Baltimore Activist Alert -- May 19 - 25, 2023

59] Do business with Somaliland – May 19

60] DECOMMISSIONING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS – May 19

61] Peace vigil at the White House – May 19

62] Women in Black vigil – May 19

63] Protest on behalf of the horses – May 19 - 20

64] Town Hall on U.S. Trade Policy – May 19

65] Election Protection phone bank – May 19, 21, 23 & 25

66] Petition gathering for Medicare for All – May 20

67] Talk about housing needs returning citizens face. – May 20  

68] Remember the Catonsville Nine - May 20 

69] Nonviolent bystander intervention – May 20

70] Food Pantry and Food Donation Center – May 20

71] Support Hope Act – May 20

72] Canvass for Defund & Refunk – May 20

73] Environmental Justice – May 20

74] People over the Pentagon – May 20

75] Meet Miko Peled – May 20

76] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

77] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

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

79] Do you need a doctor?

80] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

81] Do you need any book shelves?

82] Join the Global Zero campaign.

83] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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59] – Want to learn about the only true democracy in Africa? [Note that this is an inaccurate statement. Botswana, for example, has been a democracy since 1966.]  The  Somaliland American Chamber of Commerce and Somaliland Strategic Advisory Council are visiting Washington, DC to ask the US Government to assist American companies' taking advantage of Somaliland's incredibly vast resources. On Fri., May 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Holiday Inn Springfield, 6401 Brandon Ave., Springfield, VA 22150, the groups will host a mini-conference with experts on Somaliland and how America can take advantage of its vast array of natural and human resources, strategic location, and other assets that make it such an attractive destination for American business.

  Somaliland’s abundant mineral resources - cadmium, titanium, copper, silver, gold, Rare Earths and more, so critical to hi-tech industries – can be fully developed by links to American firms – and offset the Rare Earth monopoly by which China hoped to hold the world hostage. Its substantial oil and gas reserves, well-educated population with strong entrepreneurial spirit, the best key deep-water port in Africa, its strategic location, and more have already attracted world interest in Somaliland and its Berbera Port. Moreover, this economic development can ensure that the Al-Shabaab terror group can never expand to Somaliland from its bases in the failed state of Somalia, or pose any risk to the strategic Horn of Africa and the entrance to the Suez Canal, and all Africa.  Register by emailing Somaliland Strategic Advisory Council Chair Anab Ali at anab.ali@khayrecpa.com. 

60] – Joseph Gerson, The Campaign for Peace, Disarmament & Common Security [jgerson80@gmail.com] is organizing on Fri., May 19 at 10 AM ET a webinar TRANSNATIONAL DIALOGUE ON - DECOMMISSIONING NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS. This is a U.S.-Russian People-to-People Online Mini-Conference ending at 12:30 PM ET. Civil society organizations from the US and Russia are co-hosting a conference to explore the environmental hazards and opportunities of decommissioning nuclear power plants.

  Participants will discuss ways to improve safety during the decommissioning of nuclear power plants through greater transparency and effective interaction of stakeholders based on democratic principles that ensure everyone's right to a clean and safe environment. New England and Northwest Russia have a lot in common. Both regions host commercial nuclear power plants. While some are planning to extend their operational life, others have begun decommissioning or are already partially decommissioned. This process should ensure the transfer of these facilities to a state that will be environmentally safe for present and future generations.  Using New England and the North-West of Russia as a model, the speakers will address how citizens and regional legislators can make the decommissioning process safer, making environmental well-being and public safety a priority. We will also examine the opportunity provided by an “autopsy” of decommissioned reactors in the context of reactors seeking lifetime extensions. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P35RJZuJSgiUVasJqpu6jQ#/registration.

61] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., May 19 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

62] – 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.

63] – On Black-eyed Susan Day – do Outreach for the Horses from noon to 2 PM ET on Fri., May 19.  This is a peaceful leafletting event the day before the Preakness and a great opportunity to educate the public as to why horse racing is incredibly cruel. Over 100 horses have been killed at Maryland tracks since the beginning of 2020. Just last year, 4 horses were killed at Pimlico. Horse racing is whipping, drugging, solitary confinement and slaughter. Together, we can help end horse racing. Be at the corner of W. Northern Parkway & Pimlico Road. There is free residential parking nearby.

On Sat., May 20 from 1 to 4 PM ET, join a protest at the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown. Horses are dying all over the US in the name of “sport”. Roughly 2,000 horses die every year at US tracks while training, racing or are found dead in their stall. For over a hundred years, these deaths have gone unnoticed. But now, thanks to Horseracing Wrongs, their deaths are being exposed to media and to the public, Horse racing IS animal abuse. The protest will be on the corner of W. Northern Parkway & Pimlico Road. Go to https://horseracingwrongs.org/join-a-protest/.

64] – Ryan Harvey [gtwaction@citizen.org] indicates there is a Congressional Town Hall on U.S. Trade Policy on Fri., May 19 at 3:30 PM ET organized by Public Citizen. Hear from Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Shri Thanedar (MI-13) and Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and engage in a discussion how we can improve current and future trade deals so they benefit working people and the planet.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HiqMoAgDTTq5twPWZz16-Q#/registration?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-friday-in-detroit-congressional-town-hall-on-us-trade-policy&email_referrer=email_1919725___subject_2433310&email_subject=friday-congressional-town-hall-on-us-trade-policy. At the end of May, Detroit will be hosting negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), a new U.S.-led trade deal involving 14 nations throughout the Asia-Pacific.

65] – On Fri., May 19 from 4 to 6 PM, Sun., May 21 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., May 23 from 4 to 6 PM ET & Thurs. May 24 from 5 to 7 PM there is a Common Cause organized Election Protection phone bank.   Work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests. Register for a shift to make calls and help strengthen the phone bank team to protect our democracy. Make calls Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Sundays. These shifts will also always include training for first-timers before you make calls, so if this is your first time, no worries! Register at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.  

66] – Can you do Petition-Gathering on Sat., May 20 from 10 to 11:30 AM at the Del Rey Farmers Market, 203 E. Oxford Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301. Volunteers with Grassroots Alexandria, Our Revolution NoVA, Tenants and Workers United, and NoVA Democratic Socialists of America will be at the Del Ray Farmers Market (Oxford and Mt Vernon Ave) to gather petition signatures for Medicare for All. Sign the petition at https://linktr.ee/AlexandriaM4A. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/petition-gathering-saturday-may-20th/?link_id=5&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-99&email_referrer=email_1918816&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events.

67] – Progressive Maryland’s Returning Citizens Task Force’s will table on Sat., May 20 from 11 AM to 2 PM ET at the Samuel P. Massie Academy Community Day in Forestville and talk about housing needs and other concerns returning citizens face. Email Kurt@progressivemaryland.org for the zoom link or for further information about the tabling or other activities.

68] –   Fifty five years ago the Catonsville Nine said NO to US support for death squads in Latin America and the imperialist war in Vietnam, not unlike Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and invasion and occupation of Moldova.  Join a commemoration of May 17, 1968 on Sat., May 20 at 11 AM at the parking lot of the Knights of Columbus in Catonsville.  Then march across the street to the roadside marker in front of the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 1100 Frederick Road.  Contact Ellen Barfield at ellene4pj@yahoo.com.

69] – The Meta Peace Team and Pax Christi USA are pleased to offer an online skills workshop for nonviolent bystander intervention to be held Sat., May 20 from 12 to 4:30 PM ET on Zoom (including a 30-minute lunch/screen break). Pre-registration is required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenngEuwuXJ-vdER__kxv9MjgLjH098hpBSyEmr4pbd8FmWpg/viewform.  The cost is $35, which includes an extensive, printable color manual. Scholarships are available; contact us for more information. Go to https://paxchristiusa.org/2023/05/09/may-20-bystander-intervention-skills-workshop/.

70] – On Sat., May 20 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.

71] – On Sat., May 20 at 12:15 PM ET, the Montgomery County DSA and the HOME Act Coalition will be tabling in support of the HOME Act at the Gaithersburg Book Festival at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg 20877 on May 20. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfsx64Ae4pT6g_ugGwYibc3NIOZPG58Y4H1lscMd1UD6xnYBg/viewform?link_id=13&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-5-2023&email_referrer=email_1914510&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-12-2023. There is shift from 12:15 to 1:05 PM ET at James Michener Pavilion and another from 1:15 to 2:05 PM ET at Frederick Douglass Pavilion. Text Alex with questions at 617-462-1816 or email afittsDSA@protonmail.com.

72] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is announcing a Defund and Refunk the District on Sat., May 20 at 1 PM ET.  Come out to Market Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, WDC 20009 near the Eastern Market Metro for an afternoon of art, music and conversation to imagine new ways to improve the District and keep  residents safe from violence, poverty, police and oppression. The event will include a short political education workshop on the DC budget in order to envision a people’s budget. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/6b4f5941fd1ea5d1a3d78eb59b357c02de7d31c7?link_id=12&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-apr-28-2023&email_referrer=email_1905998&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-5-2023.

73] – On Sat., May 20 at 1:30 PM ET, gather and view the exhibit “To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington DC” at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place SE and learn about environmental justice organizing with Empower DC. RSVP at  https://www.empowerdc.org/2023membership?link_id=40&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-5-2023&email_referrer=email_1914510&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-may-12-2023.

74] – Paulette Hammond [phamm001@earthlink.net] wants you to know about an event on Sat., May 20 at 2 PM ET.  Maryland United for Peace and Justice is hosting Savannah Wooten to talk about People over the Pentagon, a human rights advocates.  RSVP to get the Zoom link.

75] – Palestine on the Edge: Where Do We Go From Here? It will be answered on Sat., May 20 at 5 PM ET via Zoom, hosted by Amnesty International and many others. Join this conversation with Miko Peled, Israeli-American activist for justice and author of The General’s Son: Journal of an Israeli in Palestine, and Maya Garner, advocate for justice in Palestine and founder of Friends of Hebron, an American non-profit working with peace and justice advocates in the West Bank. Following the conversation, Peled will sign copies of the new Tenth Anniversary Edition of The General's Son, and the Saint Mark's Mideast Focus Ministry will officially open the collection of resources now housed in the Bloedel "Center Stage" meeting room. Sign on at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89509882175?pwd=Nk1LVExoZjZJb0xXNlFoRmYxWVY2UT09#success.

76] --  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.

77] -- 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.

78] – 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 . 

79] – 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.  

80] -- 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.

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

82] -- 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.

83] – 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