Baltimore Activist Alert – June 4 to 9, 2023

Baltimore Activist Alert – June 4 to 9, 2023

"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] Need help in archiving activist material    

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] Join the Our Revolution Phone Bank Force!

9] PG county Pride walk – June 4

10] Knock on Doors for a progressive candidate – June 4

11] Have Fun – June 4

12] Support Jimmy Bierman – June 4

13] Picnic to support Home Act – June 4

14] DC Action for Assange – June 4

15] Progressive legislation at the local level – June 4

16] Common Cause phone bank – June 4, 6, 8 & 9

17] Transgender Catholic Families speak out – June 4

18] Electoral Working Group – June 4

19] Celebrating World Environment Day – June 4

20] Protest at the Pentagon – June 5

21] Solidarity Sip-in – June 5

22] Immigration webinar – June 5

23] Phone bank for Adele McClure – June 5 & 7

24] Election and Climate Protection Zoom – June 5

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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] –  Janice Sevre-Duszynska needs some assistance in archiving her activist material.  If you are interested in this project, contact Max at 410-32301607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

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] – Join the Our Revolution Phone Bank Force! In 2022, 82% of Our Revolution candidates won their election. In 2023, OR is gearing up to Transform the Party, Elect more Progressive Candidates, Hold Biden Accountable, and so much more. To accomplish these goals, there is a need to continue to build the Phone Bank Force. Sign up to become a part of that transformative force at https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/440081/?akid=4199.8252965.WFQlSi&rd=1&t=23.

9] – Get over to the PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY PRIDE WALK on Sun., June 4 from 10 AM to 3 PM ET. Join the Prince George's County Police Department for the first ever Prince George's County Pride Walk. Walk the Harbor trail and celebrate with a finish line party! There will be live music provided by TRYFE, activities, and vendors/resources within Prince George’s County. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prince-georges-county-inaugural-pride-walk-tickets-619926044487.

10] – Jared Schablein [admin@lowershoreprogressives.com] is letting you know that there is an Endorsement Announcement for Laurel Atkiss for Ward 1 in the upcoming Cambridge Ward 1 election! Support her progressive campaign by door knocking on Sun., June 4 from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Glasgow to Park Lane area, and from 3 PM to 7 PM. Visit this link to get involved and help us elect Lauren. Here are the details for our upcoming activities: https://www.mobilize.us/ourrevolution/event/565735/.

11] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 2521 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218, meets on Sundays, and usually there is a platform address at 10:30 AM ET.  On June 4 hear about “Fun.” For those who prefer ponderous and ethically dynamic topics on Sunday morning, the subject of “fun” may seem trivial. We often think of “having fun” as something childish, not something to be pursued by sober-minded adults.  But author Catherine Price disagrees. Things that are “really fun” are not simple distractions from more important activities. The characteristics of playfulness, connection, and flow contribute to better health and stronger interpersonal connections. Hugh Taft-Morales explores why fun helps makes life worth living. He serves as Leader of the Philadelphia Ethical Society and the Baltimore Ethical Society and is a member of the Ethical Action Committee of the American Ethical Union (AEU). Email PRESIDENT@BMORETHICAL.ORG FOR ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION.

12] – On Sun., June 4 from noon to 2 PM ET, help out Jimmy Bierman who is running for Supervisor in Falls Church/McLean, Virginia.  Sign up for door knocking at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/558524/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_custom_marketing.  This event’s address is private, but if you sign up details will follow.  Team Bierman is excited to kick off a door knocking program and to spread Jimmy's positive message for the Dranesville district! Training and materials will be provided, and the Minivan app is preferred. Reach out to info@biermanforsupervisor.com with any questions. This will continue on Sundays through June 18.

13] –The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] wants you to know about the movement for rent control and the HOME Act in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County DSA and the HOME Act Coalition are building tenant power to pass the HOME Act, which limits rent increases to 3% annually. If successful, this campaign will expand tenants’ rights for thousands in Maryland, and land a big-blow on capital-interests in the region. Socialists in Montgomery County have been organizing neighbors and communities to stick the landing for this legislation. 

  The HOME Act Coalition will hold a community picnic at Takoma Piney Branch Local Park, 2 Darwin Ave., Takoma Park 20910 on June 4 from 3 to 5:30 PM ET. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5fsLYwx-1RovlZGa15hVTwpQy7UK34B3xf-18fXTP1CknSw/viewform?link_id=14&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.

14] – On Sun., June 4 from 4 to 5 PM ET, there will be a vigil near Attorney General Merrick Garland’s home.  Gather at the 5000 block of Edgemoor Lane, along the fence of Sidwell Friends Lower School, two blocks from the Bethesda Metro station. Send a peaceful message: "Drop the Indictment of Assange." Check out the website for updated news & information:  www.dcactionforassange.org and the Facebook group "DC Action for Assange."

15] –Alan Minsky for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to attend a Town Hall on Sun., June 4 at 4 PM ET which will focus on Progressive Policy at the State Level. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration.  Hear from two activists working to implement progressive programs in their respective states. They face formidable adversaries, but they're closer to success than parallel efforts at the federal level. As the progressive movement continues to grow in influence across the country, it is important for a national organization like PDA to keep track of how well progressive initiatives are performing in states and localities across the country. That way, we can promote progressive success stories, and, when necessary, learn from the problems that occur.

  There are progressive initiatives in two states: the Oregon Rebate ballot initiative; and Vermont's universal housing program, funded by pandemic relief money, now coming to an end. Joining in will be Antonio Gisbert, one of the lead organizers of the Oregon Rebate Initiative, that is currently collecting signatures to qualify for the 2024 election. The rebate will raise revenue by increasing the minimum tax rate for the biggest corporations doing business in Oregon. That revenue will then be distributed evenly to all Oregonians.  Currently, it's estimated that every person residing in Oregon will receive $750 annually. Then hear from Brenda Siegel who has written a powerful article for The Nation about the homeless crisis in Vermont and the willingness of the bi-partisan political establishment to throw thousands of people into the streets who had been living in motels thanks to COVID relief funds.  ‌ ‌ 

16] – There are virtual Common Cause phone banks on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 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 on Sun., June 4 from 6 to 8 PM, or Tues., June 6 from 4 to 6 PM or Thurs., June 8 from 5 to 7 PM or Fri., June 9 from 4 to 6 PM ET. These shifts will also always include training for first-timers before you make calls, so if this is your first time, no worries! This will continue through August 28, 2024. Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations.

17] – Chuck Michaels [cwmichaels@igc.org] wants you to know about a workshop on Sun., June 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM ET.  The workshop was rescheduled due to safety and protest concerns. The Convocation workshop is entitled Transgender Catholic Families and Individuals Share Their Experiences Living in a Catholic Parish.  It is to be held at the Parish Hall at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21239. The speakers will talk about their struggles as a family and within their parishes, as well as about their search for community and acceptance.  

18] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] wants you to know that the Electoral Working Group will meet on Sun., June 4 at 7 PM ET. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/electoral-working-group-meeting-sunday-june-4th-from-7pm-8pm/?link_id=11&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. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP. Discuss the goals in the upcoming year, including the Virginia Primary Elections that started on May 5th!

19] – On Mon., June 5 get with Fifty Years of Celebrating World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and held annually on 5 June since 1973. This is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. In 2023, it is hosted by Côte D'Ivoire. Go to https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=66eccf09-d0bf-481e-83d6-f2eb67b077dc. Join the global effort to #BeatPlasticPollution.  World Environment Day 2023 is a reminder that people’s actions on plastic pollution matters. The steps governments and businesses are taking to tackle plastic pollution are the consequence of this action. It is time to accelerate this action and transition to a circular economy.

20] – 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 June 5, 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.  This vigil will honor the visit to the area of the anti-nuclear ship the Golden Rule.

 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 Marriot Providence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

21] –The Maryland CPUSA [md@cpusa.org] wants you to join a Solidarity Sip-in on Mon., June 5 from 10 AM to 2 PM ET at 9251 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City 21042. Starbucks Workers United are once again asking for community support for union representation.

22] – The Interfaith Immigration Coalition [media@interfaithimmigration.org] wants your participation on Mon., June 5 at 3 PM ET for a webinar “Beyond the Bureaucracy.” Learn more about the Reuniting Families Act, the family immigration system at large, and common-sense changes that could help protect families. RSVP at https://streamyard.com/watch/ndPR93rZUCejand. 

23] – On Mon., June 5 & Wed., June 7 from 5 to 7 PM ET, join a virtual phone bank for Adele McClure for Delegate in Virginia.  Sign up at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/550425/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_more_events_of_type. Through the lens of her community activism and her many lived experiences, Adele has worked with advocates and members of the Virginia General Assembly to draft, pass, and implement legislation that breaks down systemic barriers, expands human rights, and improves access to services for people in Arlington and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Adele’s lived experiences combined with her policy expertise and experience in the state legislative and executive branches make Adele ready to hit the ground running on the first day. Already running in the election for over a year now, Adele has met some amazing folks doing some dials - and we hope you are able to help however you can! Join us for a virtual phone-bank and help us share Adele's plans for the newly redrawn 2nd house district. Learn more about Adele's historic campaign at https://adeleforva.com/. The phone bank will conclude on Mon., June 19 at 7 PM ET.

24] – Mike Hersh for Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to join the Election and Climate Protection Zoom on Mon., June 5 at 5 PM ET.  There are attacks on our democracy, and climate chaos threatens us. Since its founding in 2004, PDA has mobilized for open, clean, and fair elections and for stopping global warming. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuygpjIiHtc20uIOxdeqYRiAicjSLWUc.

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