Sunday, November 12, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert November 12 - 14, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert November 12 - 14, 2017

"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 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  
4] Two friends are looking to buy a house in Baltimore
5] Democracy Amendment Resolution – Nov. 12
6] Difficult Conversations – Nov. 12
7] SURJ Baltimore Canvassing Team – Nov. 12
8] “Is Happiness the Goal of Life?”  – Nov. 12
9] "Nicaragua:  A Beauty Revealed" – Nov. 12
10] No More Jim Crow -- Nov. 12
11] Film "Where Should the Birds Fly" -- Nov. 12
12] Boycott Wendy’s – Nov. 12
13] Dialogue on Black Lives Matter Banners – Nov. 12
14] Black Lives Matter vigil – Nov. 12
15] Bmore Green Party General Meeting – Nov. 12
16] Protest at the Pentagon – Nov. 13
17] Economists for Peace and Security Symposium – Nov. 13
18] Annapolis Legislative Preview – Nov. 13
19] Baltimore County Green Party Meeting - Nov. 13
20] ONE DC Teach-In – Nov. 13
21] Intersectionality & Its Role in Black Liberation -- Nov. 13
22] Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference -- Nov. 13
23] Peace vigil – Nov. 14
24] Protest drone research – Nov. 14
25] National Lawyers Guild 80th Birthday Party – Nov. 14
26] Medicare for All Speak-out -- Nov. 14
27] SURJ General Meeting -- Nov. 14
28] Book “Finally Got the News” -- Nov. 14
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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 410-323-1607.

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] – 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 mobuszewski at Verizon.net.  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] – Janice and Max are looking to buy a house in Baltimore.  Let Max know if you have any leads—410-323-1607 or mobuszewski 2001 at comcast dot net. 

5] – Help begin the Fall petition drive on Sun., Nov. 12 at 9 AM at the Anne Arundel County Farmers Market.  This is a fun way to build momentum toward passing the Democracy Amendment Resolution. Develop great camaraderie and encounter many citizens who enthusiastically sign the petition.  RSVP to charlie@GetMoneyOutMD.org. Visit http://www.getmoneyoutmd.org/.

6] – Nurturing the Light in Times of Darkness is continuing on Sun., Nov. 12 at 9:15 AM at Stony Run Friends Meeting, 5116 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21210. Difficult Conversations (for Difficult Times) include a child says to a parent that she feels threatened by things happening in the world. How to respond? And how to talk (or not talk) to a co-worker or family member on the opposite end of the political spectrum? What to say to a worried immigrant? How to skillfully and lovingly handle these and other hard conversations?  Call (443) 703-2590 or email sroffice@StonyRunFriends.org.

7] – On Sun., Nov. 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM, join SURJ Baltimore Canvassing Team at 7401 Park Heights Ave, Pikesville, MD 21208-5448. SURJ Baltimore is building its deep canvassing capacity. This is an exciting opportunity to increase the capacity to respond to needs on learning what people outside the city think about Baltimore criminal justice issues. Learn the basics of deep canvassing as well as developing our ability to listen and dig deeper to learn what people are thinking. The day will include training, developing stories, and going out for several hours on the doors with a debriefing. Lunch and snacks will be provided! If you are interested in attending, register at https://goo.gl/forms/LTAE6JMa1fzVtkqo2 or email surjbmoredeep@gmail.com. 

8] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4661, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 AM to noon.  On Sun., Nov. 12, the Sunday Platform is “Is Happiness the Goal of Life?”  From ancient Aristotle to contemporary self-help books, many have argued that the goal of life is happiness. Leading 19th century agnostic, Robert Ingersoll, proclaimed, “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.” Is he correct? How does this fit in with Ethical Humanism’s emphasis on social justice? Can it support our version of the golden rule, where we bring out the best in others and thus in ourselves?  Hugh Taft-Morales joined the Baltimore Ethical Society as its professional leader in 2010, the same year he was certified by the American Ethical Union as an Ethical Culture Leader. He also serves as Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

9] – The Nicaraguan Cultural Alliance cordially invites you to A reception to open an exhibit of Nicaraguan paintings and other wall art -- The "Nicaragua:  A Beauty Revealed" – from 12:15 to 2:30 PM on Sun., Nov. 12 at the Salem Lutheran Church, Agape Gallery (2nd floor), 915 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228.  Other Nicaraguan art and crafts will be available for sale that day by Casa Baltimore/Limay.  The exhibit will continue through January 7.  You can see the exhibit on Saturdays from 5 to 6 PM and Sundays from 8 AM to 1 PM.  Email charsart@gmail.com.

10] –This week the theme is No More Jim Crow! Reject the racist history of the civil war statue at Prince and S. Washington Sts., known as Appomattox. Feel free to wear red, white and blue (protesting is patriotic!)  On Sun., Nov. 12 from 12:30 to 2 PM, gather at the corner of King and Patrick Sts. in Oldtown Alexandria.  After the protest, walk to the statue and remain there from 1:30 to 2 PM. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/189107161659181/.

11] – On Sun., Nov.12 at 2:30 PM see a screening of "Where Should the Birds Fly," which is about the effects of the Gaza war, at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 9801 Centerway Rd., Montgomery Village, MD 20886. Following the film there will be a panel discussion titled "The Work of Justice is Communal," starting at 3:30 PM.  This panel will be moderated by Zeina Azzam, and the panelists are Liana Smith - JVP DC Metro, Paul Verduin - Sabeel DC Metro, and Samira Hussein - Gaithersburg Multicultural Affairs Committee. Visit www.voicesfromtheholyland.org

12] -- On Sun., Nov. 12 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM, be at Harvest Without Violence: a Wendy's Boycott Action in D.C., hosted by D.C. Fair Food at 3900 Georgia Ave. NW, WDC 20011-5861. Act in solidarity with farmworker women and demand that Wendy's join the Fair Food Program! Some 80% of farmworker women experience sexual violence at work, Wendy's is currently purchasing from farms where sexual violence goes unchecked and continues to be endemic. As consumers, we must be in solidarity with workers and use our power to spread the Wendy's Boycott and continue to pressure the Wendy's to do the right thing. Join DC Fair Food for a picket outside of the Wendy's in Petworth.  Visit http://www.boycott-wendys.org/harvestwithoutviolence.  Email dcfairfood@gmail.com.

13] – On Sun., Nov. 12 from 2 to 4 PM, engage in a  Community Dialogue on Black Lives Matter Banners, hosted by Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd., Lutherville 21093.  The “A Dialogue On Race And Ethnicity” Task Force invites you to a dialogue with members of the wider community on why the congregation voted to install Black Lives Matter banners and how these banners are part of the congregation’s mission to work for racial justice.  After introductions, move into small groups for dialogue. The purpose of this gathering is greater mutual understanding and relationship building. Light snacks will be served. Email socialaction@towsonuuc.org.

14] -- On Sun., Nov. 12 from 4 to 5 PM come to the November Black Lives Matter Vigil, hosted by Black Lives Matter-Columbia, MD at Governor Warfield Parkway and Windstream Drive.  This happens on the second Sunday of each month to remind our community that all lives will matter when black lives matter. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/357416011370865/.

15] -- On Sun., Nov. 12 from 4 to 6 PM attend the Bmore Green Party General Meeting at 100 E 23rd St., Baltimore 21218-5807. The Baltimore Green Party is currently running several electoral campaigns, drafting legislation, and building People Power in the City. At the general meeting, help conduct party business, share the work of many committees and campaigns, and help new members and guests find ways to get involved in the struggle for a better Baltimore. See https://www.facebook.com/events/753587051491914/.

16] – 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 Nov. 13, 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 begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

17] – Get over to the Economists for Peace and Security Symposium, co-sponsored by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin: At the Turning Point: Economics, Security, and American Politics, which will occur on Mon., Nov. 13 from 12:30 to 5 PM at 1100 New York Ave. NW, WDC 20005, Suite 200 East, 2nd floor, east tower. Besides the keynote address by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), there will be special remarks from Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA). 

Economists for Peace and Security will hold its 10th annual policy Symposium to discuss economics, and American politics as well as the economic dimensions of current critical security issues. The program will feature three panels of senior specialists who will present the elements of a program to address the most fundamental issues animating American political discourse. Pre-registration is requested at https://epsusa.z2systems.com/np/clients/epsusa/eventRegistration.jsp?event=13&.

18] – On Mon., Nov. 13 from 6 to 7 PM, come out for the Annapolis Legislative Preview, hosted by Preservation Maryland and Maryland League of Conservation Voters at 86 Maryland Ave., Annapolis 21401-1630. Find tickets at mdlcv.ngpvanhost.com.  Get ready for the 2018 Maryland General Assembly Session and hear about the environmental and preservation priorities in 2018. See https://www.facebook.com/events/159575221303105/.

19] – On Mon., Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, come to the November General Meeting of the Baltimore County Green Party at the Towson Branch Library, 320 York Rd., Towson 21204.  Learn about how to continue to grow, mobilize and affect change. Focus on events and actions to promote racial, economic and ecological justice in Baltimore County, nationally and internationally. Childcare will be provided.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/1956605387915720/.

20] -- On Mon., Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, be at the ONE DC Teach-In with Congressperson Keith Ellison, hosted by Rebecca Harris and Claire Cook at St. Mark's Episcopal Church- Capitol Hill, 301 A St. SE, WDC 20003.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/182776222286473/.

Tickets are at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-dc-teach-in-ft-congressman-keith-ellison-tickets-39189667350.  As oppressive systems continue to target communities of color, organizers at ONE DC are still organizing for an end to exploitation and white supremacy. That’s why ONE DC and its supporters are investing in the future. By buying a building in Anacostia to permanently house the Black Workers Center, ONE DC is laying a foundation for sustainable community organizing and creating a hub for Black workers at what ONE DC organizer Dominic Moulden has called "the last frontier of working people" in this city.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/182776222286473/.

