Baltimore Activist Alert – November 21 - 23, 2021

Baltimore Activist Alert – November 21 - 23, 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] Welcome an Afghan Family to Baltimore!

7] Support Drone Whistleblower Daniel Hale

8] A friend needs a house or an apartment to rent

9] See the film FALSE ALARM – through Nov. 30

10] “Gratitude and Thanksgiving” – Nov. 21

11] SIDEWALK RALLY and FOOD COLLECTION -- Nov. 21

12] Knock on doors for Brooke Lierman for Comptroller – Nov. 21

13] Join a conversation with James Zogby – Nov. 21

14] School of the Americas Watch 31st Annual Vigil – Nov. 21

15] State of the Progressive Left -- Nov. 21

16] Make calls for the Freedom to Vote Act.  – Nov. 21 – 23

17] Protest at the Pentagon – Nov. 22

18] Diversity and Inclusion in the Non-Proliferation Treaty Process -- Nov. 22

19] CHARGE KYLE RITTENHOUSE -- Nov. 22

20] Emergency Election Protection Coalition -- Nov. 22

21] Phone Bank for Brooke Lierman – Nov. 22

22] Pray for Peace – Nov. 22

23] Film Finding Fellowship – Nov. 22

24] Say No to weapons research at JHU – Nov. 23

------

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] – St. Matthew, Blessed Sacrament, and the IOSC are partnering to welcome an Afghan Family to Baltimore! Are you interested in serving our new immigrant family? If you are interested, you will be trained in how you may serve, you will be guided and scheduled at your convenience by the Lead volunteer coordinator, you may also make donations through the IOSC to assist the family in the transition process in order to: Purchase food & Purchase clothes for winter and other necessities. Contact the IOSC at info@IOSCbaltimore.org, call the office at 410-323-8564 and leave a message for Nathalie.

7] – There is a Call to Action to support Drone Whistleblower Daniel Hale. He was transferred to horrific prison:  abuse, silencing and continued punishment for being a truth-teller. Please write letters and organize something in your community. See what JOHN KIRIAKOU has written about this travesty: Drone Whistleblower Thrown in Pen with Terrorists -- https://consortiumnews.com/2021/10/19/john-kiriakou-drone-whistleblower-thrown-in-pen-with-terrorists/. The Daniel Hale Support Team @TeamDanielHale indicated he was placed in the Communications Management Unit at Marion, IL. Please send him letters: Daniel Everette Hale, 26069-075, USP Marion, U.S. Penitentiary, P.O. Box 1000, Marion, IL  62959.

8] – A friend, Brendan Walls, has to move out of a rented home on March 1.  So he is looking for housing and wants to live south of the Baltimore beltway, east of US 95 and north of Route 214.  Do you know of a house or apartment in the Annapolis area with as much peace and quiet as I can get for no more than $1800 a month? He does not mind pet sitting, house sitting, keeping someone company or community living.  Let me know if you have a lead on a home or apartment for Brendan to rent.  Thanks for giving this your consideration.

9] – Nick Lyell <njlyell@gmail.com> will released his new documentary, False Alarm on Mon., Nov. 1 for one month only. The focus of the documentary is the 2018 false alarm that people in Hawai'i received about an imminent nuclear attack, and it explores both what that experience was like and the larger system that makes things like that possible.  See it on Vimeo On-Demand: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/falsealarm. The film chronicles the surreal, traumatic, and revelatory fallout from the morning when everyone on Hawai'i thought a nuclear missile was imminent.

10] – 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. 21, the subject is “Gratitude and Thanksgiving.” This Thanksgiving, one possibly complicated by traditional family disagreements and continued pandemic hurdles, Hugh Taft-Morales hosts a celebration of gratitude. Join him on Zoom for some mindfulness, music, readings and reflections of gratitude! He 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). The Zoom link and more info can be obtained at PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG.

11] – The Black Lives Matter Interfaith Coalition (BLMIC) is holding a SIDEWALK RALLY and FOOD COLLECTION on Sun., Nov. 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM ET at 4601 Liberty Heights, Baltimore 21207.  The cross street is Mane Avenue.  The sidewalk is in front of the ShopRite of Howard Park. Pastor Dellyne Hinton, Gwynn Oak UMC, will offer a closing prayer. This month, please bring nonperishable food items for Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle School's Food Pantry-- Items for Thanksgiving dinner (low sodium canned vegetables, pumpkin, potatoes, stuffing mix, etc.) or grocery store gift cards would be especially appreciated! Check out http://www.blmic.org. Contact Ryan Sattler at <ryansattler AT comcast.net> or at Tel 717-891-6156.

12] --On Sun., Nov. 21 at 2 PM ET, knock on doors for Brooke Lierman for Comptroller at 3820 Fernside Road, Randallstown 21133.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/397538/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest. Canvass the community and share Brooke's vision to transform the Comptroller's office to work for every Marylander. Once you sign up the team will follow up with everything you need to knock on doors!

13] –Join a conversation on Sun., Nov. 21 from 2 to 4 PM with James Zogby, co-founder and president of the Arab American Institute, about Israel’s recent designation of six Palestinian human rights groups as "terrorist organizations," as well as the impact of this past spring’s/early summer’s attacks upon Gaza, East Jerusalem evictions, and other events in 2021, upon US political opinion and foreign policy. Zogby has been an influential leader in the Arab American community and a champion of Palestinian rights for decades. He is frequently featured on national and international media as an expert on Middle East affairs. Since 1992, he has written a weekly column that is published in 12 countries. Jewish Voice for Peace invites all to attend the monthly meeting, which will follow the Q&A with James Zogby. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpd-yprTspH9ZRbUcccXlAp1EKalRN02-D?fbclid=IwAR1GYhPfkWulFGTxztcNLqiFamXQYna0tt3R0u3_xjcaMvgOtRPEj7gE1fs.

