Schenectady Neighbors for Peace Minutes
November 15, 2007

The group signed a letter Elaine wrote from the group to Senator Schumer against going to war with Iran.

Linda M. reported on going with Women Against War to lobby Schumer. They had a positive meeting with his aide. They left literature making critical points. Their group included an Iranian woman. She noted the translation problems, in general with American understanding of issues, such as Ahmadinejad’s speech.

Maxine reported that she had brought up to the Schenectady County Board meeting the amount of money lost from counties because of the war.

Elizabeth and Elaine reported on the Peace Action Gala in NYC. This was rejuvenating for the local groups, who were appreciated by the state organization.

E. & E. reported on Scott Ritter’s presentation about possible war with Iran at a lecture at Sienna College. Ritter claimed war was inevitable. He said the Peace Movement should focus on “war prevention” and telling elected officials to uphold the Constitution.

The group discussed Ritter’s ideas regarding the problem of fragmentation in the Peace Movement and the recent presentations of Chris Hedges and Kathy Kelly, as well.

Linda, Maxine, Martin suggested focusing on a particular goal and really targeting it.

Maxine advocates a meeting with our legislators.  Martin stressed the importance of continuing vigils and participating in Capital District efforts against war with Iran.

The group, led by Bertha, Elizabeth, and Martin, discussed Truth in Recruitment efforts, which has been slow moving. Lisa thought some kids at Schenectady High School that she knows of might be interested in joining with the “I Miss America” activity.

Maxine spoke to Peg, a teacher at the high school regarding the Amnesty International  connection. We discussed the point that in order for us to go in to the high school, a kids’ group must invite our group in. We need someone to work on this – Maxine might be able to.

Some people may check in at Earthly Delights to see about talking to kids about counter-recruitment.

The “War Prayer” may be able to be shown at the high school Maxine will ask the TV station at the high school to show it. Also, she needs to check if the counter-recruitment video Before You Enlist” might be shown.

The counter-recruitment leafleting might include posters on starting a peace club.

Elizabeth noted that the Guidance Department had said they would put together a package on “opting out,” but we do not know if that has happened.

Roving Vigil – we will be on the sidelines of the Schenectady downtown Xmas parade which is the Sat. after Thanksgiving. We will go a bit before the parade and hand out literature and paper cranes. We’ll meet at Jay and State St.

Films –  no current report.

Speaker – Elizabeth said that Paul Rieme from the Christian Peacemaker Team wants to arrange with us to speak.  Elizabeth was checking some connection with the First Reform Church regarding this.

The group discussed last year’s vigil at SCCC, which had been around the Dec. solstice and was a successful “honk for peace” event. There was a discussion of possible connection with Mary Clare and Martha Azlon.

Weekly Peace Vigils – Marin noted that three students from Sienna came to the peace vigil because they saw it in “Metroland.” We might do further reach out to college kids.

Friday’s vigils usually have 3-6 people.

Elizabeth announced we have additional crane donations from Joanne, the origami club person.

Dave led some discussion regarding the media focusing attention on issues that they want to promote, instead of full news coverage. Should we have a Jan. vigil in front of a media outlet? There was an additional discussion of letter writing regarding the media not covering the call for impeachment.  There was a call for more letters to the editor and letters to media like TV stations regarding lack of coverage of peace issues. Elaine will create some.

Martin Luther King Day Parade – Sunday, Jan. 20. Do we want to participate?

There was some discussion of activities involving candidates, like Kucinich. Anita advocated that the group not become involved in political alignments.