Saturday, December 31, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 1 to 7, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – January 1 to 7, 2022

"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 Max Obuszewski, BNC, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Max 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] Max is looking for tips on a garage or a storage suggestion.

5] Support the Pratt Workers United

6] Get the book Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis

7] Get the book Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois

8] Are you joining Witness against Torture in D.C. in January?

9] ANSWER refuses to condemn warmongering

10] Senator Cardin disrespects the Palestinians

11] Cuban president praises Chinese dictator  

12] Listen to One Live

13] Franco Harris and the Anti-Vietnam War Movement by Daniel Rosenberg

14] CISPES claims victory

15] A new tradition – Jan. 1

16] Ring in the New Year – Jan. 1

17] Phone bank for a Democrat – Jan. 1 to 7

18] Protest at the Pentagon – Jan. 2

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1] – Buttons, bumper stickers 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] – Max is in need of a garage or a storage space.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – The workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library have started a drive to organize a union calling themselves Pratt Workers United.  Go to https://www.prattworkersunited.org/. There is a letter of support for community members to sign at https://www.prattworkersunited.org/community-letter-support.

"Pratt Library workers are forming a union, Pratt Workers United. We are seeking pay equity for all, safer working conditions, benefits for part-time workers, and a voice in decisions that affect our work.” The workers voted to unionize

6] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. The September/October 2022 issue contains a wonderful review by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy of Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis, reprinted from The Catholic Worker, March-April 2022.  Davis, a co-founder of the Open Door Community, died in 2020.   You can subscribe to the newsletter or buy a copy of the book by calling 404-290-2047 or by emailing opendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

7] – Another book to consider purchasing is Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois. His new book is both memoir and position-paper, and it makes the case that the Roman Catholic Church is a corrupt system that spits out truth-tellers. The crime he was excommunicated for was attending the ordination ceremony of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2008. The ordination was under the auspices of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.  The Vatican’s response has been to excommunicate any woman who has the audacity to see herself as a priest equal to a male priest. You can purchase a copy from Amazon or by Kindle.

  Here are two quotes to contemplate: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men. She is to keep silent.” – Timothy 1, 2:12-13.  “If the patriarchy that dominates the church is not dismantled and women are not treated as equals, the church will continue to diminish and, eventually, die.” – Roy Bourgeois.

8] – Witness against Torture [contact@witnessagainsttorture.com] is announcing that the annual Fast for Justice will be in person in D.C. from January 8 through Jan. 11.  Organizers need to know who is coming. SO IF YOU'RE COMING, SEND AN EMAIL to witnesstorture@gmail.com.  Send your name, dates you will be there (Sun. night Jan. 8, Mon Jan. 9, Tues., Jan. 10 and/or Wed. Jan. 11), and if you need housing.

9] – I received this email from Brian Becker with the claim "Standing Together against War."  It was a ‌request for an urgently needed donation to help sustain the antiwar and peace movement.  Major power conflict has become a priority for the Pentagon since 2018. The growing confrontation with China, endless and needless NATO expansion that proceeded Russia’s military intervention into Ukraine, and the rapidly escalating nature of that war — are all indicators that the new doctrine of “major Power Conflict” is designed to be a self-fulfilling prophesy. The stock portfolios of weapons manufacturers are soaring.  Of course, ANSWER makes no mention of China's threats to the tiny island of Taiwan or Putin's war of aggression.  How can this group claim to be antiwar?

10] – I received this from Sen. Ben Cardin in support of the sellout of the Palestinian people.  The Abraham Accords signed by five notorious human rights violators was brought about by an incompetent Jared Kushner.  My senator claims to be a great believer in human rights.  However, the human rights community could produce a lengthy list of violations committed by these five countries.

 In support of the strongest democracy in the Middle East region, the Congress approved my legislation, the Israel Normalization Act, as part of the FY22 funding agreement. The bill builds upon the success of the Abraham Accords, the peace and normalization agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. It encourages other nations to normalize relations with Israel and provides guidance to ensure that existing agreements produce tangible security and economic benefits.by stating US policy is to strength and expand these normalization agreements.

11] – According to Alliance for Global Justice, Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said “President Xi Jinping is my role model.” He mentioned that he is an enthusiastic reader of Xi’s speeches and writings – which he considers to be a reference point in the development of socialist theory and practice – he also notes the character traits that contribute to Xi’s leadership style. He describes Xi as “a profound thinker… austere, modest, but also demanding.” Xi Jinping “has the virtue of always thinking about the wellbeing of his people.”

  I feel so sorry for the Cuban people to have a president who praises a warmongering dictator.  Of course, I also feel great sympathy for the people of China.

12] –   I have always been a great fan of Bob Marley.  Obviously, he died much too young on May 11, 1981.  Note that while I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Botswana from 1977 through 1981, reggae music was a staple at any parties during that time.

  When I departed Botswana for the last time, I spent some months traveling home.  One of the countries I visited was Poland which at the time had a burst of fresh air blowing through the country because of Solidarity.  The Soviet Union of course considered Lech Walesa persona non grata.  The crackdown would occur in December 1981.  Nevertheless, I discovered that Bob Marley died, which was a shock as I had no idea he had cancer.  Fortunately, I found a juke box which had a Bob Marley tune.  Of course, I played the song to memorialize this great artist.

  As we get ready for 2023, consider listening to this homage to Marley and his song One Love.  If only music could bring us together and remove all of the inequalities from every country in the world.  This is the song to listen to and dream that we all espouse One Love: https://portside.org/video/2022-12-30/one-love-bob-marley-feat-manu-chao-playing-change?utm_source=portside-general&utm_medium=email

13] – Famed Pittsburgh Steelers football running back Franco Harris died recently. Among his other noteworthy activities may be counted his staunch support of the professional players’ union. We were fellow students at Pennsylvania State University in the early 70s. Penn State was then an “independent” within the National Collegiate Athletic Association: it did not belong to a league, like the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Big 10, or others. Its coach was the well-known Joe Paterno (a Brooklynite like me), later notorious for turning a blind eye to sexual abuse on the team. Its schedule tended to be lopsided, regularly playing weak teams like the University of Maryland and the Naval Academy. The “Nittany Lions" would shamelessly run up the score against them, scoring 70 or more points at times. The Lion mascot would run onto the field after every touchdown and do as many push-ups as Penn State had points. Harris belonged to a trio of stars on the offensive side of the ball, which included the then better known halfback Lydell Mitchell and quarterback John Hufnagel. Harris was often hurt, and missed a good number of games. As a pro however, he greatly exceeded the achievements of Hufnagel and Mitchell.

  In May 1972, President Richard Nixon ordered new bombings of the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, as well as a blockade of all ports in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This precipitated numerous demonstrations. I was part of one that turned into a peace march. It began fairly early in the morning with a vigil outside the building where the university conduced military research. The march gathered and grew spontaneously. In the very front of it was a burly man on crutches wearing a red sweatshirt. Thousands of students joined the march. The state police came out with teargas. The demonstrators in the front took the brunt, including the man in the red sweatshirt. I was further back, but inhaled my share as well. There were arrests.

  Perhaps a thousand students and faculty straggled into the student union building to take stock. Suddenly a student came running into the hall carrying a note, which made its way to the stage. The presiding student read it out to the crowd: an assassination attempt had been made on presidential candidate George C. Wallace, racist pro-war governor of Alabama. A cheer arose, then died in mid-stream. The man with the sweatshirt, who had been sitting in a corner table diagonally across the room from me, rose to his feet, crutches in hand. Someone handed him a microphone. He began to speak. He was indignant. It was foolish, he shouted, to applaud this assault on Wallace’s life. He continued: this was just what the right wingers wanted, a provocation, another excuse to libel and slander the peace movement. Get it together, he said to the students: focus. Concentrate on protesting the escalation of the war.

  I turned to a student standing next to me. I asked, “Who is this guy?” “Him?” he replied. That’s Franco Harris. I asked: Franco Harris, the fullback. Yes it was.

14] – CISPES informed me that the 2023 budget that Congress finally passed, and which President Biden signed into law, MAINTAINS a ban on grants for U.S. military equipment to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras that certain members of the Senate were trying to weaken! Given that Foreign Military Financing is just a small slice of U.S. police and military assistance, we have a lot more to do next year to stop U.S. complicity in skyrocketing human rights violations at the hands of Salvadoran military and police. But it’s clear our pressure works!

15] – 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. 1, however, there will be a “Traditions of the New Year.”  Is it only a human-made date on the calendar? The turning of the year touches primal feelings of loss and renewal. Engage with traditions from diverse global cultures, past, present, and perform/share some of our own. Email President@BEMOREthical.org for more information.

16] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to Ring in the New Year on Sun. , Jan. 1 at 4 PM ET with the Progressive Town Hall.  Look back at 2022 and forward to 2923.   The past year has been a bit of a roller coaster ride, with disappointing defeats and inspirational victories. Focus on those wins, how they happened, how we battle back to turn the defeats around, and how we win for everyone in 2023. Check out electoral and legislative campaigns that grow the progressive movement and serve the people. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

17] –Phone bank for Aaron Rouse for Virginia State Senate on Sun., Jan. 1 through Jan. 6 from 6 to 8 PM ET.  On Sat., Jan. 7 there will two phone banks from noon to 3 PM and 3 to 6 PM ET. The phone bank will continue through Tues., Jan. 10.   Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/544489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

18] – 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. 2, 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 begins at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. The restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.  

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert -- December 30, 2022 to January 1, 2023

24] Peace vigil at the White House Dec. 30

25] Women in Black vigil -- Dec. 30

26] Phone bank for Virginian Democrat -- Dec. 30 - 31

27] Petition for Medicare for All – Dec. 31

28] Get over to the food pantry – Dec. 31

29] Occupy Biden – Dec. 31

30] Join the Peace School – Jan. 1

31] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

32] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

33] Read Dave Eberhardt’s book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"

34] Do you need a doctor?

35] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

36] Do you need any book shelves?

37] Join the Global Zero campaign.

38] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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24] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., Dec. 30 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

25] –Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Baltimore Women in Black vigil for peace with men and women who live in Roland Park. WIB invites all to join, and any peace sign is welcome, such as "Defuse Nuclear War."  The vigil takes place outside Roland Park Place at the corner of West 40th Street and Elm Street. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

26] –Phone bank for Aaron Rouse for Virginia State Senate on Mon., Dec. 26, Tues., Dec. 27, Wed., Dec. 28, Thurs., Dec. 29, Fri., Dec. 30 and Sat., Dec. 31 from 6 to 8 PM ET. The phone bank will continue through Tues., Jan. 10.   Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/544489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

27] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] hopes you are interested in MEDICARE 4 ALL.  The group intends to collect more petition signatures for M4A Alexandria on Sat., Dec. 31 from 10 AM to noon ET. Meet at the Old Town Farmer's Market, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Send an email if you can participate.

28] – On Sat., Dec. 31 from noon to 2 PM EST, get over to the Food Pantry and Food Donation Center at First and Franklin Presbyterian Church, 210 W. Madison St., Baltimore. This Food Pantry is open every Saturday. Get a grocery bag – breakfast, jelly and peanut butter (a good source of protein) for lunch, the makings for a balanced dinner such as beans and rice, pasta and sauce, soup, vegetables, fruit, and a paper goods. Also added is a little fun food, such as popcorn or cookies, for everyone enjoys a treat.  Contributions of shelf stable foods can be brought to Reid Chapel every Saturday between noon and 2 PM. If shopping is difficult for you, monetary donations earmarked food pantry may be sent to the church.  How else can you help? Volunteers are needed to help collect and distribute food. Contact the church office to volunteer. You can also help by spreading the word to those you know who are facing food insecurity. See https://www.facebook.com/firstfranklinbaltimore.

29] – Beyond Extreme Energy [info@beyondextremeenergy.org] is asking you to join Occupy Biden on Sat., Dec. 31 from 2 PM to midnight ET.  Tell Biden to declare a climate emergency.  The occupation will start at 909 Centre Road, Wilmington, DE. At 5 PM march down Barley Mill Road to get as close to Biden’s house as possible for a candlelight vigil.  Email Ted Glick at indpol@igc.org.

30] – On Sun., Jan. 1 at 10 AM ET, The Peace School invites you to begin the New Year with wishes, thoughts or prayers for peace in all countries of the world. The morning includes Peace Breathing, the Call to Peace, Master Kim's New Year message and a chance to chat after the online program. It's a lovely way to open the New Year with peace. Go to the Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87698326151?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=53d3f8bf-2b13-4888-8052-a8f2dbda4286#success.

31] – If you are able to donate any kind of surplus medical supplies for field hospitals in eastern Ukraine, please email Brendan.walls@seaseton.org or call 410-721-5770 x231.  There is a colleague whose father is a medic on the front line. One container is shipped every month to the Donbass region. Donations can be picked up in Baltimore and Columbia every Thursday, and on other days in Annapolis and Crofton.

32] -- This is A PLEA TO CONVINCE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY TO OBEY INTERNATIONAL LAW. The world reached a historic milestone on January 22, 2021: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW] entered into force and become binding international law -- https://www.icanw.org/the_treaty.

 Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland has called attention to the growing danger of nuclear war and the outrageous $1.7 trillion dollars we are spending to upgrade the nuclear arsenal. On July 18, 2017, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a U.S. Navy - affiliated research center received a seven-year, $92 million contract to continue its systems engineering and research-and-development services for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Help convince JHU to renounce nuclear weapons contracts. Contact the president, Ron Daniels, to urge him to reject all nuclear weapons contracts: Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  Call his office at (410) 516-8068 or email president@jhu.edu.

33] – David Eberhardt was a member of the Baltimore Four with Father Philip Berrigan, Tom Lewis and Rev. James Mengel.  The group poured blood on draft files on October 27, 1967.  They would be convicted and sentenced to prison. Dave has written a book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"- documenting the Baltimore Four action and many others up to and including the most recent Plowshares action – Kings Bay Plowshares 7.  

  Dave just printed 50 new copies of For All the Saints, a Protest Primer- 250+ pp w photos-therefore #'s 351-400 making it o so collectable with two Berrigan book reviews added. The books are signed, and the price remains $25. Will send free if need b- he is not in it for the money! If you want one, send him a check: or contact Dave Eberhardt, 4 Hadley Square North, Baltimore, MD 21218 by email at 1941mireille@gmail.com . 

34] – Yousef Zarbalian [mailto:yzarbali@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

35] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

36] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

37] -- Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

38] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

Baltimore Activist Alert -- December 29 - 31, 2022

21] Take action on January 6 – Dec. 29

22] Phone bank for Virginian Democrat -- Dec. 29 - 31

23] Phone bank for Virginian Democrat -- Dec. 29

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21] – Join in on Thurs., Dec. 29 from 4 to 5 PM ET for a briefing on the January 6 report. This January 6 marks the second anniversary of the violent attack on our Capitol. The bipartisan January 6th Select Committee has shown that Trump and his MAGA allies planned, promoted, and paid for a criminal conspiracy to overturn an election they knew they’d lost. The idea still exists in 2024 for ways to overturn the will of voters. This cabal is working to sabotage future elections by changing state laws, threatening election officials and packing election administration offices so that they can have the final say over election results – even when they lose. Register at https://www.mobilize.us/jan6hearings/event/544702/?utm_source=FSP&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e7de46da-aebf-46cb-ae43-b92e78d82404.

22] –Phone bank for Aaron Rouse for Virginia State Senate on Mon., Dec. 26, Tues., Dec. 27, Wed., Dec. 28, Thurs., Dec. 29, Fri., Dec. 30 and Sat., Dec. 31 from 6 to 8 PM ET. The phone bank will continue through Tues., Jan. 10.   Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/544489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

23] –Join the Letter to the Editor Party: People over Politics and the Importance of Moore v. Harper, hosted by Common Cause on Thurs., Dec. 29 from 8 to 9 PM ET. Join Common Cause and write letters to local media outlets about issues facing our country, from voting rights to ending mass incarceration. Go over tips, and get tools to quickly send a letter to all local news outlets. Sign up https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/418654/?followup_modal_context=newsletter.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert -- December 28 - 29, 2022

18] Executions in Iran – Dec. 28

19] Watch THE LETTER – Dec. 28

20] Celebrate new executive director – Dec. 29

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18] – Get involved with abolitionists on Wed., Dec. 28 at 8 PM ET for a discussion about executions of protesters and others in Iran, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Mohammad Shokouh-Amiri, Sara Bana and Hooman Hedayati will discuss the situation in Iran, how it is relevant to each of us no matter where we live.  Each one is an Iranian-born human rights activist who will bridge the experiences they had in Iran with the lives and work they have created here in the US. Click here to register. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RMDKOSoQSAGs7RwqD5HzNA?link_id=4&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-tuesday-wednesday-this-week-2&email_referrer=email_1774345&email_subject=abolitionist-events-this-week. ALSO JOINING THIS PANEL is Wajeeh Lion, a board member of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, and asylee from Saudi Arabia living with a death sentence on his head.

19] – Watch "The Letter" at 8 PM on Wed., Dec. 28. Go to https://www.theletterfilm.org/watch/. The Letter tells the story of a journey to Rome of frontline leaders to discuss the encyclical letter Laudato Si’ with Pope Francis. The exclusive dialogue with the Pope, included in the film, offers a revealing insight into the personal history of Pope Francis and stories never seen since he became the Bishop of Rome.

20] – Celebrate the birthday of Herman Lindsey and welcome him as the new executive director of Witness to Innocence on Thurs., Dec. 29 at 2 PM ET for a Zoom party.  Register at https://witnesstoinnocence.salsalabs.org/hermanlindsey50th/p/jenniesheeks/index.html?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-tuesday-wednesday-this-week-2&email_referrer=email_1774345&email_subject=abolitionist-events-this-week.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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

Monday, December 26, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert -- December 27 -28, 2022

15] Russia out of Ukraine -- Dec. 27

16] Not another Christmas in Prison -- Dec.  27

17] Get Peace Float in Military Parade – Dec. 28

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15] – Join the Baltimore Nonviolence Center on Tues., Dec. 27 from 4 to 5 PM ET at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. The invasion of Ukraine has the potential to become a war extending throughout Europe.  Putin has destroyed Aleppo and Grozny and has threatened the use of nuclear weapons.  Russian soldiers were sent into the area around the contaminated and still radioactive Chernobyl nuclear plant. Now they are stationed in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.   People who believe in peace and justice should come forward and take the risks of peace. The burial sites continue to expose ruthless war crimes by the invaders, Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

16] – Live on Tues., Dec. 27 at 8 PM ET, Not Another Christmas in Prison.  Get case updates and tips for dealing with the holidays from people who are living in that situation, including John & Michelle Lucio, Julis Jones' family, Rodrick Reed, Charles Keith, Delia Perez-Meyer, Keith Lamar (live from Ohio's death row) and others.  Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rq4L3FVbRBy6Tqdmir2A5g?link_id=3&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-urgent-stop-the-next-missouri-execution-8&email_referrer=email_1774059&email_subject=tuesday-wednesday-this-week.

17] – Be part of a group that hopes to add a peace float in the Military Bowl Parade on Wed., Dec. 28 from 9:30 AM to noon ET!  Meet at Market Space in Annapolis by 9:30 AM ET.  A parking option is Gotts garage, 25 Calvert St., Annapolis 21401.  Phil will have tickets to pay for parking, so please ask upon arrival. After the parade, meet at the back of the parking lot of 1730 West St., the big red ski lodge looking building. The parade will finish approximately one mile from there and 1.6 miles from Gotts Garage. Review roles and plans and decorate the tank.  At 10 AM, the parade will start.  Dress warm.

  Tailgate from noon to 3 PM ET. Gather in the blue lot off of Cedar Park Road.  Feel free to bring tailgate food/drinks.  Contact Phil Ateto at 443.223.8202 or at phil@backbonecampaign.org.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 25 to 31, 2022

Baltimore Activist Alert – December 25 to 31, 2022

"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 Max Obuszewski, BNC, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Max 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] Max is looking for tips on a garage or a storage suggestion.

5] Support the Pratt Workers United

6] Get the book Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis

7] Get the book Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois

8] Are you joining Witness against Torture in D.C. in January?

9] PDA Holiday Celebration – Dec. 25

10] Social media training – Dec. 25 – 26

11] Watch the film The Bishop’s Wife – Dec. 25

12] Protest at the Pentagon – Dec. 26

13] Phone bank for a Democrat – Dec. 26 – Dec. 31

14] Election debrief – Dec. 26

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1] – Buttons, bumper stickers 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] – Max is in need of a garage or a storage space.  Any suggestions would be welcome.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – The workers at the Enoch Pratt Free Library have started a drive to organize a union calling themselves Pratt Workers United.  Go to https://www.prattworkersunited.org/. There is a letter of support for community members to sign at https://www.prattworkersunited.org/community-letter-support.

