Baltimore Activist Alert - April 19 - 22, 2015

24] Climate Engineering Assessment – Apr. 19
25] See HIT AND STAY – Apr. 19
26] Holocaust Observance – Apr. 19
27] Explorations in Black Leadership Project – Apr. 19
28] Pentagon Vigil – Apr. 20
29] "Politics of a Nuclear Deal: Former U.S. and Iranian Officials Debate" Apr. 20
30] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Apr. 20 – Apr. 24
31] Housing rally – Apr. 20
32] "Bike Away the Atomic Bomb" – Apr. 20
33] Supposed “war on drugs” – Apr. 20
34] Film DIVINE LOCATION -- Apr. 20
35] Sexual violence in Guatemala – Apr. 20
36] Combat human trafficking in the Philippines – Apr. 20
37] Pledge of Resistance/FOC meeting – Apr. 20
38] Syrian Humanitarian Crisis – Apr. 21
39] IS THE AMERICAN CENTURY OVER? -- Apr. 21
40] “Underestimated: Our Not So Peaceful Nuclear Future” – Apr. 21
41] "Toward Disarmament Securely: Relating Nuclear Security to Disarmament" – Apr. 21
42] Washington’s Evolving Policy Toward Israel and Palestine – Apr. 21
43] The Republic of Estonia & cybersecurity - Apr. 21
44] Peace vigil – Apr. 21
45] March2Justice – Apr. 21
46] No JHU Drone Research -- Apr. 21
47] Exploring Islam in America – Apr. 21
48] “Getting Back to Abnormal” – Apr. 21
49] Welcoming and Listening to Diverse Perspectives on Israel – Apr. 21
50] Hundredth Anniversary of the first use of chemical weapons – Apr. 22
51] EPA to the Pentagon – Apr. 22

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24] – Come to American University, SIS 300, WDC on Sun., Apr. 19 from 2 to 4 PM as SIS Professor Simon Nicholson will discuss his work with the Forum for Climate Engineering Assessment. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1580647245545334/.

25] – The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore, the Social Action Clearinghouse and Peace Action Now! (PAN!) present “Hit and Stay” by Joe Trapeo and Skiz Skizzik, followed by an inclusive discussion with activists involved in the film, current members of the First UU, the Social Action Clearinghouse, PAN! and YOU! This is happening on Sun., Apr. 19 from 1 to 3 PM in the Parish Hall. This documentary focuses on Baltimore peace activists opposed to the Vietnam War who because famous worldwide as the “Catonsville Nine” and the “Baltimore Four.” Catholic priests Daniel and Phillip Berrigan are featured prominently in the documentary as well as other local activists. During the discussion following the film, special guests will include several of the film’s activists including Brendan Walsh and Willa Bickham from Viva House, Baltimore.

With this event, Peace Action Now! hopes to take the first small step toward building a movement within our church to follow in the footsteps of these courageous Baltimoreans who were willing to act for peace in the 1960s. Using them as an example, we hope to begin the discussion about the kind of Peace Action we can take Now! First Unitarian Joe Brady will lead the presentation and subsequent discussion. Donations gratefully accepted. Contact Joe Brady at brady at hood.edu.

26] – The 2015 Northern Virginia Holocaust Observance reflects upon "The Psychology of Scapegoating," which will be held on Sun., Apr. 19 at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax 22031-3123. There is a teen program from 4:30 to 7 PM. It is titled "The Other Doctor Seuss: Reinterpreting the WWII Political Cartoons of Theodor "Seuss." RSVP athttp://www.jcouncil.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=109461. From 6 to 7 PM, there is a Seminar on "The Psychology of Scapegoating, featuring David Friedman, Washington Director for the Anti-Defamation League. Then from 7 to 8:30 PM there is a Community Observance. Go to www.jcouncil.org/VAShoa. Call 703-893-4007.

