Calendar
Cindy Sheehan and gg Winter have a slide presentation and report from their recent trip to Cuba, including a celebration with four of the released Cuban 5 where Cindy was honored for her work in helping get them released. It was an amazing musical and dancing program put on for her and our group. Nice pictures of the occasion, and many others of the trip will be shown. Please attend and enjoy.
Sponsored by the Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists’ Social Justice Committee.
For occasional email notices of peace/eco/social justice alerts and related events at BFUU, send any email to:
bfuusjev-subscribe [at] lists.riseup.net
For weekly notices of BFUU services etc. go to:
http://www.bfuu.org/signup.html
Renowned historian H. Bruce Franklin discusses Crash Course: From the Good War to he Forever War
Growing up during the Second World War, H. Bruce Franklin believed what he was told: that America’s victory would lead to a new era of world peace. Like most Americans, he was soon led to believe in a world-wide Communist conspiracy that menaced the United States, forcing the nation into a disastrous war in Korea. But once he joined the U.S. Air Force and began flying top-secret missions as a navigator and intelligence officer, what he learned was eye-opening. He saw that even as the U.S. preached about peace and freedom, it was engaging in an endless cycle of warfare, bringing devastation and oppression to fledgling democracies across the globe.
Now, after fifty years as a renowned cultural historian, Franklin offers a set of hard-learned lessons about modern American history. Crash Course is essential reading for anyone who wonders how America ended up where it is today: with a deeply divided and disillusioned populace, led by a dysfunctional government, and mired in unwinnable wars. It also finds startling parallels between America’s foreign military exploits and the equally brutal tactics used on the home front to crush organized labor, antiwar, and civil rights movements.
More than just a memoir or a history book, Crash Course gives readers a unique firsthand look at the building of the American empire and the damage it has wrought. Shocking and gripping as any thriller, it exposes a decades-long deception of the American public and commemorates the millions who have been been continually fighting for peace and justice.
CSLS Book Event with Issa Kohler-Hausmann on Fri., Nov. 2 from 2-3:30p (reception to follow) pic.twitter.com/Pxz8D2x8R9
— CSLS at UC Berkeley (@CSLSatBerkeley) October 5, 2018
Donations for the 13 people directly impacted by the encampment fire @ e12th & 23rd can be dropped at Omni Commons on Saturday and Sunday, 11/3 and 4, from 10 am-3 pm.
Contact T (512) 663-8871 if you have stuff to drop but need to find another time. https://t.co/TdhBWtOklV
— ellie hwa (@spectralsex) November 2, 2018
Come help us rebuild Daniela’s home. No more leaky roof for her Monica her mom age 43 and her younger brother.
In fine barn raising fashion we will also be rebuilding several shelters for her unhoused neighbors.
11 am
Opening remarks by encampment resident and project cooridinator Derrick Soo
1pm Community potluck lunch. Please bring food to share
2 – 5 pm finish rebuilding shelters
Suds, Snacks, & Socialism at the Starry Plough
The Peace and Freedom Party presents
Socialism with Chinese Characteristics
In 1850, in an essay on Chinese Socialism, Karl Marx wrote:
It may well be that Chinese socialism is related to European socialism just as Chinese philosophy is related to Hegelian philosophy. But it is an amusing fact that the oldest and most unshattered Empire on this earth has been pushed, in eight years, by the cotton ball of the English bourgeois toward the brink of a social upheaval that must have most profound consequences for civilisation.
When our European reactionaries, on their next fight through Asia, will have finally reached the Chinese Wall, the gates that lead to the seat of primeval reaction and conservatism, who knows, perhaps they will read the following inscription on the Wall:
République Chinoise
Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité
We are putting together a group of knowledgeable comrades to discuss the contemporary relevance of Marx’s words, including David Ewing, US-China People Friendship Association;, Al Sargis, founder of the Friedrich Engels Institute of Marxist War and Military Analysis (FEIMWAMA); and Gerald Smith, Oscar Grant Committee.
This is part of our on-going Socialist Forum Series on the first Saturday of every month. Doors open at 2 pm and the program will start promptly at 2:30 pm. The forum will end by 4:30 pm, but folks can stay and talk afterwards. The opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not reflect official views of the Peace and Freedom Party.
The Peace and Freedom Party, born from the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, is committed to socialism, democracy, ecology, feminism, racial equality, and internationalism.
Zahra Billoo on Racisim, Islamophobia and Empire. She is a civil rights attorney and the ED of the SF Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Food Not Bombs will prepare a delicious vegetarian dinner.
Donations for the 13 people directly impacted by the encampment fire @ e12th & 23rd can be dropped at Omni Commons on Saturday and Sunday, 11/3 and 4, from 10 am-3 pm.
Contact T (512) 663-8871 if you have stuff to drop but need to find another time. https://t.co/TdhBWtOklV
— ellie hwa (@spectralsex) November 2, 2018
Sunday Morning at the Marxist Library
How the US Left Can Resist the New Forms of US Imperialism
What is common to LBJ’s “Falling Dominoes,” Carter’s “Humanitarian intervention,” Reagan’s “Shining City,” G. H. W. Bush’s “What We Say Goes,” G. W. Bush’s “God’s Mission,” Obama’s “Indispensable Country,” and Trump’s contradictory statements? It is imperialism in different garbs, adopted to the decaying capitalism over the past 40 years.
ICSS Members Raj Sahai, Rick Sterling, and Roger Harris will speak, Charles Andrews will be our moderator.
Seating is limited, so plan to come early. We start promptly.
About Sunday Morning at the Marxist Library
A weekly discussion series inspired by our respect for the work of Karl Marx and our belief that his work will remain as important for the class struggles of the future as they have been for the past.
You’ve become a member of the Democratic Socialists of America at an incredible time in the history of American socialism. It’s 2018, and socialism is ascendant. More and more people are standing up to say that they’ve had enough with a system that puts profit over people, that puts the wealth of the few over the dignity and flourishing of the many.
Come on out to learn more about democratic socialism and get involved in our local activities here in the East Bay. New members and not-yet-members are welcome!
If you like, stick around for the canvassing event launching nearby! These back-to-back events are the perfect opportunity to jump into East Bay DSA!
Join the Ecology Center for a theatre screening of the new documentary film Abundant Land, followed by a rich discussion and Q&A about traditional Hawaiian land management practices with the film’s director, Natasha Florentino, and Makena Silva, Native Hawaiian, social worker, and advocate.
Abundant Land is a one-hour documentary about the Hawaiian community on Moloka’i opposing the biotech industry’s use of the island’s land, water, and other resources to test genetically engineered seeds. The film shows the rich legacy of traditional Hawaiian land management and farming self-sufficiency– as well as the vital forces of resistance upheld by indigenous communities. Abundant Land also offers a historical look at the intrusion and political underpinnings of chemical-intensive farming in Hawaii while portraying the power of the heritage and traditional ecological knowledge in the fight for clean and safe air, water, and land.
Protest the towing and impoundment of otherwise homeless people’s RVs from the streets of Oakland.
Sponsored by United Front Against Displacement, the Landless People’s Alliance, and the Here and Now Collective
Decades Long Oakland Residents had the RVs they live in towed in mass on Tuesday, October 23. At least 15 were seized at the time from the area bordering Raimondi Park. In the last two weeks many have been forced to live on the street. Join them in demanding the city return the RVs.
As police towed the RVs last week, they told several residents “Don’t Let Us See You in Oakland Again.”
The residents are demanding a return of RV-Homes, an apology from Mayor, and a freeze on the city’s offensive against unhoused people.
Given minutes to leave their RVs and vans, residents tried to grab what they could before the vehicles were towed. Like refugees fleeing for safety, the RV owners were forced to throw possessions out of their doors and windows onto piles on the sidewalk. Many did not have time to secure key material, including at least one resident, who lost his identity papers in the towing.
Following the towing, residents camped out in the surrounding park were warned that OPD would be coming for them in subsequent weeks.
For a video of the tows in progress see: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qBIz8vory3g
More info:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/541837129562482/permalink/561249587621236/
Co-Sponsored by the United Front Against Displacement, The Landless
People’s Alliance, and the Here and There Collective
In front of Oakland City Hall, 14th Street between Washington and Broadway
Who: Residents living in at least 15 RVs in West Oakland, many of whom have lived and worked in the surrounding community for decades, saw their vehicles impounded by the police last Tuesday. Others are being threatened by police to leave encampments in the area. Together they have formed a group “United Front Against Displacement.”
Decades Long Oakland Residents now forced to live in RVs because of skyrocketing housing prices were told last Tuesday by Oakland PD “Don’t Let Us See You in Oakland Again” as the cops towed their vehicles.
Given minutes to leave their RVs and vans, residents tried to grab what they could before the vehicles were towed. Like refugees fleeing for safety, the RV owners were forced to throw possessions out of their doors and windows onto piles on the sidewalk. Many did not have time to secure key material, including at least one resident, who lost his identity papers in the towing.
On the previous Friday, city workers had placed stickers on the RVs demanding that they be moved by the following Tuesday. This presented a problem for many vehicles which did not have working motors.
So the residents came up with a plan. Those without working motors would get a tow Tuesday morning out of the site by a neighbor with a working RV and with a fifth wheel hitch on the back.
However, police prevented this from happening by targeting and towing away the working vehicle first. They justified doing so on the grounds that the driver did not match the person on the vehicle’s registration. The message then to crestfallen residents was clear—OPD was intent on seizing their effective life lines, rendering them homeless in the process.
Following the towing, residents camped out in the surrounding park were warned that OPD would be coming for them in subsequent weeks.
The residents are demanding a return of RV-Homes, an apology from Mayor, and a freeze on the city’s offensive against unhoused people.
At a smaller protest last week on Monday, mayoral spokesman Michael J.
Hunt told protesters he would try to release the RVs. Without concrete
results however, residents pledged to be back the following afternoon.
This incident is the latest in a new trend of stepped up attacks on the city’s unhoused and homeless in the area by city authorities. On Friday, October 20, prompted by complaints by the owner of neighboring Soundwave Studio (two blocks from the site of the RV towing), eight police officers arrived at the Wood Street homeless encampment. Several residents in the encampment demanded to see legal notices from police, and then chanted at them “Hell No We Won’t Go.” The cops left that time.
“They’ll be back” several residents remarked however.
For more information, contact: Kelly at 925-413-5244
email: WeWontGo@riseup.net
Join us to watch the election returns, discuss local, state, and national politics, and otherwise have a great time! We’ve done a lot of work this year, and now it’s time to party. So come and join in the fun! And if you’re able to, potluck snacks and drinks are encouraged. See you on Tuesday evening!
Express your green ideas and “like” us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/greenpartyofalamedacounty/
Regardless of whether you voted…
No matter who wins…
Come November 7, the day after the midterms, Trump/Pence remain at the helm
of a fascist program of white supremacy, misogyny, and xenophobia
Help wake and mobilize the one force that can stop a fascist America —millions of people in the streets saying NO! to The Trump/Pence Regime.
Join us for a fun-filled evening with food and drinks as we celebrate and appreciate the incredible work of our members and allies. With all of you we were able to achieve some amazing victories this year that includes passing historic criminal justice reform laws, shining a light on the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, and laying the groundwork to repeal Oakland’s racist and unconstitutional loitering law.
We look forward to more victories together as we continue to build safe, healthy and strong communities… but on November 7, let’s party!
Check out our Facebook page for more information
Investing in Sanctuary:
Freedom to Stay, Freedom to Move, Freedom to Return
In a post-9/11 world, more than 70 border walls have been erected across the globe. The rights of migration, mobility, and movement are under attack and we must defend the freedom to stay, freedom to move, and freedom to return. Come learn about border walls, those who are profiting from them, and celebrate international resistance taking place around the world to defend human dignity and resistance to walls in their many forms. The event will include speakers live music and photo exhibitions..
Speakers:
Nellie Jo David organizes for indigenous human rights and autonomy on the imposed U.S./Mexico borderlands intersecting the Tohono O’odham Nation. Nellie is from Ajo, Arizona, traditionally Hia-Ced O’odham territory. Nellie was inspired to raise awareness on border issues upon witnessing the increased militarization of her community. She dedicates her work to migrant justice issues and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and wildlife along the border. Nellie obtained her J.D. with a certificate in indigenous law and policy from Michigan State University in 2014.
Lara Kiswani is the executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), a grassroots organization working to address economic, social, and political impacts of anti-Arab racism by organizing Arab and Muslim communities around principles of justice and self-determination for all. A Palestinian born in the Bay Area, Lara completed her undergraduate studies at UC Davis, where she helped establish the Middle East/South Asia minor. She earned an MA in Education at San Francisco State University where she is a lecturer in the department of Ethnic Studies.
And more…
Moderator:
Rev. Deborah Lee: Deborah Lee serves as the Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, an organization that connects people of faith to the work of social justice. IM4Human Integrity builds faith-rooted solidarity, direct actions and advocacy in partnership with frontline communities dedicated to immigrant justice and ending the criminalization of people of color. They currently support and foster a Northern California Sanctuary Network of over 50 congregations who are responding to the wave of migrant youth and families and the detention and deportation crisis.
This event is one of several hundred international events promoting a World Without Walls this November. Co-sponsors include:
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
Oakland Community Organizations
Bay Area Sanctuary Network
East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy
Skyline Community Church – United Church of Christ
Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church
Ecumenical Peace Institute
First Congregational Church of Oakland Prophetic Public Witness Team
O’odham Anti-Border Collective
Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
NorCal Friends of Sabeel
American Friends Service Committee
CAIR – San Francisco Bay Area,
Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM),
AROC: Arab Resource & Organizing Center
Jewish Voice for Peace – Bay Area
Middle East Children’s Alliance
You can also support this event and donate at:
www.im4humanintegrity.org/worldwithoutwalls-donations
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About the Town Hall
Alameda County’s Town Hall on Public Charge will bring together more than 125 local service providers and community members from across Alameda County. The Town Hall, which will be held in Oakland’s Preservation Park, will provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Learn about a proposed rule change to the federal “public charge” definition and how this change undermines efforts to economically empower families and promote public health.
- Ask questions about how the rule change would apply to families; how the rule change would impact the flow of federal funds for programs like Medi-Cal (Medicaid & CHIP), CalFresh (SNAP), Medicare Part D, and Section 8 Housing Vouchers to Alameda County and California; and what Alameda County and its partners are doing to respond to the proposed rule.
- Take action by submitting public comment and connecting with local, state, and national efforts to weigh in on the proposed rule.
Translation and light refreshments will be provided. During registration, please be sure to complete the SurveyMonkey link to let us know if you have a specific language and/or childcare need.
RSVP: Click on Image!
https://act.moveon.org/event/mueller-firing-rapid-response-events/search/
Nobody Is Above the Law—Mueller Protection Rapid Response
Donald Drumpf has installed a crony to oversee the special counsel’s Drumpf-Russia investigation, crossing a red line set to protect the investigation. By replacing Rod Rosenstein with just-named Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker as special counsel Robert Mueller’s boss on the investigation, Drumpf has undercut the independence of the investigation. Whitaker has publicly outlined strategies to stifle the investigation and cannot be allowed to remain in charge of it. The Nobody Is Above the Law network demands that Whitaker immediately commit not to assume supervision of the investigation. Our hundreds of response events are being launched to demonstrate the public demand for action to correct this injustice. We will update this page as the situation develops.
Donald Trump just crossed a red line, violating the independence of the investigation pursuing criminal charges in the Drumpf-Russia scandal and cover-up.
Drumpf putting himself above the law is a threat to our democracy, and we’ve got to get Congress to stop him.
We’re mobilizing immediately to demand accountability, because Drumpf is not above the law.
Please make note of the date, time, and description below to confirm that the host is able to organize the event on such short notice! In general, rallies are suggested to begin @ 5 PM local time. But individual local events may vary—please confirm details on your event page.
Once you sign up, make sure to invite friends to join you at the event!
Note: If you choose to attend an event, you agree to engage in nonviolent, peaceful action, to act lawfully, and to strive to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who may disagree with our values.
Time to Remove Trump
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Wednesday, November 20 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Brad N.Corner of Piedmont and 41st, under the clock towerOakland, CA 94611477 attendeesThe Greater Piedmont Avenue neighborhood will turn out to show our support for democracy and sanity. Bring candles and signs and musical instruments and your singing voices and maybe a pot or a pan and something to clang against it, because I have a feeling we’re going to want to make at least a little bit of noise, we’re not going to go quietly into the dark night. I will bring a bullhorn and a step-stool, and maybe we’ll have people who want to say a few words step up and speak, followed by a rousing round of banging on our pots and pans for each one. This was part of the Iranian people’s response to a brutal crackdown by their leaders a few years ago — people, mostly women, would lean from the windows of their homes each evening and bang on pots and pans, creating a din in the neighborhood and letting each other know that they were not alone in their disgust and unhappiness regarding their leaders.
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Owen P.Oscar Grant/Frank Ogawa PlazaOakland, CA 946121968 attendeesThis is an event planned as a rapid response protest if Donald Trump fires special counsel Robert Mueller. Please note that the listed date is a placeholder and will be updated within 24 hours of the firing, should it occur. Let’s show Donald Trump that nobody is above the law. Join a rapid response rally if special counsel Mueller is fired!
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Rosemary J.Alameda City HallAlameda, CA 94501363 attendeesEvent Confirmed! 11/8/18 at 5 PM It’s imperative that we stand up and be counted in the defense of our Constitution and our Democracy. Bring “no one is above the law” signs. And bring a flashlight. Plan to be peaceful.
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Daron S. Samuel K. Jaime M.MLK Civic Center ParkBerkeley, CA 947041366 attendeesDATE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH TIME: 5PM Join Indivisible Berkeley for a public outcry in protest of Donald Trump’s firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions.Nobody is above the law. Visit indivisibleberkeley.org for more information. *We recommend that you bring a flashlight, signs, and a cell phone.* Location: MLK Civic Center Park, 2134 Martin Luther King Jr Way (Between Addison St. and Allston Way), Berkeley, CA 94704 This is an event planned as a rapid response protest in the event that Donald Trump fires special counsel Robert Mueller.
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Heidi R. Richard B. Sherry D. Melanie B. G M. Ted L.El Cerrito Plaza, on San Pablo Ave in front of Daiso StoreEl Cerrito, CA 94530577 attendeesUPDATE November 7, 2018 from the national organizers: BREAKING: PROTESTS CALLED FOR THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 5 PM LOCAL TIME. We have joined the nationwide protests and will gather on Nov. 8 at 5 PM. Please bring signs if you have, or posterboard and markers. “TRUMP IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW” or other similar sentiment. Donald Trump has installed a crony to oversee the Special Counsel Trump-Russia investigation, crossing a red line set to protect the investigation. By replacing Rod Rosenstein with just-named Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker as special counsel Robert Mueller’s boss on the investigation, Trump has undercut the independence of the investigation. Whitaker has publicly outlined strategies to stifle the investigation and cannot be allowed to remain in charge of it. The Nobody Is Above the Law network demands that Whitaker immediately commit not to assume supervision of the investigation. Our hundreds of response events are being launched to demonstrate the public demand for action to correct this injustice. We will try to update this page as the situation develops. ***************************** This event is planned as a rapid response protest in the event that Donald Trump fires special counsel Robert Mueller or crosses another red line to interfere with the Trump-Russia investigation. Note: If you choose to attend this event, you agree to engage in nonviolent, peaceful action, to act lawfully, and to strive to de-escalate any potential confrontations with those who may disagree with our values.
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Friday, November 1 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Mark W.San Leandro City HallSan Leandro, CA 94577194 attendeesThis is an event planned as a rapid response protest in the event that Donald Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller. Please note that the listed date is a placeholder and will be updated to be within 24 hours of the firing, should it occur. RSVP to let the event host know that they can count on you to attend the event. Stand up and resist. Time to Impeach the Con man President. Bring you own home made signs and your family & friends.
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Emily D.Corner of Hill and San Pablo Ave (Near Safeway and Del Norte BART)El Cerrito, CA 94530195 attendeesTHIS EVENT IS A GO FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8th! The American Revolution was fought to resist rule and taxation by the King of England. The American president is purposely NOT A KING. The president is a citizen just like the rest of us and is subject to the laws of the land. HOLD PRESIDENT TRUMP ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE!
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Steve R. Gloria S. Linna G.Civic CenterSan Francisco, CA 941027450 attendeesWith the firing of recused Attorney General Jeff Sessions it’s clear that Trump is moving on to his end game – closing down the Mueller investigation. THAT CANNOT HAPPEN. Our red line has been crossed, and we’re taking to the streets. THIS RAPID RESPONSE IS HAPPENING ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8TH AT 5:00PM AT CIVIC CENTER.
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Thursday, November 8 at 5 p.m.Hosted by Ken R. Adrianne C.Superior Court Walnut Creek——640 Ygnacio Valley RoadWalnut Creek, CA 945961826 attendeesLet’s show Donald Trump that nobody is above the law. Join a rapid response rally. It was quickly announced that Matthew Whitaker would be in charge of the Mueller investigation. Whitaker said more than a year ago that the direction of the Mueller investigation was “deeply concerning.” Now, thanks to Trump, he’s being set up to have the final say on the investigation’s scope, budget and indictments. That is more than just deeply concerning, it is a constitutional crisis in the making.
Mark your calendars! We're hosting TWO Public Banking 101 sessions in November–one at Alley Cat Books, and one @DSA_SF. We hope to see you there 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/8Sg3u7g293
— SF Public Bank (@sfpublicbank) October 25, 2018
On September 8th, over 250,000 people on all (!) 7 continents stepped up to demand tangible action on climate change from their elected officials. Hundreds of frontline communities led the way, building momentum and urgency for this fight. So we’re asking: What do we do now? Where do we direct this precious and palpable strength and energy?
After RISE, the Global Climate Action Summit, Sol2Sol Summit, and the hundreds of other events, we’ve taken a beat and are ready to pick up the reins again. On November 8th, join the Berkeley Climate Action Coalition’s Fall Convening to find out how to best use your limited time and energy. We will also share an array tangible projects that your talents could boost. Join us as we vision and move towards a new world, starting right here in our own communities!
Register here.