Baltimore Activist Alert – January 26 – 27, 2020

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 26 – 27, 2020

"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] Get involved with NCNR   

4] A Tale of Two Baltimores – Jan. 26

5] Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit through Feb. 28

6] Becoming Jane Exhibition – through Summer 2020

7] Australia Day Fundraiser – Jan. 26

8] “Mr. Republican Rolls in his Grave.” -- Jan. 26

9] Day of Action to support civil and human rights in India – Jan. 26 & 27

10] World Peace Meditation Class -- Jan. 26

11] Low Dollar Luncheon Fundraiser with Jill Carter -- Jan. 26

12] Adoption Event at Mutt Mart – Jan. 26

13] Mary Washington canvass – Jan. 26

14] No New War Protest – Jan. 26

15] Congressional District 7 Forum – Jan. 26

16] Medicare 4 All Town Hall – Jan. 26

17] Pentagon Peace Vigil – Jan. 27

18] Assignment: North Korea – Jan. 27

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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 U.S. wars.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

4] - On Sun., Jan. 26 from 9 to 11 AM, catch A Tale of Two Baltimores, hosted by Runners4Justice at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 1225 Cathedral St., Baltimore 21201. It's the first run of the New Year - a joint run with friends No Meat Athlete - Baltimore! Explore a route that runs an invisible dividing line in Baltimore, where you can gain or lose opportunities and years of life based on which side of the line you live on.  Routes with distances of 2-4 miles will be provided, runners and walkers welcome! Stay after the run for brunch and to continue the conversation. See you there! #ActivistRunner #R4J.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/1428678420638760/.

5] - On Sun., Dec. 15, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2020 from 9 AM to 5 PM, see Nature’s Witness: Wildlife Photography Exhibit hosted by the National Wildlife Federation at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1200 New York Ave. NW, WDC 20005. Come marvel at “Nature’s Witness,” an exhibition of 50 powerful wildlife photographs chosen to inspire conservation. Free and open to the public, this National Wildlife Federation exhibit will run until Feb. 28, 2020.  

 All 50 images were entries in annual National Wildlife® Photo Contests, which draw more than 22,000 images from around the world every year. Within the exhibit, one group of images titled “Nature’s Challenge” will raise awareness about some of the threats putting wildlife at risk today, including habitat loss, invasive species, disease and climate change. Another set of photographs titled “Life’s Essentials” will explore how people can help species thrive by gardening for wildlife. Kids attending the exhibit — a family-friendly event — will also be able to pick up a copy of Ranger Rick®, Ranger Rick Jr.™, Ranger Rick Cub™ or one of the National Wildlife Federation’s many other children’s publications. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2707182892665780/?event_time_id=2707182935999109.

6] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from 10 AM to 6 PM, check out the Becoming Jane Exhibition, hosted by the Jane Goodall Institute at the National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th St. NW, WDC 20036.  Tickets are at www.nationalgeographic.org. The exhibition will continue through Summer 2020. Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, braved the unknown to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives: chimpanzees. In this hands-on, transportive multimedia exhibition celebrating her extraordinary life and work, you’ll explore Dr. Goodall’s early years through iconic images and a multiscreen experience and venture on a 3D exploration of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park where she did her famous behavioral research on chimps. You’ll also see a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, enter a replica of her research tent, and learn about her current role as a leader in community-centered conservation and youth empowerment. Before you leave, you will find out what you can do today to make a positive impact in the world. 

The museum is open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM (last ticket sold at 5 PM daily.) Groups of 20 or more receive discounted museum admission. Contact groupsales@ngs.org to book your group visit today. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/977953615906486/.

7] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from 10 AM to 7 PM, there is an Australia Day Fundraiser, hosted by The Clay Bakers at 151 Main St., Annapolis 21401.  20% of the proceeds will go to Bushfire Relief! Enjoy some fun Australian snacks and goodies, paint some pottery, and help our friends in Australia! Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1473971612760228/.

8] - Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion at 10:30 AM.  On Sun., Jan. 26, the theme is “Mr. Republican Rolls in his Grave.” The Baltimore Ethical Society does not endorse any political candidate or political party. Analyzing the transformation of the Republican Party over the last seventy years, however, seems fair game! Leader Hugh Taft-Morales explores the values and policies of the Republican Party regarding how the state can best serve its citizens. Rather than seeing the government as part of the solution to social problems, Ronald Reagan pronounced: “The most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” How might Mr. Republican – Hugh’s grandfather Robert A. Taft – respond to the anti-government drift of the “Grand Old Party?” 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. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org. 

9] -  On Sun., Jan. 26 from 10:30 AM to 2 PM, there is a Day of Action to support civil and human rights in India, hosted by Ramya Reddy starting at the Ellipse, WDC. At noon march to the Indian Embassy, Massachusetts Ave. and Q St. NW.  Protest and condemn rising Fascism and police brutality in India, and demand the repeal of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

  On January 26, 1950, the Republic of India adopted its Constitution. The document guarantees equality under the law, prohibits discrimination, protects basic civil liberties including freedom of speech and assembly, and safeguards against unlawful arrest and detention. Yet today, seventy years later, the Indian government is systematically violating these rights. The recently passed Citizenship Amendment Act openly discriminates against Muslim migrants on the basis of faith. The National Register of Citizens (NRC), which is already underway in the state of Assam, is forcibly displacing minority communities and could render millions stateless. In Kashmir, a communication blackout has been in place since August 5, and in the intervening months, there have been reports of mass arrests, torture, and other human rights atrocities.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2792647820773686/.

