Sunday, December 3, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert December 3 - 7, 2017

Baltimore Activist Alert December 3 - 7, 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] Maryland Pre Legislative Session Summit – Dec. 3
6] A survivor of sexual abuse – Dec. 3
7] What You Can Do – Dec. 3
8] Alternative Gift Market – Dec. 3
9] Baltimore Vegetarian Meetup – Dec. 3
10] Summit of Imams, Rabbis and Lay Leaders – Dec. 3
11] Where does your water come from? -- Dec. 3
12] Current situation in Yemen – Dec. 3
13] Advent Prayer Service – Dec. 3
14] Protest at the Pentagon – Dec. 4
15] Policy and Politics Summit – Dec. 4
16] Truck pollution hearing -- Dec. 4
17] IMMORAL TAX PLAN -- Dec. 4 & 5
18] Support the dreamers -- Dec. 4, 5 & 7
19] Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference -- Dec. 4
20] Patriot Treason – Dec. 5
21] Rally for Election Day Registration – Dec. 5
22] Divest from the War Machine – Dec. 5
23] Peace vigil – Dec. 5
24] Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" – Dec. 5
25] Climate Expo -- Dec. 5
-------
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] – On Sun., Dec. 3 from 10 AM to 6 PM, come to a Maryland Pre Legislative Session Summit in the UMBC Engineering Building, Join the Maryland Legislative Coalition for a Summit in preparation for the 2018 Maryland Legislative Session. As a participant, you will learn how to communicate effectively with legislators, with training on lobbying provided by Maryland Working Families. You will then hear about legislative priorities from major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) across the state and across a spectrum of issues. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect directly with the NGOs to help support their legislative goals.

6] – 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. 26, the Sunday Platform is “Working with Fear as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse” by Jean Hargadon Wehner, who will talk about the way she has used her own fear as the springboard for coping with the memories of the horrific abuse she suffered 45 years ago. She will share how leaning into fear is itself the source of the courage survivors need to carry on and grow. Jean’s experience was the primary focus of the Emmy-nominated documentary, The KeepersThe Keepers describes in detail the of experience of the sexual abuse Jean and others suffered at Archbishop Keogh High School, along with the murder of a nun who was about to expose that abuse. The documentary also describes the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s cover-up of the history of the primary perpetrator of the abuse, Joseph Maskell.

Hargadon Wehner is an advocate for sexual abuse survivors, their families and the people who work with them. She herself is a clergy sexual abuse survivor and contributor to The Keepers. Jean originally trained as a Spiritual Director and now works as a Life Coach, inspiring others through her private practice Light the Path.  Jean has published a collection of poems called Conversations with My Self. Its focus is on the recovery of repressed memories through journal writing, conversations with the child within, and reflecting on past abuse, violence, love, loss and transformation.  Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

7] – On Sun., Dec. 3 at 10:30 AM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 30 W. North Ave., Baltimore 21201, turn out for HOLLABACK! PRESENTS: AFTER #METOO - WHAT YOU CAN DO in the Free School Classroom.  Are you a man/masculine person who is starting to understand just how pervasive harassment and violence towards women and femmes really is? Are you tired of being silent? Do you want to use your voice to help stop the harassment and violence towards others?

It's time for men to step up. You can no longer say you are a "good guy" because you don't harass. We need you to take action, talk to other men, organize, and advocate. Hollaback! Baltimore is looking to start a "men's caucus" that is held accountable by our leaders, but puts in the effort to organize and SHOW UP on their own.  Talk about the next steps. You will learn some basic bystander tips if you stay the entire time.
Call 443-602-7585.  RSVP at http://www.redemmas.org.

8] – On Sun., Dec. 3 from 11 AM to 1 PM, come to an Alternative Gift Market at the Second Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, 4200 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218.  At this gift market, you will be able to purchase crafts from Afghanistan which will benefit the Afghan Women’s Fund.  Go to https://secondpresby.org/ events/christmas-pageant- sunday.

9] – The Baltimore Vegetarian Meetup group meets on the first Sunday, in this case on Dec. 3 at 12.30 PM at Mango Grove in Columbia. To register for those meetings, go to http://vegetarian.meetup.com/9.  CONNECT with like-minded local people for discussion and support on Facebook by joining Earthsave Baltimore group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/EarthsaveBaltimore/.  There is also a Facebook group called Earth Friendly Food Choices. Go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/103906449752363/.  

10] – The Safety of Our Communities, Our Houses of Worship, and of Muslims and Jews is becoming a Major Concern to Both Communities! The "4th Annual Summit of Greater Washington Imams, Rabbis and Lay Leaders" will be held on Sun., Dec. 3 from 1 to 5 PM at the Islamic Center of Northern Virginia, 4420 Shirley Gate Rd., Fairfax, VA. 22030. Lunch begins at 1 PM. Dr. Mohammad Farooq, president of the masjid, graciously offered the Islamic Center of Northern Virginia to host the 2017 Summit for he recognizes the importance of bringing together the leaders of the Muslim and Jewish communities to strengthen the ties of cooperation among Muslims and Jews in the Greater Washington area at this precarious time of increased fear and apprehension in our communities. RSVP to Parvez Khan:  parvez@parvezandfatima.com.

11] – Where Does My Water Come From? Find out at a Forum on Sun., Dec. 3 at 3 PM hosted by the Sierra Club Maryland Chapter, 101 Monroe St., Rockville 20850. Contact Sylvia Tognetti at sylvia.tognetti@mdsierra.org or 301-277-7111.  A panel discussion will explore the impacts of development and storm water runoff on the public water supply, the implications this has for future water rates, and how we can make growth smart enough to protect our water supply.  RSVP at https://sierra.secure.force.com/events/details?id=7010Z000001OltQQAS&formcampaignid=7010Z000001Ox71QAC&data=b6e24884ef874d561f720648fa7f24c728d130c0ee61950ee534052d92e2b46bad2d2286ded8e97bd08adac88591a989.

12] – On Sun., Dec. 3 from  4 to  6 PM, CodePink, 1241 Evarts St, NE, WDC, is hosting Amat Alososwa, the former Secretary of Human Rights in Yemen. In addition to this position, Ms. Alososwa has served as Ambassador to Scandinavian countries.  She is quite a knowledgeable and engaging speaker who will inform the audience as perhaps no one else can about the current situation in Yemen. Help come up with solutions to the terrible situation in Yemen. Contact Paki at <pakiwieland@gmail.com> or 413-695-1877.

13] – Pax Christi’s annual first Sunday of Advent Prayer Service will be held on Sun., Dec. 3 at 5 PM with Tiffany Nelms, Executive Director of Asylee Women Enterprise (also known as AWE). Over the last 15 years Tiffany has worked with forced migrants, with a focus on unaccompanied children and women.  Prior to joining AWE, Tiffany was the Associate Director of Unaccompanied Children's Services at the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants where she led a national welfare and advocacy program for Central Americans seeking protection in the US. She is a social worker by trade and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Social Work.  Her talk will be at the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart Chapel at Joppa Road at Chestnut St., 1001 West Joppa Road, Towson 21204. A reception with the speaker will follow. Contact Chuck Michaels at 443-846-5027.

14] – 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 Dec. 4, 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.

15] – On Mon., Dec. 4 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Blvd., Hyattsville 20783,  Maryland Now will host “Changemakers, thought leaders, policymakers, and progressive donors” for Our Maryland’s 2017 Politics & Policy Summit.” Go to http://www.ourmaryland.co/summit to register.

16] – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt has proposed to repeal part of the recent regulations on heavy-duty vehicles. The first item on the chopping block is regulations around "glider vehicles," which are new trucks that are outfitted with old dirty engines. These trucks only make up five percent of the freight fleet, but emit one third of the pollution for long haul trucks! The toxic air pollution produced could cause at least 12,800 premature deaths. Submit a public comment telling the EPA we need cleaner trucks, not dirtier rigs on Mon., Dec. 4 at 10 AM at the Environmental Protection Agency, 1201 Constitution Ave. NW, WDC 20001. Go to https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/regulations-greenhouse-gas-emissions-commercial-trucks.

17] – The IMMORAL TAX PLAN is nothing more than a massive and deeply corrupt giveaway for millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations paid for by raising taxes on the middle class and struggling families. The biggest winners in this tax plan are the politicians voting to pass it and wealthy corporations funding them. This tax plan is the worst example of Washington politicians only looking out for themselves and their donors. The last thing we need to do is create special tax breaks for the richest 1% paid for by raising taxes on working families and slashing funding for vital programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare.

  Join a show of force to members in Congress that are providing the millionaire and billionaire class with tax breaks at the expense of our state's and nation's most vulnerable!  Come to an Andy Harris Town Hall on Mon., Dec 4 from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at 15 Churchville Rd., Bel Air.  Meet at the parking garage at 6 S. Hickory Ave., Bel Air at 12:30 PM and march to Harris's district office.
The Center for Popular Democracy is calling for a Storm the Capitol on Mon., Dec 4 & Tues., Dec 5. SIGN UP AT https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNchFeyEci3RiAaVY2RDEdFYxfuafkwgXRHH1P1vXrrOBAsg/viewform.  To participate in nonviolent civil resistance to stop the #TaxScam #GOPTaxScam#TrumpTaxScam, go to https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goptaxscam. Contact Beth Landry, Maryland for Guaranteed Healthcare [mailto:beth@progressivemaryland.org]. Stay through Dec. 6 to support the massive mobilization to fight for a clean DACA bill if you can!

