Baltimore Activist Alert – June 13 – 14, 2021

Baltimore Activist Alert – June 13 – 14, 2021

"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] Max is looking for tips on a garage or a storage suggestion.

6] House cleaner needed

7] No to NATO – June 13

8] The Climate Crisis – June 13

9] Haiti vs Imperialism – June 13

10] On Migration and Struggle – June 13

11] Remembering Ramsey Clark – June 13

12] Meet Palestinians in Silwan – June 13

13] Healthcare Town Hall – June 13

14] Black Lives Matter – June 13

15] Pentagon Papers –June 13

16] Pentagon Peace Vigil – June 14

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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] – Max is in need of a garage or a storage space.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

6] – Is there a woman in the Baltimore area who does house cleaning?  This assignment would be on an irregular basis with several hours per week.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

7] – Stop the War Coalition [office@stopwar.org.uk] believes there is no place for NATO in the world we want to build. Join the No to NATO virtual counter-summit to discuss alternatives – in solidarity for peace, justice and disarmament. NATO leaders are coming together in Brussels on Sun., June 13 to discuss the plans for the Western military alliance. Join the online events on Sunday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM ET.  On Sun., there will be a Zoom rally from 1 to 4.30 PM to discuss 'Global Nato and the threat of war' with a range of international speakers including Ann Wright (Veterans for Peace) from the US, Reiner Braun (IPB) from Germany and Lindsey German (StWC) and Kate Hudson (CND) from the UK.  Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIofu-hpj8tHNzDhRHtpOYU31UO56dlbn3s?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-tomorrow-palestine-biden-war-in-the-middle-east&email_referrer=email_1198113&email_subject=there-is-no-place-for-nato-in-the-world-we-want-to-build.

8] – 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., June 13, it is “How Do We Respond to the Climate Crisis?” Despite evidence to the contrary, many continually refer to the climate crisis as a distant threat—one that may already be taking shape in the Global South and might affect our grandchildren, but not an emergency that requires immediate, transformative action. In fact, the climate crisis is already upon us. It can be seen in increasing temperatures, changing participation patterns, and rising sea levels, all of which are a concern for Baltimore. These shifts aren’t happening in a vacuum. Rather, they’re exacerbating existing issues. They’re causing aging water and energy infrastructure to fail, making redlined neighborhoods even less hospitable, and increasing risks of violent conflict. The only ethical choice we have is to fight for transformative change. That may require us all to make some sacrifices, but it could also come with tremendous gains for us all. Dharna Noor writes and reports on the climate crisis and environmental justice. She’s currently a writer at Earther, Gizmodo’s climate vertical. She previously led the Real News Network’s climate bureau. Her work has also appeared in Jacobin, Truthout, the Baltimore Beat and other outlets, as well as in a recently released book on environmental justice movements throughout the U.S. She lives in Baltimore. The Zoom link and more info can be obtained at PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG for INFORMATION.

9] –The U.S. Peace Council [USPC@USPeaceCouncil.org] is holding a ZOOM WEBINAR: Haiti vs. Imperialism and Neocolonialism: Yesterday and Today on Sun., June 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM ET. At the end of the 18th century, two profound political processes unfolded: One, in 1776 led to the formation of the USA, which went on to dominate the African Slave Trade. The other, ignited in 1791, led to the Haitian Revolution, which precipitated a General Crisis of the entire slave system that could only be resolved with its collapse — not least in the U.S. itself in 1865. Unfortunately, Haiti's government is controlled by the wealthy and supported at times by Western nations.  The people of Haiti are suffering the consequences. Sign up at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Yg8_Sef-SeGWe5y68OlX6A?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-zoom-webinar-haiti-vs-imperialism-and-neocolonialism-yesterday-and-today-2&email_referrer=email_1204489&email_subject=zoom-webinar-haiti-vs-imperialism-and-neocolonialism-yesterday-and-today.

10] – Centroamericanos Speak:  On Migration and Struggle will be heard on Sun., June 13 from 11 AM to 1 PM EDT with a member of the Central American News, Melissa Vida, a freelance journalist and filmmaker from Belgian and Salvadoran descent. Melissa has had her work published in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, World Politics Review and America Magazine and has been hired by the Melissa Vida is a freelance journalist and filmmaker from Belgian and Salvadoran descent. Melissa has had her work published in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, World Politics Review and America Magazine and has been hired by the Katholieke Universiteit van Leuven (KUL) to produce a documentary on St. Oscar Romero’s legacy in El Salvador. She is also the founder and editor of the weekly newsletter Central American News, which is followed by 500+ journalists, researchers and public officials. She hones a bird’s-eye view on Central America as a region and specializes in El Salvador, for which she works as a consultant for government institutions.  Register at http://masspeaceaction.org/event/centroamericanos-speak-on-migration-and-struggle/. Check out http://masspeaceaction.org/venue/online-event/?emci=ddbb21ca-9cb1-eb11-85aa-0050f237abef&emdi=fe05109c-a8b1-eb11-85aa-0050f237abef&ceid=269591.

11] – Remembering Ramsey Clark is hosted by the International Action Center on Sun., June 13 at 2 PM ET. The International Action Center will hold an online virtual Tribute to remember Ramsey Clark’s legacy with his family members. Clark founded the International Action Center in 1992 as a structure to oppose U.S. wars of aggression and occupation, defend liberation struggles, and defend political prisoners. IAC militants joined Ramsey Clark’s international delegations that defied the blockade of Cuba, the war and sanctions on Iraq, the U.S.-NATO war on Yugoslavia, the kidnapping of then President Aristide in Haiti or joined the wave of resistance then sweeping Latin America. He guided the production of hundreds of books, videos, mass meetings, internet campaigns and demonstrations that the IAC organized with him. The IAC is determined to continue this vital work and to make available many of his books to a wider audience. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BUcV54t4RN6AZpePptjFRQ?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=98037bf6-c391-4739-89d2-a1f019328ac0.

12] – Friends of Sabeel North America [friends@fosna.org] are inviting you to meet Palestinians in Silwan through Eyewitness Palestine on Sun., June 13 at 2 PM ET. Visit the Neighborhood of Silwan in Occupied East Jerusalem with your guides Sahar Abassi and Zuheir Rajabi.  This is co-sponsored by Madaa Creative Center and Art Forces.  Visit https://secure.everyaction.com/PJNPkea3GEeB7sS4O0QF6A2.

13] – Dr. Bill Honigman for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] is alerting you to the Healthcare Emergency Town Hall and Sun., June 13 at 4 PM ET. Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) calls attention to the fact that the movement for Healthcare as a Human Right in the U.S., by implementing a #SinglePayer expanded and improved #MedicareForAll (SP/MFA) system, is getting closer and closer to realization as evidenced by a couple of basic observations. First, despite the return to many public activities now that are admittedly welcome but acceptable only with an abundance of caution, the crisis of #COVID19 remains plainly in our collective awareness, and the outcry from this experience grows louder still to resolve glaring inequities and unjust suffering and loss of life clearly caused by commercial interests precluding public needs.  And even more telling, the rancor and resistance to SP/MFA at this time—whether at the federal, state, or local level—is becoming increasingly shrill, signaling our imminent success. The more they fight us, the closer we are to #HealthcareJustice.

At the Town Hall, hear from this week’s special guest speaker Melahat Refiei, Bernie for President and MFA supporter, elected DNC Member—newly elected Secretary of the California Democratic Party, and local political campaign consultant—for her perspective on this struggle at the local, state, and national levels. Register https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

14] – On Sun., June 13 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] – ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PENTAGON PAPERS, join a VIRTUAL EVENT on Sun., June 13 at 7:30 PM EDT. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LOu9qur7S8O9Sd2YkA1Zeg. The Pentagon Papers exposed the lies about the Vietnam War, destroying the government's case for the war and sending Nixon's White House into convulsions that led to Watergate and his impeachment. Daniel Ellsberg, the man who risked life in prison to reveal the top-secret Papers, will be the featured webinar speaker. Honor and celebrate him on the 50th anniversary of the June 13, 1971 public release and explore the impact of his actions then and now.  Other commentators are Noam Chomsky, Rep. Elizabeth Holtzman, Gar Alperovitz and Barbara Myers.

For bios and resources click here: http://www.vietnampeace.org/blog/pentagon-papers-50.  This is organized by the Vietnam Peace Commemoration Committee:  http://www.vietnampeace.org/.

16] – 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 June 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, Apt. 206, 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