WILPF East Bay Branch

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org. Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
East Bay WILPF
PO Box 13266
Oakland, CA 94661

WILPF EVENTS OPEN TO PUBLIC
Beginning in May, we are excited to start having public events of interest to our WILPF members and to other members of the community every other month.  Our first event will be Saturday, May 11th from 2-4pm
at the Rockridge Library in Oakland
(See below for more details)
Our next event will be July 13th from 2-4pm at the Rockridge Library.
We will be sending out more about that in our next newsletter.
Our Planning meetings will be on the 2nd Saturday of every other month
from 10am-noon at Piedmont Gardens
110 41st St. (just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland)
Our next Planning meeting will be Saturday, June 8th

You are invited to join us  in a discussion of
NUCLEAR BUILDUP IN OUR OWN BACKYARD
with Marylia Kelley, Executive Director of Tri-Valley CAREs
Saturday, May 11th, 2-4pm
Rockridge Library (wheelchair accessible)
5366 College Ave (between Bryant Ave & Hudson St), Oakland
5 blocks south of Rockridge BART

Marylia Kelley is Executive Director of Tri-Valley CAREs, an organization which works to end all further nuclear weapons development, testing and production as an important step toward their global elimination.  Her work for 25 years with the group has centered on U.S. nuclear weapons policies, programs and environmental impacts, with a special focus on the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. She has testified before numerous deliberative and advisory bodies, including the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Congress.
Marylia is just returning from Washington D.C., where she was part of a delegation conducting meetings with leading members of Congress and the Obama Administration in the wake of the Fiscal Year 2014 budget request’s increases for nuclear weapons. which were released April 10, 2013. The team aimed to prevent billions of dollars from being spent on ill-conceived nuclear weapons projects that threaten the nation’s nonproliferation goals as well as public health and the environment.
During this  sequester year, Lawrence Livermore Lab’s budget is  increasing  by 18%.   The new plan is to remake and test nuclear war heads driven here and back from Los Alamos in New Mexico. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) request of $7.87 billion for nuclear weapons activities in Fiscal Year 2014 is an increase of $1.145 billion (17%) from the comparable 2013 appropriation.
Many of you have worked as WILPF members for years to eliminate nuclear weapons.    If you are interested in this important issue and want to get the latest information about what is happening in that battle, please join us on May 11th.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 10-4
JOIN US AT THE WILPF STATEWIDE CLUSTER MEETING
in Fresno, Cal. 93711
For more information or for a ride RSVP at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
State Cluster meetings are where you get to meet other movers and shakers in WILPF, hear about common local issues like fracking, GMOs, water, energy, gun control, election reform.
This meeting will include a report from the newly formed WILPF CALIFORNIA core team working on these issues at the state level.

LET OBAMA KNOW THAT SOCIAL SECURITY IS
NOT ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK

Just in case you were wondering, 47% of our tax dollars goes to military expenses and 80% of the debt is from war and military expenses. The relationship between the human cost of endless war and defense profits is becoming more obvious. We are paying the price in cuts for schools, seniors, and in shared resources like health care and parks. The sequester cuts and now the proposed 2014 Obama budget is making changes in how social security benefits are calculated over time. These cuts especially hurt women, the elderly, mentally ill, disabled and poor. See a very good letter and explanation on just what  the administration proposed cuts would be:
http://strengthensocialsecurity.org

ACTION:  Send a letter to President Obama.  Read the information below for ideas of what to say in your letter.  If possible, include a personal story about how important social security has been to you or to friends.  Make it clear that there should be NO CUTS to Social Security.
President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) has shown the current Social Security program is a mainstay for women, and these findings have been supported by research from other organizations. Women are more likely to rely on Social Security because they have fewer alternative sources of income, often outlive their husbands, and are more likely to be left to rear children when their husbands die or become disabled. Moreover, due to the recession, many women have lost home equity and savings to failing markets, leaving them more economically vulnerable and dependent on Social Security benefits. Adult women are 51 percent (28 million) of all beneficiaries, including retirees, the disabled, and survivors of deceased or disabled workers. IWPR’s research shows that women aged 65 and over receive two-thirds of their income from Social Security on average.
In 2009, 29 percent of older women lived on Social Security alone and the program lifted more than 14 million women and men aged 65 or older out of poverty.
A 2010 survey developed by IWPR, with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, found that many Americans, especially women, felt bleak about their prospects for retirement security in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Almost half (47 percent) of all women surveyed said they had little or no confidence that their resources would last throughout their retirement years, compared with 35 percent of men. Only 25 percent of women and 35 percent of men believed they were saving enough for retirement. Especially in the recent economic crisis and slow recovery, American women and men value the support Social Security provides–to such a great extent that they do not mind paying taxes so that the program can continue to help secure the economic stability of retired persons, the disabled, and families of deceased workers.
http://www.iwpr.org/initiatives/retirement-social-security

ONE HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS ONE BILLION PEOPLE IN EXTREME POVERTY
http://www.wilpfinternational.org/3rd-global-day-of-action-on-military-spending-gdams-2013/

15 April 2013 International WILPF press release from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear  weapons:
GENEVA – Nine states spend over US$100 billion per year on their nuclear weapons, while projections indicate that by 2015 about one billion people will be living on an income of less than US$1.25 per day, the World Bank’s measure of extreme poverty. The use of those weapons would wreak havoc to the global economy, undermine sustainable development, and increase existing inequalities.
Every dollar spent on nuclear weapons is a diversion of public resources away from health care, education, and poverty alleviation,” said Geneva-based ICAN campaigner Arielle Denis.
China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, France, India, Israel, Pakistan, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, and United States collectively possess approximately 17,300 nuclear weapons. These states are projected by Global Zero to invest more than US$1 trillion over the next decade to modernize and maintain their nuclear arsenals.
Furthermore, any use of nuclear weapons would have devastating humanitarian impacts. “Aside from the sheer cost of developing and maintaining nuclear weapons, their use would gravely affect development, poverty, hunger, and equality,” said Ray Acheson, member of the ICAN International Steering Group and also editor of WILPF’s “Reaching Critical Will.”     Her chapter in the recently published study Unspeakable Suffering: The Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons finds that a nuclear weapon detonation would damage and destroy lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.  It would result in forced or voluntary migration; interrupt the supply of food and petroleum within the country where the nuclear explosion has occurred; disrupt the global supply of goods, impacting the local economy, and the business sector. These consequences have been highlighted during the Oslo Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons in March 2013, where 130 countries have chosen to confront the horror of these weapons and have realized that they must take responsibility for preventing such catastrophe.

WILPF INTERNATIONAL PLAYS A CONSULTANT ROLE AT THE UNITED NATIONS

For almost a century, WILPF has articulated the need to address the root causes of war and the necessity of women’s participation as being fundamental both to prevention and to ending armed conflict as a means of dispute resolution. A true and sustainable peace will only be achieved when our nations commit to goals of total disarmament, universal human rights, economic, justice and care for our planet; if clarified and implemented effectively, this National Action Plan can act as a powerful tool in achieving these aims.
WILPF has had consultative status with the UN through the Economic and Social Council since 1948. WILPF also has Special Consultative Relations with the Food and Agricultural Organization in Rome, the International Labour Organization in Geneva and the United Nations Children’s Fund in New York. WILPF is represented at UN headquarters in New York, in Geneva and in Paris.
Link to the excellent WILPF-sponsored  PeaceWomen Project based in the WILPF UN Office in New York. www.peacewomen.org
Reaching Critical Will is an initiative from the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom that started in 1999 with a single focus: to increase the quality and quantity of non-governmental organization preparation for and participation in the 2000 Review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Link to Reaching Critical Will http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/

MINUTES OF EAST BAY WILPF PLANNING MEETING
Saturday, April 13,  2013

We discussed the need for more educational programs for our members.  It was decided to try a general event with a program on Saturday afternoons every other month on the odd months . We were able to secure the Rockridge Library.  We discussed the need for a program chairman for our East Bay WILPF branch.  Please contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org  if you would like to help.
We discussed the WILPF East Bay action on tax day April 15. From 4:30-6:00pm at Rockridge BART, we handed out 300 flyers about where our tax money goes, put out by the War Resisters League. http://www.warresistersleague.org. This year there was a lot more interest in the question of “Want to know where your tax dollars are being spent?” Thanks to everyone who came to help.
There was a discussion of the War and Law league commentary that Senate Resolution 65 could drag us into another war. This bill recommends that if Israel attacks Iran “in self defense,” the US will support Israel.  Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein are supporting  this resolution.  To learn much more link to www.warandlaw.org

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
NEW MAILING ADDRESS:
East Bay WILPF, PO Box 13266 , Oakland, CA 94661
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.
You are invited to join us Saturday, April 13th, 10-12am

SAVE THE DATE:  WILPF STATEWIDE CLUSTER MEETING

April 27 10-4, 661 Forkner Ave. Fresno cal. 93711. For more information, overnight housing or a ride , Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org. State Cluster meetings are where you get to meet other movers and shakers in WILPF, hear about common local issues like fracking, GMOs, water, energy, guns, election reform.
This meeting will include a report from the newly formed WILPF CALIFORNIA core team working on these issues at the state level.

TAX DAY ACTION

Join us on TAX Day April 15th 4:30 -6:30 Rockridge BART to hand out flyers about where your income tax money really goes.  It’s a good event and we have had very positive responses from BART riders.

MEETING WITH BARBARA BOXER AIDES

WILPF East Bay, the Gray Panthers, and local peace and community groups met with Barbara Boxer’s staff last week to discuss gun control and drones.
Peace and community groups met with the Senator’s staff to lobby for new and stricter gun law legislation and to oppose the use of weaponized drones.
Tobe Blome from Code Pink, http://codepink.org/article.php?id=5976 just returned from Pakistan, where she had interviewed Pakistanis. She gave an impassioned description of the  negative foreign policy effects of the use of unmanned, militarized drones. Drones are used to kill citizens in at least 7 countries; Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia and Yemen. There are too many unintended victims, many of whom are women and children. It is illegal, immoral and a violation of international law as the bombing by drones is in a country we have not declared war with. It is a violation of the constitutional guarantee of due process. The use is especially cruel, as those people who are there helping victims are also sometimes killed.  The policy is causing “blow back,” especially when events such as weddings, funerals and tribal councils are targeted. Cutting the Drone program is one way to reduce the military budget, which is 67% of the federal budget. Tobe Blome asked for an immediate moratorium on all targeted killing by drones with the goal of an in-depth Congressional investigation into the effectiveness and legality of US drone warfare.
Annie Boddum from East Bay WILPF acknowledged Senator Boxer’s strong statement against assault rifles. Weapons is the United States’ leading export. There are too many guns on our streets and in our homes with too many accidental suicides and homicides  with guns.  She  presented the Children’s Defense Fund report “Save Children Not Guns” http://www.childrensdefense.org
Nwamaka Agbo from the Ella Baker Center, http://www.ellabakercenter.org/ spoke about the organization’s campaigns, including “Books not Bars,” which advocates for local youth and their families, especially around the issue of the high incarceration rates for local youth. It was suggested Senator Boxer could convene hearings in Oakland investigating diminishing resources for inner city youth and gun violence.  Margot Smith from the Gray Panther http://www.berkeleygraypanthers.mysite.com/ s proposed an East Bay Task Force to investigate gun violence in the East Bay.
Rebbeca Griffin from Peace Action West, http://www.peaceactionwest.org/ brought up the proliferation of drone technology as a major concern that has been given far too little attention as the US ramps up its use of armed and unarmed drones. Without international standards around their use, and with a dangerous precedent being set by the US, arms control experts worry about a situation like nuclear weapons where we are struggling to get the genie back in the bottle.
We asked for an immediate moratorium on all targeted killing by drones with the goal of an in-depth Congressional investigation into the ineffectiveness and illegality of US drone warfare.

LETTER TO OBAMA ABOUT DRONES

Support Represenative Barbara Lee on her letter to the President on DRONES.
To see the letter, go to : http://lee.house.gov/sites/lee.house.gov/files/President%20Obama%20Drones%20Letter%203.11.2013.pdf

The letter, signed by Reps. Conyers, Ellison, Grijalva, Edwards, Honda, Holt, and McGovern, seeks a full response and formal report to Congress outlining the architecture of the drone program going forward.  “The executive branch’s claim of authority to deprive citizens of life, and to do so without explaining the legal bases for doing so, sets a dangerous precedent and is a model of behavior that the United States would not want other nations to emulate.”
Representative Lee, Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Peace and Security Task Force said of the letter, “It is far past time that the White House openly discuss the drones program. The President has full reign to protect the United States as Commander in Chief, but Congress has a vital oversight role in this issue, and we cannot shy away from those responsibilities. We have to protect the checks and balances that are at the heart of our democracy.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a former Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and currently serves as CPC Whip and Chair of the Taskforce on Global Peace and Security.

Call Representative Lee’s offices today, thank her and ask her to work diligently on this:  more signatures on the letter, strong anti-drone legislation, a bill to put a moratorium on drone strikes and an extensive congressional investigation and hearing on illegal drone program!
Email or call:  Representative Barbara Lee
(510) 763-0370,  (202) 225-2661 or email https://lee.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

Reminder: Representative Barbara Lee is also a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. Support her and the Task Force recommendations on gun violence.
This task force works with mental health experts, law enforcement organizations, gun owners, and others to discuss and introduce a comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence and strengthen our nation’s gun laws.  Recently the Task Force issued recommendations, available here. http://bobbyscott.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=829&Itemid=62

JACKIE CABASSO SPEAKS OUT FOR NUCLEAR DISARMENT

Jackie Cabasso, Executive Director of Western States Legal Foundation and a local WILPF member, spoke on May 19, 2012 at the NATO-Free Future Conference in Chicago about overcoming obstacles to organizing against nuclear weapons, missiles and militarism in the United States.
You can water her speech on this excellent video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VH4USrDdQ0
This month she has attended the Oslo International Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons March 2013.  The Conference provided an arena for a fact-based discussion of the humanitarian and developmental consequences of a nuclear weapons detonation. Delegates from 127 countries as well as several UN organizations, the International Red Cross movement, representatives of civil society and other relevant stakeholders participated.
“It is unlikely that any state or international body could address the immediate humanitarian emergency caused by a nuclear weapon detonation in an adequate manner and provide sufficient assistance to those affected. Moreover, it might not be possible to establish such capacities, even if it were attempted.
“The historical experience from the use and testing of nuclear weapons has demonstrated their devastating immediate and long-term effects. While political circumstances have changed, the destructive potential of nuclear weapons remains. ·
“The effects of a nuclear weapon detonation, irrespective of cause, will not be constrained by national borders, and will affect states and people in significant ways, regionally as well as globally.”

WE CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY THIS YEAR!
Congress voted for and Obama signed a strengthened Violence against Women Act. The updated version of the Violence Against Women Ac is a measure intended to promote state and local efforts to combat rape and domestic assault.  It will extend new protections to gays, lesbians and Native Americans.

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.

You are invited to join us Saturday March 9. 10-12am

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD TO HELP PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE
Keep the pressure on Congress, Support President Obama.
Eliminate all military assault weapons and multiple ammunition, regulate gun sales with background checks.

WILPF has long protested that the biggest US export is weapons, especially small arms and now drones.  The tolerance of the sale of military style weapons and ammunition to citizens needs to end.
There are examples of other countries changing policies that have worked.  Australia has had no massacres  and a 50% reduction in suicide and murders after they bought back military style weapons and outlawed them.
The issue of gun control is not just a national issue.  It is a local issue here in the East Bay, where too many young people are dying in their homes and on our streets from violence and accidents due to the easy availability of guns and ammunition.
WRITE OR CALL TODAY:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20500
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

Senator Dianne Feinstein            Senator Barbara Boxer
331 Hart Senate Office Bldg.        112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510            Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3841                (202) 224-3553
https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me
https://boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm

GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE

Our own US representative Barbara Lee is a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. This task force works with mental health experts, law enforcement organizations, gun owners, and others to discuss and introduce a comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence and strengthen our nation’s gun laws.  Recently the Task Force issued recommendations, available here. http://bobbyscott.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=829&Itemid=62
Write or call Representative Lee and support her and the Task Force recommendations on gun violence and for reinstating the legislation for Department of Peace
Oakland District Office
1301 Clay Street, Suite 1000-N
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 763-0370
https://lee.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

THE WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE AND FREEDOM IS NOMINATED FOR THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

The International Peace Bureau has nominated WILPF for the Nobel Peace Prize 2013. Whether or not we receive the award, it is worth noting how we are viewed. Among the features that motivated this nomination are the work of Reaching Critical Will (and Disarm), Peace Women on Security Council Resolution 1325, Human Rights and work on CEDAW and CERD.   Our founder Jane Addams received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for her work on many of the same issues.
You may recall that when the three women received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, it was noted that implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 played a role in their successful struggle against violence in Liberia.
Marybeth Gardam, US WILPF Corporations v Democracy Issue Committee Chair writes:
“As always, I am so proud to be a WILPF member.  Honestly, it has been some of the most richly rewarding work of my life, and I am just a ‘whippersnapper’ compared to those who have devoted so much of their lives to this organization and its work for peace.  Of course, think how much more successful our work on all fronts would be if our efforts were not held back consistently by corporate abuse of power and ‘personhood’.  Let us rededicate ourselves to our work in WILPF, no matter which issues on which we each are focused.”

THE PROBLEMS OF THE U.S.’S NEW LOW PROFILE WARS AND HOW THE MILITARY BUDGET CAN BE USED TO BRING PEACE AND SECURITY

The Oxford Research Group has a detailed analysis of the new military direction of the United States: http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/publications/articles_multimedia/remote_control_%E2%80%93_new_way_war/
“The combination of armed drones, Special Forces and private military amounts to a relatively low-profile form of warfare that is often regarded as a cheaper and less accountable means of maintaining security. At the same time the use of drones (UAVs,) in particular, is controversial for several reasons. One is the questionable legality of what may amount to targeted assassinations and a second is the quality of intelligence available to determine the actual targets. For example, there have been many instances of civilians being killed, especially when village compounds have been hit in Pakistan. Third is the ease with which UAVs can be operated without risking the lives of pilots, making their early use in a conflict particularly attractive. Finally, in Pakistan the civilian casualties and the perceived infringement of sovereignty have resulted in bitter public opposition to their use and a distinct increase in anti-American attitudes.
Here are the ORG’s recommendations for peace and security, using funds saved from decreases in the military approach to foreign policy.
1. Aid for sustainable community agriculture, shelter and health.
2. Funding in rural areas and urban areas where the rich and poor divide is spreading  unrest and resentment.
3. Avoid drones and other drivers of resentment and disenfranchisement

For a comprehensive discussion of the problems with drone war see Madea Benjamin speech to WILPF San Jose link to: Part one and part two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRIDDILtcaQ&list=UUiWWLx_yqt4jMZMq5u4g59Q&index=6

EARTH DEMOCRACY AND THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE TOUR COMES TO THE BAY AREA

Nancy Price and other Earth Democracy members on the Precautionary Principle and Guardian of the Commons.  See excellent video of Caroline Raffensperger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHYKBnI-Kfw&feature=youtu.be
The program will connect environmental, legal, social and economic justice issues. Discussion would focus on our particular local issues, such as fracking in the Monterey Valley, risk of nuclear contamination at Livermore Lab and need for GMO labeling.  We will explore these ideas of Guardianship and the Precautionary Principle and how to implement them locally.

NEW WILPF-CALIFORNIA HAS ORGANIZING MEETING IN OAKLAND

A core team of representatives from most of the California WILPF branches met all day on January 19th to work on organizing an exciting new team called WILPF-CALIFORNIA.  WILPF-CALIFORNIA will actively promote legislative bills and ballot measures as determined by consenting California WILPF Branches and at-large members at each Cluster Meeting and by inter-branch communication as the need arises.
A core committee will be empowered to write letters of support, join lobbying efforts, and endorse designated legislative bills and ballot measures in the name of all the California WILPF.  The core committee will organize collective action among the  branches and at-large members with greater efficiency and timeliness than now exists. It will streamline the process of getting endorsements and organizing lobbying.  WILPF-CALIFORNIA will be a line of communication to all the branches for information dissemination, recruiting calls, letters to legislators, and quick decision-making.
Some issues that were discussed were supporting the California Disclose Act; working on the Move to Amend bill; working on state legislation opposing corporate personhood; working on legislation opposing or at least regulating fracking; supporting the New Health Care for All bill; supporting legislation to reduce or eliminate military-style weapons and ammunition being sold in California, as well as requiring extensive background checks; supporting the GMO boycott; working to close down the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant.

ACTION: ELECTION DISCLOSURE
Having just watched  elections with billions of secret dollars spent without disclosure of who  or what organization was spending we are back to the drawing boards to get legislature on disclosure in California. East Bay WILPF approved endorsement of SB 52, the California Disclose Act (Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light On  Spending  in Elections). To download a petition go to California  Clean Money Campaign at www.CAclean.org./ You can also contact Loni Hancock, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 2202
Oakland, CA 94612.  Phone: (510) 286-1333

Minutes of  East Bay WILPF Planning Meeting: Feb 9, 2013

We agreed to give a reminder call a day or two before to our regular planning meetings members.
Members are planning to visit one of our longest and most active members, who has moved to a new residence in Santa Rosa. Madeline Duckles new address is in  Santa Rosa . She would welcome cards and letters from her friends.  Email us for her address.
The Gray Panthers www.WILPFEastbay.org/ are organizing with other peace groups to meet with Senator Barbara Boxer to lobby for new and stricter gun laws legislation and to oppose the use of weaponized drones.   We are hoping representatives from Grandmothers against the War, www.gawba.org/, San Francisco WILPF,  Smart Gun Laws, http://smartgunlaws.org/ Peace Action West, www.peaceactionwest.org/,  and the California office of the Childrens Defense Fund. www.cdfca.org/. can join us.  There was a discussion on the suggestion to also discuss the issue of the use of drones in warfare and the insecurity blowback that drone weapons are causing.

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.
You are invited to join us Saturday, January 12th 10-12am

KEEP THE PRESSURE ON CONGRESS AND PRESIDENT OBAMA

It is still critically important to act now by calling or writing to the President and our Senators.

President Obama, We supported you!  Fulfill your promise to TAX THE RICH, no cuts to social security, increased funding for health care and  education.  Reduce the military budget!

Write or better call today   Or link  and write to the PresidentPresident Barack Obama       http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20500
202 456-1111
It is reported that President Obama and Republican John Boehner appear close to striking a deal that includes a change to Social Security that amounts to benefit cuts of 5 percent or more over several years.  For millions of seniors living on a fixed income, that 5 percent is needed for crucial medicine, food, and daily necessities. And the deal would leave in place some of the Bush Tax Cuts for the top 2% that President Obama previously promised to oppose.
The good news is that we really do have a chance at stopping this bad deal. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/17/a-fiscal-cliff-deal-is-near-here-are-the-details/?print=1

Call Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer right now and tell them not to support a budget deal that includes cuts to Social Security benefits.

Senator Dianne Feinstein        Senator Barbara Boxer
(202) 224-3841                (202) 224-355

MILITARY WEAPONS FOR CIVILIANS NEED TO GO!

In response to the country’s horror over the school killings, we need to resist thinking more guns is the answer to our security. There are 58,000 gun stores in this country.  There are 30,000 gun deaths each year in the US.
WILPF has long  connected the intersection of the profit motives of the military arms industry and the proliferation of military-style weapons available on our streets. Weapons are our leading export. The military budget is 69% of the federal budget.
In 1996 Australia, in response to a massacre in Tasmania that left 35 dead, passed a law banning semiautomatic and automatic rifles and shotguns.  It also instituted a mandatory buy-back program for newly banned weapons.  A recent study found that in the decade after the law was introduced, the firearm homicide rate fell by 59 percent, and the firearm suicide rate fell by 65 percent,  without a parallel increase in non-firearm homicides and suicides.
We need to stand up for sanity and safety and  ask that Gun Control Legislation be introduced that bans all assault weapons, no exemptions, and includes a buyback program that destroys all assault weapons,  That includes a background check for mental health problems, including families with members at risk for suicide.
For an excellent discussion link to:
http://www.kpfa.org/archive/id/87201
For Children’s Defense Fund’s comprehensive gun report link to
http://www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/data/protect-children-not-guns-2012.html

A PROPOSAL FOR A BUDGET FOR PROSPERITY, NOT AUSTERITY
(Edited from United for Peace and Justice)

We believe the solution to the latest budget must include an end to tax cuts for the wealthy; no reductions in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; and major cuts in military spending. This is an opportunity to redefine what is necessary and what is possible. Future generations are depending on us.
Austerity makes economic problems worse, not better. Only strong, effective stimulus measures can remedy the stubborn lack of demand in the domestic economy, create jobs, foster prosperity, and decrease the deficit. Austerity measures in Europe are exacerbating the economic crisis there. Austerity measures lengthened and deepened the Great Depression here in the USA.
Therefore, we reject any deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, and demand policies to stimulate the economy, to fairly raise needed revenues, to rein in out-of-control spending on obsolete weapons, and to end the war in Afghanistan.
We call upon the President, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate to enact policies for “Prosperity Not Austerity.” Specifically, we call upon our Federal Government to:

1. Invest in jobs, education and infrastructure to promote prosperity by enacting legislation to create jobs for all.

2. Let the Bush tax cuts and payroll tax cuts expire, and replace them with a Financial Speculation Tax and fair income tax cuts, limited to the first $250,000 of income.

3. Prevent any cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid including benefits, COLAs, or eligibility–as well as pass legislation to enact expanded and improved Medicare for All.

4. Cut weapons funding by 25%, and responsibly end the War in Afghanistan via the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel.

BLM AUCTIONS OFF PERMITS FOR OIL AND GAS LEASES ON PUBLIC LANDS IN MONTEREY AND OTHER CALIFORNIA COUNTIES  Fracking is getting too close to home!

BLM auctions off permits for oil and gas leases on public lands in Monterey and other California counties. Oil and gas drilling are still protected by an exemption for liability in the Clean Water Act:  chemicals used do not have to be disclosed, millions of gallons of California’s precious water is being used, and fracking may be contributing to increases in earthquakes in other fracked areas.  These are all arguments  that are being ignored by the BLM.  This is beautiful agricultural land. To make matters worse, we are now exporting oil. Exporting is for profit, not self sufficiency.

For more information link to :
www.cleanwater.org/

To read about the Go Fossil Free-Divest From Fossil Fuels Campaign, go to:
www.350.org
To protest:  President Obama at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

THERE IS STILL HOPE FOR CEDAW:  A NEW CONGRESS

We worked to get more women elected to the U.S. Senate and succeeded. Now, we need to support them in affirming the rights of all women. Tell the incoming Senate to halt the piecemeal erosion of women’s rights by ratifying CEDAW.

This petition will be delivered to every senator on January 3, the day the 113th Congress will be sworn in. Our goal is to deliver 50,000 signatures demonstrating that voters in the United States do care about women’s civil liberties and human rights. Sign the petition to ratify CEDAW Now and tell your friends!  Link to:  www.wilpfus on the right side bar.

MINUTES OF WILPF EAST BAY PLANNING MEETING, DECEMBER 8, 2012
We discussed the crisis of the “fiscal cliff”  which we decided to rename the need for fiscal reorganization.  Two reforms were discussed:  no automatic filibusters when the US Senate members can say they are filibustering and then leave the floor which stops all business; the need to reconsider the California Prop 13 requirement of 2/3 vote on any new taxes, which has made it nearly impossible to raise much-needed revenues in California.

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.

You are invited to join us Saturday for  our celebration of Human Rights Day
December 8, 10:00 AM meeting

Join WILPF  Eastbay and write a  postcard to President Obama.  We will be handing them out at Rockridge BART 5-6pm Monday November 19.  Join us there!

Dear President Obama
We supported you! Fulfill your promise to TAX THE RICH to pay for
Social Security
Heath care
Education
“It’s the fair thing to do”

________________________________
signature

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

Write to President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20500
Or link  and write to the President
www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

Or join  Progressive Democrats of American PDA to sign an online petition:  see below  http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/1987/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=8874
Or copy and paste the following  PDA letter to the president and congress which summarizes the concerns of our local WILPF branch discussion on “What Next”.

At this historic juncture, we face an economic and social crisis that requires clarity as we move forward. The solutions must include an end to tax cuts for the wealthy; no reductions in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; and major cuts in military spending.  We have an opportunity to redefine what is necessary and what is possible. Future generations are depending on us.

Austerity makes economic problems worse, not better. Only strong, effective stimulative measures can remedy the stubborn lack of demand in the domestic economy, create jobs, foster prosperity, and decrease the deficit. Austerity measures in Europe are exacerbating the economic crisis there. Austerity measures lengthened and deepened the Great Depression here in the USA. We must not emulate erroneous European policies nor repeat tragic mistakes of the past.

Therefore, we reject any deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid, and demand policies to stimulate the economy, to fairly raise needed revenues, to rein in out-of-control spending on obsolete weapons, and to end the war in Afghanistan.

We call upon the President, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate to enact policies for “Prosperity Not Austerity.” Specifically, we call upon our Federal Government to:

1. Invest in jobs, education and infrastructure to promote prosperity by enacting legislation to create jobs for all.

2. Let the Bush tax cuts and payroll tax cuts expire, and replace them with a Financial Speculation Tax and fair income tax cuts, limited to the first $250,000 of income.

3. Prevent any cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid including benefits, COLAs, or eligibility–as well as pass legislation to enact expanded and improved Medicare for All.

4. Cut weapons funding by 25%, and responsibly end the War in Afghanistan via the safe and orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan of all members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense contractor personnel.

Enjoy solutions for peace and a better world

Our meeting enjoys a monthly presentation of examples of positive, solution experiences.  This month we explored  “Yes” magazine. For an online  example link to Yes Magazine http://www.yesmagazine.org/
Another recommendation was Quaker Action.   This is an American Friends Service Committee publication.  For an online preview link to http://afsc.org/resource/quaker-action-fall-2012
There was a discussion of the value of community garden projects

Write for Rights.  We celebrate Human Rights Day
Join us at our next meeting  Dec  8 for a human rights letter writing event for Amnesty International.  This is an  annual effort to send cards to prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders. This  letter writing  campaign has been very effective in the release of prisoners.  Our  letters will be joined by millions of Amnesty supporters organizing for human rights around the world.  If you are unable to attend you can download and join the 2012 Write-a-thon
http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/campaigns/individuals-at-risk/individuals-at-risk-campaign-resources

From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World:
Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence
WILPF has long connected the militarism and war profits with violence on our streets and in the home.  In response to the “16 days of Activism against Gender Violence Campaign”  sponsored by Rutgers University  and WILPFus.org we voted to ask our members to support our local women’s shelter, A Safe Place.  For more information and to donate link to:  http://asafeplacedvs.org/

Women and Children impacted by economic downturn

“California’s most vulnerable children have been disproportionately impacted by the economic downturn and devastating state budget cuts to education, health care, and social services. Over the past five years, California has made billions of dollars of cuts to programs serving children and families, and children of color and poor children have been hardest hit.

At a time when one in five California children lives in poverty and millions of California children are unable to read or do math at grade level, we cannot afford to make additional cuts to investments in children and further damage an already tattered safety net.

CalWORKs provides cash assistance and job-related services to low-income families, including 1.1 million children. Nearly four out of five CalWORKs recipients are children. CalWORKs has experienced some of the most severe budget cuts and the cumulative impact of these cuts amounts to nearly $4 billion over the last five years. The state has significantly reduced the amount of the monthly cash grant to below $650 per month for a family of three. The state has also limited the amount of time parents can receive cash assistance and tightened work requirements for parents from 3 to 5 years. The CalWORKs grant a family receives today only goes half as far as it did 20 years ago.”
For more information link to Children’s Defense Fund, California
http://www.cdfca.org/policy-priorities/childrens-state-budget-watch/past-updates/slashing-children-from-budget.html

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch
Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.
You are invited to join us Saturday
November 10, 10:00 AM meeting

National Election Tuesday, November 6th    Vote!!!

Last Monday, East Bay WILPFers handed out state voter guides  at Rockridge BART and Kaiser Hospital.  (See guide below) Folks seemed grateful to get peace women’s recommendations.   We will be handing them out again the day before the election, Monday, November 5th from 5-6pm at Rockridge BART.  Come join us.  If you need a ride, email us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
East Bay WILPF suggests vote NO on Prop 35 – WILPF has long help positions against human trafficking, but this proposition expands the definition of human trafficking and will lump unsophisticated street level criminals in with highly organized trafficking cartels. It could also put people who are working with sex workers and other victims at risk of being labelled sex traffickers themselves.  For a thoughtful analysis of this and other propositions, go to the Friends Committee on Legislation:
www.FCLCA.org/legislative-issues/ballot-propositions.html

Ban Uranium Weapons
Change the US UN vote on depleted uranium weapons this Fall

Depleted uranium (DU) weapons are chemically toxic and radioactive conventional weapons designed to pierce armor. They were used by the US in the 1991 Gulf War, in the Balkans in the mid and late 1990’s and again in Iraq in the 2003 occupation. Upon impact with hard targets, DU munitions burn generating a fine dust that may be inhaled by civilians and soldiers alike. Intact munitions or fragments slowly break down, contaminating soils and groundwater.  Since 1991, reports have come from Iraq of increasing numbers of cases of childhood leukemia and birth defects which may be the result of DU exposure. DU contaminates the environment and is very expensive and difficult to clean up.  These weapons are inherently indiscriminate and need to be banned. Other countries are moving to prohibit the use of DU weapons but the US and other DU users are standing in the way of progress.

ACTION:  Go to http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/change-the-us-un-vote-on-depleted-uranium-weapons-this-fall sign the petition to the UN banning depleted uranium.  This was started by a WILPF Cluster.

POETS AGAINST THE WAR

Nancy Hanawi, former professor of Peace Studies at UC Berkeley, in her monthly presentation on Peace at our meeting on Saturday introduced us to Sam Hamill’s  Poets Against the War. This is a selection from over 11,000 poems and statements of conscience that were sent to the White House in response to Barbara Bush’s proposed White House poetry  conference in 2003 during the Iraq War.   This outpouring of anti-war sentiment resulted in the White House canceling the event.

SUPPORT A STRONG VOICE FOR PEACE IN WASHINGTON

Support the creation of a cabinet level Department of Peace,
HR 808 Department of Peace Act of 2011, introduced in 2011 by Rep Kucinich, Dennis J. [OH-10] with 63 cosponsors.
The Department of Peace and Nonviolence would serve to promote non-violence as an organizing principle in our society, and help to create the conditions for a more peaceful world.  It would include the establishment of a “Peace Day,” in which all citizens will be encouraged to observe and celebrate the blessings of peace and endeavor to create peace on that day.
Additionally, in the 111th Congress the bill language was updated to reflect the many advances in the study of conflict resolution and analysis since 2001. Congressman Kucinich has added a “Cultural Diplomacy for Peace Grant” program under which the Secretary shall make grants to schools, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations to develop international cultural exchanges, including the arts and sports.  Congressman Kucinich is hopeful that this grant program will promote diplomacy and cultural understanding between the United States and members of the international community.

From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

WILPF-US joins the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgars University. They are pleased to share with you the Take Action Kit for the 2012 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign Nov 25-Dec 10. This year’s Campaign continues with the global theme, “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World,” and marks our third year of advocacy on the intersections of gender-based violence and militarism. Militarism remains a key source of gender-based violence, and has grave consequences for the safety and security of our society as a whole, including women, children, and men. As the Campaign’s global coordinator, CWGL looks forward to engaging with participants to challenge militarism and explore the deep socioeconomic structures that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Building on feedback from participants during the 2011 Campaign, this year’s 16 Days Campaign highlights three priority areas: (a) violence perpetuated by state actors; (b) domestic violence and the role of small arms; and (c) sexual violence during and after conflict.
The 16 Days Campaign provides an opportunity to reflect on what we, as women’s rights activists, can do to hold our governments to account and challenge the structures that allow gender-based violence to continue. As always, CWGL encourages activists to utilize the 16 Days Campaign to focus on the issues that are most relevant to their local contexts.
From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World:
Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!

Links to all of the materials in the Kit are available online at:
http://16dayscwgl.rutgers.edu/2012-campaign/2012-take-action-kit.

Minutes of October 13, 2013
Voted to approve the endorsement of state propositions printed above. Voted to endorse New Priorities.

