Monday, January 5, 2026

Baltimore Activist Alert -- January 6 - 8, 2026

34] Venezuela in Washington’s Crosshairs – Jan. 6

35] Calls for clean energy -- Jan. 6

36] Get ready for Annapolis -- Jan. 6

37] Sign Wave on Roland Ave. – Jan. 7

38] War is not Green – Jan. 7

39] What’s the Plan? – Jan. 8

40] Rush hour protest Jan. 8

------

34] --Check out Venezuela in Washington's Crosshairs: Breaking the Information Blockade on Tues., Jan. 6, Thurs., Jan. 8 & Tues., Jan. 13 at 4 PM ET. This 3-webinar series, featuring 9 leading experts and activists, was assembled prior to the US attack on Venezuela and kidnapping of its president.  Now it is more relevant than ever.  REGISTER at bit.ly/V https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ToLrhj5vSS2ql81KjIMe8g#/registrationZ-webinar

Starting January 6, Just World Ed will be co-presenting along with the Task Force for the Americas and the U.S. Peace Council a super-timely webinar series. Roger Harris of TFA and USPC, and JWE’s Helena Cobban will be the moderators. The speakers are Maria Paez Victor, Venezuelan-Canadian sociologist, Marjorie Cohn, former president of the National Lawyers Guild and Leonardo Flores, Venezuela Solidarity Network.

The speakers on January 8, 2026: Geopolitics & Double Standards – Caracas to Gaza: Global solidarity and the politics of impunity are as follows: Jesús Rodríguez-Espinoza, from Venezuela, Orinoco Tribune editor and former diplomat, Richard Falk, professor of international law and former UN special rapporteur for Palestine and Corinna Mullin, US Peace Council and Anti-imperialist Scholars Collective.

The speakers for January 13, 2026: Exposing the ‘Donroe’ Doctrine: How US attacks are reshaping the Americas are Ajamu Baraka, Black Alliance for Peace and US Peace Council,  Dan Kovalik, international human rights lawyer and author on Palestine, Iran, Venezuela, and Colombia and Michelle Ellner, Venezuelan-American with CODEPINK and Venezuela Solidarity Network.

35] – Sun Day [reply@sunday.earth] on Tues., Jan. 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM and Thurs., Jan. 8 from 7 to 9 PM ET is asking you to make calls for Clean Energy. Sun Day showed us the incredible power of coming together to celebrate clean energy. Now, it's time to channel that energy into action that gets more solar and wind projects built in communities across the country. Greenlight America is calling clean energy supporters in key locations and encouraging them to take action to get projects permitted where they live. On these phone banks, volunteers will encourage supporters to testify at hearings, submit public comments or contact decision makers to build wind and solar projects. The next call will be on Jan. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM and the calls will  continue through Jan. 96, 2026, 7 to 9 PM. RSVP to phone bank at https://www.mobilize.us/greenlightaction/event/842120/?utm_source=SunDay&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&email_referrer=email_2960084___subject_3458067&email_subject=make-calls-for-clean-energy&

36] –Unleash OUR Power: Grassroots Energy for Legislative Change takes place on Tues., Jan. 6 from 7 to 8:30 PM.  This is a virtual event organized by the Indivisible Maryland Coalition—representing 49 Indivisible chapters across the state. This statewide event will outline the legislative priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session. The Coalition will share the bills it plans to support, introduce partner organizations, and offer guidance on effective advocacy to help pass meaningful legislation for Marylanders. This event underscores the importance of impacted community advocates leading advocacy efforts, with ACLU advocates playing a key role in planning. This event is open to all Maryland Indivisible members. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/875558/

37] -- On Wednesdays, including Jan. 7, at  4 PM, join Baltimore Sign Waves with the Wednesday Movement at Roland Avenue & West 40th St., Baltimore 21211. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisiblebaltco/event/763996/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

 The Wednesday Movement launched on March 12, 2025 when disgruntled seniors took to the streets in Baltimore to make their feelings known. The Movement, a weekly Pro-Democracy, Anti-Trump, Anti-Putin vigil, gathers on heavily trafficked Baltimore street corners.  Join the Movement. You do not need to be old, and you do not need to be in Baltimore. This vigil will continue through June 4.

38] -- Aaron Kirshenbaum [aaron@codepink.org] on Wed., Jan. 7 at 8 PM ET is holding a War Is Not Green Working Group Call! When it comes to climate, the US war machine is the elephant in the room as the #1 institutional polluter in the world and with over 800 toxic bases around the world. To fight climate change, we need to demilitarize, end wars and US imperialism, free Palestine, facilitate the repatriation of Indigenous land, and get the mainstream environmental movement to join us along the way. The world's climate movement must hold anti-militarism as a core pillar!  RSVP at https://www.codepink.org/wing17

39] –What’s the Plan? A virtual Weekly Discussion with Indivisible’s co-founders takes place on Thursdays, including Jan. 8, from 3 to 4 PM ET. The onslaught of news, the chaos coming out of the White House – it’s all meant to overwhelm us. It’s a deliberate strategy to sow confusion and make us believe we are powerless to fight back. The antidote: Coming together in community to process what’s happening, to sift through what’s important and what’s just noise, and coalesce around strategies for fighting back. Join Indivisible co-founders Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin each week to discuss what’s happening and – more importantly – what the plan is. The event will continue through Dec. 17, 2026. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/874938/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=_20251215

40] – On Thursdays, Jan. 8, 15. 22 & 29 from 3 to 4:30 PM, join an Overpass Extravaganza at Ridgley Ave. Overpass, 599 Ridgely Ave., Annapolis 21401, hosted by Chesapeake Indivisible. Help hoist a huge message on the Ridgley Avenue Route 50 overpass to reach about 40K commuters headed eastbound on Route 50 in Annapolis, and wave signs for drivers traversing Ridgley Avenue. This will continue until Jan. 29, 2026. Contact Nora Terres at noratprotests@gmail.com. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/824306/

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

Sunday, January 4, 2026

Baltimore Activist Alert -- January 6 - 7, 2026

29] Faith in Democracy – Jan. 6  

30] Medicare for All meeting -- Jan. 6

31] Write in support of democracy – Jan. 7

32] Sign Wave in Towson – Jan. 7

33] Sign Wave in Lauraville Jan. 7

-----

29] – Michele Dunne, OFS [news@franciscanaction.org] on Tues., Jan. 6 at 7 PM is inviting you to 'Faith in Democracy: Facing the Challenges of 2026.' This is the next event in the annual ‘Faith in Democracy’ series. The panel will explore the connection between faith and democracy, the challenges to US democracy at this moment in history, and ways people of faith and faith communities can work together to strengthen democracy moving forward. You can register here https://default.salsalabs.org/T18389782-7f67-466d-ac4c-ac2f5e95eccd/42c9db5a-84b0-4b89-b7d2-abff22cb3d0e 

30] – The Northern Virginia DSA Medicare for All Working Group virtual meeting is on Tues., Jan. 6 from 7 to 8 PM ET. A link will be sent before the event: https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-medicare-for-all-working-group-meeting-tuesday-january-6th-at-7pm/?link_id=50&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-12112025-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events&email_referrer=email_3025974&email_subject=12182025-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events&&

Discuss Medicare for All public education campaigns in northern Virginia and plan other actions to ensure healthcare as a human right. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month, and the meetings are open to the public.  All who support healthcare as a human right are welcome.

31] –  On Wednesdays, Jan. 7, from 2 to 3:30 PM ET, join Baltimore Writes in Support of Democracy at Belvedere Square Market, 529 E. Belvedere Ave., Baltimore 21212.  Write letters to PA voters. In October, they will elect judges for their Supreme Court, a CRITICAL component of a free & fair democracy. This is an easy, fun way to meet other concerned citizens and support a renewed American democracy. Bring your favorite pen, and spend an hour doing some good! This will continue through Oct. 22. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/823429/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

32] – Join a sign wave on Wed., Jan. 7 from 3:30 to 4 PM ET at Woodbrook Church, 25 Stevenson Lane, [between Bellona Ave. & Charles St.] Baltimore 21212. Park in the church parking lot. This event will continue through December 31. This event will be canceled if raining hard. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/804632/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

33] – Join a Wednesday Movement Sign Wave in Lauraville on Jan. 7 from 4 to 5:30 PM at Harford Road & Parkside Drive, Baltimore 21214. It will continue through Feb. 25, 2026. This event was inspired by other Sign Waves that make their pro-democracy, anti-Trump, and anti-Putin views known. Contact Anne George, 443-831-7528, for more information on initiating a sign wave in your area. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/784682/?timeslot=5520790

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

 

Trump’s Venezuelan Coup: Criminal Attacks by a Criminal Empire

Friends,

This is as tragic as Bush and Cheney telling us about Saddam’s WMD.  In this tragedy, Trump indicated the oil money will go back to the people of Venezuela.  I presume many of you protested Emperor Trump of the Western Hemisphere.  Janice and I were at Loch Raven Boulevard and Taylor Avenue in Towson with our signs: Arrest Trump, Indict Trump and Impeach Trump before he kills again.  We had a number of honks in support, one gentlemen wanted to buy us coffee, one woman thanked us profusely and one driver told us to Go fornicate ourselves.  Get involved with an organization, such as Maryland Peace Action, and join the resistance. Kagiso, Max

- CounterPunch.org - https://www.counterpunch.org -

Trump’s Venezuelan Coup: Criminal Attacks by a Criminal Empire

By Ron Jacobs on January 3, 2026

https://www.counterpunch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/El_Salvador_President_at_Maduro_inauguration_2019_02-680x453.jpg

World leaders greet Maduro at Maduro’s second inauguration on 10 January 2019. Photo: Office of the President of El Salvador.

There is only one word to describe the US attacks on Venezuela.  That word is criminal.  It is the only word that describes the act of invading another nation and kidnapping its president.  Of course, it is also a word that describes the essential nature of the US empire—an empire currently run by a band of psychopaths whose actions are only outdone by their equally psychotic comrades in Tel Aviv.  Let’s be clear, Donald Trump may have pulled the trigger, so to speak, but Washington has been pointing a loaded gun at Venezuela since its people elected Hugo Chavez in 1998. By electing Chavez, the Venezuelan popular majority instituted a process that redistributed wealth inside the country, bringing popular education and free health care to the millions of Venezuelans previously denied these human rights–human rights which are under serious attack in the heart of the US empire as I write, by the way.

This attack, and any further military action by the US against Venezuela, must be opposed by those around the world who care about peace.  If those who support a more peaceful version of the US Empire in the mainstream parties oppose this escalation, they should speak up in Congress, the media and in the streets.  Those on the Left who disagree with Maduro for reasons real or manufactured by the consent organs of the Empire need to set those concerns aside and oppose these attacks.  Folks whose concerns tend towards the concerns of family and their home should resolve to voice their opposition to a White House whose go-to solution is murder, war and repression.  Already, those with loved ones in the US military—from the Air Force to the Air Guard, the Marines to the Coast Guard—have seen them sent to kill people in Venezuela, Iran, Palestine and the Caribbean (for starters).

Here in Vermont, where I live, the skies above my home no longer resound with the inhuman noise of the F-35s that are based five miles away; those planes and their crews are now involved in attacking Venezuelans just minding their own business.  The basing of the planes in Vermont was supported by its entire Congressional delegation, including Bernie Sanders.  The National Guard spokespeople and their hacks in the media called the planes’ deafening sound the “sound of freedom.”  I can assure you, that’s not what the Venezuelans are calling that noise.  The last seventy years of history makes it clear that the only freedom the US military brings is the freedom to exploit the country being invaded.  The Empire’s “sound of freedom” is the sound of death and repression to those who bear the brunt of its bombs, its troops, and its economic strangulation.

Let’s be clear.  Although it is the Trump White House that has launched this attack on Venezuela and apparently kidnapped its president, these actions are the result of an ongoing bipartisan assault on Venezuela.  Bill Clinton began the attacks in 1998, mostly keeping his opposition to words and providing money to the wealthy comprador right-wing opposition in Venezuela.  His wife, Hillary, accepted a million-dollar donation to her presidential campaign in 2015 from Gustavo Cisneros, a leading figure in Venezuela’s far-right politics.  In 2002, the George W. Bush administration helped fund and plan a coup attempt that ultimately failed despite Washington’s immediate support for the coup plotters.

After Hugo Chavez died in 2013 and Maduro was elected, Barack Obama intensified the sanctions against the government in Caracas and in 2015, labeled Venezuela as a clear and present danger.  Donald Trump continued the threats and sanctions against Venezuela, as did Joe Biden (although his administration did make a short-lived deal to purchase gas from the country).  Meanwhile, Washington’s sanctions intensified the economic problems being experienced by the Venezuelan people.  One might say the sanctions were the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Despite the hardships, Venezuela persevered, refocusing its efforts on organizing responses to the US offensive by working towards self-sufficiency.  Trump pulled the trigger, but every administration that preceded his provided ammunition and paved the way for Trump’s illegal and immoral assault.

While the main focus of this short piece is the attacks on Venezuela, it is essential that we pay attention to what’s going on elsewhere in the world.  Trump had the US military attack Nigeria on Christmas Day; he has once again threatened Iran and the US recently approved millions more dollars in arms shipments to Israel, which continues to murder Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, while also bombing Lebanon and Syria.

It’s been a long time since the world was so close to a global conflict.  Indeed, it seems reasonable to say that the last time we stood so close to world war was when Hitler’s armies invaded its neighbors to the east.  His actions were considered rash and dangerous when they happened.  One can say the same about the actions of Donald Trump today.

Article printed from CounterPunch.org: https://www.counterpunch.org

URL to article: https://www.counterpunch.org/2026/01/03/trumps-venezuelan-coup-criminal-attacks-by-a-criminal-empire/

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

 

 

Baltimore Activist Alert -- January 4 - 6, 2026

24] Doctors against Genocide – Jan. 4

25] PDA weekly town hall -- Jan. 4

26] Grassroots protection for the vote – Jan. 5

27] Dump Trump for invading Venezuela – Jan. 6

28] ACLU party -- Jan. 6

------

24] – Doctors against Genocide [leadership@doctorsagainstgenocide.org] on Sun., Jan. 4 at noon ET want you to know about the Class of the Phoenix: Rising to Heal and updates from Palestine, Rohingya Camps, Sudan, and Congo. Register to attend: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aUUzycRDSwaem750Nc6iFg

Hear from now DOCTOR Ezz Lulu, a member of Gaza’s graduating Class of the Phoenix, representing a new generation of medical professionals forged under siege and committed to care.  Also hear from Yasmin Abdullah Dhib Hamada, from Gaza, educator, historian, youth advocate, and the wife of the late humanitarian physician Dr. Adnan Al-Barsh. She holds a Master’s degree in History, a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Primary Education, is a Parliamentary Fellow of the Palestinian Legislative Council, a Jerusalem Ambassador, and a dedicated youth activist. Joining in as well is Mohammed Yeasin, speaking from the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. Also receive updates from Eid Sulieman from Masafer Yatta, grounding this conversation in lived realities across Palestine. As always hear from the regular partners from Congo, Gaza and Sudan.

25] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] on Sun., Jan. 4 at 4 PM ET will invite you to the weekly Town Hall with Nina Turner and PDA Nation on Stopping Trump’s Illegal War on Venezuela. Also discuss how we must respond to Trump’s illegal attack on Venezuela. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4?emci=ced5d1ed-71c8-f011-8196-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=2907617#/registration

26] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate with the Grassroots Election Protection Coalition/ALLIANCE 4 GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY Zoom on Mon., Jan. 5 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

27] – Join the Baltimore Nonviolence Center on Tues., Jan. 6 from 4:30 to 5 PM ET at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. to challenge President Trump for a long list of illegal executive orders. And now he has invaded Venezuela. Without resistance Trump will undermine our flawed democracy.  Right now Trump wants fascism as the order of the day. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

28] –The ACLU of Maryland [info@aclu-md.org] on Tues., Jan. 6 from 5 to 8 PM is holding a party hosted by the Board of Directors.  This will be a happy hour celebration at Waverly Brewing Company, 1625 Union Ave., Suite C, Baltimore 21211.  Tickets are $10 and include admission to the happy hour. Drinks are available for purchase at Waverly Brewing Company. Get tickets at https://action.aclu.org/event/md-party-for-a-purpose?cid=701UW00000vlEOVYA2&initms_aff=md&initms_chan=eml&utm_medium=eml&initms=awr-na-sail-gradead-md-260102_party_for_a_purpose-civilliberties-party_for_a_purpose-affcampaign&utm_source=sail&utm_campaign=affcampaign&utm_content=awr-na-sail-gradead-md-260102_party_for_a_purpose-civilliberties-party_for_a_purpose-affcampaign&af=RA1%2BJp3N228aRV69knhQi6HdXOURCg1a8LjFy%2FqVNQ3Po1gpJ2TWtaez2njMlOuEAnWCHkgEsbpWshTz9SyXZHZ4ZBqwHCVVpKJ%2BZXlAWLY9SUg1qbRF6XQ%2FGofdGh0uIrE%2BgrtlRDoZHWCwwg1ZrXmTDTeoAx%2B%2B4iu8YWTWyXa4EoSg7nGmN8x6HStwNOnh&ms_aff=md&ms_chan=eml&ms=awr-na-sail-gradead-md-260102_party_for_a_purpose-civilliberties-party_for_a_purpose-affcampaign

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

Saturday, January 3, 2026

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 3 – 5, 2025

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 3 – 5, 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 Snakes

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

6] Labor History Project

7] Sign wave at Harford Mall – Jan. 3

8] Sign waving in Annapolis – Jan. 3

9] Tesla Takedown in Rockville – Jan. 3

10] Tesla Takedown in Silver Spring – Jan. 3

11] Friends meeting -- Jan. 4

12] Visit the Conservancy – Jan. 4

13] Catonsville against Trump – Jan. 4

14] Get involved with fiber Arts -- Jan. 4

15] Visibility brigade – Jan. 4

16] Remember Betty Robinson – Jan. 4

17] Join Baltimore DSA – Jan. 4

18] Golden Dome – Jan. 5

19] DSA Electoral working group meeting – Jan. 4

20] Death Penalty Action – Jan. 4

21] Vigil at the Pentagon – Jan. 5

22] Baltimore Sign waves – Jan. 5

23] Palestinian Youth Movement Jan. 5

------

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] – William Barry [billbarry21214@gmail.com] has a request. As the country begins to celebrate our 250th anniversary, our history is complicated but one thing is certain--labor history is always deleted. So he created the MD250 Labor History Project, and hopes you will participate by sending in labor history materials, and by sharing it with your friends, as part of creating a union movement. Go to https://www.md250laborhistory.org/

"We are either part of the solution or part of the problem." "The only reason an organization has dead wood is that management either hired dead wood or it hired live wood and killed it."   - W. Edwards Deming

7] – Join sign waving on Saturdays, Jan. 3, 10 17 & 24 from 10 AM to noon at Harford Mall Macy’s parking lot, 696 Belair Road, Bel Air 21014. Park in the front of Macy’s. Create visibility with sign waving at the intersection of Belair Road and Rt. 24 in Bel Air. Bring your signs, costumes, noise makers and especially your voices to draw attention to this fascist regime. https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/840421/

