How Genocide Became a National Security Threat | Foreign Policy

How Genocide Became a National Security Threat | Foreign Policy

We have known this for a l o n g time, but here it is said again....anyone in a position of power in the USA government going to listen, take heed, DO SOME THINGS that can make the difference?

This article spells out why you should care about genocide, even when you don't. When genocide is happening, but not to you or anyone you know, usually people, leaders, governments of the international community don't care enough to do anything. Here's a reason you should care, even though you wouldn't otherwise.

OH, MR. OBAMA - WE ARE WAITING....AND THE SUDAN ELECTIONS ARE A SHAM

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Uploaded by stopgenocidenow

Sent to my fellow volunteer workers across the USA tonight:

Hello "Brothers and Sisters" of one of most definitive issues of humanity ~

I can't tell you how great it is to be on a team of people who have stayed with this and are still dedicated to keep going. The world needs more people like us!

Tomorrow, Thursday, February 25, is Rhode Island's Day - a little state most of you may not think about much, but we can pack a punch tomorrow with your help!

Check out our actions and join us - even if you are not from Rhode Island - Senator Whitehouse and Rep Langevin can be your targeted actions, as they are on respective Committees on Intelligence in Senate and House, which I feel means even those who live outside of Rhode Island have a right to contact them about Intelligence matters. Check out this page and see what you can do in just minutes to make a difference: http://sudansham2010.org/page3/page3.html



@JimLangevin Call for a Intelligence Committee special hearing re: #Sudan policy review and demand pressures and consequences #SudanSham

Here is our message to Rep Langevin (Darfur grade A+)
The Obama’s Sudan Policy’s quarterly review just happened. We should be able to see some actions, as a result of the quarterly review. Sudan has clearly violated benchmarks, and Obama’s policy promised consequences if and when this happens. Representative, James Langevin, as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, should hold a hearing about the Sudan Policy quarterly review. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence members should ask about the specific benchmarks, pressures and incentives in the policy, keeping our administration relevant and honest. As well as, proof of the “unstinting resolve” that Mr. Obama promised regarding Darfur.

Here is our message to Senator Whitehouse (Darfur grade A)
I would like to thank Senator Whitehouse for his continued efforts for Darfur and Sudan. The Sudan Policy’s quarterly review just happened. Sudan has clearly violated benchmarks, and Obama’s policy promised consequences and pressures if and when this happens. Senator Whitehouse, as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, should hold a hearing about the Sudan Policy quarterly review. The Senate Intelligence Committee members should ask about the specific benchmarks, pressures, and incentives in the policy, holding our administration to their word.

"We are a movement - not an organization!"

We Can Do This - "YES WE CAN"

"There is nothing false about hope" Candidate Barack Obama - I was there in Nashua, New Hampshire for this speech (actually, the entire week volunteering for his campaign running up to the NH primary) and have it on *video - he also said that if he is off track (when President), he expects us to tell him, so let us tell him. I chose him as a candidate - as I posted on my page on his campaign website Obama for America, because I believed he would make a difference about Darfur.

Okay, off my soapbox. It can get pretty inspiring up there at times.

Sandra Hammel
Leading Rhode Island, Day 6, Feb 25, 2010 in Sudan Sham 2010 campaign
Use Your Voice to Stop Genocide RI

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Contact President Obama
Call 1-800-GENOCIDE
whitehouse

WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR GOVERNMENT IS WE ARE NOT MORE ENGAGED IN IT

MY THOUGHTS

I feel part of our country's major problems are . . .

In a nutshell

1) Corporate owned media
We care about what we know about and yet our media decides what we want to know. And more often than not, media coverage decisions are based on what "sells" or what is titillating. And not on what will inform or help our lives by knowing a news story.

2) Corporate-beholding elected officials
Needed is campaign finance reform (we won't get it, until we, as a people, demand it). Why do we think Washington is so out of touch with what we citizens want? Because they have to spend unthinkable amounts of money to get elected, therefore take donations from corporations, who they answer to and not to the every day USA citizen who just wants a job and some reasonably priced health care.

"We the corporations"

On January 21, 2010, with its ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations are persons, entitled by the U.S. Constitution to buy elections and run our government. Human beings are people; corporations are legal fictions. The Supreme Court is misguided in principle, and wrong on the law. In a democracy, the people rule.

We Move to Amend.

We, the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United, and move to amend our Constitution to:

• Firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.
• Guarantee the right to vote and to participate, and to have our votes and participation count.
• Protect local communities, their economies, and democracies against illegitimate "preemption" actions by global, national, and state governments.

Make democracy legal in the USA. Send a message to the Supreme Court
movetoamend

3) Education
is a) not supported more by us as families, adults and b) standards could be higher by our educators in many cases. But it is both of theses things.

Granted this is from a 2002 report, however in a google search this is all that came up in a 15 minute search:

"South Korea has the most effective education system in the world's richest countries, with Japan in second place and the United States and Germany near the bottom, a United Nations study said Tuesday.

The ranking "provides the first 'big picture' comparison of the relative effectiveness of education systems across the developed world," the UNICEF study said."
Source: www.cbsnews.com/

Whitehouse plans to improve education

4) Not engaged in democracy and not knowledgeable of government's actions
We, as individuals, are not engaged in our government's actions. Sometimes we believe hearsay over reality. Most of us don't bother to vote and many times when we do vote, we do so uninformed. Many of us don't know the names of our own elected officials. We don't know what way our representative politicians are voting. Which means, we can't then hold them accountable even if we are the sort who would call or email them. How many times have you lobbied your elected officials about anything at all?

5) The world view is limited
The majority of USA citizens are not informed about our own government, but we have very limited, if any knowledge, of other countries' histories, governments and news. Our interests are insular. When I traveled to Europe I was so surprised that they knew our history better than I did. I had a public school education and I have undergraduate and graduate degrees.

I have learned more on PBS and good news shows and now online, than I ever did in a classroom or in a text book.

I suppose pointing this out may not be enough. There would unsurprisingly be a number of those who would believe there is no reason to be interested in other countries on the planet. We can't close up our borders and live in a capsule that isn't affected by others. We need to know what others do outside our boundaries. The harmful, but the wonderment created elsewhere just as much.

Photo from book: Please Touch
by Edwin M. McMahon and Peter A. Campbell

6) Children's welfare
We don't really care. The foster care system is broken. And how could it not be otherwise? Especially when the budget for it is axed year after year. It is a crime how we disregard the years of childhood. We should all hang our collective heads in mortifying shame.

Failing a child becomes legacy

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Alice in Space

Ridin' the Palisades up to her place
Wheels leave the ground, yeah the air here is laced
And I'm gone, I'm long gone
And its a long way out to Alice in Space

I visit Alice cause she understands
More of the child and less of the man
She don't game me
And she won't fall
But its a long way out to Alice in Space

She'll lift you up and she'll shed your disguise
And I've seen the ancients in Alice's eyes when she smiles

And its a long way out to Alice in Space
She'll lift you up and shed your disguise
Then see the ancients in Alice's eyes when she cries

Millions of people and one little lie
Zillions of children whose spirits have all flown away
They're long gone

And its a long way out to Alice in Space
And its a long way out to Alice in Space
Its a long way out

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Websites

adopt us kids

childrens aid society.org/adoption

Ten Ways to Help Children in Foster Care

Recommended books by Alice Miller

The Body Never Lies

The Drama of the Gifted Child

The Truth Will Set You Free

GRASSROOTS INDIVIDUALS COMING TOGETHER ACROSS THE USA FOR A CAUSE MOSTLY IGNORED BY THE MEDIA

Since 2004, I have been a volunteer community leader activist regarding ending and preventing genocide. This post is what I am doing currently.

This past Saturday we kicked off our 50 Days, 50 Actions - Sudan Sham 2010 campaign. This Thursday, February 25, is our day in Rhode Island.

If you know anyone, willing to take five minutes during the days running up to the Sudan election in April, who would join in and act, please have them visit our website to see what each of the 50 states is doing: Sudan Sham 2010 This is an important effort to show our support to the Sudanese people. This election is a sham and our elected officials should not support it.

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Sudan Sham 2010 campaign ACTIONS FOR RHODE ISLAND

1. Contact your US Rhode Island Representative:

To find your US RI Representative type in your zip code in upper left search box.

Call 401-732-9400 or E-mail
Rep James Langevin - Darfur grade: A+
Message:

The Obama’s Sudan Policy’s quarterly review just happened. We should be able to see some actions, as a result of the quarterly review. Sudan has clearly violated benchmarks, and Obama’s policy promised consequences if and when this happens. Representative, James Langevin, as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, should hold a hearing about the Sudan Policy quarterly review. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence members should ask about the specific benchmarks, pressures and incentives in the policy, keeping our administration relevant and honest. As well as, proof of the “unstinting resolve” that Mr. Obama promised regarding Darfur.

Tweet this button to read: @JimLangevin Call for a Intelligence Committee special hearing re: #Sudan policy review and demand pressures and consequences #SudanSham

Call 401-729-5600 or Email
Rep Patrick Kennedy - Darfur grade: A

Message:
Sudan’s first multi-party election in 24 years is scheduled for April 2010. For too long, a military dictatorship has monopolized power and wealth in Sudan, committing genocide in Darfur and violently oppressing the rest of the country. The corrupt regime in Khartoum has at every turn blocked political reforms necessary for free and fair elections to take place. The government of Sudan's increased intimidation by kidnapping and killing citizens during the time running up to the election is proof this election is a sham. The election will only be used to legitimize this genocidal regime led by the man indicted by the ICC for “crimes against humanity” and “war crimes”, President Omar al-Bashir. The U.S. government should not spend any further funding or extend any support to these non-credible elections.

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Contact your US Rhode Island Senators:

2. Call 401-453-5294 or Email

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse - Darfur grade: A

Message:
I would like to thank Senator Whitehouse for his continued efforts for Darfur and Sudan. The Sudan Policy’s quarterly review just happened. Sudan has clearly violated benchmarks, and Obama’s policy promised consequences and pressures if and when this happens. Senator Whitehouse, as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, should hold a hearing about the Sudan Policy quarterly review. The Senate Intelligence Committee members should ask about the specific benchmarks, pressures, and incentives in the policy, holding our administration to their word of “unstinting resolve”.

3. Call 401-943-3100 or E-mail

Senator Jack Reed - Darfur grade: B

Message:

I would like to thank Senator Reed for his support of basic human rights, including justice on behalf of the Darfuri people. I would like him to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 404, which supports full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and other efforts to promote peace and stability in Sudan. Additionally, Sudan’s first multi-party election in 24 years is scheduled for April 2010. The corrupt regime in Khartoum has at every turn blocked political reforms necessary for free and fair elections to take place. The government of Sudan's increased intimidation by kidnapping and killing citizens during the time running up to the election is proof this election is a sham. We urge Senator Reed to join us in contacting President Obama and tell him the US must not support the upcoming elections in any way.

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Optional extra action:

4. Call President Barack Obama between 9am - 5pm EST at 202-456-1111
or email him http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

Message:
"U.S. Special Envoy Scott Gration is no longer effective in his position. With respect, I ask for diplomatic involvement with Sudan to be transferred to the State Department, who can work with unstinting resolve, while maintaining the people's respect that have been victims far too long of those committing crimes with impunity within the government of Sudan."

Sandra Hammel

Use Your Voice to Stop Genocide RI

Also - as we are in this together - let us support each other across organizations and across generations:

Here is the page of action at Save Darfur's website:
action.savedarfur.org/campaign/sudanelections

Save Darfur Sudan Elections page for events

Postcard Campaign Save Darfur's Sudan Election Ballot

My event Save Darfur page:

Thank you for your consideration.

Sandra Hammel

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

GENOCIDE WILL only STOP WITH US
Our leaders have taught us this

Won't you please consider joining me in lighting a candle for the Darfuris at
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Darfr


"The Most Important Office is That of Private Citizen" Louis D. Brandeis

WHERE IS THIS MAN?
"The United States has a moral obligation anytime you see humanitarian catastrophes...We can't say 'never again' and then allow it to happen again and as President of the United States I don't intend to abandon people or turn a blind eye to slaughter.” BARACK OBAMA

Same things - Different Administration

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If you click the post title, you will go to one of my most visited blog posts.

NEEDED LESS CORPORATE OWNED MEDIA AND ELECTED OFFICIALS

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Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Bush, Torture and Cheney
Aired February 22, 2010

The show -Body of War - was re-aired today on The Sundance Channel, which shows it without the PBS' comments, which are included in the clips below.
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West Virginia's Senator Robert Byrd
Senate floor speech of March 19, 2003 opposing the Iraq War
Part 1
Uploaded by DemRapidResponse

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West Virginia's Senator Robert Byrd
Senate floor speech of March 19, 2003 opposing the Iraq War
Part 2
Uploaded by DemRapidResponse

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Interview Part 3 of 7
Q & A with Phil Donahue about Body of War
See the interview in its entirety
Read the Transcript
Uploaded by 913Tripolis44

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Body of War - Part 1
Uploaded by democracynoworg

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Body of War - Part 2
Uploaded by democracynoworg


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Body of War - Part 3
Uploaded by democracynoworg


Rhode Island Sudan Sham 2010 campaign action day is this Thursday, February 25, 2010.
Rhode Islnd actions will be posted tomorrow.

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RAFAEL NADAL - FINGERS CROSSED FOR RAFA

Rafael Nadal is practicing since his injury and withdrawal at the Australia Open 2010. He began Monday, February 15, 2010.

Australia Open 2010 - How it ended for Rafa (he was the Australia Open 2009 winner):
Rafael Nadal retired in the third set of his quarterfinal match against Andy Murray, losing 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-0

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The injury assessment in Melbourne during the match at the Australia Open 2010

Rafa's slow motion forehand
Rafa's slow motion backhand

Rafa when he went to Barcelona after Melbourne regarding his injury - in Spanish rtvmallorca

Federer, Nadal, Sampras, Agassi To 'Hit For Haiti' In Indian Wells

Indian Wells, U.S.A.

18.02.2010

The BNP Paribas Open, the most attended tennis tournament in the world outside of the four major events, to be held March 8-21, 2010, will hold a Hit For Haiti exhibition on the evening of Friday, March 12, that will feature former BNP Paribas Open champions with a combined total of 44 Grand Slam singles titles, and is expected to raise a minimum of $1 Million for Haiti relief efforts, it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director....

In addition to the exhibition, the evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world. The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw match. Read the entire article:
ATP World Tour Indian Wells Hit For Haiti

BNP Paribas Open

Fan support sites:

vamosbrigade

Babolat supported Rafa fan site

And now, Rafa in a music video.....

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English version : Gypsy

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In Spanish - Gypsy

The next single from Shakira's She Wolf album will be Gypsy. Click here to download the track from iTunes. shakira.com/news/title/gypsy

Website: shakira

WHAT IS AN ELECTION WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL FREE TO SPEAK?

WE ARE A MOVEMENT, NOT AN ORGANIZATION

Tomorrow, we begin our 50 State, 50 Actions campaign running up to the Sudan April Election

I am state leader for Rhode Island and our February 25, 2010, Day 6 of the campaign is our day.

If anyone wants to join any state in our efforts, you may contact me or go to www.sudansham2010.org


PRESS RELEASE - February 19, 2010

ACTIVISTS NATIONWIDE CALL ON US GOVERNMENT TO WITHHOLD SUPPORT FOR SHAM SUDANESE ELECTIONS
They call for full diplomatic pressure towards peace, protection and justice

CITIES NATIONWIDE—February 19, 2010—Activists nationwide call for the withholding of US support for illegitimate Sudanese elections, currently scheduled for April 11, 2010. The Sudan Sham Elections 2010 campaign begins February 20th. For the 50 days leading up to the Sudanese elections, ordinary citizens in every state are taking targeted and effective action to ensure the US government will not legitimize sham elections in Sudan. Although the Obama administration came out with strong words when presenting its Sudan policy in October 2009, there has been no visible positive change on the ground.

The fifty states will tag-team, each participating in a day of action, advocating for a new direction in US policy.

“How can it make sense.” asks Gabriel Stauring Director of Stop Genocide Now, a group that seeks to change the way the world responds to genocide. “You have an indicted war criminal, Omar al-Bashir, as the candidate. The candidate and current president of Sudan, a post he attained through military coup, and his government is responsible for millions of deaths across Sudan. They control the elections, and they continue to terrorize Sudanese citizens in the days leading up to this sham. We, as Americans, cannot legitimize al-Bashir in any way.”

Tzivia Schwartz Getzug, Executive Director of Jewish World Watch, states, “Sudanese elections, currently scheduled for April 2010, will be anything but free and fair. The electoral reforms laid out by Sudan's 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement - necessary for a credible election - have been delayed, obstructed and outright violated by the Sudanese government. With instability continuing in Darfur and violence mounting in the South, fraudulent elections in April could be a dangerous flashpoint for Sudan. The US should not legitimize non-credible elections in Sudan.”

"The elections will not be fair and free. They will be a sham,” states Mohamed Suleiman—a Darfuri leader living in the US (with many family members and friends living in displacement and refugee camps), in support of the campaign. “Omar al-Bashir took control of Sudan 20 years ago by military coup and has brutally ruled the country since. There is no freedom of movement, let alone freedom of expression or freedom to organize. Darfur is a war torn region where many previously vibrant and bustling villages now lay in ashes."

A.J. Fay an activist leader, and Co-founder of the Idaho Darfur Coalition, invites other US citizens to join Sudan Sham Elections 2010. “Sudan is on the brink,” he says. “We could see violence that rivals only Sudan’s own brutal past. As citizens of the world, we must stand with others in danger. Our own government must stand on the side of principle and press for peace in Sudan, now.”

For information on how to participate, visit www.sudansham2010.org

ABOUT SUDAN SHAM 2010

Sudan Sham 2010 is a coordinated effort of regular citizens across all 50 states and DC who stand with the people of Sudan—the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and the brutally oppressed—in demanding free and fair elections. In a climate of violent political intimidation and with millions disenfranchised in camps, there cannot be credible elections in Sudan. US support gives the government of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, indicted on war crimes and crimes against humanity, legitimacy it does not deserve. It is a waste of American taxpayer money, and non-credible elections will fuel violence and divisions in a country that is already on the brink.

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50 STATES, 50 ACTIONS - STANDING WITH THE MARGINALIZED, OPPRESSED SUDANESE - WHERE IS U.S. GOVERNMENT STANDING?

Rhode Island's day of the 50 states actions running up to the Sudan Election in April is February 25, 2010. If you want to find your state's day and action regarding the sham of an election in Sudan, check out our grassroots website:
sudansham2010.org

I will be posting our actions February 23rd here at this blog.

About Sudan Sham Elections 2010 Campaign

We are regular citizens around the 50 United States and DC, standing with the people of Sudan—the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and the brutally oppressed—in demanding truth and strength. An indicted war criminal, responsible for millions of deaths, will never be a legitimate leader. Peace, protection, and justice will come from strength in effort and conviction from our leaders.


Sudan's April Elections will be neither free nor fair

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The petition text:

Greetings,

Sen. Harry Reid
Sen. John Ensign
Rep. Shelley Berkley
Rep. Dean Heller
Rep. Dina Titus

We, the undersigned people, would first like to thank you all for your voiced commitment and action to stop the ongoing genocide in Darfur and establish a peaceful and safe Sudan.

It has been a year since we all heard President Obama refer to the conflict in Darfur as “a stain on our souls” but to date that problem still exist. Our administration promised tough action to ensure a peaceful Darfur and overall Sudan but to date it appears more likely they will lift sanctions and offer them debt relief than deliver on that promise. To date it appears our administration is more ready to recognize and legitimize Sudanese President al-Bashir and his National Congress Party (NCP) in the upcoming Sudan elections in April, than to take the measures necessary to ensure peace and justice for the millions who continue to suffer in Sudan. We, the undersigned, find this absolutely unacceptable and are counting on you all and your combined leadership to act on this issue.

Despite news reports that consider the situation in Darfur improving, the reality on the ground in Sudan speaks in starkly different terms. The dangerous status quo in Darfur remains unchanged in some key aspects: millions of people are left in squalid camps, unable to return home because government-supported militias occupy their land and make travel very dangerous. Women face high levels of sexual violence in Darfur, aid is erratic, and progress in the Darfur peace process remains painfully limited. Sudanese airplanes continue their attacks, Janjaweed still raid Darfuri civilians, and the fighting between rebel and government forces rages on.

More broadly, the April national election in Sudan – an election for which the Unites States has provided tens of millions of dollars in technical assistance – is in the process of being stolen by an indicted war criminal who will use the ballot to “legitimize” his rule. The conditions to make the national election free and fair simply do not exist, and will not exist, by April, and there may well be sharp questions as to why the United States heavily bankrolled an election so obviously flawed.

Most urgently and ominously, there are abundant indicators that Sudan is on a dangerous road back to full-scale North-South war as violence increases and key elements of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) have been left completely unimplemented. The international community’s position toward Sudan at this vital time reflects neither consensus nor coherence. Officials from both North and South speak of not wanting war, but are intensively preparing for it. Local clashes in South Sudan are escalating, against a historical backdrop of extensive support to southern Sudanese militias by the ruling party in Khartoum designed to undermine southern unity. The heavy lift of diplomacy needed to assure that Sudan’s referendum is peaceful and well managed simply remains largely undone, with no full-time, on-the-ground diplomatic teams from the U.S. engaging the regional actors on either the North-South issues or the Darfur process.

To prevent a full scale war from erupting in Sudan in the coming year, we ask you to recommend to President Obama a course of action marked by much deeper diplomatic engagement, backed by more assiduous efforts to build a multilateral coalition of counties willing to impose consequences on those undermining the path to peace in Sudan. We urge you to consider and recommend theses three main actions:

1. Please recommend that diplomatic efforts begin immediately in New York and in capitals to pull together a coalition of countries willing to pressure the parties multilaterally to take the steps necessary for peace. Those officials and parties undermining peace should face specific and clear consequences. At this juncture, that would also involve withdrawing further U.S. financial support for the April election, expanding and more effectively implementing the current arms embargo, identifying specific officials who are undermining peace and targeting them with aggressive asset freezes and travel bans, and denying the Khartoum regime any form of multilateral debt relief until peace agreements have been far more effectively implemented.

2. Please recommend that the U.S. immediately deploy a small team of diplomats to be based in Sudan and the surrounding region to work full-time on the peace processes for Darfur and the CPA. The team should include senior diplomats with real experience in peace processes and existing familiarity with Sudan. Trips by the envoy, no matter how frequent, are no substitute for on-the-ground, around-the-clock diplomacy. In fact it is arguable that the conciliatory approach taken by Special Envoy to Sudan Major General Gration toward al-Bashir and the NCP is sending a strong political and moral message to both Sudan and the rest of the world that a government indicted for crimes against humanity is a legitimate, justified administration of a modern day country.

3. We need to see a clear and well-defined US policy towards Sudan and its current government. Since Secretary of State Clinton, Ambassador Susan Rice and Special Envoy General Gration announced this administration’s policy towards Sudan last year, we have not witnessed its palpable or effective implementation. That is why we urge you to publicly and energetically support S Res 404, a bi-partisan resolution promoting full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Sudan. With April elections fast approaching, it is clear that conditions on the ground are neither free nor fair and the implementation of the CPA is absolutely necessary if these elections are to be recognized as legitimate by our administration.

We want to personally thank you for all of the work that you continue to do to advance U.S. national interests and the cause of peace in Sudan, and thank you for your consideration.

Champion Darfur
Corey Dragge, Founder and Carl Wilkens Fellow
Las Vegas, NV

Change the world. It just takes cents
Sara Kornfeld, Founder
Denver, CO

Stop Genocide Now
Gabriel Stauring, Director
Katie-Jay Scott, Director of Community Programming
Redondo Beach, CA

Idaho Darfur Coalition
A.J. Fay, Co-founder
Boise, ID

Fur Solidarity in USA
Dr. Adam Mohamed Ahmed Yahya, President
Richmond, Virginia

New Trier STAND
Lauren Bergelson, President
Winnetka, IL

STAND Juneau
Lauren Tibbitts, President
Juneau, AK

Use Your Voice to Stop Genocide RI
Sandra Hammel, Director
Portsmouth, Rhode Island

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Targeting: Sen. Harry Reid (NV), Sen. John Ensign (NV), Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-01), see more...Sen. Harry Reid (NV), Sen. John Ensign (NV), Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-01), Rep. Dean Heller (NV-02) and Rep. Dina Titus (NV-03)

Started by: Corey Dragge

It has been a year since we all heard President Obama refer to the conflict in Darfur as "a stain on our souls" but to date that problem still exist. Our administration promised tough action to ensure a peaceful Darfur and overall Sudan but to date it appears more likely they will lift sanctions and offer them debt relief than deliver on that promise. To date it appears our administration is more ready to recognize and legitimize Sudanese President al-Bashir and his National Congress Party (NCP) in the upcoming Sudan elections in April, than to take the measures necessary to ensure peace and justice for the millions who continue to suffer in Sudan. We find this absolutely unacceptable.

In a climate of violent political intimidation and with millions disenfranchised in camps, there cannot be credible elections in Sudan. US support gives the government of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, indicted on war crimes and crimes against humanity, legitimacy it does not deserve.

NOTE: The petition widget can be found in my sidebar, until the petition is ended and no longer collecting signatures.

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The US, through USAID, is providing approximately $70 million in political process support, which will be spent by American NGOs (namely the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute) to conduct voter education and political party training for the opposition parties in North Sudan and for the SPLM and other Southern political parties. This money does not go to the Government of Sudan, nor is it spent on election support. An additional $25 million has been allocated for election technical assistance through another American NGO, IFES, which is providing training and some assistance to the National Electoral Commission and the State Electoral Commissions (both in North and South Sudan), so that they may have a basic level of understanding of how to administer elections, which the US Government and Congressional Appropriators argue will be beneficial to ensuring a credible referendum in January 2011. The United States, however, is not underwriting the elections, either bilaterally or multilaterally.

DISCONNECT BETWEEN OBAMA ADMINISTRATION AND DARFUR NEEDS

Sudan Activists Call for Special Envoy’s Removal

Posted by Laura Heaton on Feb 18, 2010

In a strongly worded letter to President Obama, a group of grassroots Sudan activists is calling for Major General Scott Gration to be “relieved of his duties” as special envoy to Sudan. While the Enough Project has not called for the special envoy’s removal, it is interesting that frustration with General Gration has reached such a palpable level in some quarters that these groups see him as part of the problem in Sudan. The letter from the activists decries what its authors call an unduly “conciliatory approach” to the ruling National Congress Party in Khartoum by the special envoy.

Some of the concerns also relate to what sounds like a disastrous interaction between General Gration and members of the Darfuri Diaspora during a meeting in Washington. The activists claim that during the session, Gration argued that the Sudanese government did not intend to kill civilians in Darfur and that the hundreds of thousands who died there over the past seven years were largely collateral victims of aerial attacks. The letter notes:

Mr. President, as you know, it is well documented that Janjaweed militia were paid by the Government of Sudan to kill civilians, burn villages and rape women. The Government of Sudan intended to wipe out Darfuris which is why you have rightly called the ongoing crisis genocide. Furthermore, Darfuris state they want nothing more than to return to their villages in safety and begin to rebuild their lives after so many traumatic years in the camps. Their land has been stolen from them and re-occupied. They also believe President Omar-al Bashir, indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Darfuris, is seeking to use the elections--which have no chance of being free or fair--to legitimize his and the NCP’s rule.

Some may say that General Gration is better than no envoy. We disagree based on the lack of trust in General Gration, and therefore, the United States, by the Sudanese; the lack of progress in several items on his agenda; and the severe deterioration of conditions on the ground in both Darfur and Southern Sudan.

The merits of whether Gration should step down aside, what is perhaps most striking is that what should be fairly routine interactions between the special envoy and the Diaspora, Congress, the media and activists continue to generate controversy and genuine unease with the direction of U.S. policy. The fact that no clear statement or new direction appeared after the recent deputies meeting on Sudan only adds to the concerns that the U.S. policy toward Sudan lacks a fundamental coherence.

The full letter signed by 36 grassroots organizations from across the U.S. and their press release is available here. With apparently no prior knowledge of the letter, a State Department press secretary yesterday responded to a question in the press briefing by saying that Secretary Clinton and President Obama have confidence in the envoy and touting the fact that Gration is currently traveling in Sudan and neighboring Chad.

Photo: U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Maj. General Scott Gration

Source: www.enoughproject.org

ROCKIN' WITH ...THE SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS OF DREAMS IN MY LITTLE RHODE ISLAND HOMETOWN

Joziah Longo, leader of
Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Photo by Dan Tappan from last night's concert

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Baby Jane
Uploaded by buquebusuk

Some bands are better on their CDs where the engineer can smooth out the rough spots. The thing about Joziah's Longo's Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams is that they are fine on their CD's, but experiencing them live is the best way to experience their music. We are one fortunate little Rhode Island town here in Portsmouth. Because we have live music for a very reasonable price all through the autumn, winter and spring months. I bought several tickets in advance this season and last night was another great time. I heard this band for the first time last season, so I knew what I was in for. I got there a little late, missing probably one song and some interesting talk. But throughout the night, I picked up bits of what had to have been quite a story from their two week tour in Scotland and word's like "jetlag", "Dayquil" and "cooties" explained why certain songs couldn't be performed. So, Common Fence Music was their first stop in the USA after crossing the Atlantic.

They were still rockin' though feeling under the weather. How people sit absolutely still and not move to the music is beyond my understanding. I could barely sit there and not get up to dance. Finally, when Joziah said the word "mummer" for the final song, I had to get up.

But, the audience loved them, still or moving. It was a full house and all were standing, applauding a fun time in this lucky little town.

Thanks, Tom Perrotti.

At Intermission

At intermission, as I was passing by, I got up my courage to talk to the leader of the band, Joziah Longo, who was moving away from the table with family members who had come. He said "no" he couldn't do the song I requested - Better Life. He was very sweet about it, took my hand, held it for awhile with genuine warmth and authenticity. He told me twice he "owed" me the song for next time and explained about my request on stage during the second set. Told me, too, it was one of Tink's - his wife's - favorites also.

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Better Life
Uploaded by Slambovia

Then, I really got my courage up to say something I had been wanting to ask, but didn't know if I would be able to make myself ask.

I explained to Joziah that I do Youtube videos and that I would like to use the band's music. I explained that I always give credit and that I include in the video itself where to go to buy the music, as well as placing a link on my youtube sidebar to buy the music. I added that I roll in the credits: "Support Artists Who Don't Ban Youtube Use". I went on to say that I had been to their website and noticed the Bootleg Videos section of youtube videos that fans have posted. Explaining that I had emailed them to ask permission and never received a response, he asked if no one had answered me. So, after he made it clear that they weren't going to sing Better Life, he said "About the other question" (pause), he said emphatically "Yes." I got permission from Joziah to use their music on Youtube. I am so excited to have gotten the chance to ask last night. And he said "yes"!!

Cool.

I had tested the song months ago as private youtube video and it wasn't banned by youtube in any country, so I could have done it and gotten away with it, but I prefer doing it this way. I will send them a link to their music being used for a probable Heath Ledger video, when I ever get to it after MAC is repaired. I want to use Better Life, Alice in Space, Living with God and more. I own four CD's so, I have some to choose from. This is my first of actually having permission. Though I have tried with another musician with no response.

Pictures from last night's show

Their website: slambovia
which has all their lyrics

Their Youtube channel:
slambovia.com/youtube

Music is available
at itunes
and amazon

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Alice in Space
Uploaded by buquebusuk

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Talking to the Buddha
Uploaded by Slambovia

Rocket
Trans Slambovian Bi-polar Express

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Gloria
Uploaded by alankfan

Click post title for Living with God

Lyrics

Baby Jane

There are things they try to sell
What they're worth i cannot tell
We spend so much time just survivin'
We let heaven go to hell

We gotta move on baby jane
The way they think
Will make you go insane
They'll steal your love
And slam your name
But that's alright
They cannot steal your light
Yeah can never steal your light
So you just move on baby jane
Yeah move on baby jane

His face is strong, his words are sweet
Specifically honed to knock you off your feet
Yeah... knock you down and hold you under
Anything to keep you incomplete
You gotta move on baby jane
He'll steal your love
And then slam your name
He's terrified you're gonna stake your claim
'Cause he fears your soul
But he's no longer in control
Yeah he's no longer in control
So you just move on baby jane
Move on baby jane
Move on baby jane

I wrote this song for you tonight
To let you know i love your light
But we can't stop here
Or we'll start sinkin'
We gotta move until we get it right
We gotta move on baby jane
The way they think
Will make you go insane
I'd steal your love
And slam your name
'Cause you're so fine
I wish that you were mine
I even wish that you were mine
So you just move on baby jane
Move on baby jane
Move on to the light
Move on move on
Move on baby jane.