Sunday, June 09, 2013

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week



UPCOMING EVENTS

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

06/10/13 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Our next MABCO meeting will not be at our previous location. We will meet at 7 PM, Monday, June 10., in the community room to the rear of the North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. Join us as we grow Move To Amend in Western North Carolina and create a statewide network of Move To Amend affiliates, so we may amend the Constitution so that only human being are recognized as persons and corporations will no longer be empowered to spend and lobby without regard for the welfare of the people. For more information, contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us.

06/10/13 KATUAH EARTH FIRST GREEN SCREEN
Every second Monday of the month, Katuah Earth First! shows videos on relevant environmental struggles. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville.

06/10/13 CIVIL RIGHTS TRIVIA NIGHT
This is an evening of fun, political discussion and an exploration of ways to build Civil Rights campaigns. Do you know your rights? From Fusion Centers to the Patriot Act – try out your knowledge for fun and prizes! Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Café and Books in Asheville.

06/10/13 OUR ENERGY FUTURE
Our Energy Future - Understanding the utility system and obstacles to clean energy solutions. Questions we will explore include: What is an electric utility?How does the publicly regulated utility system in NC function?How are utilities adapting to recognition of harm caused by CO2 and other fossil fuel emissions?How do current utility policies and practices restrain or advance clean energy?How can barriers to a clean energy future be overcome?With presentations from:Jason Walls, District Manager - Asheville Region, Duke Energy Progress, Michael Youth, Counsel and Policy Director, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, Anne Marie Daugherty - Former Pacific Gas & Electric Engineer and engaged citizen. Time is 4 PM to 5:30 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne Asheville Boardroom in the Asheville Chamber of Commerce Building at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville.

06/11/13 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/

06/14/13 KHALED HOSSEINI AT THE DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE
The bestselling author of The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini, will discuss his humanitarian work and will read from his new novel “And the Mountains Echoed”. The book follows its characters and the ramifications of their lives and choices and loves around the globe - from Kabul to Paris to San Francisco to the Greek island of Tinos. Mr. Hosseini is a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations and founder of the Khaled Hosseini Foundation which provides humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. Tickets are $15, and come with a coupon for $10 off the book “And the Mountains Echoed”. Tickets may be purchased at Malaprop's Bookstore, 828-254-6734. Time is 7 PM.

06/14/13 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT AT UU CHURCH
On June 14th, at 7 PM, there will be a screening of the documentary “The Witness” at UU church for social justice film night. How does a construction contractor from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood become an impassioned animal advocate? In this award-winning documentary, Eddie Lama explains how he feared and avoided animals most of his life, until the love of a kitten opened his heart, inspiring him to rescue abandoned animals and bring his message of compassion to the streets of New York. With humor and sincerity, Eddie tells the story of his remarkable change in consciousness. Eddie personifies a UU principle, “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part”. Donations accepted. For more information, contact Norman at mnpopi@charter.net.

06/15/13 OCCUPY ASHEVILLE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
This general assembly will be under the big tree in Pritchard Park. Time is 2 PM. All are welcome.

06/15/13 PRESENTATION ON THE FAIR TRADE MOVEMENT
Expedition to the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park will be presented by Cindy Mowry, Food Service Manager for Equal Exchange. She is a self-proclaimed coffee geek, and she will share first hand stories from the front lines of the Fair Trade movement. Cindy recently returned from Peru's Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, where she and other Equal Exchange delegates met with members of the Organization of Agrarian Coffee Cooperatives of the Sandia Valleys (CECOVASA) co-operative -- the growers of our "Expedition" drip coffee roast. Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world. Time is 6 PM.

06/15/13 FILM SCREENING AT FIRESTORM
There will be a film screening on Monsanto at 7:30 PM at Firestorm Café & Books. Contact Firestorm for more information.

06/16/13 ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE
“The UN and Ethical Culture - Their Relationship and the Evolution of Global Cooperation” will be presented by Jim Barton, Technical Writer and Community Activist, at the Sunday, June 16th meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville 2:00-3:30 PM, at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road in North Asheville (off Merrimon Avenue near UNCA). Barton will cover the evolution of global cooperation, how the Ethical Culture movement has been a part of this since 1924 including the creation of the UN in 1944-45 and how the United Nations relates to our current global situation. There will be a discussion period following the presentation. Following the meeting, there will be time for informal conversation. All are welcome! For more information contact asheville@aeu.org.

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

06/19/13 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

06/20/13 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 anti-discrimination 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.

06/22/13 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
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 828-251-1291if you are interested joining a carpool from the mountains and for information on how to register.

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!! There will be a cover charge, not sure what it is at this point. 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.

07/13/13 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 EVENT
The Buncombe County Move to Amend group will present David Cobb, an organizer for Move to Amend, who will speak on “Creating Democracy & Challenging Corporate Rule” at the Lord Auditorium at Pack Library. This event will be from 5 to 8 PM. David is a fiery speaker .  His presentation will be part history and part heart-felt call-to-action.  

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.

*******************************************
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

*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************
Just Foreign Policy Director Robert Naiman is heading to Yemen on a delegation of US peace advocates, where they will be meeting Gerald Feierstein, the U.S. Ambassador to Yemen. The delegation will urge Ambassador Feierstein to use his influence to end U.S. drone strikes in Yemen—especially "signature strikes" in which the U.S. doesn't even know who it is targeting—and to ensure that Yemeni prisoners at Guantanamo who the U.S. government has cleared for release are sent home without delay.
Add your voice! Sign this petition and Just Foreign Policy will hand-deliver it—with your signature—to Ambassador Feierstein.

http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/yemen
Thanks!

******************

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


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.

******************
MY COMMENTARY ON THE “SECURITY” STATE
US Bill of Rights says :  “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Greenwald:  “we have this massive, ubiquitous Surveillance State, operating in total secrecy.”

In reference to Verizon: “Under the terms of the order, the numbers of both parties on a call are handed over, as is location data and the time and duration of all calls.”
If you are a Verizon customer, the NSA knows where your cell phone is every minute of every day when it is turned on. Usually, your cell phone is with you, so they know where you are all the time. They know who your doctor is, who your dentist is, who you use for a pharmacy if you have prescriptions, who your psychiatrist or therapist is, who your physical therapist is, who your lawyer, your accountant, and who your professors (if you are in school) are. They know where you work and where you go to school or to dance classes or to the gym. They know if you go to the drum circle, and who you might call before or after. They know where you go to church, or if you don’t. They know when you go to an event, anywhere and anytime. Don’t accidentally get too close to an event or organization that you do not want to be affiliated with…. like walking through an Occupy protest or Tea Party gun rally.

They know if you have kids and who your kid’s coach is, along with doctor, dentist, etc. They know if your kid is seeing a specialist like a speech therapist or psychologist. They likely know who your kid’s teacher is, and if your kid goes to a gym or music lesson. Or if your kid goes pretty much anywhere else.

They know who your friends are, and are especially interested if your friends happen to live in, or came from, another country. They know if you have a lover, or several lovers, and if you are married or not. They know about the marriage counselor.  They know if you are calling someone about billing issues with your cable or credit cards, and they know if you are calling a credit counselor. They know if you are calling, or getting calls, from someone who is a drug dealer – even if it is a wrong number. They know if you were some place where a crime occurred, and may have you in for questioning even if you are totally innocent. (Well, it may be more than questioning.) And if you happen to have a neighbor who is involved in something, then the police or SWAT team may end up at your place. You see, they sometimes get the address wrong. It is definitely a good idea to put your house or apartment number in large letters on the front of the place to help prevent things like that. I am thinking that putting your full name up might be a good idea also. The NSA already knows where you live anyway….. unless they make a mistake.

Oh, and yes, they can misinterpret things and make mistakes - happens all the time. So you could get in trouble even when you are totally innocent. And they can use this data in any way they like – including blackmail, especially if you are a politician or someone with some power, or just someone they don’t like. They could blackmail you with that information about your lover, your prescription drug use, your visits to the psychologist, or a number of other things that you may be doing that are legal, but you don’t want all your neighbors to know about.

Remember that nerdy guy in high school that you would not date? If he works for the NSA, he can get his revenge. Same thing if it was a nerdy gal.

******************


The individual responsible for one of the most significant leaks in US political history is Edward Snowden, a 29-year-old former technical assistant for the CIA and current employee of the defence contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. Snowden has been working at the National Security Agency for the last four years as an employee of various outside contractors, including Booz Allen and Dell.

The Guardian, after several days of interviews, is revealing his identity at his request. From the moment he decided to disclose numerous top-secret documents to the public, he was determined not to opt for the protection of anonymity. "I have no intention of hiding who I am because I know I have done nothing wrong," he said.

Snowden will go down in history as one of America's most consequential whistleblowers, alongside Daniel Ellsberg and Bradley Manning. He is responsible for handing over material from one of the world's most secretive organisations – the NSA.

In a note accompanying the first set of documents he provided, he wrote: "I understand that I will be made to suffer for my actions," but "I will be satisfied if the federation of secret law, unequal pardon and irresistible executive powers that rule the world that I love are revealed even for an instant."

Despite his determination to be publicly unveiled, he repeatedly insisted that he wants to avoid the media spotlight. "I don't want public attention because I don't want the story to be about me. I want it to be about what the US government is doing."

No comments: