NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK Alert #248

Featured Seventh Anniversary Events

Friday, March 19, 9:00-10:45 a.m.
BAY RIDGE. Congressman McMahon's Office, 8505 4th Ave.
PROTEST 7 YEARS IN IRAQ
Peace Action Bay Ridge and the Interfaith Peace Coalition ask you to tell Congressman Michael E. McMahon and President Obama that 7 years of death, debt, and destruction is 7 years too many. Bring the troops home! 7 years, over 4,000 American lives, and no end in sight, with a cost of $707,000,000 and counting. Contacts: Peace Action Bay Ridge, 917-579-6860, bklynpeaceaction@yahoo.com or www.infaithpeace.com; Contact Bay Ridge Interfaith Peace Coalition, 718-680-2981, infaithpeace@yahoo.com, or www.panys.org/BR.

Friday, March 19, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN NYC. Chambers Army Recruiting Center, 143 Chambers St. & West Broadway.
ANNIVERSARY LEAFLETING AND DEMONSTRATING
Participants will gather at noon in front of the Army recruiting station at 143 Chambers St. Then we'll march down the block to the Marine Corp recruiting office and the Borough of Manhattan Community College (a little farther on.) About 1 p.m., we'll proceed to the PATH station at the WTC site (Vesey and W. Broadway) for a hour or two of leafleting, sign and banner holding. Sponsored by NYC-UFPJ, Peace Action NYS, Code Pink NYC, Grandmothers Against the War, Granny Peace Brigade, Greenwich Village Coalition for Peaceful Priorities, Northern Manhattan Neighbors for Peace and Justice, Veterans for Peace Chapter 34, War Resisters League, Westside Peace Action.

Friday, March 19, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
ALBANY. March to begin at West Capital Park
7TH ANNIVERSARY MARCH AGAINST THE WARS
Meet at the step in the West Capitol Park across from the Smith Building. Please bring signs. We will also carry displays with the names of Americans, Iraqis and Afghans who have been killed in the wars. We will march through the Albany downtown area with our signs and displays. Please spread the word. This is the seventh anniversary of the criminal war of aggression launched against Iraq. The demonstration will demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Afghanistan and Iraq. Instead of war, we will demand funds so that every person can have a job, free and universal health care, decent schools, and affordable housing. Sponsored by Northeast Peace and Justice Action Coalition (NEPAJAC). More Information: 518 439-1968 or 518 466-1192

Friday, March 19, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
STATEN ISLAND. Congressman McMahon's Office, 265 New Dorp Lane, between Edison & Clawson
DEMONSTRATION ON SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR
Congressman McMahon continues to vote for funding the occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, the largest offensive since the invasion of Afghanistan is underway while the occupation of Iraq continues. Over 1 million people have been killed in Iraq. Over 5,000 service men and women and contractors are dead. Please join us for a protest outside the Congressman's office with signs, banners and your voices. Sponsored by Peace Action of Staten Island.

Friday, March 19, 7:00 p.m.
TEANECK, NJ. St. Anastasia Church. The Redmond Center, 1095 Teaneck Rd, just north of Route 4
LIFT YOUR VOICES AGAINST THE WARS ON IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: AN EVENING OF POETRY AND SONG ON THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR ON IRAQ.
Includes an open mic. Children, teens - all the way through seniors are invited to read a poem or other short piece, sing a song, or play music related to the wars. Active duty troops, veterans, military families – it’s YOUR chance to be heard, too. Plenty of parking. Near bus routes. Refreshments, literature table, sign up for future actions Sponsored by Military Families Speak Out, Bergen County Chapter , Veterans for Peace, Chapter 21 NJ, NJ Peace Action, Bergen County Green Party, Leonia Vigil Group and the Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition.

Saturday, March 20, 1 a.m.
ALBANY. East Garage. Bus to Washington, DC
BUS TO SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY IRAQ MARCH ON WASHINGTON
A bus will be leaving from the East Garage in Albany at 1 a.m. on March 20 and return to Albany after the demonstration on March 21 around 1:00 a.m. Seats are $60 each. There will be partial scholarships available. Reserve a bus seat today. Reservations deadline was by March 10 - check if seats still available. Checks made out to "BNP", can be sent to, BNP, PO Box 473, Delmar, NY 12054 (please include name(s) of bus riders , phone and e-mail address with check). Donations also accepted. More Information: Joe Lombardo at 439-1968

Saturday, March 20, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
TIMES SQUARE. Armed Forces Recruiting Station, 44th St & 7th Ave
DEMONSTRATION: FIRST DAY OF EIGHTH YEAR OF IRAQ WAR
Please join the Granny Peace Brigade, CodePink, Grandmothers Against the War, The Granny Peace Brigade, North Manhattan Neighbors for Peace & Justice, NYC War Resister's League, Peace Action of NYS, and West Side Peace Action, on the first day of the eighth year of the war on Iraq to demand that the U.S. troops withdraw.
How many Iraqi civilians killed? 95,593-10,4291
How many ISF (Iraqi State Forces?) 9408
How many American soldiers killed? 4382
How many coalition soldiers killed? 4700
TOO MANY - TOO MANY - TOO MANY -TOO MANY
www.grannypeacebrigade.org.

Saturday, March 20, 12:00 p.m.
BUFFALO. Bidwell and Elmwood.
JOIN WOMEN IN BLACK – ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR

Saturday, March 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
ROCKLAND. Nanuet at Rt. 59 & Middletown Rd.
VIGIL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 8TH YEAR OF THE IRAQ WAR
Hosted by the Rockland Coalition for Peace and Justice. These two wars are the enemy of not only the poor, but also the average American people! The Iraq and Afghan wars are the single biggest drain on the federal budget, $1 trillion so far. They have been funded by borrowing and by our tax dollars at a cost to each Rockland family of $22,000 so far! In reality, one in eight Americans, and one in four children, are on food stamps. Last year, 2.8 million families received foreclosure notices . Unemployment rate is at 9.7%. In these wars, 5,393 U.S. soldiers, over 1.2 million Iraqis, and countless Afghanis have died. 41,112 U.S. soldiers were seriously wounded. Nearly 20% of soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Can we continue to let our soldiers, Iraqis and Afghanis die for the wars of aggression? Can we let our children pay for the war debt in trillions of dollars? In the week of March 20, peace groups across the nation will pour into streets calling for an end of wars NOW! Welfare NOT Warfare! For more information, see www.rocklandaction.org.

Saturday, March 20
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY IRAQ MARCH ON WASHINGTON
March 20 is the seventh anniversary of the criminal war of aggression launched against Iraq. The demonstration will demand the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan and Iraq. Instead of war, we will demand funds so that every person can have a job, free and universal health care, decent schools, and affordable housing. The 7th Anniversary of the war in Iraq is the time to make our voices heard.

Sunday, March 21, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
ROCHESTER. East Avenue at Goodman St.
VIGIL FOR PEACE : STAND WITH US AGAINST THE CONTINUING WARS AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
This weekend marks the 7th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq by the United States. The occasion will be marked by protests and vigils in Washington, DC and around the country. Here in Rochester, we are holding a vigil: Who should come? YOU if you don't believe the invasion and occupation were justified. YOU if you want US troops brought home at long last. YOU if you believe military interests have taken control of US national policy. YOU if you believe in renewable energy instead of oil. YOU if you find health care for Americans higher priority than foreign wars. YOU if you believe the world needs to give up the war system. YOU if you want a sustainable future for our country. YOUR CONGREGATION if they believe Peace on Earth deserves a try. YOUR FRIENDS, who will share the US future with you, for better or worse. THE PRESS, if they find the fate or our country newsworthy. This vigil is sponsored by Peace Action and Education, a task force of Metro Justice; Rochester Against War; Progressives in Action; and Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace. Signs will be provided, or make your own.

Thursday, March 25, 5:30 p.m.
GENESEO. The Main Street Fountain
VIGIL AND WALK FOR THE 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. INVASION OF IRAQ
Sponsored by Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace and the Geneseo Ecumenical Coalition for Peace. Co-sponsored by SUNY Geneseo College Democrats

Wednesday, March 17 - 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRAQ WAR
CHRIS HEDGES LECTURES
Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winner reporter, and author of Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle. He will be speaking at two events today. Admission is free.

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library
RESPONDING TO TERRORISM: SHOULD THE WAR ON TERROR BE A WAR?

Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Foreign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by Presented by Hofstra’s Departments of Economics, History, and Sociology, in cooperation with The Center for Civic Engagement, Long Island Teachers for Human Rights, and the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives. For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Department of Economics at (516) 463-5595, or the Long Island Alliance at (516) 741-4360.

7:30 p.m.
MANHASSET. Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock,
48 Shelter Rock Road.
EMPIRE OF ILLUSION: THE END OF LITERACY AND THE TRIUMPH OF SPECTACLE. Part of the Shelter Rock forum. Mr. Hedges will talk about his new book, “Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and The Triumph of Spectacle.” On the 7th anniversary of the war in Iraq, Mr. Hedges will discuss how the Obama Administration “has spent, lent, or guaranteed $12. 8 trillion in taxpayer dollars to Wall Street and insolvent banks; has allocated nearly $ 1 trillion in defense-related spending; and has expanded the war in Afghanistan, increasing the use of drones sent on cross-border bombing runs in Pakistan… Co-sponsored by The LI Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives and Great Neck Peace Action. For more information, contact Margaret Melkonian at 516-640-0980. Directions: From LIE: Exit 35 North (from east) or 36 (from west.) Go north 1 1/2 miles on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on left by white fence. From Northern Blvd: Go south 1/2 mile on Shelter Rock Rd. Entrance on right.

Thursday, March 16, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
STATEN ISLAND. Curtis High School,105 Hamilton Avenue,
and Susan B. Wagner High School, 1200 Manor Road
COUNTER-RECRUITMENT ON PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE NIGHT
Peace Action of Staten Island will be handing out flyers and educating parents about Opt Out. Since some parents and teachers arrive early, it is hoped that some volunteers can arrive as early as 5:00 p.m. If you are able to volunteer, please contact (for Curtis High School) Barbara Walker bwalker1@si.rr.com, 718 727 1767); or (for Susan B. Wagner High School) Elaine Brower mermaid423@aol.com, 917 420-0767.

Sunday, March 21, 1:00 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE Reidy Friendship Hall, The Unitarian Church of All Souls, 1157 Lexington Avenue at 80th Street HAITI: IT’S HISTORY AND POLITICS
Presented by the Peace and Justice Task Force. To understand where Haiti is headed after the unprecedented and devastating earthquake of January 2010, we need to examine its history and politics. There will be a panel discussion comprised of the following speakers: Jean Mirvil, currently a public school principal, who has long-time ties to Haiti, its people, and culture; Emmanuel Coffy, an intellectual property attorney, who has advocated for Haiti for decades. Mr. Coffy chairs the Haitian-American Leadership Council (HALEC), a national civic organization. A third speaker, Dr. Karen Hoover, who just returned from Haiti, March 8th, served as a medical volunteer with the International Medical Corps in Port-au-Prince for 18 days. She will offer a power-point presentation and will share her observations . A Q & A will follow. Refreshments will be served. Free event - donations appreciated.

Sunday, March 21, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE. Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive
PUBLIC HEARING: TRUTH COMMISSION FON CONSCIENCE IN WAR

The Truth Commission on Conscience in War, a national gathering of community and religious leaders, advocacy groups, and artists, will receive personal testimony from veterans and briefings from expert witnesses about moral and religious questions facing soldiers both before and during combat, moral and religious criteria of just war, international agreements governing the justification and conduct of war, and limits of military regulations on Conscientious Objection. Truth Commission proceedings will launch conversations about just war, international law, and greater freedom of conscience for our nation's service members, conversations led by the Commissioners. The Public Hearing will be followed by a Private Session for Commissioners on Monday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside Church and Union Theological Seminary. For more information see www.conscienceinwar.org.

Monday, March 22
DEADLINE FOR NPT CONFERENCE WORKSHOP PROPOSALS
See http://peaceandjusticenow.org/wordpress/2010/01/international-conference-at-riverside-church

Monday, March 22nd, 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
KIPS BAY. 7th Floor, Room 750, Newman Conference Center, Library Building,
Baruch College, 151 E. 25th Street at Lexington Ave.
COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY: EXPANDING ACCESS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES
Hosted by The Center on Equality, Pluralism and Policy at the School of Public Affairs, Baruch College. Please call 646.660.6734 to RSVP

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m. Reception, 7:00 p.m. Program
GREENWICH VILLAGE. Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square Park South at Thompson St.
TORTURED LAW
Presented by the Culture Project’s Blueprint for Accountability series. We’re honored to be co-sponsoring this important night of art and activism with The Culture Project and Alliance for Justice which will focus, in part, on the Fahad Hashmi case that Theaters Against War has been campaigning on for the past six months. We hope you will join us. If you are interested in attending, please rsvp as soon as possible as seating is extremely limited and we’re already filling up. The event is by suggested donation. Co-sponsored by Theaters Against War and Alliance for Justice. Suggested donation: $10.00. RSVP: rsvptorturedlaw@gmail.com. Space is extremely limited. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and not guaranteed.

Wednesday, March 24, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library

WHO DECIDES ABOUT WAR AND PEACE?
HOW DOES THE PUBLIC INFLUENCE FOREIGN POLICY?
Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Foreign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by Howard Dean, former presidential candidate, and Carolyn Heisenberg, Professor of History at Hofstra University. Presented by Hofstra’s Departments of Economics, History, and Sociology, in cooperation with The Center for Civic Engagement, Long Island Teachers for Human Rights, and the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Department of Economics at (516) 463-5595, or the Long Island Alliance at (516) 741-4360.

Thursday, March 25. Reception 5:30, Program 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
KIPS BAY. 7th floor, Newman Conference Center, Library Building, Baruch College, 151 East 25th Street.
CENSUS 2010: THE BIG COUNTDOWN
Sponsored by The Baruch College School of Public Affairs. Panelists Seema Agnani, Executive Director, Chhaya CDC, Stacey Cumberbatch, City Census Coordinator, Tony Farthing, Regional Director, US Census Bureau, Joseph Salvo, Director Population Division, NY Dept. of City Planning. Moderator Sam Roberts, Reporter, The New York Times. Co-sponsor Mexican-American Students Alliance.

Friday, March 26, 7:00 p.m.
MIDTOWN. The Japanese American Association, 15 West 44th Street, 11th floor
KICKOFF PARTY FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL NEW YORK PEACE FILM FESTIVAL
The opening gala includes a screening of a 30 minute cutting of Twice Bombed, Twice Survived Part II, a film focusing on Sutton Yamaguchi, one of the few people to actually experience and survive both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. A number of the film makers whose works will be screened in the festival will be present at

the kickoff. The public is invited, free of charge, but an RSVP for attending the party is requested and should be sent to anyplace@gmail.com or by calling 917-692-2210.

Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27
UPPER WEST SIDE. The New Seminary for Interfaith Studies,
2672 Broadway at 102nd Street.
3RD ANNUAL NEW YORK PEACE FILM FESTIVAL
The two-day festival will screen a total of 9 films, including documentary shorts, full-length documentaries, a feature film, and the 1930 anti-war classic, All Quiet On The Western Front. Ticket prices for the Saturday and Sunday festival are $10 for the day’s screenings. Tickets can be purchased through www.SmartTix.com in advance (212-868-4444) or at the door. For more information visit the NYPFF web site at www. nypeacefilmfest.com.

Sunday, March 28, 1:00-4:30 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE. Riverside Church Assembly Hall, 120th Street and Claremont Ave.
A GRANNY PEACE BRIGADE FORUM:
THE U.S. AND THE ABOLITION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

The African continent and islands within its African Union have signed the Pelindaba Treaty designating their countries as a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone. Other nations in South America, Asia, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Antarctic have also signed similar treaties. They were all commended by the United Nations for contributing to a world free from nuclear weapons, the ultimate goal for the world’s survival as President Obama stated in Prague last April. However, an impediment to that goal is the Island of Diego Garcia within the African Union, the site of one of the most valuable and secretive U.S. military bases overseas. The U.S. signed the Pelindaba Treaty’s protocols in 1996 but after a heated debate did not ratify them. Learn more at our Forum, a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jar. as the United Nations begins its review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in May 2010. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsors include The Mission and Social Justice Ministry of the Riverside Church and the Black Radical Congress, New York Chapter. Endorsers include Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom; Grandmothers Against the War; NYC Metro Raging Grannies, Peace Action Manhattan, Peace Action NYS.

Thursday, April 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Doors open 6:30 p.m.
UPPER WEST SIDE Society for Ethical Culture, 64th Street and Central Park West.
A WORLD WITHOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS: OBAMA'S VISION, OUR MISSION
The Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series presents Phil Donahue, Daniel Ellsberg, Jonathan Schell, Kennette Benedict. Co-hosted by the Peace Action Fund and The Nation Institute. More information TBA. Presented by No War Westchester. A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series event.

Sunday April 11, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
MANHATTANVILLE.At the home of Maiko Gordon & Hugh Casman, 128 Manhattan Avenue (between 105th & 106rh)
COCKTAIL PARTY FOR PEACE ACTION FUND OF NEW YORK STATE.
Speaker: John Nichols: OBAMA AT YEAR ONE - WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?.
Tickets only by RSVP to PANYS office, 646-723-1749.
Presented by Manhattan Peace Action.
A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series event.

Sunday April 11, 2:00 -5:00 p.m.
PURCHASE. At the home of Polly Rothstein, 140 Lincoln Avenue
COCKTAIL PARTY FOR PEACE ACTION FUND OF NEW YORK STATE.
Speaker: Katrina vanden Heuvel: OBAMA AT YEAR ONE.
Tickets only by RSVP to Joanne Robinson, 914-963-1456
or Iris Freed, 914-834-1581.
Presented by No War Westchester.
A Doris Shaffer Memorial Lecture Series event.

Wednesday, April 14, 11:15 a.m.. - 12:30 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD. Hofstra University, Leo A. Guthart Theater, Axinn Library
THE FEDERAL BUDGET IN CRISIS: CHOICES WE FACE
Part of the International Scene Lecture Series entitled A Citizen’s Guide to U.S. Foreign and Economic Policies. Includes commentary by Jo Comerford, Executive Director of the National Priorities Project. Presented by Hofstra’s Departments of Economics, History, and Sociology, in cooperation with The Center for Civic Engagement, Long Island Teachers for Human Rights, and the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives. Admission is free. For more information, please contact Hofstra’s Department of Economics at (516) 463-5595, or the Long Island Alliance at (516) 741-4360.

Saturday, April 24th, 8:00 p.m.
TARRYTOWN. Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 West Main Street
THE KLEZMATICS, WORK O’ THE WEAVERS, PETE SEEGER AND FRED HELLERMAN
IN “KISSES SWEETER THAN WINE: THE GUTHRIE LEGACY CONCERT"

A benefit concert for the Woody Guthrie Foundation and The Sloop Woody Guthrie. The Klezmatics, Work o’ the Weavers, Pete Seeger and Fred Hellerman will pay tribute to trailblazing American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie and others that followed in his wake with musical performances throughout the evening. Actor/singer Rob Tepper will perform a scene from “When the Curfew Blows,” his one-man-show about Guthrie’s life and times and Toronto’s Theresa Tova will join Frank London for some contemporary Yiddish jazz. Tickets are $85, $65 and $45 and available at www.tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org. For more information, artist photos or press passes to the concert, please contact Eva Dilmanian at 646.654.9324 or eva@buzzwordpr.com.

Now through Sunday, May 2
FROM STEAMBURG NY THROUGH SIX NATIONS TO NYC
PEACE WALK FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE FUTURE