Baltimore Activist Alert Mar. 31 – Apr. 6, 2014

Baltimore Activist Alert Mar. 31 – Apr. 6, 2014

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours. The initiative to stop it must be ours." - Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center. Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com. If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

Tune into the Maryland Progressive Blog at http://mdprogblog.org.

1] Books, buttons & stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists
4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLa
5] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Mar. 31 – Apr. 4
6] "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race" – through Apr. 30
7] Human, Soul & Machine: The Coming Singularity – through Aug. 31
8] "Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons Initiative and its Relationship to the Non-Proliferation Treaty" – Mar. 31
9] Demonstration for Sane Gun Reform – Mar. 31
10] "Islam, Sharia & Alternative Dispute Resolution" – Mar. 31
11] Afghan election – Mar. 31
12] Film "How to Survive a Plague" – Mar. 31
13] Pledge of Resistance/Fund Our Communities meeting – Mar. 31
14] Andy Shallal Rally – Mar. 31
15] Lobby with SOA Watch – Apr. 1
16] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Apr. 1
17] Condemn drone research at JHU – Apr. 1
18] School of International Service events – Apr. 1-2
19] FREE MOVIE SCREENING of CESAR CHAVEZ – Apr. 1
20] Organizing, Mobilizing & Advocating for Transgender Equality – Apr. 1
21] "The Price of Privacy: Re-evaluating the NSA" – Apr. 1
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available. “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Donate your books to Max. Call him at 410-366-1637.

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/. Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR]. It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed. It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq. To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net. Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe. It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing. To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale. For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2010/02/hocofola-cafe-quetzal-order-form-2010.html. The coffee comes in one-pound bags.

Fill out the form and mail it with a check made out to HOCOFOLA on or before the second week of the month. Be sure you indicate ground or beans for each type of coffee ordered. Send it to Adela Hirsch, 5358 Eliots Oak Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up. Contact Adela at 410-997-5662 or via e-mail at adela4peace@verizon.net.

5] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 AM on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org. The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org.

6] – The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's production, "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race" will be exhibited at the Health Sciences and Human Services Library at University of Maryland, Baltimore, Frieda O. Weise Gallery, 601 W. Lombard St. The exhibition will feature photos, films, testimonials and other documentation of Nazi racial experimentation and theories. The exhibit will continue through April 30. Call 410-706-7545. See http://hshsl.umaryland.edu/gallery/.

7] – See the exhibit Human, Soul & Machine: The Coming Singularity, which
delves into the various ways technology affects lives through the perspective of inventors, futurists and 40 plus visionary artists. The intent is to bring new thoughts on artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and big data, and you can see it through August 31 at the American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. Call 410-244-1900. Go to http://avam.org. A ticket costs $20.

8] – On Mon., Mar. 31 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, Ira Helfand, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, and Guakhar Mukhatzhanova, Monterey Institute, will address "Humanitarian Impacts of Nuclear Weapons Initiative and its Relationship to the Non-Proliferation Treaty." Sponsored by Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Arms Control Association, the event is at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Choate Room, 1779 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qGHAP2Ua64rfBqH8CHn9YsKry-Tl5BuFVZL5qwydPUw/viewform.

For decades, the risks posed by nuclear weapons use have driven global leaders, particularly the policymakers in states possessing nuclear weapons, to pursue concrete steps to reduce the threat of nuclear weapons use. Recognizing this threat, the 2010 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference Final Document expresses "deep concern at the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and [reaffirmed] the need for all States at all times to comply with applicable international law, including international humanitarian law."

The lack of progress on key 2010 NPT disarmament goals has led many nonnuclear weapon states to organize a series of conferences focusing on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. A third conference will be held by Austria in Vienna later this year to evaluate how the humanitarian consequences dialogue can lead to concrete actions that reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles and risks and spur action before and after the 2015 NPT Review Conference.

9] – There is a White House Demonstration for Sane Gun Reform on Mon., Mar. 31 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the North Side of The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Gun violence is a public health issue -- the AMA and AARP recognize this! How About you, Congress? This Monday a concerned group of citizens are coming together to demand common sense legislation on gun violence prevention and safety and who are not afraid of the NRA LEADERSHIP. They are calling on Congress to recognize this is a public health emergency. Contact Helen Ramsey at helen.ramsey1@gmail.com.

10] – Get to a briefing about his book "Islam, Sharia & Alternative Dispute Resolution" with Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee on Mon., Mar. 31 at 12:30 PM at Georgetown University, 3700 O St. NW, Bunn Intercultural Center (ICC), Suite 270. ACMCU (Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding) invites you to the briefing. He will discuss the foundations of Sharia and its differing interpretations, as well as the concept of alternative dispute resolution with references to specific cases. Dr. Keshavjee hopes to provide a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of the role that faith based dispute resolution systems can play through proper application of their ethical principles operating under the public laws of the Western countries where Muslims are settled today. Seating is limited. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP here: http://shariaandalternativedisputeresolution.eventbrite.com.

11] – On Mon., Mar. 31 from 12:15 to 1:45 PM at the New America Foundation, 1899 L St. NW, Suite 400, WDC 20036, listen to a discussion about the April 5 presidential election in Afghanistan. With current President Hamid Karzai constitutionally barred from running for a third term, the election could mark Afghanistan's first peaceful transfer of power between two democratically elected governments. No single frontrunner has emerged from the pack of nine presidential contenders, making the possibility of a run-off between the two candidates who receive the most votes - though shy of the necessary 50 percent - more likely.

Faiysal AliKhan, a Carnegie Fellow with the New America Foundation's International Security Program, spent the last month traveling around Afghanistan, speaking to provincial governors, tribal leaders, government ministers, and several of the candidates about the election, the transition from Karzai to his successor, and the withdrawal of foreign troops at the end of December. He will share what he learned on the campaign trail, and other experts will discuss what the 2014 election. RSVP for the event at http://www.newamerica.net/events/2014/afghanistan_2014. Contact Liana Simonds at New America at 292-735-2829 or simonds@newamerica.org.

12] – See the film "How to Survive a Plague" on Mon., Mar. 31 from 7 to 9 PM at the University of Maryland, 1104 South Campus Commons, Building 1, College Park. This is part of Beyond the Classroom. In this film, faced with their own mortality an improbable group of young people, many of them HIV-positive, broke the mold as radical warriors taking on Washington and the medical establishment. This is the story of two coalitions—ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group)—whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Despite having no scientific training, these self-made activists infiltrated the pharmaceutical industry and helped identify promising new drugs, moving them from experimental trials to patients in record time. With unfettered access to a treasure trove of never-before-seen archival footage from the 1980s and 1990s, filmmaker David France puts the viewer smack in the middle of the controversial actions, the heated meetings, the heartbreaking failures, and the exultant breakthroughs of heroes in the making. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1454400278109719/.

13] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings take place at Max’s residence. The next meeting will be on Mon., Mar. 31. The proposed agenda will include a report on the appeal of conviction of the CIA Five, the legislative issues in Annapolis--GMO labeling, anti-BDS, and anti-fracking--anti-drone activities, including the Spring Actions, Cornel West, the NSA debate and the Patrick Bond talk. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net for directions.

14] – Get over to an Andy Shallal Rally at Ben's Chili Bowl on Mon., Mar. 31 at 7:30 PM. This is the final campaign rally to push to rally the vote and have a strong showing on April 1 during the election for mayor. Go to http://www.andy4dc.com/.

15] – On Tues., Apr. 1, SOA Watch activists and staff will meet with their members of Congress to urge them to cosponsor HR 2989, and support other positive policies toward Latin America. Contact Arturo at 202-234-3440 or arturo@soaw.org. On this National Call-In Day, voices of activists from around the country can be amplified by concentrating our strength on one day and blitzing the Capitol phone lines.

16] – Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th Street & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine. The next vigil is Apr. 1. Call 215-426-0364.

17] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 34th & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil. At the next vigil on Apr. 1, however there will be a commemoration of Fukushima from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The tragic nuclear accident occurred March 11, 2011. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

18] – School of International Service, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016, is hosting a series of events. Weini Li, SIS/MA '13 will speak on Tues., Apr. 1 from 4 to 5 PM in the Atrium. From 5 to 6:30 PM in MGC 245, the topic is Afghan Elections, the Future of U.S.-Afghan Relations, and You. The speakers are Ronald Neumann, former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, David Sedney, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense [sic] for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Parnian Nazery, Women for Afghan Women, and Sally Shelton-Colby, SIS.

See "Rehaii," a film about women's issues in Pakistan on Tues., Apr. 1 at 6 PM at MGC's Weschler Theater. The film is sponsored by the US-Pakistan Women's Council Student Chapter. Thomas Pickering, career ambassador, will tackle Improving the Relationship between the United States and Iran on Wed., Apr. 2 from 3:30 to 5 PM in SIS 300.

19] – See a FREE MOVIE SCREENING of CESAR CHAVEZ on Tues., Apr. 1 at 6 PM at the Regal Cinema Chinatown, 701 7th St. NW, WDC 20001. The Good Jobs Nation campaign invites you to the screening of the biography of the civil-rights activist and labor organizer, starring Michael Peña, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich. Before the screening, a panel of experts and workers will discuss the parallels between the farm worker fight that Cesar Chavez inspired and the low wage worker organizing that's happening around the country today. Go to http://goodjobsnation.org/.

20] – Beyond the Classroom is proud to present this special seminar by Andy Bowen (UMD ‘08)--Organizing, Mobilizing & Advocating for Transgender Equality in the Washington, D.C. Area & Beyond—on Tues., Apr. 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Andy will share the struggles and recent achievements for transgender rights, as well as her journey from UMD college student to professional activist in Washington, D.C. The seminar occurs at the University of Maryland, College Park in South Campus Commons Building 1, Seminar Room 1102.

In the past decade, American attitudes on gay and lesbian rights-- such as same-sex marriage, adoption, and military service-- have shifted tremendously, with polls showing unprecedented levels of support. But what about the "T" in "LGBT"? Get to https://www.facebook.com/events/1433478116891483/.

21] – On Tues., Apr. 1 at 8 PM, hear a debate "The Price of Privacy: Re-evaluating the NSA" between Gen. Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and NSA, and David Cole, Georgetown professor of constitutional law, in Shriver Hall. The debate is organized by the JHU Foreign Affairs Symposium. Visit http://hub.jhu.edu/events/2014/04/01/fas-2014-debate.

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