Thursday, March 11, 2010

Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 1

Baltimore Activist Alert Mar. 11 – May. 17, 2010

 

"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 BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

 

The Baltimore IndyMedia Center publicizes peace-related events. Go to http://www.radicalendar.org/group/_baltimore.

 

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLA  

5] Used stamps for humanitarian causes

6] Keep the Guard at Home

7] Footprints for Peace – to May 1

8] Fusion Center Town Hall – Mar. 11     

9] Peace & Justice study – Mar. 11

10] Van Hollen & immigration reform -- Mar. 11

11] White House vigil – Mar. 12         

12] Justice for Palestine/Israel vigil – Mar. 12

13] WIB Inner Harbor vigil – Mar. 12

14] WIB Roland Park vigil – Mar. 12       

15] Homewood vigil -- Mar. 12

16] Justice Café – Mar. 12

17] Vigil at Walter Reed – Mar. 12

18] Benefit for Haiti – Mar. 12

19] Ballroom dancing – Mar. 12

20] Beloved community – Mar. 13

21] Women’s Bible Study – Mar. 13—Mar. 27

22] Compassionate Listening workshop – Mar. 13                              

23] Olney vigil to end the war – Mar. 13                              

24] Grants available for youth – Mar. 13 & Mar. 17                            

25] Peace vigil in Chester, PA – Mar. 13                                      

26] Protest on behalf of prisoners of conscience – Mar. 13                                      

27] Peace vigil at Capitol – Mar. 13

28] Outreach for March 20th – Mar. 13 & 14

29] Westminster WIB vigil – Mar. 13

30] Cross racial families – Mar. 13

31] Drum for Peace – Mar. 13                   

32] Open Hearts Ball – Mar. 13

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

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] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

 

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to donmuller@msn.com.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

 

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

 

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale.  For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2010/02/hocofola-cafe-quetzal-order-form-2010.html.

 

Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. Make the check out to HoCoFoLA and send it with your order form to Nancy Meier, 10 Pepperdine Circle, Catonsville, MD 21228.  Contact Pat McLaine at 410-964-0960 or pamcl@aol.com.  The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up.

 

5] – Brad Hathaway spearheads an effort to sell donated used stamps to raise money for different humanitarian causes around the world. Go to www.mattapoisettquakers.org, and click the link for the stamp ministry.  Carefully clip canceled postage stamps and send to Quaker Missions, PO Box 795, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Send no small flag stamps or Liberty Bell Forever stamps.

 

6] –  Delegate Sheila Hixson's HB 1037 to Keep the Maryland Guard at Home is in the House Health and Government Operations committee.  The following delegates are sympathetic, but send them an email indicating you support the legislation: James.Hubbard@house.state.md.us, Dan.Morhaim@house.state.md.us, Shane.Pendergrass@house.state.md.us, Joanne.Benson@house.state.md.us, Karen.Montgomery@house.state.md.us and Nathaniel.Oaks@house.state.md.us. Email Steve Lane at atticlane at yahoo.com after contacting the legislators.

 

7] – Footprints for Peace, an International Peace Walk, has started its march from the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, TN and is heading for the United Nations, aiming to arrive on Sat., May 1.  Go to http://footprintsforpeace.tripod.com/E10/NPT/npt_walk.htm.

 

8] – The Bill of Rights Defense Committee invites you to "Maryland Fusion Center Town Hall Forum" on Thurs., Mar. 11 at 6 PM at the Pikesville Branch, Baltimore County Public Library, 1301 Reisterstown Rd. Baltimore, MD 21208.  The hosts for the event are Operation Defuse, Liberty Restoration Project and Texans for Accountable Government. 

 

Fusion centers were established by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice, shortly after the release of the 9/11 Report, as a way to enhance the sharing of information about suspected terrorists among law enforcement agencies. These centers often include information from non law-enforcement sources, such as universities, social services and credit reporting agencies, and the military, in addition to information from the FBI and DHS.   Fusion centers make it easy for law enforcement to invade the privacy of innocent citizens.

 

The speakers are as follows: Catherine Bleish - executive director, Liberty Restoration Project, John Bush - executive director, Texans for Accountable Government, Max Obuszewski,  Baltimore Nonviolence Center, and Harvey Eisenberg,  assistant U.S. Attorney and coordinator of the MD Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council. He will be speaking on behalf of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (Maryland's fusion center). Email mobuszewski at verizon.net.

 

9] – On Thurs., Mar. 11, 7 to 8:30 PM, Christian Peace Witness presents the fourth of a weekly Thursday evening peace and justice study at Clarendon Presbyterian Church, 1305 N. Jackson St. Arlington, VA 22201.  The study will be based on a DVD bringing Tony Campolo, Sr. Dianna Ortiz, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Kathy Kelly, Joshua Casteel, Liz McAlister, Noah Baker Merrill and Ken Butigan to you.  If you can’t make the study but would like a copy of the DVD for use by you or a community, go to http://www.reachandteach.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=744. Contact David Ensign at revdocdee@gmail.com. 

 

10] – On Thurs., Mar. 11 from 7:30 to 9 PM, be in your seat by 7:10 PM, there will be an AIM Action with U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen.  “Will Congressman [sic] Van Hollen lead on comprehensive national immigration reform this year?” will be raised at Bethel World Outreach Church, 8242 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.  Public parking is available at Bonifant St. Metro Lot. (Walking distance from Silver Spring Metro).

11] – A peace vigil takes place every Friday from noon at Lafayette Park facing the White House.  Join the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker at the vigil, which is co-ssponsored by Pax Christi Metro DC- Baltimore, TASSC, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Jonah House and Christian Peace Witness. Contact Art Laffin: artlaffin@hotmail.com.  This is part of Dorothy Day’s Lenten Witness for Peace and Justice. 

12] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel (now in its 8th year) takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at 19th & JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (across from Israeli Consulate.  It is sponsored by Bubbies & Zaydes (Grandparents) for Peace in the Middle East. Email cswartz@pil.net. Go to http://phillyjewishpeace.org/.

 

13] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Women in Black, Baltimore, host a vigil at Pratt and Light Sts. in the Inner Harbor. Peace signs and flyers about the siege will be available. See http://www.peacepath911.com/ or write wibbaltimore@hotmail.com or call 410-467-9114.

 

14] – There is also a noon vigil, weather permitting, on Fri., Mar. 12 at Roland Park Place at 830 W. 40th St.  Call 410-467-9114. 

15] – There is a silent vigil on Fri., Mar. 12 from 5 to 6 PM outside of Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., in opposition to war with Iraq. Placards say: "War Is Not the Answer." The silent vigil is sponsored by AFSC, Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings.

16] –  Attend the UDC Justice Café, co-sponsored by the Progressive Democrats of America, from 6 to 10 PM on Fri., Mar. 12  in the Firebird Inn, Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Conn. Ave. NW, WDC 20008, which is hosted by the University of the District Columbia David Clarke School of Law. The suggested donation is $15, $10 for students and $5 for children. No one would be turned away. The event will feature food, music, poetry, an open mic session, tabling and more. Go to http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html. Contact: mikehersh2007@gmail.com FOR A FREE TABLE.  Use the Van Ness UDC Metro Station (Red Line).

There will be a special talk on healthcare at 7 PM with Dr. Margaret Flowers, MD (Maryland Physicians for a National Health Program and the Baucus 8).  Go to http://www.md.pnhp.org/. Then Margaret and Diane Wittner [http://www.chesapeakecitizens.org] will sing.

 

17] – SHED LIGHT ON US WAR CASUALTIES: FROM THE FRONT LINE TO THE BACK DOOR of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (North Gate), every Friday night, from 7 to 9 PM in the middle of the 7100 block of Georgia Ave., NW. The vigil calls for peace, care for the wounded, and full benefits for all veterans.  Contact Bruce Wolf - Haunteddog@aol.com.

18] – THE SENATOR, "The People's Theatre,” 5904 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212, is hosting an evening of music on Fri., Mar. 12 at 8 PM in support of Baltimore's Haiti Relief Project. The Friends of The Senator present Nuke the Soup and other musical performers. Tickets are $10 in advance.  Go to www.bandchitickets.com.  The price at the door is $15.  The proceeds will benefit American Red Cross of Central Maryland. Call 410-435-1118.  Go to www.senator.com.

19] –  There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Mar. 12. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.                  

 

20] – On Sat., Mar, 13, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, “Brothers and Sisters Together – Building the Beloved Community,” an anti-racism workshop will be hosted by Pax Christi Metro DC-Baltimore and facilitated by Pax Christi USA Anti-Racism team members Cathy Woodson and Bill Marx.  There is a minimum $10 voluntary contribution from those who can afford it to help cover costs of the light breakfast and lunch that will be served.  It will be held at the Perry Community Center, 128 M St. NW, WDC 20001-1205 (near New York Ave. & N. Capitol Sts.).  Register with cooker@ppnpf.com.

 

21] – Rev. Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo’s 12-week Bible Study for Women to study women then in the Bible and women now continues through Mar. 27.  The bible study will continue each Saturday at 9:30 AM Shiloh AME Church, 2601 Lyndhurst Ave. Baltimore 21216. The motto is "Biblically literate and spiritually strong women change and build themselves, families, communities and the world." If interested, call Mankekolo at 410-233-4649 or the Church at 410-367-8961. Rev. Charlotte Clemons is the senior pastor. Mankekolo’s book "One a Day Spiritual Vitamins" is available at $10:00 each plus $3:50 handling.

 

22] – There is a workshop by the Compassionate Listening team of Phil Fratesi and Amy Rakusin on Sat., Mar. 13 from 10 AM to 5 PM at Stony Run Friends Meeting, 5116 N. Charles St. This workshop is an outgrowth of their marriage as well as their confidence that Compassionate Listening heartens and energizes the intimate relationships that are central to our lives.  The cost per couple is $140, and you can register by calling 410-472-9957 or emailing fratesi@verizon.net. Rakusin is a licensed psychotherapist and certified CL facilitator. Fratesi is an organizational development consultant and event planner.

23] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. in Olney, MD.  The next vigil is Mar. 13. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167. 

24] – Youth As Resources, Baltimore’s youth-led grant making organization, has funds available! Youth (up to age 21) in Baltimore City and County who want to put their community building ideas into action are invited to apply for funding. The grants range from $500 - $3,500 and are available for community organizing programs that are created and carried out by young people. There are grant seeker workshops on Sat., Mar. 13 at 10:30 AM and Wed., Mar. 17 at 5:00 PM.  Applicants are required to attend one of the two workshops and must be represented by one or two youth and no more than one optional adult.  Application deadline is on Fri., Apr. 16 by 5 PM. To sign up for a workshop and/or for more information, call 410-576-9551 or email jreeder@bcf.org.

 

25] –  Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

 

26] –  Be at the White House to rally for Prisoners of Conscience Filep Karma and Yusak Pakage on Sat., Mar 13 from noon to 2 PM in Lafayette Square! The rally will feature music, lively chants, and speakers from Amnesty International as well as the East Timor Indonesia Action Network (ETAN). Go to http://bit.ly/aJlwDp.

 

  Karma and Pakage were jailed in December 2004 for taking part in a nonviolent protest for Papuan independence from Indonesia. During the ceremony a Morning Star flag, the symbol of Papuan independence, was raised.  Indonesian police arrested Karma and reportedly beat him during his transportation to the police station.  When a group of 20 people arrived at the police station in protest, they were arrested as well.  All of them were subsequently released, except for Karma and Pakage, who were convicted of treason and sentenced to 15 years and 10 years respectively. Visit http://www.amnestyusa.org/action/special/karmapakage.html.

27] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Mar. 13. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com.

 

28] – There are two more March 20 outreach meetings at 1 PM at Peace & A Cup of Joe. 713 W. Pratt St., Baltimore 21201. The first meeting is on Sat., Mar. 13, the second on Sun., Mar. 14.  There will be a discussion to organize the distribution of flyers and posters in order to sell bus tickets for the ANSWER March 20 antiwar rally in Washington, D.C.  Call 415-216-8370.

 

There will be a bus departing from Baltimore.  You can purchase a ticket online with your credit or debit card at http://www.facebook.com/l/049db;www.March20.org or you can purchase a ticket at Video Americain, located near 3100 St. Paul St. Call 443-759-9968 or email baltimore@answercoalition.org.

 

29] – Westminster WIB hosts a vigil the 2nd Saturday of the month from 2 – 3 PM in front of the War Memorial on Main St. The next vigil will be Mar. 13. Email wibwestminster@mizmail.com.

 

30] – On Sat., Mar. 13 from 3 to 5 PM, Baltimore Racial Justice Action is asking “Is Love Enough? Growing Up in Cross Racial Families” at City Neighbors Charter School, 4301 Raspe Ave.  Raspe is one way. Turn east from Belair Rd. onto Springwood Ave.  Then left on Cedonia and left on Raspe.  In recent decades, increases in transracial adoption and interracial marriages and relationships have resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of cross racial families in the U.S.  Join a conversation about how parents and children in cross racial families deal with real life.

 

31] – Come drum for peace every second Saturday at the Unitarian Universalists of Fallston, MD, 1127 Old Fallston Road (across Rte 152 from Fallston High).  On Mar. 13, the drum circle begins at 7 PM.  Call Franz at 410-925-9351.

 

32] – On Sat., Mar. 13 at 7:30 PM at 2640 St. Paul St., get it on at the Open Hearts Ball with THE BELLEVEDERES and DJ JASON WILLETT! The cost is $12 in advance, $15 at the door.  Heart's Place Shelter, which operates in the basement of St. John's Church (home to 2640!), was already in dire financial straights before it stayed open during the entirety of the blizzards to give people a place off the streets to keep warm and stay alive. Now they really need our help to stay open, so enjoy the music and do the right thing.  Email 2640@redemmas.org or go to http://2640.redemmas.org.

 

To be continued.

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net

 

"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

 

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