Challenging Unjust Governments: Outrageous conditions have been tacked on to acclaimed Iranian film director Jafar Panahi's six-year prison sentence. Last month, Panahi was sentenced after being convicted of making an anti-government film without permission and inciting opposition protests after the disputed 2009 presidential election. Urge Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei and his Excellency to overturn the harsh sentences imposed on Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof.
Challenging Unjust Government Systems: President Barack Obama says he wants Congress to implement the largest trade deal since NAFTA – the Korea Free Trade Agreement. It has NAFTA-style provisions that promote job off-shoring and undermine labor, environmental, and other public interest laws that Obama promised to reform as a candidate. Call U.S. Representatives at 202.224.3121 urging them to oppose this trade deal or take other actions here.
Care of Earth: Sign a letter that will be delivered to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and President Obama requesting that they reject approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa.
Other Potential Actions:
U.S. citizens are invited to urge their federal Representative to stand up for the United Nations and the UN programs and agencies that support American and global interests at
U.S. citizens are invited to send a message to federal Representatives urging them to keep the unemployed, those living in poverty, and those struggling to recover from the recession as a priority when it comes to spending. Maintaining spending at 2008 levels leaves the bulk of spending cuts to programs that help communities and states with basic services like healthcare, housing and transportation.
Protect Life Act: This bill will amend the health care reform law to preserve longstanding federal policies on abortion and conscience rights. Co-sponsors of H.R. 358 include Rep. Geoff Davis, Rep. Brett Guthrie, Rep. Hal Rogers, and Rep. Ed Whitfield. A thank you for co-sponsorship and urging of those who have not yet can be made by calling U.S. Representatives or visit here.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming. More information is here (scroll down and look to the left)
Louisville, KY: On January 30 at 4 p.m., there will be an Interfaith Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral (421 South Second Street) to remember the lives of 62 homicide victims of 2010.
Louisville, KY: Individuals are invited to a slide presentation and talk by Terry Taylor of Interfaiths Path to Peace on the topic, “Iran: Up Close and Personal” on January 30 at 7 p.m. in Aloysius Hall of St. Agnes Church (1920 Newburg Road). Terry took a trip in November 2010 as part of a 10-person Citizen Diplomacy team sponsored by the national Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Human Trafficking: An opportunity to oppose human trafficking is being offered to the international community. Tell the Super Bowl Host Committee that they have a responsibility to protect the children who will be trafficked to Texas (USA) for the Super Bowl (Click non US near the word, "State" at the website for international action).
Challenging unjust corporate systems: Send a message to the CEO’s of chocolate companies in Ivory Coast (who are on the brink of war) urging them to back democracy and peace by publicly committing to work only with President Alassane Ouattara’s democratically elected government (International Action is available).
Care of Earth: At the end of 2010, the Department of the Interior decided to establish a system that would identify and protect irreplaceable and unique wild lands in the Western United States. Write Secretary Ken Salazar a thank you for his efforts (Kenneth Salazar, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240).
Care of Earth: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to protect mountain communities and the health of Appalachian citizens by vetoing the largest sing mountaintop removal coal mining permit in West Virginia history, the Spruce No. 1 Mine. Thank the EPA for taking this bold step and urge Federal Legislators to follow the EPA by making the protections permanent.
Other Potential Actions:
Call and urge members of Congress to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts of Haiti. A voice resolution is being made so you may call 1.646.452.9493 (enter pin number 3804) to state your name and where you are from. Then, state that we need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti. This nationwide voice resolution will be shared with members of Congress. Written action is available.
Just days after the hugely successful action at Northwest Farm Credit Services where Ruby Ridge workers turned in over 32,300 signatures, Ruby Ridge dairy has now renewed their threat to take legal action against many of these workers and the UFW. Send an email to CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services to take immediate action and use their influence to ensure that Ruby Ridge doesn’t continue retaliating against these workers at
Urge Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to abolish the death penalty.
Join a solidarity protest as a National Day of Action on January 25 at noon on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut (Mazzoli Federal Building) to challenge late 2010 raids, questioning by FBI agents, being subpoenaed before a Grand Jury and reactivation of subpeonas on activists who oppose the war.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming (scroll down and look to the left).
The story of “One Family in Gaza” by acclaimed independent filmmaker Jen Marlowe is a 23 minute documentary of courage and resilience.
The Catholic Health Association has partnered with Practice Greenhealth to promote a new electronic resource—the Environmental Sustainability Getting Started Guide. The booklet shares practices and resources from across Catholic health ministry and other leaders in environmental stewardship.
Challenging unjust corporate systems: Send a message to the CEO’s of chocolate companies in Ivory Coast (who are on the brink of war) urging them to back democracy and peace by publicly committing to work only with President Alassane Ouattara’s democratically elected government (International Action is available).
Care of Earth: At the end of 2010, the Department of the Interior decided to establish a system that would identify and protect irreplaceable and unique wild lands in the Western United States. Write Secretary Ken Salazar a thank you for his efforts (Kenneth Salazar, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240).
Care of Earth: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to protect mountain communities and the health of Appalachian citizens by vetoing the largest sing mountaintop removal coal mining permit in West Virginia history, the Spruce No. 1 Mine. Thank the EPA for taking this bold step and urge Federal Legislators to follow the EPA by making the protections permanent.
Other Potential Actions:
Call and urge members of Congress to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts of Haiti. A voice resolution is being made so you may call 1.646.452.9493 (enter pin number 3804) to state your name and where you are from. Then, state that we need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti. This nationwide voice resolution will be shared with members of Congress. Written action is available.
Just days after the hugely successful action at Northwest Farm Credit Services where Ruby Ridge workers turned in over 32,300 signatures, Ruby Ridge dairy has now renewed their threat to take legal action against many of these workers and the UFW. Send an email to CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services to take immediate action and use their influence to ensure that Ruby Ridge doesn’t continue retaliating against these workers at
Urge Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to abolish the death penalty.
Join a solidarity protest as a National Day of Action on January 25 at noon on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut (Mazzoli Federal Building) to challenge late 2010 raids, questioning by FBI agents, being subpoenaed before a Grand Jury and reactivation of subpeonas on activists who oppose the war.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming (scroll down and look to the left).
The story of “One Family in Gaza” by acclaimed independent filmmaker Jen Marlowe is a 23 minute documentary of courage and resilience.
The Catholic Health Association has partnered with Practice Greenhealth to promote a new electronic resource—the Environmental Sustainability Getting Started Guide. The booklet shares practices and resources from across Catholic health ministry and other leaders in environmental stewardship.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Care of Earth: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is about to approve Monsanto's genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa, despite the fact that it's likely to contaminate other crops, including organic alfalfa. Contamination of organic crops from GE crops can destroy markets for organic farmers. Urge President Obama and the US Department of Agriculture to preserve organic and reject GE alfalfa.
Care of Earth: The Oil Spill Commission recently released the full version of its comprehensive report on the BP oil disaster which concludes that systemic failures throughout the oil industry mean that a similar catastrophe “might well recur.” Urge Congress to implement the Commission’s recommendations to support restoration of the Gulf and protect all U.S. coasts from future disasters.
Water: Members of the U.S. Congress spent $190,000 on bottled water in the first quarter of 2010. Recently the general manager of DC Water and Sewage Authority sent Speaker Boehner a letter urging him to cut expenses, protect the environment and support investment in the nation’s drinking water infrastructure by choosing tap water. Ask U.S. Representatives to support fiscal responsibility by cutting spending on bottled water.
Water: Clay County (Kentucky) is scheduled to have a public hearing on a coal companies’ proposal to mine in the cleanest section of Kentucky River’s South Fork. Written comments to support the community’s petition are being accepted until January 14 at
Other Potential Actions:
Urge the Obama Administration to exert real pressure on Israel to end its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, and to stop preventing the United Nations from holding Israel accountable for what the Goldstone Report documented to be violations of human rights and international law, war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity committed before, during and after “Cast Lead.”
Bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Scientists are saying toxic pesticides are the cause. Four European governments have banned them but they are still for sale in the United States. Urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to join the ban and save the bees from extinction.
Illinois legislators recently passed a bill that is now with the Governor to abolish the death penalty in their state. Individuals are invited to thank the bill sponsors, State Rep. Karen Yarbrough and State Senator Kwame Raoul.
Louisville, KY: An LG& E neighborhood meeting on coal ash organizing will take place on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Millcreek VFW Post 5421 (7111 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40258) 502.448.5421. LG& E plans to build a 14 story tall Coal Ash containment expansion in the area of West Louisville. Anyone concerned about water, air and our neighborhoods is invited. For more details contact Thomas Pearce at 502.614.8172.
KY: If you haven’t called State Representatives about SB6, an immigration bill worse than Arizona SB 1070, please do so at 1-800-372-7181 urging opposition of the bill and tell others to call too.
Care of Earth: The Oil Spill Commission recently released the full version of its comprehensive report on the BP oil disaster which concludes that systemic failures throughout the oil industry mean that a similar catastrophe “might well recur.” Urge Congress to implement the Commission’s recommendations to support restoration of the Gulf and protect all U.S. coasts from future disasters.
Water: Members of the U.S. Congress spent $190,000 on bottled water in the first quarter of 2010. Recently the general manager of DC Water and Sewage Authority sent Speaker Boehner a letter urging him to cut expenses, protect the environment and support investment in the nation’s drinking water infrastructure by choosing tap water. Ask U.S. Representatives to support fiscal responsibility by cutting spending on bottled water.
Water: Clay County (Kentucky) is scheduled to have a public hearing on a coal companies’ proposal to mine in the cleanest section of Kentucky River’s South Fork. Written comments to support the community’s petition are being accepted until January 14 at
Other Potential Actions:
Urge the Obama Administration to exert real pressure on Israel to end its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, and to stop preventing the United Nations from holding Israel accountable for what the Goldstone Report documented to be violations of human rights and international law, war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity committed before, during and after “Cast Lead.”
Bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Scientists are saying toxic pesticides are the cause. Four European governments have banned them but they are still for sale in the United States. Urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to join the ban and save the bees from extinction.
Illinois legislators recently passed a bill that is now with the Governor to abolish the death penalty in their state. Individuals are invited to thank the bill sponsors, State Rep. Karen Yarbrough and State Senator Kwame Raoul.
Louisville, KY: An LG& E neighborhood meeting on coal ash organizing will take place on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Millcreek VFW Post 5421 (7111 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40258) 502.448.5421. LG& E plans to build a 14 story tall Coal Ash containment expansion in the area of West Louisville. Anyone concerned about water, air and our neighborhoods is invited. For more details contact Thomas Pearce at 502.614.8172.
KY: If you haven’t called State Representatives about SB6, an immigration bill worse than Arizona SB 1070, please do so at 1-800-372-7181 urging opposition of the bill and tell others to call too.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Accomplishments on Legislation
October to December 2010
START Treaty: This bill reduces the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals in verifiable ways.
Unemployment Insurance: A 13 month extension for unemployed workers and their families was included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Passed in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, this keeps millions of Americans from falling into poverty and reduces the severity of poverty for millions more.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: This bill reauthorizes child nutrition programs, was enacted on December 13. It provides $4.5 billion over 10 years for better child nutrition through more afterschool and summer meals, higher reimbursements to school lunch providers, improved administration of WIC and meals programs, including easier enrollment of children, and more funding for WIC program improvements.
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: This food safety law will preserve local control for small farms and processing. Included in this bill is a Tester-Hagan amendment applies screens for geography, scale and direct sales to end users to define farms and small processing facilities that would not be subjected to industrial scale regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Rather existing state and local public health and sanitation laws will apply to these small businesses.
Burmese Political Prisoner: Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese prisoner, was freed in mid-November. Suu Kyi is a human rights and pro-democracy leader who had been held in detention or house arrest in Myanmar for 15 of the last 21 years. Amnesty International advocated for this Nobel Laureate over the course of two decades. Although she was recently barred from participating in the first elections her country has held in 20 years, we welcome the news of her freedom.
Smith coal plant in KY: The Smith plant was cancelled in November. The coal-burning power plant proposed by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) was cancelled by the utility. EKPC entered into an agreement with KFTC (KY For The Commonwealth), the Kentucky Environmental Foundation, the Sierra Club, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General and a number of its customers, committing to halt its plans for two proposed coal-burning power plants in Clark County, one that’s already under construction and a second it planned for the future. Additionally, EKPC committed $125,000 toward a collaborative effort in which the public interest groups, EKPC and its member co-ops, and other parties will work together to evaluate and recommend new energy efficiency programs and renewable energy options.
Offshore Oil Drilling: Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar announced in December that there would be no new offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for the next five years.
Glacier National Park and Oil Drilling: Oil companies voluntarily gave up plans to drill on more than 80% of the area near Flathead River Valley. Thousands of signatures were sent to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar and many organized in preparation for hearings and other events.
START Treaty: This bill reduces the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals in verifiable ways.
Unemployment Insurance: A 13 month extension for unemployed workers and their families was included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Passed in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, this keeps millions of Americans from falling into poverty and reduces the severity of poverty for millions more.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: This bill reauthorizes child nutrition programs, was enacted on December 13. It provides $4.5 billion over 10 years for better child nutrition through more afterschool and summer meals, higher reimbursements to school lunch providers, improved administration of WIC and meals programs, including easier enrollment of children, and more funding for WIC program improvements.
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: This food safety law will preserve local control for small farms and processing. Included in this bill is a Tester-Hagan amendment applies screens for geography, scale and direct sales to end users to define farms and small processing facilities that would not be subjected to industrial scale regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Rather existing state and local public health and sanitation laws will apply to these small businesses.
Burmese Political Prisoner: Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese prisoner, was freed in mid-November. Suu Kyi is a human rights and pro-democracy leader who had been held in detention or house arrest in Myanmar for 15 of the last 21 years. Amnesty International advocated for this Nobel Laureate over the course of two decades. Although she was recently barred from participating in the first elections her country has held in 20 years, we welcome the news of her freedom.
Smith coal plant in KY: The Smith plant was cancelled in November. The coal-burning power plant proposed by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) was cancelled by the utility. EKPC entered into an agreement with KFTC (KY For The Commonwealth), the Kentucky Environmental Foundation, the Sierra Club, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General and a number of its customers, committing to halt its plans for two proposed coal-burning power plants in Clark County, one that’s already under construction and a second it planned for the future. Additionally, EKPC committed $125,000 toward a collaborative effort in which the public interest groups, EKPC and its member co-ops, and other parties will work together to evaluate and recommend new energy efficiency programs and renewable energy options.
Offshore Oil Drilling: Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar announced in December that there would be no new offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for the next five years.
Glacier National Park and Oil Drilling: Oil companies voluntarily gave up plans to drill on more than 80% of the area near Flathead River Valley. Thousands of signatures were sent to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar and many organized in preparation for hearings and other events.
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