Friday, August 21st 2020
(Thumbnail image credit: Kim Saira)
This week we would like to emphasize the importance of rest; of taking some time for a break to refresh. This is especially important in in the midst of the ongoing public health crisis, and also because there is a lot to prepare for in the upcoming months. This is a critically important time of overwhelming change, and the election is now less than 75 days away. Tactically speaking, the WNYPC will be focusing on fewer, larger events rather than many small events. Consequently, we are highlighting only a few items this week, all of which could be done from home.
This Sunday from 3:00 – 4:30 pm, the WNY Liberation Collective and WNYPC are offering another session of First Steps! Collective Nonviolent Direct Action. This will be a hybrid event, taking place in person at Niagara/Liberation Square with masks and physical distancing, and also streamed live on Facebook.
– Collective Nonviolent Direct action will be key to keeping and improving our democracy. These first steps are part of a series for shared learning as we plan and prepare.
– We will cover the principles and the spirit (including music, a great tool for such actions), Know Your Rights with Daire Brian Irwin, Esq., and safety info regarding protective gear from Nick of Buffalo Action Medics.
– Prepapatory videos and the full planned agenda can be found on our website. Please watch the videos so we can spend more time in discussion!
We also want to remind you that we are coming to the end (!) of the very generous matched grant from the Fr. Joe Bissonnette Fund for the WNYPC. This fund sustains our on-going work and helps prepare for strong social justice activism coming out of quarantine.
– Father Joe Bissonette (1932-1987) was known throughout WNY for his ministry in Buffalo and his advocacy for the poor and disadvantaged. Recognizing the many challenges AND opportunities of the present moment, the Fr. Joe Bissonette Fund has committed to match any donation of $100 or more made between July and August, up to $5000.
– These contributions also qualify for your choice of one of Amanda Besl’s beautiful limited-edition pieces (while supplies last) and an individual or organizational WNYPC membership with your choice of the #RESIST or #LoveIsLove lawn sign. If you would like to make a donation, please see our fundraiser page. You can purchase Amanda’s powerful art here.
As you have time, there are other vital campaigns and an employment opportunity (see below) that you can put some energy into as you can and will. Please remember to pace yourselves, as no one person can do it all. We are at a fork in the road of the future of this country, and we recognize the importance of collaborating, strategizing, and also resting when needed.
Please see details and much more below, including other special events this week, regularly scheduled events, campaigns, fundraisers, and more at wnypeace.org, on our Facebook page, Twitter (@wnypeace), and Instagram (@wnypeace)!
Peace, thanks, solidarity and yes – love.
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Friday, July 17, 2020
So – Victory!! In court this morning, all charges against Myles Carter were dropped.
Many thanks to all who supported him and the campaign we’ve engaged together to see that his first amendment rights are respected and all charges – happily and appropriately – DROPPED!!
Many thanks too to DA Flynn and the justice system for this good decision.
“Justice is what love looks like in public.” – Dr. Cornel West.
Our love and Unarmed Truth has won the day!! Hallelujah/Alhumdulillah! Om Shanti! Hotep!! #BlackLivesMatter #RacialJustice #RuleofLaw #BuffaloNY
We need you to make a call to your members of Congress today to urge them to support a critical amendments to cut Pentagon funding by 10%.
If you’ll recall, there are amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to cut the Pentagon budget by 10% in both the House and the Senate. Sponsored by Reps Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) in the House and Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), the amendment would free up a much needed $74 billion for healthcare, affordable housing, and improvements to education programs, etc.
We’ve already had Sen. Schumer support the amendment! [1] This is HUGE. The Minority Leader’s support signals that the movement to make real cuts to the Pentagon is gaining traction beyond the usual suspects.And we do expect Sen. Gillibrand and Congressman Higgins will do so as well.
Great news – your efforts are making a difference!
Since we last contacted you to take action, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has added his name in support of the amendment.
A vote is likely on these amendments next week! Even if you’ve already taken action, it’s still imperative that you make this call as well to keep the momentum and pressure up!
Here’s what we need you to do today:
1. Call the Congressional switchboard at 1-202-224-3121
2. Ask to be connected to one of your member’s offices
3. Once connected, say:
For your House Representative –
Hello, my name is (your name) and I am a voting constituent from (your city). I am calling to urge my representative to support an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act by Reps Barbara Lee and Mark Pocan, which calls for cutting 10% off the Pentagon budget. This important step would free up $74 billion for healthcare, affordable housing, and improvements to education programs. The main threats to our true security, like the global health pandemic we find ourselves facing today, will not be solved militarily. By over-prioritizing the Pentagon and military solutions, our country is drastically underprepared for the crises that we are most likely to face. I look forward to hearing what the representative’s position is on this important issue.
For your Senators –
Hello, my name is (your name) and I am a voting constituent from (your city). I am calling to urge the senator to support an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act by Senator Sanders, Markey, and Warren, which calls for cutting 10% off the Pentagon budget. This important step would free up $74 billion for healthcare, affordable housing, and improvements to education programs. The main threats to our true security, like the global health pandemic we find ourselves facing today, will not be solved militarily. By over-prioritizing the Pentagon and military solutions, our country is drastically underprepared for the crises that we are most likely to face. I look forward to hearing what the senator’s position is on this important issue.
The stakes today could hardly be higher. Over 40 million people are unemployed. More than 138,000 people have died from COVID-19, and thousands more are likely to perish. 5.4 million Americans have lost their health care during the pandemic. All the while, Congress is focusing on handing the Pentagon $740,000,000,000. Your time to act is now. Please call your members of Congress today and demand they do better.
Thank you for taking the time to act for a better tomorrow.
P.S. If your senators are Sanders, Markey, Warren, or Schumer, be sure to make the call and thank them for supporting this important amendment. To see if your representative is already a cosponor, click here.
Sources:
[1}https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sanders-welcomes-schumers-support-for-effort-to-cut-pentagon-and-invest-in-human-needs
