Baltimore Activist Alert - Nov. 15-16, 2013

47] Palestine Center Annual Conference – Nov. 15 48] Drone protest, Global Summit and other events – Nov. 15 49] Justice in Palestine/Israel – Nov. 15 50] Silent peace vigil – Nov. 15 51] Commemorate ARMISTICE DAY – Nov. 15 52] "Until the Well Runs Dry: Medicine and the Exploitation of Black Bodies” – Nov. 15 53] THE END OF SAN FRANCISCO – Nov. 15 54] Film "Why We Fight" – Nov. 15 55] Charlie King and Karen Brandow concert – Nov. 15 56] Zionism Through Christian Lenses – Nov. 15 57] The Streets of Baltimore concert – Nov. 15 57] Film "Why We Fight" – Nov. 15 58] Ballroom dancing – Nov. 15 59] Olney Peace vigil – Nov. 16 60] West Chester, PA demo – Nov. 16 61] Silent vigil at Capitol – Nov. 16 62] Keith McHenry will be speaking – Nov. 16 63] Guatemala Solidarity Project – Nov. 16 64] Plan anti-drone action in Congress – Nov. 16 65] Max is seeking a place to live 66] Support the Transform Now Plowshares 67] Sign up with Washington Peace Center 68] Join Fund Our Communities 69] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records 70] Do you need any book shelves or file cabinets? 71] Join Global Zero campaign 72] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale 73] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil ---- 47] – The 2013 Palestine Center Annual Conference is on Fri., Nov. 15 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. The annual conference is called "The Politics of Identity in the Middle East." There will be several panels all throughout the day. Go to http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/42202. 48] – Drone strikes against human targets have injured or killed thousands in countries like Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen where the United States is not even at war. And this has been happening with a remarkably little public awareness or pushback. Join CODEPINK at the White House to protest this unprecedented escalation of covert warfare on Fri., Nov. 15 at noon on the sidewalk in front of the White House on Pennsylvania Ave., WDC 20500. After meeting in front of the White House, the group will proceed to an action at General Atomics, 1899 Pennsylvania Ave. NW), the manufacturer of Predator and Reaper killer drones. It's about a half-mile walk from the White House to General Atomics. Parking near the White House is nearly impossible to find, so it's recommended that you take public transit. Farragut West (on the Blue and Orange Metro lines), and Farragut North (on the Red Metro line) are the closest stations to the White House rallying point. On Fri., Nov. 15 from 6 to 8 PM go to Busboys & Poets, 5th and K Sts., join CODEPINK, Institute for Policy Studies, Center for Constitutional Rights, the Nation Magazine, and the National Lawyers Guild (Georgetown) for a kick-off event for the first ever Global Drones Summit. Mingle with fellow Summit delegates, activists and students over a screening of the groundbreaking new film, "Unmanned: America's Drone Wars" by renowned filmmaker, Robert Greenwald. It will be followed by a talk with executive producer, Jim Miller. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/197438073774504/. Following the rally, on Sat., Nov. 16 from 9 AM to 6:30 PM and Sun., Nov. 17 from 9 AM to 4:30 PM, CODEPINK is organizing a summit on resistance to drones, bringing together drone strike survivors and the families of victims from Pakistan and Yemen with human rights advocates, lawyers, and grassroots activists. There's no cost to attend – just RSVP at http://act.credoaction.com/go/2657?t=3&akid=9438.985080.Or8vZ0. On Sat., Nov. 16 from 8 to 10 PM at Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St. NW, see "Unmanned: America's Drone Wars," a gripping drama about its pilots. World Can't Wait's Debra Sweet will be part of a panel on Sun., Nov. 17 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM on organizing a network in the U.S. against drones/targeted killing. Contact debrasweet@worldcantwait.net. The conference will be held at the Hart Auditorium, Georgetown University Law Center, 600 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC 20001. Opening remarks will be by Cornell West. Other speakers include international law expert Mary Ellen O'Connell, Marjorie Cohen, Amnesty International's Zeke Johnson, ACLU's Hina Shamsi, Pakistani attorney for drone victims Shahzad Akbar, author of Drone Warfare Medea Benjamin, Retired Colonel Ann Wright, Pakistani analyst and activist Noor Mir, UK/Europe drone expert Chris Cole, renowned British scientist and activist Noel Sharkey, inventor of Dronestagram James Bridle, designer of drone-repellent stealthwear Adam Harvey, and peace activists Kathy Kelly and Brian Terrell. On Sunday it will primarily be a strategy session to look at how to better coordinate the work and to lay the foundation for a Global Drones Network. The Lobby Day: Drones on the Hill is Mon., Nov.18 starting at 9 AM at the Rayburn House Building Cafeteria. Lobby members of the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committees and members of the Drones Congressional Caucus. Meetings are set up, and literature will be provided. 49] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at 19th & JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (across from Israeli Consulate. It is sponsored by Bubbies & Zaydes (Grandparents) for Peace in the Middle East. Email cswartz@pil.net. Go to http://phillyjewishpeace.org/. 50] – There is a silent peace vigil on Fri., Nov. 15 from 5 to 6 PM outside the Cathedral of the Incarnation, University Parkway and St. Paul St. The vigil is sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, and was recently moved because of the construction on Charles St. War Is Not the Answer. Stop bullying. 51] – Join Women In Black to commemorate ARMISTICE DAY and to support the BSO's performance of BENJAMIN BRITTEN's WAR REQUIEM.... On Fri., Nov. 15 from 6:45 until 7:55 PM across the street from the SYMPHONY HALL, 1212 Cathedral St. LAY DOWN VIOLENCE AND ARMS----TAKE UP A SIGN AND STAND FOR PEACE. 52] – See a film and participate in a discussion on the historical exploitation of black bodies by medical colleges "Until the Well Runs Dry: Medicine and the Exploitation of Black Bodies” (2011, 51 min) on Fri., Nov. 15 at 7 PM at BloomBars, 3222 11th St. NW, WDC 20010. BloomScreen and TransAfrica are sponsoring the event with the director Shawn Utsey, PhD. It chronicles the involvement of well known medical colleges in the practice of illegal grave robbing of Black cemeteries during the 19th century. Utsey is chair of African-American studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. There is a suggested $10 donation. See https://www.facebook.com/events/547743365319175. 53] – On Fri., Nov 15 at 7 PM @ Red Emma's, 30 W North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21202, Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore reads THE END OF SAN FRANCISCO. The book was published by City Lights, 2013. Call (410) 230-0450. 54] – On Fri., Nov. 15 at 7:30 PM, Meaningful Movies Olney presents "Why We Fight" at the Buffington Building Community Room, 3300 Olney Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MD 20832. The film is a 2005 Sundance Film Festival award winner by Eugene Jarecki. This film is an unflinching look at the anatomy of the American war machine, weaving unforgettable personal stories with commentary by a "who's who" of military and beltway insiders. Featuring John McCain, William Kristol, Chalmers Johnson, Gore Vidal, Richard Perle and others, "Why We Fight" launches a bipartisan inquiry into the workings of the military industrial complex and the rise of the American Empire. Contact Jean Athey at 301-570-0923 or jeanathey@verizon.net. 55] – On Fri., Nov. 15 at 7:30 PM, hear Charlie King and Karen Brandow / Double CD Release (“So Far, So Good: 40 Songs for 40 Years of Songwriting”) Concert to Kick off Charlie's Anniversary Tour - 50 Years of Folk Performing. Go to http://www.charlieking.org. It will be held at Luther Place Church, 1226 Vermont Ave. NW, WDC 20005. Use the McPherson Square Metro Station (Blue & Orange Line) or on the Red Line-- Farragut North. Make a Free Will Offering - suggested donation is $10. This concert is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Call 202-882-9649. King has been at the heart of American folk music for half a century. His songs have been sung by Pete Seeger, Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, John McCutcheon, Arlo Guthrie, Peggy Seeger, Chad Mitchell and Judy Small. Brandow has been performing with Charlie since 1998. While doing human rights work in Guatemala from 1986-1994, she studied voice, performance and classical guitar. 56] – The SABEEL DC METRO is hosting the THIRD ANNUAL FALL SEMINAR at Wesley Theological Seminary, Kresge Center Refectory, Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016 on Sat., Nov. 16 from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. The topic is Zionism Through Christian Lenses. Lunch will be provided with registration. Contact Carole Monica Burnett at monica70x7@yahoo.com. Registration is $35 ($5 for students), and scholarships are available on request. Go to www.sabeeldc.org. 57] – THE ROOTS CAFÉ PRESENTS The Streets of Baltimore: Songs of Our City in a benefit concert hosted by Geoffrey Himes at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. on Fri., Nov. 15 at 7:30 PM. The performers are Milkshake’s Lisa Mathews & Mikel Gehl, the Kings of Crownsville, Tony Denikos, Karen Collins and the Patapsco Delta Boys’ Tom Chalkley & Bob Friedman, and the songs are about Baltimore. Call 410-276-1651. Tickets are $17, and $12 for members or in advance. All proceeds benefit the Baltimore College Peace Network, the Roots Café and the Creative Alliance. Go to www.creativealliance.org. 58] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM. Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St. Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Nov. 15. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725. 59] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. [Route 97] in Olney, MD. The next vigil is Nov. 16. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167. 60] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com. 61] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Sat., Nov. 16. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com. 62] – Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry will be speaking at American University on Sat., Nov. 16 from 5 to 6:30 PM in Room SIS 102. McHenry will present his hunger squashing poverty presentation. See http://www.foodnotbombs.net/. 63] – Participate in the Guatemala Solidarity Project on Sat., Nov. 16 at 6 PM at 14th St. SE, between Pennsylvania Ave. and K St. SE. Enjoy food, drink and Guatemalan weavings. The suggested contribution is $10. ALL FUNDS will benefit partners in Guatemala. The GSP is a group of volunteers working together with indigenous and peasant communities in Guatemala in support of land and cultural rights and in opposition to violent repression and environmental destruction. Visit http://www.guatemalasolidarityproject.org/. RSVP at 202-735-9165 or solidaridadguatemala@yahoo.com. 64] – The National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance Code Pink Drone Conference Meeting is happening on Sat., Nov. 16 at 7 PM at the Washington Friends Meetinghouse, 2111 Florida Ave. NW. NCNR members are gearing up for a visit to Congress on Mon., Nov. 18 to express their disgust with killer drone strikes. During the Code Pink drone conference, they will have a meeting to plan a resistance action[s]. RSVP to mobuszewski at verizon.net. 65] – Max is seeking a place to live. Let him know of any possibilities. He can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.dot net. 66] – You can support the Transform Now Plowshares resisters by writing the judge and the prisoners. Greg Boertje-Obed, Michael Walli and Megan Rice are currently in the Irwin County Detention Facility in Ocilla, GA, awaiting their sentencing on January 28, 2014. The three were found guilty by a jury in Tennessee in May on two counts. Judge Amul Thapar revoked their pre-trial release saying they were technically guilty of a crime of violence and must be held. Here are the addresses: Gregory Boertje-Obed 22090 Irwin County Detention Center 132 Cotton Drive, Ocilla, GA 31774 ***Michael Walli 4444, Irwin County Detention Center, 132 Cotton Drive, Ocilla, GA 31774. Megan Rice 22100, Irwin County Detention Center, 132 Cotton Drive, Ocilla, GA 31774. You must make sure to include your entire return address on the outside of the envelope. No staples or paperclips can be included in your mail; no oversized envelopes. Magazines and books must be sent directly from the publisher or bookstore/Amazon. Photocopies of brief articles are likely to be permitted (based on our past experience). If you include inappropriate material or fail to comply with these rules, your mail will not get through—it will be returned to you. The second thing you can do is send a letter to Judge Thapar. We have suggested guidelines for your letter, and we are asking people to send their letter to Bill Quigley, lawyer for Mike Walli (address below), so they can be collected and delivered to the judge. If you want to send a copy of your letter to us, that would be great—our address is also below. Invite Judge Thapar to think about sentencing in light of the fact that this was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience intended to awaken the conscience of the nation, and no evidence was presented that it was an act of terrorism meant to harm anyone. You could write that you share the court's concern that Congress would write a law that wouldn’t allow a judge to distinguish between peace activists and terrorists, and are disturbed that the government defines the crime they stand convicted of as a violent "crime of terrorism.” As testimony of the defendants showed during trial, they carried out their action in a spirit of nonviolence and hope. Without making it the focus of the letter, you could mention that the action was carried out with the clear understanding of the illegality and immorality of nuclear weapons, and intent to uphold higher laws. Encourage him to consider downward departures from the high guidelines for the charges, and to use his discretion at sentencing to bring more justice into the situation by recognizing that the defendants are NOT violent terrorists as the government has implied through its interpretation of the crime; and remind him of the intentions of the three nonviolent activists: to follow the words of the prophet Isaiah to beat swords into plowshares, and build a safer and more secure world for all. Our purpose with these letters is not to reargue the case, nor is it to condemn nuclear weapons production—the judge is not engaging those issues at this time. Our purpose is to address the legal system’s distortion of the nonviolent action of the TNP resisters and to provide support to the judge for a sentencing decision that takes into account the nature of their action and their nonviolent behavior throughout their action. Letters should be sent to US District Judge Amul R Thapar, c/o Professor Bill Quigley, Loyola Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice, 7214 St. Charles Ave., Campus Box 902, New Orleans, LA 70118. If you care to send a copy to OREPA that would also be appreciated--orep@earthlink.net or OREPA, PO Box 5743, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. 67] – The Washington Peace Center has a progressive calendar & activist alert! Consider signing up to receive its weekly email: info@washingtonpeacecenter.org. 68] – Fund Our Communities campaign is a 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. 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 any book shelves? Can you use any file cabinets? 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] – 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