Baltimore Activist Alert - February 28 - March 1, 2016

14] Torture Abolition group open house – Feb. 28

15] Maryland’s energy mix – Feb. 28

16] Book BREAKTHROUGH – Feb. 28

17] Black on Black violence – Feb. 28

18] BLACK SEEDS – Feb. 28

19] Pentagon Vigil – Feb. 29

20] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Feb. 29 – Mar. 4

21] Democracy Amendment Resolution – Feb. 29

22] Keep Antibiotics Working Lobby Night– Feb. 29

23] Film "She's Beautiful When She's Angry!" – Feb. 29

24] TAKING SIDES – Feb. 29

25] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Mar. 1

26] Protest JHU drone research – Mar. 1

27] Watch Super Tuesday results – Mar. 1

28] TAKING SIDES – Mar. 1

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14] –  The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) will hold its Annual Open House and Silent Auction at 4121 Harewood Road NE, WDC, on Sun., Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 PM.  RSVP to kelsey@tassc.org.  Go to https://leslie-brewer.squarespace.com/events-1/2016/1/24/tassc-annual-open-house.

15] – The BALTIMORE GREEN FORUM, a monthly environmental education and discussion forum, will occur on Sun., Feb. 28 from 4 to 6:30 PM at the Maryland Presbyterian Church, 1105 Providence Road, Towson 21286.  This month’s topic is Maryland Electric Power Generation: Fossil Free by 2018? The speakers are Will Candler and Phil Favero, members of Climate Stewards of Greater Annapolis (CSGA). Candler worked in the World Bank. Both Will and Phil have Ph.D.’s and have been on University agricultural faculties (Purdue and Maryland respectively). Will is also author of the self -published book “Global Warming: The Answer.”

Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that 20% of electric power supplied by utilities be accompanied Renewable Energy Certificates (REC's) certifying the utility bought the power from “Clean” (not nuclear or fossil) suppliers. Environmental groups are aiming to raise the Clean percentage to 25% in 2020, and 40% in 2030. This will still leave 75% in 2020 (60% in 2030) supplied from fossil or nuclear. Will and Phil will make the case for getting off fossil power by 2018.

 The Baltimore Green Forum seeks to educate and stimulate dialogue about what humans can do to make modern civilization more sustainable, including adjusting to finite resource limits and preserving biodiversity and a healthy environment.  This is done through eight monthly meetings a year.  The topics are far ranging.  They vary from local to planetary and from philosophical to scientific to very practical.

  There is a speaker and Q&A from 4 to 5:15 PM.  Then there are brief announcements by representatives of other organizations that also seek sustainability and environmental protection.  The idea is to promote collaboration among these organizations.  Next, there is an optional roundtable discussion until 6:30 PM.  Finally, there is often a small gathering at a nearby restaurant.

BGF is open to the public and is free of charge, but donations to Maryland Presbyterian Church are collected during the meeting to thank the church for their generous gift of the space to us. Call Sam Hopkins at 410 554 0006 or email baltimoregreenforum@gmail.com.  Visit http://www.baltimoregreen forum.org.

16] –More than fifty nations around the world have elected women to lead them. There's one gigantic exception: the United States. America, the birthplace of modern democracy, has never elected a woman president, and women have wielded substantially less political power than men. But as social change sweeps through the nation, are we finally at a turning point? Is the double standard dead? In her page-turning new book, BREAKTHROUGH, Nancy L. Cohen artfully chronicles the current state of women's political leadership on the cusp of great historic change. On Sun., Feb. 28 at 4 PM, come to the Ivy Bookshop, 6080 Falls Road, Baltimore 21209, and hear about the savvy women who are building an alternative to the Old Boys Club and rewriting the playbook for how women can thrive in the political arena. Get an in-depth look at the history of women in politics and expert research on how Americans finally became ready to elect a woman president. Based on more than 125 interviews with major figures in both political parties, including senators, governors and behind-the-scenes power-brokers, the book will be required reading for the tumultuous and game-changing 2016 political season.  Cohen is an author, historian and leading national expert on women and politics. She holds a PhD in history from Columbia University, and is the author of three books on American politics. Currently, she is a commissioner on the Los Angeles County Commission for Women. Call 410-377-2966 or go to www.theivybookshop.com.

17] – Come to Busboys and Poets, 625 Monroe St. NE, WDC, on Sun., Feb. 28 from 6 to 9 PM for a discussion on “Black on Black” violence.  February’s Capitol Innovation Forum: “The Root of Urban Violence” will tackle the issue of violence in the nation’s capital.  Opening the event will be a musical performance by local musician, activist, and social entrepreneur Bathsheba Smithen, followed by a panel discussion on the drivers of urban violence and sustainable interventions. Following the panel discussion, attendees will participate in a design thinking exercise to explore innovative ways to end violence in our nation’s capital, while addressing the underlying systemic barriers to opportunity.  The forum will be recorded for the Capitol Innovation Podcast series. To purchase tickets for the event, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capitol-innovation-forum-the-root-of-urban-violence-tickets-20712118504.

