Baltimore Activist Alert – March 19 to 24, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 19 to 24, 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] Fasting For Jessica Reznicek

9] Alan Barysh needs your help

10] Public Health and Civic Responsibility – March 19

11] Brake Light Clinic Training and Canvassing – March 19

12] Iraq 20 Years Later – March 19

13] Celebrate diversity -- March 19

14] PDA Town Hall -- March 19  

15] Election Protection phone bank – March 19, 21, 23 & 24

16] Social Media Best Practices -- March 19 & 22

17] Metro DC DSA General Body Meeting -- March 19

18] Protest at the Pentagon – March 20

19] Power up Training deadline – March 20

20] A New Economic Era? – March 20

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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] – In 2016, Jessica Reznicek took direct action to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Following in the Catholic Worker movement’s long tradition of nonviolent protest, she disabled construction materials and machinery along the pipeline route. She was indicted on nine criminal charges by a federal grand jury, and in 2021 found guilty of “Conspiracy to Damage an Energy Facility.” Federal authorities waited until after the trial to define her actions as “terrorism,” a tag that nearly tripled the sentence attached to her conviction. On June 29, 2021, Jessica was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, and began serving her sentence on August 11 at Wauseca Federal Correctional Institute. In 2022 an appeals court upheld her conviction and continued to describe her as a “domestic terrorist.”

Her support community is calling for a fast.  During Lent, supporters will spend every Friday fasting for Jessica’s release.  This is a “Black Fast,” the oldest and most severe form of Christian fasting. That’s one simple meal a day with no meat, no milk and no eggs.  And some fasters have promised to pray every day for Jessica with the campaign prayer, a traditional devotion like the rosary, or both.  All Catholics, Christians and people of good will are encouraged to join the call for Jessica to be set free. And they are asking President Joe Biden, a self-described devout Catholic, to defend religious freedom and civil liberties by pardoning Jessica. Visit https://fastingforjessica.com/.

9] – Alan Barysh [magoo1917@earthlink.net] is seeking your help.  He received a notice shown below that there is consideration to take his book Coming of Age in New Milford to make a movie or a television production.   Contact Nat Mundel to inform him that If the production was done in New Milford it would be an economic boon to the town. If you have read the book, indicate how entertaining it was.  If you have not read the book, consider buying it.

Nat Mundel <storytoscreen@voyagemedia.com> Mar 3, 2023 12:33 PM, Hi alan... Congratulations! Your application was chosen from the hundreds we received these last couple of weeks, as one that demonstrates the passion, commitment, and an intention to collaborate that is so fundamental to success with movies, shows and podcasts. Now it’s time to proceed to the final step, get to know one another more, and determine if joining our Incubator is the right choice: I will share with you some key things I’ve learned about the industry, how the incubator works, and help you prepare to get the most out of pitching one of our producers. Please click here now to schedule your Discovery Session with me. We cannot complete your application until you attend your session. I look forward to connecting soon. Nat, Voyage Media, 6600 Sunset Blvd., #245, Los Angeles, California 90028.

10] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and there is a presentation of a platform address at 10:30 AM ET. On Sun., March 19, “Public Health and Civic Responsibility” will be discussed.  There has been renewed attention in the last few years to the link between public health and civic responsibility. That connection was recognized in the 16th century by Martin Luther, who wrote, “It is even more shameful for a person to pay no heed to his own body and to fail to protect it against the plague the best he is able, and then to infect and poison others who might have remained alive if he had taken care times over.” Hugh proposes that it is the responsibility of every person to consider the health of others when making decisions about vaccinations. 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@BMORETHICAL.ORG FOR ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

11] –   On Sun., March 19, the DC clinic will be hosting a training and canvass to build awareness of the DC clinic and issue mechanical training. Socialist mechanics will be teaching the brake light repair process from 1 to 2 PM ET, and then join a canvass outside the Whole Foods at 600 H St NE until 5 PM to promote the clinic to residents. The working group will meet in the parking lot of the AutoZone at 1207 H St. NE. Sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexUdougRfmO9FNY9mJ62bzpCArk-kSERiW0BJzXKeu_yt8gA/viewform.

12] – Check out Iraq 20 Years Later on Sun., March 19 from 2 to 3:30 PM EDT,  The event will  be a Conversation with Jamal Al-Tahir, a retired Iraqi engineer living in Moscow with his Russian wife.  Jamal will discuss US-Iraq relations, including the First Gulf War of 1990-91, the effects of US sanctions in the 1990s and the US invasion in 2003 (when Jamal was already living in Moscow).  He belongs to a certain slice of Iraqi intellectuals (this includes his whole extended family) that are left leaning and whose life and destiny is in one way or another tied to the Iraqi Communist Party. Register using the form below: https://masspeaceaction.org/event/iraq-20-years-later/?contactdata=MB7ArMrGdhlfHMYVBZJAT%2f5zGB2OGQfTDG0GqsQUbOnaHFjFOh%2fiHQBN7K4+QBTy7q7qcXIvi60zL24%2fCHQ+Gv%2fdfaMa7svXj778YUB4g%2fxx68nXC+s1E0VrBPHuq1FrjCXHxFUd94osie4xdaqZxgLT3z4d4OqVW762dUh%2fIByijcFq8Ga2hzMV329Z5GjClQTF0LM7I2jBNvVzcKXESGEVOwA5gk0oQPp7PYtsvvELNw60wlK4Z8WCVw8I8AXVERB%2fMhjDU5Qy5yprCJHeQSAGH4lZozWUT%2fgYYmNwJj+uaTaa2688mkFYgoxdXXSrurK1bAORG1Ms3IfpYikAZA%3d%3d&emci=d19b59a1-16c4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=c6e70bd0-c7c4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=269591.

13] – The Crescent Islamic Center and to the All Dulles Area Muslim Society will hold an event on Sun., March 19 at 3 PM ET at 14913 Murdock St., Chantilly, VA 20151 Reflect and celebrate the blossoming diversity of the people and the region, and of the understanding, harmony, and peace that this diversity helps manifest.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/crescentislamiccenter/.

14] – Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] needs you on Sun., March 19 at 4 PM ET for the PDA Town Hall with Brandon Johnson and George Gascon, two progressive champions.  In the first hour, hear from progressive District Attorney of Los Angeles County, George Gascon. Then, in the second hour, Johnson, who is in the April 4th runoff to be the next mayor of Chicago, will talk about the campaign.  

Under attack from right-wing forces from the time of his election in LA County, Gascon worked to transform a structurally racist criminal justice system and devise a more humane approach to prosecution that also improves public safety. It's high stakes work on the front lines. The world demanded change in the summer of 2020, but right-wing forces mobilized to block it.

Johnson has tremendous policy positions across the board. Brandon's opponent, Paul Vallis, is running a classic reactionary "law-and-order" campaign, while Brandon has a strong progressive program on public safety.  RSVP at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

15] – On Sun., March 19 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., March 21 from 4 to 6 PM, Thurs. March 23 from 5 to 7 PM, and Fri., March 24 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.

16] – 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., March 12 and Wed., March 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.

17] – The Metro DC DSA is holding a General Body Meeting on Sun., March 19 from 7 to 9 PM ET. The group meets monthly. Workgroups, caucuses, committees, and leadership provide key updates on campaigns and other activities. Members may also propose and vote on business. Members, potential members, and supporters alike are welcome to attend. https://actionnetwork.org/events/general-body-meeting-march-19-2023?link_id=55&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-10-2023&email_referrer=email_1848951&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-17-2023.

18] – 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 March 20, 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. Church & Society is hosting a webinar: In Defense of Asylum on Mon., March 20 at 3 PM ET. On the third anniversary of Title 42, hear from impacted asylum seekers and learn how you can resist the administration’s plans to enact a new asylum ban and detain migrant families. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MB8H3qRXQEyOGL12f3sB1A.

19] – Sena Wazer [sena.wazer@climatereality.com] wants you to know about the Climate Reality Project’s Power Up Training from Acts to Action.  The deadline to register is Mon., March 20.  Go to https://www.climaterealityproject.org/training/power-up-from-acts-action?ms=CRLCAPR23Email50223&utm_source=advocacy&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=crlcapr23&emci=0354d5e2-ffc3-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=393c2b7f-11c4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=1393885. New climate laws, like the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, mean major progress for communities in our region. The upcoming training is designed to give you the tools, skills, and confidence to lead on climate. Plus, it’s a chance to make meaningful connections with an incredible group of change-makers who can serve as collaborators for years to come.

20] – Oxfam America [action@oxfamamerica.org] on Mon., March 20 at 5 PM is hosting a live conversation with Winnie Byanyima and Professor Darrick Hamilton – A New Economic Era? In this moment of extreme inequality, we must address the future of our economy. And fifteen years since the financial crash and in the wake of a pandemic that took the largest loss of life since World War II, a moment of re-imagination is due. You can hear the conversation – live in Washington, DC and online – with UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima, and New School Professor Darrick Hamilton, in a dialogue imagining a future that truly delivers on people’s human rights in the United States and around the world. The Washington Post’s Ishaan Tharoor will facilitate the conversation, and we’re excited to hear from Abby Maxman, President and CEO of Oxfam America.  RSVP at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/oxfam/869349?utm_campaign=FY23-Misc&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=249582736&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--gEf29scUUB_rB6aTKbq4HCJ4zvxLFSR0OD8Z6dHQ3GLjeHBxdF_vggGeaYPFQd67eJJrncIMNvrhuC7q6nwgNRqvzSMKjFP1I5mtfQ_VZ6YKmDtY&utm_content=secondary_cta&utm_source=fy23-misc-cultivation-econjusticeinvite.

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