Berkeley

1414 University Avenue, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 843-8824 Fax (510) 843-8828 Email us

 Call to Annual Meeting

Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6:00–9:00 pm
Northbrae Community Church
941 The Alameda, Berkeley

“War Made Easy”
How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death

What is propaganda? How have politicians and our mass news media used it to develop and maintain support for wars we’ve fought in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Panama, Kuwait, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq once more? Those are the questions addressed by Norman Solomon in his 2007 documentary film, War Made Easy.

Join us to watch as much of Solomon’s film as time allows, then help us decide if it is something that we as a League should bring to teachers and students in the public high schools of the three districts within our jurisdiction.

When we adopted our position on civics education in 2006, we stated, among other things, that “LWVBAE supports civics instruction with components that … train students to use critical thinking skills to identify and evaluate propaganda (written, spoken, visual); distinguish fact from opinion and belief; and verify assertion”. We want to discuss with you whether supporting the dissemination and discussion of this film falls within the parameters of that position.

At the dinner hour, 6:00-7:00 pm, we’re trying something new! You may fill your plate with a meal full of delicious appetizers - something for everyone - and circulate. This will give us more time to visit than in the past, AND allow you to see the displays we’ll have set up that showcase all the things our League is doing. Cost for the food is $15. Call the League office (510-843-8824) to reserve your meal as soon as possible. If you would like a ride to the meeting, please mention that as well.

During the business meeting, 7:00-7:45 pm, we will elect our new officers, adopt a new budget and set the program for the coming League year. Your attendance and your votes will help ensure that we are moving in the right direction. You may read the Annual Meeting Kit by clicking this link.