Wednesday, February 29, 2012
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
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week
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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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?
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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.
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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.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
To everything....
To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
and a time to gather stones together;
and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.
a time of war, and a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
Friday, February 24, 2012
Observing
The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it. -- George Bernard Shaw
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tears of Gaza
This is a heartbreaking film. I could not watch it in one sitting. But I remember when Gaza was being slaughtered back in 2008-2009 and I remember when both Bush and Obama DID NOTHING TO STOP IT. They are, in my eyes, very evil men. So are the Israelis who did this evil on the people of Gaza.
I invite you to watch this movie, and see the little children wrapped in their funeral shrouds.
I invite you to watch this movie, and see the little children wrapped in their funeral shrouds.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"For Everyman" by Jackson Browne
I used to listen to this song on my lunch break in 2005. I was wondering if and when the American people would wake up to the horror they caused in Iraq, and when the housing bubble would collapse. Today, with the Occupy Wall Street movements, it does look like the American people have woken up to the housing collapse and the economic problems we face. They are also more aware of how much the wars, occupations, overseas military bases are costing the USA in economic terms. They have not, as far as I can tell, woken up to the horrors they have caused - and are still causing - around the globe.
Monday, February 20, 2012
"This is my song"
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THIS IS MY SONG
This is my home
The country where my heart is
Here are my dreams
My hopes, my holy shrine
But other hearts
In other lands are beating
With hopes and dreams
As deep and true as mine
Oh hear my song
O God of all the nations
A song of peace
For their lands and for mine
This is my song
O God of all the nations
A song of peace
For lands afar and mine
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week
UPCOMING EVENTS
02/20/12 RALLY FOR SOLIDARITY WITH WNC POSTAL WORKERS
Occupy Asheville, Occupy Hendersonville, and the American Postal Workers Union will rally together at Pack Park’s McGuire Green at 1:30 PM. At the rally participants will call for an end to attacks on postal worker jobs and attempts to privatize public services and resources. The rally will be followed by a march and at 3 PM participants will gather for a conversation on the second floor of Pack’s Tavern. Speakers are Occupy Benjamin Franklin, WNC-CLC- Mark Case, APWU 277- Joanne Guess, and City/ State/ Federal Legislators. This will be followed by a meet and greet with labor friendly politicians.
02/20/12 RALLY FOR SOLIDARITY WITH WNC POSTAL WORKERS
Occupy Asheville, Occupy Hendersonville, and the American Postal Workers Union will rally together at Pack Park’s McGuire Green at 1:30 PM. At the rally participants will call for an end to attacks on postal worker jobs and attempts to privatize public services and resources. The rally will be followed by a march and at 3 PM participants will gather for a conversation on the second floor of Pack’s Tavern. Speakers are Occupy Benjamin Franklin, WNC-CLC- Mark Case, APWU 277- Joanne Guess, and City/ State/ Federal Legislators. This will be followed by a meet and greet with labor friendly politicians.
02/20/12 MOUNTAIN VOICES ALLIANCE FORUM
On Monday, February 20, from 6:30-9 PM, Mountain Voices Alliance (MVA) will host a free multimedia forum at Jubilee! Community at 46 Wall Street, concerning the water issue. The event will allow the community and a panel of speakers to discuss an effort underway in Raleigh to remove control of Asheville’s water supply. The timely event comes on the heels of a bill introduced last spring by N.C. Representative Tim Moffitt (Buncombe) that would have taken local control of Asheville’s water system away from the City and placed it into the hands of an independent authority. Moffitt later modified the bill into a study and now chairs a committee examining the operation of the current water system to determine whether it should be surrendered to an outside agency. (Moffitt’s committee will meet at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, NC, on Feb. 23 to take public comment.) Moffitt will be one of the panelists. For more information, contact Elaine Lite at 828-255-8537.
02/20/12 LETTER WRITING TO IMPRISONED PEOPLE
Join Firestorm worker Julie to write letters of solidarity and support to people incarcerated around the state and beyond. Time is 11 AM and location is Firestorm Café & Books.
02/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE MEETING
International Day of Peace is September 21st of every year. Around the world, people celebrate and honor peace. A local group is organizing to mark this day in Asheville, and they will be meeting at 5:45 at First Congregational Church on Oak Street in Asheville.
02/21/12 DESEGREGATING BUNCOMBE
“Desegregating Buncombe: A Personal History” will be presented by Viola Spells, who worked to desegregate Buncombe County institutions as a teenager. Held at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main Street in Weaverville. More info at 250-6182. Time is 7 PM.
02/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE MEETING
International Day of Peace is September 21st of every year. Around the world, people celebrate and honor peace. A local group is organizing to mark this day in Asheville, and they will be meeting at 5:45 at First Congregational Church on Oak Street in Asheville.
02/21/12 DESEGREGATING BUNCOMBE
“Desegregating Buncombe: A Personal History” will be presented by Viola Spells, who worked to desegregate Buncombe County institutions as a teenager. Held at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main Street in Weaverville. More info at 250-6182. Time is 7 PM.
02/21/12 ART AND ACTIVISM PANEL DISCUSSIONS AT UNCA
Panel discussion with community activists from 12:20 to 1:30 PM. Panel includes Ellen Clarke, Monroe Gilmour, Nicole Hinegaugh, Alex Simpson, Sam Soper, Clare Hanrahan. Laurel Forum at Karpen Hall. For more information about these events, please contact Lori Horvitz, UNC Asheville associate professor of Literature, at 828.251.6590.
02/23/12 PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WATER ISSUE
This is a NC legislative public committee hearing on the water issue. Time is TBD, and location is WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
02/23/12 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Our next MABCO meeting is to be 6:30 PM on Thursday, Feb. 23 in "Jefferson House", the first building just west of the Asheville's Unitarian Universalist Congregation at the corner of Charlotte St. and Edwin Place in Asheville. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us.
02/23/12 DECOLONIZE YOUR MIND
Naomi Archer will lead a workshop on indigenous solidarity and the roots of indigenous culture in the Cannon Lounge of Warren Wilson College’s Gladfelter Building. Time is 7 PM. Info at www.katuahearthfirst.org.
02/23/12 PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION
“Peace through Education” is a film that will be shown at the Fine Arts Theatre on Biltmore in downtown Asheville. Time is 7 PM and cost is $10. More info at www.peacethrougheducationfilm.com
02/25/12 STATE WIDE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ALL NC OCCUPATIONS
At the Old State Capitol Grounds, 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina from 11 AM to 8 PM. GA is at 4 PM. Intrigued by the possibilities presented by meeting with Occupy activists from all over North Carolina? Occupy Raleigh officially invites all North Carolina Occupations to join us at the Capitol for a statewide rally and General Assembly on Saturday, February 18, 2012 starting at 11am. Full day of sharing, planning, growing, rallying -- OCCUPYING. A main feature will be planning for the March 25 March on Your Statehouse, a national day of action. Imagine the possibilities. Occupy Raleigh officially invites all North Carolina Occupations to join us at the Capitol for a statewide rally and General Assembly. Click Here for details: http://occupiedncga.wordpress.com/about/
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. OPEN & FREE 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/
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.
03/05/12 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.
03/06/12 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 month’s social justice film is “Casino Jack and the United States of Money”. This film chides Jack Abramoff and other lobbyists, for their impact on US politics while peddling influence in Washington’s corridors of power. This will be held at the Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church at Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Time is 7 PM.
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, violence and the loss of friends 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.
03/11/12 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. MEETING
This meeting of the Asheville National Organization of 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.
03/12/12 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.
02/23/12 PUBLIC HEARING ON THE WATER ISSUE
This is a NC legislative public committee hearing on the water issue. Time is TBD, and location is WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.
02/23/12 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Our next MABCO meeting is to be 6:30 PM on Thursday, Feb. 23 in "Jefferson House", the first building just west of the Asheville's Unitarian Universalist Congregation at the corner of Charlotte St. and Edwin Place in Asheville. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us.
02/23/12 DECOLONIZE YOUR MIND
Naomi Archer will lead a workshop on indigenous solidarity and the roots of indigenous culture in the Cannon Lounge of Warren Wilson College’s Gladfelter Building. Time is 7 PM. Info at www.katuahearthfirst.org.
02/23/12 PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION
“Peace through Education” is a film that will be shown at the Fine Arts Theatre on Biltmore in downtown Asheville. Time is 7 PM and cost is $10. More info at www.peacethrougheducationfilm.com
02/25/12 STATE WIDE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ALL NC OCCUPATIONS
At the Old State Capitol Grounds, 1 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina from 11 AM to 8 PM. GA is at 4 PM. Intrigued by the possibilities presented by meeting with Occupy activists from all over North Carolina? Occupy Raleigh officially invites all North Carolina Occupations to join us at the Capitol for a statewide rally and General Assembly on Saturday, February 18, 2012 starting at 11am. Full day of sharing, planning, growing, rallying -- OCCUPYING. A main feature will be planning for the March 25 March on Your Statehouse, a national day of action. Imagine the possibilities. Occupy Raleigh officially invites all North Carolina Occupations to join us at the Capitol for a statewide rally and General Assembly. Click Here for details: http://occupiedncga.wordpress.com/about/
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. OPEN & FREE 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/
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.
03/05/12 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.
03/06/12 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 month’s social justice film is “Casino Jack and the United States of Money”. This film chides Jack Abramoff and other lobbyists, for their impact on US politics while peddling influence in Washington’s corridors of power. This will be held at the Asheville Unitarian Universalist Church at Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Time is 7 PM.
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, violence and the loss of friends 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.
03/11/12 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. MEETING
This meeting of the Asheville National Organization of 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.
03/12/12 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.
3/15/2012 NORTH CAROLINA EQUALITY PROGRAM
North Carolina Equality. Equality NC is a statewide group dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We work toward that goal by effectively lobbying the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments on issues like inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnership, HIV/AIDS, and more. We also work to engage North Carolinians with educational programming and outreach efforts. Time is 5:30 to 8:30 PM at Laurel Forum in Karpen Hall. Contact Cynn Chadwick at 828.645.4608.
03/17/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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.
03/21/12 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/
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
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.”
05/08/12 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
05/10/12 to 05/11/12 PROTEST ALEC SPRING MEETING
Spring Task Force Summit Meeting in Charlotte NC. ALEC, ALEC, YOU CAN’T HIDE, WE WILL FIND YOU NATION-WIDE! 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.
*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
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.
*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
Take action: TELL THE NRC: PROTECT AMERICANS, NOT THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY EXPAND EMERGENCY EVACUATION ZONES AROUND U.S. REACTORS
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5502/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9631
******************
Take action: Urgent Action to Protect Peace Community Legal Representative in Colombia
Earlier this month, on February 4, 2012, the legal representative for the Colombian Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, Jesus Emilio Tuberquia, was the victim of an assassination attempt. At 12:15pm near the public market, two paramilitaries on motorcycle shot at him without saying a word. Fortunately, he took off running and he was able to escape with his life. The incident happened only 100 meters from a police checkpoint, by which the attackers passed without being detained. Please write to the following addresses protesting this incident and demanding the investigation of why the paramilitaries continue assassinating under impunity in Urabá where no authority attempts to control them.
03/17/12 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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.
03/21/12 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/
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
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.”
05/08/12 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
05/10/12 to 05/11/12 PROTEST ALEC SPRING MEETING
Spring Task Force Summit Meeting in Charlotte NC. ALEC, ALEC, YOU CAN’T HIDE, WE WILL FIND YOU NATION-WIDE! 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.
*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
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.
*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
Take action: TELL THE NRC: PROTECT AMERICANS, NOT THE NUCLEAR INDUSTRY EXPAND EMERGENCY EVACUATION ZONES AROUND U.S. REACTORS
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5502/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9631
******************
Take action: Urgent Action to Protect Peace Community Legal Representative in Colombia
Earlier this month, on February 4, 2012, the legal representative for the Colombian Peace Community of San José de Apartadó, Jesus Emilio Tuberquia, was the victim of an assassination attempt. At 12:15pm near the public market, two paramilitaries on motorcycle shot at him without saying a word. Fortunately, he took off running and he was able to escape with his life. The incident happened only 100 meters from a police checkpoint, by which the attackers passed without being detained. Please write to the following addresses protesting this incident and demanding the investigation of why the paramilitaries continue assassinating under impunity in Urabá where no authority attempts to control them.
******************
Take action: Sign petition for labeling GMOs in our food
The FDA is on the brink of approving genetically engineered salmon for human consumption. This would be the first genetically engineered animal on supermarket shelves in the United States. The salmon is engineered to produce growth hormones year-round that cause the fish to grow at twice the normal rate. The government already requires labels to tell us if fish is wild-caught or farm-raised – don't we also have a right to know if our salmon is genetically engineered? Without labels, we'll never know. More than forty countries, including Russia and China, already require labels on genetically engineered foods. As an American, I firmly believe that we deserve the same right to know what we are eating. That's why I signed a petition to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which says: "Commissioner Hamburg, we urge the FDA to require the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. We have a right to know about the food we eat and what we feed our families, but under current FDA regulations, we don’t have that ability when it comes to genetically engineered foods. Polls show that more than 90% of Americans support mandatory labeling. Such near-unanimity in public opinion is rare. Please listen to the American public and mandate labeling of genetically engineered foods." Will you sign this petition? Click here:
http://signon.org/sign/tell-the-fda-that-we?source=s.em.mt&r_by=278211
******************
Warren Wilson's 2012 production of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES!
THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. In this stunning phenomenon that has swept the nation, Eve Ensler gives us real women's stories of intimacy, vulnerability, and sexual self-discovery.
Based on interviews with over 200 women about their memories and experiences of sexuality, THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES gives voice to women's deepest fantasies and fears, guaranteeing that no one who reads it will ever look at a woman's body, or think of sex, in quite the same way again. It is witty and irreverent, compassionate and wise. "At first women were reluctant to talk," Ensler writes. "They were a little shy. But once they got going, you couldn't stop them..."
In 1997 , V-Day was founded, a nonprofit grass roots movement dedicated to ending violence against women around the world. In three years, V-Day has spread to over 300 colleges, where students and faculty have performed The Vagina Monologues on V-Day, February 14th, as part of a movement to stop violence against women. V-Day has raised over 3 million dollars which it has given to organizations fighting for the rights of women in Afghanistan, to stop genital mutilation in Kenya, and rape crisis centers in Bosnia, Croatia, and Chechnya, as well as hundreds of domestic programs to combat rape and abuse. Thanks to V-Day, The Vagina Monologues has been taken to 20 countries, including China, South Africa, The Philippines, Brazil and Turkey.
SHOW TIMES:
*Friday, February 24th at 7pm
*Saturday, February 25th at 7pm
*Sunday, February 26th at 2pm
PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT:
-OurVoice
-Helpmate
-ABCCM Steadfast House
-The RISE Project (WWC)
***The production is a fundraiser, so a $5 - $15 donation is requested, thank you!***
To make reservations, call RISE (828)-298-3325 ex. 3798
******************
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Greenpeace action against dirty coal
A Greenpeace activist protesting the destruction and pollution caused by coal at the Progress Asheville Power Station looks out at the coal ash ponds from one of the platforms on a smokestack at the plant February 13, 2012. Activists have secured themselves to the coal loader and conveyers, which will prevent coal from entering the facility. The Progress Energy owned Asheville Power Station uses the most destructive form of coal mining, mountain top removal, which is flattening mountains across Appalachia. The plant produces 1,994 pounds of sulfur dioxide, 788 pounds of nitrogen oxides, and 2,629,243 tons of carbon dioxide. Its coal ash ponds are designated ‘high hazard’ by the EPA, meaning they are likely to kill people if they spill. Photo by Greenpeace
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