A new documentary film dealing with the issue of the national debt is scheduled to premier this Thursday, August 21, and we have been asked to share this with our list. The film is directed by filmmaker Patrick Creadon. Peaceworks agrees that the national debt is a serious concern. We have not seen this film, however, and cannot endorse its analysis or any prescription it might offer. Tickets are $12.50 and this includes viewing the film as well as a live streaming of a panel discussion with Warren Buffett, Pete Peterson & Dave Walker. Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes. More info at www.iousathemovie.com.

All are invited to attend a free presentation and discussion on "One Mother's Tragic Lesson." Mary Lou Wallner rejected her lesbian daughter and paid a terrible price. Today, she has a simple message for Christian parents: Embrace your gay children. Proudly Presented by Open Door Ministry, United Methodist Church, The Liberty Education Forum, Open Door Ministry and Mid-Missouri PFLAG.

SALON & POTLUCK AT 5:30: Peaceworks is holding our third Summer Salon of 2008 this coming Sunday, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Peace Park (weather permitting) or in the back of the Peace Nook if it is raining. Our Salons begin with a potluck dinner and a time for socializing, followed by a participatory discussion of a topic of interest. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair if you'd like and your own table service if you can. All are welcome.

For this Salon discussion we will be focusing on the elections and progressive politics. In particular our topic is: How do progressives relate to the election of 2008 in particular and electoral politics in general? Noting that Peaceworks is an educational non-profit and does not participate in the electoral arena, we thought it would be useful to discuss the state of our body politic. What can we expect to see from the Obama and McCain campaigns? What do we think are likely outcomes of the presidential election, and of elections down ticket? Given possible outcomes, what sorts of situations might we find ourselves in vis-a-vis war and peace, foreign policy, the economy, global climate change, nuclear power, renewable energy, etc., etc. Of particular interest might be questions of how we see the choices facing the voters being framed and presented? What this will do to public perception of critical issues? And how might we be most likely to move forward our issue concerns in 2009 and beyond under various outcome scenarios?

MSE BIKE RIDE: Missourians for Safe Energy invites all cyclists to join us for a fun ride on the MKT Trail, this coming Sunday, August 24. We will gather at Flat Branch Trailhead Park between 2 and 2:30 p.m., and then leave at 2:30 for a ride at a modest pace to Hindman Junction and back. This is not a race and not a fundraiser, just an opportunity to ride together, share some good company and get a little exercise.

These two separate events are being held back-to-back. Come to one, the other or both, if you can.

Our friends in the Fellowship of Reconciliation pass along the following: In the opening minutes of August 27, Missouri officials plan to execute Dennis Skillicorn at the Bonne Terre prison. He would be the 67th person executed in Missouri since the death penalty was reimposed. This number is the fourth most of any U.S. state.

Concerned citizens are encouraged to write to the Board of Probation and Parole and urge them to ask Gov. Matt Blunt to commute his death sentence. Write to the Board at 1511 Christy Dr., Jefferson City MO 65101. Please also contact Gov. Blunt to urge his intervention. Write him at Room 216, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City MO 65101 and/or call 573-751-3222.

Finally, please join others in a "Vigil for Life" from 5-6 p.m., Tuesday, August 26 in front of the Boone County Courthouse on Walnut in Columbia. Call Jeff at 573-449-4585 for more information.

Columbia Peace Coalition's annual Sept. 11 Commemoration honoring the memories of all people whose lives have been lost on 9/11/01 and in the ensuing wars that these criminal events have been used to justify. We will gather at 7 p.m. at Courthouse Sq. There will be music and speakers followed at 8 p.m. by a candlelight procession through downtown.

Don't miss this one. With the growing concern about energy prices, resource scarcity, global climate change and the un-viability of the American Way of Life, it is essential for us to focus on solutions. That's exactly what our annual Sustainable Living Fair does.

This year the SLF has moved to a new location. We will be in the Atkins-Holman Student Commons at Columbia College. The event runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. There will be booths in the Student Commons and outside to the north of the building. The workshops will be in the adjacent Dorsey Hall, and the keynote address in Dorsey Gym. We are most appreciative of Columbia College providing these facilities for us.

The SLF features:

• Eleven workshops offering insights into earth-friendly lifestyles, in-depth policy issues, as well as practical, hands-on experience in various aspects of sustainable living.
• For the first time, two off-site, mini-solar tours of just one hour each.
• An inspirational keynoter, Harvey Wasserman.
• Kids' activities offered by Access Arts and Missouri River Communities Network, so feel free to bring your youngsters (ages 4 and older, please).
• More than 30 educational booths and vendors' booths will be set up inside and outside the Student Commons of Columbia College.
• Delicious vegetarian food available from Main Squeeze Natural Foods Cafe.
• The opportunity to meet and network with sustainability minded folks from throughout mid-Missouri.

We encourage you to visit the Sustainable Living Fair Web site to get more details.