The Peace and Justice Community Calendar

Table of Contents (details follow):
PPJC-Sponsored Events
Wednesday 23-Jun - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Tuesday 06-Jul - Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Friday 09-Jul - Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Other Groups' Events
Saturday 19-Jun - Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday 19-Jun - Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Sunday 20-Jun - Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Wednesday 23-Jun - International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday 23-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday 24-Jun - Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday 24-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Sunday 27-Jun - Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
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PPJC Event Details
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Peter Beinart - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church
505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
An author event with
PETER BEINART
Senior Political Writer for The Daily Beast // Associate Professor of Journalism and Political Science, City Univ. of New York // Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
$5 ~ $15 Sliding Scale / Wheelchair Accessible
Copies of "The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris" will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
hu·bris (hyu'bris) n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
In The Icarus Syndrome, Peter Beinart tells a tale as old as the Greeks -- a story about the seductions of success. Beinart describes Washington on the eve of three wars -- World War One, Vietnam, and Iraq -- three moments when American leaders decided they could remake the world in their image. Each time, leading intellectuals declared that history was over, and the spread of democracy was inevitable. Each time, a president held the nation in the palm of his hand. And each time, a war conceived in arrogance brought untold tragedy.
In dazzling color, Beinart portrays three extraordinary generations: the progressives who took America into World War I, led by Woodrow Wilson, the lonely preacher's son who became the closest thing to a political messiah the world had ever seen. The Camelot intellectuals who took America into Vietnam, led by Lyndon Johnson, who lay awake at night after night shaking with fear that his countrymen considered him weak. And George W. Bush and the post-cold war neoconservatives, the romantic bullies who believed they could bludgeon the Middle East and liberate it at the same time. Like Icarus, each of these generations crafted "wings" -- a theory about America's relationship to the world. They flapped carefully at first, but gradually lost their inhibitions until, giddy with success, they flew into the sun.
But every era also brought new leaders and thinkers who found wisdom in pain. They reconciled American optimism -- our belief that anything is possible -- with the realities of a world that will never fully bend to our will. In their struggles lie the seeds of American renewal today. Based on years of research, The Icarus Syndrome is a provocative and strikingly original account of hubris in the American century -- and how we learn from the tragedies that result.
Peter Beinart is associate professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York and a senior fellow at the New America Foundation. He is the senior political writer for The Daily Beast and a contributor to Time. Beinart is a former fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and is the author of The Good Fight. He lives with his family in Washington, D.C.
Presented by
Peninsula Peace and Justice www.PeaceandJustice.org
and
The Commonwealth Club www.commonwealthclub.org
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=Icarus_Syndrome_June_23
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Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Tuesday, July 06 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Community Media Center
900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Global Giants in Turmoil: China and India confront growing popular upsurges amid growing government repression
A conversation with Robert Weil and Dave Pugh
Political Analysts, Activists
The broiling social situation in China is much in the news these days. This month's forum will examine both China's internal conditions and its relations with the U.S. and globally. Despite its ability to get through the current economic crisis relatively better than most, new weaknesses have been exposed, and its ability to maintain a "harmonious society" are under growing challenge. Though its relationship to the U.S. waxes and wanes, there are also deepening contradictions there.
The situation in India is even more explosive, with a full blown revolutionary struggle -- which calls itself "Maoist" --taking place in the heart of the country. There has been little attention paid to this in the U.S. -- despite its growing ties with the Indian establishment, in part to counter the Chinese. Also little reported is India's "Green Hunt" campaign, which is devastating the civilian population as the Army attempts to shut down the rebel insurgency.
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Arundhati Roy: Walking with the Comrades
The antagonists in the forest are disparate and unequal in almost every way. On one side is a massive paramilitary force armed with the money, the firepower, the media, and the hubris of an emerging Superpower.
On the other, ordinary villagers armed with traditional weapons, backed by a superbly organized, hugely motivated Maoist guerilla fighting force with an extraordinary and violent history of armed rebellion. The Maoists and the paramilitary are old adversaries and have fought older avatars of each other several times before...
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Our guests are both longtime political activists and analsysts who have spent substantial time recently in India and previously in China. Weil is the author of "Red Cat, White Cat: China and the Contradictions of 'Market Socialism'".
Free and open to all. Wheelchair accessible.
Simultaneous live TV broadcast on cable channel 27, Mid-Peninsula area.
Simultaneous live Internet webcast at the Community Media Center's website:
http://www.midpenmedia.org/watch/stream/ (select channel 27)
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=OtherVoices_July_6_2010
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Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Friday, July 09 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Social Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Cuba Caravan 2010 - End the blockade of Cuba!
Here's how you can help this year's "Friendshipment" to Cuba...
1. Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan.
You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
2. Donate material aid to go on the caravan to Cuba. (Follow the URL in this listing for info on donating material aid.)
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center & the Social Action Committee of UU Fellowship Redwood City
Many of us hoped that President Obama's election would bring about some changes in many aspects of US policy -- including the ending of the illegal, immoral, and internationally condemned US economic blockade against Cuba. By now, a year has passed: but the fundamental mechanisms of the blockade remain in full force, with just a few small exceptions. Cuban-Americans are now allowed to more freely visit their families, several cultural exchanges have been allowed, and some bilateral talks have resumed.
But Cuba is still deemed an 'enemy' under the Trading with the Enemies Act. Sales of US products to Cuba are still severely restricted, and sales of Cuban products to the US are absolutely forbidden. Banks and businesses in other countries are still harassed for doing business with Cuba. The travel ban on US citizens visiting Cuba remains.
This cruel and immoral blockade has been in place almost 50 years, and has outlasted 10 US presidents.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. Click here: http://bit.ly/bKNraX
WE HAVE TO STEP UP THE PRESSURE to guarantee that it finally will end under the current president.
Cuba is still, outrageously, on the list of nations that supposedly sponsor terrorism. Meanwhile, bills in Congress to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba have stalled. NOW is the time to completely end the blockade, the travel ban, and all the measures aimed at starving the Cuban people into submission and overthrowing their government. Our US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan is one of our ways of demonstrating that we will no longer tolerate this cruel blockade!
In July 2010 the Pastors for Peace caravan will travel in school buses, trucks and cars along 13 different routes, visiting 130 US and Canadian cities. At every stop we will educate people about the blockade while collecting construction supplies and tools, medical supplies and equipment, educational and cultural supplies, to be donated to our sisters and brothers in Cuba.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php/Cuba_Caravan2010
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Other Groups' Event Details
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Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Mitchell Park - Pine Grove Area
600 E Meadow, Palo Alto
65th birthday celebration of only imprisoned Nobel Peace (1991) Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We would be honored to have your organization representatives, your friends and families join us on this special occasion and be a part of our BAWA family. American Muslim Voice is co-sponsoring this event.
This year, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is spending her 65th birthday under house arrest again. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate and 2008 Congressional Gold Medal recipient is one of the world's most renowned freedom fighters and advocates of nonviolence.
She is the symbol of peace & democracy and beacon of hope for people all over the world who are suffering under oppression and injustice.
We will celebrate and honor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all the brave women of Burma on Burma's Women's Day. We will also build friendships with people of all faiths/ background to promote peace, justice and understanding.
The Celebration Will Feature:
> A Multi-Faith Prayer Vigil in Various Religious Traditions
> Award Ceremony for Community Service & Human Rights Hero
> Traditional Cultural Performance
> Presentations, Essays/ Poetry readings about Peace by Youths
> Delicious Burmese food. But if you like bring some side dish to share.
This event is sponsored by Burmese American Women's Alliance / American Muslim Voice
Event URL: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111306885579447
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Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 06:30 PM
Queen of Apostles Church Fr. Jim Misfud Community Center
4811 Moorpark Ave., San Jose
Please join CPF for an informative evening and special fundraiser to support the joint project, the 1000 Congregations Campaign. With Special Guests:
Sally Lieber - Former Speaker Pro Tem of the California Assembly
Darryl Stallworth - Former Alameda County Prosecutor

Refreshments: Wine and Cheese
RSVP to Terry McCaffrey, President, California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty at Tel: 650-324-7517, Mobile: 408-515-0341, or Email: terrymc@igc.org
Event URL: http://www.californiapeopleoffaith.org
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Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Sunday, June 20 2010 @ 05:30 AM
Port of Oakland, Berth 57
Middle Harbor Road, Oakland
Join the Labor and Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line Ship-Oakland
Protest Israel's Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla! Boycott Israeli Ships and Goods! Lift the Blockade NOW - Let Gaza Live! Bring Down Israel's Apartheid Wall!
Unions, labor federations and other organizations around the world have condemned Israel's deadly attack against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. Nine people were killed and dozens seriously injured in the Israeli commando attack in international waters on ships attempting to bring humanitarian cargo to the suffering and blockaded people of Gaza. Six people aboard the ships are still missing and presumed dead.
The Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a blatant act of piracy on the high seas. No Israeli ship should now be allowed to carry on trading activity any where in the world without facing picket lines, protests and embargo. Dock workers in several countries including South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Malaysia have declared that they will refuse to handle Israeli cargo in the coming weeks.
Everyone who stands for justice and against occupation and apartheid should join the June 20 picket at the Port of Oakland. This is a moment of great opportunity. In San Francisco in 1984, a picket line and refusal to unload cargo of a ship carrying South African cargo was a key event in mobilizing the anti-apartheid movement worldwide.
Sponsored by: Labor / Community Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine: Arab American Union Members Council, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), Palestine Youth Network, US Palestine Community Network, Al Awda- Right to Return Coalition, Arab Youth Organization, MECA-Middle East Children's Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Solidarity Movement, San Jose Peace and Justice Center, International Socialist Organization, Peace and Freedom Party - SF, Transport Workers Solidarity Committee and many labor activists in the Bay Area (list in formation)
Event URL: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/14/18650718.php
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International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Amnesty International, SF Office
350 Sansome St, #210, San Francisco
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26), enacted by the United Nations, is a day to observe what is being done and what still needs to be done to help survivors rebuild their lives and to end torture. Join Survivors International (http://www.survivorsintl.org/), Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/) & Health Professionals Against Torture (http://www.hpatcoalition.org/) on June 23rd for a film screening!
The Response is a courtroom drama based on the actual transcripts of the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals. Read more about the film here: http://www.theresponsemovie.com/
We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Jess Ghannam as our speaker. Dr. Jess Ghannam is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco and is also Adjunct Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. Additionally, he has been working with the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center on a project evaluating the post-release health effects of detention in Guantanamo.
Refreshments will be provided!
This event is sponsored by Survivors International, Amnesty International & Health Professionals Against Torture
Event URL: http://www.survivorsintl.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Books Inc, Mt. View
301 Castro Street, Mt. View
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by Culture and Conflict Forum
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Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo
300 E. Santa Inez, San Mateo
In April 2009, President Obama declared in Prague, "America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." But he also said that the goal of nuclear disarmament "will not be reached quickly - perhaps not in my lifetime," and, "as long as these weapons exist the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal..."
In April 2010, the central contradiction in Obama's Prague speech played out in his Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), which on one hand walks back the Bush NPR (partly) on when and against whom the U.S. would use nuclear bombs, and on the other hand fully embraces the Bush plan to "modernize" the nuclear weapons complex and arsenal.
Further, Senate Republicans have threatened to hold ratification of the new START treaty hostage to increased funding for "replacement" H-bombs and new weapons plants to produce them. And Obama's budget request for nuclear weapons activities exceeds the Bush budget - and the average U.S. spending on nuclear weapons during the Cold War, adjusted for inflation.
Will enhancing nuclear weapons research and production lead to nuclear abolition? What can we do to move a genuine disarmament agenda forward in the Obama Administration?
On Thursday, June 24, PASMC will present Marylia Kelley, Executive Director at Tri-Valley CAREs (Communities Against a Radioactive Environment), who will address the growing paradox of achieving nuclear abolition in the age of Obama. Marylia is well respected as a nuclear weapons and policy analyst and as a passionate advocate for disarmament, and she has recently returned from the NPT conference at the UN. She will share insights into national and international nuclear issues and stimulate our thinking on strategies needed to win concrete victories over the coming months.
The talk will take place in Beck Hall of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo. Admission is free and refreshments will be on hand. Beck Hall is wheelchair accessible.
MORE INFO: Email: smpa@sanmateopeaceaction.org Phone: 650-342-8244
This event is sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County
Event URL: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Arab Cultural and Community Center (ACCC)
2 Plaze Street, San Francisco
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Susan will discuss the Palestinian history and rights from a literary and personal perspective. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by culture and conflict forum, arab community and culture center
Event URL: http://arabculturalcenter.org/events.html#mornings
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Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
Sunday, June 27 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Palo Alto High School - Student Center
50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto
Meg Bowman, retired sociology professor from San Jose State University and author of many books on women's history, will lead a group of Humanist Community members in a dramatization of an interview with Olympia Brown (1835-1926), the only feminist leader of the 19th Century who survived to vote - when she was 85! Brown had a lifetime commitment to women's rights and was the first woman ordained as a Universalist minister, where she thundered in the pulpit!
This event is sponsored by Humanist Community in Silicon Valley
Event URL: http://www.humanists.org
The Peace and Justice Community Calendar