Baltimore Activist Alert Aug. 1 - 4, 2015

Baltimore Activist Alert Aug. 1 - 4, 2015

 "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.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  
4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLa
5] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore
6] Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition – through Aug. 16
7] Mother Earth Poetry Vibe – Aug. 1
8] “The Humanist Service Corps” – Aug. 2
9] Discussion on race – Aug. 2
10] Memorial Ceremony for Gaza – Aug. 2
11] Pentagon Vigil – Aug. 3
12] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Aug. 3 – Aug. 7
13] Need of transit users meeting – Aug. 3
14] Flowers to Kerry – Aug. 3
15] See Dalai Lama films– Aug. 3
16] The Angle – Aug. 3
17] Pledge of Resistance meeting – Aug. 3
18] "Understanding the Iran Nuclear Deal" – Aug. 4
19] Peace vigil in Chester, PA – Aug. 4                                      
20] Hoops Not Nukes - Peace With Iran! – Aug. 4
21] Respectful Confrontation – Aug. 4
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max 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.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 ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.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 Francine Sheppard at 5639B, Harpers Farm Rd., Columbia 21044. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up. Contact Francine at 410-992-7679 or FrancineMSW@aol.com.

5] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-366-1637 or mobuszewski@verizon.net.

6] – Come to American University, Katzen Arts Center, Third Floor, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, WDC 20016-8031to see the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition. Go to http://www.american.edu/calendar/?id=6383062.

See the Maruki Panel exhibit. Six of the world-famous panels will be exhibited outside Japan for the first time in many years. There will also be a display of artifacts from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as 24 of the All Souls Church Honkawa School Children's drawings.  See the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Exhibition through Aug. 16. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the attacks, this powerful show will include 20 artifacts collected from the debris of the 1945 atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as well as 6 large folding screens that depict the horrors of the event. The 1995 Nobel Peace Prize nominees, Iri and Toshi Maruki, created a total of 15 screens over 32 years from 1950. This exhibition, made possible by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, is meant to deepen understanding of the damage wrought by nuclear weapons and inspire peace in the 21st century. Call 202-885-1000.  Email museum@american.edu. Admission is free, and the exhibit hours are Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 AM to 4 PM.

7] – Catch the Mother Earth Poetry Vibe featuring Kirwyn Sutherland on Sat., Aug. 1 at 7:30 PM @ Red Emma's.  It's summer, and the issues in our society are hotter than the temperatures outside!  We need the Poetic Arts.  Join a poetry/spoken word open mic of justice, conscious thought, spirituality, fame, real life.  In the tradition of Emma Goldman’s Mother Earth magazine, come drop some progressive “fiyah,” or contribute with your presence and energy!  By the way: it’s a non-erotic poetry, non-“love jones” type of venue, so please don’t go there. 

Sutherland’s first poems were no-holds barred rants tackling subjects from slavery to lynchings to dealing with micro-aggressions.  His goal through writing was to introduce black pain, suffering, and triumph in his own voice.

8] – 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 Aug. 2 the platform address is “The Humanist Service Corps.”  The Humanist Service Corps (HSC) is a project of the Foundation Beyond Belief. Conor Robinson launched the HSC in 2014. He previously founded the Yale Humanist Society and won the 2014 Humanist Visionary Award. He will speak about the HSC and their upcoming work in Africa. He is leading a group of volunteers that will depart for Ghana a few days after this talk.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

9] – Come to Busboys and Poets, 14th & V Sts., WDC, on Sun., Aug. 2 from 5 to 7 PM for A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race), an open discussion series hosted by Busboys and Poets as a community service. What does it mean to be a black (African-American) male in today's society and what can we do to change the negative perceptions and create opportunities for black males to be successful? The intent is that each person walks away from the discussion feeling something: challenged, educated, uncomfortable, enlightened, refreshed, reassured and hopefully inspired and moved to action!  Visit http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/a.c.t.o.r-a-continuing-talk-on-race4357.

10] – There is a Memorial Ceremony for Gaza on Sun., Aug. 2 at 6 PM at ThanksGiving Place, 1000 E. 33rd St., Baltimore 21218.  Last summer between July 8th and August 26th more than 2,200 Palestinians in Gaza lost their lives to the unrelenting assault of the Israeli military. The Israeli government gave this vicious attack the name "Operation Protective Edge" but for Gaza's Palestinians, those 50 horrifying days--which took the lives of hundreds of children, destroyed 18,000 homes, left 141 schools reduced to rubble, and obliterated entire families--were an utter devastation.

This summer, amidst the collective trauma not only of last summer's assault but also more than half a century of displacement, land dispossession, military occupation, and settler colonialism, many Gaza Palestinians remain homeless, childless, and parentless.  Join Baltimore-Palestine Solidarity as we commemorate the many atrocities suffered by Gaza's Palestinians during Israel's military assault last summer through personal testimonies, prayers, and poems; we will remember those lives, livelihoods, homes, and families lost and rededicate ourselves to amplifying the voices of Palestinians as we act in solidarity with their struggle.

11] -- 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., Aug. 3, 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. 

12] – 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.  

13] – Maryland state legislators are concerned about current conditions at the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA).  Ridership has decreased over the past year, the agency has failed to meet its on time performance goals, and it has failed to meet the 35% fare box recovery rate required by law.  (The fare box recovery rate is the percentage of operating costs paid for by passenger fares.) As a result, the agency has been charged with developing a Transit Performance Plan that aims to solve these issues.

To assist in the formation of this plan, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be holding a series of stakeholder meetings.  The first meeting was on June 24th.  This meeting was held to get the input of the business community with regards to what system changes they would like to see. CPHA attended this event and many prominent business leaders, transit advocates, elected officials, and high ranking MDOT officials were in attendance.  We got a chance to hear firsthand about what the priorities were from individuals representing some of the most powerful institutions in the Baltimore area.  It also gave us an opportunity to understand where we need to focus our education efforts when it comes to explaining necessary transit improvements.

