Baltimore Activist Alert - February 12 - 16, 2015

26] Would you like to protest a pro-trade deal speaker? – Feb. 12
27] Memorial service for Muslim students – Feb. 12
28] Memorial service for Muslim students – Feb. 12
29] Vigil for peace at White House – Feb. 13
30] Divest from fossil fuels -- Feb. 13
31] “Washington's Cold War Nuclear Deals and What They Mean for Iran" - Feb. 13
32] Dr. Steven Salaita will be speaking -- Feb. 13
33] Stop the Drone War Command Center – Feb. 13
34] Global Divestment Day – Feb. 13
35] Silent Peace Vigil – Feb. 13
36] March for the Animals Kick-Off Party – Feb. 13
37] Make fossil fuels prehistoric! – Feb. 13
38] See the film A RIVER THAT HARMS – Feb. 13
39] Film SHE’S BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHE’S ANGRY – Feb. 13 - 15
40] Ballroom Dancing – Feb. 13
41] Sacred Heart Gathering for Peace and Justice – Feb. 14
42] Protest drone strikes at the CIA – Feb. 14
43] NRA Protest and Interfaith Vigil – Feb. 14
44] West Chester, PA demo – Feb. 14
45] Black women in jail – Feb. 14
46] “The Global Culture of Violence: What Is The Path to Peace and Justice?” – Feb. 15
47] Musicians of Mercy concert – Feb. 15
48] Pentagon Vigil – Feb. 16
49] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Feb. 16 – Feb. 20
50] Screening of "Pay 2 Play- Democracy's High Stakes" – Feb. 16
51] See the film THE SQUARE – Feb. 16
52] Pledge of Resistance/FOC meeting – Feb. 16
53] PSR-National is hiring a Climate Organizer
54] Sign up with Washington Peace Center
55] Join Fund Our Communities
56] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records
57] Do you need any book shelves?
58] Join Global Zero campaign
59] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale
60] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

26] – The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs is hosting “Trade Trifecta in 2015?” (Trans-Pacific Partnership, Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and Fast-Track Approval) with Gary Hufbauer, PhD, Reginald Jones Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics, on Thurs., Feb. 12 at 6 PM at the World Trade Center, 401 East Pratt St., Baltimore 21202. Let me know if you would like to protest against these anti-democratic trade agreements—410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.

27] – Gather in DuPont Circle in Washington, D.C. on Thurs., Feb. 12 from 6:30 to 8 PM to commemorate the February 10th deaths of Deah Barakat, his wife Yusor Abu Salha, and Yuser's sister Razan, senselessly killed in Chapel Hill, NC. There will be a candlelight vigil. Pray for their souls' rest, for peace and strength to their families and loved ones, and for the God consciousness needed to carry on after such devastating loss. Bring candles. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1601332863422990/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

28] – On Thurs., Feb. 12 at 7 PM on The Beach, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218, the JHU Muslim Association is holding a moment of remembrance in honor of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu Salha, Razan Abu Salha and all others experiencing hardship within Baltimore, the U.S. and our larger global community. This will consist of a short prayer for the families affected by this tragedy along with a prayer for all those who have ever been wronged. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/906716352702680/?notif_t=plan_user_invited.

29] – On Fri., Feb. 13 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.

30] – On Fri., Feb. 13 from noon to 3 PM, @GUFossilFree is presenting a TEACH-IN: "Divestment and Collective Liberation," outside the location where the Georgetown University Board of Directors are meeting--Leavey Hotel, WDC. Help them take back the financial power of their endowment and finally put an end to Georgetown's profiting from the current and future injustices perpetuated by the fossil fuel industry! Enjoy short workshops on various intersectional topics, including environmental racism, worker struggles in the fossil fuel industry, capitalism's role in undermining popular democracy and destroying life, and building vibrant student movements/campaigns at Georgetown- AND HOW TO WIN THEM! See https://www.facebook.com/events/921512977879252/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

31] – On Fri., Feb. 13 from 1 to 2:30 PM, Or Rabinowitz, King's College London, takes on "Nuclear Bargains Reviewed: Washington's Cold War Nuclear Deals and What They Mean for Iran" at the Wilson Center, Fifth Floor, Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/20150213NuclearBargainsReviewed_NPIHPEvent.html.

32] – On Fri., Feb. 13 at 1 PM at the Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC 20037, will host, as part of Gallery Al-Quds’ exhibition of Debra Van Poolen’s watercolors of Palestine, Natural History, Dr. Steven Salaita will discuss the impact of the degradation of the natural environment on indigenous peoples, in the context of this destruction in Palestine due to settlement construction and the apartheid wall, as well the broader implications this destruction has on cultural heritage as a whole. Salaita is an American professor of comparative literature and post-colonialism and the author of an award-winning book. Salaita received his B.A. from Radford University in 1997 and his M.A. from Radford in 1999. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. Go to http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/EventDetails/i/50256%20. Call 202-338-1290.

33] – The Brandywine Peace Community is DEMANDING that the new governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, initiate a state hearing into the drone war command being established in Horsham, PA, outside of Philadelphia, at the Horsham Air Guard Station due to be fully operational this year.
On Fri., Feb. 13 from 4 to 5 PM in Center City Philadelphia, demonstrate to Stop the Drone War Command Center in Horsham, PA. Stand at SEPTA entrance/west side of Phila. City Hall, NW corner, 15th & Market Sts., Phila. 19102. Call 610-544-1818 or visit www.brandywinepeace.com/events. Call 717-787-2500, and write the governor’s office, 508 E-floor, Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg 17120.

34] – On Fri., Feb. 13 on 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Dupont Circle, WDC 20036, Global Divestment Day will involve people in 200+ cities across the world in the biggest coordinated climate action since last year's monumental People's Climate March. Renewables are the future, fossil fuels are history—and it's time to take action to make that reality. Join together at University of Maryland, 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1, College Park at 4:30 PM and then head to DuPont Circle at 5:30 PM to give this movement maximum exposure. Getting cities and universities to stop investing in fossil fuel companies doesn’t just protect money against risk from the “carbon bubble,” it sends a clear message: bankrolling climate destruction is immoral. And with an enormous inflatable carbon bubble, large checks symbolizing D.C.’s current investments in extreme fossil fuel companies, and attention-grabbing “Light Brigade” display, you’ll be showing that the climate movement knows how to have fun, too. The event is cosponsored by DC Divest and others. See https://www.facebook.com/events/340272312842549/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

35] – There is usually a silent peace vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St. The Feb. 13 vigil will remind us that War Is Not the Answer and that there is the need to stop torture, and prosecute the torturers.

36] – Join the Maryland ASPCA on Fri., Feb. 13 for the March for the Animals Kick-Off Party. Enjoy drinks, snacks and fun dog activities at the Downtown Dog Resort & Spa, 200 W. McComas St., Baltimore from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. There will be an interactive pet photo booth, off-leash play in the doggie daycare and a canine indoor pool party. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door per person and includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres. RSVP at http://marchfortheanimals.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1129030. Contact Tami Gosheff at 410-235-8826, ext. 138 or tgosheff@mdspca.org.

37] – There are hundreds of events planned for Global Divestment Day, and one of them is near you. Make fossil fuels prehistoric! On Fri., Feb. 13 at 5:30 PM, Jenny Marienau - 350.org [mailto:350@350.org] is hosting a gathering in Timonium (across from the Maryland Fairgrounds). RSVP at http://act.350.org/event/gdd_attend/10167/signup/?t=2&akid=6074.75494.RqSpc8.

38] – The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, Baltimore Quaker Peace and Justice Committee of Homewood and Stony Run Meetings and Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility are continuing the FILM & SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS DVD SERIES. On Fri., Feb. 13 at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218, around 7:15 PM, THE RIVER THAT HARMS [USA, 1987] will be shown with a discussion to follow. There is no charge, and refreshments will be available. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at Verizon.net.

Kevin Kamps, Radioactive Waste Watchdog, Beyond Nuclear, 6930 Carroll Avenue, Suite 400, Takoma Park 20912, will introduce the film and participate in a Q&A. The series theme is CAN WE SAVE THE PLANET??? This illuminating film by Colleen Keane documents the largest radioactive waste spill in U.S. history - a national tragedy that received little attention. With the sound of a thunderclap, 94 million gallons of water contaminated with uranium mining waste broke through a United Nuclear Corporation storage dam in 1979. The water poured into the Puerco River in New Mexico - the main water supply for the Dine [Navajo] Native Americans that live along the river and a tributary of the major source of water for L.A. Dine ranchers, their children, and farm animals waded through the river unaware of the danger.

The movie tells the story of this tragedy and the toll it continues to take on the Dine, who lost the use of their water. To the Dine, this event is also a prophetic warning for all humanity. Diné NO NUKES is a Diné-led initiative to create a Navajo Nation that is free from the dangers of radioactive contamination and nuclear proliferation, including effects from past and proposed uranium mining and processing. This screening will be a fundraiser to help purchase Geiger counters for the Dine. See www.dinenonukes.org.

39] – See the film SHE’S BEAUTIFUL WHEN SHE’S ANGRY, which resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. It takes us from the founding of NOW, with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women’s liberation; from intellectuals like Kate Millett to the street theatrics of WITCH (Women’s International Conspiracy from Hell!). It does not shy away from controversies over race, sexual preference and leadership that arose in the women’s movement, and brilliantly captures the spirit of the time -- thrilling, scandalous, and often hilarious. See the film at the Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW, WDC 20004 on Fri., Feb. 13 at 7:15 PM. Call 202-783-9494.

There are several showings on Sat., Feb. 14. After the 2 PM & 7:15 PM screenings, there will be a Q&A with Director Mary Dore, presented by Women in Film & Video DC. Call 202-783-9494. On Sun., Feb. 15, see the film starting at 2 PM through 9:30 PM. The 2 PM screening will be followed by a Q&A with Director Mary Dore with special guests from Emily's List, Women's Information Center & the National Women's Health Network.

The 4:45 PM showing will be followed by a Q&A with director Mary Dore, moderated by Bonnie Morris, professor of Women's Studies at George Washington University. Finally, Mary Dore will do a Q&A after the 7:15 PM screening. Call 202-783-9494.
40] – 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 Feb. 13. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

41] – There is a Sacred Heart Gathering for Peace and Justice, 1739 Ferry Ave., Camden, NJ 08104 (corner of Broadway & Ferry) on Sat., Feb. 14 from 9 AM to 3:15 PM. Registration begins at 8:15 AM. There is no admission fee, and lunch will be provided. The title of the gathering is “The Silent Coup: The Overreach of Government and the Cause of Peace.”The keynote addresses are by Ray McGovern, former CIA analyst who has resisted post 9-11 U.S. policy of endless war, and Bonnie and John Raines, Media FBI ‘Break-In’ (1971) participants. The gather is sponsored by the Sacred Heart Peace Community with a number of co-sponsors, including the Brandywine Peace Community. Go to www.brandywinepeace.com/events. Call Linda Hayes at 609-792-1094.

Ray McGovern was a CIA analyst for 27 years “routinely presenting the morning intelligence briefings at the White House.” His CIA career began under President John F. Kennedy, and lasted until the Presidency of George H. W. Bush. On March 8, 1971, John Raines, his wife, Bonnie, a couple with 3 young children, were part of an eight-member ring of anti-Vietnam War protesters that — while much of the country was gripped by the so-called “Fight of the Century” in New York between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — broke into the FBI’s headquarters in Media, PA. Members of the burglary team, armed with little more than a crowbar and wearing suits and ties, then walked off undetected with suitcases stuffed with sensitive bureau files that revealed a domestic FBI spying operation known as COINTELPRO. This will be a Fragrance Free Event.

42] – On Sat., Feb. 14 from 10 to 11:30 AM, join the monthly CIA Drone Protest (bus transportation to and from available), 900 Dolley Madison Blvd. [Route 123], Langley, VA. Oppose CIA & U.S. Military drones used in extrajudicial killings. US killer drone strikes are illegal, immoral, and must stop now! The protest is supported by Pax Christi Metro DC, Northern Virginians for Peace & Justice, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Dorothy Day Catholic Worker of DC, Code Pink, Nova Catholic Community, Peace & International Outreach Committee of Langley Hill Friends, Washington Peace Center, Peace Action Montgomery, Little Friends for Peace and Maryland United for Peace & Justice. Parking is available nearby in Langley Fork Park off of Georgetown Pike/Route 193. Contact: Jack McHale at jjmchale@verizon.net.

43] – On Sat., Feb. 14 at 10 AM, join the monthly NRA Protest and Interfaith Vigil at 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Supporters are invited to this remembrance of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Gather to remember those killed, injured and harmed by gun violence. Protest the National Rifle Association’s ruthless and implacable obstruction of sensible reform to our nation’s gun laws.

44] – 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.

45] – Get over to the D.C. Public Library, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, WDC 20001 on Sat., Feb. 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. While the number of arrests of black women has been on the decline, black women are still 3x more likely than white women to be arrested. This is excessively high since black women only make up 13% of the female population of the United States, while white women comprise 70%. Talk about organizing to raise up this issue. Call 202-642-4672 or email DC@APSPUHURU.ORG.

46] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon. On Feb. 15, the platform address is “The Global Culture of Violence: What Is The Path to Peace and Justice?” (video) with Christopher Hedges, journalist and minister. Hedges addressed the Brooklyn Ethical Society in September 2014 on the “psychosis of permanent war” and how we can change our culture to cultivate peace and justice. A discussion will follow this video presentation. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist specializing in international warfare, religion and politics. Hedges is also known as the best-selling author of several books including War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning (2002) – a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction – Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle (2009), Death of the Liberal Class (2010) and his most recent New York Times best seller, written with the cartoonist Joe Sacco, Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt (2012). Hedges is currently a columnist for the progressive news and commentary website Truthdig, a senior fellow at The Nation Institute in New York City, and a contributing author for OpEdNews. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

47] – On Sun., Feb. 15 from 2 to 3 PM, the 26th Musicians of Mercy concert will help support @Serenity's Serenity's Door, Inc., a Laurel-based nonprofit which offers transitional housing and assistance to women and children who have been affected by domestic violence. The featured artists are Marlissa Hudson, soprano, Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan, pianist, and Robin Fay Massie-Pighee, violist in an afternoon of chamber music at Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/411601532343153/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

48] -- There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop. The next vigil is Mon., Feb. 16, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649. The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro. By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area. By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr., and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM. No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

49] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday from 10 AM to noon 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.

50] – A screening of "Pay 2 Play- Democracy's High Stakes," co-hosted by GMOM, MCA, Common Cause and Progressive Maryland, takes place on Mon., Feb. 16 at 7 PM at Reel & Meal at the New Deal, 113 Centerway, Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt. Call 301-577-2350. The film is free; but there is an optional vegan dinner for $14. This entertaining and inspiring new 90-minute documentary highlights many important issues related to the corrupt system of big money in politics and how citizens are organizing to "amend" it. Prince Georges County Peace and Justice Coalition is hosting the showing of the film. Maryland campaign-finance activists will lead a discussion on steps local citizens can take to restore democracy. Email justpeacepg@earthlink.net or call 301-577-2350.

51] – On Mon., Feb. 16 from 7 to 9 PM, Beyond the Classroom, University of Maryland, 1104 South Campus Commons, College Park, is doing a Seminar Series on "People Power: Activism for Social Change!" See the award-winning documentary “THE SQUARE” (Egypt, 2013). What does it mean to risk your life for your ideals? How far will five revolutionaries go to fight for the future of their country? The Egyptian Revolution has been an ongoing rollercoaster over the past two and a half years. The film is an immersive experience, transporting the viewer deeply into the intense emotional drama and personal stories behind the news. It is the inspirational story of young people claiming their rights, struggling through multiple forces, in the fight to create a society of conscience. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1542153269383959/?ref=6&ref_notif_type=plan_user_invited.

52] – 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., Feb. 16. The proposed agenda will include anti-drone activities, including getting a resolution passed in Baltimore’s City Council, lobbying in Annapolis, a march from the EPA to the Pentagon, lobbying John Sarbanes and upcoming court cases. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

53] – PSR-National is hiring a Climate Organizer for the D.C. office. This person will help build the “Climate Health Action Teams,” a new program through which members learn about renewable energy and energy efficiency – including their benefits to health – and take monthly actions to push their states to choose clean renewables and energy efficiency as the way to reduce carbon emissions under the Clean Power Plan. PSR is looking for an energetic organizer with hands-on experience who can use communication tools (phone, email, Skype, webinars…) to engage and motivate members. Knowledge of climate change, health and/or energy issues is a must. Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample to bgottlieb@psr.org with "Climate Organizer" in the subject line. The recruitment process is open until the position is filled.

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

55] -- 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.

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

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

58] -- 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.

59] -- 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.

60] – 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