-war-peace-and-politics-in-the-street.

 

66] – The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org.

67] – Fund Our Communities campaign – is a new grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget.  Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures.  Go to www.OurFunds.org.      

 

68] – The new Indypendent Reader is seeking articles for its web site at http://www.indyreader.org.  Submit an article. 

 

69] – If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. 

 

70] – Can you use a television set and/or a computer, monitor etc.? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net. 

 

71] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.  

 

72] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5.  To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

73] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers.  You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food.  So consider clicking.  

 

74] – Go online for FIRE AND FAITH: The Catonsville Nine File. On May 17, 1968, nine people entered the Selective Service Offices in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned draft records in protest against the war in Vietnam. View http://www.prattlibrary.org/digital/.

 

75] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981.  Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

 

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan