OMNI NEWSLETTER: EVENTS, ACTIONS, COMMENT
AUGUST 13, 2005 BUILDING A CULTURE OF PEACE


If you would prefer to read the newsletter on OMNI’s website, tell me, and I will delete you from the mailing list. OMNI’s web site: www.omnicenter.org Click on Read the OMNI Newsletter.


I usually have a section on CONGRESS WATCH, but almost all the entries in each Newsletter are aimed at our congressional representatives. Tell them your views by personal visit to their local office (Boozman and Lincoln), phone, fax, email, letter.


I am organizing the material roughly in three parts: upcoming local events; news and comment about Arkansas; news and comment about the nation and world. Send me your announcements and comments.


AUGUST 14, SUNDAY, PUBLIC PROTEST AGAINST THE WAR

10 TO 11 A.M. intersection of College and Dickson, near 4 churches, asking Christians to turn away from their nationalistic Jesus and militarized Christianity and turn to the peacemaking Jesus and to the Prophets Amos et al.


AUGUST 14, SUNDAY, VIDEO UNDERGROUND, OMNI 7PM

Hotel Rwanda. Ten years ago some of the worst atrocities in the history of mankind tookplace in the country of Rwanda. In only three months, one million people were brutallymurdered. In the face of these unspeakable actions, an ordinary man summons extraordinary courage to save the lives of over a thousand helpless refugees, by granting them shelter in the hotel he manages. Show Time: 121 Minutes



AUGUST 15, MONDAY, INTERWEAVE, UUFF’S glbt group

At UUFF’s Annex, 6:30 Potluck every third monday of each month.



AUGUST 15 AND 16 filming Short Takes at CAT. 5 minutes for peace, justice, and environment. And every Monday at 5:30 and Tues. noon.



AUGUST 18, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE, at OMNI

5:30 potluck, 6:00 business. All friends of world peace, social justice, human rights, and species and earth stewardship are welcome.



AUGUST 20 OMNI ON THE RADIO

Don Elkins on “Arkansas Tonight,” live radio call-in show on KFAY – AM 1030—from 6 to 8 p.m. will interview Chris (Elvis impersonator war protester) and others on the subject of the U. S. leaving Iraq.



AUGUST 25, PATRIOTS FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES COMMITTEE, 7PM OMNI

Letter writing, come help us. Snacks provided furee. (This Committee is working to reduce the harms of the Patriot Act.)





AUGUST 26, ANDREW RICE Speaking on Forgiveness, at OMNI, 7p.m.

Please make an announcement at your church, put in next Bulletin, and on the BB. This commences OMNI’s FALL FORUMS.

THE POWER OF RECONCILIATION By Andrew Rice
ANDREW RICE is member of the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows steering committee, and has worked tirelessly over the past 3 years as a proponent for a legal, humane, and rational response to attacks of September 11th, 2001. Peaceful Tomorrows was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 and 2004.
Andrew has spoken in 15 states, and in South Africa, and has been interviewed by the BBC, CBC, MSNBC, Fox News, and has written op-ed columns for the Oklahoma Gazette. Andrew was awarded the 2004 Angie Debo Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ALCU of Oklahoma. He runs the Progressive Alliance in Oklahoma City. Andrew was featured in the international exhibit, THE FORGIVNESS PROJECT (www.theforgivenessproject.com). Andrew has a Masters in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School.
On September 11th, Andrew’s older brother, David Rice, was killed in the World Trade Center, where he worked for the investment firm Sandler O'Neill. David was a former Fullbright Scholar in South Africa. He was 31-years-old when he was killed.
Andrew is married to Apple Newman Rice, who was born in Fayetteville in 1972. They had their first child, Noah David Rice, on Dec. 7th, 2004. Andrew has recently announced his campaign for the Oklahoma State Senate. To learn more, visit: www.andrewforoklahoma.com



SEPTEMBER 6, Tuesday, FORUM ON WAR MADE EASY

Pentagon-White House-Media War Complex. A panel will discuss the new book, War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death by Norman Solomon. The Forum will take place at the home of Nancy Maier beginning at 6:30 to get acquainted and snacks and drinks, Forum beginning at 7:00. Panelists are: Nancy Maier, Prof. Patsy Watkins (Journalism), Larry Woodall, and Prof. Gerry Sloan (Music). Nancy’s address is: 951 Missouri Way, Fayetteville, 72701. To get there: on Mt. Sequoyah, one street down from Assembly and Skyline; home: 521-5678; e-mail: ncmaier@cox-internet.com From Marvin's IGA on College and Lafayette, turn left (if coming from the north) and go east on Lafayette for about six blocks. (Do not turn left onto highway 45 or Mission) Instead continue up Lafayette and take the first right which is Dogwood. Travel about 1/4 mile on Dogwood. Turn right on Missouri Way (first real street on the right). My house is the third house on the left with Welcome sign. Parking: across the street, in my driveway, or come with a friend. Please put the date on your calendar and save these directions. The book has been ordered by the Fayetteville Public Library and should be here before the end of August.



SPECIAL INVITATION TO CRAWFORD

Friday night I received a call from Sherry Hubbell in Springfield, Mo, saying she intended to drive to Crawford, TX, and welcomed company. jameshubbell@sbcglobal.net; 417-869-7299; cell: 417-766-9825.



OMNI UA

OMNI UA was established in the spring semester of 2005. While originally being considered a launch pad for a peace festival, the chapter is devoted to its broader goal; engaging the university community in OMNI’s events. Tables can be set up outside the UNION to publicize events, as well as billboards, and in general, OMNI UA will use our status as an RSO (registered student organization) to utilize the university’s resources for OMNI, in its efforts to bring about a culture of peace. OMNI UA has 31 members.



OMNI HOME PEACE PLACES

We now have 20 Home Peace Gardens, going for 30. There’s probably nothing you can do as effective for peace with so little effort as participating in our network. Send Dick the name of your Peace Garden, year begun, location, brief description.



AVOIDING MILITARY RECRUITERS

Parents can request schools to excude their children from the militrary recruiters data bases. Schools must comply or risk loss of federal funding. Here is a sample letter taken from this web site
(http://mothersagainstthedraft.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=18&id=144&Itemid=152 ):
Your Full Name, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code
(Date)
Name of School, Attn: Administrator, School Address, City, State, Zip

OPT-OUT REQUEST
Dear Administrator:
I am writing on behalf of my child, (insert child’s name), to request that you do not make my child’s name, address or telephone listing available for military recruitment purposes as is provided for under Paragraph 2, Subsection (a) of Section9528 of Public Law 107-110. I look forward to your prompt response to this letter.
Thank you for your assistance,
(Your Signature)
(Type or Print Your Full Name) (from Ladeana)



WAL-MART WATCH
--Kirsten Hancock, regional organizer of Wal-Mart Watch, will be in Arkansas the week of August 16-, arriving in Fayetteville Wednesday. If you wish to talk with her or arrange a group meeting, contact Greg Moore: greg@blockstreetandbuilding.com 130 E. Mountain, 72701 Phone: 521.4706

--Greenwald, Robert. “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices.” Documentary film. Rev. TMN (8-6). Wal-mart stores are an “assault on families and American values.”

--Alison Vekshin, “Watching Wal-Mart Always: Anti-Retailer Groups Gain Traction.” TMN (8-7, p. 1D. Discusses Wal-Mart Watch and Wake-Up Wal-Mart (go to google for further info. about them).

--WHISTLE BLOWER

The attempt by Jared Bowen to expose wrong-doings by Wal-Mart (he claims he was fired for alleging exec. fraud) and Wal-Mart’s response (digging up dirt on his past) offer an education about whistleblowing. Let’s watch closely how this case turns out. Here are a few books on the subject of whistleblowing: A. Ernest Fitzgerald, High Priests of Waste and The Pentagonists; Glazer and Glazer, The Whistleblowers; Peters and Branch, Blowing the Whistle. Whistleblowers and investigative reporters are among our best backup for an honest and democratic society (Ms. Hancock might add unions), but the front line will always be you and I.



THE POOR IN ARKANSAS OR ROADS?
This newsletter has often reported on the real needs of Arkansas—and the world. According to TMN (“Uninsured Numbers Rising” by Rob Moritz, 8-9), 17% of Ark. residents lack medical coverage. Meanwhile, the highways advocates—a collusion of public officials, developers, and construction company owners—drive onward without proper public discussion of the many more pressing NEEDS of Arkansas, or of the alternatives to more cars/highways.

TECHNOLOGY AND MILITARISM

The UofA sponsored a conference on nanotechnology. One speaker urged cooperation between nano researchers and silicon-based technology. The UA , of course, is strongly oriented to support US corporate capitalism. Its interest is also sparked by a $3 million contract with the Department of War. In the account in TMN (8-9), no mention was made, no questions asked apparently about the value of nanotech to peace, justice, and the environment, or about the possible consequences of this technology in making future weaponry and wars even more destructive.



VIOLENCE IN FAYETTEVILLE: HOMOPHOBIA
Jenifer Royer was beaten on Dickson St. apparently by a homophobe. (TMN 8-9). OMNI can help by continuing to support public acceptance of difference, of diversity through education and coalition building. The Pride parade and picnic, UUFF’s Interweave, and other activities are positive beginnings.

LOCAL PEACEMAKER and Sustainable Builder
NAT (7-24) reported on Joy Fox’s 5th Cob Fest, building a hut with a mixture of clay, sand, and straw. Joy founded Wattle Hollow Retreat and Meditation Center near Winslow.



GRASSROOTS MILITARISM
--Every newsletter contains something on US militarism. Grassroots militarism focuses on local militarism, how it pervades every county and town.
--George Arnold in “American Warriors” (ADG 7-26) praises John Walton of Bentonville as a true combat hero during the VN War. ADG’s cartoonist Deering pictures the Ohio National Guard raising their flag in the famous Iwo Jimo victory pose, equating the invasion of Iraq with US in WWII.
--The Siloam Springs Museum is showing WWII memorabilia loaned by a local collector.



RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM WATCH
The new film Heart of the Beholder by Ken Tipton examines the increasing power and abuse of power of religious extremists in the U. S. www.beholder.com Rev. Free Mind (Aug. Sept. 2005) p. 11. Rev. Floyd of First Baptist in Springdale and Rogers is an extremist. I urge you to read—or go see—his sermons, and report to our Newsletter and to newspapers.



CLINTON SCHOOL OF PUBLIC SERVICE

The opening of this School in Little Rock appears to be good news for a peaceful and just future. The first class of 16 left jobs from 11 states and 2 foreign countries to attend. Let’s help it develop for world peace, social justice, and environmental stewardship.



IRAQ WAR WATCH IS CONGRESS WATCH

Call the White House comment line: 202-456-1111. Call Congressman Boozman (202-225-4301; fax: 202-225-5713) and Senators Lincoln (202-224-4521) and Pryor (202-224-2353).
--COSTS OF THE WAR: This needs wide dissemination, especially to our Arkansas congresspeople and party leaders: http://costofwar.com/

--Other sources of information about the Iraq War and Occupation:

The Nation, www.thenation.com: for those calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq;

Pacifica Radio Foundation, www.pacifica.org: life of Iraqis as they live and work under the occupation; Iraq Daily, part of World News Network, www.iraqdaily.com: includes Iraqi civilians, US military, non-governmental orgs., UN.

--Families of killed and maimed US soldiers opposing war. See Deb Riechmann, “Dead Soldier’s Mother Protests War,” TMN (8-7). Cindy Sheehan, mother of soldier killed in Iraq, is protesting at Bush ranch, demanding to ask him personally, “Why did you kill my son?” Also “Fallen GI’s Mother Maintains Peace Vigil,” TMN (8-8, 1B). You can listen to the story on NPR at the following link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4791911; or you can read the story at
http://www.iconoclast-texas.com/News/2005/31-40/32news01.htm; or you can visit this website for more info
http://www.crawfordpeacehouse.org/index.html (thanks to Chris).

--Another returning soldier declares he was proud to go to Iraq in order to defend US freedom! (TMN 8-9). The ignorance or willful blindness of many of our soldiers is astonishing; and it is a tribute to the effectiveness of the Bush Admin.’s propaganda machine. OMNI—as has the peace movement long before the invasion—has tried to educate the public about the facts of the war and occupation, that they have nothing to do with US safety and freedom. But many soldiers don’t get it. If you have an idea for an additional approach, come to OMNI’s Steering Committee the 18th and lead the way.

--The 1991 Iraq War and the 2003 Iraq War are alike in the myths used to justify them. I ran across an AFSC booklet on the contorted, illogical myths used in 1990 to persuade the gullible public to go to war (“Lessons of the Gulf War”). Those myths were used again for the 2003 invasion, and are still part of the Bush Admin.’s propaganda for the war. The strength of these (and other) myths could be the subject of an OMNI Fall Forum.





HELPING THE VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL INVASION OF IRAQ AND OCCUPATION
Two war-injured Iraqi children will travel to Pittsburgh and Orlando for medical treatment. Two injured Iraqi children will soon travel to Pittsburgh and Orlando to receive treatment for injuries sustained in US attacks on Fallouja and Al Qaim. To see photographs of the children and to learn about their medical needs and the facts regarding their injuries: www.nomorevictims.org/InjuredChildren.htm Information about other injured Iraqi children who need help has been posted at the site and will be updated frequently. To learn what you can do, visit www.nomorevictims.org. OMNI will need a coordinator and money.



