Former Officials Say US Has 'Undeniable Complicity' in Israeli Killing, Forced Starvation of Palestinians in Gaza

https://www.commondreams.org/news/officials-say-us-complicit-gaza?utm_source=Common+Dreams&utm_campaign=4c8e825043-Top+News%3A+Wed.+7%2F3%2F24&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-3b949b3e19-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

 

 

 

A Palestinian boy stands next to U.S.-manufactured ammunition, with the remnants of rockets nearby, in Khan Younis, Gaza on June 04, 2024.  (Photo by Doaa Albaz/Anadolu via Getty Images)

 

Former Officials Say US Has 'Undeniable Complicity' in Israeli Killing, Forced Starvation of Palestinians in Gaza

"The administration’s policy in Gaza is a failure and a threat to U.S. national security," said twelve ex-officials who resigned from the Biden administration over its support for Israel's war on Gaza.

EDWARD CARVER

Jul 03, 2024

 

 

 

       Former Biden administration officials on Tuesday sharply criticized its Gaza policy, arguing that the continued supply of weapons to Israel is not only "morally reprehensible" but also a violation of U.S. and international law.

       In a joint statement, 12 officials who've resigned in protest in the last nine months set forth a list of recommendations and urged their former colleagues in the administration to use American leverage to help bring an end to the assault on Gaza.

       "The administration's policy in Gaza is a failure and a threat to U.S. national security," the statement says.  "America's diplomatic cover for, and continuous flow of arms to, Israel has ensured our undeniable complicity in the killings and forced starvation of a besieged Palestinian population in Gaza."

       The 12 signatories included former officials from a wide range of posts and backgrounds.

       One was the administration's latest defector: 24-year-old Interior Department special assistant Maryam Hassanein, who resigned on Tuesday, telling HuffPost that "serving in the administration in any capacity does essentially make you complicit in the genocide of the Palestinians."  Hassanein was the first Muslim American administration appointee to resign, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which applauded the resignation on social media.  She said the administration was engaging in the "dehumanization of Arabs and Muslims."

       Another signatory was Harrison Mann, the most senior military official to have left in protest of the Gaza war.  Mann had been a major at the Defense Intelligence Agency.  He made the news this week when he told The Guardian that Israel was seeking out a war with Lebanon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political gain.

       Stacy Gilbert, a 20-year-old State Department veteran who resigned in May over a key report, dealing in part with whether Israel was blocking humanitarian aid to Gazans, that she says contained "patently false" findings, was also among the statement's signatories, as was Lily Greenberg Call, a former Interior Department official who was the first Jewish American appointee to resign in protest of the administration's war policy.

       The joint statement, timed to come on the week of Independence Day, warns that the U.S. government is risking its international credibility and the safety of its own citizens by putting a "target on America's back."

       The authors argued that the administration was "willfully violating multiple U.S. laws and attempting to deny or distort facts, use loopholes, or manipulate processes to ensure a continuous flow of lethal weapons to Israel."  They cited the Leahy Laws that forbid providing military support to forces engaged in human rights violations.

       The U.S. provides Israel with billions of dollars per year in military aid and has significantly increased its support during the war.  In April, President Joe Biden signed a bill providing at least $15 billion in military funds for Israel.

       The former officials called for an end not just to the U.S. supply of weapons for the war but also the "diplomatic cover" the U.S. provides for Israeli military occupation and settlements in Palestinian territory.  The administration should announce that U.S. policy is "to support self-determination for the Palestinian people," they wrote.

       The 12 ex-officials also called for an "immediate expansion" of humanitarian aid to Gaza and funding to help rebuild the territory.

       Their statement comes as Israel continues to pummel Gaza with strikes that kill Palestinian civilians.  Nearly 38,000 Gazans have been killed in the last nine months, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.  Several strikes that killed Palestinian civilians, including a massacre in Rafah in late May that killed at least 45, have been undertaken with U.S.-made weapons, forensic analyses have showed.

       The conditions for those that have survived the Israeli bombardment are dire, with Gazans forced to live amid sewage and debris.  "Civilians in Gaza are clinging to their dignity under the most inhumane conditions," Sigrid Kaag, United Nations senior humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator, said in a statement on Tuesday.  "The war has not merely created a humanitarian crisis, it has unleashed a maelstrom of human misery," she said.

 

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.

 

Edward Carver is a staff writer for Common Dreams.

Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 26 - 29, 2024

58] Starbuck workers need your support – July 26 - 29

59] Peace vigil at the White House – July 26

60] Women in Black vigil – July 26

61] Friday Power Lunch – July 26

62] AFSC Action Hour for ceasefire – July 26

63] Knock on doors for Democrats – July 26 - 27

64] Final Fridays – July 26

65] Conversation with Rev. Alex Awad -- July 26

66] Birdwatching at Patterson Park – July 27

67] Build the Blue Wave – July 27

68] Film SILENT FALLOUT – July 27

69] "Langston Hughes: The Darker Brother" – July 27

70] Support Cori Bush – July 27

71] Write to anti-nuke protesters

72] Baltimore activist selling her home

73] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

74] Read Dave Eberhardt’s book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"

75] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

76] Do you need a doctor?

77] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

78] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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58] – Starbucks Workers United [sbwu@wealsoherdcats.com] announced that hundreds of baristas across the country are gearing up for the next round of bargaining with Starbucks. Union Starbucks workers are asking for your help! From Fri., July 26 through Mon., July 29, the workers are going Red for Bread – and are asking allies to join them! Stand in solidarity by stopping by your local union shop, wearing something red, grabbing a beverage under the name “UNION STRONG,” and sharing some words of encouragement with baristas who are more than RED-dy for a collective bargaining agreement. Sign the pledge form and turn out in solidarity: https://starbucksworkersunited.controlshift.app/petitions/i-pledge-to-be-red-for-bread

59] – There is a weekly vigil at the White House on Fridays from noon to 1 PM sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649. 

60] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Baltimore Women in Black vigil for peace with men and women who live in Roland Park. WIB invites all to join, and any peace sign is welcome, such as "Defuse Nuclear War."  The vigil takes place outside Roland Park Place at 830 West 40th Street and Elm Street. The VFP peace walkers will join he vigil. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

61] – On Fri., July 26 at noon ET, join the Friday Power Lunch, a weekly show amplifying the voices of the Virginia Grassroots on politics, culture, and making change with the BADASS women of Network NOVA. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscumspzMoHtOe4-JRDrtezzQNNh9EhWEh#/registration

62] – The American Friends Service Committee holds an Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now every Friday at noon ET. Join AFSC staff to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action by contacting elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. RSVP at https://afsc.org/events/action-hour-cease-fire-now?ms=EMA24EI1103&emci=17faec34-887a-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&emdi=9695a439-f87c-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&ceid=764241

63] – Knock on doors in Baltimore City and join the canvass, hosted by MD Victory.  Gather at the Baltimore Office, 2330 N. Howard St., Baltimore 21211. Knock on doors to elect Angela Alsobrooks to be the next United States Senator and Kweisi Mfume to be re-elected as the Congressperson from Maryland's 7th! First time volunteering? No worries. Each canvass shift starts with a training with an organizer who will be there to help you out. You will go out with a buddy so you can knock on doors together.

 You will need a smartphone so you can download the MiniVAN Touch app, the Democratic Party’s canvassing app. Download it on an iPhone or android. Also bring a full water bottle! Canvass on Fri., July 26 from 2 to 5 PM or 5:30 to 8 PM, Sat., July 27 from noon to 3 PM or 3 to 6 PM ET.  The canvass will continue until Aug. 4 from noon 6 PM ET, RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/646353/

64] – Enjoy Final Fridays with MDC DSA on July 26 from 6 PM to 8:30 PM ET at Bluejacket, 300 Tingey St. SE, #160, WDC 20003.  Join this happy hour. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/final-fridays-with-mdc-dsa-3?link_id=56&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-12-2024&email_referrer=email_2391884&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-19-2024

65] – Friends of Sabeel North America [friends@fosna.org] wants you to be aware of a talk on Fri., July 26 at 6 PM ET -- Conversation with Rev. Alex Awad.  It will take place at 1640 Columbia Road NW, WDC 20009.  Email julio.hernandez@gmail.com for questions.  Register at https://fosna.nationbuilder.com/r?u=YI1fzjASltNeuUtyCpIzh3UPkLvgl78wu6AMzb3l9haESqKTK0HEPnH-kdicuN70-NHHrhVn2dk1QlDa2M3SbzLpKqg-JFHtJSmRlKTLSa7KRq4Hx4qAlscy7APuZEwl4JY9qZeaiUNNFQGLu2H3Lw&e=63c44389e32dff42840fd946fb089e7d&utm_source=fosna&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=fosna_news_july_22_26&n=9>