The second stakeholder meeting, focusing on the needs of transit users, will be held on Mon., Aug. 3 at 2 to 4 PM at Baltimore Metropolitan Council, McHenry Row, 1500 Whetstone Way, Suite 300, Baltimore 21230.  Attending this event will provide a great opportunity for networking with others interested in improving transit, as well as a chance to meet with key decision makers.  In order to create change it’s important to know who the key players are and their priorities.  All who attend this event will get a chance to have their voice heard from those in a position to formulate MTA policy.

RSVP to ensure there will be enough seats.  To RSVP, contact Philip Dacey, MDOT’s Director of Governmental Affairs, at pdacey@mdot.state.md.us or call 410-865-1090. There will be a third meeting in September where interested parties can give feedback on a draft version of the Transit Performance Improvement Plan.

14] – Secretary Kerry has been under immense pressure by Congress to defend the Iran nuclear deal. Show him some support by delivering flowers to his Georgetown house, 3320 O St. NW, WDC, on Mon., Aug. 3 at 6 PM. CODEPINK will also be spelling out the parasol message for him that you see in the event photo on Facebook (YES IRAN DEAL). CODEPINK needs 11 people to come out and each hold a parasol umbrella to make the words work! This is an excellent opportunity to meet folks working on this issue in the District. The group will meet on the corner of 33rd and O Street at 6 PM, and walk over to his house together.  Email michaela@codepink.org to RSVP. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1064069520277984/.

15] – Khashyar Darvich, the producer-director of the two new Dalai Lama documentary films (one of which is narrated by actor Harrison Ford) coming to Washington D.C. for a Special Dalai Lama 80th Birthday Red Carpet Film Celebration. This Special Red Carpet Film Event (which includes a director Q&A) on Thurs. Aug. 3 at 6:30 PM at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market, 550 Penn Street NE, WDC.  Visit www.DalaiLamaFilm.com.

Narrated by Harrison Ford, DALAI LAMA AWAKENING presents the profound and life-changing journey of innovative Western thinkers who travel to India to meet with the Dalai Lama. Born from over 500 hours of video shot over a 15 year period, the film is a Director’s Cut of Khashyar Darvich’s award-winning DALAI LAMA RENNAISANCE.

In the inspiring and thought-provoking COMPASSION IN ACTION, the Dalai Lama and some of the most innovative and revolutionary thinkers of our time explore the sources of unhappiness and happiness in our world. This film is a deeper exploration of the ideas presented in DALAI LAMA AWAKENING.  This screening includes a Q&A with the director. Go to https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dc/event/dalai-lama-awakening-qa.

16] – Season two of the award-winning web series The Angle is in production. Join to celebrate the return and add your voice to the mix about issues in urban redevelopment--the focus for the second season. See previews of highlights from the upcoming season, and enjoy refreshments and great conversation. There will even be a few giveaways. Every picture tells a story. Every story has an angle. They want to know, what's your angle? Come to the Impact Hub DC, 419 7th St. NW, 3rd Floor on Mon., Aug. 3 from 7 to 9 PM.

The Angle is an award winning docuseries for the web. The Angle combines thoughtful commentary and creative expressions exploring important issues in life and culture. Primarily, but not exclusively, it features people of color, The Angle adds diverse and nuanced voices to important issues of the day and challenges narrow conceptions about communities of color. Go to www.theangleshow.com,  Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-angle-season-2-kickoff-tickets-17801502774?ref=enivtefor001&invite=ODE5NjQ5NC90cHNjb3R0QGdtYWlsLmNvbS8w&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=eventimage&ref=enivtefor001.

17] – 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 is on August 3. The proposed agenda will include anti-drone activities, Freddie Gray, “Guns Will Make us Free?, the Medicare rally, Bernie Sanders, Gaza, the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration and the September 22 action in D.C. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

18] – On Tues., Aug. 4 from noon to 1:30 PM, retired Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney, American Security Project; retired Adm. William Fallon; Trita Parsi, National Iranian American Council; and Laura Rozen, Al-Monitor, will examine "Understanding the Iran Nuclear Deal" at the American Security Project, 1100 New York Ave. NW, Seventh Floor, West Tower, WDC. RSVP at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-the-iran-nuclear-deal-tickets-17880046701.

19] – 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 Aug. 4.  Call 215-426-0364.

20] – On Tues., Aug. 4 at 5:30 PM, join CODEPINK for Hoops Not Nukes - Peace With Iran!  This hooping jam session in front of the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will in support of President Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran because this country can't afford the alternative- war. Bring hoops if you have them, but there will be plenty of extras. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/476637275820633/.

21] – On Tues., Aug. 4 from 6 to 9:30 PM, St. Stephen & the Incarnation Episcopal Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC, will sponsor an introductory evening on Respectful Confrontation.  This introduction is filled with exercises and theory to offer you a comprehensive, experiential overview of what is explored in the foundations of the practices of Respectful Confrontation.  The combination of theory, dynamic exercises, martial arts principles and applicable life tools result in a noticeable shift in behavior, deeper insight into yourself, and an ease with tackling challenging situations with integrity and understanding.  Learn about compassionate engagement, and reframe views on confrontation, assertiveness, and true power leading to greater self-confidence, personal fulfillment and peaceful interactions with others. The evening will be led by Joe Weston, an international workshop facilitator, consultant, creative social activist, advocate for peace, and author of “Mastering Respectful Confrontation.”  The suggested donation of $25 for the introductory evening, but any amount is fine. Email Brian Best <brian.best@saintstephensdc.org>.

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