Baltimore Activist Alert – December 20 – 22, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 20 – 22, 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] A Candid Look at Racism – Dec. 20 

6] The rupture of social bonds – Dec. 20  

7] “The Case for Reparations” – Dec. 20

9] Food Collection for the Maryland Food Bank – Dec. 20

9] Make Calls for Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.  – Dec. 20 - 22

10] Get out the Vote – Dec. 20 – 22

11] Jews United for Justice – Dec. 20

12] Healthcare Emergency Town Hall – Dec. 20

13] The Venezuelan Election – Dec. 20

14] Make Calls for Warnock and Ossoff – Dec. 20 – 22

15] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Dec. 21

16] Food Pantry Pick-up – Dec.  21 - 22

17] Food Rescue – Dec. 21

18] Legislative Priorities Chapter Discussion – Dec. 21

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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] –   On Sun., Dec. 20 from 9:45 to 11 AM EST, get with A Candid Look at Racism: History, the Church, and Today at Georgetown Presbyterian Church. There will also be a look on Sun., Dec. 27. Sign in at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85725721880?pwd=TWsxYk9SeDJiWUJHUzlEY0lVVEtxZz09. This online event is hosted by the Adult Education program at Georgetown Presbyterian.  Schedule updates and additional speakers will be shared at gtowpres.org. Email info@gtownpres.org. The meeting ID is 857 2572 1880, and the password is 343482.

6] – The rupture of social bonds throughout American society has created a culture of despair, one where individuals and groups seek affirmation in acts of self-destruction. How do we restore those bonds? And if we cannot what will it mean for the United States and the world?  Hear from Chris Hedges, who has a M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School where he studied under James Luther Adams, is an ordained Presbyterian minister. He is also a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist for The New York Times, where he worked for fifteen years as the Middle East Bureau Chief and Balkan Bureau Chief during the war in the former Yugoslavia. Also listen to the music of Dean Stevens and Rob Flax. Join this Zoom Meeting on Sun., Dec. 20 from 10 to 11 AM at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89552575898?pwd=K1ZRMkRNejlpRnZZakFRWnE0aUh3Zz09; Meeting ID: 895 5257 5898 and Passcode: 246499. Or watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxzqBfbtvnhNKWmzpCm0lIA.

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. 20, the platform address is “The Case for Reparations.”  In “The Case for Reparations,” Ta-Nehisi Coates argues that America’s prosperity is tied to its history of slavery and racism. Slaves were the largest property asset in the United States and helped found the American economy. The structure of segregated Northern cities is not accidental, but the result of dedicated planning designed to keep African Americans out. While dominant narratives talk about how African Americans have failed and are therefore responsible for their situation, in fact, America went out of its way to exploit Black families and continues to do so. This talk considers: What Reparations are. What they mean for America. How we heal as Americans. What you can do to make amends.  As an advocate for the misrepresented and misunderstood; Lea Murray seeks to create understanding between groups and individuals who might otherwise be in conflict. Using mindfulness practice and principles of social and restorative justice Lea seeks reconciliation and restitution for those who have been harmed by the toxicity of hatred and division. A life-long learner, Lea earned a MA in African Diaspora Studies from FIU and an MPH in Public Health Nutrition from UC Berkeley. Lea is currently the Executive Director of Collaborising, Inc., a non-profit organization that is dedicated to exploring humanity through social and cultural exchange. Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for the ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

8] - On Sun., Dec. 20 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] – 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—continuing on Sun., Dec. 20 from 2 to 4 PM and 4 to 6 PM EST, Mon., Dec. 21 from 5 to 7 PM ET and Tues., Dec. 22 from 5 to 7 PM and 7 to 9 PM EST.  The calls will continue through Jan. 5 from 5 to 7 PM and 7 to 9 PM EST.

10] – 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 started 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. 20 from 3 to 6 PM ET and 6 to 9 PM ET, Mon., Dec. 21 from 3 to 6 PM and 6 to 9 PM ET and Tues., Dec. 22 from 3 to 6 PM and 6 to 9 PM EST.  The calls will continue through Tues., Jan. 5 from 6 to 9 PM EST.

11] -   On Sun., Dec. 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, get over to the Maryland Community Meeting of Jews United for Justice. Discuss ongoing issue campaign work and participate in one of the two statewide teams: Labor & Housing Justice, and Justice System Reform & Immigrant Rights.  For the first half hour, for those new to JUFJ there will be an introduction.  Then the next half hour, share updates for all the campaigns. For the final hour, split into breakout rooms for team-specific work. Everyone is welcome!  Sign up here. https://jufj.org/event/md-meeting-december/?emci=00abe7e1-a535-eb11-9fb4-00155d43b2cd&emdi=4b013bec-df38-eb11-9fb4-00155d43b2cd&ceid=3403859.

12] – Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) are gravely concerned that without #SinglePayer expanded and improved #MedicareForAll (MFA) not everyone will get ALL of the care needed to defeat #COVID19.  What should have been done right from the start of this pandemic, and what still needs to be done now, is to provide ALL of the testing, contact tracing, and treatment—especially now with approved vaccines—to those who need it most first, and then to ALL of the rest of us. MFA and only MFA with its public plan for providing and managing the resources needed to make this happen, is the only way to equitably prioritize and then distribute those precious resources such that ALL of the people will indeed get ALL of the needed care.  Because whether it’s COVID-19 care or cardiac surgery that’s needed, in a civilized society, healthcare cannot be considered a commodity, and profit-making from a condition of human need is a crime. Join PDA in this epic struggle at the meeting on Zoom on Sun., Dec. 20 at 4 PM ET. This week's PDA Healthcare Emergency Town Hall is hosted by Dr. Bill Honigman with PDA Executive Director Alan Minsky and PDA Advisory Board Chair Donna Smith. Email mikefox@pdamerica.org to register.

13] – The UNAC coalition invites you to The Venezuelan Election, a blow to US Imperialism on Sun., Dec. 20 at 5 PM EST. Hear from people who observed the elections as election observers and journalists: Margaret Flower, Popular Resistance, Vijay Prashad, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research,  Bahman Azad, U.S. Peace Council, and Zoe PC, Peoples Dispatch.  The United Socialist Party of Venezuela, the party of Nicolas Maduro, won a victory in the recent election for the National Assembly.  Join this webinar at https://www.facebook.com/events/698610737464712.

14] – Both Georgia Senate seats have moved on to a January 5 runoff. Control of the Senate and all hopes for the future hinge on this runoff. If Democrats win both seats, the Senate will be tied 50-50 and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris will be the tiebreaker, creating a possible chance to fight for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, an end to college debt, a living wage, and all other goals. If we lose even one of these seats, Republicans will control the Senate, and any progressive legislation will be dead in the water for at least two years. Help Get Out the Vote on Sun., Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST and on Tues., Dec. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST.  The next opportunity will be on Tues., Dec. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM EST.  Help Our Revolution phone bank for these candidates.  Register Here https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/362948/?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-happy-thanksgiving-our-revolution-baltimore&email_referrer=email_1012083&email_subject=actions-upcoming-events-our-revolution-baltimore.

15] – 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. 21, 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.  

16] –  On Mon., Dec. 21 and Tues., Dec. 22 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. Look at https://www.facebook.com/swenceslaus.

17] – On Mon., Dec. 21 from noon to 1:30 PM EST, participate in Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 North Eutaw St., Baltimore.  This Food Rescue will continue until Mon., Apr. 26. Food Rescue Baltimore is proud to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring free vegan and plant-based food to the community. Bring a bag, take what you want, while supplies last. #KeepItFreshDay #MeatlessMonday. See https://www.facebook.com/The-Land-of-Kush-102096254517153.

18] - The Maryland legislative session starts on January 13, and many important topics will be on the table, from the environment to police reform. Join Our Revolution Baltimore City/County for a discussion of some of the bills that will be introduced, and help determine the chapter’s priorities are for the session. On Mon., Dec. 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, join the Legislative Priorities Chapter Discussion: December Chapter Meeting.  Register at https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/269476/?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-upcoming-events-actions-our-revolution-baltimore-8&email_referrer=email_999178&email_subject=nina-turner-on-neoliberalism-our-revolution-baltimore.

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