27] – At Busboys & Poets, 625 Monroe St. NE, WDC on Sun., Apr. 19 from 6:30 to 8 PM hear from Julian Bond and Phyllis Leffler. Co-directors of the University of Virginia Explorations in Black Leadership Project, Bond, long-time activist, former chair of the NAACP, first president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and former Georgia State Legislator, and Leffler, UVA history professor and director of the school’s Institute for Public History, profile a wide range of black leaders, using the stories of individuals including John Lewis, Angela Davis, Amiri Baraka, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and many others to paint a wider picture of how leadership grows from socio-cultural tensions and the historic struggle against racism and inequality. See http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/julian-bond-and-phyllis-leffler.

28] -- 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., Apr. 20, 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.

29] – On Mon., Apr. 20 from 9:30 to 11 AM, Stephen Hadley, former National Security Advisor for President George W. Bush; Ali-Akbar Mousavi, former member of Iran's parliament; former Rep. Jim Slattery (KS); former Rep. Howard Berman (CA); and Michael Singh, former Director for Middle East Affairs, National Security Council, will discuss "Politics of a Nuclear Deal: Former U.S. and Iranian Officials Debate." The event, sponsored by eight organizations, takes place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/politics-of-a-nuclear-deal-former-us-iranian-officials-debate-tickets-16341521932.

30] – 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.

31] – Go to the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC on Mon., Apr. 20 at noon and join Empower DC for a rally against the displacement of public housing residents and in support of full funding for repairs and maintenance. After the rally, visit each Councilmember's office to educate them on the need for traditional public housing. They want them to ensure no public housing resident is displaced in the name of redevelopment and to allocate money for repairs. Contact Schyla at housing@empowerdc.org or 202-234-9119 x.101.

32] – On Mon., Apr. 20 from 5 to 7 PM, Kairat Umarov, Kazakh ambassador, and other speakers will take on "Bike Away the Atomic Bomb." The discussion, sponsored by the Kazakh Embassy and SAIS, will be happening at SAIS, Rome Auditorium, 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-away-the-atomic-bomb-tickets-16540435889.

33] – Catch a talk with journalist and filmmaker Simon Sedillo on current events in Mexico and the U.S. at American University School of International Service 300, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016 on Mon., Apr. 20 at 6 PM. Sedillo is an independent journalist and a documentary film maker. Sedillo has contributed to a growing archive of community based investigative research backed up by a wide variety of documentary films and articles. These diverse projects focus primarily on the effects of neoliberalism and militarism on indigenous communities, immigrant communities, and communities of color in the US and Mexico.

Sedillo will be presenting an insightful breakdown on the supposed “war on drugs” with updates from Michoacán and Guerrero as well as a broader analysis of the effects of the U.S. military political economy on Mexico and the Mexican people. The story in the news today is about Mexican crime and corruption, but what about the role of crime and corruption in the USA? Sedillo’s presentation includes community based video productions. See https://www.facebook.com/events/718030488318835/.

34] – See the film “Divine Location (Göttliche Lage) Forging the Future” on Mon., Apr. 20 at 6:30 PM at the Goethe-Institut Washington, 812 7th St NW, WDC. Tickets are $7. Call (202) 289-1200 or email info@washington.goethe.org. Go to http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/ver/en14147168v.htm.

35] – On Mon., Apr. 20 from 7 to 8:30 PM at La Casa, 3166 Mount Pleasant St. NW, WDC, the Guatemala Human Rights Commission is hosting Gabriela Rivera who will speak about the legacy of sexual violence in Guatemala. Gabriela works at the Association of Women Transforming the World (MTM), a part of the Alliance for Breaking the Silence and Ending Impunity. This Alliance was formed to pursue justice for Q'eqchi women who have suffered sexual violence, including acts of violence committed during Guatemala’s internal armed conflict. Gabriela and the team at MTM are currently litigating a case of sexual slavery of Q'eqchi' women at a military outpost in Sepur Zarco in Izabal between 1982 and 1988. RSVP to Andrew at afandino@ghrc-usa.org.

36] – On Mon., Apr. 20 from 7 to 8:30 PM, join a discussion with Columban Fr. Shay Cullen and Marlyn Capio-Richter, social worker and trafficking survivor, about their efforts to combat human trafficking in the Philippines at 1600 St. Camillus Dr., Silver Spring 20903. Fr. Shay Cullen is the founder of the Preda Foundation, Inc. and member the Columban Fathers. Originally from Ireland, he has been a human rights defender in the Philippines since 1969. In addition to serving the needs of trafficked women and children, Fr. Shay is a leading voice in the anti-military base movement, calling for economic and environment justice for the Filipino people. Recently, he appeared on the Australian weekly television news program 60 Minutes. See http://www.preda.org/news/newsitems/watch-fr-shay-talks-to-australian-tv/.

Marlyn Capio-Richter first came to the PREDA Foundation as a victim of human trafficking and now serves as a social worker, empowering women and children to break the chains of oppression. The discussion is co-sponsored by the Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach and the Mid-Atlantic Coalition Against Modern Slavery, a chapter of the US Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.

37] – 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. 20. The proposed agenda will include anti-drone activities, lobbying John Sarbanes, Tax Day, David Swanson speaking at the PSR dinner, diplomacy with Iran, a march from the EPA to the Pentagon, May Day and the MUPJ conference. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

38] – You are invited to the 80th Capitol Hill Conference on Tues., Apr. 21 from 9:30 AM to noon for The Syrian Humanitarian Crisis: What Is to Be Done? The speakers are Karen AbuZayd, Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, Denis J. Sullivan, director, Boston Consortium for Arab Region Studies, Susan M. Akram, clinical professor, Boston University School of Law, and Sara Roy, Senior Research Scholar, Center for Middle East Studies, Harvard University. Hear them in the Springwood Room of the Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC 20001. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at (202) 296-6767 or info@mepc.org. Take the METRO Red Line to Judiciary Square. Exit the station and take E St towards New Jersey Ave. Walk three blocks and turn left on New Jersey Ave. The Washington Court Hotel will be on the right. Visit www.mepc.org .

39] – Get over to the Wilson Center, 6th Floor, Flom Auditorium, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC on Tues., Apr. 21 from 10 to 11 AM for a conversation with the author of IS THE AMERICAN CENTURY OVER?, Joseph S. Nye argues that America's superpower status may be tempered, but is definitely not over. For more than a century, the United States has been the world's most powerful state. Now some analysts predict that China will soon take its place. Does this mean that we are living in a post-American world? Nye, a political scientist, and former Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, will be in conversation with Aaron David Miller, Vice President, New Initiatives, the Wilson Center. Visit http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/04.21.15JoeNye_SpecialEventInvitation.html.

40] – Robert Galucci, Georgetown University, Henry Sokolski, Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, and Dov Zakheim, Center for Naval Analyses, are doing a book launch of “Underestimated: Our Not So Peaceful Nuclear Future” on Tues., Apr. 21 from 11 AM to 1:30 PM at the Stimson Center, 1211 Connecticut St. NW, WDC. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1252zEYXst5Kgrft0AhPuXcuX227qVgFQg56QjnWZMns/viewform?c=0&w=1.

41] – Deepti Choubey, Foreign Policy Institute, will tackle "Toward Disarmament Securely: Relating Nuclear Security to Disarmament" on Tues., Apr. 21 from 1 to 2:30 PM at SAIS, Rome Building, 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/toward-disarmament-securely-clarifying-the-nuclear-security-disarmament-link-tickets-16148478534?aff=Disarmament.

42] – On Tues., Apr. 21 from 1 to 2 PM at the Palestine Center, 2425 Virginia Ave. NW, WDC 20037, there will be a panel discussion: Washington’s Evolving Policy Toward Israel and Palestine. Hear from Laila El-Haddad, author and political analyst, William Quandt, Professor Emeritus of Politics, University of Virginia, and Joshua Ruebner, policy director, U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. In light of Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent reelection and his pronouncement about Palestinian statehood, many in Washington are reexamining U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine. President Obama commented, "...we’ve got to evaluate what other options are available to make sure that we don’t see a chaotic situation in the region." This panel discussion will try to elucidate what these options might be and assess their short term and long term implications on Washington’s evolving policy in the region. What will be the impact on the U.S.-Israeli "special relationship"? Are profound changes possible? What kinds of pressures on Israel might be effective? How has the regional context changed, and how does it influence U.S. policy objectives? What are the implications for the Palestinians and the Palestinian leadership? What is the role of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement? RSVP at http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/d/RegisterForEvent/i/51454. Call 202-338-1958 or email info@thejerusalemfund.org.

43] – Get over to the Wilson Center, 6th Floor, Flom Auditorium, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC on Tues., Apr. 21 from 1 to 2 PM to welcome Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves for a keynote address on the state of cybersecurity, privacy, and the digital economy. After regaining independence in 1991, the Republic of Estonia built a new government from the ground up. The result was the world's most comprehensive and efficient 'e-government': a digital administration with online IDs for every citizen, empowered by a free nationwide Wi-Fi network and a successful school program--called Tiger Leap--that boosts tech competence at every age level. While most nations still struggle to provide comprehensive Internet access, Estonia has made major progress towards a strong digital economy, along with robust protections for citizen rights. E-government services have made Estonia one of the world's most attractive environments for tech firms and start-ups, incubating online powerhouses like Skype and Transferwise.

An early adopter of information technology, Estonia was also one of the first victims of a cyber-attack. In 2007, large-scale Distributed Denial of Service attacks took place, mostly against government websites and financial services. The damages of these attacks were not remarkable, but they did give the country's security experts valuable experience and information in dealing with such incidents. See http://pages.wilsoncenter.org/04.21.15PresidentofEstonia_DirectorsForumEvent.html.

44] – 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 St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine. The next vigil is Apr. 21. Call 215-426-0364.

45] – Gather on the West Lawn Of The United States Capitol on Tues., Apr. 21 at 5 PM as marchers will arrive in Washington, DC after an historic 8-day, 250 mile journey through 5 states carrying The Justice Package - three pieces of legislation calling for an end to racial profiling, stopping the militarization of our local police forces, and demanding the government invest in our youth and communities. This People MARCH is in solidarity with their elders, their youth, their incarcerated brothers and sisters, and the families and communities of those impacted by police brutality: Eric Garner, Akai Gurley, Jesse Hernandez, Rekia Boyd, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, Renisha McBride, London Colvin, John Crawford III, Miriam Carey, Anthony Baez and Ramarley Graham.

They NEED YOU on the WEST LAWN of the US Capitol. They will have a program with legendary civil rights leaders, hip hop artists and the marchers themselves! After 250 miles, they want the DC/VA/MD area to welcome the #March2Justice marchers. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/436409463199092/.

46] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Apr. 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

47] – On Tues., Apr. 21 from 7 to 9 PM in the Perry Auditorium, Washington National Cathedral find out about Islam and Politics in the U.S.
How does Islam fit in the American landscape? This session, led by Khaled Elgindy, fellow at the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institute, will consider the rise of Islamic groups that preach Islamic exceptionalism and the growth of Islamophobia, Shariaphobia as well as dialogue among religious traditions. Space is limited. RSVP at www.cathedral.org/islam.

The news is filled with stories about Muslims. But what do these stories have to do with Islam? Join Dr. Yvonne Yazbeck Haddad, professor of the History of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Georgetown University, for this three-week exploration of the Muslim faith and its history in the U.S. At each session a distinguished guest joins to help you to better understand this important branch of the Abrahamic faith tradition. Visit http://www.cathedral.org/events/exploringislam3.shtml?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=IslamSeriesMailing%2020150401%20(1)&utm_content=#.VSPv7_zF9Ft.

48] – At Bloombars, 3222 11th St. NW, WDC 20010, on Tues., Apr. 21 from 7 to 9 PM, BloomScreen presents another unique story, that only New Orleans could provide! See “Getting Back to Abnormal” (2013, 90 min), by Louis Alvarez, Andrew Kolker, Peter Odabashian and Paul Stekler. Race, politics and culture collide in post-Katrina New Orleans as Councilwoman Stacy Head -- a self-styled corruption fighter -- fights to maintain her seat in a black majority district. See http://tinyurl.com/ab-normal-trailer. The screening will be followed by audience discussion and Q&A with Khalil Shahyd, a PhD candidate in Urban Political Ecology and a Program Manager in the Urban Solutions program with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The suggested donation is $10, and proceeds support BloomBars. Savor free organic popcorn. BloomScreen Indie Film Night is a weekly series of independent and foreign films, accompanied by discussions with filmmakers, experts and other guests. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/878487005549086/.

49] – On Tues., Apr. 21 at 7:30 PM at Temple Shalom in Chevy Chase, participate in Welcoming and Listening to Diverse Perspectives on Israel: A Jewish Community Town Hall Meeting. How can Jews engage in principled disagreements in a way that doesn't rip our community apart? How can we best support Israel and voice criticism of the policies of the Israeli government? Is there room for an open conversation without censoring divergent views in the American Jewish Community? This Town Hall Meeting sponsored by Am Kolel Jewish Renewal Community will tackle these critical questions and more. Join Ilan Sztulman, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Israel; Alan Elsner, Director of Communications of J Street and Ruti Kadish, Director of Foundations for the New Israel Fund for a discussion, moderated by Cherie Brown, Director of the National Coalition Building Institute, followed by questions and statements from members of the community. RSVP at http://act.jstreet.org/signup/dc_042215/?t=1&akid=3833.10478.HxjxHl.

50] – April 22 is the 100th anniversary of the first successful use of chemical weapons in World War I at Ypres, Belgium. The use of poison gas performed by all major belligerents throughout World War I constituted war crimes as its use violated the 1899 Hague Declaration Concerning Asphyxiating Gases and the 1907 Hague Convention on Land Warfare, which prohibited the use of "poison or poisoned weapons" in warfare.

51] – Use the Federal Triangle Metro Station (Orange, Blue, and Silver lines) on Wed., Apr. 22 at 10 AM and gather at the EPA, 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. NW & later at 1 PM at the Pentagon City Mall Food Court. HOW CAN WE SAVE OUR PLANET? WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER IF WE ARE TO SAVE MOTHER EARTH! The Pentagon is the largest consumer of fossil fuels globally, has a nuclear arsenal that can destroy ALL LIFE on the planet, already used depleted uranium with lethal and drastic effects on human life and the environment in places like Iraq, and used chemical agents in Latin America in waging of the “war on drugs.” This war has destroyed livelihoods and inflicted lethal and life altering health effects on poor people in South America and brought profits to the large multinational corporations.

The waging of and planning for war is destroying our planet! Join the National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance on April 22/EARTH DAY to confront our government representatives responsible for climate chaos, environmental destruction, and threatening all life on the planet. There will be a risk arrest action at the Pentagon, as activists will seek a meeting with Pentagon representatives to discuss its role in ecocide. If you will be risking arrest or have any questions about the action, email joyfirst5@gmail.com. Those who want to participate, but are not able to risk arrest are welcome, and there will be a place you can be without risking arrest. There will be a planning meeting for those who are risking arrest, those providing support, and others who are interested on the evening of April 21. Please contact malachykilbride@yahoo.com for time and location. Call 608-239-4327 to get involved in EPA to the Pentagon. See https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Campaign-for-Nonviolent-Resistance-NCNR/184398124955311?ref=br_tf.

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