Miscellaneous

"A Call for Peace in 2010: New Year's Eve Peace Vigil" in Market Square, Portsmouth, NH

Start:
Thu, 12/31/2009 - 6:00pm

Location:
Market Square, Portsmouth, NH

Thursday, Dec. 31, from 6 to 7 pm: All are invited to attend "A Call For Peace in 2010: New Year’s Eve Peace Vigil" in Market Square, Portsmouth NH. It's a great opportunity to be seen and interact with folks out for First Night. Please dress warmly and bring a candle if you can. Signs and peace doves to hold will be provided. For more information contact or call 603-664-2796 or see
.

Teacher Power

It’s now been 20 years since the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia. Maybe this is a good time to read or reread Václav Havel’s powerful essay, “The Power of the Powerless,” written in 1978.

www.vaclavhavel.cz....

I recently found my way to it via David Swanson’s Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union, and his recommended reading of A Force More Powerful: A Century of Nonviolent Conflict by Peter Ackerman and Jack Duval.

What struck me hard was how closely Havel’s experience of “living within the truth” paralleled mine as a teacher.

His essential question matched the one I faced when there was a change from democratic administrators to authoritarian ones: Does the system serve human needs, or do humans serve the system?

I left teaching in 1986 because it hurt too much to care and I didn’t want to stop caring. That caring about children and wanting to do my job well had unintentionally put me in direct confrontation with “the system.”

By Deborah Sumner at 12/11/2009 - 10:40 | Education | Miscellaneous | login or register to post comments | read more

Repower America Clean Energy Economy Roundtable

Start:
Wed, 11/18/2009 - 7:00pm

Location:
SEA Solar Store, 187 New Rochester Rd (Rte 108), Dover, NH 03820

Join Repower America, the Green Alliance and members of the seacoast business community for a round table discussion on the economic benefits of clean energy.

Sarah Brown, project director for the Green Alliance, will talk about how small businesses have contributed to the growth of the seacoast green economy. Jan Pendlebury, senior field associate for the Pew Environment Group/Pew Charitable Trusts, will discuss research showing how the emerging clean energy economy has already created hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. Jeff Haydock of Waterline Renewable Energies will provide an overview of his company's work providing renewable energy solutions to customers across New England.

The floor will be open for discussion, providing local residents and business leaders with the opportunity to share their own stories.

This is a great chance to get involved in Repower America's campaign to build broad-based grassroots support for comprehensive federal clean energy and climate legislation that will create 1.7 new clean energy jobs!

Peace Day Exeter - 2009

Start:
Sun, 09/20/2009 - 12:00pm

Location:
Swasey Parkway, Exeter, NH

The Peace Day Exeter festival will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2009 in the lovely downtown Swasey Parkway between the hours of Noon and 5 PM. Activities for the festival include workshops and games for children, music and poetry, guest speakers, panel discussions on peace and sustainability issues, and other events at the Swasey Parkway gazebo and surrounding green.
Some of the participants and speakers to date include: Julia Simon-Mishel, the National Managing Director of the Student Peace Alliance; Kelly Moore, founder of Music For Mankind®, Inc.; the Taoist Tai Chi Society; Eric Cohen with the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur and The Tents of Hope Project; Sarah Brown from The Green Alliance; Open Minds with Marilyn Kellogg; Andrea Renz with Exeter Area Interfaith CropWalk; Barbara Thorngren from Nashua Community College; music by Tom Duffy and Chordwood, Scott Ouellette, Ami Antonucci and friends, Tito Mambo, Courtney Brooks, the Leftist Marching Band, and other musical guests.

CRA--July 14, 1980

When Barack Obama, the erstwhile community organizer, inserted the word "reinvestment" into the title of the legislation aiming to stimulate the whole economy, rather than just Wall Street, it was like waving a flag in front of the bulls. America's bankers have hated the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 since it was passed. Not because of anything really onerous it requires them to do, but because it lets outsiders have a look at their books.

While some people who secrete their wealth in Switzerland or on the Caribbean islands may actually have something to hide, secrecy for some is simply their key to autonomy. Which is probably why the announcement that, in exchange for the Wall Street bailout, the bankers' books would have to be inspected, led not a few to reconsider and decide that maybe they didn't need the money, after all.

Then came the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and they knew for sure that their worst fears were about to be realized. So, what's the problem with reinvestment? Come with me over the jump and I'll share the explanation I provided back in 1980 in connection with what was certainly the first challenge under the CRA in the state of Florida.

Constantine's Sword--movie

Start:
Fri, 01/09/2009 - 7:00pm

Location:
The Congregational Church in Exeter, NH

James Carroll, a former Catholic priest, novelist, and columnist for The Boston Globe, is on a journey to confront his past and uncover the roots of Christian inspired violence and war. His search reveals a growing scandal involving religious infiltration of the U.S. military and the terrible consequences of religion’s influence on America’s foreign policy.
Kathy Brownback, Chair of Religion dept. at PEA, will lead the post-film discussion.
603-772-4216

By monica smith at 01/06/2009 - 05:34 | Miscellaneous | War | login or register to post comments | calendar

A Call for Peace in 2009: New Year's Eve Peace Vigil

Start:
Wed, 12/31/2008 - 5:30pm

Location:
Market Square, downtown Portsmouth, NH

On Wednesday, December 31st, beginning at 5:30pm, all are invited to attend "A Call For Peace in 2009: New Year’s Eve Peace Vigil" in Market Square, Portsmouth NH. Please dress warmly and bring a candle if you can. Signs and peace doves to hold will be provided. For more information contact info@seacoastpeaceresponse.org or call 603-749-9159 or see www.seacoastpeaceresponse.org.

Seacoast Peace Response Planning

Start:
Fri, 01/04/2008 - 7:00pm

Location:
196 France Road, Barrington, NH

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, at 7 pm (6 pm potluck): Seacoast Peace Response planning meeting at Amy Antonucci & Steve Diamond's new home, 196 France Rd. in Barrington. For information about the agenda contact Amy Antonucci at or phone (603) 664-2796.
Directions to 196 France Rd, Barrington from the route 4/125 Lee traffic circle:
Take route 4W, follow for a little more than 2.5 miles. Take a right onto Hall Rd. Follow Hall for 1.5 miles. Take a left onto France Rd. #196 is 1/2 mile on your right.

By admin at 12/25/2008 - 13:48 | Miscellaneous | login or register to post comments | calendar

Seacoast Peace Response Planning

Start:
Sun, 01/04/2009 - 7:00pm

Location:
196 France Road, Barrington, NH

By admin at 12/25/2008 - 13:48 | Miscellaneous | login or register to post comments | calendar

Peace Day Exeter

Start:
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 12:00pm

Location:
Swasey Parkway Exeter, New Hampshire 03833

The Peace Day Exeter festival will be held on Sunday, September 21 in the lovely downtown Swasey Parkway between the hours of 1 and 5 PM. Activities for the festival include workshops and games for children, music and poetry, guest speakers, panel discussions on peace and sustainability issues, and other exciting events under two tents and the Swasey Parkway gazebo. Some of the participants to date include key note speaker, peace and campaign finance reform advocate Doris “Granny D” Haddock, The Tents of Hope Project, Camps for Diversity with Marilyn Kellogg, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, yoga and meditation with Julie Rost, environmental activist Beth Tener, Mark McPeak from UUSC Just Democracy, music supplied by Chris Avery and The Sassafras String Band, Reni Taylor, Drew Sullivan, Ruth George and other musical guests and poets. The festival is planned to coincide with the UN International Day of Peace. The Blue Moon Market and Café will supply a wonderful array of food and drink. Phillips Exeter Academy students will work with children in supportive and educational roles. Films and meditative exercises for adults are also scheduled. This is a family festival, and those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or folding chairs and enjoy the day’s activities. The First Unitarian Universalist Society of Exeter is the rain location for this event. For more information, please visit our webpage: www.peacedayexeter.org. If you’re interested in volunteering for Peace Day Exeter, please contact either Cindy at clategan@comcast.net or Bob at bmoore628@comcast.net, phone: 603-642-4648.

Poetry for Peace

Start:
Mon, 08/25/2008 - 6:00pm

Location:
Portsmouth Public Library 175 Parrott Avenue Portsmouth, NH 03801

Monday, August 25, 7 pm: Poetry for Peace at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave. A poetry reading along with an exhibit of photographs and information concerning the atom bomb attacks on Japan in August 1945. Poets reading their work include John-Michael Albert, Neil English and Maren Tirabassi. Attendees may bring a short poem on peace to read during a twenty-minute open reading period.
Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by Seacoast Peace Response.
For more information contact Lee Roberts at 431-0448, email lnr4@verizon.net

The Power of One

Start:
Fri, 08/15/2008 - 6:30pm

Location:
South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth, NH

Friday, August 15th, 7:30 pm: The Power of One: A Talk by and Conversation with Doris “Granny D” Haddock at South Church, 292 State St, Portsmouth NH. NH's own Granny D talks about how each of us can make a difference, and how public funding of elections can help us. Changing our election funding system can bring peace, the environment, alternative energy, education, poverty, healthcare and more the attention they deserve. Also, from 5-6pm join Granny D and the Leftist Marching Band for the Peace Vigil, Market Square, Portsmouth.
Free and open to the public. Refreshments and a book signing will follow the program. Sponsored by Outreach Associates of South Church, NH Codepink: Women for Peace & Seacoast Peace Response. For more info contact bgh3@comcast.net or 603-431-0138.

Hiroshima Commerative Vigil

Start:
Wed, 08/06/2008 - 6:15pm

Location:
South Mill Pond, Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH

Wednesday, August 6th, 7:15 pm: Hiroshima Commemorative Vigil at South Mill Pond, Junkins Ave, Portsmouth NH. Join us for a service to remember the victims and survivors of the August 6, 1945 nuclear bombing of Japan. The evening will include remarks by Representative Jim Splaine, a candle-lighting ceremony, and poetry.
Free & open to all. Candles provided. Sponsored by Seacoast Peace Response, NH Codepink, Witness for Peace NE & Rockingham/Strafford Democracy for America. For more information contact 603-433-4119 or amyla44@juno.com or see www.seacoastpeaceresponse.org

Would this be good civil dis in NH: Outlaw puppeteering

Would like some ProgFeedback on this:

Over at NHfree.com we are kicking around another idea for civil disobedience, in our quest to come up with the pefect act: This idea is an unlicensed puppeteering event.
That's right: In New Hampshire it's illegal to perform a puppet show for pay without getting a license from your selectmen.

It's important to get feedback from average nh residents (not just libertarians) before undertaking an act of civil dis. What are your thoughts on this one?

Most likely what we would do is appear in front of the Attorney General's office and perform the show on the right of way nearby. She's the prosecuting entity. The puppet show would probably be a re-enactment of Ayotte's brave 2005 attack on Outlaw Manicurist Mike Fisher. Probably we would make it a recurring for-profit occurrance in front of her office if no arrests were attempted.

You can find our Outlaw Puppeteer discussion and a copy of the law at:

http://nhunderground.com/forum/index.php?topic=13574.0

By RidleyReport at 04/04/2008 - 11:44 | Miscellaneous | login or register to post comments | read more

Would this be good civil dis in NH: Outlaw puppeteering

By RidleyReport at 04/04/2008 - 11:44 | Miscellaneous | 1 comment | read more

Is it time to upgrade NH legislation for renewable/alternative energy

All of us have to deal with higher oil heating prices, as well as high electrical delivery rates.

After looking at various technologies to shift some of my home's energy budget to alternative sources, I was disappointed to see NH does not have any programs in place to municipalities, towns, homeowners, small businesses and property owners to help with capital costs associated with buying the hardware needed to adopt alternative energy sources.

-------------

Governor Lynch has started a process, and there is a Task Force.

And of course, many of us know the Governor has been active in the highly publicized
'Cap and Trade' of Greenhouse Gases. This is fine, to an extent, gently pushing markets towards adoption of more alternative energy. However, there are steps I feel that there are more robust steps the State could be taking to encourage a more rapid shift away from traditional networks of energy. These steps will make the State economy more independent of outside fluctuations in supply, pricing, and delivery. It could provide a huge boost in local jobs, as well.

By BarryOnigman at 03/29/2008 - 14:42 | Energy | Miscellaneous | login or register to post comments | read more

Manchester Mayor Sends Wrong Message to Kids about Democracy

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — A letter from Manchester mayor and likely gubernatorial candidate Frank Guinta shocked political observers after being reported in today's Union-Leader. In the letter, Guinta asked State Rep. David Scannell (D-Manchester) to resign from his position as spokesman for the Manchester school district after voting in the 193-141 majority for HB 1623, a bill reducing the penalty for possession of one-quarter ounce of marijuana to a violation punishable by a $200 fine.

According to the Union-Leader, Guinta said it was inappropriate for Scannell to support the bill because "he interacts with kids on a daily basis." This logic caused many to wonder if Guinta realizes that most of the 193 legislators who voted for the bill have children of their own, and if he thinks these individuals are now unfit to interact with their own children.

"I'm pretty sure none of these 193 representatives considered their vote to be a vote in favor of marijuana use," explained Matt Simon, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy. "And in fact, 40 of these 193 representatives were Republicans, three of whom represent Manchester — did Mayor Guinta take time to ask any of these individuals what prompted them to support the measure?"

Would this be an appropriate act of NH civil disobedience?

Over at NHFree.com we have been kicking around various ideas for civil disobedience. I'm kind of a perfectionist about CD and think it should be done mostly when it's something average people could support. So I'd like to know what you progressive NH folks think, before I decide whether to do this. Right now I'd say there's a 10% chance I will.

Considering how many people have been harmed by the TSA, how expensive it has gotten, how ineffective it is generally acknowledged to be... how it even endangers people...perhaps *something* harmless needs to be done to show them that at least some folks have had enough. The images of despondent, shuffling, compliant humanity in those lines...do not remind me much of the America I read about in history books.

What if I were to touch base with all the authorities at Manch airport and inform them I and others will be appearing at a given time near the security checkpoint. I'd be wearing a shirt that reads something like: "Report TSA abuses here." I'd want to stay out of the way. If people approach me with complaints about the authorities, I give out phone numbers they can call. Maybe I bring a camera and interview passengers who come up to me, air their stories, let them use my phone, provide some other form of humanitarian assistance. Probably I do not try to videotape the checkpoint itself unless something controversial happens there. I broadcast live on Porcupine 411. Media gets invited.

Please help a native Vermonter understand the Granite State . . .

I am a new member of DFNH and a native Vermonter who moved to southern NH 18 months ago. To begin with, I'm an avid hunter and angler and frequent listener to talk radio as well as NPR. I am a registered independant who doesn't go for the politics of party but rather votes on issues which are important to me. I'm probably not what you would call your "average" DFNH member as a result.

Having said that, I would also like to add that I am a public school teacher and musician who is pro-public education and an advocate for the Arts as well as Environmental conservation. I'm extremely confused by some of this state's "traditions" regarding taxes, politics, etc. Specifically:

1) Members of our legislture, from what I understand, get something like $300 a year to do their job. Forgive me for my ignorance, but WHO can live on $300.00 a year?!?! The answer is NO ONE! So then, who can afford to be a NH legislator? It would appear that only those who are independantly wealthy. So we have a system where a bunch of rich people are making laws for the state. I wonder who will benefit from laws that are made exclusively by rich people?

Oscar-winning Documentary includes Franklin Pierce Law Center's John Hutson

Start:
Tue, 03/04/2008 - 7:00pm

Location:
Red River Theatres, 11 S. Main Street, Concord, NH

Taxi to the Dark Side has just won this year's Oscar for Best Documentary. This powerful film about US military policy and prisoner detention practices has global implications but also has immediate local connections: an interview with John Hutson, regarding torture and interrogation techniques is featured in the film. Hutson is currently Dean of Franklin Pierce Law Center and Chair of the greater Concord Chamber of Commerce,

Red River Theatres is proud to announce a special TWO NIGHTS ONLY screening of Taxi to the Dark Side, March 4 at 8 pm and March 5 at 7pm. And on March 5 only, we invite you to join us for a post-film discussion with Retired Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy, and current Dean of Franklin Pierce Law School, John Hutson.

Info at www.redrivertheatres.org; tel: 224-4600.

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