"Pratt Library workers are forming a union, Pratt Workers United. We are seeking pay equity for all, safer working conditions, benefits for part-time workers, and a voice in decisions that affect our work.” The workers voted to unionize

6] – Consider getting HOSPITALITY, the newsletter of OPEN DOOR: A prophetic discipleship community honoring the Black Jesus, Dorothy Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. The September/October 2022 issue contains a wonderful review by Claire Schaeffer-Duffy of Surely Goodness and Mercy by Murphy Davis, reprinted from The Catholic Worker, March-April 2022.  Davis, a co-founder of the Open Door Community, died in 2020.   You can subscribe to the newsletter or buy a copy of the book by calling 404-290-2047 or by emailing opendoorcomm@bellsouth.net.

7] – Another book to consider purchasing is Male Supremacy in the Catholic Church: An Insider’s View by Roy Bourgeois. His new book is both memoir and position-paper, and it makes the case that the Roman Catholic Church is a corrupt system that spits out truth-tellers. The crime he was excommunicated for was attending the ordination ceremony of Janice Sevre-Duszynska in Lexington, Kentucky, in August 2008. The ordination was under the auspices of the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests.  The Vatican’s response has been to excommunicate any woman who has the audacity to see herself as a priest equal to a male priest. You can purchase a copy from Amazon or by Kindle.

  Here are two quotes to contemplate: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men. She is to keep silent.” – Timothy 1, 2:12-13.  “If the patriarchy that dominates the church is not dismantled and women are not treated as equals, the church will continue to diminish and, eventually, die.” – Roy Bourgeois.

8] – Witness against Torture [contact@witnessagainsttorture.com] is announcing that the annual Fast for Justice will be in person in D.C. from January 8 through Jan. 11.  Organizers need to know who is coming. SO IF YOU'RE COMING, SEND AN EMAIL to witnesstorture@gmail.com.  Send your name, dates you will be there (Sun. night Jan. 8, Mon Jan. 9, Tues., Jan. 10 and/or Wed. Jan. 11), and if you need housing.

9] – The Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] is holding a special Holiday Celebration replacing the regular Town Hall on Sun., Dec. 25 at 4 PM ET. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4. PDA hopes that you and yours are having a glorious holiday season, and in keeping with that spirit, the group is holding a community-building event for those who do not already have plans.  Share inspirational stories, together, focusing on events and experiences that will make all smile. Did something good happen in your life this past year? Share it! Do you have a favorite holiday experience from years past? What inspires you?

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4.

10] – Get with Social Media Best Practices virtually, hosted by The Democratic National Committee on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 PM ET.  Maximize your impact within your social network and join the social media best practices training. Whether you're just getting started on social media or already have an online presence, this training will provide you with the tools necessary to ensure you are reaching your full potential as an online organizer. Learn the essentials for utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram for political story telling. Email williamsak@dnc.org to schedule a presentation for your staff/volunteers or with any queries about co-presenting at one or more of these events. Get trained on Dec. 25 and 26.  Then the next training will be on Jan. 1 and 4.

11] – Watch a 1947 film starring Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young, “The Bishop’s Wife.”  It is the story of a troubled Episcopal bishop who prays for guidance.  The movie ends on Christmas Eve with the bishop’s sermon:

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share - loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.

12] – 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. 26, 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 begins at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. The restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.  

13] –Phone bank for Aaron Rouse for Virginia State Senate on Mon., Dec. 26, Tues., Dec. 27, Wed., Dec. 28, Thurs., Dec. 29, Fri., Dec. 30 and Sat., Dec. 31 from 6 to 8 PM ET. The phone bank will continue through Tues., Jan. 10.   Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/544489/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual.

 14] – Common Cause [causenet@commoncause.org] is doing an Election Debrief on Mon., Dec. 26 at 8 PM ET which will continue through June 28.  Join the Debrief with Common Cause's voting and elections experts. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/428300/?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-thursday-election-debrief&email_referrer=email_1732655&email_subject=thursday-election-debrief. The Common Cause team will share the latest updates from our largest-ever midterm mobilization, discuss the results and what they mean, and chart out a path for our campaign work in 2023, 2024, and beyond.

 To be continued.

 Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  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