66] – Join a Birdwatching Tour of Patterson Park on Sat., July 27 from 8 to 9:30 AM ET.  Meet on the southernmost end of the Boat Lake in Patterson Park, closest intersection is Eastern Ave. and South Rose St. From there, walk directly north into the park via the cobblestone path, approximately 100 yards. Over 200 bird species have visited Patterson Park, an important migratory stopover in Baltimore City! Audubon and Baltimore Bird Club experts will lead the search of avian friends! No experience necessary. Email baltimore@audubon.org RSVP at https://md.audubon.org/events/birdwatching-tour-patterson-park-2

67] – Canvass voters in Maryland with Allies for Democracy on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM ET -- July 27, Aug. 31, Sept. 28 & Oct. 26. Join in to build the blue wave in Maryland, where a critical Senate seat hangs in the balance. Talk to voters, which is the most effective way to mobilize people to participate in our democracy. Whether you're an experienced canvasser or brand new, you will make connecting with voters easy. Training, carpools, buddies, and camaraderie are always included! Meet at a central location in the Towson area. Get all the details when you sign up: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/610578/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

68] – From accredited Japanese director Hideaki Ito comes SILENT FALLOUT which tells the untold stories of the victims of nuclear testing in America. The documentary will be shown at Towson University on July 27 at 1 PM ET in Towson University’s Center for the Arts Building, Room CA-2032, 8000 York Road, Towson. The inspiring film tells the hidden history of the remarkable Mid-West women who fact-checked government assertions that the U.S. bomb tests in Nevada were not harming the general public. The ingenious collection and testing of children’s deciduous teeth led to published findings that spurred JFK and Khrushchev to sign the first nuclear treaty, the Limited Test Ban Treaty, in 1963. The screening is co-sponsored by the Asian Arts and Culture Center, the Baltimore - Kawasaki Sister City Committee and Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication.  Visit us.fallout22.com/tour/

I will be on the panel. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski201 at Comcast dot net

69] – On Sat., July 27 at 2 PM ET, join an enlightening journey into the life and literary legacy of Langston Hughes, titled "Langston Hughes: The Darker Brother" at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library, 3260 R Street, NW, WDC.  Delve into this insightful exploration led by Professor Mark McMorris, a distinguished poet and scholar of American contemporary poetry at Georgetown University. The professor will unravel the enduring impact of Langston Hughes, one of America's most significant poets of the 20th century, in a discussion that highlights Hughes' profound contributions to literature and culture. This event is part of the series "Great Voices of Black American Literature," hosted by the Georgetown Neighborhood Library. Visit https://www.dclibrary.org/plan-visit/georgetown-library 

70] – Beth Miller [info@jvpactionpac.org] is asking you to get virtually involved on Sat., July 27 from 3 to 5 PM ET with defending Cori Bush from AIPAC.  Join the Jews for Cori coalition to fight back against big money in politics and to defend Congresswoman Cori Bush! AIPAC and other special interest groups have turned their sights on her. But people power can out-work hate.  Do a virtual phone bank, which will continue through Aug. 6. The next phone bank is on Mon., July 29 from 6 to 8 PM ET. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/jvpaction/event/640443/?sourceid=1003090&emci=26b72af2-bb42-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=19a7ae5a-c342-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=237778

71] – On Sat., July 27 at 5 PM ET will be the first of 2 pickets with UNITE HERE Local 25 workers at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City. After workers filed for their union election, Hyatt started running an anti-union campaign. Come out to the picket and show your solidarity! RSVP at https://www.local25union.org/?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-169&email_referrer=email_2397684&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events

72] – Two anti-US nuclear weapons in Germany activists are serving time in a German prison.  Should you want to write the women, use these addresses: Susan Crane or Susan van der Hijden, JVA Rohrbach, Peter-Caesar-Allee 1 55597 Wöllstein, Germany. Visit this website -- www.noelhuis.nl/kernwapensweg

73] – 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. 

74] -- If you are able to donate any kind of surplus medical supplies for field hospitals in eastern Ukraine, please email Brendan.walls@seaseton.org or call 410-721-70 x231.  There is a colleague whose father is a medic on the front line. One container is shipped every month to the Donbass region. Donations can be picked up in Baltimore and Columbia every Thursday, and on other days in Annapolis and Crofton.

75] – David Eberhardt was a member of the Baltimore Four with Father Philip Berrigan, Tom Lewis and Rev. James Mengel.  The group poured blood on draft files on October 27, 1967.  They would be convicted and sentenced to prison.

He has written a book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"- documenting the Baltimore Four action and many others up to and including the most recent Plowshares action – Kings Bay Plowshares 7.  Dave printed new copies of For All the Saints, a Protest Primer- 250+ pp w photos-therefore #'s 351-400 making it o so collectable with two Berrigan book reviews added. The books are signed, and the price remains $25. Will send free if need be- he is not in it for the money! If you want one, send him a check, or contact Dave Eberhardt, 4 Hadley Square North, Baltimore, MD 21218 by email at 1941mireille@gmail.com. 

76] -- This is A PLEA TO CONVINCE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY TO OBEY INTERNATIONAL LAW. The world reached a historic milestone on January 22, 2021: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW] entered into force and become binding international law -- https://www.icanw.org/the_treaty.

Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland has called attention to the growing danger of nuclear war and the outrageous $1.7 trillion dollars we are spending to upgrade the nuclear arsenal. On July 18, 2017, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a U.S. Navy - affiliated research center received a seven-year, $92 million contract to continue its systems engineering and research-and-development services for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Help convince JHU to renounce nuclear weapons contracts. Contact the president, Ron Daniels, to urge him to reject all nuclear weapons contracts: Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  Call his office at (410) 516-8068 or email president@jhu.edu.

77] – Yousef Zarbalian [yzarbali@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

78] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

79] -- A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

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/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

 

Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 25, 2024

50] Working with Labor – July 25

51] Transformational gardening – July 25

52] Mobile Bike Shop -- July 25

53] Throwdown Thursdays -- July 25

54] Social Housing organizing meeting – July 25

55] Defend Cori Bush – July 25

56] Race, Class & the Threat of Authoritarian Neoliberalism – July 25

57] Campaign to Victory Call – July 25

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50] –On Thurs., July 25 from 1 to 2 PM ET, a National Democratic Training Committee expert will do a virtual Q & A: Winning Together with Labor communities.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/631383/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

As we get closer to Election Day, campaigns and Democratic leaders should be doing the crucial work of connecting and collaborating with labor communities. In order to elect pro-labor champions across all levels of government, the panelists will explore strategies and share insight on how you can effectively collaborate with labor communities and meet your goals together. Whether you are a candidate, campaign staffer, or local leader, join a conversation around how you can collaborate effectively with labor communities across the country, shape pro-worker policies, and uplift the American worker. 

51] –Green America [webster@greenamerica.org] is offering Transformational Gardening: Irrigation and the Climate Victory Garden on Thurs., July 25 at 3 PM ET.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1417120935266/WN_JmeNmJNJTUCqky2ezlQF0w#/registrationyou Want to learn about the best, most eco-friendly ways to irrigate your Climate Victory Garden? Learn all about it with the TransPlanter Rafaela Crevoshay!

52] – There is a Mobile Bike Shop organized by BikeMore at Druid Hill Park, Baltimore 21217 on Thurs., July 25 from 4 to 7 PM ET. Get free basic bicycle repairs and answer to your questions about infrastructure projects, help with riding advice, and more! RSVP at https://secure.everyaction.com/puuz3vd1KU2t77LDEKoVFA2

53] – On Throwdown Thursdays join a Virtual Phone Bank on July 25 from 5 to 6:30 PM ET. With a critical and competitive Senate race this November, help to ensure a progressive victory. Play a crucial role in preventing a Republican takeover that would shift the balance of power in the Senate. Reach out to the community to raise awareness about the importance of this race, candidate agendas and encourage voters to help save the Senate. Register for more than one outreach opportunity and feel free to share the link with friends, coworkers, and neighbors: https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemaryland/event/641284/?emci=e46ae348-e942-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=6e2df1ab-ef42-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=136680

54] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] wants you to know about a virtual Social Housing Organizing meeting on Thurs., July 25  at 6 PM ET.  Email social.housing.wg@gmail.com. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/july-25-2024-social-housing-organizing-meeting?link_id=55&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-12-2024&email_referrer=email_2391884&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-19-2024

  Join the Social Housing Working Group for its biweekly organizing meeting. Learn about its latest activities, what they're planning for the future, and how to get involved. The Social Housing Working Group seeks to educate Metro DC DSA chapter members and the general public about social housing and to facilitate collective action in support of the passage and implementation of the Green New Deal for Housing Amendment Act. The legislation proposes to create mixed-income, district-owned housing with market rate units that subsidize a larger number of affordable units. It's a pioneering approach that deepens affordability, invests surplus funds into the creation of more social housing, and locks-in financial sustainability. The bill also includes climate and labor standards and elected tenant boards with oversight over building management. This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters.

55] –Beth Miller [info@jvpactionpac.org] is asking you to get virtually involved on Thurs., July 25 from 6 to 8 PM ET with defending Cori Bush from AIPAC.  Join the Jews for Cori coalition to fight back against big money in politics and to defend Congresswoman Cori Bush! AIPAC and other special interest groups have turned their sights on her. But people power can out-work hate.  Do a virtual phone bank, which will continue through Aug. 6. The next phone bank is on Sat., July 27 from 3 to 5 PM ET. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/jvpaction/event/640443/?sourceid=1003090&emci=26b72af2-bb42-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=19a7ae5a-c342-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=237778

56] –Massachusetts Peace Action [info@masspeaceaction.org] is holding a webinar: Race, Class & the Threat of Authoritarian Neoliberalism with Adolph Reed on Thurs., July 25 from 7 to 8:30 PM EST.  This is the most dangerous time in American politics and in the world in nearly a century.  We face here and much of the rest of the world a rising tide of dangerously authoritarian, if not explicitly fascist, movements in addition to a growing threat of continual war. Reed, professor emeritus of political science at U Penn, will discuss the implications of this perilous moment for social change activists.

 Reed argues we may have reached a point at which neoliberalism no longer provides enough material benefits or security to enough of the population to sustain its legitimacy as a nominally democratic order. If so, only two possible responses exist: either a left turn toward social democracy or a right turn toward fascism. Register at https://secure.everyaction.com/YxTfuP9YZESn7nI1bSsPVQ2?emci=bd1ac8dc-b546-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=ac39eaea-ca46-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=269591

57] –Mike Fox for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate on Thurs., July 25 at 9 PM ET in the Campaign to Victory Call. Bring home victories for Squad Member Cori Bush and others. Simply put, we can't let what happened to Jamaal Bowman happen to Cori Bush. Raquel Teran is a brilliant young progressive first time congressional candidate we likewise need to help to make sure we rebound from Jamaal's seat being pulled to the right. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrcuGgrDItHdeYV7F9QQsruFMypvcMt5Fc#/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

Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 24 - 27, 2024

41] Gov. Moore, the climate – July 24

42] Knock on doors for Democrats – July 24

43] Celebrate John Lewis Day – July 24

44] Team ENOUGH is a youth-led program – July 24

45] Make calls for Cori Bush – July 24, 25 & 27

46] Swing Left – July 24

47] Disabilities Issue Organizing – July 24

48] Unfrack FERC – July 25

49] Film SILENT FALLOUT – July 27

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41] –Food & Water Watch [act@fwwatch.org] is calling for a rally on Wed., July 24 at noon at the Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore.  Meet across the street at Carroll Park. Tell Gov. Moore: No More Delays on Climate! RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/fww/event/648469/?utm_content=210309&utm_source=moam_em_07192024_gov-moore-no-delays-rally

At the beginning of his gubernatorial campaign, Gov. Moore pledged that he would make Maryland a leader in the fight against climate change. But two years have passed and we have no actionable plan to retire fossil fuels and no definition for a true clean power standard.

42] –Knock on doors in Baltimore City and join the canvass, hosted by MD Victory.  Gather at the Baltimore Office, 2330 N. Howard St., Baltimore 21211. Knock on doors to elect Angela Alsobrooks to be the next United States Senator and Kweisi Mfume to be re-elected as the Congressperson from Maryland's 7th! First time volunteering? No worries. Each canvass shift starts with a training with an organizer who will be there to help you out. You will go out with a buddy so you can knock on doors together.

 You will need a smartphone so you can download the MiniVAN Touch app, the Democratic Party’s canvassing app. Download it on an iPhone or android. Also bring a full water bottle! Canvass on Wed., July 24, Thurs., July 25 & Fri., July 28 from 2 to 5 PM ET.  The canvass will continue until Aug. 4 from noon 6 PM ET, RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/646353/

43] – Get involved in a post event Celebration of the John Lewis National Day of Commemoration and Action on Wed., July 24 from 4 to 5 PMET. Come together to celebrate the over 80 events which were held to commemorate the life and work of John Lewis. Go to https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/651215/?followup_modal_context=email_shift_followup_other_events

44] -- Are you a young person between 13 and 25 years old who is interested in taking action around preventing gun violence? On Wednesdays, including July 24, from 6 to 7 PM ET, join a Team ENOUGH welcome session to learn more about the different ways you can engage.  Team ENOUGH is a youth-led program whose mission is to educate young voices about gun violence and mobilize them to take meaningful action against it. Supported by Brady United, it harnesses the expertise and experience of today’s youth to advance intersectional work across the country. The following session takes place on July 31, and the series will continue through Dec. 18. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/425528/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest

45] – Phone Bank virtually for Cori Bush on Wed., July 24 from 7 to 9 PM, or Thurs., July 25 from 6 to 8 PM or Sat., July 27 from 3 to 5 PM ET, hosted by the Working Families Party Coordinated. Join to make calls to re-elect Cori Bush to Congress! AIPAC does not like her. 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. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/jvpaction/event/640443/?sourceid=1003090&emci=26b72af2-bb42-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&emdi=19a7ae5a-c342-ef11-86c3-6045bdd9e096&ceid=237778

46] – On Wed., July 24 from 8 to 8:30 PM ET, join Swing Left for a volunteer orientation. This orientation will continue on Aug. 21 at 8 PM ET. Take on MAGA extremism—and win—in 2024, and beyond! During the 30-minute orientation, share the most effective volunteer options. Extremism has taken root and is now thriving in the Republican Party. This emboldened GOP is attacking democracy itself—designing extreme legislative gerrymanders, rigging the courts, attempting to subvert election results, and stripping away the democratic voice of the people—in order to lock in permanent minority rule.   Swing Left has the tools, programs, and community infrastructure to help you get involved strategically in whatever way you can, no matter where you are on your civic engagement journey. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/616746/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

47] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] hope you will join in on Wed., July 24 at 9 PM ET for a Disabilities Issue Organizing Team Call. Discuss issues, legislation, and actions we can all participate in to help make life better for all with disabilities. The Featured Speaker this month is Anthony Tusler who has been an advocate since 1972. A longtime wheelchair user, Anthony has championed disabled people in education, technology, the arts, and community. In his professional and personal activities his goal is to improve the lives of people with disabilities and encourage disability self-determination and culture. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpdumvqDwoGNx6xKMg-liSlwcpK1dJ0jzb#/registration

48] – Beyond Extreme Energy [info@beyondextremeenergy.org] needs your help on Thurs., July 25 at 9 AM for an Unfrack FERC online action. The United States Court of Appeals For The District of Columbia Circuit, on July 16, told FERC to try again on its approval of the Commonwealth LNG project in Louisiana, which is near the Calcasieu Pass LNG facility and the proposed and just-approved-by-FERC CP2 LNG export facility.  Please join Roishetta Ozane, founder of The Vessel Project of Louisiana, Third Act Virginia, BXE and allies for an action webinar during the next FERC “public” meeting.  Call #FrackedFERC officials and tell them: “You obviously don’t understand the impact of a massive LNG export build-out – take a pause until you do.”

Talk about the recent court ruling, upcoming actions, and together send FERC staff a message requesting that FERC reverse its approval of the Commonwealth LNG permit and pause further LNG export facility approvals. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0uduutrjkoE9EDxvhBFKlKxFq4sl1Eg9Th#/registration?link_id=4&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-unfrack-ferc-online-action-july-25th-10am&email_referrer=email_2395215&email_subject=unfrack-ferc-online-action-july-25th-9am

49] – From accredited Japanese director Hideaki Ito comes SILENT FALLOUT which tells the untold stories of the victims of nuclear testing in America. The documentary will be shown at Towson University on July 27 at 1 PM ET in Towson University’s Center for the Arts Building, Room CA-2032, 8000 York Road, Towson. The inspiring film tells the hidden history of the remarkable Mid-West women who fact-checked government assertions that the U.S. bomb tests in Nevada were not harming the general public. The ingenious collection and testing of children’s deciduous teeth led to published findings that spurred JFK and Khrushchev to sign the first nuclear treaty, the Limited Test Ban Treaty, in 1963. The screening is co-sponsored by the Asian Arts and Culture Center, the Baltimore - Kawasaki Sister City Committee and Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication.  Visit us.fallout22.com/tour/

I will be on the panel. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski201 at Comcast dot net

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