14] – The School of the Americas Watch 31st Annual Vigil will happen on Sun., Nov. 21 from 2:30 to 4 PM ET. Join the SOA Watch Musicians Collective to honor the memory of victims of state violence. Through song, Presentes, and collective sharing, honor the memory of victims of state violence and fortify our collective resistance for justice and peace in the world. Register here. https://soaw.salsalabs.org/2021virtualconferenceandannualvigilregistrationinvitation?wvpId=f43b2196-9dae-4d3b-8513-35bdd818550e&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=2428bddd-5857-4ca3-921e-4f49ae4b92d0. Email info@soaw.org or call 202-234-3440.

15] -- Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to attend the Town Hall on Sun., Nov. 21 at 4 PM ET.  Hear about the State of the Progressive Left with Michael Lighty.  RSVP at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4. It’s been a crazy few months in American politics. President Biden has largely exceeded progressive expectations. He pulled the troops out of Afghanistan and has called upon Congress to pass legislation full of progressive priorities, all of which is popular with the pubic and yet his approval rating has plummeted. Meanwhile, the Democratic establishment continues to gang up on progressives in elections from Albuquerque to Buffalo and places in between—and then blame the left when moderates lose. What does it all mean for progressives, the people, and the planet?  Hear an update on the inside/outside strategy to pass voting rights legislation in the U S Senate from voting rights organizer Savannah Gibbins with the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition.

16] – Join the Freedom to Vote Act Phonebank with Common Cause on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Work together to demand bold changes to our alleged democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Call voters in targeted states and connect them to their Senators to support the Freedom to Vote Act and eliminate the filibuster. These phone banks are subject to change based on variables outside of our control (i.e. a Senator's mailbox is full). On Sun., Nov. 21 from 6 to 8 PM EST, connect AZ voters to Sen. Sinema to ask that they do everything possible to pass the Freedom to Vote Act including fixing the filibuster. On Mon., Nov. 22 from 4 to 6 PM and 6 to 8 PM and 6 to 8 PM EST connect AZ voters to Sen. Kelly to ask that they do everything possible to pass the Freedom to Vote Act including fixing the filibuster. On Tues., Nov. 23 from 4 to 6 PM ET, connect AZ voters to Sen. Sinema to ask that they do everything possible to pass the Freedom to Vote Act including fixing the filibuster.  Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=newsletter.

17] – 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. 22 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.  

18] – On Mon., Nov. 22 at 9 AM ET, catch Diversity and Inclusion in the Non-Proliferation Treaty Process, sponsored by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). A panel of distinguished experts will explore the benefits of improving integration of underrepresented perspectives and experiences in the Non-Proliferation Treaty process and their value in implementing treaty commitments.  Over the last NPT Review cycle, there has been an increased focus on diversity and inclusion within NPT implementation and review process, with a particular focus on gender. Register at https://rusi.org/events/open-to-all/diversity-and-inclusion-non-proliferation-treaty-process. Email Sabrina Downey at sabrinad@rusi.org. 

19] – The NATIONAL ALLIANCE AGAINST RACIST AND POLITICAL REPRESSION is calling for PROTESTS DEMANDING the Department of Justice CHARGE KYLE RITTENHOUSE. In BALTIMORE, the protest will occur on Mon., Nov. 22 from 5 to 6 PM at the GARMATZ FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BUILDING, 101 W. Lombard St., Baltimore 21201.  The actual spot is being discussed. Should it be on the Lombard side or the Pratt Street side? If you NEED A RIDE, text Cindy at 443-604-2298. There is a possibility of a gathering for a hot drink afterwards.

20] – The Emergency Election Protection Coalition is hosting a meeting on Mon., Nov. 15 at 5 PM ET. Please submit any questions to: Solartopia@gmail.com. Progressive Democrats of America are part of the coalition. Go to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYldumtrjIiH9L7_KfcFV1n8ynuO3anTGwp.

21] – Phone Bank for Brooke Lierman by canvassing the community and share Brooke's vision to transform the Comptroller's office to work for every Marylander. Once you sign up the team will follow up with everything you will need to phone bank! Phone bank on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM ET. Participate on November 23 and November 25 by signing in at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/397560/.

22] – Charles Cloughen [CCloughen@episcopalmaryland.org] wants you to know about Pray for Peace on Mon., Nov. 22 at 7:30 PM ET by Zoom.  The event is hosted by Trinity Church. Go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87526207003?pwd=bFlYVXZKeGUvRGQvV3RzWDJhcWhFdz09 with the ID 875 2620 7003 and a Passcode of 031106.

23] – Maryland Public Television (MPT) <outreach@mpt.org> is doing Standing against Racism - Programming in November. On Mon., Nov. 22 at 9 PM ET, watch Finding Fellowship. Three racially-segregated churches, born out of the Civil War, in the historic community of Quince Orchard, Maryland, had fallen on hard financial times. The Black church gathered one evening to discuss its uncertain future. As members debated the consequences of merging with the two local white congregations, the minister interrupted to announce that Martin Luther King, Jr. had just been murdered in Memphis, TN, April 4, 1968. Despite King's assassination, though others argue because of it, those three churches voted to merge their congregations into one. To engage in a deeper conversation, please contact us at standingagainstracism@mpt.org.

24] – Join us in challenging Johns Hopkins University -- Say No to Weapons Contracts at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. on Tues., Nov. 23 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.  You may consider contacting President Ron Daniels and telling him that the university should reject all military contracts, including those for killer drone and nuclear weapons research.  The president’s mailing address is Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, and 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  You can also reach his office by Phone: (410) 516-8068, Fax: (410) 516-6097 or email: president@jhu.edu.

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