War is still not the answer

The above photo came from FCNL.

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

It's summertime!  Dive in!

UPCOMING EVENTS

06/30/14 PANEL ON HOMELESSNESS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Join us for a panel discussion with the subjects of the Citizen-Times series about their experience living In and out of homelessness over the last year, along with local experts working to end child homelessness to discuss the challenges they face and how you can take action. The event, free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30 at the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center in Asheville. The discussion will be moderated by Citizen-Times reporter, Casey Blake, and photographer, Erin Brethauer, who have followed families living in homelessness over the last 10 months. Audience questions are encouraged. Register at avlhomeless.eventbrite.com. Email cblake@citizen-times.com or call 232-2922 to learn more.

06/30/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER

“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org.

07/02/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING IN WNC

You are invited to join The Canary Coalition's Annual Gathering. The theme is “WAKE UP” songs of the movement. Bring your voice and bring your friends. This is a great way to network with others who are dedicated to this cause and sharing ideas and strengths is what will bring about a group that could possibly put a stop to this crazy fracking idea and new law that is set in place in our mountains. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and the location is Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. For more information call 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoaltion.org.

07/02/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

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

07/02/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday July 2nd at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Café in downtown Asheville for a Multimodal Update on the City of Asheville. Asheville recently showed up as the most dangerous city in the state, per capita, for pedestrians, and the stats are not that much better for cyclists. Our speakers will talk about these studies, how Asheville is planning to address these problems, and how citizens can better protect themselves. Speakers include transportation planner Don Kostelec, multi-modal advocate Tom Burnett, and Multi-Modal Commission chair Jim Grode.

07/03/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES

MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series, and on July 3, they will show “Legalize Democracy” a film produced by Move to Amend to give us the history of how corporations gained ‘personhood’ and consequently Constitutional rights. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge. Call Susan at (828) 669-1785 for more information.

07/07/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

For Those Who Want to Move Forward- Next Dinner With Progressives will be on Monday, July 7 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare, in Asheville. Come and join us for dinner, dessert or a beverage from 6 to 7 and then a speaker(s) from 7 to 8pm. Speaker to be announced.

07/08/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville.

07/09/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday July 9th at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe in downtown Asheville for a presentation by Josh Dorfman. Josh Dorfman will be sharing stories from his career as “The Lazy Environmentalist.” Josh produced and hosted the award winning reality TV series, “The Lazy Environmentalist” on the Sundance Channel for several years, published two books that aim to enlighten people about better consumer decisions that can reduce our environmental impacts, and delivered a daily radio show on SiriusXM. Josh currently works as the Director of Entrepreneurship Development at the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

07/10/14 SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE “URANIUM DRIVE-IN”

Who decides the future of rural America? The promise of jobs from a proposed uranium mill has an economically devastated mining community in Colorado hopeful for the first time in decades. When the environmentalists step in to stop the mill, the pro-mill advocates are enraged. A debate ensues, pitting jobs against health and the environment.  Without judgment, both sides of the issue are brought to life in heart-wrenching detail as the film follows conflicting opinions and visions for the future. The film offers no easy answers but aims instead to capture personal stories and paint a portrait of the lives behind this nuanced and complex issue. The film is at 7 PM. Location is Unitarian Universalists in Asheville at Edwin and Charlotte Streets. No charge, donations accepted.

07/11/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The next meeting will be on Friday, July 11, 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville in the Media Room.

07/12/14 FRACKING INFORMATION SESSION

Fracking info session will be held in Andrews, NC (Cherokee County). This is hosted by Coalition Against Fracking in WNC. A public forum and educational presentation by a representative from Clean Water for North Carolina and local residents to discuss the risks and impacts of hydraulic fracking. Location is Andrews Ballroom 965 Main Street Andrews, NC. Time is 3 PM. Contact sally@cwfnc.org for more info.

07/13/14 BONFIRES FOR PEACE

Traveling Bonfires, Loved by the Buffalo Publications, and Touch Samadhi

with The Indie (Asheville NC and Athens GA) present Downtown Get Down Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park, 12th year. Free. The Traveling Bonfires roam the country, ushering arts and music events and bringing people together in celebration of peace and multicultural connectedness. INFO: Marta Osborne, 828 280-2309, or email marta.osborne124@gmail.com or pasckie@yahoo.com. Time is 4 to 9 PM and location is Pritchard Park in Asheville.

07/13/14 STOP FRACKED GAS EXPORTS IN DC

The first national rally to say “NO” to fracked gas exports. The natural gas industry has plans to create 15-20 export terminals around the country so that it can export fracked US gas to the rest of the world. Unfortunately for a host of reasons, once exported, this gas results in as much greenhouse gas pollution as burning coal would be. These export terminals are like the KXL pipeline, and must be stopped. CCAN(Chesapeake Climate Action Network) has been organizing to stop the Cove Point terminal on the Chesapeake Bay, which requires approval by FERC (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission). Up to now has been a rubber stamp for the energy industry. CCAN is organizing a large protest at FERC on July 13. The nonviolent direct action (which includes risking arrest) on the 14th will be the punctuation mark to that protest. Leaders of the 2013 Walk for our Grandchildren, with support from CCAN, are organizing these two events. For additional information, including how to register, call Steve at 828-777-7816 or email earthsun2@gmail.com or Greg at 828-206-5502 or gregorybyost@gmail.com.

07/19/14 SIERRA CLUB PICNIC

On Saturday, July 19, the Sierra Club will enjoy its 5th Annual Summer Picnic from noon to 4 pm at the Blue Ridge Parkway sheltered picnic grounds located on Bull Mt. Rd. near the VA Hospital on Riceville Rd. Directions: Exit 7 on I-240; go east on Tunnel Rd for 2 miles; turn north on Riceville Rd; go 1.3 miles and turn west on Bull Mt. Rd. The fenced-in, sheltered picnic area is on the left about ½ mile up the road. Please bring a pot luck dish to share and your own settings. Drinks will be provided. Badminton, horseshoes and music will add to the festivities. We hope to see you there!  (No formal meeting for the first Wednesday in July.)

07/24/14 TO 07/27/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL CONVENTION

This will be held at UNCA. The convention committee has secured the following speakers: Cynthia McKinney, American Politician and Activist; Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Founder of SOAW; Camilo E. Mejia, First Iraqi War Resister; Col Ann Wright, Former U.S. Army Colonel; Margaret Stevens, VFP Board Member; Mike Prysner, VFP Board Member, March Forward; Maggie Martin, IVAW Executive Director & Membership Coordinator; Ben Griffin, Founder of VFP UK Chapter; Brian Willson, Vietnam Veteran; Leah Bolger, Past VFP President; Patrick McCann, VFP Board President; and Michael McPhearson, VFP Interim Executive Director. Many local and national groups will be involved with tabling and holding presentations during this event. Some of those groups are WNC Physicians for Socal Responsibility, Move to Amend Buncombe County, Code Pink, Western Carolinians for Peace & Justice in the Middle East, Registration for the convention and information at this link: http://vfpnationalconvention.org/.

07/25/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES

You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Inequality for All” presented by NC Justice Center. Time is 7 PM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech, 340 Victoria Road in Asheville.  

07/25/14 BENEFIT CONCERT FOR VETERANS FOR PEACE

Local Veterans For Peace Chapter 099 is proud to host singer, songwriter, story teller, author and activist John McCutcheon to Asheville for a special benefit to support work of VFP. “John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. And not just incidentally, he is committed to helping hard-working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction.” — Pete Seeger. It’s open to the public: 8 PM on Friday July 25, 2014 at UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium, part of Veterans For Peace 2014 National Convention. Tickets are $20 available at Malaprops in Asheville, and are available online. Reception with John McCutcheon & Preferred seating tickets are $35. Contact Tom for more info on ordering online at 828-335-3627 or tpeacenik@gmail.com.

07/25/14 ALI ABUNIMAH IN ASHEVILLE

A reception, talk, dialogue and supper will be hosted by Western Carolinians for Peace & Justice in the Middle East on Friday, July 25 from 5 - 7:30 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting, 227 Edgewood Road. Supper is free, with donations accepted, but you must RSVP by calling Suchi at 828-707-4271 or emailing her at suchi1025@bellsouth.net. ALI ABUNIMAH is the author of “One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli Palestinian Impasse” and co- founder and director of the widely acclaimed online publication “The Electronic Intifada”. Based in the United States, he has written hundreds of articles and been an active part of the movement for justice in Palestine for 20 years.

07/26/14 MALAPROPS BOOK READING & SIGNING

Ali Abunimah, the author of “One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli Palestinian Impasse” and co-founder and director of The Electronic Intifada, shares his new book, “The Battle for Justice in Palestine”. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, says, “This is the book to read to understand the present bizarre and ongoing complexity of the Palestine/Israel tragedy.” Abunimah is the recipient of a 2013 Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship and was recently featured on Democracy Now with Amy Goodman and Juan González. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

08/04/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES

MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series and the final showing will be of “The Story of Citizens United v. FEC”. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge.

08/11/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/08/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/21/14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC

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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 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

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

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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HOUSING FOR PEOPLE GOING TO VETERANS FOR PEACE CONVENTION

JULY 22 TO JULY 27 (convention starts on July 23 Wednesday, but some folks will arrive early, and convention closes on July 27 Sunday).

Please contact Gerry Werhan (gwerhan@gmail.com) answering the following few questions...  (Feel free to insert your answers right after the questions.)

1. ALL nights (July 22-26), or which ones?

2. How many beds can you provide?

3. Do you have pets?

4. Non-smokers only?

5. Can you offer transport for guests? (Convention location is the UNCA Campus).

6. Vegetarian kitchen? Morning coffee?

7. Street address/directions. Best times to call and phone number to use?

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A Record of Failure to Stagger the Imagination

QUOTE:  The United States has been at war — major boots-on-the-ground conflicts and minor interventions, firefights, air strikes, drone assassination campaigns, occupations, special ops raids, proxy conflicts, and covert actions — nearly nonstop since the Vietnam War began. That’s more than half a century of experience with war, American-style, and yet few in our world bother to draw the obvious conclusions.
Given the historical record, those conclusions should be staring us in the face. They are, however, the words that can’t be said in a country committed to a military-first approach to the world, a continual build-up of its forces, an emphasis on pioneering work in the development and deployment of the latest destructive technology, and a repetitious cycling through styles of war from full-scale invasions and occupations to counterinsurgency, proxy wars, and back again.

So here are five straightforward lessons — none acceptable in what passes for discussion and debate in this country — that could be drawn from that last half century of every kind of American warfare:

1. No matter how you define American-style war or its goals, it doesn’t work. Ever.
2. No matter how you pose the problems of our world, it doesn’t solve them. Never.
3. No matter how often you cite the use of military force to “stabilize” or “protect” or “liberate” countries or regions, it is a destabilizing force.
4. No matter how regularly you praise the American way of war and its “warriors,” the U.S. military is incapable of winning its wars. [the results of wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq ranged from stalemate to defeat and disaster]
5. No matter how often American presidents claim that the U.S. military is “the finest fighting force in history,” the evidence is in: it isn’t.

Rest of the article is here.

"No New War" Rally in Fort Wayne, IN

Some questions.......

Considering that the NSA and CIA and FBI are spying on everything and everyone around the world, why didn’t they see the takeover by ISIS in Iraq ahead of them?  For pete’s sake, that group of bloody rebels are on twitter! For the last 14 years, those agencies have never been able to figure out ahead of time what was going to happen…. with the exception of the FBI who have been able to predict the terror attacks that they have set up. They totally miss on the ones done by real terrorists instead of idiots who they entrap, however.

Can anyone tell me why the Taliban had opium production way down in 2001 (they banned growing poppies) and now, nearly 13 years of occupation by the US forces and NATO, the production of opium is now WAY UP? I don’t know the production for 2014, but 2013 was a banner year. See chart below.

Can anyone tell me why big banks can launder billions of dollars in drug money and get away with it, but we send teens with joints or old women who won’t rat out their grandkids’ pot usage to jail for years and years?

And why can’t the world’s biggest military (by far!) and most expensive military (by far!) not able to win any wars other than wars against unarmed countries (like Grenada). Iraq and Afghanistan did not even have an air force! Yet nearly every conflict since WW2 has ended in stalemate (Korea) or total disaster for native populations (Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, countless other places!).

And why are we spreading weapons all around the world, anyway?  The ISIS rebels had a parade this month showing off US military hardware, like humvees, and US weapons. I suppose it makes things like our wars more ‘sporting’ when our enemies have really good US equipment, but our military is so good at losing wars (since the start of the Vietnam war) that helping out the ones they are/will be fighting does not seem like a sound idea to me.

Are we, like, insane? Or just vastly, vastly stupid?

From Facebook

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Details from Stephen Hayes’s “Cash Crop.” 

UPCOMING EVENTS

06/25/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday June 25th at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe (downtown) for panel discussion on our own local economy via ‘Conscious Consumerism’. On Wednesday we will be joined by Jordan Foltz, Marketing Associate and Freelance Writer with the Mountain Xpress and Mark Hebbard, “The Living Wage Guy” with Just Economics as they speak about the “Get It Guide” and how to educate yourself as a conscious consumer in Asheville and the Surrounding Areas.  Whether you’re interested in supporting ASAP and their work with local farms, Asheville Grown and their “Buy Local” campaign, Just Economics and their “I shop Living Wage Certified” movement, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of which business in Asheville are better deserving of your hard earned dollar.

06/25/14 CHILDREN FIRST/CIS MIND THE GAP TOUR

The Children First/CIS Mind the Gap Tour will call attention to the issues that hinder the success of children and families in poverty. Free. Time is 8:30 AM, no location given. Info and registration at AllisonJ@childrenfirstbc.org or 259-9717.

06/26/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES

You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Freedom Summer” presented by Democracy NC. Time is 7 PM and location is Jubilee at 46 Wall Street in Asheville.  

06/26/14 PUBLIC HEARING ON FARE INCREASE FOR ASHEVILLE TRANSIT

There will be a public hearing on fare increases for ART (Asheville Redefines Transit) for monthly and annual passes. Location is Pack Memorial Library, Lord Auditorium, and time is 4 to 7 PM. New fares start July 2014. For more information, contact iride@asheville.com or call (828)259-5943.

06/26/14 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL – ONE YEAR SINCE DOMA

Join us as we look back at the year since DOMA was struck down by the Supreme Court. And we'll look at what's next in North Carolina as we wait for a court ruling to strike down Amendment One. Attorneys will discuss lawsuits challenging NC's ban on same-sex marriage and staff from the Campaign for Southern Equality will talk about how we are planning for action once a ruling comes down. Host by Campaign for Southern Equality. Time is 6:30 PM and location is First Congregational UCC on Oak Street in downtown Asheville.

06/26/14 FILM SHOWING OF ‘GREEN FIRE’

The movie “Green Fire” chronicles the life and land ethic of one of the most influential environmentalists of the US. The film “Green Fire” explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country. Learn how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land ties together stories of modern conservation, and offers inspiration and insight for the future. Time is 7 PM and location is First Congregational UCC on Oak Street in downtown Asheville.

06/26/14 RISKS AND IMPACTS OF FRACKING SESSION IN BREVARD

The Pisgah Group of The Sierra Club and People for Clean Mountains are co-sponsoring an educational session June 26th, at the Transylvania County Library in the Rogow Room at 6:30 PM, regarding the risks and impacts of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, known as "fracking". Presenting will be Therese Vick, Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League's NC Sustainable Development Campaign Coordinator, and Louis Zeller, BREDL Executive Director. Fracking is the destructive process of injecting high-pressure water and toxic chemicals into the earth to fracture the rock and extract natural gas and petroleum.

06/27/14 WESTERN CAROLINANS FOR PEACE & JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEETING

Time is 3:15 PM and location is the Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville.

06/27/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER

“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will start at 7 PM on June 27, including guest performances and an artist talk with Stephen Hayes. For more information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org.

07/02/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING IN WNC

You are invited to join The Canary Coalition's Annual Gathering. The theme is “WAKE UP” songs of the movement. Bring your voice and bring your friends. This is a great way to network with others who are dedicated to this cause and sharing ideas and strengths is what will bring about a group that could possibly put a stop to this crazy fracking idea and new law that is set in place in our mountains. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and the location is Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. For more information call 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoaltion.org.

07/02/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

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

07/03/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES

MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series, and on July 3, they will show “Legalize Democracy” a film produced by Move to Amend to give us the history of how corporations gained ‘personhood’ and consequently Constitutional rights. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge.

07/07/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

For Those Who Want to Move Forward- Next Dinner With Progressives will be on Monday, July 7 2014 from 6 to 8 PM at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare, in Asheville. Come and join us for dinner, dessert or a beverage from 6 to 7 and then a speaker(s) from 7 to 8pm. Speaker to be announced. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com for more information.

07/08/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville.

07/12/14 FRACKING INFORMATION SESSION

Fracking info session will be held in Andrews, NC (Cherokee County). This is hosted by Coalition Against Fracking in WNC. Location TBD. Time is 3 PM. Contact sally@cwfnc.org for more info.

07/13/14 BONFIRES FOR PEACE

Traveling Bonfires, Loved by the Buffalo Publications, and Touch Samadhi

with The Indie (Asheville NC and Athens GA) present DOWNTOWN GET DOWN

Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park, 12th year. FREE. The Traveling Bonfires roam the country, ushering arts and music events and bringing people together in celebration of peace and multicultural connectedness. INFO: Marta Osborne, 828 280-2309, or email marta.osborne124@gmail.com or pasckie@yahoo.com. Time is 4 to 9 PM and location is Pritchard Park in Asheville.

07/19/14 SIERRA CLUB PICNIC

On Saturday, July 19, the Sierra Club will enjoy its 5th Annual Summer Picnic from noon to 4 pm at the Blue Ridge Parkway sheltered picnic grounds located on Bull Mt. Rd. near the VA Hospital on Riceville Rd. Directions: Exit 7 on I-240; go east on Tunnel Rd for 2 miles; turn north on Riceville Rd; go 1.3 miles and turn west on Bull Mt. Rd. The fenced-in, sheltered picnic area is on the left about ½ mile up the road. Please bring a pot luck dish to share and your own settings. Drinks will be provided. Badminton, horseshoes and music will add to the festivities. We hope to see you there!  (No formal meeting for the first Wednesday in July.)

07/24/14 TO 07/27/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL CONVENTION

This will be held at UNCA. The convention committee has secured the following speakers: Cynthia McKinney, American Politician and Activist; Fr. Roy Bourgeois, Founder of SOAW; Camilo E. Mejia, First Iraqi War Resister; Col Ann Wright, Former U.S. Army Colonel; Margaret Stevens, VFP Board Member; Mike Prysner, VFP Board Member, March Forward; Maggie Martin, IVAW Executive Director & Membership Coordinator; Ben Griffin, Founder of VFP UK Chapter; Brian Willson, Vietnam Veteran; Leah Bolger, Past VFP President; Patrick McCann, VFP Board President; and Michael McPhearson, VFP Interim Executive Director. Registration for the convention and information at this link: http://vfpnationalconvention.org/.

07/25/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES

You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Inequality for All” presented by NC Justice Center. Time is 7 PM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech, 340 Victoria Road in Asheville.  

07/25/14 BENEFIT FOR VETERANS FOR PEACE

Local Veterans For Peace Chapter 099 is proud to host singer, songwriter, story teller, author and activist John McCutcheon to Asheville for a special benefit to support work of VFP. “John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. And not just incidentally, he is committed to helping hard-working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction.” — Pete Seeger. It’s open to the public: 8 PM on Friday July 25, 2014 at UNCA Lipinsky Auditorium, part of Veterans For Peace 2014 National Convention. Tickets are $20 available at Malaprops in Asheville, and are available online. Reception with John McCutcheon & Preferred seating tickets are $35. Contact Tom for more info on ordering online at 828-335-3627 or tpeacenik@gmail.com.

07/26/14 MALAPROPS BOOK READING & SIGNING

Ali Abunimah, the author of “One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli Palestinian Impasse” and co-founder and director of The Electronic Intifada, shares his new book, “The Battle for Justice in Palestine”. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, says, “This is the book to read to understand the present bizarre and ongoing complexity of the Palestine/Israel tragedy.” Abunimah is the recipient of a 2013 Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship and was recently featured on Democracy Now with Amy Goodman and Juan González. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

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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 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

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

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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

ACTIONS AND READINGS

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

HOUSING FOR PEOPLE GOING TO VETERANS FOR PEACE CONVENTION

JULY 22 TO JULY 27 (convention starts on July 23 Wednesday, but some folks will arrive early, and convention closes on July 27 Sunday).

Please contact Gerry Werhan (gwerhan@gmail.com) answering the following few questions...  (Feel free to insert your answers right after the questions.)

1. ALL nights (July 22-26), or which ones?

2. How many beds can you provide?

3. Do you have pets?

4. Non-smokers only?

5. Can you offer transport for guests? (Convention location is the UNCA Campus).

6. Vegetarian kitchen? Morning coffee?

7. Street address/directions. Best times to call and phone number to use?

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Anti-war protesters were correct

Anti-war protesters were correct - photo from this article.

Anti-war protesters were correct: the war of aggression on Iraq has led to bloody chaos. Above is a photo from 2003 of anti-war protesters in London. I was protesting here in the USA. I take no pride in being correct: I was only one of millions of people who figured out the claims of WMDs was a pack of lies. I was only one of millions of people who knew this would end very badly for the Iraqi people.

And, at this point in time, the people who were not out there protesting this war of aggression and massively evil actions by the Bush administration should do one thing, and only one thing:  SHUT THE FUCK UP FOREVER.

PETITIONS TO SIGN!

Fallujah. Mosul. Baghdad.

Hearing these names again sends a chill down my spine. As a Marine who served in Iraq, I know well the bloody costs paid by Americans and by Iraqis in these and so many other cities over the past decade. I have friends who to this day remain on the front lines of a sectarian conflict that is tearing their homeland apart. And I am saddened to see the renewed and growing violence once again gripping Iraq.

But I also know that the solution to the chaos in Iraq is not another American military intervention. The president was right to end the Iraq War in 2011, and it would be a tremendous mistake to restart it now.

The United States and Iraq have already paid dearly for George W. Bush’s disastrous decision to launch the Iraq War. With Iraq once again descending into violence, we must not repeat the mistakes of the past. No military intervention, whether a massive invasion like the one in 2003 or the limited airstrikes some are calling for today, will solve the deep and complex challenges Iraq is facing. Iraq’s problems can only be solved by Iraqis, not American bombs. Launching another military intervention in Iraq would only throw more fuel on a fire that is raging. Even worse, it would once again risk American lives in a fight that is not ours and that we cannot win.

Over the past few days, the news has been filled with stories of a swift insurgent advance through northern Iraq. Sunni militants, under the banner of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), have taken over city after city in northern Iraq. These militants, fresh from the fight in neighboring Syria, have made dramatic progress, capturing American-made weapons and supplies left behind by the fleeing Iraqi security forces. Their advance is fueled in no small part by the repressive sectarian policies of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The situation may get worse before it gets better, but one thing is clear: American bombs are not the solution.

Even more chilling than watching the violence in Iraq is listening to the pundits here at home. The very same men and women who lied to the American public and sent thousands of my fellow men and women in uniform to their deaths are now leading the charge for another military intervention. Many of these men should be in jail; none of them should be listened to.

If my friends in Iraq are to ever find peace, if their children and their grandchildren have any chance of growing up without the butchery of beheading knives and the carnage of car bombs, peace will come through negotiation and settlement, as it briefly did post-2007, and not through an American strategy of choosing sides, choosing winners and losers, and indulging in the self-satisfactory, self-indulgent, guilt-erasing, yet illusory, medication of bombing.

That's why I signed a petition to The United States House of Representatives, The United States Senate, and President Barack Obama, which says:

"President Obama and Congress, don't take new military action in Iraq. The solution to the chaos is not another American military intervention, including bombing strikes. President Obama was right to end the Iraq War in 2011, and it would be a tremendous mistake to restart it now."

Will you sign the petition too? Click here to add your name to this MoveOn petition.

Thanks!

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No to NATO military exercises in Ukraine

To: U.S. Congress, President, and Department of "Defense"

We call on the U.S. government to work with other NATO governments to cancel the Rapid Trident exercise, and to commit to not participating in military exercises in Ukraine. Why is this important? We note with great concern that U.S. and other NATO troops are scheduled to participate in joint military exercises in Ukraine in July as part of NATO’s Rapid Trident maneuvers. Ukraine is not a member of NATO. Its participation in military exercises by a nuclear-armed alliance with a first-strike policy can only further destabilize the country.

Please sign the petition from Roots Action to say NO toNATO military exercises in Ukraine.

I ask you to add your name to this important issue. Every name that is added builds momentum around the campaign and makes it more likely for us to get the change we want to see.

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Do Not Bomb, Arm, or Send Troops to Iraq

To: U.S. Congress, President, and Department of "Defense"

Stop arming Iraq. And do not bomb or send in troops. Remove U.S. drones immediately. Pursue a ceasefire and negotiations, working through the United Nations and the Arab League. Why is this important? Iraq needs actual aid, not "military aid." A policy of promoting, facilitating, and engaging in violence has produced nothing but disasters for decades.

Please join the campaign to say DO NOT BOMB, ARM, OR SEND TROOPS TO IRAQ.

Please sign this petition from Roots Action to not bombor send arms to Iraq.

I ask you to add your name to this important issue. Every name that is added builds momentum around the campaign and makes it more likely for us to get the change we want to see.

Press Release from Iraq War Veterans

Iraq Veterans Warn Obama:

Military Intervention Will Be a Disaster

WHEN:    1 PM THURSDAY, JUNE 19

WHERE:   NATIONAL PRESS CLUB (Lisagor Rm.), Washington, DC, 529 14^th St. NW, 13^th Floor

WHO:       ROSS CAPUTI and MATT SOUTHWORTH, Iraq War Veterans

                    TIM KAHLOR, Father of 2-tour Iraq veteran with PTSD

                    RAY MC GOVERN, former CIA Intelligence Analyst

Iraq War veterans are sending a message to President Obama:  Don’t intervene in Iraq, it will only result in more lost lives, both U.S. and Iraqi.

After the nightmare of more than a decade of war, many Iraq veterans see the destabilizing U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq as the reason for the crisis the country finds itself in. They point to the futility of further U.S. military action and the likelihood that airstrikes, rather than benefiting the Iraqi people, will continue to bring them death, destruction and dislocation, while also putting U.S. service members in further danger.

Today, Iraq veterans and family members are calling on the Obama administration to stay out of the brewing civil war; to provide humanitarian aid to refugees; and to pursue international diplomacy towards reconciliation for the people of Iraq.

Speakers Include:

ROSS CAPUTI is a Marine Corps veteran of the 2nd siege of Fallujah in November and December of 2004, considered the bloodiest battle of the U.S. war in Iraq.  Today he is on the Board of Directors of ISLAH (www.reparations.org) and he is a member of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

“The many American lives that were lost in Iraq cannot be made meaningful by propping up an unpopular government with violence.   Any further actions taken by the U.S. to arm the Maliki government in Baghdad or support it through military intervene:tion and airstrikes would be completely unacceptable and immoral, as Iraqi civilians will surely suffer the most.“

MATT SOUTHWORTH is an Iraq War veteran who in 2004 was stationed near the strategic town of Tal Afar, 260 miles northwest of Baghdad, which was captured by Sunni militants this week. He has expressed his sadness and outrage in an article for Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), where he works.  Matt is a member of Veterans For Peace, an organization that represents thousands of U.S. veterans.

“With nearly 5,000 U.S. troops killed, over 30,000 wounded, hundreds of thousands of Moral Injuries and millions of Iraqis killed, wounded and displaced, today I wonder for what?  Never until this moment have I felt so much like it was all for nothing.... The human costs are incalculable, but will the trillions of dollars spent on war and veteran care do any good whatsoever for the U.S., Iraq or the world? A decade after the invasion, almost no positive effect of our involvement in Iraq remains intact and yet the talk is almost exclusively around military intervention.  Why?”

TIM KAHLOR is the father of medically retired Sgt. Ryan Kahlor.  His son served over 24 months in 2 tours in Iraq.  He and his wife Laura live Murrieta, CA.

"People want to believe that when your loved ones come home from war, it’s all good. End of story. Yet seven years after our son’s last deployment and getting him diagnosed with TBI and PTSD, we are still fighting to make sure our son is alive and well and getting the treatment he needs for all his injuries.  Now I know the wounds of war will never heal completely and our son like so many others continue to be in mental combat every day."

RAY MC GOVERN served as an Army Infantry/Intelligence officer during the early Sixties; was then a CIA analyst for 27 years.  He is co-founder of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS).

