Thursday, August 28, 2014

Baltimore Activist Alert - August 29-30, 2014

27] International Day Against Nuclear Tests – Aug. 29
28] Vigil for peace at White House – Aug. 29
29] Vigil for Justice in Palestine – Aug. 29
30] Gaza Teach-In planning – Aug. 29
31] Ice cream with Ian – Aug. 29
32] Screening of "Naji Al-Ali: An Artist with Vision" – Aug. 29
33] Ballroom Dancing – Aug. 29
34] Breakfast with the Animals – Aug. 30 - 31
35] Olney Peace vigil – Aug. 30
36] West Chester, PA demo – Aug. 30
37] Silent peace vigil – Aug. 30
38] Protest drone command center – Aug. 30
39] Annual Cultural Celebration Day – Aug. 30
40] People’s Climate March – Sept. 21
41] Ronda Cooperstein on social media
42] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
43] Join Fund Our Communities
44] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
45] Do you need any book shelves?
46] Join Global Zero campaign
47] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale
48] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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27] – Friday, August 29 is the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Go to http://www.un.org/en/events/againstnucleartestsday/Aug. 29. Today is the 65th Anniversary of the Soviet Union’s first nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site, now part of Kazakhstan. Since nuclear weapons testing began in the mid-twentieth century, with the first test on 16 July 1945, nearly 2,000 have taken place. There has been little consideration of the devastating effects of testing on human life, let alone the understanding of nuclear fallout from atmospheric tests. Early on, having nuclear weapons was a measure of scientific sophistication or military might. Hindsight and history have shown us the terrifying and tragic effects of nuclear weapons testing, especially when controlled conditions go awry, and in light of today’s nuclear weapons which are far more powerful and destructive Subsequent incidents world-wide have provided compelling reasons for the need to observe the International Day against Nuclear Tests - a day in which educational events, activities and messages aim to capture the world’s attention and underscore the need for a unified attempt in preventing further nuclear weapons testing.

The international instrument to put an end to all forms of nuclear testing is the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has however yet to enter into force. On December 2, 2009, the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared August 29 the International Day against Nuclear Tests by unanimously adopting resolution 64/35. The resolution calls for increasing awareness and education “about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any other nuclear explosions and the need for their cessation as one of the means of achieving the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.” The resolution was initiated by the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with a large number of sponsors and cosponsors with a view to commemorate the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test site on 29 August 1991.The Day is meant to galvanize the United Nations, Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, youth networks and the media to inform, educate and advocate the necessity of banning nuclear weapon tests as a valuable step towards achieving a safer world.

2010 marked the inaugural commemoration of the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Each year, since then, the day has been observed by coordinating various activities throughout the world, such as symposia, conferences, exhibits, competitions, publications, instruction in academic institutions, media broadcasts and others.

28] – On Fri., Aug. 29 from noon to 1 PM, join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker in a vigil urging the powers that be to abolish war and torture, to disarm all weapons, to end indefinite detention, to close Guantanamo, to establish justice for all and help create the Beloved Community! The vigil takes place at the White House on Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Contact Art @ artlaffin@hotmail.com or at 202-360-6416.

29] – 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/.

30] – Plans are underway for a teach-in concerning Gaza and the academic boycott. Some of you may be interested in participating -- as organizers, student group sponsors, or otherwise -- as well as to encourage you to attend and to spread the word widely about the event. The event will take place on Fri., Oct. 24 and will include three to four panels that will tentatively treat the following subjects: 1. Gaza and Protective Edge; 2. Palestine and (settler) colonialism; and 3. The academic boycott of Israel, academic freedom, and the role of the university. Another option is to include a panel on cultural resistance in Palestine with speakers on Palestinian art and literature. So far we are thrilled to have the participation of a number of scholars and activists in the field, including Allen Feldman, Ilana Feldman, Shira Robinson, and Todd Shepard. There is an organizational meeting on Fri., Aug. 29 at 4 PM in the Anthropology Seminar Room (Macaulay 400), to discuss panel composition and format. All are welcome to attend.

