“I concede that it’s probably my age, but as I approach — what is it Dr. Reagan said the other day, the sunset of my life — I don’t see enough that is different from what I experienced X numbers of years ago. The big picture is still the subtleties and the sophistication that characterize the maintenance of the status quo.”

-- historian John Hope Franklin, NY Times

Activist San Diego contacts: Martin (619-226-1116), Tanja (858-459-4650), Activist Update: ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org

WANT TO ADD TO THE ACTIVIST UPDATE? Email ASDUpdate@activistsandiego.org
Please submit your event listings at least 1 week prior to the event.

Activist San Diego Monthly Meeting Third Monday each month, 7pm - Joyce Beers Community Center, 1090 Vermont, one 1/2 blocks north of University, just east of Trader Joe's in the Hillcrest Shopping Center. Call ASD early on at 619-528-8383 or cell 619-871-9354 if no answer. Everyone welcome Please join us

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Obama’s War Could be Obama’s Doom

The tide of rising expectations have given President Obama the political capital to propose a national health care system, to make it easier for unions to be certified and to build support for bailouts of homeowners. The president is speaking in populist terms against the abuses by AIG and other bonus recipients. It looks like he wants to be a man of the people.

On the other hand Obama’s foreign policy seems strikingly similar to Bush’s, especially as it applies to Afghanistan. The protracted war is not going to be won by more troops, billions more in military maneuvers against the Taliban or by cozy deals with war profiteers and war contractors.

The logic that an occupying army can beat an indigenous insurgency or pacify an impoverished majority is historical foolishness. The US has no legitimate business occupying Iraq or Afghanistan or funding the occupation of Palestine; except to fund reparations. Obama has got to quickly learn the lessons of occupations lest failure in Afghanistan become the hallmark of his failed presidency. If you believe that Obama can do something positive domestically, tell him to get out of the occupation business before Pakistan and the region are embroiled in this costly war that will eat up every domestic dollar meant for some positive program.

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DONATED CARS HELP MOVE ACTIVISM FORWARD! Please donate your car and other items. As a bonus you get progressive satisfaction and a healthy tax deduction! Call us at 619-528-8383

For all of the above we will need your help and financial support. If you would like to make a donation, please click on the button to the right.

Or, we can also accept donations mailed to: Activist San Diego 4246 Wightman St San Diego, CA 92105-2618

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"In order for the oppressed to be able to wage the struggle for their liberation, they must perceive the reality of their oppression, not as a closed world from which there is not exit, but as a limiting situation which they can transform. This perception is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for liberation; it must become the motivating force for liberating action."

-- Don Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

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FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 2:30PM: May Day! Immigrants Rights March @ City College (Park St.) March to Chicano Park for Program. Now Is The Time For... *An END to ICE Raids, Detentions & Deportations *Legalization & The Right to Migrate *Dignified Work for All (Pass Employee Free Choice Act -EFCA & Employee Non Discrimination Act- ENDA) *Equal Access to Education (Pass Development Relief Education Alien Minors Act- DREAM Act) *An End to Wasteful Spending on Border Fences. More Info

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TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST: 2009 Cesar Chavez Day March. Nearly 1,000 union members took to the streets of Downtown San Diego on Cesar Chavez Day last year to demand better jobs. They heard us. Remind them. San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council 2009 Cesar Chavez Day March. 1 p. m. Kick-Off at San Diego Convention Center. 2 p. m. Civic Center Plaza. 3 p. m. County Administration Center. 4:30 to 6 p. m. Finale at Spanish Landing. More Info

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2PM: Blackwater Teach-In at Southwestern College. "Stop Blackwater" Presentation and Q&A describes the history of Blackwater, the successful campaign to stop it from developing 824 acres of pristine valley near Potrero in East County San Diego, and how they subsequently subverted public scrutiny by opening up the Otay Mesa Facility. Most recently, Blackwater has entered into an agreement with Southwestern College to use the Otay Mesa shooting range. Presenter: Raymond Lutz, founder of Citizens' Oversight Projects Committee (COPs). Room 214, Southwestern College, 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 8AM: The Center for Christian Spirituality at the University of San Diego presents: Geography As a Metaphor for the Spiritual Life, Barbara Quinn, RSCJ. Where: Salomon Hall, Bishop Maher Hall, USD. Fee: $35; pre-registration required. Desert, mountain, valley, sea, city – landscape speaks to us of our soul’s journey. These elemental vistas invite us to remember and relive our experience of God. Travel* the rich San Diego terrain and, through Scripture and reflection, encounter the terrain of your spiritual life. *Field trip to desert, mountains, and ocean. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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FEB 28 – SATURDAY, APRIL 4th: The San Diego Science Festival 2009. Save the Date for Expo Day, Saturday, April 4 at Balboa Park. IT'S FREE and guaranteed to be fun for all ages! The goal of the festival is to increase community awareness of science and inspire our nation's youth to consider science-related careers. At the same time, the science festival will unite our community and showcase the amazing science and innovation taking place throughout San Diego. More Info

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LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH: San Diego Critical Mass Bike Ride. The last Friday of every month, we meet at the big fountain in Balboa Park at 7:00 PM and ride bicycles through the streets of San Diego, providing motorists, as well as ourselves, with a vision of how things could be different. It's a celebration of cycling! Bring your friends; meet new friends. More Info

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“ENOUGH” PEACE AND IMPEACHMENT VIGILS ~ EVERY WEEK UNTIL THE IRAQ WAR ENDS. More Info

EVERY SUNDAY 3PM: Free Vegan Food at the North Park Community Park with San Diego Food Not Bombs. The North Park Community Park is located at the intersection of Oregon and Polk in North Park. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 10:30AM: Event to launch STAND FOR LESS in San Diego. Who: San Diego Forward. - Press Conference to launch STAND FOR LESS in San Diego - Public Workshops hosted by Ed Begley, Jr. (Top 10 ways to Stand For Less). Where: San Diego Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade Park (On Harbor drive, across from the convention center / next to the Hilton hotel). The STAND FOR LESS social marketing program will educate and motivate residents on how to live a conservation lifestyle. In launching this campaign with multiple partners - including: California Department of Conservation, California Air Resources Board, California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, the San Diego County Water Authority, San Diego Gas & Electric and SANDAG. The campaign will provide information and access to conservation programs to San Diego residents. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 11AM: 51st Annual Ebony Fashion Fair. The Ebony Fashion Fair, the world's largest traveling fashion show, returns to San Diego to showcase the latest runway designs and raise funds for the Elementary Institute of Science (EIS), San Diego’s premier science enrichment center for children. This year's show will be held at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center. The social hour begins at 11 AM, and is followed by a sit-down luncheon. Ramp seats, which are located right next to the runway and include VIP parking with escorts, are $125. General admission tickets are $75. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15-16, 2009: The Trans-Border Institute presents a conference on: Migration, Religion and National Identity: Exploring Faith and Belonging in the Migrant Experience. At the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, University of San Diego 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego. The Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego with support from the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies will host a major international conference to examine the relationship between migration, religion and national identity. This conference will examine these topics from a historical and comparative perspective, and will feature accomplished academic and religious experts from the United States and abroad. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 7PM: Community screening of “The Visitor.” Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) is hosting a screening of the critically-acclaimed film “The Visitor” to help San Diego community members learn about the immigrant detention system and connect them with ways to get involved locally. In "The Visitor," an American college professor and a young couple grapple with the treatment of immigrants and the legal process post-9/11. The film stars Richard Jenkins, who has been nominated for a 2009 Best Actor Oscar for his role as the professor. Location: First Congregational Church of Ramona(in the Youth Building) 404 8th Street, Ramona. Cost: Free. More Info

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FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 7:30PM: Divided Friendship: Crisis At The Border. Matters of Controversy. Guest Speakers: John Fanestil and Christian Ramirez. The Department of Homeland Security is now building a second wall across Friendship Park, the historic location overlooking the Pacific Ocean where for generations residents of San Diego and Tijuana have met to visit with friends and family through the border fence. Final design plans for the park would eliminate permanently all public access to Friendship Park. A grassroots coalition of over 40 community organizations has been battling to save public access to this unique feature of San Diego’s cultural landscape. Join us to learn more from two leaders of the “Save Friendship Park” coalition. Also featured will be a 10-minute documentary about the park, “A Divided Friendship,” produced by students from the UCSD Department of Communications. First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego 4190 Front Street, Hillcrest, San Diego (opposite UCSD Medical Center). Donation requested. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 3PM: You are invited to hear Fred Goldstein, author of Low-Wage Capitalism, talk about his groundbreaking new book and present a Marxist view of the capitalist crisis. Critically acclaimed by both Howard Zinn and Michael Parenti, Low-Wage Capitalism provides a sorely needed and easy-to-read analysis of the roots of the current global economic crisis, its implications for workers and oppressed peoples, and the strategy needed for future struggle. Malcolm X Library 5148 Market Street at Euclid Avenue. More Info

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SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 11AM: ACLU'S Action Summit: Reclaiming Our Voices. Keynote Speaker: Rep. John Lewis from Atlanta! Please register today for the ACLU's biannual membership mobilization. We gather our members, friends, and allies in the community for a mobilization conference to restore our constitution and fight for equal rights for all people. We are especially pleased to announce that Rep. John Lewis, a civil rights icon, gifted orator, and principled member of Congress representing Atlanta will deliver the keynote address to fire up our audience! More Info

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MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009: National Day of Action for Colombia. Colombia has just surpassed Sudan as having the worst internal displacement crisis in the world. Over 4 million Colombians have been violently forced from their homes. While the war responsible for this crisis has raged for decades, the pace of displacement has intensified in recent years. Last year, 1500 Colombians fled their homes every day. You can be a part of "Change Colombia Can Believe In". More Info

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APRIL 23-25, 2009: World-Systems Analysis & the Challenges of the 21st Cent. University of San Diego. 33rd Annual Conference of the Political Economy of the World-System Section of the American Sociological Association. University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego. Sponsored by the Ethnic Studies Program, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, M. E. Ch. A, the Social Issues Committee, Sociology, USD. More Info

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FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 4PM: Come to a “More Than a Book Party” to celebrate the publication of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s new book on his 55th birthday. In cities across the globe, people aware of the decades-long struggle of this U. S. death row political prisoner for justice will be gathering to demand his freedom. Gloria Verdieu and Elliott Leib with the San Diego Free Mumia Coalition, will provide background on the case, an update on the legal struggle to free Mumia, and a review of his new book. “Jailhouse Lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v. the U. S. A.” Malcolm X Library 5148 Market Street at Euclid Avenue. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 10AM: 39th Annual Chicano Park Day Celebration. Established by Chicano activists on April 22, 1970, Chicano Park has received international recognition as a major public art site for its commanding mural paintings of the past and present struggle of Mexican and Chicano history. This year’s Chicano Park Day Anniversary celebration is dedicated to all the women that have put their hearts and souls into the development and preservation of the park. In addition, the event will acknowledge all women who, with determination and self-empowerment, have worked diligently towards improving their communities. The women will be honored during the midday flag-raising ceremony. More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 12PM: San Diego County Library. Vegetarian Day @ Your Library. Come watch movies, learn about being a vegetarian, sample foods, raw and vegetarian cooking demos, speakers, crafts and much, much, more! Free @ your library. Limited Supply of food, please arrive early. Spring Valley Library 836 Kempton Street. More Info

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FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 2:30PM: May Day! Immigrants Rights March @ City College (Park St.) March to Chicano Park for Program. Now Is The Time For... *An END to ICE Raids, Detentions & Deportations *Legalization & The Right to Migrate *Dignified Work for All (Pass Employee Free Choice Act -EFCA & Employee Non Discrimination Act- ENDA) *Equal Access to Education (Pass Development Relief Education Alien Minors Act- DREAM Act) *An End to Wasteful Spending on Border Fences. More Info

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MONDAY, MARCH 30, 7PM: ADC film series and CJP launch of San Diego BDS. March 30th is International BDS Action Day. ADC San Diego invites you to attend the San Diego premier of Wounds of the Heart an Artist and her Nation. A new documentary by John Halaka Edited by Marissa Bowman Music by Samer Totak and Nizar Rohana. Followed by discussion on the film by John Halaka and Nasser Barghouti. The San Diego Coalition for Justice in Palestine (CJP) will launch its local BDS campaign at this event. Four Points Sheraton 8110 Aero Drive, San Diego. More Info

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MONDAY MARCH 30, 7PM: Special Screening: Taxi to the Dark Side (Rated R). This movie is the winner of the 2008 Best Documentary. It takes a disturbing, in-depth look at the highly questionable and often illegal practices used by the U. S. government at detention facilities following 9/11. Where: Summit UU Fellowship. 8778 Cottonwood Ave. Santee. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 6PM: Video Showing "Occupation 101" at the Malcolm X Library. On the 41st anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination we want to examine where we are now and ask ourselves: What would Martin do if he were with us today? "Occupation 101" A video showing at the Malcolm X Library 5148 Market at Euclid. Dr. Zahi Damuni of the Al-Awda Palestine Right to Return Coalition will lead a discussion following the video. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 6PM: New Film About Border Wall - Free Screening "1969 Miles." Joan B. Kroc Theatre University of San Diego. TBI is privileged to host the premier screening of John Carlos Frey's most recent documentary, which explores the humanitarian impact of US border security policies. Nearly 5,000 migrant bodies have been recovered since border fences and increased militarization began over a decade ago. These astonishing numbers only account for recovered bodies. Some put the death toll at 10,000 or more as many migrants remain missing. Many experts believe migrants will die in increasing numbers as new border walls are erected forcing migrants to more treacherous terrain. Our film will focus on this human rights crisis and what some of the solutions might be. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 7PM: Brewed Awakening - Not for Sale modern abolition. Center for Justice & Reconciliation. Brewed Awakening: Backyard Abolitionist Tour. Greek Amphitheatre. The Backyard Abolitionist Tour features NOT FOR SALE President David Batstone and award-winning singer/ songwriter Brant Christopher in a gripping fast-paced pro­gram of live music, dynamic media, and a powerful mes­sage of freedom for the 27 million captives in the world. Also featuring socially conscious Hip Hop eMCee NomiS. More Info

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 6PM: REGGAE SCHOOL w/ Clive Chin. Where: WorldBeat Center 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego. What: Teach the Youth: A Vintage Reggae Presentation by Clive Chin. This unique event presents legendary reggae producer Clive Chin selecting vinyl hits from Randy's studio with an accompanying Power Point multi-media demonstration. More Info

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 7PM: Community screening of “The Visitor.” Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS) is hosting a screening of the critically-acclaimed film “The Visitor” to help San Diego community members learn about the immigrant detention system and connect them with ways to get involved locally. In "The Visitor," an American college professor and a young couple grapple with the treatment of immigrants and the legal process post-9/11. The film stars Richard Jenkins, who has been nominated for a 2009 Best Actor Oscar for his role as the professor. Location: First Congregational Church of Ramona (in the Youth Building) 404 8th Street, Ramona, CA. Cost: Free. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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Announcements / Workshops

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 6PM: Socialist Worker Forum on Immigrants Rights & Planning for May 1 in San Diego. Where: City Heights Recreation Center (Located at the corner of Landis & Fairmount, just east of the tennis courts). This Forum is organized by the San Diego Branch of the International Socialist Organization (ISO). More Info

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SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 10AM: Health Care for All, April Monthly Meeting, Stratagy meeting with Reps. from 810 support grps. This monthly meeting will have representatives from other local groups that support Single Payer. Education about SB 810 and other single payer initiatives will be discussed at this meeting. Location: Mira Mesa Library 8405 New Salem St San Diego. More Info

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APRIL 17TH - APRIL 27TH: Qi Gong 2 week Workshops, Lectures & Healing. Where: WorldBeat Center - San Diego and Tijuana - Ensenada. Mexico. Tian Gong is a profound method of Qi Gong energy work, which goes beyond gentle exercises for health and well-being. Our goal is to help you integrate your body, mind & soul through meditation, gentle movement, sound healing, Taoist alchemy & spiritual wisdom from both the Eastern & Western cultures. More Info

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POTS AND PANS FOR PEACE! .... and pens, pencils, paper, hats, gloves, etc. too! Since most people's first reaction will likely be, "HUH?!"---- let me follow up quickly with "Citizen Diplomacy: Reaching out to the needy people in Afghanistan!" We have an opportunity to let the people of Afghanistan know that the people of the United States care about them, by filling "flat rate" boxes of donations to be shipped to Afghanistan! Help put a smile on the face of a child half a world away! To participate, please bring your donations to: San Diego First Church of the Brethren 3850 Westgate Place San Diego. More Info

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Get FREE copy of "A Question of Power", A documentary about the resistance in San Diego against this powerline. Video Link provided here: Also attached are action items for folks to talk once they have seen the documentary. We have complimentary copies of the documentary that can be requested by emailing: thecoane5 <thecoane5@cox.net There is no charge for the DVD or the mailing. More Info

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ONGOING EVENTS
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SDCPJ HIGH SCHOOL LEAFLETING PROJECT. The SD Coalition for peace and justice high school leafleting project is still looking for volunteers. Please reply to this e-mailsjagitator@ucsd.edu if you can join us with this special outreach to Latino students as they are heavily targeted by military recruiters. Help deny the military what they need most - young men and women to send to war or call me at 619-237-8870. More Info

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MISCELLANEOUS
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90.7 KPFK PACIFICA RADIO IS BACK ON THE AIR IN SAN DIEGO.....!!!!!! KPFK is back and it is the only information and cultural programming of it's kind in San Diego. People should listen, tell others and work to keep it here in San Diego and South Orange County. More Info

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Peace Flags. Excellent for display or for Peace Rallies. Call 858.459.4650 or email TanjaWinter@ActivistSanDiego.org

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The Guerrero Azteca Project ~ www.guerreroazteca.org

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The GI Rights Hotline ~ girights.objector.org

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LA VOZ Community Events Newsletter over the last 12 years has worked towards keeping the San Diego non-profit, Latino, and community at large connected ~ LA VOZ Community Events Newsletter

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DAY OF ACTION Call Reynolds Tobacco Friday, April 3 ~ Farm Labor Organizing Committee, AFL-CIO, www.floc.com

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Games for Change ~ www.gamesforchange.org

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War, Peace and Video Games - pt. 3 ~ statastic.com/category/human-rights

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Global Kids' Digital Media Initiative ~ www.holymeatballs.org

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