Baltimore Activist Alert – February 12 to 17, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – February 12 to 17, 2023

"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 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] Need help in archiving activist material    

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

5] Support the Pratt Workers United

6] Get the book Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis

7] Get the book Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois

8] Count birds – through Feb. 15

9] Japanese have disappeared – Feb. 12

10] RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM -- Feb. 12

11] Town Hall with NOW President Christian Nunes – Feb. 12

12] Ambassador Orientation & Training -- Feb. 12

13] Election Protection phone bank – Feb. 12, 14, 16 & 17

14] Social Media Best Practices -- Feb. 12 & 15

15] Protest at the Pentagon – Feb. 13

16] Maryland Solar Lobby Day – Feb. 13

17] Indivisible in Annapolis – Feb. 13

18] Bernie on education -- Feb. 13

19] National Organize-to-Win Call -- Feb. 13

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1] – Buttons, bumper stickers 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] –  Janice Sevre-Duszynska needs some assistance in archiving her activist material.  If you are interested in this project, contact Max at 410-32301607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

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] – 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.” The workers voted to unionize

6] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. The September/October 2022 issue contains a wonderful review by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy of Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis, reprinted from The Catholic Worker, March-April 2022.  Davis, a co-founder of the Open Door Community, died in 2020.   You can subscribe to the newsletter or buy a copy of the book by calling 404-290-2047 or by emailing opendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

7] – Another book to consider purchasing is Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois. His new book is both memoir and position-paper, and it makes the case that the Roman Catholic Church is a corrupt system that spits out truth-tellers. The crime he was excommunicated for was attending the ordination ceremony of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2008. The ordination was under the auspices of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.  The Vatican’s response has been to excommunicate any woman who has the audacity to see herself as a priest equal to a male priest. You can purchase a copy from Amazon or by Kindle.

  Here are two quotes to contemplate: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men. She is to keep silent.” – Timothy 1, 2:12-13.  “If the patriarchy that dominates the church is not dismantled and women are not treated as equals, the church will continue to diminish and, eventually, die.” – Roy Bourgeois.

8] – The National Audubon Society [audubonconnect@audubon.org] has indicated that the Winter Climate Watch continues through Wed., Feb. 15 to count birds for science! Audubon needs your help to create a brighter future for the birds we all love this winter. Climate Watch is Audubon’s biannual community science program that enlists volunteer bird lovers across North America to tally vulnerable bird species. Learn more at  https://www.audubon.org/conservation/climate-watch?ms=digital-eng-email-ea-x-engagement_20230104_eng-email_climate-watch-winter-2023&utm_source=ea&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=engagement_20230104_eng-email&utm_content=climate-watch-winter-2023.

9] – 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., Feb. 12, the platform is “The Japanese have disappeared.” That disembodied voice in Julie Otsuka’s novel The Buddha in the Attic was speaking about the 120,000 innocent citizens of Japanese descent consigned to internment camps during World War II. Considered among the worst-ever Supreme Court decisions, Korematsu v. United States stood 74 years, until it was overturned in Trump v. Hawaii. It was justice grievously delayed. Hugh Taft-Morales urges us never to forget the words of the plaintiff, Fred Korematsu: “Fears and prejudices directed against minority communities are too easy to evoke and exaggerate, often to serve the political agendas of those who promote those fears.” 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 more information.

10] – REGISTER NOW FOR THE virtual 2023 Jews and Muslims and Allies Acting Together GENERAL ASSEMBLY on CONFRONTING THE GLOBAL RISE OF RELIGIOUS NATIONALISM on Sun., Feb. 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM ET.  Our lives and well-being are being negatively impacted by the rise of religious nationalism in America and around the world; threatening minority rights and democracy wherever it rears its ugly head. Religious nationalism is happening in ISRAEL, IRAN, INDIA & the USA. ‘What can Jews, Muslims and Allies do to effectively stand together against this grave danger to our welfare at home and abroad, and to democracy itself?’ RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGWGhmfLhbA7ym2lfTi3ys36mvji3BjrWcqDPbkBj3HtRARA/viewform.

11] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] is holding on Sun., Feb. 12 at 4 PM a "Super Bowl Pre-Game" Town Hall with NOW President Christian Nunes!  Following the horrendous Dobbs ruling, the question of Full Equality for Women is once again center stage in American politics. We will discuss how we win the struggle for women's reproductive rights and establish America, once and for all, as a true society of equals. NOW and PDA have been staunch allies. Together, we consistently pushed for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment when it was long forgotten by many of our allies. Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

12] – Claire Miller [claire@mdehr.org] wants you to know that the Maryland Campaign for Environmental Human Rights (MDEHR) is holding on Sun., Feb. 12 from 4 to 5:30 PM ET- Ambassador Orientation & Training.  Are you passionate about ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations? Then sign up for the Training at https://actionnetwork.org/forms/rsvp-for-ambassador-training-5?source=direct_link&&link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_1802343&email_subject=the-weekly-brief-support-hb6sb92-sustainable-buildings-that-are-safe-for-birds.

13] –  On Sun., Feb. 12 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., Feb. 14 from 4 to 6 PM, Thurs. Feb. 16 from 5 to 7 PM, and Fri., Feb. 17 from 4 to 6 PM ET, there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank.  These phone banks will continue until April 2, 2023.  Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations. Register for a shift to make calls to recruit poll monitors to support nonpartisan Election Protection efforts in the GA Run-Offs.  Join in to make calls Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Sundays.

14] – Get with Social Media Best Practices virtually, hosted by The Democratic National Committee on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM ET.  Participate on Sun., Feb. 12 and Wed., Feb. 15.  Maximize your impact within your social network and join the social media best practices training. Whether you're just getting started on social media or already have an online presence, this training will provide you with the tools necessary to ensure you are reaching your full potential as an online organizer. Learn the essentials for utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram for political story telling. Email williamsak@dnc.org to schedule a presentation for your staff/volunteers or with any queries about co-presenting at one or more of these events.

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 Feb. 13, 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.

16] – Kimberly at Solar United Neighbors [mdteam@solarunitedneighbors.org] wants you to attend on Mon., Feb. 13 from 12:30 to 5 PM ET Maryland Solar Lobby Day.   Join fellow solar advocates to walk the Capitol halls, meet with decision makers and spread the word about the benefits of solar. With a new Governor and new state legislators, this is the opportunity to educate leaders about solar, why it matters and how it can help Marylanders directly access clean and affordable renewable energy.  Lunch will be provided. Come to Maryland State House, 100 State Circle, Annapolis 21401.  Register at https://www.solarunitedneighbors.org/event/maryland-lobby-day/.

17] – The Indivisible Team from MD District 7 is gathering at the Governor Calvert Ballroom, 58 State Circle, Annapolis 21401 on Mon., Feb. 13 at 6 PM ET.  Join the District 7 (Senator Jennings, Delegates Nawrocki, Szeglia, and Arikan) delegation members for a night out in Annapolis!  RSVP at (410) 841-3698 or to Kathy.Szeliga.District@house.state.md.us. After enjoying a FREE meal, stop by Session and see the Senate and House of Delegates in action! Or RSVP to jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us or 410-841-3706.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/855117065705771.

18] – On Mon., Feb. 13 at 7:15 PM ET, participate in a special educator town hall with Sen. Bernie Sanders, the new chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. It’s his first town hall since becoming committee chair, and it shows he understands the urgency of the teacher turnover and shortage crisis. This is an incredible opportunity for us to highlight educators’ dedication and our commitment to fighting for what kids and communities need. Discuss some of the key issues facing the teaching profession, such as teacher pay, and how they are contributing to staffing shortages.  RSVP at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=yQ08CVqFVEaBVDu8JMTbfkC1Ep7cDMlBu-7oQzSZOD9UQk1MRjdFUDRLVTc0TTFYM0IwREZCUzExTS4u&web=1&wdLOR=cBF0E0C7E-DD3F-8D40-85D1-AA07AEDE4FAD&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-join-our-virtual-town-hall-with-senator-bernie-sanders&email_referrer=email_1808364&email_subject=join-our-town-hall-with-senator-bernie-sanders. Attendees will need to go through security to enter the Capitol Visitor Center, room 200, First St. NE, WDC 20515.

19] – Our Revolution [info@ourrevolution.com] on Mon., Feb. 13 at 8:30 PM ET wants you to hear from US Rep. Pramila Jayapal on the National Organize-to-Win Call who will talk about what Biden can do with the power of the pen to advance our priorities. And, hear from Jane Kleeb, OR board Member, NE party chair, Alisha Sonnier, candidate for Ward 7 Alderwoman, St. Louis, MO, and Alida Fisher, commissioner, SF Board of Education.  Join call at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/993867009.

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