GDPR ACTION CENTER

9/11 Call-In Day for Medicare for All

2009-09-11T13:09:00.001-05:00

Cause Announcement from Support National, Single-Payer Healthcare (HR 676)

In memory of the hundreds of 9/11 responders who've lost their lives (http://www.healthcare-now.org/action-alert-support-the-911-responders/), call Congress today for single-payer healthcare reform and say:

1) Support Congressman Weiner's single-payer amendment to HR 3200
2) Retain Congressman Kucinich's amendment for state single-payer options in HR 3200
3) Support S. 703

All you have to do is go here: http://tools.advomatic.com/35/hc-n

Even if you don't know your Rep., fill out your address and phone number, you will receive a call script, then you will be connected to your Rep. FREE of charge.

Baltimore Activist Alert

2009-08-27T13:05:00.001-05:00

Baltimore Activist Alert August 27 – October 5, 2009

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours.

The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center. Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com. If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

The Baltimore IndyMedia Center publicizes peace-related events. Go to http://www.radicalendar.org/group/_baltimore.

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists

4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLA

5] Used stamps for humanitarian causes

6] ASPCA needs items

7] August is Single Payer Month

8] Keith McHenry seeks speaking engagements/Bake Bread at White House

9] Art of Solidarity – through Sept. 3

10] Single Payer organizing meeting – Aug. 27

11] WIB Inner Harbor peace vigil – Aug. 28

12] WIB Roland Park vigil – Aug. 28

13] White House vigil – Aug. 28

14] Support The Congo demo – Aug. 28

15] Silent vigil at Homewood Friends – Aug. 28

16] Takoma Park peace vigil – Aug. 28

17] Vigil at Walter Reed – Aug. 28

18] Ballroom dancing – Aug. 28

19] Re-regulate BGE – Aug. 29

20] Olney vigil to end the war – Aug. 29

21] Peace vigil in Chester, PA – Aug. 29

22] Peace vigil at Capitol – Aug. 29

23] Westminster peace vigil – Aug. 29

24] Peace Oasis – Aug. 29

25] Katrina Four Years Later – Aug. 29

26] Ride for the Animals – Aug. 30

27] African service – Aug. 30

28] Bridge peace vigil – Aug. 30

29] Progressive Picnic – Aug. 30

30] Bethesda peace vigil – Aug. 30

31] Phone bank for Constellation hearings – Aug. 30

32] Red Emma's needs volunteers – Aug. 30

33] Pentagon vigil – Aug. 31

34] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Aug. 31 — Sept. 3

35] Protest the death penalty – Aug. 31

36] BUPJ meeting – Aug. 31

37] Pledge of Resistance meeting – Aug. 31

38] Register for Merton workshop – by Sept. 1

39] Witness Against Torture vigil – Sept. 1

40] Tuesday peace vigil – Sept. 1

41] CITIZEN WEALTH book talk – Sept. 1

42] Ecolocity DC meeting – Sept. 1

43] Nakba exhibit & reception – Sept. 1-30

44] Peace vigil in Philadelphia – Sept. 2

45] Peace vigil in W. Mount Airy, PA – Sept. 2

46] Rally for Health Care reform – Sept. 2

47] Chestnut Hill, PA vigil – Sept. 2

48] Mobilization for Global Justice meeting – Sept. 2

49] PG County peace meeting – Sept. 2

50] Testify to stop Calvert Cliffs 3 – Sept. 2, 17 or 29

51] WIB Peace Stand – Sept. 3

52] Israel/Palestine roundtable – Sept. 3

53] First Thursday demo – Sept. 3

54] PeaceAction Montgomery meeting – Sept. 3

55] Crabshell Alliance meeting — Sept. 3

56] Film MATEWAN – Sept. 4

57] Peace Meal – Sept. 5

58] Death penalty meeting – Sept. 8

59] Brits discuss nuclear disarmament -- Sept. 9

60] Peace Path – September 11

61] First Amendment forum – Sept. 12

62] Bill O'Connor book release party – Sept. 13

63] Protest Karl Rove – Sept. 16

64] Kathy Kelly at Hood College – Sept. 29

65] One Less Car – Oct. 4

66] Direct action at the White House – Oct. 5

67] Get Howard Ehrlich's book HATE CRIMES AND ETHNOVIOLENCE

68] Buy a red maple tree

69] Help available in buying a house

70] Contribute to the Georgia Four defense fund

71] Join Global Zero campaign

72] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

73] Publish your peace article

74] Become a member of the Washington Peace Center

75] Click on The Hunger Site

76] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

-------

1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available. "God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions" stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/. Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073.

3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR]. It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed. It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to donmuller@msn.com. Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe. It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing. To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed. If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. For more details and to download the order form, go tohttp://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/fair_trade/index.html.

Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. Make the check out to HoCoFoLA and send it with your order form to HoCoFoLA, PO Box 94, Columbia, MD 21045. Contact Pat McLaine at 410-964-0960 or pamcl@aol.com. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up.

5] – Brad Hathaway spearheads an effort to sell donated used stamps to raise money for different humanitarian causes around the world. Go to www.mattapoisettquakers.org, and click the link for the stamp ministry. Carefully clip canceled postage stamps and send to Quaker Missions, PO Box 795, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Send no small flag stamps or Liberty Bell Forever stamps.

6] – The ASPCA is in need of cat carriers in its cat room in the adoption center. The organization is also seeking items for the upcoming Shop-a-Paw-Looza, the October online auction. Some ideas would be gift certificates, tickets to sporting and other events, sports memorabilia, travel packages and vacation home rentals. Contact Tami Gosheff at 410-235-8826, ext. 138 ortgosheff@mdspca.org.

7] – This August, Let's Win Single-Payer Healthcare! For the first time ever, single-payer legislation will be debated and voted on by the House of Representatives in September. Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY-9) introduced an amendment to President Obama's healthcare reform bill (HR 3200) that would replace it with HR 676, the single-payer bill, and Speaker Pelosi pledged to bring it to a debate and vote on the full House floor in September. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is expected to bring S 703 to the floor for a vote in the Senate.

Demand that your Congresspeople vote YES on Rep. Weiner's amendment and S 703 in September! Contact Healthcare-NOW! for lobbying strategy or advice – 1-800-453-1305 or info@healthcare-now.org. Tell your representatives that the Obama health plan is NOT enough and to vote YES on Rep. Weiner's single-payer amendment and Senate Bill S 703. We need real health reform that will cover every American, provide real choice of doctors, and save the majority of Americans money.

8] – Keith McHenry would love to visit your school on the 30th Anniversary Food Not Bombs Tour and give a presentation. The presentation is a way to inspire your classmates to participate in social action. The student organizations on your campus can co-sponsor the presentation and request an honorarium from the student senate. Keith donates the honorarium to Food Not Bombs. Contact Nyna at nyna@foodnotbombs.net. Go to http://www.foodnotbombs.net/speaker.html.

The Change We Knead Now - Baking Bread For World Peace is a campaign where Food Not Bombs continues to bake bread in a solar oven outside the White House every day while petitioning for the Implementation of universal government-paid (Single-Payer) health care for all, the freeing of federal prisoner Leonard Peltier by executive order today, solar energy collectors available for every house, passenger trains connecting every city, organic gardening classes in every school and a call for a global ceasefire.

9] – Students and faculty from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) are featuring 3 short video documentaries, 2 mural projects and artwork created by MICA students from this summer's study abroad experience in Nicaragua! The Art of Solidarity is a program that was envisioned 5 years ago by its coordinators and MICA alumni, Maria Aldana and Aleks Martray. With the support of MICA's Continuing Studies and Community Arts departments, the Art of Solidarity is the only study abroad program with a mission to create sustainable youth programs by collaborating with the local artist movements and organizations. Because of the passion and support of the Video and Technology departments, Kirsten D' Andrea Hollander has been able to set up a video lab and teach sophisticated editing software with MICA students in a small town of about 13,500 people so that young adults have access to the latest technology.

These three faculty members and their eight students present an exhibition about their collaborations and reflections working and living with the local artists, youth and organizations in the city of Esteli and the town of Limay. The Art of Solidarity, A Community Arts program in Nicaragua presents Tener Valor (To be brave; To have values) through Thurs., Sept. 3. There is a reception on Thurs, Sept. 3 from 5 to 7 PM in the Rosenburg Gallery, MICA Brown Bldg, 2nd Floor. From 5:30 to 6:30 PM, there will be video screenings in Room #320.

10] – The Coalition of the Uninsured & Underinsured for Single-Payer will hold its weekly organizing meeting on Thurs., Aug. 27 from 6 to 8 PM to focus on the organizing and scheduling of upcoming "teach-ins." It will be held at the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), 1112 16th St., NW, Suite 600, WDC. Is anyone interested in participating in weekly or bi-weekly telephone conference calls as opposed to meeting in person? Go to www.Healthcare-Now.org. Call 202-276-3099 or email medicare4allnow@gmail.com.

11] – Women In Black sponsor a peace stand/vigil on Fri., Aug. 28 from noon-1 PM at the Inner Harbor, corner Pratt and Light. Everyone welcome, wear black if you can. See http://www.peacepath911.com/ or write wibbaltimore@hotmail.com or call 410-467-9114.

12] – There is also a noon vigil on Fri., Aug. 28 at Roland Park Place at 830 W. 40th St. Call 410-467-9114.

13] – A peace vigil takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM on Pennsylvania Ave., by the press gate to the White House. It is organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Call 202-882-9649.

14] – There is a peace vigil to support the Congo every Friday, 4 to 6:30 PM at the Rwandan Embassy, 1714 New Hampshire Ave, NW. Call the Rwandan Embassy at 202-232-2882 and register your concern about Rwanda's aggression towards the Congo.

15] – There is a silent vigil on Fri., Aug. 28 from 5 to 6 PM outside of Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., in opposition to war with Iraq. Placards say: "War Is Not the Answer." The silent vigil is sponsored by AFSC, Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings.

16] – Join the Takoma Park peace vigil, which takes place the last Friday of the month from 5 to 6 PM at Takoma Junction (Rte. 410 and Carroll Ave.). The next vigil to end occupation in Iraq, Palestine and the White House will be Aug. 28. Call 301-589-5410 or go to www.Tpkids4peace.org.

17] – SHED LIGHT ON US WAR CASUALTIES: FROM THE FRONT LINE TO THE BACK DOOR of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (North Gate), every Friday night, from 7 to 9 PM in the middle of the 7100 block of Georgia Ave., NW. Call 202-441-3265. Go tohttp://www.codepinkalert.org/Local_CODEPINKs_Washington_DC.shtml.

18] – There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM. Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St. Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Aug. 28. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.

19] – Join the MD Coalition for BGE Re-Regulation in a demonstration on Sat., Aug. 29 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM in Lawyer's Mall, near the governor's mansion. In Baltimore, meet at 10 AM at 301 McMechen St. in the parking lot of a senior housing complex near the corner of Eutaw and McMechen. Departure for Annapolis is at 10 AM sharp! Call 443-414-2425 or email vtola@yahoo.com.

The Maryland Coalition for BGE Re-regulation calls on the governor, all state senators and members of the House of Delegates to end the deaths and economic hardship resulting from mass BG&E power cut-offs. The rate increases since 2006 have forced retired people to downsize their homes, forced the unemployed to lose their homes, forced middle-class families to pay energy bills that are higher than their mortgages and forced the poor to risk their lives by using candles for light, and kerosene for heat.

20] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. in Olney, MD. The next vigil is Aug. 29. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167.

21] – Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. This vigil has been the target of counter-demonstrators and harassment from the "Chester County Victory Movement" but has grown and persisted. Go to www.ccpeace.org.

22] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Sat., Aug. 29. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com.

23] – Westminster WIB holds a vigil the last Saturday of the month. On Aug. 29 meet at 2 PM in front of the library on Main St. Please wear black, everyone welcome at all stands, signs provided. Contact wibwestminster@mizmail.com.

24] – On June 28, Little Friends for Peace celebrated the grand opening of the Peace Education Oasis in Piscataway National Park in 15400 Old Marshall Hall Rd., Accokeek, MD 20607. LFFP is now hosting an open house on Sat., Aug. 29 from 4-7 PM. There will be a potluck style meal, so bring a dish. Take I-295 or the Beltway to MD 210 South. Go 11 miles, turn right on Pine Ave. for .5 mile, then left on Livingston Road for .5 mile, then right on Old Marshall Hall Road for 3 miles (pass Cactus Hill Road). The Oasis is on the right.

Once completed, the Oasis will provide a space for children and adults alike to find peace in nature, be restored, and bring skills of peace back to our communities. The Oasis is located only a mile away from the Potomac River and the Accokeek Foundation's Colonial Farm. Go to www.LFFP.org or call 240-899-8421 or email peaceoasis.lffp@gmail.com.

25] – FOUR YEARS AFTER KATRINA will be an Evening with Ron Kipling Williams, the Most Controversial Spoken Word Artist!!! He is Aware and Outraged: Silence is For Suckers. Also performing will be the Amethyst Lyrically-Gifted Brown and special guest artists/activists. This remembrance of Katrina will include a TRIBUTE TO DR. JESSE McDADE on Sat., Aug. 29 at 7 PM at Cyclops Books, 32 W. North Ave., Baltimore, MD 21201. The donation is $5. RAW AND UNCENSORED!!! NOT FOR THE OFFENDED!!! Call 917-841-0299 or go to www.facebook.com/cyclopsbmore.

26] –.The first annual Ride for the Animals, benefiting the Maryland SPCA, is Sun., Aug. 30. Registration opens at 10 AM at The Harley-Davidson/Buell Store, 8845 Pulaski Hwy., Baltimore, MD 21237, and is $20 per person. The ride begins at noon at The Harley-Davidson/Buell Store and ends at Padonia Station, 63 E. Padonia Rd., Timonium, MD 21093. At Padonia Station, there will be a passel of events: a raffle, silent auction, food and beverages for purchase and a performance starting at 2 PM by The Fabulous Skunkpuppie Band. You don't have to have a motorcycle to join the party at Padonia Station. However, no animals are welcome. Email brandy@mdspca.org. Go to www.mdspca.org.

27] – On Sun., Aug. 30, the KALAFONG AME CHURCH invites you to a Prayer for Africa at 11 AM at the HISPANIC SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST DAY CHUCH, 5100 Edmondson Ave., Baltimore 21229. Contact Rev. Dr. Duane Rawlings at realministr@aol.com. Go towww.orgsites.com\md\kalafong-ame-mission-church/index.html.

28] – Maryland Bridges for Peace welcomes you to stand for peace Sundays from noon (or thereabouts) to 1 PM on the Spa Creek Bridge in Annapolis. Contact Lucy at 410-263-7271 or mdbridgesforpeace@toadmail.com. Signs are not allowed to be on a stick or pole. If there is interest, people will be standing on the Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena [410-437-5379 ormagicalgodmom@aol.com]. Go to http://BridgePeace.blogspot.com/.

29] –.On Sun., Aug. 30 at 2 PM, attend the Montgomery County Progressive Picnic. The cost is $15 now, but $20 later. Go tohttps://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=6728539.

Maryland Senator Jamie Raskin and other speakers will discuss the future of progressive politics in Maryland at Wheaton Regional Park Picnic Shelter "G," 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902. Meet progressives from around the County and from various organizations, and discuss progressive plans for the upcoming Annapolis legislative session. Scheduled attendees include State Senator Paul Pinsky, Delegates Roger Manno, Tom Hucker, Ana Sol Gutierrez and Saqib Ali, Council Members Duchy Trachtenberg and Marc Elrich; and Equality and Healthcare Activists Dana Beyer and Eric Luedtke. Potluck dish and drinks to share are appreciated! Email mikehersh@mikehersh.com.

30] – Every Sunday until Nov. 3, from 4:30 to 6 PM at the corner of Woodmont and Bethesda Aves., near Barnes & Noble and the Landmark Theaters, there will be a peace vigil organized by Bethesda Friends. Everyone welcome to participate!

31] – Johanna E. Neumann, state director of Maryland PIRG, is seeking volunteers for a phone bank to turn out supporters to the Annapolis Town Hall meeting on the Constellation/EDF deal! The phone bank will take place on Sun., Aug. 30 from 6 to 8:30 PM at the Maryland PIRG office, 3121 Saint Paul St., Suite 26, Baltimore MD 21218. The phone banking will be from 6:15 to 8:15 PM.

There will be a similar event on Sept. 13 from 6-8:30 PM to turn out supporters for the Baltimore meeting on September 17. The upcoming town hall meetings that the PSC is holding around the state to collect public input on the Constellation/EDF deal will be crucial to framing the debate around this issue. Contact Johanna at 410-467-9389 or Johanna@marylandpirg.org. Go to www.marylandpirg.org.

32] – Red Emma's needs volunteers. Stop in to the weekly Sunday meeting at 7 PM at 800 St. Paul St. or emailinfo@redemmas.org. The next meeting is Aug. 30. There is no meeting on the first Sunday of the month. Call 410-230-0450. If you would be interested in volunteering or becoming a collective member of 2640, send an email to 2640@redemmas.org.

33] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop. The next vigil is Mon., Aug. 31, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Call 202-882-9649.

34] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 PM on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community. The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email steinershow@gmail.com.

You can listen to interviews by Steiner through his Center for Emerging Media podcasts. To hear the interviews, email Jessica@centerforemergingmedia.com. Go to http://www.centerforemergingmedia.org.

35] – There is usually a vigil to abolish the death penalty every Monday from 5 to 6 PM, outside the prison complex and across the street from Maryland's death row, at the corner of Madison Ave. and Fallsway in Baltimore. The next vigil is scheduled for Mon., Aug. 31. Call 410-233-0488.

36] – Baltimore United for Peace and Justice will meet at 7 PM on Mon., Aug. 31 at the AFSC, 4806 York Road. The BUPJ agenda will focus on planning two events, a town hall meeting in October at which Rep. Donna Edwards will be invited and a forum to get ready for the legislative session in Annapolis. As this meeting ends, the Pledge meeting will begin.

37] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM at the AFSC, 4806 York Road [three blocks north of Coldspring Lane]. The next meeting will be Aug. 31, and the agenda will include a plan to attend a town hall hosted by Rep. Elijah Cumming, a protest of Karl Rove's speech at Goucher College on Sept. 16 and direct action at the White House on Oct. 5 Call Max at 410-366-1637.

38] – "Walking The Road to Emmaus" guided by Jim Forest occurs on Sat., Oct. 10 from 9 AM to 5 PM at Bon Secours Spiritual Center, 1525 Marriottsville Road. Marriottsville, MD 21104. Go to http://www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org/. The cost is $35 before Tues., Sept. 1, and $45 afterwards. The fee includes payment for lunch. If you world like to register, call 410-442-1320 or email bsscretreats@bshsi.org, or go to http://www.bonsecoursspiritualcenter.org/.

A book signing will follow the workshop. Jim Forest, a founder of the Catholic Peace Fellowship and former general secretary of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, was a close personal friend of Thomas Merton. Jim has written a number of books, including "Living with Wisdom: A Life of Thomas Merton."

39] – On Tues., Sept. 1 at 5:30 PM, Witness Against Torture will continue its weekly vigil, each Tuesday, in Lafayette Park, H and 16th Sts., NW. Contact Helen Schietinger at h.schietinger at verizon.net.

40] – There is a vigil to say "War Is Not the Answer" each Tuesday since September 11, 2001 at 4806 York Road. Join this ongoing vigil. The next vigil is Sept. 1 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

41] – Wade Rathke, the founder of SEIU Local 100 and ACORN, has written a book called "Citizen Wealth—Winning the Campaign to Save Working Families." On Tues., Sept. 1 at 5:30 PM, Wade will discuss his book, organizing, and the plight of working families at 1199 SEIU, 605 North Eutaw St., Baltimore 21201. RSVP to Larry Ginsburg at 443-449-2107.

42] – There is a meeting of Ecolocity DC every Tuesday from 7 to 9 PM at the EMERGENCE COMMUNITY ARTS COLLECTIVE, 733 Euclid St. NW, WDC 20001. It is for people who live in, or are interested in making D.C. a transition town starting with an intentional community that will encompass clean energy, freecycle, natural building, organic farming, community salvage, new urbanism, etc. The next meeting will be on Aug. 25. Go to http://ecolocity.ning.com www.ecacollective.org.

43] – The Howard County Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation (HCCEIO) and Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace (WIAMEP) invite you to a reception marking the opening of a month-long display at the Howard County Central Library, Little Patuxent Pkwy & South Entrance Rd., Columbia, MD 21044, of the Nakba Photo Exhibit: The Story of the Palestinians, 1948 to 2009. On Tues., Sept. 1 at 7 PM, the reception will begin with a survivor of the Nakba talking about his experiences and explaining the photos. Refreshments will be served. Email HCCEIO@yahoo.com. If you cannot attend the reception, visit the library during September to see this amazing photo exhibit.

44] – Each Wednesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the House of Grace Catholic Worker holds a weekly vigil for peace in Iraq outside the Phila. Federal Building, 6th & Market Sts. The next vigil is Sept. 2. Call 215-426-0364.

45] – Each Wednesday in clear weather, there is a peace vigil from 5 to 6 PM outside the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive (between Wayne & Hortter) in West Mount Airy, PA. The next vigil is Sept. 2. Call 215-843-4256 or emailnwgreens@yahoo.com.

46] – Turn Out for Health Care Reform on Wed., Sept. 2 at 5:30 PM at the Washington Monument, 700 North Charles St. & Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore 21201. Close out the summer with a massive, national night of vigils for those who are suffering from a broken health care system. After the rally, there will be a candlelight vigil and moment of silence for those currently sick and suffering or those who died because of the lack of access to health care. Email healthcarenow@gmail.com.

The Real Voices for Change campaign is making sure members of Congress hear from the majority of Americans who support change. MoveOn Councils are helping turn out thousands of supporters in important battlegrounds like Montana, Washington, and Virginia. Go to http://www.moveon.org/augustrecess/reportback.html?id=16987-1355041-.wt7KBx&t=6.

47] – Each Wednesday, there is a peace vigil from 7 to 8 PM outside the Borders Book Store, Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, PA. The next vigil is Sept. 2. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

48] – There will be a Mobilization for Global Justice meeting at 7 PM on Wed., Sept. 2 at St. Stephens Church, 16th & Newton Sts., NW, WDC. Exit at the Columbia Heights Metro stop. The meeting takes place the first Wednesday of the month. Email mgj@riseup.net.

49] – The Peace & Justice Coalition of Prince George's County meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 PM at the Greenbelt Community Center. The next meeting is Sept. 2. Call 301-577-2350.

50] – Stop the merger between Constellation Energy and EDF. Stop Calvert Cliffs 3 by attending a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARINGS FOR PUBLIC COMMENT--The Parties of Record and Interested Persons in Case No. 9173 can testify. The available dates and sites are as follows: 1] Wed., Sept. 2, from 7 to 9:30 PM in the Joint Committee Hearing Room, Department of Legislative Services Bldg., 90 State Circle, Annapolis , Maryland 21401-1991; 2] Thurs., Sept. 17, from 7 to 9:30 PM at the War Memorial Building, Paul C. Wohlman Assembly Hall – First Floor, 101 N. Gay St., Baltimore , Maryland 21202; and 3] Tues., Sept. 29, from 7 to 9:30 PM in the Rotunda, Town Hall of Bel Air, 39 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, MD 21014. Written comments may also be submitted at the public hearing in addition to, or in lieu of, oral comments.

A photo ID will be required for entry. The Commission asks that the oral comments be limited to 5 minutes. Written comments also may be filed by Tues., Sept. 29. The comments shall be addressed to Terry J. Romine, Executive Secretary, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, and reference "Case No. 9173, Phase II – Public Comment."[1]

51] – There is a WIB peace stand on Thurs., Sept. 3, noon-1PM in Towson at northwest corner of Washington & Chesapeake Aves., across the street from the post office, near the courthouse. Contact mbrainzo@aol.com. This vigil takes place on the first Thursday of the month.

52] – On Thurs., Sept. 3, the WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE SEEKING A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL takes place from 12:30 - 1:30 PM at Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, WDC. Join a civil discourse which explores the history, issues, myths, realities, and truth of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Contact Alice Azzouzi at 202-232-5483.

53] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore hosts an End the War! End the Occupation! rally on Thurs., Sept. 3 from 5 to 6:30 PM in Mount Vernon at Centre & Charles Sts. The Pledge gathers in Mount Vernon on the first Thursday of the month to protest the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

54] – PeaceAction Montgomery, meets every first Thursday, next being Sept. 3, at 7 PM at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, room 16 in the basement, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4099.

55] – The Crabshell Alliance will meet on Thurs., Sept. 3 at 7:30 PM in a private home. Call Max at 410-366-1637 for directions. Meetings will take place the first Thursday of the month. The mission of the Crabshell Alliance is to stop the construction of new nuclear power plants in Maryland, promote clean, safe, sustainable, and affordable energy, and educate the public about the hazards of nuclear power.

56] – On Fri., Sept. 4 watch MATEWAN, which is being shown as part of the "JUST-REEL First Friday Free Film Series at the Peace Center of Delaware County, 7 PM, 1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield, Delaware County. The evening will include light refreshments and an after-film discussion. It is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community. Call 610-544-1818.

57] – On Sat., Sept. 5 at 1 PM, attend the Peace Meal and hear Minister Counselor of Cuba Dr. Alberto Prieto speak on the topic "Understanding Peace in the Cuban Context" at 4209 East West Hwy., Chevy Chase, MD 20815. Mr. Prieto is Minister Counselor of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington D.C, with responsibility for bilateral Cuban-US relations. His special areas of work are with the US Congress, in the areas of Solidarity and Religion, in which capacity he has served since 1991. Afterwards, the film THE POWER OF COMMUNITY: HOW CUBA SURVIVED PEAK OIL will be shown.

Park by Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. The site is Metro accessible on the Red Line, Bethesda stop. There is no charge. RSVP atshantiyoga2@earthlink.net. Go to www.schooloflife.org.

58] – The Coalition Against the Death Penalty will meet Tues., Sept. 8 at 7 PM at the AFSC, 4806 York Road. Agenda items will include getting the men off of Maryland's death row, a teach-in about Troy Davis and the new lethal injection protocols. Call 410-488-6767 or 443-838-3221. Email bcadp @ comcast.net. Go to www.stopexecutionsinmaryland.org.

59] – On Wed., Sept. 9 from 9 to 10:30 AM, Des Browne Lord Hannay of Chiswick, David Lidington and Tony Lloyd, British parliamentarians, will examine "British Parliamentary Perspectives on Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation." The event cosponsored by the Carnegie Endowment and the British American Security Information Council will take place at the Carnegie Endowment, 1779 Massachusetts Ave., NW, WDC. RSVP by noon on Sept. 8 by calling coordinator Katie Donaldson at 202-939-2306 for details.

60] – On Fri., Sept. 11, the Peace Path will form on Charles St. from 4 to 6 PM. Volunteer to help by emailingpeacepath911@yahoo.com. The Peace Path will form along Charles Street from Fort Avenue (south of the Inner Harbor) north to the Beltway. Individuals and groups will stand with signs promoting peace, as they have each year since 2002 in an event coordinated by Women In Black. Visit www.peacepath911.org.

Put a yard or window sign where others will see. Both are available free by emailing www.peacepath911.org. REGISTER WHERE YOU WILL STAND at peacepath911@yahoo.com.

61] – On Sun., Sept. 13 from 4 to 6 PM, there will be a book release party for BEALIVE, Poems by Bill O'Connor at 2640 St. Paul St. Books will be on sale for $10. If you would like to obtain a book through the mail, send a $13 check made out to Dean Pappas to Marilyn O'Connor, 2700 St. Paul St., Baltimore 21218. Email crleight at yahoo.com.

62] – On Sat., Sept. 12 at 5 PM, a forum How soon is "Equal Rights Now?" in Falvey Hall at Brown Center, 1300 Mt. Royal Ave.. It will feature Angela Davis, Amy Goodman and Helen Molesworth. It is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP at sachs@aclu-md.org or 410-889-8550 ext. 117.

63] – Karl Rove, the "architect" of George W. Bush's successful 2000 and 2004 presidential campaigns, will speak at Goucher College on Wed., Sept. 16 at 8 PM in Kraushaar Auditorium. The Pledge of Resistance will start a protest outside the auditorium at 7 PM. Let Max know at mobuszewski at verizon.net or 410-366-1637 if you plan to attend.

64] – The legendary peace activist Kathy Kelly will speak Tues., Sept. 29 at 8 PM in Frederick, MD at the Rosenstock Auditorium, Hood College. The talk is entitled: "Eyewitness to War, Witness for Peace: Finding Hope in a Violent World." Email dsfpeace at yahoo.com..

65] – One Less Car is a nonprofit organization promoting cycling and alternative transit. They are sponsoring "Tour du Port" on Sun., Oct. 4 - a bicycle tour of Baltimore's Canton Waterfront area. Register at http://onelesscar.org/page.php?id=156. Routes range from a 12-mile ride to a 50-mile ride! The Tour includes lunch, refreshments at rest stops, map, SAG and a post-ride celebration. The Tour is One Less Car's annual fundraiser - all fees go directly to advancing the programs and advocacy efforts dedicated to walking, bicycling and mass transit in Maryland. Gather at the Korean War Memorial in the Canton Waterfront Park, 2903 Boston St., Baltimore, MD 21224. Go to www.onelesscar.org.

66] – Join us on Mon., Oct. 5 at the White House. The National Campaign for Nonviolent Resistance is organizing direct action to condemn the warmongering in Afghanistan. Email Max at mobuszewski at verizon.net or call 410-366-1637.

67] – Get a copy of Howard Ehrlich's HATE CRIMES AND ETHNOVIOLENCE [Westview Press, 2009, ISBN – 13: 978-08133-4445-4]. Go to www.westviewpress.com.

68] – I bought two red maple trees for $10 each as part of the Trees for Baltimore program. Buy a tree, plant it and contribute to saving the planet. Call Max at 410-366-1637

69] – A progressive-thinking realtor is indicating that people of modest incomes can get assistance from both the state and federal governments in purchasing a home. If you are interested in speaking with him about available programs, call Max at 410-366-1637.

70] – Larry Egbert and Nick Sheridan are in Baltimore awaiting further legal developments, and the "Georgia Four" is seeking contributions to a legal defense fund. Go to www.finalexitlibertyfund.org to make a contribution.

71] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees. This is an historic window of opportunity. With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

72] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5. To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

73] – Publish Your Peace Article. Daniel Frasier is soliciting peace articles for the biweekly series of commentaries Paths to Peace in the Frederick News Post Religion and Ethics section. For details, email path2peace07@yahoo.com.

74] – Become an active member of the Washington Peace Center, which is now located at St. Stephen's Church, 1525 Newton St. NW. All members are granted voting rights and are invited to join one or more of the many working groups. Members are asked to pay suggested annual dues of 25 dollars, or volunteer. Email wpc@igc.org - subject "membership." The mailing address is The Washington Peace Center, P.O. Box 50032, WDC 20019-0032. Call 202-234-2000. Subscribe at www.washingtonpeacecenter.org.

75] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers. You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food. So consider clicking.

76] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 East 25th St. Baltimore, MD 21218 Ph: 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] Verizon.net.

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

--
**GDPR Fall 09 Capital Fundraising Drive- Please help our service effort survive & thrive http://ow.ly/js63
=======================================================
GRATEFUL DREAD PUBLIC RADIO THE ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST
http://gdreadradio.net http://armact.gratefuldread.info
twitter: @gdpr twitter: @armact

ALL FACTS & OPINIONS - http://gratefuldread.net - twitter: @allfactsandopin
=======================================================
BALTIMORE ACTIVISTS COALITION
http://www.gaywallet.com/profile/BaltimoreActivistsCoalition
twitter: @nrdavis
=======================================================
GOLDMAN MILL VIRTUAL PEACE COLLECTIVE
http://goldmanmill.ning.com
twitter: @GMPaxWords

Marriage Equality is the law in CT - Urge Blumenthal to Defend It!

2009-07-29T10:48:00.001-05:00

From Marriage Equality is the law in Connecticut - Urge Blumenthal to Defend It!

--------------------
Subject: FYI, you can participate from anywhere!

Hey there,

You've received an invite to a new campaign urging Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to defend state law -> marriage equality. I just wanted to make it clear that anyone can participate in this campaign from anywhere! All you need is a cell phone or computer and 5 minutes during the last week of August.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113191475142

Also, besides RSVP'ing as attending, PLEASE invite your friends! It only takes 2 minutes and is immensely helpful in making this event a success.

Thanks so much for all your support:

Act for Justice: Support Soulforce - Blogathon 2009

2009-07-25T12:58:00.003-05:00

DO JUSTICE

Our blog, All Facts & Opinions, is part of Blogathon 2009. Right now I am blogging 27 hours straight -- at least two entries per hour -- in support of Soulforce, a glorious nonprofit working for freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression through the practice of Gandhi-inspired nonviolent resistance. Want to learn more about this fantastic effort? Visit and get involved.

This means we'll need pledges for Soulforce. The group really could use your support. I'm asking for per-hour pledges or a flat amount, whatever works for you. Please, sponsor this blog.

Please consider and please help. Soulforce does such good for the world...

We started at 6 am Eastern Time Saturday and the fun ends 9am Eastern on Sunday, goddess willing. Come on by and keep me company. And follow us on Twitter: @allfactsandopin And support Soulforce during Blogathon: Make a pledge! And please spread the word!

Peace,
Natalie Davis
The Armchair Activist/GDPR

Single-Payer Rally and Lobby Day in DC

2009-07-23T14:30:00.001-05:00

Take action: Be in Washington DC on July 30 to speak up for health care for all!

JULY 30 - SINGLE PAYER RALLY AND LOBBY DAY IN DC! sponsored by ProsperityAgenda.US

URGENT: Act TODAY - end federal ban on syringe exchange funding

2009-07-22T10:35:00.000-05:00

I just took action on Health GAP's website to call for federal funding of syringe exchange. Syringe exchange programs are proven to dramatically reduce HIV infections without increasing drug use. The House of Representatives is considering an Appropriations bill that, for the first time in 11 years, does not bar federal funding of syringe exchange. We can lift the ban on funding syringe exchange, but only if we all email our Representatives.

Click here to email your Representative, with Health GAP's super-easy form:http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5712/t/4739/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=1871

Thank you!

You can visit Health GAP's website at www.healthgap.org, or join their email list directly by clicking on this link. http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5712/t/4394/signUp.jsp?key=623

A.G. Holder: Appoint a Prosecutor

2009-07-20T10:25:00.003-05:00

from True Majority

Did you see the news? The CIA just ended a secret program created and overseen by Dick Cheney that might have been designed to assassinate people deemed a threat to the United States. But we're just hearing about it because Cheney and others kept the project a secret from Congress, the public and the Justice department. It's scary to think that about Cheney using his position with the Bush administration to torture, wiretap and break a number of US laws in pursuit of his personal interpretation of national security. But only an independent prosecutor appointed by the Attorney General, can investigate crimes committed by the Bush administration and bring Cheney to justice - and the Obama team is under intense pressure just to look the other way. Email Attorney General Eric Holder and urge him to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate torture and other crimes committed by the Bush administration. Please do it now. This web site makes it really simple:

http://act.truemajorityaction.org/p/7002/campaign?campaign_KEY=1600

Urgent: Support Kucinich State Single-Payer Amendment

2009-07-17T08:28:00.001-05:00

from After Downing Street

Rep. Dennis Kucinich has proposed a crucial amendment for single-payer healthcare and we urgently need you to call one or more of the 26 Democrats on the House Education and Labor Committee. Our message is simple:

Please support Rep. Kucinich's Amendment today to let states create single-payer healthcare systems. The federal government should give states the freedom to fix our health care crisis.

You can call any time and leave a voicemail if no one answers. If you do speak with a staffer, please post their reply here:
http://tr.im/sJeO

You can also urge your Senators and Representatives to support the Single Payer Health Plan (H.R. 676) by signing our petition:
http://tr.im/sJfk

The Kucinich Amendment would let individual states create single-payer healthcare systems even if Congress fails to create a nationwide single-payer system.

That's exactly how Canada evolved towards single-payer: one province at a time. Given the corporate-funded resistance to single-payer in Congress, the U.S. may have to follow the Canadian path.

Progressive activists in California, Illinois and Pennsylvania are leading the way for single-payer systems and the Kucinich Amendment would remove the legal roadblocks they face.

The fate of the Kucinich Amendment rests in the hands of the 26 Democrats below. Please call as many as you can.

George Miller (CA-7) 202-225-2095
Dale Kildee (MI-5) 202-225-3611
Donald Payne (NJ-10) 202-225-3436
Robert Andrews (NJ-1) 202-225-6501
Bobby Scott (VA-3) 202-225-8351
Lynn Woolsey (CA-6) 202-225-5161
Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15) 202-225-2531
Carolyn McCarthy (NY-4) 202-225-5516
John Tierney (MA-6) 202-225-8020
David Wu (OR-1) 202-225-0855
Rush Holt (NJ-12) 202-225-5801
Susan Davis (CA-53) 202-225-2040
Raul Grijalva (AZ-7) 202-225-2435
Tim Bishop (NY-1) 202-225-3826
Joe Sestak (PA-7) 202-225-2011
David Loebsack (IA-2) 202-225-6576
Mazie Hirono (HI-2) 202-225-4906
Jason Altmire (PA-4) 202-225-2565
Phil Hare (IL-17) 202-225-5905
Yvette Clarke (NY-11) 202-225-6231
Joe Courtney (CT-2) 202-225-2076
Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) 202-225-5456
Marcia Fudge (OH-11) 202-225-7032
Jared Polis (CO-2) 202-225-2161
Paul Tonko (NY-21) 202-225-5076
Dina Titus (NV-3) 202-225-3252<

ACTION: Renounce Rush - Stand with Sotomayor

2009-07-16T22:09:00.001-05:00

From CREDO Action

"She doesn't have any intellectual depth. She's got a -- she's an angry
woman, she's a bigot. She's a racist."

That's Rush Limbaugh talking about President Obama's nominee to be the
next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge Sonia Sotomayor. The
Republicans of the Senate Judiciary Committee need to renounce the garbage
that Limbaugh is spouting. Are they with Rush when he calls Judge
Sotomayor a racist? If not they need to say so publicly, and say it now.

TAKE ACTION! Sign a petition to tell the Republicans of the Senate Judiciary
Committee to renounce Rush Limbaugh's outrageous claims that Judge
Sotomayor is an unintelligent racist. (The site also has an amazing video
from Presente.org - you should check it out!)

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/sotomayor_limbaugh/?r_by=-2043355-fGJzEVx&rc=mailto

Urge ABC to ask President Obama about why single payer is off the table

2009-06-19T16:02:00.001-05:00

From: ProsperityAgenda.US <action@prosperityagenda.us>
Date: Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 2:02 PM
Subject: Urge ABC to ask President Obama about why single payer is off the table

This Monday President Obama will be discussing health care on ABC.

You can urge ABC to ask President Obama about why single payer is off the table by going to: http://digg.com/politics /ABC_Wants_to_Know_What_Would_You_Ask_President_Obama and putting in your comment.

I'm sure you can come up with your own suggestions, but here are some ideas:

- State Senator Obama in 2003 said he supported single payer but "we had to win back the White House, Senate and House before we could do it." Well, the Democrats have won back all three and now President Obama is not considering single payer but instead is bowing to the insurance industry. Why is single payer not being considered?

- As Congress works on health care reform they are finding the cost of covering everyone is exorbitant. Indeed, it no longer seems possible with the CBO estimating that the most robust plan would leave 36 million uninsured in ten years. Under single payer everyone would have access to health care and it would be affordable because $400 million in insurance costs would be no longer in the equation. Why is single payer not being considered?

- Polls show the most popular health care reform among Americans is a single payer system. Why is single payer not being considered?

- Aren't you just going to pour hundreds of billions into a failed system? Hospitals have more billing agents to deal with the insurance industry than nurses, often one administrator per bed. Your proposal does nothing to end the waste of the insurance industry because you have taken single payer off the table. Why not put single payer first since it puts patients before the insurance industry?

- President Obama has said that he would support single payer if the U.S. were starting from scratch. Well, it is looking more and more like the U.S. needs to start from scratch. The Congress is divided on key issues, the public health option looks unlikely, isn't it time to consider single payer?

- How will you prevent the public option, if it passes, from being the place where all the chronically ill, high risk patients go while the private insurance industry cherry picks the low cost patients thereby increasing their profits? Isn't single payer the only fair way to provide health care access for all?

- Candidate Obama promised to change Washington, DC so that the corporate powers did not control policy, well on health care President Obama is doing the opposite. He is letting the corporate powers - the insurance, HMO and pharmaceutical industries -- run health care. He has insurance company representatives speaking first and last at his White House health care meeting. At the same time single payer is not being considered by Obama. Why is single payer off the table? Are the corporate powers still in charge?

Please write ABC now and let them know you want single payer questions when they interview Obama. Go to: http://digg.com/politics/ABC_Wants_to_Know_What_Would_You_Ask_President_Obama and putting in your comment.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kevin Zeese
Executive Director

ProsperityAgenda.US

ProsperityAgenda.US is a project of Campaign for Fresh Air and Clean Politics

Click here for unsubscribe options

ProsperityAgenda.US
2842 N. Calvert St.
Baltimore, MD 21218
443-708-8360

Act Now: US House Failing Test on Climate Change

2009-06-18T16:42:00.002-05:00

From Friends Committee on National Legislation

Leaders in the House plan to force a final vote next week on important but flawed climate change legislation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) fails to ensure that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions will be cut quickly, deeply, and effectively. We at FCNL have been urging House committee members to strengthen H.R. 2454 by eliminating concessions that would allow polluters to increase their greenhouse gas emissions for well over a decade.

You can help strengthen this bill by writing your representative today: . Urge her or him to insist that the American Clean Energy and Security Act be strengthened to:

1.) Require quick, deep, and real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions before 2020;

2.) Eliminate provisions that allow polluters to continue polluting at current levels for over a decade;

3.) Remove free giveaways of pollution allowances to industry; and

4.) Ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) retains authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

This will not be easy. Reps. Henry Waxman and Ed Markey, who sponsored this legislation, argue that their bill is already pushing the limits of what is currently politically possible in the House. But passing flawed legislation now could be worse than doing nothing, despite how hard congressional champions of the environment worked to craft a bill that can pass. It will leave the illusion that Congress has addressed climate change when in fact it has done very little.

*Take Action*

Write your representative today. Tell him or her that the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) must be strengthened before it comes to a final vote on floor of the House next week. In our view at FCNL, it would be better to pass no legislation now, let the EPA begin to regulate greenhouse gases, and work harder to build support for a stronger bill in the future than to pass this legislation as is.

*Background*

Learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of this bill.

Take Action for Equality

2009-06-11T11:54:00.001-05:00

In 1996, Bob Barr wrote the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). When the bill became law, the federal government and all federal agencies were prohibited from extending any federal marriage-based benefits, privileges and rights to same-sex couples.

Thirteen years later, Bob Barr came to admit that he made a mistake with DOMA.

Ask President Obama and Congress to overturn DOMA. »

Right now, same-sex couples are denied tax, pension, visitation, inheritance and legal standing rights granted to opposite-sex couples. Overturning DOMA would end these discriminatory practices and mitigate the damage caused by anti-gay ballot measures.

If the author of DOMA says he made a mistake, shouldn't Congress at least take a second look and consider repealing DOMA? Please act today to bring hope to LGBT couples and ask for DOMA's repeal. »

Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFnDo/zJdj/YwmS

Contact NH Legislators Today for Marriage Equality!

2009-06-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

The New Hampshire House and Senate will vote Wednesday on compromise language to strengthen protections for churches, their employees and religious groups that object to gay marriage.

Gov. John Lynch demanded the protections to get his signature on legislation that would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.

The House rejected language Lynch proposed by two votes last month. The compromise adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage.

It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees.

Contact NH's Legislators and encourage them to pass this important bill:
New Hampshire Senate
New Hampshire Representatives

Prop 8: Reviving an Anthem for the New Fight for Equality

2009-05-26T16:53:00.001-05:00

"Glad to Be Gay" - Tom Robinson Band #prop8 #glbt #dayofdecision ♫ http://twt.fm/132043

Spread the song and message far and wide. Sing with pride at the top of your lungs. Remember our community's history and how far we have come -- then take that feeling of pride and use it as fuel to fight for our future: Take to the streets to answer the bigotry and cowardice of the California Supreme Court. Boycott bigoted establishments Work for equality until America finally is what it pretends to be -- a land of equality and justice for all.

Let's get busy and turn our anger into equality!

http://www.dayofdecision.com/

ALERT: Call Senate Judiciary Committee Members: Confirm Tom Perez

2009-05-19T17:18:00.001-05:00

From: Civilrights.org <info@civilrights.org>

Take Action Now: Call Senate Judiciary Committee members today at 202-224-3121 and urge them to confirm Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights nominee Tom Perez.

As soon as Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee will likely vote on the nomination of Tom Perez to be assistant attorney general Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice. After years of politicization and placing personal agendas above the will of the people, the Division needs strong and reliable leadership to restore its reputation as an office that advances the civil rights of all Americans. Tom Perez's wealth of experience in public service, civil rights, and management proves that he is the right person to take on that challenge.

As deputy assistant attorney general under President Clinton, Tom Perez was a vocal advocate for hate crimes legislation and fiercely promoted equal opportunities in education. Perez understands the issues he will face in this important position, and is committed to securing and defending civil rights for all Americans.

Call Senate Judiciary Committee members today at 202-224-3121 and tell them to protect our civil rights by quickly confirming Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights nominee Tom Perez.

Senate Judiciary Committee Members:
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D. Vt.
Sen. Arlen Specter, R. Pa.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R. Utah
Sen. Herb Kohl, D. Wis.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R. Iowa
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D. Calif.
Sen. Jon Kyl, R. Ariz.
Sen. Russell Feingold, D. Wis.
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R. Ala.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D. N.Y.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R. S.C.
Sen. Richard Durbin, D. Ill.
Sen. John Cornyn, R. Texas
Sen. Benjamin Cardin, D. Md.
Sen. Sam Brownback, R. Kan.
Sent by the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, 1629 K Street NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20006 - (202) 466-3311

Will anyone call Specter on his flip-flop?

2009-05-18T12:37:00.003-05:00

From: Liz Cattaneo, American Rights at Work

2005: Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania co-sponsors the Employee Free Choice Act.

2007: Specter is one of the few courageous Republicans to vote for the bill.

2009: Specter says he'll vote against it. What happened?

Long story short: Specter bowed to pressure from the corporate lobbyists and right-wing groups desperate to block the Employee Free Choice Act. But you and I can put pressure on as well – we can show him his flip-flop has consequences.

We're launching a new TV ad that tells Specter to stand on the side of workers – not greedy CEOs. And at the same time, with your help, we're going to flood his office with calls.

Watch our new ad – then CALL Senator Specter's office and tell him not to sell out America's workers.

Video: Our new TV ad, "Right Thing."

For many years, Senator Specter was a strong supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act. But now that he's siding with anti-union groups, he's said he'll actively work to block the bill from even coming to a vote!

That's why it's so important that people all across the country keep the pressure on him.

Please make a QUICK phone call today (it takes under a minute!), then forward this to all your friends.

Call Senator Specter's office toll-free at (888) 890-4648.

One of Specter's interns will probably answer. Tell him or her you're calling to ask Senator Specter to vote YES on the Employee Free Choice Act. Most calls end right there, but you can add:

The Employee Free Choice Act is crucial to working families.
I'm disappointed in the Senator's reversal on this issue and hope he'll do the right thing after co-sponsoring the bill in 2005.
The recession has hit middle-class families the hardest, and this bill is a critical piece of our economic recovery.

IMPORTANT: Don't forget to tell us that you called.

President Obama, large majorities in both houses of Congress, and 73 percent of the public support the Employee Free Choice Act. Show Senator Specter that America wants this bill – make a one-minute call today.

Thanks for all that you do to support America's working families.

URGENT: Alert for LOUISIANA Progressives & Equality Supporters

2009-05-05T02:39:00.001-05:00

from facebook:

Just like Florida and Arkansas, Louisiana's legislature is trying to hurt gay and lesbian families and their kids. We only have a short time to act.

Oppose House Bill 60

http://tinyurl.com/d7mh5n

CALL OR SEND EMAILS TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS OPPOSING HOUSE BILL 60.

HB 60 is just another example of religious fundamentalists trying to hurt gay people, but instead hurting children. That's just sad and pathetic.

THE LOUISIANA HOUSE HEALTH & WELFARE COMMITTEE IS EXPECTED TO VOTE ON TUESDAY, MAY 5.

HB 60 will adversely impact some LGBT adoptive parents and many unmarried heterosexual adoptive parents. We are also concerned that this is just another example of the state treating gays and lesbians as second class
citizens (and they are tossing single hets under the bus alongside the gays in a cynical attempt to prevent a court from finding the law, should it pass, unconstitutional). Further we are concerned that this bill is just yet another step towards the religious right's goal of banning lesbian and gay adoptions, as happened in Arkansas and is happening in Florida. http://eqfed.org/campaign/HB_60

Please get busy -- there is NO time to waste. Stand for children in Louisiana... Stop HB 60!

THE ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST GRATEFUL DREAD PUBLIC RADIO
http://armact.gratefuldread.info http://gdreadradio.net

TONIGHT: Emergency briefing with Howard Dean

2009-05-04T14:26:00.001-05:00

From: Justin Ruben, MoveOn.org Political Action <moveon-help@list.moveon.org>
Date: Mon, May 4, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Subject: TONIGHT: Emergency briefing with Howard Dean

We're organizing an emergency online briefing TONIGHT at 9 p.m. ET with Dr. Howard Dean, called "What we all need to know to win on health care this year." Click here to RSVP:

Click Here

At 9 p.m. ET/ 6 PT, click here to join the briefing:

http://pol.moveon.org/deanforum/index.html

Dear MoveOn member,

We're having an emergency health care briefing tonight at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 PT with Dr. Howard Dean. Can you make it?

Click below to RSVP—and to submit a question for Dr. Howard Dean:

http://pol.moveon.org/deanforum/index.html

The health care fight is at a pivotal moment right now. There's been real momentum in Congress on the public health insurance option—the most important part of Obama's plan. But Republicans and insurance companies are working hard to crush it, and some Democrats are already wavering.

People like us need to step up now and fight for real health care reform, and that means being armed with the facts and strategies it will take to succeed.

So Dr. Howard Dean is leading an emergency briefing TONIGHT for MoveOn and Democracy for America members about what we all need to know to win health care reform this year—and answering our questions live.

RSVP and submit a question at the link up above, and click here tonight to participate in the briefing:

http://pol.moveon.org/deanforum/index.html

And please pass this email along to your friends, family, neighbors, roommates and coworkers today and invite them to join us tonight. The more people who get this important information, the better chance we'll have of getting real health care reform this year.

Thanks for all you do. And talk to you tonight!

Say No to US Gasoline Embargo

2009-05-01T16:41:00.001-05:00

From WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER - FCNL:

A strong lobbying effort by anti-Iran groups is pressing members of Congress to cosponsor dangerous legislation that would effectively prevent Iran from purchasing refined gasoline products. This gasoline embargo would hurt civilians -- imagine your day without gasoline. The sponsors of this legislation argue that "crippling sanctions" will force Iran to the bargaining table. However, twenty eight years of such U.S. efforts at regime change and bullying have not worked; instead, they have injured ordinary people in Iran.

President Barack Obama is arguing for a new approach with Iran that includes tough, focused, and respectful diplomatic talks to address international concerns about Iran's nuclear program and to persuade Iran to help stabilize Iraq, work for peace in Afghanistan, and stop the killing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The president's diplomatic efforts have already resulted in some positive signals that Iran could help reduce the violence in Afghanistan.

Your member of Congress may make the "good cop - bad cop" argument that Congress is just helping the president by taking a harder stand and playing the "bad cop." What Congress is really playing is "bad policy." The gasoline embargo - like the Cuban embargo - will only isolate Iran and prop up and protect the most reactionary parties in Iran. Iranians need to see Congress backing President Obama's diplomatic initiative, not undermining it.

*Take Action*

Urge your representative not to cosponsor legislation that would impose a gasoline embargo on Iran:

http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/alert/?alertid=13252036 .

*Background*

The Orwellian-named "Iran Diplomacy Enhancement Act" (H.R. 1985) would impose penalties on any person or company assisting Iran's petroleum industry and would encourage foreign governments and foreign companies to boycott Iran's energy sector. These harsh additional sanctions could severely undermine prospects for a sustained diplomatic resolution of U.S.-Iran disputes.

Read more about the bill:http://capwiz.com/fconl/issues/bills/?bill=13210121.

Bar Owners, Restaurants, Clubs, Etc.: A Way to Help Progressive Causes

2009-05-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

From Baltimore Do-Gooders:

If you are a restaurant or music venue and are open to have a fundraiser to benefit a local/national progressive/GLBT organization or cause, PLEASE post your interest level.

For example:

What % of door or food/bar do you give to the cause?
How many people do you want the volunteer group to get?
What day of the week/hours would work best for you?

Just a thought, but in this economically hard time, community service groups need to do fundraisers and businesses financially benefit as well as creating a better image. Win Win.

Head here: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=52432656169&topic=9347

(If you aren't on Facebook, why not? It's a superb tool for active citizens -- and YOU control your privacy.)

The special meetup/discussion space on Facebook is a place to make it easier for both community endeavors and businesses can meet up and create some awesome events! When created, let me know and I will put them on the Baltimore Do-Gooders wall to offer more promotion.

Thanks for participating!!!!

ACT NOW: Right to Travel to Cuba bills introduced in Congress

2009-04-29T13:35:00.002-05:00

From International ANSWER :

Thousands of people are writing to tell Congress: End the travel ban to Cuba. A "Right to Travel to Cuba" bill has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill is simple and self-explanatory: it would end all restrictions on travel from the United States to Cuba. The bill has received bipartisan support, and already has 123 co-sponsors in the House, and 20 in the Senate.

President Obama has proposed lifting travel restrictions on Cuban-Americans. These bills call for the lifting of travel restrictions for all people in the United States. The travel restrictions are part of the larger economic blockade of Cuba. The blockade, which uses food and medicine as a weapon against the Cuban people, must be brought to an end as well.

Please take a moment right now to write members and Congress and tell them you support these important bills.

Write to your US House Representative

Write to your US Senator

Voices of Peace

2009-04-27T23:44:00.001-05:00

TAKE ACTION: Urgent - Obama About to Act on Mountaintop Removal Mining

2009-04-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

From EarthJustice :

In only hours, we expect President Obama's agencies to decide
whether to keep his campaign promise and end mountaintop removal
mining -- a devastating practice that has destroyed hundreds of
mountains and thousands of miles of streams in Appalachia.

This is one of the most critical moments in our years-long fight
to stop this environmental tragedy.

***********************************
TAKE ACTION: Tell President Obama to finally take action and
prevent the permanent devastation of some of the world's oldest
mountains!

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/mtr_0409?rk=bdARX7nqhdUJE

***********************************

But, even as you read this, the powerful lobbying forces of King
Coal are banging on the White House door, urging Obama to break
his promise. Coal's forces run deep and are gathering. They know
that Obama is about to make a decision. Their voices are loud.

We need to be louder.

But we must act fast. Decisions are expected as early as
tomorrow, and Tuesday is a big day in court.

Please act now. Tell President Obama not to support Bush
administration policies that continue the irreversible and
destructive practice of mountaintop removal. Urge President
Obama to keep his promise to enforce the Clean Water Act and let
science lead policies on coal mining.

We have reasons to be concerned about Obama's decision. Some in
his administration have publicly stated that most pending
permits for mountaintop removal mining "will not raise
environmental concerns." There are nearly 100 permits poised to
bury and permanently destroy 432 valleys and 213 miles of
streams in Kentucky and West Virginia alone. Permits that were
halted are now being reviewed.

Tell President Obama to finally take action and prevent the
permanent devastation of some of the world's oldest mountains --
and the communities that surround them. Don't let dirty coal
win! Talk is cheap, it's time that President Obama make his
words the law.

Please act today. It soon could be too late.

***********************************
TAKE ACTION: Tell President Obama to finally take action and
prevent the permanent devastation of some of the world's oldest
mountains!

http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/mtr_0409?rk=bdARX7nqhdUJE

***********************************

- Earthjustice
Because the earth needs a good lawyer
426 17th Street, 6th Floor, Oakland CA 94612

Is Health Care Working for You?

2009-04-24T17:17:00.002-05:00

From: Marc Laitin, AFL-CIO <peoplepower@aflcio.org>

Congress is back in session, and it's looking more and more like real health care reform is on the way. The insurance company lobby is making lots of noise here in D.C., and it's critical that your voice is heard in this process. Take the 2009 Health Care for America Survey today, tell us your story and help shape health care reform this year. Together, we can help bring real health care reform to America.

Lack of water leads to Indian suicides - HELP!

2009-04-24T10:53:00.004-05:00

From Care2

There is terrible news out of the state of Chattisgarh in India -- more than 1,500 farmers have committed suicide. The reasopn: They rely on farming to survive. And there is no water for their crops.

Please take action: Support access to clean water around the world.

The crop failures are causing farmers to fall into ever deepening levels of debt until there's no escape except via death. This is dramatic evidence of what researchers have been saying for years: access to clean water is one of the simplest and best ways to help poor communities. Not only do you help people avoid the terrible health problems associated with dirty water, but you also help ensure the livelihood for those who depend on agriculture to survive.

Too many are held back by dirty water -- please act today. »

Take action link: http://www.care2.com/go/z/e/AFLv8/zj4L/YwmS

Check Out New Videos from State Equality Groups

2009-04-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

What an exciting time in history! Every day, we are closer to marriage equality in another state. With your help>, state equality groups are working tirelessly on the front lines to defend and achieve these victories.

This week, Equality Federation member groups in Iowa, Maine and New York released videos to defend against dishonest and relentless attacks by anti-equality groups such as the National Organization for Marriage (which produced the "Gathering Storm" ad). We could not be more impresseD with the work of One Iowa, Empire State Pride Agenda & Equality Maine, and we thought you might like to see what they have been up to – and know how you can help us keep those victories coming!

One Iowa's First TV Ad, "This Place" focuses on Shared Traditions

Click on image to view "This Place," One Iowa's TV ad

One Iowa just released its first , which features Iowans promoting their shared Iowa values, and reminding us all of our shared tradition of protecting all families. Please click on the photo above to watch the video, then share it with friends -- and also please consider making a donation to help One Iowa put the ad on the air. By supporting One Iowa's public education work, we can STOP a constitutional amendment BEFORE it becomes a ballot measure.

Pride Agenda Addresses Marriage Equality / Religious Freedom Myth

In New York, Empire State Pride Agenda, just released a powerful response to the myth that marriage equality threatens religious freedom. In the words of Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle, "For too long, the religious right has controlled the religious debate around marriage for same-sex couples by promoting misinformation that marriage equality threatens religious freedom. [In this video] a diverse group of clergy speaks directly to New Yorkers about their experiences since Massachusetts legalized marriage for same-sex couples."

Please click the photo to the video, then share it with friends -- and also please consider making a contribution to Empire State Pride Agenda to support the Pride Agenda's work to gain marriage equality in the nation's third most populous state. We are so close in New York – and you can help!

Equality Maine's "Marriage for All Maine Families" Video

Since Equality Maine began its campaign for marriage equality, thousands of Maine families have raised their voices in support of marriage for Maine families. Their new and moving video, "Marriage for All Maine Families," will introduce you to a few of those families.

Please click the photo to the video, then share it with friends -- and also please consider making a donation to Equality Maine to help defend against attacks on their recently enacted marriage equality law.

Equality Federation Supports ALL State Equality Groups

Equality Federation, the national alliance of state equality groups, works to build political power on the ground in every state by supporting local groups and leaders. Nearly every law affecting lgbt people is a state law and nearly every battle for lgbt rights happens first in the states. Strong, effective state-based efforts pass pro-equality laws and defend against attacks by anti-equality forces. To learn more, please visit our website. If you believe in growing the power of the grassroots to achieve equality in every state, please consider supporting Equality Federation. Thank you.

Visit the web address below to tell your friends about this.
Tell-a-friend!

GET BUSY: Help hold the architects of torture accountable

2009-04-22T14:54:00.002-05:00

From MoveOn.org:

President Obama released memos that describe, in horrific detail, the torture techniques authorized by the Bush administration.

So far there HAs been no accountability for the architects of Bush's torture program. We need a full investigation and real consequences for those responsible - it's the only way to keep this from happening again.

I signed a petition urging Attorney General Holder to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the Bush-era torture program. Can you join me at the link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/torture/

Earth Day w/o Al Gore? No way!

2009-04-22T13:14:00.002-05:00

From: Al Gore, Repower America <info@wecansolveit.org>
Date: Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Subject: Earth Day

In order to solve the climate crisis, we can't just change light bulbs -- we need to change laws.

We're closer today than ever before. Right now, Congress is debating clean energy legislation that will jumpstart our economy and help solve the climate crisis.

On this Earth Day, can I depend on you to support this crucial legislation?

Yes. I'll get 10 people to sign the petition in support of clean energy legislation within the next week.

This is the historic comprehensive energy legislation that we've been waiting for. It will create millions of jobs and help solve the climate crisis by closing the carbon pollution loophole.

After so many years of inaction and obstruction, it's incredible that we have finally reached this point. But the legislative process is never easy. With powerful forces fighting hard to maintain the status quo, it will take all of us working together to seize this moment.

Today, you are one of more than two million Repower America members, and tens of millions of Americans, who want to take positive action for our planet. This is it -- a chance to demonstrate nationwide support for clean energy to our leaders in Congress, and help to bring about a new economic era based on clean energy.

So please, talk to your friends. Talk to your parents or grandparents. Start a conversation with a co-worker. And ask them to join with you and the millions of other Americans who want Congress to support clean energy jobs by closing the carbon pollution loophole.

Yes. I'll get 10 people to support this historic clean energy legislation in Congress.

I support clean energy but I'd like to help in other ways.

Your efforts have brought us this far. I hope you take this opportunity to make this a historic Earth Day.

Thank you,

Al Gore
RepowerAmerica.org

AFL CIO: Goin' Green for Earth Day

2009-04-22T12:52:00.005-05:00

'Greening' Our Headquarters

The AFL-CIO just announced a plan to reduce energy consumption, cut down on waste and reduce the carbon footprint of its national headquarters. The steps include conducting a comprehensive energy audit to identify waste, lower energy use and set the stage for green building certification of our national headquarters and phasing out the use of Styrofoam in its dining operation and moving to union-made, 100 percent biodegradable containers.

—Jeff Rickert,
Director, AFL-CIO Center for Green Jobs

To celebrate Earth Day, we're going green. How about you? Trust us, it's not that hard. We spent a lot of time thinking about our efforts to go green, and we realized that we don't have to make a choice between the environment and the economy. Union workers will implement our energy-savings measures and environmental-protection initiatives, and they will lead to financial savings for us over the long term. Not bad, eh?

So how can we help you go green this Earth Day?

How about starting by sending your family and friends cards on recycled paper? At The Union Shop Online, we have lots of great green cards to choose from that are printed by union labor, with inspirational messages like the following from Margaret Mead:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has.

— Margaret Mead

Here are just a few of the other great, green inspirational cards in stock now:

Sending notes on recycled cards is a fun and easy way to start going green. Check out our full collection of cards online.

In solidarity,

Working Families e-Activist Network, AFL-CIO

P.S. Don't forget all the other great stuff at The Union Shop Online. From umbrellas to shirts, books and more, if you're looking for a union-friendly gift for someone in your life, we're sure you can find something with us.

TODAY: Live Earth Day Chat

2009-04-22T11:04:00.003-05:00

Today we celebrate Earth Day and the hope of a clean energy economy for America.

With President Obama in the White House, we can begin to reverse the trends that have damaged our environment and weakened our economy. We'll end our dependence on foreign oil, tackle global warming, and create millions of new jobs to achieve those goals.

We'll need your support and involvement to bring the President's plan to life. That's why we're hosting a live online chat with prominent environmentalist Majora Carter today, April 22nd, to answer your questions about the President's plan and how you can make a difference in your own community.

Visit our blog at 1:00 p.m. Eastern today to make your voice heard by participating in this special Earth Day chat with Majora Carter.

Majora has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable communities and clean energy jobs in New York City for years -- she understands the severity of the energy challenges we face and knows how crucial it is for us to address them with a bold plan of action.

It won't be easy, but with your support and involvement, we can jump-start the kind of innovation and creativity we'll need if we're going to make America competitive in the 21st century global economy.

Join Majora today to learn more about President Obama's plan and how you can help make it a reality:

http://my.barackobama.com/EarthDay09

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

=======================================================
THE ARMCHAIR ACTIVIST GRATEFUL DREAD PUBLIC RADIO
http://armact.gratefuldread.info http://gdreadradio.net

ALL FACTS & OPINIONS - http://gratefuldread.net
=======================================================
BALTIMORE ACTIVISTS COALITION
http://www.gaywallet.com/profile/BaltimoreActivistsCoalition
=======================================================

FIGHT HATE: Tell Congress to pass the Matthew Shepard Act

2009-04-21T13:32:00.005-05:00

From Human Rights Campaign

A law protecting all of our citizens against senseless hate violence is long overdue. Two years ago, radical right-wing groups and George W. Bush's veto threat blocked the Matthew Shepard Act, which would outlaw hate crimes based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. But now the bill is back.

Tell Congress we need the Matthew Shepard Act to help ensure safety and security for ALL people.

TAKE ACTION NOW!

ACT: Torture Memo Author Should Not Be a Federal Judge, Impeach Bybee

2009-04-20T17:55:00.002-05:00

From: Voters for Peace <action@votersforpeace.org>

Voters for Peace is joining in the call for impeachment of Judge Jay Bybee of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Bybee was the primary author of legal memoranda justifying torture during the Bush administration. When he was confirmed for the federal bench this information was not known, in fact it was denied by many. But now that it is known, how can he remain a judge in the U.S. federal courts? His lifetime appointment will continue the legacy of torture under President Bush, rather than put it behind us.

Please write your representative in Congress urging his impeachment. Click here to take action now.

Torture violates U.S. law: Section 2340A of title 18 of the U.S. Code says this: "Whoever outside the United States commits or attempts to commit torture shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both, and if death results to any person from conduct prohibited by this subsection, shall be punished by death or imprisoned for any term of years or for life."

And, torture violates international treaties to which the U.S. has agreed to follow. The Convention Against Torture requires criminal prosecution of "an act by any person which constitutes complicity or participation in torture" or in "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." And the Geneva Conventions ban "violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture," as well as "outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment."

The purpose of the Bybee Memos was to provide legal cover for American torturers. To allow the "just following orders defense" and to be able to point to these absurd memos to demonstrate the orders were lawful. Everyone involved knew they were torturing, knew they were inflicting pain, knew they were violating the law. Rather than first focusing on those at the bottom of the torture totem poll, removing Bybee from the bench would be a good first step.

Click here to write your representative to urge impeachment of Judge Bybee .

As David Swanson, a Project Board Member of Voters for Peace wrote:

"Just take a look at the memos officially attributed to Bybee, and consider whether we can maintain any sort of legitimate government without impeaching him, and whether we want him overruling decent honest judges for the next 30 years. Bybee gave President Bush, upon request, "legal opinions" that a president can ignore international laws, that laws do not apply to various groups of people, that a president can kidnap, detain, and ship off to other lands human beings with no due process, and that Congress has no power to interfere with anything a president does."

How can the United States put this torture history behind us if we do not take the essential action of removing Judge Bybee from the bench? His actions constitute war crimes. Please act now and urge Congress to impeach Judge Bybee. Click here to write your representative to urge impeachment of Judge Bybee.

Sincerely,

Kevin Zeese

Executive Director

More information:

The Torture Memos, Pro Publico

New York Times Calls for Impeachment of Judge Bybee

Impeach Jay Bybee, Bruce Ackerman, Slate

Waterboarding Used 266 Times on 2 Suspects

Eric Holder v. America's legal obligations

A Dark Day for Justice, Jeremy Scahill, Rebel Reports

No charges against CIA officials for waterboarding, Devlin Barrett, Associated Press

Subscribe to Voters For Peace Perspectives by email - News and analysis, campaign stats, activist tips, quotes and facts

Help Secure Marriage Equality in the Northeast!

2009-04-17T19:42:00.002-05:00

Please email and/ or phone legislators in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Rhode Island TODAY! Urge them to vote YES for marriage equality. Separate email addresses with commas in order to send a message out to multiple legislators.

Maine House

http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/e_mail.htm

Maine Senate

http://www.maine.gov/legis/senate/senators/email/maillst.htm

http://www4.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp

New Hampshire House

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/housemembersemail.aspx

New Hampshire Senate

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/senatemembers.asp

New York Senate

http://www.senate.state.ny.us/Senatorbio.nsf/Public_MemberEmail?openform

New York Assembly

http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=email

Rhode Island Senate

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Email/SenEmailListDistrict.asp

Rhode Island House

http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Email/RepEmailListDistrict.asp

ACTION: Demand Accountability

2009-04-17T17:23:00.002-05:00

From Faithful America:

The Department of Justice "torture memos" released yesterday are horrific. They define in graphic detail how the U.S. tortured and how it was justified. They are proof the U.S. government authorized torture.

So now...what are you going to do about it?

Click here to demand accountability.

Concerned citizens, many of them people of faith, have been shocked by the brutality and twisted logic flowing through the "torture memos." While the Obama administration did the right thing by releasing these memos, it's not enough. We need accountability. To get it, we need to show politicians we demand it. Let's reach them through sources they pay attention to: the papers in their home states and districts.

Tell your local paper: endorse an investigation today.

This is a moral issue. As the National Religious Campaign Against Torture says, "nothing less than the soul of our nation is at stake."

To make sure we never torture again, we need more than an anti-torture president. At a minimum, we need a Commission of Inquiry to uncover ALL the facts, so we can institute the right safeguards. The Attorney General should also appoint a special prosecutor to investigate whether criminal charges are warranted.

President Obama has not ruled out investigations and prosecutions for the Department of Justice lawyers who created this policy, and neither should we.
Tell your newspaper: people of faith demand accountability, so should you.

It's going to be a tough fight. Politicians who take a stand for justice may face accusations of partisanship and divisiveness. But the truth is not partisan. Our political leaders will need to know they'll have backup if they join our cause for truth and accountability. An editorial endorsing accountability from their local paper can give them the support, or the prodding, they need to do the right thing.

Build the political will for accountability: write your paper today.

Thanks for all you do,
Beth, Katie, Dan, Kristin and Jennifer
The Faithful America Team
All content © 2008 Faithful America
1101 Vermont Avenue, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20005

Protect Marriage Equality - Answer the Lies

2009-04-08T21:46:00.003-05:00

From Equality for All - Facebook Group:

The National Organization for Marriage, an anti-LGBT rights group opposed to marriage equality, has launched a nationwide campaign featuring misleading and false claims related to the religious implications of same-sex marriage legislation. The group has created anti-marriage equality radio ads and hopes to raise money to begin airing television ads. Described as the “Religious Liberty Ad Campaign,” the ads falsely and outlandishly warns that “religious groups may be denied the use of parks and other public facilities, unless they endorse gay marriage.”

One of the advertisements features an individual who says, “I’m a California doctor who must choose between my faith and my job.” Here is the misleading and irresponsible ad:

This same group is currently targeting key members of the Iowa House of Representatives – activating its members nationwide – encouraging them to introduce legislation to put a constitutional amendment banning marriage by same-sex couples on the ballot to be voted on by Iowans.

We are asking you to contact these same individuals and counter these messages. As health professionals, you can counter the distorted facts and misinformation with evidence firmly rooted in science.

You can include the following message:

I am writing to urge you to oppose HJR 6, also know as the Iowa Marriage Amendment.

This measure seeks to place a constitutional amendment that would seek to restrict marriage rights for same-sex couples. I believe in public policy driven by science, not ideology. As a health professional, I can tell you that the science is unambiguous in this regard -- denial of marriage rights to gay men and lesbians can negatively impact their health as well as the well-being of their children.

I encourage you to review the scientific research on this matter. You can go to www.glma.org/marriageequality to download a report, Same-Sex Marriage and Health, which includes detailed citations to published research on the issue.

Sincerely,

Please send this information to the following members of the Iowa House of Representatives:

Quirk, Brian (D) - Assistant Minority Leader

Bukta, Polly (D) - Speaker Pro Tempore of the House

Murphy, Patrick (D) - Speaker of the House

Abdul-Samad, Ako (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

McCarthy, Kevin (D) - House Majority Leader

Mascher, Mary (D) - Minority Whip

Gayman, Elesha (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Whitaker, John (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Reasoner, Michael (D) - House Assistant Majority Leader

Ban Nuclear Weapons - Petition Your Senators

2009-04-08T09:07:00.003-05:00

From Friends Committee for National Legislation:

Yesterday, in Prague, addressing Europe and the world, Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to declare that the U.S. will seek peace and security in "a world without nuclear weapons." The president, in his Palm Sunday speech, said that the building blocks of nuclear disarmament will include a new national security strategy free of nuclear weapons, a new agreement with Russia to cut the size of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, and ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

President Obama needs your support; he cannot do this alone. Please sign a petition urging your senators to speak out in favor of nuclear disarmament.

Although many prominent analysts of both major political parties have embraced Obama's call for nuclear disarmament, already some in Congress are saying that total nuclear disarmament is unrealistic. FCNL's lobbyists have learned that some senators are moving to block ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and other components of the president's nuclear disarmament goal.

TAKE ACTION: Ask your senators to speak out publicly in support of President Obama's call for a world free of nuclear weapons. Ask three friends to sign as well.

Take Marriage Equality Action in IA & VT

2009-04-06T20:27:00.003-05:00

From Stonewall Democrats:

Dear Pro-Equality Citizen,

We need your help - just for a moment.

You already know that last week the Iowa Supreme Court extended the freedom to marry to all Iowans. And just last week, the Vermont legislature voted overwhelmingly to do the same thing.

Anti-equality activists are now slamming Democrats in both states for their positions. Take a moment to hold our Democrats accountable and help them stand their ground. Click the following link to a) help thank Iowa Democrats for standing for equality following the court ruling and b) urge the 11 Vermont Democrats who voted against the marriage bill to support the Democratic Majority's motion to override the veto of Republican Governor Jim Douglas.

- Click here to pledge to take action -

Once you make your pledge, you will receive information on how to contact the appropriate officials in Iowa and Vermont. We can keep the freedom to marry in Iowa and enact it in Vermont. However, we need your help. This is an urgent plea, but we firmly believe that by holding these Democrats accountable we can secure victory.

Jon Hoadley
Executive Director

P.S. Remember to pledge to take action at: stonewalldemocrats.org/iowavermont

Misleading NYT ad on Prop 8 - fight back!

2008-12-08T16:50:00.003-05:00

from the Human Rights Campaign

I opened The New York Times last Friday to find a full-page ad that is the ultimate demonstration of what our community is going to face moving forward.

The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty purchased the ad to blame supporters of equality for "violence and intimidation" directed towards the Mormon Church and its members in the aftermath of Prop. 8's passage. We all know these claims are, at the very least, exaggerations, and at worst, outright falsehoods.

We're going to see this as we work toward marriage equality and fight to enact federal hate crimes legislation: the other side can only win by telling lies about us.

It's time for us to stand up for the truth. Join members of the HRC Religion Council in forcefully responding to this despicable ad.

HRC has gathered the voices of clergy members from all faiths to respond to the false suggestion that there is an organized attempt to foment mob intimidation and violence toward the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in response to their support for Prop. 8.

When did the LDS Church become the victim?

This is the same church that conducted a national broadcast to every temple, calling on members to organize and write checks to the Prop. 8 campaign. The same church whose members donated more than half of the $40 million behind Prop. 8, even though California Mormons represent just 2 percent of the state's population. The same church that continues to spend exorbitant sums to mislead the public and attempt to transform its image. Yes, it's the same church.

Anti-LGBT groups have spread mistruths to defeat us and it's what they are going to keep doing. And I think we've all had enough of it.

Send your message to The New York Times – we'll also forward a copy to the Becket Fund to make sure they know we're fighting back against their lies.

We need look no further than the key victories we achieved during the elections to know that when we band together, we can win.

Nike turns a blind eye

2008-12-04T16:25:00.001-05:00

from American Rights at Work

When it comes to protecting workers' rights, it's time for Nike to stop talking about it and just do it.

Nike is one of the world's largest retailers – raking in billions in profits – but the truckers who haul all their sneakers to JCPenney say they have faced unfair working conditions including intimidation during contract negotiations and rising healthcare premiums.

Nike won't join other leading retailers in defending these workers, but you can.

Stand up for the drivers who ship for Nike – demand fairness TODAY!

Over 500 employees of Oak Harbor Freight Lines – the company that ships merchandise for Nike and Ralph Lauren to JCPenney – are on strike.

They're taking a stand against on-the-job abuses, including an outrageous proposal to cancel health coverage for retired employees, cut paid sick days and overtime pay for current employees, and reduce pension benefits.

But rather than negotiate in good faith, this shipping company has hired a notorious strike-breaking firm to strong-arm workers into giving up. What's more, the subcontractor reportedly recruited disadvantaged drivers from the south as replacement workers, promising them high wages and stable employment, then fired them when local employees became available.

Nike pretends to be an advocate for workers' rights – working hard to shed its association with sweatshops abroad – but hasn't stood up for these American drivers.

Show Nike that protecting America's workers is the right thing to do this holiday season. Take action today!

Thank Pepsico and Counteract the Right Wing

2008-12-04T14:56:00.007-05:00

from The Armchair Activist (Join this great activist community!)

The American Family Association, a right-wing political group that seeks to shame US companies into treating their GLBT customers badly to promote its "traditional values" (read anti-GLBT, anti-diversity) agenda, has its sights set on Pepsico. The AFA is angry that the company reportedly donated half a million dollars to Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays. As many of you know, PFLAG is an organization of GLBT allies that promotes a message of love, tolerance and equality for all people. Apparently, this is bad news for the AFA: The right-wing group wants Pepsico to remain neutral on the issue of GLBT equality. Note that in the AFA's worldview, a neutral position is consistent with theirs -- even giving partner benefits to employees is seen as a non-neutral move.

On its web site, the Religious Wrong organization presents an action alert telling its Christian faithful followers to bombard the company with emails criticizing their support of PFLAG. It even provides a handy email form allowing you to reach a company executive to castigate her.

TAKE ACTION! Let's use their nasty move for good: Go to the alert and send Pepsico Chair Indra K. Nooyi an email, but delete the given text and instead thank her and Pepsico for their positive efforts that respect diversity, align with true American values of justice, and show that they value their GLBT employees.

Here is the letter we sent via the AFA interface:

Dear Ms. Nooyi:

Thank you for Pepsico's support of PFLAG. You have my deepest gratitude for not giving in to the hate-filled, divisive maneuvers of the American Family Association. Your company realizes that all Americans deserve support and respect, and I, a second-class citizen of the US, will continue to be and encourage my associates to be loyal users of Pepsico products like Quaker Oats and Gatorade.

Thank you SO much!

Truly, the neutral position is one that doesn't discriminate against anyone. However, given the system under which we live, GLBT people need special protections that we can't get under law, thanks to the work of AFA and the right wing. So the neutral position is to level the playing field -- Pepsico does this by giving its GLBT employees parity with heterosexual workers and by supporting the equality efforts by groups like PFLAG, which promote the real values that decent Americans embrace -- an appreciation of diversity and respect and equality for all.

Come on, counteract the right wing while having the fun of using their own tools.

A warning: By using their tools, you will receive AFA alert emails. You can cancel that as soon as the first one arrives if you wish (or accept them and use them for opposition research, an important component of activism). If you would prefer not to receive anything from AFA, instead contact Ms. Nooyi by snail mail or phone to say thanks:

Ms. Indra K. Nooyi, Chairman
Pepsico, Inc.
700 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase, NY 10577-1444
Phone: 1-800-433-2652
or: (914) 253-2000

Hold Wal-Mart Accountable for Black Friday Death

2008-12-03T15:53:00.002-05:00

From Wal-Mart Watch

Like many of you, I was outraged and saddened when I heard about Jdimytai Damour, the Long Island Wal-Mart employee who was trampled to death by holiday shoppers. In a statement yesterday, I extended our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Jdimytai Damour.

I want to know how and why this happened.

Yes, there is plenty of blame to go around - including the thousands of Wal-Mart shoppers who participated in the stampede.

The responsibility, however, lies with Wal-Mart. As Mr. Damour's employer, the company put him in that position and made all of the decisions that led to that moment. Wal-Mart's management did not have enough trained employees in place, nor did they use common sense policies to discourage the customers from rushing the store.

Why? It would have cost Wal-Mart money to take those precautions, and the workers had no voice in the decisions.

Take a moment to send an email to executives at Wal-Mart and demand that they take responsibility for Wal-Mart's refusal to take precautions to protect their employees:

http://www.walmartspeakout.com/accountable

Here at Wal-Mart Watch, we hear the stories of so many employees frightened to stand up for their basic rights, worried that they'll lose their jobs for speaking up.

Wal-Mart employees have been forced to work overtime without compensation, denied lunch and bathroom breaks, and threatened for requesting reasonable changes in their schedule.

Now more than ever, we need to stand up for Wal-Mart employees and give them the opportunity they need to fight for higher wages, better health care, and safer work conditions.

Please send an email to Wal-Mart's management to hold them accountable for Wal-Mart's failure to protect its employees and prevent this tragedy. Wal-Mart simply must change its ways and start treating its employees with the dignity and respect they deserve.

http://www.walmartspeakout.com/accountable

Dump DoMA

2008-12-03T13:00:00.002-05:00

from People for the American Way

Part of President-elect Obama's ambitious pro-equality platform is that he supports the repeal of DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act). But already, the anti-gay Right has launched a campaign to "protect DOMA."

At this moment of change, which we've fought so hard to reach, it's time for the federal government to stop punishing loving same-sex couples. It's time to repeal DOMA.

Please take action right now to make sure Congress sends President-elect the legislation to sign.

While states across the country have different laws regarding marriage equality and civil unions, and far too many states currently have bans on same-sex marriage, repealing DOMA would be a huge step in the direction of equality.

It would be a repudiation of the forces of hate and division who have long pushed to enshrine discrimination further in federal law.

It would mean federal recognition of all marriages in states like Massachusetts and Connecticut which have full marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Repealing DOMA would stop the government from selectively withholding the 1,300 or so legal protections that only legal civil marriage affords.

It would remove a discriminatory blemish from federal law, sending a powerful moral message.

People For the American Way's campaign to Dump DOMA is a comprehensive effort to get repeal legislation on the President-elect Obama's desk for signature. This is a long-tem strategy that we know will be an uphill battle -- but, we must start now. Anti-equality groups are already pushing to keep DOMA in place, and we anticipate challenges with some red-state Democrats and the need to "flip" some representatives and senators who voted to pass DOMA in 1996. But we've seen just what effective national organizing can do in this last election cycle, and we're hopeful that this major step for LGBT equality can be part of the big change for our country in the next few years.

Sign the petition to Senate Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Pelosi now. We want to gather as many signatures as we can to deliver to congressional leadership to begin this battle when the 111th Congress convenes. We need to build up bi-partisan support to repeal DOMA and create an atmosphere of change on this issue in the halls of Congress.

Help get the ball rolling with your signature right now and then please ask your friends to sign it.Forward this e-mail or simply send them to DumpDOMA.com.

The Obama platform on LGBT rights is laid out on his Change.gov transition web site. While unfortunately falling short on full marriage equality, it shows a commitment to many of the values People For the American Way has been advocating for years and continues to fight for: protections against employment discrimination, the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in federal hate crimes laws and allowing gays and lesbians to serve equally and openly in the military by eliminating "don't ask, don't tell." But perhaps the most aggressive part of the platform is Obama's support for repealing DOMA and ending federal discrimination against same-sex couples.

Now we need to gin up the grassroots pressure on House and Senate leaders to let them know it's time for the U.S. government to stop punishing families.

Please be among the first to get on board. We need your support now if the campaign is going to be successful.

Tell the Bushies: No Destructive Drilling in Dixie Natl Park!

2008-12-03T11:27:00.002-05:00

from Natural Resources Defense Council

More than half a million people visit Utah's Dixie National Forest every year for its breathtaking beauty, abundant recreational activities and unique wildlife. The forest provides habitat for several threatened and endangered species, including the California condor, Mexican spotted owl and Utah prairie dog, and also hosts tributaries that flow into the Colorado River.

But in its final months in office, the Bush administration wants to open up large tracts of the most sensitive areas of Dixie National Forest to oil and gas drilling. The areas proposed for drilling include more than 500,000 acres in roadless wildlands and along "wild and scenic" rivers. Once large-scale industrial and commercial development begins, there would be no way to restore the landscapes that have been shaped by nature since the beginning of time. A better option would be to prohibit drilling close to sensitive habitat, including breeding and nesting grounds for sage grouse, deer, elk and other native species.

The Bush administration is accepting public comments on its proposed plan through December 16.

Do something: Send a message, before the December 16 comment deadline, telling the Bush administration to protect Dixie National Forest from increased oil and gas drilling.

Light Up the Night for Equality - Dec. 20

2008-12-03T08:20:00.003-05:00

On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector.

Peaceful candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE.

Find out what’s happening in your city.

WE NEED ORGANIZERS!

Interested in putting together a Light Up the Night event or Food Drive in your town?

Add your contact info to our form and add info about the event to your city’s page.

Do Something to Fight AIDS!

2008-12-01T10:33:00.003-05:00

Today is World AIDS Day!

Today, the 1st of December is commemorated as World AIDS Day, a day when individuals and organizations from across the globe come together to call attention to the global AIDS epidemic. This year marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. While progress has been made in the past 20 years, there remains much more to be done.

Youth at the 2008 AIDS Conference in Mexico City
This year’s World AIDS Day theme is ‘Lead-Empower-Deliver.’ IPPF Member Associations from across Latin America and the Caribbean are doing just that on this important day. In particular, they’ve helped galvanize youth to lead, empower, and deliver information and education to their peers. Here are some examples of activities happening around the region today:

In Honduras, which has the highest prevalence of HIV in Central America, youth volunteers will be reaching out to their peers in public fairs in city plazas and parks. Using a mobile kiosk, they will provide information and condom demonstrations, and make referrals to the ASHONPLAFA clinic for HIV and STI tests.

Youth at a soccer match in Peru, promoting the use of condoms
Our Member Association in Peru, INPARRES, will kick off a five-day campaign, promoted in the local newspaper, to offer counseling and rapid HIV tests, especially to young people. The team estimates that they will reach more than 1000 individuals in these five days alone.

In El Salvador, youth volunteers will be stationed at intersections near the Salvadorian Demographic Association’s clinic in San Salvador, distributing prevention and testing information to vehicle drivers stopped at stoplights.

In the Caribbean – which has the world’s second highest-prevalence of HIV after sub-Saharan Africa– our Member Associations also plan to engage in educational and referral activities. Our Member Association in Haiti will conduct an ‘Open House Day,’ where radio messages promote HIV testing services for young people. Last year the Profamil clinic in the town of Jacmel provided more than 75 tests to young people on World AIDS Day alone.

Profamil clinic in Jacmel
Our Jamaican Member Association, FAMPLAN and the Youth Advocacy Movement, Y.A.M. Jamaica will be hosting a Health Fair, targeting the tourism sector. Tourism is a mainstay of the Jamaican economy so working with people who work in the industry is an excellent way to reach young professionals on the island. The Health Fair will be hosted at FAMPLAN's Headquarters on December 6th. Y.A.M. members will go to the communities of St. Ann on that day to give out condoms, brochures and to also promote VCT services.

IPPF/WHR maintains its commitment to HIV not only on World AIDS, but as one of the pillars of all work in sexual and reproductive health. In particular, Member Associations are reaching out to and serving key youth populations. In Trinidad & Tobago for example, the Member Association is working with young sex workers in Port of Spain, training and empowering them to serve as peer educators and improving the accessibility of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services to meet their particular needs. Profamilia, the Colombian Member Association, continues its leadership in the area of youth and HIV, having established the country’s first center for Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) youth, which not only provides tailored sexual and reproductive health services, but also creates a safe community space for sexually diverse young people. The Member Association in Guyana holds self-help and support groups for young people living with HIV, which has had a great impact on its members who experience frequent stigma and discrimination in their own communities.

You have a part to play in ending the epidemic: DO SOMETHING!

READ more information about IPPF/WHR’s work in HIV by reading the publication Youth Sexuality: Confronting HIV/AIDS. The publication highlights various local and regional projects and partnerships as well as the integration of HIV into youth Sexual and Reproductive Health programs. Some highlights of the publication include our work with youth that live and work on the streets in Bolivia, HIV prevention for youth via our mobile health units, MEXFAM's condonerias - a condom store that serves as an erotic and creative space, Jamaica's new Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing promotional activities and Suriname's public condom dispensers. Click this link to download the publication.

GET INVOLVED in World AIDS Day by visiting: http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Get-Involved

KNOW YOUR STATUS. Find out where you can get tested for HIV:

In the USA visit www.hivtest.org

In the USA and Canada visit the AIDS/STD Helplines at www.thebody.com/index/hotlines.html

In the United Kingdom visit http://www.fpa.org.uk/finder/

Anywhere else in the world – contact your health-care provider, who will be able to tell you the nearest place where you can be tested.

LEAD - EMPOWER - DELIVER - GET INVOLVED!

Tell President-Elect Obama – Stop Religious Discrimination!

2008-11-29T15:45:00.003-05:00

From Americans United for Separation of Church and State

The election is over and transition plans are well underway. The possibility of change has arrived, and for those of us who stand up for separation of church and state, it's not a moment too soon. For eight years, we have been fighting President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative. We've battled over charitable choice in Congress time and time again. From hiring discrimination to proselytizing, from the lack of accountability to the preemption of important state and local civil rights laws, the Initiative has been fraught with unconstitutional and unconscionable policies.

With a new administration taking office, we finally have an opportunity to reverse some of the damage caused by President Bush's Faith-Based Initiative. President-elect Obama has stated clearly that he will continue the government partnership with faith-based organizations in order to reach as many of our citizens as possible who need social services. But thanks to some encouraging words by the President-Elect, we have reason to believe that many of the most destructive aspects of the Faith-Based Initiative may finally end. Until policies have been implemented, however, the revisions to the Initiative remain uncertain. Needless to say, President-Elect Obama has recently been hearing from loud voices from across the political spectrum - including those who wish to send federal dollars to support religious activities and to underwrite organizations that discriminate in hiring. We must be willing to work with President-Elect Obama to implement this new partnership in order to protect church-state separation.

DO SOMETHING: Speak up now!

Call on President-Elect Obama to prioritize Gulf Coast recovery efforts

2008-11-26T11:04:00.002-05:00

from Amnesty International USA:

Change has not yet come for the tens of thousands of people who remain displaced more than three years after Hurricane Katrina. But the new administration gives us a new opportunity in the Gulf Coast.

President-Elect Obama ran on a pledge "to partner with the people of the Gulf Coast to rebuild now, stronger than ever". It's up to us to support him in fulfilling that promise. Sign our petition and tell Obama's transition team to prioritize Gulf Coast recovery.

Every Katrina survivor has a human right to return home. But a lack of affordable housing remains a crucial obstacle to returning. Ongoing demolitions of public housing have made the problem even worse.

Join Amnesty International, the Equity and Inclusion Campaign, Oxfam and other national and Gulf Coast organizations: ask President-Elect Obama to follow through on his commitment to rebuild the Gulf Coast.

Thank you for standing with us,

Monika Gerhart
Gulf Coast Project Coordinator
Amnesty International USA
New Orleans

URGENT: Last Chance to Speak Out to Protect Our Air from CO2

2008-11-25T14:45:00.005-05:00

From the We Campaign:

Friday is the last day to voice your opinion on whether the EPA -- the Environmental Protection Agency -- should regulate carbon dioxide pollution, the primary cause of the climate crisis. This is a big deal.

The EPA is taking public comment, before making a ruling.

Of course, special interests -- like the oil and coal lobbies -- are working overtime to defeat a positive ruling and have already gotten thousands of comments submitted in opposition.

Most people don't know about this opportunity for public comment, so your voice can make a real difference. And with a new president in the White House, it's likely that someone will actually be listening. Submit your public comment to the EPA here:

http://www.RepowerAmerica.org/EPA

In April 2007 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide if it is harming our health and welfare. After more than a year of delay, the EPA is finally now requesting public comments on whether carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping pollutants are endangering our health and our climate.

Join us, and send a message about how crucial it is to reduce harmful carbon dioxide pollution. That you expect the EPA to use its powers to protect our health and welfare. That we can "Repower America" by using energy sources that don't emit carbon dioxide, and make the switch to 100% clean electricity. And that the solutions to the climate crisis are the same ones needed to address our economic and security challenges.

DO SOMETHING! This is our chance to go on the public record -- all the comments will be posted on the EPA's website. To post your public comment, just go here.

For nearly eight years, the Bush administration has done nothing to address the growing threats we face from global warming. Hurricanes are getting stronger, the North polar icecap is melting, and we've suffered through intense droughts, floods and killer heat waves.

The deadline is November 28th. Let's help end the era of delay.

Which national pet store chain supports puppy mills?

2008-11-25T14:04:00.003-05:00

From The Humane Society of the United States:

Maybe you saw Oprah’s show on puppy mills earlier this year, and wondered how this cruelty can persist and who’s responsible.

Today, The Humane Society of the United States released the results of a shocking investigation showing that pet store chain Petland Incorporated is the nation's largest retail supporter of puppy mills. The cruelty must end – watch our video and take action today.

Our national, eight-month investigation shows that Petland stores in multiple states are marketing dogs from cruel puppy mills to unsuspecting dog buyers. The investigation into Petland stores in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, and other states revealed that many of the puppies sold at these stores came from massive commercial breeders in Missouri and other states in the Midwest where hundreds of breeding dogs are packed into filthy, crowded cages.

Most of the puppies bred at puppy mills are eventually sold over the Internet or through pet stores, including many Petlands in the U.S. The unseen victims are the mother dogs who are forced to live their entire lives behind bars – without exercise, without socialization, without ever being part of a family or even seeing the outside of their cages.

We are committed to stopping puppy mill cruelty, but we can’t do it without your help. The holiday puppy-buying season is in high gear, so please watch our video and then tell Petland to stop selling puppies. Then contact your nearest Petland franchise to tell them to get out of the puppy-selling business.

Thank you for your commitment to stopping puppy mills and for all that you do for animals.

It's Time to Re-Power America!

2008-11-21T15:25:00.001-05:00

Change is in the air.

After a long election season and months of headlines about our failing economy, I for one am ready for a big change.
from Environment Maryland:

As you know, we endorsed President-elect Barack Obama in his run for the White House because his environmental record indicated he could be the change we need to see on energy, global warming and so many other environmental issues.

In a speech to governors earlier this week, he called for more investment and support for clean energy solutions for America. He said:

"When I am President, any governor who's willing to promote clean energy will have a partner in the White House. Any company that's willing to invest in clean energy will have an ally in Washington."

Will you join with us to show President-elect Obama that we support his efforts to repower America?

http://www.environmentamerica.org/action/energy/obama-letter?id4=ES

Next Steps: Fighting Prop 8

2008-11-20T14:32:00.002-05:00

from Human Rights Campaign

Marriage Equality Fight Continues

The California Supreme Court announced that it would take up the lawsuit to overturn California's discriminatory Prop. 8. While we are awaiting the outcome of that lawsuit, HRC is addressing the root causes of the Election Day loss by making the case for equality with people of all faiths and backgrounds. That work includes:

Participating in a broad gathering of faith leaders in LA next week to formulate a plan moving forward.

Encouraging our California members to help organize or and participate in townhall meetings across the state in the coming months. Contact meeting organizers near you »

Organizing LGBT people of faith to come out in their religious communities. Find out how you can participate »

Getting our message out to living rooms across America with HRC President Joe Solmonese's appearance on "Dr. Phil" tomorrow. Get details on the show »

Building on our Election Day successes, which have opened up new doors for marriage equality in key states, especially the Northeast.

Fight for Marriage Equality

The passage of discriminatory initiatives in California, Arizona and Florida has ignited the passion of thousands. You and thousands of others have already pledged to keep your anger and passion alive. Now ask everyone you know to join you in working for justice until equality is the law of the land.

take action »

Day Without a Gay

2008-11-20T12:46:00.002-05:00

Gay people and our allies are compassionate, sensitive, caring, mobilized, and programmed for success. A day without gays would be tragic because it would be a day without love.

On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes.

On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay"--and donate your time to service!

http://www.daywithoutagay.org/

Project Postcard

2008-11-20T01:09:00.004-05:00

From: Civil Rights Front

President-elect Barack Obama has made a lot of promises to the LGBTQ community. We have to make sure he follows through. What better way to do it than to send him a friendly little reminder? Here's what you do...

BUY A POSTCARD - It would be great if it had the name of your city or state on it, but feel free to get creative. Make your own, use one that you have around the house, or grab a free one at your local restaurant. Heck, why not get a bunch of different ones? The more, the better.

ADDRESS IT - A handwritten card is always best, but feel free to print out labels if you're going to send multiple cards. Here's the address...

President-elect Barack Obama
Presidential Transition Office
Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn St., 38th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604

WRITE A MESSAGE - I recommend that we all write the same thing, so that our message can't get any clearer. Our post cards should read...

Dear President-elect Obama,

Please ask Congress to repeal D.O.M.A.! All Americans should have the right to marry. Thank you in advance for advocating for the civil rights of your LGBT citizens.

SIGN YOUR NAME - There is nothing more powerful than that.

BUY POSTAGE AND DROP YOUR POSTCARD(S) IN THE MAIL - Wasn't that easy?

NOW, REPEAT - Send one a week. Or better yet, one a day. Have a postcard party and have all your friends do it too. Email these instructions to your loved ones so they can join in the fun. Think of the statement that thousands and thousands of postcards from around the country will make.

Let's send as many postcards as we can before Thanksgiving!

Revoke Mormon Church's Tax-Exempt Privilege!

2008-11-11T21:28:00.004-05:00

From http://lds501c3.wordpress.com/

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the “Mormon” or LDS Church) has gone too far in promoting the 2008 California Proposition 8, which ~~would~~ claims to amend the California state constitution to define marriage as one man and one woman in order to supersede a state supreme court opinion issued earlier this year. [Whether the proposition was a lawful amendment or a revision that cannot legally be made by a voter initiative remains an open question.]

Section 501(c)(3) of US Code Title 26, which governs tax-exempt organizations, reads (emphasis added):

(3) Corporations, and any community chest, fund, or foundation, organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes, or to foster national or international amateur sports competition (but only if no part of its activities involve the provision of athletic facilities or equipment), or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual, no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.

(The “otherwise provided” clause does not apply, as the LDS Church, being a church, is a disqualified entity as described in subsection (h).)

The LDS church, through inciting its members to donate time and means to support Proposition 8 (resulting in millions of dollars of cash contributions from its members and countless volunteer hours), and in-kind campaign contributions to a group that supports Proposition 8, has now made a substantial part of its activities attempting to influence legislation.

You can help! Send the IRS an official complaint about the LDS Church’s activities, either by email, fax or US Mail.

Prepare a copy of the Official LDS Prop. 8 Letter read in all LDS churches in California on 29 June 2008.

Prepare one or more other articles of your choice (you can use these links, or do your own research) showing the LDS Church’s substantial activities attempting to influence this legislation.

Prepare this Pre-Filled IRS Form 13909 and add your personal information, or fill out a Blank IRS Form 13909 from scratch with the information in the pre-filled form (these links and an alternative filled form are copied below in RESOURCES.)

Don’t forget to date your referral at the top and include your submitter information. If you are a member of the Church, you may wish to check the box marked “I am concerned that I might face retaliation or retribution if my identity is disclosed.”

Send it to the IRS, either by:
* Email: Prepare your documents as PDF’s or web links, and send your complaint form with supporting documentation toeoclass@irs.gov.
* Fax: fax your documents to (214) 413-5415
* Mail: mail your documents to
IRS EO Classification
Mail Code 4910DAL
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas TX 75242-1198

Condemn Expanded US War On Syria and Pakistan

2008-10-29T20:18:00.005-05:00

From the International Action Center:

Sign the online petition at: http://www.iacenter.org/syriapakistan

All who want to stop the Bush White House from starting another war should immediately protest the unilateral, unjustifiable and criminal October 26 US assaults on Syrian and Pakistani sovereignty. Don’t let Bush get away with expanded war crimes in the Middle East. Condemn his efforts to hand a wider war to the next administration.

Make your opposition heard NOW! Sign the online petition (text below) and send a strong, clear message to the White House, Congress, the media and the UN.
You can also help by donating now to help circulate anti-war material in an urgent national campaign - donate online at http://iacenter.org/donate.

Online petition text:

To: U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Security Council President Wang Guangya, President Bush, Secretary Rice, Secretary Gates, Senators Obama and McCain, and Congressional leaders
cc: members of the media

The criminal acts of war on October 26 against both Syria and Pakistan by U.S. armed forces violates the sovereignty of both countries and must be roundly condemned. The attempt by the Bush administration to justify them by invoking an expanded theory of a right to carry out acts of war on any country's territory without permission or even consultation with the country's government is a complete repudiation of the principle of national sovereignty on which the UN charter is based.

These acts of war are unjustified and illegal, and can lead to wider US wars in the Middle East and South Asia. The US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have already cost hundreds of thousands of deaths and over $1 trillion. At the same time, the entire world is in the grip of the largest economic catastrophe since the great depression. It is more urgent than ever that all the US troops be brought home now and money be used for human needs, not newly expanded wars of aggression whether in Syria or Pakistan or Iran.

Sincerely,
(Your signature here)
To sign, edit and send the above statement to the UN, administration officials, congressional leaders and the media, go to http://www.iacenter.org/syriapakistan.

Tell Mormon Church President-Prophet to stop funding Prop 8

2008-10-25T11:33:00.006-05:00

From Courage Campaign:

Fight back against the lies and protect the fundamental rights of Californians

Leaders of the campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage in California made an offer to businesses that have given money to the state's largest gay-rights group: 'Give us money or we'll publicly identify you as opponents of traditional unions.'" -- Lisa Leff, Associated Press, October 23

This is extortion!

It's time for people to fight back against the dishonest attacks of the pro-Proposition 8 campaign funded by the Mormon Church. On Tuesday, we will deliver a letter to President-Prophet Thomas Monson at the Los Angeles Mormon Temple, demanding that his church stop funding the blatant lies of the Proposition 8 campaign that seeks to codify religious, hateful, discriminatory anti-gay doctrine into state law.

ProtectMarriage, the organization leading the anti-marriage-equality campaign -- is now embroiled in a shocking new scandal involving a blackmail letter to California businesses that donated to Equality for All, the organization leading the "No on 8" campaign. Mark Jansson, opposition leader and self-described member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was one of four signers to this blackmail letter. This episode is yet another example of intimidation by the Mormon Church to pass Prop 8 and dictate public policy to Californians.

We need to stop the Mormon Church from pushing their marriage views on Californians through the ballot box and stop the extortion. Please sign our letter now to President-Prophet Thomas Monson demanding that his church cease funding the Mormon's un-American campaign

NO ON CALIFORNIA'S PROP 8!

2008-10-24T13:13:00.003-05:00

From No on Prop 8:

If lies don't work, then maybe threats and blackmail will.

Yesterday, donors and supporters of Equality California began receiving threatening letters for their support of the statewide organizations efforts to protect LGBT youth and seniors from the "Yes on 8" campaign leadership.

These letters threatened to "expose" the donors listed on Equality California's website if they don't donate to the "Yes on 8" campaign and refrain from supporting LGBT equality in the future.

That's how low the other side is willing to go.

In any other circumstance I would characterize this despicable strategy as sad -- but we are in the fight of lives here in California.

So, will you stand with us? Will you make a donation to support equality?

Will you show that you won't be intimidated by their threats or lies?

Make a donation today to show the other side that we will not go back to the closet of inequality.

The letter, sent on their campaign letterhead, was signed by four members of the group's executive committee and suggests our donors withdraw their support for their own good. It demands an equivalent donation or else:

"Were you to elect not to donate comparably, it would be a clear indication that you are in opposition to traditional marriage. You would leave us no other reasonable assumption. The names of any companies...that choose not to donate...to ProtectMarriage.com...will be published.

...We will contact you shortly to discuss your contribution."

This outrageous attempt to raise money by using threats reveals their true agenda: permanently to harm the LGBT community, our organizations, our allies and our supporters.

Donate now and send a message to the other side -- We reject your effort to intimidate us, and we reject your shameful lies. We will fight to protect our freedom.

Stop the State-Sanctioned Killing of Troy Davis

2008-10-21T19:04:00.003-05:00

On Monday, October 27, Troy Davis, now on death row in Georgia, is scheduled to be legally lynched by the state of Georgia. Davis was convicted in the 1989 killing of a police officer despite what Amnesty International calls "overwhelming doubts about his guilt." No physical forensic evidence was presented at Davis' trial, and 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted their testimony, with at least two saying they were pressured by police to finger Davis as the killer. Yet on October 14 the Supreme Court refused to allow a new hearing in his case. TAKE ACTION NOW to let the Georgia Parole Board, Governor, Legislature, and congressional delegation as well as President Bush, Senators Obama and McCain, U.N. Secretary-General Ban, Congressional leaders and members of the media know you demand No Execution of Troy Davis!

Get more information.

Burn Baby Burn, Spill Baby Spill, Melt Baby Melt...

2008-10-14T13:23:00.002-05:00

from Greenpeace USA:

Let's face it, our country is addicted to oil. Even George W. Bush, a former oil peddler, has admitted this addiction. And like any sickness, our addiction to oil has serious consequences: higher temperatures, melting glaciers, more violent storms and $4 a gallon gasoline to name just a few.

Now, in search of another quick fix, Congress and President Bush have lifted the moratorium on offshore oil drilling that has protected most of our nation's coasts for thirty years.

The U.S. burns 25 percent of the world's oil, but we only have three percent of the world's proven oil reserves. Offshore drilling won't even deliver a drop of oil for ten years, according to the Bush Administration's own numbers. That means we'll never be able to drill our way to lower gas prices or energy independence.

Drilling for offshore oil is like giving an addict a bigger dose - it doesn't solve the problem, it just makes it worse - for all of us.

Politicians talk a good game about the war on drugs. But it's time they learned to kick a habit that threatens our entire planet. It's time to quit oil, get clean, and make a permanent switch to renewable energy.

TAKE ACTION! Tell our next President to just say no to offshore drilling.

Chanting "drill, baby, drill" is like a drug dealer saying, "come on, it'll make you feel good." It's being sold as a temporary fix, but the effects on the planet's health will last more than a lifetime.

Our addiction is making the planet sick while Big Oil is getting rich. Global warming threatens us all, and if we don't break our addiction, we'll ALL suffer the consequences.

The cycle of addiction must end now - and it's our generation that must stand up and make the change.

Fight for CA Equality, Wherever You Are!

2008-10-14T10:51:00.005-05:00

Think of it this way, if bigots succeed in taking away thousands of legal marriages through the Nov. 4 vote, it puts a target on every legally married gay couple in the nation... and ensures that the rest of us will continue to be second-class citizens in America. This is not a California issue -- this directly involves ALL interested in justice for all under civil law.

From Mass Equality, but pay attention and help even if you are from outside of Massachusetts:

In just three weeks, voters in California will make a historic decision -- whether or not to take away gay marriage. And the polls are not looking good: if the vote were held today, we'd lose 47 percent to 42 percent.

I am asking you today to join me in helping our friends in California with your money and with your volunteer time.

Make no mistake: California is ground zero in the struggle for marriage equality. Losing this vote would be a monumental setback.

Why are we losing? Because the anti-gay right has raised $25.4 million - that's 10 million dollars more than our side. They are using this advantage to broadcast lies 24/7 up and down the state of California.

When I saw their newest ad, I was outraged. They point directly at Massachusetts, saying that schools will be forced to teach second-graders that "boys can marry boys." It's the worst kind of fear-mongering...and it works.

With less than a month before the election, our side must get on the air now to respond and swing votes back to our side.

When we were in the heart of our battles here, donors from California contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Now it is our turn. Give here, and our friends in California will know that it came from us in Massachusetts. I just stretched and gave more than I thought I ever would. Can you join me and do the same?

We also need your time.You can make a difference in California without leaving Massachusetts or even your own home. We can train you to make phone calls to California voters from home, using call sheets or computer enabled dialing programs. Even an hour or two can make a difference.

Why phonebank? Because voters are more influenced by personal, unique conversations than by any other form of voter contact. From your own home, you can have the conversations with California voters that will make the difference on November 4th. It's that simple.

For more information or to sign up to make calls from home to defeat Prop 8, contact Ryan Brown or call 617-878-2309.

Without help combating our opponents lies, California will lose. But together, we can make the difference. There's only three weeks left. Please take action today.

URGENT: Marriage equality losing in CA

2008-10-14T10:21:00.004-05:00

From Human Rights Campaign:

Marriage equality in California is now losing by 5 points, according to the latest poll numbers.

Until that poll, we were leading in California. What happened? Anti-LGBT groups are winning the fundraising battle by more than $10 million – and their vicious, untrue ads are everywhere.

Our lead has slipped, but victory is still within reach. We need to get on the air quickly to counter their lies and we need your help to do it.

Generous donors Tom Bombardier and John Fowler, along with the Human Rights Campaign, will double every online contribution TODAY, up to $120,000.

Donate now to the HRC California Marriage PAC – No on Proposition 8 and your gift for marriage equality will be DOUBLED.

Can you imagine a loving, committed, married couple watching their marriage rights evaporate against their will? I don't think there's any precedent for that in modern civilization.

Well, that's what could happen across California if Proposition 8 passes and the decision of the state Supreme Court is reversed.

Anti-LGBT forces are organizing and mobilizing furiously, raising money hand over fist, ginning up fear and resentment. Groups like Focus on the Family, members of the Mormon Church, and even the national Knights of Columbus have provided significant funding. And it appears their tactics are working – the recent polls show that California voters now favor the Amendment to ban marriage equality, 47 to 42 percent.

It's up to us to make sure the truth gets out, but we can only do that if we raise more money. Right now, their war chest is $10 million deeper than ours – and that gap is growing.

The Human Rights Campaign has been on the ground in California from the beginning of this fight, contributing time and resources, and we're not ready to give up now. In fact, we have already contributed more than $2 million to this fight. I'm guessing you aren't ready to give up either, NR.

For those of us deeply committed to equality and dignity for LGBT Americans, the time is now – especially now that generous donors Tom Bombardier and John Fowler and HRC will double your gift and make it go twice as far.

Will you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us today? Every dollar you give right now will be DOUBLED and sent straight to California.

Wake up on November 5th knowing you did everything you could. We have equality, basic human decency and the truth on our side. Now we need you.

Keep Our Streams Safe From Dirty Coal Mining

2008-10-13T17:39:00.003-05:00

from EarthJustice:

The Federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) is poised to finalize a rule that would allow thousands of natural streams and valleys in Appalachia to be buried by waste from mountaintop removal coal mining. OSM's plan directly conflicts with the decades-old Stream Buffer Zone Rule, which prohibits surface coal mining activities from disturbing areas within 100 feet of permanent and seasonal streams.

Take action to protect Appalachian streams and valleys from being buried by dirty coal mining!

For years, federal agencies have looked the other way as the coal industry has been allowed to blast away the tops of mountains to reach thin seams of coal. Already, mountaintop removal mining has flattened more than 500,000 acres and permanently buried 2,000 miles of streams, destroying sources that feed drinking water. These actions were taken in defiance of the existing Stream Buffer Zone Rule. Now, OSM wants to legalize this destruction, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must first give its approval for the change in rules to become law.

Please take action by telling the EPA that the destruction of Appalachia's valleys and streams is unacceptable. Tell EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson to protect these valuable resources by keeping the Stream Buffer Zone Rule in place!

ACTION NEEDED: Make Calls for Obama/Biden

2008-10-11T12:47:00.003-05:00

from MoveOn:

It's a scary time. The stock market's in free-fall, and no one knows what's going to happen.

It all feels very much out of our control. But here's one thing we all can do: Take 20 minutes to make sure John McCain and Sarah Palin don't end up in charge of our economy exactly when we most need leaders we can trust.

Our goal is to make 40,000 calls this week to recruit swing-state volunteers for Obama. We've got two days left to get these done, and we're almost there!

Can you take 20 minutes today to make a few calls?

These are quick, simple calls that you can make from home. You'll be calling fellow MoveOn members in battleground states to ask them to volunteer at their local Obama campaign offices. They work: We've heard from many new volunteers that the recruitment call from another MoveOn member was the nudge they needed to get them to sign up.

And they're really easy to make; you just need to be able to be online and on the phone at the same time. You can even make a practice call before you get started.

We can't afford to leave this election to chance. DO SOMETHING - help.

TAKE ACTION: American Idol's sour note

2008-10-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

from American Rights at Work:

When it comes to respecting workers, America's favorite TV show is way off-key.

American Idol brings in $200 million in profits annually. But some of the people who help produce it are taking home as little as $4.50 an hour. That's below minimum wage.

What's more, some report working 15-20 hours a day, seven days a week – even going without overtime pay and breaks for rest or meals.

American Idol won't respect basic workers' rights protected by law.

Tell American Idol it's time to change their tune – and give workers what the law requires.

Justin Buckles worked for FremantleMedia, the company that produces American Idol:

"When I was hired I was told to expect to work 12 hour days. What I wasn't told was that it would actually be 15 to 20 hour days, many times working 7 days a week."

When Justin calculated all the hours he worked, his hourly rate was less than $4.50 an hour. And when he mentioned a raise:

"I was threatened with losing my job, told that I was replaceable, and that I'd be blacklisted from working on any other show if I spoke out."

Justin doesn't stand alone – a group of employees recently said they are owed more than $250,000 in overtime pay. Health coverage is a pipe dream. Writers and some production staff aren't protected by a union, as they are on other shows.

These aren't isolated incidents. They're part of a pattern at the massively popular TV shows produced by Fremantle, which is now under investigation for these abuses. Again and again, workers have been denied basic benefits that are standard in the industry thanks to unions – minimum compensation, health insurance, and retirement packages.

Please contact American Idol and tell them it's time to start singing a different tune!

After you send your message, please ask your friends and family to do the same.

$200 million in profits isn't chump change. American Idol can clearly afford to treat its workers better. It doesn't have to be this way.

For Many, TODAY Is Election Day

2008-10-01T13:29:00.002-05:00

from MoveOn:

In key battleground states, today is Election Day. In Nevada, Ohio, Virginia, and elsewhere, early voting has begun. And if this year is anything like 2006, up to 25% of voters will vote before November 4th.

Every vote that's cast early is a boost for Obama heading into November. So right now we're calling MoveOn members in these states to hook them up with the Obama campaign's voter outreach efforts.

Can you take just 20 minutes to boost Obama's campaign with a few phone calls into swing states like Ohio, Virginia, and Nevada?

Our calling tool lets you have a big impact on the race from anywhere —- even if the state you live in isn't a swing state this year. And using the tool is fun —- most MoveOn members you call will appreciate you reaching out to them with information on how to get involved.

Plus, it's simple to use. You can make a practice call ahead of time, and the only requirement is that you can be online and on the phone at the same time.

If enough of us call from California or Arkansas or DC, we'll be able to recruit an army of volunteers for Obama in the states where he needs them most -— and make a huge difference in this race.

DO SOMETHING: If you've got 20 minutes to spare, start calling!

Speak Against O'Reilly & Rush

2008-09-29T14:15:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend Bill O'Reilly and Rush Limbaugh lambasted Democracy for America and Brave New PAC for running the following TV advertisement asking why John McCain is hiding his health records:

Rush said, "These people will stop at nothing"

Bill O'Reilly called it "the most vicious political ad of the campaign."

O'Reilly, running scared, went on to attack MSNBC and their network executives for allowing the ad to air in the first place. Shortly after, NBC informed us that they were pulling the ad.

Evidently, O'Reilly is now calling the shots at NBC. Bill O'Reilly shouldn't get to choose what you can watch on television. Call NBC right now and tell them to run the ad.

NBC SwitchBoard
(212) 664-4444

CLICK HERE TO REPORT YOUR CALL

Asking John McCain to release his health records is fair and legitimate. The fact that Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly are on the attack is proof they don't want to know the truth.

If the traditional media lets wingnut talking heads like Limbaugh and O'Reilly control the agenda, we might as well throw any semblance of free speech out the window.

Call NBC right now. Tell them Bill O'Reilly doesn't speak for you. We stand with over 2,500 doctors who believe this important question should be heard. America has a right to know the answer.

CLICK HERE TO TELL US HOW YOUR CALL WENT

URGENT ALERT: Say NO to the BAILOUT!

2008-09-29T09:48:00.004-05:00

from AfterDowningStreet:

Please call your Representative in the House today and say ...

Vote NO And We'll Vote for You, Vote YES And We'll Denounce You Every
Day for the Next Month

Vote NO on Paulson's Plunder!

Capitol Hill Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

--

What They're Voting on

Five Reasons to Vote NO

Wall Street Welfare Queens

KUCINICH: OPPOSES BAILOUT AND ASKS: "Is this the United States Congress
or the board of directors of Goldman Sachs?"

A Better Bailout

Pelosi Plowing a Republican Bill Through Congress and Pissing Off
Republicans at Same Time

What's Good for Wall Street Is Only Good For Wall Street

Rep. George Miller Defends Democrats' Conduct on Paulson's Plunder

They Want Mama to Make It All Better

Bank Borrowing From Fed Already Exceeded Bailout Total in Last Week:
$700 Billion Figure Means Nothing

Ron Paul: Greenspan, Bernanke Should Be Criminally Charged

NO BAILOUT Petition by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders Tops 40,000
Signers - Sign Off for NO BAILOUT

Alabama's Senator Shelby Rejects Paulson's Treasury Raid

Bailout Bums: Libertarian-Minded Republicans Are Caught With Their Pants
Down As Wall Street Panics The Capital City

10 Ways to Bail Out Wall Street (and Main Street) Without Soaking

Once in a Century Rip-Off

Socialist Bailout of the Criminal Investment Banks: Are We On The Verge
of The Deluge?

Redistributing the Wealth - National Protests Erupt Over Bailout Plan

How Wall Street Can Bail Itself Out Without Destroying The Dollar

Financial Terrorism

Congress Has 43,457,362 Reasons to Help Goldman Sachs

Thanks, Hank!

Tax Revolt!

Well-Run Banks Balk at Paulson Plan; Should Be Included in Negotiations

Iraq All Over Again: Bush, Paulson and Bernanke are Just Crying Wolf

Predatory Lenders' Partner in Crime

I DISSENT - An Essay Against A Government Bailout

Rep. DeFazio Asks Wall Street to Pay for Its Own Bailout

Ann Wright and David Swanson Discuss War and Bailouts

Danny Schechter on the Sub-Crime Problem

Rep. Marcy Kaptur on House Floor

“Mortgage Fraud”: The Paulson Bail-Out Plan

Bail Out People Before Bankers

If Congress Agrees to This Rip-off Bailout, We'll Be Handing the Money
to the People Who Got Us in This Mess

Bailout Plan Won't Be End of Wall Street Bailouts

Blood, Sweat, and Bailouts

Stand Against the Bailout Scam!

Now is the Time to Resist Wall Street's Shock Doctrine

Bernie Sanders

Ten Reasons Why Bush's Proposed Bailout Is Larceny

What Nobody's Saying: The Bailout Will Kill the Dollar

We Can Stop Paulson's Plunder

"No Blank Check" or "No %$#!*@ Check"

The Eight Year Bailout

Stop Paulson's Plunder: ACTION LINKS and Background

Send Your Money to Cindy Before Nancy Spends it All

A Plea from MN Senate Candidate & SNL Comic Al Franken

2008-09-28T10:45:00.005-05:00

From MoveOn:

It's not enough to merely win this election. We've got to win big.

Great —- I can tell from your nodding head that you agree. Now, let's make it happen -— by helping three champs win tight, crucial races: Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Larry Kissell of North Carolina, and, ahem, Al Franken of Minnesota.

I'm not asking for $700 billion -— just $10, $25, or whatever you can spare. Donate by clicking below:

Here's why this is so important. When Republicans tried to privatize Social Security back in 2005, they ran both houses of Congress and the White House—but they lost. The same thing happened to us with health care reform in 1993.

Now, they were wrong on Social Security, and we were right on health care. But the fact is, big change -— for better or worse —- takes big majorities and big mandates.

In fact, in the last century, there have been just a couple of truly transformative elections: 1964, when a Democratic landslide paved the way for Medicare, and 1932, when a Democratic landslide opened the door for the New Deal (and enraged generations of right-wingers by creating Social Security in the first place).

That's what we need in 2008: Not just a majority, but a landslide.

But who, you may be asking, are these three specific candidates? I'll tell you, with help from my friends in the Bullet Point department:

Jeff Merkley, running for the Senate in Oregon, led Habitat for Humanity in Oregon and then cracked down on predatory lenders, passed ethics reform, and cut taxes for working people in the State House.

Larry Kissell, running in North Carolina's 8th district, worked in textiles for 27 years and taught high school civics. In 2006, he ran for Congress against Republican Robin Hayes, one of the oil industry's biggest cheerleaders—and lost by 329 votes. This year, the oil industry is gushing with cash for Hayes, but my money (and, I hope, your money) is on Kissell.

Me. (Al Franken.) I'm running for Senate in my home state of Minnesota. It's not just that six years of Norm Coleman in the Senate is already six years too much. I'm running because it's time for change, and because change is going to take progressives —- like Jeff, Larry, and myself —- who are willing to stand up and fight.

We need you to vote, to knock on doors, and to make phone calls. And, right now, we need you to take out your credit card and donate some money.

This fall, the higher the stakes become, the nastier the Republicans are going to get —- so we need the resource to fight back with the truth. The election is just 37 days away.

DO SOMETHING! Donate now.

Thanks for all that you've done, and thanks for helping MoveOn rebuild the progressive movement in America over the last ten years. Thanks for your hard-earned money (did you forget to donate? No problem! Click here.)

And thanks in advance for working side by side with me, Larry, Jeff, Barack, and the new Democratic landslide to truly, day by day, take this country back.

–Al Franken

Demand the Debate!

2008-09-25T14:18:00.003-05:00

from MoveOn:

Yesterday was one of the stranger days in presidential election history. John McCain actually asked to "suspend" Friday's much anticipated debate with Barack Obama so that he could posture on the financial crisis.

Even the arch-conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board was mystified.

Bottom line: This isn't presidential behavior. It's a desperate, reckless move that actually threatens to make it harder to resolve this crisis. And of course, presidents have to be able to handle lots of important issues at once—they can't panic and take their eyes off of one urgent priority when another one pops up.

Obama wants the debate to go forward. So do millions of other Americans. With 40 days left until the most important election in a generation, we deserve a debate on the issues.

DO SOMETHING! Sign our emergency petition to the Commission on Presidential Debates urging them to hold strong and make sure that the debate go forward on Friday, as planned. We'll make sure they get your comments by the end of the day.

The petition reads: "Now more than ever, the American people deserve a presidential debate. We urge you to make sure the debate goes forward as planned tomorrow night."

What's motivating all this panicky erratic behavior from McCain? It's hard to tell, but here are what some of the experts are saying might be behind it:

A drop in the polls. As Politico writer Ben Smith pointed out, "In terms of the timing of this move: The only thing that's changed in the last 48 hours is the public polling."

Stopping the VP debate. Last night, McCain surrogate Sen. Lindsay Graham suggested that the vice presidential debate between Gov. Palin and Senator Biden be cancelled to accommodate his request to postpone tomorrow's debate. (Now, why would they ever want to postpone or cancel the VP debate?)

Pure reckless decision-making. McCain has a history of reckless decision making. Here's how Time's Joe Klein put it yesterday, "McCain suspends his campaign because of financial crisis? Oh please. Given today's poll numbers—even Fox has him dropping—it seems another Hail Mary (like the feckless selection of Palin) to try make McCain seem a statesman, which is difficult given the puerile tenor of his campaign's message operation." And the Wall Street Journal wrote last week: "In a crisis, voters want steady, calm leadership, not easy, misleading answers that will do nothing to help."

But whatever the cause is, McCain's wrong. Serious situations like this one are exactly the time when Americans most need a real discussion—a debate.

We've got to make sure that the Debate Commission doesn't bend under Republican pressure. Can you add your signature now?

McCain and Obama Must Debate on Friday

2008-09-24T22:43:00.004-05:00

from CREDO Action at Working Assets:

John McCain thinks we don't need a presidential debate on Friday night.

We at CREDO disagree. We need a real debate on the economy, and we need it now. The presidential candidates, as Senator Obama says, should hold their debate Friday as scheduled, and address the proposed $700 billion Wall Street bailout.

We've been hearing a lot this week about how our economy is in a crisis — maybe the worst crisis since the Great Depression. Politicians on the left and the right have made all kinds of claims about exactly how much or little we should panic and what that means for the policies we should enact.

The Bush Administration, for its part, has continued to insist that we must give the largest free lunch in history to the Wall Street tycoons who got us into this mess to begin with, We at CREDO disagreed strongly with this position, and we put forth some of our own policy recommendations in accordance with Robert Reich's suggestions.

If these issues are so serious, then that's only more reason to have a national dialogue about them, and to understand how Senator McCain and Senator Obama would handle them as president.

Americans have a monumental decision to make this November, and we need as much information as possible in order to make the best choice. We reject the notion that canceling the debate is the best way to focus on the economy. Rather, let's use the debate to spotlight the importance of economic issues.

DO SOMETHING! Encourage Senator McCain to show up for the debate on Friday as planned, and to focus on the economic issues facing our nation. As Americans caught in a pivotal moment in our nation's history, we deserve nothing less.

Stop the U.S.-India Nuclear Deal

2008-09-23T11:51:00.003-05:00

From Friends Committee on National Legislation:

By this time next week, Congress will likely have left Washington for the countdown to Election Day. Before your representative and senators go home, Bush wants them to rush through a nuclear cooperation agreement with India allowing that country to resume nuclear testing without facing international sanctions. India has already exploded one nuclear weapon and has refused to join the international agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Congress could improve relations with India without agreeing to its resumption of nuclear testing, without enabling the Indian government to increase production of nuclear weapons by up to 500 percent. Congress should insist that before the United States signs any nuclear cooperation agreement, India agree to not produce or test any more nuclear weapons; sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, which prohibits all nuclear test explosions; and stop the production of highly enriched uranium and plutonium - fissile materials used in the production of nuclear weapons. All five acknowledged nuclear weapons states (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) have halted production of fissile materials.

Insisting on these safeguards would likely mean that the agreement would be dead for this Congress. A dead agreement would be better than one that undermines efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

DO SOMETHING! Urge your members of Congress to oppose any deal with India allowing that country to resume nuclear testing.

Stand for Real Democracy - Open the Debates to 3rd-Party Candidates

2008-09-23T09:58:00.005-05:00

from AF&O reader John of Silence:

There are SIX Presidential candidates this year. All are qualified and capable of winning. So why are there only TWO people permitted to participate in Friday's debate? Bigotry, that's why -- two-party bias! Let's flood the email inboxes and the phone lines with one simple, yet crucial point: Open the Debates.

DO SOMETHING! It takes just five minutes to take action. Help us make a difference and create true democracy. Below is a suggested script but please feel free to appropriately modify it to support your candidate. (The following is written to support progressive candidate and Green Party nominee Cynthia McKinney.)

Step one:

Call Barack Obama at 866-675-2008.
Hit 6 to speak with a campaign volunteer.
Once connected, politely deliver the following message:

Hi, my name is …

I was wondering if Senator Obama, being a believer in equal opportunity and equal rights, could insist that Cynthia Mckinney and other ballot qualified third party candidates be included in the upcoming Presidential debates? After all, Cynthia Mckinney is on 34 state ballots. And she's polling well nationwide. And he could help Senator Obama challenge the corporate Republicans. True, Cynthia McKinney would critique Senator Obama for his corporate ties also. But isn't that what democracy is about? Could you please leave this message for the campaign manager? Thank you.

Step two:

E-mail Janet Brown, the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates.

Here’s a sample e-mail:

Dear Janet Brown:

Greetings. You must be busy preparing for the first presidential debate this Friday. Just wanted to let you know that the American people were not born yesterday. We know the deal. Take that little private corporation that you run that's controlled by the two corporate parties and funded by big business for the purpose of excluding independent-minded candidates. Friday, two Wall Street candidates are scheduled to be in the ring, Barack Obama and John McCain. The one candidate who represents the American people, Main Street, if you will, will be on the outside looking in. So, here’s a simple request. Drop your exclusionary restrictions. Let Cynthia Mckinney into the debates.

It will be good for your conscience. Good for the American people. (I believe it was The League of Women Voters that called your corporatized debates "campaign-trail charades devoid of substance, spontaneity, and honest answers to tough questions.") And it's good for democracy. Let the American people have a real debate for once. Main Street vs. Wall Street.

Thank you,

Signed
your name.

Declare Independence from Big Oil!

2008-09-21T16:12:00.002-05:00

from ShameOnBigOil:

Tell your friends to join you and declare their independence from Big Oil!

CA Alert: Urge Gov. to Sign Popular Vote Bill

2008-09-21T09:03:00.002-05:00

from FairVote:

Once again, the presidential race is in full swing - and in many ways, 2008 looks sadly similar to prior presidential elections: a handful of voters in at most a dozen battleground states are getting all of the campaigns' attention, while most of the country sits on the sidelines -- spectators to election of our nation's highest office.
But the dynamics are changing in one important way...

State by state, elected officials are signing onto the National Popular Vote (NPV) plan. NPV would guarantee the Presidency to the presidential candidate who receives the most popular votes in all 50 states (and the District of Columbia). The bill would take effect only when enacted by states possessing a majority of the electoral votes—that is, enough electoral votes to elect a President (270 of 538).

Already, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey have enacted the National Popular Vote Bill. This represents 19% (50) of the 270 electoral votes needed to activate the law. Meanwhile, 21 State Legislative Chambers (one-fifth) have passed the bill.

But this summer, the California Assembly passed SB 37, the state's National Popular Vote bill -- and now the bill is sitting on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. Gov. Schwarzenegger can singlehandedly transform debate about this critically important reform to make it about our nation's future, not its past

If you live in California, please contact the Governor and urge him to sign SB 37, the National Popular Vote bill. If you don't live in California, please forward this message to friends and family in the state. We have a short window of time to influence the Governor before he decides how he will act on the bill.

You can call, email, fax, or send a postal note. The most important thing is to do it immediately.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: 916-445-4633
Phone: 916-445-2841
Email: visit http://gov.ca.gov/interact
Ways to Help: As a rule of thumb, legible handwritten letters are better than typed or computer printed ones. Letters (as long as they're legible) are better than faxes. Faxes are better than emails. Emails are better than phone messages. Phone messages are better than illegible handwritten letters. And all of these options are vastly preferable to doing nothing and then regretting it later. The most important thing is to take action immediately.

Resources:

Talking points, sample letters and more information on the National Popular Vote plan are available at: [NationalPopularVote.com].
Additional information -- including our groundbreaking Presidential Election Inequality Report and an excellent short video produced by our FairVote North Carolina team -- is also available at [FairVote.org/npv].

Once you have sent your letter, used your fax machine, and made your call, then please get ten (10) other friends, relatives, neighbors, or colleagues to do the same. Please spread the word and help us get as many people as possible to contact the Governor to urge his signature on the bill.

Keep Harmful Pesticides Out of Salmon Rivers!

2008-09-19T18:03:00.002-05:00

from Earthjustice:

The federal government has the opportunity -- and the duty -- to protect people and salmon from dangerous pesticides. You know that the government is hearing from the chemical companies. Let them hear from you!

***********************************
TAKE ACTION:
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/pesticide_action_0908/wxu58n6r28w7ew8?

***********************************

Three toxic pesticides used heavily in the United States -- chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion -- can harm children and farmworkers, poison wildlife, and taint food and drinking water. Despite well-documented hazards, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) allows homeowners, farmers, and others to use these poisons in ways that harm salmon and steelhead.

Fortunately, a recent scientific analysis from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) could force EPA to adopt new restrictions on the use of these pesticides in the Pacific Northwest and California. In a draft study called a "biological
opinion" released on July 31, 2008, NMFS concluded that chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion are contaminating rivers and streams and jeopardizing protected salmon and steelhead.

NMFS is now working to finalize the biological opinion and determine what measures are needed to help keep these pesticides out of salmon waters. The chemical companies are lobbying to weaken these measures. The federal government needs to hear from you!

DO SOMETHING! Please urge NMFS to adopt strong measures to protect Pacific salmon from these poisons. It is their responsibility under the Endangered Species Act. And by keeping these pesticides out of salmon and steelhead habitat, NFMS will also be helping to ensure that these poisons are kept out of our drinking water supplies.

***********************************
TAKE ACTION:
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/pesticide_action_0908/wxu58n6r28w7ew8?

Work to Stop Bombing in Darfur

2008-09-19T17:55:00.003-05:00

from Amnesty International USA:

The Sudanese government used a Russian-made Antonov plane with the “UN” symbol on its wing to drop bombs on Darfur. This act shows that the Sudanese government does not intend to comply with the UN arms embargo. This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and a clear example of why the current UN arms embargo needs to be expanded to cover all of Sudan.

On Wednesday, Amnesty International issued its new report Blood at the Crossroads with accounts of Russian and Chinese weapons used to violate human rights in Darfur. In one case, the report describes Russian-supplied Mi-24 attack helicopters being delivered to the Sudanese government in 2006. Since then, the Sudanese government has used these helicopters in indiscriminate aerial attacks in Darfur.

It is undeniably clear that the current UN arms embargo cannot effectively restrain the arms flow into Darfur. At the same time, Sudanese armed opposition groups in Darfur are allegedly receiving their weapons from Chad. The innocent people of Darfur are left in the middle of this conflict.

With your encouragement, your Senator and Representatives can help stem the flow of weapons to Sudan. Senate Resolution 660 and House Resolution 1462 1) condemn the ongoing flow of weapons into Darfur and 2) call for an expansion of the UN arms embargo to cover all of Sudan. Leadership from the United States is necessary to signal to the rest of the world that ongoing violence in Darfur will not be tolerated.

DO SOMETHING: Take action to stop the flow of weapons into Darfur.

Help in a Bad Economy

2008-09-17T22:02:00.007-05:00

from Friends Committee on National Legislation:

The US government is acting swiftly to keep wobbly financial giants from collapse, putting billions from the US Treasury at risk. This week, the federal government loaned $85 billion to American International Group, and earlier this month the government gave Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac $200 billion in loan guarantees.

Unfortunately, Congress has been slow to protect the people hit hardest by the economic meltdown.

High unemployment and low wages mean that many workers don't earn enough to put food on the table and to keep their families housed and safe.

DO SOMETHING! Congress talks about legislation to help the poor, but the House only plans to be in session for one more week before adjourning for the election. Before Congress leaves to campaign for re-election, urge your representative to do 3 things:

1. Expand the Child Tax Credit to reach 3 million additional children in low-income families and increase support for 10 million more.

2. Expand food stamp benefits to provide immediate help to low-income families and instantly stimulate the economy where food stamps are spent. Each $1 spent on food stamps improves local economies by $1.73.

3. Extend unemployment insurance for those who have been unable to find work in this failing economy. In August, the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent, the highest it's been in a decade.

Why do people need help now? It may be news to many of us that the economy has actually been growing in the past year - by 3.3 percent. But most people haven't benefited from this growth. The prime beneficiaries have been people whose incomes are in the top 1 percent in the United States. Between 2002 and 2006, the income of 99 percent of people in the United States rose by an average of 1 percent per year, while people in the top 1 percent saw their incomes rise by an average of 11 percent a year. For people already living on the edge, this means less food on the table, less money to pay for doctors visits, more difficulty paying the rent or mortgage, and less time with their kids because they are working harder.

Find out more about the Child Tax Credit.

Find out more about rising unemployment rates.

Just Days Left to Raise an Outcry

2008-09-17T22:02:00.006-05:00

From Planned Parenthood:

The Bush administration recently proposed a radical federal regulation change that would allow doctors to knowingly withhold information from their patients about widely accepted medical treatment options like birth control, emergency contraception, and abortion services. Even worse, this new rule could allow individual health care providers to redefine abortion to include the most common forms of birth control -- and then refuse to provide them.

DO SOMETHING! Submit a comment to the Department of Health and Human Services during the official 30-day comment period -- it ends
September 25. And please, please spread the word to friends and family.

With more than 600,000 health facilities nationwide affected, including hundreds of Planned Parenthood health centers, millions of patients' access to basic, comprehensive reproductive health care may very well depend on your action.