We get so caught up in discussing the “big issues” of the day we can easily forget that all politics are local and personal before they make it onto the world stage.
In that spirit, here are some actions and activities I hope local (Winnipeg and area) readers will find time to support.
Alternative Remembrance Day Ceremony – Nov. 11
View the film “Breaking Ranks,” a moving documentary about the plight of U.S. soldiers seeking sanctuary in Canada as part of their resistance to the war in Iraq. With intimate access to four American military deserters, their lawyers and families, this film documents their experiences as they try to exercise their consciences amidst profound emotional, ethical and international consequences. This will be followed by a discussion and a candle lighting vigil.
Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: St. Matthews Anglican Church, 641 St. Matthews Avenue (at Maryland St.)
Please help promote this event. Click here to download a poster that you can distribute.
War Resister Joshua Keys to speak in Winnipeg, Nov. 13, 14
Joshua Key’s autobiography, “The Deserter’s Tale,” written with Lawrence Hill (House of Anansi Press, 2007), raises disturbing issues concerning the conduct of the Iraq war and the status of those seeking asylum in Canada as conscientious objectors. Joshua will be speaking at several locations.
* Thursday, Nov. 13, 7:00 p.m. at Mondragon Books (91 Albert St.)
* Friday, Nov. 14, 2:30-4:00 p.m., 310 Tier Building, University of Manitoba
He will also be at at Menno Simons College – 520 Portage at Spence St, on Friday, November 14 at 6 p.m. for the screening of the film “Close the School of the Assassins” — an event sponsored by the Student Christian Movement and Menno Simons College.
Rally Against the Harper Agenda, Nov. 15
The Majority Agenda Coalition is holding a rally at the national convention of the Conservative Party of Canada. According to the organizers:
“We urge all progressive organizations in Manitoba to mobilize their members to attend the rally! We invite you to join the coalition organizing the rally – The Majority Agenda Coalition – or to endorse the rally. The approach we are taking is that “we are the majority” – we are the 62 per cent of people who did not vote Conservative in the last election! Even worse, the Conservative Party plunged 185,000 votes compared to 2006 yet has 19 more members in Parliament.
“As the rally organizers, we have agreed that the rally will be peaceful and respectful of the law.
“Much is at stake! The majority of people voted for parties that promised action to create jobs during the economic crisis, improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples, create a child care program support equality for women, save the Wheat Board and protect the family farm, keep funding the Arts, and save our public Post Office.
“We are the majority of Canadians who want our soldiers out of Afghanistan and for Canada to meet its Kyoto commitments. We are the majority who oppose further deep integration with the United States and who want an end to the secret “Security and Prosperity” talks. We are the majority who want more affordable access to higher education and action to end poverty and homelessness. These are all policies that the Harper government is trying to block. So we the majority need to block his agenda!”
When: Saturday, November 15, 12 Noon
Where: Winnipeg Convention Centre, York St. between Carleton and Edmonton
More Information: (204) 947-9334
Please help promote this event. If you click on the image you will get a downloadable poster that you can distribute via email and post wherever you like.
Annual Meeting of Peace Alliance Winnipeg, Nov. 16
Date: Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
Time: 1:30 pm
Place: Workers Organizing Resource Centre, 180 Smith, Mezzanine Level
Press the buzzer to get access to the building.
The AGM will discuss the work the Peace Alliance has engaged in during the past year and set priorities for the coming year. To be eligible to vote at the AGM you must have paid your membership for 2008. If you are not a member you can join by submitting the membership form at the web site by Friday, November 14 so that your membership can be processed. Current members can direct inquiries about their membership status to “info [at} peacealliancewinnipeg [dot] ca.”
Winnipeg Citizens Coalition General Meeting – Nov. 26
The Winipeg Citizens Coalition would like to invite members and the public at large to its upcoming general meeting!
Date: Wednesday, November 26th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Silver Heights Community Centre, 2080 Ness Avenue
The agenda will include a presentation on the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ Alternative Municipal Budget by University of Manitoba Professor Ian Hudson.
Paul S. Graham 