OMNI NEWSLETTER: EVENTS, ACTIONS, COMMENT

DECEMBER 4, 2004

OMNI CENTER FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND ECOLOGY
Corner of Maple and Storer in Fayetteville in Presbyterian and Disciples Student Center
OMNI contact Dick Bennett jbennet@uark.edu 442-4600)(website: www.omnicenter.org)
Changing Society for a Culture of Peace. Since peace is not the absence of war, but is the active presence of justice and compassion, a Culture of Peace is created by countering the War System in all of its manifestations. U. S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.


DECEMBER 5, SUNDAY, 7 p.m. OPEN MIC COFFEE HOUSE FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT. Donne Stjerna and Kelly Mulhollan hosts. Join us to sing and play or read or speak or dance for a CULTURE OF PEACE AND JUSTICE. Here free speech is honored and all talents welcome. Refreshments provided.

DECEMBER 6-7 SHORT TAKES AT CAT Come read a children’s story about peace and justice or the environment. Speak your mind about Iraq or the election or any subject that interests you. Only 5 minutes, but a special opportunity for us to promote progessive values.

DECEMBER 7 ARKANSAS PUBLIC POLICY PANEL Meets at Sierra office 110 W. Meadow, 5:30, to plan a conference about Ark. state legislation. OMNI is a co-sponsor. Please come to the meeting.

DECEMBER 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

DECEMBER 11, SATURDAY, HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE, GIFFELS, 7PM,

ANN FAGAN GINGER, DIRECTOR OF THE MEIKLEJOHN CIVIL LIBERTIES INSTITUTE, BERKELEY, CA "My Red Hat: New Paths for Action in This Time of Crisis" about the eleven basic rights of all people under U. S. jurisdiction and the government’s nineteen duties to the people. Contact: Melanie Dietzel. Park behind United Campus Ministry or in UA lots on Maple (across from Grad Ed bldng.) and Douglas (one block north of UCM), or on Maple St.

DECEMBER 12, Sunday, 7:00pm at the Omni Center for Peace, Justice and
Ecology. Video Underground presents:
Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land: U.S. Media & the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This documentary combines American and British TV news clips with observations of analysts, journalists, and political activists to offer an historical overview, a striking media comparison, and an examination of factors that have distorted U.S. media coverage and, in turn, American public opinion.
The Omni Center for Peace, Justice & Ecology is located at 902 W. Maple in Fayetteville, in the basement of the Presbyterian and Disciples Student Center. Go to www.northwest-ark.com/vu to see our schedule of videos and our new rental library.

DECEMBER 15, WEDNESDAY, BILL OF RIGHTS DAY, FILM by ACLU CHAPTER. Fayetteville Library Community Meeting Room at 6:30 p.m. Film to be shown: Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties, reveals how paranoia and racial and ethnic profiling have led to the subjugation of our constitutional rights, without protecting us from future terrorist attack..

DECEMBER 16, THURSDAY, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING potluck 5:30, business 6:00. All members and friends welcome.

OMNI’S BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PEACE, JUSTICE, AND ECOLOGY The latest installment of OMNI’s Bibliography on Peace, Justice, and Ecology, #18, is now available on our web site: www.omnicenter.org

OMNI IN THE MORNING NEWS’ "NORTHWEST ARKANSAS CLUB DIRECTORY" It pays to ask: OMNI’s Steering Committee meetings, our Peace Coffee Shop, and our Video Underground are now listed in TMN’s regular directory of clubs.

HOW REACH RELIGIOUS EXTREMISTS? Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine (pub. by a progressive Christian evangelical group) in the Nov. no. argues point by point why Jesus would not choose the foreign policies of the Bush administration, and accuses the administration of political idolatry--the theology of pre-emptive, unilateral, and endless war. How might OMNI best employ this advocacy of Christian ethics to expose and reduce the misuse of scripture and hymnology for the purposes nationalist religion? Will you pull together a committee for this?

WAL-MART On Sunday on Free Speech TV on CAT there was a thorough survey of Wal-Mart wrongdoings. This film combined with PBS’s Frontline "Is Wal-Mart Good for America?" (AETN Nov. 16) provide a powerful critique of Wal-Mart.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY: PARTNERS OF THE AMERICAS As far as I know, Partners has not worked with the peace movement. The Partners of the Americas conference next November in Little Rock would be an unparalleled opportunity for the Arkansas peace movement to interact with representatives of most of the Western Hemisphere. The Partners website is www.partners.net . In Fayetteville, Bettie Lu Lancaster, Steve Neuse, and Sue Heily, with many others in Arkansas, are involved in the 2005 conference planning. Will you be OMNI’s representative to the conference?

NUCLEAR GOOD NEWS from Union of Concerned Scientists, via Mark Swaney) Last week, Congress eliminated funding for two of the most provocative nuclear weapons programs and cut funding for two other nuclear-related initiatives. This is a major victory countering the Bush administration's dangerous nuclear weapons agenda and one for which we all can give thanks. All funding was eliminated for both the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator, a dangerous--and scientifically questionable--program to design a new nuclear "bunker buster," and for research into other new types of nuclear weapons. In addition, funding was sharply cut for a new factory to make plutonium "pits," the core of nuclear weapons, and efforts to shorten the time required to prepare for a full-scale nuclear weapons test were pushed back.
These programs all threatened to undermine the United States' leadership role in nuclear nonproliferation. We cannot credibly ask other countries to restrain their nuclear weapons programs while we aggressively advance work on new weapons.
This campaign would not have succeeded without leadership from Representative David Hobson (R-OH), whose early cuts in the House set the tone for the eventual elimination of funding.
Thank you again for your support in helping us achieve this victory. We have sent a clear message to Congress and the administration that developing new nuclear weapons is not acceptable, and that the United States must lead by example to achieve true security. BOOZMAN WATCH: What did he do, what is he doing to prevent nuclear proliferation? Write him. Call him. Visit him.


FREE SPEECH TV Sampling of recent films: "Truth Merchants" about public relations expert information control in politics and news. "Report Live from the Imperial Dungeon" on U. S. global killing (short). "The Genetic Takeover, or Mutant Food" about Dupont, Monsanto, Novartis and a few other giant petrochemical companies trying to control all seeds in the world. "Meatrix" on factory farming (short animated). I missed the title of a powerful film about U. S. militarism and how the public is conditioned to accept killing and conquering . Sweat Shops/indentured labor/economic slavery on Saipan for Abercrombie Fitch and other U. S. corporations. "Books Not Bars" on the prison industrial complex riddled with injustice and cruelty. Struggle of Vancouver, Can. Gay community to stop the government from censoring books at the Little Sister’s Bookstore and at other gay bookstores.

BILL MOYERS’ "NOW" on PBS Dec. 3 two programs: corporate corruption, need for government regulation, and heroism of NY State’s Attorney General; creationism v. evolution, ignorance of US public on evolution and "theory," and need for better training in scientific method and critical thinking.

NWA Social Connections We bring appropriate connections to the forefront for the people of Northwest Arkansas. It is our responsibility and our mission to connect people throughout Northwest Arkansas by building relationships and providing a much needed resource for our diverse and growing cities. Visit: www.WelcomeToNWA.com (Social Connections) For more information. OMNI is included in their listing.

KAMINSKY SHOW Through Feb. 4, "Exploring Hank Kaminsky’s World Peace Prayer Fountain" at Fayetteville Town Center, 10 to 6 M-F. 443-5600.

OMNI AND SPIRITUALITY One definition of spirituality is perceiving and creating connections, from personal insight and relationships with others to the recognition of global oneness with other peoples, species, and the earth……and the universe. This definition well describes much of OMNI’s purpose and activities.

When your grandkids ask you what you were doing to prevent the rise of U. S. militarism, imperialism, torture, attacks on the Bill of Rights and other anti-democratic assaults by the corporate state in 2004 and 2005, what will you say?

CREATING A CULTURE OF PEACE: TAKING BACK OUR DAYS One way to change the war system at the grassroots is to create alternatives to warmongering national DAYS, to infiltrate those DAYS, or to reinforce complementary DAYS at any opportunity. Our aim, as in all of OMNI’s activities, is to make nonviolent peacemaking, social justice, and stewardship of the environment felt by the citizens of NWA. Thanks to the many who are making these transformations. More committee members are needed. Days marked by an asterisk are not yet engaged, but only await a dexterous, sprightly volunteer.

Birthday Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., January 19 (up to now MLKJr.’s BD has celebrated only his civil rights achievements, overlooking his opposition to war and to poverty/US capitalism; OMNI has joined the Planning Committee)

Earth Day Dinner, March, and Distinguished Lecturer. It’s time to start preparing for next April 21.

Fayetteville’s Annual SpringFest, April. (for 2 yrs thanks to Jamie we have offered all day music in WAC’s Rose Garden)

PeaceOut, Essay, Poetry Contest for Public School Youth. The 2nd Annual Peaceout Spring 2005. (Contact Karen Clark and Gladys)

Mother’s Day Luncheon for Peace. 2nd Sunday of May. (M’s Day against war.)

International Peace Prayer Day, June 15 (starting in 2005, more committee members invited).

Awards for Outstanding Arkansas Peace and Justice Makers. June.

FreedomFest Booth and Panel, July 4.

Remembrance of Victims/Celebration of Peace Heroes, August 6-9 (Hiroshima and Nagasaki).

Conversations, Dialogs Among Diverse Faiths. The 3rd Annual Conversations coming up in the spring.

*Labor Day, Sept. 1.

9/11 Celebration of Nonviolent Peace Heroes.

International Day of Peace, Celebration of Peacemakers, September 21.

*Banned Books/Freedom to Read Week, 22-?

*Keep Space for Peace Week, Sept. 25- Oct. 2

*October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month

*Gandhi’s Birthday, Oct. 2

*Universal Children’s Day, Oct. 4

*World Food Day, Oct. 16

Fayetteville’s Annual AutumnFest, October (Oct. 9-10, 2004).

Indigenous People’s Day (Columbus Day), 2nd Monday in October (Oct. 11, 2004)

United Nations Day Celebration, October 24.

*Make a Difference Day, October 25

*November, American Indian Heritage Month

*Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11

*International Day for Tolerance, Nov. 16

International Day to End Violence Against Women, Nov. 25. Committee established to start 2005.

*Buy Nothing Day, Nov. 26

*International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Nov. 29

Human Rights Day, Dec. 10 (visiting lecturer Dec. 11, 2004: Ann Fagan Ginger).

Bill of Rights Day, Dec. 15.


DECEMBER 9, 2004

OMNI CENTER FOR PEACE, JUSTICE, AND ECOLOGY
Corner of Maple and Storer in Fayetteville in Presbyterian and Disciples Student Center
OMNI contact Dick Bennett jbennet@uark.edu 442-4600)(website: www.omnicenter.org)
Changing Society for a Culture of Peace. Since peace is not the absence of war, but is the active presence of justice and compassion, a Culture of Peace is created by countering the War System in all of its manifestations. U. S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121.

WHO IS OMNI

Bob Billig
Bob is a member of the Steering Committee, provides a frequent very helpful online News Digest, loans OMNI tents for street events (Fayetteville Spring and Fall Fests, July Freedom Fest), initiates and leads street protests/placarding and marches, is an active member of Rapid Response Writers writing letters to newspapers, purchases space in newspapers for peace and justice opinion. He owns a business at Pettigrew, and he and his wife Eileen (who makes placards for demos) live in the mountains nearby.

DECEMBER 10, FRIDAY, 8PM, HOSPICE BENEFIT CONCERT Donna and Kelly of Still on the Hill will be hosting their annual Holiday Concert at Goodfolk 229 N. Block St. in Fayetteville. The project is a fundraiser for National Hospice. The cover is $10: 1/3 goes to Home Health and Hospice, 1/3 goes to Goodfolk, and 1/3 for the concert itself. Call Mike Shirkey at 521-1812 to hold your seat.

DECEMBER 11, SATURDAY, HUMAN RIGHTS LECTURE, GIFFELS, 7PM,

ANN FAGAN GINGER, DIRECTOR OF THE MEIKLEJOHN CIVIL LIBERTIES INSTITUTE, BERKELEY, CA "New Paths for Action in This Time of Crisis" about the eleven basic rights of all people under U. S. jurisdiction and the government’s nineteen duties to the people. Reception to follow. Contact: Melanie Dietzel.

DECEMBER 12, SUNDAY, VIDEO UNDERGROUND, 7PM, AT OMNI. The Video Underground will be showing 'Peace, Propaganda & the Promised Land: U.S. Media & the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict'. This film offers concrete criticisms of U.S. media coverage within a strong framework for understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in terms of international law and fundamental human rights.

DECEMBER 14 NOW, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN, Tuesday, December 14, 6:30p.m., Belevedere's Restaurant, Fiesta Square, Fayetteville, AR
AGENDA INCLUDES: --Mid-South Regional Meeting Report, --Planning Meeting Schedule for 2005, --Promise Keepers Rally Action, --National Conference in Nashville, July 1-3, 2005. Please phone or email if you will be attending: Melanie Dietzel 442-8600 melaniesd@sbcglobal.net

DECEMBER 15, WEDNESDAY, 6:30-7:30, Fayetteville Public Library DOCUMENTARY FILM: "Unconstitutional: The War on Our Civil Liberties." Sponsored by ACLU of Arkansas, NWA Chapter. A chilling look at how the Patriot Act went too far, too fast in restricting civil liberties while noit making us any safer.

DECEMBER 16, THURSDAY, OMNI STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING Potluck Holidays Party 5:30, business 6:00. All members and friends welcome.

FREE SPEECH TV You can view FSTV on CAT Ch. 18 from 3 AM to sometimes after 8AM. Amy Goodman’s "Democracy Now" is at 7AM. Funded by OMNI. Recent documentaries on "Water: The Drop of Life," on the politics of transporting water, who is to have water and how; on Palestine-Israel: one on East Jerusalem and illegal Israel settlements built around it; another on Israeli Occupation strategy, US government support ($100 billion 1949-2000, 33 Security Council vetoes of pro-Palestinian resolutions), and US mainstream media pro-Israeli bias; another on Israeli-Arab hiphop. More below on FSTV.

GRASSROOTS MILITARISM My box on Washington County Militarism is spilling over, and I offer it to you to examine and write about. On 12-5 TMN continued its egregious normalization of war and killing at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove battlefields, and reveals another of its motives—financial profit. Headline: "Historic Clashes Replayed: Civil War Rages Anew." And the commercially reinforcing motive: "Local Officials Increasingly Back Re-Enactment Tourism." Playing war and killing (large photo of troops firing) brings visitors to shop, and businesses advertise. U. S. business (capitalism everywhere) shows that everything can be commodified/normalized, including slaughter. (And not only U. S. business: On the reverse page there’s an article on The Battle of the Bulge in WWII, which the famous town of Bastogne has successfully commercialized.) OMNI needs a NWA Militarism Watch. Give me a call.

SEVILLE STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE The Theocracy of Violence teaches the inevitability of war. See in contrast UNESCO’S "The Seville Statement on Violence." www.unesco.org/shs/human_rights/hrfv.htm

PATIENCE "A little patience, and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people, recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles." Thomas Jefferson

The next Newsletter will appear in late December to report on our January events. Send me items for inclusion.