Charleston Peace and Justice and other events

2-Year Anniversary of the Start of Iraq War
There are lots of events going on in Charleston surrounding the 2-year anniversary of the start of the war against Iraq. Charleston Peace is sponsoring three events this week:

Rally-A Day of Peace in a Time of War: Saturday, March 19
Wake Up & Act
End the Occupation-Bring Our Troops Home Rally at Marion Square. 2 PM
Bring family and friends for a day of great music, speakers, art and fellowship.

Help Us Build a Wall Against the War: Sunday, March 20
Charleston Peace is building a wall to commemorate the dead, both Americans and Iraqis, in Marion Square from 12-3 PM on Sunday, March 20. We need people to help set up starting at 10:30 AM and to take a shift writing out names and posting them on the wall from 12-3 on the 20th. We also need people to distribute stickers and flyers leading up to the event.

DEFUSE! Vigil: Sunday, March 20
Please join us on March 20th at 7 PM at the four corners of law, Meeting and Broad St., for a Candlelight Vigil against hate crimes and gay bashing in respect to James Maestas and the SC Legislature's actions against the GLBT community.

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Genetic Literacy Meeting: Saturday, March 26
10 AM-Noon, Main Library, 68 Calhoun St. Downtown Charleston
Discussion on HIV testing for adolescents and for pregnant women who refuse voluntary HIV testing. Discussion leader: Sandra L. Fowler, MD, MSc, Division of Infectious Diseases, MUSC.

-2 PM: "Making Democracy Work": state reforms to make our electoral system more inclusive and democratic, and how you can help. Rep. Joe Neal, Brett Bursey, Rob Richie Center for Voting and Democracy. The panelists will involve the audience in a discussion about Voter Registration, Early Voting, Instant Runoff Voting, Failsafe Voting, Electoral College, Paper trails, Clean Elections and more.

-4 PM: "Red State Blues: What's the matter with SC?" Politics seems to be more about morality than money lately. Politicians are supporting economic policies that, arguably, hurt many of the people that vote for them. Winning margins are being won on emotional "wedge" issues - abortion, god, guns, and gays - rather than any collective concerns like health, education and jobs. Are average South Carolinians voting against their own economic interests? How can progressive reframe the issues to rebuild a majority? Rep. Gilda Cobb Hunter, Dr. Willie Legett, Roger Hickey of the Institute for America's Future,

-Thunder and Lightning Award at a reception after Democracy Day

Socialist Education Project: Sunday, April 10
2-4 PM at the College of Charleston, in Maybank 320.

No War! No Bush! Art Show: Opening reception Friday, April 18, 7-9 PM
The art show is currently on display through March 27 at Kool Beanz, 433 King St. We will be hosting a reception this Friday evening from 7-9 with music and refreshments and many of the exhibiting artists in attendance. Come out and support local anti-war artists!

Every Sunday: Charleston Food Not Bombs
We share a free vegetarian meal without restriction every Sunday (cooking start around 10:30, we share the meal at 1:00). We are always open to folks desiring to do their share of the cooking, sharing, and/or eating. Operating with the ideas of cooperation and mutual aid, we stand as a protest against militarization and poverty.

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Fayetteville March and Rally to Bring the Troops Home: Saturday, March 19
Charleston Peace is carpooling to Fayetteville NC on March 19 for the major regional demonstration supported by United for Peace and Justice and Iraq Veterans Against the War to bring the troops home now! Fayetteville is home to Fort Bragg - ground zero for the 82nd Airborne Division and many of the Army's elite units. It is also home to a growing base of anti-war activists and organizations. For details on the protest, visit www.ncpeacejustice.org.

Democracy Day: Saturday, April 2
Capitol Senior Center, Maxcy Gregg Park Columbia