"Lives in the Balance" by Jackson Browne

Lyrics

I've been waiting for something to happen
For a week or a month or a year
With the blood in the ink of the headlines
And the sound of the crowd in my ear
You might ask what it takes to remember
When you know that you've seen it before
Where a government lies to a people
And a country is drifting to war

And there's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who send the guns
To the wars that are fought in places
Where their business interest runs
On the radio talk shows and the t.v.
You hear one thing again and again
How the u.s.a. stands for freedom
And we come to the aid of a friend
But who are the ones that we call our friends--
These governments killing their own?
Or the people who finally can't take any more
And they pick up a gun or a brick or a stone
There are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire

There's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who fan the flames
Of the wars that are fought in places
Where we can't even say the names

They sell us the president the same way
They sell us our clothes and our cars
They sell us every thing from youth to religion
The same time they sell us our wars
I want to know who the men in the shadows are
I want to hear somebody asking them why
They can be counted on to tell us who our enemies are
But they're never the ones to fight or to die
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire

Let's go after some REAL war criminals!

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Photo came from an email from Code Pink.  They were demonstrating against AIPAC meeting in DC earlier this month.

UPCOMING EVENTS

03/12/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/14/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 CARING FOR CREATION WEEKEND AT CAMP JUNALUSKA
Dr. Bill McKibben, environmental author and founder of 350.org, will be a featured presenter at Caring for Creation 2012 on March15 to March 18, 2012, at Lake Junaluska. He will be appearing by Skype.  Caring for Creation, a faith based eco justice event, will explore ways individuals and churches can become more environmentally conscious and good stewards of God's Earth.  Named for the safe level of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, 350 parts per million, 350.org is an international grassroots campaign that aims to mobilize a global climate movement. For over 20 years, McKibben has been environmentally active, releasing over a dozen books and various articles on climate change. More information:  http://www.lakejunaluska.com/caring-for-creation/

03/15/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 “MARKETS NOT CAPITALISM” BOOK DISCUSSION
A Discussion with Author Charles Johnson who is coeditor of the newly released book "Markets Not Capitalism: Individualist Anarchism Against Bosses, Inequality, Corporate Power, and Structural Poverty" The economic crisis needs fresh new responses, which emphasize the ways in which poverty and economic inequality have resulted from collusion between government and big business, which has enriched a few corporate giants at the expense of the rest of us. Rather than turning back to politics, the authors argue that working people must begin to free themselves of the mistakes of the past, and work together to take back control over their own lives and livelihoods through individual freedom, mutual exchange, human-scale markets and nonviolent grassroots social activism. Time is 6 to 8 PM.  Location is Firestorm Cafe and Books.

03/16/12 ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AND DISCUSSION AT UNCA
The film “Green Fire” will be shown at Highsmith University Union Grotto at 6:30 PM and will be followed by a panel discussion.  Open to the public, and there is more information below.

03/16/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00.  Physicians, health personnel and, yes, everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings.  DIRECTIONS:  (Location is in vicinity of Veterans Hospital)  Proceed east on Tunnel Rd./US 70 (away from downtown Asheville) to about one short block prior to the Blue Ridge Pky overpass. Turn right (south) on Pleasant Ridge Dr., then turn right on the second street, Wagon Rd., then immediate left on Birchwood Lane to #18 on the left side of the street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

03/17/12 SIXTH MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF OCCUPY WALL STREET
Congratulations to the Occupy movement for changing the conversation and raising awareness of very important issues that are ignored by the corporate media.  Locally, there is a BBQ potluck on March 17th at 3 PM at French Broad Park, 6 month anniversary of OWS.  Veggie burgers, hot dogs, meat food, bring food, anyone welcome.

03/19/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March. The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/19/12 ISLAMIC PACIFISM:  GLOBAL MUSLIMS IN THE POST-OSAMA ERA
This event will be a lecture by Arsalan Iftikhar.  It will be held at 7 PM in the Humanities Lecture Hall at UNCA.  Arsalan Iftikhar is an international human rights lawyer, global media commentator, founder of www.TheMuslimGuy.com and author of the book Islamic Pacifism: Global Muslims in the Post-Osama Era. Lecture topics will include the future of the Arab Spring, Muslims in a post-9/11 America, the future of Islam and the West, and the history of Islamophobia.   Co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Student Activities and Integrative Learning, Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Intercultural Center, Campus Recreation, Campus Life, Cultural Events and Special Academic Programs.

03/20/12 PRESENTATION ON US POLICY AND ITS IMPACT ON NICARAGUA
We'll be doing a slide show and reading at Malaprop's at 7 PM. Paul Dix and Pam Fitzpatrick both worked against US funding of the Contra War in the 1980s. Paul worked as a photographer in Nicaragua from 1985 to 1990. In 2001 he selected 100 Nicaraguans for follow up and he and Pam began return trips to Nicaragua in search of these 100. After 4 trips for a total of 18 months they located nearly everyone they searched for. With this material they produced the bilingual photo/testimony book, "Nicaragua: Surviving the Legacy of US Policy."  Their presentation begins with slides of the beauty of Nicaragua, then briefly reviews the history of US involvement in the affairs of Nicaragua, a bit about the genesis of the book, followed by "then and now" photos with music, then they focus on 3 or 4 individuals from the book. No charge.

03/21/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/21/12 STAND AGAINST RACISM
The Center for Diversity Education will be offering two free trainings on Assessing Common Office Space in support of Stand Against Racism with the YWCA of Asheville.
March 21 from 9:00- 10:00 at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce
April 5 from 4:00 - 5:00 at the YWCA of Asheville
Assessing Common Office Space Workshop - When a customer or employee walks into your place of business, house of worship, school, or community center do they feel welcomed? At this hour long participatory workshop, participants will learn to assess a space for visual images, accessibility, and historical cues to create a welcoming climate for a wider, more inclusive community.  Join the Chamber and YWCA to gain tools for assessing your organization's or business's inclusiveness. Speaker Deborah Miles, Diversity Education Instructor with UNCA, will take the group through a hands-on activity to evaluate a space. We encourage you to take the tool back to your space and conduct your own evaluation in time for "The Stand" on April 27.  Haven't Signed Up Yet for "The Stand"? If you haven't signed up yet to be a Participating Site of the 2012 Stand Against Racism, you still have time! Simply sign up by clicking www.standagainstracism.org.

03/22/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/21/12 ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AND DISCUSSION AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
The film “Green Fire” will be shown at Cannon Lounge at Warren Wilson College at 8 PM.  The public is invited to see the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold and his environmental legacy.  “Green Fire” partners include The U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Leopold Education Project; N.C. Cooperative Extension; The Wilderness Society; The Nature Conservancy; Western North Carolina Alliance; Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy; and Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.  For more information about the local showings, call Jill Gottesman, with The Wilderness Society, at 828-587-9453. For more information about the movie, visit www.GreenFireMovie.com.

03/23/12 - 03/25/12 SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONVERGENCE OF OCCUPATIONS
http://www.occupysoutheast.org/

03/23/12 - 03/25/12 UNAC CONFERENCE IN CONNETICUT

03/25/12 MARCH ON YOUR STATEHOUSE DAY
More information to follow (hopefully).