“Already too much carnage in Iraq has been ‘justified’ by ‘unsubstantiated, contradicted, or even non-existent’ intelligence (Senate Intelligence Committee, June 5, 2008).  100 years ago as WWI loomed, Rudyard Kipling pulled strings to get his (under-aged) only son, John, into the army.  Filled with remorse when young John was killed a year later, Kipling put the following words in his dead son’s mouth: 

‘If they question why we died, tell them because our fathers lied.’  The soil of Iraq is caked with blood borne of lies – lies that persist and poison public discourse.  We are all responsible for this chaos. 

No more war!”

“U.S. intervention will give new energy to current fighters and likely draw a whole new group of people to fight against the U.S.,” said Michael McPhearson, Executive Director of Veterans For Peace.  “The U.S. does not need to create new enemies. This will make a political solution even more difficult, while endangering the lives of Iraqis and Americans.  It is time for the U.S. to move away from war.”

Veterans and military families will participate in a White House rally at 1 pm this Saturday, June 21, in conjunction with demonstrations around the country. 

Statement from Iraq Veterans Against the War

Above photo came from a Veterans for Peace email.

MESSAGE FROM IRAQ VETERANS AGAINST THE WAR

Official Statement On the Crisis in Iraq

Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) – an organization comprised of individuals who served or continue to serve in the US Military following September 11, 2001 – calls on Congress, the President, and his administration to reject the use of violence and militarism in response to the current outbreak of violence in Iraq.

Many of our members deployed to Iraq during the recent US occupation. Those of us who were there know first hand that US military solutions in Iraq do not serve the interests of the Iraqi people. We advocate for the self-determination of all people, in this case the people of Iraq. Any solution to this crisis must come from them.

When the United States invaded and occupied Iraq, the formerly secular country was destabilized. The United States and the Department of Defense intentionally created and agitated sectarian divisions that would not have otherwise existed. The result of this is what we see today, and Iraqi civilians are paying for it.

Iraqis have been paying with their lives for this war since March 2003. After 10 years of US occupation they were left with little relief. Their economic infrastructure was destroyed and new work to repair it has been awarded to US corporations and contractors, instead of to Iraqis. Iraqi labor unions face frequent retaliation, and an entire generation of children has been born with severe birth defects in places like Hawija. No one has been held to account. No effort has been made to clean the waste left behind.

When it comes to arming “freedom fighters” the US has a tendency to act as a fair-weather friend; today’s freedom fighter becomes tomorrow’s terrorist and justification to pursue an illegal invasion. Instead of creating more chaos, we should be solving the problems that already exist. Instead of installing another puppet president, the United States should be cleaning up environmental contamination, investigating allegations of torture, and allowing democracy to blossom in both government and labor, without US intervention.

Call your congress person now.

In Solidarity,

Joyce, Maggie, Matt, and Julia IVAW Staff

Moral Mondays

In honor of all the Moral Monday protesters - I am proud of you and wish I could join you!

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Elk up at Cataloochee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

UPCOMING EVENTS

06/16/14 FORUM ON CLIMATE AND FAITH

To Stand Against the Storm, We Must Stand Somewhere: A Forum on Climate and Faith. Time is 1 to 8 PM. Given the realities of climate change, what unique role can faith communities play in North Carolina? In this 1/2 day workshop on June 16th, join us as we learn from local and national leaders on a wide array of topics related to faith and climate. This solutions-oriented gathering will explore not only what challenges we face with climate change, but also the unique role faith communities have to play in finding creative solutions. Tired of another guilt-tripping environmental workshop that bums you out and leaves you feeling overwhelmed? This one is different. Join us as we focus on theological reflection, ecological resilience, and that much-neglected biblical virtue of hope. Our evening keynote will be given by biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers. This forum is free; however, you must register in advance. Sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest U. School of Divinity, WNC Green Congregations, Western NC Alliance, NC Interfaith Power & Light, and host congregation Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. Go to the link in the “Sabbath Economics” (below, on 6/17/14) to register.

06/16/14 AIM HIGHER – RALLY TO RAISE TEACHER PAY

Join us on Monday, June 16th at 1 PM as 61,000 signatures asking lawmakers to raise teacher pay to the national average. Come to Pack Square in downtown Asheville to support public ed, learn what you can do to take action. North Carolina's best teachers are leaving the state, leaving the profession, or moonlighting at second jobs because of terrible pay. Meanwhile, North Carolina voters overwhelmingly support the move to raise teacher pay to the national average over the next 4-5 years. How has the state Senate responded? A pay raise in exchange for stripping teaching assistants from all 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms in the state. And the state House? They suggest trying to convince more people to gamble on the lottery to raise money for a one-time teacher raise. Time is 1 to 2 PM and location is Pack Square in Asheville.

06/17/14 CALL IN DAY AGAINST FRACKING

Call the Governor's office and your legislators’ offices and tell them you do NOT want fracking in WNC. Tell them that clean water is more important than money or gas. Let them know how you feel! Don't be shy. Let them know your concerns. Governor's phone number is (919) 814-2000.

06/17/14 TO 06/20/14 SABBATH ECONOMICS AND WATERSHED DISCIPLESHIP

“Sabbath Economics and Watershed Discipleship: A Theology and a Practice for a New Day” will be held at Warren Wilson College from 8 AM to 5 PM each day. This is sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative with support from Kalleiopeia Foundation. The interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource exhaustion, and social disparity are stalking our history. To truly face these crises is to commit ourselves, as Christians and citizens, to radical and urgent changes that are both profoundly political and personal. The course will combine classroom learning, worship, eating together, and hands-on learning. Morning sessions will be led by renowned biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers, who will focus on “watershed discipleship” as a guiding metaphor and theological frame of reference.  Afternoons will feature outdoor experiential education in local food gardens. Who this course is for pastors, non-profit leaders, faith-based activists, gardeners and farmers, and anyone interested in the intersection of Christian spirituality, ecological restoration, and redemptive agriculture. To register, go to http://divinity.wfu.edu/watershed/registration/.

06/17/14 HEART SPEAK/EMPATHY PRACTICE CIRCLE

HeartSpeak/Empathy Practice Circle from 7:30 to 9 PM. Could you use a little empathy for a challenge in your life? Want to experience heart connection through recognizing one another's feelings and needs? Drop-in practice group, every 3rd Tuesday, 386 Kenilworth Road. Love offering. Please contact Cathy at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

06/17/14 AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING

There will be a discussion of ocean sustainability and the healthy of the ocean biome. This will be held at Reuter Center at UNCA in room 102. Time is 7 PM. Contact emas@emasnc.org for more info. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is the Manheimer Room at the Reuter Center at UNCA.

06/17/14 WNC ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS MEETING

The WNC Alliance for Retired Americans has changed to quarterly meetings.  So the next meeting will be the third Tuesday in June which will be the 17th, at 10am in the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church Parlor at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. The ARA is a statewide organization of retired union members and their friends and families. We are non-partisan and open to everyone who is concerned about the need for jobs which pay a living wage, as well as those issues which affect all of us. FMI contact dick@dickandnorma.com.

06/17/14 POLLINATION CELEBRATION

Bee City USA Hosts Pollination Celebration. Leader of National USDA Bee Lab Is keynote speaker. Marking its second anniversary, Bee City USA announced that Dr. Jeff Pettis, lead scientist at the USDA Bee Research Lab in Beltsville, MD, will be the keynote presenter for this year’s Pollination Celebration, underwritten by Tupelo Honey and Ingles Markets. On Tuesday June 17, Dr. Pettis will address area beekeepers on “Challenges for Today's Beekeepers” at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River. Reception is 6:30 PM and program begins at 7 PM. $10 suggested donation. For information about this event, visit beecityusa.org.

06/18/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday June 18th at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe in downtown Asheville for an update on “Coal Ash Legislation” from Julie Mayfield, Co-Director of the Western North Carolina Alliance and local Sierra club leader, Ken Brame. Currently there are several bills under consideration by the legislature that will potentially dictate the future of coal ash storage in the state.  This Green Drinks will address those bills – what’s good, what’s bad, and what you can do to help get the best bill possible.

06/18/14 THE POLLINATION PUZZLE

Dr. Pettis will speak on “Give Bees a Chance: The Pollination Puzzle”. A special event geared for a general public audience, and designed to provoke questions, conversation, and possible answers. Honey from invasive plants, kudzu and Japanese knotweed, will be available for tasting. This will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place. Wine reception, honey tasting, exhibit, silent auction and conversations with Dr. Jeff Pettis, lead scientist for USDA Bee Labs all presented by and to benefit Habitat Projects of Bee City USA. Reception at 6 PM, program starts at 7 PM. $10 suggested donation. Join us to learn how insects vital to our health, face unprecedented challenges to their health. For information about this event, visit beecityusa.org.

06/18/14 USING SOCIAL MEDIA AND SMART PHONES FOR ACTIVISM

This will be two social media workshops. Facebook & Twitter Workshop is from 4 - 5:30 PM, and Smart Phone Workshop is from 5:30 - 6:15 PM. This will be held at United Way of Asheville at 50 S. French Broad Avenue in Asheville. RSVP to Carmen at 4ward2getherCall2action@gmail.com or call 828-423-6476. Social media plays an increasingly large role in engaging with new and existing supporters or any cause or campaign. Are you interested in learning how to use social media to help advance the causes of The Mountain People's Assembly (MPA) and other progressive movements and organizations? Want to help MPA and other organizations connect with more people, build sustained credibility, support and influence? The Social Media Workshop, facilitated by Aaron Sarver of the Campaign for Southern Equality, will teach you how to leverage the power of Facebook and Twitter to communicate messages effectively and inspire others to take action. In addition, a Smart Phone Workshop will be included to demonstrate how to better use your device. Your phone can help you to: expedite and/or confirm a voter's registration, access social media, do research and more. Please bring your fully charged cell phone to the workshop and we'll help you learn to use this tremendous tool to advance the cause. We'll even help you learn more mundane things like how to enter contacts from your Calls Made list, how to sync your email to your phone, share photos taken with your phone on social media, etc.

06/18/14 FILM SCREENING IN HENDERSONVILLE

On Wednesday, June 4, Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that clears the way for permits to be issued for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in NC as soon as Spring 2015. This is not limited to the eastern part of the state and according to the Asheville Citizen-Times: “State environmental officials plan to test for the presence of significant natural gas deposits in seven Western North Carolina counties” and there have already been social media reports of oil and gas representatives knocking on doors in Madison County. Join us Wednesday June 18 and/or Thursday June 19 for a screening of Gasland Parts 1 and 2 at Green Light Ink Screen Printing at 730 Locust Street in Hendersonville. Attendance is free and we will have free beer (ages 21+) as well as free t-shirts and literature available in an effort to raise local awareness regarding this issue. Please bring your own beer glass and a camp chair :) Time is 8 PM.

06/19/14 FILM SCREENING IN HENDERSONVILLE

On Wednesday, June 4, Governor Pat McCrory signed into law a bill that clears the way for permits to be issued for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in NC as soon as Spring 2015. This is not limited to the eastern part of the state and according to the Asheville Citizen-Times: “State environmental officials plan to test for the presence of significant natural gas deposits in seven Western North Carolina counties” and there have already been social media reports of oil and gas representatives knocking on doors in Madison County. Join us Wednesday June 18 and/or Thursday June 19 for a screening of Gasland Parts 1 and 2 at Green Light Ink Screen Printing at 730 Locust Street in Hendersonville. Attendance is free and we will have free beer (ages 21+) as well as free t-shirts and literature available in an effort to raise local awareness regarding this issue. Please bring your own beer glass and a camp chair :) Time is 8 PM.

06/19/14 COAL ASH STORIES ASHEVILLE

Imagine being afraid to drink your water, take a bath, fish, or farm. These are the fears facing communities near the Duke Energy coal ash spill and in areas around other coal-fired power plants in North Carolina. Even though North Carolina ranks 9th in the nation for coal ash generation, the state lacks many important safeguards to protect water resources and communities. Join us for Coal Ash Stories, an event featuring four short films focused on coal ash, public health concerns, related policy, and ways that communities across the nation are responding to this toxic threat. Come learn about the issues, talk with community members, and find out how you can get involved. The Asheville screening is co-presented by Appalachian Voices, North Carolina Conservation Network, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Working Films, Earthjustice, Mountain People’s Assembly and Clean Water for NC. For questions contact Kristin at khenry@workingfilms.org. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Church at 1 Edwin Place in Asheville.

06/19/14 FILM SCREENING TO CELEBRATE POLLINATOR WEEK

From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee,” comes “Wings of Life” - a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world's food supply depends on these incredible--and increasingly threatened - creatures. Time is 7 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre in downtown Asheville. Cost is $9.75 per ticket.

06/20/14 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home (18 Birchwood Lane) near the VA Hospital in east Asheville. Brown Bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12:30 to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings! Please contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.

06/21/14 STATE OF BLACK ASHEVILLE PRESENTATION 2014

UNC Asheville students from the State of Black Asheville course will present their research on the status of Black Asheville in several public policy areas such as : education, healthcare, housing & economic development, criminal justice, and culture. Event is FREE & OPEN to the public. Lunch will be provided. For any questions please email : stateofblackasheville@gmail.com. Time is 8 AM to 4:30 PM and location is YMI Cultural Center at 39 Market Street, Asheville NC.

06/21/14 BENEFIT FOR BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS

This is a “Run for Kids Sake 5K” and will be held at Warren Wilson College. $25 advance/$30 after June 18. Call 253-1470 for more information.

06/21/14 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE

Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Vance Monument at 5 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month.

06/22/14 WESTERN CHAPTER OF ACLU-NC ANNUAL MEETING

The Western Chapter of ACLU-NC will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday June 22nd at 3 PM at the Rooftop Garden of Battery Park Apartments. The Program will include the presentation of the Evan Mahaney Champion of Civil Liberties Awards to Drew Reisinger, Buncombe County Register of Deeds, and to the Campaign for Southern Equality. The event is open to the public, is free, and will include refreshments. Battery Park Apartments are in downtown Asheville across from the Grove Arcade.

06/22/14 RALLY TO EXPAND MEDICAID

A half-million North Carolinians are left without access to health care because our state has refused to expand Medicaid. Five to eight of them are dying every day. This is a rally to expand Medicaid in North Carolina. Time is 2 PM and location is Vance Monument. Contact Leslie at lifeomike@gmail.com for more information.

06/25/14 GREEN DRINKS
“Just Economics” update. More information to follow.

06/26/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES

You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Freedom Summer” presented by Democracy NC. Time is 7 PM and location is Jubilee at 46 Wall Street in Asheville.  

06/26/14 PUBLIC HEARING ON FARE INCREASE FOR ASHEVILLE TRANSIT

There will be a public hearing on fare increases for ART (Asheville Redefines Transit) for monthly and annual passes. Location is Pack Memorial Library, Lord Auditorium, and time is 4 to 7 PM. New fares start July 2014. For more information, contact iride@asheville.com or call (828)259-5943.

06/27/14 WESTERN CAROLINANS FOR PEACE & JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEETING

Time is 3:15 PM and location is the Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville.

06/27/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER

“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will start at 7 PM on June 27, including guest performances and an artist talk with Stephen Hayes. For further information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org

07/02/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING IN WNC

You are invited to join The Canary Coalition's Annual Gathering. The theme is “WAKE UP” songs of the movement. Bring your voice and bring your friends. This is a great way to network with others who are dedicated to this cause and sharing ideas and strengths is what will bring about a group that could possibly put a stop to this crazy fracking idea and new law that is set in place in our mountains. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and the location is Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. For more information call 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoaltion.org.

07/03/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES

MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series, and on July 3, they will show “Legalize Democracy” a film produced by Move to Amend to give us the history of how corporations gained ‘personhood’ and consequently Constitutional rights. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge.

07/24/14 TO 07/27/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL CONVENTION

This will be held at UNCA. Registration for the convention and information at this link: http://vfpnationalconvention.org/.

07/25/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES

You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Inequality for All” presented by NC Justice Center. Time is 7 PM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech, 340 Victoria Road in Asheville.  

07/26/14 MALAPROPS BOOK READING & SIGNING

Ali Abunimah, the author of “One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli Palestinian Impasse” and co-founder and director of The Electronic Intifada, shares his new book, “The Battle for Justice in Palestine”. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, says, “This is the book to read to understand the present bizarre and ongoing complexity of the Palestine/Israel tragedy.” Abunimah is the recipient of a 2013 Lannan Cultural Freedom Fellowship and was recently featured on Democracy Now with Amy Goodman and Juan González. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

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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 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

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

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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HOUSING FOR PEOPLE GOING TO VETERANS FOR PEACE CONVENTION

JULY 22 TO JULY 27 (convention starts on July 23 Wednesday, but some folks will arrive early, and convention closes on July 27 Sunday).

Please contact Gerry Werhan (gwerhan@gmail.com) answering the following few questions...  (Feel free to insert your answers right after the questions.)

1. ALL nights (July 22-26), or which ones?

2. How many beds can you provide?

3. Do you have pets?

4. Non-smokers only?

5. Can you offer transport for guests? (Convention location is the UNCA Campus).

6. Vegetarian kitchen? Morning coffee?

7. Street address/directions. Best times to call and phone number to use?

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