Baltimore Activist Alert February 11 through 13, 2018

Baltimore Activist Alert February 11 through 13, 2018

"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 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore

5] Charm City Farms Collective Work Day – Feb. 11

6] Reforming Criminal Justice – Feb. 11

7] Kindness for Paws -- Feb. 11

8] The Arab Population in Israel 1948 to Today – Feb. 11

9] Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter -- Feb. 11

10] Learn to Speak Fluent Kitten -- Feb. 11

11] Meeting of the Baltimore City Green Party – Feb. 11

12] Candidates Forum -- Feb. 11

13] Protest at the Pentagon – Feb. 12

14] Responding to the Rohingya Crisis -- Feb. 12

15] U.S. Pakistan relations – Feb. 12

16] Memorial Service for Marcus Raskin – Feb. 12

17] Canvass Participant Recruitment Phone Bank – Feb. 12

18] Is War Ever Justifiable? – Feb. 12

19] What’s This Plant? -- Feb. 12

20] International Working Women's Day Meeting -- Feb. 12

21] Information on Voting Rights (HB 542) – Feb. 13

22] Peace Vigil – Feb. 13

23] Support Govans Elementary School – Feb. 13

24] No more Drone Research at JHU – Feb. 13

25] From Japanese American Incarceration to the Muslim Travel Ban – Feb. 13

-------

1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

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 6address 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] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-323-1607 or mobuszewski 2001 at comcast dot net. 

5] –    On Sun., Feb. 11 from 10 AM to 4 PM, get ready for the Charm City Farms Collective Work Day at 1310 Hillman St., Baltimore 21202. Work will continue to manage the compost pile, come learn what it takes.  Clean up of outdoor space, preparing soil for new bed.  Indoors work on planning the crop schedule, and potting cold weather germinated seeds to take home and grow indoors. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/173395240065522/.

6] – 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 Sun., Feb. 11, the Sunday Platform is Reforming Criminal Justice in Maryland – A Returning Citizen’s Perspective with Nicole Hanson, Executive Director, Out for Justice.  She is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. She will discuss her organization’s priorities in the 2018 Maryland legislative session, including streamlining the expungement process, re-opening women’s work release programs, improving access to medical care in prison, and protecting recent reforms to the cash bail system.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

7] – Attend Kindness for Paws - Name Your Donation Art Show on Sun., Feb. 11 from 11 AM to 1 PM at White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., Baltimore 21236. This animal welfare inspired art collection will consist of over 1,700 pieces of original art created by local students from 17 different local schools depicting Maryland SPCA alumni. Artwork is currently available for viewing, but sales will only take place on Sunday. All proceeds from “Kindness For Paws” goes to support homeless pets at the Maryland SPCA.  See http://www.mdspca.org/.

8] – On Sun., Feb. 11 from 1 to 5 PM, hear a talk The Arab Population in Israel 1948 to Today, hosted by Critical Race, Gender and Culture Studies Collaborative at the American University Washington College of Law, 4300 Nebraska Ave. NW, WDC 20016. Tickets Available at docs.google.com. This is a day of education exploring Palestinian citizens in Israel 1948 to today. It is co-sponsored by American University Center for Israel Studies, Arab World Studies, Washington College of Law Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and Greater Washington Forum on Israeli Arab Issues.   RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/AUIsraeliArabs.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1997034807235264/.

9] – On Sun., Feb. 11 from 2 to 4 PM, check out the Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter, hosted by Sandy Spring Slave Museum, 18524 Brooke Rd, Sandy Spring 20860. Local members, father (Baby Boomer) and son (Millennial) team of the National Black Police Association, Inc., will lead a discussion on basic protocol for bridging the gap. Both real and perceived, between communities of color and law enforcement. Question and answer period to follow.   The cost for adults is $12. Children under 12 years of age pay $7 per event. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1790883654316192/.

10] – On Sun., Feb. 11 from 4 to 5 PM, Learn to Speak Fluent Kitten, hosted by The Humane Society of Harford County, 2208 Connolly Rd., Fallston 21047. Are you a Crazy Cat Lady (or Gent) who'd like to learn about fostering neonatal/bottle baby kittens? Then you've gotta register for this class!  It'll be held twice: once on Feb. 11 and again on Feb. 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. You can sign up as a foster parent and learn how to care for your purry little charges all in one fell swoop! RSVP for Feb. 11 at http://bit.ly/SpeakKitten1, and for Feb. 15 at http://bit.ly/SpeakKitten2.

