Sunday, November 15, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – November 15 – 16, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – November 15 – 16, 2020

 "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 Max Obuszewski, BNC, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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] Defund the Police – Nov. 15

5] Food Collection for the Maryland Food Bank – Nov. 15

6] Arnie King has been released from Massachusetts custody!!  – Nov. 15

7] Herschel Vision Awards – Nov. 15, 17 and 19

8] Nicaraguans Are Fighting to Keep the Revolution Alive – Nov. 15

9] Casa Baltimore/Limay 35th Anniversary Party – Nov. 15

10] Healthcare Emergency Town Hall Nov. 15

11] Get out the Vote – Nov. 15

12] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Nov. 16

13] 55 justice-related actions that Joe Biden can take on day 1 -- Nov. 16

14] Pandemic’s Impact on North Korea‌ – Nov. 16

15] "Our Children are in Danger" ‌ – Nov. 16

16] Closing the Medicaid Coverage Gap for Mothers – Nov. 16

17] Protest ROTC at Loyola Nov. 16

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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] - 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., Nov. 15, the platform address is “Understanding ‘Defund the Police.” You’ve likely heard the calls for defunding the police, during this summer’s demonstrations against police killings.  You may agree and wonder how we could get there, or you may think that defunding goes too far, or you may just wonder what it means.  Whatever your reaction, here’s a chance to find out more. Alex S. Vitale will be the guest speaker. Professor Vitale teaches in the Department of Sociology at Brooklyn College and has researched and written about the future of policing for 30 years.  He will explain the “defund the police” movement and its relationship to the long struggle for racial and economic justice. See https://bmorethical.org/.  Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for the ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

5] - On Sun., Nov. 15 from 11 AM to noon EST, get involved with Food Collection for the Maryland Food Bank at the Locust Point Community Church, 1308 Beason St., Baltimore 21230.  The church will be collecting items for the Maryland Food Bank every Sunday through Dec. 27. Go to https://www.facebook.com/locustpointcommunityucc/.

6] - Arnie King has been released from Massachusetts custody!!  On Sun., Nov. 15 from 11 AM to 1 PM, Arnie will tell his story, and celebrate his freedom after 48 years inside prison. For over 20 years, The Community Church of Boston has advocated on Arnie’s behalf, written numerous letters, attended parole hearings, tried to persuade a string of recalcitrant governors that this man was a model of rehabilitation, compassion and community engagement, worthy of being in the community. In 2011 CCB awarded Arnie (by phone) the Sacco/Vanzetti Award for Social Justice. Arnie is free, and awaiting a decision on a new trial. Contact Arnie: If you’d like to know more about the work Arnie is doing or if you’re interested in speaking to him directly or to your organization contact him by email: throughbarbedwire@yahoo.com; by phone, (302)362-3634; or website www.arnoldking.org.

Join the Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89552575898?pwd=K1ZRMkRNejlpRnZZakFRWnE0aUh3Zz09 with the Meeting ID being 895 5257 5898 and the passcode is 246499. Dial by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 929 205 6099 US (New York).  The Meeting ID is 895 5257 5898.

7] - The group Jews United for Justice [info@jufj.org] is hosting the 2020 Heschel Vision Experience with the three-part event kicking off on Sun., Nov. 15 at 6 PM.  It will also take place at 6 PM on Tues., Nov. 17 and Thurs., Nov. 19.  JUFJ will honor some incredible leaders with the Vision Awards. In addition. Also hear from energizing organizers, faith leaders, movement visionaries, and JUFJ community members over the course of the event. Register to be part of it: https://jufj.org/our-work/community/the-heschel-awards/?emci=eee52528-5a24-eb11-9fb4-00155d03affc&emdi=957173f4-6924-eb11-9fb4-00155d03affc&ceid=3403859.

8] - Check out Sandinismo 3.0: How Nicaraguans Are Fighting to Keep the Revolution Alive & Prevent US-Led Regime Change on Mon., Nov. 16 from 7 to 8 PM.  Participate in this Online Event at http://masspeaceaction.org/event/sandinismo-3-0-how-nicaraguans-are-fighting-to-keep-the-revolution-alive-prevent-us-led-regime-change/?emci=bb56daa5-9522-eb11-9fb4-00155d03affc&emdi=ea6e3210-d922-eb11-9fb4-00155d03affc&ceid=269591.  This is a conversation with three activists. Jill Clark-Gollub lives in the Washington, DC area and is from a Nicaraguan/ American family. Since the 2018 attempted coup in Nicaragua, Jill has been working to help get out the truth about what is really happening in the country.  Chuck Kaufman is National Co-Coordinator of the Alliance for Global Justice. He has been a leader of the Central and Latin America solidarity movements since joining the staff of the Nicaragua Network in 1987. Camilo Mejia was born in Nicaragua but moved to the US as an adolescent. Shortly after graduating from high school he joined the U.S. military and was eventually deployed to Iraq in 2003. After five months in active combat, including posts in Baghdad, al Haditah, al Assad, and al Ramadi, he was sent home on leave, where he recognized and publicly condemned the Iraq war as criminal and immoral. He was subsequently court-martialed and charged with desertion and sent to serve nine months of incarceration at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Adrienne Pine, who will moderate, is a medical anthropologist and professor at American University who has worked alongside Central Americans for over two decades. She is currently serving a sentence of probation in Western MA for her part in protecting the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington DC against ongoing US-led efforts to oust the elected government of that country in a coup.

9] -   REGISTER ON ZOOM for the Nov. 15 at 3:30 PM Casa Baltimore/Limay 35th Anniversary Party -- https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dHsT2OucT8WuXiJocjwufA.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the party.  It is a Zoom Webinar, but your participation will be encouraged.  This will be TWO HOURS OF FUN AND SHARING.  Enjoy live dance & music from Limay, Nicaragua. Share in memories, with photos from Limay & the U.S.  There will be a special reflection by Nan McCurdy, co-founder. Meet the Limay leaders, and see its projects in Nicaragua!  Leslie Salgado of Friends of Latin America (FoLA) will be the facilitator.  Help support the Nicaragua projects: college scholarships, farm animals, food for the elderly, medical fund, preschool/ nutrition center, and microcredit in Limay, Nicaragua. Give what you can, and if you're able, please be generous! Donations are also taken at www.CasaBaltimoreLimay.org or by snail mail to PO Box 66053, Baltimore, MD 21239. Email BaltimoreLimay@gmail.com or call Barbara at 330-345-4553.

10] –As COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are spiking, we must all come together to help make our communities safer. Register to join the Progressive Democrats of America Healthcare Emergency Town Hall on Sun., Nov. 15 at 4 PM ET. Email mikefox@pdamerica.org. Hear from Dr. Bill Honigman with experts and activists from across the country all focused on combatting this menace and bringing high quality healthcare to all.

11] – Our Revolution is asking you to volunteer to help make Get-Out-the-Vote phone calls to Georgia. These virtual phone banks will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST on Thursdays and Sundays!  In the months leading up to Election Day, Our Revolution’s army of grassroots volunteers powered a massive “Get out the Vote” campaign all across America. Over 650,000 people joined the rolling national and state virtual rallies, and together made more than 4 million one-on-one voter contacts.  To sign to make the calls, see https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/362948/?akid=802.8252965.IzTIQu&rd=1&t=12.

12] – 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 Nov. 16, 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.  

13] – Take the Grassroots Law Project message directly to members of the Biden-Harris transition team. Light up their phone lines on Mon., Nov. 16 at any time.  Sign up to call at https://www.mobilize.us/grassrootslawproject/event/363470/?akid=2278.3544589.xdpSDn&rd=1&source=ema20201113-2278&t=1&utm_source=ema20201113-2278.  There are 55 justice-related actions that Joe Biden can take on day 1 in office without Congress.

14] –The GW Institute for Korean Studies [gwiks@gwu.edu] is offering a Zoom event on Mon., Nov. 16 from 8:30 to 10:30 AM ET -- The Pandemic’s Impact on North Korea: Leadership Dynamics, Markets, and Public Health. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-korea-economic-forum-panel-discussion-tickets-126965050885. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant effects on public health and resulted in disruptions in domestic politics and economics in many parts of the world. Although Pyongyang claims that it has no case of COVID-19, North Korea cannot be an exception from the global threats and challenges.

