Baltimore Activist Alert – December 13 – 15, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 13 – 15, 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] Volunteer with a Catholic Worker house  

5] Please help release Saudi Arabian feminist, Louvain al Hathloul.  

6] Watch the film CODED BIAS – through Dec. 14

7] Reading Women – Dec. 13

8] Food Collection for the Maryland Food Bank – Dec. 13

9] Dan Ellsberg receives another award – Dec. 13

10] Get out the Vote – Dec. 13 - 15

11] ED STIVENDER's ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Dec. 13  

12] Make Calls for Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.  – Dec. 13 -15

13] Live free of hate and discrimination – Dec. 13

14] Black Lives Matter – Dec.  13

15] Healthcare Emergency Town Hall – Dec. 13

16] Make Get-Out-the-Vote phone calls – Dec. 13 -15

17] Flip the Senate/Demote McConnell meeting – Dec. 13

18] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Dec. 7

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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] - Suzanne Fontanesi and Jeff Ross are in the beginning stages of renovating the basement of their house for purposes of bringing in a volunteer (targeting young adults in discernment mode), starting next fall. They are trying to grow a Catholic Worker House in Irvington (West Baltimore). In a nutshell, there is a lot that a volunteer could do in that neighborhood/Baltimore, in addition to prayer and daily community living and in addition to plugging into all the good work that people are already doing in and around Baltimore (and beyond).  If you think you might know of anyone who might be interested in starting a conversation with them about becoming such a volunteer/community member, please contact Jeff/Suzanne at 443-690-6872.

5] –   Please help release Saudi Arabian feminist, Louvain al Hathloul.  Call the offices of your senators and your representative. Ask for the email address of the person responsible for foreign relations.  Then send an email on behalf of Louvain al Hathloul, who on December 10th, international Human Rights Day, was taken to Terrorism Court in Saudi Arabia. Her life is in danger.  See this article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/10/saudi-arabia-begins-trial-of-womens-rights-activist-loujain-al-hathloul.

  This 31-year-old woman has been held for over 900 days. She has been tortured through sexual assault, electric shock and water boarding. Two weeks ago her sister observed her in a lower court. Louvain was shaking uncontrollably and her voice was very faint. She has now been transferred to a Terrorism Court, for “attempting to destabilize the kingdom.” Her actual crimes? She attended national conferences and spoke to the need to soften repressive patriarchal systems in Saudi Arabia. And she drove a car. 

Please contact your legislators, and ask them to speak out.  Let me know if you receive a response.  Develop a relationship with the staff at each office, as you will need to contact them in the future.  

6] -   Science fiction has long taught us to fear a robot takeover of our world. From Terminator to The Matrix, sci-fi has shown us the possibility of artificial intelligence turning against its creators.  The reality is less exciting but just as bleak. Instead of robots rising up and attempting to rid the world of humans, we’ve made machines that look and act a lot like us. We’ve created artificial intelligence encoded with all of the same biases that exist within humankind. Racism, sexism, antisemitism and other forms of hate can all be adopted by the machines we create — because humans replicate their own biases in the data and the code. Free Press has partnered with Consumer Reports to offer you a free screening of Coded Bias, an eye-opening film that sheds light on the threats that artificial intelligence poses to civil rights and democracy. Sign up using this link and you’ll have until Mon., Dec. 14 to watch the documentary.

Coded Bias exposes the widespread use of facial-recognition technology and the built-in biases in this tech that negatively impact women and people of color. While experts have long warned about the problems with facial recognition and artificial intelligence, both technologies are used to police and surveil communities — and are even used in many companies’ human-resource departments. To watch the film, go to https://action.consumerreports.org/coded_bias?EXTKEY=EM0BZVFP.

7] - 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. 13, the platform address is “Reading Women.”  This talk is a confession, a commitment, and an exploration. Hugh Taft-Morales confesses that his reading habits have fallen prey to centuries of systemic neglect of women writers. He commits to reading one book of fiction written by a woman each month of 2021. This talk explores the reasons why his story is sadly familiar. How is sexism involved? What price have we paid for such literary gender bias?  Must we even gender fiction? Hugh Taft-Morales serves as Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society and is a member of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union (AEU).  Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for the ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

8] - On Sun., Dec. 13 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/.

9] – Check out Daniel Ellsberg: From Here to Doomsday– Endless Wars and Insane Nuclear Policy Since the Pentagon Papers on Sun., Dec. 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM.  He is being awarded the Sacco & Vanzetti Award for all of his efforts over the decades including the release of the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret Pentagon study of the U.S. government decision-making in relation to the Vietnam War, to The New York Times, the Washington Post and other newspapers. On January 3, 1973, Ellsberg was charged under the Espionage Act of 1917 along with other charges of theft and conspiracy, carrying a total maximum sentence of 115 years. Due to governmental misconduct and illegal evidence-gathering, and the defense by Leonard Boudin and Harvard Law School professor Charles Nesson, Judge William Matthew Byrne Jr. dismissed all charges against Ellsberg on May 11, 1973.

Join the Zoom Meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89552575898?pwd=K1ZRMkRNejlpRnZZakFRWnE0aUh3Zz09. The Meeting ID is 895 5257 5898 with the passcode being 246499.  Dial in by your location: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) or watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxzqBfbtvnhNKWmzpCm0lIA.

10] – As Lindsey Graham and Senate Republicans seek to sabotage the elections in Georgia, we must rise above them and mobilize Georgia’s Democratic base to cast their ballots. Making calls to infrequent voters is one of the most effective means of base-building and increasing voter turnout. Sign up to make calls with Turnout2020: https://www.mobilize.us/dailykos_2/event/363620/?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-firstname-default-friend-the-only-birthday-gift-i-want-is-for-us-to-win-in-georgia-action-needed-2&email_referrer=email_1002406&email_subject=rsvp-to-connect-with-infrequent-democratic-voters-in-georgia.

MAKE CALLS TO GEORGIA VOTERS this week-- starting on Sun., Dec. 13 from 2 to 4 PM and 4 to 6 PM EST and continuing Mon., Dec. 14 from 5 to 7 PM and 7 to 9 PM EST and Tues., Dec. 15 from 5 to 7 PM and 7 to 9 PM.  The calls will continue through Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 PM and 7 to 9 PM EST.

11] – On Sun., Dec. 13 at 2 PM, tune in to ED STIVENDER's ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM.  This renowned storyteller and long-time performer, will present a program which will include O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi," Ed's own "Christmas rapping," and other holiday favorites. Tickets are free, but donations for Project HOME will be accepted at https://www.projecthome.org/donate.  Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ed-stivenders-christmas-offering-tickets-128888175001. Contact Ed at (610) 623-8546.

12] – Make Calls for Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.  The presidential election may be over (Donald Trump’s refusal to concede notwithstanding), but control of the US Senate hangs in the balance, pending the results of two runoff elections in Georgia, the nation’s newest battleground state. Early voting starts December 14, and Special Election Day is January 5, 2021. The Sierra Club will be making phone calls in support of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, whose races could determine the fate of President-Elect Biden’s ambitious green agenda. Sign up to call Georgia voters at https://www.mobilize.us/sierraclubbattleground/event/272291/?utm_source=insider&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter. The available times are Sun., Dec. 13 from 3 to 6 PM and 6 to 9 PM ET, Mon., Dec. 14 from 3 to 6 PM and 6 to 9 PM EST and Tues., Dec. 15 from 3 to 6 and 6 to 9 PM ET.  The calls will continue through Tues., Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 PM EST.

13] – Join in this special virtual event that explores how artists, advocates, and elected officials are claiming a future where all Americans can live free of hate and discrimination on Sun., Dec. 13 at 3 PM ET via livestream.  Save your spot at https://www.americanmuslimfutures.com/register?emci=5c55993d-3c3b-eb11-9fb4-00155d43b2cd&emdi=a4766786-3d3b-eb11-9fb4-00155d43b2cd&ceid=8493416.  You’ll be inspired by special guests like Aint Afraid and all of the artwork featured in the ground-breaking American Muslim Futures exhibit, co-created by Muslim Advocates and the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.

14] – On Sun., Nov. 8 from 4 to 5 PM EST, there will be a Black Lives Matter Vigil at the Governor Warfield Parkway and Windstream Drive.  These Sunday vigils will continue through June 2021.  This is hosted by Black Lives Activists of Columbia and it occurs the second Sunday of each month. Please plan to wear masks, observe physical distancing, and bring your own signs. Visit https://www.facebook.com/BLAColumbia.

15] – The Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) know that the #COVID19 pandemic is a giant wake-up call for #MedicareForAll (MFA) and the #GreenNewDeal (GND)? Because at PDA, it believes in science.  And science tells us that MFA will save money and save lives. With COVID-19 as a giant magnifier of these scientific principles, MFA will not just save money, it will save lots of money. And MFA will not just save lives, it will save lots of lives.  Under a #SinglePayer expanded and improved MFA, you will get #UniversalHealthcare resulting in testing, contact tracing, and treatment including vaccines for everyone, starting with those who need it most, first.  And science also tells us that the GND is how we not only recover from a massive public health challenge like this pandemic, but also how we prepare for those public health disasters yet to come.

  If you believe in science, join the next PDA Healthcare Emergency Town Hall on Sun., Dec. 13 at 4 PM ET.  Anaheim City Councilmember, Chicano/Latino Studies Professor at Cal State Univ. Long Beach, and former Bernie Delegate, Dr. Jose F. Moreno, Ph.D., will join for a follow-up on the discussion of COVID-19 and healthcare inequities especially in BIPOC communities now as it applies to an anticipated rollout of vaccines, and to give us his impression of Xavier Becerra as a Biden/Harris nominee for Secretary of Health And Human Services. Email mikefox@pdamerica.org to register.

16] – 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 Sun., Dec. 13, Mon., Dec. 14 and Tues., Dec. 15!  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. Volunteer with Our Revolution to help make Get-Out-the-Vote phone calls to Georgia! The next virtual phone bank is on Sun., Dec. 6 from 6.30 to 8:30 and Thurs., Dec. 10 PM EST!  Other dates for the phone bank will be available.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/362948/?akid=824.8252965.hctbnt&rd=1&t=9.

17] – Progressive Democrats of America are holding a Flip The Senate/Demote McConnell Team Meeting on Sun., Dec. 13 at 9 PM ET. Join the efforts to bring home the victories.  Register to get your secure log in at mikefox@pdamerica.org.

18] – 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. 14, 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.  

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