11] – On Sun., Feb. 11 from 4 to 6 PM, come to the Membership Meeting of the Baltimore City Green Party, 100 E 23rd St., Baltimore 21218-5807. BGP Membership Meetings are open, but decision making is reserved for members. To become a member and build grassroots electoral power in Baltimore, visit http://bgp.nationbuilder.com/memberships and contact Membership Coordinator Ty Ra. See https://www.facebook.com/events/404192396699390/.

12] – There is a Progressive Neighbors MoCo Candidate Forum on Sun., Feb. 11 at 7 PM for D20 Delegate Candidates--Fatmata Barrie, Lorig Charkoudian, David Moon, Darian Unger, and Jheanelle Wilkins. Go to ttp://www.progressiveneighborsmd.org./.

13] – 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 Feb. 12, 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.

14] -- On Mon., Feb. 12 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM,  Responding to the Rohingya Crisis with Ethical Leadership, hosted by Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E St. NW, WDC 20052.  This will take place in the Lindner Family Commons, Room 602. The panel will be chaired and moderated by Dr. Christina Fink, Professor of Practice of International Affairs at the Elliott School and will feature Dr. Wakar Uddin (professor at the Pennsylvania State University, and Director General of Arakan Rohingya Union) and Ambassador Derek Mitchell (CEO of Shwe Strategies LLC, and a Senior Advisor to both the Albright Stonebridge Group and the U.S. Institute of Peace). See https://www.facebook.com/events/289736881552693/.

15] – On Mon., Feb. 12 from 2:30 PM to 4 PM, hear about U.S.-Pakistan Relations at a Turning Point: What’s Next? It is happening at the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20037. Find tickets at www.usip.org. After unveiling a new regional strategy last summer that included additional commitments of forces to Afghanistan and a promise to “no longer be silent” on disputes with Pakistan over militant sanctuaries on its territory, the Trump administration began the year with an announcement that it was suspending military assistance to Pakistan. What are the pros and cons and likely results of the administration’s approach to Pakistan, and how are Pakistani leaders responding to increased U.S. pressure? Regional experts will assess the current state of U.S.-Pakistan relations and discuss how the United States’ security concerns in the region are likely to shape future ties. Visit: https://www.usip.org/events/us-pakistan-relations-turning-point-whats-next.

16] – Attend the Memorial Service for the co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies Marcus Raskin on Mon., Feb. 12 from 4 to 8:30 PM.  He was a philosopher, analyst, and mentor to generations of activists, whose ideas helped shape left-leaning thought for decades.  He died Dec. 24 at his home in Washington at the age of 83.  The staff, family and friends of the Institute invite you to join us at a memorial and celebration of Marc and his life and work at the Sixth & I Synagogue, 600 I St. NW, WDC 20001, from 4 to 6 PM, followed by an open mic of “Marc stories” from 7 to 8:30 PM at Busboys and Poets at 5th and K Sts. NW, 1025 5th St, NW, WDC 20001. Affectionately known as Marc by IPS staff and friends, he was an intellectual pillar of the movements for progressive social change for more than a half century. He founded the Institute for Policy Studies with fellow Kennedy administration official Richard Barnet in 1963 and built the organization into the leading progressive, multi-issue think tank in the nation’s capital. Call 202-234-9382.

17] – Progressive Maryland will be hosting a phone bank to recruit canvassers to the February 24th Monthly Mass Canvass! It is happening on Mon., Feb. 12 from 5 to 8 PM at 35 University Blvd. East, Silver Spring 20901. You will need a charged WiFi-capable laptop and mobile phone, with charging cords as needed. Go to http://www.progressivemaryland.org/feb2018canvass.  RSVP to Beth Landry at beth@progressivemaryland.org.

18] – A Debate: Is War Ever Justifiable? Pete Kilner and David Swanson will square off.  Kilner is a writer and military ethicist who served more than 28 years in the Army as an infantryman and professor at the U.S. Military Academy. He deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan to conduct research on combat leadership. A graduate of West Point, he holds an MA in Philosophy from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in Education from Penn State.  Swanson is an author, activist, journalist, and radio host. He is director of WorldBeyondWar.org. Swanson’s books include War Is A Lie and War Is Never Just. He holds an MA in philosophy from UVA.

The first debate is from 7 to 9 PM on Mon., Feb. 12 at Radford University, Bonnie Hurlburt Auditorium, Jefferson St., Radford, VA 24142.  The second is on Tues., Feb. 13 at 8 PM at Eastern Mennonite University, Common Grounds Coffeehouse, University Commons building, 1301-1311 College Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Go to https://actionnetwork.org/forms/articles-from-david-swanson.

19] – What's this plant? The question will be answered by the Natural History Society of Maryland on Mon., Feb. 12 at 7 PM at the Maryland Naturalist Center, 6908 Belair Rd., Baltimore. Come to the double glass doors at the top of the ramp and stairs. Learn to identify plants in an informal setting with other inquisitive people and a botanist who can answer your questions. Bring a plant or twig from your own backyard. Or look at one from an ongoing inventory of the Baltimore County Ag Center. All experience levels are welcome. Look at botany books, hand lenses, and dried plant specimens, and use a microscope.  Members of the Natural History Society of Maryland pay $15 for both sessions this month, paid at the first session. Individual sessions for non-members and members are $10. Pay cash or check at the door.  Become a member at www.marylandnature.org.       An individual membership is $25; and for a family $35. The sessions will be facilitated by Charlie Davis and Judy Fulton. Charlie is a professional field ecologist who specializes in plants. Judy is a Master Gardener who is conducting a plant inventory at the Baltimore County Center for MD Agricultural and Farm Park.

20] – On Mon., Feb. 12 from 7 to 8:30 PM,  there is an International Working Women's Day March 2018 Planning Meeting, hosted by Women's Fightback Network Maryland/D.C., at 2011 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218-5927. Help make Baltimore's 2018 International Working Women's Day March a major success. Please bring snacks or dinner. Women and gender non-conforming welcome. We encourage men to support us on the day and at public work sessions.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/146185266053104/.

21] – Eligible Detainees - Information on Voting Rights (HB 542) was introduced by Del. Ali.  This bill would require the State Board of Elections to adopt regulations establishing a program to inform certain eligible detainees in jail of upcoming elections and how the eligible detainees may exercise the right to vote.  There is a hearing on Tues., Feb. 13 at 1 PM in the Ways & Means Committee. Call 410-841-3476 or email Mary.Washington@house.state.md.us.

22] –  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 Feb. 13.  Call 215-426-0364.

23] – On Tues., Feb. 13 from 5 PM until midnight at the Govans Elementary Computer Fundraiser, hosted by Govans Elementary School at Flight American Fusion, 5723 York Rd., Baltimore 21212.  Join Govans Elementary for an evening of good food and fun to support the Govans Laptop Fund. (Family-Friendly).  Meet Principal Taylor and Govans Teachers from 5 to7 PM.  Govans Elementary has raised $37,000 to provide students with the computers they need to prepare for the State test. Still needed is $5,000 to purchase 90 laptop computers.  Flight will be donating 10% of the evening’s proceeds between 5 PM to midnight to Govans Elementary. CAN’T ATTEND? Donate online at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/laptops-for-govans-elementary-students or mail a check made payable to "Baltimore Curriculum Project" c/o Govans Laptop Fund, 2707 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore 21224.

24] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Feb. 13,  on this day from 5  to 6 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607

25] – On Tues., Feb. 13 from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM,  the discussion will be From Japanese American Incarceration to the Muslim Travel Ban, hosted by Stop Repeating History at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, WDC 20003. Stop Repeating History, in collaboration with the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), invites you to attend the documentary “And Then They Came For Us” will be also be featured during the discussion. Stop Repeating History is a Call to Action by Jay Hirabayashi, Holly Yasui, and Karen Korematsu -- children of the Japanese American defendants -- Gordon Hirabayashi, Min Yasui, and Fred T. Korematsu -- that challenged the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II before the U.S. Supreme Court. Due to security all attendees must RSVP at http://www.tinyurl.com/StopRepeatingHistoryRSVP.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.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