Baltimore Activist Alert – April 14 - April 22, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert – April 14 - April 22, 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] Flyer for an uncommitted vote – April 14

10] Is Politics a Laughing Matter? – April 14

11] Rent Stabilization Canvass – April 14

12] Anti-eviction canvass – April 14

13] Bird dog David Trone – April 14

14] PDA Town Hall – April 14

15] Protest at the Pentagon – April 15

16] Election Protection – April 15

17] No taxes for war – April 15

18] Protect the Squad virtual phone bank for Summer Lee – April 15, 18 & 22

19] Talk to Arab-Americans – April 15

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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] – Flyer at the Takoma Park Farmers' Market for Maryland Uncommitted on Sun., April 14 from 1 to 5 PM ET. Meet at the Gazebo next to the Takoma Urban Park, 7035 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park 20912. Join MoCo and PG DSA Branch members for the Uncommitted Vote in Maryland's Presidential Primary by May 14th! Talk to market goers and educate neighbors about the Uncommitted vote and the importance of voting uncommitted as a way to send a message that we do not approve of the US's arming and funding of a genocide against the Palestinian people. The farmers' market is at 6931 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/takoma-park-canvass-for-uncommitted-maryland-sunday-414?link_id=75&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-29-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2277817&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-12-2024

The deadline to update party affiliation is Tues., April 23.  Early voting takes place May 2 through May 9.  Election Day in Tues., May 14.  Pledge to vote uncommitted at bit.ly/uncommittedmdpledge  Check out a guide on what you need to know about voting uncommitted in MD: bit.ly/uncommittedmdguide

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 April 14, it will be a hybrid meeting, and the theme is “Is Politics a Laughing Matter?” The 2024 Presidential election is an existential challenge for democracy. For many, thinking about it generates dread. Often, we seek relief in political satire. Laughter can ease anxiety and lower harmful cortisol levels. Humor also can be a potent political tool to resist those who scare us. Nothing disempowers playground bullies as much as being laughed at. Hugh Taft-Morales explores how the deadly serious game of politics can also be a laughing matter. He 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).  To receive a Zoom invitation, please email president@bmorethical.org

11] – The Rockville City Council is currently considering adopting its own rent stabilization law, since the City of Rockville is not covered by county-wide rent stabilization. Join Montgomery County DSA [montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com] to talk to tenants about rent stabilization and building conditions, and urge the Rockville City Council to pass rent stabilization.

There is a Rent Stabilization Canvass on Sun., April 14 from 12:30 to 3:30 PM ET at the Westchester Rockville Station Apartments (address is for a Wendy's parking lot a block away), 808 Rockville Pike, Rockville 20851.  Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rockville-rent-stabilization-canvass?link_id=22&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-29-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2277817&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-12-2024

12] – Stomp out Slumlords, Metro DC DSA’s tenant organizing project, will be holding an anti-eviction canvass on Sun., April 14 at 1:30 PM ET. Canvassers will speak with tenants across the city to spread awareness about their rights as tenants. Tenants that speak with SOS are twice as likely to go to court and fight their eviction, so every volunteer makes a big impact. The canvassing group will meet at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro, 650 D St. SW, WDC 20024 for a quick training, and then pair up to canvass followed by a debrief/social at Sonny’s in Petworth. New members are always welcome and will be paired with an experienced canvasser to learn the ropes. Get more details at the sign up link, or email tenants@mdcdsa.org to ask questions or find out more ways to get involved. The canvassing group is always in need of cars, which can help canvassers get to Metro-inaccessible areas. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/sos-anti-eviction-canvas-13?link_id=26&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-29-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2277817&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-april-12-2024

13] – On Sun., April 14 at 2 PM, bird dog David Trone at a Meet and Greet at Vine Alley, 114 Market St., Gaithersburg 20878. This event is hosted by Mayor Jud Ashman and Council Member Neil Harris. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/614872/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

14] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] are holding its weekly Town Hall on Sun., April 14 at 4 PM ET with Squad member Rep. Delia Ramirez.  Also learn how you can push for a Ceasefire Now!  RSVP https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration   Also you will be told about a lobbying campaign for a Ceasefire now in Gaza. Joining the Town Hall will be President of Peace Action Kevin Martin, and award-winning Actress and Activist Mimi Kennedy.

Mike Fox for PDA [mikefox@pdamerica.org] thinks you may want to attend a Ceasefire meeting on Mon., April 15 at 8 PM ET.  RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkcuGhpzkvGddZm7Qi64U7KWFaTs7Ms62U#/registration

PDA is participating with a Coalition of Organizations, convened by allies at Peace Action, in a set of Grassroots Advocacy Days calling for Ceasefire Now! in Gaza. The mobilization will begin on Tues., April 16, with calls on all Members of Congress and the President to support a complete Ceasefire Now!

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 April 15 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.

16] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] want you to participate with the Green Grassroots Emergency Environment and Election Protection (GREEP) Zoom on Mon., April 15 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

17] – Join a NO TAXES FOR WAR! rally on Mon., April 15 from 5 to 7 PM at McKeldin Square, Pratt and Light Sts., Baltimore. No Taxes for War and Occupation! Defund The War Machine! No Money for War and Occupation, Money for Healthcare and Education! The rally is sponsored by Homewood Friends Peace & Social Justice Committee.

18] – The Working Families Party [reply@workingfamilies.org] has organized a Protect the Squad virtual phone bank for Summer Lee on Mon., April 15, Thurs., April 18, & Mon., April 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM ET.  Make calls to voters in PA-12 to re-elect Summer Lee to Congress! Summer Lee is running a grassroots campaign and is up against big GOP money and attacks from the likes of right-wing billionaire, Jeffrey Yass and AIPAC for standing up and taking the moral stance on Gaza, all while delivering more than $1 billion in support for her district. Never made calls before? Don't worry, you'll get all of the training you need to call with confidence. All you need is a computer or internet-connected device and a phone. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/workingfamiliespartycoordinated/event/618580/?utm_source=NatEmail-20240412&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_2278815&email_subject=huge-phonebank-for-summer-lee

19] –James Zogby [jzogby@aaiusa.org] on Mon., April 15 from 6 to 7 PM ET wants you to join him in conversation with Arab-American elected officials.  You can acknowledge Arab American Heritage Month with a conversation featuring Arab American elected officials, who have been excluded in politics because of their advocacy on Palestinian human rights. Hear from Mayor Andre Sayegh (Paterson), Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (Dearborn), State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid (IL-21st district), and State Representative Ruwa Romman (GA-97th district).  Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsce2grDIiGdBzwLRbDXhX_EUj7GI8U0Xz?emci=5a148a70-eaf8-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&emdi=f8f18eb6-12f9-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&ceid=389907#/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