FREE SPEECH TV (brought to you by OMNI)
Note: You observe me week after week reporting and commenting on what The Morning News reports and advocates. TMN offers significant content. But when you watch FSTV you realize how extremely little TMN covers.
A sample of the programs this week:
--George Lakoff speaking to progressives about how to take back the language of politics from the right wing. During the past 30 years the right wing has created 43 think tanks one of the purposes of which is to dominate political language and debate. I think the film is entitled “Framing the Issues.” (What language would you particularly change? We should stop saying America and say North America? We should referring to the Department of Defense and say Department of War? And always make a distinction between State Terrorism and indiv./small group terrorism?)
--Film on remnants, after-effects of wars—dioxin in Vietnam, unexploded bombs in Bosnia, esp. Sarajevo, and many more examples. By Canadian Film Board
--“Shadows of Liberty”: shrewd take off on Boston Tea Party (a protest against the East Indian Co.’s monopoly of tea, in collusion with British politicians) to criticize the World Trade Organization, which gives big corporations even more power over the government/public to take from small businesses and the public. Offers 12 reasons to oppose WTO. www.dumpintheharbor.org
--“Manufacturing Consent.” The great film about Noam Chomsky, who never appears in TMN.
--Every week FSTV has programs on glbt. E.g., film on gay marriages, “Give Yourself to Love,” I think was the title (www.freedomtomarry.tv). See also: www.lambdalegal.org and www.turnout.org



AETN CH. 13 and Brancuccio’s (formerly Moyers’) NOW program on Friday nights. This is AETN’s fundraiser period, so phone to say how much you like NOW. 1-800-662-2386.



ECOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL HERO
--TNYT (8-7) has an article on Douglas Tompkins, who created the huge Pumalin Park in Chile. He is also providing another large tract of land to Chile for a National Park and Chile’s first marine sanctuary. Thompkins founded the Foundation for Deep Ecology, whose philosophy is that “human interference with nature has provoked looming global disaster.” Causes? “…our economic model and our ecological illiteracy, our overexpansion, our dangerous technologies that [damage our] ecosystems, our consumption patterns.” Perhaps next Earth Day we will focus on ecological heroes. (Two years ago we brought in an outstanding scholar and activist for protection of animals; last year another expert and impassioned critic of industrialized farming and proponent of local farming.) We will need a coordinator, by the way.
--AIRPLANE C02 (from “Harper’s Index”): “Tons of CO2 emissions that would be replaced each year by a proposed windmill project on Long Island: 235,000. Tons produced each year by a single jumbo jet making a round-trip trans-Atlantic flight daily: 210,000.” CO2 emissions produced by XNA?
--County officials are waking up to the need for regulation of land and water in NWA. TMN 8-10 6A, “Watershed Protection Plan Proposed,” had an amazing report on the report to the Benton County Environmental Committee by Tom Wilkerson and Hugh Earnest representing the Beaver Lake Water District and watershed. They recommend an ordinance “to officially recognize the lake’s watershed area in Benton County as a protected area. The plan would also create highly restricted buffers a50 feet on either side of streams within the watershed.” Also see MN 8-11 “Land Use Regulations Proposed,” on work by the Protecting Agricultural and ruaral Areas Task Force, Co-Chairs Randy Laney and H. L. Goodwin, Jr.



CODEPINK
From Medea Benjamin: If you would like to stay in touch with CODEPINK, sign on at www.codepinkalert.org To be involved with a new local codepink group, contact Rachel Townsend-Moore at rachelandgregmoore@yahoo.com

SEX EDUCATION USA AND EUROPE
Tom McMahon in “Kid Tips” (TMN, I missed the date) reports: “The U. S. continues to have the worst track record for teen sexuality of all industrialized countries. Each year we have the most teen pregnancies (900,000), the most teen sexually transmitted diseases (3.5 million) and the most teen abortions (400,000). He applauds abstention, “but we must have better programs.”

VIETNAM WAR PEACEMAKING
-- The 34-year-old antiwar documentary, "Winter Soldier" (about the Vietnam War) is about to get its first significant theatrical release in the United States.
--NAT 7-4 gave a lengthy report on VN vet Jim Buckner’s return to Vietnam as part of the TOP Tours of Peace Vietnam Veterans.

USA AND CUBA
The US has bullied Cuba for decades (tried to invade it in 1964, economic embargo continues). Yet despite the medical embargo, the Cuban health-care system, using natural treatments and herbs, is better than that of the US by many indices: lower cost (per person US $4,180, Cuba $185), lower infant mortality, equal life expectancy, fewer patients per doctor, fewer AIDS cases, and more infant immunizations (source: Ode Sept. 2005). Another unexpected result of US persecution of Cubans, reported in an earlier newsletter: the extraordinary development of organic agriculture. Yes, Pres. Castro is a dictator, but that has been no impediment to our alliances with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and a dozen other undemocratic nations.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ARTS
Music Mayday promotes music and art from the Netherlands to Africa to bring young people together and for acceptance of diversity. www.musicmayday.org (from Ode Sept. 2005).


OMNI SEEKS A WORLD FREE OF WAR AND THE THREAT OF WAR, A SOCIETY WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL, A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERY PERSON’S POTENTIAL MAY BE FULFILLED, AN EARTH RESTORED. WORLD PEACE, HUMAN RIGHTS, SOCIAL and ECONOMIC JUSTICE, ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP.