Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: Individuals are invited to sign a petition to protect the forests of India. The petition states, “Forests in India are a No Go area and Minister Pranab Mukherjee should hold a public consultation before taking a decision on allowing mining in these forests.” (International action is available.)

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution for FY 2011 passed the House late last week. Call and urge U.S. Senators to preserve poverty focused domestic and international assistance as it is morally unacceptable to balance the budget on the backs of poor people. Additionally, urge them to provide a short-term resolution to fund the government past March 4 at current funding levels.

Challenging Unjust Government: Workers basic rights are under attack in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. Sign a pledge showing our leaders that we stand in solidarity no matter our religion.

Other Potential Actions:
Urge Senators to vote no on any attempt to undermine the Clean Air Act and ensure that EPA has the ability to fully protect God's creation.

We have no time to lose -- the people of Libya are being slaughtered by their own government. Send a message directly to all the UN Security Council delegations to stop the violence.

On February 17, the United Farm Workers (UFW) and 17 2workers became defendants in a lawsuit filed by Ruby Ridge Dairy. It is clear that the intent of this lawsuit is to quiet the worker and get the UFW to stop supporting them. Stand in solidarity with worker rights.

Pennsylvania Residents: Individuals are invited to participate in advocacy action from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference website.

Constituents of Congressman John Yarmuth: Individuals are encouraged to thank Congressman Yarmuth for his courage and powerful statement in opposing mountaintop removal late last week.

Louisville, KY: On February 25, a series of events will take place with regard to Palestine and the Middle East. A Protest in Solidarity with the people of Hebron will be held at the U of L Belknap campus Humanities Building Courtyard from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Also at 2:00 p.m. a panel on the events in the Middle East and their potential impact will be held at Bellarmine University (Hillary's room in Horrigan Hall). Lastly from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a talk on the "Universal Decimation of Human Rights in Palestine” will be given by Brett McGrath at Spalding University in the Egan Leadership Center (901 South Fourth Street).

Louisville, KY: On March 5th the Greater Louisville Sierra Club will co-sponsor the Wild and Scenic Film Festival hosted by KY Waterways Alliance at the Clifton Center (2117 Payne St) in Louisville. Tickets are $10. More information can be found here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women: Sign a petition that will increase funding support for African women who work the land and are thus able to increase food production.

Care of Earth: Urge President Obama to instruct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to immediately ban Monsanto’s GMO alfalfa, GMO sugar beets and now industrial GMO ethanol corn to ensure that the organic industry is protected from genetic contamination and loss of profits.

Confronting unjust government practices: Mubarak is out and his assets are leaving with him leaving the Egyptian economy in further ruins. Urge world governments to freeze Mubarak’s assets before they disappear into a maze of obscure bank accounts.

Other Potential Actions:
Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates has proposed cuts of close to $200 billion for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. However, the latest proposal would cut $100 billion from the budget for the next seven months with the majority harming vulnerable populations. Send a message to U.S. Representatives urging her/him to ensure the safety and security of all Americans when it comes to funding programs in the budget like housing, substance abuse treatment, education and job training.

Urge Federal Legislators to continue funding for the Public Broadcasting System and National Public Radio.

Wendell Berry and thirteen other individuals brought national attention to mountaintop removal and coal mining this past weekend. U.S. citizens are invited to call Representatives (202.224.3121) and urge them to oppose a budget bill with amendment #109 (would remove Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to evaluate mountaintop removal permits) and #216 (would remove EPA’s ability to veto “drudge and fill” permits that do not meet Clean Water Act standards.

Urge members of Congress to oppose the assault on clear air programs that save lives, encourage innovation and grow our economy.

Food prices have been rising dramatically around the world with the price of wheat and corn nearly doubling in some regions. Yet, the House of Representatives have proposed eliminating food aid for 18 million of the world’s poorest and hungriest people, including 2.5 million children. Urge Congress to keep aid for food during these times of increasing food prices.

Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1) to fund the federal government for the remainder of FY 2011 contains legislation that would drastically reduce funding U.S. contributions to the United Nations. Urge legislators to oppose this reduction of funds for the United Nations.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Governments: Urge Ohio Governor Kasich to take a public stand and do everything he can to right the injustice against Kelley Williams-Bolar. The punishment in her case is vastly disproportionate to the crime she committed. More information is located there also.

In the Spirit of St. Vincent who sided with those whom are poor: Urge federal Representatives to protect vital affordable housing as they work to prepare a FY 2011 Budget at AND urge Senators and Representatives to demonstrate how America values those living in poverty through their work on the budget.

Care of Earth: A new Facebook data center is about to commence powered by coal. Urge Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg to go green by using renewable energy to power the network by Earth Day 2011.

Other Potential Actions:
Urge the U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice to support the United Nations Resolution on Israeli settlements at

Urge U.S. Ambassadors Johnnie Carson and Jerry P. Lanier to investigate the death of Ugandan activist David Kato and ensure that justice is served in addition to the Ugandan government taking immediate action to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. (International Action is available)

Urge federal Representatives to support keeping the United Nations and New York City safe by opposing legislation that would call for funds to be pulled away from protecting the United Nations Headquarters against terrorist attacks.

Recently, genetically engineered Salmon, Alfalfa, and sugar beets have been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. Ask President Obama to stand up to Monsanto and corporate agribusiness in implementing fair farm rules

The Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on U.S. healthcare issues has released a nine-minute animated video entitled “Health Reform Hits Main Street” that explains the new law in simple terms.

Louisville: A Vigil for Peace is being held on Sunday, February 13 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Douglas loop. Bring a candle and a sign with big letters as we remember the approaching 8th anniversary of the war in Iraq. This vigil provides opportunities to emphasize lost opportunities and misplaced resources that war represents.

Frankfort, KY: On February 16, HB 182, filed by Rep. Darryl Owens, will be heard. This bill calls for a rate cap of 36% on payday loans. Call 800.372.7181 to urge senators and representatives to cap payday loans at 36%.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Care of Earth: Send a comment to the Environmental Protection Agency expressing support of its timeline to begin curbing carbon pollution

Child Labor: Urge David West, Hershey’s CEO (100 Crystal A Drive; Hershey, PA 17003) to commit to keeping exploitative child labor out of its supply chain. A scorecard on chocolate brands is also available.

Challenging Unjust Corporate Systems: Send a message to the 21 major manufacturers of electronic devices urging them to use minerals in their products that are not mined in conflict.

Challenging Unjust Corporate Systems: Urge Walmart to be a responsible corporate citizen through the creation of high quality jobs if it wishes to reside in our neighborhoods.

Immigrants: Sign a petition asking the Department of Homeland Security to clear up the bureaucratic issues regarding Pedro's case and return this father to his family. Pedro was brought to the US as an eight-year-old child and married a U.S. citizen when old enough now having a family too.

Other Potential Actions:
Thank President Obama for his Administration’s work to ensure a peaceful referendum in Sudan and urge him to remain actively engaged during this post-referendum period.

With regard to the events in Egypt, United for Peace and Justice invites individuals to call the White House at 202.456.1111. Share the message that Mubarak must go, military aid is to be halted, support free and fair elections and stop the violence against the people.

Demand jail time for the heat death of farm laborer 17-year old Maria Isabel.

America’s working families and business community stand united in supporting President Obama’s call to create jobs and grow our economy through investment in infrastructure: roads, bridges, high-speed broadband, energy systems and schools. Urge Congress to set aside differences and get this done.

Help build the momentum for fair food by signing the Fair Farm Bill Vision.

Ask legislators in the 112th Congress to take advantage of opportunities to reduce hunger.

KY: On February 8, those opposing Senate Bill 6 (comparable to AZ SB 1070) will gather at the Capitol in Frankfort for speaking to legislators and to attend a rally. Individuals will gather around 9 a.m. with the rally beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Action Alert

February 2011
Walking Gently on Earth

• What images and questions come to mind as the phrase above is read?
• How has there been celebration at what has been and is being done
• What reflections exist in need of greater clarification with regard to food security, food sovereignty, climate change, water, genetically modified organisms and sustainable development?
• How can each individual enter into deeper action as a result of continued nurturing of spirituality and education of the above topics?
  

In Caritas in Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI states, “The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility toward those whom are poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole…Our duties toward the environment are linked to our duties toward the human person, considered in (herself/)himself and in relationship to others. It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other.” (48, 51)

To acknowledge the gift of Earth and nurture a relationship with Earth is to foster a foundation for actions toward Earth and all creation. Actions, whether conscious or unconscious, indicate beliefs, values, and assumptions. Fr. Diarmuid O’Murchu writes “A list of mental illness and the huge amount of stress that we suffer as humans are because of what we are doing to the planet, because of the ongoing destruction of the environment. Until we begin a new relationship with the cosmos around us, we can’t know how to relate meaningfully to anything, especially our own innermost being. Without this meaningful relationship between humans and the Earth, the planet suffers profoundly and so do we suffer grievously both physically and in our psyches as well.”

A book entitled, The Voice of the Earth by Theodore Roszak sketches the emerging field of eco-psychology. Eco-psychology examines the health of Earth in relationship to the health of humanity. In this book, Theodore asks, “Does it make much sense to aspire to health in the individual when her or his surrounding and sustaining environment is on the decline in every way?”

Thus, a consistent nurturing of relationship with Earth in our spiritual life can change our beliefs, attitudes and values and thus support a healthier self, Earth and cosmic community. What does it mean to cultivate a relationship with Earth?

• Spending time with Earth and creation so as to become one with all life
• Acknowledging and experiencing that all creation in physical form is Earth elements
• Gathering the wisdom of Earth and creation in such a way that “the dots” are connected between the sacredness of life and the challenges Earth and all life faces in surviving, especially those most vulnerable and those who live in poverty
• Learning about the bioregion (geographic region) you live in, understanding the ecosystem, watersheds, human and nonhuman communities
• Acting as a result of awareness in consumption habits, stewardship of resources, building and community designs, treatment of Earth and all creation, etc.
• Working for social change of self, others, and institutions to become more sustainable
  

Action: Reflect upon what I know with regard to food security, food sovereignty, climate change, water, genetically modified organisms and sustainable development. Where am I being called to deeper spirituality and action? What reasonable goal will I set for myself this year as a result of the above reflections and the emphasis on Care of Earth?

Some resources that enable this process for education of self and others include:

• Thomas Berry (Dream of the Earth, The Great Work, then co-authored with Brian Swimme The Universe Story: From the Primordial Flaring Forth to the Ecozoic Era, A Celebration of the Unfolding of the Cosmos)
• Eco-feminist resources located in Media Center engaged in by the SCN Congregation
• Prayers for the Earth by Elizabeth J. Roberts and Elias Amidon
• The Earth Charter
• The Green Bible
• Audiovisual resources include The End of Suburbia*, The Story of Stuff, Kilowatt Ours*, Blue Nuns Go Green, and Faces of Food, Inconvenient Truth*, The Great Turning, Thirst*, The Work that Reconnects (* indicates Media Center resource)
• http://www.newdream.org/
• http://www.greenpages.org/
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World Interfaith Harmony Week is February 1-7

In October 2010, the United Nation's General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to recognize World Interfaith Harmony Week annually during the first week of February. The initiative was sponsored by HM King Abdullah II of Jordan who states that World Interfaith Harmony Week is "not a call to water down one's faith but rather it's a call to respect our differences and personal beliefs and to unite around basic principles that people of all beliefs agree upon and to understand that harmony can only come if we build upon a solid foundation of dialogue that has "Love of God and love of the neighbor" as its core principle for engagement."

The official UN document:

• Reaffirms that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace;
• Proclaims the first week of February of every year the World Interfaith Harmony Week between all religions, faiths and beliefs;
• Encourages all States to support, on a voluntary basis, the spread of the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world's churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during that week, based on love of God and love of one's neighbor or on love of the good and love of one's neighbor, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions;
• Requests the Secretary-General to keep the General Assembly informed of the implementation of the present resolution.

Actions:

• Write a personal email or letter of support for this initiative and post it at http://www.worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/ at the appropriate place.
• Organize an event in your ministry or work on the first week of February to celebrate Interfaith Harmony Week.
• Consult the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations website to find inspiration to develop your own project for the 2011 World Interfaith Harmony Week.
• Join with others around the world during the week and host an interfaith meal at your parish or in your home. Bring together those of different faiths to share prayers, meditations, chants, intentions or music from different spiritual traditions. The goal of this program is to recognize and to create greater understanding and cooperation between those practicing the many different forms of human faith around the world.
• Take the time to inform yourself about the beliefs of another religious tradition.
• Visit a worship center of another religious tradition.
• More resources and ideas on how to celebrate the day are available and the United Religions Initiative is also preparing a toolkit to share ideas and resources.
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The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

The healthcare bill signed by the President in March 2010 was repealed by the House of Representatives on January 19, 2011. House members in the majority tag the bill as too costly and undermining job creation. Opposing this argument is data from the Congregessional Budget Office that estimates the repeal bill increases the deficit by $230 billion through 2021 and data from the Center for American Progress finding that 250,000 to 400,000 jobs would be lost annually if health reform is repealed.

This process of repeal can also be seen as an opportunity for education of how the original healthcare bill expands and improves the quality of healthcare for U.S. citizens. According to Catholic Health Association (CHA), the following improvements and expansions have already taken place:

• All individuals are exempt of life-time limits on coverage or cancellation of policy when sick.
• Children and young adults can stay on parents' health insurance plans until age 26.
• Children cannot be rejected because of any kind of illness or disability by insurance companies.
• Seniors with the Medicare "doughnut hole" for prescription drug costs, will be filled.
• Seniors with Medicare beneficiaries will receive free preventative care services (e.g. cancer and diabetes screenings), free annual wellness check-ups and personalized prevention plans.
• Small businesses have new tax credits make health insurance coverage more affordable.

Additionally, CHA identifies the following in the Affordable Care Act:

• Health insurance exchanges, which support private market competition, have been embraced by leaders in both parties.
• The law’s requirement that everyone have health insurance coverage dates back to the early 1990s, when several Republicans introduced legislation calling for a similar requirement.
• Allowing the purchase of health insurance across state lines was supported by Republican leadership during the reform debate and is allowable under the reform law.
• High-risk pools that provide coverage for those with pre-existing condition were favored by both parties during the reform debate.

Action: Continue to educate others whom you minister to, friends you share with, and those you meet with about the realities of the health care bill. Personal sharing of stories and the reality of health care keep individuals updated on the impact of this legislation.
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How will I stand in solidarity with the U.S. immigrant?

At least 13 states have introduced legislation comparable to the Arizona senate bill 1070 on immigration. That number could reach 25 states by the end of the year. States include: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia.

Listed below are websites that may be useful for education and advocacy to oppose such legislation on the immigrant population. Working with local immigration attorneys and the state Catholic Conference is also essential.

• USCCB Justice for Immigrants
• Center for American Progress
• Engaging Impasse with regard to immigration
• The Framing of Immigration
• Immigration Impact
• Presente

Action: What do I know about the state legislature in terms of how long it meets each year? Where can I find information about what the state legislature does? How will I know if Arizona copycat legislation exists with regard to immigrants? What actions am I willing to make to oppose this legislation?