15] – We live in the richest country in the history of the world, yet millions of our fellow Americans are struggling to make ends meet—and are falling into poverty. Far too many of them are children—threatening their futures, and ours. Mitch McConnell, Senate leadership and the Trump administration has made this tragic situation even worse by failing, time and again, to act on the comprehensive pandemic relief passed by the U.S. House of Representatives back in mid-May, and again in early October. As a direct result of their abdication of leadership, millions of children and families throughout every state in our country, have needlessly suffered.  Join Coalition on Human Needs and others on Mon., Nov. 16 at noon ET for a special webinar, titled "Our Children are in Danger," which focuses on increased hunger, poverty, and other serious threats to children and families because of the pandemic. Look at https://chn.peachnewmedia.com/store/seminar/seminar.php?seminar=164273&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-join-us-monday-at-noon-et-for-a-special-chn-webinar-about-increasing-poverty-in-our-country-3&email_referrer=email_994674&email_subject=join-us-monday-at-noon-et-for-a-special-chn-webinar-about-increasing-poverty-in-our-country.

16] – The Century Foundation is Inviting you to Closing the Medicaid Coverage Gap for Mothers on Mon.,  Nov. 16 from 2 to 3:30 PM ET.  Hear from Rep. Lauren Underwood, NJ First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Dr. Jamila Taylor, and others.  The United States has the worst maternal death rate of other similarly wealthy countries—and at the heart of our maternal health crisis is a woefully unequal health care system that perpetuates vast racial disparities. Policymakers must have an intentional focus on Black women and families to adequately address this crisis. Medicaid and other public insurance programs play an important role in ensuring the health of millions—especially expecting and new mothers.  Find out about new research on the impact of Medicaid coverage loss for mothers, and join doctors, advocates, and policy experts to discuss actions to ensure that moms and their families have access to the health care and support they need in the sensitive postpartum period.  Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/closing-the-medicaid-coverage-gap-for-mothers-tickets-126879196091?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=65e7f33f30&mc_eid=0f57b5a0fa.

17] – On Monday, November 16th, the Baltimore Nonviolence Center will gather at Loyola University Maryland, a private Jesuit liberal arts school in Baltimore, to commemorate the Jesuit martyrs of El Salvador killed on this day in 1989 by soldiers trained by the United States military. The witness will take place from 4 to 5 PM on the corner of North Charles Street and Coldspring Avenue. All are welcome.

 In 1989, our government was supporting the death squad government in El Salvador.  The Salvadoran military entered the grounds of José Simeón Cañas Central American University and murdered six Jesuit priests, Joaquín López y López, Ignacio Martín-Baró, Ignacio Ellacuría, Amando López, Juan Ramón Moreno and Segundo Montes. Also killed were the Jesuits' cook Julia Elba Ramos and her 16-year-old daughter Celina Maricet Ramos. We cannot forget this ugly atrocity, and thus we will commemorate that event. As part of the commemoration, we will plead with The Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of the university, to close down the Reserve Officers Training Corps [ROTC] program.  See the letter to Rev. Linnane below.

  The Jesuits were founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, a former soldier. To become a companion of Jesus Christ, he surrendered his weapons of war and the glory of being a soldier of the court to become One with the poor and vulnerable. An ROTC program dishonors a Jesuit university.  And more recently, the president of the university should reflect on the words of another Jesuit, Pope Francis.

  In his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he wrote that it is "very difficult" to invoke the Just War theory today because of the immense brutality of today’s combat. And the Vatican was the first State to ratify the United Nations Treaty to eliminate Nuclear Weapons.  On January 22, 2021, nuclear weapons will be illegal under international law.  The U.S. military obviously possesses a nuclear arsenal.  So come January will the ROTC program at Loyola inform the cadets that nuclear weapons are now illegal?  Join us in challenging Loyola University Maryland to honor the founder of the Jesuits and the Jesuit martyrs, their cook and her daughter by renouncing its ROTC program.  Contact Janice at 859-684-4247 or Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

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  

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