Baltimore Activist Alert – February 16 – 17, 2025

Baltimore Activist Alert – February 16 – 17, 2025

"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] Get the book A Bag of Stones

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

6] Baltimore activist selling her home

7] Darwin, Evolution, and Humanism – Feb. 16

8] Canvass for a socialist – Feb. 16

9] Doctors against Genocide – Feb. 16

10] Homeless in the Homeland – Feb. 16

11] End an oligarchy – Feb. 16

12] Rising Tide of Resistance -- Feb. 16

13] Internationalism Working Group meeting -- Feb. 16

14] Vigil at the Pentagon – Feb. 17

15] Text on Mondays – Feb. 17

16] Lobby with the Catholics -- Feb. 17

17] Text on Mondays – Feb. 17

18] Election Protection -- Feb. 17

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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] – Barry Lee Burnside, a gaggle of great writers and copy editors are making available “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.

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.

5] – 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.

6] – 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. 

7] – The Baltimore Ethical Society invites you on Sundays at 10:30 AM for a platform presentation. On Feb. 16, the Zoom presentation will be “Darwin, Evolution, and Humanism.” Charles Darwin’s religious views have been vigorously debated. The son and grandson of well-known 19th century freethinkers, he nonetheless had a conventional religious upbringing, and scholars agree that for at least the early part of his life, he was conventionally religious. His views changed later in life, drifting more towards his father’s and grandfather’s rejection of Christianity. One explanation for this change is the development of his idea of evolution by natural selection, though there is not yet a scholarly consensus on this. Today, science, and perhaps especially evolution, is seen as central to modern Humanism, and it is variously embraced and vigorously rejected by people of other religious perspectives. But how well does evolution work as religion? Is, as E.O. Wilson once said, “The evolutionary epic is probably the best myth we will ever have”?

  Dr. Eugenie C. Scott is the former Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, Inc., a not-for-profit membership organization of scientists, teachers, and others that works to improve the teaching of science as a way of knowing, the teaching of evolution, and the teaching of climate change. She is considered an expert on the creationism and evolution controversy and science denialism. Scott is the author of Evolution vs Creationism: An Introduction, co-editor (with Glenn Branch) of Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design Is Wrong for Our Schools, and the author of many articles in both science journals and popular outlets. Because of her work at NCSE, she has been honored by scientists, educators, skeptics, and humanists. She received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the American Humanist Association and the Center for Inquiry, as well as the Skeptic Society’s James Randi Award, and the Richard Dawkins Award from the Atheist Alliance International. To receive a Zoom invitation, please email president@bmorethical.org.

8] – Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] endorsed Shayla Adams-Stafford, and socialists are organizing to elect a people’s champion to the Prince George’s County Council District 5 seat. Comrades will be canvassing for Shayla on Sun., Feb. 16 from 11 AM to 2 PM ET, starting from the Progressive Maryland Office, 4500 Forbes Blvd., Lanham 20706. Knock on doors until about 2 PM and meet up afterward to debrief. Chapter members and allies are invited to participate: hand warmers will be provided, and warm dress is strongly encouraged. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/feb-16-canvass-for-shayla-adams-stafford?link_id=17&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-24-2025-5&email_referrer=email_2619065&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-14-2025

 Shayla is a former Teachers Union shop steward, has led the fight on the school board for care not policing in our schools, and fought back against developers to get strong project labor agreements on public school projects. This race will decide the balance of power on a County Council split 5 – 5 between corporate developer interests and progressives. Establishment Democrats are opposing Shayla with everything they have.

