MEETING NOTES FOR PEOPLE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND HEALING

People for Peace, Justice, and Healing
July 11, 2009

People for Peace, Justice and healing met July 11, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Associated Ministries.  Present for check-in were:  Sallie, Rob, Sheila, Terry, Vivi, Mark, Sol, and Colleen 

1. Ethnic Fest (Sallie)
Sallie began scheduling table staffing for Ethnic Fest (Jul. 25-26). Call her to volunteer for a time to sit at the table! (253-383-3056 ext.105)

2. Health care reform (Rob and Sallie)
Discussion of health care reform and the role that Organzing for America is playing. Dissatisfaction with the three principles being promoted by OFA in phonebanking, because they give no specifics. (The three principles: 1) Freedom to choose, i.e. people have a public option they can choose; 2) Lower health care costs, "affordable for everyone"; 3) Coverage for all.) Sallie called Jeremy Walker, regional field director for OFA, for a conference call with our meeting group. Walker said the ask would be: Do you support those three principles? Possibly also collecting health care stories, and asking people if they can attend an event. In response to a critical question from Rob, Jeremy acknowledged the lack of specificity but said that it is Congress's job to produces specific legislation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. "Sir! No Sir!"
On Thurs., Jul. 16, at 6:30 p.m., a showing of the documentary film "Sir! No Sir!" will be held at King's Books in Tacoma (218 St. Helens Ave.). The film portrays the GI movement against the Vietnam War. A collection will be taken for Coffee Strong, the GI coffeehouse near Fort Lewis. Randy Rowland, director of Pepper Spray Productions and a GI resister who ws a member of the Presidio 27, will also speak. More information here.

2. Peace Action opposes expansion of Bangor's nuclear capabilities
Peace Action of Washington (206-453-4471) is organizing opposition to the U.S. Navy's plans to double the capacity to handle Trident nuclear weapons at Submarine Base Bangor, 20 miles west of Seattle. Public comment on the proposal can be made until July 17. For more information, see here.

Respectfully submitted,
Mark