Baltimore Activist Alert – December 8 – 10, 2019

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 8 – 10, 2019

"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] Get involved with NCNR   

4] Lawyers Against War

5] Call to protect Human Rights for Palestinian Children  

6] Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit – Dec. 8 - 10

7] Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit through Feb. 28

8] BARCS Benefit Day – Dec. 8

9] Neighbors Without Walls – Dec. 8

10] The Hidden Joy of Serving -- Dec. 8

11] Legally sanctioned residential segregation – Dec. 8

12] Explore the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge – Dec. 8

13] “Spending the City’s Money to Solve Peoples Problems” – Dec. 8

14] Handel’s Messiah – Dec. 8

15] House Concert Series – Dec. 8

16] National Organize to Win 2020 Kickoff – Dec. 8

17] Casa Baltimore Limay fundraiser – Dec. 8

18] Protest Potluck -- Dec. 8

19] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Dec. 9

20] Urge Congress to Hold Hearings on the ERA – Dec. 9

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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 U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] – Jeff Ross, an attorney in Maryland, is interested in gathering with other lawyers to discuss ways in which the legal profession and the law generally can be conceptualized as a peace-building and war-resisting institution and redirected to these ends. Areas to explore might include: 1) ways in which this group could support with legal analysis/writing those lawyers who are representing peace-builders/war-resisters in criminal prosecutions; 2) ways in which, from a more theoretical perspective, the law might be grounded in an ethic of non-violence; and 3) ways in which law students and young lawyers might be exposed to a non-violent vision of the law. All religious, philosophical, and critical perspectives on the law are welcome. The group might want to call itself Lawyers against War. Jeff can be reached at 443-690-6872 and jross50@hotmail.com.

5] -- CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE:  SUPPORT  HR 2407 -- “The Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act,” which would prohibit U.S. foreign aid from contributing to “the military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill-treatment of children in violation of international humanitarian law.” Additionally, it would authorize $19 million dollars annually to fund NGOs monitoring human rights abuses associated with the military detention of children and provide physical and mental health services to children who have been victims of military detention, abuse, and torture.  The Bill was introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum from Minnesota, and has found co-sponsors...BUT NOT IN MARYLAND. What if Maryland had some women in its delegation?   And, right now with the vacant seat following Rep. Cummings' death, don't hesitate to call another office and ask that your voice be heard. Call the main switchboard 202- 225-2131 and ask to be transferred to any of the following Maryland Representatives: Brown, Harris, Hoyer, Raskin, Ruppersberger, Sarbanes or Trone.

6] - On Sun., Dec. 8, Mon., Dec. 9, and Tues., Dec. 10 from 8 AM to 5 PM, visit the Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit, hosted by the New Village Press, 1957 E St. NW, WDC 20052-0041.  November 15, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War Mobilization March on Washington, a gathering of over half a million demonstrators against the war. The George Washington University offers a series of events to educate students and the general public about often overlooked facets of the history of US involvement in Vietnam, including the impact that antiwar GIs and veterans had on ending the war. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/508974299680430/?event_time_id=513544722556721.

7] - On Sun., Dec. 1, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2020 from 9 AM to 5 PM, see Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit hosted by the National Wildlife Federation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1200 New York Ave. NW, WDC 20005. Come marvel at “Nature’s Witness,” an exhibition of 50 powerful wildlife photographs chosen to inspire conservation. Free and open to the public, this National Wildlife Federation exhibit will run until Feb. 28, 2020. 

All 50 images were entries in annual National Wildlife® Photo Contests, which draw more than 22,000 images from around the world every year. Within the exhibit, one group of images titled “Nature’s Challenge” will raise awareness about some of the threats putting wildlife at risk today, including habitat loss, invasive species, disease and climate change. Another set of photographs titled “Life’s Essentials” will explore how people can help species thrive by gardening for wildlife. Kids attending the exhibit — a family-friendly event — will also be able to pick up a copy of Ranger Rick®, Ranger Rick Jr.™, Ranger Rick Cub™ or one of the National Wildlife Federation’s many other children’s publications. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2707182892665780/?event_time_id=2707182935999109.

8] - On Sun., Dec. 8 from 10 AM to 9 PM, get over to BARCS Benefit Day, hosted by Great Sage, 5809 Clarksville Square Drive, Clarksville 21029. BARCS is a non-profit organization operating Maryland’s largest open-admission animal shelter and pet adoption center, nestled in downtown Baltimore's Federal Hill neighborhood. Their shelter grants refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through their door - a staggering 30 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS daily, every single day of the year. No matter what the circumstance, they do not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food and a loving touch.

Great Sage is honored to donate 10% of all sales to BARCS to help them increase adoptions and rescues.  Reservations are welcome at 443.535.9400.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/738210936698657/.

9] – On Sun., Dec. 8 from 10 AM to 1 PM, Neighbors Without Walls:  Feeding the Homeless & Hungry at the Terra Cafe Bmore, 101 East 25th St., Baltimore 21218. Homelessness is by far one of the largest issues that plague our city and there is something, no matter how small, we all can do to about it. Terra Cafe is the proud sponsor of Neighbors Without Walls. On the 2nd Sunday of each month, Terra Cafe and a group of volunteers, prep, package and distribute meals, water, clothing and care packages to homeless residents of Baltimore City. Our "Neighbors" come to expect our giving and support. Terra Cafe is grateful to be in our 10th year of giving back to our Community! Thanks everyone, for your generous support. Together, we really can make a difference. Love offerings and donations are welcome. See https://www.facebook.com/events/447127372744434/?event_time_id=447127379411100.

10] -- 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., Dec. 8 hear about “The Hidden Joy of Serving: Appreciating Their Story.” When you serve other people in need, one of the best gifts is to appreciate their story. Whether at a shelter, a youth program, or a street corner, it’s so important to listen to others with caring attention. Whether the story they tell is about how their day is going or is about the day they were born, it’s important. So, ask, “How are you today?” “What was it like when you were young?” Let them know that they matter. Come explore with Hugh Taft-Morales the power of story to connect us as human beings. He joined the Baltimore Ethical Society as its professional leader in 2010, the same year he was certified by the American Ethical Union as an Ethical Culture Leader. He also serves as Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

11] –  Social Justice and Jewish Values will continue on Sun., Dec. 8 from 10:30 AM to noon at Chizuk Amuno, 8100 Stevenson Road, Baltimore 21208, in the Esterson Auditorium.  This is part of a series of Sunday morning learning sessions on a Jewish perspective on social justice. Each session begins with studying relevant Jewish texts, followed by presentations by guest speakers/teachers who bring an informed and personal perspective to these issues. The issue is legally sanctioned residential segregation and its role in creating structural inequality in Baltimore City and suburbs.  Hear from Lawrence Lanahan, author of “The Lines Between Us: Two Families and a Quest to Cross Baltimore’s Racial Divide.  Contact Sandra Dzija at smdzija@gmail.com. Go to https://www.chizukamuno.org/events/social-justice-and-jewish-values-2019-12-08/.

12] - Explore the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, North Tract, 230 Bald Eagle Drive, Laurel 20724, on Sun, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 PM, organized by the Prince George's County Sierra Club Group.  Contact Janet Gingold at jgingold3@gmail.com or (301) 814-1223.  Spend the afternoon walking in the woods and practice our winter tree ID skills among the beeches, oaks and hollies. The walk will be about 3.5 miles and take about 2 hours. This is a natural surface trail with some muddy spots and some roots and branches to step over. Wear long pants and sturdy close-toed shoes/boots that can stand up to some mud. Bring a water bottle and a pocket-sized snack. Binoculars are a plus.

13] – Communities United is hosting a Town Hall: “Spending the City’s Money to Solve Peoples Problems” on Sun., Dec. 8 from 1 to 4 PM at the Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 1121 W. Lanvale Street, Baltimore. Call Rafiki at 443-253-2643!

14] –Get over to a Handel’s Messiah Singalong on Sun., Dec. 8 at 3 PM at St Stephen’s Church in Crownsville 21032. Brendan Walls is conducting, others are volunteering and all proceeds go to the pantry outreach in Crofton. Email brendan.walls@seaseton.org.

15] – Ginny and Don Robertson host a House Concert Series (food is all vegan) at their home in Lutherville/Timonium. There is a concert on Sun., Dec. 8 at 3 PM featuring singer/songwriter Dan Navarro. He’s the LA Folk/Rock/Contemporary troubadour who gained international notice in the 80s with Lowen and Navarro, a duo that served as opening act for many of the best known groups at the time. You might remember their song and video “Walking On A Wire”, which was popular on MTV. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xTBqEZWhGc. Dan and singing partner Eric Lowen wrote the song “We Belong”, which became a Top-Five worldwide hit for Pat Benatar. See www.facebook.com/events/397405301195339/ and www.meetup.com/House-Concerts-at-Ginny-Dons/.

16] -- Our Revolution's signature event - the National Organize to Win 2020 Kickoff is on Sun., Dec. 8 from 5 to 7 PM.  Meet board members, National Chair Larry Cohen, Jim Zogby, Jim Hightower, and Nebraska's awesome progressive Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb.  Great elected representatives, including Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Occoquan Supervisor Kenny Boddye, are featured speakers. Plus see super-activists like Yasmine Taeb (immigration), Zola Shaw (racial equity), and Clayton Northcraft (education).

This is happening at the Eaton Hotel, 1201 K St. NW, WDC. RSVP at  https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/162848/?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-our-national-organize-to-win-2020-kickoff-is-this-sunday&email_referrer=email_673885&email_subject=our-national-organize-to-win-2020-kickoff-is-this-sunday.

17] – On Sun., Dec. 8 from 5 to 9:30 PM, attend the annual holiday party, hosted by Casa Baltimore Limay, 2902 Louise Ave., Baltimore 21214. This is a *fun* raiser as well as a fundraiser for projects in our friendship community, Limay, Nicaragua. (College scholarships, food security for the most vulnerable, child care center, medical fund, agricultural and water projects, revolving loan development fund.) Please bring a potluck dish to share, and lots of holiday love. Your friends and family are also very welcome.  Do YOU have talent to share? Please prepare a song, a poem, a comedy riff, your spoon-rhythm band, your caricature drawings.... You get the idea. The sky's the limit. Call Barbara at 410-444-1023 or 330-345-4553.  A donation is requested for our projects - please throw something in the basket! No one will be turned away. And you can buy a raffle ticket. From Charles Street, head east on Northern Parkway to Old Harford Road, then turn right (south). Go four (4) blocks, turn left on Louise Avenue. House is on the left. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/485489668983222/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1575324417224505.

18] -- On Sun., Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, join a Protest Potluck: No Private Police or Fossil Fuels at JHU, hosted by JHU Sit-In and Refuel Our Future in the Mattin Center, Room 161, Homewood Campus, Baltimore 21218. Johns Hopkins continues to separate itself from the rest of Baltimore by displacing residents, suing hospital patients, creating an unwanted private police force, investing in fossil fuels, participating in nuclear weapons research, having $16 million contracts with Customs and Border Protection through APL, gentrifying Baltimore, not paying their fair share of taxes, not respecting nurse's right to organize, and countless other atrocities. This is for all who want to learn more about the Hopkins private police and Hopkins' investment in fossil fuels. Sign up to bring food here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N5nuF3PVMrLQm3gJLlcLadtG7yieydmWxbTaaEFOmsU/edit?usp=sharing.  Bring along a written list of the ingredients that will be placed alongside the food. Contact Aggie at 786-899-3871.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/2516940848355806/.

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 Dec. 9, 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] – Urge Congress to Hold Hearings on the ERA, which would be supported by Katrina's Dream.  Each Monday, including Dec. 9, at 8 AM, make calls to Senator Graham at (202) 224-5972 and your senators for the ERA. Hold hearings on S.J. Res 6, and S.J. Res. 5 which calls for the removal of a deadline for passage of the ERA. Click on this link https://bit.ly/2T1B8wp, and check out https://www.facebook.com/events/246467582967063/?event_time_id=246467699633718.

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