Dear Supporter,
Please forward to your lists and congregations:
Rachel Corrie, Dia de Los Muertos, Danbury Racism, Contraception
People of Faith CT e-newsletter
Monday, October 30, 2006
CONTENTS
Middle East Peace
1. "Wheels of Justice" Opening Event & Potluck Dinner, 10/31, Orange
2. Vote for Peace Candelight Vigil, 11/2, New Haven
3. "Resisting Militarism & Materialism" War Tax Resisters, Nov. 3-5, Voluntown
4. "Rachel Corrie: A Woman of Conscience," Nov. 3, 5, Old Lyme
5. "Wheels of Justice" First-Hand Accounts of Palestine & Iraq, 11/7, New Britain
6. 4th International Week Against The Israeli Apartheid Wall, Nov. 9-16
7. "My Name is Rachel Corrie" Bus Trip to New York City
Interfaith Understanding
8. "Learning About Islam" Talk & Discussion, 11/1, West Hartford
9. 4th Annual Interfaith, Multi-Cultural Kristallnacht Remembrance, 11/12, Hartford
Spirituality
10. Shamanic Circle Guided Meditation Journey, 11/19, Hartford
Civil Liberties
11. Bush Moves Toward Martial Law
Economic Justice
12. Support Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program
13. Petition Campaign for a State Earned Income Tax Credit
Women's Rights
14. "Time-In" Multi-Media Presentation about Incarcerated Women, Nov. 2-4, Hartford
15. Support Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims, Petition
16. What Will Christian-Fascist Theocracy Mean for Women?
Queer Rights
17. Talk to Voters on Election Day -- LMF Campaign, Nov. 4, 7
18. EROS Film Festival, Nov. 8 - 12, Hartford
19. Queer Theology -- A Panel Discussion, 11/9, Hartford
Immigrant Rights
20. La Dia de los Muertos/The Day of the Dead Remembrance, 11/2, New Haven
21. The Column the Danbury News-Times Refused to Print
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Middle East Peace
1.
"Wheels of Justice" Opening Event & Potluck Dinner
Tuesday, October 31
7 PM
809 North Lakeview Dr., Orange
Come hear from the remarkable Joe Carr
(including his amazing hip hop performances).
Joe witnessed the killings by Israel of both Rachel Corrie
and Tom Hurndall.
He was a friend of Tom Fox (kidnapped and killed in Iraq.)
He has been to both Iraq and Palestine on solidarity missions
and was featured in BBC documentary "The Killing Fields" (on Life in Gaza).
Also present are Vietnam War veteran and WOJ bus driver Bill Hillo,
bus manager Dan Pearson (rebuilt Palestinian homes this Summer),
and two other bus speakers (Dr. Fouda and Dr. Qumsiyeh).
Please come and bring friends and relatives to hear
some powerful stories and testimonies
and to learn more about the bus tour in CT and beyond.
More on Joe Carr:
http://www.lovinrevolution.org/?q=bio.htm
More on the bus (including bios of other speakers, pics):
http://www.wheelsofjusticetour.org
If possible, please call to RSVP (203-397-0067)
but come any way and bring others.
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2.
Vote for Peace Candelight Vigil
Thursday, Nov. 2
7-8 PM
Corner of Elm and Temple Streets, New Haven
Bring issue oriented signs; candles.
We propose that peace activists organize Vigils
in every city and town.
We are the majority: 66% oppose the war.
That opposition must be expressed at the polls.
The entire world is looking at Connecticut.
Let’s do it!
Sponsored by the Greater New Haven Peace Council
http://www.uspeacecouncil.org
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3.
RESISTING MILITARISM & MATERIALISM
OUR LIFESTYLES and the ROOTS of WAR
21st Annual New England Regional Gathering
of War Tax Resisters & Supporters
Friday-Sunday, November 3-5, 2006
Voluntown Peace Trust, Voluntown, CT
This gathering provides a time for renewal, support,
and an opportunity to be with kindred spirits
who do not wish to support military violence.
It is a time of sharing ideas, reflection, renewed commitment,
and community building.
War tax resisters and those interested in exploring this form of resistance are welcome.
THEME
This year's theme of
"Resisting Militarism and Materialism: Our Lifestyles and the Roots of War"
grows from our recognition that increasing numbers of people realize that
they cannot continue to consume at the current level.
War tax resisters must play a role in the rising resistance
against engaging in a way of life that destroys the environment
and which must be maintained by the military.
Contact: War Resisters League/New England
P.O. Box 1093
Norwich, CT 06360
Or send to: wrlne@peoplepc.com (Please put NE WTR in the subject line.)
Walk-in registration is also possible,
but we encourage you to let us know in advance,
which will help with planning meals and housing.
We can only guarantee childcare for those who pre-register.
Questions? Contact Joanne or Rick at 860-887-6869.
========================================================
4.
"Rachel Corrie: A Woman of Conscience"
Dramatic Presentations on Her Life/Writings
Nov. 3, 7:30 PM
Nov. 5, 3:00 PM
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme
2 Ferry Road
Old Lyme, CT
Rachel Corrie, a young American woman from Evergreen, Washington
was crushed to death by a bulldozer as she worked as a volunteer
with the International Solidarity Movement to stop the destruction
of Palestinian homes and olive orchards.
When a play about Rachel attempted to open in New York City,
the theater cancelled the performances due to pressure from
those who wanted to silence the courageous witness of this young woman.
In two performances, this will be a dramatic presentation
on the life and writings of Rachel Corrie.
Directed by Jacqueline Hubbard, Executive Director of the Ivoryton Playhouse.
Admission is free.
Donations gratefully accepted to benefit the Parent's Circle,
an organization of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families
working together for peace, and The Rachel Corrie Foundation.
A reception will follow the performance.
Contact:
Judy Simmons: 860-739-5042
Elaine Fitzpatrick: 203-453-4532
First Congregational Church of Old Lyme: 860-434-8686
========================================================
5.
"Wheels of Justice" First-Hand Accounts of Palestine & Iraq
Tuesday, November 7
6 PM
Living Room, Marcus White Hall
Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
To break the cycle of violence,
we must change our roles in these conflicts;
as individuals and as a nation,
we must move
from instigator to negotiator
from enabler to resister.
You cannot have peace without justice.
Presented by the Progressive Students Alliance
http://clubs.ccsu.edu/ccsupsa/
Proudly endorsed by People of Faith CT
Download flier for bulletin insert:
http://www.faithCT.org/wheelsofjustice.pdf
========================================================
6.
4th International Week Against The Israeli Apartheid Wall
Nov. 9-16
“We Shall Stay
Generation after Generation
Defiant and Steadfast until Liberation”
5 years after the Occupation started its destruction
of our lands for the Wall,
2 years after the International Court of Justice
called for the dismantling if the Wall
All over the world mobilization is gearing up for the fourth time
for action during Week against the Apartheid Wall (November 9-16)
to unite with Palestinian communities in struggle
against the land grab and expulsion in mass protests.
As the ghetto walls close around our people,
the voice of the Palestinian and Arab resistance continues
to echo within the Bantustans and beyond.
More info:
http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/1328.shtml
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7.
"My Name is Rachel Corrie" Bus Trip to New York City
Saturday, November 11
Minetta Lane Theatre
18 Minetta Lane
New York City
Taken from the words left behind in the diaries, letters and emails
of American activist Rachel Corrie, MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE chronicles
the human, social and political evolution in the life and controversial
death of a young woman.
The play traces the life of Rachel Corrie From her early days
in Washington State, through her experiences as an activist
seeking to learn more about the community within Gaza.
Cost: $90 for the bus and theater ticket
Info: Wayne (860)234-5405
http://www.hopeoutloud.org/rachelcorrie.html
========================================================
Interfaith Understanding
8.
"Learning About Islam"
Talk & Discussion with Sohaib Sultan
Wednesday, Nov. 1
7-9 PM
St. James's Episcopal Church
1018 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford Center
Sohaib Sultan is an Islamic Chaplain at Trinity College
and Yale University, and author of "Koran for Dummies."
Recommended donation of $10 will be taken at the door.
Info: call the church office at 521-9620.
Proudly endorsed by People of Faith CT
========================================================
9.
4th Annual Interfaith, Multi-Cultural Kristallnacht Remembrance
Sunday, Nov. 12
5:30 PM
Charter Oak Cultural Center
21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford
Gather with your friends and neighbors for a moving service
and candlelight vigil to remember this night in 1938 when
Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues were vandalized.
Sponsored by Charter Oak Cultural Center
http://www.charteroakcenter.org
Proudly endorsed by People of Faith CT.
========================================================
Spirituality
10.
Shamanic Circle Guided Meditation Journey
Sunday, Nov. 19
Metropolitan Community Church
155 Wyllys St., Hartford
(parish house of Church of the Good Shepherd)
Shaman Joe Monkman of Earth Spirit Works
will join Metropolitan Community Church
for 10 AM worship to offer a blessing
in our new home,
and for a 90-minute workshop after services,
a guided meditation shamanic journey.
For the workshop, a free-will offering will be received.
Download flyer:
http://www.mcchartford.com/shamanic2006.jpg
Earth Spirit Work's goal is to enlighten the mind,
energize the body, and renew the health of the spirit.
http://www.earthspiritworks.com
Joe Monkman is an inspirational workshop facilitator
and an intuitive, shamanic healer and channel who has
studied with spiritual visionaries in the US and Peru
since 1993.
His channeled messages, sparkling intensity, and
abundant humor motivate people to pursue and live their
rich vision.
Metropolitan Community Church of Hartford exists to offer
everyone the opportunity to experience the liberating love of Christ.
http://www.mcchartford.com
========================================================
Civil Liberties
11.
Bush Moves Toward Martial Law
In a private, unpublicized Oval Office ceremony,
Bush revised the Insurrection Act to allow him
to declare martial law more easily.
Could Bush be anticipating the 2008 presidential election?
A population under martial law cannot vote.
Read the full story:
http://www.thecornerreport.com/index.php?p=906&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#more906
========================================================
Economic Justice
12.
Support Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program
The WIC, has a documented track record of improving
the nutritional health and well-being of low-income,
nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children.
WIC served 52,059 women, infants and children in CT
last year.
The USDA is currently considering changes in the WIC program
that would make the food packages consistent with the
2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and guidelines from
the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Although these appear to be common sense changes,
there is ORGANIZED OPPOSITION from some quarters.
Until November 6th, USDA is accepting comments
and needs to hear from you IN SUPPORT
of important improvements in the food packages
for Women and children across our country.
Click to SUPPORT WIC by sending a prepared email
to the USDA:
http://episcopal.grassroots.com/WomenAndChildren/WICRule-Actn/index.jhtml?_requestid=60359#ActionForm
========================================================
13.
Petition Campaign for a CT Earned Income Tax Credit
"To: Governor Jodi Rell, Lt.Governor Kevin Sullivan,
and All State of Connecticut Senators and Representatives
Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS),
Greater Hartford Interfaith Coalition for Equity and Justice (ICEJ)
and the undersigned respectfully ask the public officials of
Connecticut to work together in a bipartisan manner
to enact a Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit
equal to 25% of the corresponding federal EITC.
A state EITC would provide tax relief to hard-working,
low-income families.
It would help them close the gap between what they earn
and what they need to make ends meet.
In 2003, over 162,000 Connecticut households (10.1% of tax filers)
received federal EITC benefits totaling over $256 million;
the average payment per household was $1,578.
A 25% Connecticut match would add another $64 million
($394 per household.)"
The goal is to collect 25,000 signatures to deliver
to the Governor and Legislature in the 2007 session.
We urge you download and print out the petition
and bring it with you everywhere you go to collect signatures.
Ask members of your congregation, organizations, neighborhood,
and family to sign on!
Download Petition
http://www.faithCT.org/eitcpetition.pdf
========================================================
Women's Rights
14.
"Time-In" Multi-Media Presentation about Incarcerated Women
Nov. 2-4
7:30 PM
Charter Oak Cultural Center
21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford
Based on a multi-arts residency at York Correctional Institution
for women in Niantic, Connecticut, "Time In" explores the complicated
landscape of these women's lives - mothers, daughters, wives,
many with battered histories of physical and sexual abuse, drugs,
street life, good women making bad choices who reflect on time
as experienced in prison.
The Judy Dworin Performance Ensemble joins
a cappella gospel singing group Women of the Cross
in this blend of dance, storytelling, and song
that challenges our assumptions about incarceration and provokes,
evokes, and surprises.
Novelist Wally Lamb, who leads a writing group at the prison,
will introduce the opening night, and following each performance
there will be talkbacks with both the performers and former York inmates
- some contributors to Wally Lamb's
"Couldn't Keep it to Myself: Stories of Our Imprisoned Sisters."
$20 general admission, $10 seniors,
Charter Oak & Let's Go! Members, $5 students.
http://www.charteroakcenter.org
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15.
Support Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims, Petition
[Ed. Note:
During our 2006 legislative session, Planned Parenthood of CT
supported An Act Concerning Emergency Contraception Access
for Sexual Assault Victims (SB 445).
This legislation would have required emergency rooms
to provide victims of sexual assault with "EC" on the premises,
was raised in the Public Health Committee,
but the committee deadline ended discussion before the bill
could be sent to the floor of the Senate for a vote.]
Sign the Petition:
http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/eciner
"I believe all women who have survived a sexual assault
deserve the information and access to emergency contraception
in all publicly funded Connecticut hospital emergency rooms!
Emergency Contraception is widely recognized as an integral part
of compassionate emergency treatment for sexual assault survivors.
Any woman victimized by rape who has found her way
to an emergency room should be entitled
to the most medically effective method of averting pregnancy.
EC should be offered to a victim at the first point of treatment
as it is most effective if taken within the first 24 hours.
Rape survivors should never be required to locate a pharmacy
which stocks EC after being discharged from the ER
and dealing with the trauma of rape and a forensic exam.
Over the counter access to EC
will not provide timely access to victims.
Rape victims can't wait!"
Sign the Petition:
http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/eciner
========================================================
16.
What Will Christian-Fascist Theocracy Mean for Women?
"The utterly hostile climate for women's reproductive rights
emanating from the White House is bringing real danger to women
in South Dakota through the country's first almost-total ban on
abortions in that state.
On Nov. 7th, South Dakota residents will decide to keep or toss out
the most draconian anti-abortion law in the country.
It makes no exception for rape, incest or the health of the woman.
Is this attack on women's rights a major issue in the current elections?
Is any major political figure calling for repeal of the new federal law
that makes it a crime to help a young woman cross state lines to receive
an abortion?
Do people even know about this?
And it's not just the right to abortion,
the next step in the agenda is to outlaw birth control."
-- The World Can't Wait: Drive Out The Bush Regime!
========================================================
Queer Rights
17.
Talk to Voters on Election Day -- LMF Campaign
1. SIGN UP TODAY for a two-hour shift on Election Day
to talk voters about marriage equality.
2. Come to one of three trainings on Saturday, November 4,
to learn the ropes and get your materials.
3. Talk to voters for one or more two-hour shifts,
and urge them to sign a marriage equality postcard.
4. Mail back your postcards to Love Makes a Family
so we can deliver them to your legislator.
For every friend that joins you at the polls,
we'll enter your name in our contest to win an Apple iPod!
But recruit them ahead of time and let us know.
On Election Day, Love Makes a Family will be talking to voters
in key legislative districts, urging voters to sign postcards
that will be delivered to their legislator.
No experience is necessary!
Each volunteer shift is just two hours and sessions are available
throughout the day.
Our goal is to have 100 volunteers talking to voters on Election Day.
SIGN UP NOW FOR A TWO HOUR SHIFT and choose
YOUR DISTRICT, YOUR SHIFT, AND YOUR TRAINING VENUE!
http://www.lmfct.org/site/Survey?SURVEY_ID=1980&ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS
After the polls close, please join us at our Hartford headquarters
as we tally our results.
Our office is located at 576 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT.
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18.
EROS Film Festival
Nov. 8 - 12
Hartford
Out Film CT
announces the
8th EROS Film Festival
at Cinestudio
Trinity College
300 Summit St. Hartford
Tickets per film: $8 general admission
$7 seniors (60+) / students with ID
Free for all Trinity Students with ID
This co-production of Out Film CT and EROS
will showcase exciting new films and documentaries about
the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Now in its eighth year, this promises to be a challenging,
hilarious, sensual, educational and eye-opening event.
Info:
http://www.OutFilmCT.org
========================================================
19.
Queer Theology -- A Panel Discussion, 11/9, Hartford
Thursday, Nov. 9
7 PM
Charter Oak Cultural Center
21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford
Queer theologians, thinkers and activists discuss what is it
that comes out of the unique experience of queer people
that is of universal value and speaks to the nature of God
and what God requires of us.
Panelists include:
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Regional Elder, Metropolitan Community Churches
Paul Gorrell, former priest and queer theologian.
Suggested Donation, $5.
Sponsored by Charter Oak Cultural Center
http://www.charteroakcenter.org
Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition
http://www.transadvocacy.org
Proudly endorsed by People of Faith CT
========================================================
Immigrant Rights
20.
La Dia de los Muertos/The Day of the Dead Remembrance
Thursday, Nov. 2
7 PM
Elm City Info Shop
810 State Street, New Haven
Celebrate the Day of the Dead
with Unidad Latina en Accion and
the New Haven Food Not Bombs collective.
The celebration will include construction of a
Dia de los Muertos altar
to honor the nearly 500 people killed every year
crossing the border.
Unidad Latina En Accion will also show a film about
the death of Frida Kahlo.
http://www.elmcityinfoshop.org/
========================================================
21.
The Column the Danbury News-Times Refused to Print
Column News Times Refused to print.
Colimnist Quits in Protest
Eliette Matos is a regular communist who writes the Latin Beat column
every week in the News Times.
After the arrests of 11 immigrant workers in Danbury she submitted
a strongly worded column to the News Times.
The News Times refused to print it
"because it is too critical and not appropriate for the Danbury page".
Eliette Mats has, by way of a protest, refused to write anymore for the paper.
She says,
“I cannot write for a paper where I feel censored unless conditions change.”
The refusal of the News Times to publish a column submitted by a regular
columnist raises questions of freedom of press, the right of a columnist
to be free from any pressure by the editor/management
as to the contents of his/her column, and, in this case, raises doubts
as to whether the decision of the paper was discriminatory and racist.
I urge all lovers of justice and freedom of speech to support her
by writing to the News Times protesting their action,
demanding that they apologize to Eliette,
insisting that they get her back to write her column.
Gulamhusein A. Abba
Here is the full text of the column the News Times refused to print:
Latin Beat
The arrest of eleven men at Kennedy Park over two weeks ago
has certainly revived the immigration debate here in Danbury.
The one thing that has flown under the radar in the subsequent
discussions is that the arrest of the "Danbury 11"
was a clear act of racial profiling.
These men were targeted simply because they were Hispanic day laborers.
If they were white men out at Kennedy Park looking for work
at construction jobs do you think Danbury police Chief Al Baker
would have called in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?
I think not, I think they would have been given tickets or arrested
for a misdemeanor crime such as disturbing the peace.
According to Chief Baker the men at Kennedy Park had been warned
for two months that they were causing public safety dangers
on Main Street by darting into traffic trying to attract contractors for work.
What kind of police chief lets a public safety issue go unchecked for two months?
If these men had been warned why were they not arrested/ticketed
for their behavior sooner?
I think that would have been more than enough to get the message across
to all the day laborers that they need to stay in Kennedy Park and off
of Main Street when trying to obtain work.
Instead Police Chief Baker took it upon himself to call in ICE because
the assumption was that these men must be here illegally because they are Hispanic.
Before I go on in my argument I want to make it clear that this is not
an attack on the Danbury Police department.
I have nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude for the work
they do here in our city.
They are a fantastic group of men and women who deserve a better leader.
It is quite mind boggling that Mayor Boughton chose to go to Wisconsin
to pick a new leader for our men and women in blue when there was a number
of highly qualified candidates right here within the department.
Now I know people will argue that the "Danbury 11" were here illegally
and that it is ok to profile the day laborers because the facts are
that many are here illegally and therefore are breaking the law.
My point would be that when ICE took them they did not even know that
these 11 men were in the country illegally.
They were taken away by ICE who have not released any information
or charged the "Danbury 11" with any crimes.
Day laborers generally do tough dirty jobs and therefore when they
go looking for work they only bring a few dollars with them and leave
their identification behind at home.
Some of the day laborers at Kennedy Park are in fact legal immigrants,
but it seems we now are living in a city where if you are Hispanic
you have to carry around documents to prove that you are in the country legally.
This is not the kind of society I want to live in and as a leader
in the Latino community I feel it is my obligation to speak out.
And I am not going anywhere either.
In addition to holding police Chief Baker accountable for creating
this anti-Hispanic climate I also hold Mayor Boughton accountable as well.
Mayor Boughton has long argued for tougher enforcement of immigration laws,
putting Danbury on the national map in the immigration debate.
Well, through this raid he got his wish, unfortunately what he has done
is put Danbury at risk to multi-million dollar discrimination law suits.
Well done Mayor, I hope you are happy with the results.
Eliette Matos is publisher of El Canillita a free Spanish language newspaper
published every week that is based in Danbury and distributed throughout
Connecticut.
For further information Mrs. Matos can be contacted at 798-2120.
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