Baltimore Activist Alert August 19 to 21, 2018

Baltimore Activist Alert August 19 to 21, 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] “Colloquy: The Season’s Introspection in the Now” – Aug. 19

10] Immigration During Houdini’s Day, 1878-1924 – Aug. 19

11] Yoga for Gaza – Aug. 19

12] The importance of the railroad in the Civil War – Aug. 19

13] ERA Education Program – Aug. 19

14] Protest at the Pentagon – Aug. 20

15] Food Rescue – Aug. 20

16] Canvas in Wicomico County – Aug. 20

17] Get Money Out of Maryland conference call – Aug. 20

18] Peace Vigil – Aug, 21

19] Protest JHU Drone Research – Aug. 21

20] Phone bank for Ben Jealous – Aug. 21

21] Sanctuary DMV Accompaniment Training – Aug. 21

22] See Palestinian film – Aug. 21

23] American Promise Delaware – Aug. 21

24] Support Green Party candidate – Aug. 21

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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] – 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., Aug. 19, the topic is “Colloquy: The Season’s Introspection in the Now.”  This is meant to be an expression of free flow of the inner experience of what a member brings or develops as a result of listening self and others. It reflects the themes of the season – vitality, generativity, celebration, peaceful coexistence, compassion, humanity… One might speak impromptu, sing, read a poem, or share a quotation, or a (sleeping or waking) dream. In reflecting these brief thoughts and sharing associations, it is hoped that the collective consciousness of the members will ripple into the wider ethical and unethical communities in Baltimore, in the counties, and in the state.

The reflection is expected to be spontaneous, but measured between moments of silence so that the members can acknowledge the reflection of others. One might be moved to stand behind or at the side of a member whose reflection needs emotional support. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

10] – On Sun., Aug. 19 from 1 to 2 PM, go to American Immigration During Houdini’s Day, 1878-1924, hosted by Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore 21202. Tickets are at 68398.blackbaudhosting.com.  The speaker is Dr. Nicholas Fessenden of the Baltimore Immigration Museum. Tickets to this program include Museum admission, but seating is limited.  Erich Weiss (who would become the great Harry Houdini) landed in New York with his family in 1878 at the tender age of four, part of a wave of mass immigration that would expand to over 24 million new arrivals to the shores of American by 1914. The beginning of this wave originated largely from Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Britain, but as industrialization spurred prosperity in Western Europe in the 1890s, the bulk of immigrants began arriving from Italy and Eastern Europe.

Dr. Fessenden explores the impact this wave of immigration had on the United States and its immigration policies – particularly the birth of a restrictionist movement and Congressional quotas that lasted from the 1920s to the 1960s. This program is presented in relation to the Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini exhibit, on display June 24, 2018 – January 21, 2019.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/667184986963516/.

11] –  On Sun., Aug. 19 from 2 to 3:30 PM, get over to Yoga for Gaza in Malcolm X Park, hosted by Make Hummus Not Walls at Malcolm X Park, Euclid St. NW & 16th St. NW, WDC 20009.  Tickets are getinvolved.unrwausa.org.  Trump has slashed critical funds for the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA. The team (Make Hummus Not Walls) is running a 5k race to raise funds to compensate for the budget slashes. Join a 5k team for an all-levels yoga session in Malcolm X Park this Sunday led by team member Brie Kordis, a local yoga instructor. Everyone is welcome. Bring a yoga mat or blanket to use! And bring water to stay hydrated!

All donations will go to UNRWA's mental health programs for kids in Gaza who have suffered tremendous trauma from repeated Israeli military assaults and the ongoing blockade. Mental and physical health is important and so often overlooked in conflict areas. Join us to support UNRWA's efforts to provide much needed mental health services to Palestinian youth. Donate what you can to participate and/or join the 5k team here: https://getinvolved.unrwausa.org/fundraiser/1542184. Get over https://www.facebook.com/events/1527551104017023/.

12] –  On Sun., Aug. 19 from 2 to 4 PM,  hear about the importance of the railroad, hosted by Historical Society of Baltimore County, 9811 Van Buren Lane, Cockeysville 21030.  Get tickets at historicalsocbaltoco.ticketspice.com.  York County, Pa.-based author Scott Mingus, Sr. will discuss his book, "This Trying Hour: The Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad in the Civil War," co-authored with Robert L. Williams. The PW&B was one of the most important supply and troop transport routes in the Eastern Theater of the Civil War, especially for the Union Army of the Potomac. The book includes detailed accounts of Abraham Lincoln's clandestine trip on the PW&B to Baltimore enroute to his inauguration as president; the Pratt Street Riot in Baltimore in April 1861; Isaac R. Trimble's burning of the railroad bridges by his force of Baltimore City policemen and Maryland state militiamen; Major Harry Gilmor's daring raid on the railroad in 1864 that resulted in the capture of a Union major general; and many other key events along the main rail route between New York City and Washington.

  Mingus has written widely on the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. Copies of "This Trying Hour" will be available for sale after the presentation. Admission is $5, but free to HSBC members. Please pre-register to ensure a seat by following the link for tickets. Doors open at 1:15 PM.  Contact HSBC at 410-666-1878 or info@hsobc.org. See https://www.facebook.com/events/141590770015362/.