21] – On Mon., Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, get involved in Intersectionality & Its Role in Black Liberation, hosted by Baltimore Racial Justice Action at the American Brewery, 1701 N. Gay St., Baltimore 21213.  The National Women’s Studies Association Conference, “40 YEARS AFTER COMBAHEE: Feminist Scholars and Activists Engage the Movement for Black Lives” will be in Baltimore from Thurs., Nov 16 through Sun., Nov. 19.  To commemorate this conference, join BRJA's Dr. Erica Taylor and guests, Monica Stevens and Brittany T. Oliver to discuss the roots and meaning of the term “intersectionality.” Following the paths of “equality” and “diversity,” “intersectionality” has become an overused term, distanced from its origins.  The panel will discuss how its analysis can still be a tool for social justice.   See https://www.facebook.com/events/124374858248105/.

22] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference every Monday evening. On Mon., Nov. 6 at 8:30 PM, call 605-475-6711, 1136243#.  Focus on the petitioning drive and continue to plan public outreach events.

23] –  Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine.  The next vigil is Nov. 14.  Call 215-426-0364.

24] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. join this ongoing vigil on Nov. 14 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607.   

25] –  On Tues., Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM celebrate the National Lawyers Guild 80th Birthday Party, hosted by National Lawyers Guild - Maryland Chapter at The Dizz, 300 W. 30th St., Baltimore 21211.

  Hear about the contributions of people's lawyers through the decades! Enjoy light fare and birthday cake. Law students get one free drink. There will be a cash bar for all others. Take part in a raffle and Lawyers Guild trivia contest, with prizes. Hear reminisces of local Guild members who have been involved since the 1970s. A $5 contribution at the door is appreciated. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1198030273675060/.

26] – Have you or a loved one ever struggled to pay medical bills? Do you avoid going to the doctor’s because you can’t afford it? Do you restrict your working hours in order to qualify for Medicaid? Have you ever faced medical discrimination based on your race, social class, disability or gender? Join Healthcare is a Human Right Maryland for a public Speak-out and Town Hall event.  This will be a space to share our experiences and to acknowledge together that we are collectively traumatized by our broken healthcare system. We will also learn about legislation for a national health insurance program (HR-676, also known as National Improved Medicare for All) and make plans on how we will organize together to secure the healthcare system that we deserve as a basic human right.

  On Tues., Nov. 14 from 6 to 8:30 PM, come to the Medicare for All Speak-out, hosted by Healthcare is a Human Right – Maryland, is happening at Union Baptist Church, 1219 Druid Hill Ave., Baltimore 21217.  Email Brittany@hchrmd.org or go to https://www.facebook.com/events/506321839726595/.  Doors open at 6 PM, and the event starts promptly at 6:30 PM. The venue is accessible with handicapped parking. A kid's space will be available, and rides can be arranged.

27] – On Tues., Nov. 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM SURJ Baltimore will hold a General Meeting at the 2640 Space, 2640 Saint Paul St., Baltimore 21218.  Hear a preview of SURJ Baltimore's plans for the state legislative session, beginning January 10. Share those legislative issues that the accountability partners are advocating around, and dive into the issue of mandatory minimum sentencing for gun possession. Also discuss TPS and the DREAM Act, and the related work of CASA.  This meeting is appropriate both for newcomers and folks who have been involved with SURJ. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1818717421753430/.

28] – On Tues., Nov. 14 from 6:30 to 8 PM enjoy an author talk with Brad Duncan at The Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Rd. NW, WDC 20009.  Duncan will talk about archiving and collecting radical history, as well presenting a wide sampling of original rare printed items from the 70s for guests to explore. Come learn about how radicals in the 1970s used printed media to address issues that are still with us today. The book “Finally Got the News” uncovers the hidden legacy of the radical Left of the 1970s, a decade when vibrant social movements challenged racism, imperialism, patriarchy and capitalism itself. It combines written contributions from movement participants with original printed materials—from pamphlets to posters, flyers to newspapers—to tell this politically rich and little-known story. The dawn of the 1970s saw an absolute explosion of interest in revolutionary ideas and activism. Young people radicalized by the antiwar movement became anti-imperialists, veterans of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements increasingly identified with communism and Pan-Africanism, and women were organizing for autonomy and liberation. While these movements may have different roots, there was also an incredible overlapping and intermingling of activists and ideologies. These diverse movements used printed materials as organizing tools in every political activity, creating a sprawling and remarkable array of printing styles, techniques, and formats. Through the lens of printed materials we can see the real nuts and bolts of revolutionary organizing in an era when thousands of young revolutionaries were attempting to put their beliefs into practice in workplaces and neighborhoods across the U.S. Duncan is an activist and a union library worker who has been collecting printed materials related to social protest for twenty years. His work as a collector focuses on the radical movements and liberation struggles of the sixties and seventies, some of which can be seen on his popular blog, The R. F. Kampfer Revolutionary Literature Archive. In 2014 his archive was the focus of an exhibition titled “Power to the Vanguard: Original Printed Materials from Revolutionary Movements Around the World, 1963–1987” at Trinosophes in Detroit, Michigan.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1697893320285965/.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  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

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