Baltimore Activist Alert – March 17 to 18, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 17 to 18, 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] Baltimore activist selling her home

8] House cleaner needed  

9] Meadow Planting -- March 17

10] Israel-Hamas war – March 17

11] Prince George’s Branch General Body Meeting – March 17

12] Gaza, Protest, Repression and Germany's Conundrum – March 17

13] Senate candidate David Trone opens office – March 17

14] Virtual PDA Town Hall – March 17

15] Action for Assange at White House – March 17

16] Election Protection phone bank – March 17

17] Christians for a Free Palestine call – March 17

18] IfNotNow meeting -- March 17

19] Protest at the Pentagon – March 18

20] Testify for environmental justice – March 18

21] Congress can fix unemployment insurance – March 18

22] Election Protection – March 18

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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] – 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. 

8] – Is there a woman in the Baltimore area who does house cleaning?  This assignment would be on an irregular basis with several hours per week.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

9] – Sarah Morse <morsekathan@gmail.com> tells us that there will be a Meadow Planting on Sun., March 17 from 10 AM to noon ET. Join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance at 5301 Yorktown Road and Little Falls Branch in Bethesda to plant native plants at its Green Acres Habitat Restoration Project.  It’s a great opportunity to see what can be done with all native plants. Register at https://www.lfwa.org/events/green-acres-workday-march-17-2024

Wear long pants and closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water to drink. Visit https://www.lfwa.org/meadow-green-acres.

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 March 17, the meeting will be by Zoom, and the theme is “The Israel-Hamas War: Causes, Dynamics, Consequences.” Dr. Robert O. Freedman, a noted scholar on the politics of the Middle East, will discuss the nature of Hamas and its links to Iran. Then he will examine Hamas’ tactics of October 6 and Israel’s massive intelligence failure. Israel had concentrated its forces on its northern border and the West Bank to protect settlers. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s situation is also critical. He has been distracted by his upcoming corruption trial and the pushing through of unpopular “judicial reforms”. Also he was under the assumption that Hamas could be bought off with the right financial inducements. Israel’s strategy now is to bomb suspected Hamas positions and tunnel infrastructure, with ground forces to follow. Hamas’ strategy appears to be to hang on until international pressure forces Israel into a cease fire. Finally, is there a possible peace plan? To receive a Zoom invitation, please email president@bmorethical.org. Visit https://bmorethical.org

11] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] wants you to attend on Sun., March 17 from 1 -3 PM ET Prince George’s Branch General Body Meeting at the Greenbelt Public Library, 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt 20770. Discuss the housing campaign and community outreach efforts to push for a ceasefire in Palestine. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/pg-county-dsa-branch-meeting?link_id=48&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

12] – United for Peace & Justice [contact@unitedforpeace.org] on Sun., March 17 at 1 PM ET wants you to attend a panel discussion Gaza, Protest, Repression and Germany's Conundrum.  It will feature grassroots insights from movement leaders in Germany and the U.S.  Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsceGrrTwvGtyMph3oVdC7L8r0PTfBPCZA

13] – On Sun., March 17 at 3 PM ET, Congressperson Trone's Annapolis Campaign Office will host an Opening Celebration on Sun., March 17 from 3 to 4:30 PM ET at 32 West St., Annapolis 21401. This event will take place after the Annapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade. Food will be served. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/610804/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

14] –Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] are holding its weekly virtual Town Hall on Sun., March 17 at 4 PM ET. It will feature a discussion on what promises to be two of the most contentious, and therefore election-deciding, issues of 2024: immigration and social media regulation. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration

PDA is unwavering in its support for the human rights of all people. As such, it stands in solidarity with the immigrants who flee desperate situations seeking a better life in the United States. However, PDA is not yet strong enough to sway national public opinion in this regard; and, at present, the issue of immigration is threatening to damage the coalition that is the contemporary Democratic Party. Then, focus on the issue of social media regulation: more specifically, to the absurd spectacle playing out in Congress, as it moves to outlaw the most popular platform with America's youth, TilkTok. A representative from Young Progressive Democrats of America will address social media regulation.

15] – DC Action for Assange will gather on Sun., March 17 from 4 to 5 PM ET near the White House sidewalk.   The DC Action group has decided to split the monthly vigils - between AG Merrick Garland's residence and the White House. One vigil will be held at each location, per month.  Contact Martha Allen at marthaleslieallen@gmail.com.

16] – On Sun., March 17 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., March 19 from 4 to 6 PM ET, Thurs., March 21 from 5 to 7 PM ET and Fri., March 22 from 4 to 6 PM ET there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank.   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 for a shift to make calls and help strengthen the phone bank team to protect our democracy. These shifts will also always include training for first-timers before you make calls, so if this is your first time, no worries! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

17] – Christians for a Free Palestine is a group organizing Christians in the U.S. to take nonviolent direct action for Gaza and Palestine and to create a strong and public Christian voice against Christian Zionism. Join a Mass Call on Sun., the registration link March 17 at 8 PM ET. The call will feature Linda Sarsour, Rev. Alba Onofrio, and musical guest Rev. Sekou and the Valley and Mountain Fellowship, and will convene Christians strategically and spiritually to take action. RSVP at https://christiansforafreepalestine.com/events/marchmassmobilization

There is Call to Action on Tuesday, April 9 for Christians to come to Washington, DC, to take nonviolent action against Christian Zionism during the season of Easter. Training will be provided on Monday, April 8. 

18] – IfNotNow Baltimore [info@ifnotnowmovement.org] is holding a virtual chapter meeting on Sun., March 17 at 8 PM ET.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/ifnotnow/event/608413/?sourceid=1051385&emci=3881a1b4-b5d6-ee11-85f9-002248223794&emdi=5e39e711-c0d6-ee11-85f9-002248223794&ceid=30868439

19] – 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 18 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 Marriot Providence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

20] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is calling on you to testify on Mon., March 18 sometime from 9:30 AM to 6 PM ET in support of the DC Council Environmental Justice legislation. The DC Council has scheduled a hearing on the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023, and submitting written testimony can help to get the bill across the finish line. This bill is a crucial piece of environmental justice legislation, which was co-written by We Power DC and introduced in November by Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker. If passed, it will provide much-needed protections to overburdened communities by making it more difficult to build, expand or re-permit polluting facilities and infrastructure in neighborhoods that are unduly exposed to pollution and on the frontlines of the climate crisis. RSVP at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/54228/Hearing_Notice/B25-0564-Hearing_Notice1.pdf?Id=185338&link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

21] – The Economic Policy Institute is holding a webinar on Mon., March 18 at 3 PM ET -- How Congress can fix unemployment insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act offers crucial fixes for unemployed workers. Join EPI's Sam Sanders for a deep dive on this legislation in a National Employment Law Project webinar. Register at https://nelp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6ffDmdYQSziWB548nBpRZg?mc_cid=578d6b2d4b&mc_eid=72ea77dbdd#/registration

22] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] want you to participate with the Green Grassroots Emergency Environment and Election Protection (GREEP) Zoom on Mon., March 18 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