[Peace] aware minutes 2/28/05

[Susan Davis]

>Aware minutes: February 28, 2005
>
>News of the week
>
>Introductions
>
>New ideas
>
>1.  Cosponsoring "Tim Robbins film " Embedded" -- with student peace 
>action.  Agreed.  Subsequently canceled.
>
>2.  Public access in Lincoln Square.  We met January 9.  Should we reopen 
>the issue?  Susan will post a relevant article by Margaret Kohn.  Durl 
>will seek status report.
>
>3.  Jan Kruse suggests an alternative video night at her house.  She 
>suggests showing "deadlines" Bonhoffer" "Hidden in Plain Sight" and "This 
>Is What Democracy Looks like"
>
>Events of last week:
>
>Sandra: the County Board eliminated the kickback.  This is wonderful, a 
>good win!  It took three months and a lot of perseverance.  The contract 
>is now up for bid.  The Justice committee of the County Board has asked 
>her if she is still calling for an outside investigation of the deaths in 
>custody.  Sandra will appear before the Justice committee to discuss an 
>external investigation.
>
>Finances: $3162.21 is our balance.
>
>Obama/Durbin watch: it's moving gradually.  The committee reports they 
>need help to keep pressure on Obama.  Keep meeting, and keep writing to 
>Obama and keep watching.  THERE'S A UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE Illinois 
>Caucus.  Hammering away at Obama on future legislation and present 
>betrayals (like the vote on Rice).  Mart's open letter was 
>excellent.  Support Durbin's difficult votes.
>
>Prospect for Peace: Ricky.  Saturday is our regular demo.  2 to 4 at 
>Marketplace.  Should we have an extra demonstration March 19?  Dress warmly.
>
>Frank Nardulli: medical cannabis and Naomi Jakobsson.  Spoke with mail me 
>for about 15 minutes.  She gives three reasons why she's against the 
>medical cannabis bill.  Efficacy, too much marijuana allowed per person, 
>and caregiver/Gardner can grow up to 60 plans for up to five 
>people.  Frank argues that these are all unreasonable objections.  They 
>will meet with Jakobsson however.  Frank Nardulli distributes a packet.
>
>The bill requires the following.  A doctor can prescribe.  The Department 
>of Health and Human Services will likely register patients and caregivers, 
>and then marijuana can be grown.  About 200,000 people in Illinois might 
>be affected.  Please support this effort.
>
>Military Advertising and Recruitment at the YMCA.
>
>The YMCA Board of Governors met.  Military recruitment -- there is a 
>moratorium on military advertisement at the why until formal decision can 
>be made.
>
>March 19: we have a permit to use One Main, or the permit is in the 
>works.  Speakers are being lined up.  Meg Miner will be the master of 
>ceremonies.  A poster is displayed: "the Cost of Endless War".  Planning a 
>flier and a poster.  Organizers are asking for $150 for costs.
>
>The discussion follows of the theme "costs of war."  Possibly the idea of 
>emphasizing the cost of war does not reach out to people who believe that 
>the cost of war is worth it because the cause is just.  Discussion of how 
>to refine posters etc.
>
>Media group: we hope to meet -- a schedule of screenings on UPTV has been 
>submitted for March.
>
>UFPJ -- mart attended their conference in St. Louis.  About 500 people 
>were at this very intensive conference, doing networking and 
>business.  It's an umbrella organization.  There are questions about the 
>future.  What is our business question there was a lot of energy, and a 
>lot of militance and a lot of ideas.  We are up to date with our 
>membership apparently.  It is now $100 a year.
>
>The media reform conference: is a Friday Saturday and Sunday in early 
>May.  Go to Free Press web site, or it is announced on the IMC web 
>site.  This is a very dynamic and exciting conference.
>
>Events of the past week: Durl lost, but it was a good try!  About 495 
>Republicans crossed over to vote for Barnes.  The vote was 713 versus 555.
>
>Ricky came very close -- just eight votes.
>
>Ivan's finding it costs $200 just to get his record expunged, even though 
>his case was dismissed.
>
>Student journalists at the University High Gargoyle successfully fought 
>off an attempt at parental censorship.  Great journalism at the gargoyle.
>
>Upcoming events: the UC progressives forum, 7:30 p.m. at the Urbana Civic 
>Center.  Will feature Dr. Robert Boone, David Roediger, and Zoreh Sullivan.
>
>Tuesday, March 8: Norman Finkelstein will be speaking at the law school at 
>6 p.m. on human rights in the occupied territories.
>
>730 on Tuesday March 1: there will be a speaker on Cuba from global exchange.
>
>Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m., the Mennonites are sponsoring an Italian 
>doctor who works with victims of war casualties
>
>Wednesday, March 2 at 9 PM there is a CD release party for Darren Drda.
>
>Bill Ayres and Bernardine Dorhn are at Allen hall all week.
>
>ACDIS 4 pm (date?) Armory's 328: American policy towards Iranian nuclear 
>development.
>
>Meeting adjourned
>
>