Friday, July 31, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 31 -- August 9, 2020

61] Freedom for Hong Kong July 31

62] Climate Strikes vs. Chase Bank – July 31

63] From Dissent to Democracy July 31

64] Food rescue – July 31

65] White House vigil – July 31

66] Women in Black VIGILS FOR PEACE – July 31

67] Phone bank for Rashida Tlaib -- July 31

68] Fresh Fruit Friday – July 31

69] Peace and justice vigil – July 31

70] Westminster Black Lives Matter Protest – July 31

71] Connect with Nikole Hannah-Jones at Busboys and Poets for a Zoom Dinner Party – July 31

72] Film: "Pictures From A Hiroshima Schoolyard" – Aug. 1

73] The Ribbon 2020 Aug. 1

74] Coffee and a Conversation Aug. 1

75] Communities United on Zoom – Aug. 1  

76] Support all military sexual trauma survivors and non-survivors. – Aug. 1

77] National March for Black Lives – Aug. 1

78] 2020 World Conference against A and H Bombs – Aug. 1 - 8

79] Hiroshima commemoration – Aug. 6

80] Nagasaki commemoration – Aug. 9

81] Zoom conference with Dr. Vince Intondi – Aug. 9

82] Do you need a doctor?

83] Two Berrigan Books still in print

84] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Venezuela or Iran  

85] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

86] Do you need any book shelves?

87] Join the Global Zero campaign.

88] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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61] -- On Fri., July 31 from 8 AM to 8 PM, on Fridays for Freedom Washington DC: Free Hong Kong. This is happening at the U.S. Capitol Building, WDC 20502.  Look at www.now.world. Hong Kong’s freedoms and civil rights have been under constant attack by China for years, but the situation is getting much worse lately. In recent days, the police conducted hundreds of arrests. Go in front of U.S. Capitol and take a picture to state loudly and clearly that the international community needs to #StandWithHongKong. To receive all the info, the social media package to participate in the action, regular updates, etc., click here: www.now.world/fridaysforfreedom.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/2978328902293100/.

62] – On Fri., July 31 from 9 AM to 9 PM, get with the Climate Strikes vs. Chase Bank Every Friday! Flatten the climate pollution curve together! Help run an online climate strike at Chase Bank--the #1 investor in fossil fuels of any bank in the world--every Friday until further notice. You can post your own virtual climate strike on social media in 4 easy steps: https://www.climatefirst.us/calendar. Contact Ted at tconwell@climatefirst.us/ (301) 589-7598 (mobile). Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3398894953477457/.

63] – On Fri., July 31 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM, get with From Dissent to Democracy, hosted by the United States Institute of Peace.  Visit www.usip.org to find out about The Promise and Perils of Civil Resistance Transitions. Nonviolent protest has proven to be a strong driver for democratization, and recent years have shown a rise in protest movements globally—from Hong Kong to Algeria to Sudan. Yet, popular uprisings don't always lead to democratic transitions, as seen in the Arab Spring revolutions in Egypt or Yemen. Why do some transitions driven by movements end in democracy while others do not?

In his new book, “From Dissent to Democracy,” Jonathan Pinckney systematically examines transitions initiated by nonviolent resistance campaigns and argues that two key factors explain whether or not democracy will follow such efforts. First, a movement must sustain high levels of social mobilization. Second, it must direct that mobilization away from revolutionary "maximalist" goals and tactics and towards support for new institutions. He will lead the conversation which will explore new insights into the intersection of democratization and nonviolent resistance, as well as actionable recommendations for activists and policymakers working toward democratic transitions. One of the speakers will be Erica Chenoweth, Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/2719557908257446/.

64] – On Fri., July 31 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, come to the Grace Baptist Church, 3201 The Alameda., Baltimore 21218, for a Food Rescue. Bring a bag, bring a friend, and take delicious, nutritious, free rescued food. This will continue every Friday through Sept. 4.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/479389629278759/?event_time_id=479389689278753.

65] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., July 31 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

66] – There will be two Women in Black VIGILS FOR PEACE on Fri., July 31 from noon to 1 PM.  One is at Roland Park Place, 830 W. 40th St., Baltimore.  Free Parking is available. There will be NO LUNCH.   If it doesn't rain, vigil. If it rains, the vigil will be cancelled.  If you arrive for the vigil and don't see someone else, please don't leave. Other folks are on the way.  Email awyattbr@gmail.com.

The other is in Chestertown, Kent County on the Eastern Shore in Memorial Park at Cross Street & Park Row.  This will be a safe-distanced stand for Peace with Justice  & No to War. Email wibbaltimore@peacepath911.org.

67] – Rashida Tlaib is the biggest champion of Palestinian rights in Congress. Since she showed up in D.C., she’s fought tirelessly for a better, safer, and more just world. Now we’re in the home stretch of her re-election campaign, just a week out from her primary, in which she’s facing a challenger who’s been backed by anti-Palestinian establishment groups. Join a phone bank on Fri., July 31 at 4 PM for Rashida’s campaign! https://act.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/a/rashida-phone-bank?emci=228cba94-dbd0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=dcf01cff-eed0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=237778.

68] – On Fri., July 31 from 4 to 6 PM, get with Fresh Fruit Friday! It is hosted by Iglesia Hispana Trinidad at TrinityLife, 2122 W. Joppa Road, Lutherville 21093. Drive up, pop your trunk and receive boxes of healthy produce to fill your fridge! Click this link for Volunteer Registration - https://app.vomo.org/project/fresh-fruit-friday.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2701041520222324/.

69] -- There is usually a Quaker Vigil for Racial Justice on Fridays, from 5 to 6:30 PM, hosted by the Baltimore Quaker Peace and Justice Committee (BQPJC) outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on July 31. From 6 to 6:30 PM strategize. Black Lives Matter. Stop the Killing. Physical distancing applies. Wear your face mask. Email homewoodfriends@gmail.com or call 410-235-4438. Quaker values call us to speak truth and to seek equality for all people. We aim to follow Bayard Rustin’s wisdom that “we need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers” and John Lewis’s call to “make good trouble.” See https://www.facebook.com/events/311508100243529/?event_time_id=311508113576861.

70] – Join the WESTMINSTER  Black Lives Matter Protest by the Coalition Against Prejudice – CAP on Fri., July 31 from 6 to 8 PM at the Westminster Branch Library, 50 E. Main St., Westminster 21157. Be the voice for those who can't breathe.  Although activism, mutual aid, and the BLM struggle have no set schedule, these direct action protests take place 6 days a week in front of the Westminster branch of the Carroll Country Public Library. From Monday to Friday from 6 to 8 PM, and Saturdays 3 to 8 PM. These protests will continue until major and comprehensive change of the United States' judicial, economic, and political system has occurred, to end these systemic injustices. Wear masks and practice social distancing. Donations of bottled water, Gatorade, and snacks in sealed packaging are always appreciated! Connect at https://www.facebook.com/events/922780318190574/?event_time_id=922780444857228.

71] – On Fri., July 31 from 6 to 7 PM, connect with Nikole Hannah-Jones at Busboys and Poets for a Zoom Dinner Party. This Virtual Dinner Party is held every Friday night at 6 PM, hosted by CEO and Founder, Andy Shallal with a special dinner guest each week.  Order your favorite meal and beverage from Busboys and Poets, set your table, download one of the optional virtual backgrounds, and tune in for a special dinner with some of the most influential leaders of our time.  This week's very special dinner guest is the founder of the landmark 1619 Project.  She is an award-winning investigative reporter who covers civil rights and racial injustice for the New York Times Magazine. RSVP to receive the Zoom link: https://www.facebook.com/events/311578330253640/.

72] --According to the National Capital Anniversary Hiroshima Nagasaki Calendar, as part of Hiroshima Nagasaki Week which starts on Aug. 3, All Souls Church invites you to view the film: "Pictures From A Hiroshima Schoolyard" at 7:30 PM on Fri., July 31. A discussion will follow the film.  Contact Mel Hardy at melvin.hardy@gmail.com

73] – On Sat., Aug. 1 get involved in The Ribbon 2020 – Tangible Hope for No Nuclear War. The Ribbon was founded by Justine Merritt who had visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in 1982. She was greatly affected by the tragedy caused by the Atomic Bomb. After arriving home, it came to her to create a Ribbon, and decided to have a Ribbon event on the 40th memorial anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was in the middle of the Cold War between The United States and The Soviet Union, and using nuclear weapons could happen again at a moment’s notice.  On August 4, 1985 in Washington, D.C., fifteen miles of Ribbons encircled the Pentagon and other important monuments: with the message of “What I cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war.” The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima was also encircled.

The Ribbon International is planning to have a Ribbon event in New York, Minnesota, Washington, D.C., Tokyo, and in other places around the world for the 75th Anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. See https://www.theribboninternational.org/theribbon/ribbon-2020.html.

74] – On Sat., Aug. 1 at 11 AM, join Our Revolution Baltimore City/County in Coffee and a Conversation. This usually happens on the first Saturday of the month.  Visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcof-6oqzMqEtdorXikTTgP9f42xGyF7VCK?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-actions-upcoming-events-our-revolution-baltimore-2&email_referrer=email_876639&email_subject=actions-upcoming-events-our-revolution-baltimore.

75] – Governor Larry Hogan's mixed response to the pandemic in Maryland -- like Trump's at the national level -- has made residents and local governments shake their heads in confusion and frustration. His decisions about closing, opening, closing and then passing the buck to local governments has failed to contain COVID-19, or even promise to do so anytime soon.

Join Communities United on Sat., Aug. 1 at 11 AM on Zoom or Facebook, and explore actions to get what our communities need and deserve. This is the CU Monthly Online Meeting, which takes place every first Saturday. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrd-iqrzguGtSL17R6LA73yJB_XlMOYd-f?emci=71f4df20-71d2-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=961255ec-81d2-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=6982266.

Baltimore City Public Schools will open online this fall. Talk about equitable access to the technology to make that work. Hear updates on the #CanceltheRent campaign and scrutinize profits made by Maryland's billionaires under COVID-19.

76] – On Sat., Aug. 1 at noon, join a Nationwide Protest hosted by Our Sister's Keeper Movement at the State House Inn, 25 State Circle, Annapolis 21401. This is part of a veteran led, civilian backed nationwide protest for Vanessa Guillen, LaVena Johnson, Thae Ohu and all military sexual trauma survivors and non-survivors. See https://www.facebook.com/events/316447426158623/.

77] – On Sat., Aug. 1 from noon to 3 PM, be at a National March for Black Lives, hosted by KT World Communications, Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality and others. Gather at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, Westminster 21157. See https://www.facebook.com/events/680216939488253/.

78] – The 2020 World Conference against A and H Bombs is happening online from Sat., Aug. 1 at 9 PM through Sat., Aug. 8 at 11:30 PM. The theme is "With the Hibakusha, Let Us Achieve a Nuclear Weapon-free, Peaceful and Just World - for the Future of the Humankind and Our Planet"   Go to http://masspeaceaction.org/event/2020-world-conference-against-a-and-h-bombs-online/?emci=d9e2e0a0-a6ca-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=0b557295-c3ca-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=269591

79] – For the 36th year, Baltimore's anti-nuclear weapons community, including the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Commemoration Committee, will gather August 6 and 9 to commemorate the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The co-sponsors are the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, Baltimore Peace Action, Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, Homewood Friends Meeting, Maryland Peace Action and Prevent Nuclear War Maryland. Participants will indicate support for the Black Lives Matter protests. Signs will state Demilitarize the Police and Denuclearize the Military. To get involved or to seek more information, contact Max Obuszewski at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

On August 6 from 5 to 6:30 PM with signs, banners, ribbons and artwork, we will commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Our location will be at the four corners at 33rd and North Charles Streets in Baltimore.  This area was selected because of its proximity to Johns Hopkins University, a major nuclear weapons contractor. In fiscal year 2019, JHU received more than one billion dollars in weapons contracts. JHU’s Applied Physics Laboratory is the research center which engages in most of the university’s work on weapons contracts. The APL renewed a seven-year contract in 2017 worth $93 million to continue a strategic partnership with the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. The protesters will show support for the Back from the Brink resolution, five steps towards the abolition of nuclear weapons, and will call for ratification of the UN Ban Treaty.  People will wear masks and stay six feet from others. 

80] – On August 9 from 1 to 2:30 PM, participants will commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.  Some of the vigilers will start at Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 North Charles Street and spread out on corners up Charles Street as far as possible towards the Stony Run Meetinghouse, 5116 N. Charles St.  People will wear masks and stay six feet from others. Other participants will gather at 12:30 PM on 29th Street on the south end of Wyman Park.  At 1 PM, the caravan would head north on Howard Street and turn right on Art Museum Drive and left by Homewood Meetinghouse. The caravan would then head north on Charles Street all the way to Stony Run Meetinghouse.  There the cars would turn around and head south on Charles Street back to 29th Street on the south end of Wyman Park.  The vehicles in the car caravan will be decorated with anti-nuclear messages and will have their blinkers on.  The drivers will honk their horns when appropriate. Please let Max know if you intend to be in the car caravan. Then there will be an anti-nuclear weapons strategy session outside Homewood. 

We will also recognize the bravery of the Kings Bay Plowshares, seven Roman Catholic activists, including Baltimore’s Elizabeth McAlister, who were arrested at a Trident Submarine Base in Georgia on April 4, 2018. All were convicted in October 2019 of conspiracy, depredation of government and naval property, and trespassing. McAlister has been sentenced to time served. The others await sentencing, and remain concerned about going to prison during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Rev. Steve Kelly, SJ has remained in a county jail in Georgia since April 4, 1918.   

81] – On August 9 from 7 to 9 PM, we will host a Zoom conference with Dr. Vince Intondi entitled "A Discussion on the Connections between Black Lives Matter and the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki."  He is the author of “African Americans against the Bomb: Nuclear Weapons, Colonialism, and the Black Freedom Movement,” which is available through Stanford University Press. Intondi is a Professor of History and Director of the Institute for Race, Justice, and Civic Engagement at Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland. From 2009-2017, Intondi was Director of Research for American University’s Nuclear Studies Institute in Washington, DC. Prior to teaching at Montgomery College, Intondi was an Associate Professor of History at Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida, and regularly works with organizations exploring ways to include more diverse voices in the nuclear disarmament movement. His research focuses on the intersection of race and nuclear weapons.

 Besides discussing the book and examining the Black Lives Matter protests, we will look back to June 12, 1982 to remember the largest peace demonstration in US history when possibly one million of us were in New York City at the No Nukes march and rally.  This day is well-covered in the documentary IN OUR HANDS by Robert Richter, and those in attendance included Coretta Scott King, Helen Caldicott, Peter Seeger, Meryl Streep, Rita Marley, and Randy Forsberg. During the Zoom conference, we will discuss why that movement dissipated. And we will ponder if we can organize a massive anti-nuclear movement once again.   For more information, call Max at 410-323-1607 or email him at mobuszewski2001@comcast.net.

Sign up for the Zoom conference at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcOusrTwuH9NuHTVm9PUr_odmD_Lb4w_O. Please submit any questions to jlathey@comcast.net.

82] Yousef Zarbalian [mailto:yzarbali@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

83] –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.

84] – 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.   

85] -- 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.

86] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

87] -- 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.

88] – 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 Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph: 410-323-1607; 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


Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 29 - 30, 2020


38] Farming Hope: Gardening to Feed our Neighbors – July 29
39] Food Pantry Pick-up – July 29
40] Food Rescue – July 29
41] Nation Correspondent Joan Walsh and Publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel – July 29
42] An October Surprise in Iran? – July 29
43] Nuclear Arms Race and Presidential Power – July 29  
44] Hear from Hans-Christof Von Sponeck and Richard Falk – July 29
45] "Policing Black Bodies" – July 29
46] It’s empathy and inclusion – July 29
47] COVID & Climate Change Webinar -- July 29
48] “Advocacy and the Arts” – July 29
49] Community Solar Basics – July 29
50] I Saw a Bird – July 29
51] Medicare for All Webinar – July 29
52] Sign up for a Sunrise call – July 29
53] Medicare for All Webinar – July 29
54] 100 Seconds to Midnight: What Does this Mean? – July 30
55] U.S.-China Strategic Competition and the Korean Peninsula – July 30
56] Two Sides of the Redline – July 30
57] COVID-19 and Conflict-Affected Populations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen – July 30
58] Say Her Name Protest & Rally – July 30
59] Black Lives Matter’s Challenge to White Supremacy and Empire -- July 30
60] Webinar with Ed Markey – July 30
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38] – On Wed., July 29 from 10 AM to 3 PM, be at Farming Hope: Gardening to Feed our Neighbors, hosted by Maryland Presbyterian Church and North Baltimore Presbyterians - Ministry Group. This is happening at Rockrose City Farm, 3800 Clipper Road, Baltimore 21211. You’re invited to garden this summer to help feed people experiencing food insecurity. Derrick Weston from the Mission team at Ashland Presbyterian Church, and staff member at Hope Springs, will be gardening at the Rockrose City Farm, located at 3999 Clipper Road, Baltimore, MD, 21211. Folks will gather each Wednesday through Sept. 30. All of the food grown will be donated to various food pantries in our area. Please be in contact if you would like to volunteer. This is a great socially distanced, outside activity, but please bring a mask, and water. Derrick can be reached at Dweston@HopeSprings.org or 410-443-5867.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/261101788435840/?event_time_id=261101811769171.

39] –  On Wed., July 29 and Thurs., July 30 from 11 AM to 1 PM, there is a Food Pantry Pick-up at Saint Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church, 2111 Ashland Ave., Baltimore 21205. The Lucielle Fitzgerald Outreach Center is open to provide food to those in need.  Due to COVID-19 concerns, please come to the handicapped entrance on Duncan St. This will continue until Dec. 21 and 22. Look at

40] – On Wednesdays, at noon, get with a Food Rescue at Umar Boxing, 1217 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21217-3535.  This will continue through Nov. 11. Bring a bag, take delicious, high quality, and nutritious free food! Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/446288255935427/?event_time_id=446288312602088.

41] – Join Nation National Correspondent Joan Walsh and Editorial Director and Publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel for an urgent conversation about the pandemic, the protests, and the November election on Wed., July 29 at noon EDT. Sign up to join us for what promises to be a wide-ranging discussion: https://secure.everyaction.com/dVmhastBNka2oZATdkngWQ2?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=nation-event-walsh&sourceid=1062456&ms=EMM072120201A&utm_content=EMM072120201A.

42] – Check out an Online Conversation: An October Surprise in Iran? It is happening on Wed., July 29 from noon to noon to 12:30 PM.  CONTACT Rocío Fregoso-Mota at RFREGOSO@UMD.EDU. Join Dr. Nancy Gallagher for an online conversation on "An October Surprise in Iran?" Most Americans are currently focused on surging covid-19 infection rates, social injustice, and deployment of federal troops to "dominate" protesters in major U.S. cities. A series of mysterious explosions at strategic locations across Iran and diplomatic discussions about a U.N. arms embargo on Iran that is set to expire in September are receiving much less attention. Once again, some key voices in and around the Trump administration are arguing that it is time to take the "maximum pressure" campaign to the next level. President Trump has walked up to the brink of war with Iran before, then pulled back at the last minute.  What are the chances of U.S. military action against Iran's nuclear program before the 2020 election? Go to https://spp.umd.edu/events/online-conversation-october-surprise-iran.

43] – On Wed., July 29 at 12:30 PM, check out the New Nuclear Arms Race and Presidential Power with former Defense [sic] Secretary William Perry, Tom Collina, Ploughshares Fund and Rose Gottemoeller, Stanford University. The U.S. president has the power to end the world in minutes. Right now, no one can stop him. Since the Truman administration, America has been one “push of a button” away from nuclear war—a decision that rests solely in the hands of the president. Without waiting for approval from Congress or even the secretary of defense [sic], the president can unleash America’s entire nuclear arsenal.  At the height of the Cold War, Russia and the United States each built up arsenals exceeding 30,000 nuclear weapons, armed and ready to destroy each other—despite the fact that just a few hundred are necessary to end life on earth. As we approach the anniversaries of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, join an important discussion on the terrifying history of nuclear launch authority, from the faulty 46-cent microchip that nearly caused World War III to President Trump’s tweet about his “much bigger & more powerful” button. See https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2020-07-29/dr-william-perry-tom-collina-new-nuclear-arms-race-and-presidential-power.

44] – On Wed., July 29 at 1 PM, Helena Cobban will interview former longtime UN humanitarian leader Hans-Christof Von Sponeck (who notably retired as the UN's Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, in 2000, to protest the harsh controls the Clinton administration maintained on the "Oil-for-Food program), and a return appearance on the webinar series by international jurist Richard Falk.

You can join this interactive conversation via either Facebook or Zoom. If you join on Zoom, you'll need to pre-register. If you already registered earlier for a previous session, you don't need to do so again. Check out www.justworldbooks.com. Register here https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3NEiDcIXRiahcv9nGSAQJQ.

45] –  On Thurs., July 30 from 1 to 2 PM, check out this Book Talk: Policing Black Bodies, hosted by the Pretrial Justice Institute. The events unfolding across our nation today renew a long-standing call for fundamental changes to our nation’s institutions. But the story of race, racism, and white privilege in America has its roots firmly planted in over 400 years of history. Only by fully understanding our nation’s legacy of chattel slavery we can begin to combat the current social structures that perpetuate institutional racism.  Join a virtual discussion with sociologists Angela Hattery and Earl Smith, co-authors of "Policing Black Bodies," along with John Clark of PJI and Yolonda Young-Adisa, MSW, ADW.  Dig into the historical context of actuarial tools and racism, and PJI’s new position opposing pretrial risk assessment.  REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/PBBwebinar.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/322501282489055/.

46] – Jim Zogby [jzogby@aaiusa.org] is inviting you to Coffee & a Column on Wed., July 29 at 2 PM ET.  Zogby wrote in his Washington Watch column that “getting religion” isn’t the way to win the White working class. It’s empathy and inclusion that are sorely needed. Register here to receive the dial-in information for the Zoom call: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlfuyvrTguH9D6PJjVtKGxXkBU4fAR8czy?emci=639b7949-1fd0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=47541d02-e3d0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=389907.

47] – On Wed., July 29 from 3:30 to 5 PM,  join a COVID & Climate Change Webinar, hosted by HoCo Climate Action as an Online Event. Visit https://uucolumbia.net/lecture-series-on-regenerative-strategies-for-agriculture-gardening-and-landscaping/. Through the summer of 2020, Dr. Sara Via will present three webinars on regenerative strategies for agriculture, gardening and landscaping, and the impact of climate change.  This webinar is What can coronavirus teach us about being (un)prepared for climate change and other global disasters? Pre-registration required: https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsf-CgrzwsGtIflZMd3qJ8dZ0k94bssm_B.  On Wed., Aug. 12 hear about The power of individual choice: What can we do as individuals and communities to combat climate change and how much difference will it make? The final webinar is on Wed., Aug. 26 and the topic is Climate change is bad for your health, and worse for some than for others. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/1566908416808224/.

48] – Join Friends Committee on National Legislation on Wed., July 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM EDT for the Quaker Change maker event “Advocacy and the Arts.”  It will feature Friend Tom Rawson, a folksinger, FCNL General Committee representative, and Advocacy Team member; and Hassan El-Tayyab, a musician and FCNL’s lead lobbyist for Middle East policy. Together, discuss music, Quaker advocacy, and FCNL’s lobbying to advance peace in the Middle East. If you have questions for the panelists, please submit them using the registration form.  Look at https://www.fcnl.org/updates/july-quaker-changemaker-event-advocacy-and-the-arts-2860?utm_campaign=event&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ak&utm_term=13230.152065.WeXQm3.

49] – On Wed., July 29 from 7 to 8 PM, get with a Community Solar Webinar: Growing Your Own, hosted by Solar United Neighbors. See us02web.zoom.us. Community solar offers the benefit of solar to those who can’t — or prefer not to — install solar panels on their homes. Join this free webinar to learn the basics of community solar project development!  This is the third and final webinar on community solar. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/595334197790617/.

50] – You’re invited to the next installment of I Saw a Bird on Wed., July 29 at 7 PM ET on Zoom and Facebook Live. There will be a special visit from David Sibley, ornithologist, author, and the most soothing bird sketch artist around. Click below to RSVP for Wednesday’s show, and if you don’t already follow us on Facebook, click here to like our page. See you on the internet! Tune in https://audubon.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5RgB2_25QYGI1L1_YccZSg?emci=ac0f07e3-f1cd-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=dab11eb0-49cf-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=2504878.

51] -- On Wed., July 29 from 8 to 9 PM, check out a Medicare for All Webinar Featuring Rep. Katie Porter, hosted by Our Revolution - Monmouth. Look at www.medicare4allresolutions.org.  The pandemic has illuminated the worst aspects of both our for-profit health care system and the structural racism baked into it. Join this webinar with special guest U.S. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.). RSVP at https://bit.ly/PorterM4AFacebook. Rep. Porter has been a powerful voice in Congress since the pandemic began, demanding that COVID testing and treatment be available to anyone regardless of income. Visit www.medicare4allresolutions.org.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/210258927034818/.

52] -- Join millions across the nation to make this the loudest, most disruptive pre-election period the government has ever experienced. No justice, no sleep. Be wide awake. Sign up for a Sunrise call on Wed., July 29 at 8 PM EDT to learn more and join in. Visit https://secure.everyaction.com/4mhZhOdqf0-vE--qmnlG3g2?ms=email-2020-7-26-text1&emci=92637288-43cf-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=51fc4875-45cf-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=177631.

53] – Join Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) on Wed., July 29 at 8 PM ET for a national livestream update on its ongoing campaign for Medicare for All, hosted by Senator Nina Turner with Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Dr. Victoria Dooley. To register, contact Mike Fox at mikefox@pdamerica.org to receive the secure video conference/call numbers. 

54] – On Thurs., July 30 at 9 AM, get scared out of your wits by tuning in to 100 Seconds to Midnight: What Does this Mean? What Can We Do? This online event is hosted by Abolition 2000, and will have participants from the World Future Council, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, Basel Peace Office, and People for Nuclear Disarmament. Look at http://www.abolition2000.org/event/100-seconds-to-midnight-what-does-this-mean-what-can-we-do/.

55] – On Thurs., July 30 at 9 AM, look over the talk U.S.-China Strategic Competition and the Korean Peninsula, hosted by the National Committee on North Korea.  Online hear from Chun Yung-woo, former Republic of Korea National Security Advisor and Bonnie Glaser, Center for Strategic and International Studies.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Lz8gS7MISb6C2xncWcKmcg.

56] – On Thurs., July 30 from noon to 1 PM, be at Two Sides of the Redline: How Policy Shaped a City. This is a Live Video. Across the United States, patterns of racial and economic segregation can be directly attributed to the systematic denial of mortgage and bank lending encouraged in the National Housing Act of 1934.  These nation-wide discriminatory practices, known as redlining, continued legally until 1968, when the Fair Housing Act banned racial discrimination in housing. But 50 years after that law passed, the lingering effects of redlining are clear. In this virtual program, hosted by the Maryland Historical Society, experts will outline the practice of redlining in Baltimore and discuss the historical, demographic, economic, and traumatic impact these policies continue to have on Black communities today. Moderated by David Armenti, MdHS Director of Education with special guests Dr. Corey J. Henderson, historical trauma healing expert; Eric Holcomb, Executive Director of the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP); Antero Pietila, journalist, writer, and author of “Not in My Neighborhood;” and Delegate Stephanie Smith, District 45, Baltimore City.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/664626317735163/.

57] – Physicians for Human Rights [web@email.phr.org] is having an Online Discussion--COVID-19 and Conflict-Affected Populations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.  Get involved on Thurs., July 30 at 2 PM EDT for this important conversation. In countries experiencing conflict and violence, where access to quality health care is often severely limited, the health risks posed by COVID-19 are exacerbated. In these fragile settings, displaced and conflict-affected populations often live in conditions where the ability to adhere to preventative measures such as physical distancing and basic hygiene can be impossible. Go to https://phr.org/issues/covid-19-pandemic/events-and-webinars/. Please note, pre-registration for this call is required.

58] – Say Her Name Protest & Rally on Thurs., July 30 at 6 PM at the Garmatz Building, Federal Courthouse, 101 W. Lombard St., Baltimore. This action coincides with the Vanessa Guillen Thursday D.C. March organized by her parents to demand justice in her case. Honor all of the women #SayHerName who have been victims of police, racist, military and patriarchal violence. Baltimore women veterans and their supporters will highlight the racism and sexism of how women vets including transgendered women are treated, particularly Black, Brown and Indigenous women. This includes lack of proper medical care, housing, and physiological support. Hear from Annette Johnson, a veteran and supporter of other Black women veterans. Rape and sexual violence are an integral part of the police and military culture. Masks and social distancing is required. Masks and snacks will be available. https://www.facebook.com/events/283751652724596/.

59] –Hear about Wars Upon Us: Black Lives Matter’s Challenge to White Supremacy and Empire on Thurs., July 30 from 7 to 8:30 PM. This is an Online Event that takes place as the nationwide uprising for racial justice takes center stage in the United States. Examine the connection between white supremacy and empire and ask how to build a durable movement for liberation, nationally and internationally. Rev. Karlene Griffiths Sekou organizes with Black Lives Matter Boston. She is an international public speaker, preacher, scholar, and has over twenty-years of experience working in grassroots community organizing and development, human rights advocacy, health equity, and cultural regeneration. See http://masspeaceaction.org/event/wars-upon-us-black-lives-matters-challenge-to-white-supremacy-and-empire/?emci=fea9fcf2-36d0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=a5a5a192-39d0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=269591.

60] – Get with a National Peace Action Webinar with Ed Markey on Thurs., July 30 from 8 to 9 PM.  Despite all the unpredictability this year has presented us with, one thing remains certain: this election will be most important in our lifetime. Please join Peace Action in the launching of a virtual “Meet the Candidates” series to hear from, engage with, and ask questions of the pro-peace champions. Peace Action is honored to kick off the new series of Zoom webinars with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA). Register at http://masspeaceaction.org/event/national-peace-action-webinar-with-ed-markey/?emci=fea9fcf2-36d0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&emdi=a5a5a192-39d0-ea11-9b05-00155d03bda0&ceid=269591.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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