Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Picture came from a facebook post - this is in honor of Lee Camp coming to Asheville on July 1, 2013.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MORAL MONDAYS IN RALEIGH: Across from the legislative building (16 W Jones St) in Raleigh. Organized by the NAACP.  Contact: info@naacpnc.org.

07/01/13 LEE CAMP – LIVE AT THE ALTAMONT THEATER

The location for this event is 18 Church Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone (828) 348-5327. Lee Camp is a stand-up comedian, writer and activist. Lee's various comedy writings and interviews have been picked up by: The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Politico, The Dan Abrams Show (MSNBC), The Stephanie Miller Show, The Thom Hartmann Show, The Ed Shultz Show, Comedy Central’s Indecision ’08 online, & dozens of local radio stations. Come join us for an evening that promises to be hilarious!! $10 advance/$12 day of the show. Time is 8 PM.

07/01/13 EARTH FIRST! GATHERING

The annual national EF! gathering, the Round River Rendezvous, is coming to the mountains of WNC this July 1-7, and we'd love for you to attend! Our friends at Croatan EF! are hosting the rendezvous this year. The exact location hasn't been announced but it will be in the Pisgah National Forest near Boone. Go to http://summerrondy2013.wordpress.com/ for updates, schedule, and directions. -KEF!

07/01/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING

The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the month. Time is 6 PM and location is the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking is in back and on the street. Contact Ronald at 828-LUCK-180 or Larry at 828-225-4347 for more information.

07/01/13 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

Dinner with Progressives is a social outlet for thoughtful people in Asheville NC. The gathering includes time to eat together and then enjoy presentations which focus on solutions for a brighter future. Dinner 6-7pm Speaker 7-8pm. Location is Firestorm Café and Books.

07/02/13 TRANSIT COMMISSION MEETING

Transit Commission Meeting will be held on the 1st Floor Conference Room of Asheville City Hall. Meeting starts at 3:30 PM.

07/03/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Time is 7 PM (program starts at 7:15) at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

07/04/13 MOMS ACROSS AMERICA MARCH TO LABEL GMOS

Basically, a march against Monsanto. This will be all over the place.

07/08/13 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING

The next meeting will be Monday, July 8, from 7 to 9 PM at the N. Asheville library on Merrimon Avenue.

07/08/13 MORAL MONDAY - BUS TO RALEIGH

Bus to Raleigh for Moral Monday. They are taking reservations for a bus. Thanks to private donors, the tickets are only $20 each.  https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=N5KHJ2KZQR8UA

07/09/13 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/

07/12/13 UU SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM “BIDDER 70”

In 2008, University of Utah student, Tim DeChristopher, in a bold act of civil-disobedience, bid 1.8 million dollars for 22,000 pristine acres surrounding Utah’s National Parks, leading to the auction being invalidated and land safeguarded for future generations.  Nevertheless, Tim was indicted on federal felonies and served time in prison. “Bidder 70” distinguished itself as a beautifully told story of a hero’s journey filled with passion and sacrifice that tugs at the head and heart to the final scene.” as reported by Jury, Traverse City Film Festival. At 7 PM, Friday, July 12th, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, One Edwin Place, Asheville, NC 28801 - no charge -donations welcome - For more info, contact Charles at 828-505-0839. No charge, donations welcome.

07/12/13 LOCAL SHOWING OF THE FILM “DIRTY WARS”

There was talk in the van (during the recent trip to Maryland for the Bradley Manning rally) about this great new book and film, “Dirty Wars” by Jeremy Scahill.  Great news to find out that the documentary will play on July 12th at the Carolina Cinema at 1640 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. The time has not been determined, so call the theater the day before at 274-9500. Some folks will meet afterwards for discussion, location TBD. http://dirtywars.org/

07/13/13 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is ACE Hardware, 2319 Highway 70 in Swannanoa. Some items they will accept are rigid plastics, books, cardboard, electronics, batteries, styrofoam, metals, wire, and small appliances. Questions – call 254-1776.

07/16/13 MOVE TO AMEND PUBLIC PROGRAM

David Cobb, National Spokesperson for Move to Amend, will speak on “A Call to Action against Corporate Rule” at Lord Auditorium at Pack Library, Haywood Street, Asheville. Doors open at 5 PM, speaker at 5:30 PM and Q&A session at 6:30 PM. Learn about the nationwide campaign to amend the Constitution to return corporations to their earlier state when they were not given the rights of citizens, when money wasn’t speech and Congress could regulate money in politics. Find out what YOU can do to help make this happen. Light Refreshments will be served. For more information call: (828) 232-2883 or (828) 674-3046. More information below.

07/19/13 to 07/29/13 SUMMER HEAT AND WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

http://www.2013walkforourgrandchildren.org/  Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com or Richard at firepeople@main.nc.us for more information.

07/19/13 MICHAEL DANFORTH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD LUNCHEON

Time is 1 PM to 2:30 PM and location is Kenilworth Presbyterian Church at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. WNC Health Advocates honors Laurey Masterton with its Second Annual Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award. Laurey is a three-time cancer survivor with an indomitable spirit. She is a living-wage-certified employer and her company serves healthy, nutritious and delicious food. She has given selflessly to her community and works to educate the public about healthy food and about cancer. The cost of this event is $22, and you can get tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6870952203/

07/19/13 to 07/21/13 REGIONAL GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY CONVERGENCE

This is organized by the Move to Amend movement, and will be held in Charlotte, NC. More information at http://movetoamend.nationbuilder.com/charlotte_2013_convergence

07/19/13 PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings! Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00 PM. 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.

07/19/13 WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

This event is locally organized and is a walk from Camp David to Harper’s Ferry to the White House, where they will join in the Summer Heat protest. See 2013walkforourgrandchildren.org for more information. And all through walkers from Camp David to White House or Harpers Ferry to White House should register asap. Do this through email walkforgrandchildren@gmail.com. Please do this ASAP.

