Local
The only section of the New York Times I consistently enjoy is “By the Book.” It is a quick read that offers a glimpse into the reading habits of writers, musicians, and other public figures. When I came to the latest edition with Chelsea Clinton I expected to read a vacuous interview that served no purpose other than to sell a few extra copies of her recent book. But that was not the case. It wasn’t an interview with a writer; it was with a politician.
Saturday, February 25, 2pm
Columbus Metropolitan Library - Northern Lights Branch
4093 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224
We've marched, we've called, we've written, we've donated, we've knitted...or maybe we've done all or none of these things. Now let's read! We can keep the spirit of the historic #womensmarch alive with a monthly book group. Our first book is The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander.
Don't have time to read the whole thing? Here's an article by the author describing the topic: http://prospect.org/article/new-jim-crow-0
The militarization of police forces in the U.S. has come under increasing scrutiny, including the effect it has on the psychology of police. Equipped with military-grade weapons and body armor, police have been conditioned to view citizens as enemies, instead of human beings whom they are bound to protect and serve.
Wearing face shields or gas masks has the psychological effect of deindividuation: a feeling of anonymity that curbs police officers’ sense of personal responsibility for their actions.
These effects played out in downtown Columbus on the evening of January 30 as a demonstration against President Trump was winding down. About 3,000 protesters were marching from the Franklin Country Courthouse back to the Ohio Statehouse, as police attempted to keep them off High Street by forcing them onto the sidewalk.
Friday, Feb 24, 7 PM - 9 PM
2439 Fuiji Dr, Columbus, OH 43229-2847
SPAG and READ HOA have teamed up to provide aid to Somalia's drought and famine. We have raised over 80% of our $10,000 goal and hope to continue the momentum until the end of the month!
This celebatory gala will provide valuable information about the current famine in Somalia & building sustainability. There will be live entertainment provided by spoken word artists and wadani singers. Dinner will be graciously catered by Lavash Cafe.
The cost to attend is "pay what you want." Donations will be taken at the door. Seating is limited so please be sure to RSVP: https://goo.gl/q73ntN
Approximately 30 activtists staged a demonstration Wednesday, February 22 outside Senator Rob Portman's office in downtown Columbus. Debbie Silverstein, Single Payer Action Network Ohio State Director, illustrated the devastation an illness without access to medical care can bring, told of breaking her leg* years ago -- she then just lay on the floor and cried and cried, desolate because she knew that she could not afford the needed medical treatment. Advocating militancy, Silverstein said that we have learned our lesson -- compromising in the struggle over the legislation that resulted in the Affordable Health Care Act did not serve the movement well. "Instead of retreating in the face of Administration threats to abolish the Affordable Care Act," she declared, "now we are demanding more -- Medicare for All!"
Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 PM - 9 PM
Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church
2350 Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43202
February 23 at 4:00pm - Hope City House of Prayer
3330 El Paso Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43204
Facebook Event Page
Join the People's Justice Project in a One Mile Prayer March to May Ginther's 2017 "State of the City" address which will be held at the Police Training Academy. Mayor Ginther and has decided to extend the "Summer Safety Initiative" that killed 23-year-old Henry Green in June to a year-round program - the exact opposite of what community members have been demanding since his death. The more recent deaths of T'yre King and Jaron Thomas by the hands of Columbus Police have not resulted in any justice for their families.
Healthcare should be about keeping people alive and healthy. Period. It should have nothing to do with business school graduates getting rich or ridiculously large corporations amassing political power. Alas, America’s political elite have no problem with individuals and companies profiting from their constituents’ accidents and general ill health. In fact, they actively assist those entities in their endeavors; the taxes on millionaires and billionaires are inexcusably low, the government is banned by legislation from negotiating for lower drug prices, medical students have to pay exorbitantly high tuition fees, and there has been no movement towards a single-payer program. Unfortunately, those aren’t the only issues. Having a private health insurance system creates problems that directly interfere with the care patients receive.
Monday, February 20, 7 PM - 9 PM
Northwood High Building
2231 N High St., Columbus, Ohio 43201
Noted Columbus Photographer, Bob Studzinski , will be sharing his photographs and experiences while on assignment at Standing Rock. Come join us to learn more about Standing Rock and what we can do support the water protectors.