Baltimore Activist Alert – September 18 - 24, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – September 18 - 24, 2022

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

5] Donate for medical care for US drone victim

6] Support the Pratt Workers United

7] Get a copy of HOSPITALITY, the Open Door newsletter

8] Knock on doors with the MD Dems – Sept. 18 - 20  

9] Phone bank for Brooke – Sept. 18 - 24

10] Knock on doors for Brooke – Sept. 18 - 24

11] Understanding gun culture – Sept. 18

12] Handover Party in the Park – Sept. 18

13] Ukrainian Festival – Sept. 18

14] Montgomery County Friendship Picnic -- Sept. 18

15] The War on Journalism -- Sept. 18

16] Canvass voters in Baltimore County! -- Sept. 18

17] Make calls for Beto – Sept. 18, 20, 23 & 24 

18] Write letters for Beto --Sept. 18, 20 & 23   

19] PDA Town Hall -- Sept. 18

20] Maryland Housing Justice Summit – Sept. 18

21] Our Democracy phone banks – Sept. 18, 20 & 23

22] Metro DC DSA meeting – Sept. 18

23] Protest at the Pentagon – Sept. 19

24] Protest treatment of Haitian asylum seekers – Sept. 19

25] Update on Refugee Resettlement – Sept. 19

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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] – 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.

5] – Here is the Go Fund Me link through which you can help Adel Al Manthari get the medical attention that he desperately needs: https://gofund.me/1a5fac07. Please contribute as soon as possible because he will not be able to get treatment until $10,000 is raised. BanKillerDrones.org is raising funds to help him. WESPAC Foundation is the fiscal agent for BanKillerDrones.org. In March 2018 Adel Al Manthari was grievously injured in a U.S. drone attack in Yemen that killed four of his cousins. The five men were driving to the village of al-Aqla to witness a land transfer. They never made it. Tens of thousands have been killed and maimed by U.S. drone attacks.  Adel survived, but now his health is in jeopardy because he can’t afford the medical care he needs.

6] – The workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library have started a drive to organize a union calling themselves Pratt Workers United.  Go to https://www.prattworkersunited.org/. There is a letter of support for community members to sign at https://www.prattworkersunited.org/community-letter-support.

"Pratt Library workers are forming a union, Pratt Workers United. We are seeking pay equity for all, safer working conditions, benefits for part-time workers, and a voice in decisions that affect our work.”

7] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr.  You can call 404-290-2047 or emailopendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

8] – Baltimore City - Knock on doors with the MD Dems Coordinated Campaign, hosted by the Maryland Democratic Party through Fri., Sept. 30.  Meet at 415 N. Howard St., Suite G-1, Baltimore 21201.  Knock on doors and talk to our neighbors to make sure voters are engaged and excited to vote for Wes Moore, Senator Chris Van Hollen, Brooke Lierman, Anthony Brown, and the rest of the democratic slate. The canvassing shifts are on Sun., Sept. 18 from 1 to 4 PM & 4 to 7 PM, Mon., Sept. 19 and Tues., Sept. 20 from 10 AM to 1 PM, 1 to 4 PM and 4 to 7 PM ET.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/498322/.

9] – On Sun., Sept. 18 through Sat., Sept. 24 from 10 AM to 8 PM ET, phone bank for Brooke Lierman for comptroller.  Can you spare a few hours to phone bank for Brooke? You can do it from your home and you will be sent a list and a script!  Once you sign up, an organizer will reach out directly to you and get you your phone book and a training if you need it! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/brookeliermanforcomptroller/event/489251/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.OTH_VirtualConventionSignup_080822&t=4&akid=16578%2E508952%2EHQOuGi.

10] – Do some Door Knocking for Brooke in Your Neighborhood, hosted by Brooke Lierman for Comptroller.  Sign up for Sun., Sept. 18 through Sat., Sept 24.  The door knocking takes place from 10 AM to 8 PM ET. Canvass in your community and share Brooke's vision to transform the Comptroller's office to work for every Marylander. YOU CAN DO THIS ON YOUR OWN TIME. Once you sign up, the team will follow up with everything you will need to knock doors including materials, a t-shirt, stickers, and a quick training. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/484676/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_custom_marketing.

11] – 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., Sept. 18, the platform is “Understanding Gun Culture.”  In a society with more weapons than people, it’s clear that the United States has a “gun culture.”  Is this enough to explain the plague of mass shootings, crime-related killings, accidents, and suicides by bullet? People add various explanations for this pandemic – mental illness, toxic masculinity, economic desperation, and profiteering by weapon manufacturers. If we are going to change our culture from one of guns to one of ethics, we have a lot to learn. Hugh Taft-Morales explores his own efforts to understand gun culture “from the outside. 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@BEMOREthical.org for ZOOM login information.

12] – Get over to Hanover Party in the Park, a community event, hosted by PA Democratic Party on Sun., Sept. 18 from 11 AM to 3 PM ET at the Classroom, Marina Drive, Hanover, PA 17331. This event will include a Meet and Greet, a BYO picnic, grill provided, music, bring your instrument, and an opportunity to get on the lake with your kayak.  Visit https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/447674/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_custom_marketing.

13] – Get over to the Washington, D.C. Ukrainian Festival which will conclude on Sun., Sept. 18 from 11 AM to dusk. It takes place at St. Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 15100 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring 20905.  Go to www.Ukrainefestdc.com or call 301-384-9192 or admin@standrewuoc.org.

14] – The 9th annual Montgomery County Friendship Picnic will happen on Sun., Sept. 18 from noon to 5 PM ET at Wheaton Regional Park.  Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/human rights.

15] – Ann Wilcox [ann1.wilcox@gmail.com] is alerting you to "The War on Journalism" on Sun., Sept. 18 at 2 PM at the Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Conn. Ave. NW (Metro: Red Line), WDC or Live Online. Watch this event on https://consortiumnews.com/2022/09/16/watch-cn-live-the-war-on-journalism/.  Or on YouTube & join the chat -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVT7_WFoU04.  This event is hosted by DC Action for Assange and Consortium News.  Juan Passarelli is the director of the documentary The War on Journalism. Joining Passarelli in discussion of the film and Five Myths about Assange, will be Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg; the New York Times general counsel during that case, James Goodale; C.I.A. whistleblower John Kiriakou and others.

16] – There is a Day of Action to Knock on Doors for Brooke, Wes, Aruna, Anthony and Del. Cathi Forbes, hosted by Brooke Lierman for Comptroller. On Sun., Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 PM ET, gather at Rodgers Forge Elementary School, 250 Dumbarton Road, Baltimore 21212.  Canvass voters in Baltimore County! You will receive all the training and materials you need to be successful upon arrival. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/495721/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_from_org.

17] – Beto for Texas [info@betoorourke.com] needs your help phone banking to help elect a new governor in Texas.  Sign up for a shift on Sun., Sept. 18 from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, Tues., Sept. 20 from 7 to 9:30 PM, Fri., Sept. 23 from 6 to 7:30 PM and Sat., Sept. 24 from 2:30 to 4:30 PM ET. Help make direct, personal contact with as many Texans as we can. You can join in from anywhere. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/betofortexas/event/438569/?utm_source=ema20220727-200206.

18] – Sign up to join a Beto for Texas Letter Writing Party on Sun., Sept. 18 from 3:30 to 5 PM or on Tues., Sept. 20 from 7 to 8 PM or Fri., Sept. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM ET. Letter writing parties are a great opportunity to meet other Beto for Texas volunteers and get trained on the letter writing process. After a brief training, write letters together! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/betofortexas/event/427673/?utm_source=ema20220817-203416.

19] – Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] thinks you might be interested in attending on Sun., Sept. 18 at 4 PM ET for the Town Hall: Ralph Nader and Mark Green on How Democrats Can Win the Midterms. They have just released "Crushing the GOP 2022," their guide to victory this fall! The authors will explain why Democrats will win, but only if they pull no punches. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

20] – Matan Zeimer [info@jufj.org] wants you to join a celebration on Sun., Sept. 18 from 5 to 7 PM of tenant and labor rights with Jews United for Justice. Attend the Maryland Housing Justice Summit at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia. Join Renters United Maryland to celebrate the wins from 2022 and envision the future of housing justice statewide!  Go to https://jufj.org/event/rum-summit-sept-22/?emci=2e74f087-a62f-ed11-ae83-281878b83d8a&emdi=e05c2463-bd2f-ed11-ae83-281878b83d8a&ceid=3403859.

21] – Join an Our Democracy phone banks, hosted by Common Cause, on Sun., Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 PM & Tues., Sept. 20 & Fri., Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 PM ET. The idea is to protect democracy.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.

22] – Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is holding a general body meeting on Sun., Sept. 18 at 7 PM ET.  Debate endorsements for David Schwartzmann, running for one of the DC Council’s At-Large seats, and Ben Williams, running for DC State Board of Education in Ward 1. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/general-body-meeting-september-18?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-sep-9- 2022&email_referrer=email_1667460&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-sep-16-2022.

23] – 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 Sept. 19 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 begins at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. The restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.  

24] –   The Haitian Bridge Alliance is holding an action in front of the White House to demand justice and accountability for the Haitian asylum seekers and migrants who still await justice after they were chased, threatened, lashed at, and almost trampled by armed border patrol officers on horseback.  One of the participants will be Ambassador Daniel Foote, Former Special Envoy to Haiti who resigned in protest of the U.S.’ treatment of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas.  Honor the victims of the border patrol’s cruelty and draw attention to the horrific treatment of Black asylum seekers and migrants at the border on Mon., Sept. 19 at 10 AM ET. Email Taisha Saintil at tsaintil@haitianbridge.org or call 202-264-9546.

  In September 2021, a photo went viral of Mirard Joseph, a Haitian asylum seeker who was being chased and lashed at by an armed border patrol officer on horseback at the border. The image captured international media attention as a stark callback to the U.S. legacy of slavery and racism. Mr. Joseph was one of at least 15,000 asylum seekers, overwhelmingly Haitian, held by U.S. immigration in an encampment at the border in Del Rio, Texas. They were exposed to verbal threats, intimidation, medical neglect, extreme hunger and thirst, lack of beds or any sleeping materials, and desert heat. When he was assaulted by border patrol, Mr. Joseph had left the encampment to get food and water for his starving family.  Most of these 15,000 migrants either fled back to Mexico out of fear, or were then taken into custody, chained at their wrists, waist and feet, including pregnant and breast-feeding women, and expelled back to Haiti under the Title 42 policy without the opportunity to seek asylum protection. 

25] –HIAS [info@hias.org] thinks you might be interested in an Update on Refugee Resettlement in the U.S. on Mon., Sept. 19 at 4 PM ET. The importance of refugee resettlement has never been clearer. In the coming year, our country must repair and invest in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, in order to support and help people most in need of safety.  Join a conversation with HIAS’ team of experts to hear a big-picture update on refugee resettlement and what the U.S. must do to meet the moment and to live our deep history and legacy of welcome. RSVP at https://www.hias.org/events/update-call-refugee-resettlement-us?utm_medium=email&utm_source=hias.org&utm_campaign=events&utm_content=You%E2%80%99re+Invited:+September+events+at+HIAS.

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