Meeting notes for People for Peace, Justice, and Healing

November 19, 2005

People for Peace, Justice, and Healing met at 10:00 a.m. at Associated Ministries, 1224 South "I" St., Tacoma, on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005. Present for check-in: Catherine, Sallie S., Sally M., Laura, Nancy, Vivi, Sheila, Sharon, Mark, Kyle.

AGENDA

1. Topic for the model Conversation Cafe at today's Peace Marathon (Sallie) The question to be discussed will be: "Is there enough conversation in America today?" and Mark will facilitate the discussion at PPJH's 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. block of time at the 27-hour Marathon for Peace being held from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18, to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19. Other contributions: Steve & Kristi Nebel of UFPPC, music; Louisa Beal, performance; Al Kammerzell, poetry; Karen Konrad, poetry; Jack Kus, satire; Roy Sutherland, adaptation from Dickens's "A Christmas Carol."

2. Discussion of Congressional debate on Iraq war On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 403-3 to reject an immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq. -- The vote was the result of a Republican-devised stunt that attempted to turn Rep. John Murtha's denunciation on Thursday of the massive presence of U.S. troops in Iraq against Democrats pressing the administration's Iraq policy on many fronts. In fact, as the complete transcript of his speech shows, Rep. Murtha (D-PA 12th) proposed not an "immediate withdrawal" but rather: "To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces. To create a quick reaction force in the region. To create an over-the-horizon presence of Marines. To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq." Mostly lost in the hubbub and name-calling was Murtha's main point: "I have concluded that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq is impeding this progress . . . [T]he U.S. can not accomplish anything further in Iraq militarily." As a Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam with a Bronze Star, two Purple Harts, and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry, and as the ranking Democrat on the Defense Subcommittee of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Murtha's views should carry weight.

3. How should one speak to 9th graders in counter-recruitment activites? (Sallie S.) Discussion.

4. Feb. 4 dinner for Leonard Peltier marchers (Sallie S.) We'll respond next week to Arthur Miller's request for information. Mark will write him to let him know that there will be a delay in our response to his message.

5. Discussion of racism in France & the United States (Sheila)

6. From Laura, a quotation: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." -- Martin Luther King Jr.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. The Progressive Roundtable will be held on Fri., Nov. 25, at Shakabrah Java, 2618 6th Ave., Tacoma (though participation may be low). The next Progressive Roundtable, and subsequent meetings, will be held on Fri., Dec. 23, at Commencement Bay Coffee Co. 2354 Jefferson Tacoma, WA, 98402 (253) 274-1173.

2. In a Progressive Roundtable-sponsored event, on Dec. 10, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. to about 10:30 a.m., at Commencement Bay Coffee Co. 2354 Jefferson Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 274-1173, Tom McCarthy will lead a participatory workshop on "Growing Economic Divide in America."

3. A Christmas Auction to benefit Hurricane Katrina survivors will be held on Sat., Dec. 3, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Curtis High School. Tickets are $10.00 each; or a table of 6 for $50.00. Children under twelve are free. Pictures with Santa for children. Dessert and beverages will be served throughout the evening. Ticket info: "Operation Hands On," 3617 Bridgeport Way, University Place, 253-273-9616, 253-988-9063, 253-565-3897.

Respectfully,
Mark