Baltimore Activist Alert May 20 to 23, 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] Write Reality Winner
5] The Poor People's Campaign for a Moral Revival Continues through May 26
6] The Ethical Society moves to the Village Learning Place – May 20
7] Support the Palestinians – May 20
8] Get a bag of veggies – May 20
9] Anne Arundel County from Protest to Power Canvass – May 20
10] DSA meeting – May 20
11] Socialist Book Group Discussion – May 20
12] The Church in Cuba and Their Role in Ending the US Blockade -- May 20
13] Baltimore DSA Happy Hour – May 20
14] 2018 MD Environmental Victory Party – May 20
15] Protest at the Pentagon – May 21
16] After ISIS, Will Iraq’s Elections be the Next Step to Stability? -- May 21
17] Action at Lawyers Mall – May 21
18] Circles of Voices with Chelsea Manning – May 21
19] Candidates Forum – May 21
20] Free screening of “Soufra” – May 21
21] Democracy Amendment Resolution – May 21
22] North Korea and the Fine Print of a Deal – May 22
23] Peace Vigil – May 22
24] No Drone Research DEMO – May 22
25] Film DOLORES – May 22
26] Defend the Decision - No Charles Compressor Station – May 22
27] Alliance for Nuclear Accountability Lobby Days – May 20 - 23
28] 100 percent renewables – May 22
29] Pray for peace – May 22
30] See the play “Republic Undone” – May 22
31] Film GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK – May 22
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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 410-323-1607.
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] – On June 3, 2017 Reality Leigh Winner was arrested and jailed and later charged under the Espionage Act for allegedly releasing a top-secret document to a media outlet, The Intercept. The document analyzed information about Russian online intrusions prior to the 2016 presidential election. Reality had been employed by a contract agency and worked at the NSA in Augusta, Georgia following her honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in December of 2016. Reality has pleaded not guilty to this one charge, and her defense team is working furiously to defend against the Espionage charge, but the Court in Georgia continues to rule against Reality at every turn. Reality has been denied pretrial bail and awaits trial in a small county jail in Lincolnton, Georgia.
The impact this has had on Reality and our entire family is devastating. Because of her special diet, Reality’s nutritional and medical needs are not met in jail. She has been spontaneously denied mail, books, and visits. In order to assist in her defense, she must be transported to the Federal Courthouse in Augusta, Georgia and spends up to 12 hours in full shackles and is strip-searched multiple times during the day. Please write to Reality at Reality L. Winner, Inmate # 3342, Lincoln County Jail, PO Box 970, Lincolnton, GA 30817.
5] – The Poor People's Campaign for a Moral Revival Continues, and from Sun., May 20 to Sat., May 26 the focus will be on INKING SYSTEMIC RACISM AND POVERTY: Voting Rights, Immigration, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, and the Mistreatment of Indigenous Communities.
6] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion. However, on Sun., May 20, the Ethical Society is moving to its new home at the Village Learning Place (VLP), an independent non-profit library that houses educational programs, enrichment opportunities, and informational resources for Charles Village and throughout Baltimore City. The board and staff of the VLP have invited BES members and friends to join them and the residents of the neighborhood for the Annual Charles Village Brunch from 11 AM to 1 PM. This is an opportunity to enjoy good food while getting to know the new neighbors. Stick around after brunch for a tour of BES’s new home. Note that VLP is located at 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218. If you arrive at the Congress Hotel, you will be disappointed. To learn more about the VLP, visit www.villagelearningplace.org. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.
7] – Concerned citizens will gather to condemn the slaughter of the Palestinians on Sun., May 20 at 11 AM at Park Heights and Slade Aves. Contact Ronda at [mailto:rondacooperstein@hotmail.com].
8] – On Sun., May 20 at 11:30 AM, there is a BLUE BAG Pick Up Hub at Charm City Farms, 1310 Hillman St., Baltimore 21202. Get 30 LBS OF FRESH PRODUCE for $10, an ASSORTED VARIETY, CASH ONLY. The Gather Story Gather Baltimore is a volunteer-based program that collects vegetables, fruits, and bread from the Baltimore Farmers' Market and other sources for redistribution to local meal programs and others in need. The food collected would otherwise be thrown away as it will not stay fresh until the next market. Gather Baltimore ensures that this food does not become waste but instead is made available to financially challenged families in communities where healthy food is not readily accessible. Charm City Farms believes that every zip code has more than enough available real estate to feed the community inside that zip code. The goal is to assist in driving that community to do so. The vision and goal is to provide education, support, and creative thinking, as well as a model to aid communities in transitioning towards a no-fossil-fuel future economy and society. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2020494798274079/.
9] – The Anne Arundel County from Protest to Power Canvass is happening on Sun., May 20 from 1 to 4 PM. Meet at the Davidsonville Elementary School Parking Lot, 962 Central Ave., Davidsonville 21035. Join Take Action Anne Arundel County to talk with voters about the issues they care most about and the candidates who will govern for and with our communities. Work to elect Ben Jealous & Susan Turnbull for Governor/Lt Governor of Maryland, Eve Hurwitz for State Senate in District 33 and James Kitchin for County Council District 7. CONTACT Michelle Williams at 240-688-8346.
10] – On Sun., May 20 from 2 to 4 PM, come to the Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America May General Meeting at 2239 Kirk Ave., Baltimore 21218-6204. Find your place in an awesome and friendly socialist movement! Do you need childcare? Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/174051403417954/.
11] – On Sun., May 20 from 3 to 4:30 PM, be at the Socialist Book Group Discussion, hosted by Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America at Kogod Courtyard - Smithsonian American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery, 8th and F Sts. NW, WDC 20001. Join a discussion of “Who Do You Serve? Who Do You Protect? Police Violence and Resistance in the United States,” edited by Joe Macaré, Maya Schenwar, and Alana Yu-lan Price with a foreword by Alicia Garza. This book is From Haymarket Books 2016. See the Participation Guide at https://docs.google.com/document/d/16YKfMQwWe0yvM2i9VlWJRTvH_OGGJD3_3gLc6DYnpoY/edit?usp=sharing.
12] – The Church in Cuba and Their Role in Ending the US Blockade with Rev. Joel Ortega Dopico, president, Cuban Council of Churches and pastor, Varadero Presbyterian Church, will take place on Sun., May 20 at 3 PM at the Casa de Maryland Multicultural Center, 8151 15th Ave., Hyattsville. Welcome Rev. Dopico, who is visiting the DC area on a national tour of the U.S. to help build support for the IFCO/Pastors for Peace Friendshipment Caravans to Cuba and to advocate against the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba and in support of normal relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Pastor Ortega Dopico will share how Cubans are affected by the blockade and the critical role faith and solidarity communities can play in finally ending it. Email ifco@ifconews.org.
13] –On Sun., May 20 from 5 to 6:30 PM, attend the Baltimore DSA Happy Hour, hosted by Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America at The Crown, 1910 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. Come out for roses with your friendly local democratic socialists. This is a great opportunity to relax and socialize with fellow DSA members and get to know local community organizers and activists! All members and non-members welcome. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1823658511274032/.
14] – Come to the 2018 MD Environmental Victory Party on Sun., May 20 from 6 to 8 PM, organized by the Sierra Club's Maryland Chapter at Denizen's Brewery, 1115 East West Highway, Silver Spring 20910. Contact Gary Young at gary.young@mdsierra.org or 301-277-7111. Join Sierra Club, legislators, and friends to celebrate the 2018 legislative victories! Maryland senators and delegates will be there. Rededicate ourselves to making Maryland a model for progressive environmental protections. This session secured important environmental victories like dedicated Metro funding as well as additional investment in Baltimore transit, protecting offshore wind, and establishing offshore drilling liability. Go to https://www.sierraclub.org/maryland/blog/2018/04/2018-legislative-session-good-bad-and-ugly.
15] – 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 May 21, 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.
16] – On Mon., May 21 from 2 to 4 PM, hear the discussion After ISIS, Will Iraq’s Elections be the Next Step to Stability? It takes place at the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20037. Tickets are available at www.usip.org. On May 12, Iraqis went to the polls to elect a new national parliament. In a surprise turn, a coalition led by controversial cleric Moqtada al-Sadr—a staunch opponent of both U.S. and Iranian influence in Iraq—won the most seats, as incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s coalition came in third. While the election campaign saw Iraqis turn toward a focus on issues and away from sectarianism, low turnout figures demonstrate that many are disenchanted with the political system. Enjoy a provocative town hall debate with foreign policy experts Kenneth Pollack, from the American Enterprise Institute, the National Defense University’s Denise Natali, and USIP's Sarhang Hamasaeed, moderated by Joshua Johnson of the public radio program 1A. The discussion will focus on how Iraq’s leaders can overcome years of sectarian violence and find unity, as well as what a future alliance with the West may look like. Visit https://www.usip.org/events/after-isis-will-iraqs-elections-be-next-step-stability.
17] – Mon., May 21 is the second Moral Monday in the 40 days of Action. Rally in Annapolis at Layer's Mall at 2 PM. However, there will not be a nonviolent direct action at this event. The nonviolent direct action will resume at the May 29 Moral Monday event. Go to https://actionnetwork.org/events/maryland-poor-peoples-campaign-week-2-action?source=direct_link&. Email Maryland@poorpeoplscampaign. The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival begins its 2nd week of action---Linking Systemic Racism and Poverty: Voting Rights and Immigration.
18] – On Mon., May 21 from 6 to 9 PM, check out the Circles of Voices with Chelsea Manning, hosted by An End to Ignorance at the Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E North Ave., Baltimore 21202. Tickets are available at events.r20.constantcontact.com. Manning’s heroic voice exposed the inhumanity of the Iraqi war. Her bravery resulted in seven years in prison. If not for Obama, she would likely still be in jail. Engage in the topic of mass incarceration in America. The "Land of the Free" is something drastically short of free. Bring a dish and/or a drink to share. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1871669612883644/.
19] – On Mon., May 21 from 6:30 to 9 PM, attend the Candidates Forum, hosted by Hampden Community Council at St. Luke's Church On The Avenue, 800 W. 36th St., Baltimore 21211. In place of the May general meeting, come out and meet the people who will be on your ballot for the June 26th primary elections: candidates for State’s Attorney, Senate and Delegate from the 40, 41 & 43 districts. See https://www.facebook.com/events/166708253999721/.
20] – On Mon., May 21 from 7:30 to 10 PM, see a free screening of “Soufra,” hosted by CARE Action in the GW Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW, WDC 20052. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com. This is a wildly inspirational story of Mariam, a refugee from Lebanon, as she and a team of fellow refugee women strive against daunting obstacles to improve their lives by launching a food truck business. Enjoy a Q&A with the director Thomas Morgan & CARE Chef Ambassador Asha Gomez. See https://www.facebook.com/events/197354180989845/.
21] – The Democracy Amendment Resolution (DAR) embodies our hopes and dreams for a Constitutional Amendment to authorize regulation of big money in politics. In 2018, it came closer than ever to passing in the Maryland General Assembly. It passed the House of Delegates for the first time by a bi-partisan vote of 94-42. But our opponents were able to get two co-sponsors to refrain from voting in the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, and it was unable to proceed to the Senate floor. You can be part of this strong citizen movement for the 28th Amendment. Please email charlie@GetMoneyOutMD.org to join our team of enthusiastic volunteers. Join the GMOM Teleconference on Mon., May 21 at 8:30 PM -- 605-475-6711, 1136243#.
22] – On Tues., May 22 from 8 to 10 AM at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20037, catch North Korea and the Fine Print of a Deal: A View from Congress. This is a Bipartisan Congressional Dialogue Featuring Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Steve Russell (R-OK). The United States is engaged in high-stakes negotiations with North Korea over its nuclear program as the White House prepares for the summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. But nuclear capabilities and missiles are not the only items on the negotiating table. An eventual settlement could include some difficult concessions and require significant oversight and legislative action on the part of Congress. In addition to a potential restructuring of U.S. forces in South Korea, a grand bargain could result in a range of due-outs for Congress, from sanctions relief and economic incentives to multilateral political arrangements. Go to https://www.usip.org/events/north-korea-and-fine-print-deal-view-congress.
23] – 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 May 22. Call 215-426-0364.
24] – This vigil is moved to Thursday, May 24, JHU's Day of Commencement. Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on May 22 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.
25] – On Tues., May 22 from 7 to 8:30 PM, part of the LaborFest schedule, The Reel and Meal at the New Deal in Greenbelt is showing “Dolores,” the inspiring biopic about Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, at the New Deal Café, Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt. There is an optional vegan buffet meal ($14) at 6:30 PM and the free film at 7 PM, followed by a discussion led by an organizer for jobs and justice in today’s different but difficult environment. See https://www.newdealcafe.com/events/reel-and-meal/may-21-2018-dolores/.
26] – On Tues., May 22 from 7:15 to 10:15 PM, Take 2: Defend the Decision - No Charles Compressor Station, hosted by Kelly Canavan at the Charles County Government, POB 2150, 200 Baltimore St., La Plata 20646. The Board of Appeals decided to dedicate their next meeting to a work session specifically to consider whether or not to consider Dominion's Motion for Reconsideration. Under Board rules, Dominion has the right to ask for a reconsideration of the Board's decision. However, the Board doesn't automatically grant their wish. They need a vote of three to even hear Dominion's case. If they decide to hear Dominion's case, some form of the hearing process will open back up. If not, the door closes on administrative remedies, and the next step is for Dominion to sue them. The Board also voted to suspend its decision (denial of the permit) for 30 days. Although we wish that they hadn't suspended it at all, putting a cap on the suspension is a good thing. Go to https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/act/100-md-event-series-prince-georges-county? Visit www.ampcreeks.org.
27] -- The Alliance for Nuclear Accountability (ANA) is hosting the 30th annual DC Days from Sun., May 20 through Wed., May 23! On Tues., May 22 from 6 to 8 PM, there will be an ANA reception marking its 30th annual DC Days, with awards to Sen. Ed Markey (MA), Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), Susan Gordon, Terri Lodge, and others, at 2168 Rayburn House Office Building (Gold Room). RSVP to DCDays@ANAnuclear.org.
28] – On Tues., May 22 from 7 to 8:30 PM at Greenbelt Youth Center's Multipurpose Room, 99 Centerway, Greenbelt 20770, move Maryland off fossil fuels to become a 100% renewable energy state -- and do it in a way that's equitable for everyone. Hear from a panel of experts why 100% renewable energy in Maryland is necessary and feasible, socialize with other supporters, and receive grassroots training on what you can do in your community to join the clean energy revolution! RSVP at https://secure.foodandwaterwatch.org/act/100-md-event-series-prince-georges-county?. One of the experts is Alfred Bartlett, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter. The event is hosted by Food & Water Watch, Sierra Club Maryland, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Greenbelt Climate Action Network. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/183539075631328/?notif_t=event_calendar_create¬if_id=1526671431060965.
29] – Pray for Peace at St. John’s of Baltimore City Methodist Church, 2640 St. Paul St., Baltimore at 7:30 PM on Tues., May 22. Ruth Keidel Clemens, Program Director for the Mennonite Central Committee, will speak about her visit to Syria in February with the Mennonite Central Committee. An offering will be taken on behalf of the Mennonite Central Committee's Syria Project. The Peace Prayer Service will conclude with a time of refreshments and fellowship. Everyone is welcome! St. John's is located at 2640 St. Paul Street, on the corner of 27th St. There is a small parking lot off of 27th street, and free parking on the street. The Peace Prayer Service will be held in the Sunday Room. Please use the 27th St. entrance, by the ramp. Contact the Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr., Interfaith Peace Service Coordinator, at ccloughen@episcopalmaryland.org or 410-321-4545.
30] – Almost a century has elapsed since November 11, 1918, the original Armistice Day. As Bertrand Russell advised: “In all affairs it’s a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.” How could President Wilson make the world safe for democracy when at home he was fighting the suffragettes, re-segregating the federal government, using the Espionage Act to imprison thousands of war opponents, flooding the country with fake news through the Committee on Public Information and suggesting naturalized citizens had “poured the poison of disloyalty into the very arteries of our national life” and therefore needed to “be crushed”?
“Republic Undone” is John Henry's third play exploring the struggle between the Constitution's separation of powers and the exclusive entrustment of the war power to Congress, and limitless executive power and perpetual presidential wars. Henry dramatizes the galaxy of personalities and forces that occasioned America’s participation in the Great War and led to its world-shaping sequel, World War II. The play features a pageant of remarkable women. Wilson’s wife of 29 years, Ellen Axson, is the wise heroine. She is instrumental in her husband’s elevation to President of Princeton, Governor of New Jersey, and President of the United States. He has an affair with Mary Peck and loses Ellen’s calming influence when she dies at the outbreak of the war. His second wife, Edith Galt, reinforces his inclination to see the world in the Old Testament primary colors of “good guys” and "bad guys".
Henry’s play challenges orthodox narratives. When the war broke out, Wilson proclaimed American neutrality while not so secretly favoring the Allies. In so doing, Wilson made the United States a co-belligerent with Britain and France for more than two years before Congress declared war on April 6, 1917. World War I was never a defensive war for the United States. Indeed, Wilson claimed his motives were altruistic. The war to end all wars culminated in the Versailles Treaty. Wilson’s Fourteen Points – the inducement for the Armistice – proved nothing more than a scrap of paper. Reparations were punitive. Germany was dismantled and Germans were denied self- determination. The die was cast for the rise of Hitler and World War II.
“Republic Undone” will be performed by citizen actors. The play is directed by Rick Davis, Professor and Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. An enthusiast for citizen theater, Davis has worked with the Stone Hill Theatrical Foundation for five years. The citizen playwright, citizen actors, and citizen director celebrate the tradition of ancient Greece when theater was invented to address issues of the day. Go to https://www.stonehilltheatricalfoundation.org/. See the play on Tues., May 22 starting at 7:30 PM at the Keegan Theatre, 1742 Church St. NW, WDC 20036. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/republic-undone-at-keegan-theatre-dc-tickets-45451904871.
31] – On Tues., May 22 from 8 to 10 PM, see the film “Good Night and Good Luck,” hosted by The Cultural Center at the Opera House and Havre de Grace Arts Collective, 121 N. Union Ave., Havre de Grace 21078. Tickets are available at hdgoperahouse.org. When Senator Joseph McCarthy begins his foolhardy campaign to root out Communists in America, CBS News impresario Edward R. Murrow (David Strathairn) dedicates himself to exposing the atrocities being committed by McCarthy's Senate "investigation." Murrow is supported by a news team that includes long-time friend and producer Fred Friendly (George Clooney). The CBS team does its best to point out the senator's lies and excesses, despite pressure from CBS' corporate sponsors to desist. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/558503847852835/.
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
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