Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 3

49] Amend Citizens United – May 22

50] Support Our Sisters – May 22

51] War Is Not the Answer – May 22

52] Film SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME -- May 22

53] Pray for Peace – May 22

54] Geothermal Summit – May 23

55] Russian Nuclear Developments – May 23

56] Geothermal media event – May 23

57] Understanding Religious Pluralism – May 23 - 24

58] CISPES mailing party – May 23 - 24

59] Philadelphia peace vigil – May 23

60] Film "Who Shot Alexander Hamilton?" – May 23

61] Green Currency Meeting – May 23

62] Chestnut Hill peace vigil – May 23

63] Project Plase benefit – May 23

64] Film "Children of the Tsunami" – May 23

65] Protest student debt – May 24

66] Pass out peace diplomas at JHU – May 24

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49] – To Amend or Not to Amend: The Impact of Citizens United will be discussed on Tues., May 22 at 12:30 PM at SEIU, 1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Room 1026-28, WDC 20036.   Alliance for Justice is delighted to invite you to a panel discussion about 2010's Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court decision and possible solutions to the corrupting influence of big money in politics.  The panel will present an array of strategies ranging from proposed constitutional amendments and work on judicial nominations to public funding for elections and exploring litigation strategies.  It begins with a reception which includes lunch.  The panel discussion starts at 1 PM with Jamie Raskin, Maryland State Senator, Kent Greenfield, Professor of Law at Boston College Law School, Mark Schmitt, senior fellow at the Roosevelt Institute and possibly Donna Edwards (invited), US Representative from Maryland.  Karen Finney, MSNBC political analyst and former DNC communications director, who will moderate.  There will be a special welcome from Nan Aron, president of Alliance for Justice.  The event is free, but RSVPs are required. RSVP to Debra@afj.org.  Go to http://afj.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=108721&view=Detail.

50] – On Tues., May 22 from 4 to 6 PM, NunJustice.org notes that that this will be the third of four vigils happening in the Metro DC area in May in support of U.S. Catholic sisters and LCWR. Stand in solidarity with the Catholic sisters and join thousands of others across the country also hosting vigils. The D.C. vigil takes place at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), 3211 Fourth St. NE, WDC 20017. Meet by the front sign on 4th St.

 

51] – 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 May 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

52] – See the documentary SLAVERY BY ANOTHER NAME followed by a panel discussion.   

Pulitzer Prize winner Douglas Blackmon, Tonya Groomes, and Susan Bumore will discuss the acclaimed PBS documentary, which highlights the deep-set social issues that remain with us today, 150 years after abolition on Tues., May 22 at 7 PM at Maryland Institute College of Art, Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave.  Call 410-223-2300 or go to http://www.mica.edu.

This film, based on Douglas Blackmon's Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same title, gives the lie to the happy idea that slavery in the United States ended with the Civil War. Slavery by Another Name shows the many ways Jim Crow was intended to replicate slavery, as many African-Americans continued to be forced to work with no pay and no choice. In some cases, these workers continued to be sold from "master" to "master." Given the vastly disproportionate number of African-Americans held in U.S. prisons today, this film is not only a historical document. Blackmon and the descendents of two of the film's subjects will be on hand to speak at the screening, as part of Open Society Institute-Baltimore's larger Talking About Race series.

 

53] – Pray for Peace on Tues., May 22 at 7:30 PM at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 4 East University Parkway (corner of N. Charles St. and University Parkway). The preacher will be the Rt. Rev. Joe Burnett, assistant bishop, Diocese of Maryland. Contact The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr., Baltimore Interfaith Peace Partners, at 410-321-0199 or frcharles@verizon.net.

54] – The Geothermal Energy Association [GEA] International Geothermal Energy Showcase 2012 is happening on Wed., May 23 from 8 AM to 6 PM at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Atrium Hall, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC,  featuring a keynote address by U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, State of New Mexico.  This year, the event will focus on success in the leading countries and geothermal markets. Participants from the countries which are showing the most dramatic growth will be asked to address the event. Discussion will highlight what measures are succeeding in expanding geothermal energy production, with special attention paid to U.S. geothermal exports and financing for international geothermal development.

The program will encourage discussion and interaction about government policies, projects in development, market potential, and opportunities for U.S. companies. Attendees will also hear from U.S. Government agencies involved in export assistance for geothermal companies, and from U.S. companies developing projects overseas. Go to http://geo-energy.org/events/GEA_ShowCase_05_23_12.aspx.

 

55] – On Wed., May 23 from 8 to 9 AM, Mark Schneider and Tom Scheber, National Institute for Public Policy, will talk about "Russian Nuclear Developments," as part of the Congressional Breakfast Seminar Series. It takes place at the Capitol Hill Club, 300 First St. SE, WDC. RSVP at http://2012ndseminars.eventbrite.com/.

 

56] – As part of the GEA International Showcase 2012, there will be a Media Roundtable Discussion on Wed., May 23 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Room Continental B, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center.  It will feature industry leaders from the fastest growing geothermal markets around the world to highlight their progress and open a dialogue on policies that support success. While the United States is the world leader in geothermal energy today, countries from every continent are making major strides forward in utilizing their geothermal resources.  Space is limited. To request press credentials, contact Shawna Seldon, shawna@rosengrouppr.com.

57] – Understanding Religious Pluralism: Perspectives from religious studies and theology is a discussion taking place on Wed., May 23 at 12:30 PM through Fri., May 25 at 6  PM.  This conference will happen at Georgetown U., 3700 O St. NW.  Religious diversity and pluralism, though a constant feature of human history, is being increased in our time, especially by migration, globalization, and geopolitical events. It has emerged as one of the key issues for the promotion of world peace and religious harmony. In 2005, the Theology Department at Georgetown University established a doctoral program in religious and theological studies with a focus on religious pluralism.

