MEETING NOTES FOR PEOPLE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND HEALING

People for Peace, Justice, and Healing (Tacoma, WA)
December 5, 2009

Present for check-in at 10:00 a.m. at Associated Ministries, Tacoma, WA: Sheila, Nancy, Rob, Mark, Terry, and Sallie.

AGENDA

1. ANTIWAR DEMONSTRATIONS (Group)
Discussion of Wednesday's demonstrations at the intersection of South 38th and South Steele (near Borders Books) and at the Federal Building against President Barack Obama's Tuesday announcement of a military escalation in Afghanistan, and of the efficaciousness of demonstrations generally.

2. ESCALATION IN AFGHANISTAN (All)
Discussion of the deeper significance of the Afghanistan escalation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. GAZA DIARY READING. (Nancy)
On Sun., Dec. 6, 2009, King's Books (218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma) will present "Seven Days from a Gaza Diary," a dramatized reading of a 2008-2009 Gaza diary by 27-year-old Khulood Ghanem, adapted and edited by Ed Mast and presented by three actors from Seattle. Admission is free. There will be a post-performance Q & A with the director and a friend of the diarist.

2. DIGGING DEEPER BOOKS FOR DECEMBER (Mark)
On December 7 & 14, UFPPC's Monday night book discussion group, Digging Deeper, will spend two sessions discussing God's Crucible: Islam and the Making of Europe, 570-1215 (W.W. Norton, 2008). On Dec. 21 & 28, Digging Deeper will discuss two books on the 2008 financial panic and the nature of money: In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke's War on the Great Panic by David Wessel (Crown Business, 2009), and Frozen Desire: The Meaning of Money (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1997; paperback 2001). Participation is free and open; meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Mandolin Cafe, 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma, WA.

3. ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES FAMILY EMERGENCY FUND FUNDRAISER (Sallie)
On Thursday, December 10, Associated Ministries will show Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life," the inspirational film starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore set on Christmas Eve 1946, in which George Bailey's life is changed when what his town would have been like if he had never existed is revealed to him. To reserve a seat, call Information & Registration call Michele Cotton 253-383-3056, ext. 107 or e-mail her at michelec@associatedministries.org. This event has been an annual tradition since 2003. The money raised for the Family Emergency Fund helps at-risk families meet needs when no one else can. To help families keep their homes and jobs, this fund enables Associated Ministries to respond to emergency needs such as offering safety from family violence, costs surrounding death and dying, transportation to job locations, temporary child care for the working parent, medical expenses, and other real and urgent needs faced by families struggling to make ends meet.

4. GIFT SUGGESTION (Sallie)
Sallie suggests that a fine green holiday gift is a tote bag from "Tote It Around." From the web site: "Tote Bags are reversible, multi-purpose, ever-so-handy totes. Hand crafted from bright, beautifully patterned Mexican oilcloth, they're also durable and totally waterproof. Totes come in two sizes: the Market Tote and the Daily Tote. They're great for sports (think wet bathing suits), tough enough to hold groceries, books, and heavy loads. You'll use yours again and again for years to come. Donna Daily, creator of Tote it Around has over a quarter century of design and sewing experience."

5. ANNUAL HOLIDAY GLASS SALE FROM THE JASON LEE HOT SHOP (Sheila)
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; the line forms early. From the website: "Beat the crowds! You don't have to wait in line to get in; you can arrive at 9:00 am and pick up a numbered ticket, then return again by 10:00 a.m. Guests will be admitted in the order of the tickets. We are going to have so much fun, with special guests, exciting demonstrations and warm holiday treats. Celebrate the season while supporting our wonderful young artists. . . . Purchase beautiful holiday gifts while supporting youth in our community! All proceeds go directly to fund program costs, including student scholarships and supplies and materials.

CODA

The brief life of Phil Ochs, who called himself a "topical singer," was remembered at today's meeting. Here's a YouTube video of "What Are You Fighting For?" which has the refrain: "I know you're set on fighting,/But what are you fighting for?"

Respectfully submitted,
Mark