18] – On Sun., Feb. 28 at 7:30 PM come to Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, celebrate the release and join a book signing and community discussion of “Black Seeds: The Poetry and Reflections of Tariq Touré,” a collection of prose describing the Black Experience and Maturation of an emerging writer. Hailed by Baltimore's own D. Watkins as one of Baltimore's Black revolutionary voices Touré combines rhythm, wit, and the power of truth in his debut compilation. He has been regarded by Hip Hop artist "Black Thought" as the Amiri Baraka of our generation. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.org.

19] -- 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. 29, 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. 

20] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday fr6m 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.

21] –    The Democracy Amendment Resolution stands its best chance ever of passing in 2016. There will be a big announcement of support very soon from someone who knows about prospects for campaign finance reform in Congress. Together, we can win a major victory in the long fight for voting rights and against big money in politics. Plan to come to Annapolis on Mon., Feb. 29 for the House rules Committee hearing of HJ 8 at 1 PM in room 130 of the House Office Building. Rep. Chris Van Hollen is scheduled to testify in person in favor of our resolution. Visit http://www.getmoneyoutmd.org/.

22] –The Sierra Club Maryland Chapter is inviting you to Keep Antibiotics Working in Maryland Lobby Night on Mon., Feb. 29 from 5 to 8 PM.  The event will run from 5 to 8 PM in the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis. The legislation has been officially introduced by Delegates Shane Robinson and Clarence Lam and Senators Paul Pinsky and Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. The bill numbers are House Bill 829 and Senate Bill 607 and the hearings have been scheduled for March 1 (Senate) and March 2 (House). RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QFRPbayy2MCpnWbHl2xOqnh3QEa31kG84F1AaTqxIbk/viewform.

23] – At 1104 South Campus Commons, Building One, Room 1102, University of Maryland, College Park,  on Mon., Feb. 29 from 7 to 9 PM, as a part of the "People Power: Activism for Social Change" Series, Beyond the Classroom presents "She's Beautiful When She's Angry!" This film resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. SHE’S BEAUTIFUL takes viewers 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 W.I.T.C.H. (Women’s International Conspiracy from Hell!). Artfully combining dramatizations, performance and archival imagery, the film recounts the stories of women who fought for their own equality, and in the process created a world-wide revolution. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/453606711502877/.

24] – The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC, on Mon., Feb. 29 at 7 PM will host a dialogue around the questions raised in the new anthology "Taking Sides: Revolutionary Solidarity and the Poverty of Liberalism." The book is edited by Cindy Milstein and published by AK Press. Such collective reflection is essential not only in helping to sustain the spirit of rebellion but also aiding it to claim some victories in the task of dismantling systemic violence, such as states, capitalism, and settler colonialism, or murderous policing, white supremacy, heteropatriarchy, and so much more. The lines of oppression are already drawn. The only question is, Which side are you on in the struggle against the violence that is white supremacy and policing? The book supplies an ethical compass and militant map of the terrain, arguing not for reform of structurally brutal institutions but rather for their abolition. Its thirteen essays are sharp interventions that take particular aim at the role of nonprofits, “ally” politics, and “peace police” in demobilizing rebellions against hierarchical power. The authors offer tools to hone strategies and tactics of resistance, and hold out the promise of robust, tangible solidarity across racial and other lines, because in the battle for systemic transformation, there are no outside agitators. Email events@pottershousedc.org.

25] – 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 Mar. 1.  Call 215-426-0364.

26] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. join this ongoing vigil on Mar. 1  from 5:30 to 6:30  PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

27] – At the Haifa Grill, 3541 Carlin Springs Rd., Falls Church, VA on Tues., Mar. 1 at 7 PM, come watch the results of Super Tuesday with The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and the Coalition of Palestinian American Organizations! The watch party is free, although attendees will be responsible for purchasing any food or drink, should they want. There will be a 10% discount for all guests.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1689440891332891/.

28] –   On Tues., Mar. 1 at 7:30 PM come to Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, as editor CINDY MILSTEIN PRESENTS TAKING SIDES: REVOLUTIONARY SOLIDARITY AND THE POVERTY OF LIBERALISM.  The lines of oppression are already drawn. The only question is, Which side are you on in the struggle against the violence that is white supremacy and policing? The book supplies an ethical compass and militant map of the terrain, arguing not for reform of structurally brutal institutions but rather for their abolition. Its thirteen essays are sharp interventions that take particular aim at the role of nonprofits, “ally” politics, and “peace police” in demobilizing rebellions against hierarchical power. The authors offer tools to hone strategies and tactics of resistance, and hold out the promise of robust, tangible solidarity across racial and other lines, because in the battle for systemic transformation, there are no outside agitators. Call 443-602-7585.  Go to http://www.redemmas.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