Saturday, October 27, 2018

Baltimore Activist Alert October 28 & 30, 2018


Baltimore Activist Alert October 28 & 30, 2018

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours. The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center.  Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com.  If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net.

1] Books, buttons and stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  
4] Pat Elder for Congress
5] Buy an Anti-War Veteran hat  
6] Short-term paid organizer position is available
7] Transcribe Dorothy Day’s diaries – Oct. 28
8] Canvass with Our Revolution – Oct. 28
9] “What’s Wrong with Selfishness?”  -- Oct. 28
10] Unblock Cuba Oct. 28
11] Join Take Action Anne Arundel County for a canvass – Oct. 28
12] DSA meeting – Oct. 28
13] Trial of the Century – Oct. 28 - 29
14] Rally Against Hate – Oct. 28
15] What’s Happening in Kurdistan -- Oct. 28
16] Baltimore Green Forum – Oct. 28
17] Pass the ERA – Oct. 28
18] Black Lives Matter demo – Oct. 28
19] Solidarity Vigil -- Oct. 28
20] Protest at the Pentagon Oct. 29
21] Juliana v. United States – Oct. 29
22] Food Rescue Baltimore – Oct. 29
23] Fundraiser for BARCS Oct. 29
24] Understanding North Korea – Oct. 29
25] Fund the Trust Act – Oct. 29
26] Phone bank for Johnny O -- Oct. 29
27] Get the Money Out – Oct. 29
28] Canvassing in Baltimore County – Oct. 30
29] Peace Vigil – Oct. 30
30] No Drone Research DEMO – Oct. 30
31] Film THE HAND THAT FEEDS -- Oct. 30
32] Help Maryland Keep Trending Progressive!  – Oct. 30
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-323-1607.

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/.  Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email 6address to mobuszewski at Verizon.net.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

4] – Green Candidate Pat Elder is Running against Democratic House Whip Steny Hoyer -- www.elderforcongress.org/elderforcongress@gmail.com/301-997-3963. Elder is a life-long peace and justice activist, who will be on the ballot in November. He is a great progressive.  Elder calls for shutting down the Chalk Point and Morgantown coal-fired stations in the 5th district. Pat is opposed to Dominion Energy’s terminal at Cove Point and other projects in the 5th. He also demands a cessation of weapons testing in the Potomac and an immediate cleanup of Superfund sites at the Indian Head Naval Warfare Center and Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He calls for subjecting the military’s ongoing environmental degradation to state oversight. 

Pat supports Medicare for all, public financing of elections, free community college. Elder supports a living wage; strong measures to correct racial injustice; eliminating the Social Security taxable maximum of $128,400; He advocates for meaningful cuts in military spending and increasing the top tax for folks making more than $2 million to 50%. That’ll pay for everything. Pat supports non-violent, multilateral solutions to the problems facing our country.

Pat plans to capture 5% of the vote and expects to open the political debate. Pat expects to run the most successful Green Party congressional campaign ever. It shouldn’t be too tough. Hoyer is awful. Spread the message on social media. Send in a dollar or two if you can.

5] – Get a good-looking black hat which says Anti-War Veteran in the front and Viva House 50th in the back.  The cost is $10. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

6] – The Kings Bay Plowshares 7 – is seeking a short-term paid organizer position.  The APPLICATION DEADLINE is Fri., Nov. 2, 2018.  Email your resume and a short paragraph about why you are applying for this job and what unique skills you bring to this job to kingsbayplowshares@gmail.com. You may also email this address with any questions you may have.   

Trident submarines and ballistic missile systems maintained by this country are a threat to all creation. The ongoing building and maintenance of Trident constitute war crimes that can and should be investigated and prosecuted by judicial authorities at all levels. As citizens, we are required by International Law to denounce and resist known crimes.

Nuclear weapons eviscerate the rule of law, enforce white supremacy, perpetuate endless war and environmental destruction and ensure impunity for all manner of crimes against humanity. Dr. King said, “The ultimate logic of racism is genocide.” We say, “The ultimate logic of Trident is omnicide.” A just and peaceful world is possible when we join prayers with action. Swords into Plowshares!”

Seven Catholic Plowshares activists entered Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in St. Mary’s, Georgia on April 4th, 2018.  They went to make real the prophet Isaiah’s command to “beat swords into plowshares”. (See more at https://www.kingsbayplowshares7.org/).

 The Kings Bay Plowshares 7 defendants and support team seek to hire a passionate and dedicated Georgia paid organizer. We expect the KBP7 Field Organizer to be working in South Georgia and interact with a diverse range of people, build a strong volunteer base and plan and organize various solidarity events representing the KBP7 and their action goals. We are looking for someone interested in and skilled at building with and learning from frontline communities, as well as, honoring longtime activists already engaged in grassroots organizing for the KBP7 on the ground in the Brunswick, Georgia area. 

 The position extends to the KBP7 trial. The trial date is currently unknown but we are anticipating that it will happen within 6 months or less from now.
 The paid organizer will begin at 10 hours per week. This will likely increase closer to a trial date. The hourly rate is $20.
 Supervision will be provided by a 3 person committee with one primary point person. The paid organizer will also join a weekly KBP7 support team conference call meeting and present a weekly action report.
 We will not provide housing, however, we will work closely with the paid organizer to find suitable and inexpensive housing for their length of employment.
 The job skills which are sought are as follows: Effective communication skills, Computer literacy hopefully including database management, listserv management, and social media literacy. Grassroots networking experience, Comfortable with public speaking and Media savvy. Job Specifics are to Work closely with the KBP7 support team and media coordinator to further the KBP7 action goals including continued witness to the threat of Trident; Coordinate current GA volunteers, delegating outreach and logistical tasks to volunteers as much as possible, Recruit new GA volunteers, Plan and execute outreach events, such as… Vigils at KB and at hearings and trial, Potlucks for Peace with discussion regarding Trident and a pre-trial Festival of Hope.

7] – Want an opportunity to work with scans of Dorothy Day's diaries? The Guild for the Canonization is looking for volunteers to help them transcribe all her diaries and letters! Several Catholic Workers are already helping and you can, too!  Contact Jeff Korgen at jkorgen@korgan.associates.org or call him 862-485-5807.

8] – Canvass with Our Revolution for candidates in district 42 (Ben Jealous, Johnny O', Robbie Leonard, and Sachin Hebbar) on Sun., Oct. 28 from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Start at 301 Allegheny Ave., Towson 21204 (Dem. Coordinated Campaign Office).  Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/752594021746493/. Email ormdbaltimore@gmail.com.

9] –  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., Oct. 21, the topic is “What’s Wrong with Selfishness?”  People scold children for being selfish, and yet they are constantly encouraged to excel, win, and “be #1”. Besides being confusing for our kids, what’s wrong with selfishness? For traditional religions selfishness is often caused by one of the deadly sins, like lust, greed, gluttony. From an Ethical Humanist perspective selfishness is bad not just because of what it does to others, but what it does to the person acting selfishly. Come hear Hugh Taft-Morales critique the self-destructive nature of selfishness.  He joined the Baltimore Ethical Society as its professional leader in 2010, the same year he was certified by the American Ethical Union as an Ethical Culture Leader. He also serves as Leader of the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia. Call 410-581-2322 or email ask@bmorethical.org.

10] – Rally at the White House to #unblockCuba on Sun., Oct. 28 from noon to 3 PM in front of Lafayette Park.  Use the McPherson Square Metro (Orange/Blue/Silver lines).  The End the U.S. Blockade of Cuba is hosted by the Answer Coalition and Party for Socialism and Liberation at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., WDC 20500. 

Last year the U.N. General Assembly member states voted 191 to 2 in favor of a demand for the United States to end its economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba. The United States and Israel were the only countries to vote against Cuba. Yet, despite world opinion, the blockade is now in its 56th year, costing the island hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage, and imposing untold hardship on the Cuban people.  On Oct. 31, 2018, the U.N. will again vote on the resolution to lift the blockade of Cuba. Show the peoples of the world that the U.S. policy does not represent the people of our country! It is time for U.S. aggression toward Cuba, Venezuela and all Latin America and the Caribbean to end, and for their independence and sovereignty to be fully respected! Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/310451676176571/. Sign the petition urging the D.C. city council to pass a resolution demonstrating the friendship between the people of D.C. and Cuba, and the rejection of the decades-long, criminal U.S. blockade of the country: bit.ly/2N1ZYEu #unblockCuba.

11] – Join Take Action’s Anne Arundel County Canvass for Progressive Maryland endorsed candidates in Annapolis.  Meet at Ceremony Coffee Roastery, 90 Russell Ave., Annapolis 21401 on Oct. 28 at 1 PM. Get a short briefing and then knock doors in Annapolis until 4 PM. Bring a charged smartphone, a clipboard, and wear comfortable shoes. Canvass rain or shine!  CONTACT Michelle Williams at 240-688-8346.

12] – On Sun., Oct. 28 from 1:45 to 4 PM, come to the meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America at the Alternative Press Center Library, 2239 Kirk Ave., Baltimore 21218. Find out more about organizing and where your place is in the movement! All are welcome - feel free to bring a friend.  There will be new member orientation from 1:45 to 2 PM. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/268406017136432/.

13] – On Sun., Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 PM, join the Virginia Rally at the Federal Courthouse, 401 Courthouse Square, Alexandria, VA 20121 for the #TrialoftheCentury.  It will be held regardless of any delay in the Supreme Court. Rally to Support the Trail of the Century!  On Sun., Oct., 28 at 3 PM, come to the Circuit Court for Harford County, 20 W Courtland St., Bel Air 21014.  Contact the host, Harford County Climate Action, at hcclimateaction@gmail.com.  Join a rally at the federal courthouse to be a part of the #TrialoftheCentury and support the young plaintiffs in the historic Juliana v. United States court case.  Our freedom depends on a climate system that will sustain human life. Let's show the government that it has a duty to prepare and implement a Climate Recovery Plan to protect our basic and most fundamental rights!

There is a Washington, DC Rally for Climate Justice: Juliana v. the United States Court Case on Mon., Oct. 29 from noon to 2 PM at the U.S. Supreme Court, 1 First St. NE, WDC 20543.  Contact the host at leslie.downey@rfidrevolution.com.

14] –  On Sun., Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 PM, join a Rally Against Hate, hosted by Baltimore Socialists - International Socialist Organization at the Holocaust Memorial Baltimore. Nazis, white nationalists, the alt-right, the Klan--whatever they call themselves, the forces of the racist, fascist far right have taken too many. Too many Jews, too many Muslims, too many queer and Trans folks, too many folks of color; no more.  Bring your signs, your chants, your anger, your mourning--all are welcome who are ready to fight antisemitism and all forms of oppression.  See https://www.facebook.com/events/300029637276532/.

15] – On Sun., Oct. 28 from 3 to 5 PM, check out What Is Happening in Kurdistan?  It is hosted by the Kurdistani American Committee at the Holiday Inn Arlington at Ballston, 4610 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington 22203.  The Kurdistani-American Committee invites you to its seminar titled “What is happening in Kurdistan?” to discuss developments with Amberin Zaman, Mutlu Civiroglu, Golala Arya, and Kirmanj Ahmed. They will provide an in-depth analysis of relevant issues in Kurdistan today and the context behind them, moderated by Diliman Abdulkader. RSVP by email at info@kurdistaniamerican.com. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1964893233609964/.

16] – The BALTIMORE GREEN FORUM, a monthly environmental education and discussion forum, takes place on Sun., Oct. 28.  The presentation and Q&A goes from 4 to 5:15 PM, followed by announcements & networking from 5:15 to 5:45 PM.  There will be a Roundtable Discussion from 5:45 to 6:30 PM.  Finally, there is often a small gathering at a nearby restaurant.  The forum is at the Maryland Presbyterian Church, 1105 Providence Road, Towson 21286. Go to http://www.mpchurch.org/location-2/.   The topic is Neighborhood Sun – Solar for the Rest of Us with Emily Tokarowski, and Sign-Up Help will be provided by Barbara Martinez.

Tokarowski is the senior marketing and outreach coordinator at Neighborhood Sun (www.neighborhoodsun.solar), a Maryland based company dedicated to bringing solar energy to all of Maryland. She has worked closely with founder and CEO Gary Skulnik to develop campaigns on sustainability, clean energy, B-Corps, social enterprises and many other topics.

 Martinez is a Baltimore-based, Customer Service Specialist.  She is an expert on helping make this new solar option sign-up process easy and quick.  Thanks to a new community solar law in Maryland, anyone who pays an electric bill can go solar! Renters and homeowners alike can sign up, and we go great with wind contracts! Listen to the presentation, get one-on-one assistance, and ask experts all your questions. Together build a great solar community.  Bring your BGE bill, checkbook and credit card to sign-up on the spot with a Baltimore-based customer representative.  You need only to be a BGE customer.  If you have any questions you want answered before you come, just call Ms. Martinez at her office at 240 845 7136.

The Baltimore Green Forum seeks to educate about and stimulate dialogue about what humans can do to make modern civilization more sustainable, including adjusting to finite resource limits and preserving biodiversity and a healthy environment. The topics are far ranging. They vary from local to planetary and from philosophical to scientific to very practical. This happens eight times a year.

BGF is open to the public and is free of charge, but donations to Maryland Presbyterian Church are collected during the meeting to thank the church for their generous gift of the space. RSVP at BaltimoreGreenForum@gmail.com or call Sam Hopkins at 410 554-0006.  Go to http://www.baltimoregreenforum.org.

17] – On Sun., Oct. 28 at 4 PM, join The CALL - ERA Education Program, hosted by One Rural Woman at Katrina's Dream, PO Box 32003, WDC 20007.  Get tickets at www.katrinasdream.org.  Help build the groundswell. The collaboration of grassroots organizers, lobbyists, and professionals is dedicated to promoting and educating folks across the United States of America to empowering women around the world.  PASS THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT.

There is a NATIONAL WEEKLY SUNDAY CALL at 4 PM with E.R.A. ADVOCATES -- CALL IN NO: 563.999.2090 CONFERENCE NO: 898879#.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/1710130249022424/.

18] – On Sun., Oct. 28 from 4 to 5 PM, attend a Black Lives Matter monthly vigil at Governor Warfield Parkway and Windstream Drive in Howard County. The vigil will continue until Dec. 9. Join in on the second Sunday of each month for a public witness to remind the community that all lives will matter when black lives matter. Show up to tell the world that injustice will not be ignored in Howard County or anywhere else. Check out https://www.facebook.com/events/408704056256085/.

19] – On Sun., Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 PM, be at a Solidarity Vigil for Victims of Antisemitism & Racism, hosted by Justice for Muslims Collective at Dupont Circle, WDC 20009.  During Shabbat morning prayers on Sat., Oct. 27, a gunman walked into the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA and killed eight people, injuring many more.  Jews and allies will join together to mourn those killed at the Synagogue, Dor Hadash, and New Light congregations. Preceding this vigil, IfNotNow DC and the New Synagogue Project will be hosting DC Community Minyan for the Tree of Life Synagogue. Like this event, it is open to people of all faiths, races, genders, and other identities. Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/258004924916068/.

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 Oct. 292, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.  The vigil will be outside the Pentagon's south Metro entrance and in the designated "protest zone" behind bicycle fences across from the entrance to the Metro.  By Metro, take Yellow Line and get out at the "Pentagon" stop. Do not go to the Pentagon City stop! Go up south escalators and turn left and walk across to protest area. By car from D.C. area, take 395 South and get off at Exit 8A-Pentagon South Parking. Take slight right onto S. Rotary Rd. at end of ramp and right on S. Fern St. Then take left onto Army Navy Dr. You can "pay to park" on Army Navy Dr.,  and there is meter parking one block on right on Eads St. Payment for both of these spots begin at 8 AM.  No cameras are allowed on Pentagon grounds. Restrooms are located inside Marriott Residence Inn on corner of S. Fern and Army Navy Dr.

21] – On Mon., Oct. 29, 21 youth will confront the federal government at a trial in open court.  They are the #youthvgov plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States, and they allege that the U.S. government has knowingly violated their constitutional rights for over 50 years by contributing to climate change. They will march into court to demand a science-based National Climate Recovery Plan. The plan would end the reign of fossil fuels and require the United States government to do its part to stop dangerous climate change for young people and all future generations. See https://actionnetwork.org/event_campaigns/trial-of-the-century-day-of-action?source=350&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actionkit.

22] – On Mon., Oct. 29, and every Monday until Feb. 4, 2019, at noon, there will be a Food Rescue at Land of Kush, 840 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. Food Rescue Baltimore is honored to partner with The Land of Kush each and every Monday to bring access to free vegan/plant-based food in the community. Bring a bag. Take what you want from noon to 1PM or while supplies last. No purchase is necessary to take advantage of the Food Rescue Baltimore give away. Items from The Land of Kush's menu are not included in the give-away but will be available for sale. See https://www.facebook.com/events/415842178868197/.

23] – There is a BARCS Fundraiser, hosted by Woody's Cantina, 821 S. Broadway, Baltimore 21231.  10% of sales from 11 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday, will go to BARCS!  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/176425189915746/.

24] – One of the most restricted and secretive countries in the world, North Korea represents a unique challenge to the Intelligence Community, particularly when it comes to traditional espionage, i.e. HUMINT. The North Korean target presents a number of cultural and psychological challenges given the harsh nature of the regime creating a near impenetrable operational environment. On Mon., Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 5:30 PM, Amanda Won, Institute of World Politics, will address "North Korea: Understanding and Exploiting the Most Reclusive Human Intelligence Target" at the Institute of World Politics, 1521 16th St. NW, WDC.  In this presentation, Ms. Won will first discuss the psychological makeup of the North Korean human target – keying in on the closed state’s singularly unique ideology known as Juche and their Suryong based political system as well as the identifying the cultural aspects which make the North Korean target unique, even when viewed within the context of the more traditional East Asian milieu.  Jihyun (Amanda) Won holds a M.P.S. in Arts and Cultural Management from the Pratt Institute in New York and a MA in Government (with a specialization in Security Studies) from Johns Hopkins University.  RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-korea-the-most-reclusive-human-target-tickets-50764565181.

25] – On Mon., Oct. 29 from 5 to 7 PM, Fund The Trust 3rd Reader, hosted by Baltimore Housing Roundtable at 100 N. Holliday St., Baltimore 21202-3411. At the Oct. 15 Council Hearing progress was made! The 3rd and Final Reader for the Fund the Trust Act will take place at City Hall. Come and celebrate all the hard work and sacrifice to #FundTheTrust! See https://www.facebook.com/events/482350712270619/.

26] – On Mon., Oct. 29 at 5:30 PM and continuing until November 5, do phone banking with Team O!, hosted by Johnny Olszewski for Baltimore County Executive, 4050 North Point Blvd., Dundalk 21222.  Join a people-powered campaign to build a better Baltimore County!  Contact Team O's Brad at 410-371-9731 or at brad@gojohnnyo.com.  Look at https://www.facebook.com/events/929372493937041/.

27] – Join the Get Money Out of Maryland Teleconference on Monday, Oct. 22 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM.  Call 605-475-6711, code 1136243#.  Work only on brainstorming ideas for participation in the upcoming General Election. Early voting goes from Thurs., Oct. 25 through Thurs., Nov. 1 (8 days), and Election Day is Tues., Nov. 6. 

28] – There is Canvassing in Baltimore County on Tues., Oct. 30 from 4 to 7 PM at 301 Allegheny Ave., Towson 21204.  Maryland Sierra Club members will be meeting to canvass for Ben Jealous for Governor and Johnny O for County Executive! RSVP to Deborah Kleinmann at spicearoni@gmail.com or Matt Dernoga at 240-593-1268. 

29] –  Each Tuesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the Catholic Peace Fellowship-Philadelphia for peace in Afghanistan and Iraq gathers at the Suburban Station, 16th St. & JFK Blvd., at the entrance to Tracks 3 and 4 on the mezzanine.  The next vigil is Oct. 23.  Call 215-426-0364.

30] – Vigil to say "No Drone Research at JHU" each Tuesday at 33rd & North Charles Sts. Join this ongoing vigil on Oct. 23 from 5:30  to 6:30 PM. Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607. 

31] – On Tues., OCT. 30 from 5:30 to 8 PM, see “The Hand That Feeds,” a documentary hosted by The Real News Network, 231 Holliday St., Baltimore 21202.  Behind the scenes of New York’s bustling restaurant industry, food industry workers face abusive management, sublegal wages and hazardous working conditions. The award-winning documentary follows the epic journey of sandwich-maker Mahoma Lopez and his coworkers as they unite to fight for their rights and for basic human dignity.  A panel discussion and Q & A will immediately follow the screening.

At a popular bakery café, residents of New York’s Upper East Side get bagels and coffee served with a smile 24 hours a day. But behind the scenes, undocumented immigrant workers face sub-legal wages, dangerous machinery, and abusive managers who will fire them for calling in sick. Mild-mannered sandwich maker Mahoma López has never been interested in politics, but in January 2012, he convinces a small group of his co-workers to fight back. Risking deportation and the loss of their livelihood, the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming their own independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. This event is part of the Raising Voices Event Series produced by The Real News Network in partnership with the Bertha Foundation. Events are designed to educate, activate and empower the community through a variety of accessible programing at TRNN and Ida B's Table. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/298912624221277/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1538585886507666.

32] – Help Maryland Keep Trending Progressive!  Re-Elect Jamie Raskin and Rally with Bernie on Tues., Oct. 30 at 6:45 PM at the Bethesda Blues and Jazz Supper Club, 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda 20814.  Early voting continues in Maryland through November 1st, so please be sure to cast your ballot for progressives and bring five voters to the polls with you. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1RpxkIBqeSu7aHif2g2hQ3lXtP98t-bsGJG9boueNOY_55Q/viewform. Senator Bernie Sanders will rally with other progressives including Ben Jealous.

To be continued.

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs

Friday, October 26, 2018

Peacemakers, Warmongers and Fence Sitters: Who Represents You?


Voting for Hogan is voting for a Republican.  Not voting for Ben Jealous is a vote for Trump.
Kagiso, Max

Peacemakers, Warmongers and Fence Sitters: Who Represents You?


In lifetime voting records tabulated by Peace Action, the average House Democrat has a 72% peace voting record, while the average House Republican scores only 10%. In the Senate, the difference is 69% to 14%


October 23, 2018
https://www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_large/public/views-article/war.jpeg?itok=gRJgq2WF
     As a foreign policy crisis explodes over the apparent Saudi assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the failure of the U.S. Congress to assert its constitutional war powers over three years of illegal U.S. military action in the war on Yemen and booming U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners is finally coming home to roost.

     The UN already reported two years ago that a child was dying every 10 minutes in Yemen, wracked by the war and its consequences, including malnutrition, diphtheria, cholera and other preventable diseases.  Data already showed that more than a third of Saudi-led airstrikes were hitting schools, hospitals, markets, mosques and other civilian sites. But none of the dire warnings by UN agencies and NGOs could trigger the constitutionally required debate and decisive action by the U.S. Congress.  Even now the Trump administration is trying desperately to salvage its blood-soaked arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

   The elephant in the room that none of them want to discuss is that Congress keeps handing more than 60% of discretionary federal funds over to a military industrial complex whose recent wars have only succeeded in plunging half a dozen countries into intractable violence and chaos, leaving vital domestic priorities permanently underfunded.

   Yet as early voting gets under way across the country, Congressional campaigns have focused mainly on domestic issues and personality politics, with almost nothing to say about the war in Yemen or other critical questions of war, peace and record military spending. The elephant in the room that none of them want to discuss is that Congress keeps handing more than 60% of discretionary federal funds over to a military industrial complex whose recent wars have only succeeded in plunging half a dozen countries into intractable violence and chaos, leaving vital domestic priorities permanently underfunded.

   To fill this dangerous vacuum and help voters make critical decisions at the voting booth, the CODEPINK 2018 Peace Voter's Guide and Divestment Record has gathered data on arms industry campaign contributions from Open Secrets and the peace voting records of every Member of Congress from Peace Action, and published them all in one place for easy reference.  

We invite voters to check out the Peace Voter's Guide to see where your Senators and Representatives stand on critical issues of war and peace.  How much money have your representatives collected from the arms industry in this election cycle? How have they voted on critical bills and amendments for war, peace, weapons and military spending during their time in Congress?

   You can use the Guide to compare your representatives with their colleagues. You can check out the differences between Democrats and Republicans, and see who are the real hawks and doves in each party.

 Figures show that arms companies, including their PACS, have contributed about equally to Democrats and Republicans in the Senate in this election cycle, giving an average of over $180,000 to each Senator. In the House, however, they have given more to Republicans (an average of $46,000 each) than to Democrats ($31,000 each).

   The Senators who are most indebted to the arms industry tend to be high-ranking members of committees key to Pentagon funding. In 2017-18, the senator receiving the most weapons industry contributions, $969,550, was Richard Shelby (R-AL). Shelby chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, the committee that allocates funding for all federal agencies.

   The number one recipient on the Democratic side, with $675,8287 in contributions, is Jack Reed (D-RI), ranking member at the Armed Services Committee. Other major recipients, all on key committees, are Tim Kaine (D-VA) with $607,850; Dick Durbin (D-IL) with $550,161; James Inhofe (R-OK) with $478,249; Lindsey Graham (R-SC) with $458,893; Mark Warner (D-VA) with $399,928; and Bill Nelson (D-FL) with $391,800.  The arms industry's most favored House Reps are Armed Services Chair Mac Thornberry (R-TX-13), with $402,250; Appropriations Committee member Kay Granger (R-TX-12) with $368,410 and another Appropriations member Peter Visclosky (D-IN-1) with $328,583.

   When it comes to critical votes on war, peace and militarism, the differences between Democrats and Republicans are more stark. In lifetime voting records tabulated by Peace Action, the average House Democrat has a 72% peace voting record, while the average House Republican scores only 10%. In the Senate, the difference is 69% to 14%.

    There are noteworthy outliers, like Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI-3) with an 82% peace voting record and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-31) at only 18%. In the Senate, Republican Rand Paul (KY) has a better voting record (62%) than Democrat Joe Donnelly of Indiana (16%), although even Rand Paul would be below-average if he was a Democrat.

   And then there are real champions for peace and disarmament in Congress: 16 Democrats and 10 Republicans in the House who have run this year's campaigns with no arms industry cash at all; and progressive leaders who stand up to vote for peace at almost every chance they get, like Barbara Lee (CA-13), with a 99% lifetime peace voting record, Katherine Clark (MA-5) at 98%, Jared Huffman (CA-2), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) at 96%, and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin with the highest score in the Senate at 94%.

   At the other end of the scale, there are 22 Members of Congress (all Republicans) with a 0% peace voting record, meaning that they have never once voted as requested by members of Peace Action, CODEPINK and our partners in the U.S. peace community. They are Senator Tom Cotton (AR) and Representatives McSally (AZ-2), Walters (CA-45), Curbelo (FL-26), Carter (GA-1), Allen (GA-12), Bost (IL-12), LaHood (IL-18), Brooks (IN-5), Poliquin (ME-2), Bishop (MI-8), Emmer (MN-6), Stefanik (NY-21), Katko (NY-24), Rouzer (NC-7), Russell (OK-5), Costello (PA-6), Ratcliffe (TX-4), Hurd (TX-23), Brat (VA-7), Comstock (VA-10) and Newhouse (WA-4).         

  We invite you to explore the CODEPINK 2018 Peace Voter's Guide and Divestment Record before you vote. We hope it will help you to find incumbents or challengers where you live whose campaigns are not tainted by big contributions from the arms industry, and whom you can count on to reflect your values by casting decisive votes for peace, diplomacy and disarmament in the coming years.  Please vote wisely. Millions of lives depend on it.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License


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Medea Benjamin


Baltimore Activist Alert -- October 26 -- November 17, 2018


55] Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention seminar – Oct. 26
56] Nuns on the Bus – Oct. 26
57] Rally at the Department of Homeland Security – Oct. 26
58] Black Lives Matter – Oct. 26
59] Burden of Palestine exhibit – through Nov. 27
60] Ballroom Dancing – Oct. 26
61] Basic Computer Skills Class for immigrant women – Oct. 27
62] Canvass for Ben Jealous with 1199 SEIU – Oct. 27  
63] Canvass Baltimore City – Oct. 27
64] Delaware statewide gathering of The Poor People’s Campaign – Oct. 27
65] Get-Out-the-Vote Meeting – Oct. 27
66] Chester County Peace Vigil – Oct. 27
67] Towson PetSmart Adoption Show -- Oct. 27
68] Ignite Peace/Protest at a drone war command center – Oct. 27
69] Veg/Vegan Potluck – Oct. 27
70] Come to a community forum to Support Cuba - Oct. 27
71] Two Minutes to Midnight conference – Nov. 17
72] Joshua Harris needs volunteers
73] Do you want to join a peace caravan?
74] Emergency Demonstration against an attack on Iran or North Korea  
75] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records  
76] Do you need any book shelves?
77] Join the Global Zero campaign
78] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil
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55] On Fri., Oct. 26 from 8 AM to 4 PM, attend the Howard County Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention seminar, hosted by Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services at Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia 21044.  Join Allan H. Kittleman, Howard County Executive, and the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordinating Council for an awareness and prevention event to combat human trafficking in our region. Event highlights include a Survivor's Panel Presentation; a keynote by Marian Hatcher, Policy Analyst and Victim Advocate, Cook County, IL Sheriff's Office and a national expert on human trafficking and prevention; three breakout sessions: Social Media and Human Trafficking; The Bottom Girl Phenomenon; and Human Trafficking Legislative Initiatives; plus A Call to Action general session; and a Sworn Officer's Symposium. There is limited seating, so register to attend and email saford@howardcountymd.gov with your choice of one of the three breakout sessions. See https://www.facebook.com/events/529152114195724/.

56] – JOIN THE NUNS ON THE BUS at three events in the D.C. area.  They want us to hold elected officials accountable to undo the damage of the 2017 Tax Law and instead work for reasonable revenue for responsible programs. Who we elect matters!  There will be a RALLY FOR ACCOUNTABILITY to support Rep. Barbara Comstock on Fri., Oct. 26 at 12:30 PM. Meet at the Bus outside the office of Rep. Comstock, 21430 Cedar Dr., Sterling, VA 20164. RSVP at https://networklobby.org/bus2018/rsvp/?event=Sterling%3A+Lobby

Then there is a BUS SIGNING RECEPTION on Fri., Oct. 26 at 3 PM near the NETWORK Office, North Capitol & E Streets, WDC 20001. RSVP at https://networklobby.org/bus2018/rsvp/?event=DC%3A+Bus+Signing+Reception.

Then be at the TOWN HALL FOR JUSTICE on Fri., Oct. 26 at 7 PM at St. Augustine Catholic School, 1421 V St. NW, WDC 20009.  RSVP at https://networklobby.org/bus2018/rsvp/?event=DC%3A+Evening. Nuns on the Bus: the Tax Justice Truth Tour is traveling from California to Mar-a-Lago ahead of the 2018 midterms to hold elected officials accountable for their votes in favor of the 2017 Tax Law and attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They know that our tax policy hurts our communities while giving handouts to the wealthiest in our nation. We must work for just tax policies that mend the gaps! Call 202-347-9797 or email info@networklobby.org.

57] – Rally again on Fri., Oct, 26 outside the Department of Homeland Security from 4 to 6 PM to keep the pressure on the government to reunify families separated at the border. Hundreds of children are still separated from their parents after the July 26th deadline set by the courts for reunification.  This is a permitted, peaceful event and families are welcome.  You can bring your own sign or use one of the available signs.  Gather at 4401 Massachusetts Ave. NW. This location is about 50 yards south [in towards downtown] of Ward Circle.  There is parking on Massachusetts Avenue across the street, or you can park at the Katzen Center for the Arts for $2/hour and free after 5 PM on the other side of Ward Circle. View https://youtu.be/GKUtkVT9qLQ. Email triduncan05 AT gmail. Com.  

58] – There is usually a silent vigil on Fridays, from 5 to 6 PM, sponsored by Homewood Friends Meeting, outside the Homewood Friends Meetinghouse, 3107 N. Charles St.  The next scheduled vigil is on Oct. 27. Black Lives Matter.   

59] – On Fri., Oct. 26 through Tues., Nov. 27, take in the exhibition "Burden of Palestine" by Stephen Kingsberry at the Christina Cultural Arts Center, 705 N. Market St. Wilmington, DE 19801.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/277467036381090/.  

60] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be on Oct. 26. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

61] -- The Immigration Outreach Service Center is offering a Basic Computer Skills Class for immigrant women from Sat., Oct. 27 until Sat., Nov. 10 at St. Matthew Church Rectory, 5401 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore 21239.  This is an opportunity for immigrant women to increase computer skills, complete basic job searches and apply online for jobs. Computer and ESOL teachers will be available, childcare and MTA bus passes will be provided along with English language support.   Call IOSC at 410-323-8564 or email info@ioscbaltimore.org.

62] – Canvass for Ben Jealous with 1199 SEIU on Sat., Oct. 27 at 9:30 AM, starting at the SEIU office, 2701 W. Patapsco Ave., Baltimore 21230. RSVP at https://act.indivisible.org/event/attend-local-actions/104244/signup/?akid=33713%2E839288%2EHNLDrG. There will be a Labor for Ben Jealous rally first, and then there will be canvassing.  Knock on doors! New canvassers will be paired with more experienced canvassers, and everyone will be asked where they prefer to canvass. This is a great way to engage locally bring the blue wave to Maryland! See https://www.1199seiu.org/maryland_dc/become-weekend-warrior-today.

63] -- On Sat., Oct. 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM, Canvass Baltimore City for the general election with Progressive Maryland Baltimore. Mobilizing the vote in Baltimore City is one of the most crucial steps to getting Ben Jealous elected in November. Support other local progressive candidates in the districts. The location will be announced.  Contact Michael Feldman at michael@progressivemaryland.org.

64] -- On Sat., Oct. 27 from 10 AM to noon the Atlantic Coast Quaker Activists host the Delaware statewide gathering of The Poor People’s Campaign a National Call for Moral Revival at the Wilmington Friends Meeting, 401 N. West St., Wilmington, DE. Go to http://delawareway.blogspot.com/2018/10/pacem-in-terris-update-poor-peoples.html.

65] – Attend a Get-Out-the-Vote Meeting on Sat., Oct. 27 at 10:30 AM at the  Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg 20879.  Feeling helpless and outraged in the face of the Trump agenda? Join Indivisible Montgomery at its monthly in-person meeting, where members will focus on practical efforts to get out the vote. Activities will include a phone bank, text bank, and postcard writing. A private area has been reserved for phone banking. Trainers in get-out-the-vote work will be available for participants who need them. The work will support the Ben Jealous campaign for governor, other Maryland candidates, and select out-of-state U.S. House campaigns. Specific committees also will meet during the event, and their leaders will be available to speak with guests who are interested in becoming involved working on issues like conflicts of interest, elections, and the environment. All are welcome. Indivisible Montgomery is a grassroots organization of more than 1,600 county residents who take action each week to engage with our members of Congress to resist the Trump agenda. Work for diversity, inclusion, transparency, and the empowerment of all Americans through political activism.  Here is a link to event information: https://indivisiblemontgomery.org/events.  RSVP at https://act.indivisible.org/event/attend-local-actions/130386/signup/?akid=33713%2E839288%2EHNLDrG.



66] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org. Email ccpeacemovement@aol.com.

67] – On Sat., Oct. 27 from 11 AM to 2 PM, come to the Towson PetSmart Adoption Show, hosted by Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center at PetSmart (Towson, MD), 1238 Putty Hill Ave., Towson 21286.  See www.cockeradoptions.org. Come out and promote the CSAC with an alumni or bring a foster. Visit with CSAC friends and family. Contact Kim & Dave Diehl at kimdiehl@gmail.com.  Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/252217812098010/.

68] – On Sat., Oct. 27 from noon to 2 PM, Ignite Peace/Protest at the drone war command center, Horsham Air Guard Station, Route 611/Easton Road & County Line Road.  Stop Endless War; Close the Drone War Command Center in Horsham.  These demonstrations continue the last Saturday of the month.  Contact the Brandywine Peace Community at 484-574-1148 or http://www.brandywinepeace.com/.

Dress according to the weather and bring an umbrella in the event of rain. Also bring a bottle of water or two, and a folding chair if you wish sit with your message and poster.  An array of Posters are a plenty.

The U.S. Air Force has established a drone war command center at the Horsham Air Guard Station.  From there, MQ-9 Reaper drone can be piloted by remote control to launch their deadly Hellfire missiles against people on the other side of the world.  Make an appeal to computer drone operators or prospective operators whose hands are on the “killing sticks” at the Horsham command center: Dear Drone Operators, End the Violence, Just Walk Away…Love, Your Neighbors.  Trump is ordering airstrikes at five times the pace Obama did. See http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-is-ordering-airstrikes-at-5-times-the-pace-obama-did-2017-4.  Drone Strikes are Up 432 Percent under Donald Trump--https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/25604-drone-strikes-up-432-percent-under-donald-trump.

69] – On Sat., Oct. 27 from 6 to 8:30 PM, come to a Veg/Vegan Potluck "De-Clutter Your Life," hosted by Earthsave Baltimore at Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Rd., Baltimore 21212. Earthsave's veg/vegan dinner series normally meets on the last Saturday of each month at the Govans Presbyterian Church, next to the historic Senator Theater. Earthsave's mission is to help people learn a healthier and more peaceful way of eating and living. Check out http://earthsavebaltimore.org/.  A speaker, Jason Schramm, presents ”De-clutter Your Life, Be Happier, Help Animals." Jason, who has been on a journey of self-discovery since going vegan three years ago, will offer advice on de-cluttering our physical and digital spaces to help us be healthier, happier, more stable veg/vegan/animal advocates.

  DINNER GUESTS may choose to either bring a dish made without animal products (to serve 8) plus $5 (members pay just $2) donation; pay $15 (members pay just $12) to enjoy dinner and presentation; or pay $5 for presentation only. Eat first, then make announcements, and then hear the presentation. RSVP if you plan to pay for dinner rather than bring a dish by calling 410-252-3043, or emailing Baltimore@Earthsave.org. See www.vegevents.com

CONNECT with like-minded local people for discussion and support on Facebook by joining Earthsave Baltimore group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/EarthsaveBaltimore/.  Also see https://www.facebook.com/events/1153018804860894/.

70] – Come to a community forum to Support Cuba on Sat., Oct. 27 at 6 PM—Eyewitness Cuba--at St. Stephen & the Incarnation Church, 1525 Newton St. NW, WDC 20010.  Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/243698599830038/.  The honored guest speaker is Miguel Fraga, First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C. Come learn about the ongoing blockade of Cuba by the United States, the severe challenges it presents to the Cuban people and how Cubans are fighting back! Hear from participants in a recent U.S. solidarity delegation trip to Cuba, as well as from long-time activists. Enjoy food, music, raffle door prizes and more.  Urge the D.C. Council to adopt a resolution of friendship with the Cuban people! Sign the petition here to #unblockCuba: bit.ly/2N1ZYEu.

71] – TWO MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT: WHAT WE CAN DO TO PREVENT NUCLEAR WAR is a one-day conference organized by Prevent Nuclear War Maryland and co-sponsored by Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility, featuring expert speakers including Daryl Kimball and Dr. Ira Helfand.  It is free to attend with lunch provided.  It takes place on Sat., Nov. 17 from 10 AN to 4 PM at Goucher College, Kelley Lecture Hall, 1021 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson 21286. Go to https://www.psr.org/blog/event/two-minutes-to-midnight-what-we-can-do-to-prevent-nuclear-war/?instance_id=796.

72] – Joshua Harris [mailto:info@harrisforbaltimore.com] is seeking volunteers as part of his people powered campaign for a seat as a delegate in Annapolis from the 40th district.  Volunteers are needed for door-to-door canvassing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If door knocking is not your thing, there is also a need for a number of volunteers for the phone bank. Sign up here, and Team Harris will be in touch with you: https://www.harrisforbaltimore.com/volunteer.

73] – Do you have any interest in challenging the Trump administration for reneging on the Iran Deal? If yes, would you be interested in joining a Peace Caravan to the Iranian embassy in Washington, D.C.? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.  

74] – It is a violation of U.S. law for us to attack a country that has not attacked us, as only Congress can declare war. The Trump administration is nevertheless beating the war drums for war against Iran and North Korea. The Mueller investigation is tightening the vise, and could cause Trump to attack those countries in order to divert attention from Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Such a military strike would demand an immediate and unequivocal response from us to show that we will not tolerate his abuse of power.

Let's mobilize to show that we the people will not tolerate another military adventure, which would be bound to have profound negative consequences. If a preemptive military strike against Iran or North Korea takes place, then meet outside the War Memorial, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202. If the attack is before 2 PM local time, then events will begin at 5 PM, local time. If the attack occurs after 2 PM local time, then events will begin at noon, local time, the following day. Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net.

75] -- 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.

76] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1637 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

77] -- 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.

78] – 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 the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; 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