OMNI NEWSLETTER: EVENTS, ACTIONS, COMMENT NOVEMBER 13, 2004 OMNI CENTER FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND ECOLOGY Corner of Maple and Storer in Fayetteville in Presbyterian and Disciples Student Center OMNI contact Dick Bennett jbennet@uark.edu 442-4600)(website: www.omnicenter.org) Changing Society for a Culture of Peace. Since peace is not the absence of war, but is the active presence of justice and compassion, a Culture of Peace is created by countering the War System in all of its manifestations. U. S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121. Rep. Boozman at 202-244-3121. WHO IS OMNI Donna Stjerna and Kelly Mulhollan Kelly and Donna are members of OMNI’s Steering Committee; they originated our monthly Coffee House Open Mic in 2002, have helped sustain it for these years, and are now its coordinators; they produced three CDs of original peace and justice songs, one entirely of their own songs, most of them sung at the Coffee House; in 2003 they created our still very active mini-Peace Poles project, resulting in the construction and placement of over 2000 poles; they have played for and provided sound for numerous OMNI events; and they have participated and assisted in countless other OMNI events (food, signs). NOVEMBER 13, SATURDAY, OMNI VIDEO ASSOCIATION At CAT, Studio Class 12 NOON TO 3:00 Contact Gladys Tiffany, Melissa Caffery, or Sky Blaylock. NOVEMBER 14, SUNDAY, 7PM, VIDEO UNDERGROUND, "LIBERTY BOUND" Is the United States bound for liberty, or does it just have liberty bound? On the struggle between those who want a democratic and those who want an authoritarian USA. This is a film about courage and fear, ignorance and knowledge, education and open government or information control. Through original footage, archived footage, and interviews with people such as Howard Zinn, Michael Parenti, and Michael Ruppert, "Liberty Bound" explores recent moves toward fascism. Healthy refreshments served. NOVEMBER 15, MONDAY, 6PM CAT BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON COX CABLE FRANCHISE The CAT Board is taking public comment on the Cox Cable Franchise Draft being presented to the City Council. The hearing will be televised live on the Government Channel 16 and public comment can be made in person at the council chamber or by telephone or E-mail during the telecast. The number to call is 575-8299. City Council Chamber Room 219, City Hall, 113 West Mountain Street NOVEMBER 17, 6PM, MIDDLE EAST CONVERSATION At Multicultural Center, UA Student Union The next OMNI Middle East Peace Conversation will happen Wednesday, November 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Multicultural Center, UA Student Union. Please join us. The first Conversation was exciting enough to repeat, and we have a lot to learn from each other. In our time, those with power speak, and those without power listen. Some of us believe that we can never hope to understand one another until we have each spoken with integrity, and been heard with respect. OMNI Center joins those who believe that for justice to be real, all voices need to be heard. Of the uncounted conflicts going on in the world even as we speak, the conflict in Israel / Palestine can be said to be the flashpoint where cultures collide. None of us are unaffected by this violent conflagration. We see its agony nightly on our tv screens. We listen as our leaders struggle with it. We pay for it in our taxes. We feel its effect at the gas pump. Some among us have first-hand experience of what goes on there. So many diametrically opposed needs are involved that no simple solution can be imposed upon it. The Sponsors of this Conversation don't pretend that this event could act as a solution. Our hope is that our own understanding, and that of our community, can be increased by hearing the stories of our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and telling our own. The Conversation is modeled on a process from the Public Conversation Project, who developed it to deal with intractable conflicts; and the Quaker Women's Conference, meant to heal rifts between Quaker groups. It's a carefully structured program to create space where people on different sides of this divisive issue can feel relatively safe coming together to share their own experiences in a receptive group. --The structure of the process : Meet at 6:00 pm, Welcome. Readings on peace from Holy Scriptures of different traditions. Break into small, facilitated Conversation groups with questions exploring each other’s personal experiences, not opinions. Re-form into large group to report on experience. Buffet meal together --The first Conversation demonstrated for us the power of mutual compassion unleashed when all persons feel they've been truly heard. OMNI and the other co-sponsors hope that we can continue to broaden understanding within our community through this process. Please join us. www.publicconversations.org for information about Public Conversations Project NOVEMBER 17, SIERRA CLUB The Old Timer's meeting next month, 17 October, 7:00 pm at the Powerhouse Seafood Restaurant. The local favorite, "Wildwood" will provide acoustic tunes as we mingle with august elders and brand spanking new members. Give Cindy Sagers a call (479.443.0423) if you would like additional information. NOVEMBER 18, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE 5:30 Potluck, 6:00 Business Meeting. All members and friends welcome. NOVEMBER 25 Thanksgiving yes, but also International Day to End Violence Against Women. In 2005 we’ll pay attention to it. Contact Melanie or Dick if you will help. Two related issues and holding officials accountable from Working Assets: 1) Colombia. According to Amnesty Internat. some 70,000 civilians have been the main victims of the conflicts there, and violence against women is widespread. Apparently U.S. funding for security (over $1 billion a year) only worsens this violence. Action: Urge Rep. Boozman at 202-244-3121 to oppose further funding. 2) Kosovo is now a major destination for women and girls forced into prostitution, despite anti-trafficking legislation in place there. Action: Ask Mr. Boozman and Ambassador John Miller at 202-312-9639 to urge Kosovo authorities to implement the National Action Plan on Trafficking. OMNI’s Steering Committee on Thursday will discuss increasing out attention to the accountability of our officials. MORE CALENDARS Cat Lovers Against the Bomb, Nebraskans for Peace, POB 83466, Lincoln, NE 68501-3466. $15. HAVE A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS YES, you can still receive "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?" and other resources before Advent begins, November 28th. Please order before the 19th. There is a desperate need for Christians to repent of the consumeristic lifestyle prescribed by the dominant culture in which we live. This ministry is helping us to understand what some of the new directions are that we must take if we are to save the planet, have peace in the world, and plot out a future for our children. As you plan your year-end giving, please include Alternatives. "What Does JESUS Want for Christmas?" is now available on audio CD! The 55+ minute CD, a pageant based on "Carols with Justice," is only $15 (including the carols booklet and the pageant script). http://www.simpleliving.org/catalog/Alternatives.html#WWJW4X Or scroll down a bit when visiting http://www.simpleliving.org/catalog/Alternatives.html Will one of you lead an OMNI campaign for a DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS? WAR EXCESS PROFITS TAX Congress member Major Owen (D NY) has introduced H.R. 4825 to additionally tax %15 taxable income attributable to contracts with the U.S. for the war in Iraq. While large corporations net billions from the war, the Bush Admin. cuts funding for domestic programs. For more info. see: http://www.house.gov/owens; www.house.gov/writeerep/ Then write or call Rep. Boozman. OMNI'S NOVEMBER CALENDAR FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE These words were spoken for people living under dictatorships and in the midst of war by the High Lama in the film Lost Horizon: "Light your lantern and keep it aside while mankind goes on destroying itself, and be there when the war is over to relight the lantern and to give us hopes for tomorrow." But since we live still in a country with democratic hopes, we must be constantly lighting lanterns or we will become a dictatorship; this we call Creating a Culture of Peace and Justice. Items in bold are sponsored by OMNI; items in regular type are independent of OMNI or are yet to arranged (volunteers invited). Programs other than those arranged by OMNI are included because OMNI supports other peace, justice, and environmental organizations. Other programs will be added as the month progresses. AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH (OMNI sponsored a lecture in October for Indigenous People's Day.) First Saturday of each month 3pm at CAT: OMNI Media Association. Contact Gladys Tiffany, Donna Stjerna, or Sky Blaylock at CAT. OMNI invites young people to join and will pay for instruction to learn video production and editing. NOVEMBER 1, HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION FORUM ON THE EVE OF THE ELECTION Giffels Auditorium, University of Arkansas A Panel to distinguish between humanitarian and imperial interventions. Professors Steve Sheppard and the Honorable Henry McLeish, Law School. The Bush administration has claimed that the invasion of Iraq made the U. S. and the world safer and better by removing Saddam Hussein as ruler of Iraq. But was the invasion humanitarian in this sense or is that a cover for imperial conquest for oil? What is "humanitarian intervention"? Free parking in the Parking Deck next to the Student Union (drive around by the football stadium) or in Lot 35 on Douglas between Oakland and Storer. NOVEMBER 17, 6:30, CONVERSATIONS II: PALESTINE AND ISRAEL INTERFAITH DIALOG. Gladys Tiffany will again lead an evening of interfaith dialog. NOVEMBER 2, ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 2, ARBOR CARE DAY NOVEMBER 5-7, RUSSILL PAUL YOGA RETREAT IN EUREKA SPRINGS Russill's website: www.russillpaul.com NOVEMBER 7, SUNDAY, 7 PM, OPEN MIC at OMNI. Join us for song and readings. Sing and read yourself! NOVEMBER 8, ACLU CHAPTER BOARD, 4:30 NOVEMBER 8-9 SHORT TAKES AT CAT NOVEMBER 11, VETERANS' DAY 1954 Congress passed a resolution changing the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, recognizing veterans of all the US wars good or bad. November 11, 1921, Pres. Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to honor all warriors. November 13, 1942, Minimum draft age lowered from 21 to 18. November 13, 1956, U.S. Supreme Court strikes down racial segregation on public buses. NOVEMBER 16, INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE NOVEMBER 17, 6:30, CONVERSATIONS II: PALESTINE AND ISRAEL INTERFAITH DIALOG. At Multicultural Center, UofA. Gladys Tiffany will again lead an evening of interfaith dialog. NOVEMBER 18, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE (3rd Thursdays) Potluck 5:30, Business 6:00. All members and friends welcome. NOVEMBER 19, FRIDAY, HOLOCAUST CONFERENCE at Jones Center. 