MEETING NOTES FOR PEOPLE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND HEALING

People for Peace, Justice and Healing met August 28, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Associated Ministries. Present for check-in: Colleen, Sheila, Sallie, Karen, Susan, Mark, Rob. General discussion: World and Israel/ Pallestine affairs. Colleen shared current information about the Citizen's Review Board. They are looking for members. Coincidentally, she told us about a 12-week Citizen's Academy experience available to citizens through the Tacoma Police Department. Participants go out on police patrols, etc. to see how police department operates.

AGENDA:

1. Penny Poll Results: Susan
Representing FOR, Susan conducted a "Penny Poll" at recent Ethnic Fest and Just-So Festival Events. Participants were given 10 pennies and asked to vote with their pennies for how they felt government funds should be spent. For ease, I've rounded off the percentage points (I dropped the decimal). Here are the penny poll results: The first number represents the number of people who voted. The second number represents the percentage (rounded off) voting for that category.

ETHNIC FEST (July 24-25)

Education 634 26%
Health Care 551 22%
Safe, Affordable Housing 359 14%
Sustainable Energy 319 13%
Military 262 10%
Green Jobs 216 8%
Other 60 2%

TOTAL 2,401

SO-JUST FESTIVAL (August 21)

Safe, Affordable Housing 90*
Education 123 23%
Health Care 94 17%
Green Jobs 65 12%
Sustainable Energy 36 6%
Military 15 2%
Other 12 2%

TOTAL 525

COMBINED

Education 757 25%
Health Care 645 22%
Affordable, Safe Housing 539 18%
Sustainable Energy 355 12%
Green Jobs 281 9%
Military 277 9%
Other 72 2%

TOTAL 2,926

*one person at the Just-So Fest voted $1.00 for Affordable Housing. The group decided to change (180) to 90 as if the $1.00 represented 10 votes or pennies. Susan has non-rounded off, correct percentage point figures.

Discussion: Education and the military. Particular attention paid to the current status of vocational or technical trade education in current school system. Susan said, for instance, that her husband who is a high school teacher reports that a simple applied drawing class doesn't exist in his school. Concern expressed for lack of technically trained persons and/or dearth of jobs for same. Susan noted that several people who identified as military personnel talked about the needs of the military....

2. PICNIC AT PT. DEFIANCE: Colleen
Start-up prep will begin at noon, August 29th, at Ft. Nisqually picnic area. Colleen requested people bring coolers, food, games. Preparations in place for veggie burgers, a big salad, etc. Passable weather expected.

3. VIGILS: Colleen
VIGIL AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY: A Stay Vigil is scheduled for Cal Brown on the Capitol Steps, Olympia, on September 9 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. People are asked to bring flashlights not candles. Cal Brown has been on death row for 17 years, stabilized by psycho-medications. He is scheduled for execution at Walla Walla September 10.

Farmer's Market Vigilers haven't been recently hassled. ACLU still has an interest and investment in the situation. If interested or able, visit or vigil at noon, Thursday, downtown Farmer's Market.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Pierce County HUNGER WALK sponsored by Associated Ministries. A benefit for EFN -- Emergency Food Network. Scheduled this year for October 3 at Ft. Steilacoom Park. Registration at 1:00 p.m. Walk at 2:00 p.m. 5km and 10km walks are scheduled.

2. DIGGING DEEPER: Mark
Monday, August 30, Professor Ron Booth spoke to the book group about Spencer Wells, Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey (2002). Coming up: September 13: Daniel Gardner, THE SCIENCE OF FEAR: HOW THE CULTURE OF FEAR MANIPULATES YOUR BRAIN and September 20 and 27: Andrew Bacevich, WASHINGTON RULES; AMERICA'S PATH TO PERMANENT WAR and Chalmers Johnson, DISMANTLING THE EMPIRE. Digging Deeper meets every Monday evening (except Labor Day ) at the Mandolin Cafe, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen