Saturday, November 6, 2010

Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 1

Baltimore Activist Alert Nov. 7 – Nov. 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] Bring the World Home continues    

7] Cease violence contest through Dec. 6/event Dec. 10

8] You can buy Shiori’s book of poetry – which is available Dec. 15

9] “Freedom’s Sisters exhibit – through Jan. 17

10] Peace Meal – Nov. 6

11] FBI Raids – Nov. 6

12] Honor Rev. Walker – Nov. 6

13] Gimmie Shelter benefit – Nov. 6

14] Film 9500 LIBERTY – Nov. 7

15] Commitment at Ethical Society – Nov. 7

16] Get on the bridge for peace – Nov. 7

17] Film 2012 THE ODYSSEY – Nov. 7

18] Philadelphia Peace Vigil – Nov. 7

19] Anarchists Against the Wall – Nov. 7

20] Protest at the Pentagon – Nov. 8

21] Arms Control conference – Nov. 8

22] Oral arguments on assassination – Nov. 8

___

 

1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Donate your books to Max. Call him

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] – Catch the "Bringing the World Home" exhibit in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps!  The exhibit is in the UMBC Library Rotunda through the end of the semester and consists of 5 display cases featuring photos and artifacts from UMBC's faculty, staff and students who have served in the Peace Corps, including many current and alumni Shriver Peaceworker Fellows.  The center case features pieces from the Peace Corps founding era (a tribute to Sarge Shriver!) and the surrounding case highlight experiences from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and the AmericasThere is no formal "opening,” but mark Tues., Nov.16 from 7 to 9 PM in your calendars for the "Practical Idealist Evening" event in the Library during which the exhibit will be featured.  If you are coming from off campus, give Joby Taylor a call at (410) 455-6398, and he will give you a tour.

 

7] – Shiori was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1951 on August 15, six years after the day the initial announcement of Japan's surrender to the Allies was made, the official end of World War II. She describes herself as hapa, half-American, and half-Japanese— the child of the enemy amor.  In her first chapbook collection of poetry from Finishing Line Press, the debut author weaves memoir and historical record into a lyrical and moving portrait of post-war immigration to the United States. Shiori’s work has appeared in many publications, and she has won several awards including Thomas Merton poetry prizes.

 

Finishing Line Press is a poetry publisher based in Georgetown, Kentucky, and the Chapbook Series will be published on Dec. 3.  However, early orders can be made by ordering online at http://www.finishinglinepress.com/ or directly from the publisher [$12, check or money order] at Finishing Line Books, PO Box 1626, Georgetown, KY  40324. Email finishingbooks@aol.com or call 859-514-8360.  You may also contact Kathleen Hellen at khe1721111@aol.com or khellen@coppin.edu.

 

8] – Now through Dec. 6, Baltimore City and County School Students who submit an essay, poetry, or artwork for the David B. Wright Memorial Foundation, Inc. “Cease Violence / Increase Education Campaign” will be entered to win a Holiday Gift Card! To participate email SHAWNTE WRIGHT at snjwright@gmail.com.  The Selected Student's Essay Winners will win a $100 card by Mon., Dec. 20.  Submitted materials will not be returned and will be kept by the David B. Wright Memorial Foundation, Inc. for future displays.  At the DBWMF, INC. Holiday Event on Fri., Dec. 10 from 6 to 10 PM, families and students can enjoy an evening of essay/poetry reading, art and culture and fitness dancing! Essay Winners will be Announced! The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students. Register at www.DavidBWrightMemorialFoundation.org. Local business sponsors and vendors are needed! Call 443-438-5302.

 

9] – Catch the exhibit at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture, 830 Pratt St.—“Freedom’s Sisters,” which runs through Jan. 17.  Twenty remarkable African-American women are profiled, including Coretta Scott King.  Call 443-263-1800 or go to www.africanamericanculture.org.

 

10] – The next Peace Meal is on for Sat., Nov, 6 at 1 PM and will feature Erik Landowne, the biodynamic farmer of Spiritual Food CSA who will address Food Peace and Nutrition. With his wife Birgit, they have produced the food available at the School of Life since June 2010.  He will share his knowledge and experience on how biodynamic food fulfills the role necessary at this time of providing the nurturing elements for our subtle bodies.  Also, School of Life member Rose (Mirabai) Lord will be here to sign her book:  “What I Have Learned About Food And Peace.”  The peace meal is at 4209 East West HwyChevy Chase, MD 20815. Program starts with interfaith prayers and songs, followed by blessing of the food ceremony, then the speaker's address along with a hot vegetarian lunch. Park by Bethesda Chevy Chase High School or use the Red Line Bethesda stop. Go to www.schooloflife.org.  RSVP at shantiyoga2@earthlink.net.

 

11] – The FBI Raids: The Activist Community Responds is a series of workshops scheduled to take place on Sat., Nov. 6 starting at 1 PM at the Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Florida Ave. NW, WDC 20008.  The meetinghouse is just north of Dupont Circle, west of Connecticut Ave.  Civil liberties activists and experts will examine the FBI raids and other attacks on activists, your legal rights, and how our community can respond.

 

On Sept. 24, 2010, the FBI raided anti-war and solidarity activists in Chicago (two homes) and Minneapolis (five homes and the office of the Anti-War Committee). During the raids, the FBI took computers, cell phones, documents and personal family items. In total, 14 activists in Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan were subpoenaed to appear before a Grand Jury. They have subsequently refused to appear. 

 

The first workshop is from 1 to 2:15 PM: What’s Going On and What Are the Legal Rules in Place?  The second workshop from 2:15 to 3 PM is entitled What Are Our Rights?  The last workshop from 3:10 to 4 PM is How Should the Movement Respond?  The event is brought to you by National Lawyer's Guild, American Civil Liberties Union, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Washington Peace Center and Defending Dissent.  Go to http://www.stopfbi.net/trackback/202.

 

12] – The 13th Annual Human Rights Potluck Dinner & Program is happening on Sat., Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 9 PM at the Florence Bain Senior Center, 5470 Ruth Keaton Way, Columbia, MD 21044.  The event will honor Rev. Lucius Walker and address U.S. Immigration Policy and the Migrant Experience. Bring a dish to share and participate in the silent auction.

 

The speakers are Martin Davidoff, a retired professor and active member of HoCoFoLA, who spent seven days in 2008 crossing the desert just south of Tucson, Arizona with more than 50 human rights workers.  The seventy-five mile trek took them through a region where, over the last decade, thousands of migrants have died trying to reach the U.S.     

 

Catalina Nieto migrated to the United States from Bogota, Colombia in 2000 and has since dedicated her life to working for social justice.  Catalina is currently the National Grassroots Organizer for Witness for Peace and works for just and fair U.S. policies toward Latin America via campaigns to foster education, grassroots advocacy and media exposure on issues of trade, migration and military aid.   

 

Elizabeth Alex currently serves as CASA de Maryland's Lead Organizer for the Central Maryland region, including Baltimore City, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Howard Counties.  She has over ten years of community organizing experience in the US and abroad. 

 

The event co-sponsors are AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER 228; HOWARD COUNTY FRIENDS OF LATIN AMERICA and the HOWARD COUNTY OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS.  Donations are appreciated to help provide a small stipend to the speakers and defray event costs.  Please make your checks out to HoCoFoLA and mail them out to PO Box 94, Columbia, MD 21045.  Call Leslie Salgado at 410-381-4899 or e-mail cuba_is_hope@comcast.net.  

 

13] – Gimme Shelter Productions continues to do consciousness/fundraising events for the homeless and the shelters.  The next one is part of the “Winter in America,” and it is happening on Sat., Nov. 6 at 7:30 PM in collaboration with the Brenner’s Pub Arts Collective of Bridgton, NJ.  This benefit called "Crossing State Minds,” to be held at the Minas Gallery, 815 W. 36th St., and will feature Heather Joi Baker, In the Clear, Sam Schmidt, Ron Williams, Virginia Crawford, Suzanne X, Alan Barysh and Brian Baker. Admission is $5, and donations of warm clothing and blankets are also accepted. Call 410- 627-8774.

 

14] – The Charles Theatre at 10:35 AM on Sun., Nov. 7 is showing 9500 LIBERTY, a film about immigration.  It is directed by
Eric Byler and Anabel Park and stars Greg Letiecq, Corey A. Stewart et al.  Prince William County, Virginia becomes ground zero in America's explosive battle over immigration policy when elected officials adopt a law requiring police officers to question anyone they have "probable cause" to suspect is an undocumented immigrant.  The film reveals the startling vulnerability of a local government, targeted by national anti-immigration networks using the Internet to frighten and intimidate lawmakers and citizens. Alarmed by a climate of fear and racial division, residents form a resistance using YouTube videos and virtual town halls, setting up a real-life showdown in the seat of county government.

A discussion will follow, facilitated by Jonathan Pavlevsky.  The cost is $15, and includes coffee and bagels.  The theater will open at 9:45 AM.  Go to http://www.cinemasundays.com/.

 

15] – On Sun., Nov. 7 at 10:30 AM, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, is hosting Hugh Taft-Morales, a leader, who will address “Appreciating Inherent Worth: From Momentary Sparks to the Fire of Commitment.” Call 410-581-2322 or visit www.baltimoreethicalsociety.org.

 

16] – Maryland Bridges for Peace welcomes you to stand for peace Sundays from noon (or thereabouts) to 1 PM on the Spa Creek Bridge in Annapolis.  Contact Lucy at 410-263-7271 or mdbridgesforpeace@toadmail.com. Signs are not allowed to be on a stick or pole.   If there is interest, people will be standing on the Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena [410-437-5379 or magicalgodmom@aol.com]. Go to http://BridgePeace.blogspot.com/.

 

17] – On Sun., Nov. 7 at 12:30 PM at  the Emergence Community Arts Collective (ECAC), 733 Euclid St. NW, WDC, 20001, see the film 2012 THE ODYSSEY, which explores the ongoing research being done on this subject.  ECAC is between Georgia and Sherman Aves., near Howard University and across from Banneker High School. The Mayan Calendar is ending on December 21, 2012.  Join author Sharron Rose on an adventure into the future. In this exciting and thought provoking feature documentary, she travels across the entire United States speaking to the many experts on this fast approaching prophecy. The suggested donation is $5. Call 202-462-2285 or visit www.ecacollective.org

 

18] – Every Sunday, 4 to 5 PM, there is a Quaker Peace Vigil at Independence Mall, N. side of Market between 5th and 6th Sts., Philadelphia. Call 215-421-5811.

 

19] – Israeli Anarchists Against the Wall Visit DC on Sun., Nov. 7 at 8 PM at Busboys and Poets, 5th & K Sts. NW.  As the "peace process" drones on without progress, Israel continues to steal valuable land, crops and water aquifers with its so-called "separation wall." Cutting deep into the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the wall has so far seized 10% of the territory designated for an independent Palestinian state. In 2005, the International Court of Justice ruled the building of the wall to be illegal. Speaking for the AATW and explaining its mission and work will be Joseph Dana, originally a UMD-College Park graduate, but now a journalist, blogger and filmmaker living in Jerusalem.  Go to http://www.awalls.org/.

 

20] – 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 Mon., Nov. 1, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Call 202-882-9649.

 

21] – The Next Steps in Arms Control: Nuclear Weapons, Missile Defense, and NATO is being discussed on Mon., Nov. 8 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 1779 Mass. Ave., NW, Root Room (2nd Floor), WDC 20036.  The Arms Control Association and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung North America organized the conference. To register call 202-463-8270 or email eauner@armscontrol.org.

 

22] – Join the Center for Constitutional Rights and co-counsel from the ACLU on Mon., Nov. 8 at 2 PM during oral arguments in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. against the President's decision to authorize the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. military’s Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) to kill a U.S. citizen beyond a war zone without due process of law. The oral argument is for Al-Aulaqi v. Obama before Judge John D. Bates, Courtroom 8, 333 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20001.  Call 212-614-6464 or go to www.ccrjustice.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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