Come to an ADVOCACY DAY at the U.S. CONGRESS on Mon., Jan. 27.  For details, go to https://cmriusa.org or email info@cmriusa.org or call (703) 421-8045.

10] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from 10:30 to 11:45 AM, join a World Peace Meditation Class, hosted by the World Peace Cafe Baltimore at the Kadampa Meditation Center-Maryland, 900 E. Northern Parkway, Baltimore 21212. Prayers are neither small nor passive actions. Rather, they are a force for change in our shared world. Bring peace to the world through the action of meditating together and dedicating prayers for world peace. The morning includes a guided meditation, talk on Buddhism applied to daily life & a traditional chanted prayer in English. Everyone is welcome – you do not need to be a Buddhist to attend– just drop in!

Following the prayers, everyone is welcome to come to the World Peace Cafe for brunch which always includes pancakes with toppings, and various other delicious foods such as soup, sandwiches, salad, desserts, coffee and teas.  The suggested donation is $5- to $10/adult & $2/child.  Brunch is $6to $8 (less for kids portion). See https://www.facebook.com/events/3084164601626024/?event_time_id=3084164651626019.

11] – There is a Low Dollar Luncheon Fundraiser with Jill Carter on Sun., Jan. 26 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Grotto Pizza, 7075 Minstrel Way, Columbia.  Call 443-583-8200. Movements like this and the candidates we support are funded by small dollar donations. It’s how we know they are going to Washington DC to represent our interests. Presidential elections often get most of the focus for small dollar support, but at the Congressional, state and local level the grassroots support is even more critical, and goes a lot farther to boot! Together we can provide the resources to send a progressive champion to Congress! Space is limited so reserve your seats at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-for-jill-p-carter-for-congress-1.  The suggested donation is $30/person and $100/table of 4.

12] –   On Sun., Jan. 26 from 11 AM to 2 PM, get over to an Adoption Event at Mutt Mart, 2904 Hamilton Ave., Baltimore 21214, hosted by The Feline Rescue Association. Come meet adoptable cats. Look at  https://www.facebook.com/events/2001792566633595/.8] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from noon to 3 PM, get over to an AARF Adoption Event at Pet Valu, 18115 Town Center Drive, Olney 20832.  It is hosted by Animal Allies Rescue Foundation (AARF), ADOPTABLE dogs and cats will be available! See https://www.facebook.com/events/471707120213709/.

13] - On Sun., Jan. 26 from noon to 2 PM, Mary Washington and Christopher Ervin will do a Joint Canvass in 5th District starting at 1734 Maryland Ave., Baltimore 21201-5804. Volunteers for Mary Washington's Mayoral campaign and Christopher Ervin's 5th District City Council Campaign will meet up at Washington's Campaign HQ then head to the 5th District to let residents know about these two amazing candidates! No experience necessary. Shirts, literature, and scripts will be provided! Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/777528609322527/.

14] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from noon to 6 PM, get over to No New War Protest, hosted by People Demand Action in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC. Donald Trump has started another unauthorized war. We have to say NO NEW WAR. See https://www.facebook.com/events/818081341938196/.

15] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from 2 to 4 PM, attend the Congressional District 7 Forum, hosted by Dar Al Taqwa at 10740 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City 21042.  Join the Council on American Islamic Relations and United Maryland Muslim Council for an important candidates forum for the Congressional District 7. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/166312254635968/.

16] – On Sun., Jan. 26 from 2 to  4 PM, get over to the Medicare 4 All Town Hall, hosted by Maryland Progressive Healthcare Coalition at the Stanton Center, Annapolis 21401.  The healthcare system is not working.  We pay more for healthcare than any other country yet millions of Americans still don’t have health insurance or are underinsured. While healthcare industry profits are higher than ever, medical bills are the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States. The Affordable Care Act, while a step in the right direction - has not controlled skyrocketing costs of healthcare. The solution is Medicare-for-all, a single-payer program that guarantees quality healthcare to all people as a right, not a privilege. Come learn about Medicare For All, and how the United States can join every other developed country in the world for a healthier citizenry! Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/284609882429690/.

17] – 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 Jan. 27, 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.

18] – On Mon., Jan. 27 at 10 AM, participate in Assignment: North Korea at One Woodrow Wilson Plaza, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC 20004-3027.  See https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/assignment-north-korea.  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have transformed his image from Hermit King to diplomatic statesman by stepping out onto the world stage in 2018 and 2019. But in 2020, with few Americans traveling to Pyongyang due to years of tightened sanctions and travel bans, the people of North Korea remain as hidden and muted as ever before.

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