NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK. Peace Action of New York State. OBAMA IS LISTENING. TALK TO HIM NOW. PEACE DEMANDS ACTION -one email, one action, five minutes a week for peace
View this message online: http://www.panys.org/alerts/188.htm
Alert # 188  December 2, 2008
Dear Peace Advocate,

In early 2007, after going through a litany of lofty goals, including health care for all, a rejuvenated public education system, an end to poverty and real progress in dealing with global warming, Senator Obama offered a hard and simple truth:

“All of this cannot come to pass
until we bring an end to this war in Iraq.”

It’s our job to make sure the new Obama administration understands our determination to hold their feet to the fire. As Ambassador Thomas Graham said at a PANYS event this fall, “The first six months in the new administration are crucial. That’s when the priorities are determined and strategies chosen.”

If we want to make Obama’s vision of change into reality, we must speak out and communicate our priorities for 2009. We have to work with and influence President-elect Obama and his new Cabinet. We can and should take advantage of this new political climate, but we need your help and action.

In your five minutes for peace this week, we ask you to think about your priorities for 2009 and tell Obama what kind of CHANGE you wish to see. Contact the Obama Transition Team at this web page. (change.gov, click About and then Contact.)

President-elect Obama has asked for input. Let’s make sure he gets it. Here are some ideas you may want to consider as priorities:
  • A withdrawal of all troops from Iraq and Afghanistan
  • Dignity and medical treatment for all veterans
  • The abolition of nuclear weapons
  • The passage of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.(CTBT)
  • A U.S. ban on the use of cluster bombs
  • U.S. lead peace for the Palestinians and Israelis
  • Concern regarding Robert Gates continuing as Secretary of Defense.
  • During this time of economic crisis, fund human needs instead of militarism. Cut the defense budget and stop spending $720 million a year on war.
Let us help Obama to promote peace around the world so that our national resources can be used for the tremendous needs we have here at home. But in order to do that, we must use the resources available to us to add our voices to the chorus of the progressive community.

Now is the time for us to speak up, educate, organize and lobby for peace. Now is the time to be heard!

Thank you for being an advocate for peace,

In Peace,

Mai Gad
Peace Action of New York State
info@panys.org

Click buttons below for our online calendar of upcoming events.

 
 NYC Metro Area Upstate NY Out-of-State & Nationwide
Featured Events
Saturday, December 6, 6:00 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Student Center, Plaza Room A, North Campus,
20TH ANNUAL KAIROS AWARDS DINNER
A FUND RAISER FOR THE LONG ISLAND ALLIANCE FOR PEACEFUL ALTERNATIVES.
The Kairos Awards honor those individuals who have made significant contributions towards bringing about a more just and peaceful world.
  2008 KAIROS HONOREES:
  • CODE PINK LI
  • MORTY GREENHOUSE
  • SUSAN MCKEON-STEINMAN
  • DEACON DON AND MARIE ZIRKEL
Special Musical Performance by a cappella singing group Willow. Further information: (516)741-4360 or lipeace@broadview.net.
Sunday, December 7. Gathering times below. Marches converge at 3:00 p.m.
NEW YORK CITY. Gathering points below. Marches converge at City Hall, Manhattan.
FIVE BOROUGH MARCH FOR PEACE
In December 2009, the first World March for Peace & Non-Violence will pass through NYC as part of a 3-month journey over 6 continents and 90+ countries. The March will unite people worldwide in a call for the dismantling of nuclear arms, an end to war and military aggression, and the rejection of all forms of violence.
On December 7, 2008, we mark the beginning of a year of activities in NYC that highlight the profound need for a new consciousness in favor of peace and non-violence. Support us  – by joining in one of the routes, by cheering us on as we start, or by meeting us at 3 p.m. as we converge on the steps of City Hall and celebrate afterwards with dance and music.
Gathering Points for March (click for PDF):
UPPER MANHATTAN: 12:00 noon,Strawberry Fields, CPW & 72nd St.
    Contact 917-470-2578,farrell.r.mark@gmail.com
LOWER MANHATTAN: CHILDREN'S MARCH, 1:00 p.m., Tompkins Square Park.
    Contact 917-353-3078, marco@makeko.com.
BROOKLYN: 12 noon, Grand Army Plaza at the Arch.
    Contact 917-378-8758,david@davanaweb.com.
QUEENS: 11:00 a.m., Flushing Meadows Park Unisphere.
    Contact 646-334-7937, loncho7@yahoo.com.
BRONX: 12 noon, Rebuilders Source, 461 Timpson Place.
    Contact 651-500-3888,caro.munozproto@gmail.com
STATEN ISLAND: 1:00 p.m., Staten Island Ferry Terminal.
    Contact 347-578-7145, kurtheyl@hotmail.com
Marches converge at City Hall for 3:00 p.m. Press Conference.

New York Metro Area and Long Island Events
 
 Wednesday, December 3, 7-9 p.m.
GRAMERCY PARK, NYC. 38 East 19th St, between Broadway & Park Ave South
 FUND RAISER FOR CODE PINK NYC
 War is SO over! Join us & support the passion, energy, audacity and creativity that is CODEPINK Women for Peace! Connect with other fierce peacemakers and savour delicious bites, drinks, good music & a we will not be silent auction! Amy Goodman, Citizen Reno & Jocelyne Voltaire will make a special appearance- don't miss it! Tickets $100 buy now at www.codepinkalert.org/nycevent or rsvp to dana@codepinkalert.org or call 646.723.1781
Thursday, December 4, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE, NYC. Lipton Hall, New York University, 108 West Third Street
 AFTER TORTURE: A HARPER’S FORUM ON JUSTICE IN THE POST-BUSH ERA.
Sponsored by Harper's Magazine & The Center on Law and Security at New York University. On publication of contributing editor Scott Horton's report, "Justice After Bush" in the December issue of Harper's Magazine, a panel of legal experts will discuss the methods available to a democracy for reckoning with a legacy of human rights abuses. Participants will include:
  • ELIZABETH HOLTZMAN, Author of "The Impeachment of George W. Bush"
  • SCOTT HORTON, Contributing Editor, Harper's Magazine
  • JERROLD NADLER Chairman, House Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties
  • BURT NEUBORNE Legal Director, Brennan Center for Justice, New York University
  • MICHAEL RATNER President, Center for Constitutional Rights
  • ANTONIO TAGUBA Major General (U.S. Army Ret.).
Moderated by Luke Mitchell, Senior Editor, Harper's Magazine. This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, December 4th, 6 p.m.
GREENWICH VILLAGE, NYC. 66 W. 12th St. Room 404
 SYMPOSIUM ON TORTURE, EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION,
AND 100 DAYS TO RESTORE THE CONSTITUTION.
Hosted by the Radical Student Union at the New School and the Center for Constitutional Rights. Come join the Radical Student Union at The New School (SDS, SEAC, UFPJ) and anti-war organizations from across the state to discuss the extraordinary rendition and torture of Canadian Citizen Mahar Arar by the U.S. government and his re-hearing on December 9th. We will also discuss The New School's connections to a global torture industry, the world's largest private mercenary force, and even the sub-prime mortgage crisis. (now full blown economic crisis) We will also open the floor to discuss the next steps for the anti-war movement in the spring.
Supporting organizations: NYC-WRL, NY State Peace Action, NYC UFPJ,
NYC Code Pink, Pax Christi NY, Westchester Coalition for Peace and Justice.
Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.
BROOKLYN. Brooklyn Friends Meeting House, 110 Schermerhorn Street.
BROOKLYN COMMUNITY MEETING: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
 All welcome! Come to share ideas, discuss plans and strategy! Discussion will inform our delegation to United for Peace and Justice National Assembly (Dec. 12--14). Questions? Call 718-624-5921.
Friday, December 5, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
BROOKLYN. Founders Auditorium at Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Ave.
 SCREENING OF “SOME PLACE LIKE HOME: THE FIGHT AGAINST GENTRIFICATION IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN”
A documentary by FUREE. Narrated by Kevin Powell. In collaboration with Medgar Evers College School of Professional and Community Development. Performances & Reception following screening in The President's Conference Center. Admission: $50  Attire: Creative/Fabulous. For more Information, Tickets or to Sponsor this event, visit:  http://www.furee.org/film/premiere/
Saturday, Dec. 6, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN. Eclipse Mexican Restaurant, 4314 4th Ave.
LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER FOR “BRUISED MANGOS” AND REPORT-BACK FROM THE SOA VIGIL AT FORT BENNING. Hear from the Brooklyn delegation to "SOA Watch Vigil," demanding the closing of U.S. Military’s “Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation” (WHINSEC) (formerly known as “School of the Americas”, or more accurately, “School of the Assassins”) Excerpts from "Bruised Mangos", Rhythmic Ammunition por la Paz, a Latino response to the War. Lunch and performance: $35. Limited number of $20 tickets for seniors, students, and low income. Call or e-mail to confirm availability. Reservations required! Call 718-624-5921 or e-mail latinam@brooklynpeace.org.
Sunday, December 7, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN.
Congregation Beth Elohim, corner of 8th Avenue and Garfield. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PROBLEM?
BEING YOUNG AND ARAB IN AMERICA.
A discussion by Professor Moustafa Bayouni of Brooklyn College, author of the book by the same name.
Tuesday, December 9, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
FOLEY SQUARE, NYC.
Outside the Courthouse, corner of Worth and Center Streets
 RALLY IN SUPPORT OF MAHER ARAR
 Join United for Peace and Justice and allies in demanding action by the U.S. government when Maher Arar's attorneys return to the U.S. Court of Appeals seeking justice for his rendition to torture. While the black cloud of George W. Bush is finally lifting, the crimes perpetuated by his administration will not be undone or erased in January. Join us to hold high levels of the Bush administration accountable for the torture and rendition of Maher Arar.
Thursday, December 11, 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
BAY RIDGE, BROOKLYN. 7825 Fourth Avenue, at 79th Street and 4th Ave. Apt. C1
 BAY RIDGE INTERFAITH PEACE COALITION FUNDRAISER AND HOUSE PARTY.
Next year we want to present an event on depleted uranium with Professor Glenn Lawrence, a recognized expert in the field, and screen the film, “Poison Dust”. Events like this cost money and we need your help to continue to bring informative programs on important issues to Bay Ridge. The use of depleted uranium for weapons is responsible for “Gulf War Syndrome” and is still making our soldiers sick. We would love to meet you and we will have a speaker to inform us of the effects of depleted uranium. If you can’t attend and approve of our work, please send something to help us continue. With Special Guest Sally Davidson of Military Families Speak Out and a 10 minute documentary on depleted uranium. No donation is too small and we want to carry on our work informing our community of the danger of the use of nuclear weapons and their byproducts. For further information call (718) 680-2981
Upstate Events
 
 Thursday, Dec. 2, 7:00 p.m.
ROCKLAND. JCC Rockland, 450 West Nyack Road.
 PRESENTATION ON SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE (MEDICARE FOR ALL)
Hosted by the Rockland AARP chapter. We’re having a Doctor and Nurse discuss the need for the Single Payer Health Care system and how it can reduce the cost of health care.
Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
BUFFALO. Erie County Community College City Campus, 121 Ellicott St.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE NFTA FARE INCREASE.
"Not one more cent for the NFTA!"
Friday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
POUGHKEEPSIE. The Muddy Cup, 305 Main Street.
 SCREENING OF “WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY?”
What Would Jesus Buy? follows Reverend Billy and the Gospel Choir of Church of Stop Shopping as they go on a cross-country mission to save Christmas from the Shopocalypse: the end of mankind from consumerism, over-consumption and the fires of eternal debt! From producer Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me). The screening will be followed by an audience discussion. This is part of the "Give Peace a Film" series sponsored by the Dutchess Peace Coalition. There is no admission charge. Contact: Fred Nagel at 845 876-7906
Friday December 5, 6:00-9:30pm and Saturday December 6, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
ROCHESTER. First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South
 METRO JUSTICE’S ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE FAIR.
Put your money where your heart is ... Support social justice when buying holiday gifts. Holiday shopping for the whole family. Clothes, toys, games, pottery, jewelry, and more. Hundreds of fair trade, earth-friendly and/or locally-produced gift items. Exciting new vendors plus your old favorites. Live music, delicious food, and free child care. For more information, call Metro Justice at 325-2560. $4 suggested donation. Ages 12 and older please.
Saturday, December 6th, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS. Asbury Hall, Memorial United Methodist Church,
250 Bryant Avenue
 WESPAC FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL
Crafts from a women’s collective in Guatemala, Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate and olive oil, Native American hand woven cotton and wool clothing and silver jewelry, Siwok crafts from Argentina, Embroidered cushion covers and accessories, Signed Ralph Fasanella prints, Handmade crafts from Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda & Ethiopia, Locally-made jewelry, Palestinian Children’s Art Exhibit and Silent Auction, Jewelry, toys and crafts from Mexico, Silk Scarves from India designed by local artist. Admission is $1 and all are welcome. Lunch and homemade baked goods will be available for sale as well.
Saturday, December 6th, 11:00 a.m. – 12 noon
GENESEO. Wegman Plaza, Route 20A.
 GVCP’S ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST WAR TOYS.
Bring peaceful toys. DRESS WARMLY.
Saturday, December 6, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
BUFFALO. WNY Peace Center, 2123 Bailey (Corner of Bailey & Genesee.)
4TH QUARTER MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND HOLIDAY POTLUCK.
Sunday, December 7, 2:00 p.m.
ROCHESTER. Temple B'rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Avenue
SCREENING OF “KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING”
Part of the Salaam-Shalom Film series. Four films that present some of the human dimensions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Knowledge is the Beginning is the story of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, set up by Daniel Barenboim, where young Arabs and Jews perform and live side by side. It is a film about what music can do; the way it can transcend cultural barriers, bring people together, defeat prejudice and overcome religious and political differences. Yo-Yo Ma helped too, and he appears in several scenes. Free of charge (donations accepted)
Sunday, December 7, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS. Community Unitarian Church, 486 Rosedale Avenue.
 THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT: SHOULD THE UN INTERVENE IN SOVEREIGN COUNTRIES TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS?
With Guest Speaker Craig Mokhiber U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. A celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Hosted by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) Westchester Chapter and Amnesty International US. Plus: The Youth Band for the United Nations and a video presentation of World-Class Art Exhibit on Human Rights. For further information contact Ms. Doris Benson dwbenson@us.ibm.com, (914) 961-6554, or see www.UNAWestchester.org.
Thursday, December 11, 7:30 p.m.
PLEASANTVILLE. WESPAC office, 17 Marble Avenue.
 TOWN HALL MEETING ON WHERE WE GO FROM HERE.
You are all invited and encouraged to come and participate, and to give your input as to what sort of inauguration event/action the WESPAC Community should plan for around January 20th in 2009 when President Elect Obama will take office. You will also have the chance to meet the new board members and officers of the organization. 
Ongoing Local Events
Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. 
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm
Out of State & Nationwide Events
Saturday, December 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
NEWARK NJ. Peter Francisco Park
 NEW JERSEY PEACE ACTION’S
8TH ANNUAL PEACE TRAIN
Join us on this, the last stop of 2008!
Friday - Sunday, December 12 -14
CHICAGO
UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Join hundreds of members of United for Peace and Justice from around the country in answering some of the most pressing post-election questions for the peace movement. Where do we go from here? What will the peace movement look like and how can we be effective in the new administration? Click here for registration information and details.
Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php.