Baltimore Activist Alert -- July 7 - 27, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert – July 7 – 27, 2024

"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] Need a cleaning lady

5] Get the book A Bag of Stones

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

7] Baltimore activist selling her home

8] DSA branch meeting – July 7

9] Ceasefire training – July 7

10] Cycling smart – July 7

11] No to NATO rally – July 7

12] PDA Town Hall about Ilhan and Cori – July 7

13] Film Where Olive Trees Weep – July 7

14] Electoral Working Group meeting – July 7

15] Protest at the Pentagon – July 8

16] Anti-nuke lobbying – July 8

17] Rockville Rent Stabilization hearing – July 8

18] Election Protection Zoom – July 8

19] Film SILENT FALLOUT – July 15 - 27, 2024

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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 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

4] – Is there a woman in the Baltimore area who does house cleaning?  This assignment would be on an irregular basis with several hours per week.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

5] – Barry Lee Burnside, a gaggle of great writers and copy editors are making available “A Bag of Snakes: Selected Writings on Prisons and the Death Penalty by Murphy Davis and Eduard Loring. Edited by Barry Lee Burnside.” Ed indicates the book will be available for sale on April 13, and is asking you to pre-order your copy. Your donation will provide a needed financial boost for the printing costs. The suggested donation is $20 for one copy; and $30 for your copy and an additional copy for a prisoner or someone in need. Any donation is appreciated. More or less you will receive the book.  Barry and the team have spent over two years putting this book together. It begins with outlines and notes found in the boxes of materials Murphy left when she ascended. The work is a work of love, and all involved are proud of the fruit borne by seeds nourished in good soil.

To order by postal mail, make your check to Open Door Community.  Send it to Open Door Community, PO Box 10980, Baltimore 21234.  For any questions, contact David Payne at 404-290-2047 or davidpayne@opendoorcommunity.org.

6] – 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.

7] – A home in Baltimore is for sale on a dead-end street in the Lauraville neighborhood, with three bedrooms, and one bath. The yard backs into a field and then a forest. There is a serene and quiet setting with an abundance of wildlife. The owner will be asking a reasonable amount for the property but it will not be overpriced. Contact her by text only at 443 500 6733. On the text, leave your name and phone number, and she will get back to anyone that reaches out. 

Participate in the Baltimore Ethical Society’s virtual Poetry Salon, dedicated to the appreciation of all types of poetry. You may read your own poems or you may read the poems of others. The Poetry Salon meets on the first Sunday of each month, beginning at 9:30 AM and ending at 10:25 AM on July 7. Contact KIRKMULLEN@HOTMAIL.COM for the ZOOM link.

8] – The Montgomery County DSA is holding a virtual branch meeting on Sun., July 7 from 2 to 4 PM ET. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/mongtomery-county-dsa-branch-meeting-july-2024?link_id=52&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-june-28-2024&email_referrer=email_2377964&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-5-2024

9] –IfNotNow Baltimore [info@ifnotnowmovement.org] on Sun., July 7 starting at 9 AM will hold a Baltimore Membership training. The last nine months have been filled with grief and horror. Thank you for taking action with us during this devastating time to fight for a lasting ceasefire. We know that there is a lot yet to be done to achieve equality, justice, and a thriving future for all people, including Palestinians, Jews, and Israelis, and we as IfNotNow are especially focused on organizing American Jews to end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system. 

  At this training, do a deep dive into IfNotNow’s strategy, structure, and culture, and get on-boarded onto our AIPAC campaign. The Baltimore chapter will play an integral role in moving the national movement and momentum forward, and the chapter needs to feel knowledgeable, empowered, and passionate about its role. The training will go from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM ET. Breakfast & lunch will be provided. It will take place in the Broadway East neighborhood in Baltimore. The address will be provided upon approved registration: https://www.mobilize.us/ifnotnow/event/635057/?sourceid=1051385&emci=0f623560-f334-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&emdi=7bbbcc95-4535-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&ceid=30868439

10] – Bikemore is hosting Cycling Smart: Bicycling 101 on Sun., July 7 from 10 AM to 1 PM ET. Where can I ride safely in the city? What kind of bike do I need? What do I need to bring with me? There is a $15 refundable deposit because of prior no-shows.  Bicycling 101 classes and rides are designed for folks who know how to ride a bike, but are just getting started riding in the city, or are looking to brush up their skills or get more comfortable! These classes are focused on the skills you need to safely ride in the city, for commuting or recreational rides.

There is a $15 refundable deposit on these classes because of prior no-shows. Register at https://secure.everyaction.com/Bcmvr82PaEycKDRI1xAt6A2?contactdata=AaoIPIj9yNC6DQXaf+8gcGWkD+NyKw7MmRgm92hpCGmlmGzHs5ml59DQxNvrJyr1CTCv5eAvaWBUdqGX27c50g8LoUzQmQ2XY7xUYhVPEz5FJYBZ6qrn7pSvxX2yh9t8BlRr8G6289vGbA0cTHvRlRlR8eubPBTQLY46PYmmqQayiq0P7F8p3Ba%2fJO1gm1Np2%2fCGrgQcO7wINPK75X0I6oK6PMBrOOvdDXNuPGqNDL7fJd9cCxZ+kUmycmzS2B2JYlwCsChvIR8YsaDdf2aaTg%3d%3d&emci=607af0d5-de37-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&emdi=5bf0d18b-e437-ef11-86d2-6045bdd9e096&ceid=9712492

11] – There is a NO to NATO: YES to PEACE rally at Lafayette Square on Sun., July 7 from 1 to 3 PM ET. RSVP at  https://nonatoyespeace.org/rsvp-for-rally-on-sunday/?clear_id=true&link_id=3&can_id=f0940af377595273328101dea28c2309&source=email-join-us-in-dc-july-6-7-for-peace&email_referrer=email_2372167&email_subject=july-6-7-for-peace-in-dc

12] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] indicates that on Sun., July 7 at 4 PM ET at the Town Hall there will be a re-focus on some essential Congressional primary races coming soon—most particularly the defense of two Squad members: Ilhan Omar in the Twin Cities and Cori Bush in St Louis in early August.  Also go deeper into plans for DNC week in Chicago when PDA will be convening Progressive Central 2024 in order to remind the American public that the progressive wing of the Democratic Party has solutions to the most important issues facing the country and the planet.  RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration

13] – On Sun., July 7 at 6 PM ET at Busboys and Poets, 14TH and V, 2021 14th St. NW, WDC 20009, see the film Where Olive Trees Weep.  It offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We also witness Dr. Gabor Maté offer trauma-healing work to a group of women who were tortured in Israeli prisons.  The film is hosted by the American Palestinian Women’s Association - a grassroots organization with a mission to support Palestinians in refugee camps, while maintaining and nurturing the Palestinian national and cultural identity in North America. Call (202) 387-7638.  Visit https://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/th-evt-41195404/

14] – The Northern Virginia DSA Electoral Working Group meeting will be on Sun., July 7th from 7 to 8 PM. Meet to power map the Arlington County Board members and their history with LGBTQ+ issues to help out TRBA. Join #nova-electoral on slack, and fill out our interest form. Also, feel free to reach out to @Alex Yarkosky on slack with any questions about electoral work. Email novabranch [at] mdcdsa [dot] org. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP: https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-electoral-working-group-meeting-sunday-july-7th?link_id=53&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-june-28-2024&email_referrer=email_2377964&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-5-2024

15] – 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 July 8 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 Marriot Providence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

16] – Take Action on Mon., July 8 and Tues., July 9 from 11 AM to 4 PM ET and get involved with Warheads to Windmills DC Lobby days to advocate for the US to take bold and effective action on the climate and nuclear weapons crises. Speak with members of congress about the importance of the US signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and supporting the creation and negotiations for a Fossil Fuel Treaty which would phase out the burning of fossil fuels. As the country most invested in nuclear weapons and one of the top greenhouse gas emitters, the United States has a global responsibility to take these crucial steps: cosponsor the Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Climate Conversion Act, H.R. 2775. This is the Warheads to Windmills bill which directs the United States to sign the TPNW and convert nuclear weapons industry resources and personnel to purposes relating to addressing the climate crisis: take the ICAN pledge, an international pledge for parliamentarians promising to work towards getting their countries to sign and ratify the TPNW; and commit to speaking on the floor and into the congressional record about the importance of getting the US to sign the TPNW as a sign of leadership, fulfilment of existing commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and a first step towards working with the other Nuclear Weapon States to eliminate all nuclear weapons.

The lobbying will follow the arrival of the VFP Peace Walk and the No to NATO conference (July 6-7th). If you will be in DC for these other events, please take some time to join us and speak with your members of congress about these two essential treaties. Lobbying will take place in person in DC and virtually via zoom. You can sign up to join us the whole time or for whatever you can fit in your schedule. Register at https://www.nuclearban.us/dc-lobby-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dc-lobby-2024

17] –  There is a Rockville Rent Stabilization hearing and a rally on Mon., July 8 at 5 PM ET at the Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville 20850. The Rockville City Hall building is around a 15 minute walk away from the Rockville Metro Station and parking is available on the street outside of City Hall.  Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com 

The Rockville City Council will hold a hearing to discuss a potential rent stabilization policy for the city. Before the hearing, tenants and allies will rally outside of the City Council and then attend the hearing to let the city council know that the people are listening.  Tenants in the City of Rockville are exempted from Montgomery County’s new rent stabilization policy. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rockville-rent-stabilization-hearing-rally?link_id=11&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-june-28-2024&email_referrer=email_2377964&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-july-5-2024

18] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] wants you to participate with the Green Grassroots Emergency Environment and Election Protection (GREEP) Zoom on Mon., July 8 at 5 PM ET. Hear from leading activists, elected officials, and others committed to union organizing as well as cleaning up our elections and the environment, and other critically important issues. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqfuygpjIiHtc20uIOxdeqYRiAicjSLWUc#/registration

19] – From accredited Japanese director Hideaki Ito comes SILENT FALLOUT which tells the untold stories of the victims of nuclear testing in America. The documentary will be at Annapolis Friends Meetings House on July 15, in Washington DC at American University on July 16, in Baltimore at 7 PM at Homewood Friends Meeting House, 3107 N. Charles St. on July 17 and at Towson University on July 27.  Unfortunately, the US nuclear arsenal is stealing billions of tax dollars from numerous social programs. This documentary could lead to discussions about why is the US government wasting funds on weapons of mass destruction?  Check out this list of upcoming screenings: https://us.fallout22.com/tour/?emci=730c6b43-12c9-ee11-85f9-002248223794&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=#schedule

 Director Hideaki Ito chronicles the story of radiation exposure and harm in the U.S., and the previously untold story of those who tried to expose it. In 1951, nuclear weapons testing began on the US mainland. Hundreds of miles away in St. Louis, Dr. Louise Reiss began collecting baby teeth from other mothers in her community. Through studying these teeth, Reiss found that American children—not just the so-called “Utah Downwinders”—had been exposed to dangerous levels of radiation. Silent Fallout traces these stories and others, journeying from Salt Lake City, to Virginia, to Missouri, to the United Kingdom, and to Japan, exposing the government deception behind the bomb.  Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski201 at Comcast dot net

To be continued

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, and 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