31] – Ian Schlakman is a Green Party candidate for Congress. Email him at info@ian42.com. You are invited to Ice Cream with Ian on Fri., Aug. 29 at 6 PM at OutTakes Café, 1800 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21201. Join him for ice cream and other treats at this locally-owned business. There will also be vegan, gluten-free, soy-free and nut-free treats. The first few folks to show up will get a FREE brownie! Get there while supplies last. If you can't make it but still want to contribute, go to http://www.ian42.com/. There will be raffles for gift cards and other items from local businesses.
32] – On Fri., Aug. 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM, the Jerusalem Fund Cultural Programs invites you to a screening of "Naji Al-Ali: An Artist with Vision" by the director Kasim Abid at 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC 20037. Creator of the iconic Palestine-solidarity figure of Handala, the barefoot ten year-old refugee boy who always has his back to us with hands folded, sometimes carrying a key, Naji Al-Ali is still the most popular cartoon artist in the Arab world, loved for his defense of the ordinary people, and for his criticism of repression and despotism.

In spite of strict censorship and widespread illiteracy in the Arab world, the work of Naji Al-Ali achieved remarkable success. His unrelenting cartoons exposed the brutality of the Israeli army and the hypocrisy of the PLO, earning him many powerful enemies. Unfortunately this led to his early demise. Join us in remembering Naji Al Ali and his work, on this day, the anniversary of his untimely death on August 29, 1987. See http://www.handala.org/about/. Attendance is free and open to the public. Contact the Jerusalem Fund at 202-338-1958 or emailinfo@thejerusalemfund.org. Use the Foggy Bottom Metro.

33] – 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 Aug. 29. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

34] – Eat breakfast alongside some of your favorite animals, including penguins, giraffes, and elephants. A same-day entry to the zoo is included with ticket price. The Breakfast with the Animals takes place through Sept. 20, Saturdays & Sundays, 8:30 to 10 AM at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1876 Mansion House Drive. Call 410-366-7102 or see http://www.marylandzoo.org. The cost for non-members is $65, and children under 2 get in for free.

35] – 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 Aug. 30. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167.

36] – 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.

37] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Sat., Aug. 30. 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.

38] – U.S. Drone Strikes Create U.S. Enemies, Sign at Horsham Air Guard Station, where the Pennsylvania drone war command center is being established. Join a demonstration on Sat., Aug. 30 from noon to 2 PM to stop the establishment of the Drone War Command Center at the Horsham Air Guard Station. Route 611/Easton Road and County Line Road, in Horsham, PA. Demonstrations at the Horsham Air Guard Station occur on the last Saturday of the Month. Read the names of drone strike victims, as a Memorial to the Innocents, Summer 2014, with signs and stuffed animals. Also see a large drone replica display. Go to www.brandywinepeace.com/events/ or call 610-544-1818.

39] – On Sat., Aug. 30 from 5 to 9 PM, Renaissance Center for Culture and Education presents its 2nd Annual Cultural Celebration Day with Song, Dance, Music and More. There will be live cultural performances by children of all ages at St. Camillus Church, 1600 St. Camillus Dr., Silver Spring 20904. Tickets are $25 for an adult, $10 for children ages 6 to 16 and free for children 5 and under. There are no sales at the door. Go to http://www.therenaissanceculturalcenter.org/home.html or e-mail info@therenaissancecenter.org or call 301-455-8419 or 202-609-9796.

40] – Join an historic march for climate action on Sun., Sept. 21 in New York City. Next month, President Obama, along with hundreds of other heads of state from around the world, will attend the UN Climate Summit 2014 in New York City. Demand that our leaders commit to bold action to address the climate crisis. The People’s Climate March on Sept. 21 will be the largest mobilization to date for climate action. There will be a bus from Baltimore. To reserve a seat contact Regina at rminniss at cbmove.com.

41] -- Ronda Cooperstein has taken to social media, and is recording her opinion pieces on You Tube. Check out her latest essay - THE WASHINGTON POST WITH TOAST: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffj-Scno-5Q.

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

43] -- 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.

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

45] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

46] -- 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.

47] -- 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.

48] – A 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

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