And this is what your must do assignment is - and I have already done this with Senator Hagan's office.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Your must do assignment for this year
And this is what your must do assignment is - and I have already done this with Senator Hagan's office.
Rachel Corrie
As you likely have heard by now, this morning in Haifa, Israel the verdict was announced in the civil case brought by the Corrie family against the State of Israel. The verdict was truly devastating. The judge found Rachel Corrie's death to be an accident, with no fault or responsibility for the Israeli military. When she was killed, Rachel was attempting to defend a civilian home in Rafah, Gaza from demolition with a Caterpillar bulldozer. This verdict reflects the impunity of the Israeli army and confirms the deficient investigation undertaken by Israel after Rachel’s death. You can see the press release from the We Divest Campaign here.
In response to the verdict, Cindy and Craig Corrie, Rachel’s parents said:
“We are deeply saddened and troubled by what we heard today in the court of Judge Oded Gershon. This was a bad day, not only for us, but for human rights, for humanity, the rule of law, and the country of Israel. From the beginning, it was clear that there was a system to protect the military and soldiers, to provide them impunity. This extends to the courts. The diplomatic process failed us. The Israeli court system demonstrated that it failed us too. Rachel was a human being who deserved accountability, and we as her family deserve that too.”++++++++++++++
I was sorry to hear that they totally lost this case, and no justice was found. But the underlying implications are quite serious: human rights take a back seat to Israeli policies, which are quite immoral. Rachel will always be a hero in my eyes.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
DO NOT IRAQ IRAN!!
We were lied into a war of aggression on Iraq - DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN!!
IRAN DOES NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM. However, all countries with nuclear power have the ability to go down that road. We need to end nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
I strongly urge you to do everything in your power to prevent war with Iran, to support diplomacy, and to publicly speak out on the following points:
- Top military leaders and national security experts agree: diplomacy is the most effective way to prevent a devastating war and a nuclear-armed Iran. As Yuval Diskin, Israel's ex-Chief of Internal Security has warned, "Attacking Iran will encourage them to develop a bomb." (for more U.S. and Israeli quotes, see: fcnl.org/iran/experts)
- U.S. and Israeli intelligence agree: Iran is not building a nuclear weapon and has not made a decision to do so, allowing time for diplomacy to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. (see: fcnl.org/iran/nonukes)
I look forward to your response on the steps you are taking to prevent war with Iran.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Statement to the Syrian People - One year ago
Statement to the Syrian People
Statement to the Syrian People: In an unprecedented move over the past several days, Syrians in Syria and abroad have been calling for Syrians to take up arms, or for international military intervention. This call comes five and a half months of the Syrian regime’s systematic abuse of the Syrian people, whereby tens of thousands of peaceful protesters have been detained and tortured, and more than 2,500 killed. The regime has given every indication that it will continue its brutal approach, while the majority of Syrians feel they are unprotected in their own homeland in the face of the regime’s crimes. While we understand the motivation to take up arms or call for military intervention, we specifically reject this position as we find it unacceptable politically, nationally, and ethically. Militarizing the revolution would minimize popular support and participation in the revolution. Moreover, militarization would undermine the gravity of the humanitarian catastrophe involved in a confrontation with the regime. Militarization would put the Revolution in an arena where the regime has a distinct advantage, and would erode the moral superiority that has characterized the Revolution since its beginning. Our Palestinian brothers are experienced in leading by example. They gained the support of the entire Palestinian community, as well as world sympathy, during the first Intifada (“stones”). The second Intifada, which was militarized, lost public sympathy and participation. It is important to note that the Syrian regime and Israeli enemy used identical measures in the face of the two uprisings. The objective of Syria’s Revolution is not limited to overthrowing the regime. The Revolution also seeks to build a democratic system and national infrastructure that safeguards the freedom and dignity of the Syrian people. Moreover, the Revolution is intended to ensure independence and unity of Syria, its people, and its society. We believe that the overthrow of the regime is the initial goal of the Revolution, but it is not an end in itself. The end goal is freedom for Syria and all Syrians. The method by which the regime is overthrown is an indication of what Syria will be like post-regime. If we maintain our peaceful demonstrations, which include our cities, towns, and villages; and our men, women, and children, the possibility of democracy in our country is much greater. If an armed confrontation or international military intervention becomes a reality, it will be virtually impossible to establish a legitimate foundation for a proud future Syria. We call on our people to remain patient as we continue our national Revolution. We will hold the regime fully responsible and accountable for the current situation in the country, the blood of all martyrs – civilian and military, and any risks that may threaten Syria in the future, including the possibility of internal violence or foreign military intervention. To the victory of our Revolution and to the glory of our martyrs.
The Local Coordinating Committees in Syria
29-8-2011
++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, they abandoned that position and they now support the Free Syrian Army. And their country is being destroyed by violence. There are a lot of bad actors in Syrian, lots of foreign interference that is evil to the core, but I do think this could have been avoided if they had stuck to non-violent tactics.
The Local Coordinating Committees in Syria
29-8-2011
++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, they abandoned that position and they now support the Free Syrian Army. And their country is being destroyed by violence. There are a lot of bad actors in Syrian, lots of foreign interference that is evil to the core, but I do think this could have been avoided if they had stuck to non-violent tactics.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week
UPCOMING EVENTS
08/26/12 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE DREAM ACT
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/26/12 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE INSTITUTE FOR PARITY ACHIEVEMENT GALA
Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement, a local nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equal access to medical care for minority communities, will hold a gala fundraiser at the historic Sherrill’s Inn on Sunday, August 26, from 5 p.m. into the evening. The event is designed to raise funds to help improve parity in medical care for the many families and children in Western North Carolina who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack access to primary care physicians and regular preventive care. ABIPA works to achieve access through advocacy, education, research, and community partnerships. Among the activities at the family-oriented gala will be hiking the trails along the historic property’s woods and meadows; pony rides, a scavenger hunt, and a tour of the 160-year-old house, originally built as an inn for travelers coming over the Hickory Nut Gap from South Carolina. Admission is $15 for adults, $20 for couples, and $25 for an entire family. For more information about ABIPA, call (828) 251-8364 or visit the website at www.abipa.org.
08/26/12 350.ORG ASHEVILLE GROUP POTLUCK
Please join us this weekend to celebrate the establishment of our new 350 Asheville local group! We're having a potluck picnic at the Woodfin Riverside Park this Sunday, to get to know each other and discuss future plans. Come and meet others who are working for a livable climate and find out how you can get involved in Asheville. Bring tableware, a dish to share, a camp chair if you have one, and your friends! WHAT: 350 Asheville Debut Potluck WHEN: Sunday, August 26th, from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM WHERE: Woodfin Riverside Park, on Riverside Drive. PLEASE RSVP HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
08/26/12 3WF-ASHEVILLE WOMEN FOR EQUALITY SEMINAR/RALLY
Women's Equality Day is August 26, 2012. A seminar/rally will be held from 10:00 - 2:30 at Pritchard Park. Come join us for a seminar/rally to discuss what we need to do to attain full equal rights for women. Topics to include The ERA, Violence Against Women, Empowering Women and Girls, Women's Health, Women in Politics, and Fair Pay. Contact Christine at avlwomen@gmail.com and visit the website www.3wf-
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
http://marchonthernc.com/
08/28/12 WATER PRIVATIZATION FORUM
Tuesday August 28, 6:00 – 7:45 PM Regional Water Authority & Privatization Forum, at Kaplan Auditorium, Main Library Hendersonville. Educational forum on the proposed Regional Water Authority & Privatization. Two speakers Rep. Chuck McGready and Councilman Gorden Smith. Contact Barbara Barnett, UUF, 694-3738, maubar53@bellsouth.net.
08/31/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-
08/31/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Joan Walker, Outreach and Education Officer for the NC Sustainable Energy Association will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM at 221 Highsmith Student Center at UNCA.
09/01/12 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This is a monthly GA meeting for Occupy Asheville. Time is 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.
09/02/12 MARCH ON THE DNC IN CHARLOTTE
http://wallstsouth.org/
09/04/12 PROTECTING SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BIODIVERSITY
The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College presents "Rocky Fork and Beyond: Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Scenery One Acre at a Time," a talk by Jay Leutze, trustee and acquisitions specialist for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Held in the college's Peterson Conference Center. Free. Time is 7 PM. Info: http://avl.mx/j8 or hfurgiuele@mhc.edu.
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.
09/07/12 AMY GOODMAN AT A-B TECH
To support the MAIN-FM radio station, journalist Amy Goodman, host of the national radio show “Democracy Now!” carried by MAIN-FM, will speak Sept. 7 at Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Admission is $10, or $5 for students. Time is 7 PM. Amy is joining us right after the Democratic Convention and will also be available for book signing.
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/10/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
MABCO Meeting on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM at the RE Commons at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. Move to Amend is a grassroots organization with the goal of ending corporate personhood in the US. Please consider joining us at the next Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) meeting at 7 PM on September 10.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/13/12 UNCA Well-a-Bration Keynote Speaker
Time is 7 PM and the location for this event is the Justice Center at UNCA. UNCA students free with OneCard (Limit one ticket per student; must have ticket to enter). $10 all others. For ticket information, please call 828.251.6600. UNC ASHEVILLE'S WELL-A-BRATION presents author, activist and sex advice columnist Dan Savage. In response to students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, Savage created the It Gets Better Project, which has become a worldwide movement garnering many social media awards and inspiring millions to participate. His internationally syndicated column, Savage Love, as well as "Savage U," a new MTV series, and his multiple books all use frank humor to bring LGBT relationships into the mainstream and reflect on larger civil rights issues.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://
09/15/12 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
September 15 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm at Swannanoa Ingles on Hwy 70. If severe weather necessitates cancelling, this event will automatically be re-scheduled on September 22 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm. Partial list of accepted Items: Styrofoam & packaging, Rigid plastics, Books & cardboard, Electronics (excluding TV’s), Printer cartridges, Metals & small appliances. Collecting for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry: Blankets, linens, towels, usable coats, non-perishable foods.
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.
09/21/12 US CAMPAIGN TO END ISRAELI OCCUPATION
National Conference: US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, St. Louis, MO
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012. Asheville NC Frackdown Event - Downtown Asheville NC 28804, September 22 at 11:00 AM, Organizations: Food & Water Watch, 350.org, Greenpeace.
09/24/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Ferguson Auditorium, AB Tech, Asheville. Meet & Greet for countywide offices and Forum for Chair, Buncombe County Commission. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
******************************
ONGOING EVENTS
******************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
******************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
******************************
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/26/12 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE INSTITUTE FOR PARITY ACHIEVEMENT GALA
Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement, a local nonprofit dedicated to ensuring equal access to medical care for minority communities, will hold a gala fundraiser at the historic Sherrill’s Inn on Sunday, August 26, from 5 p.m. into the evening. The event is designed to raise funds to help improve parity in medical care for the many families and children in Western North Carolina who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack access to primary care physicians and regular preventive care. ABIPA works to achieve access through advocacy, education, research, and community partnerships. Among the activities at the family-oriented gala will be hiking the trails along the historic property’s woods and meadows; pony rides, a scavenger hunt, and a tour of the 160-year-old house, originally built as an inn for travelers coming over the Hickory Nut Gap from South Carolina. Admission is $15 for adults, $20 for couples, and $25 for an entire family. For more information about ABIPA, call (828) 251-8364 or visit the website at www.abipa.org.
08/26/12 350.ORG ASHEVILLE GROUP POTLUCK
Please join us this weekend to celebrate the establishment of our new 350 Asheville local group! We're having a potluck picnic at the Woodfin Riverside Park this Sunday, to get to know each other and discuss future plans. Come and meet others who are working for a livable climate and find out how you can get involved in Asheville. Bring tableware, a dish to share, a camp chair if you have one, and your friends! WHAT: 350 Asheville Debut Potluck WHEN: Sunday, August 26th, from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM WHERE: Woodfin Riverside Park, on Riverside Drive. PLEASE RSVP HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/
08/26/12 3WF-ASHEVILLE WOMEN FOR EQUALITY SEMINAR/RALLY
Women's Equality Day is August 26, 2012. A seminar/rally will be held from 10:00 - 2:30 at Pritchard Park. Come join us for a seminar/rally to discuss what we need to do to attain full equal rights for women. Topics to include The ERA, Violence Against Women, Empowering Women and Girls, Women's Health, Women in Politics, and Fair Pay. Contact Christine at avlwomen@gmail.com and visit the website www.3wf-
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
http://marchonthernc.com/
08/28/12 WATER PRIVATIZATION FORUM
Tuesday August 28, 6:00 – 7:45 PM Regional Water Authority & Privatization Forum, at Kaplan Auditorium, Main Library Hendersonville. Educational forum on the proposed Regional Water Authority & Privatization. Two speakers Rep. Chuck McGready and Councilman Gorden Smith. Contact Barbara Barnett, UUF, 694-3738, maubar53@bellsouth.net.
08/31/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-
08/31/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Joan Walker, Outreach and Education Officer for the NC Sustainable Energy Association will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM at 221 Highsmith Student Center at UNCA.
09/01/12 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This is a monthly GA meeting for Occupy Asheville. Time is 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.
09/02/12 MARCH ON THE DNC IN CHARLOTTE
http://wallstsouth.org/
09/04/12 PROTECTING SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BIODIVERSITY
The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College presents "Rocky Fork and Beyond: Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Scenery One Acre at a Time," a talk by Jay Leutze, trustee and acquisitions specialist for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Held in the college's Peterson Conference Center. Free. Time is 7 PM. Info: http://avl.mx/j8 or hfurgiuele@mhc.edu.
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.
09/07/12 AMY GOODMAN AT A-B TECH
To support the MAIN-FM radio station, journalist Amy Goodman, host of the national radio show “Democracy Now!” carried by MAIN-FM, will speak Sept. 7 at Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Admission is $10, or $5 for students. Time is 7 PM. Amy is joining us right after the Democratic Convention and will also be available for book signing.
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/10/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
MABCO Meeting on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM at the RE Commons at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. Move to Amend is a grassroots organization with the goal of ending corporate personhood in the US. Please consider joining us at the next Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) meeting at 7 PM on September 10.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/13/12 UNCA Well-a-Bration Keynote Speaker
Time is 7 PM and the location for this event is the Justice Center at UNCA. UNCA students free with OneCard (Limit one ticket per student; must have ticket to enter). $10 all others. For ticket information, please call 828.251.6600. UNC ASHEVILLE'S WELL-A-BRATION presents author, activist and sex advice columnist Dan Savage. In response to students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, Savage created the It Gets Better Project, which has become a worldwide movement garnering many social media awards and inspiring millions to participate. His internationally syndicated column, Savage Love, as well as "Savage U," a new MTV series, and his multiple books all use frank humor to bring LGBT relationships into the mainstream and reflect on larger civil rights issues.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://
09/15/12 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
September 15 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm at Swannanoa Ingles on Hwy 70. If severe weather necessitates cancelling, this event will automatically be re-scheduled on September 22 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm. Partial list of accepted Items: Styrofoam & packaging, Rigid plastics, Books & cardboard, Electronics (excluding TV’s), Printer cartridges, Metals & small appliances. Collecting for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry: Blankets, linens, towels, usable coats, non-perishable foods.
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.
09/21/12 US CAMPAIGN TO END ISRAELI OCCUPATION
National Conference: US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, St. Louis, MO
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012. Asheville NC Frackdown Event - Downtown Asheville NC 28804, September 22 at 11:00 AM, Organizations: Food & Water Watch, 350.org, Greenpeace.
09/24/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Ferguson Auditorium, AB Tech, Asheville. Meet & Greet for countywide offices and Forum for Chair, Buncombe County Commission. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
******************************
ONGOING EVENTS
******************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
******************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
******************************
Make Climate Change a Presidential Election Issue
Sign the Emergency Climate Petition to the Presidential Candidates
Climate disruption is the most serious issue facing humanity today. This year’s devastating drought, heat waves, and wildfires show it is already well underway. Left uncontrolled the impacts will be catastrophic for us, and all future generations. Despite the gravity of the risks, neither President Obama nor Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney openly talks about climate disruption.
Neither candidate has made a public commitment to do what’s necessary to address the problem. Do you think the next President of the United States should have a plan for addressing climate disruption for the sake of the American people, future generations, and our planet? If so, the Climate Summit 2013 Coalition asks you to join the growing list of leaders and individuals that have signed the petition asking President Obama and Mitt Romney to tell the American people what their positions are on climate disruption and to hold a national summit within the next president’s first 100 days in office.
Please go https://sites.google.com/site/
A diverse group of leaders and citizens – including farmers, government officials, people of faith and color, scientists, actors, and young people -- have already signed including:
Please go https://sites.google.com/site/
A diverse group of leaders and citizens – including farmers, government officials, people of faith and color, scientists, actors, and young people -- have already signed including:
· Richard Cizik, President, New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good
· Deb Fikes, Executive Advisor, World Evangelical Alliance
· Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland--A Church Distributed, Longwood, FL
· Patrick Carolan, Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network
· Wes Sims, President, Texas Farmers Union
· John Hansen, President, Nebraska Farmers Union
· Roger Wise, President, Ohio Farmers Union
· Dr. James Hansen
· Bill McKibben, author and founder of 350.org
· Kitty Piercy, Mayor, City of Eugene, Oregon
· Coraminita Mahr, Vice President, 1199 SEIU
· Joe Uehlein, former AFL-CIO National Officer and Labor Network for Sustainability
· Bill Bradbury, former Oregon Secretary of State
· Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President, Hip Hop Caucus
· Valerie Serrels, Associate Director, Kids vs. Global Warming
· Pete Seeger , musician and singer
· Susan Sarandon, actor
· Kathy Mattea, musician/singer
· Edward Asner, actor
Please consider joining this effort to make climate change a presidential election issue by signing the petition by September 14, and by sharing this petition with others. Thank you for your consideration.
******************
FROM PEACE ACTION WEST:
When we asked you which peace issue you most want the presidential candidates to address at the upcoming GOP and Democratic national conventions, close to 50 percent of you chose military spending.
Now that you've helped us choose, will you click here to send our question to the Obama and Romney campaigns?
Many of you eloquently expressed your outrage at the amount of money this country spends on war. Here's what some of you had to say:
Now that you've helped us choose, will you click here to send our question to the Obama and Romney campaigns?
Many of you eloquently expressed your outrage at the amount of money this country spends on war. Here's what some of you had to say:
"I cannot comprehend why we need to spend more than all other countries combined on our military."
"It makes no sense to increase military spending during a time of economic depression and with so many people out of work."
"Our military approach to maintaining international superiority is a dead end... [and] is draining us in terms of our young men and women and our wealth."
"Plain and simple, we need to reduce our military spending and increase our domestic welfare, education, infrastructure investment and health care spending. When are we going to start?"
We are at a very unique place in the debate on US military spending, and that makes now the right time to push.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Quote
Somewhere in my home I have a set of photo albums I rarely go near. I fear the flood of cruel memories that might be evoked from looking at the countless photos I took during a trip to Iraq. Many of the pictures are of children who developed rare forms of cancer as a result of exposure to Depleted Uranium (DU), which was used in the US-led war against Iraq over two decades ago.
I remember visiting a hospital that was attached to Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad. The odor that filled its corridors was not the stench of medicine, but rather the aroma of death. At a time of oppressive siege, the hospital lacked even basic anesthetic equipment and drugs. Children sat and stared at their visitors. Some wailed in inconceivable pain. Parents teetered between hope and the futility of hope, and at prayer times they duly prayed.
A young doctor gave a sweeping diagnosis: “No child that ever enters this place ever leaves alive.” Being the young reporter I was at the time, I diligently made a note of his words before asking more questions. I didn’t quite grasp the finality of death.
Several years later, Iraq’s desolation continues. On August 16, 90 people were killed and more were wounded in attacks across the country. Media sources reported on the bloodbath (nearly 200 Iraqis were killed this month alone), but without much context. Are we meant to believe that violence in Iraq has transcended any level of reason? That Iraqis get blown up simply because it is their fate to live in perpetual fear and misery?
But the dead, before they were killed, were people with names and faces. They were fascinating individuals in their own right, deserving of life, rights and dignity. Many are children, who knew nothing of Iraq’s political disputes, invited by US wars and occupation and fomented by those who feed on sectarianism. - Ramzy Baroud
Friday, August 24, 2012
A nation's response to hatred and violence......
So much beauty in the world, and especially in the hearts of Norwegians. This is their response to harted and prejudice against foreigners, immigrants, and Muslims. It is a response to an unbelievable act of terrorism inflicted on their country. This singing event, even when I just think about it, makes me cry. And I wish the country of my birth was so beautiful as Norway!
So much beauty in the world!
And I am blessed to live within one of the most beautiful parts of the world - the southern Appalachians. These photos were taken yesterday and today on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of Asheville.
Sunset on August 23, 2012.
Looks like two suns to me.
Rainy day on August 23, 2012.
Sunshine through the clouds.
Rain coming down.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
On the eve of destruction by Barry McGuire
The eastern world it is exploding
Violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill but not for votin'
You don't believe in war but whats that gun you're totin'?
And even the Jordan River has bodies floatin'
But you tell me
Over and over and over again my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Don't you understand what I'm tryin' to say
Can't you feel the fears I'm feelin' today?
If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away
There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave
Take a look around you boy, it's bound to scare you boy
And you tell me
Over and over and over again my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Yeah my blood's so mad feels like coagulating
I'm sitting here just contemplatin'
I can't twist the truth it knows no regulation
Handful of senators don't pass legislation
And marches alone can't bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin'
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin'
And you tell me
Over and over and over again my friend
Ah, you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
You may leave here for four days in space
But when you return it's the same old place
The pounding of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead but don't leave a trace
Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace
And tell me
Over and over and over and over again my friend
You don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Mmm, no, no, you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
My question for Obama and Romney
I would like to know why the US government is not investigating the after-effects of the drone bombings done by our government. Does either candidate plan on investigating this and how it impacts on regular people who may be radicalized by the drone bombings, and does either candidate plan on publishing the results?
The Falcon by Mimi and Richard Farina
LYRICS:
Oh, the falcon was a pretty bird, wandered as she flew.
She danced around and pranced around wherever the warm winds blew.
And the falcon was a pretty bird. Her voice was always still,
But men with drums and men with guns they taught her how to kill.
Her eye was on the sparrow. Her mind was on the dove,
But no one cared and no one dared to speak to her of love.
Her eyes are always hooded. Her claws are sharp as steel.
We teach her not to see too much. We teach her not to feel.
Go build you a log cabin on a mountain so high,
And hear the feathered war-birds yell as she goes screaming by.
She'll tease you. She'll please you. She'll satisfy your needs,
But someday she might turn around and maul the hand that feeds.
Your hours might be numbered. Your end might come someday.
Go break her chain and free her brain and send her on her way.
And the falcon is a pretty bird, wonders as she flies.
She asks us easy questions. We tell her easy lies.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week
UPCOMING EVENTS
08/20/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Patrick Harper, Clean Energy planner for the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM and location is West Asheville Library. More information at 828-250-4750.
08/20/12 COMMON TABLE MEETING BY TRANSITION ASHEVILLE
A common table meeting, hosted by Transition Asheville, will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street. Free, more information at 252-8729.
08/24/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Three shows: BeBe Theater, August 24, at 7:00 and 9:00 PM. Also at White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain, August 31, at 8:00 PM.
08/24/12 REPORT BACK FROM RAMPS MOBILIZATION
Katuah Earth First! Report Back from RAMPS Mountain Mobilization will be held from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Firestorm Café in Asheville. Katuah Earth First! pulled of a direction in conjunction with the Radical Action for Mountain People's Survival (RAMPS) Mountain Mobilization in West Virginia. This direct action, in concert with other tactics, successfully shut down the largest surface coal mine in Appalachia, Hobet Mine. All in all, 20 folks were arrested in this massive act in civil disobedience. Come out and hear all the stories and support your local Earth First! faction. Link: http://www.facebook.com/events/143027742503861/
08/24/12 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 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 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. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.
08/25/12 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE CELEBRATION
The party starts at 10:00 am and runs until 3pm. We'll have music including local bands and a few surprises! Speakers from our Action Groups will share what they've been up to, and we've invited a number of other local organizations to come and share the great work that they do in helping Asheville to make the great transition! Ongoing skill-sharing and sustainability demonstrations will bring the hands-on element to the gathering, and kid's activities will be hosted by Sundance Power Systems and others. Food will be provided by several of Asheville's finest food trucks. Location is Pack Square.
08/25/12 WNC TASK FORCE ON PRISON REFORM
SPECIAL MEETING - Saturday, AUGUST 25, from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. PLACE is UNC Asheville cafeteria, private dining room; Lunch is $7.20 students; $6.20 for faculty. Food is good, but you can bring a bag lunch. DR. MATTHEW ROBINSON, Professor of Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University, will lead us in discussion and planning for elimination of the Death Penalty in North Carolina in 2013. Matthew Robinson is author of the book “Death Nation” and a recognized expert on the Death Penalty. This event is open to the community at no fee. Questions? 828-254-5489. Please let Pam or Leah know you will be present. Leah <lrkarpen@bellsouth.net> Pam <laughon@unca.edu>
08/26/12 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE DREAM ACT
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
http://marchonthernc.com/
08/20/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Patrick Harper, Clean Energy planner for the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM and location is West Asheville Library. More information at 828-250-4750.
08/20/12 COMMON TABLE MEETING BY TRANSITION ASHEVILLE
A common table meeting, hosted by Transition Asheville, will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street. Free, more information at 252-8729.
08/24/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Three shows: BeBe Theater, August 24, at 7:00 and 9:00 PM. Also at White Horse Black Mountain in Black Mountain, August 31, at 8:00 PM.
08/24/12 REPORT BACK FROM RAMPS MOBILIZATION
Katuah Earth First! Report Back from RAMPS Mountain Mobilization will be held from 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Firestorm Café in Asheville. Katuah Earth First! pulled of a direction in conjunction with the Radical Action for Mountain People's Survival (RAMPS) Mountain Mobilization in West Virginia. This direct action, in concert with other tactics, successfully shut down the largest surface coal mine in Appalachia, Hobet Mine. All in all, 20 folks were arrested in this massive act in civil disobedience. Come out and hear all the stories and support your local Earth First! faction. Link: http://www.facebook.com/events/143027742503861/
08/24/12 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 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 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. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.
08/25/12 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE CELEBRATION
The party starts at 10:00 am and runs until 3pm. We'll have music including local bands and a few surprises! Speakers from our Action Groups will share what they've been up to, and we've invited a number of other local organizations to come and share the great work that they do in helping Asheville to make the great transition! Ongoing skill-sharing and sustainability demonstrations will bring the hands-on element to the gathering, and kid's activities will be hosted by Sundance Power Systems and others. Food will be provided by several of Asheville's finest food trucks. Location is Pack Square.
08/25/12 WNC TASK FORCE ON PRISON REFORM
SPECIAL MEETING - Saturday, AUGUST 25, from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. PLACE is UNC Asheville cafeteria, private dining room; Lunch is $7.20 students; $6.20 for faculty. Food is good, but you can bring a bag lunch. DR. MATTHEW ROBINSON, Professor of Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University, will lead us in discussion and planning for elimination of the Death Penalty in North Carolina in 2013. Matthew Robinson is author of the book “Death Nation” and a recognized expert on the Death Penalty. This event is open to the community at no fee. Questions? 828-254-5489. Please let Pam or Leah know you will be present. Leah <lrkarpen@bellsouth.net> Pam <laughon@unca.edu>
08/26/12 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE DREAM ACT
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
http://marchonthernc.com/
08/28/12 WATER PRIVATIZATION FORUM
Tuesday August 28, 6:00 – 7:45 PM Regional Water Authority & Privatization Forum, at Kaplan Auditorium, Main Library Hendersonville. Educational forum on the proposed Regional Water Authority & Privatization. Two speakers Rep. Chuck McGready and Councilman Gorden Smith. Contact Barbara Barnett, UUF, 694-3738, maubar53@bellsouth.net.
08/31/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Final show: White Horse Black Mountain, August 31, at 8:00 PM.
08/31/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Joan Walker, Outreach and Education Officer for the NC Sustainable Energy Association will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM at 221 Highsmith Student Center at UNCA.
09/01/12 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This is a monthly GA meeting for Occupy Asheville. Time is 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.
09/02/12 MARCH ON THE DNC IN CHARLOTTE
http://wallstsouth.org/
09/04/12 PROTECTING SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BIODIVERSITY
The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College presents "Rocky Fork and Beyond: Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Scenery One Acre at a Time," a talk by Jay Leutze, trustee and acquisitions specialist for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Held in the college's Peterson Conference Center. Free. Time is 7 PM. Info: http://avl.mx/j8 or hfurgiuele@mhc.edu.
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/
09/07/12 AMY GOODMAN AT A-B TECH
To support the MAIN-FM radio station, journalist Amy Goodman, host of the national radio show “Democracy Now!” carried by MAIN-FM, will speak Sept. 7 at Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Admission is $10, or $5 for students.
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/10/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
MABCO Meeting on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM at the RE Commons at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. Move to Amend is a grassroots organization with the goal of ending corporate personhood in the US. Please consider joining us at the next Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) meeting at 7 PM on September 10.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://southerngreenlivingexpo.com/
09/15/12 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
September 15 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm at Swannanoa Ingles on Hwy 70. If severe weather necessitates cancelling, this event will automatically be re-scheduled on September 22 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm. Partial list of accepted Items: Styrofoam & packaging, Rigid plastics, Books & cardboard, Electronics (excluding TV’s), Printer cartridges, Metals & small appliances. Collecting for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry: Blankets, linens, towels, usable coats, non-perishable foods.
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.org/ai1ec_event/rally-no-nukes-no-war/?instance_id
09/21/12 US CAMPAIGN TO END ISRAELI OCCUPATION
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/
09/07/12 AMY GOODMAN AT A-B TECH
To support the MAIN-FM radio station, journalist Amy Goodman, host of the national radio show “Democracy Now!” carried by MAIN-FM, will speak Sept. 7 at Ferguson Auditorium at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Admission is $10, or $5 for students.
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/10/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
MABCO Meeting on Monday, September 10, at 7 PM at the RE Commons at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville. Move to Amend is a grassroots organization with the goal of ending corporate personhood in the US. Please consider joining us at the next Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) meeting at 7 PM on September 10.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://southerngreenlivingexpo.com/
09/15/12 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
September 15 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm at Swannanoa Ingles on Hwy 70. If severe weather necessitates cancelling, this event will automatically be re-scheduled on September 22 (Saturday), from 10am – 2pm. Partial list of accepted Items: Styrofoam & packaging, Rigid plastics, Books & cardboard, Electronics (excluding TV’s), Printer cartridges, Metals & small appliances. Collecting for Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry: Blankets, linens, towels, usable coats, non-perishable foods.
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.org/ai1ec_event/rally-no-nukes-no-war/?instance_id
09/21/12 US CAMPAIGN TO END ISRAELI OCCUPATION
National Conference: US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, St. Louis, MO
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012. Asheville NC Frackdown Event - Downtown Asheville NC 28804, September 22 at 11:00 AM, Organizations: Food & Water Watch, 350.org, Greenpeace.
09/24/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Ferguson Auditorium, AB Tech, Asheville. Meet & Greet for countywide offices and Forum for Chair, Buncombe County Commission. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/1/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 1 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pack Library, 67 Haywood St. downtown Asheville.
Buncombe County Commission Dist. 1, NC House District 114. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/03/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Travis Hargett & Ken Brame will discuss Fracking: Dirty, Dangerous, and Run Amok. NC Legislative updates included. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
10/06/12 KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK
10/07/12 PROTEST THE WAR ON AFGHANISTAN
Protest the Afghanistan War in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, LA (no website yet). This war has been going on for 11 years.
10/8/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 8 from 6:30-8:30p.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty Street, Black Mountain. Buncombe County Commission Dist. 2, NC House District 115. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/10/12 TRIAL IN KNOXVILLE TN FOR OAK RIDGE NUCLEAR RESERVATION PROTESTERS
“They charged Sister Rice, Michael R. Walli, 63, of Washington, and Gregory I. Boertje-Obed, 57, of Duluth, Minn., with trespassing on government property (a misdemeanor) as well as its destruction and depredation (both felonies). The charges carry penalties of up to 16 years in prison and fines of up to $600,000. All pleaded not guilty. A trial in Federal District Court in Knoxville is set for Oct. 10.” – NYT
10/15/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Skyland Volunteer Fire Dept., 9 Miller Road, Arden. Buncombe County Commission Dist. 3, NC House District 116. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
11/08/12 THE GENERAL’S SON: JOURNEY OF AN ISRAELI IN PALESTINE
In 1997, a tragedy struck the family of Israeli-American Miko Peled: His beloved niece Smadar was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. That tragedy propelled Peled onto a journey of discovery. It pushed him to re-examine many of the beliefs he had grown up with, as the son and grandson of leading figures in Israel's political-military elite, and transformed him into a courageous and visionary activist in the struggle for human rights and a hopeful, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Miko Peled will discuss his book at the Friends Meeting House in Black Mountain at 5 PM. This is sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East. Open to the public.
11/08/12 - 11/11/12 LAKE JUNALUSKA PEACE CONFERENCE
The fifth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, "Love in Action: the Transformative Power of Nonviolence," will draw upon the lessons of nonviolent campaigns and their leaders who discovered a force that can change the world. Participants will explore the principles and learn the applications of nonviolence as taught by Gandhi, King, and many spiritual leaders who offered this alternative paradigm for resolving conflict, achieving justice, and building peace. For more information: www.lakejunaluska.com/peace.
11/16/12 PROTEST THE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS AT FORT BENNING
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Veterans Occupy Obama’s campaign office in Oakland, CA
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012. Asheville NC Frackdown Event - Downtown Asheville NC 28804, September 22 at 11:00 AM, Organizations: Food & Water Watch, 350.org, Greenpeace.
09/24/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Ferguson Auditorium, AB Tech, Asheville. Meet & Greet for countywide offices and Forum for Chair, Buncombe County Commission. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/1/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 1 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pack Library, 67 Haywood St. downtown Asheville.
Buncombe County Commission Dist. 1, NC House District 114. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/03/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Travis Hargett & Ken Brame will discuss Fracking: Dirty, Dangerous, and Run Amok. NC Legislative updates included. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
10/06/12 KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK
10/07/12 PROTEST THE WAR ON AFGHANISTAN
Protest the Afghanistan War in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, LA (no website yet). This war has been going on for 11 years.
10/8/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 8 from 6:30-8:30p.m. at Black Mountain Library, 105 N. Dougherty Street, Black Mountain. Buncombe County Commission Dist. 2, NC House District 115. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
10/10/12 TRIAL IN KNOXVILLE TN FOR OAK RIDGE NUCLEAR RESERVATION PROTESTERS
“They charged Sister Rice, Michael R. Walli, 63, of Washington, and Gregory I. Boertje-Obed, 57, of Duluth, Minn., with trespassing on government property (a misdemeanor) as well as its destruction and depredation (both felonies). The charges carry penalties of up to 16 years in prison and fines of up to $600,000. All pleaded not guilty. A trial in Federal District Court in Knoxville is set for Oct. 10.” – NYT
10/15/12 CANDIDATE FORUM
Monday, Oct. 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Skyland Volunteer Fire Dept., 9 Miller Road, Arden. Buncombe County Commission Dist. 3, NC House District 116. This is coordinated by the League of Women Voters, and is open to all. For more information about the League of Women Voters and its fall forums, visit the League website at ablwv.org or call 828-258-8223.
11/08/12 THE GENERAL’S SON: JOURNEY OF AN ISRAELI IN PALESTINE
In 1997, a tragedy struck the family of Israeli-American Miko Peled: His beloved niece Smadar was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. That tragedy propelled Peled onto a journey of discovery. It pushed him to re-examine many of the beliefs he had grown up with, as the son and grandson of leading figures in Israel's political-military elite, and transformed him into a courageous and visionary activist in the struggle for human rights and a hopeful, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Miko Peled will discuss his book at the Friends Meeting House in Black Mountain at 5 PM. This is sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East. Open to the public.
11/08/12 - 11/11/12 LAKE JUNALUSKA PEACE CONFERENCE
The fifth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, "Love in Action: the Transformative Power of Nonviolence," will draw upon the lessons of nonviolent campaigns and their leaders who discovered a force that can change the world. Participants will explore the principles and learn the applications of nonviolence as taught by Gandhi, King, and many spiritual leaders who offered this alternative paradigm for resolving conflict, achieving justice, and building peace. For more information: www.lakejunaluska.com/peace.
11/16/12 PROTEST THE SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS AT FORT BENNING
*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
Veterans Occupy Obama’s campaign office in Oakland, CA
******************
Some good news:
NRC Freezes All Nuclear Reactor Construction & Operating Licenses In U.S.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) acted today to put a hold on at least 19 final reactor licensing decisions – nine construction & operating licenses (COLS), eight license renewals, one operating license, and one early site permit – in response to the landmark Waste Confidence Rule decision of June 8th by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
The NRC action was sought in a June 18, 2012 petition filed by 24 groups urging the NRC to respond to the court ruling by freezing final licensing decisions until it has completed a rulemaking action on the environmental impacts of highly radioactive nuclear waste in the form of spent, or 'used', reactor fuel storage and disposal.
In hailing the NRC action, the groups also noted that most of the U.S. reactor projects were already essentially sidetracked by the huge problems facing the nuclear industry, including an inability to control runaway costs, and the availability of far less expensive energy alternatives.
Diane Curran, an attorney representing some of the groups in the Court of Appeals case, said: "This Commission decision halts all final licensing decisions -- but not the licensing proceedings themselves -- until NRC completes a thorough study of the environmental impacts of storing and disposing of spent nuclear fuel. That study should have been done years ago, but NRC just kept kicking the can down the road. When the Federal Appeals Court ordered NRC to stop and consider the impacts of generating spent nuclear fuel for which it has found no safe means of disposal, the agency could choose to appeal the decision by August 22nd or choose to do the serious work of analyzing the environmental impacts over the next few years. With today's Commission decision, we are hopeful that the agency will undertake the serious work."
Lou Zeller, executive director of Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, another petitioner to the Court, said: said: "It appears that the Commissioners have, at least initially, grasped the magnitude of the Court's ruling and we are optimistic that it will set up a fundamentally transparent, fair process under the National Environmental Policy Act to examine the serious environmental impacts of spent nuclear fuel storage and disposal prior to licensing or relicensing nuclear reactors."
******************
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Letter from NC Peace Action
This has been endorsed by Veterans for Peace, WNC Chapter 099.
Dear Friends at the Coalition to March on Wall Street South
We salute you for the impressive organizing that has brought the Coalition to March on Wall Street South to this point and express our admiration for the messages that are being promoted. We are especially glad to see the prominent inclusion of a call to end the wars.
Nevertheless, NC Peace Action has decided not to endorse on this occasion due to the Charlotte Principles statement allowing for a “diversity of tactics”. From the point of view of peacemaking, the means are the ends. Therefore the degree to which we can achieve peaceful outcomes will depend on the degree to which we maintain a discipline of peaceful methods and pronouncements.
Your clarifying statement for the Charlotte Principles ( http://wallstsouth.org/call-
By allowing for the possibility of unspecified tactics, The Charlotte Principles open the way for partners to be held guilty by association with tactics it knew nothing about. We cannot offer a priori acceptance of potential divergence from nonviolent norms.
The clarifying statement to the Principles says “experience and history shows us that the only group that ever comes to political demonstrations to instigate violence is the police, infiltrators, right-wing groups, and other agents of the 1%, not the masses of people”. If you do not expect any escalation of tactics or violence from the endorsing groups, then why not make it clear from the beginning that the only acceptable tactics will be nonviolent? That would assure that any form of violence automatically falls outside the norms of the group, and therefore is the work of outsiders or undisciplined participants.
Although we cannot endorse this event without nonviolence as the stated means, we again offer our sincere appreciation for the skill and energy that has gone in to this coalition. We greatly value our friendship with the very talented organizers involved and we wish this effort every success.
NC Peace Action Board of Directors
July, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Support Wikileaks - Support the truth!
I bit hard to stomach the lies and hypocrisy of Obama and Clinton.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
"Rhymes and Reasons" by John Denver
"from the desert ... to the mountains ... they will lead us"
It seems like it was just yesterday that this song was popular.... just yesterday. I wonder when the day will come where we "find a better way"? I don't think I will live long enough to see it. I like the ending on this you tube video: put a little love in your heart!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week
UPCOMING EVENTS
08/13/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
Time will be 7 PM, Monday, August 13 at the UU Church's RE Common Space. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.
08/17/12 FRACKING AWARENESS 2012
On Friday, August 17th, 2012 at 11AM at the McDowell County Courthouse in Marion, NC, there will be an educational event on Fracking. Come help educate the public about Fracking and meet the NC Fracking sponsor, Rep. Mitch Gillespie. Contact Information: 828-724-4221. Protect All Children's Environment.
08/17/12 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS KICK OFF EVENT
The League of Women Voters will hold its season kick-off party at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company’s downtown location at 77 Coxe Ave. on Aug. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event is designed to inform League members and the public about plans for the upcoming year while also letting guests and visitors learn more about what the League is all about and what the does on behalf of democracy. Nonmembers with an interest in the League’s work are welcome to attend. For more information visit the website at www.ablwv.org or its Facebook page at Facebook.com/ablwv, or call 828-258-8223.
08/20/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Patrick Harper, Clean Energy planner for the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM and location is West Asheville Library.
08/19/12 ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE MEETING
“Environmental Impact: Atomic Appalachia & the Militarized Southeast” will be presented by Clare Hanrahan and Coleman Smith at the Sunday, August 19th meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM, held at the Friends Meeting House in Asheville. This presentation with visuals is a stunning presentation of the toxic legacy of militarism on the people and culture of the Southeast U.S., exposing the cumulative impact of the wasting of the region by the military-industrial complex. The presenters contend the military has waged a war on the earth. There will be a discussion period following the presentation. All are welcome! For more information contact: asheville@aeu.org, www.aeu.org, ethicalsocietyasheville@gmail.com or 828 687-7759.
08/20/12 COMMON TABLE MEETING
This is part of Transition Asheville, and they will meet at 6:15 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville.
08/24/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Three shows: BeBe Theater, August 24, 7:00 and 9:00 PM; Black Horse White Mountain, August 31, 8:00 PM.
08/25/12 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE CELEBRATION
The party starts at 10:00 am and runs until 3pm. We'll have music including local bands and a few surprises! Speakers from our Action Groups will share what they've been up to, and we've invited a number of other local organizations to come and share the great work that they do in helping Asheville to make the great transition! Ongoing skill-sharing and sustainability demonstrations will bring the hands-on element to the gathering, and kid's activities will be hosted by Sundance Power Systems and others. Food will be provided by several of Asheville's finest food trucks. Location is Pack Square.
08/25/12 WNC TASK FORCE ON PRISON REFORM
SPECIAL MEETING - Saturday, AUGUST 25, from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. PLACE is UNC Asheville cafeteria, private dining room; Lunch is $7.20 students; $6.20 for faculty. Food is good, but you can bring a bag lunch. DR. MATTHEW ROBINSON, Professor of Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University, will lead us in discussion and planning for elimination of the Death Penalty in North Carolina in 2013. Matthew Robinson is author of the book “Death Nation” and a recognized expert on the Death Penalty. This event is open to the community at no fee. Questions? 828-254-5489. Please let Pam or Leah know you will be present. Leah <lrkarpen@bellsouth.net> Pam <laughon@unca.edu>
08/26/12 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE DREAM ACT
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
08/13/12 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING
Time will be 7 PM, Monday, August 13 at the UU Church's RE Common Space. Contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.
08/17/12 FRACKING AWARENESS 2012
On Friday, August 17th, 2012 at 11AM at the McDowell County Courthouse in Marion, NC, there will be an educational event on Fracking. Come help educate the public about Fracking and meet the NC Fracking sponsor, Rep. Mitch Gillespie. Contact Information: 828-724-4221. Protect All Children's Environment.
08/17/12 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS KICK OFF EVENT
The League of Women Voters will hold its season kick-off party at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company’s downtown location at 77 Coxe Ave. on Aug. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event is designed to inform League members and the public about plans for the upcoming year while also letting guests and visitors learn more about what the League is all about and what the does on behalf of democracy. Nonmembers with an interest in the League’s work are welcome to attend. For more information visit the website at www.ablwv.org or its Facebook page at Facebook.com/ablwv, or call 828-258-8223.
08/20/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Patrick Harper, Clean Energy planner for the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM and location is West Asheville Library.
08/19/12 ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE MEETING
“Environmental Impact: Atomic Appalachia & the Militarized Southeast” will be presented by Clare Hanrahan and Coleman Smith at the Sunday, August 19th meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM, held at the Friends Meeting House in Asheville. This presentation with visuals is a stunning presentation of the toxic legacy of militarism on the people and culture of the Southeast U.S., exposing the cumulative impact of the wasting of the region by the military-industrial complex. The presenters contend the military has waged a war on the earth. There will be a discussion period following the presentation. All are welcome! For more information contact: asheville@aeu.org, www.aeu.org, ethicalsocietyasheville@gmail.com or 828 687-7759.
08/20/12 COMMON TABLE MEETING
This is part of Transition Asheville, and they will meet at 6:15 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville.
08/24/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Three shows: BeBe Theater, August 24, 7:00 and 9:00 PM; Black Horse White Mountain, August 31, 8:00 PM.
08/25/12 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE CELEBRATION
The party starts at 10:00 am and runs until 3pm. We'll have music including local bands and a few surprises! Speakers from our Action Groups will share what they've been up to, and we've invited a number of other local organizations to come and share the great work that they do in helping Asheville to make the great transition! Ongoing skill-sharing and sustainability demonstrations will bring the hands-on element to the gathering, and kid's activities will be hosted by Sundance Power Systems and others. Food will be provided by several of Asheville's finest food trucks. Location is Pack Square.
08/25/12 WNC TASK FORCE ON PRISON REFORM
SPECIAL MEETING - Saturday, AUGUST 25, from 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. PLACE is UNC Asheville cafeteria, private dining room; Lunch is $7.20 students; $6.20 for faculty. Food is good, but you can bring a bag lunch. DR. MATTHEW ROBINSON, Professor of Criminal Justice at Appalachian State University, will lead us in discussion and planning for elimination of the Death Penalty in North Carolina in 2013. Matthew Robinson is author of the book “Death Nation” and a recognized expert on the Death Penalty. This event is open to the community at no fee. Questions? 828-254-5489. Please let Pam or Leah know you will be present. Leah <lrkarpen@bellsouth.net> Pam <laughon@unca.edu>
08/26/12 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE DREAM ACT
"DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" Benefit & CD Release Concert by award-winning activist songwriters – emma’s revolution. This benefit is for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's "DREAM Act Solidarity Bus Trip" and "Revolutions Per Minute" CD Release Concert. Time is 7 PM and the location is UU Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin & Charlotte Street. Tickets are $15 in advance/$18 at the door. Tickets: UU Congregation of Asheville and www.emmasrevolution.com. Info: asstminister@uuasheville.org and 828-254-6001.
08/27/12 MARCH ON THE RNC IN TAMPA
08/28/12 REGIONAL WATER FORUM
August 28, from 6:00 – 7:45 PM. Regional Water Authority & Privatization Forum, Kaplan Auditorium, Main Library Hendersonville. Educational forum on the proposed Regional Water Authority & Privatization. Two speakers Rep. Chuck McGready and Councilman Gorden Smith. Contact Barbara Barnett, UUF, 694-3738, maubar53@bellsouth.net.
08/31/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Final show: Black Horse White Mountain, August 31, 8:00 PM.
08/31/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Joan Walker, Outreach and Education Officer for the NC Sustainable Energy Association will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM at 221 Highsmith Student Center at UNCA.
09/01/12 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This is a monthly GA meeting for Occupy Asheville. Time is 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.
09/02/12 MARCH ON THE DNC IN CHARLOTTE
09/04/12 PROTECTING SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BIODIVERSITY TU (9/4), 7 PM - The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College presents "Rocky Fork and Beyond: Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Scenery One Acre at a Time," a talk by Jay Leutze, trustee and acquisitions specialist for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Held in the college's Peterson Conference Center. Free. Info: http://avl.mx/j8 or hfurgiuele@mhc.edu.
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://southerngreenlivingexpo.com/
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.org/ai1ec_event/rally-no-nukes-no-war/?instance_id
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012.
10/03/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Travis Hargett & Ken Brame will discuss Fracking: Dirty, Dangerous, and Run Amok. NC Legislative updates included. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
10/07/12 PROTEST THE WAR ON AFGHANISTAN
Protest the Afghanistan War in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, LA (no website yet). This war has been going on for 11 years.
10/10/12 TRIAL IN KNOXVILLE TN FOR OAK RIDGE NUCLEAR RESERVATION PROTESTERS
“They charged Sister Rice, Michael R. Walli, 63, of Washington, and Gregory I. Boertje-Obed, 57, of Duluth, Minn., with trespassing on government property (a misdemeanor) as well as its destruction and depredation (both felonies). The charges carry penalties of up to 16 years in prison and fines of up to $600,000. All pleaded not guilty. A trial in Federal District Court in Knoxville is set for Oct. 10.” – NYT
11/08/12 THE GENERAL’S SON: JOURNEY OF AN ISRAELI IN PALESTINE
In 1997, a tragedy struck the family of Israeli-American Miko Peled: His beloved niece Smadar was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. That tragedy propelled Peled onto a journey of discovery. It pushed him to re-examine many of the beliefs he had grown up with, as the son and grandson of leading figures in Israel's political-military elite, and transformed him into a courageous and visionary activist in the struggle for human rights and a hopeful, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Miko Peled will discuss his book at the Friends Meeting House in Black Mountain at 5 PM. This is sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East. Open to the public.
11/08/12 - 11/11/12 LAKE JUNALUSKA PEACE CONFERENCE
The fifth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, "Love in Action: the Transformative Power of Nonviolence," will draw upon the lessons of nonviolent campaigns and their leaders who discovered a force that can change the world. Participants will explore the principles and learn the applications of nonviolence as taught by Gandhi, King, and many spiritual leaders who offered this alternative paradigm for resolving conflict, achieving justice, and building peace. For more information: www.lakejunaluska.com/peace.
*******************************************
ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 Pm on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
"What no one seemed to notice. . . was the ever widening gap. . .between the government and the people. . . And it became always wider. . . the whole process of its coming into being, was above all diverting, it provided an excuse not to think for people who did not want to think anyway . . . (it) gave us some dreadful, fundamental things to think about . . .and kept us so busy with continuous changes and 'crises' and so fascinated . . . by the machinations of the 'national enemies,' without and within, that we had no time to think about these dreadful things that were growing, little by little, all around us. . ." - Milton Mayer - They Thought They Were Free - The Germans, 1933-45 -http://is.gd/KLLkPQ 08/31/12 GREED! PUPPET SHOWS
It's time for puppets to rise up and help silly humans see what's really happening in the US economy! After all, who could do it better than a puppet? Info and tickets: www.deepeconomics.com/greed-puppet-shows.html. Brought to you by Red Herring Puppets, Serpent Child Productions, with assistance from Occupy Asheville Street Art/Theater Group. Final show: Black Horse White Mountain, August 31, 8:00 PM.
08/31/12 TOWARDS A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE
Joan Walker, Outreach and Education Officer for the NC Sustainable Energy Association will speak at this meeting. Time is 6:30 PM at 221 Highsmith Student Center at UNCA.
09/01/12 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This is a monthly GA meeting for Occupy Asheville. Time is 4 PM and location is Pritchard Park.
09/02/12 MARCH ON THE DNC IN CHARLOTTE
09/04/12 PROTECTING SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BIODIVERSITY TU (9/4), 7 PM - The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies at Mars Hill College presents "Rocky Fork and Beyond: Protecting Southern Appalachian Biodiversity and Scenery One Acre at a Time," a talk by Jay Leutze, trustee and acquisitions specialist for the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. Held in the college's Peterson Conference Center. Free. Info: http://avl.mx/j8 or hfurgiuele@mhc.edu.
09/05/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Dave Erb and Yuri Koslen will discuss Asheville Redefines Transit. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
09/06/12 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/
09/08/12 GREEN PARTY MEETING
The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It will be held from 10 AM to noon, upstairs in the Fortune Building, 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Contact Ronald @ 828-LUCK-180 or Larry @ 828-225-4347 for more information.
09/08/12 ASHEVILLE SISTER CITY PRESENTS
“Palenque Rojo: Mayan Passion, music, dance and myth.” Chiapas, Mexico is a Sister City to Asheville, and the Asheville Sister Cities organization is presenting two performances on the Maya culture. Tickets are $25/adults and $15/students. Time of performance is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theater. See www.ashevillesistercities.org for more information. There is a repeat performance on 9-9-12 at 3 PM at Diana Wortham Theater.
09/11/12 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The International Day of Peace proclamation will be read at the City Council meeting.
09/14/12 - 09/16/12 SOUTHERN GREEN LIVING EXPO
http://southerngreenlivingexpo.com/
09/20/12 NUCLEAR FREE CONVERGENCE IN DC
Join the Coalition Against Nukes on September 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012. www.coalitionagainstnukes.org
09/21/12 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Join us in Asheville on Friday, September 21st, 2012, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, for the 3rd Annual International Day of Peace! Peacetown Asheville and Local 099 of Veterans for Peace, Mountain Area Interfaith Forum and other groups are sponsoring this event. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com if your organization would like to be a sponsor. Sponsorship is $50.
09/21/12 RALLY FOR NO NUKES, NO WARS AT THE NRC IN ROCKVILLE MD
http://coalitionagainstnukes.org/ai1ec_event/rally-no-nukes-no-war/?instance_id
09/22/12 GLOBAL FRACKDOWN!
Following regional/international meetings in Marseille (The Alternative World Water Forum - March 2012) and in Rio (Peoples' Summit - June 2012) as well as discussions with many groups, there is a growing consensus among the anti-fracking movements around the world that we need a global anti-fracking day to mobilize locally and to build solidarity among our movements. The local, regional and national groups in the United States have chosen a day to do a massive national 'frackdown' in the United States - 22 September 2012.
10/03/12 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Travis Hargett & Ken Brame will discuss Fracking: Dirty, Dangerous, and Run Amok. NC Legislative updates included. Time of meeting is 7:15 and location is Unitarian Church at the corner of Charlotte Street & Edwin Place. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net.
10/07/12 PROTEST THE WAR ON AFGHANISTAN
Protest the Afghanistan War in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, LA (no website yet). This war has been going on for 11 years.
10/10/12 TRIAL IN KNOXVILLE TN FOR OAK RIDGE NUCLEAR RESERVATION PROTESTERS
“They charged Sister Rice, Michael R. Walli, 63, of Washington, and Gregory I. Boertje-Obed, 57, of Duluth, Minn., with trespassing on government property (a misdemeanor) as well as its destruction and depredation (both felonies). The charges carry penalties of up to 16 years in prison and fines of up to $600,000. All pleaded not guilty. A trial in Federal District Court in Knoxville is set for Oct. 10.” – NYT
11/08/12 THE GENERAL’S SON: JOURNEY OF AN ISRAELI IN PALESTINE
In 1997, a tragedy struck the family of Israeli-American Miko Peled: His beloved niece Smadar was killed by a suicide bomber in Jerusalem. That tragedy propelled Peled onto a journey of discovery. It pushed him to re-examine many of the beliefs he had grown up with, as the son and grandson of leading figures in Israel's political-military elite, and transformed him into a courageous and visionary activist in the struggle for human rights and a hopeful, lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Miko Peled will discuss his book at the Friends Meeting House in Black Mountain at 5 PM. This is sponsored by Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East. Open to the public.
11/08/12 - 11/11/12 LAKE JUNALUSKA PEACE CONFERENCE
The fifth annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, "Love in Action: the Transformative Power of Nonviolence," will draw upon the lessons of nonviolent campaigns and their leaders who discovered a force that can change the world. Participants will explore the principles and learn the applications of nonviolence as taught by Gandhi, King, and many spiritual leaders who offered this alternative paradigm for resolving conflict, achieving justice, and building peace. For more information: www.lakejunaluska.com/peace.
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
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.
Anti-racism Group Discussion at 5:30 Pm on the third Thursday of the month 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 City Hall 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 Asheville General Assembly on the first Saturday of the month. 4 PM at Pritchard Park.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Saturday, August 11, 2012
Weekly vigil in Brevard NC
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Update from Occupy Asheville
We held a CC (coordinating council) meeting on Monday, August 6,2012.
We did reach some conclusions:
Occupy Asheville still exists.
The website will be continued in a simpler form with Kasha organizing. This will cost about $100/year.
There was some discussion of our funds (about $1,300) some of which is for local people who were jailed (about $700-800 of that) but no final decisions.
Structure will be GA once a month on First Saturday at 4 PM at Pritchard Park. This will be publicized in the Mtn Express. Hopefully, one of the working groups will have a focus/presentation/discussion for the meeting.
CC will meet weekly at 6:30 PM on Monday.
An email listserve will be organized.
NO MORE GAs in AUGUST. Next one is 9-1-12.
There was some discussion on proposals, with some items tabled to next week.
ALSO: There is a meeting on Wednesday nights at Wall Street Coffee Shop at 7 PM about the March on Wall Street South and the protests at the DNC. This is organized by the Socialist Working Group (I believe). The March on Wall Street South is on 9-2-12.
ALSO: On Friday, August 10, 2012, RAMPS will have a report back on the Mountain Mobilization event. Members of Katuah Earth First! Will share stories from their participation and the shutting down of the largest surface coal mine in Appalachia. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe.
We did reach some conclusions:
Occupy Asheville still exists.
The website will be continued in a simpler form with Kasha organizing. This will cost about $100/year.
There was some discussion of our funds (about $1,300) some of which is for local people who were jailed (about $700-800 of that) but no final decisions.
Structure will be GA once a month on First Saturday at 4 PM at Pritchard Park. This will be publicized in the Mtn Express. Hopefully, one of the working groups will have a focus/presentation/discussion for the meeting.
CC will meet weekly at 6:30 PM on Monday.
An email listserve will be organized.
NO MORE GAs in AUGUST. Next one is 9-1-12.
There was some discussion on proposals, with some items tabled to next week.
ALSO: There is a meeting on Wednesday nights at Wall Street Coffee Shop at 7 PM about the March on Wall Street South and the protests at the DNC. This is organized by the Socialist Working Group (I believe). The March on Wall Street South is on 9-2-12.
ALSO: On Friday, August 10, 2012, RAMPS will have a report back on the Mountain Mobilization event. Members of Katuah Earth First! Will share stories from their participation and the shutting down of the largest surface coal mine in Appalachia. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe.
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Wise words from Walking Buffalo
View of the Blue Ridge Parkway in July 2012. At one time, all this land belonged to the Native People, and it was well cared for and preserved. They lived in the Light, and were very much more advanced than the immigrants who stole their land.
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“We were lawless people, but we were on pretty good terms with the Great Spirit, creator and ruler of all. You whites assumed we were savages. You didn't understand our prayers. You didn't try to understand. When we sang our praises to the sun or moon or wind, you said we were worshiping idols. Without understanding, you condemned us as lost souls just because our form of worship was different from yours. We saw the Great Spirit in almost everything: sun, moon, trees, wind, and mountains. Sometimes we approached the Great Spirit through these things. Was that so Bad? I think we have a true belief in the supreme being, a stronger faith than that of most whites who have called us pagans. Indians living close to nature and nature's ruler are not living in darkness.” - Walking Buffalo
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