Monday, March 18, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 19, 2024

30] Medicare for All – March 19

31] US & European intervention in Haiti – March 19

32] Returning Citizens Task Force meeting – March 19

33] Register PA democrats – March 19

34] Giving up White Supremacy March 19

35] Abolition Working Group meeting – March 19

36] Red Wolves of Yemen March 19

37] Meet the War Profiteers – March 19

------

30] – NoVA Democratic Socialists [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] on Tues., March 19 at 6 PM ET is holding a NOVA MEDICARE 4 ALL working group meeting. These campaigns are in support of healthcare as a human right. A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP. Discuss plans for furthering the M4All Resolutions in Alexandria and Arlington. This meeting takes place on the first and third Tuesday of the month. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/nova-medicare-for-all-working-group-meeting-tuesday-march-19th-at-6pm/?clear_id=true

31] -- The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) on Tues., March 19 from 6 to 8 PM at Busboys and Poets, Davis Room, 450 K St. NW, WDC will host an in-person book presentation by Jake Johnston. Johnston, a researcher and writer at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, and his colleagues will explain how long-standing US and European capitalist goals ensnared and re-enslaved Haiti under the guise of helping it. Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti is a free event. RSVP at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehG0HIXXWl4cB7jxLF5PNQjwvafkgUaAsW3iJDsqPdwng3Ng/viewform?link_id=38&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

32] -- Returning Citizens Task Force [RCTF] is continuing to track legislation of benefit to returning citizens – in particular, the Fair Choice in Housing Act and the Reentry Services for Women Commission and Pilot Program.  The next task force meeting – which will be held on Tues., March 19 at 6:30 PM ET--will feature Jason Williams, Executive Director of Forged Pathways, and member of Steamfitters Local 602.  He will follow-up with information about the apprenticeship programs featured at the RCTF/Black Worker Center Hiring Fair on February 24 and provide an update on the legislation Forged Pathways has been pushing for in Annapolis.  For more information, email Kurt@progressivemaryland.org

33] -- On Tues., March 19 at 7 PM, the Democratic National Committee wants help registering PA democrats in person in Philadelphia.  Register at https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/598211/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

 Learn to register Pennsylvania Democrats, the Field Team 6 way! It's the #1 most direct, effective way to swing elections – and it's also incredibly fun. You will be introduced to Field Team 6, let you in on all the secrets of successful voter registration, and answer all your questions

34] -- Faithful America [mail@faithfulamerica.org] on Tues., March 15 at 7 PM ET is holding the second installment of a webinar series called Giving up White Supremacy.  Register for the Zoom webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5817105279390/WN_QMOnSaGtTkOuqIrJKK2SUw#/registration

In part one, "The 'White' in White Christian Nationalism," was Faithful America's biggest webinar to date. In part two, "Taking the Logs from Our Own Eyes" is a timely discussion will feature presentations and Q&A about how progressive Catholic and mainline Protestant churches can foster and even create white supremacy -- and what we can do about it. The speakers will be the Rev. Dr. Gayle Fisher Stewart, an Episcopal priest and author, and Leslye Colvin, a Catholic writer, spiritual companion, retreat facilitator, and contemplative activist.

35] -- The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] on Tues., March 19 from 7 to 8 PM ET is holding an Abolition Working Group biweekly meeting.  A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/abolition-working-group-biweekly-meeting-3192024?link_id=50&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

Discuss strategy and planning. This event is open to both DSA Members and supporters. Email abolition@mdcdsa.org

36]The Baltimore CPUSA [md@cpusa.org] presents Red Wolves of Yemen on Tues., March 19 at 7 PM ET by Zoom, as part of the Marxist Study Group.  Over the last several months, the Yemeni people have proven themselves to be the most outspoken and militaristic defenders of Palestine in spite of their status as a barely recognized, heavily bombarded nation. Join the discussion of Yemen's history, most specifically chapters 4 and 5 of The Red Wolves of Yemen which relate to the formation of the People's Socialist Party (PSP) and the development of their nationalist and Marxist movements.  Here is the link https://archive.org/details/red-wolves-of-yemen. For a short but comprehensive analyses of recent Yemeni history, watch these YouTube presentations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9KQNCESmzI&t=1092s or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGv986yn0nsed.   

 Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqf-yorzorGN2X_ECbPWPZJx3mSFZnpKHn After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

37] – CODEPINK Congress [info@codepink.org] is featuring American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) investigators and researchers who produced the report entitled, “The Companies Profiting from Israel’s 2023-2024 Attacks on Gaza” on Tues., March 19 at 8 PM ET.  Israel’s genocide in Gaza relies on a steady stream of weapons –attack jets, bunker busters, cluster bombs, & artillery —from the United States, where Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and other war profiteers count their profits, thanks to a complicit White House.  As Israel bombs and prepares for a ground invasion of Rafah, a distribution point for minuscule amounts of Israel-approved food and water, the White House is demanding Congress approve $14 billion more in weapons transfers to Israel. What is to be done? Besides pushing back in the halls of Congress and our home districts–besides shutting down bridges and train stations–activists can boycott and protest companies complicit in Israel’s occupation, as well as others directly arming the genocide. RSVP at https://www.codepink.org/cpc319?utm_campaign=cp031924&utm_medium=email&utm_source=codepink

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

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 18 - 19, 2024

23] Rally for a Fair Share of taxes – March 18

24] Honoring the strength of refugee women – March 19

25] Back from the Brink meeting – March 19

26] Gaza, a litmus test for international law – March 19

27] Hear from a spiritual advisor to death row – March 19

28] Meet Rabbi May Ye – March 19

29] Russia out of Ukraine – March 19

------

23] – The Progressive Maryland Team [info@progressivemaryland.org] wants you to attend on Mon., March 18 at 6 PM in Lawyers Mall, 100 State Circle, Annapolis 21401 a rally to Demand Fair taxation for Maryland!  Are you tired of seeing wealthy corporations and millionaires dodge their fair share of taxes? Urge the Maryland General Assembly to pass the #FairShareMd Act. This critical legislation will ensure that the burden of taxation is distributed equitably, holding wealthy corporations and millionaires accountable to contribute their fair share to our community.  RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/fair-share-maryland-rally?source=direct_link&

24] – HIAS [info@hias.org] is inviting you on Tues., March 19 at noon ET for a webinar -- Honoring the strength of refugee women.  March 8 was International Women's Day — a day dedicated to honoring women's achievements and raising awareness about the ongoing issues that affect them. Celebrate the Diversity and Strength of Refugee Women and Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. Register at https://hias.org/events/celebrating-diversity-and-strength-refugee-women-and-survivors-gender-based-violence/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=EngagingNetworks&utm_campaign=240311_IWD-Purim_Invite_e1&utm_content=240311+IWD-Purim+Invite+e1

25] – Back from the Brink [info@preventnuclearwar.org] is meeting virtually on Tues., March 19 at 1 PM ET to discuss local organizing, congressional news, Hub updates, nuclear weapons in the media, and introducing the media & communications consultant.  RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86434879139?pwd=OERHYTFyeEpyalBVNEZQNlNBUmFmQT09&emci=c0f57b86-c5df-ee11-85fb-002248223794&emdi=b99eb43a-6ce0-ee11-85fb-002248223794&ceid=13712990#success

26] – Scientists for Palestine [admin@scientists4palestine.com] are inviting you on Tues., March 19 at 2:30 PM ET to a webinar: "Gaza, A Litmus Test for International Law and the Responsibility of the International Community.” RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdOCopzstH9VAabiqqW5qcFZc7Eg9bLd3#/registration

Three speakers will discuss the current situation in Gaza, its legal and humanitarian obligations. They are as follows: Shawaan Jabarin, director of Al-Haq, Amjad Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network, Gaza and Raji Sourani, director general of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights.

27] – Death Penalty Focus [information@deathpenalty.org] will hold a conversation on Tues., March 19 at 3 PM ET about a spiritual advisor's book after decades on death watch:  The book is “Too Close to the Flame, With the Condemned Inside the Southern Killing Machine” by Joseph B. Ingle who spent 45 years on death watch in prisons throughout the South. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0t2gUD8NR5G4QIoldfYLiA?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=7b34d733-5646-4c61-866f-57ad5c6d4d43#/registration

28] -- The Fellowship of Reconciliation [info@fellowshipofreconciliation.ccsend.com] is holding a virtual March 2024 Gathering Voices with Rabbi May Ye  on Tues,, March 19 at 4 PM ET.  Rabbi Ye is a Chinese-American Jew; a weaver of tradition and fashioner of new liturgy and ritual, she seeks to center and highlight the experiences of those who have been disenfranchised and marginalized from Judaism and Jewish spaces. A passionate activist, she explores how to decouple Judaism from Zionism and is an ardent supporter of Palestinian liberation. 

  Since October 7, 2023, Rabbi May, has been working tirelessly, often while in handcuffs, with Jewish Voice for Peace and Rabbis for Ceasefire to stop the bloodshed taking place in Gaza and achieve liberation for the Palestinian people. We will discuss with her how this work is aligned with and in the tradition of Christian theologian Walter Wink. Register https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdu6grzwtHdT2qwCdlSFziBky3n9ZHcSt#/registration

29] – Join the Baltimore Nonviolence Center on Tues., March 19 from 4:30 to 5 PM ET at 33rd and N. Charles Sts. The invasion of Ukraine has the potential to become a war extending throughout Europe.  Putin has destroyed Aleppo and Grozny and has threatened the use of nuclear weapons.  Russian soldiers were sent into the area around the contaminated and still radioactive Chernobyl nuclear plant. Now they are stationed in the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe.   Contact Max at mobuszewski2001 at Comcast dot net or 410-323-1607.

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

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 17 to 18, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert – March 17 to 18, 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] Max is looking for tips on a garage or a storage suggestion.

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] House cleaner needed  

9] Meadow Planting -- March 17

10] Israel-Hamas war – March 17

11] Prince George’s Branch General Body Meeting – March 17

12] Gaza, Protest, Repression and Germany's Conundrum – March 17

13] Senate candidate David Trone opens office – March 17

14] Virtual PDA Town Hall – March 17

15] Action for Assange at White House – March 17

16] Election Protection phone bank March 17

17] Christians for a Free Palestine call – March 17

18] IfNotNow meeting -- March 17

19] Protest at the Pentagon – March 18

20] Testify for environmental justice – March 18

21] Congress can fix unemployment insurance – March 18

22] Election Protection March 18

-------

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] – 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] – Barry Lee Burnside, a gaggle of great writers and copy editors are finishing up “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.

  A Bag of Snakes will be available at a gathering at First Iconium Baptist Church. Celebrate the life of Murphy Davis and The Open Door Community along with presenting the book. Also enjoy an Open Door Supper—vegetarian chili, Willie Dee Wimberly cornbread, salad and chocolate chip cookies.

  To order by postal mail, make your check to Open Door Community.  Send it to Open Door Community, PO Box 10980, Baltimore 21234For 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. 

8]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.

9] – Sarah Morse <morsekathan@gmail.com> tells us that there will be a Meadow Planting on Sun., March 17 from 10 AM to noon ET. Join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance at 5301 Yorktown Road and Little Falls Branch in Bethesda to plant native plants at its Green Acres Habitat Restoration Project.  It’s a great opportunity to see what can be done with all native plants. Register at https://www.lfwa.org/events/green-acres-workday-march-17-2024

Wear long pants and closed toe shoes and bring plenty of water to drink. Visit https://www.lfwa.org/meadow-green-acres.

10] –  Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore 21202, meets on Sundays, and usually there is a platform address at 10:30 AM ET.  On March 17, the meeting will be by Zoom, and the theme is “The Israel-Hamas War: Causes, Dynamics, Consequences.” Dr. Robert O. Freedman, a noted scholar on the politics of the Middle East, will discuss the nature of Hamas and its links to Iran. Then he will examine Hamas’ tactics of October 6 and Israel’s massive intelligence failure. Israel had concentrated its forces on its northern border and the West Bank to protect settlers. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s situation is also critical. He has been distracted by his upcoming corruption trial and the pushing through of unpopular “judicial reforms”. Also he was under the assumption that Hamas could be bought off with the right financial inducements. Israel’s strategy now is to bomb suspected Hamas positions and tunnel infrastructure, with ground forces to follow. Hamas’ strategy appears to be to hang on until international pressure forces Israel into a cease fire. Finally, is there a possible peace plan? To receive a Zoom invitation, please email president@bmorethical.org. Visit https://bmorethical.org

11] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] wants you to attend on Sun., March 17 from 1 -3 PM ET Prince George’s Branch General Body Meeting at the Greenbelt Public Library, 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt 20770. Discuss the housing campaign and community outreach efforts to push for a ceasefire in Palestine. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/pg-county-dsa-branch-meeting?link_id=48&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

12] United for Peace & Justice [contact@unitedforpeace.org] on Sun., March 17 at 1 PM ET wants you to attend a panel discussion Gaza, Protest, Repression and Germany's Conundrum.  It will feature grassroots insights from movement leaders in Germany and the U.S.  Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsceGrrTwvGtyMph3oVdC7L8r0PTfBPCZA

13] – On Sun., March 17 at 3 PM ET, Congressperson Trone's Annapolis Campaign Office will host an Opening Celebration on Sun., March 17 from 3 to 4:30 PM ET at 32 West St., Annapolis 21401. This event will take place after the Annapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade. Food will be served. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/610804/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

14] –Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] are holding its weekly virtual Town Hall on Sun., March 17 at 4 PM ET. It will feature a discussion on what promises to be two of the most contentious, and therefore election-deciding, issues of 2024: immigration and social media regulation. RSVP at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tceuhrzsvHdymeeZRwb-i7X50FJa-HMR4#/registration

PDA is unwavering in its support for the human rights of all people. As such, it stands in solidarity with the immigrants who flee desperate situations seeking a better life in the United States. However, PDA is not yet strong enough to sway national public opinion in this regard; and, at present, the issue of immigration is threatening to damage the coalition that is the contemporary Democratic Party. Then, focus on the issue of social media regulation: more specifically, to the absurd spectacle playing out in Congress, as it moves to outlaw the most popular platform with America's youth, TilkTok. A representative from Young Progressive Democrats of America will address social media regulation.

15] – DC Action for Assange will gather on Sun., March 17 from 4 to 5 PM ET near the White House sidewalk.   The DC Action group has decided to split the monthly vigils - between AG Merrick Garland's residence and the White House. One vigil will be held at each location, per month.  Contact Martha Allen at marthaleslieallen@gmail.com.

16] – On Sun., March 17 from 6 to 8 PM ET, Tues., March 19 from 4 to 6 PM ET, Thurs., March 21 from 5 to 7 PM ET and Fri., March 22 from 4 to 6 PM ET 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. 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

17] – Christians for a Free Palestine is a group organizing Christians in the U.S. to take nonviolent direct action for Gaza and Palestine and to create a strong and public Christian voice against Christian Zionism. Join a Mass Call on Sun., the registration link March 17 at 8 PM ET. The call will feature Linda Sarsour, Rev. Alba Onofrio, and musical guest Rev. Sekou and the Valley and Mountain Fellowship, and will convene Christians strategically and spiritually to take action. RSVP at https://christiansforafreepalestine.com/events/marchmassmobilization

There is Call to Action on Tuesday, April 9 for Christians to come to Washington, DC, to take nonviolent action against Christian Zionism during the season of Easter. Training will be provided on Monday, April 8. 

18] – IfNotNow Baltimore [info@ifnotnowmovement.org] is holding a virtual chapter meeting on Sun., March 17 at 8 PM ET.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/ifnotnow/event/608413/?sourceid=1051385&emci=3881a1b4-b5d6-ee11-85f9-002248223794&emdi=5e39e711-c0d6-ee11-85f9-002248223794&ceid=30868439

19] – 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 March 18 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.

20] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is calling on you to testify on Mon., March 18 sometime from 9:30 AM to 6 PM ET in support of the DC Council Environmental Justice legislation. The DC Council has scheduled a hearing on the Environmental Justice Amendment Act of 2023, and submitting written testimony can help to get the bill across the finish line. This bill is a crucial piece of environmental justice legislation, which was co-written by We Power DC and introduced in November by Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker. If passed, it will provide much-needed protections to overburdened communities by making it more difficult to build, expand or re-permit polluting facilities and infrastructure in neighborhoods that are unduly exposed to pollution and on the frontlines of the climate crisis. RSVP at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/downloads/LIMS/54228/Hearing_Notice/B25-0564-Hearing_Notice1.pdf?Id=185338&link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2244383&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-15-2024

21] – The Economic Policy Institute is holding a webinar on Mon., March 18 at 3 PM ET -- How Congress can fix unemployment insurance. The Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act offers crucial fixes for unemployed workers. Join EPI's Sam Sanders for a deep dive on this legislation in a National Employment Law Project webinar. Register at https://nelp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6ffDmdYQSziWB548nBpRZg?mc_cid=578d6b2d4b&mc_eid=72ea77dbdd#/registration

22] – Progressive Democrats of America [info@pdamerica.org] want you to participate with the Green Grassroots Emergency Environment and Election Protection (GREEP) Zoom on Mon., March 18 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

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

 

Friday, March 15, 2024

Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 15 - 16, 2024

46] Friday Power Lunch – March 15

47] Peace vigil at the White House March 15

48] Women in Black vigil – March 15

49] AFSC Action Hour for ceasefire – March 15

50] Shut down Scotiabank – March 15

51] Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan March 15

52] Vigil for a ceasefire – March 15

53] Power Half-hour for Gaza March 15

54] Combat Islamophobia – March 15

55] Fourth Branch Action discussion March 15

56] Film Festival – March 16 & 23

57] Community Wealth Building Fund March 15

58] Bring the rainbow back to Russia – March 16

59] Bird dog David Trone – March 16

60] Rent Stabilization Canvass March 16

61] Vigil for a ceasefire – March 16

62] Bird dog David Trone – March 16

63] Prison Capital – March 16

64] Activist is selling her home

65] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

66] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

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

68] Do you need a doctor?

69] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

70] Do you need any book shelves?

71] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

-----

46] – On Fri., March 15 at noon ET, join the Friday Power Lunch, a weekly show amplifying the voices of the Virginia Grassroots on politics, culture, and making change with the BADASS women of Network NOVA. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscumspzMoHtOe4-JRDrtezzQNNh9EhWEh#/registration

47] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker will host a peace vigil at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, WDC, on Fri., March 15 at noon.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649 or artlaffin@hotmail.com.

48] – 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 830 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.

49] – The American Friends Service Committee holds an Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now every Friday at noon ET. Join AFSC staff to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action by contacting elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. RSVP at https://afsc.org/events/action-hour-cease-fire-now?ms=EMA24EI1103&emci=17faec34-887a-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&emdi=9695a439-f87c-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&ceid=764241

50]The Canadian BDS Coalition [coalition@bdscoalition.ca] is calling on Fri., March 15 at noon ET for a SHUT DOWN of GENOCIDE PROFITEERING! Shut down Scotiabank, and find a location near you, or book your own.  RSVP at https://bdscoalition.ca/2024/03/02/march-15-shut-down-genocide-profiteering-shut-down-scotiabank/

  The Canadian BDS Coalition endorses the call from member group the Canada Palestine Association to “adopt” a Scotiabank branch and shut it down! Why is the gap between the sentiments of the mass of people and that of the political establishment so wide?  Because the Canadian ruling class is totally invested in Israel.  They rely on Israel to act as an armed outpost of the Anglo-American imperialist alliance, of which they are a part. They do $2 billion+ in annual trade with Israel via the Canada Israel Free Trade Agreement. And the big Canadian banks, the cornerstone of Canadian imperialism, have billions invested in Israel, and particularly in its military and ‘security’ industries. Scotiabank with its $500 million investment in Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems is Exhibit A of Canadian capital’s genocide profiteering.

51] –Maryland LCV [info@mdlcv.org] needs you on Fri., March 15 at noon ET to attend a webinar to discuss its work to implement Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan.  The webinar will be hosted by Kim Coble, Maryland LCV’s Executive Director, joined by special guests Laura Wood, the Director of Development, and Kristen Harbeson, the Policy Director. Together, they will provide insights into Maryland LCV's priorities and the strategies to employ to get crucial bills across the finish line.  Register at https://www.mdlcv.org/event/friday-digest-3-15-24?emci=0fcb67cd-dddf-ee11-85fb-002248223794&emdi=b7a86e30-81e0-ee11-85fb-002248223794&ceid=578562

52] – Join Baltimore Peace Action on Fri., March 8 (unless there is rain) at the corners of Pimlico Road and Northern Parkway (by the racetrack) as the group calls for a ceasefire and hand out leaflets.  The set-up is at 3 PM, and the demo will end at 4:45 PM ET. Banners and signs are available. The BPA gatherings are quiet and peaceful.  Contact Ronda Cooperstein [rondacooperstein@hotmail.com]. 

53] –Jewish Voice for Peace [info@jewishvoiceforpeace.org] is doing Power Half Hours for Gaza every day, Monday through Friday, at 3 PM ET. Sign up to take collective action toward a ceasefire alongside hundreds of other people like you. RSVP at https://jvp-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Un0Lupy1SFObVVXJaZO5UQ?_x_zm_rtaid=J9kaFJwuR9e7Mh6JBKOREg.1708646266475.2a692d3bfd22320e6c703079034c64f4&_x_zm_rhtaid=813#/registration  If the Zoom room is full, go to https://www.youtube.com/@JewishVoiceforPeace/streams.

  There are no words to describe the devastating pain of the last four months, in which the Israeli military has killed over 29,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 11,500 children. The highest court in the world has named Israel’s actions as plausibly a genocide. And the U.S. government is actively supporting the Israeli military as it wreaks devastation on the over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

54] CAIR Daily News [info@action.cair.com] wants you to know that on Fri., March 15 at 7 PM U.S., Global Muslim Groups to Mark UN's International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Over a dozen groups plan to call for action to address hotspots of anti-Muslim bigotry. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, plans to unite with a coalition of more than a dozen Muslim civic organizations around the world to mark the UN’s Second International Day to Combat Islamophobia by issuing a joint statement highlighting key hotspots of Islamophobia around the globe. Journalists should expect to see a joint international statement and social media posts commemorating the day.  Contact CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR Research and Advocacy Coordinator Farah Afify, fafify@cair.com  Ramadan, Islam’s holy month of fasting and reflection, began this week. During the latter part of Ramadan, CAIR plans to release “Fatal: The Resurgence of Anti-Muslim Hate,” the 2024 edition of its annual report on the status of Muslim civil rights in the U.S.

55] – On Fri., March 15 from 7:30 to 9 PM ET, the Democratic National Committee will have a Fourth Branch Action discussion.  These Friday events will continue through December 27. Fourth Branch Action is a national grassroots group organizing for action, supporting the Biden/Harris administration, and working through civic, electoral, and legislative action to achieve progressive goals. The group accomplishes this through advocacy, oversight, holding elected officials accountable to perform their jobs on behalf of their constituents; community engagement, civic education, and other events.   Everyone is welcome to join in. Come and enjoy a friendly conversation among like-minded folks, get acquainted with others from across the country, and build a community to restore the soul of our nation.  After you register for this event, you will receive an automated email with the Zoom meeting details: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/373917/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

56] – World BEYOND War [greta@worldbeyondwar.org] is doing a film festival with three films continuing on Sat., March 16 and concluding on March 23.  Get tickets at https://worldbeyondwar.org/2024filmfest/?link_id=2&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-announcing-this-years-film-fest-2&email_referrer=email_2219875&email_subject=film-fest-starts-next-week

  Marking International Women’s Day (March 8), this year’s theme is “Women & War” and the films explore the intersection of women, war, and militarized masculinity. Each Saturday, there will be a live Zoom discussion with key representatives from the films and special guests to answer your questions and explore the topics addressed in the films. The purchase of one ticket gets you access to all three films and three discussions. You will get the screening link to watch the films on your own time leading up to the Zoom discussions.

The films are as follows: Released in 2023, Israelism uniquely explores how Jewish attitudes towards Israel are changing dramatically, with massive consequences for the region. Two young American Jews – Simone Zimmerman and Eitan – are raised to defend the state of Israel at all costs. Eitan joins the Israeli military. Simone supports Israel on ‘the other battlefield:’ America’s college campuses. When they witness Israel’s mistreatment of the Palestinian people with their own eyes, they are horrified and heartbroken.

 Naila and The Uprising (2017) takes place during the First Intifada in 1987. A woman in Gaza must choose between love, family, and freedom. Undaunted, she embraces all three, joining a clandestine network of women in an inspiring story that weaves through the most vibrant, nonviolent mobilization in Palestinian history.

The hour-long documentary Power on Patrol (2022) from the Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF) sheds light on the concept of militarized masculinities as a key driver of this conflict and aggression, the ways it manifests itself in conflict societies, how it is sustained and spotlights the stories of the male allies doing vital work alongside female activists to achieve equitable peace.  As news reports remind us on a daily basis, violence and war are having a devastating effect on countries, communities, and individuals across the world. 

57] – Yuri Guaiana [projects@allout.org] is asking us on Sat., March 16 to bring the rainbow back to Russia. As the situation for LGBT+ people in Russia grows increasingly perilous, your support is more vital than ever. Since Russia's crackdown on the "international public LGBT+ movement" as extremist, the danger for many in the community has escalated. It's become too risky for many LGBT+ Russians to stay. Join the Global Speak Outs where hundreds will gather in cities around the world in solidarity with the Russian LGBT+ community. Visit https://campaigns.allout.org/globalspeakout/?akid=101676.5849845.5rohDI&rd=1&t=3&utm_campaign=globalspeakout&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email

58] –On Sat., March 16 and March 23 at 10 AM ET, join Casa and members of the WUFU Coalition to collect signatures for a ballot initiative that will create a people powered Community Wealth Building Fund!  Meet at 2707 Pulaski Hwy., Baltimore 21224. For any questions or additional information please reach out to Loraine Arikat at loraine.arikat@1199.org

59] – On Sat., March 16 at 10:30 AM ET at 150 E.Bay View Drive, Annapolis get over to a Meet & Greet with David Trone, hosted by Sharon Blugis & D30 Democratic Club. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/607921/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

60] – The Metro DC DSA [info@mdcdsa.org] is holding a Rent Stabilization Canvass on Sat., March 16 at noon ET at the Eaves Washingtonian Apartments, 9600 Marathon Terrace, Gaithersburg 20878. Email montgomerycountydsa@gmail.com. The Montgomery County Council is currently considering regulations to implement rent stabilization. Join Montgomery County DSA to talk to tenants about the regulations and urge the County Council to pass the regulations as soon as possible and not to weaken the proposed rules.  RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rent-stabilization-canvass-8?link_id=51&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-february-16-2024-2&email_referrer=email_2226721&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024

61] – The NoVA Democratic Socialists [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] is promoting a VIGIL FOR a CEASE-FIRE at the Alexandria City Hall, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 on Sat., March 16 at 5 PM ET.  Alexandria for Palestine is hosting the vigil, and participants will hear stories, poems, and speeches from Alexandria neighbors about demanding that the City Council pass a ceasefire resolution. Please bring signs and keffiyeh!   Visit https://bit.ly/ARLHU to RSVP for this event, and https://linktr.ee/ArlingtonM4A if you’d like to get involved with this campaign.

62] – Get over to a Meet & Greet with David Trone, hosted by the Calvert County Democrats at the Calvert Library, Fairview Branch, 8120 Southern Maryland Blvd., Owings, MD on Sat., March 16  from 1:30 3:30 PM ET.  RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/607925/?followup_modal_context=email_post_shift_future_timeslots_other_events

63] – On Sat., March 16 at 6 PM ET, as part of the hybrid Socialist Night School, the Metro DC DSA’s Political Education working group will discuss at the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, WDC 20008, Lydia Pelot-Hobbs book Prison Capital: Mass Incarceration and Struggles for Abolition Democracy in Louisiana. Louisiana had the highest per capita rate of incarceration in the nation (and thus, the world) every year during 1998 to 2020 except for one. Understanding Louisiana’s carceral crisis extends our understanding of the interplay between the crises of mass criminalization and racial capitalism while highlighting the conditions of possibility for dismantling carceral power in all its forms. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/prison-capital-socialist-night-school?link_id=22&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-1-2024&email_referrer=email_2235665&email_subject=metro-dc-dsa-weekly-newsletter-for-march-8-2024

64] – 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. 

65] -- 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.

66] -- 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.

67] – Yousef Zarbalian [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.  

68] -- 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.

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

70] – 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, 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/.

“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