Thursday, January 4, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert -- January 5 - 22, 2025

33] Weekly Town Hall Podcast about Media & Democracy – Jan. 5

34] Peace vigil at the White House -- Jan. 5

35] Women in Black vigil – Jan. 5

36] AFSC Action Hour for ceasefire – Jan. 5

37] Discuss Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan Jan. 5

38] Fire Drill Friday – Jan. 5

39] Banner drop Ceasefire Now – Jan. 5

40] Faith in Democracy Interfaith Vigil – Jan. 5

41] Peace Youth Art Exhibition – Jan. 5

42] Fourth Branch Action discussion – Jan. 5

43] Discussion on Nicaragua – Jan. 5

44] Food pantry – Jan. 6

45] Food Pantry and Food Donation Center Jan. 6

46] Meet David Trone Jan. 6

47] Orthodox Christmas Eve vigil for a ceasefire Jan. 6

48] March with Healthcare for All – Maryland Jan. 15

49] Join protest at Northrop Grumman – Jan. 22

50] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

51] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

52] Read Dave Eberhardt’s book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"

53] Do you need a doctor?

54] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

55] Do you need any book shelves?

56] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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33] – The Democratic National Committee is holding a Weekly Town Hall Podcast about Media & Democracy on Fri., Jan. 5 from noon to 1:30 PM ET.  Tune in at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/546677/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual. The podcast will continue through Fri., Jan. 26 from noon to 1 PM ET

34] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., Jan. 5 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

35] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Baltimore Women in Black vigil for peace with men and women who live in Roland Park. WIB invites all to join, and any peace sign is welcome, such as "Defuse Nuclear War."  The vigil takes place outside Roland Park Place at the corner of West 40th Street and Elm Street. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

36] – The American Friends Service Committee holds an Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now every Friday at noon ET. Join AFSC staff to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action by contacting elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. RSVP at https://afsc.org/events/action-hour-cease-fire-now?ms=EMA24EI1103&emci=17faec34-887a-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&emdi=9695a439-f87c-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&ceid=764241

37] – The Maryland LCV [info@mdlcv.org] hopes on Fri., Jan. 5 at noon ET you will register for the next Friday Digest Webinar. Discuss Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan with special guest Chris Hoagland from Maryland Department of the Environment to discuss the recently released Maryland Climate Pollution Reduction Plan. Register at  https://click.everyaction.com/k/76398499/447414316/-1231224921?nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9BVi9BVkxDVi8xLzcyMTUwIiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjljOGQ0NzU2LTU1YWEtZWUxMS1iZWExLTAwMjI0ODIyMzdkYSIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAibW9idXN6ZXdza2kyMDAxQGNvbWNhc3QubmV0Ig0KfQ%3D%3D&hmac=l1ZiBgFRdoGZ-PWYib9-UK2rtmqACdy9qY11P1XG7TY=&emci=1ad1205e-49aa-ee11-bea1-0022482237da&emdi=9c8d4756-55aa-ee11-bea1-0022482237da&ceid=578562

38] – Jane Fonda for Fire Drill Fridays [info@greenpeaceusa.org] will delve into 2024: A LOOK AT THE YEAR AHEAD with Naomi Klein on Fri., Jan. 5 at 2 PM ET. Fire Drill Fridays (FDF) began with a series of peaceful actions in our nation’s capital; when the pandemic hit, it pivoted to virtual shows and teach-ins. Now, in a crucial election year and decisive moment for our democracy and the planet, FDF evolves once again. Join actor and activist, Jane Fonda, for an extraordinary LAST virtual show where she and award-winning journalist and international best-selling author, Naomi Klein, will unveil the next chapter for our collective organizing, taking all we’ve learned as a community and channeling it into strategic, deeper action. Learn how you can join forces with Jane and Greenpeace USA in 2024 to gain key skills and take your activism to the next level.  RSVP at https://firedrillfridays.org/events/2024-the-year-ahead/

39] – Ronda Cooperstein <rondacooperstein@hotmail.com> wants you to know that BALTIMORE PEACE ACTION will gather on Fri., Dec. 29 at 3:30 PM ET on the pedestrian bridge over West Northern Parkway for a banner drop calling for a CEASEFIRE NOW in Gaza and an end to state-supported settler violence in the West Bank. The holidays are upon us.  Many people will be returning from work for a long weekend.  Please join us if you are able.  Parking on the street by Springwell Retirement Community, 2211 West Rogers Avenue leads to the pedestrian bridge, approximately a five-minute walk. 

40] – On Jan. 5 from 4 to 5 PM ET, join a Faith in Democracy Interfaith Vigil. People of faith are called to act as peacemakers and bridge-builders. Begin 2024 by calling on all Americans to respect and improve our democracy as the best way to resolve political differences in our country nonviolently. The events of January 6, 2021 continue to divide Americans, which is of particular concern as we enter a year of important national elections amidst ongoing polarization. This is the third annual vigil, which will bring together faith leaders from several traditions to reflect on how sacred texts and culture can guide us as we begin this crucial year. The event will be hybrid, held in person on the U.S. Capitol grounds at First Street NW & Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20004 and live streamed on FAN’s YouTube channel for those across the country: https://www.youtube.com/@FranciscanActionNetwork/streams  Register at https://franciscanaction.org/january-5-faith-in-democracy-interfaith-vigil/

41] – Delaware Pacem in Terris [info@depaceminterris.org] on Fri., Jan. 5 from 5 to 6:30 PM ET wants you to come see Collection 5 from the Traveling Peace Youth Art Exhibition at the Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, DE 19801. Visit at www.depaceminterris.org

42] –On Fri., Jan. 5 from 7:30 to 9 PM ET, the Democratic National Committee will have a Fourth Branch Action discussion.  These Friday events will continue through December 27. Fourth Branch Action is a national grassroots group organizing for action, supporting the Biden/Harris administration, and working through civic, electoral, and legislative action to achieve progressive goals. The group accomplishes this through advocacy, oversight, holding elected officials accountable to perform their jobs on behalf of their constituents; community engagement, civic education, and other events.   Everyone is welcome to join in. Come and enjoy a friendly conversation among like-minded folks, get acquainted with others from across the country, and build a community to restore the soul of our nation.  After you register for this event, you will receive an automated email with the Zoom meeting details: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/373917/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

43] – Kathy Boylan [kathyboylan5@gmail.com] hopes you can attend a Clarification of Thought event at Dorothy Day Catholic Worker, 503 Rock Creek Church Road, WDC 20010 on Fri., Jan. 4 at 7:30 PM ET. The topic is Nicaragua with Jill Clark-Gollub and Paul Fitch.

44] – St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 101 Avon Beach Rd., Turner Station, MD 21222, holds a Food Pantry every Saturday from 10 AM to noon ET.  Please bring nonperishable items such as canned fruits & vegetables, pasta, cooking oil, mixes, etc. to the church or make out a check payable to St. Matthew UMC with "food pantry" in the memo line. Visit https://stmatthewts.org/

45] – On Sat., Jan. 6 from noon to 2 PM EST, get over to the Food Pantry and Food Donation Center at First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., Baltimore. This Food Pantry is open every Saturday. Get a grocery bag – breakfast, jelly and peanut butter (a good source of protein) for lunch, the makings for a balanced dinner such as beans and rice, pasta and sauce, soup, vegetables, fruit, and a paper goods. Also added is a little fun food, such as popcorn or cookies, for everyone enjoys a treat.  Contributions of shelf stable foods can be brought to Reid Chapel every Saturday between noon and 2 PM. If shopping is difficult for you, monetary donations earmarked food pantry may be sent to the church.  How else can you help? Volunteers are needed to help collect and distribute food. Contact the church office to volunteer. You can also help by spreading the word to those you know who are facing food insecurity. See https://www.facebook.com/firstfranklinbaltimore.

46] – On Sat., Jan. 6 at noon ET, get over to a Meet and Greet with Congressperson David Trone, hosted by Delegate Ashanti Martinez. This event’s address is private. Trone would like to hear directly from you about the challenges you face, what he can do at the federal level to help ease them, and connect face to face. Sign up for more details at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/596509/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

47] -- Michael Beer [michael@nonviolenceinternational.net] of Nonviolence International is calling for Ceasefire vigils on the Orthodox Christmas Eve at dusk on Saturday,  January 6.  Baltimore joined with seventeen other cities on Christmas Eve to call for a ceasefire.  So the Baltimore Nonviolence Center will also vigil on Sat., Jan. 6 for the Orthodox Christmas Eve from 5 to 6 PM ET at 33rd and North Charles Streets, Baltimore, MD 21218. Email mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net. The horrific war in Gaza must end now.

48] – As it has done for many years, Healthcare is a Human Right- Maryland will be participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Baltimore on Mon., Jan. 15.  Join in and march behind a banner that contains Dr. King's famous quote, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane."  The t-shirts will say "Medicare for All" and "Healthcare is a Human Right." Signs will be available for all.  You are encouraged to join the parade and show your support for healthcare justice.

The parade starts at noon at MLK Jr. Blvd. and Eutaw Street.  HCHR-MD will assemble around 11:30 AM at W. Preston and Madison Avenue. There is a parking lot- State Lot F- at W. Preston and Madison Avenue that can be used for parking.  Madison Avenue should also have some street parking available. For additional information, please contact Rich Bruning [barbruland@gmail.com] at [410] 235-3504 or [443]-509-7095.

49] -- According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the $43.7 billion spent by the U.S. on nuclear weapons in 2022 means that, every minute, $83,143 was diverted from healthcare, housing, and other needs in our country! And the leading nuclear weapons contractor in the U.S. is Northrop Grumman which in September 2020 was selected by the U.S. Air Force under a $13.3 billion contract awarded for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent [sic] (GBSD) program. Northrop Grumman is the third largest weapons contractor in the world taking in $32 billion in 2022 for military hardware.

According to the watchdog site Investigate, Northrop Grumman “supplies the Israeli military with a wide variety of weapons, including various missile systems. The company’s technologies are also integrated into Israel’s main weapon systems, including its fighter jets, missile ships, and trainer aircraft.” The company has provided Israel weapons for decades and, says Investigate, “these weapons have repeatedly been used against Palestinian civilians, resulting in numerous casualties as well as mass destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and electric systems.” It has also supplied the Israeli Navy with Sa'ar 5 warships, which have participated in the assault on Gaza. 

Since 2017, Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland activists have celebrated the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The TPNW opened for signature at the United Nations in New York on 20 September 2017 and entered into force on 22 January 2021. As of 19 September 2023, the TPNW has 69 states parties while 28 further states have signed but not yet ratified.

 Pope Francis in the annual Christmas message condemned war and weaponry provided by the global arms industry. This year’s message also included condemnation of the ongoing slaughter in the Gaza Strip, as he mourned the children killed, which he called the "little Jesuses of today."

 Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland activists, on January 22 for the annual speak out in favor of the TPNW, will gather outside a Northrop Grumman complex to leaflet workers. The leaflet will explain that producing nuclear weapons is a theft from the poor, and that any military contractor supplying weapons to Israel will be complicit in the war crimes being committed in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.  As part of the visit to Northrop Grumman, a letter would be delivered to Kathy Warden, CEO. The time and the site will be decided at a further date.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net if you are interested in challenging Northrop Grumman. 

50] --  If you are able to donate any kind of surplus medical supplies for field hospitals in eastern Ukraine, please email Brendan.walls@seaseton.org or call 410-721-5770 x231.  There is a colleague whose father is a medic on the front line. One container is shipped every month to the Donbass region. Donations can be picked up in Baltimore and Columbia every Thursday, and on other days in Annapolis and Crofton.

51] -- This is A PLEA TO CONVINCE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY TO OBEY INTERNATIONAL LAW. The world reached a historic milestone on January 22, 2021: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW] entered into force and become binding international law -- https://www.icanw.org/the_treaty.

Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland has called attention to the growing danger of nuclear war and the outrageous $1.7 trillion dollars we are spending to upgrade the nuclear arsenal. On July 18, 2017, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a U.S. Navy - affiliated research center received a seven-year, $92 million contract to continue its systems engineering and research-and-development services for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Help convince JHU to renounce nuclear weapons contracts. Contact the president, Ron Daniels, to urge him to reject all nuclear weapons contracts: Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  Call his office at (410) 516-8068 or email president@jhu.edu.

52] – David Eberhardt was a member of the Baltimore Four with Father Philip Berrigan, Tom Lewis and Rev. James Mengel.  The group poured blood on draft files on October 27, 1967.  They would be convicted and sentenced to prison. Dave has written a book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"- documenting the Baltimore Four action and many others up to and including the most recent Plowshares action – Kings Bay Plowshares 7.  

  Dave just printed 50 new copies of For All the Saints, a Protest Primer- 250+ pp w photos-therefore #'s 351-400 making it o so collectable with two Berrigan book reviews added. The books are signed, and the price remains $25. Will send free if need b- he is not in it for the money! If you want one, send him a check: or contact Dave Eberhardt, 4 Hadley Square North, Baltimore, MD 21218 by email at 1941mireille@gmail.com . 

53] – Yousef Zarbalian [yzarbali@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

54] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

55] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

56] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

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/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

 

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