Words to live by....

This came from Facebook.

My pledge of allegiance

Photo from Facebook.

Someday, we will have an Equal Rights Amendment

Freedom for Palestine

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

07/28/14 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. 

07/29/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING 

The Swain County Coalition against Fracking and the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River (WATR) are sponsoring a series of videos on Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking). We invite everyone to view this extraordinary documentary depicting what can happen to our environment and how our property values will be affected if fracking is forced on us. Come stand with us in the fight against fracking. “Triple Divide” will be shown at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City at 7 PM and it will be shown at Mad Batter in Sylva at 6:30 PM. Both are free.

07/29/14 FUNDRAISER FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

Enjoy delicious and locally sourced varieties of craft hard apple cider. Sample 3 Urban Orchard Ciders paired with an offering of dips, cheeses and meats from local purveyors. Gain a deeper understanding of the delicate process of this historic beverage during a private tour of the Cidery led by industry professionals. Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Urban Orchard Cider Company at 210 Haywood Road in Asheville. Suggested donation of $15 per person at the door. RSVP to Betsy by calling 828-210-3444 or emailing betsy@pisgahlegal.org.

07/29/14 THE ROAD TO CLEAN-UP IN SOUTH ASHEVILLE

A CTS of Asheville Community Meeting, sponsored by POWER Action Group, will take place at the Roberson High school Auditorium in south Asheville on Tuesday, July 29 from 6 to 7:30 PM. The theme is "Focus on the Future" and will emphasize movement toward cleanup efforts at the Superfund Site. Due to roadside construction, the high school auditorium should be accessed from Springside Road. This was on Facebook under “The Road to Clean-Up”.  

07/30/14 DOCUMENTARY IN SYLVA

An investigation of impacts from fracking in Pennsylvania, “Triple Divide” has been called “a bombshell that could reverberate across the state.” It will tour across the country June thru November thanks to a grant from the Investigative News Network with support from the Knight Foundation. The team will cover over 10,000 miles in a Tesla Motors Model S, a long-range, all-electric sedan, and use the company’s nationwide Supercharger system where the electric cars can be quickly recharged for free. The directors aim to cross the U.S. using zero gasoline and emitting zero greenhouse gas pollution. It screens July 30 at 7 PM at Mad Batter in Sylva. Hosted by Clean Water for North Carolina and Western North Carolina Alliance.

07/31/14 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN THE USA OVERVIEW AT ARBORETUM

May 2014 saw the release of the third National Climate Assessment (nca2014.globalchange.gov), the most authoritative and comprehensive report to date on climate change and its impacts in the United States. On Thursday, July 31, the Arboretum will host Laura Stevens, a research scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites, North Carolina, based at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville. She will address the National Climate Assessment, including how the it came about, its goals and outcomes, and the process involved in creating the report. Her presentation will include a look at past trends in U.S. temperature and precipitation, as well as future climate projections, with a focus on the Southeastern United States. The presentation is free and open to the public, however normal parking fees apply. Location is NC Arboretum at Education Center Auditorium.  Members always park free. Time is 6 PM. For more information please call Beth Ross Johnson at (828) 665-2492.

07/31/14 WATER FORUM IN ASHEVILLE

The Water Sustainability Initiative and Lenoir-Rhyne University are planning a water forum for the general public to address local water concerns. We are planning to address the heavy rains this year and last year, the Asheville water system, the CTS site, the Hominy Creek spill, and the coal ash ponds. It is planned to be a positive, answer-oriented event with demonstrations and solutions from the Water Sustainability Initiative. The Water Sustainability Initiative promotes the use of plants, earthworks, tanks, and community engagement to address water issues with improved rain water management and a whole-system approach. Time is 6 PM to 9 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne Board Room at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. 

07/31/14 DOCUMENTARY AT FINE ARTS THEATER IN ASHEVILLE

Asheville Fine Arts Theatre will show "Triple Divide" screening with Q&A with the filmmakers. Co-sponsored by Clean Water for NC and WNC Alliance. Regular admission charges apply. Time is 7 PM. See film description under 07/30/14.

07/31/14 VISIT TO SENATOR HAGAN’S OFFICE IN ASHEVILLE

This visit is to discuss Israel and Palestine issues, particularly the brutal assault on Gaza recently. This is a pro-Palestinian meeting. (If you are on the other side of the issue, I want to encourage you to set up a separate visit with Senator Hagan’s staff.) Please contact Susan atdancewater2@gmail.com if you wish to come on this visit. 

08/02/14 POSTER CREATION PARTY FOR SNACK, DON’T FRACK

Time to motivate and create posters for the August fracking events. If you’d like to join us and create, build or just provide support, join us! Feel free to bring your beautiful mind, art supplies, your unicorn, sign-making materials, a few favorite fracking protest sayings, a sense of humor and your favorite libation! Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Ty’s place. This was posted on Facebook under “Protest Poster Creation Party”. 

08/03/14 ASHEVILLE NOW MEETING

Meeting will be held at the YWCA on South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. These meetings will be on the first Sunday of the month, and will start at 2 PM. At this meeting, Asheville Chapter of the National Organization of Women will discuss how you can use your voice, how they are responding to national events, and how the ERA campaign is coming along.  For more information contact  ashevillenow@live.com.

08/04/14 MORAL MONDAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Join folks from across the region and state for another energizing and inspiring Mountain Moral Monday - “Moral March to the Polls Rally” on August 4, from 5-6:30 PM at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The Mountain People’s Assembly, a coalition of WNC organizations, and regional WNC NAACP Branches, will host the return of Mountain Moral Monday, a non-partisan program that will highlight the destructive policies enacted by the N.C. statehouse over the past year while strongly focusing on the voter empowerment campaign, “Moral March to the Polls.” The event will feature Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President of the NC NAACP and other guest speakers, as well as musical entertainment. Westsound and blues and jazz great Kat Williams will headline the musical part of the rally.  In addition, there will be opportunities for participants to get involved in voter registration, education and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts during the current mid-term election cycle. ‘Moral Freedom Summer’ Organizers and volunteers will be available to help register voters. To sign on as a supporter or for more information, email info@mountainmoralmonday.

08/05/14 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING

This will be on the first floor conference room at Asheville City Hall. Time is 3:30 PM to 5 PM. 

08/06/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club will present "Birds around the World" with Simon Thompson, world renowned birding expert, on Wed, August 6 at 7 PM. Free, open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place and Charlotte Street in Asheville. Contact Judy at  judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information.

08/07/14 MOVE TO AMEND VIDEO 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”. 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 when Congress could regulate money in politics. Sponsored by Move to Amend Buncombe County, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley Social Action. Two videos: Citizens United vs. FEC and Citizens United in North Carolina.The films 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. This was posted on Facebook under “Move to Amend Video Series”.

08/09/14 BONFIRES FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

The Traveling Bonfires presents Bonfire for Peace at Prichard Park in Asheville. This is a free concert event for the family and the community, featuring Peace Jones, Pipapelli, Lyric, and Riyen Roots. Time is 4 PM to 9 PM. The Traveling Bonfires roam the country, ushering arts and music events and bringing people together in celebration of peace and multicultural connectedness. For more info, call Marta at 828-280-2309 or emailpasckie@yahoo.com.

08/09/14 FRACK FREE UNIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Hello friends, this is a special invite to Authentic Sustainability: Pitfalls, Pathways and Paradox in Conversation for a Better World:) Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is in downtown Asheville. WNC Frack Free University proudly brings you a special workshop for core-organizers only.  This is a collaborative event between WNC Frack Free and the Creative Facilitators. There are only 30 spots so RSVP now.  Contact Ty for more information, including how to register, at ty@trustedsharing.com

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.

 08/11/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MOVIE

The movie “Gasland 2” will be shown by the SCCAF – Swain County Coalition Against Fracking. They are presenting a series of educational movies on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. The Coalition urges everyone to come view this extraordinary documentary depicting what happens to our environment and property values if fracking is forced on  upon good citizens like us. Community awareness and involvement is much needed. Free. This will be held at the Nantahala Brewery on Depot Street in Bryson City at 7 PM.

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE

We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6:00 PM / Program starts at 7:00 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

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.

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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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Subject: Peace & Justice Ministry   We need You

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church is forming a Peace and Justice Ministry. This will be open to the entire community from Old Fort thru the Swannanoa Valley to Asheville, and to any person of faith, not only Roman Catholics.  First, the advisors will be from many faiths; the members and mailing list subscribers may be from any faith; activity Group Organizers will be Advisors or St.MM members.  We strongly believe that an ecumenical group will be more effective than a Roman Catholic only group.  Your input of a small amount of time will greatly benefit the entire community.

We would like you to engage with us in any capacity that you wish.  Please reply by typing in:

Name:

Faith:

Interests:

Advisor:

Member:

Activity Leader:

Event Participant:

Mailing List Subscriber only:

You may phone me at 828 280 8194 any time.

Phil Bisesi

bisesihome@aconsultingengineer.com

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FROM LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB:

Status of the Coal Ash Bill

Different versions of the coal ash bill - S 729 “Coal Ash Management Act of 2014” have passed both the House and the Senate, but Senator Apodaca (R - Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania), who is taking the lead on the coal ash bill in the Senate, has said that the Senate will vote not to concur on the bill because changes are needed. Specifically, he noted that he would like changes to:

 1) the variance procedure added by the House that would allow the Secretary of DENR to grant an extension to deadlines in the bill;  and 

2) the agency location and makeup of the Coal Ash Management Commission.

Procedurally, after the Senate votes to not concur - the coal ash bill will go to conference - which means that House and Senate leaders will appoint legislator conferees who will meet in private to iron out differences and come up with a final bill. 

A major environmental concern remaining in regards to the coal ash bill is the lack of clear standards to ensure that all closure methods are protective of groundwater near coal ash sites. All 33 coal ash ponds at 14 coal plants in North Carolina are leaking toxic heavy metals into the groundwater.  Without clear guidelines, this bill could allow coal ash at 10 of these plant sites to stay in place, continuing to pollute our groundwater, lakes, and rivers.

Please contact your legislator asking them to add clear standards to the coal ash bill to ensure that any closure method allowed is protective of groundwater near coal ash sites.

Please contact State Legislators:

Buncombe County: Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net -- 919-715-3012

Nathan.Ramsey@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5746

Haywood, Madison, Yancey Counties:

Michelle.Presnell@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5732

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon Counties:

Roger.West@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5859

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Open letter to Gaza

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

An open letter for the people in Gaza

Paola Manduca, Iain Chalmers, Derek Summerfield, Mads Gilbert, Swee Ang, on behalf of 24 signatories

We are doctors and scientists, who spend our lives developing means to care and protect health and lives. We are also informed people; we teach the ethics of our professions, together with the knowledge and practice of it. We all have worked in and known the situation of Gaza for years.

On the basis of our ethics and practice, we are denouncing what we witness in the aggression of Gaza by Israel.

We ask our colleagues, old and young professionals, to denounce this Israeli aggression. We challenge the perversity of a propaganda that justifies the creation of an emergency to masquerade a massacre, a so-called “defensive aggression”. In reality it is a ruthless assault of unlimited duration, extent, and intensity. We wish to report the facts as we see them and their implications on the lives of the people.

We are appalled by the military onslaught on civilians in Gaza under the guise of punishing terrorists. This is the third large scale military assault on Gaza since 2008. Each time the death toll is borne mainly by innocent people in Gaza, especially women and children under the unacceptable pretext of Israel eradicating political parties and resistance to the occupation and siege they impose.

This action also terrifies those who are not directly hit, and wounds the soul, mind, and resilience of the young generation. Our condemnation and disgust are further compounded by the denial and prohibition for Gaza to receive external help and supplies to alleviate the dire circumstances.

The blockade on Gaza has tightened further since last year and this has worsened the toll on Gaza's population. In Gaza, people suffer from hunger, thirst, pollution, shortage of medicines, electricity, and any means to get an income, not only by being bombed and shelled. Power crisis, gasoline shortage, water and food scarcity, sewage outflow and ever decreasing resources are disasters caused directly and indirectly by the siege.

People in Gaza are resisting this aggression because they want a better and normal life and, even while crying in sorrow, pain, and terror, they reject a temporary truce that does not provide a real chance for a better future. A voice under the attacks in Gaza is that of Um Al Ramlawi who speaks for all in Gaza: “They are killing us all anyway—either a slow death by the siege, or a fast one by military attacks. We have nothing left to lose—we must fight for our rights, or die trying.”

Gaza has been blockaded by sea and land since 2006. Any individual of Gaza, including fishermen venturing beyond 3 nautical miles of the coast of Gaza, face being shot by the Israeli Navy. No one from Gaza can leave from the only two checkpoints, Erez or Rafah, without special permission from the Israelis and the Egyptians, which is hard to come by for many, if not impossible. People in Gaza are unable to go abroad to study, work, visit families, or do business. Wounded and sick people cannot leave easily to get specialised treatment outside Gaza. Entries of food and medicines into Gaza have been restricted and many essential items for survival are prohibited.3 Before the present assault, medical stock items in Gaza were already at an all time low because of the blockade.3 They have run out now. Likewise, Gaza is unable to export its produce. Agriculture has been severely impaired by the imposition of a buffer zone, and agricultural products cannot be exported due to the blockade. 80% of Gaza's population is dependent on food rations from the UN.

Much of Gaza's buildings and infrastructure had been destroyed during Operation Cast Lead, 2008—09, and building materials have been blockaded so that schools, homes, and institutions cannot be properly rebuilt. Factories destroyed by bombardment have rarely been rebuilt adding unemployment to destitution.

Despite the difficult conditions, the people of Gaza and their political leaders have recently moved to resolve their conflicts “without arms and harm” through the process of reconciliation between factions, their leadership renouncing titles and positions, so that a unity government can be formed abolishing the divisive factional politics operating since 2007. This reconciliation, although accepted by many in the international community, was rejected by Israel. The present Israeli attacks stop this chance of political unity between Gaza and the West Bank and single out a part of the Palestinian society by destroying the lives of people of Gaza. Under the pretext of eliminating terrorism, Israel is trying to destroy the growing Palestinian unity. Among other lies, it is stated that civilians in Gaza are hostages of Hamas whereas the truth is that the Gaza Strip is sealed by the Israelis and Egyptians.

Gaza has been bombed continuously for the past 14 days followed now by invasion on land by tanks and thousands of Israeli troops. More than 60 000 civilians from Northern Gaza were ordered to leave their homes. These internally displaced people have nowhere to go since Central and Southern Gaza are also subjected to heavy artillery bombardment. The whole of Gaza is under attack. The only shelters in Gaza are the schools of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), uncertain shelters already targeted during Cast Lead, killing many.

According to Gaza Ministry of Health and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA),1 as of July 21, 149 of the 558 killed in Gaza and 1100 of the 3504 wounded are children. Those buried under the rubble are not counted yet. As we write, the BBC reports of the bombing of another hospital, hitting the intensive care unit and operating theatres, with deaths of patients and staff. There are now fears for the main hospital Al Shifa. Moreover, most people are psychologically traumatised in Gaza. Anyone older than 6 years has already lived through their third military assault by Israel.

The massacre in Gaza spares no one, and includes the disabled and sick in hospitals, children playing on the beach or on the roof top, with a large majority of non-combatants. Hospitals, clinics, ambulances, mosques, schools, and press buildings have all been attacked, with thousands of private homes bombed, clearly directing fire to target whole families killing them within their homes, depriving families of their homes by chasing them out a few minutes before destruction. An entire area was destroyed on July 20, leaving thousands of displaced people homeless, beside wounding hundreds and killing at least 70—this is way beyond the purpose of finding tunnels. None of these are military objectives. These attacks aim to terrorise, wound the soul and the body of the people, and make their life impossible in the future, as well as also demolishing their homes and prohibiting the means to rebuild.

Weaponry known to cause long-term damages on health of the whole population are used; particularly non fragmentation weaponry and hard-head bombs.4, 5 We witnessed targeted weaponry used indiscriminately and on children and we constantly see that so-called intelligent weapons fail to be precise, unless they are deliberately used to destroy innocent lives.

We denounce the myth propagated by Israel that the aggression is done caring about saving civilian lives and children's wellbeing.

Israel's behaviour has insulted our humanity, intelligence, and dignity as well as our professional ethics and efforts. Even those of us who want to go and help are unable to reach Gaza due to the blockade.

This “defensive aggression” of unlimited duration, extent, and intensity must be stopped.

Additionally, should the use of gas be further confirmed, this is unequivocally a war crime for which, before anything else, high sanctions will have to be taken immediately on Israel with cessation of any trade and collaborative agreements with Europe.

As we write, other massacres and threats to the medical personnel in emergency services and denial of entry for international humanitarian convoys are reported.6 We as scientists and doctors cannot keep silent while this crime against humanity continues. We urge readers not to be silent too. Gaza trapped under siege, is being killed by one of the world's largest and most sophisticated modern military machines. The land is poisoned by weapon debris, with consequences for future generations. If those of us capable of speaking up fail to do so and take a stand against this war crime, we are also complicit in the destruction of the lives and homes of 1·8 million people in Gaza.

We register with dismay that only 5% of our Israeli academic colleagues signed an appeal to their government to stop the military operation against Gaza. We are tempted to conclude that with the exception of this 5%, the rest of the Israeli academics are complicit in the massacre and destruction of Gaza. We also see the complicity of our countries in Europe and North America in this massacre and the impotence once again of the international institutions and organisations to stop this massacre.

Israel and Palestine

QUOTES ON EVIL

“In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we are implanting it, and it will rise up a thousand fold in the future. When we neither punish nor reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations.” ~ Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn  

“Denouncing evil is a far cry from doing good.” ~ Philip Gourevitch 

“Indifference to evil is more insidious than evil itself. … Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” ~ Rabbi Abraham Heschel

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Never open the door to a lesser evil, for other and greater ones invariably slink in after it.” ~ Baltasar Gracian

VETERANS FOR PEACE CONVENTION STARTS TOMORROW

Gaza

Palestinians flee from Gaza's eastern Shejaiya district on July 20, 2014 (AFP Photo/Thomas Coex)

I wonder what the little girl is looking at? a drone? a plane? or just looking to heaven knowing her time on earth was near an end? What Israel is doing to Gaza is an evil beyond belief. 

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOTE:  Veterans for Peace, an international organization to promote peace and stop wars, is holding their national conference in Asheville this week! The conference will cover many topics of interest to progressives, peace activists, and environmentalists. See July 24 for a link to the conference website and check out the program schedule. It is possible to come for just one session (cost is $10) or one day (cost is $20).

07/22/14 FRACKING UPDATES IN SPRUCE PINE

Spruce Pine Library, 142 Walnut Ave.  Presentation by Nicole DeCogliano. Time is 7 PM.  Email delcoglianon@email.appstate.edu for more info.

07/22/14 GMOS: WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

This presentation is by Debi Athos of Organicfest. Time is 7 PM to 9 PM and location is Jubilee at 46 Wall Street in Asheville. Cost is $5.

07/23/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday July 23rd at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe for a presentation on the 2014 North Carolina legislative wrap up. Come learn about environmental issues addressed in the just-completed state legislative session and what it all means for WNC. Presenters are Western North Carolina Alliance’s co-director, Julie Mayfield, and Ken Brame, political chair of the WENOCA Sierra Club. Time is 6 PM to 7 PM and location is Green Sage Cafe in downtown Asheville.

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 Social 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/. More information on registration fees for locals below.

07/24/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING

The movie “Gasland 1” will be shown by the SCCAF – Swain County Coalition Against Fracking. They are presenting a series of educational movies on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. The Coalition urges everyone to come view this extraordinary documentary depicting what happens to our environment and property values if fracking is forced on  upon good citizens like us. Community awareness and involvement is much needed. Free. This will be held at the Swain Center for the Performing Arts at 7 PM.

07/24/14 WNC GREEN CONGREGATIONS MEETING

This is an important meeting – WNC Green Congregations has some BIG NEWS and will be discussing their plans for the the remainder of 2014 and beyond! They hope to see you there! Email annajane@wnca.org for more info. Time is 5:30 PM to 7 PM and loc ation is First Baptist Church on Oak Street in downtown Asheville.

07/24/14 MORAL INJURY AMONG THE HIDDEN COSTS OF WAR

Lynn Newsom, co-director of the Quaker House in Fayetteville, NC, will speak to the topic of “Moral Injury: Hidden Cost of War,” at 7 PM at St. George’s Episcopal Church parish hall on School Road in West Asheville. “Moral injury,” a relatively new diagnostic term employed by the Veterans Administration, recognizes that among the effects of war on military personnel is emotional trauma over serious transgressions of moral, spiritual, or religious beliefs. The program is co-sponsored by Circle of Mercy Congregation, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ and St. George’s Episcopal Church. Call Rev. Sehested for more information at 828-252-2297. Childcare provided for younger children.

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.

07/25/14 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.

07/25/14 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE EVENT

Learn about electricity and how we depend on it. Tour off-grid renewable systems in practice (photovoltaic, microhydro, radiant-floor heating, hot water diversions, wood-fired boiler). Learn issues surrounding both grid-tie and off-grid renewable energy systems. Make biochar – use charcoal as fertilizer, which liberates large amounts of energy in production. Explore development of energy alternatives to the world’s impending energy crisis. Registration required. Time is 9:30 AM to 5 PM, and location is Earthaven Ecovillage. For more information or to get instructions on how to register, contact NikiAnne at (828) 664-0268 or schoolofintegratedliving.org.

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.

07/26/14 BITTER PILL RALLY

Time is 7 PM and location is Vance Monument in downtown Asheville.  Join us to make a stand for women’s rights. Learn how an Equal Rights Amendment stops legislative, legal and economic discrimination on the basis of gender - and improves your life. More info from ashevillenow@live.com.

07/29/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING

The Swain County Coalition against Fracking and the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River (WATR) are sponsoring a series of videos on Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking). We invite everyone to view this extraordinary documentary depicting what can happen to our environment and how our property values will be affected if fracking is forced on us. Come stand with us in the fight against fracking. “Triple Divide” will be shown at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City at 7 PM and it will be shown at Mad Batter in Sylva at 6:30 PM. Both are free.

07/29/14 FUNDRAISER FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

Enjoy delicious and locally sourced varieties of craft hard apple cider. Sample 3 Urban Orchard Ciders paired with an offering of dips, cheeses and meats from local purveyors. Gain a deeper understanding of the delicate process of this historic beverage during a private tour of the Cidery led by industry professionals. Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Urban Orchard Cider Company at 210 Haywood Road in Asheville. Suggested donation of $15 per person at the door. RSVP to Betsy by calling 828-210-3444 or emailing betsy@pisgahlegal.org.

07/30/14 DOCUMENTARY IN SYLVA

An investigation of impacts from fracking in Pennsylvania, “Triple Divide” has been called “a bombshell that could reverberate across the state.” It will tour across the country June thru November thanks to a grant from the Investigative News Network with support from the Knight Foundation. The team will cover over 10,000 miles in a Tesla Motors Model S, a long-range, all-electric sedan, and use the company’s nationwide Supercharger system where the electric cars can be quickly recharged for free. The directors aim to cross the U.S. using zero gasoline and emitting zero greenhouse gas pollution. It screens July 30 at 7 PM at Mad Batter in Sylva. Hosted by Clean Water for North Carolina and Western North Carolina Alliance.

07/31/14 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS IN THE USA OVERVIEW

May 2014 saw the release of the third National Climate Assessment, the most authoritative and comprehensive report to date on climate change and its impacts in the United States. On Thursday, July 31, the Arboretum will host Laura Stevens, a research scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites, North Carolina, based at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center in Asheville. She will address the National Climate Assessment, including how it came about, its goals and outcomes, and the process involved in creating the report. Her presentation will include a look at past trends in U.S. temperature and precipitation, as well as future climate projections, with a focus on the Southeastern United States. The presentation is free and open to the public, however normal parking fees apply ($12). Location is NC Arboretum at Education Center Auditorium.  Members always park free. Time is 6 PM. For more information please call Beth Ross Johnson at (828) 665-2492.

07/31/14 WATER FORUM IN ASHEVILLE

The Water Sustainability Initiative and Lenoir-Rhyne University are planning a water forum for the general public to address local water concerns. We are planning to address the heavy rains this year and last year, the Asheville water system, the CTS site, the Hominy Creek spill, and the coal ash ponds. It is planned to be a positive, answer-oriented event with demonstrations and solutions from the Water Sustainability Initiative. The Water Sustainability Initiative promotes the use of plants, earthworks, tanks, and community engagement to address water issues with improved rain water management and a whole-system approach. Time is 6 PM to 9 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne Board Room at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

07/31/14 DOCUMENTARY AT FINE ARTS THEATER IN ASHEVILLE

Asheville Fine Arts Theatre will show “Triple Divide” screening with Q&A with the filmmakers. Cosponsored by Clean Water for NC and WNC Alliance. Regular admission charges apply. Time is 7 PM. See film description under 07/30/14.

08/02/14 POSTER CREATION PARTY FOR SNACK, DON’T FRACK

Time to motivate and create posters for the August fracking events. If you’d like to join us and create, build or just provide support, join us! Feel free to bring your beautiful mind, art supplies, your unicorn, sign-making materials, a few favorite fracking protest sayings, a sense of humor and your favorite libation! Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Ty’s place. This was posted on Facebook under “Protest Poster Creation Party”.

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

CANCELLED - see below under 08/07/14.

08/04/14 MORAL MONDAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Join folks from across the region and state for another energizing and inspiring Mountain Moral Monday - “Moral March to the Polls Rally” on August 4, from 5-6:30 PM at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. The Mountain People’s Assembly, a coalition of WNC organizations, and regional WNC NAACP Branches, will host the return of Mountain Moral Monday, a non-partisan program that will highlight the destructive policies enacted by the N.C. statehouse over the past year while strongly focusing on the voter empowerment campaign, “Moral March to the Polls.” The event will feature Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, President of the NC NAACP and other guest speakers, as well as musical entertainment. In addition, there will be opportunities for participants to get involved in voter registration, education and Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) efforts during the current mid-term election cycle. ‘Moral Freedom Summer’ Organizers and volunteers will be available to help register voters. To sign on as a supporter or for more information, email info@mountainmoralmonday.

08/06/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club will present “Birds around the World” with Simon Thompson, world renowned birding expert, on Wed, August 6 at 7 PM. Free, open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place and Charlotte Street in Asheville. Contact Judy at  judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information.

08/07/14 MOVE TO AMEND VIDEO 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”. 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 when Congress could regulate money in politics. Sponsored by Move to Amend Buncombe County, and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley Social Action. Two videos: Citizens United vs. FEC and Citizens United in North Carolina. The films 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. This was posted on Facebook under “Move to Amend Video Series”.

08/09/14 BONFIRES FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

The Traveling Bonfires presents Bonfire for Peace at Prichard Park in Asheville. This is a free concert event for the family and the community, featuring Peace Jones, Pipapelli, Lyric, and Riyen Roots. Time is 4 PM to 9 PM. The Traveling Bonfires roam the country, ushering arts and music events and bringing people together in celebration of peace and multicultural connectedness. For more info, call Marta at 828-280-2309 or email pasckie@yahoo.com.

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.

08/11/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING MOVIE

The movie “Gasland 2” will be shown by the SCCAF – Swain County Coalition Against Fracking. They are presenting a series of educational movies on the dangers of hydraulic fracturing. The Coalition urges everyone to come view this extraordinary documentary depicting what happens to our environment and property values if fracking is forced on  upon good citizens like us. Community awareness and involvement is much needed. Free. This will be held at the Nantahala Brewery on Depot Street in Bryson City at 7 PM.

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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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ABOUT THE VETERANS FOR PEACE CONFERENCE AT UNCA

Please help get the word to local folks that they can come to any workshop, plenary, or film for $10, or any day for $20.    Registration in Lipinsky Lobby 8-5 PM

Veterans For Peace 29th Annual Convention

Peace or Perish, Abolish War on Planet & Poor

July 23–27 at UNC-Asheville Hosted by VFP Chapter 099 WNC

Register at Lipinsky Auditorium  ---  For info 828-258-1800

Keyote Speakers:  Cynthia McKinney and Matthew Hoh

Featured Entertainer – Folksinger John McCutcheon at 8 PM on Friday 25 July at Lipinsky Auditorium, get tickets for $20 at Malaprops

Banquet Saturday 6:30 PM at Morris Hellenic Cultural Center

You are invited to 4 days of Speakers, Workshops, Entertainment, & Community with the focus of ending war and promoting PEACE with social justice.  Convention features 46 Workshops, Tabling, & poetry. $10 per session/ or $20 Day.

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FROM LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB:

EPA Carbon Protection Hearing on Coal Ash in Atlanta July 29 -- Share the Bus!

Link to the Eventbright page for bus sign up: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bus-to-the-epa-carbon-protections-hearing-tickets-12239930963

On June 2nd President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a historic plan to cut carbon pollution and stop the worst effects of climate disruption. The Clean Power Plan is our nation's first major action to cut dangerous carbon pollution from our largest polluters, 30% by 2030, and will help spur a clean energy economy that can drive down electricity bills and create hundreds of thousands of dependable jobs. This is the beginning of what could be the biggest climate fight in US history. The proposed plan is already under attack by fossil fuel industry, Georgia utilities, elected officials, and the billionaire Koch Brothers who are mobilizing like never before to send their lobbyists to Washington and fund astro-turf groups like "Georgia Energy Freedom Alliance" and Americans for Prosperity Georgia. On July 29th, EPA will host the first of just four national hearings on the proposed Clean Power Plan. Let's show the world that the southeast is ready for serious action to stop climate disruption! Though all of the speaking slots are filled for the 29th, we still need folks to pack the hearing and attend the Atlanta Climate Rally taking place the same day. This is about showing the EPA how strong the movement to curb climate emissions is. We need you there in person!

Asheville Bus Logistics: Depart Asheville: 5:30 AM from Westgate Shopping Center, Arrive ATL: 9:00 AM   Depart ATL: 8:00 PM    Arrive Asheville: no later than 12 AM

Public comments will be taken at EPA from 9 AM to 8 PM; Press Conference At Sam Nunn Federal Building at 10 AM;  Rally for Clean Energy Future @ 12 noon Woodruff Park;  March for Climate Justice @ 1 PM Woodruff Park to Sam Nunn Federal Building

Have questions about Bus to the EPA Carbon Protections Hearing!? Contact Emma at emma.greenbaum@sierraclub.org.

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ALSO FROM LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB:

Status of the Coal Ash Bill

Different versions of the coal ash bill - S 729 “Coal Ash Management Act of 2014” have passed both the House and the Senate, but Senator Apodaca (R - Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania), who is taking the lead on the coal ash bill in the Senate, has said that the Senate will vote not to concur on the bill because changes are needed. Specifically, he noted that he would like changes to:

1) the variance procedure added by the House that would allow the Secretary of DENR to grant an extension to deadlines in the bill;  and

2) the agency location and makeup of the Coal Ash Management Commission.

Procedurally, after the Senate votes to not concur - the coal ash bill will go to conference - which means that House and Senate leaders will appoint legislator conferees who will meet in private to iron out differences and come up with a final bill.

A major environmental concern remaining in regards to the coal ash bill is the lack of clear standards to ensure that all closure methods are protective of groundwater near coal ash sites. All 33 coal ash ponds at 14 coal plants in North Carolina are leaking toxic heavy metals into the groundwater.  Without clear guidelines, this bill could allow coal ash at 10 of these plant sites to stay in place, continuing to pollute our groundwater, lakes, and rivers.

Please contact your legislator asking them to add clear standards to the coal ash bill to ensure that any closure method allowed is protective of groundwater near coal ash sites.

Please contact State Legislators:

Buncombe County: Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net -- 919-715-3012

Nathan.Ramsey@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5746

Haywood, Madison, Yancey Counties:

Michelle.Presnell@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5732

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon Counties:

Roger.West@ncleg.net -- 919-733-5859

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QUOTES ON MORALITY

Photo from Facebook.

“I'm convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin to shift from a thing-oriented society to a person-oriented society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people; the giant triplets of racism, militarism, and economic exploitation are incapable of being conquered.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Each of the Iraqi children killed by the United States was our child. Each of the prisoners tortured in Abu Ghraib was our comrade. Each of their screams was ours. When they were humiliated, we were humiliated. The U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq - mostly volunteers in a poverty draft from small towns and poor urban neighborhoods - are victims just as much as the Iraqis of the same horrendous process, which asks them to die for a victory that will never be theirs.” ~ Arundhati Roy

“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” ~ Haile Selassie

“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonor and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got. Not for kudos and not for cash, your picture in the paper nor money in the bank, neither. Just refuse to bear them.” ~ William Faulkner

‘Anti-American’ is what governments and their vested interested call those who honor America by objecting to war and the theft of resources and believing in all of humanity. There are millions of these anti-Americans in the United States. They are ordinary people who belong to no elite and who judge their government in moral terms, though they would call it common decency. They are not vain. They are the people with a wakeful conscience, the best of America’s citizens. They can be counted on. They were in the south with the Civil Rights movement, ending slavery. They were in the streets, demanding an end to the wars in Asia. Sure, they disappear from view now and then, but they are like seeds beneath the snow. I would say they are truly exceptional.” ~ Martha Gelhorn

“If you tremble with indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine.” ~ Ernesto Che Guevara 

There once was a note.....

There once was a note, pure and easy
Playing so free, like a breath rippling by
The note is eternal, I hear it, it sees me
Forever we blend it, forever we die

I listened and I heard music in a word
And words when you played your guitar
The noise that I was hearing
Was a million people cheering
And a child flew past me riding in a star

As people assemble
Civilization is trying to find a new way to die
But killing is really merely scene changer
All men are bored with other men's lies

I listened and I heard music in a word
And words when you played your guitar
The noise that I was hearing
Was a million people cheering
And a child flew past me riding in a star

Gas on the hillside, oil in the teacup
Watch all the chords of life lose their joy
Distortion becomes somehow pure in its wildness
The note that began all, can also destroy

We all know success when we all find our own dreams
And our love is enough to knock down any walls
And the future's been seen as men try to realize
The simple secret of the note in us all

I listened and I heard music in a word
And words when you played your guitar
The noise that I was hearing
Was a million people cheering
And a child flew past me riding in a star

There once was a note, pure and easy
Playing so free, like a breath rippling by

There once was a note, listen
There once was a note, listen
There once was a note, listen

Written by Peter Townsend

And Happy Birthday to me and all others born on July 18th. 

QUOTES ON LEGALITY AND OBEDIENCE

“We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was ‘legal’ and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was ‘illegal’.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter from Birmingham Jail” 1963

“Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man's original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress had been made, through disobedience and through rebellion.” ~ Oscar Wilde 

“Civil disobedience is not our problem. Our problem is civil obedience. Our problem is that numbers of people all over the world have obeyed the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this obedience. Our problem is that people are obedient all over the world in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity, and war, and cruelty. Our problem is that people are obedient while the jails are full of petty thieves, and all the while the grand thieves are running and robbing the country. That's our problem.”  ~  Howard Zinn, from 'Failure to Quit'

“With numbing regularity good people were seen to knuckle under the demands of authority and perform actions that were callous and severe. Men who are in everyday life responsible and decent were seduced by the trappings of authority, by the control of their perceptions, and by the uncritical acceptance of the experimenter's definition of the situation, into performing harsh acts. A substantial proportion of people do what they are told to do, irrespective of the content of the act and without limitations of conscience, so long as they perceive that the command comes from a legitimate authority.” ~ Stanley Milgram (Stanley Milgram was a psychologist who performed a series of experiments that proved conclusively that obedience to authority was so ingrained in the average US citizen they were prepared to cause lethal harm to others when instructed by authority figures to do so.  All those who took part were first asked if they would be capable of killing or inflicting severe pain on their fellow human beings. 100% replied categorically ‘no’.)