8:30-3:00 NOVEMBER 19-21, VIGIL & DEMONSTRATION AT FT. BENNING, GA to close the SOA. www.soaw.org David Druding and others will be attending: druding@juno.com NOVEMBER 25, THANKSGIVING (UA holidays Nov. 20-28) NOVEMBER 25, INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Contact Melanie Dietzel, Dick Bennett to join the committee. NOVEMBER 26, BUY NOTHING DAY On this day after Thanksgiving USA, the biggest shopping day of the year, instead of shopping, write a "letter to the editor" or act in some way to promote sustainability. Visit www.Adbusters.org or call 800-663-1243. NOVEMBER 28, SUNDAY, 11:00, SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE UUFF SERVICE Sermon by James McCollum at UUFF (he is state pres. of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and son of Vashti McCollum). NOVEMBER 29, U.N. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE Block, Street & Building, Inc. www.blockstreetandbuilding.com Block, Street & Building is an advertising and multi-media design firm for the public interest and the arts. We exist to provide affordable design and advertising services to non-profits, business, and organizations whose aim is to promote democracy, cultural diversity, independent artistic expression, and social and ecological integrity. OMNI’S NOVEMBER CALENDAR FOR A CULTURE OF PEACE These words were spoken for people living under dictatorships and in the midst of war by the High Lama in the film Lost Horizon: "Light your lantern and keep it aside while mankind goes on destroying itself, and be there when the war is over to relight the lantern and to give us hopes for tomorrow." But since we live still in a country with democratic hopes, we must be constantly lighting lanterns or we will become a dictatorship; this we call Creating a Culture of Peace and Justice. Items in bold are sponsored by OMNI; items in regular type are independent of OMNI or are yet to arranged (volunteers invited). Programs other than those arranged by OMNI are included because OMNI supports other peace, justice, and environmental organizations. Other programs will be added as the month progresses. AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH (OMNI sponsored a lecture in October for Indigenous People’s Day.) First Saturday of each month 3pm at CAT: OMNI Media Association. Contact Gladys Tiffany, Donna Stjerna, or Sky Blaylock at CAT. OMNI invites young people to join and will pay for instruction to learn video production and editing. NOVEMBER 1, HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTION FORUM ON THE EVE OF THE ELECTION Giffels Auditorium, University of Arkansas A Panel to distinguish between humanitarian and imperial interventions. Professors Steve Sheppard and the Honorable Henry McLeish, Law School. The Bush administration has claimed that the invasion of Iraq made the U. S. and the world safer and better by removing Saddam Hussein as ruler of Iraq. But was the invasion humanitarian in this sense or is that a cover for imperial conquest for oil? What is "humanitarian intervention"? Free parking in the Parking Deck next to the Student Union (drive around by the football stadium) or in Lot 35 on Douglas between Oakland and Storer. NOVEMBER 17, 6:30, CONVERSATIONS II: PALESTINE AND ISRAEL INTERFAITH DIALOG. Gladys Tiffany will again lead an evening of interfaith dialog. NOVEMBER 2, ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 2, ARBOR CARE DAY NOVEMBER 5-7, RUSSILL PAUL YOGA RETREAT IN EUREKA SPRINGS Russill's website: www.russillpaul.com NOVEMBER 7, SUNDAY, 7 PM, OPEN MIC at OMNI. Join us for song and readings. Sing and read yourself! NOVEMBER 8, ACLU CHAPTER BOARD, 4:30 NOVEMBER 8-9 SHORT TAKES AT CAT NOVEMBER 11, VETERANS’ DAY 1954 Congress passed a resolution changing the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, recognizing veterans of all the US wars good or bad. November 11, 1921, Pres. Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to honor all warriors. November 13, 1942, Minimum draft age lowered from 21 to 18. November 13, 1956, U.S. Supreme Court strikes down racial segregation on public buses. NOVEMBER 16, INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE NOVEMBER 17, 6:30, CONVERSATIONS II: PALESTINE AND ISRAEL INTERFAITH DIALOG. At Multicultural Center, UofA. Gladys Tiffany will again lead an evening of interfaith dialog. NOVEMBER 18, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE (3rd Thursdays) Potluck 5:30, Business 6:00. All members and friends welcome. NOVEMBER 19, FRIDAY, HOLOCAUST CONFERENCE at Jones Center. 8:30-3:00 NOVEMBER 19-21, VIGIL & DEMONSTRATION AT FT. BENNING, GA to close the SOA. www.soaw.org David Druding and others will be attending: druding@juno.com NOVEMBER 25, THANKSGIVING (UA holidays Nov. 20-28) NOVEMBER 25, INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Contact Melanie Dietzel, Dick Bennett to join the committee. NOVEMBER 26, BUY NOTHING DAY On this day after Thanksgiving USA, the biggest shopping day of the year, instead of shopping, write a "letter to the editor" or act in some way to promote sustainability. Visit www.Adbusters.org or call 800-663-1243. NOVEMBER 28, SUNDAY, 11:00, SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE UUFF SERVICE Sermon by James McCollum at UUFF (he is state pres. of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and son of Vashti McCollum). NOVEMBER 29, U.N. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE