Activism and Events – Page 16 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Washington DC: Many Attend Candlelight Memorial Remembering Tiananmen Square Martyrs

On May 30 near the Washington Monument in Washington DC, many people joined the candlelight memorial event sponsored by Remember64.org to see the photo exhibit of Spring 1989 events, listen to a concert by various musicians and a chorus, listen to speeches by guests, and to light candles remembering the martyrs for freedom killed on June 4, 1989 in Beijing.

May 30, 2009 Candlelight Vigil for Tiananmen Square Martyrs - DC's Washington Monument

An estimated 150-200 people attended the Remember64.org organization’s event near the Washington Monument on the evening of May 30, 2009. Attendees held lighted candles from dusk until 9:30 PM as the speakers recounted the events of the Tiananmen Square protests, speakers recounted the need to remember the protesters and their cause in fighting for freedom in China, and Ms. Bei Ming read the names of the individuals known to be killed in the Beijing massacre of those protesting for freedom and democracy.

The Remember64.org organization had a photo display of many events that took place during the Spring 1989 protests in Tiananmen Square. From 7 to 8 PM, there was a concert by musicians Demian Yumei, Stacy Young, Zane, and Chris Davis. The Fairfax Choral Society Youth Chorus sang “Lift Thine Eyes” and “I Waited for the Lord.”

The speakers included:
— Mr. Zheng Fang, former Tiananmen student, and a gold medalist and record holder of the All-China Paralympics Games. Mr. Zheng Fang lost both of his legs under the tracks of a tank during the Communist Chinese government’s massacre of the Tiananmen Square protests on June 4, 1989. Mr. Zheng Fang was presented with flowers by attendees at the event. Mr. Zheng Fang rescued a fainting female student during the tanks rolling over and killing Tiananmen Square protesters on June 4, 1989, but lost both of his legs as a result of his heroic efforts. Remember64.org writes that “In 1992, he won gold medals in discus and javelin throwing in the All-China Paralympics Games. However his dream of playing in Special Olympics was crushed. The Chinese government deprived him the opportunity to participate in the 2008 Paralympics because he has become a living symbol to the Beijing massacre.” I was privileged to meet Mr. Zheng Fang and shake the hand of such a living legend of heroism.

— Dr. Wang Dan, former Tiananmen student, and visiting scholar of Oxford University. Remember64.org writes that “Wang Dan was one of the most visible of the student leaders in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. After the June 1989 crackdown, he went into hiding and was arrested in 1990. He was sentenced to four years in prison in 1991. After being released on parole in 1993, he continued to write publicly and was re-arrested in 1995. He was sentenced in 1996 to 11 years. He was released on medical parole on 1998 and has been living in exile in the United States since. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard in 2008.” Dr. Wang Dan has called for all to wear white on June 4, 2009 “to remember the dead in a ‘white China.'”

— Dr. Wang Dan also made the following remarks during the May 30, 2009 candlelight vigil ceremony at the Washington Monument: “Why do we remember June 4, 1989? It was the brightest time in Chinese history 20 years ago, when thousands of students and civilians took to the streets to express their dream for democracy and freedom; it was the darkest moment in Chinese history on the day of June 4, 20 years ago, when the Chinese government resorted to bloody crackdown and machines of war, and suppressed the democratic movement. Today we remember June 4, because we must not forget those who died in the tragedy, who sacrificed their lives for their dream. They are the real heroes of our people. We remember June 4, because the 1989 democratic movement told the world that we Chinese are people of dignity; that we not only want to live a life of material abundance, but also a life of freedom and social justice. China has changed tremendously in the past twenty years. Among all those dazzling changes, some such as economic development justifying all social issues, such as the moral decaying of the society, are the direct consequence of the June 4 crackdown. Many things remain the same, such as the one-party rule and corruptions, which, again, are the direct consequence of the June 4 crackdown. We would not be able to understand the China of today without understanding ‘June 4, 1989.’ In the past twenty years, our pursuit of democracy has been met with countless obstacles and difficulties. However, we can stand here today and proudly declare that we are still holding on to our dream. This is our spiritual heritage of the 1989 democratic movement. Finally, I ask you to find all possible ways to appeal to people in China that, on this coming June 4, we shall all wear white to remember the dead in a ‘white China.'”

— Many of the attendees at the May 30 candlelight vigil were wearing white.

— Dr. Lee Edwards, Chariman, The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation also spoke. Dr. Edwards reminded the crowd that the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation also plans a candlelight vigil remembering the 1989 Beijing massacre at the Victims of Communism Memorial – at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave., NW, and New Jersey Ave., NW – on Wednesday evening, June 3, starting at 7 PM. The Victims of Communism Memorial has a replica of the “Goddess of Democracy” created by the Tiananmen Square protesters that was unveiled by the protesters on May 30, 1989. Dr. Edwards addressed his experience being invited to speak about American political views in Communist China, and addressing the failures of Communism including the deaths as a result of Mao’s Great Leap Forward, and also addressing the Tiananmen Square massacre. Dr. Edwards remarked that those listening in the assembly in Communist China refused to comment on the Tiananmen Square massacre. Dr. Edwards also called for the current Communist Chinese government leadership to acknowledge the Tiananmen Square massacre.

— Mr. Tao Ye, a co-founder of the Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars in the U.S. (IFCSS) and a manager of the Tiananmen Mothers website also spoke. Per Remember64.org “Tiananmen Mothers, a group of mothers who pulled together after their children were killed, are direct bearers of this immense tragedy. The Tiananmen Mothers movement is the continuation and practice of the 1989 democratic movement, in the form of humanitarianism. Tiananmen Mothers is a classic example of the Chinese civil rights movement. Tiananmen Mothers is the trailblazer of the Chinese humanitarian movement. Tiananmen Mothers is the elaborator and propagator of modern values for ordinary people. Tiananmen Mothers is an indispensable civil force in this transforming stage of the Chinese society. Tiananmen Mothers is the first case of civil rights movement in modern China. It has subsisted in its native land for 20 years, from spontaneous assembly, to conscientious resistance, and finally, into the Non-Cooperation Movement of the Chinese Citizens. It is Tiananmen Mothers who have given faces to part of the Beijing Massacre victims, whose names we will read today. Each and every one of their testimonies is part of history. Their motto ‘Speak the truth; Never forget; Seek justice; Call on conscience’ is immortal.”

— The attendees lit their candles and the names of the known individuals killed in 1989 Beijing massacre were read by Ms. Bei Ming.

— Finally, the attendees were led by Demian and the Faifax Choral Society Youth Chorus in singing “We Shall Overcome.”

Additional Images of May 30, 2009 Candlelight Memorial:

Mr. Zheng Fang – Heroic Member of Tiananmen Square Protests who saved a life of a fellow protestor and lost his legs doing so

Dr. Zheng Fang - Heroic Tiananmen Square Protestor — Mr. Zheng Fang - Heroic Tiananmen Square Protester

Dr. Wang Dan – Heroic Member of Tiananmen Square Protests who was imprisoned for his stand for freedom and democracy

Dr. Wang Dan - Heroic Tiananmen Square Protestor — Dr. Wang Dan - Heroic Tiananmen Square Protester

Musicians Performing at May 30 Candlelight Memorial

Example 1 of Photos of 1989 Protests Displayed by Remember64.org

Example 2 of Photos of 1989 Protests Displayed by Remember64.org

Example 3 of Photos of 1989 Protests Displayed by Remember64.org

Example 4 of Photos of 1989 Protests Displayed by Remember64.org

Example 5 of Photos of 1989 Protests Displayed by Remember64.org

Image of Crowd at Remember64.org Candlelight Memorial

We Pray for Peace at Remember64.org Candlelight Memorial

June 6 – DC Counterprotest to Extremism and Totalitarianism – Moved to Israel Embassy

On Saturday, June 6, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) will be holding a counterprotest in Washington DC which has now MOVED to be near the Israel Embassy from 12 Noon to 3 PM. Our counterprotest will be to those organizations that have a history of supporting extremism and totalitarian ideologies, based on our support for universal human rights, as well as our rejection of the extremist Hamas terrorist organization.

We will be holding a counterprotest to the MAS and ANSWER rally, which has MOVED. MAS and ANSWER have moved the location of their rally from the Freedom Plaza to the Israeli embassy in Washington DC listed at 3514 International Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008.

R.E.A.L. has filed its revised Assembly Plan Notification with the DC Police for the outside Israel embassy with address listed as 3514 International Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008 and for the corner of International Dr. and Van Ness St. NW. As this is an embassy location, we have also notified the U.S. Secret Service.

NOTE: Check back on this web page for any further updates. See updated logistics below. Take Van Ness-UDC metro stop, use West exit, walk down one block south on Connecticut Avenue, take a right on Van Ness Street NW, and then take a left onto International Drive. We plan a pre-rally meet-up at 11:30 AM Saturday outside the Van Ness-UDC metro stop.

A. Key Messages of R.E.A.L. Rally for June 6

We have several key messages that we seek to convey to the public about the MAS/ANSWER rally:

1. As Responsible for Equality And Liberty supports universal human rights, we reject the efforts of the extremism promoted by the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliate organizations. The Muslim Brotherhood seeks to create a “Muslim World” (caliphate/Khilafa). We believe there is ONE world, called Earth – with equal rights and liberty for all humanity – for every race, nationality, gender. The Muslim Brotherhood seeks to implement Sharia law. We seek freedom for all – regardless of religion, race, or sex – and oppose Sharia’s gender apartheid and war on women. The Muslim Brotherhood seeks to impose Islam on all; we believe humanity has freedom of conscience and religion.

2. In Washington DC, the Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation has written the Washington Post about the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence on MAS. You can see this on their website today. According to the former president of MAS, Esam Omeish: “The influence of Muslim Brotherhood ideas has been instrumental in defining our understanding of Islam within the American and Western context in order to espouse the values of human dialogue, tolerance and moderation.” Also according to former MAS president Esam Omeish: “It also has been instrumental in defining our worldviews of justice and human rights.” This influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on the “MAS Freedom Foundation” remains unequivocally stated on the MAS website. We believe that human dialogue, tolerance, and moderation begins with rejecting all supremacist organizations, including the extremist Muslim Brotherhood, and that supremacist organizations never teach tolerance or moderation. We believe that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Liberty defines our worldview of the inalienable human rights of equality and liberty for all — that supremacist groups deny. We believe without such universal equality and liberty, freed from supremacist restraints, there will never be justice, nor will all of humanity have human rights.

3. Therefore, when the MAS Freedom Foundation seeks to hold a public rally in what appears to be an attempt to gain public sympathy for the control of Gaza by the Hamas extremist terrorist organization, which has had a history of using human shields against people in Gaza (video of Hamas admitting to this), we ask Americans to look at what the MAS Freedom Foundation really believes in – based on what they say, and based on how they state the extremist Muslim Brotherhood has influenced their values. Furthermore, as individuals responsible for equality and liberty, we reject the Hamas charter which includes the antisemitic lie of the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” that was popularized by Adolf Hitler in his Nazi propaganda.

4. In one recent report by the Jerusalem Post, “Members of a Gaza family whose farm was turned into a ‘fortress’ by Hamas fighters have reported that they were helpless to stop Hamas from using them as human shields. They told the official Palestinian Authority daily newspaper that for years Hamas had used their property and homes as military installations from which the group would launch rockets into Israel, dig tunnels and store arms. According to the victims, those who tried to object were shot in the legs by Hamas operatives.” We object to all violations of human rights. This commitment to human rights includes our condemnation of the actions by the Hamas terrorist group against other Muslims.

5. Our commitment to universal human rights also includes our unwavering resistance to Communist totalitarian ideologies. As Responsible for Equality And Liberty also rejects Communist China’s continuing oppression of its citizens, we reject all organizations that would appease and given influence to supporters to the ideology of Communism. We do not accept totalitarianism of any kind, whether it is Communism, Nazism, fascism, or extremism — as a “right-wing” or “left-wing” issue. Moreover, we oppose those who seek to diminish such threats to human freedom by providing such inaccurate and polarizing labels. Communist totalitarianism is not a “leftist” threat; it is a threat to universal human rights. So we find it doubly offensive to universal human rights to see that the A.N.S.W.E.R. organization is associated with the MAS rally. Disguising itself as an anti-war organization, A.N.S.W.E.R. has long deceived its concerned members by concealing its long history of its leaders promoting Communist and Stalinist ideologies, such as Brian Becker, who is shown in a video representing A.N.S.W.E.R. on its web site in a recent C-SPAN Washington Journal interview. A.N.S.W.E.R. currently lists the Marxist organization “Party for Socialism and Liberation” as part of its Steering Committee on its home page web site. We object to groups whose leaders and steering committee members support Communist totalitarianism deceiving the public with their calls for public sympathy for the Hamas terrorist group control of Gaza.

6. Very important note: Our responsibility for equality and liberty also includes our responsibility for human dignity, including responsible counterprotest and respect with those whom we disagree. This is part of our commitment to universal human rights. For those who do not share such commitment to universal human rights and respect for all human beings, even those with whom with disagree, we do not welcome you to our rally. Our goal is to provide a reasonable, responsible, peaceful, and respectful alternative to those who call for supremacism and defy universal human rights. We will not tolerate those who join our rally that use our efforts for anything other such peaceful, respectful support for such universal human rights.

B. Rally Plans And Logistics:

Date: Saturday, June 6

Time: 12 Noon to 3 PM (tentative) – if the other rally breaks up before 3 PM, we will also.

Location: Outside Israel embassy with address listed as 3514 International Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008

Nearby Washington DC metro stops: Van Ness-UDC metro stop

Pre-Event Meetup: 11:30 AM – outside of the Van Ness-UDC metro stop

Contact: Jeffrey Imm, realpublic@earthlink.net

Image of Israel Embassy Area:

Getting There and Travel Logistics:

It is recommended that rally attendees come by the Washington subway (”metro”) system to the Van Ness-UDC metro stop and walk over to the embassy. The parking near the embassies specifically states that such parking is by permit only. However, there are public parking facilities on nearby Connecticut Avenue NW and Veazey Terrace NW a block north of the Van Ness-UDC metro stop as an alternative. Details on the subway and parking options are provided in the following paragraphs.

Getting There by Subway

Take the DC subway red line (subway trip planner) to the Van Ness-UDC metro stop. For context, the Van-Ness UDC metro stop is three stops north of Dupont Circle and two stops north of the Zoo. So it is just a few minutes away from the center of the subway, Metro Center. Once arriving at the Van Ness-UDC metro stop, then following these walking directions:

VAN NESS-UDC METRO STATION to INTERNATIONAL DR NW:
1. Exit station through WEST SIDE OF CONNETICUT AVE NW & VEAZY ST entrance.
2. Walk approx. 1 block SE on Connecticut Ave NW.
3. Turn right on Van Ness St NW.
4. Walk approx. 1 block W on Van Ness St NW.
5. Turn left on International Dr NW.
6. Walk a short distance S on International Dr NW.
7. Turn right on International Pl NW.
8. Walk approx. 1 block W on International Pl NW.

Getting There by Car:

The embassy “courtyard” of International Drive can be reached by driving towards Connecticut Avenue NW, then turning onto Van Ness Street NW, and then from Van Ness Street NW you are able to turn onto either International Place or International Drive. The embassy address is 3514 International Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008. Remember the parking by the embassy is by permit only, as previously mentioned.

In terms of parking, we found that if go up Connecticut about half a block from the Van Ness-UDC metro stop (4201 Connecticut Avenue), that there is parking on the right of Connecticut Avenue going North when you turn right onto Veazey Terrace NW. There is a public parking lot called the Van Ness Center parking lot that is next to a Giant food store. The Van Ness Center lot is run by Landmark Parking, and it shows an address of 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, but my GPS said that it was 3046 Veazey Terrace NW. (There is also another lot advertised on that block of Connecticut Avenue next to an “Embassy Cleaners.”)

Walking back down the Connecticut Avenue from the parking lot exit, you will see a Pizza Hut, Jerry’s Sub shop and Bank of America on the corner. Then basically follow the walking directions from the Van Ness-UDC Metro stop above.

North Korea: June 3 PM Freedom Vigils for U.S. Reporters

Per Suzanne Sholte: “The families of Laura Ling and Euna Lee made the decision to go public and appeared on NBC’s Today Show http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31042445#31042445 and Larry King Live yesterday http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/06/01/lkl.ling.family.cnn about the detention of their loved ones, two courageous reporters who were trying to report about the situation facing North Korean refugees in China. Please join these candlelight vigils tomorrow evening, June 3, for Laura Ling and Euna Lee who were seized near the China/North Korea border on March 17 by North Korean border guards and forcibly taken to Pyongyang where they have been separately held in detention accused of “hostile acts.” The vigils are scheduled to be held at the time they will be on trial in North Korea on June 4.”

“The candlelight vigil information is below for the different cities where vigils will be held. For more information you can also visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60755553149

————————————————————-
JUNE 3rd
PUBLIC VIGILS
June 3rd in the States is June 4th in North Korea, the day the trial starts.

VIGIL LOCATIONS:
Washington, D.C. VIGIL Organizers: Asia Liu, Max Neubauer, Wesley Della Volla, Daniel Beckmann, Joseph Hong
WHEN: Weds., June 3, 2009
TIME: 6 -8 PM.
WHERE: Freedom Plaza-Washington, DC (14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave., NW)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=81896567681

New York, NY VIGIL Organizers: Danielle Chang,
Gwendolyn E. Lindsay-Jackson, Crystal Sun Kim
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=85102251771

***NEW*** CHICAGO: Rose Tibayan, Nancy Loo
Link:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=206839975710&ref=share

Birmingham, AL VIGIL Organizers: Lisa Anderson, Max Neubauer
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=84322779270

Portland, OR VIGIL Organizers: Meghan Miller Jedrzejczyk, Max Neubauer
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111689610930

San Francisco, CA VIGIL Organizers: Lynn Perkins, Mike Shen, Gibson Pearl
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112511386222

Los Angeles, CA VIGIL Organizers: Welly Yang,
Kristiana Velasco, Joe Omar Gonzales, Joyce Mar
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=79299243499

***NEW*** SACRAMENTO, CA MOMENTOF SILENCE:
Where: L Wine Lunge & Restaurant
Address: 1801 L Street, Sacramento, CA
Phone: (916) 443-6970
Time: 6:30-8pm (This is the same time as the Portland vigil)
Organizer: Beth Diebels

National Organizer: Brendan McShane Creamer
Email address: blove73@msn.com
Phone 215.699.4338

Please bring candles for the vigils.
We hope you can make it.

June 4 – DC Rally at China Embassy- Remembering 1989 Tiananmen Square Freedom Fighters

On June 4, in remembrance of 20th anniversary of those who died calling for democracy in Tiananmen Square on June 3 and 4, 1989, we will hold a rally in the park in front of the Communist China Embassy in Washington DC.

This June 4 rally at the Communist China embassy is sponsored by Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) organization. Our plan is to hold this rally from 1 to 5 PM ET on Thursday June 4. In addition, see this link on other events.

At the June 4 rally at the Communist China embassy, we will read out the names of those known individuals killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, and we will be continue to be a voice for those who have called for democracy and freedom in China. We will remember those who stood for freedom against tanks, soldiers, and even against their own government.

Finally, we will not claim, as some do, that we should only look to the “progress” in Communist China while human beings continue to suffer under oppression. We will not be silent while our fellow human beings continued to be denied freedom and liberty. We will not be silent while there are an estimated 1,045 forced labor camps holding an estimated 6.8 million prisoners, and while Communist China continues its inhuman practices of organ harvesting of prisoners, the forced abortions, and the affront to the dignity of human bodies by selling and displaying human corpses.

We will continue to speak for those who don’t have the freedom to speak. We will continue to tell the Communist China government “Long Live Democracy!” and “Free China Now!” We will continue to stand in defense of humanity’s universal human rights, just like some of us did in front of the Communist China embassy on June 4, 1989, 20 years ago. Our love and support of our fellow human beings must be consistent and steadfast in the face of all anti-freedom ideologies.

For more information, contact:
realpublic@earthlink.net

Details and Logistics:

Location:
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
3505 International Place, NW
Washington, DC 20008
(Important note – this is not where the old embassy used to be – it is a new location for those who have not been there in a while.)

Planned Rally Date and Times:
Thursday, June 4 – 1 to 5 PM ET

Rally Site:

We will be at the red brick walkway in the small “park” directly across the street from the Communist China embassy. If we get a significant turnout, we may be going up the stairs at that park to accommodate individuals. See the image below taken from this walkway in the “park” that shows where we are relative to the Communist China embassy.

"Park" Walkway in Front of Communist China Embassy

Getting There and Travel Logistics:

It is recommended that rally attendees come by the Washington subway (“metro”) system to the Van Ness-UDC metro stop and walk over to the embassy. The parking near the embassies specifically states that such parking is by permit only. However, there are public parking facilities on nearby Connecticut Avenue NW and Veazey Terrace NW a block north of the Van Ness-UDC metro stop as an alternative. Details on the subway and parking options are provided in the following paragraphs.

Getting There by Subway

VAN NESS-UDC METRO STATION to INTERNATIONAL PL NW:

1. Exit station through WEST SIDE OF CONNETICUT AVE NW & VEAZY ST entrance.
2. Walk approx. 1 block SE on Connecticut Ave NW.
3. Turn right on Van Ness St NW.
4. Walk approx. 1 block W on Van Ness St NW.
5. Turn left on International Dr NW.
6. Walk a short distance S on International Dr NW.
7. Turn right on International Pl NW.
8. Walk a short distance W on International Pl NW.

The Communist China embassy is in basically a courtyard that links International Drive and International Place together. You will see other embassies as you walk, and you will see the Communist China embassy notable by its distinct architecture and the red flag with yellow stars of Communist China.

Getting There by Car:

The embassy “courtyard” of International Drive and International Place can be reached by driving towards Connecticut Avenue NW, then turning onto Van Ness Street NW, and then from Van Ness Street NW you are able to turn onto either International Place or International Drive. The embassy address is 3505 International Place, NW, in Washington DC. Remember the parking by the embassy is by permit only, as previously mentioned.

See this Mapquest view of China Embassy and nearby streets

Assembly Plan and Coordination with Authorities:
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Dept received our Assembly Plan on April 10; we have confirmed this. They have stated thus far they have no problem with our assembly plan. Their official rules are to notify us no later than 4 days before an event. We have also contacted the U.S. Secret Service to make them aware of our detailed plans.

Other Events:

In addition, there are other remembrances of the Tiananmen Square massacre that we will attending and promoting, including a candlelight vigil on Saturday night May 30 (7-9) at the Washington Monument in Washington DC sponsored by the Remember64.org group (see also event program). In addition, the Laogai Foundation has informational events on June 2 (9 AM-2 PM) and June 4 (10:30 AM), and there is also a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night June 3 at the Victims of Communism memorial starting at 7 PM. The Initiatives for China Group has an event on the Capitol Hill West Lawn scheduled from 10 AM to 2 PM on June 4. In addition, China Aid has announced a solemn assembly of prayer at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington DC on Thursday evening, June 4, 2009 – 7-9 PM.

Note to Other Human Rights Groups:
— We have an assembly plan from 12 Noon to 7 PM ET, and we can accommodate other times beyond the core 1 to 5 PM rally time if some are interested.

For more information, contact:
realpublic@earthlink.net

DC: Tiananmen Square Candlelight Vigil May 30 and Other June 2, 3, 4 Events

Activities remembering the 20th year since the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre that we will attending and promoting include:

— Saturday night, May 30, 7-9 PM: a candlelight vigil at the Washington Monument in Washington DC sponsored by the Remember64.org group (see also event program). The Washington Monument is nearby the Smithsonian Metro subway stop (Blue/Orange) line, just a short walk away. The following are walking directions to the Washington Monument from the Smithsonian Metro subway stop:

SMITHSONIAN METRO STATION to WASHINGTON MONUMENT:

1. Exit station through 12TH & JEFFERSON (THE MALL) entrance.
2. Walk approx. 2 blocks W on Jefferson Dr SW.
3. Turn right on 14th St NW.
4. Walk approx. 1 block N on 14th St NW.

— Tuesday June 2 and Thursday June 4 events sponsored by the Laogai Foundation :
— On June 2 (9 AM-2 PM), the Laogai Foundation has a panel discussion at the National Endowment for Democracy, Suite 800, 1025 F Street NW, Washington DC 20004 . For the Tuesday June 2 event, the Laogai Foundation asks you to RSVP by email to laogai@laogai.org or by calling 202-408-8300 by May 29. It is about two blocks away from the Metro Center subway stop.
— On June 4 (10:30 AM), Laogai Foundation has press conference on Capitol Hill at the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer, 50 Independence Avenue SW, Washington DC 2004. No RSVP is necessary. See this link for Capitol Complex map, streets, and metro stops near Rayburn “HOB.”

— Wednesday night, June 3 – there is a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night June 3 at the Victims of Communism memorial starting at 7 PM. The Victims of Communism memorial is in Washington DC – at the intersection of Massachusetts Ave., NW, and New Jersey Ave., NW. See the following web link for directions to the Victims of Communism memorial. Per the web site, “It is just a couple of blocks from Union Station. You can take the Metro (Red line) to Union Station. Or if you drive, you can park at Union Station and walk easily to the statue. It is a couple blocks northwest from Union Station and on the left side of Massachusetts. Ave.” See also this web link with map of the area

— Thursday, June 4th, 2009, 10 AM – 2 PM, Initiatives for China, 20th Tiananmen Commemoration on the Capitol Hill West Lawn – Information and Media Contact: Jim Geheran, Initiatives for China Director, Washington Office, 202-290-1423. Nearby subway stop: Federal Center SW.

— Thursday afternoon, June 4 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) rally from 1-5 PM at the China Embassy at 3505 International Place, NW, Washington, DC 20008. The rally will take place in a “park” walkway across the street for the embassy. The R.E.A.L. website has details on driving, subway, and walking logistics to this event. The subway is recommended, and after exiting the Van Ness-UDC metro stop (Red Line), follow these walking directions:

VAN NESS-UDC METRO STATION to INTERNATIONAL PL NW:

June 4, 2009 – 7-9 PM – Tiananmen Leaders Invite International Community to Join in a Solemn Assembly
— China Aid reports: “The solemn assembly will be held in Washington, DC on June 4, 2009 at the National Presbyterian Church from 7-9 p.m.”
— “Media Contact: Katherine Cason (267) 210-8278 or Katherine@ChinaAid.org, Washington, D.C. Contact: Jenny McCloy (202) 213-0506 or Jenny@ChinaAid.org, Website: www.ChinaAid.org and www.MonitorChina.org, Fax: (432) 686-8355″

— For the National Presbyterian Church event, locations and directions are as follows:
— N 38° 56.541′ W 077° 04.875′ Elevation 440
— Printable Metro and Driving Directions
— Online Map
— ADC Map Coordinates 4-C-6
— Metro Red Line Tenleytown-AU Station
— Metro Bus M4 and N2 Routes (no bus service on Saturday or Sunday)
— Free parking on the Church grounds at Nebraska Avenue and Van Ness Street.
— Via subway:
—- From the Tenleytown-AU Station on the Red Line.
—- Exit to the west side of Wisconsin Avenue.
—- Turn right down Wisconsin to Tenley Circle.
—- Turn right on Nebraska Avenue for ¼ mile.
—- See the Tower of Faith ahead on the left.
—- Cross Nebraska at Van Ness Street.
—- (walking time from rail platform to NPC: 15 minutes

May 17, 2009 – R.E.A.L. Challenges Extremist “War on Women”

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) held a human rights public rally at the Washington DC Capitol Reflecting Pool on May 17 to address the global human rights challenge to equality and liberty and the extremist war on women in America and around the world. We demanded that our legislators acknowledge this supremacist threat to our freedoms and call for action to fight it. We believe that the first step is to broaden public awareness and concern about this growing human rights problem.

At the May 17 rally, we addressed the ongoing global problem of radical extremism that abuses Muslims, non-Muslims, and people around the world. We reject an ideology opposed to the universal human rights of equality and liberty. Furthermore, we addressed a “war on women” which takes place around the world, resulting in the demeaning of women, the oppression of women, attacks on women, and killing of women.

We addressed recent attacks around the world and so-called “honor killings” in the United States, Canada, UK, Europe, Iraq, India, Israel, Pakistan, Jordan, and throughout the Middle East. It is estimated that 5,000 women are murdered in “honor killings” every year. We read the names of women who have been known to be killed in such “honor killings.”

We addressed this problem of “honor killings” in the United States and around the world. We also spoke about the upcoming movie to be released “The Stoning of Soraya M.” about a stoning of a woman in Iran. We encouraged the public and especially other women to see this movie “The Stoning of Soraya M” that is scheduled to be released on June 26, 2009, and she had posters regarding the movie.

One of our supporters recently saw a pre-release of this film, and she urged the public to visit the web site for this movie at http://www.thestoning.com. We also pointed out that such “honor killings” are an ongoing global problem; we addressed the case of a 13 year old girl who was stoned to death in Somalia at the end of October 2008 for her “crime” that she was gang-raped. We further urged women to become educated on this ongoing repression and attacks on women around the world, including in the United States.

Other rally attendees sought to reach out to the public on this problem of attacks on women, and they distributed pamphlets regarding the upcoming movie “The Stoning of Soraya M.” out to the public.

Jeffrey Imm addressed that this issue is not unlike the unpopular issue of white supremacism that human rights groups needed to bring to the public’s attention in the 1960s. He also addressed the issue of the war on women, including attacks that have been continuing in the United States, and indicated that R.E.A.L.’s concerns on this are for protecting both the safety and human rights of women both in America and around the world. He then played the movie trailer for “The Stoning of Soraya M.” for the public with a portable computer linked to our sound system.

This is the third R.E.A.L. public rally in the past three months regarding the war on women, and R.E.A.L. plans to continue this public campaign in defense of women’s safety and inalienable human rights of equality and liberty. We also plan to have a public rally in June to address the planned June 26 release of “The Stoning of Soraya M.” as it is representative of the continuing, global problem in the war against women. More information on this planned June rally will be available soon.

One of our supporters is planning to continue to speak publicly on this issue of the “war on women.” Jeffrey Imm is scheduled to speak on blogtalkradio on this subject on Wednesday, May 20 at 9:30 PM ET; the call in number is 347-838-8011. You can find out more about the Wednesday blogtalkradio show online at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FreeMeNow/

We note that, while the recent mainstream news media has saturated news coverage on swine flu deaths, there has been minimal to non-existent reporting on the issue of continuing, weekly “war on women” around the world. We refuse to accept silence and indifference on the “war on women.”

This “war on women,” which claims at least hundreds of victims every month, is a direct assault on nothing less than the human rights and lives of half of humanity itself. R.E.A.L. believes that this existential human rights crisis must get the public and media coverage that this crisis deserves.

As one of the figures telling a French reporter in “The Stoning of Soraya M.” states “I want you to take my voice with you.” We must continue to be the voice and the defense for those women abused, oppressed, and murdered around the world who live in helpless and hopeless situations. R.E.A.L. and all those human rights activists who defy this war on women” will continue to be that voice. We view the lives of every woman as precious and unique, and we will continue to fight for their universal human rights as human beings. “They cannot get away with this.”

(U.S.) NYC: Rally For Human Rights Takes On Radical Islam — Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI)

NYC – May 3 Rally – Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI)

The Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI) is holding a rally in Times Square on Sunday May 3, 2009 from 12 – 2 PM to address the global threat of radical Islam. For additional information contact them at: may3rally@hrcari.org

Per HRCARI:
“We will rally on Sunday May 3 in Times Square 7th Ave & 42nd St at 12 Noon against Radical Islam, honor our human rights defenders and memorialize Radical Islam’s victims. The purpose of the Rally is:

“1. to identify the global enemy of human rights, Radical Islam, and to awaken America to the threat of Radical Islam to the liberties and freedoms of the United States and countries across the world.”
“2. to honor human rights defenders for fighting against the onslaught of
Radical Islam. U.S. Armed Forces, Homeland Security, Police, FireFighters, Emergency Workers and the CIA and FBI”
“3. to memorialize the many U.S. and global victims of Radical Islam: Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, Buddhists, Secular Humanists”

“There will be prominent speakers from the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish communities.”

North Korea Freedom Week April 26-May 2, Washington, D.C.

North Korea Freedom Week 2009 – April 26-May 2, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
See schedule of events

Sunday, April 26

“6:00 pm Candlelight Vigil to remember and pray for all repatriated North Koreans who have been beaten to death and publicly executed in North Korea because of China’s repatriation policy”

“Location: International Calvary Church, 5700 Hanover Avenue, Springfield, Virginia”

“7:00 pm Prayer Service for North Korea and for the visiting North Korea defector delegation”

“Location: International Calvary Church, 5700 Hanover Avenue, Springfield, Virginia”

Monday, April 27

“All Day: North Korea Genocide Exhibit will be on display at Columbus Circle across from Union Station”

“AFT: Special Capitol Hill Screening of Crossing especially for Congressional staff, but open to public”

“2:00-4:00 pm Department of State: DRL North Korea Funding Information Session As the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor continues to dedicate more resources to the promotion of human rights and democracy in North Korea, DRL will host this special informational session to offer an information session to introduce potential partner organizations to the DRL solicitation process including how grant proposals are evaluated and monitored.”

“Host: Department of State DRL Bureau”

“To Participate, email turnerje@state.gov by April 10 with full name, date of birth, country of citizenship and passport or driver’s license number.”

Tuesday, April 28 Rally Date and Anniversary of the First North Korea Freedom Day

“All Day: North Korea Genocide Exhibit will be on display West Front of US Capitol”

“10:00 am Demonstration by the Democracy Network Against the North Korean Gulag at the Raoul Wallenberg Place across from the Holocaust Museum”

Capitol Hill Rally for North Korea Freedom and Human Rights, West Front of the U.S. Capitol

“11:00 am Music Starts with the Pyongyang Musical Mission Troupe and our own Jeff Park and the Seoul Presbyterian Church Praise Band”

“12:00 noon Program with Confirmed speakers (so far): South Korean Human Rights Ambassador Jhe Seong Ho, Senator Sam Brownback, Congressman Ed Royce, NED President Carl Gershman, Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Windsor, Amnesty International Asia Advocacy Director T. Kumar, Dr. Hyunuk Kim, President of the International Forum for Foreign Policy and National Security, Kim Seung Min Director of Free North Korea Radio, representatives from the Japanese Rescue Movement and all North Korean defector organizations…”

“Afternoon: Rally participants will visit their Senators and Congressmen. If you would like to participate, please RSVP here: nkfreedom.org/index.php

“3:00-5:00 pm Panel Session on North Korea human rights sponsored by the Korea Economic Institute”

“Host: Ambassador Jack Pritchard and the Korea Economic Institute”

“Location: 1800 K Street, N.W., Suite 1010, Washington DC, 20006”

Wednesday, April 29

“10:00 am Panel Session Focusing on Survey of North Korean Refugees”

“Host: Marcus Noland and the Peterson Institute”

“Location: C. Fred Bergsten Conference Center, 1750 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036”

“6:00 pm Special Screening of KIMJONGILIA which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival with the film’s director and producer N.C. Heikin. KIMJONGILIA is the first film documentary to expose the horrible human rights abuses by Kim Jong-il through defector’s stories, North Korea’s propaganda and original performance.”

“Host and sponsor: Congressman Trent Franks and Tina Ramirez”

“Location: Capitol Visitors Center – North Theatre”

“RSVP Required (limited seating):” RSVP at http://www.nkfreedom.org/index.php?id=30

Thursday, April 30

“10:00 AM Congressional briefing on Humanitarian Situation and What Can Be Done to Help the North Korean People”

“Host: Congressional Human Rights Commission”

“Location: To Be Determined”

“1:00-4:00 PM (exact time to be finalized soon) Panel Session hosted by the Heritage Foundation on North Korean Human Rights: Recommendations for President Obama and the U.S. Congress”

“Confirmed speakers: NED President Carl Gershman, Joel Charney of Refugees International, Jared Genser of Freedom Now”

“Host: Bruce Klingner and the Heritage Foundation”

“Location: Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002”

“6:30-8:30 pm PSCORE (People for Successful Corean Reunification) Special Event”

“Confirmed speakers include: Ana Jang, former New York Times reporter Laura E. Pohl, PSCORE founder Kim Young-il, and Han Young Jin”

“Host: Ana Jang and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute, GPPI IPD Track, GU Korean Student Society, PS CORE ”

“Location: Student Lounge at Georgetown Public Policy Institute”

Friday, May 1

“12:00 noon Capitol Hill Forum in honor of North Korean Defectors hosted by the Defense Forum Foundation”

“Rayburn House Office Building, Capitol Hill”

“Host: Defense Forum Foundation”

“Location: B-339 Rayburn”

RSVP required (limited seating): henry@defenseforum.org

Saturday, May 2

“12:00 noon Protest at the new Chinese embassy against the PRC’s violent treatment of North Korean refugees”

“3505 International Place, NW, Washington, DC — note this is a new embassy address!!”

See North Korea Freedom Coalition’s Fact Sheet

North Korea Freedom Coalition

JOIN US FOR NORTH KOREA FREEDOM WEEK APRIL 26-MAY 2, 2009!

“With a new U.S. President and administration as well as many new Members of Congress, with the uncertainty and speculation about North Korea’s current “Dear Leader”, and with governments continually sidelining human rights concerns to try to resolve the nuclear issue, this year’s North Korea Freedom Week is more critical than ever before as we raise our voices to advocate for a people more isolated and arguably more persecuted than any in the world today.”

Full Schedule of Events & Flyers Here

RSVP: KIMJONGILIA ON APRIL 29

RSVP: LOBBY PARTICIPATION ON APRIL 28

___________________________________________

Two American Journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, were arrested by North Korean authorities on March 17 & are being indicted for “illegal entry” into North Korea and carrying out “hostile” activities.

___________________________________________

Why Get Involved?

“An estimated 2 million North Koreans have perished under North Korea’s brutal dictatorial regime since the mid-1990s. Families continue to starve to death as the North Korean government withholds food rations to entire regions of the nation. The government arbitrarily detains, tortures, and executes its citizens, including children, in a large network of concentration camps. Hundreds of thousands of North Koreans have fled to China to survive, however they live in fear of forced repatriation and imprisonment. Children whose parents have died or been separated from them wander the streets in search of food and protection. We must act now to bring relief!!”

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Feb 24, 2009

___________________________________________

Read NKFC’s letter to President Obama (02.12.2009, pdf)

Read NKFC’s letter to Secretary Clinton (02.02.2009, jpg)

Read Suzanne Scholte’s Op-Ed published in The Korea Times (01.20.2009, pdf)

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah) – Tuesday April 21

Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah)
Tuesday April 21, 2009
Days of Remembrance April 19-26

“The Holocaust was the state-sponsored, systematic persecution and annihilation of European Jewry by Nazi Germany and its collaborators between 1933 and 1945. Jews were the primary victims — six million were murdered; Gypsies, the handicapped, and Poles were also targeted for destruction or decimation for racial, ethnic, or national reasons. Millions more, including homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Soviet prisoners of war and political dissidents, also suffered grievous oppression and death under Nazi tyranny.”

As part of the 2009 National Days of Remembrance Events, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) is holding its annual Names Reading Ceremony on Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah),
April 21, from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Hall of Remembrance, located on the Museum’s Second Floor. For more information, please email volunteerview@ushmm.org or call 202-479-9737

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)
100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW
Washington, DC, 20024-2126
— to get there take Washington Metro to Smithsonian subway stop
— walking directions from Smithsonian to Holocaust memorial museum

Exit station through 12TH ST SW & INDEPENDENCE AVE SW entrance.
Walk approx. 3 blocks W on Independence Ave SW.

— United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) Days of Remembrance
— Online USHMM Exhibitions
— Organize a Holocaust Remembrance Day
— Holocaust Encyclopedia
— Historical photos
— Download stickers to print and hand out during your ceremony
— Facebook – United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)
— USHMM YouTube Videos