Baltimore Activist Alert July 22 to 24, 2018

Baltimore Activist Alert July 22 to 24, 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] Pat Elder for Congress

6] Support the Duncan & Porter Hospitality House  

7] Participate in Megan Shook's fundraiser for USA for UNHCR

8] Buy an Anti-War Veteran hat

9] Adopt a cat – through July 31

10] Preventing Gun Violence – July 22

11] Working with People Living with HIV – July 22

12] Adoption Event – July 22

13] Seeking Social Justice in Word and Song – July 22

14] DSA meeting – July 22

15] Palestinian Cultural Dinner – July 22

16] Puerto Rican Cultural Showcase – July 22

17] Affordable Housing Block Party -- July 22

18] Protest at the Pentagon -- July 23

19] Peace Camp -- July 23

20] Nelson Mandela Centennial celebration -- July 23

21] Impact of Trump Administration's Ocean Management Decisions -- July 23  

22] Women Who Changed America Tour – July 23

23] Mass Liberation Monday – July 23

24] Get Money Out of Maryland conference call – July 23

25] Peace Vigil – July 24

26] No Drone Research DEMO – July 24

27] Stop the Toll Roads – July 24

28] "The Case for a Maximum Wage" – July 24

29] Change the City Charter -- July 24

30] Film ”Requiem for the American Dream” – July 24

31] Ending Mass Incarceration – July 24

32] UFPJ conference call – July 24

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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 hono8rable 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 the undue pressure, Reality decided to cop a plea, and now faces five years of imprisonment. Please write to Reality at Reality L. Winner, Inmate # 3342, Lincoln County Jail, PO Box 970, Lincolnton, GA 30817.

5] – Green Candidate Pat Elder is Running against Democratic House Whip Steny Hoyer -- www.elderforcongress.org/elderforcongress@gmail.com/301-997-3963. Elder is a life-long peace and justice activist, who will be on the ballot in November. He is a great progressive.  Elder calls for shutting down the Chalk Point and Morgantown coal-fired stations in the 5th district. Pat is opposed to Dominion Energy’s terminal at Cove Point and other projects in the 5th. He also demands a cessation of weapons testing in the Potomac and an immediate cleanup of Superfund sites at the Indian Head Naval Warfare Center and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He calls for subjecting the military’s ongoing environmental degradation to state oversight. 

Pat supports Medicare for all, public financing of elections, free community college. Elder supports a living wage; strong measures to correct racial injustice; eliminating the Social Security taxable maximum of $128,400; He advocates for meaningful cuts in military spending and increasing the top tax for folks making more than $2 million to 50%. That’ll pay for everything. Pat supports non-violent, multilateral solutions to the problems facing our country.

Pat plans to capture 5% of the vote and expects to open the political debate. Pat expects to run the most successful Green Party congressional campaign ever. It shouldn’t be too tough. Hoyer is awful. Spread the message on social media. Send in a dollar or two if you can.

6] – Support the Duncan & Porter Hospitality House. What's a house of hospitality without a working kitchen? Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/v2s3h8.

More than 25 years ago Vincent Eirene, of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, opened up his doors to those in need. Vince, now 65, will always put others first and has given back to the community continuously. Avoiding the regulations of official shelters, he maintains an open door policy, working with a few men at a time that usually come from the local food pantry. He helps them with everything from medical care to social services. Vince has been running his open door home on his own disability check and the miracle of generosity. I personally have been helping him secure funding for purchasing the home and keeping it livable, from small touches to large ones. It is currently in need of a new stove. Please help us raise this modest amount before harvest, so the cooking can continue at the Duncan and Porter House of Hospitality.

7] – Participate in Megan Shook's fundraiser for USA for UNHCR.  She asks, “Want to join me in supporting a good cause? I'm raising money for USA for UNHCR and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about USA for UNHCR, which helps and protects refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution. Supporting UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and its partners, we provide lifesaving essentials including shelter, water, food, safety and protection. Around the world, we help refugees survive, recover and build a better future.  Together we give refugees the hope they deserve, restore their dignity and help them rebuild their lives.”  Established by concerned citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Donate at https://www.facebook.com/donate/430046250797823/.

8] – Get a good-looking black hat which says Anti-War Veteran in the front and Viva House 50^th in the back.  The cost is $10. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

9] – Now is the purr-fect time to adopt and give an unwanted cat or kitten a loving, new family! During the entire month of July, the Maryland SPCA, along with 19 other shelters across Maryland, are waiving adoption fees for felines with the collective goal of finding homes for at least 2,000 unwanted cats and kittens across the state. Regular adoption procedures still apply. The Maryland 2,000 sponsor Cat Hospital At Towson (CHAT) will be offering free wellness exams for all cats adopted during the month of July from the Maryland SPCA and BAWA Partners (BARCS, Baltimore Humane Society and Baltimore County Animal Services). Click here http://www.mdspca.org/updates/detail/maryland-20001. 

Help save more lives with Baltimore Animal Welfare Alliance partners–BARCS, Baltimore Humane Society, Baltimore County Animal Services and special guest Humane Society of Harford County. The standard adoption fee for cats and kittens will be waived as part of our Maryland 2,000 adoption promotion. To help you and your new feline get off on the right paw, adopters will receive a free certificate for a cat wellness exam at CHAT. Standard adoption procedures will apply for each participating shelter.

10] – On Sun., July 22 from 9:15 to 10:45 AM, there is a Meeting for Learning - Preventing Gun Violence hosted by the Annapolis Friends Meeting, 351 Dubois Road., Annapolis 21401.  Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence and Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense Contact will lead the Ministry and Worship. See https://www.facebook.com/events/231955150746589/.

11] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion at 10:30 AM.  On Sun., July 22, the topic is “Working with People Living with HIV in West Baltimore.”  Mary Beth Sodus RD/LD, will share her experiences working with people living with HIV in West Baltimore, white privilege, and what she has learned in her first year of patient care as a Registered Dietitian. She will share a Power Point illustrating and describing her first year working as a registered dietitian, with people living with HIV at a clinic that seeks to serve all patient needs in a very impoverished area of West Baltimore. The job was certainly not what she expected.  The presentation will include lessons she has learned and is continuing to learn. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

12] –  On Sun., July 22 from 11 AM to 2 PM, there is an Adoption Event, hosted by Mutt Mart, 2904 Hamilton Ave, Baltimore 21214, and The Feline Rescue Association.  Come meet some of FRA's adoptable kitties.  The FRA is s charity organization, and can be reached at baltimorecats@gmail.com.  The cat rescue is based out of volunteer foster homes in the Baltimore area. Check out www.baltimorecats.org or https://www.facebook.com/events/2152971068305500/.

13] – On Sun., July 22 from 11 AM to 2 PM, attend Seeking Social Justice in Word and Song, hosted by Grace United Methodist Church, 5407 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21210. Join us as we learn ways to be more involved, seeking ways to make life better for those in our community.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/2026812564004750/.

14] – On Sun., July 22 from 2 to 4:30 PM, there is a General Body Meeting of the Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America at the Alternative Press Center Library, 2239 Kirk Ave., Baltimore 21218. Find out more about organizing and where your place is in the movement! All are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend. After the meeting at 5 PM, be at a social gathering at The Crown. Everyone welcome. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1427651067336019/.

15] – On Sun., July 22 from 3 to 6 PM, attend the Palestinian Cultural Dinner,  a benefit for Playgrounds for Palestine at The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St. Wilmington, DE 19801. Visit https://playgroundsforpalestine.org/dinner-with-chef-anan-zahr/.

16] – On Sun., July 22 from 3 to 8 PM enjoy a Puerto Rican Cultural Showcase- Fundraising Event, hosted by Republic, 6939 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park 20912.  Savor the cooking of Chefs De Borinquen- Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief. Collaborate with Friends of Puerto Rico & the People of Republic to showcase Puerto Rican Culture. Enjoy food, drink and a night of dancing with live music, raffles and a domino tournament. See https://www.facebook.com/events/246859939195734/.

17] – On Sun., July 22 from 5 to 7 PM, come to an Affordable Housing Block Party - Micro Shelter Reveal, hosted by SmalltimoreHomes.org at Eager Park, Baltimore.  Visit www.smalltimorehomes.org or https://www.facebook.com/events/2101788336773496/.

18] – 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 July 23, 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.

19] – The Little Friends for Peace wrote that the Peace Camp Season is here! There is a Session going from Mon., July 23 through Fri., July 27.  Register at https://form.jotform.com/peacecamp/2017-cheverly-registration-form. LFFP's goal of creating environments where campers and counselors alike can experience, learn, and practice peace, in ways our culture may not foster or facilitate. Peace is defined differently by each individual, but LFFP teaches peace as both an answer and alternative to violence. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities email volunteer@lffp.org.

20] – On Mon., July 23 from noon to 1:30 PM, get involved with the Nelson Mandela Centennial celebration, hosted by The Public Diplomacy Council at the Elliott School of International Affairs, 1957 E St. NW, WDC 20052.  Tickets are available at calendar.usc.edu.  Nelson Mandela was born 100 years ago this month in July 1918. This forum will celebrate his life and achievements, focusing on his emergence as one of the leading public diplomacy leaders of the 20th century. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1771222456304067/.

21] – On Mon., July 23 from noon to 1:30 PM, catch the Impact of Trump Administration's Ocean Management Decisions, hosted by the Environmental Law Institute. Tickets are at www.eli.org. A number of ocean management decisions released under the Trump Administration mark a significant shift in ocean policy. This is an ELI Oceans Program Webinar, where panelists will discuss these recent decisions from a variety of legal and governance perspectives. Visit bit.ly/2zIFP4Y.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/645011242537030/.

22] – On Mon., July 23 at 1 PM, get involved in the Women Who Changed America Tour at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, WDC.  See tickets at tracking.goldstar.com.  They founded organizations, sponsored legislation, blazed trails and suffered trials. For generations, women living and working in Washington, D.C. have defied expectations and surmounted discrimination to increase equality, freedom and prosperity for their fellow citizens. "Angel of the Battlefield" Clara Barton inspired a world-wide humanitarian movement. Dorothy Height devoted 40 years to supporting African-American women and girls. Frances Perkins not only became the first woman to serve as a cabinet secretary, she was the principal architect of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. See the sites downtown and around the U.S. Capitol where they and others made their marks and follow history along Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, where thousands of suffragists first marched for equality on March 3, 1913. The walk will conclude at the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, home to the National Women's Party for nearly 90 years and the epicenter of the struggle for women's rights. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1095912313914940/.

23] – On Mon., July 23 from 7 to 9 PM, join the Mass Liberation Monday, hosted by Mass Liberation Project PG County at Progressive Maryland PG Office, 9221 Hampton Overlook, Capitol Heights 20743.  The guest speaker is April Ademiluyi, who is running to become a Prince George's County Circuit Court Judge. She will discuss the accountability plan for the incoming State's Attorney.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/283108248917597/.

24] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Monday, July 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.  Call 605-475-6711, code 1136243#.  Work only on brainstorming ideas for participation in the upcoming General Election. Early voting goes from Thurs., Oct. 25 through Thurs., Nov. 1 (8 days), and Election Day is Tues., Nov. 6. 

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 July 24.  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 July 24 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

27] – Attend this Workshop on Tues., July 24 at 6:30 PM at Central High School, 200 Cabin Branch Road, Capitol Heights 20743, to give your feedback on alternatives to Governor Hogan's proposal to add four express toll lanes to the Capital Beltway (I-495) and to I-270 between the Beltway and Frederick.  The Governor's proposal calls for a public-private partnership to design, build, and operate the express toll lanes and recoup the investment via tolls that would fluctuate based on congestion to keep the traffic moving. But before proceeding, the proposal and alternatives to meet the need and purpose must be subjected to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.  The EIS is scheduled to be completed by fall/winter 2019. The Sierra Club can be reached through Lindsey Mendelson at lindsey.mendelson@mdsierra.org or 240-706-7901.

28] – On  Tues., July 24 from 7 to 8:30 PM, Institute for Policy Studies analyst  Sam Pizzigati will discuss his new book, "The Case for a Maximum Wage," at Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC.  Could capping top incomes tackle our rising inequality more effectively than conventional approaches to narrowing our vast economic divides? Progressive Cheverly members have had the opportunity to hear Sam discuss some of his previous books, including "Greed and Good Understanding the Inequality that Limits our Lives." Go to https://ips-dc.org/events/author-events-the-case-for-a-maximum-wage/.

29] – On Tues., July 24 from 7 to 8:30 PM, participate in Change Our City Charter: A Teach-In, hosted by Baltimore Peoples Climate Movement at Impact Hub Baltimore, 10 E North Ave., Baltimore 21202. Join the Baltimore Peoples Climate Movement for a training on Baltimore City’s charter and how you can use ballot initiatives to change the way city government works. Hear from legal experts and community organizers about current ballot initiative efforts and how you can use this tool to rewrite the city charter. Gain practical skills and learn how to put your ideas on the ballot! There will be snacks and refreshments provided.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/347318052465345/.

30] – On Tues., July 24 at 7 PM, go to the Pacem Summer Film Series and see ”Requiem for the American Dream” at Westminster Church, 1502 W. 13th St., Wilmington. Check out http://depaceminterris.org/fw-event-slug/pacem-summer-film-series-july-17-august-7/. Hear from Noam Chomsky and the principles of concentration of wealth and power. This is a crisp encapsulation of Noam Chomsky’s thoughts on where corporate political influence and expanding economic equality are taking our nation as a whole — in a handbasket or otherwise. The diagnosis is not good, if not quite terminal yet, either. Dr. Judith Butler will lead the discussion.

31] –  On Tues., July 24 from 7:30 to 9 PM, there is an Ending Mass Incarceration meeting, hosted by Takoma Park Mobilization at Historic Takoma, 7328 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park 20912.  Join in a meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming legislative session and round up volunteers for a re-entry training program. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2141506719470047/.

32] –Join a United for Peace & Justice Member Group call on Tues., July 24 at 9 PM EDT. Think together about ways to elevate peace and justice activities in your community, review the major campaigns UFPJ is engaged in, and plan some actions together. RSVP for the call at info.ufpj@gmail.com.  The call in number is (712) 775-7035, and the access code is 495518.

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