Today, November 25, is the beginning of an international effort by activists to raise their voices and bring attention to the issue of gender-based violence and its damaging effects on women all over the world. The effort begins today, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and culminates 16 days later on December 10, International Human Rights Day. The "16 Days Campaign" originated from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. They chose the dates, November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and December 10, International Human Rights Day, in order to symbolically link violence against women and human rights. This year's 16 Days Campaign is dedicated to celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and underscoring the idea that human rights cannot be universal without human rights for women.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hundreds of thousands of women and girls are being raped and brutalized in a decade of conflict. As women's rights activist Immaculée Birhaheka described in this month's RAISE Hope podcast, women are "treated as things" and the poverty of women is "organized by the society." Yet it is because of the brave activism of women like Immaculée that the women of Congo have hope for their future and for their country.
Over the next 16 days, we have to stand in solidarity with Immaculée and the thousands of Congolese women and girls fighting for a better future by recruiting 16 friends to join RAISE Hope for Congo and sign the petition to President-elect Obama asking him to take immediate action to end the violence against women and girls in the Congo. And then ask those 16 friends to recruit 16 of their friends. Because when thousands of voices become millions of voices demanding an end to the violence, our leaders will act. Our voice is powerful. We have no time to waste. Raise your voice now. Realize how powerful your voice can be.
Please watch the campaign video. Perhaps the video will convince you to raise your voice.
Please don't turn away, thinking you can not do anything to help. You have your voice, and it's your greatest strength. Sign the petition.
Please share with family and friends. Our goal is to get at least 16 others to sign the petition each. Social bookmark it below to get the campaign further (stumble, reddit, digg, myspace, facebook, twitter, etc)
The McCain Campaign and friends have begun a nationwide negative campaign that uses robocalls quietly poison voters' information with lies and fear tactics. These calls target voters by demography or geography with thousands of recorded messages or paid telemarketers to push a sleazy message.
1. Robocall Claims Obama Works "Closely" With Terrorists From the following organizations: McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Colorado, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire Description: Smear groups and now a desperate McCain campaign are trying to connect Barack to William Ayers using shady, stale guilt-by-association techniques. The facts behind this false attack: The smear associating Barack to Ayers is “phony,” “tenuous,” even “exaggerated at best if not outright false.” TRANSCRIPT: "Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because you need to know that Barack Obama has worked closely with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, whose organization bombed the US Capitol, the Pentagon, a judge’s home, and killed Americans. And Democrats will enact an extreme leftist agenda if they take control of Washington. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the judgment to lead our country. This call is paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee …”
2. Palin Criticizes Robocalls and Then Records One From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Nevada, Wisconsin Description: Despite saying voters were “irritated” by robocalls, Gov. Palin herself stars in the newest robocall from the McCain campaign. CNN Political Ticker: Palin says voters ‘irritated’ by robocalls. TRANSCRIPT: “Hi this is Sarah Palin. One of our local campaign volunteers just called you and I wanted to follow up and ask for you support. You know our opponents may talk a lot – they haven’t done much listening. I know what it’s like to be a hard-working mom. I know how hard it is to make ends meet during tough times like this. John McCain and I know our country is hurting and we know how to turn it around. We’ll get our economy back on track. We’ll cut your taxes and lower prices at the pump and at the grocery store. John McCain and I are the Mavericks who will reform Washington, Wall Street, and all the wasteful government in between. I hope John McCain and I can count on your support on November 4th. We won’t let you down. Paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 …”
3. Robocall Exploits Fear of Terrorism From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Maryland Description: This recent robocall, using the voice of former governor Tom Ridge, recycles the tired campaign tactic of trying to scare voters with threats of terrorism. The truth: Barack Obama has a plan to keep America safe. Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, this is Governor Tom Ridge, America’s first Secretary of Homeland Security. I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because this week Joe Biden, Barack Obama’s running mate, made startling comments we must take very seriously. He reminded us of Sen. Obama’s inexperience when he said that America would face an international crisis that Sen. Obama would be unprepared to handle alone. If the Democrats win complete control of government, they will want to give traditional civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democrat allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America. [New voice] Governor Ridge is right. If Democrats take complete control of government, our nation’s security will suffer. We need leadership and experience to change Washington and keep America safe. This call is paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
4. Robocall Deceives Voters About Obama's Strong Record on Crime From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Wisconsin Description: Using a tired old trick out of the Republican playbook, this robocall tries to scare voters by deceptively attacking Obama’s record on crime. Barack Obama has a strong record of being tough on crime. Throughout his career in public service, Barack advocated tougher measures to fight crime and consistently voted to provide more resources to local law enforcement officials:
Barack co-sponsored legislation that became the first major anti-meth federal law.
He supported the COPS programs that provided much-needed resources to local police officers.
He cosponsored a bill creating a national database on sex offenders: http://www.nsopr.gov/
And he voted to reauthorize the landmark Violence Against Women Act.
For their tough records on crime, Barack Obama and Joe Biden earned the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations, a group that represents over 2,000 police organizations across the United States. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC, because Democrats are dangerously weak on crime. Barack Obama has voted against tougher penalties for street gangs, drug-related crimes, and protecting children from danger. Barack Obama and his liberal allies have a disturbing history of coddling criminals. So we can’t trust their judgment to keep our families safe. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008.”
5. Robocall Twists Obama's Words to Make False Claims About Obama's Gun Policy From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Iowa, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin Description: This robocall misleads voters on Obama’s gun policies by twisting Obama’s words. Barack Obama is a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment: “I believe there is a Second Amendment right. I think it is an individual right. I think people have the right to lawfully bear arms.” During Barack’s career in the Illinois and United States senates, he proudly stood to defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen while doing everything he could to protect children — including his own two daughters — from illegal gun violence. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC, because Barack Obama says Midwest folks like us cling to our guns because we’re bitter. And elitist Democrats who want to control Washington have tried to completely ban handguns and most hunting rifles. The NRA said that Barack Obama would be the most anti-gun president in American history. These elitist Democrats just don’t understand us, and we can’t trust them with our second amendment rights. This call was paid for the Republican National Committee and McCain-2008 …”
6. Robocall Misleads on Spending and Taxes From the following organizations: McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Colorado, North Carolina Description: This misleading robocall seeks to scare voters about Barack and his economic plan. The facts behind this false attack: The truth is Barack has proposed an economic plan for the middle class that will get our economy back on track, by both reducing government waste and cutting taxes for 95 percent of American families. (read more) You can find out what your tax cut is by using the Obama Tax Cut Calculator. TRANSCRIPT: “ … with grocery costs and a struggling economy, we cannot afford Barack Obama and the Democrat’s $1 trillion in new taxes and spending. With the wall Street bailout, we’re simply in over our heads. We cannot afford another $1 trillion in big government bureaucracy, higher taxes, and more wasteful spending that our children will have to pay for. This call is paid for by McCain-Palin and Republican National Committee …”
7. Robocall Claims Obama and His Allies "Aren't Who You Think They Are." From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin Description: This McCain/RNC robocall to Virginia, Florida and Wisconsin residents warns that Barack Obama and the Democrats can’t keep America safe. The facts behind this false attack: In truth, Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “Hello. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats aren’t who you think they are. They say they want to keep us safe but Barack Obama said the threat we face now from terrorism is nowhere near as dire as it was at the end of the Cold War. And Congressional Democrats now want to give civil rights to terrorists. John McCain and his party allies understand the threats we face. When you vote, vote for the team you can trust to keep America safe. This call was paid for by McCain-Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee.”
8. Rudy Giuliani Enters the Robocall-fest Attacking Barack's Strong Record on Crime From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin Description: Rudy Giuliani makes a deceptive robocall for McCain, trying to scare voters by challenging Obama’s record on crime. This robocall falsely claims that Barack Obama opposes mandatory prison sentences for certain serious crimes. That’s absurd and completely untrue. In fact, Obama has supported increased penalties on sexual offenders. He even co-sponsored the legislation that created the national online database of offenders and helped to pass a law extending the statute of limitations on sex crimes. Barack also made it easier for victims and their families to find closure after experiencing a vicious crime. By removing the statue of limitations for first-degree murder and extending it for sexual crimes in Illinois, Barack opened doors for law enforcement to prosecute more cases. For their tough records on crime, Barack Obama and Joe Biden earned the endorsement of the National Association of Police Organizations, a group that represents over 2,000 police organizations across the United States. (read more) TRANSCRIPT: “Hi, this is Rudy Giuliani, and I’m calling for John McCain and the Republican National Committee because you need to know that Barack Obama opposes mandatory prison sentences for sex offenders, drug dealers, and murderers. It’s true; I read Obama’s words myself. And recently, Congressional liberals introduced a bill to eliminate mandatory prison sentences for violent criminals — trying to give liberal judges the power to decide whether criminals are sent to jail or set free. With priorities like these, we just can’t trust the inexperience and judgment of Barack Obama and his liberal allies. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
9. Robocall on Health Care Deceives Voters From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado Description: This McCain robocall seriously misleads voters about Barack Obama’s health care plan by calling it a “government takeover” instead of what it is: a common sense plan to help ordinary Americans afford much-needed medical care. Barack Obama has a plan to bring quality, affordable health care within reach for all Americans. As Barack has said, if you like your current employer-based health care, you can keep it and your premiums will go down. If you don’t have health insurance, you have a choice of new, quality, affordable health care options. It’s not a mandate – it’s a choice. The Obama-Biden plan requires health care for children in order to make sure that all American children can go to the doctor when they need to and get the quality care they deserve. And if you have a pre-existing condition, you can’t be turned away. Barack Obama and Joe Biden also have a plan to protect Social Security for our seniors today and future generations. Learn more about the Obama-Biden Health Care Plan and their Plan for Seniors. TRANSCRIPT: “…John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama and the Democrats have jeopardized our Medicare and Social Security with their proposed massive government takeover of health care, and will be reducing access to doctors and slowing development of life-saving drugs. Don’t let the inexperience and poor judgment of Barack Obama and his Democrat allies put our livelihood at risk. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin 2008 …”
10. Robocall Smears Obama's Response to Flood From the following organizations: McCain-Palin campaign and the Republican National Committee In the following locations: Iowa Description: This robocall falsely accuses Barack Obama of not properly helping Iowans during the recent flooding. The facts behind this false attack: This attack couldn’t be further from the truth. Watch this video of Barack personally filling sandbags and helping flood victims in the region:
TRANSCRIPT: “Hello, I’m calling Iowans on behalf of John McCain, Sarah Palin and the RNC because congressional Democrats’ response to the June floods was not only embarrassing, it was negligent. While John McCain took time from campaigning to survey the damage caused, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid sent Congress home for summer vacation, leaving us stranded. John McCain, Sarah Palin and their party allies have spent a lifetime fighting to put government on our side. What do you vote this election? Vote for the team that will make government work for us again. This call is paid for by McCain/Palin 2008 and the Republican National Committee …”
11. Robocall Scares Voters, Saying Democrats "Endanger American Lives" From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Ohio, Wisconsin Description: This robocall is just another shadowy attempt by John McCain and the Republican Nation Committee to smear Barack by distorting his record on supporting American troops. The non-partisan Factcheck.org labeled such smears “highly misleading,” and retired admiral John Natham has defended Barack: “Senator Obama has consistently voted to fund our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and, just as importantly, a proven record of support when they return home … Despite consistent distortions of his record, thousands of veterans like myself support Senator Obama because he has the judgment, character and integrity to be a great president. We will need a great president to lead us in these very challenging times.” Learn more about Barack’s support for our soldiers. Read more: here. TRANSCRIPT: “This is Orson Swindle. I’m calling on behalf of John McCain and the Republican National Committee. John McCain and I were POWs together. I know John’s character, integrity, courage and leadership. He supports our troops and veterans. Over 300 retired generals and admirals, 300 retired staff NCOs [non-commissioned officers], and hundreds of former POWs support John McCain. Twenty-one past VFW and American Legion national commanders support him. They trust his leadership. Democrats attempt to cut off crucial troop funding, accuse our troops of war crimes, and Senator Biden predicts Senator Obama will be tested. A weak President will, indeed, be tested. Obama and Democrats’ politics endanger American lives. They are not qualified to lead our military and our country. When you vote, vote for the team that puts leadership, character and country first. John McCain.”
12. McCain's Newest Robocall is Being Used in his Home State Arizona: Robocall Discounts Barack's Experience to Scare Voters. From the following organizations: Republican National Committe and McCain-Palin campaign In the following locations: Arizona Description: This robocall uses the fear of terrorism to scare voters from Barack. But Americans are tired of the same old politics and scare tactics. They want a debate about the issues — like the economy, health care, education and taxes. Barack Obama is talking about the issues that really matter to working Americans — such as lowering taxes for the middle class and making health care affordable. And Barack Obama has a plan to keep America safe. Barack has supported increasing funding for homeland security and has a plan to increase the security of our transit systems, rail lines, and ports, and secure our chemical and nuclear plants. Learn more about Barack’s plans to keep America safe. TRANSCRIPT: “I’m calling for John McCain and the RNC because Barack Obama is so dangerously inexperienced, his running mate Joe Biden just said, he invites a major international crisis that he will be unprepared to handle alone. If Democrats win full control of government, they will want to give civil rights to terrorists and talk unconditionally to dictators and state sponsors of terror. Barack Obama and his Democratic allies lack the experience and judgment to lead America. This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee and authorized by McCain-Palin 2008.”
Report inappropriate or hateful campaign material: here.
This kind of negative campaign depends on flying under the radar to make their full effect felt. If you spot one, please send it to us right away so we can add it to our database. Report a Robocall
Fight Back! Report a smear! These Robocalls should not be tolerated!
**Please feel free to use and link to this website and any postings, but please give credit, preferably with hyperlink. I am happy to help with your research.
Also see Obama and Biden's reaction to the robocalls, and McCain's links to terrorism: here Please stumble, digg it, reddit, and any other social bookmarking you like below:
The McCain Campaign and its allies have begun an unprecedented nationwide negative campaign that uses robocalls, direct mail, and other techniques to quietly poison voters' information with lies and fear tactics.
From the following organization: Republican Party of Florida
In the following location: Florida
Description: This mailer uses scare tactics to suggest Americans must “vote Republican” to keep America safe. That’s a false choice.
From the following organizations: Republican Party of New Mexico
In the following locations: Colorado, New Mexico
Description: This deceptive mailer drastically distorts Barack’s position on diplomacy.
From the following organizations: Paid for by the Republican National Committee, authorized by McCain-Palin 2008
In the following locations: Maine, North Carolina, Missouri
From the following organizations: Republican National Committee
In the following locations: Iowa, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania
From the following organizations: Republican Party of New Mexico, Republican Party of Florida, Republican Party of Iowa
In the following locations: New Mexico, Florida, Iowa
Description: This mailer attacks Barack Obama’s position on choice.
From the following organizations: Republican National Committee and McCain-Palin campaign
In the following locations: Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, Florida
Sen. John McCain this week gave his personal stamp of approval to one of the toughest pieces of direct mail in the 2008 campaign.
The brochure, which is being sent to voters in Virginia and Missouri, features a picture of what is either a plane about to crash into a building full of people or an airport departure gate, along with the words: "Terrorists Don't Care Who They Hurt."
The other side of the mailer says: "Barack Obama Thinks Terrorists Just Need a Good Talking To."
Controversial? Yes. But is McCain proud of it? Absolutely, according to an interview McCain gave to KDSD, a local television station in Missouri.
In the interview, McCain is shown the flier and asked if he's proud of it. "Absolutely," he said.
From the following organizations: Republican Party of Virginia, Wisconsin Republican Party
In the following locations: Virginia, Wisconsin
Please feel free to use information and link to this website and any postings, but please give credit, preferably with hyperlink. I am happy to help with your research.
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Defenders of Wildlife have put out a new video (released on Youtube October 10th) regarding Sarah Palin's gruesome support of wolf killing.
In June, after gunning down 14 adult wolves from a helicopter, officials from Governor Palin’s Department of Fish and Game rounded up 14 orphaned wolf pups and methodically shot each one in the head in clear violation of a state law.
Watch their video (not for the faint of heart)
What you can do to help wolves:
1. Take Action to Save Rare Southwest Wolves here 2. Urge President Obama to End the War on Wolves here 3. Urge Cabela's and Sportman's Warehouse to Withdraw Their Support for Wolf-killing Derbies here 4. *Click* to Protect Threatened Wolves daily. How it works: Your free click generates donations from our sponsors. You may click once a day, every day. 100% of the donations raised go directly to Defenders of Wildlife to help stop aerial hunting of wolves, continue efforts to expand wolf recovery in the Northern Rockies, and more. Click here daily. 5. Boycott Alaska Until The State Stops Targeting Wolves. Sign here.
Did you happen to notice the ads after the second Presidential debate? CBS had Exxon. ABC had Chevron. CNN had the coal lobby.
The great people at the "We Can Solve It" campaign are one of the biggest supporters that clean energy has. They promote legislation that will help America overcome its energy crisis.
The question is why would ABC refuse to air one of their ads? They refused to air the latest ad from Al Gore’s WE Campaign promoting the use of renewable energy in America. They didn't run the Repower America ad during the debate; even though the funds were available. To put it simply, ABC is protecting its big-oil advertising revenue.
To make matters worse, the network has not given, WE CEO Cathy Zoi, an answer for the refusal. In response, the organization is asking that people sign a petition on their website, send a letter, and ask that ABC reconsider their position so that the ad can air.
Do you think this absurd? Go to We Can Solve It's website and send your message to ABC letting them know how you feel. Sign the petition here.
Watch the ad below:
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For more than 15 years, IFAW's Animal Action Week has been giving young people around the world the knowledge and tools they need to take positive action on behalf ofanimals and our shared environment.
The Week, which takes place annually during the first week of October, marks the launch of an international educational program with a different animal welfare and conservation theme each year. This year’s theme: Beneath the Waves, Protecting Marine Wildlife.
Whaling ships armed with harpoons hunt whales in defiance of international treaties. Plastic pollution chokes sea turtles and other marine animals and sea birds. And as the icecaps continue to melt, polar bear habitats shrink and they are left to starve or drown
To help protect the ocean, you can start by taking three easy actions:
Visit www.AnimalActionWeek.org to learn more about Animal Action Week, the largest animal-focused educational event in the world;
Take the Plastic Bag Pledge to help combat one of the main threats to marine wildlife;
And spread the word by telling your family and friends about IFAW Animal Action Week 2008.
During the week of IFAW Animal Action week (October 4th-10th), you can adopt a whale: here. Please wait until that week, because the program won't be launched until then.
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MHONA International "Walk For Tibet" was created by Tatiana Kostanian (who is on life support). She created this to bring global attention to China's brutal control over Tibet. MHONA International (a non-profit that was founded by and for Disabled Lives/Lives on Life Support in 1962. MHONAwas the very 1st non-profit established by and for disabled/profoundly disabled lives in the world)and Tatiana Kostanian's goal is is to bring people globally together to promote continued awareness of the occupation of Tibet. MHONA wants to make everyone aware of China's disabling of innocent lives and their closure of Tibetans' right to their faith, their lands, and their religion.
MHONA's goal is to stand up against brutality, cruelty, indifference and cruel intent of disablement to helpless adults and children. They are asking for people around the world to pay attention to their goals and join them in the name of decency and in the name of freedom.
Our goal is for you to join us in our "Walk for Tibet" scheduled for late Spring 2009 in Northern California. All are welcome and encouraged. We hope MHONA's walk will raise awareness and alert the world to the unacceptable and horrible situation in Tibet: the torturing, the lack of freedom, the killings, the incarcerations of helpless lives, the ongoing surveillance, the lack of religious freedom, Tibet's political oppression, and countless other acts of cruelty.
Tatiana and others who are on life support and disabled will have their loved ones, family, children, friends, and business associates walk for them. Disabled or not, please walk with them. Through MHONA, the goal is to come together and walk for freedom, walk for independence, peace and security for all civilians of Tibet, including the elderly, the children, and the monks and sisters. "Walk the walk; Talk the talk of Peace."
Please help us. Even if you cannot walk, because you cannot get to San Francisco or whatever the reason, please spread the word about this event if you care about Tibet.
MHONA International, Tatiana, and I urge you to spread the word. Help validate our lives and work for Global Peace. You can spread the word by sending this posting to friends and family, blogging about it, posting on forums, social bookmarking it, adding the information to your website, and any other way you can think of.
Please contact Tatiana with any questions, your support, your advice, your ways to help, to let her know you want to join the walk, etc: Email her: mhonainternational@gmail.com
Write her: MHONA International, Box 22162, San Francisco, CA 94122-3218
You can contact me also: WorldEvolved@gmail.com
Free Tibet!
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"By uniting our light for freedom in Tibet, we have started something huge. Our candle symbolizes our non-violent pledge to work together until there is freedom for the people of Tibet. CFT will work without end to support all Tibetans worldwide in their quest for cultural and religious freedom.
Candle4Tibet (CFT) will always be a network of PEOPLE who cherish the value of freedom and together create a unique movement. It is a true grassroots movement and is non-violent and non-profit.
We will strive to develop our network into the biggest global support group for Tibet, and all our future actions for Tibet will be conducted from here as well as linking to other actions globally.
Our network will be a treasure of information about Tibet, its culture and its heritage. Our links page contains dozens of Tibetan sites providing a wealth of information.
We will seek to work in cooperation and harmony with ALL Tibet support organizations in the world.
At the moment we need your active help in couple of areas:
Invite your friends. It is easy. With a few mouse clicks, using this link, you can invite your whole address book.
Design and create banners for the network. If you know how and can do that, please let one of the admins know. We will use these banners in our marketing campaigns"
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I'd like to first start with some background on Tibet. Unfortunately, many people don't know much about Tibet and their situation. I have mentioned the Tibet situation to many people, and asked them if they know about the situation. Most answered "I've heard of it. I don't really know anything about it though." This is something that needs to be changed. The world needs to learn about Tibet.
Most people don't know where Tibet is located. Here is a map:
Tibet has a distinct cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic identity. Tibetans possess a strong sense of independent history that is linked to this distinct identity and particularly its relationship with Tibetan Buddhism.
In 1949, in an act of aggression China’s People’s Liberation Army invaded Tibet. Despite Tibet's attempt to work with the Chinese Communist Party and Chinese promises of autonomy in the Seventeen Point Agreement between the Tibetan government and the Chinese in 1959 the young fourteenth Dalai Lamafled into exile in India. What followed was a brutal clamp down of the Tibetan independence movement by the Chinese forces.
China still occupies Tibet. China's occupation includes politcal and economic suppression. China denies Tibetans their basic human rights. Not only are Tibetans prevented from practicing their traditional way of life and culture, but political protest is brutally crushed.
How China's occupation affects Tibet:
Economy
The lives of most Tibetans have been disintegrating since the occupation. Now they live as a minority in their own land. Jobs and opportunies are scarce, because Chinese migrants are favored. Most Tibetans are employed in agriculture, which does not attract investment and is declining. Since 2000, the Chinese government has been implementing resettlement and land confiscation and fencing policies in pastoral areas inhabited by Tibetans. They are forced to abandon their traditional way of life and are moved into new housing colonies or towns. This is part of Chinese moves to “bring development” and “civilizing” Tibet.
The Tibetan economy is not industrialized. In urban areas Tibetans are a minority as a result of Chinese encouragement of ethic Chinese migration
The people of Tibet are not being provided with the opportunities to gain the skills, such as education. Instead, Tibet’s largely rural and agrarian population is discriminated against. Economic discrimination begins with the failure to provide Tibetans with the skills to succeed. Tibet’s poor education system means that 45% of Tibetans are illiterate. Their lack of education prevents most Tibetans from taking advantage of economic opportunities in urban areas.
With most urban economic activity controlled by the Chinese state or private Chinese companies, Tibetans do not benefit from their own resources. There is no evidence of Tibetans benefiting from the extraction of their natural resources through industries such as timber and minerals. Instead the building of the railway has ensured that such resources can be taken out of Tibet.
Religious suppression
Tibetan Buddhism is part of Tibet’s unique cultural identity. As a result, China has attempted to destroy Tibet’s cultural heritage and limit religious freedom.
Since 1949, the Chinese have destroyed over 6,000 Tibetan monasteries and shrines and continue to interfere in Tibetan Buddhism. By 1966, 80% of Tibet’s 2,700 monasteries had been destroyed and only 6,900 monks and nuns from a total of 115,600 had survived. Under the Cultural Revolution, religious institutes were targeted further, texts and sacred objects destroyed and monks and nuns targeted. By 1978 only 8 monasteries and 970 monks and nuns remained. Today, the number of monks and nuns allowed to enter monasteries and nunneries is limited. Any reference or images of the Dalai Lamaare banned. In addition, the Chinese government imposes surveillance over the monasteries of Tibet.
Human Rights/Political oppression
Since the Chinese occupation there have been many well-documented incidents of human rights abuse. It is estimated that since 1950, the Chinese have killed 1.2 million Tibetans. The International Commission of Jurists concluded in its reports, 1959 and 1960, that genocide was committed by the Chinese in the Tibetan nation. China has extensively used torture against Tibetan political prisoners. This is in violation of Chinese ratification of various UN conventions on torture, women, children and racial discrimination.
China’s totalitarian regime has prevented Tibetan involvement in the political process. Any political protest is crushed with violence. By using surveillance, China has ensured that the Tibetans live in a state of fear. An estimated 300,000 Chinese soldiers continue to be posted in Tibet, ready to stop any attempts by Tibetan’s to call for their freedom.
No Regard For Tibet's Environment
Tibet has an unique, natural environment, with a number of rare animal and plant species and geological features. China has sought to exploit Tibet's natural resources without protecting or sustaining this environment. China's main interest in Tibet is now based on resource extraction and land for Chinese colonists. The Chinese government recently confirmed that Qulong in Tibet is home to copper deposits of 7.89 tonnes, the second largest in all China or Tibet. Mining and mineral extraction is an economic activity but few Tibetans are the recipients of any financial benefits. Instead the building of the new railway will continue the theft of Tibet’s natural resources and their country's wealth.
The building of the Yamdrok Tso Hydropower station has served to damage the Yamdrok Tso, a lake that Tibetans believe is the dwelling place for the life force of the Tibetan nation.
The Indian government reports that three nuclear missile sites are located inside Tibet, a country that has always been peaceful. Nuclear waste has been dumped near Lake Kokonor, Tibet’s largest lake, risking contamination.
I encourage you to read more about the situation in Tibet, and do all you can to help the situation.
Here are some things you can do:
1. Show your support for Tibet by taking part in the T for Tibet campaign. The T for Tibet hand signal is a quick, easy way to send a clear message. Check out the famous – and not so famous – faces, then add your own to show your solidarity with Tibet: T For Tibet
2.Join "Free Tibet." By joining Free Tibet Campaign you can become a part of the growing global movement supporting Tibetan freedom. You can either join Free Tibet Campaign with a regular gift or set up an annual membership paying by credit card or check. Join Free Tibet
3. Panchen Lama campaign. In May 1995, six-year-old Gendun Choekyi Nyima was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama, one of the highest ranking spiritual leaders in Tibet. Three days later he and his family disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. Read full story here. Sign the petition to Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General United Nations here.
4. Sign a petition that sends a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao calling for an end to the crackdown and for the immediate opening of Tibet to foreign media and international observers. Sign here.
5. Give the Tibetan people something they really need- the gift of a healthier and better educated future. Sponser a child.
An example of what your donation can provide:
$35 - Enables village children to attend primary school or buys solar cookers for boiling water. $50 - Will allow 20 primary school students to read textbooks in their native language. $120 - Will train a woman as Community Midwife or help rural teachers attend bilingual teacher training. $250 - Will help buy the birth center a bed. $500 - Buy a Piece of History and Be a Piece of History; Help pave the way for a healthier Tibetan future and leave your permanent mark by helping to build the first Tibetan Natural Birth and Health Training Center. $1,000 will provide all the funding necessary to send medical students to rural Tibet, sharing important maternal and child health information with 3,000 women.
6. Donatetothe Kham Aid Foundation. They help Tibet in the following way: cultural heritage, health, education, economic development, diaster relief, and the environment. Donatehere.
By now, most of the world knows of Sarah Palin's support of brutal aeriel hunting of wolves. (Please read my other posts regarding Sarah Palin.) 1. Petition to Sarah Palin about the wolf killing: Here
Let's get the word out further.
The organization Defenders of Wildlife (one of my favorites) released the video I am sure you all have seen.
More than 68,000 potential voters have viewed their video on YouTube, with many more spreading the word by re-posting the video on their websites and blogs and forwarding it to friends.
CNN and other news outlets have picked up the story, running clips from Defenders of Wildlife Action fund and their sister organization Defenders of Wildlife.
In an effort to reach hundreds of thousands of "swing voters" who help decide this election, The Defenders of Wildlife created a new, powerful television ad that details Sarah Palin's efforts to kill wolves.
They can only run it with our financial help. Running a television ad during an election year is expensive. We need to help them raise $100,000 to run the ad and support their work to provide a voice for endangered wildlife. Make your donation here.
Donation overview:
$20.00 Part of one 60-second spot
$40.00 Two parts of one 60-second spot
$60.00 Three parts of a sixty-second
$100.00 Half of one 60-second spot
$200.00 One 60-second spot
$1,000.00 Five 60-second spots
Other: If you cannot afford any of the above, even giving $5.00 will help so much.
This is a call for all Americans, especially the citizens of Wyoming to protect the Red Desert.
Adobe Town and what the Bureau of Land Management has called the “Jack Morrow Hills Area” are of particular importance to Wyoming’s Red Desert. The Bureau of Land Management has identified seven Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) within the 620,000-acre Jack Morrow Hills Area of the Red Desert. Wyoming conservation groups and the Wilderness Society have recommended that these areas, as well as several other areas within the Red Desert, be designated as wilderness. Jack Morrow Hills/Northern Red Desert (Ferruginous Hawks) (Wild Horses)
Concerning the Jack Morrow Hills Area, the "Record of Decision" called for an initial development of 255 natural gas and coalbed methane wells. This number is not a cap, but merely an estimate. The public asked for no new oil and gas development in the Jack Morrow Hills. More than 80,000 people who commented to protect this area were ignored by the Bureau of Land Management. These lands are public and the BLM did not respond to the public’s desires. Mountain lions, coyotes, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and wild horses inhabit this area.
Friends of the Red Desert is a coalition of citizens, businesses and conservation organizations united to protect Wyoming's magnificent Red Desert. Please help them protect the Jack Morrow Hill area by writing to the following and let them know you want the Jack Morrow Hills protected as a NCA: U.S. Senator Mike Enzi Gillette Office, 400 S. Kendrick Avenue, Suite 303, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or email at his website.
U.S. House Representative Barbara Cubin Casper Office, 100 East B Street, Suite 4003, Federal Building, Casper, Wyoming 82601 or email her website.
Fremont County Commissioners Office 307.332.1130; address 450 N. 2nd Street, Lander, 82520; email commission@wyoming.com
Another way the Friends of the Red Desert suggest to help is to write to their local newspapers. A listing:
(Cheyenne) Wyoming Tribune-Eagle LTE Contact: Letters to the Editor, Scott Smith e-mail: reede@wyomingnews.com address: 702 W. Lincoln Way, Cheyenne, WY 82001
(Gillette) The News-Record LTE Contact: Ann Franscell, publisher, editor email: news@gillettenewsrecord.com address: P.O. Box 3006, Gillette, WY 82717 Note: under 300 word limit, no personal attacks; signature, and phone number required
The Green River STAR LTE Contact: Kathy Gilbert email: grstar@sweetwaterhsa.com address: P.O. Box 580, Green River, WY 82935 Note: signature and phone number required.
The (Riverton) Ranger LTE Contact: Letters to the Editor e-mail: ranger@wyoming.com address: P.O. Box 993, Riverton, WY 82501
Rawlins Daily Times LTE Contact: Dave Perry email: dtimes@trib.com address: P.O. Box 370, Rawlins, WY 82301
We need to protect this beautiful land and its wildlife:
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President Bush has called for drilling in the Arctic Refuge by 2010 in his new budget proposal. Development in this habitat would threaten numerous animals, including polar and grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, migratory whales and many species of birds. The most urgent is to protect the polar bears. Oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would do nothing to solve America's energy problems.
We need to permanently protect the Arctic Refuge. Please ask your Representative to support the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act to permanently protect the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Congressman Ed Markey and Congressman Jim Ramstad introduced the Udall-EisenhowerArcticWildernessAct. If this bill is passed, it would designate the 1.5 million acre Coastal Plain as wilderness.
Stop the possibility of oil drilling and protect the animals who would be affected by it.
Urge Congress to permanently protect the Arctic Refuge by signing the petition located here.
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Pantene has started a great campaign called "Pantene Beautiful Lengths." Their campaign encourages people to grow, cut and donate their hair to create free, real-hair wigs for women who've lost their hair due to cancer.
Did you know real-hair wigs can cost as much as $1200 and are often only partially covered by health insurance?
Actress Hilary Swank started the Million-Inch Chain by donating 8 inches of her hair. Join her and Pantene and donate your hair so women who have lost theirs can have a free, real-hair wig.
There are 3 ways to get involved: 1. "Cut"- you're ready to donate an 8-inch ponytail. 2. "Pleadge"- you're growing it now and will cut later. 3. "Help"- help plan events, campaigns, and drives.
If you made the cut, go here for instructions where to send your donated hair.
For 35 years the Endangered Species Act has protected plants and animals that are on the brink of extinction. Unfortunately, the Bush Administration wants to change the act. They are targeting the important Section 7 of the act. As of now, Section 7 has independent experts reviewing projects. Currently federal agencies need to consult with the National Marine Fisheries Service or Fish and Wildlife to determine whether a project would affect species and/or its habitat.
If the Bush Administration has its way, no experts would be involved in reviewing new projects. Instead, certain federal agencies such as the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the Office of Surface Mining would have the authority to review projects and let the projects procede. They would be doing this without consulting important independent biologists or botanists who are experts in this type of decision making. In other words, the Bush administration wants federal agencies to decide for themselves whether highways, dams, mines and other construction projects might harm endangered animals and plants.
It is ridiculous that agencies whose missions are building roads and leasing land and waters for mines and oil drilling will have the power to assess the environment. Their main concern will not be the endangered animals and plants. Their main concern is money, building, and doing anything possible to fulfill their selfish goals.
1,353 animals and plants in the U.S. are listed as threatened or endangered. We need to protect them.
Please sign a petition to protect America's endangered species. It is sponsored by the Environmental Defense Fund. Click here to sign.
Most people are aware of the genocide occurring in Darfur. Take part in the attempt to stop the genocide. Help www.savedarfur.org
Thanks in part to Darfur activists, a crucial divestment bill is now being considered in the Senate. This bill, which would put much-needed pressure on Sudan to end the violence, has already passed in the House.
However, the bill will need widespread Senate support to ensure it becomes law
Also click on the banner to add your name to an urgent petition asking President Bush and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon to take immediate steps to stop the killing in Darfur.
$35 - Enables village children to attend primary school or buys solar cookers for boiling water.