07/26/13 OUR VOICE EVENT

Nourish the Soul – Traveling Postcards. Please join us on Friday July 26th from 1:00 – 3:00 at Homewood (19 Zilcoa Street) as we welcome Traveling Postcards founder, Caroline Lovell, and create handmade works of art and inspiration to be shared with women that have experienced sexual violence. We are so thankful to Event Coordinator and Sponsor, Lynn Karegeannes, who is helping arrange the event and share her experience working with Traveling Postcards. Attendees will have the assistance of local artists, if needed, in creating their own personalized works of art with messages of hope, healing, and empowerment. Coffee and desserts will be served. Proceeds from the event benefit Our VOICE and Traveling Postcards. For more information or to be a sponsor of “Nourish the Soul – Traveling Postcards”, please contact us at (828) 252-0562. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through the link on this website:  http://www.ourvoicenc.org/news/nourish-the-soul-traveling-postcards/

07/27/13 SUMMER HEAT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Protest by 350.org.

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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 County Courthouse in Waynesville

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe

Police Brutality Council (discussion) at 11 AM at Firestorm Cafe

FRIDAY

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

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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07/16/13

Organizer of National Move to Amend Campaign to Speak in Asheville

Move to Amend of Buncombe County, the local chapter of the national organization working to overturn the Supreme Court’s ruling that “corporations are people,” will host David Cobb, one of the national organizers, from 5-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, at Pack Library in downtown Asheville. The meeting is free and open to the public, and will include light refreshments and an open Question & Answer session. The 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United V. FEC opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate spending on elections. Mr. Cobb will speak on the history of the court decision and how it impacted the elections of 2010 and 2012 and will continue to do so in the future. He will also address ways that communities can work to abolish “corporate personhood” and reestablish a government of, by, and for the people.

“Corporate personhood is not an inconsequential legal technicality,” says Mr. Cobb. “The Supreme Court ruled that a corporation was a ‘legal person’ with 14th Amendment protections before they granted full personhood to African Americans, immigrants, natives, or women.” Move To Amend is a grass-roots organization that was established to overturn the Citizens United decision as well as an earlier ruling, Buckley v. Valeo, which declared that money is speech.

Fifteen states and hundreds of cities and counties around the country have passed resolutions calling on Congress to amend the U.S. Constitution to restrict the rights of human beings to human beings, reflecting both the original language of the Declaration of Independence (“We the PEOPLE”) and the original intent of the Constitution, when laws throughout the nation barred corporations from all but a narrow range of activities. North Carolina communities that have passed such resolutions include Asheville, Chapel Hill, Durham, Franklin, Greenville, Highlands, Raleigh, Sylva, and Orange County.

Doors will open for the July 16 event at 5, for sign-in and light snacks. David Cobb will speak at 5:30. For more information about MTA Buncombe County, contact Ruth at 828-232-2883 or at ruthachristie@gmail.com.

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Please support Bradley Manning by calling the U.S. Department of Defense at 703.571.3343 then click 5, to leave a Public Comment offering a positive statement in support of Bradley Manning, it can be as simple as CALL: "Free Bradley Manning", these call-ins carry a lot of weight with the DOD and therefore is the simplest proactive way anyone can be involved and please encourage friends and family to do same.

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Yes!

Photo came from Facebook.

Snowden

Snowden Becomes Eighth Person to Be Charged with Violating the EspionageAct Under Obama

From Kevin Gosztola of FireDogLake:

Snowden is the eighth person to be charged under the Espionage Act under Obama. This is more than all previous presidential administrations combined.

NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake was charged under the law in April 2010 for retaining classified information on secret surveillance programs. The government claimed it was for the purpose of disclosure.

For disclosing classified information on FBI wiretaps to a blogger, FBI translator named Shamai Leibowitz was charged under the Espionage Act.

Pfc. Bradley Manning was charged with multiple violations of the Espionage Act in July 2010 after disclosing US government information to WikiLeaks.

Stephen Kim, a former State Department contractor, was charged in August 2010 for revealing classified information on North Korea to Fox News reporter James Rosen. (Rosen was labeled an “aider, abettor and co-conspirator” in the leak.)

In December 2010, a former CIA officer, Jeffrey Sterling, was charged under the Espionage Act after he communicated with New York Times reporter James Risen about Iran’s nuclear program in the 1990s. (The Obama Justice Department has fought in the courts to have a judge require Risen to testify against Sterling.)
John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, was charged under the Espionage Act in January 2012 after he shared information related to a rendition operation with reporter Matthew Cole.

A much lesser-known individual, James Hitselberger, a former Navy linguist, was charged with violating the Espionage Act for providing classified documents to the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
The Espionage Act charges were dropped in the cases of Drake, Kiriakou and Leibowitz. Manning has pled guilty to lesser offenses but not the espionage charges. Hitselberger, Kim and Sterling’s cases are all still pending. Kiriakou's serving a 30-month sentence in a prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania, after pleading guilty to violation of the Intelligence Identities Protection Act.

…………

The Espionage Act is a law from 1917 that was intended to criminalize individuals who engaged in spying, not leakers or whistleblowers. It was not initially used to prosecute government employees who passed on information to a reporter or a media organization. But, under Obama, the Justice Department has exercised wide discretion and interpreted the law as one that can be used to criminalize government employees who blow the whistle on corruption or share information on operations, policies or programs with the press.

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And this is the 3,000 post on this blog.

Statement on torture

“Our condemnation of torture is not based on any political opinion or on the laws or treaties of any nations, but on the Golden Rule, the standard for moral behaveior established by religious and secular communities across history and around the world.” – Yearly Meeting of the Southern Appalachian Quakers, June 2008

Obama Spoiler

Graphic above came from Oil Change International email.

“The earth is not dying. It is being killed, and the people killing it have names and addresses.” - Utah Phillips

UNITED NATIONAL ANTIWAR COALITION STATEMENT

DEFEND OUR HEROES -- THE WHISTLEBLOWERS - AND OUR FREEDOMS UNDER THE BILL OF RIGHTS!

END THE SURVEILLANCE STATE!

Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning are unlikely heroes.  They didn't come from the left. They were young men who believed the propaganda that this country was based on a system of laws designed to protect freedom and democracy at home and abroad. Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning both voluntarily and idealistically joined the military/security state 'to protect us' and 'to promote a better world'.

The disconnect between their illusions and the harsh reality that the U.S. is run by a corporate, financial, military elite (the 1%) that aims to dominate the world for profit and power shook them to the core. They saw that their democracy rhetoric is just that - talk designed to pacify us to carry out their rule -- and they had the moral courage to let the world know the truth.

Spying on lawful citizens is not new but it has escalated with new Orwellian technology, especially since 9/11 and under the Obama regime. Today, the government has the tools to gather and analyze private information on literally everyone. Tracking the entire global population gives them an unprecedented ability for control, repression, and disruption. Some use "I have nothing to hide" as a rationale for passivity.  This is what many people living under totalitarian regimes thought as they allowed the police state apparatus to be built.  That is until they or their families became the targets. We have seen in the past that the government does not just look for criminals or 'terrorists'.  They monitor activists, critics and minorities. They go beyond electronic surveillance to entrap, defame, and jail dissidents and to disrupt and diminish organizations and
movements that threaten them.

What is new is the extent of privatization and lack of any oversight. The funding and scope of the intelligence apparatus is totally secret and there are severe penalties for exposing these details. 70 % of the mammoth and secret intelligence budget goes to private contractors, unaccountable to the public. Private corporations play a huge role in waging war and intelligence gathering and they make giant profits from the taxpayers' treasury. These recent revelations show how the government and unelected private war-makers work in concert, and in practice, are interchangeable.

While we hail Snowden, Manning, Assange and other truth tellers as heroes, the government vilifies and persecutes them. The government says they are criminals who aid U.S. enemies and put us in danger. In fact, massive secret and illegal government spying concurrent with unfettered warfare endangers us all. What gives us hope is that in spite of the harsh vengeance the government metes out to whistleblowers, they still come forward to protect our right to know and to decide. Edward Snowden said "Citizens with a conscience are not going to ignore wrong-doing simply because they'll be destroyed for it: the conscience forbids it. Instead, these draconian responses simply build better whistleblowers".

Without whistleblowers who are willing to risk everything to expose the lies and criminal actions of the powers that be, we would be an uninformed and easily enslaved population. But simply exposing government wrongdoing is not enough. We, the people, must defend our brave heroes and fight back on all levels - with publicity, lawsuits, demands that Congress and the President end the Surveillance State, legislation to curb them, marching in the streets, and requiring that those engaging in criminal actions against the public interest are exposed and punished.

TAKE ACTION

Our demands:

*Stop the persecution of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange and free Bradley Manning and other jailed whistleblowers and political prisoners!

*Support the ACLU lawsuit to stop the NSA surveillance and purge all records!

*Rescind the Patriot Act, indefinite detention and other laws and orders that violate the Bill of Rights!

*End the secrecy and shut down the FISA Court!

*Prosecute government officials, including President Obama, that engage in illegal acts to curtail our freedoms!

*Communication companies must protect the privacy of their consumers and stop giving data to the government!

*Support legislation to end secret spying and to declassify the documents and laws used to create the surveillance state and maintain secrecy!

* Hold public hearings to reveal the true extent of government surveillance!

Song for Bradley Manning

Message from Julian Assange

Edward Snowden is one of us.
Bradley Manning is one of us.
They are young, technically minded people from the generation that Barack Obama betrayed.
They are the generation that grew up on the internet, and were shaped by it.
The US government is always going to need intelligence analysts and systems administrators, and they are going to have to hire them from this generation and the ones that follow it.
One day, their generation will run the NSA, the CIA and the FBI.
This isn’t a phenomenon that is going away.
This is inevitable.
And by trying to crush these young whistleblowers with espionage charges, the US government is taking on a generation, and that is a battle it is going to lose.
This isn’t how to fix things.
The only way to fix things is this:
Change the policies.
Stop spying on the world.
Eradicate secret law.
Cease indefinite detention without trial.
Stop assassinating people.
Stop invading other countries and sending young Americans off to kill and be killed.
Stop the occupations, and discontinue the secret wars.
Stop eating the young: Edward Snowden, Barrett Brown, Jeremy Hammond, Aaron Swartz, Gottfrid Svartholm, Jacob Appelbaum, and Bradley Manning.

About that security state

Speaking about the National Security Agency (NSA) back in the 1970’s, Senator Church said: “I know that the capacity that there is to make tyranny in America, and we must see to it that this agency and all agencies that possess this technology operate within the law … so that we never cross over that abyss. That is the abyss from which there is no return.”

Well, guess what? WE ARE THERE. And our elected officials are spooked because the NSA has all kinds of information on them!

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

MORAL MONDAYS IN RALEIGH: Across from the legislative building (16 W Jones St) in Raleigh. Organized by the NAACP and other groups.  Contact: info@naacpnc.org. There is a bus (or two) leaving from Innsbrook Mall to go to Raleigh for MORAL MONDAY at 10 AM. They are going to protect Asheville’s water system. You must pre-register at www.saveourwaterwnc.com Cost is $20.

06/24/13 CIVIL LIBERTIES RESOLUTION IN ASHEVILLE

Come out and support the Civil Liberties Resolution on Monday, June 24 at 3:30 in the downtown fire station meeting room. From Cecil Bothwell: Starting in 2010 I convened meetings with an interdenominational group of religious leaders, with social activist organizations, with the Coalición de Organizations Latino-Americanas, with representatives of the Asheville Police Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department, to fashion a Civil Liberties Resolution. I sought input from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, the Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council, participants in the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, the YWCA and local attorneys. It has taken a surprisingly long time to write, edit and gather support for a document that basically makes it clear that Asheville unequivocally endorses the Bill of Rights. But it will finally be up for approval from the Public Safety Committee, which I chair, on June 24. From there it will go to the full Council.

06/24/13 EARTH SABBATH CELEBRATION

Asheville Earth Sabbath Celebrations are interfaith, contemplative and experiential services which utilize community building exercises, readings from many faith traditions, music, video, ritual, movement, chant, guided meditation and other modalities to reach deep into the grief and love we feel for our Earth and help both salve and energize our spirits so we can continue the work of restoration and repair on behalf of all creation. Asheville’s Earth Sabbath Celebration occurs on the 4th Monday of every month. This is held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 7 PM.

06/24/13 MORAL MONDAY PROTEST IN ASHEVILLE

Time is 5:30 PM and location is Pack Square. This information came from Facebook.

06/24/13 ACTIVIST MEET-UP

Are you worked-up and PO'd about GMOs/Monsanto/GE Trees/Bio-tech like I am? we can make a difference and unite and fight to keep Asheville/the Blue Ridge a GE-free zone! Everyone is welcome :) bring paper, a pen, and all your unique gifts and ideas to the table! NOTE: there are no "Heads of Committee" here, just a brainstorming meeting of Concerned People...hope to see you there !  Time is 4 PM and location is Earthfare in Westgate. This information came from Facebook.

06/26/13 INTERNATIONAL DAY IN SUPPORT OF VICTIMS OF TORTURE

06/27/13 WNC GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

Come mingle, network, eat, drink and meet great local companies from the Green Home & Living Guide! This is a celebration of green building and the local community of WNC. Over 100 green businesses represented and over 300 attendees. We will be serving hors d’oeuvres and dessert with a great selection of Highland’s brews available for purchase, with Highland donating $0.50 from each beer to the GBC. Come out and be a part of the fun. The event is FREE to members and open to the public with a suggested donation of $5. RSVP: http://wncgbc.splashthat.com/#design. Time is 5 to 8 PM and location is Highland Brewery.

06/28/13 “MOVE UNITY BACK INTO COMMUNITY” DANCE PARTY

The Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council (ABCRC) will be throwing a fundraiser dance party, to raise money for the work that ABCRC does to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in our community. The "Move Unity Back into Community" Dance Party will be held on June 28, 2013 from 8:00pm to 12:00 am, at the ARTery, 346 Depot St., in Asheville. Admission is $10, which includes one drink ticket. Admission can be paid either at the door on the night of the event, or can be purchased in advance at the ABCRC office. For more info, contact Lucia: (828) 252-4713 or lucia@abcrc.org

06/29/13 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION IN HENDERSONVILLE

The working group from Occupy in Hendersonville has reconstituted itself as Henderson County Advocates for Fair Elections. They are holding a ‘Community Conversation’ on Saturday, June 29th, at the SE corner lot of Main St at Barnwell St in Hendersonville. The MagicLoveBus which was the focal point of the recent mass rally against Monsanto and GMO-tree-creators in Asheville, will participate. About 15 local nonprofits and community-minded businesses, with a wide variety of interests, are expected to participate. The day will feature interesting speakers on expanding healthcare opportunities, reducing civic tensions through dialog, and other subjects. Child care will be offered, and tabling is encouraged. Times: 10 AM - 4 PM. Veterans for Peace will be there to table.

07/01/13 LEE CAMP – LIVE AT THE ALTAMONT THEATER

The location for this event is 18 Church Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone (828) 348-5327. Lee Camp is a stand-up comedian, writer and activist. Lee's various comedy writings and interviews have been picked up by: The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Politico, The Dan Abrams Show (MSNBC), The Stephanie Miller Show, The Thom Hartmann Show, The Ed Shultz Show, Comedy Central’s Indecision ’08 online, & dozens of local radio stations. Come join us for an evening that promises to be hilarious!! $10 advance/$12 day of the show. Time is 8 PM.

07/01/13 EARTH FIRST! GATHERING

The annual national EF! gathering, the Round River Rendezvous, is coming to the mountains of WNC this July 1-7, and we'd love for you to attend! Our friends at Croatan EF! are hosting the rendezvous this year. The exact location hasn't been announced but it will be in the Pisgah National Forest near Boone. Go to http://summerrondy2013.wordpress.com/ for updates, schedule, and directions. -KEF!

07/01/13 GREEN PARTY MEETING

The Buncombe County GREEN Party's business meeting is open to the public. It is held on the first Monday of the month. Time is 6 PM and location is the Fortune Building (upstairs), at 729 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Parking is in back and on the street. Contact Ronald at 828-LUCK-180 or Larry at 828-225-4347 for more information.

07/03/13 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Time is 7 PM (program starts at 7:15)at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Asheville (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

07/04/13 MOMS ACROSS AMERICA MARCH TO LABEL GMOS

Basically, a march against Monsanto. This will be all over the place.

07/08/13 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING

The next meeting will be Monday, July 8, from 7 to 9 PM at the N. Asheville library on Merrimon Avenue.

07/09/13 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/

07/12/13 LOCAL SHOWING OF THE FILM “DIRTY WARS”

There was talk in the van (during the recent trip to Maryland for the Bradley Manning rally) about this great new book and film, “Dirty Wars” by Jeremy Scahill.  Great news to find out that the documentary will play on July 12th at the Carolina Cinema at 1640 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. The time has not been determined, so call the theater the day before at 274-9500. Some folks will meet afterwards for discussion, location TBD. http://dirtywars.org/

07/13/13 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is ACE Hardware, 2319 Highway 70 in Swannanoa. Some items they will accept are rigid plastics, books, cardboard, electronics, batteries, styrofoam, metals, wire, and small appliances. Questions – call 254-1776.

07/16/13 MOVE TO AMEND PUBLIC PROGRAM

David Cobb, National Spokesperson for Move to Amend, will speak on “A Call to Action against Corporate Rule” at Lord Auditorium at Pack Library, Haywood Street, Asheville. Doors open at 5 PM, speaker at 5:30 PM and Q&A session at 6:30 PM. Learn about the nationwide campaign to amend the Constitution to return corporations to their earlier state when they were not given the rights of citizens, when money wasn’t speech and Congress could regulate money in politics. Find out what YOU can do to help make this happen. Light Refreshments will be served. For more information call: (828) 232-2883 or (828) 674-3046

07/19/13 to 07/29/13 SUMMER HEAT AND WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

http://www.2013walkforourgrandchildren.org/  Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com or Richard at firepeople@main.nc.us for more information.

07/19/13 MICHAEL DANFORTH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD LUNCHEON

Time is 1 PM to 2:30 PM and location is Kenilworth Presbyterian Church at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. WNC Health Advocates honors Laurey Masterton with its Second Annual Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award. Laurey is a three-time cancer survivor with an indomitable spirit. She is a living-wage-certified employer and her company serves healthy, nutritious and delicious food. She has given selflessly to her community and works to educate the public about healthy food and about cancer. The cost of this event is $22, and you can get tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6870952203/

07/19/13 to 07/21/13 REGIONAL GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY CONVERGENCE

This is organized by the Move to Amend movement, and will be held in Charlotte, NC. More information at http://movetoamend.nationbuilder.com/charlotte_2013_convergence

07/19/13 PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings! Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00 PM. 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.

07/19/13 WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

This event is locally organized and is a walk from Camp David to Harper’s Ferry to the White House, where they will join in the Summer Heat protest. See 2013walkforourgrandchildren.org for more information. And all through walkers from Camp David to White House or Harpers Ferry to White House should register asap. Do this through email walkforgrandchildren@gmail.com. Please do this ASAP.

07/27/13 SUMMER HEAT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Protest by 350.org.

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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 County Courthouse in Waynesville

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe

Police Brutality Council (discussion) at 11 AM at Firestorm Cafe

FRIDAY

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

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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FROM IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR:

To mark the tenth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Iraqis and U.S. military veterans came together to hold the U.S. government accountable for the lasting effects of war and the rights of veterans and civilians to heal. They requested a hearing on these issues with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, a body of the Organization of American States.

I just added my name to a letter of support for their request, and I urge you to do the same. Use this link: http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5966/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=13332

Please consider signing. Thanks!

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FROM ACLU:

Edward Snowden risked everything to expose the secret NSA spying program of our calls and emails. Last night, we learned what shape those risks would take—in a late night news release the Obama Administration hoped we wouldn’t notice. Snowden has been called a “traitor” by politicians and had his personal safety threatened. Now he’s been formally charged with violating the Espionage Act—the same law used to charge Bradley Manning, who provided information to WikiLeaks. By bringing to light information that the powers-that-be would rather keep secret, whistleblowers like Snowden play a fundamental role in our democracy. We can’t just let them be thrown into darkness. As the Department of Justice moves in on Snowden, we need to raise our voices to ensure that Snowden is treated fairly and legally, and that the massive abuse of government power that he risked his safety to expose finally comes to an end.

https://www.aclu.org/secure/president-obama-guarantee-due-process-edward-snowden?ms=taf_acluaction_snowden_130622

Thanks.

And here is another petition about Edward Snowden to sign:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_prism_global_do/?wfkAaab

Snowden is the eighth person to be charged with violating the espionage act under the Obama administration. This is more than double of all prior presidents combined.

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FROM VETERANS FOR PEACE, CHAPTER 099:

The summer issue of War Crimes Times has arrived!  See http://www.warcrimestimes.org/

During WWI, the British government tightly controlled the war news. On hearing a report from the front, Prime Minister David Lloyd George said, “If people really knew, the war would be stopped tomorrow. But of course they don't know, and can't know."

WAR CRIMES TIMES (http://www.WarCrimesTimes.org/) wants the people to know.

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Not friends to anybody

Friends of Syriaagree to supply urgent rebel aid

From Reuters:

Western and Arab opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad agreed on Saturday to give urgent military support to Western-backed rebels, aiming to stem a counter-offensive by Assad's forces and offset the growing power of jihadist fighters.
……………
Ministers from the 11 core members of the Friends of Syria group agreed “to provide urgently all the necessary materiel and equipment to the opposition on the ground”, according to a statement released at the end of their meeting in Qatar.
…………………….
The meeting in Qatar brought together ministers and senior officials of countries that support the anti-Assad rebels - France, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Britain and the United States - although the fractured Syrian opposition itself was notably absent. Sheikh Hamad said all but two countries had agreed on the kind of support to provide to the rebels. He did not name the dissenters, but Germany and Italy have both said in the past they oppose arming the rebel brigades.

++++++++++++++

They are no “friends of Syria” – they are evil shits who want to destroy Syria and do not care how many people they kill along the way. They want to see Hezbollah fight al Qaeda, and destroy the country of Syria in the process. They think this is a swell idea, and do not care that it will lead to a Sunni-Shia war across the Middle East and the eastern parts of Asia. They love fighting and blood. I noticed that Israel was not present at this meeting in Qatar, but they are getting what they want via the US presence.  Evil, evil, evil people are behind this violence.

Quote from Bernard Chazelle

Bernard Chazelle:

Any terrorist aware of the hazards of Big Data knows that spurious correlations increase faster than data size and so will pray that the NSA keeps a diary of all life forms on the planet. If you’re a needle hiding in a haystack, all you want is more hay, like, say, a yottabyte worth of it. Bad guys will love Big Data. Social activists not so much. If the next J. Edgar Hoover doesn’t fancy the cut of your jib, he’ll come after you, file servers blazing, with more details about your past than you’ll ever remember. No need to be unduly paranoid, though. The craven Chinese may have hacked into the Obama and Romney campaigns, but thank God no American president would ever break into the party headquarters of his rival. Thank God the FBI would never spread lies about a university administrator. Thank God it would never pressure a civil rights leader to commit suicide. Let’s not surrender to cynicism and imagine that anything like McCarthyism could ever happen in the United States. We don’t call it the land of the free for nothing.

Drone bombings are evil!

Turkey protesters sing!

This is one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite plays -

So good to see the Turkey protesters sing it!  "Is there a world you long to see, beyond the barricades?"

Well, I want to see the US government stop using murder and violence as foreign policy! 

Which side are you on?

Debate

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

MORAL MONDAYS IN RALEIGH: Across from the legislative building (16 W Jones St) in Raleigh. Organized by the NAACP.  Contact: info@naacpnc.org. The Seventh Moral Monday, on June 17, 2013, will focus on the deadly attacks against the environment and health care system.  "A group of people committed to an ideologically extreme and immoral agenda have turned our legislature into a house of disdain for the poor and vulnerable of North Carolina," said Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of the NC NAACP.  "They have rammed through a slash and burn program that virtually all scientists believe will lead to the disastrous consequences for the health of our planet and our people."

06/18/13 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE POTLUCKS WITH A PURPOSE

At this potluck, Cathy Holt will present on the principle "Produce No Waste". Waste is a verb, not a noun, and is a human artifact.  Nature does not create waste, and pollution is just an unused or misused resource. Cathy Holt studied and lived permaculture at Earthaven Ecovillage from 2002-2004. She has also studied water harvesting with Brad Lancaster, taught portions of the Permaculture Design Course with Patricia Allison, and is active in Transition Asheville. She spent several months in Peru organizing a small Listening Project, followed by teaching basic organic agriculture in an Urubamba High School to 100 students. She currently does hoophouse gardening with neighbors in West Asheville, and teaches "HeartSpeak" (nonviolent communication)--an important aspect of "social permaculture." Join us at 5:30 at Community Action Opportunities (25 Gaston Street) for food, fun, and good company.  Bring a dish to share, and don't forget your plate/bowl, cup, utensils, and serving utensil for your dish!

06/18/13 SNACKING AND FRACKING GATHERING - CANCELLED

Time will be 6 PM and the location is Asheville Botanical Gardens. More details to come. For information contact Katie at katie@cwfnc.org.

06/18/13 SCREENING OF “GENETIC DILEMMA: THE GAMBLE OF OUR LIVES”

A screening of “Genetic Dilemma” will focus on GMOs and herbicides. Organic popcorn will be served. Held at Jubilee! at 46 Wall Street in Asheville. $10 donation. Info at genetricroulette-movie.com. Time is 7 PM.

06/19/13 ASHEVILLE RISING MEETING

Meeting will start at 6 PM, and will be held at the YWCA. More information on Facebook under “Asheville Rising”.

06/19/13 BENEFIT FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

A Summer Wine Tasting & Benefit for Pisgah Legal Services will be held from 5 to 7 PM at Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street, Asheville. Join us and taste wines that pair with summer events, parties and elegant dinners. $10.00 at the door to benefit Pisgah Legal Services. Please RSVP to Betsy (828) 210-3444 or betsy@pisgahlegal.org

06/19/13 SCREENING OF “A PLACE AT THE TABLE”

Land of the Sky UCC will host a screening of “A Place at the Table” a documentary about the child hunger crisis in America. Child care provided, optional talk-back to follow. Held at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Hall, 123 Kenilworth Road. Info at landoftheskychurch.org. Time is 6:30 PM.

06/19/13 ASHEVILLE SOCIALIST DISCUSSION

Our exciting and informative discussion of "the Two Souls of Socialism" continues. What do activist have to do to achieve the change we want? What is our model of a new society? Who can we reach out to and unite with in this struggle? Good discussion, good coffee, maybe even some old or new friend, Join us, join the conversation. Time is 6 PM and location is Wall Street Café.

06/19/13 WLOS TOWN HALL DISCUSSION ON GAY MARRIAGE

Doors open at 6 PM and the event starts at 7:30 PM. Location is the WNC AG Center. Register here:  http://www.wlos.com/news/features/town-hall/

06/20/13 ACLU OF NC FORUM ON TRANSGENDER RIGHTS

Chris Brook and Holning Lau from the ACLU of North Carolina will discuss the ACLU’s work on advancing transgender rights. They will provide an overview of gender identity- focused ACLU initiatives around the country as well as projects specific to North Carolina. Legal issues that will be discussed include access to proper identification documents, access to health care, transgender voting rights, and antidiscrimination protections. This forum will be at 7:30 PM. Location is the Haywood Street Congregation, located at 297 Haywood Street in Asheville. For more information, contact cbrook@acluofnc.org.

06/20/13 GATHERING FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

McGuire, Wood & Bissette, PA, Attorneys at Law, invite you to an evening at the Historic Drhumor Building in a gathering for Pisgah Legal Services. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM, and address is 48 Patton Avenue in Asheville. Join them for wine, hors d’oeuvres and conversation. RSVP to Betsy at 828-210-3444.

06/22/13 WESTERN CAROLINANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST - CANCELLED

Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East - boycott settlement product Soda Stream - will be standing at Vance Monument on June 1 from noon to 1 PM. For more information, contact Susan at suchi1025@bellsouth.net.

06/22/13 FRACK FREE NC FORUM

CWFNC and the Waterkeepers' Alliance are cosponsoring a Frack-Free NC Forum in Bynum, NC. Presentations will cover the dangers of fracking to our waters, land and people, including first hand accounts from Pennsylvania farmers.  Hear updates on legislative, and property rights issues and ask questions of those on the front lines of fighting fracking in NC. Cost is $10 and you must register by June 17, 2013. Contact Grant at 828-251-1291 if you are interested joining a carpool from the mountains and for information on how to register.

06/24/13 CIVIL LIBERTIES RESOLUTION IN ASHEVILLE

Come out and support the Civil Liberties Resolution on Monday, June 24 at 3:30 in the downtown fire station meeting room. From Cecil Bothwell: Starting in 2010 I convened meetings with an interdenominational group of religious leaders, with social activist organizations, with the Coalición de Organizations Latino-Americanas, with representatives of the Asheville Police Department and the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department, to fashion a Civil Liberties Resolution. I sought input from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Bill of Rights Defense Committee, the Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council, participants in the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, the YWCA and local attorneys. It has taken a surprisingly long time to write, edit and gather support for a document that basically makes it clear that Asheville unequivocally endorses the Bill of Rights. But it will finally be up for approval from the Public Safety Committee, which I chair, on June 24. From there it will go to the full Council.

06/24/13 EARTH SABBATH CELEBRATION

Asheville Earth Sabbath Celebrations are interfaith, contemplative and experiential services which utilize community building exercises, readings from many faith traditions, music, video, ritual, movement, chant, guided meditation and other modalities to reach deep into the grief and love we feel for our Earth and help both salve and energize our spirits so we can continue the work of restoration and repair on behalf of all creation. Asheville’s Earth Sabbath Celebration occurs on the 4th Monday of every month. This is held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 7 PM.

06/28/13 “MOVE UNITY BACK INTO COMMUNITY” DANCE PARTY

The Asheville-Buncombe Community Relations Council (ABCRC) will be throwing a fundraiser dance party, to raise money for the work that ABCRC does to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in our community. The "Move Unity Back into Community" Dance Party will be held on June 28, 2013 from 8:00pm to 12:00 am, at the ARTery, 346 Depot St., in Asheville. Admission is $10, which includes one drink ticket. Admission can be paid either at the door on the night of the event, or can be purchased in advance at the ABCRC office. For more info, contact Lucia: (828) 252-4713 or lucia@abcrc.org

06/29/13 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION IN HENDERSONVILLE

The working group from Occupy in Hendersonville has reconstituted itself as Henderson County Advocates for Fair Elections. They are holding a ‘Community Conversation’ on Saturday, June 29th, at the SE corner lot of Main St at Barnwell St in Hendersonville. The MagicLoveBus which was the focal point of the recent mass rally against Monsanto and GMO-tree-creators in Asheville, will participate. About 15 local nonprofits and community-minded businesses, with a wide variety of interests, are expected to participate. The day will feature interesting speakers on expanding healthcare opportunities, reducing civic tensions through dialog, and other subjects. Child care will be offered, and tabling is encouraged. Times: 10 AM - 4 PM. Veterans for Peace will be there to table.

07/01/13 LEE CAMP – LIVE AT THE ALTAMONT THEATER

The location for this event is 18 Church Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone (828) 348-5327. Lee Camp is a stand-up comedian, writer and activist. Lee's various comedy writings and interviews have been picked up by: The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Politico, The Dan Abrams Show (MSNBC), The Stephanie Miller Show, The Thom Hartmann Show, The Ed Shultz Show, Comedy Central’s Indecision ’08 online, & dozens of local radio stations. Come join us for an evening that promises to be hilarious!! $10 advance/$12 day of the show. Time is 8 PM.

07/04/13 MOMS ACROSS AMERICA MARCH TO LABEL GMOS

Basically, a march against Monsanto. This will be all over the place.

07/08/13 MOVE TO AMEND MEETING

The next meeting will be Monday, July 8, from 7 to 9 PM at the N. Asheville library on Merrimon Avenue.

07/09/13 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/

07/12/13 LOCAL SHOWING OF THE FILM “DIRTY WARS”

There was talk in the van (during the recent trip to Maryland for the Bradley Manning rally) about this great new book and film, “Dirty Wars” by Jeremy Scahill.  Great news to find out that the documentary will play on July 12th at the Carolina Cinema at 1640 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville. The time has not been determined, so call the theater the day before at 274-9500. Some folks will meet afterwards for discussion, location TBD. http://dirtywars.org/ More information on the film below from IVAW.

07/13/13 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is ACE Hardware, 2319 Highway 70 in Swannanoa. Some items they will accept are rigid plastics, books, cardboard, electronics, batteries, styrofoam, metals, wire, and small appliances. Questions – call 254-1776.

07/16/13 MOVE TO AMEND PUBLIC PROGRAM

David Cobb, National Spokesperson for Move to Amend, will speak on “A Call to Action against Corporate Rule” at Lord Auditorium at Pack Library, Haywood Street, Asheville. Doors open at 5 PM, speaker at 5:30 PM and Q&A session at 6:30 PM. Learn about the nationwide campaign to amend the Constitution to return corporations to their earlier state when they were not given the rights of citizens, when money wasn’t speech and Congress could regulate money in politics. Find out what YOU can do to help make this happen. Light Refreshments will be served. For more information call: (828) 232-2883 or (828) 674-3046

07/19/13 to 07/29/13 SUMMER HEAT AND WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

http://www.2013walkforourgrandchildren.org/  Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com or Richard at firepeople@main.nc.us for more information. Schedule listed below.

07/19/13 MICHAEL DANFORTH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD LUNCHEON

Time is 1 PM to 2:30 PM and location is Kenilworth Presbyterian Church at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. WNC Health Advocates honors Laurey Masterton with its Second Annual Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award. Laurey is a three-time cancer survivor with an indomitable spirit. She is a living-wage-certified employer and her company serves healthy, nutritious and delicious food. She has given selflessly to her community and works to educate the public about healthy food and about cancer. The cost of this event is $22, and you can get tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6870952203/

07/19/13 to 07/21/13 REGIONAL GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY CONVERGENCE

This is organized by the Move to Amend movement, and will be held in Charlotte, NC. More information at http://movetoamend.nationbuilder.com/charlotte_2013_convergence

07/19/13 PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings! Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. The meeting will officially start at 12:30 and end about 2:00 PM. 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.

07/19/13 WALK FOR OUR GRANDCHILDREN

This event is locally organized and is a walk from Camp David to Harper’s Ferry to the White House, where they will join in the Summer Heat protest. See 2013walkforourgrandchildren.org for more information. And all through walkers from Camp David to White House or Harpers Ferry to White House should register asap. Do this through email walkforgrandchildren@gmail.com. Please do this ASAP.

07/27/13 SUMMER HEAT AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Protest by 350.org on this date, and this is when the Walk for Our Grandchildren arrives in DC.

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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 County Courthouse in Waynesville

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe

Police Brutality Council (discussion) at 11 AM at Firestorm Cafe

FRIDAY

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

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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From IVAW:

Last week marked the start of the historic trial of whistleblower Bradley Manning, who exposed the extent of Iraqi civilian casualties as well as problematic US diplomatic relationships worldwide.  Within days, the reality of corporate and government surveillance of US citizens was exposed by former CIA employee and NSA contractor Edward Snowden.  There could not have been a better day than Friday to release the film Dirty Wars, and we recommend that you see it.

Why DIRTY WARS is so important:

September 11, 2001 changed more than just air travel. Within days of those powerful events, congress essentially wrote the President a blank check by passing the Authorization for Use of Military Force. The language contained within this resolution set the stage for the so-called "War on Terror." We now know that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and that many of us were manipulated into fighting an unjust, pre-emptive war of aggression.  What Manning, Snowden, and Scahill confirm is that manipulation, lies, and covert operations are much more pervasive than we may have understood previously. All of these operations have something in common: They're being performed in your name, and you are paying for them.

US wars and occupations are not limited to Afghanistan as some might believe.  With the increased use of drone technology, our military is capable of conducting warfare without ever having boots on the ground or pilots in the sky. The civilian casualties are high and US citizens have been targeted. In DIRTY WARS, Scahill exposes the realities of US military intervention in Yemen, Somalia, and beyond for what it really is - a covert war conducted outside the range of the press without effective congressional oversight or public debate. And, based on unprecedented access, Scahill tells the chilling story of an American citizen marked for assassination by his own government. The film, directed by Rick Rowley, has won the Cinematography Award for U.S. Documentary at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the Boston Independent Film Festival. Variety calls it “jaw-dropping ... [with] the power to pry open government lockboxes.” The Sundance jury said it is “one of the most stunning looking documentaries [we've] ever seen.” Find out why Manning and Snowden's revelations are so important.  See what's really going on in our name and with our tax dollars.

(This will be playing in Asheville on July 12, 2013. See above calendar for more details.)

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SCHEDULE OF DC EVENTS FOR SUMMER HEAT AND 2013 WALK

July 19 (Friday): A group of hikers will leave Camp David and walk on the Appalachian Trail to Harpers Ferry.

July 21 (Sunday): Registration and orientation for through walkers in Harpers Ferry starting early afternoon.

July 22 (Monday): Walk leaves Harpers Ferry.

July 26 (Friday): Walkers arrive at St Stephens Church in DC.

Evening of July 26: Nonviolence CD training.

JULY 27 10 am: Walkers and others gather at St Stephens Church

              11 am:     March leaves for Lafayette Park

              12 noon: Beginning of family friendly rally in Lafayette Park

              2 pm:       Beginning of CD actions at White House and elsewhere

WEBSITE: 2013walkforourgrandchildren.org.

REGISTRATION: All through walkers from Camp David to White House or Harpers Ferry to White House should register asap. Do this through email address on our website (walkforgrandchildren@gmail.com). Please do this ASAP.

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Registration Closing Monday: Third Annual Clean Energy in the Mountains

Preparations for the third annual Clean Energy in the Mountains event are in full swing! Registration will be closing on Monday, June 17, so act now.  This year’s event, hosted by the NC Sustainable Energy Association and the Evolve Energy Partnership (EEp), promises to be a great time as well as a wonderful opportunity to network with those who are bringing clean energy and energy efficiency to Western North Carolina. There is no charge to the event which will be catered by the Venue with some tasty hors d’ oeuvres, a cash bar and some lively music.  Please make your plans now to join us and many of your colleagues in Asheville, NC on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 to learn about some of the great innovation, business opportunities, job growth and economic development that clean energy is contributing to the region.

When:    June 19, 2013, 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Where:  The Venue
21 North Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801
http://ashevillevenue.com

Presenters
6:00      City of Asheville Sustainability:  Maggie Ullman
6:15      Evolve Energy Partnership:  Matt Raker
6:30      FLS Energy:  Dale Freudenberger
6:45      Appalachian State University:  Solar Decathalon Europe Finalists
7:00      Sundance Power:  Dave Hollister
7:15      The Biltmore Estate:  Vanessa King
7:30       What is Next for Clean Energy:   Ivan Urlaub

Western North Carolina understands that more affordable clean energy technologies contribute to our economy and energy security.  Learn more about Western North Carolina’s innovation and entrepreneurship as well as the efforts and plans to fuel the continued growth in job creation, economic development and business opportunities.  From solar to wind, geothermal, biomass, high-performance building, electric vehicles and smart grid, Western North Carolina has it all!

This event is generously co-hosted by the Evolve Energy Partnership, a joint-initiative between western NC’s leading public and private sector clean energy stakeholders.

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e7l0w10y30cca155&oseq=&c=&ch=

Eat it, haters!

Glenn Greenwald on CNN

From Peace Action

*Help End Wasteful Pentagon Spending to Fund Jobs & Community Services*

Today and tomorrow the House of Representatives will decide to write a $600+ billion check to the Pentagon, while sequester cuts to community
programs go on every week in our communities. Seventy-five thousand public workers have been laid off so far this year alone.

While our communities lack money for vital services, should growing Pentagon waste really be our nation’s $600+ billion priority? The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (NDAA) is being voted on NOW. It will set policy and authorize funds for over $600 billion in Pentagon and war spending. The good news is, we still have time to act on Thursday and Friday this week - there are a number of sensible amendments on the table to reduce this unaffordable giveaway.

Call your Congressional Representatives with this toll free number: 877-429-0678

Ask that they support amendments that cut wasteful weapons systems so we can move that money to fund community programs. Ask for support for Amendment number 32 - Top line Cut submitted by Congressperson Nolan (MN) that would reduce funds authorized in the NDAA by $60 billion. This is a step in the right direction!

Let’s stop this swindle and invest in people - not Pentagon waste!