18] -- In 2012, Dreamers took nonviolent direct action and won DACA, an executive action that protected 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from deportation. On September 5th, President Trump repealed DACA, threatening to strip Dreamers of their ability to live, learn & work in their home – the USA.  Now, we MUST pass the DREAM Act, which would make DACA the law and grant undocumented youth a path to citizenship. Our best chance is to force Congress to put DREAM into the Omnibus Spending bill, which must be passed by December 8th to fund the federal government. Call on all legislators who says they support Dreamers to join Senators Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and others who have pledged to vote against any spending bill that does not include the DREAM Act.

Get over to a #Our Dream Sit In at Rep. Hoyer’s office on Mon., Dec. 4 at 3 PM at 4475 Regency Place, Suite 203, White Plains, MD 20695. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/our-dream-event.

Take over the offices of Representatives and Senators across the country to demand they make a choice: stand with Dreamers or stand by as 800,000 young immigrants are deported. Join a Sit-in for #OurDream at Rep. Steny Hoyer’s office on Tues., Dec. 5 at 3 PM at 6500 Cherrywood Ln., Suite 310, Greenbelt 20770.  RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/our-dream-event.

On Thurs., Dec. 7 at 9 AM, join the resistance at 2 Constitution Ave. NE, WDC 20002. UndocuYouth Take on D.C. Contact Roberto Juarez at rjuarez10@gmail.com.

19] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference every Monday evening. On Mon., Dec. 5 at 8:30 PM, call 605-475-6711, 1136243#.  Focus on the petitioning drive and continue to plan public outreach events.

20] – On Mon., Dec. 4 from 9 to 10:30 PM, hear about PATRIOTIC TREASON: the Story of John Brown Film Screening / Stage Reading by We Act Radio.  A ticket is $10.  Many of us think we know the story of John Brown and his ill-fated raid on the military installation of Harper’s Ferry in 1859 that ushered in the start of the Civil War. History presents him as a fanatic at best and insane at worst. The popular rationalization is that no sane White man would ever sacrifice his life and that of his children for the liberation of Negroes. Even his own lawyer presented this position as a defense in his trial. Had John Brown been killed at Harper’s Ferry we may have never known his motives, but because he survived and succeeded in putting the peculiar institution of slavery and America itself on trial, we do know his motives. What many don’t know is the role African Secret Societies and the lineage of the great poet Langston Hughes’s family played. Join us on the anniversary of John Brown's hanging as we launch the campaign to get this film made.  This will be held the Busboys and Poets Langston Hughes Room, 2021 14th St. NW, WDC 20009.  Go to http://www.busboysandpoets.com/about/14th-v.

21] -- On Tues., Dec. 5 at 10 AM join in the Annapolis Rally for Election Day Registration and automatic voter registration bills in Lawyer’s Mall, Bladen St., Annapolis 21401.  Go to https://go.peoplepower.org/go/6466?source=ppem_39691&t=1&akid=39691%2E1419960%2EP5wvh8.  Join “Everyone Votes Maryland,” a coalition that includes the ACLU of Maryland, at a press conference to announce support for Election Day Registration (EDR) and the Secure and Accessible Registration Act (SARA), which will allow eligible citizens to become automatically registered to vote. At the rally, hear from bill sponsors Del. Eric Luedtke, Del. Kirill Reznik, and Sen. Will Smith, as well as coalition partners Common Cause Maryland and the League of Women Voters.  RSVP at www.facebook.com/everyonevotesmd.

22] – Divest from the War Machine is hosting a webinar on Tues., Dec. 5 at 4 PM ET.  Help build momentum for a day of action the last week of January.  Help prepare to take the first steps of how to find a local target. The webinar will go over the ins and outs of the campaign and provide a training on target selection. Register at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PtJ-nqP_QA2AQvl0Dz1mZQ.

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 Dec. 5.  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 Dec. 5 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-323-1607.   

25] – The Baltimore City Council voted to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement, stood up for offshore wind, and introduced landmark legislation to prohibit new crude oil terminals within city limits. Join Audubon's Green Leaders for a Climate Expo on  Tues, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Hampstead Hill Academy, 500 S Linwood Ave., Baltimore 21224. Green Leaders is a Patterson Park Audubon Center after-school program where students grow leadership and communication skills as well as knowledge about global climate change to inspire climate action in the Baltimore community and beyond.  Come out and connect with middle school experts and a community of climate action organizations to learn how you can tackle climate change and fight for justice at the local level. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfzYxOIwRIz8STdEpuIw5wp9mygc9E7L3RyLaocI_4BH9-nLw/viewform. Call 410-558-2473.

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

No comments: