Inspire Seattle, March 8 — Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military

InspireSeattle invites YOU to join us at our Social Forum: Saturday, March 8th at 6:30PM.

Main discussion topic for this evening: Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military

There is an extraordinary culture of violence and sexual abuse committed within the U.S. Military. Sarah Blum’s book, Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military, is a stunning revelation of sexual abuse in the U.S. Armed Forces. As Blum’s book makes scathingly clear, this criminal activity–demeaning, degrading and despicable – and is far too prevalent in each of the armed services. Action is needed–comprehensive, effective and swift–before sexual abuse rips out the very heart of the military.

Sarah Blum will share how she came to be writing this book, share what she learned, the data, the problem of reporting sexual assault in the military, retaliation, the failure of the military justice system to deal with these cases, the cover up, leadership and command failure, share some of the women’s stories and what must be done to end this scourge.

Please join us for this important discussion!

Guest Speaker: Sarah L. Blum:

Sarah Blum, is a decorated nurse Vietnam veteran who earned the Army Commendation Medal serving as an operating room nurse at the 12th Evacuation Hospital Cu Chi, Vietnam during the height of the fighting in 1967. Sarah was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for exemplary service as head nurse of the orthopedic ward at Madigan Army Hospital in 1968, where she was also the assistant director of nursing on evening and night shift in 1970. She received her Bachelor’s Degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Seattle University and her Master’s, Cum Laude, from U. W. and at age 74, Sarah is still a practicing nurse psychotherapist with over 29 years experience working with PTSD and trauma resolution.

Sarah was one of the first two women elected to the National Board of Directors of the Vietnam Veterans of America in 1983, and she was active in veterans affairs and successfully lobbied Congress to study the connection between Agent Orange and birth defects in the children of women Vietnam veterans.

Sarah’s first Op Ed “Sexual Abuse in the Military Needs to be Brought to Light”, was published July 12, 2012 in The Seattle Times and her second,”Sex Crimes Continue to Plague the U.S. Military,” was published in Truthout on January 15, 2013. Sarah’s guest editorial, “Support the Joint Memorial,” appeared in the July 12th, 2013 issue of the Auburn Reporter. Her authentic passionate voice reverberates through the pages of Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military and the sequel, Women Under Fire: PTSD and Healing. www.womenunderfire.net

Come join us for what should be a very important and interesting evening!!!

About InspireSeattle:

InspireSeattle is a progressive network of Seattle-area people sharing ideas and supporting action. InspireSeattle’s vision is to create connection throughout our community and better community through activism. InspireSeattle’s mission is to provide a fun, supportive gathering for people who care deeply about our community, our country and our planet. We embrace progressive policies that improve our society and protect our environment. We discuss current issues, share ideas and activism efforts while striving to inspire additional action. Subscribe (or unsubscribe) to InspireSeattle by visiting www.inspireseattle.org/contact.html.

When: Saturday, March 8th at 6:30PM. Please try to be on time!!!

Where: Jim Simpson’s home (Seward Park), 5236 S. Mayflower, Seattle 98118 Tel: 206-450-5834

Directions: (easy to find!) http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=5236%20S%20Mayflower%20St&city=Seattle&state=WA&zipcode=98118%2d2537&country=US&geodiff=1

From the North: I-5 south past Safeco Field to Albro/Swift Exit. Go left on Albro, then right on Swift, then left on Graham (all of these intersections are within a block of each other). Take Graham St. eastbound (about 3 miles) past MLK & Rainier Ave. until it dead ends on Wilson. Left on Wilson, through the next stop sign on Orcas. Go another 2 blocks until Mayflower St. Right on Mayflower and go to the middle of the second block left hand side of the street.

From the South: I-5 northbound to the Boeing field area. Take Albro/Swift Exit. Go left on Swift, then right on Graham St where there is a stop light. Go eastbound on Graham (about 3 mile) passed MLK and Rainier Ave until it dead ends on Wilson. Left on Wilson, through the next stop sign on Orcas. Go another 2 blocks until Mayflower St. Right on Mayflower and go to the middle of the second block left hand side of the street.

Format

It’s a potluck: so please help out and bring something to eat and to drink!

6:30 to 7:45: Social time! Eat, drink, relax, and catch up with some other local progressives

Formal discussion and guest speakers, 7:45 to 9:30

Other Announcements – got any?

Rules of Engagement!

1. So that everyone has a chance to participate, please keep your comments short

2. Raise one’s hand to ask a question in lieu of shouting out

3. Respect the points of views of others

4. No arguing of politics during the formal discussion – save that for afterwards!