9] –Doctors Against Genocide [info@doctorsagainstgenocide.org] are doing a crucial webinar addressing the latest developments in Palestine, as Trump’s alarming calls for a Gaza takeover and West Bank annexation signal an escalation of U.S. complicity in Israel’s illegal occupation and genocide. With the fragile ceasefire under threat and the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, this conversation could not be more urgent. Join in on Sun., Feb. 16 at noon as Forced Displacement Is A Crime Against Humanity: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1QTpzHd4SM2lQ6HnAeTheA

10] –On February 16 at 3 PM ET, check out Voices from the Holy Land Online Film Salon: "Made Homeless in the Homeland: Lawfare, Demolition, and Land Theft." Watch the curated film for free at your convenience. Then join the Q&A discussion. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/A2MOMTl3TKmf41bLElsVqw?emci=8f091746-d3e3-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&emdi=1eb0fbbf-85e5-ef11-90cb-0022482a94f4&ceid=764241#/registration

In an ongoing policy of ethnic cleansing, Israeli authorities uproot fruit trees, raze farmland, destroy rainwater reservoirs and irrigation systems, and demolish homes. Meanwhile increasingly emboldened Israeli settlers — protected by soldiers — taunt families and vandalize property. The ultimate goal is to force Palestinians off the land.

11] –Looking to learn more about how we can act as effective organizers? Join the Sunrise Movement DC for a hybrid training on Sun., Feb. 16 from 4 to 5:30 PM at The Potter's House Café & Bookstore, 1658 Columbia Road NW, WDC 20009--How to end an oligarchy. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/sunrisemovement/event/754401/?link_id=57&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-24-2025-5&email_referrer=email_2619065&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-14-2025

12] – Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Sun., Feb. 16 on 4 PM ET wants you to attend a Town Hall on the Rising Tide of Resistance to MAGA's assault on our Open Democratic Society. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration

In the days after the November election, it was clear that the Democratic Party had to re-establish itself as the party that fought for economic interests of the majority of Americans - i.e., poor, working-and middle-class Americans. It was also clear that the Party had to do more than just oppose Trump, it had to put forward a powerful positive vision of America. It's also clear that mainstream "moderate" Democrats, left to their own devices, can't even oppose Trump effectively - and so progressives and activists have had to show them how it's done.

This Sunday is about embracing, and learning about, what's immediately necessary: blocking Trump's reactionary, authoritarian, proto-fascist counter-revolution - in the streets, in the courts, in blue states, and even (when progressives take the lead) in Congress. Hartzell Gray, National Coordinator of the Young Progressive Democrats of America (YPDA) will co-host. 

13] – The MDC-DSA Internationalism Working Group is holding its monthly virtual meeting on Sun., Feb. 16 from 7 to 8 PM ET. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/mdc-dsa-internationalism-working-group-monthly-meeting-february-2025?link_id=80&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-january-24-2025-5&email_referrer=email_2619065&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-14-2025

14] – 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. 17, 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.

15] – Takoma Park Mobilization [info@tpmobilization.org] wants you on Mon., Feb. 17 from noon to 2 PM ET to join a President' Day Protest at the Union Square-Capitol Reflecting Pool to uphold the constitution and end executive overreach. . RSVP at https://events.pol-rev.com/events/228bda07-40a7-4777-a947-685de685fef8

16] – Brother Ryan W. Roberts [justice@sistersofmercy.org] wants you to attend with the Maryland Catholics for our Common Home (MCCH) and lobby in Annapolis with state lawmakers on President's Day, Feb. 17, beginning at 2 PM.  Be at a Teach-In at St. Mary's High School, Marian Hall, 113 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis 21401 to cover both details of the bills and how to talk to legislators about them. After a light dinner, head over to officials' offices in groups for personal conversations with those who directly represent you in the State House. Email rroberts@sistersofmercy.org. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/7d5fd0a02b2c652efc529fab179eb057?source=AN_email&&link_id=2&can_id=849de661702869b21e8a9800b1959e10&email_referrer=email_2593210&email_subject=join-other-catholics-in-supporting-key-environmental-bills-in-maryland

17] – Join the virtual Distributed Texting Team, hosted by Chesapeake Climate Action Network / Action Fund on Mondays, 9 AM to 8 PM ET  from Feb. 17 to April 7. Join a team of volunteer texters! Every week on Mondays, you will get a texting request on the Discord channel so you can help by sending texts. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/746881/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_from_org

18] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate with the Grassroots Election Protection Coalition/ALLIANCE 4 GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY Zoom on Mon., Feb. 17 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, and 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