03/25/12 RELATIONAL ORGANIZING ON AMENDMENT ONE

Discussion and examination of the amendment, and reflecting on how it will impact our lives and our communities. Specific emphasis placed on building, practicing, and refining skills employed in relational organizing--telling our stories in a short, compelling, targeted fashion with the people already in our lives to encourage them to come out to vote against A1 on May 8. Free and Open to Asheville community members. Specific LGBTQIA organization leaders will also invited.  Time is 3 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books.

03/30/12 NATIONAL OCCUPATION OF WASHINGTON DC
http://nowdc.org/ or The National Occupation of Washington, DC - Occupy Powers

03/31/12 CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY FAMILY DINNER
More information at http://southernequality.org/

03/31/12 BOOK DISCUSSION AT FIRESTORM CAFÉ AND BOOKS
This book discussion will be on “The Man Who Quit Money” and will be held at 1 PM.  This is free and open to the public.  In the autumn of 2000, Daniel Suelo deposited his life savings—all thirty dollars of it – in a phone booth. He has lived without money ever since. And he has never felt so free, or so much at peace.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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SUNDAY
Episcopal Peace Fellowship holds a weekly vigil from 4:30 to 5 PM at All Soul's Cathedral.

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:15 - 5:15 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Occupy Asheville Meet Talk Act Nonviolent Affinity Group meets at 4:30 PM at the Chocolate Lounge (second floor) at 10 South Lexington in Asheville. Contact earthsun2@gmail.com for more info.

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.
Asheville Cop Watch meeting at 5 PM at Firestorm Cafe.

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.

FRIDAY
Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville

SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.

OCCUPY WALL STREET ASHEVILLE
Go to www.occupyasheville.org for more information, or call 888-378-0788. Information on Occupy Asheville late breaking events: http://www.occupyasheville.org/events/  General Assembly will be held at 6 PM on Thursday and at 3 PM on Saturday.  Location TBD.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Catch the “Green Fire” film!

The public is invited to see the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold and his environmental legacy.  The free movie, “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for our Time,” will be shown at four locations across Western North Carolina next week.  Two of them are local.  “Green Fire,” shares highlights from Leopold’s extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land, an idea that has come to be known as a “land ethic,” continues to inform and inspire people across the country and around the world, highlighting modern projects that put Leopold’s land ethic in action in a multitude of ways.  

The “Green Fire” movie will be shown on the following days and locations:

March 16, 6:30 p.m.: Asheville, University of North Carolina-Asheville, Highsmith University Union Grotto.

March 21, 8 p.m.: Swannanoa, Warren Wilson College, Canon Lounge.

Curt Meine, the film’s on-screen guide, is scheduled to attend all four showings. Meine’s doctoral dissertation was a biography of Aldo Leopold, published as “Aldo Leopold: His Life and Work” (University of Wisconsin Press, 1988).  After the Asheville showing of the movie at UNCA, there will be a panel discussion, open to audience questions, with Meine, Julie Mayfield of WNC Alliance, Brent Martin with the Wilderness Society, David Ray with the Nature Conservancy, staff from Warren Wilson College, and others.  “Green Fire” partners include The U.S. Forest Service, N.C. Leopold Education Project; N.C. Cooperative Extension; The Wilderness Society; The Nature Conservancy; Western North Carolina Alliance; Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy; and Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.  For more information about the local showings, call Jill Gottesman, with The Wilderness Society, at 828-587-9453. For more information about the movie, visit www.GreenFireMovie.com.

Classified Intelligence

Let Freedom Ring!

Child abuse

Child abuse

God save the children, trapped in the grave,

Living in fear, hiding the pain,

Battered by devils, screaming in vain,

Feeling the wrath, then doing the same.

--- Steve Lynch

Photo came from a blog.

"Which side are you on?" by Pete Seeger

One of many songs that would be good for the Occupy movement.

Future Hope column, March 3, 2012

 Photo of the setting sun on the NC coast by David Taylor.

Discovering Prayer in the Climate Movement

By Ted Glick

 O Great Spirit,
 whose voice I hear in the winds
 and whose breath gives life to all the world,
 hear me.
 I am small and weak.
 I need your strength and wisdom.

 Let me walk in beauty
 and let my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
 Make my hands respect the things you have made
 and my ears grow sharp to hear your voice.

 Make me wise so that I may understand the things
 you have taught my people.
 Let me learn the lessons you have hidden
 in every leaf and rock.
 I seek strength not to be greater than my brother or sister
 but to fight my greatest enemy, myself.
 Make me always ready
 to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes
 So when life fades as the fading sunset
 my spirit may come to you without shame.
               -Let Me Walk in Beauty, by Chief Yellow Lark

My family religious roots are deep. My father and both of my grandfathers were ministers in the Church of the Brethren. Growing up, I went to church every Sunday. For close to 20 years of my life in the 80's and 90's, I was a regular attendee and a member of the church council of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, N.Y.

I've not been a regular churchgoer since then, but I haven't lost my belief in the importance of the teachings and example of Jesus of Nazareth. I sometimes carry and read a pocket Bible when traveling, and one of my favorite books is God Makes the Rivers to Flow, Sacred Literature of the World, by Eknath Easwaran. Many times over the years since I accidentally discovered it, I have turned to its pages for help when my spirit has been down and I've been in need of inspiration. Chief Yellow Lark's poem above is from this book.

Even with these spiritual beliefs and practices, I've never been much of a praying person. The one, very big exception is the long fasts that I have undertaken in past years, including three long fasts between 2007 and 2009 on the climate crisis. During those times without eating, I have come to appreciate Gandhi's words, that "fasting is the sincerest form of prayer."

But all of a sudden, again pretty much by accident, I have discovered the power of more traditional prayer as an important aspect of building a stronger climate movement.

Since the middle of last year, I have been involved in meetings and conference calls with people of faith who have been trying to bring forward a much more visible and demonstrative, faith-based voice on the issue of the climate crisis. Out of these meetings has emerged the Interfaith Moral Action on Climate (IMAC) network. And each week, when we have our regular conference calls, our meetings begin and end with a prayer. Without question, this practice helps to keep us all more humble, less ego-driven and more focused on figuring out how we can most effectively work together to preserve, in the words of a recent IMAC document, "what we variously call God's Creation, Mother Earth, or simply, Earth, our one and only home."

Interfaith Moral Action on Climate believes that "our value-added lies in our ability to help catalyze a multi-faith movement during this critical election year that embodies the moral voice on this most urgent of issues. A moral voice is essential since scientific and economic arguments alone have not moved the United States to adequately address this deepening crisis. While other groups are also working on the moral dimensions of climate change, IMAC seeks to galvanize specific, focused and coordinated actions in Washington DC and throughout the nation during Earth week, April 21-27, and to use these as a launching pad for organizing a moral call to action on climate change leading up to the November elections."

It has been encouraging and inspiring, if not always easy, to be part of the emergence of this important new voice as part of the climate movement. An impressive, broadly-based and growing range of organizations and leaders have endorsed and/or are actively involved with the efforts leading up to Earth week at the end of April. Methodist Sunday school teacher and 350.org leader Bill McKibben has just agreed to be with us in Washington, D.C. on April 24th, Interfaith Moral Action on Climate's primary day of action.

It's easy, normal really, to often feel like there's little chance that the human race is up to the challenge of turning things around in enough time to avoid catastrophic climate change. And yet, my participation in IMAC has led me to reflect on the saying, "all things are possible with God."

Maybe the human race needs to experience, collectively, a sense of hopelessness about our future as we experience weather disaster after weather disaster, the latest for us in the US being what is happening in the Midwest and South with massive and widespread tornadoes. Perhaps that hopelessness will lead to a recognition society-wide that to find the strength we need to bring about change, we need to tap a power much stronger than the fossil fuel industry or, in President Eisenhower's words, the military-industrial complex.

We don't know exactly when and how that mass sea change in understanding will take place. In the meantime, those of us who get it on how bad our situation is must continue to speak out and take action. Earth week in Washington, D.C. and around the country is a strategic time to do so.


Ted Glick is the National Policy Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and a long-time progressive activist. Past writings and more information can be found at http://www.tedglick.com, and he can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jtglick.

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

03/05/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.   Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.  

03/05/12 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Frances Perkins, A Chautauqua Show. Frances Perkins is the midwife to Social Security, mother of the New Deal, and the first woman ever in the Cabinet- she was FDR's Secretary of Labor.  Ticket sales will benefit both the League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County and the NC Stage organization.  Go to http://www.ncstage.org for more information.

03/05/12 OCCUPY AFFINITY GROUP MEETING
On Monday, March 5, Meet Talk Act Nonviolent Affinity Group, in coordination with the NC Campaign Against Corporate Power, is calling a meeting of anyone interested in planning a local nonviolent  action in Asheville against Bank of America. The action, which will be colorful, playful and serious, will take place on March 20, which is the first day of spring.  Details of the action have not yet been planned, so we need your help.  Please come to our planning meeting at 2:30 PM at the Chocolate Lounge in Asheville.  If you have questions, please call Steven at 828-777-7816.

03/06/12 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRECINCT MEETING
This will be held at 6 PM at your local polling place or other location, with a back up date of 03/10/12 at 10 AM.  Contact your precinct chair for more details.

03/07/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
The Executive Director of Riverlink will discuss current initiatives, including the use of oil eating bacteria to help clean some of the French Broad riverfront soil.  Social is at 7 PM and program starts at 7:15 PM.  Location is the Unitarian Church at 1 Edwin Street in Asheville NC.

03/07/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/07/12 GREEN DRINKS AT POSANA CAFÉ
Laura Piraino will be speaking about Asheville’s upcoming changes to the recycling program for households.  Time is 6 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Posana Café is at 1 Biltmore Avenue.

03/08/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/08/12 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

03/09/12 MOVIE NIGHT AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
This will be held at the Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church at Charlotte and Edwin Streets.  Time is 7 PM.  The movie is "Casino Jack and the United States of Money."  It is about Jack Abramoff.

03/09/12 SPRING OF DISCONTENT – OCCUPY EVENT
The Spring of Discontent will be a rally and march against Bank of America.  At 1 PM, meet in Pritchard Park to make signs for a march that will begin at 2 PM across from the Bank of America.  While making signs, community members will teach us about the injustices that Bank of America funds and supports.  Don’t forget to bring you dissent.

03/10/12 NONVIOLENCE AND FREEDOM SUMMER
“Non-violence and Freedom Summer - A Story For Our Times” is a two person panel discussion on the  actions of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and their efforts to end apartheid in the USA and to obtain voting rights for all American citizens.  Carol Rogoff Hallstrom, Esq. and Isaac Coleman are Asheville residents who spent the summer of 1964 with Freedom Summer.  They faced threats and  violence to help bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice.  This will be held at Firestorm Cafe and Books and starts at 7 PM.  This event is sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099.

03/10/12 FUKUSHIMA ANNIVERSARY EVENT
S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Future Energy) Carolinas is planning a Fukushima Day.  Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.  FUKUSHIMA DIAICHI, the largest civilian nuclear catastrophe is not over – it began March 11, 2011.  And on February 9, 2012 the US Nuclear Regulatory approved the first new nuclear reactor license of the 21st century -- after nearly 40 years of no new nukes!  Speakers will include Mary Olson of the Nuclear Information and Resource  Service (NIRS) and Laura Sorenson, SAFE Carolinas organizer.  The Sahara Peace Choir will perform and participants will be led in a commemoration to honor the victims of this tragedy.  Information will be disseminated regarding the proposed Gaffney, South Carolina, nuclear reactors which would be a mere 60 miles from Asheville if constructed.  A march in downtown Asheville will follow the program to bring attention to current nuclear power issues.  The public is invited to attend and participate in these events.  Please contact Laura Sorensen at lsredoak@gmail.com or at 665-3668 for more information.  Please bring fresh flowers to this event, if you have some.

03/11/12 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. MEETING
This is a meeting of the Asheville National Organization for Women will be held at Battery Park Apartments in the rooftop gardens (RF on the elevator).  For time and code to open front door, please email Debbie at AshevilleNOW@live.com.   Time is 3 to 5 PM.     

03/11/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BUS TRIP TO GEORGIA
Join WNC PSR on a day trip to Georgia for a Nuclear-Free Future Vigil.  WNC PSR is sponsoring a day-trip so that people from WNC can stand together with people in the Waynesboro and Shell Bluff communities in Georgia, where for the first time in 39 years the federal government has approved a new nuclear power reactor license.  The cost per seat is $25. Some scholarships are available.  For more information, contact  Mary Olson at maryo@nirs.org or 828-252-8409.

03/12/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/14/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 CARING FOR CREATION WEEKEND AT CAMP JUNALUSKA
Dr. Bill McKibben, environmental author and founder of 350.org, will be a featured presenter at Caring for Creation 2012 March 13-15, 2012, at Lake Junaluska. He will be appearing by Skype.  Caring for Creation, a faith based eco justice event, will explore ways individuals and churches can become more environmentally conscious and good stewards of God's Earth.  Named for the safe level of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, 350 parts per million, 350.org is an international grassroots campaign that aims to mobilize a global climate movement. For over 20 years, McKibben has been environmentally active, releasing over a dozen books and various articles on climate change. More information:  http://www.lakejunaluska.com/caring-for-creation/

03/15/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 “MARKETS NOT CAPITALISM” BOOK DISCUSSION
A Discussion with Author Charles Johnson who is coeditor of the newly released book "Markets Not Capitalism: Individualist Anarchism Against Bosses, Inequality, Corporate Power, and Structural Poverty" The economic crisis needs fresh new responses, which emphasize the ways in which poverty and economic inequality have resulted from collusion between government and big business, which has enriched a few corporate giants at the expense of the rest of us. Rather than turning back to politics, the authors argue that working people must begin to free themselves of the mistakes of the past, and work together to take back control over their own lives and livelihoods through individual freedom, mutual exchange, human-scale markets and nonviolent grassroots social activism. Time is 6 to 8 PM.

03/16/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00.  Physicians, health personnel and, yes, everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings.  DIRECTIONS:  (Location is in vicinity of Veterans Hospital)  Proceed east on Tunnel Rd./US 70 (away from downtown Asheville) to about one short block prior to the Blue Ridge Pky overpass. Turn right (south) on Pleasant Ridge Dr., then turn right on the second street, Wagon Rd., then immediate left on Birchwood Lane to #18 on the left side of the street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

03/19/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March. The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/19/12 ISLAMIC PACIFISM:  GLOBAL MUSLIMS IN THE POST-OSAMA ERA
This even will be a lecture by Arsalan Iftikhar.  It will be held at 7 PM in the Humanities Lecture Hall at UNCA.  Arsalan Iftikhar is an international human rights lawyer, global media commentator, founder of www.TheMuslimGuy.com and author of the book Islamic Pacifism: Global Muslims in the Post-Osama Era. Lecture topics will include the future of the Arab Spring, Muslims in a post-9/11 America, the future of Islam and the West, and the history of Islamophobia.   Co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, Student Activities and Integrative Learning, Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Intercultural Center, Campus Recreation, Campus Life, Cultural Events and Special Academic Programs.

03/20/12 PRESENTATION ON US POLICY AND ITS IMPACT ON NICARAGUA
We'll be doing a slide show and reading at Malaprop's at 7 PM. Paul Dix and Pam Fitzpatrick both worked against US funding of the Contra War in the 1980s. Paul worked as a photographer in Nicaragua from 1985 to 1990. In 2001 he selected 100 Nicaraguans for follow up and he and Pam began return trips to Nicaragua in search of these 100. After 4 trips for a total of 18 months they located nearly everyone they searched for. With this material they produced the bilingual photo/testimony book, "Nicaragua: Surviving the Legacy of US Policy."  Their presentation begins with slides of the beauty of Nicaragua, then briefly reviews the history of US involvement in the affairs of Nicaragua, a bit about the genesis of the book, followed by "then and now" photos with music, then they focus on 3 or 4 individuals from the book. No charge.

03/21/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/22/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT
“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/23/12 - 03/25/12 SOUTHEASTERN REGIONAL CONVERGENCE OF OCCUPATIONS
http://www.occupysoutheast.org/

03/23/12 - 03/25/12 UNAC CONFERENCE IN CONNETICUT

03/25/12 MARCH ON YOUR STATEHOUSE DAY
More information to follow (hopefully).

03/30/12 NATIONAL OCCUPATION OF WASHINGTON DC
http://nowdc.org/ or The National Occupation of Washington, DC - Occupy Powers

03/31/12 CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY FAMILY DINNER
More information at http://southernequality.org/

03/31/12 BOOK DISCUSSION AT FIRESTORM CAFÉ AND BOOKS
This book discussion will be on “The Man Who Quit Money” and will be held at 1 PM.  This is free and open to the public.  In the autumn of 2000, Daniel Suelo deposited his life savings—all thirty dollars of it – in a phone booth. He has lived without money ever since. And he has never felt so free, or so much at peace.

04/14/12 BUNCOMBE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING
This will begin at 10 AM at the Buncombe County Courthouse.  Please sign up to attend at your local precinct meeting.

04/14/12 - 04/17/12 SOA WATCH DAYS OF ACTION IN DC
Join us in Washington, DC for the Days of Action to Close the SOA and End Militarization! Plan to come to DC from April 14-17 for four days of lobbying, conferences, strategy sessions, concerts and street theater, as we continue to make our demands heard for a just world. Prior to the Days of Action, from April 11-13, we will hold a Direct  Action Training camp to train movement activists in the skills needed to carry out effective actions to put the SOA and militarization on the national agenda.  http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=5cR1JW7Z3KLARiECufCoW8UkZA/WO+zK

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Anam Cara Theatre Company presents:  “WE ARE THE 99%” - An Ensemble-created play.  This play will be presented on March 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18.  All shows at 8 PM.  The Anam Cara Collective is at 203 Haywood Road in west Asheville.  10% of ticket sales go to Occupy Asheville.  Tickets are $10/advance and $12/door.  Sundays are “pay what you can” shows.  Tickets are available online, at Firestorm Cafe or email anamcaratc@gmail.com.  

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Take action:  Show support for Bradley Manning by signing this letter.

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Take action against NC Amendment 1 – folks will be voting on this in May!

Today 117 Coalition Partners stand together in opposition to Amendment 1. Among them, the NAACP, Southerners on New Ground, the Alliance of Baptists, Disability Rights North Carolina, and the Libertarian Party.  See a video about this and possible volunteer activities at https://protectallncfamilies.ngpvanhost.com/momentum      

Pledge to vote against Amendment 1: http://www.protectallncfamilies.org/content/pledge-to-vote-against     

Get a Tool Kit: http://www.protectallncfamilies.org/content/download-your-tools

See message from a local organizer:

My name is Liz MacNeil, and I'm the Regional Field Organizer for the Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families in WNC.  I wanted to invite you to come visit us at our new field office located at 29 N. Market St, 6th floor, in downtown Asheville. We just opened on Sunday, and we're starting a phone bank from our office in downtown on Monday, Feb 6. Our phone banks will run from 4-8 (Sun-Fri) and 4-6 (Sat). We're always looking for people to volunteer and get involved in the campaign. Please let me know if you have an hour or two to help us fight AGAINST Amendment One.
Best,
Liz MacNeil
WNC Regional Field Organizer, Coalition to Protect ALL NC Families
lmacneil78@gmail.com
530-591-2666
www.protectncfamilies.org

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Information on the County Commissioner races in Buncombe County, and other election news. 

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A live reading of the play “8: A Play about the Fight for Marriage Equality” by the American Equal Rights Channel on you tube.  Worth watching!

http://www.youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights

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Hearts & Mines - the aftereffects of war...

Particularly how it impacts on children.  This is a trial about a documentary,which was released in 2011.   The people of Vietnam are STILL suffering from the American war on them.  FOR WHAT???  FOR WHAT???  What did we achieve?  WHY ARE THEY SUFFERING???

Dear Mr. Obama: YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG

Seriously, Mr. Obama, when you were elected some of us dreamed that you would go after the war criminals in the Bush administration who engineered kidnapping and torture as our nation's policy.  None of us suspected that you would do less kidnapping and torture and REPLACE IT WITH DRONE ASSASSINATIONS!!!!

Seriously, you are doing it wrong!!!!

Story below of the aftermath of a drone strike that happened under Bush, but as we all know now:  Obama is doing many more of these evil drone assassinations.

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The Ghost and the Machine

by Kathy Kelly with research by the Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers
Fazillah, age 25, lives in Maidan Shar, the central city of Afghanistan’s Wardak province. She married about six years ago, and gave birth to a son, Aymal, who just turned five without a father. Fazillah tells her son, Aymal, that his father was killed by an American bomber plane, remote-controlled by computer.  That July, in 2007, Aymal’s father was sitting in a garden with four other men. A weaponized drone, what we used to call an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle or UAV, was flying, unseen, overhead, and fired missiles into the garden, killing all five men.

Now Fazillah and Aymal share a small dwelling with the deceased man’s mother. According to the tradition, a husband’s relatives are responsible to look after a widow with no breadwinner remaining in her immediate family. She and her son have no regular source of bread or income, but Fazillah says that her small family is better off than it might have been: one of the men killed alongside her husband left behind a wife and child but no other living relatives that could provide them with any source of support, at all.

Aymal’s grandmother becomes agitated and distraught speaking about her son’s death, and that of his four friends. “All of us ask, ‘Why?’” she says, raising her voice. “They kill people with computers and they can’t tell us why. When we ask why this happened, they say they had doubts, they had suspicions. But they didn’t take time to ask ‘Who is this person?’ or ‘Who was that person?’ There is no proof, no accountability. Now, there is no reliable person in the home to bring us bread. I am old, and I do not have a peaceful life.”

Listening to them, I recall an earlier conversation I had with a Pakistani social worker and with Safdar Dawar, a journalist, both of whom had survived drone attacks in the area of Miran Shah, in Pakistan’s Waziristan province. Exasperated at the increasingly common experience which they had survived and which too many others have not, they began firing questions at us.  “Who has given the license to kill and in what court? Who has declared that they can hit anyone they like?”

“How many ‘high level targets’ could there possibly be?”

“What kind of democracy is America,” Safdar asks, “where people do not ask these questions?”

One question Fazillah cannot answer for her son is whether anyone asked the question at all of whether to kill his father. Forbes Magazine reports that the Air Force has sixty-five to seventy thousand analysts processing drone video surveillance; A Rand review states they actually need half again that number to properly handle the data. Asked to point to the human who actually made the decision to kill her husband, she can only point to another machine.

In June 2010, Philip G. Alston, then the UN’s Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, appeared before the UN Human Rights Council and testified that “targeted killings pose a rapidly growing challenge to the international rule of law … In a situation in which there is no disclosure of who has been killed, for what reason, and whether innocent civilians have died, the legal principle of international accountability is, by definition, comprehensively violated.”

“Such an expanded and open-ended interpretation of the right to self defense comes close to destroying the prohibition on the use of armed force contained in the United Nations Charter. If invoked by other states in pursuit of those they deemed to be terrorists and to have attacked them, it would cause chaos.”

This past week, on February 23, the legal action charity” Reprieve” spoke up on behalf of more than a dozen Pakistani families who had lost loved ones in drone strikes, and asked the UN Human Rights Council to condemn the attacks as illegal human rights violations.

“In Pakistan, the CIA is creating desolation and calling it peace,” said Reprieve’s Director Clive Stafford Smith. “The illegal programme of drone strikes has murdered hundreds of civilians in Pakistan. The UN must put a stop to it before any more children are killed. Not only is it causing untold suffering to the people of North West Pakistan – it is also the most effective recruiting sergeant yet for the very ‘militants’ the US claims to be targeting.”

The lawyer representing the families, Shahzad Akbar of Pakistan’s “Foundation for Fundamental Rights”, said:

“If President Obama really believes the drone strikes have ‘pinpoint’ accuracy, it has to be asked where the deaths of kids like Maezol Khan’s eight-year-old son fit into the CIA’s plan. If the US is not prepared to face up to the reality of the suffering the strikes are causing, then the UN must step in. The international community can no longer afford to ignore the human rights catastrophe which is taking place in North West Pakistan in the name of the ‘War on Terror’.”

Drone warfare, ever more widely used from month to month from the Bush through the Obama administrations, has seen very little meaningful public debate. We don’t ask questions – our minds straying no nearer these battlefields than in the coming decades the bodies of our young people will – that is, if the chaos our war making engenders doesn’t bring the battlefields to us. An expanding network of devastatingly lethal covert actions spreading throughout the developing world passes with minimal concern or comment.

So who does Fazillah blame? Who does one blame when confronted with the actions of a machine? Our Pakistani friend asks, “What kind of a democracy is America where people do not ask these questions?” Becoming an actual democracy, with an actual choice at election-time between war and peace rather than between political machines vying for the chance to bring us war, seems to many Americans, if some of the less-reported polls are to be believed, a near-unachievable goal. The U.S. has become a process that churns out war – today Afghanistan and (in any real sense) Iraq; tomorrow Iran and Pakistan, with China securely, however distantly, on the horizon - and for those of us with any concern for peace, a principled opposition to war ultimately requires a determination to make the U.S. at long last into a democracy, striving as Dr. King enjoined us, in “molding a recalcitrant status quo with bruised hands until we have fashioned it into a brotherhood.”  It must begin with compassion - powerless compassion perhaps, perhaps only the ghost of dissent, but compassion for people like Fazillah and Aymal, - and with deciding to be human, maybe only the ghost of a human, but alive in some way and alive to what our assent, and perhaps especially our silence are accomplishing in the world. Humanity is the first thing to be won back - and then, if we have the strength, relentlessly defended - against indifference, complacency, and, above all, inaction. If enough of us refuse to be machines, if enough of us refuse enough, can democracy, and even peace, not be at last achieved? But first comes the refusal.

Fazillah wants a peaceful life. She doesn’t want to see any more people killed, any more ghosts like that of her husband. Any more bodies, burned (as she recalls) so charred that they are almost unrecognizable one from another.

“I don’t want this to happen to anyone,” says Fazillah. I don’t want any children to be left without parents.”

And,” she adds, “I want the U.S. troops to leave.”

Question....

Heartland - Dylan and Nelson

There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland
And the bankers are taking my home and my land from me
There's a big achin' hole in my chest now where my heart was
And a hole in the sky where God used to be
There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland
There's a well where the water's so bitter nobody can drink
Ain't no way to get high and my mouth is so dry that I can't speak
Don't they know that I'm dyin' why's nobody cryin' for me
My American dream fell apart at the seams
You tell me what it means you tell me what it means
There's a home place under fire tonight in a heartland
And bankers are taking the homes and the land away
There's a young boy closin' his eyes tonight in a heartland
Who will wake up a man with some land and a loan he can't pay
His American dream fell apart at the seams
You tell me what it means you tell me what it means
My American dream...
There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland
There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland
There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland
There's a home place under fire tonight in the heartland

Volunteers of America - Jefferson Airplane

Look what's happening out in the streets
Got a revolution Got to revolution
Hey I'm dancing down the streets
Got a revolution Got to revolution
Ain't it amazing all the people I meet
Got a revolution Got to revolution
One generation got old
One generation got soul
This generation got no destination to hold
Pick up the cry
Hey now it's time for you and me
Got a revolution Got to revolution
Come on now we're marching to the sea
Got a revolution Got to revolution
Who will take it from you
We will and who are we
We are volunteers of America

Jefferson Airplane

God help America....

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

From the last day of Occupy Asheville encampment.  Taken on 2-17-12.  Veterans for Peace have been a big part of the Occupy Asheville group.

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/27/12 ASHEVILLE’S FIRST EARTH SABBATH CELEBRATION OF 2012

The Earth Sabbath is: a time to step out of our daily hectic lives and into a joyful celebration of the mystery and meaning of the universe;  a time of sharing gratitude and appreciation for the gifts of creation;  a time of lament, hope, and honoring our interdependency;  a time of reverence and humility for the power of nature beyond our control;  a time for community with people caring for creation;  a time for nurturing and supporting the vision and creativity needed for the healing of the Earth and all those traveling upon her.  Free and open to the public.  Time is 7 PM and location is St. Mary's Church, an Episcopal Parish, 337 Charlotte Street, Asheville.  Presented by Interfaith Power & Light.  More information at info@ncipl.org  

02/27/12 to 03/11/12 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL DAYS OF ACTION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE USA

02/28/12 MASS DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SUPPRESSION OF OCCUPY MOVEMENT

Call for Mass Action Against the Suppression of the Occupy Movement, supported by: Occupy Wall Street GA; Occupy Cleveland GA; OWS Anti-War Working Group & 700 signers online including Boots Riley and Scott Olsen from Occupy Oakland. http://www.dontsuppressows.org/

02/28/12 NC WOMEN UNITED FORUM ON NETWORKING

Snacks & good conversation provided!  Folks are invited to network and learn about North Carolina Women United (NCWU). As a coalition of organizations, including the League of Women Voters, NCWU is committed to achieving full equality and empowerment for women. Programs include: Women's Advocacy Day, Women's Agenda Assemblies, Ongoing Advocacy and the Legislative Report Card. Visit NCWU's website here: http://www.ncwu.org.  Location is the YWCA in downtown Asheville and time is 5:30 to 7 PM.

02/29/12 SAFE ALTERNATIVES FOR FUTURE ENERGY CAROLINAS MEETING

S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Future Energy) Carolinas will hold a meeting at the West Asheville Library at 6:30 PM.  We are concerned citizens from WNC collaborating to STOP the WS Lee Nuclear Plant in Gaffney, SC, just 60 miles from Asheville.  Come join us in planning a Fukushima Day scheduled for Sat., March 10, 2012.  ALL ARE WELCOME.  For more info contact Laura at Lsredoak@gmail.com.

02/29/12 SHUT DOWN THE CORPORATIONS DAY BY THE OCCUPY MOVEMENT

03/01/12 OUR VOICES, OUR STORIES - NUESTRAS VOCES, NUESTRAS HISTORIAS

Based on the “100 Stories” Documentary Project, Our Stories, Our Voices is a collaborative community art project that documents the lives and journeys of immigrants in Western NC.  While deconstructing myths, this exhibition shares episodes of discrimination and fear as well as moments of resilience and celebration. Through multiple perspectives, viewers will learn about immigration, culture, and the recent social, economic and political changes that brought about mass migration.  Sponsored by Latino Advocacy Coalition, Nuestro Centro, Coalición de Organizaciones Latino-Americanas, WNC Workers Center, Center for Participatory Change, Center for Diversity Education, and the NC Arts Council.  Reception is from 7 to 9 PM and the exhibit is open from March 1 to March 31.  Location is Highsmith Union Gallery at UNCA.

03/01/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street (the corner of Haywood and Roberts), Asheville. VFP CHAPTER 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

03/03/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING

The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is free & open to the public. It will be held from 10AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.

03/04/12 “BRAIN-STORMING THE BASTILLE” FORUM BY NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION GROUP OF OCCUPY ASHEVILLE

“Brain-Storming the Bastille: Sharing Perspectives on Nonviolence and Diversity of Tactics.”  Time is 2 to 4 PM, and location is Asheville Battery Park Apartments, Roof Top room.  We need to listen to one another and find ways to clarify our thinking and come to deeper understandings with one another.  The NV Direct Action Training Group of Occupy Asheville, together with New South Network of War Resisters and others is offering this Forum.  Contact Clare at newsouthnetwork@gmail.com for more information.

03/05/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.   Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/05/12 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Frances Perkins, A Chautauqua Show. Frances Perkins, is the midwife to Social Security, mother of the New Deal, and the first woman ever in the Cabinet: FDR's Secretary of Labor!  Ticket sales will benefit both the League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County and the NC Stage organization.  Go to http://www.ncstage.org for more information.

03/06/12 DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRECINCT MEETING

This will be held at 6 PM at your local polling place or other location, with a back up date of 03/10/12 at 10 AM.  Contact your precinct chair for more details.

03/07/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

The Executive Director of Riverlink will discuss current initiatives, including the use of oil eating bacteria to help clean some of the French Broad riverfront soil.  Social is at 7 PM and program starts at 7:15 PM.  Location is the Unitarian Church at 1 Edwin Street in Asheville NC.

03/07/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/08/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“Occupation 101” is a documentary which explains the roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with commentaries from leading Middle East scholars, journalists, peace activists, and religious leaders whose voices have too often been absent in the media This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/09/12 MOVIE NIGHT AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

This will be held at the Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church at Charlotte and Edwin Streets.  Time is 7 PM.  Movie is "Casino Jack and the United States of Money."  It is about Jack Abramoff. 

03/10/12 NONVIOLENCE AND FREEDOM SUMMER

“Non-violence and Freedom Summer - A Story For Our Times” is a two person panel discussion on the  actions of SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and their efforts to end apartheid in the USA and to obtain voting rights for all American citizens.  Carol Rogoff Hallstrom, Esq. and Isaac Coleman are Asheville residents who spent the summer of 1964 with Freedom Summer.  They faced threats and  violence to help bend the arc of the moral universe towards justice.  This will be held at Firestorm Cafe and Books and starts at 7 PM.  This event is sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099. 

03/10/12 FUKUSHIMA DAY EVENT

S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Future Energy) Carolinas is planning a Fukushima Day.  Go to www.NoNuclearWasteInWNC.com for additional information.  Time & location will be posted after the 2-29-12 planning meeting.  FUKUSHIMA DIAICHI, the largest civilian nuclear catastrophe is not over – it began March 11, 2011.  And on February 9, 2012 the US Nuclear Regulatory approved the first new nuclear reactor license of the 21st century -- after nearly 40 years of no new nukes!  People of all ages, races and creeds who advocate for peaceful energy solutions as well as economic and environmental justice are invited to honor the Japanese victims and advocate on behalf of all victims of the powerful nuclear industry.  It is hoped that this event will mark the beginning of annual remembrances and a building of peaceful resistance to all nuclear expansion projects.

03/11/12 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. MEETING

This meeting of the Asheville National Organization for Women will be held at Battery Park Apartments in the rooftop gardens (RF on the elevator).  For time and code to open front door, please email Debbie at AshevilleNOW@live.com.   

03/11/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BUS TRIP TO GEORGIA

Join WNC PSR on a day trip to Georgia for a Nuclear-Free Future Vigil.  WNC PSR is sponsoring a day-trip so that people from WNC can stand together with people in the Waynesboro and Shell Bluff communities in Georgia, where for the first time in 39 years the federal government has approved a new nuclear power reactor license.  The cost per seat is $25. Some scholarships are available.  For more information, contact  Mary Olson at maryo@nirs.org or 828-252-8409.  More information below.

03/12/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/13/12 - 03/15/12 CARING FOR CREATION WEEKEND AT CAMP JUNALUSKA

Dr. Bill McKibben, environmental author and founder of 350.org, will be a featured presenter at Caring for Creation 2012 March 13-15, 2012, at Lake Junaluska. He will be appearing by Skype.  Caring for Creation, a faith based eco justice event, will explore ways individuals and churches can become more environmentally conscious and good stewards of God's Earth.  Named for the safe level of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, 350 parts per million, 350.org is an international grassroots campaign that aims to mobilize a global climate movement. For over 20 years, McKibben has been environmentally active, releasing over a dozen books and various articles examining climate change.  More information at this link:  http://www.lakejunaluska.com/caring-for-creation/  

03/14/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Lemon Tree” is a poignant, award-winning drama of a Palestinian widow’s struggle to prevent the Israeli military from cutting down the lemon trees in her family’s orchard.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/15/12 “MARKETS NOT CAPITALISM” AUTHOR EVENT

Anarchist writer Charles Johnson is a frequent speaker and columnist on radical resonse to the economic crises, stateless social activism and the philosophy of anarchism.  Join us for a presentation of his new book at Firestorm Café and Books.  Time is 6 PM. 

03/16/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00.  Physicians, health personnel and, yes, everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings.  DIRECTIONS:  (Location is in vicinity of Veterans Hospital)  Proceed east on Tunnel Rd./US 70 (away from downtown Asheville) to about one short block prior to the Blue Ridge Pky overpass. Turn right (south) on Pleasant Ridge Dr., then turn right on the second street, Wagon Rd., then immediate left on Birchwood Lane to #18 on the left side of the street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

03/19/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March. The location for this event is Black Mountain Library and the time is 7 to 9 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/20/12 PRESENTATION ON US POLICY AND ITS IMPACT ON NICARAGUA

We'll be doing a slide show and reading at Malaprop's at 7 PM. Paul Dix and Pam Fitzpatrick both worked against US funding of the Contra War in the 1980s. Paul worked as a photographer in Nicaragua from 1985 to 1990. In 2001 he selected 100 Nicaraguans for follow up and he and Pam began return trips to Nicaragua in search of these 100. After 4 trips for a total of 18 months they located nearly everyone they searched for. With this material they produced the bilingual photo/testimony book, "Nicaragua: Surviving the Legacy of US Policy."  Their presentation begins with slides of the beauty of Nicaragua, then briefly reviews the history of US involvement in the affairs of Nicaragua, a bit about the genesis of the book, followed by "then and now" photos with music, then they focus on 3 or 4 individuals from the book. No charge.

03/21/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Brooks-Howell House at 366 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville, and the time is 3:15 to 5 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/22/12 EXPLORING THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT

“The Israel Lobby” is a documentary about the political influence of the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on US policy in support of Israel.  It features interviews with John Mersheimer and Stephen Walt, Tony Judt, and others.  This is part of a series of three film and discussion programs at three different locations in March.  The location for this event is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville, and the time is 6 to 8 PM.  Free and open to the public.  Discussion Facilitated by Tony Bing, Ph.D., retired professor of Peace Studies, Earlham College.  Sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East.  More information at jamara03@bellsouth.net.

03/25/12 MARCH ON YOUR STATEHOUSE DAY

More information to follow (hopefully).

03/30/12 NATIONAL OCCUPATION OF WASHINGTON DC

http://nowdc.org/ or The National Occupation of Washington, DC - Occupy Powers

03/31/12 CAMPAIGN FOR SOUTHERN EQUALITY FAMILY DINNER

More information at http://southernequality.org/ 

04/14/12 BUNCOMBE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING

This will begin at 10 AM at the Buncombe County Courthouse.  Please sign up to attend at your local precinct meeting.

04/14/12 to 04/17/12 SOA WATCH DAYS OF ACTION IN DC

Join us in Washington, DC for the Days of Action to Close the SOA and End Militarization! Plan to come to DC from April 14-17 for four days of lobbying, conferences, strategy sessions, concerts and street theater, as we continue to make our demands heard for a just world. Prior to the Days of Action, from April 11-13, we will hold a Direct  Action Training camp to train movement activists in the skills needed to carry out effective actions to put the SOA and militarization on the national agenda.  http://org2.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=5cR1JW7Z3KLARiECufCoW8UkZA/WO+zK

04/17/12 GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION ON MILITARY SPENDING

04/21/12 MARCH FOR BABIES

Join March for Babies Chair (and County Commission Chair) David Gantt in supporting the March of Dimes' efforts to raise awareness of the need for research to help prevent and treat premature birth, birth defects and other threats to babies' health. This one walk, on one day, brings the Asheville area together as one voice to help babies be born healthy. The 3-mile walk through downtown Asheville begins and ends at Pack Square Park. It's designed to be a family-friendly event, with music, food and activities for kids. Registration begins at 8:30 am, the Walk begins at 10:00 am. For more info call 828-258-1234 or go to marchforbabies.org

04/28/12 NATIONAL PROTEST AGAINST THE WAR ON WOMEN

To be held at state capitols across the nation.  10 AM.

04/28/12 - 04/29/12 DRONE SUMMIT IN DC BY VETERANS FOR PEACE AND CODE PINK

05/01/12 OCCUPY WALL STREET CALLS FOR MAY DAY GENERAL STRIKE

05/01/12 OCCUPY CHICAGO

Adbusters has issued a Call to Action to Occupy Chicago for the G8/NATO summit this coming May:  “Hey you redeemers, rebels and radicals out there, Against the backdrop of a global uprising that is simmering in dozens of countries and thousands of cities and towns, the G8 and NATO will hold a rare simultaneous summit in Chicago this May. The world’s military and political elites, heads of state, 7,500 officials from 80 nations, and more than 2,500 journalists will be there.  And so will we.  On May 1, 50,000 people from all over the world will flock to Chicago, set up tents, kitchens, peaceful barricades and #OCCUPYCHICAGO for a month. With a bit of luck, we’ll pull off the biggest multinational occupation of a summit meeting the world has ever seen.”

05/04/12 SPRING HERB FESTIVAL AT FARMERS MARKET

More information at www.ashevilleherbfestival.com.

05/08/12 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

05/10/12 to 05/11/12 PROTEST ALEC SPRING MEETING

Spring Task Force Summit Meeting in Charlotte NC.  More info:  http://www.alec.org/meetings/

05/18/12 to 05/21/12 NATO and G-8 SUMMIT IN CHICAGO

“Won’t you please come to Chicago, for the help that we can bring?  We can change the world, rearrange the world, it is dying - to get better.”

09/03/12 DNC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN CHARLOTTE

This event goes until 09/08/12.   PROTEST THE DNC!  Already, organizations and Occupy movements across the country are making plans to mobilize to be in the streets of Charlotte during the DNC. For more information on the Coalition to Protest at the DNC and to find out how your organization can join, please visit http://protestdnc.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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SUNDAY

Episcopal Peace Fellowship holds a weekly vigil from 4:30 to 5 PM at All Soul's Cathedral.

TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:15 - 5:15 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

Occupy Asheville Meet Talk Act Nonviolent Affinity Group meets at 4:30 PM at the Chocolate Lounge (second floor) at 10 South Lexington in Asheville. Contact earthsun2@gmail.com for more info.

WEDNESDAY

Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.

Asheville Cop Watch meeting at 5 PM at Firestorm Cafe.

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square (Asheville) on the first Friday of the month.

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.

OCCUPY WALL STREET ASHEVILLE

Go to www.occupyasheville.org for more information, or call 888-378-0788. Information on Occupy Asheville late breaking events: http://www.occupyasheville.org/events/ General Assembly will be held at 6 PM on Thursday and at 3 PM on Saturday.  Location TBD.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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BUS TO NUCLEAR-FREE FUTURE VIGIL

Join WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility  03/11/12 Charter Bus to join this Nuclear-Free Future Vigil

Dear Friends, WNC PSR is sponsoring a day-trip so that people from WNC can stand together with people in the Waynesboro and Shell Bluff communities in Georgia, where for the first time in 39 years the federal government has approved a new nuclear power reactor license -- to expand the existing Vogtle reactor site from 2 reactors to 4.  SUNDAY, MARCH 11 also happens to be the first anniversary of the terrible nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan.  The community in Georgia is holding a commemoration and vigil for the victims of that nuclear catastrophe -- and inviting people from across the US to join with them in continuing to stand for a NUCLEAR-FREE Future.

