Baltimore Nonviolence Center

Friday, March 31, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – April 2 to 4, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – April 2 to 4, 2023

"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] Support the Pratt Workers United

6] Get the book Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis

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

8] Fasting For Jessica Reznicek

9] Wisconsin State Supreme Court phone bank – April 2 - 4

10] Recovery from Religion – April 2

11] Golden Rule picnic – April 2

12] Meet Golden Rule crew – April 2

13] PDA Town Hall – April 2

14] Election Protection phone bank – April 2

15] Social Media Best Practices – April 2 & 5

16] Electoral working group meeting – April 2

17] Protest at the Pentagon – April 3

18] Election and Climate Protection Zoom – April 3

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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 410-32301607 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] – The workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library have started a drive to organize a union calling themselves Pratt Workers United. Go to https://www.prattworkersunited.org/. There is a letter of support for community members to sign at https://www.prattworkersunited.org/community-letter-support.

"Pratt Library workers are forming a union, Pratt Workers United. We are seeking pay equity for all, safer working conditions, benefits for part-time workers, and a voice in decisions that affect our work.” The workers voted to unionize

6] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. The September/October 2022 issue contains a wonderful review by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy of Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis, reprinted from The Catholic Worker, March-April 2022. Davis, a co-founder of the Open Door Community, died in 2020. You can subscribe to the newsletter or buy a copy of the book by calling 404-290-2047 or by emailing opendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

7] – 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.

8] – In 2016, Jessica Reznicek took direct action to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Following in the Catholic Worker movement’s long tradition of nonviolent protest, she disabled construction materials and machinery along the pipeline route. She was indicted on nine criminal charges by a federal grand jury, and in 2021 found guilty of “Conspiracy to Damage an Energy Facility.” Federal authorities waited until after the trial to define her actions as “terrorism,” a tag that nearly tripled the sentence attached to her conviction. On June 29, 2021, Jessica was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, and began serving her sentence on August 11 at Wauseca Federal Correctional Institute. In 2022 an appeals court upheld her conviction and continued to describe her as a “domestic terrorist.”

Her support community is calling for a fast. During Lent, supporters will spend every Friday fasting for Jessica’s release. This is a “Black Fast,” the oldest and most severe form of Christian fasting. That’s one simple meal a day with no meat, no milk and no eggs. And some fasters have promised to pray every day for Jessica with the campaign prayer, a traditional devotion like the rosary, or both. All Catholics, Christians and people of good will are encouraged to join the call for Jessica to be set free. And they are asking President Joe Biden, a self-described devout Catholic, to defend religious freedom and civil liberties by pardoning Jessica. Visit https://fastingforjessica.com/.

9] – The People for the American Way [alerts@pfaw.org] wants you to know that action is needed for the Wisconsin State Supreme Court election. If progressives lose this election, we can expect to see more attacks on voting rights, more attempts to undermine reproductive freedoms, more erosion of worker protections, and more favoritism for corporate interests over the needs of everyday people. The Far Right is spending BIG to get their candidate elected. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race could flip the ideological balance of the conservative court so that labor rights, abortion access, and voting rights are protected. Or, it could cement the conservative majority with dire implications for state and federal elections. If you can call voters, go to https://www.mobilize.us/pfaw/event/549955/?utm_source=PFAW.

People For has endorsed Janet Protasiewicz in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court election. Make calls from Sun., April 2, Mon., April 3 & Tues., April 4 from 10 AM to 1 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM, 4 to 7 PM and 7 to 10 PM ET.

10] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and there is a presentation of a platform address at 10:30 AM ET. On Sun., April 2, hear about “Recovery from Religion,” is a non-profit providing hope, healing, and support to those struggling with doubt concerning religion or harm caused by religion. Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one’s faith. Gayle lives in Oregon and is an estate-planning attorney. She raises goats and chickens, and is trying her hand at grape-growing at her sunny hillside home affectionately known as Peak Heathen. She blogs about a variety of topics at Happy. Healthy. Heathen. Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG FOR ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

11] – Join Veterans for Peace and supporters of the "Golden Rule" anti-nuclear ship for a special Potluck Picnic on Sun., April 2 from noon to 4 PM ET at Ft. Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308 on the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Alexandria and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Gather at Public Area D-1. Rides will be available from the King St. Metro station. Call Mike at 301-542-9867. Meet crew members and Helen Jaccard, the Golden Rule Project manager.

