Baltimore Activist Alert – February 18 to 21, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert – February 18 to 21, 2024

"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] Get the book A Bag of Stones

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

7] Brian Barrett is on the road to recovery.  

8] Baltimore activist selling her home

9] Pilgrimage for Peace – through Feb. 21

10] The allure of the multiverse – Feb. 18

11] Rent stabilization canvass – Feb. 18

12] Panel discussion on ISREALISM – Feb. 18

13] ACLU Day of Action – Feb. 18

14] PDA Town Hall – Feb. 18

15] American Carnage: Shattering the Myths that Fuel Gun Violence – Feb. 18

16] IfNotNow Baltimore chapter meeting – Feb. 18

17] Protest at the Pentagon – Feb. 19

18] Election Protection – Feb. 19

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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 410-323-1607 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] – Barry Lee Burnside, a gaggle of great writers and copy editors are finishing up “A Bag of Snakes: Selected Writings on Prisons and the Death Penalty by Murphy Davis and Eduard Loring. Edited by Barry Lee Burnside.” Ed indicates the book will be available for sale on April 13, and is asking you to pre-order your copy. Your donation will provide a needed financial boost for the printing costs. The suggested donation is $20 for one copy; and $30 for your copy and an additional copy for a prisoner or someone in need. Any donation is appreciated. More or less you will receive the book.  Barry and the team have spent over two years putting this book together. It begins with outlines and notes found in the boxes of materials Murphy left when she ascended. The work is a work of love, and all involved are proud of the fruit borne by seeds nourished in good soil.

  A Bag of Snakes will be available at a gathering at First Iconium Baptist Church. Celebrate the life of Murphy Davis and The Open Door Community along with presenting the book. Also enjoy an Open Door Supper—vegetarian chili, Willie Dee Wimberly cornbread, salad and chocolate chip cookies.

  To order by postal mail, make your check to Open Door Community.  Send it to Open Door Community, PO Box 10980, Baltimore 21234.  For any questions, contact David Payne at 404-290-2047 or davidpayne@opendoorcommunity.org.

6] – 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.

7] – Brian Barrett is doing better and has wonderful support in the Collins Ave. community. Brian might welcome visitors now that he’s staying in the building behind 512 Collins Ave. If you would like to visit Brian, please let Max know.  I will assist you in the process -- 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

8] – A home in Baltimore is for sale on a dead-end street in the Lauraville neighborhood, with three bedrooms, and one bath. The yard backs into a field and then a forest. There is a serene and quiet setting with an abundance of wildlife. The owner will be asking a reasonable amount for the property but it will not be overpriced. Contact her by text only at 443 500 6733. On the text, leave your name and phone number, and she will get back to anyone that reaches out. 

9] – Jennifer Salan [communications@aaiusa.org] wants you to know that the Pilgrimage for Peace left Philadelphia on its way to Washington, D.C. On Sun., Feb. 18 march from Havre Grace to Joppa, on Mon., Feb. 19 march from Joppa to Baltimore, on Tues., Feb. 20 march from Baltimore to Laurel and on Wed., Feb. 21 march from Laurel to Washington, D.C. Help Stop Genocide with a diverse group of activists, artists, and faith leaders calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, a halt of weapons funding for Israel, and unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza. Some of the participating organizations are the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, IfNotNow, Faith for Black Lives, Jews for Ceasefire, Red Letter Christians, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Dream Defenders and many more for one or all of the days of the pilgrimage.  REGISTER TO JOIN THE PILGRIMAGE FOR PEACE FOR AN HOUR, A DAY, OR ALL WEEK! Meals, water and a shuttle service will be provided. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/pilgrimage-for-peace

10] –  Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore 21202, meets on Sundays, and usually there is a platform address at 10:30 AM ET.  On Feb. 18, the meeting will be by Zoom, and the theme is “The Allure of the Multiverse.” Prof. Paul Halpern explores the history of one of the most provocative ideas in culture and controversial notions in theoretical physics, from Marvel movies and Rick and Morty to bubble universes and quantum weirdness.  His new book “The Allure of the Multiverse” is out in January. Halpern is a Professor of Physics at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  Dr. Halpern’s areas of expertise include the history of physics, cultural aspects of physics, and theoretical astrophysics & cosmology. He is the author of numerous books and was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2002.To receive a Zoom invitation, please email president@bmorethical.org. Visit https://bmorethical.org

11] – Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] needs you on Sun., Feb. 18 at noon ET to join the  Montgomery County DSA to conduct rent stabilization canvasses to initiate county rent stabilization regulations. The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs has released draft rent stabilization regulations, beginning a 30-day comment period which closes March 1. After this comment period, the County Council must approve the regulations before the Department of Housing and Community Affairs can begin enforcing the new rent stabilization law. In conducting canvassing, Montgomery County DSA will be talking to tenants in Bethesda about the regulations and develop an insurgency to put pressure on the County Council to pass the regulations.  Meet at Bethesda Row, 4827 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda 20814. The Host Contact Info is at montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com

 This location is walkable from the Bethesda Metro. If driving, there is a county parking garage at 4846 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, which is free on Sundays. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rent-stabilization-canvass-7?link_id=7&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-2-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2208622&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-16-2024

12] – Voices From the Holy Land [vfhlonlinefilmsalon@mail.mailchimpapp.com] on Sun., Feb. 18 want you to watch the recording of the Q&A panel discussion on ISREALISM at https://www.voicesfromtheholyland.org/salonrecording Watch the film at your convenience before the event.  Then join in with your thoughts and questions for the speakers at the Q&A Discussion at 3 PM ET. 

 With the world’s attention focused on Israel’s “War on Gaza” it is easy to overlook increased Israeli military actions and growing settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.  More than 700,000 Israeli settlers live in 279 illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank, including 14 in the occupied East Jerusalem.  Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military and settler attacks have killed more than 320 Palestinians.  Both the United States and the United Kingdom have announced visa bans on violent settlers due to this flare-up.

13] – The ACLU of Maryland [info@aclu-md.org] on Mon., Feb. 19 from 4 to 8 PM ET is holding its annual Day of Action in Annapolis. Join in to advocate for good bills this year. Meet at St. Anne’s Parish, 199 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis MD 21041. What: We’ll begin with an orientation/dinner, then hold a rally at Lawyers Mall, and conclude with constituent meetings with our elected representatives in their offices! https://action.aclu.org/webform/md-day-of-action?utm_campaign=lobbyday&utm_medium=eml&utm_source=sail&initms_aff=md&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=240129_lobbyday_action_gradead_sail&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=lobbyday&utm_content=240129_civilliberties_action_gradead&af=RA1%2BJp3N228aRV69knhQi6HdXOURCg1a8LjFy/qVNQ3Po1gpJ2TWtaez2njMlOuEAnWCHkgEsbpWshTz9SyXZHZ4ZBqwHCVVpKJ%2BZXlAWLY9SUg1qbRF6XQ/GofdGh0uIrE%2BgrtlRDoZHWCwwg1ZrXmTDTeoAx%2B%2B4iu8YWTWyXa4EoSg7nGmN8x6HStwNOnh&ms_aff=md&ms_chan=eml&ms=240129_lobbyday_action_gradead_sail

14] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] are holding a Town Hall on Sun., Feb. 18 at 4 PM ET to present an update on the Movement for Reparations for Black American Descendants of Slaves. Reparations Advocate Jeffrey Trask will give us an update and let us know how we can support the cause. RSVP https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration

 Jeffrey Trask, PhD., is the co-leader of the Champaign-Urbana Reparations Coalition (CURC), a group dedicated to see reparations paid to African American residents of Champaign County, Illinois. In addition to his role with CURC, Dr. Trask is the founder of the Champaign County Christian Health Center (CCCHC), an adjunct professor at Tulane University and the University of Illinois (UIUC), an adjunct pastor at New Covenant Fellowship, and an entrepreneur.

15] – Fred Guttenberg [E-activist@action.aft.org] wants you to join in on a discussion of his book on Sun., Feb. 18 at 6 PM ET. Fred’s book is called American Carnage: Shattering the Myths that Fuel Gun Violence.  His daughter, Jaime, was killed in the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018. She and her classmates were brutally murdered in their classrooms—where they should’ve been safe from violence, focused on learning and pursuing their dreams.  Register at https://www.aft.org/bookclub?link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-lets-talk-about-gun-violence-prevention-2&email_referrer=email_2205120&email_subject=join-me-at-the-afts-next-virtual-book-club

16] – IfNotNow Baltimore is holding a virtual Chapter Meeting on Sun., Feb. 18 from 8 to 9:30 PM ET. Come together to process with community, organize, and take action. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/603448/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

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 Feb. 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.  This vigil will honor the visit to the area of the anti-nuclear ship the Golden Rule.

 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 Marriot Providence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

18] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] want you to participate with the Green Grassroots Emergency Environment and Election Protection (GREEP) Zoom on Mon., Feb. 19 at 5 PM ET. Hear from leading activists, elected officials, and others committed to union organizing as well as cleaning up our elections and the environment, and other critically important issues. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuygpjIiHtc20uIOxdeqYRiAicjSLWUc#/registration

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