8] – Chesapeake Indivisible is doing a Sign Waving protest on Sat., Dec. 20 from 11 AM to 1 PM near the Annapolis Mall sidewalks at the corner of Bestgate Road and 2082 Generals Highway, Annapolis 21401. This event will continue through March 28. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/chesapeakeindivisible/event/834849/

9] – Get over to the Tesla Takedown on Saturdays, Jan. 3 & 10, from 11 AM to noon at the Rockville Tesla, 1300 Rockville Pike, Rockville 20852. Email maryland@thirdact.org. Musk is responsible for mass suffering and death. And he will cause more if we give him the chance to recover his reputation. Tesla Takedown is a peaceful protest movement. No violence, vandalism and destruction of property. This protest is a lawful exercise of your First Amendment right to peaceful assembly. #TeslaTakedown #BoycottTesla RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/812078/

10] – Get over to the Tesla Takedown on Saturdays, Jan. 3 & 10, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Tesla Silver Spring, 2320 Broadbirch Dr., Silver Spring 20852. Email maryland@thirdact.org. Musk is responsible for mass suffering and death. And he will cause more if we give him the chance to recover his reputation. Tesla Takedown is a peaceful protest movement. No violence, vandalism and destruction of property. This protest is a lawful exercise of your First Amendment right to peaceful assembly. #TeslaTakedown #BoycottTesla RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/771738/

11] – Homewood Friends Meeting [homewoodfriends@gmail.com] gathers for worship on Sundays at 10:30 AM at 3107 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21218 and on Zoom.  A simple lunch will take place after the 10:30 AM worship. Call 410-235-4438. To join by Zoom, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/255867065?pwd=UDNxVnlVSkZQOHlXWlc3NHpHeHdhZz09#success

12] – The Baltimore Ethical Society Meetup on Sun., Jan. 4 at 10:30 AM will take place at the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, 3100 Swann Dr., Baltimore 21217. Come to Druid Hill Park near the intersection of McCulloh St. and Gwynns Falls Parkway for a relaxing start to the new calendar year. This is the last day to see their annual poinsettia and holiday gardens.  There is no charge but donations are gladly accepted and there is a gift shop. Poinsettias are also being sold at this time. RSVP at https://www.meetup.com/bmorethical/events/312468530/?eventOrigin=group_events_list

Afterwards, the group will gather for lunch. Call the Conservatory at 410-396-0008 or go online https://rawlingsconservatory.org/

13] – On Sun., Jan. 4 from noon to 1 PM, get with Catonsville Nine Redux for a Sign Wave over the Frederick Road Overpass, Frederick Road and I-695, Catonsville 21228. This event will continue through Dec. 27, 2026.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/853167/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type

14] – The Northern Virginia Mutual Aid DSA Working Group (NoVA MAWG) fiber arts committee will meet on Sat., Jan. 3 from 12 to 2 PM at the Chantilly Regional Library, (Chantilly Conference Room), 4000 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151. People are encouraged to bring their own projects to work on, or to knit hats, gloves, or scarves to be donated. The distribution contingent is planning their January distribution at the Crystal City Metro Station on January 11 from 11am – 2pm. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/january-2026-nova-fiber-arts-group?clear_id=true&link_id=72&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-december-12-2025&email_referrer=email_3027700&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-december-19-2025&&

15] – On Sundays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 1 to 3 PM ET at 15202 Major Lansdale Blvd., Bowie 20716, join Indivisible Bowie for a Visibility Brigade sign wave on the pedestrian bridge over Route 50. If you can't make the full time, no worries, come when you can! Help bring attention to important issues and let your neighbors and commuters know they are not alone in fighting back against authoritarianism.

 Parking is behind the Hampton Inn in the old theatre lot, please look for the sign. Follow the paved path through the chain-link fence, then turn left onto the pedestrian trail to reach the bridge. Approximately a 4-minute walk. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/873914/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

 16] – Katie Lautar [katelautar@gmail.com] is inviting you on Sun., Jan. 4 at 4:30 PM for the Betty Robinson Birthday Memorial Sing Along at 2640, 27th & St. Paul Sts. It will take place in the Sunday room in the back of building. Use the side entrance on 27th St. It will be followed by a potluck dinner. Bring a dish for the potluck, a photo, memento, or written story to add to a memorial table & display and literature/sign-ups for events or organizations for social justice. If time allows there will be an open mic time for people to briefly announce upcoming events.

 Gather to remember the late great Betty Garman Robinson and sing the social justice movement songs she loved. Betty was a powerful life-long organizer for racial and economic justice, spanning from her involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 60s up until the end of her life in 2020. She was a beloved mentor and friend to many. Read more about Betty’s incredible legacy here: https://ubarchives.omeka.net/.../bettygarman.../introduction

17] – Join the Greater Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America for an introduction to socialism and the DSA! Discuss the theory of change, why it centers on working people like you and me, and get to know one another and the chapter a bit better. There is an upcoming In-Person New Member Orientations on Sat., Jan. 15 from 4 to 5:30 PM at Red Emma's Free School.  There is also an upcoming Virtual New Member Orientations on Mon., Jan. 5 from 6 to 7 PM. Join the Zoom at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5fBhT5O69eNMJyfGOgbnp4KmdlKvb4I8XUz-3WJ42_EJ5XA/viewform

18] – The MAPA Ed. Fund [info@masspeaceaction.org] on Mon., Jan. 5 from 7 to 8:30 PM ET will host a webinar -- What is Trump's "Golden Dome"?  Are We Paying for Ineffective Missile Defense and a Spiraling Nuclear Arms Race? Register at MassPeace.us/golden-dome

Hear from three experts, Ted Postol, Daryl Kimball, and Subrata Ghoshroy, discuss the technical and policy aspects of Golden Dome. The panel will be moderated by Linda Pentz Gunter.

19]The Northern Virginia DSA Electoral working group meeting is on Sun., Jan. 4 from 7 to 8 PM!  A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-electoral-monthly-working-group-meeting-0104?clear_id=true&link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-12112025-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events&email_referrer=email_3025974&email_subject=12182025-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events&&

 Join in #nova-electoral on Slack, and fill out the interest form. Also, feel free to reach out to @Alex Yarkosky on Slack with any questions about electoral work. 

 20] – Join Death Penalty Action for a review of the issues and action opportunities surrounding the next several executions scheduled in the United States. Join in on Sun., Jan. 4 at 9 PM ET.  These sessions will continue on Feb. 1 & March 1, 2026 at 9 PM ET. This project of Death Penalty Action recurs (normally) on the first Sunday of each month. Take action at DeathPenaltyAction.org at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GQi-Z-U0QyyvyVOoYaL3nA#/registration or https://www.youtube.com/@deathpenaltyaction8966/streams

 21] – 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 Jan. 5, 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.

 22] –  Baltimore Sign Waves on Mon. Jan. 5 from 7:30 to 8:15 AM will be at West Northern Parkway & Roland Ave., Baltimore 21210. Join in the waving of pro-democracy signs! Bring your sign or just show up. This event will continue through March 23. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/793151/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

 23] – Join CODEPINK, Watermelon Pictures, and the Palestinian Youth Movement to talk about cultural production and how it pertains to the Palestine solidarity movement! This webinar will highlight the importance of Palestinian cultural production in the fight against imperialist and Zionist propaganda. In hearing about CODEPINK's activism and Watermelon Pictures' cultural work, you will learn how you can incorporate the fight for Palestinian liberation into cultural spaces. Filmmaker Cherien Dabis will give a short introduction and discuss her new film, All That’s Left of You on Mon., Jan.5 from 5 to 6 ET. Email Jenin · jenin@codepink.org. RSVP at https://www.codepink.org/wp105?utm_campaign=january_member_newsletter_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepink

 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