13] – On Sun., Aug. 19 at 4 PM, join The CALL - ERA Education Program, hosted by One Rural Woman at Katrina's Dream, PO Box 32003, WDC 20007.  Get tickets at www.katrinasdream.org.  Help build the groundswell. The collaboration of grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and professionals is dedicated to promoting and educating folks across the United States of America to empowering women around the world.  PASS THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT.

There is a NATIONAL WEEKLY SUNDAY CALL at 4 PM with E.R.A. ADVOCATES -- CALL IN NO: 563.999.2090 CONFERENCE NO: 898879#.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1710130249022424/.

14] – 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 Aug. 20, 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.

15] – On Mon., Aug. 20, and every Monday until Feb. 4, 2019, at noon, there will be a Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. Food Rescue Baltimore is honored to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring access to free vegan/plant-based food in the community. Bring a bag. Take what you want from noon to 1PM or while supplies last. No purchase is necessary to take advantage of the Food Rescue Baltimore give away. Items from The Land of Kush's menu are not included in the give-away but will be available for sale. See https://www.facebook.com/events/415842178868197/.

16] –   Canvas in Wicomico County! Find Salisbury's Progressives starting at 4:30 PM on Mon., Aug. 20 in Evolution Craft Brewery Company, 201 E Vine St., Salisbury 21804 [Evo's Parking lot off Rt. 13] to review script and work on canvas techniques. Plans are to be on the turf by 5:15 PM and finish by 8 PM. If you're coming, bring your smart phone and have VAN installed. CONTACT Jerad Lee Halcott · jeradhalcott3636@gmail.com · 302-260-4821.

17] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Monday, Aug. 20 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. 

18] –  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. 21.  Call 215-426-0364.

19] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Aug. 21 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

20] – On Tues., Aug. 21, Thurs., Aug. 23 and Tues., Aug. 28 at 6 PM, and continuing until Sept. 27, get involved with Baltimore City Phone Banks for Ben Jealous, hosted by the Baltimore City Democratic Party at the 1199 SEIU Maryland/DC, 611 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201.  Call voters across Baltimore, and tell them why Ben Jealous is the best candidate for our City! Phone bank every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 PM.  You'll have talking points on hand, and plenty of seasoned volunteers to support you as you engage with neighbors across Baltimore. Just bring a cell phone and a charger! Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2105898316403812/.

21] – On Tues., Aug. 21 from 6 to 8:30 PM, attend Sanctuary DMV Accompaniment Training, hosted by Sanctuary DMV at Foundry United Methodist Church, 1500 16th St. NW, WDC 20036. REGISTER FOR THIS TRAINING HERE: https://goo.gl/forms/JHoUmWndc1uuTMsq1.  On numerous occasions, migrants have been detained during a routine check-in with ICE. They literally disappear without being allowed to inform their friends or relatives, creating panic among their loved ones.  By volunteering to accompany migrants to ICE check-ins, immigration court hearings, and other appointments where there is a risk of detention or other cause of fear, you are showing solidarity and helping to ease the anxiety of interacting with the legal system, reducing the likelihood of detention with your presence, and keeping relatives or lawyers informed in case the person with you is detained. Over the past year, volunteers with Sanctuary DMV's accompaniment program have supported dozens of immigrants at their ICE check-ins, immigration court appointments, and more. Help set up effective deportation defense campaigns in the rare cases that the people we accompany are detained by ICE in our presence. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1070629359782127/.

22] – On Tues., Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, see the film "The Time That Remains,” hosted by the Baltimore-Palestine Solidarity at the Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218.  From world-renowned director Elia Suleiman, the film is a humorous, heartbreaking study that explores life among the Israeli Arab community from 1948 to the present day, shot largely in homes and places in which Suleiman's family once lived. Inspired by his father's diaries, letters his mother sent to family members who had fled the Israeli occupation, and the director's own recollections, the film recounts the saga of the filmmaker's family in subtly hilarious vignettes. An intimate and semibiographical portrait of Palestinians living as a minority in their own homeland, the film is a tart delight. This deadpan comedy also packs some emotional power. Doors open at 6 PM, and the film starts promptly at 6:30 PM. Homemade Arabic food will be available.  The suggested donation is $5. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/293635314717148/.

23] – On Tues., Aug. 21 from 7 to 8 PM, come to a Meeting: American Promise Delaware, which promotes a 28th Constitutional amendment to get big money out of politics.  It is happening at Room 25, First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Rd.  All welcome.  Go to https://www.meetup.com/Delaware-American-Promise-Association-DE-APA/.

24] –  On Tues., Aug. 21 from 7 to 10 PM, Come out and Support Ryan Sullivan's Campaign for D7 Delegate,  hosted by the Baltimore County Green Party and Ryan Sullivan For State Delegate MD 7th at the Towne Grill & Pub, 1006 Joppa Farm Road, Joppatowne 21085. Support a campaign which empowers front line communities and workers. See https://www.facebook.com/events/2092026161117959/.

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