Friday, January 31, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert -- January 31 -- February 1, 2020


71] Jill P. Carter For Congress -- Jan. 31
72] Rally for a strong Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Jan. 31
73] Peace and justice vigil – Jan. 31
74] Community Meeting on Public Safety -- Jan. 31
75] Phone banking for Bernie – Jan. 31
76] The Legacies of Walter Rodney – Jan. 31
77] Ballroom Dancing Jan. 31
78] SURJ Power Hour – Feb. 1
79] Congressional District 7 Forum – Feb. 1
80] Compost Workday – Feb. 1
81] Day of Action for Jill Carter – Feb. 1
82] Tree Maintenance – Feb. 1
83] Co-Canvass hosted by Ryan Dorsey and Jill P. Carter – Feb. 1
84] Meet me in the Middle meeting – Feb. 1
85] DRONE DEATH WALK/VIGIL – Feb. 1
86] Public Safety Community Workshop – Feb. 1
87] Canvass for Bernie – Feb. 1
88] Town Hall Meeting – Feb. 1
89] Write letters supporting the Plowshares
90] Two Berrigan Books still in print
91] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Venezuela or Iran  
92] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records  
93] Do you need any book shelves?
94] Join the Global Zero campaign.
95] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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71] – On Fri., Jan. 31 from 10 AM to 8 PM, check out Office Hours at Jill P. Carter For Congress, 3549 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore 21211-2520.  Stop by and canvass/phone bank! See https://www.facebook.com/events/745345209325297/.

72] – On Fri., Jan. 31 from 1 to 4 PM, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act Draft Plan Public Meeting, hosted by the Maryland Dept. Of The Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore 21230.  The MDE has drafted a plan to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. The MDE is required by the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act – Reauthorization to develop a statewide greenhouse gas reduction plan. The department developed the draft plan in coordination with other state agencies and stakeholders, including the bipartisan Maryland Commission on Climate Change. The law also requires the department to solicit public comment on the draft plan from interested stakeholders and the public before adopting a final plan.

The MDE has been undertaking a public process to provide opportunities for citizens, to comment on the draft plan. Information on the draft plan and how to submit comments is at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Air/ClimateChange/Pages/2019-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Reduction-Act-(GGRA)--Draft-Plan.aspx?fbclid=IwAR28OUVGT7fuiBB-8DKDLZMGiUUAE6MNZTa0bqQ-NM0tB8ZyuJdotnLDN9c.  Comments on the draft plan can be sent to christopher.beck@maryland.gov.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/555017495296705/.
The Sierra Club is hosting a 12:30 PM rally and urging people to pack the room! Tell the MDE that the Draft Climate Plan is weak! Joining the Sierra Club is Chesapeake Climate Action Network. In October 2019, the MDE released its 2019 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Draft Plan to lay out how Maryland plans to cut climate pollution across our entire economy. This plan falls ways short of what Maryland needs to fight climate change and promote vibrant and healthy communities. Pack the room at MDE's public engagement session on the draft plan to tell MDE that Marylanders deserve bold and ambitious action on climate change! The 12:30 PM rally will be across the street in Carroll Park, near the intersection of S. Monroe Street and Washington Boulevard. Look at http://bit.ly/34MCVXD and https://www.facebook.com/events/533344010583149/?event_time_id=533344017249815.

73] – There is usually a silent peace and justice vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Jan. 31. Black Lives Matter.

74] – On Fri., Jan. 31 from 6 to 7:30 PM, go to a Community Meeting on Public Safety, hosted by Sen. Mary Washington for Mayor at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5701 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21239. Washington wants to hear your thoughts and feedback on her public safety proposal because the community should be at the center of this conversation. Check out www.bitly.com/forbmore and https://www.facebook.com/events/638862563556055/.

75] – On Fri., Jan. 31 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at 110 W. 39th St., (Hopkins House Apartments), Baltimore 21210, do phone banking for Bernie.  If you'd like to learn about more opportunities to help elect Bernie Sanders as the next president, contact mdforbernie@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/MD4Bernie/.  Check out https://events.berniesanders.com/event/190605/.

76] – On Fri., Jan. 31 from 7 to 10 PM, hear about The Legacies of Walter Rodney in Baltimore and Beyond at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. Catch a panel discussion on the work of revolutionary scholar Walter Rodney, and the continuing legacy of his work for Baltimore and beyond.  He was born in Georgetown, Guyana on March 23, 1942. He developed into an intellectual and scholar and is recognized as one of the Caribbean’s most brilliant minds. Rodney combined his scholarship with activism and became a voice for the under-represented and disenfranchised – this distinguished him from his academic colleagues. His interest in the struggles of the working class began at a young age with an introduction to politics by his father, and continued with his involvement in debating and study groups throughout his student years. In 1968, while a professor in Jamaica, he joined others to object to the socio-economic and political direction of the government. Rodney’s activities attracted the Jamaican government’s attention and after attending the 1968 Black Writers’ Conference in Montreal, Canada he was banned from re-entering the country.

On Friday, June 13, 1980, Rodney was assassinated by a bomb in Georgetown, Guyana. He was 38 years old.  Though Rodney lived with constant police harassment and frequent threats against his life he nonetheless managed to complete four books in the last year of his life: “An academic work: A History of the Guyanese Working People, 1881-1905; A political call to action; People’s Power, No Dictator,” and two children’s books:” Kofi Baadu Out of Africa and “Lakshmi Out of India.” Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/523228501873768/ and http://redemmas.org/.  

77] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be on Jan. 31. Call Dave Greene at 301-570-3283; or email eneergdivad@gmail.com.

78] –  On Sat., Feb. 1 from 9 AM, attend a SURJ Power Hour, hosted by SURJ Annapolis at  Cakes and Confections Bakery Café, 342 Ritchie Hwy., Suite B, Severna Park 21146.  This is a chance to meet fellow members and be a part of planning the next actions (including the quarterly educational workshops and diving into existing asks from accountability partners). These meetings take place on the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM and last about an hour. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/1339408993114072/.

79] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 9:30 to 11 AM, come to a Congressional District 7 Forum, hosted by the Howard County Democratic Party at Linden Hall, 4765 Dorsey Hall Drive, Ellicott City.  Tickets are available for purchase. Please remember that if you are a member of any of the local democratic clubs, entrance is free. If you previously purchased a ticket for the forum that was canceled due to inclement weather, it will be honored. If you would like to submit a question ahead of the forum, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFTddggEFHoGX3NyTlcfo5v1O-S_KPEihEjnkBLHOyc-fkYw/viewform.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/579228922807030/.

80] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 10 AM to noon, get with a  Compost Workday, hosted by Sisson Street Community Park, 2701 Sisson Street, Baltimore 21211.  Time to turn the compost! Help mix up the pile to keep it cooking, and spread the finished compost in the garden beds this spring.  This is also a good chance to learn about adding your kitchen scraps to the compost. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/813188989150296/.

81] On Sat., Feb. 1 from 10 AM to 2 PM, get with a Day of Action for Jill Carter for Congress with Our Revolution Baltimore at 3549 Chestnut Ave., Baltimore 21211-2520. Help send a champion to Congress who will fight for Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, free public college, criminal justice reform, racial and economic justice, an end to endless wars, and more. State Sen. Jill Carter is that champion, and Our Revolution Maryland has endorsed her as the most progressive candidate in the race for the late Elijah Cummings' seat in Maryland's 7th Congressional District. Canvass for Jill Carter for Congress. This is an all hands on deck moment. This canvassing event is only 3 days before the special election primary on February 4! Phone banking is also available in the office. If you plan to phonebank, please bring headphones.  If you plan to attend, email jakeburdett11@gmail.com so the campaign can get you set up in advance. See https://www.facebook.com/events/771027270075808/.

82] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 10 AM to 1 PM, get with Tree Maintenance, hosted by Gunpowder Valley Conservancy at the Loch Raven Reservoir, TowsonCheck out gunpowdervalleyconservancy.org. Newly planted trees need TLC to survive. Spend several hours to help young trees grow into healthy forests! Tree maintenance involves removing invasive plants, checking planted trees to see if the shelter needs to be removed and removing if necessary, digging out the planting tube, and making sure the plant is upright. Community service learning hours available. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/609988343153273/.

83] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 10:30 AM to 1 PM, join a Co-Canvass hosted by Ryan Dorsey and Jill P. Carter For Congress starting at Zeke's Coffee, 4719 Harford Road, Baltimore 21214. February 1st is just 3 days before the special election here in Maryland. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1030989437283775/.

84] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 11 AM to 1 PM, come to the Meet Me in the Middle meeting hosted by Communities United at 120 N. Front St., Baltimore 21202-4804. Communities United meets every first Saturday in the middle of Baltimore City at St. Vincent de Paul's (at the corner of Fayette and President Street, across from the Shot Tower Metro Stop) for the monthly public meeting. Coffee and light fare provided. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/455847931672069/.

85] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM, come to Center City Philadelphia at 12th & Arch Streets to participate in the DRONE DEATH WALK/VIGIL.  Wear BLACK in public mourning. Organizers will bring plain white masks, banners, and signs.  Call Marge Van Cleef at 203-804-3013 if you have questions.  Visit www.brandywinepeace.com

86] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from noon to 2 PM, attend a Public Safety Community Workshop: We want to HEAR FROM YOU!  This is hosted by Friends of Tori Rose, a candidate for District 7 City Council at F.A.C.E. Headquarters, 1645 N. Calhoun St., Baltimore 21217-2804. Rose invites you to an interacting workshop with Baltimore mayoral candidate, Senator Mary Washington!!  Washington wants to hear your thoughts and feedback on her public safety proposal because community should be at the center of this conversation.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/479338222996573/.

87] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 12:30 to 4 PM, get with the DSA for Bernie Canvass in Arlington, VA!  The Metro D.C. Democratic Socialists of America will meet at One Courthouse Metro, 2200 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201.  There is ONE MONTH until Super Tuesday, so make sure Virginia shows up for Bernie! Help reach the goal of knocking on 5,000 doors in Virginia during the month of February. Gather at a bar afterwards to chat about how the canvass went and discuss future events for Bernie!  Bring along snacks and water. Download the MiniVAN app ahead of the canvass and make sure your phone is fully charged! Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/170867770871290/.

88] – On Sat., Feb. 1 from 1 to 4 PM, attend Town Hall Meeting (Open Forum), hosted by the League of Women Voters of Baltimore City at Heritage United Church of Christ, 3110 Liberty Heights Ave., Baltimore 21215. All candidates present will have the opportunity to speak for at least 5 minutes to share their vision and platform positions, and to answer general questions from the audience. See https://www.facebook.com/events/856212058163197/.

89] The PLOWSHARES SENTENCING is PENDING, so please WRITE THE JUDGE. Now is the time to write letters to Judge Lisa Godbey Wood regarding her sentencing of the Kings Bay Plowshares 7. The group is collecting letters, especially from those who know the defendants, testifying to their character and the good work that they are doing in their communities which will not be done if they are serving long terms in prison. These letters are not the forum to criticize the law, the legal process or government policies. Rather it is the place to point out positive things about the defendants that should mitigate a harsh sentence.  Letters should be sent to defense attorney Bill Quigley at the address below. He will compile them and distribute to various defendants' attorneys for delivery to Judge Wood. The attorneys suggest it would be helpful to get these done by Thanksgiving or the week after in order to get processed and delivered. Sentencing may be in January or possibly February.   The best letters are simple, polite, and tell good things about the person you are writing to support.

The suggested format is as follows:
Date
Sender’s Name
Sender’s Address
Judge Lisa Godbey Wood
C/o Bill Quigley
Loyola University New Orleans Law Clinic
Campus Box 902
7214 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Regarding Sentencing of: Mark Colville [or] Clare Grady [or] Martha Hennessy [or] Fr. Steve Kelly SJ [or] Elizabeth McAlister [or] Patrick O’Neill [or] Carmen Trotta (or all seven of the Kings Bay Plowshares)
Dear Judge Wood,
Suggested outline for the letter:
- Explain who you are.
- Explain who you are writing about, how you know them, and what good they do for their community.
- Explain why the Judge should not send them to jail.
- Thank the Judge for reading your letter.
Valediction,
Signature
For more ideas and details for your letters, you are welcome to see the defendants' biographies here: https://kingsbayplowshares7.org/about/bios/.
Thank you for your attentiveness to the trial, your support for the defendants and their families, and your focus on the issue of the abolition of nuclear weapons.
As Fr. Steve Kelly says, "The nuclear weapons won't go away by themselves." We do this work together.

90] – Two books by Fred Wilcox are still in print.  The first one is “Fighting the Lamb's War Skirmishes with the American Empire” by Philip Berrigan and Fred A. Wilcox with a FOREWORD by Tripp York.  It can be purchased by Wipf and Stock: https://wipfandstock.com/fighting-the-lamb-s-war.html.  It is a Memoir in paperback/ISBN: 9781532660078/240 pages/republished 8/21/2018/ Retail Price: $26.00/and Web Price: $20.80.

The second one is “Uncommon Martyrs The Berrigans, the Catholic Left, and the Plowshares Movement” by Fred Wilcox, who profiles members of this anti-war movement, whose Christianity compels them to acts of civil disobedience against the military industrial complex.  The ISBN is 0201522314/$6.50 for a hardcover, and it can be purchased at Powell's Books.  See https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/7094/uncommon-martyrs.

91] –   The Trump Administration is again beating the war drums.  Most recently, the target is Iran.  Should the Trump administration initiate an act of war against Iran, consider joining us. It is a violation of U.S. law for the Trump Administration to attack a country that has not attacked us, as only Congress can declare war. The Trump administration is nevertheless beating the war drums for war against Iran and Venezuela. Should a war criminal, John Bolton, convince Trump to attack either of these countries, such a military strike would demand an immediate and unequivocal response from us to show that we will not tolerate his abuse of power.

Let's mobilize to show that we the people will not tolerate another military adventure, which would be bound to have profound negative consequences. If a military strike against Iran or Venezuela takes place, then meet at 33rd and N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218. If the attack is before 2 PM local time, then the event will begin at 5 PM, local time. If the attack occurs after 5 PM local time, then the event will begin at 5 PM, local time, the following day. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.   

92] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

93] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1637 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

94] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

95] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

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