For the pot-luck lunch, bring your own reusable dishware, cutlery and cup. There will be a couple of barbecues to heat up food. Bring cloth napkins and/or dish towels to eliminate the need for paper products. If you can, try to bring an American Indian food item to serve at least two people. Donations will be needed to cover the cost of the rental of the park and farm-raised oysters and fish. Learn about the Golden Rule's mission of anti-nuclear education & outreach, and network with friends! Celebrate the indigenous people who are the original stewards of this watershed. Contact Ann Wilcox at (202-441-3265).

12] – On Sun., April 2 from 6 to 9 PM ET, come to a Meet and Greet with the crew at Busboys and Poets, 450 K St. NW, WDC. Use the Gallery Place – Chinatown Metro on the Green or Red lines or Mt. Vernon Square - Convention Center Metro on the Green Line.

13] – Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to attend on Sun., April 2 at 4 PM ET a Town Hall We Stand for Justice. The U.S. prison-industrial complex as a whole, which continually warehouses over two million people, represents one of, if not the, greatest on-going human rights violation in the world. PDA views the dismantling of our racist prison system as a top political and social priority. Discuss how to achieve this necessary and humane goal. Longtime prisoner rights activist James Kilgore will address the all-too-often-overlooked realities of our prison system, and just what it would take to end our brutally inhumane and fundamentally racist mass incarceration system. Kilgore is a visiting lecturer in global studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. RSVP https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration.

14] – On Sun., April 2 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Common Cause organized an Election Protection phone bank. Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations. Register for a shift to make calls to recruit poll monitors to support nonpartisan Election Protection efforts in the GA Run-Offs.

15] – Get with Social Media Best Practices virtually, hosted by The Democratic National Committee on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM ET. Participate on Sun., April 2 and Wed., April 5. Maximize your impact within your social network and join the social media best practices training. Whether you're just getting started on social media or already have an online presence, this training will provide you with the tools necessary to ensure you are reaching your full potential as an online organizer. Learn the essentials for utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram for political story telling. Email williamsak@dnc.org to schedule a presentation for your staff/volunteers or with any queries about co-presenting at one or more of these events.

16] – Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org]is holding a Branch Electoral working group meeting on Sun., April 2 at 7 PM ET on Zoom. Discuss the work in the Branch, and the goals for this year. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon an RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-electoral-working-group-first-meeting-of-2023?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-92&email_referrer=email_1860255&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events.

17] – 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 3, 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 Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

18] – Mike Hersh for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to join the Election and Climate Protection Zoom on Mon., April 3 at 5 PM ET. There are attacks on our democracy, and climate chaos threatens us. Since its founding in 2004, PDA has mobilized for open, clean, and fair elections and for stopping global warming. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuygpjIiHtc20uIOxdeqYRiAicjSLWUc.

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 -- March 31 - April 1, 2023

66] Trans Day – March 31

67] Stop an execution – March 31

68] Peace vigil at the White House – March 31

69] Women in Black vigil – March 31

70] Status of proposed legislation – March 31

71] Ground the F-35 – March 31

72] Election Protection phone bank – March 31 & April 1

73] Text Party Fridays – March 31

74] Assassination of Thomas Merton – March 31

75] Wisconsin Supreme Court – April 1

76] Get over to the food pantry – April 1

77] Raising Maryland’s Minimum Wage – April 1

78] Deep canvass phone bank – April 1

79] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

80] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

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

82] Do you need a doctor?

83] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

84] Do you need any book shelves?

85] Join the Global Zero campaign.

86] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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66] – On Fri., March 31 from 9:45 AM to noon ET, Trans Maryland & Baltimore Safe Haven invite you to come to Annapolis for Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV). Proclamations in honor of TDoV will be read on the House and Senate floor by members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the Maryland General Assembly, and then visit our Senate and Delegate offices to talk about the issues important to the Trans community. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/173914028786091?emci=20d0d04b-e7cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=b33c3874-f1cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=136680.

67] – Abe at Death Penalty Action [info@deathpenaltyaction.org] wants your participation on Fri., March 31 at 11 AM ET at a rally in Collin County, Texas to call for a call to stop an execution. To join online, go to bit.ly/IvanCantu. Ivan’s mother will speak to stop her son's execution scheduled for April 26.

68] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., March 24 at noon. Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

69] – 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 the corner of West 40th Street and Elm Street. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

70] – The Maryland LCV [info@mdlcv.org] hopes you will be interested in in getting an update on Fri., March 31 from noon to 12:30 PM ET about the status of proposed legislation. What bills are in trouble and what else can you do as a Maryland LCV member to ensure they cross the finish line and end up on Governor Moore's desk? There will be a discussion of top priority legislation- expanding offshore wind, ensuring community solar becomes a permanent program and increasing the amount of electric vehicles in the state. There will also be a check in about other important legislation -- updating the Forest Conservation Act, passing the Climate and Environmental Equity Act, and growing the state’s energy efficiency program. Register at https://www.mdlcv.org/event/friday-digest-march-31-2023?contactdata=tfD3%2feEetvuo27Ya2gsMQPHzvkQh3a34Pqj3OkEBPwI%2f62y8zizLH9gjcgbBjLbaDlrp5htGL7YosNzZPn3TeeqOwp7aYkCQLakZScYx%2fPpmbmjyvRMKnP7pfHNCayArhww1Dc7kowcQ9K0sPNIanf5x15mNLJ4kYhlsl+hyc0tpr%2ft0J7MjylX6oEzOk35deghPAhDAPyfb8of58qfXUKcflyd0ykAO8rfAxmoJpScDv9mIqEWON0HZHBd1DS4pXADhJaKNO0iYArzwtuO0DA%3d%3d&emci=9e393ab9-1acf-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=18ebc4b4-24cf-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=578562.

71] – On Fri., March 31 from noon to 3 PM ET, the Brandywine Peace Community is joining the national actions to Ground Lockheed Martin's F-35! "You Pay; Lockheed Martin Profits!" At noon, gather at the Market St. Bridge in Philadelphia & at PA Senator Robert Casey's office. At 1 PM, the demo is at the U.S. Federal Building; and at 3 PM ET, be on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Visit www.brandywinepeace.com. Call Bob at 215-843-4827.

72] – On Fri., March 31 from 4 to 6 PM & Sun., April 2 from 6 to 8 PM, there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank. Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations. Register for a shift to make calls to recruit poll monitors to support nonpartisan Election Protection efforts in the GA Run-Offs.

73] – On Fri., March 31 at 6 PM ET, join Text Party Fridays with Progressive Prince George's. The County Executive, Angela D. Alsobrooks, is refusing to let the community into the process of recruitment and hiring of the new PGCPS CEO. All stakeholders deserve a seat at this decision making table. Reach out to the community via text to raise awareness for this and other very important issues and encourage neighbors to take action to lift up the voice of the community and strengthen Prince George's County schools. This event will take place virtually every Friday night from 6 to 7:30 PM ET through April 21. Please register for more than one outreach opportunity and feel free to share the link with friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Register to receive the Zoom link: https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemaryland/event/554531/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.

74] – Join a Clarification of Thought session on Fri., March 31 at 7:30 PM ET to hear Hugh Turley discuss the assassination of Thomas Merton and the cover-up at the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House, 503 Rock Creek Church Road NW, WDC. Email Kathy Boylan <kathyboylan5@gmail.com>.

Turley and David Martin wrote The Martyrdom of Thomas Merton: An Investigation - a solid and very convincing investigation that provides what seems to be a thorough inquiry of all the parties involved including the four religious (three men and one sister who was also a doctor, falsely called a “nurse” in official documents) who first discovered the body. The book includes important information about the body and the room, revealing, among other things, that there was blood coming from Merton’s neck and his body was neatly staged. How could this be anything other than 1) a gunshot wound from a silencer gun? or 2) A stab with a pick knife or something similar? The problem is, of course, that no autopsy was performed. Now whose decision was that?

75] – The People for the American Way [alerts@pfaw.org] wants you to know that action is needed for the Wisconsin State Supreme Court election. If progressives lose this election, we can expect to see more attacks on voting rights, more attempts to undermine reproductive freedoms, more erosion of worker protections, and more favoritism for corporate interests over the needs of everyday people. The Far Right is spending BIG to get their candidate elected. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race could flip the ideological balance of the conservative court so that labor rights, abortion access, and voting rights are protected. Or, it could cement the conservative majority with dire implications for state and federal elections. If you can call voters, go to https://www.mobilize.us/pfaw/event/549955/?utm_source=PFAW.

People For has endorsed Janet Protasiewicz in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court election. Make calls from Sat., April 1 from 10 AM to 1 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM, 4 to 7 PM and 7 to 10 PM ET. The calls will continue through Tues., April 4.

76] – On Sat., April 1 from noon to 2 PM EST, get over to the Food Pantry and Food Donation Center at First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., Baltimore. This Food Pantry is open every Saturday. Get a grocery bag – breakfast, jelly and peanut butter (a good source of protein) for lunch, the makings for a balanced dinner such as beans and rice, pasta and sauce, soup, vegetables, fruit, and a paper goods. Also added is a little fun food, such as popcorn or cookies, for everyone enjoys a treat. Contributions of shelf stable foods can be brought to Reid Chapel every Saturday between noon and 2 PM. If shopping is difficult for you, monetary donations earmarked food pantry may be sent to the church. How else can you help? Volunteers are needed to help collect and distribute food. Contact the church office to volunteer. You can also help by spreading the word to those you know who are facing food insecurity. See https://www.facebook.com/firstfranklinbaltimore.

77] – On Sat., April 1 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM ET, the Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] needs you to join the discussion on Raising Maryland’s Minimum Wage. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/pg-dsa-panel-on-raising-marylands-minimum-wage?link_id=46&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-17-2023&email_referrer=email_1856541&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-24-2023. Come to the New Deal Café, 113 Centerway, Greenbelt 20770.

78] – The People's Action Institute [info@peoplesaction.org] is hosting a phone bank on Sat., April 1 from 1 to 4 PM ET using the deep canvass methodology. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesaction/event/553402/. If you have any questions, email e.taggart@peoplesaction.org.

79] -- 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 410-721-5770 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.

80] -- 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.

81] – 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. Dave 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 just printed 50 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 b- 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 .

82] – Yousef Zarbalian [mailto: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.

83] -- 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.

84] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

85] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees. This is an historic window of opportunity. With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

86] – 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, 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

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 30 - April 2, 2023

50] Abolish the DHS – March 30

51] Help out asylum seekers – March 30

52] Crackdown on Palestine – March 30

53] Death in Custody Reporting Act -- March 30

54] Democracy organizing call – March 30

55] Celebration of Life for Bob Prokop – March 30

56] Election protection phone bank – March 30 & 31 and April 2

57] Lebanon's Darkest Hour – March 30

58] Brady Organizing Team training -- March 30

59] Strengthen Prince George's County schools – March 30

60] "Press Freedom: The Case of Julian Assange" – March 30

61] Call Wisconsin voters -- March 30

62] Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'—March 30

63] Discussion about the Movement and the "Madman" – March 30

64] Freedom to Vote Act -- March 30

65] Victory Team Call – March 30

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50] – Presente.org [info@presente.org] wants you to get involved on Thurs., March 30 at 1 PM ET to Abolish the Department of Homeland Security. This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a U.S. agency that was supposed to be set up to protect our nation following the September 111, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. Following the attack, the United States military invaded Iraq on March 19, 2003. Has DHS really protected us over the last two decades? Since DHS was created, conversations on addressing national security have become increasingly divided, leading to an increase in violence, political instability, widening economic disparities, and the spread of harmful narratives about migrant communities in the U.S. and abroad.

While various Congressional and DHS reports2 have stated that one of the greatest threats to our nation is the violence perpetrated by white supremacists and anti-government groups, DHS continues to spend billions of dollars on implementing policies that inflict harm and violence on migrants and communities of color. Envision a world beyond DHS, where every single person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the color of their skin or their migration status. RSVP at bit.ly/3YTXM74.