Four keynote speakers will explore religious pluralism and its impact on religious studies and theology: Thomas Tweed (University of Texas at Austin) on religious pluralism and religious studies; Paula Fredriksen (Boston University) on religious pluralism in Judaism and Early Christianity; Thomas Michel, SJ (Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University) on religious pluralism in Islam; and S. Mark Heim (Andover Newton Theological School) on religious pluralism and theology.  Go to https://blogs.commons.georgetown.edu/rpconference/.

58] – There is a Cispes DC Mailing Party on Wed., May 23 from 2 PM through Thurs., May 24 at 9 PM at St. Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, at 16th and Newton Sts. in the Columbia Heights neighborhood.  This will be two days and nights of envelope stuffing! It's that time of year to send the newsletter and funding appeal to donors across the country. Can you be at St. Stephen's on Wed., May 23 from 2 to 5 PM or 6 to 9 PM or on Thurs., May 24 from 6 to 9 PM?

 

A group of valiant cyclists who will embark next weekend for a 180 mile ride to raise money for CISPES' solidarity work with the popular movement in El Salvador. TWO groups of committed volunteers will head to El Salvador this summer to accompany and learn from the government efforts to create health and education for ALL! The barbecue and potluck takes place on Mon., May 28.  Email lisa@cispes.org or call 202.521.2510 ext.204.  Visit http://www.facebook.com/events/410179762349093/.

 

59] – 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 May 23. Call 215-426-0364.

 

60] – The Saul Landau Film Series continues with "Who Shot Alexander Hamilton?" on Wed., May 23 from 6 to 7:30 PM at IPS Conference Room, 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, WDC.  This is a lead up to The Institute's 50th birthday. On the 4th Wednesday of each month IPS will host a film, and after each screening participants will have the opportunity to discuss the films with distinguished guests. Landau, is an Emmy-winning, internationally-known scholar, author, commentator, and filmmaker on foreign and domestic policy issues. This film is an unusual portrait of the Watergate Congress at work. Watergate has a special place in contemporary history. It emphasizes the media's glorious role, thanks to the heroic efforts of two Washington Post journalists, attacking the government and bringing down a President of the U.S. During the Watergate hearings, a lot of dirt was uncovered. The burglary into the Watergate building was only small potatoes.

These screenings are free and open to the public but a suggested $5 donation will be appreciated. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.  RSVP to netfa@ips-dc.org.

 

61] – 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.

 

62] – 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 May 23. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

 

63] – Are you into musicals? History? Laughing? If so (and if not, who ARE you), come to see BUCKSKIN JACK! Some friends/donors to Project PLASE are independent filmmakers, and have rented out the Charles Theater to premiere their film, "a romping colonial musical parody, and ALL of the proceeds go to Project PLASE!  Be at The Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St., on Wed., May 23 at 7 PM.  Go to http://www.buckskinjack.com/. Tickets are $15 general admission and $8 for students.

 

64] – The IRONWEED CLUB is meeting on Wed., May 23 at 7:30 PM at the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore, MD 21201-4661.  This month at the BES Ironweed Film Club see a screening of the "Children of the Tsunami" by Dan Reed (60 min.).  On March 11, 2011, Japan woke up to a new and very frightening world. Through the eyes of the children who managed to survive the terrible disaster, we see the pain-tinged environment in which they have to forge their futures. From the child who has forgotten how to speak to the eight-year-old who wants to become a radiation researcher, the film presents a touching and horrifying vision of Japan's tsunami generation. Screenings are open to members of BES and the BES Ironweed Film Club. Contact Emil Volcheck at Volcheck at acm.org about free membership in the film club. Donations are requested for refreshments. The Club meets monthly on the 4th Wednesday.

 

65] – As graduation approaches for many college students, the outlook for post-graduation will be dire. Instead of, "What do you plan to do next?" the questions are: "How much student debt are you graduating with?" or "Do you think you'll be able to find a job?" On top of 1 out of every 2 graduates being jobless or unemployed, students will graduate with an average of $25,000 in debt this year. On April 25th, student debt even surpassed the one trillion dollar mark – making student debt larger than credit card debt and auto loans. The largest profiteer off of student debt, Sallie Mae, has been leading the crusade to make a buck off of students suffering the worst economic recession since the 1920's. Already spending over one million dollars on lobbying in 2012, Sallie Mae has been one of the most aggressive lobbyists on the Hill using money received from students, to allow private lenders to use predatory practices, including hidden fees that further bury students in debt. Student debt has spiraled out of control and now students are demanding debt forgiveness!

On Thurs., May 24 from 8 AM to 4 PM, students, workers, and recent graduates will be gathering at 300 Continental Drive Newark, DE 19713, to confront Sallie Mae CEO Albert Lord and demand student debt forgiveness and that they keep their corporate money out of our democracy. An action will start at 9:30 AM.  Contact Chris Hicks from Student Labor Action Project at 202-393-1044 or slap@jwj.org.

 

66] – The annual Peace Diploma distribution at John Hopkins University's commencement will take place from 8 to 9 AM on Thurs., May 24. Meet on University Parkway on the sidewalk outside Homewood Field right across the street from One World Café.  Those of us who sat in the office of JHU President Ron Daniels' office on May 8 to protest drone research have been threatened with arrest if we appear on the campus.  E will stand on the sidewalk, but one never knows.  Let Max know if you can pass out peace diplomas--410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.  Afterwards we will share breakfast.

 

 To be continued.

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/

 

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs

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