Tuesday May 29, 2007

Welcome to a second Special issue from the “In The Forefront” mailing list.   To subscribe, email Rod Downing with “In the Forefront: Subscribe” in the subject line. 

Please note that for the time being, this mailing list will be moving from the original style of a multi-page highly professional newsletter with in-depth analysis that was sent every few months, to a simpler format sent monthly and focused primarily on web-based actions.

There are some special notes regarding this issue:

1.   Because we are merging email lists, if you find that you are getting duplicates, please email Rod Downing so he can remove the duplication.

2.      While normally this new email format tries to restrict itself to a few issues and with an ongoing focus on Darfur, every year or so I provide a broader sweep of the issues at any given time.  Thus below you will find both international and regional issues ranging from the environment (whaling, clean water, car emission controls),  to nuclear concerns, to UN support, to US migrant farm workers, to AIDS drugs, and even to Wal-Mart.

3.      Included at this time is a link to Amnesty International, something also done yearly so that any new people on the list can sign-up if they so choose, since this email presumes that any such interested people have already made that connection. 

4.      This email presumes that most people already have full agendas.  So if you can’t act on all the issues, simply choose the one(s) that grab you the most. Next month we will return to the usual short list of issues.

5.      One reason for this fuller sweep of issues is that you may note recurring issues if you have been on this email list for awhile.  At least in my world of typical news coverage, attention-grabbing items wash across the news venue only to be replaced by a different one soon after.  But the repercussions continue long after spotlights have moved on, and most issues never make it on the news radar screen.  My point is that without the layer in our society of peace and justice groups, we would be largely unaware of many crucial issues and implications of decisions.  So whenever you find an organization that you feel helps shed light, be sure to support it – it is a desperately thin layer of balance for the marginalized and for life-nurturing dynamics, and against powerful trends whose trajectory diminishes life on this planet.

6.      Good News! – As of today, the first action on the list below – requesting US President Bush to implement Plan ‘B’ for Darfur – has been acted upon.  If you read my Darfur summary, you will know it is only one small part needing action, but it does move things along

The following list is divided into 3 sections: Darfur, International Actions, and then Country-specific actions (with apologies to non North-American countries – if you can, please volunteer to submit actions related to your country by replying to this email).

A. DARFUR ACTIONS

First of all, I have slightly revised the History, Analysis and Strategy article regarding Darfur; if you haven’t visited it, it provides a more in-depth analysis of the complex factors involved with the Darfur crisis than is generally found, yet provides clear, solid strategies for a hopeful future for Darfur:

   http://www.untilall.org/darfur.htm

1. DARFUR: TELL US PRESIDENT BUSH HIS DEADLINE IS UP:

Last month included an action to urge President Bush to implement his Plan ‘B’ (involving sanctions, etc) if Sudan’s President Bashir does not end the crisis in Darfur.  That still has not happened, and so the Save Darfur Coalition is urging him to act now.

Send message to Bush (Open to all countries; use 99999 as zip code):

  http://ga6.org/campaign/where_is_planb/i8unud3r1be83nm (this link has expired)

2. DARFUR: SEND LETTER TO LOCAL PAPER:

Letters to the Editor of local newspapers are often overlooked in terms of awareness raising and political impact.  Global Solutions has prepared a sample letter.  While it is targeted for the U.S., it can be adapted for any country, especially if you use some of the background info above.  Consider giving it a try:

  http://www.globalsolutions.org/action/LTE_Darfur_promise (this link has expired)

3. DARFUR INFO:  FIDELITY HAS DIVESTED FUNDS

One of the strategies used to end apartheid in South Africa was a divestment campaign.  A similar campaign has been active for some time now, getting many US states and campuses to divest their funds.  The latest is the giant Fidelity Investment funds:

  http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/05/16/ap3729058.html (this link has expired)

4. DARFUR INFO:  GOOGLE EARTH HAS A FOCUS ON DARFUR

You can now use Google Earth to see close-up the devastation in Darfur.  As you zoom in, it will indicate destroyed villages by a red flame.  As you zoom in closer you can see the burnt-out remains and get various facts on the site.  You can download the Google Earth program from here:

   http://earth.google.com/download-earth.html

 

B.  INTERNATIONAL ACTIONS

1. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL:  HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIONS;  PLUS 2007 REPORT

Each year this email provides a link to Amnesty International, whose impeccable work on researching and uncovering human rights abuses has saved countless lives.  Because you can easily join their email list and receive their focused email actions, the UWAA email doesn’t generally include them.  If you want to receive their action alerts you can follow the link below – at the bottom of their screen you can click on the “Act now for human rights” line.  The link also includes their 2007 Annual Report which describes the state of the world’s human rights.

   http://www.amnesty.org/

2. WHALING COMMISSION

Whaling issues have been on past emails, an indication of the persistent pressure from some quarters to relax the regulations.  Greenpeace has set up an email appeal for the upcoming International Whaling Commission.  While recognizing the good work that has been done, it is trying to address the need for some fundamental changes, all included in the following link. 

Email your concern about whaling:

   http://write-a-letter.greenpeace.org/226 (this link has expired)

 

C.  COUNTRY-SPECIFIC ACTIONS

1. CANADA ONLY:  GET THE AIDS DRUGS SHIPPING

Three years ago, Canada was a clear leader on the international stage when it passed a law intended to make essential, generic medicines available, in low- and middle-income countries where there is no generic manufacturing industry.  Unfortunately, the law does not work.  Since the legislation passed 2004, not a single pill has left Canada.  The drug order process is taking far too much time and effort to be effective and is now under review. The “Make Poverty History” Campaign has created an action to try to make sure action is taken.

Take Action: Write the Prime Minister:

  http://makepovertyhistory.ca/e/action/ (this link has expired)

2. US-ONLY: TELL CONGRESS TO SUPPORT CLEAN WATER RESTORATION ACT

There is pressure that might undo many of the safe-guards for local waterways, including recent Supreme Court decisions surrounding the original Clean Water Act.  Up to 60% of the nation’s river and streams could be without protection.  While there is some concern from the agricultural sector about the proposed Act if it was taken to extremes (and you could include a request to consider such concerns), overall it has good bi-partisan support.  For more background and to send an email to you representative, click on the link below:

Tell Congress to support the proposed Act:

   http://ga3.org/ct/e7apfld1ImHr/ (this link has expired)

Background: Agricultural Concerns:

  http://www.fb.org/index.php?fuseaction=newsroom.newsfocus&year=2007&file=nr0523b.html

 3. US ONLY: TELL EPA TO ACT & GRANT CALIFORNIA WAIVER

California wants to set more stringent car emission standards, as part of its commitment to address climate change.  It has done so in the past due to a waiver clause in the federal regulations.  Many other stated are ready to follow California’s lead, as they have in the past.  But this time, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has stalled on granting the waiver.  Environmental Defense has created an email action to call for the waiver.

Tell EPA to Grant the Waiver:

  http://action.environmentaldefense.org/campaign/EPA_waiver (this link has expired)

4. US-ONLY: OPPOSE NUCLEAR BUILDUP; + COMPENSATE MARSHALL ISLANDS

The Bush administration is considering the development of “Complex 2030” at a cost of up to $150 billion.  It is billed as a way to revise US strategy in a way that will eventually reduce the number of nuclear weapons and provide a safer form.  It is being opposed by many groups as an unnecessary step both in terms of safety and that for years to come will increase nuclear arms, and will provide precisely the wrong signals to the international community.  As such it is a terrible waste of significant money, risks environmental problems, and goes the wrong direction in terms of real national security needs.

 Take Action:

http://hq.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/Peaceact/campaign/index.jsp?campaign_KEY=6805

 Take Action from a Faith-Based Stance:

  http://ga3.org/campaign/FAcomplex2030/w3uiw364l3dwjmd?

Background: Rationale for “Complex 2030”

  http://www.nnsa.doe.gov/docs/newsreleases/2006/PR_2006-04-05_NA-06-09.htm

Background: Arguments Against “Complex 2030”

  http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/3995

RELATED: SIGN PETITION FOR MARSHALL ISLANDS FURTHER COMPENSATION:

Between 1946 and 1958, 67 nuclear tests were conducted on the Marshall Islands, with bombs 1000 times more powerful then Hiroshima.  In 1986 the US admitted wrong-doing and agreed to compensation, but it included a clause for further compensation as further evidence of harm to the people and land accumulated, which it has, though is little known.  

Sign Petition (open to all):

  http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/527291025?ltl=1179325295#body

5. US ONLY: PAY UN DUES THAT ARE IN ARREARS

The US is currently $1 billion behind in its payments to support UN peacekeeping missions.  Citizens for Global Solutions have asked people to call their Senator to support a bill to address this issue.  They feel it not only benefits the countries needing peacekeepers, but also serves US interests, and give some reason for it.

To Take Action, click on this link:

  http://www.globalsolutions.org/action/peacekeeping_may07 (this link has expired)

6. US ONLY:  CALL FOR INVESTIGATION TO FARM WORKER DEATH

The United Farm Workers (UFW) have requested messages be sent to call for a full criminal investigation into the death of Eladio Hernandez, who died due to heat related illness, something which has clear regulations. He was working at an orchard in California's San Joaquin Valley. 

Background and Take Action:

   http://www.ufwaction.org/campaign/heatdeath507/wn3u5sk9obime38 (this link has expired)

Note that the UFW’s origins were co-founded by Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez;  Dolores Huerta will be given the Community of Christ International Peace Award at its Peace Colloquy, October 26-28, 2007.

7. US (anyone can sign): GET WAL-MART BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL VISION

You can send an email to the Board of Directors who are meeting soon.  Wal-Mart Watch has documented various types of company abuses that are contrasted with some of the stated goals of the company’s creator, Sam Walton.  If you feel the world’s largest corporation should uphold better standards that it currently does, follow the link below:

Tell Wal-Mart Board to Abide Better Practices:

  http://action.walmartwatch.com/page/m/df8f9pxwpNJ/MXJ3Aj

Generally for such action emails the timing is not so tight, but that was simply the reality this time, with the short time from World Conference to the Global Day for Darfur.  We could have skipped it, but given the genocidal nature of Darfur and the substantial movements afoot to end it, we felt such a need and opportunity.  Everyone must gauge whether they have the wherewithal to act on a given issue – no one can do everything – we must all simply trust that God’s Good Spirit that ceaselessly moves through humanity, can engender enough response to prevail against the distortion and suffering in the world.  We are all in this together in our humanness and own burdens, in the pain we feel for the suffering in the world, in our wonderful diversity, and in the love and Goodness of God.

In appreciation and support,

  Rod Downing