51] – Ilana Etkin Greenstein [justice@immcouncil.org] wants you to know that there is a need for pro bono representation of Asylum Seekers in the Aurora, CO immigration court. On Thurs., March 30 at 2 PM ET, get an overview of the law governing asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the Convention against Torture, as well as practical tips on remote and in-person representation. Due to the nature of the volunteer needs, the webinar will be most relevant to attorneys and people who are interested in serving as interpreters or translators; however, everyone who's interested is welcome to attend. Register at https://aila-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sw1vbThARaimh9d-h5Voxg.

52] – Join Jewish Voice for Peace and take action against U.S. complicity in the Israeli government’s brutal crackdown on Palestinians. The next virtual 30-minute gathering is on Thurs., March 30 at 3 PM ET. Come together to learn the latest, take action, and connect with others who share our anger and resolve. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYodemuqjgtE9c5t-FTnCig7fbHDwHLWlIN?ceid=237778&emci=c63fd9e6-96cd-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=0bcb50ea-63ce-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811. Contact JVP at [info@jewishvoiceforpeace.org].

53] – POGO [reply@pogo.org] on Thurs., March 30 at 4 PM ET is holding an important discussion on deaths in custody. The federal government doesn’t know how many people are dying in its custody, despite a law existing to address this. There are lives behind the number of people who die in custody, and the government owes us an explanation. The Death in Custody Reporting Act (DCRA) is one important piece of that puzzle. Discuss DCRA, the law that mandates the federal government track how many people die in government custody, collect data on the circumstances of their deaths, and study the data to identify ways to reduce the number of deaths that occur in its custody. But that research still has not been produced. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcO2rrz8sEtTJ9fqXYNEunXFwGknESBB0?emci=a1226472-2dc4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=edf33db4-41c4-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=246313. Join the discussion between Sarah Turberville, director of the Constitution Project (TCP) at POGO; David Janovsky, policy analyst at POGO; Bree Spencer, senior program manager for Justice Reform at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Humans Rights; and Liyah Brown, director of the Justice Project at the Advancement Project as they explore solutions.

54] – Public Citizen [action@citizen.org] on Thurs., March 30 at 4 PM ET is holding its weekly democracy organizing call. On the call, you will learn of three ways you can make a difference for our democracy: Trump, Wisconsin, and the Freedom to Vote Act. The indictment of Trump is upcoming. ‌The critical, nationally-significant Supreme Court election in Wisconsin is on April 4. Make non-partisan voter turnout calls into Wisconsin with Andrea Miller from Center for Common Ground. The Freedom to Vote Act, a milestone piece of democracy legislation, should be introduced in Congress next month. There are plans to organize during Congress’ April recess to support pro-democracy reforms in the Freedom to Vote Act. Sign up for the webinar at https://www.mobilize.us/publiccitizeninitiative/event/548559/?utm_source=PCemail&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=60a0c2a4-d7ac-448b-8173-d3f668a8116f. These calls will continue on Thursdays through April 27.

55] – A Celebration of Life for Bob Prokop, a member of the Philip Berrigan chapter of Baltimore Veterans for Peace, will take place on Thursday, March 30th from 4 to 7 PM at Matthew's 1600 in Catonsville, Maryland. The funeral will be held on Friday, March 31st at 10 AM at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Historic Ellicott City with a reception immediately following. Bob was a great friend of the people of Ukraine. Visit https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/robert-bob-prokop-obituary?id=48924787.

56] – On Thurs. March 30 from 5 to 7 PM, Sat., March 31 from 4 to 6 PM and Sun., April 6 from 6 to 8 PM ET, there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank. Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations. Register for a shift to make calls to recruit poll monitors to support nonpartisan Election Protection efforts in the GA Run-Offs.

57] –James Zogby [jzogby@aaiusa.org] thinks you will be interested in the film Enough! Lebanon's Darkest Hour on Wed., March 30 at 5 PM ET. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqdemuqTMsH9fM7aNdsn_7V-rZqtJXOzSO?emci=0b9e048a-e3c8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=9a4ebe4f-ecc8-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=389907#/registration. The film is directed by filmmaker and journalist Daizy Gideon, who leads us on a powerful and personal journey behind the mask of lies and deception and into the heart of Lebanon, deep into the historic and psychological causes behind the erosion and destruction of Lebanon, once a battleground and breeding ground for terrorists and violent militias, and still a focal point of controversy in the tumultuous Middle East.

58] – On Thurs., March 30 from 5 to 6 PM ET, get with the Brady Organizing Team for a virtual training. Do you need support from Brady’s organizing team? Have new ideas to combat gun violence, but don’t know how to get them off the ground? Every week, a member of the organizing team is here to support your work. Sign up for the shift that works best for your schedule. If you can't find a time that works for you, email rgonzalez@bradyunited.org to schedule time to talk. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/380248/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_closest. This will continue on Thursdays through Dec. 21.

59] – The Prince George’s County Executive, Angela D. Alsobrooks, is refusing to let the community into the process of recruitment and hiring of the new PGCPS CEO. All stakeholders deserve a seat at this decision making table. Join in and reach out to the community to raise awareness for this and other very important issues and encourage neighbors to take action to lift up the voice of the community and strengthen Prince George's County schools. This event will take place virtually on Thursdays from 6 to 8 PM ET through April 20. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/554526/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_from_org.

60] – "Press Freedom: The Case of Julian Assange" is to be discussed in hybrid fashion at the Georgetown Law Center in McDonough Hall 109, 600 New Jersey Ave. NW, WDC, near Union Station, on Thurs., March 30 at 6 PM ET. Law students will show a short clip of "The War on Journalism" and then hear from Marjorie Cohn, former National Lawyers Guild president and Professor Emerita at Thomas Jefferson Law School (San Diego) and CIA whistleblower and co-host of "Political Misfits," John Kiriakou. Register at bit.ly/PRESSfreedom.

61] – On Thurs., March 30 from 7 to 9 PM ET, Silver Spring Progressive Action is launching a phone bank for a Progressive Wisconsin Supreme Court. Let's strengthen our democracy, starting now in Wisconsin! On April 4, Wisconsin will hold an election to fill a vacancy on their State Supreme Court. The outcome will determine whether the Court has progressive or conservative majority, with implications that could include the Senate and the Presidential elections in 2024 (because the state Supreme Court rules on voting issues). Call Wisconsin Democrats and urge them to vote for the progressive candidate. Instruction provided if needed! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/548489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type.

62] – The Maurin Academy <maurinacademy@gmail.com> is going to be hosting an online series on Thurs., March 30 from 7 to 8:30 PM ET on Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si'. This will be a two-part series with Dr. Laurie M. Johnson. Register at https://pmaurin.org/.

63] – MAPA [info@masspeaceaction.org] is inviting you to a panel discussion about the documentary the Movement and the "Madman" on Thurs., March 30 at 7 PM ET. Learn some lessons from the Anti-Vietnam War movement. The film is about the anti-Vietnam war movement and its impact on President Nixon’s war policy. The panel will feature the film’s executive producer, Robert Levering, in dialogue with three Massachusetts activists, who will respond to the film and share their own memories of the Vietnam Moratorium and the antiwar movement. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdu-spjgsG9RGBTs3M3awbZ8vkjOuqhPY?emci=62deb180-d4cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&emdi=a81bcc94-e3cc-ed11-a8e0-00224832e811&ceid=320042#/registration.

64] – Check out the Freedom to Vote Act: Lobby & Messaging Training on Thurs., March 30 from 7:30 to 8:15 PM ET. This past November, Americans proved how important the movement to protect and defend our democracy is to us and our communities. Allies in Congress have reintroduced The Freedom to Vote Act and now it is our turn to bring as much attention to the process as possible. Learn how to schedule a meeting with your Member of Congress, resources available to you, how to prepare for your meeting, and answer any questions you may have. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/554457/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.

65] – Mike Fox for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to attend a webinar on Thurs., March 30 at 9 PM ET with Chicago Mayoral Candidate Brandon Johnson. This is a Victory Team Call for Chicago Mayor's Race, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and more! RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpce-tpjMtH9E3Xdl7cIeE4u40T5363fmV. It is important to secure a progressive seat in the vital Wisconsin Supreme Court election on April 4. The key to victory is solidarity!