The vigil will be a legal, peaceful event -- and folks from WNC will travel down, participate, and travel back on the same day in a Tour Coach with a professional driver. The cost per seat is $25. Some scholarships are available.  RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW -- we need to know the level of interest so we can proceed with the bus reservation.  REPLY on EMAIL to Mary Olson -- maryo@nirs.org  or for more information call 828-252-8409.  If you can't make it, please consider making a donation to support someone else going!

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OUR SOUTHERN COMMUNITY RADIO SHOW

Ned Doyle's great show "Our Southern Community" on WNCW, Sunday mornings is being replaced by "The Gospel Truth" which already has a 3 hour slot. I'd rather hear about energy, the environment and economics......how about you? Send a letter programming@wncw.org and let them know how you feel.  Then go to Ned's site and enter your info just to let him know he should continue the program (no obligations when you fill in the blanks, he is counting) www.oursoutherncommunity.org.  Thank you Ned for bringing us so many great interviews all these years!

FROM NED DOYLE:

"Hello friends, welcome to Our Southern Community, your public affairs program exploring the people and the issues of energy, the environment and economics in our region.."

I've said that over 400 times opening "Our Southern Community" program on WNCW 88.7 FM in the last decade. Much to my surprise, this past week I was informed that today would be the last OSC program to air. It's a nice discussion about "Harvest Thyme", a community agricultural effort, which ran this AM, and is available at www.oursoutherncommunity.org as an archived program. There's more info below, if you are interested in the future of "Our Southern Community".

"OSC" and "King Pup" radio hour have been dropped from the Sunday schedule to allow for more "The Gospel Truth", hosted by Dennis Jones, now from 6:00 Am to 10:00 AM. Previously 3 hours, the additional 4th hour is predicted to result in significant additional revenue. I wish the best of luck. If you care to comment to WNCW, whether to applaud more "Gospel Truth" programming, or to say 'thanks & goodbye' to "Our Southern Community" , the email address is programming@wncw.org . WNCW is known as "Listener Powered" radio, so your voice counts!  It has been an honor to bring WNCW listeners community programming and for that I am grateful. Yes, it's been a lot of work to donate weekly programming, but the opportunity to contribute to our regional community awareness of the "happenings" for sustainable living today, and our children's future, has made it worth the effort. Thank You, WNCW, for the chance to volunteer for the greater public benefit.  Depending on your info requests at www.oursoutherncommunity.org, the OSC energy, environment & economics programming will be continued ..... Or not.

I hope to continue producing community programming and make it available through the OSC website. There's also a possibility of going back on the air with another station.  However, first, it makes sense to find out how many folks actually want to continue hearing "Our Southern Community". Do you? If so, please visit www.oursoutherncommunity.org and "register" with your email and zipcode. There's no obligation, cost or info sharing- I'll simply keep a count for the next week or two and then reply to all who "registered"with our new plans... Or not.  So, please let me know if you want me to continue producing "Our Southern Community". Also, please forward this email to anyone you know who might also be interested.

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Take action:  Cut Special Forces funding

They are squads, and their product is death. The U.S. military calls them Special Forces. Others may see them as “death squads.”  We spend $10.5 billion per year on them, and they operate in dozens of countries. Which countries?  That's none of our business.  Tell Congress and the President that it IS our business, and that we want military funding cut and “special” forces placed under democratic control.  Special Forces operate outside of any declaration of war, authorization to use force, or standard of international or domestic law. They don't ask permission from us or our Congress.  Now, the head of U.S. Special Operations Command wants the authority to move troops into foreign nations without so much as asking the Pentagon brass. What could go wrong?  Blowback. Terrorism. Global animosity. Sabotage of diplomatic negotiations. Escalation of conflicts into wars. THAT could go wrong.   Funding for Special Forces is not cut in the White House budget proposal. Instead President Obama wants big new bases built for them in Afghanistan and in the United States.  Enough is enough. It’s time to scrutinize and cut funding for Special Forces.

Cut special forces funding.

 

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Take action: I just joined the movement to confront corporate power, and I am asking you to stand with me.

This spring, we have the rare opportunity to create a powerful shift in our country. By coming together across issue, class, race, gender, and geography, we can mobilize hundreds of thousands to confront abusive corporate power, build a vision for a new economy, and reclaim our democracy.  Our demands are precise and simple: corporations must pay their fair share of taxes, treat workers fairly, provide principal reduction to protect homeowners, pledge to keep money out of the election, and shift investments away from abusive private prisons and fossil fuels and into job creation and renewable energy.  We stand together to take action at the Bank of America Shareholders Meeting and build a fair economy, democracy and sustainable planet that works for everyone.

Confront corporate power.

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Take action:  TELL SECRETARY CHU: STOP DOE LOANS FOR NEW GEORGIA REACTORS!

Two years ago, President Obama personally announced approval of a conditional taxpayer loan for new nuclear reactors in Georgia. Much has happened in those two years that make this conditional loan questionable at best, and more likely an $8 Billion+ loss to taxpayers. Indeed, two years later, President Obama's new budget asks for no new loan money for nuclear reactors--a dramatic shift from the past and one that reflects the reality of 2012. The DOE should now rescind this conditional loan for new reactors in Georgia, before the losses pile up.  Tell Secretary Chu to stop these loans now.

No Loans for Nuclear Reactors.

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Take Action:  WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?

It's absolutely outrageous that the all-male GOP leadership is asking male religious leaders to decide an issue so critical to women's health.  We cannot let this happen. We cannot stand by while far-right Republicans once again try to send us back to the Dark Ages.  I support the work of EMILY's List to elect pro-choice Democratic women who will tell the GOP that women's health care decisions should be left up to women!

Please take a moment to read about this important issue, and join me in signing the petition. It takes just 30 seconds, but can truly make a difference. We are trying to reach 5000 signatures - please sign here:

WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?

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Take Action:  President Obama is considering nominating Larry Summers to the World Bank. Larry Summers has a long history of making sexist comments--including saying that girls don't have the genetic gifts to do well at math and science like boys do.

The World Bank has a lot of power over the education and training of women and girls in developing countries--we need someone who is going to advocate for them. I just signed a petition asking Obama not to nominate Summers. Can you join me?

NO to Larry Summers at World Bank.

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Take Action: Help Keith Ellison & Walter Jones Stand Up for Diplomatic Engagement with Iran

Ellison and Jones are circulating a letter to their colleagues urging that the U.S. step diplomatic efforts to achieve agreements with Iran over its disputed nuclear program. Ask your Rep. to sign the Ellison-Jones letter.

Contact your Representative here.

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ART FOR PEACE CONTEST

The Art for Peace Contest is sponsored by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Harmony for Peace Foundation.  The contest begins on 1 February and ends on 30 April 2012.  Youth who are between 5 and 17 years of age can enter this contest, and it is open to all children and teens in all countries.  You can draw, paint, sketch, use pens, pencils, crayons, charcoal, oil, acrylic paint or watercolor to create your artwork. Be creative, and use your imagination to show a world free of nuclear weapons, a world without bombs, without wars, without fear.   

More informationhere.