For Non-Partisan analysis of the 2012 ballot measures

Legislative Analyst’s Office
www.lao.ca.gov

Friends Committee on Legislation
www.FCLCA.org/legislative-issues/ballot-propositions.html

League of Women Voters
www.ca.lwv.org/action/prop1211/index.html

 Project Vote Smart
www.votesmart.org
Important Dates for 2012 General Election
Monday October 22
Last day to register to vote
Tuesday October 30
Last day to apply for a
vote-by-mail ballot by mail
Tuesday November 6
Election Day
Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
WILPF-CALIFORNIA supports YES on Props 36, 37 and 40, NO on Prop 32.

East Bay WILPF supports the following propositions and Urges you to vote:

YES on Prop 30 –   temporary education tax.
NO on Prop 31 – state taxes and local government.
NO! on Prop 32 – bans union payroll deductions for political purposes but doesn’t control corporate spending on elections.
NO on Prop 33 – auto insurance pricing.
YES on Prop 34 – death penalty repeal.
NO on Prop 35 – human trafficking penalties.
YES! on Prop 36 – revises the three strikes law.
YES! on Prop 37 – mandates labeling of all GMO altered foods.
NO on Prop 38 – tax for education
YES on Prop 39 – multi-state business tax.
YES! on Prop 40 – keeps the State Senate Districts  drawn by the Citizen’s Commission in 2011.

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom,East Bay Branch

Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org
Meetings are 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon
110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.
You are invited to join us Saturday
October 13, 10:00 AM planning meeting

WILPF U.S. has a new home on the web!

Come check them out! Please bookmark and visit their  new site at www.wilpfus.org/ Reminder WILPF.US is about to hold elections and dues paying members in the last 18 months will receive a ballot. Dues are sliding scale starting form $15.   Members receive the magazine Peace and Freedom , monthly e-newsletter and alerts.  If you are not sure about your membership status, check www.wilpfus.org/ or respond to this e-newsletter.  If you do not receive a ballot by Sept 20 respond to the email address of this newsletter.

Keep the Frack Out of My Water

by WILPF Earth Democracy Issue Committee and
Food and WaterWatch

On September 22 – WILPFus Earth Democracy joins the growing coalition in the Global Frackdown Day of Action calling for a global BAN on fracking.

We join this people’s movement to ban fracking not just in the U.S., but world-wide. This is one big step toward environmental and climate justice that will help secure national and international peace and freedom now and for future generations.     WILPF is one of many hundreds of partner endorsing organizations.

We support events featured on the Global Frackdown www.globalfrackdown.org/
website with a link to a petition to Obama and California Governor Brown.  To learn more link: www.foodandwaterwatch.org/

Not So Fast Natural Gas! 5 Frightening Facts About Fracking

1. Fracking a single well can require more than one million gallons of water. This depletes local ground water and can dry up near by creeks.  The wastewater produced by fracking contains high levels of radioactivity that wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to treat.
2. Dangerous fracking chemicals are kept secret.  Companies don’t have to disclose what chemicals they use.  Independent analysts have identified 41 chemical that are extremely toxic.

3. Thanks to lobbying efforts from then vice president Dick Chaney, Big Oil and Gas are exempt for the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Air Act.

4. Explosions used in fracking shatter the rock containing gas, and can lead it into nearby household wells and drinking water. This can make us sick or even kill us. Some householders have been able to light their tap water on fire. See the movie Gasland (2010)

5. Fracking is growing at an exponential rate. It is already underway in 28 states including California.  Big OIL and Gas companies are racing to drill more wells before people realize how dangerous and permanent this is.

6.  Natural Gas is being sold as the ‘clean energy’, but this is wrong.  It still emits carbon and other greenhouse gases.  It emits 1/2 the carbon as coal and 70% as much as oil and it created 1/5 of the US carbon emissions in 2008. It emits large quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than CO2

U-S-to-auction-state-shale-for-drilling

by Stephanie M. Lee, reporter San Francisco Chronicle
Saturday, September 8, 2012

A nearly 18,000-acre stretch of land extending from California’s Central Coast to the San Joaquin Valley is the setting for a brewing debate over an oil-extraction method that has little governmental oversight. The land, which spans Monterey, San Benito and Fresno counties, rests on a large chunk of the Monterey Shale, a formation of underground minerals long eyed by the energy industry for its potential to yield billions of barrels of oil.
That potential is expected to come closer to reality in December, when the federal government – which owns below-surface rights to the mostly private land – is scheduled to hold an auction to lease out parcels to oil and gas companies.
The lease sale, the second on the Monterey Shale in about a year, will occur in the midst of a growing battle among environmentalists, politicians and the energy industry over the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” It injects a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals into the ground to unlock oil and natural gas from shale rock layers deep within the earth – resources that cannot be tapped with conventional drilling techniques.
Fracking has been in use for half a century, but recent technological refinements have unlocked previously untouched deposits and resulted in a boom in oil and natural gas production.
Now opposition is rising among environmentalists in California, the nation’s fourth-largest oil-producing state. Operators have voluntarily disclosed more than 350 fracking wells throughout the state, from Northern California to Long Beach. But there is no way to know for sure how many exist, because California, unlike some states, does not require companies to reveal the number or location of the wells. The companies also are not required to disclose the chemicals they use – a fact that has angered some politicians and activists.
State and nationwide rules for fracking are taking shape, but watchdogs worry they will not be strict enough. Two bills in the state Legislature that would have regulated the procedure fell short last month after heavy lobbying by oil and gas groups.
The Monterey Shale drew the attention of activists this summer when the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which oversees the mineral rights, announced the auction of 79 parcels spanning 17,847 acres. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the bureau produced a draft analysis of U.S. to auction state shale for drilling – see SFGate Page 1 of 4
http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/U-S-to-auction-state-shale-for-drilling-3850852.php 9/9/2012 8:41:39 PM/

WHAT WE CAN DO BOUT FRACKING
Support events featured and sign a petition on the Global Frackdown www.globalfrackdown.org/
Or write to Obama and California Governor Brown
Learn more at www.foodandwaterwatch.org/

Is Violence and WAR Natural?
Nancy Hanowi, former professor of Peace Studies at UC Berkeley, presented the ‘Seville Statement on Violence’, published in the Peace Review 4:3 (1992). The statement was an outcome of UNESCO sponsored meetings in Seville. “It is scientifically incorrect to say we have inherited a tendency to make war from our animal ancestors.  Fighting occurs but warfare is a peculiarly human phenomenon and does not occur in other animals. Biology does not condemn humanity to war.  Humanity can be freed from the bondage of biological pessimism.  The same species who invented war is capable of inventing Peace.  The responsibility lies with each of us.”

ACTION: join Wisconsin WILPHers, copy and send letters to regarding drones

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta                            Director David H. Petraeus
1400 Defense Pentagon                                             Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, DC 20301-1400                                    Washington, D.C. 20505

Dear Secretary Panetta and Director Petraeus:

We believe drone warfare is cowardly, counter productive, a violation of international law and that it makes a mockery of what we believe the U.S. stands for — namely respect for human rights and the rule of law.

What is honorable about someone sitting at a computer panel thousands of miles way and killing another human being with the press of a button?  How can we expect that indiscriminate killing in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia isn’t going to create even more people who want to avenge these deaths by doing harm to the U.S.?  Even the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan says that this is the result occurring due to the CIA program of drone warfare which some credible reports say has killed more people than were killed on 9/11.

We believe it also a violation of international law. Law professor, Bill Quigley summarizes the five reasons that drone warfare is illegal:

1) Assassination by the US government has been illegal since 1976.

2) United Nations report directly questions the legality of US drone killings.

3) International law experts condemn US drone killings.

4) Military law of war does not authorize widespread drone killing of civilians.

5) Retired high-ranking military and CIA veterans challenge the legality and efficacy of drone killings.

Friday September 21 will be the International Day of Peace.  U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said, “Peace is one of humanity’s most precious needs.  It is also the United Nations highest calling.”  The drone warfare that the United States engages in draws us further and further away from a peaceful world.  We are all called upon to take action to bring about a more peaceful world, and bring an end to the suffering caused by warfare.

So the question is why is the Department of Defense and the CIA engaging in such illegal and immoral practices and why are you wasting our tax dollars by building a drone training facility in Wisconsin?  We look forward to your prompt response to the Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones, 2237 Fox Avenue, Madison, WI 53711.

Sincerely:

WILPF NEWS

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, East Bay Branch

Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org
Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org

110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland.  You are invited to join us Saturday Sept 8 at 10 am planning meeting   Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of the Month 10am-noon

Wilpf Cluster meeting in Sacramento in August

votes to form Wilpf California committee to coordinate and expedite political action on legislation and ballot measures by forming a committee to actively promote legislative bills and ballot measures as determined by newly forming  WILPF California Committee. WILPF CALIFORNIA will be open to all California WILPF members who have the desire to involve our branches in political action within the constraints of our 501C4 status.  It will determine a decision making process for determining what legislative bills and ballot measures  to be supported. The procedure can be updated at each Cluster Meeting. It will be empowered to write letters of support, join lobbying efforts, and endorse the designated legislative bills and ballot measures in the name of WILPF-CAIFORNIA.  It will establish a web based action site rationale:
1.      With WILPF CALIFORNIA, we can leverage our 800+ California members to be a force in passing laws that reflect our core values.
2.      WILPF CALIFORNIA, as a statewide presence, will articulate and promote WILPF positions on ballot measures and issues coming before the legislature in an effective manner, enhancing our voice on WILPF issues in those arenas and lend our support to other groups leading a common cause.
3.      The activities of WILPF CALIFORNIA can serve to strengthen the California branches, potentially increasing membership and giving an anchor to at-large members while allowing branches and at-large members to work locally on WILPF statewide-shared issues.
4.      WILPF CALIFORNIA will be empowered by the branches to take action so will be able to act more quickly without the numerous phone calls and email messages required now to get endorsements and write letters of support.
5. WILPF CALIFORNIA will develop a web based line of communication to and from all the branches for information dissemination, recruiting calls and letters to legislators, and quick decision-making.
31 leaders of California clusters attended the recent cluster including  the new Director of Operations of National Wilpf Ria Kulenovic, National Board Members Darien De Lu chair, Nominating Committee; Joan Bazar chair, Personnel Committee; Ellen Schwartz co-chair, Program Committee and Sandy Silver co-president, Jane Addams Peace Association. Cluster meetings are informative and exciting! One  meets experienced activists and gets exposed to the cleaver ideas of  national issue committees and other branches.  Reports against fracking, GMOs,  plastic bags, foam food containers.  Reports supporting nuclear free Middle East, nuclear free future, and elected Hamas.  Ballot measures were reviewed and voted on. Cecile Pineda, Berkeley author, presented her new book Devils Tango, How I Learned the Fukusima Step by Step.    WILPF (through DISARM-End Wars Issue Committee) is helping fund a book tour by WILPFers Cecile Pineda and Hattie Nestel to 11 communities near highly controversial nuclear reactors in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. WILPF believes all four should be shut down. The lovely setting in communal housing and the vegan lunch set the ambience.

Wonder how how to Get Involved?

Consider joining one of WILPF’s National Committees. Become an expert for your local branch and fellow citizens.  For a list of  committees and contact information link to: http://wilpf.org/issues

Move to Amend Northern California Regional Grassroots Democracy Convergence

Report By Pheobe Thomas Sorgen

The first panel addressed the state of the global & US democracy movement. Regarding the question of reform v revolt, the consensus was that our system is too rotten to reform, but that we will work for related individual reforms, such as requiring labeling of genetically engineered food, along the peaceful revolutionary road.  Re the role of electoral politics, we need a multi-party system.  Meanwhile, support local progressive candidates or run for local office and make/maintain connections while standing up to Alec and stolen elections.  What else? Canvass and table (with Move to Amend paper money rubber stamps) to connect with people and establish common ground. We also need to keep attending Congressional hearings and pushing for a strong amendment instead of the weak ones proposed that would merely overturn Citizens United. Have fun building the movement. Global grassroots networking is also encouraged.  We support the Disclose Act, but don’t invest much towards treating this one of many symptoms.  We tackle the root cause of multiple debilitating effects of corporate rule.

Passing the amendment is important, and the work must continue afterwards. We oppose constitutional rights for all corporations, even non-profits.  Unions are outspent by for-profit corporate interests at least three to one.  After our amendment passes, unions will do what they do best–organizing people.

Peace women Editorial

Highly militarized societies where weapons and guns are present in the daily lives of civilians constitutes a threat to the individual security of both women and men, but it is also a threat to sustainable peace and democracy. Women’s political participation in too many countries of the world is limited and made impossible by militarized structures. The connections between the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and the Disarmament Agenda is critical for the work done by WILPF on local, national and international levels and the two WILPF projects, Peace Women and Reaching Critical Will, constitute cornerstones in that work.!

Last month, during the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) negotiations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, we had the opportunity to clearly make the linkages between the work done on national and international levels, as WILPF members from several sections, including Sweden, Spain, Mexico, the U.S. and the Philippines, participated in workshops and events raising the issues of women’s security and disarmament.

A number of WILPF sections also raised the issue on the national level in the weeks leading up to the negotiations. WILPF DRC held a seminar on the theme, “United Nations Arms Trade Treaty: Engagement and Impact,” where the effects of the traffic of Small Arms and Light Weapons on women’s security was in focus. The section concluded their discussions with the statement that “a robust Arms Trade Treaty can make a difference for millions of people confronted with insecurity, deprivation and fear.”

WILPF Mexico arranged two workshops on the role gender plays in armed and violent crisis and how the UN Arms Trade Treaty can help to regulate and stop this situation within their national context. They concluded that there is a huge need to coordinate civil society to organize and protest against armed society and especially its effects against Mexican women.

WILPF has argued for an international arms treaty since our establishment in 1915. Even then, the connection between disarmament, sustainable peace, security and women’s participation was obvious to the founders. For interesting depth into this issue see link to WILPF’S own Reaching Critical Will http://reachingcriticalwill.org/

War Prevention 50 stories of People resolving Conflect

At our monthly meetings Nancy Hanawi, former professor of Peace Studies at UC Berkeley, is sharing resources available on peace.  She  presented a story from  War Prevention Works 50 stories of People  Resolving Conflict published by the Oxford Research Group.  For their very interesting web site link to  http://oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk./

We voted to support the National WILPF The Corporations vs. Democracy Working Group and the Earth Democracy Committee. They have prepared an informational introduction to Monsanto Corporation’s ‘crimes’ against the environment, food security, human rights and democracy.

ACTION: Take Action Now for Human Rights and Safe Water

Last week, thanks to your phone calls to Senators Kehoe (Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee) and Steinberg (Senate Leader Pro-Tem), the Human Right to Water Bill (AB 685) made it one step closer to law when Senate Appropriations voted to pass it along to the Senate floor for a vote.

Once again at this critical stage, the Safe Water Alliance, of which WILPF is a member, needs your calls. We aim to have the vote on next Tuesday, August  28th, so we want to begin to build the drumbeat and momentum now. The final vote has to be before August 31st.
Please call your State Senator’s office in Sacramento. For most of us our Senator is Loni Hancock  510 286-1333
We support  “Yes” on AB 685, the Human Right to Water Act. You might state that this has been a four year effort and you wish to have your Senator represent you by voting “Yes” to be sure that finally all Californians have access to safe, affordable water for drinking, cooking and sanitation.
Last year, Governor Brown declared, “Clean drinking water is a basic human right…. Protecting the water we drink is an absolutely crucial duty of state government.” It is thrilling to contemplate that finally this bill will get to Governor Brown’s desk and he’ll sign into law the first Human Right to Water Act passed by any state.
For more information read: “Water crisis a moral mandate, matter of justice,” recent article in The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-f-schulz/california-water_b_1741646.html

WILPF NEWS
Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
East Bay Branch

Visit our web page www.WILPFEastBay.org  Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org We meet 2nd Saturday of the month 10-12 at 110 41st St. (Piedmont Gardens) just off Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, 94611.
You are invited to join us Saturday August 11th, 10 am planning meeting
Join our demonstration 11:30- 12:30

WILPF CALIFORNIA CLUSTER MEETING

Join  us on SATURDAY, AUGUST 18th 9:30am-3:30pm SOUTHSIDE CO-HOUSING IN SACRAMENTO.  Common Room, 434 T St., Sacramento, California 95811

This is where decisions about California issues and campaigns are decided. Rides are available.   Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org if you would like to meet some great activists and have a fascinating day.
The Co-Housing complex is between 4th and 5th  streets on the south side of T street.  As you drive north on 5th (from US 50/Business 80), the co-housing complex is on your left as you approach T. You cannot see the Common House from the street! Turn left onto T and park.

Proposed Schedule,9:30-10:0 coffee and sign-in; continental breakfast
10:00-10:15 opening, welcome, logistics announcements, intros
10:15-12:00 Ballot Proposition Project

Noon-1  Vegan lunch  Suggested donation sliding scale $8-$12.

1:00—1:45 National reports (including questions)

Director of Operations 1:45-1:55 Earth Democracy
2:05-2:15 Advancing Human Rights
2:15-2:25  DISARM
2:30—3:00 Branch sharing
3:00-3:30  Last thoughts, concerns, gripes and commendation. Next Cluster     meeting?
3:30 adjournour Includes handout on Fracking – “Don’t Frack with Our Water     and Health.”

1:55-2:05 Middle East Committee is drafting a brochure on the Middle East;     if sufficiently complete will provide a draft for the Cluster that we can read

WILPF EAST BAY ACTION
with  Women for Peace  and Grandmothers against the Wars
End the War in Afghanistan Now!  Bring the Troops Home!
Saturday, August 11th 11:30-12:30

Join us on Saturday, August 11th at 11:30 (right after our regular monthly meeting). Bring your signs and demonstrate with us at the patio on 41st and Piedmont in Oakland.  Fliers will be provided. We join WILPF members nationally “calling on the U.S. Congress to bring all U.S. troops home from Afghanistan, to take the funds saved by that action and by significantly cutting the Pentagon budget, and to use that money to fund education, public and private sector family-sustaining job creation, special protections for military sector workers, environmental and infrastructure restoration, care for veterans and their families, and human services that our cities and states so desperately need.”
MOVE TO AMEND CONVERGENCE IN OAKLAND
Friday, July 27, 2012 – 6:30pm to Sunday, July 29, 2012 – 12:00pm
Oakland Peace Center, 111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
for more info:
http://movetoamend.org/events/oakland-ca-move-amend-nor-cal-regional-convergence/

11TH ANNUAL PEACE LANTERN CEREMONY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 4TH, 6:30 PM

The Eleventh Annual Bay Area Peace Lantern Ceremony for the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki takes place this year on Saturday, August 4th at the North end of Aquatic Park in Berkeley (West end of Addison St, 2 blocks west of Sixth St, 1 block south of University).  Decorating lantern shades begins at 6:30; the program begins at 7; the boat launching takes place at 8. Please let all your family and friends know. Children and grandchildren are welcome.  For more information and to find out more about you can help following the Fukushima disaster, go to: http://progressiveportal.org/lanterns/

ACTIONS:

WILPF East Bay Action with Women for Peace, and Grandmothers against the Wars Saturday, August 11th, 11:30-12:30 (following regular monthly meeting)
Bring your peace signs and demonstrate with us at the patio on the corner of
41st and Piedmont Avenue, Oakland.  We will provide fliers to distribute.

On Thursdays from Noon – 1pm join Grandmothers against Wars at Union Square in San Francisco against U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the need to bring all war monies home.

Grandmothers against the Wars Truth-In-Recruiting project in East Bay high schools is gearing up for the fall semester.  Interested?  Contact us at wilpf@wilpfeastbay.org if you want more information.

Monsanto Corporation’s ‘crimes’ Against the Environment

The Corporations vs. Democracy Working Group and the Food Democracy/Local Economy subcommittee of the Earth Democracy Committee have prepared an informational introduction to Monsanto Corporation’s ‘crimes’ against the environment, food security, human rights and democracy.  Other national organizations have pledged to confront the giant multi-faceted corporate giant, including FOOD DEMOCRACY, NATION OF CHANGE, and MILLIONS AGAINST MONSANTO. WILPF has limited resources but this article suggests ways in which members and branches could have broad impact, even without a lot of resources. Members and branches are asked to complete this survey and return it on or before July 31, 2012. Read more. http://wilpf.org/files/Monsanto_survey.pdf

Getting Involved. Consider joining one of WILPF’s National Committees
Become an expert for your local branch and fellow citizens.  For a list of committees and contact information link to: http://wilpf.org/issues

Gun Violence and Corporate Profits

There is an old social work rule that when you see an unsolved social problem, look to see who is profiting from it remaining unsolved?  Military style weapons and ammunitions is one of the leading exports of the US.  Although the National Rifle Association (NRA) has put fear into nearly every election campaign, the ease of anyone getting stockpiles of military weapons should not be confused with 2nd amendment rights. It is time to reconsider reinstating the assault weapons ban with legislation that does not allow weapon companies to sidestep the law by changing the design.
Another  idea discussed at our meeting was a New York mothers and taxi cab drivers’ campaign to buy back guns. In two days over 3000 guns were donated
The program gave a $200 debit card for each working gun – up to $600 per donor. Extra guns were accepted, but not paid for. Guns were  brought to specific locations–no names or identification will be taken by police.  Anyone who misses the buy-back day can drop off a gun at a local precinct for $100 anytime.

SINCE OCTOBER 7, 2001,  AMERICAN TROOPS HAVE BEEN FIGHTING IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ.

*OVER 6,000 U.S. SOLDIERS HAVE DIED
*320,000 VETS SUFFER FROM BRAIN INJURIES
*1000 VETS ATTEMPT SUICIDE EACH MONTH
*THE WARS ARE COSTING TRILLIONS OF TAX DOLLARS, 67% OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET
It is time to bring all our troops home!
Phone your senators and Congressperson
TOLL FREE AT 1-888-876-6242 OR 1-866-220-0044
Call President Obama at 1-202-456-2222
TELL THEM YOU WANT OUR TROOP AND TAX DOLLARS TO REMAIN AT HOME.