Baltimore Activist Alert Apr. 28 – May 4, 2014

Baltimore Activist Alert Apr. 28 – May 4, 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] "Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race" – through Apr. 30
6] Human, Soul & Machine: The Coming Singularity – through Aug. 31
7] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Apr. 28 – May 2
8] "Preparing for Deep Cuts: Options for Enhancing Euro-Atlantic and International Security" – Apr. 28
9] Kick Corporate Cash out of Congress! – Apr. 28
10] Look back and ahead at the Political Campaign of Andy Shallal – Apr. 28
11] End Gun Violence – Apr. 28
12] “Can Diplomacy Prevent an Iranian Bomb?" – Apr. 28
13] Fundraiser for Freedom Summer Organizing Training – Apr. 28
14] See the film “High Tech, Low Life” – Apr. 28
15] Pledge of Resistance/Fund Our Communities meeting – Apr. 28
16] Women’s Rights in the Apparel Industry – Apr. 29
17] Taking Stock: Kerry’s Peace Efforts – Apr. 29
18] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Apr. 29
19] National Restaurant Association – Apr. 29
20] Condemn drone research at JHU – Apr. 29
21] International Labor Rights Defenders Awards – Apr. 29
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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 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/.

6] – 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.

7] – 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.

8] – On Mon., Apr. 28 from 10 to 11:30 AM, Steven Pifer, Brookings Institution, Greg Thielmann, Arms Control Association, Gatz Neuneck, Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, Eugene Miasnikov, Center for Arms Control, Energy and Environmental Studies, and Ulrich Kühn, Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, will talk about "Preparing for Deep Cuts: Options for Enhancing Euro-Atlantic and International Security" at the Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium, 1775 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20036. RSVP at http://connect.brookings.edu/register-to-attend-euro-atlantic-and-international-security.

9] – The Battle for the Capitol: Kick Corporate Cash out of Congress! Takes place on Mon., Apr. 28 at 11 AM at the National Museum of American History, 14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. Join National People's Action, the National Domestic Workers Alliance and ROC United and march to the Capitol, with direct actions along the way, to show Congress that we're fed up with them favoring corporations over people.

March on this day because one of the most powerful lobbies in the country -- the National Restaurant Association -- will be in D.C. for their annual lobby day. The National Restaurant Association's anti-worker agenda has blocked minimum wage increases, paid sick day legislation, and kept the federal tipped minimum wage at $2.13 since 1991. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/263147827201573/?context=create&source=49.

10] – Look back and ahead at the Political Campaign of Andy Shallal on Mon., Apr. 28 from 1 to 4 PM in the IPS Conference Room, 1112 16th St. NW. Join Andy Shallal, E. Ethelbert Miller, Joy Zarembka, Steve Cobble and Jonetta Rose Barras for a conversation--Did the Shallal campaign for mayor of D.C. change the landscape of DC politics? What strategies did the campaign pursue? What was successful? What failed? How progressive is the progressive DC community? What funding obstacles did the Shallal campaign have to overcome? What role did the media play in getting the Shallal message out to the community? Is D.C. ready for a dialogue on race, educational reform or income inequality? Should Andy Shallal run again? See http://www.ips-dc.org/events/the_political_campaign_of_andy_shallal_a_look_back_and_the_look_ahead.

11] – On Mon., Apr. 28 from 5 to 6 PM, End Gun Violence! Join the Washington Chapter of Heeding God’s Call at their second and fourth Monday of the month vigil at REALCO Guns, 6108 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747. This is an effort to convince the gun shop owner to sign the 10-Point Code for responsible gun dealers based on the one signed with Wal-Mart by Mayors against Illegal Guns. According to the Post, Realco Guns in District Heights sold 86 guns linked to homicides within the last twenty years with 300 guns sold there being linked to non-fatal shootings, as of 2010. In that article Major Andy Ellis of the Prince George’s (MD) Police Department is quoted as saying, “I can only imagine how much lower our violent-crime rate would be if Realco sold shoes instead of guns.” Go to http://www.heedinggodscall.org/.

12] – On Mon., Apr. 28 from 6 to 7:15 PM, former Amb. Thomas Pickering, Michael Doran, Brookings Institution, and Shaul Bakhash, George Mason University, will explore "The United States and Iran: Can Diplomacy Prevent an Iranian Bomb?" at American University, Abramson Family Founders Room, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://www.american.edu/sis/events/Wilson-SIS-Conversation-Iranian-Bomb.cfm.

13] – You are cordially invited to attend a reception and fundraiser featuring, Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina State NAACP and leader of the Moral Mondays Movement. Join national faith, labor and community leaders in support of the largest movement in the South since Selma! It is happening at Busboys and Poets, 1035 5th St. NW, WDC, on Mon., Apr.28 from 6 to 8 PM. The evening’s purpose is to raise funds for 11 Week Freedom Summer Organizing Training. The suggested donation for the reception is $100. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to support NC NAACP Freedom Summer Organizer Training. Donations are not tax deductible. See http://moralmondays.kineticslive.com/.

14] – On Mon., Apr. 28 from 7 to 9 PM, Beyond the Classroom is hosting a screening of the film "High Tech, Low Life" at the University of Maryland, 1104 South Campus Commons, Building 1, College Park, MD. HIGH TECH, LOW LIFE follows the journey of two of China’s first citizen reporters as they travel the country – chronicling underreported news and social issues stories. Armed with laptops, cell phones, and digital cameras they develop skills as independent one-man news stations while learning to navigate China’s evolving censorship regulations and avoiding the risk of political persecution. The film follows 57-year-old “Tiger Temple,” who earns the title of China’s first citizen reporter after he impulsively documents an unfolding murder and 27-year-old “Zola” who recognizes the opportunity to increase his fame and future prospects by reporting on sensitive news throughout China. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/652564901466360/.

15] – 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., Apr. 28. The proposed agenda will include a report on the appeal of conviction of the CIA Five, anti-drone activities, including the Spring Actions, the May 3 demo at the NSA, a report on Earth Day, and the May Day demo. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net for directions.

16] – The International Labor Rights Forum and co-hosts will convene a day-long strategy session on Women’s Rights in the Apparel Industry: Ending Violence, Empowering Voices. Speakers will include Rep. George Miller, and women leaders from trade unions and women’s rights organizations from the U.S., Honduras, Cambodia and Bangladesh. Get together on Tues., Apr. 29 from 9:30 AM to 4 PM at the American Federation of Teachers, 555 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC 20001. Conference registration is free and lunch will be provided, but donations are encouraged. Contact Liana Foxvog at Liana@ilrf.org.

17] – Taking Stock: Kerry’s Peace Efforts can be heard on Tues., Apr. 29 from 12:30 to 2 PM at The Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW. As the nine month negotiating period kicked off last summer draw to a close, Khaled Elgindy, Leila Hilal and Yousef Munayyer will discuss where the process stands, how it has been handled and what lessons can be drawn for the parties moving forward. See http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/sp/i/223/pid/223.

18] – 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. 29. Call 215-426-0364.

19] – The National Restaurant Association, which represents all of the million dollar fast food chains, is coming to D.C. for their ‘Public Affairs’ conference on April 29 and 30. The NRA is leading the corporate war against raising the wages of all low paid workers. In addition, they oppose paid sick leave and other workers’ rights. The main purpose of their conference is to strategize against the low wage workers movement and to bribe Congress with big $ checks to oppose any increase in the minimum wage.

Whether you have a job or not, whether you are a student or retired, whether you have a union or not – this affects all of us. Make sure the National Restaurant Association gets the kind of welcome it deserves on Tues., Apr. 29 from 5 to 7 PM at the Ronald Reagan Building & Int’l Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. 20004. Email apcbaltimore@pipeline.com or call 410-218-4835. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1448831818685274/

20] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Apr. 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

21] – On Tues., Apr. 29 from 6 to 8 PM at the National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, WDC 20045, the International Labor Rights Forum will host the 2014 International Labor Rights Defenders Awards. The awards ceremony and reception will draw a diverse crowd, from Congressional Representatives to grassroots activists. Student and low-income labor rights advocate scholarships are available. Send requests to Jacqueline Starr at jackie@ilrf.org. Go to http://www.laborrights.org/events/2014-international-labor-rights-defenders-awards.

The awards ceremony will honor one passionate advocate and two outstanding organizations speaking out for workers' rights: Congressperson George Miller, for speaking out on the violence faced by women working at the bottom of the supply chain in the garment industry, calling attention to the plight of injured workers in Bangladesh, and driving change in the industry; Communications Workers of America, for their pioneering transnational organizing campaigns, helping to unite and strengthen the voice of workers in the US, Mexico, Brazil and Germany; and Maquila Worker Organizing Project, (of the CGT union federation in Honduras), for showing the world that through union organizing it is possible to win binding agreements with global brands and secure respect for workers' rights in global supply chains. Contact Jacqueline Starr at jackie@ilrf.org or 202-347-4100 x105.

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