Monday, November 29, 2010

Baltimore Activist Alert - Part 1

Baltimore Activist Alert Nov. 29 – Dec. 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] Protest FBI raids – Nov. 29 – Dec. 3

11] Protest at Unemployment Office – Nov. 29

12] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Nov. 29 – Dec. 2

13] Protest the death penalty – Nov. 29           

14] CASE benefit – Nov. 29

15] International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People -- Nov. 29

16] Pledge of Resistance meeting – Nov. 29

17] Free shipping for online auction items – Nov. 29

18] Call-In to Save Social Security – Nov. 30

19] Lobby against military spending – Nov. 30

20] Peace in Colombia – Nov. 30

21] Death penalty forum – Nov. 30

22] War Is Not the Answer demo – Nov. 30

23] HANDS ON THE FREEDOM PLOW – Nov. 30

24] Philadelphia peace vigil – Dec. 1

25] Chestnut Hill, PA vigil – Dec. 1

26] Release Prisoner of Conscience – Dec. 1           

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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 National Coalition against FBI raids has called for a week of actions from Mon., Nov. 29 through Fri., Dec. 3 aimed at Congress.   Email DCLiberties@lists2.democracyinaction.org. 

 

11] – PROTEST at the Unemployment Office, Eutaw & Preston Sts., on Mon., Nov. 29 from 5 to 6:30 PM.  Congress Must Take Emergency Action and EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS NOW and No Cut Offs in Benefits.  If Congress fails to act by Nov. 30, 800,000 people unable to find work will lose the critical help that keeps a roof over their heads and food on the table.  By the end of the year, 2 million jobless will be without help and another 1 million a month will lose their benefits beginning next year.  Baltimore and Prince George's County have been especially impacted by the crisis.  The Black and Latino communities along with youth have suffered disproportionately.  The unemployment rate for Black youth is close to 50% and Baltimore City's unemployment rate is 14-16%.  The protest is called by the Balto/Maryland Peoples Assembly.  Call Job Is A Right Campaign at 410-218-4835.

 

12] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 PM on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org.   The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org . 

 

13] – There is usually a vigil to abolish the death penalty every Monday from 5 to 6 PM, outside the prison complex and across the street from Maryland’s Super Max Prison, at the corner of Madison Ave. and Fallsway in Baltimore.  Recently death row was moved out of Baltimore, but it was decided to continue the vigil. The next one is scheduled for Mon., Nov. 29.  Call 410-366-1637.

 

14] – Join with other Marylanders in a push to repeal the death penalty in the newly-elected General Assembly on Mon., Nov. 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Lord Baltimore Hotel (Radisson Plaza), 20 West Baltimore St., hosted by Maryland Case. The hotel entrance is on N. Hanover St., and parking validation available. Garage entrance is at Lombard and S. Hanover Sts. under federal Building.  Exit garage to Baltimore St., and hotel is across the street.  Tickets available on-line at www.mdcase.org or call 301-779-5230.  Tickets range from $150 to $1,000, and these are tax-deductible donations. Email info@mdcase.org. 

15] – On Mon., Nov. 29 commemorate International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People from 7 to 9 PM at George Washington Univ., Continental Ballroom, Marvin Center.  The theme is Breaking the Siege and New Horizons: BDS, Universal Jurisdiction, and Direct Action.  Join the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Badil and Students for Justice in Palestine. Email USCAMPAIGN@ENDTHEOCCUPATION.ORG or go to WWW.ENDTHEOCCUPATION.ORG.

 

16] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings now take place at Max’s residence.  The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 29.  The agenda will include a discussion of bringing David Swanson to Baltimore, the FBI raids and helping out veterans suffering from combat stress.  Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net for directions.  

 

17] – If you place a bid on an item before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT [Mon., Nov. 29] in Casa Baltimore/Limay's online auction, and if you win the bid in the end, you'll get FREE SHIPPING on the item within the 48 contiguous US states. It will be shipped at the most economical rate - you can pay the difference if you prefer a different method.  Look at the auction site NOWAfter midnight tonight, you will be charged for shipping costs.  Ten additions are now on the auction site at www.BiddingForGood.com/CBL . These include the following:

 

- Three colorful ceramic plates by the celebrated Jose Ortiz - some people collect every plate he designs.

- Signed posters by internationally renowned Nicaraguan painters Armando Morales and Leoncio Saenz, and two unsigned poster reproductions by other excellent painters

- Three beautiful Nicaraguan pottery jars, etched and painted - one of indigenous women, another of frogs on a background of leaves, and a third of parrots in trees.

Please donate items or services to the auction to help the flood victims of Limay? Cash donations are also welcome, as are auction sponsorships. Just click on the relevant button on the home page, at www.BiddingForGood.com/CBL .

 

18] – Keep Social Security Safe.  The Co-Chairs of the president’s Deficit Commission have proposed deep cuts to Social Security under the guise of reducing the budget deficit. They want to cut benefits for middle-class workers and reduce annual Cost of Living Adjustments. On top of that, they want to increase the retirement age to 69. Stop them by joining on Tues., Nov. 30 the National Call-In Day to say “No!” to Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts. Call the Capitol Switchboard at 800-962-3524 or 202-224-3121. and contact them directly.  When you call, tell them: Gutting Social Security will not reduce the budget deficit. Social Security is funded separately, from employee contributions. It is entirely self-sufficient—even at today’s retirement age and funding levels—until 2037.

 

19] – On Tues., Nov. 30, Progressive Democrats of America is hosting a lobby day to call for a huge decrease in the military budget as a way of protecting Social security and Medicare.  If you can participate email conor@pdamerica.org.  Join activists in the Rayburn Building, Room 2226, at 10 AM to get packets to tell members of Congress directly to keep their hands off Social Security and Medicare.  If the Deficit Commission were serious about reducing the deficit they would look to a single-payer health care system that would save $400 billion annually on the national level, cutting the military budget or taxing the rich.  Remind them we need jobs, clean energy and restoration of voting rights.  Contact Andrea Miller at amiller6210@gmail.com.

 

20] – On Tues., Nov. 30 from 4:30 to 6 PM, the Washington Office on Latin America, 1666 Connecticut Ave. NW, will host a discussion about Curvaradó: Afro-Colombian and Mestizo's Proposals for Peace.  The armed conflict between the Colombian armed forces and insurgent groups continues to influence civilians' lives and their livelihoods.  In the face of these major obstacles, the returned IDP communities of Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó, with support from the Inter-Church Commission of Justice and Peace and unarmed physical accompaniment of PBI, continue to resist displacement, construct peace and promote nonviolence with their "humanitarian and biodiverse" zones models.

 

21] – Join with other Marylanders in a push to repeal the death penalty in the newly-elected General Assembly on Tues., Nov. 30 at 5 PM at Prince George's Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo MD, at the Rennie Forum in the Largo Student Center, for a screening of "Race to Execution.” The film reveals how, beyond DNA and the issue of innocence, the shameful open secret of America's capital punishment system is a matter of race.

 

Then at 7 PM, MD Citizens Against State Executions and the Prince George's Branch of the NAACP present a Forum on the Death Penalty with Rev. Wayne Price, Center for True Justice and Healing, Ron Hampton, National Black Police Association, Elbridge James, NAACP, Maryland State Conference of Branches, and Margery Patten, member of State Board on Victims Services, and Beth Wood, Murder Victims' Families for Reconciliation.  Go to www.mdcase.org or call 301-779-5230. Email info@mdcase.org.   

 

22] – There is a vigil to say "War Is Not the Answer" each Tuesday since September 11, 2001 at 4806 York Road. Join this ongoing vigil.  The next vigil is Nov. 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

23] – You are invited to a Book Party for HANDS ON THE FREEDOM PLOW: Personal Accounts of Women in SNCC on Tues., Nov. 30 at 7 PM 2640 St. Paul St. [St. John’s].  This is a book Betty Robinson has been working on with 5 other women for 15 years.  It is already in its second printing and is a collection of 54 stories of women who were in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.  At least four of the editors will be on hand. Red Emma’s will be selling the book @ 20% off. Email bettygrobinson@gmail.com.

 

24] – Each Wednesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the House of Grace Catholic Worker holds a weekly vigil for peace in Iraq outside the Phila. Federal Building, 6th & Market Sts. The next vigil is Dec. 1. Call 215-426-0364.

 

25] – Each Wednesday, the Northwest Greens hold a peace vigil from 7 to 8 PM outside the Borders Book Store, Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, PA. The next vigil is Nov. 10. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

 

26] -- On Wed., Dec. 1, 12:30-1:30 PM, Amnesty International will hold its monthly demonstration calling for the release of Prisoner of Conscience Filep Karma.  The demonstration is at the Indonesian Embassy, 2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW, near Dupont Circle. Go to http://www.amnestyusa.org/individuals-at-risk/priority-cases/indonesia-filep-karma-and-yusak-pakage/page.do?id=1101238Arrested on Dec. 1, 2004, Karma is in prison for his participation in a peaceful flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Papuan independence.  Visit http://etan.org/action/action4/32alert.htm.

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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