Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Corporations: Add your name to a letter asking the Department of Justice to break up Monsanto. Monsanto’s control of the seed market is so high that over o0% of soybeans, cotton and sugarbeets grown in the U.S. contain patented genes by this company. There exists great tension in influencing the US Dept. of Agriculture, EPA, FDA, Congress and the White House on issues where such a large corporation controls so much.

Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Senators to invest in solutions that work at ending our addiction to oil, like better fuel efficiency standards and public transit, instead of spending billions in cash handouts to the oil industry.

Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Representatives to close loopholes for companies involved in hydraulic fracturing by disclosing chemicals pumped into the ground and through the protection of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Other Potential Actions:
Demand Egyptian officials investigate allegiations and stop torture and forced “virginity testing” on Egyptian women. (International Action Available)

Urge Costco to stop selling gold mined by children.

Stop the Columbia Free Trade Agreement.

Urge U.S. Senators to vote against any bill or amendment that blocks or delays the Clean Air Act’s protections from carbon pollution. (scroll down for action) Senator McConnell currently has an amendment to exempt carbon emissions from the Act and Senator Rockefeller has an amendment to delay controls on carbon emissions for two years.

Troy Davis, a gentleman on death row whose guilt is questionable, was denied appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court this week. Individuals are invited to sign a petition urging Georgia authorities not to execute Troy at Gather other signatures and fax a petition

A Fast for Hunger began March 28 and continues through April 24 in an effort to pray on behalf of people made vulnerable by budget cuts. More information is located here.

On April 4 to 11, the School of Americas Watch is organizing a fast for justice in the Americas, film screenings, lobby days, street art and street theater as well as a March and Direct Action (April 11) at the White House to Close the School of the Americas and to resist U.S. militarization. More information is located here.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Challenging Unjust Corporations: Urge Reynolds’ CEO Daniel Delen to end human rights abuses in tobacco fields through engaging in dialogue with farmworkers to work for real solutions.

Working for Peace: The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have cost over $3 trillion and no end is in sight. While some are branding a new war, urge Congress not to engage in war with Libya.

Water curriculum entitled, Take Back the Tap is located here.

Other Potential Actions
Urge U.S. legislators to oppose the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act that threatens rights to buy safe food and products, a safe and fair work environment, clean air and drinking water, affordable health care and a stable economy. You may need to scroll down the page to take action.

Urge U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (1.202.720.3631, charges apply) and President Obama (1.202.456.1111, charges apply) to stand up for the Conservation Stewardship Program and Wetlands Reserve Program that rewards farmers for conservation and protection of land. Rather, consider cutting production subsidies (at approximate $5 billion/year) that go to individuals without regard to need or even crop price levels. These subsidies often harm farmers in developing countries who have to sell their crops for less price than is needed to raise the crop.

The Philips Luminaires lighting fixture plant in Sparta, TN, has been recognized as one of the top manufacturing facilities in North America. Write Philips CEO Gerard Kleisterlee urging him to keep the lights on at this profitable plant and save American jobs.

Tax bill Awareness: Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Fairness in Taxation Act that asks the very rich to pay their fair share by enacting new tax brackets for income starting at $1 million and ending with a $1 billion bracket. Separately in the Senate, Senator Sanders has introduced a different tax increase bill worth watching.

On April 4 to 11, the School of Americas Watch is organizing a fast for justice in the Americas, film screenings, lobby days, street art and street theater as well as a March and Direct Action (April 11) at the White House to Close the School of the Americas and to resist U.S. militarization. More information is located here.

While the current horrendous disaster in Japan is not about bomb-making there is a connection between nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. A 2010 documentary entitled The Bomb has recently been released.

Louisville, KY: On April 3 from 3 to 5 p.m., a Candle Lighting/Silent Vigil and concert fundraiser will take place at Unity of Louisville (757 South Brook Street) to honor the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan and to raise funds to help them. All are encouraged to watch for events in their geographic area.

Advocacy Accomplishments

January to March 2011

In January, 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.

Wendell Berry and thirteen other individuals brought national attention to mountaintop removal and coal mining in mid-February. Additionally, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY) gave a courageous and powerful statement opposing mountaintop removal in the House of Representatives.

In mid-February, the largest florist in the world, 1-800-Flowers agreed to begin selling Fair Trade flowers and insist on a strong code of conduct for all their suppliers to counteract the deplorable working conditions that thousands of female flower workers face in South America. They’ve promised to offer Fair Trade flowers in time for Mother's Day.

In early March, the world’s largest retail manufacturer of chocolate, Mars Chocolate took its responsibility to cocoa farmers very seriously and announced that all MARS® Bars manufactured in Australia will now select only cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. This move brings us another step closer to our goal of becoming the first global chocolate company to source its entire cocoa supply from sustainably managed sources by 2020.

Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois signed legislation to abolish the death penalty in March.

In Kentucky, SB 6 (an anti-immigrant bill) was not passed. Neither was HB 3 that would have required public employers to use the federal employment verification programs and prohibit hiring undocumented persons.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: This past week, Delta Airlines has signed The Code of Conduct that specifically focuses on the protection of children from sexual exploitation in the travel and tourism industries. We thank Delta Airlines for their leadership as the first U.S. air carrier to prevent and mitigate child trafficking, as well as encourage a socially responsible, child-wise tourism industry

In solidarity with those challenging governments: With the recent earthquake/tsunami and nuclear emergency in Japan, our awareness has been heightened on nuclear reactors. Many countries are learning lessons from Japan. Two nuclear plants are being planned for in India near Jaitapur and Maharashtra (earthquake prone zones). Support the people in Jaitapur who do not want the nuclear plant in urging the government to oppose the nuclear plant. For U.S. citizens - urge President Obama to end taxpayer support for the nuclear industry and work toward safe and clean alternatives.

Protecting Water: The practice of hydraulic fracking (to obtain natural gas) is destroying drinking water, waterways and the health of communities. Protect water by joining others in calling for a ban on gas drilling Additionally, scientists are concerned about the greenhouse gas emissions in the methods used to obtain the natural gas.

Challenging Unjust Structures: The NAFTA-style Korean trade deal moving to Congress would increase sweatshop abuses and decrease support for manufacturing in the United States. Urge U.S. Representatives to vote NO on the Korea trade deal.

Other Potential Actions

Many refugees and migrants are stranded at the border between Libya and Tunisia as the Libyan crisis continues. While many countries are pledging humanitarian aid and resources, more countries are needed to share responsibility in resettling refugees. The U.S. is already processing refugees while the European Union (EU) has yet to make any commitment to protecting refugees. Urge the EU not to abandon Libyan refugees.

The latest proposed FY 2011 short-term continuing budget resolution, H.J. Res 48, would cut current spending levels by $6 billion and funds government through April 8. This bill has passed the House and the Senate will vote today. This bill poses a great danger to vital safety net programs and the poor and vulnerable people who depend on them. Contact Senators today reminding them that short-term resolutions are jeopardizing the safety and security of all Americans. A message to be edited by clicking here.

Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (1.202.647.5291; charges apply) to demand that the Bahrain and Saudi governments immediately stop the violent repression of protesters and impose an arms embargo on both as long as US military hardware is being used against non-violent protesters (in violation of the Arms Export Control Act).

On the anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act (Health care reform), individuals are invited to sign a petition, “What I like about Health Care Reform.” Deadline for signatures is March 21 as the petition will be delivered to Congress on March 23.

KY: To commemorate the 8th Anniversary of the Iraq War, the Louisville Peace Action Community invites individuals to bring signs and friends on March 18th from 3 to 6 p.m. to the corner of 6th and Jefferson (Jefferson County Courthouse). For more information contact Harold Trainer at hatcom1@insightbb.com or 502.387.9490

Resources from the Archdiocese of Hartford on Care of Creation for Lent include bulletin thoughts and prayers of the faithful among other items.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: Governor Pat Quinn has signed a bill that will abolish the death penalty in Illinois. Send a thank you

U.S. FY 2011 Budget is still trying to be worked out. The Senate Continuing Resolution takes a far more responsible path toward reigning in our federal budget deficit than H.R. 1 and protects both people and vital safety nets. Individuals are invited to call U.S. Senators at toll free 866.338.1015 or 888.245.0215 or write Senators telling them how individuals will be hurt with these cuts at Here is a link where you can see the possible effects that H.R. 1 would have on your state.

Afghanistan Troop Withdrawal: In November 2009, President Obama announced a withdrawal of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in July 2011. Individuals are invited to urge U.S. Representatives to sign a letter to President Obama urging commitment to the timeline. Adapt a message and then send an email

Care of Earth, Care of Self: Urge Congress to ensure that chemicals are safe before they end up in products we use, the air we breathe, the water we drink and ultimately, our bodies.

Other Potential Actions:

The Governor of Utah is considering signing the first Arizona copycat legislation in the country, along with other immigration measures. Considered together, these bills would constitute the most aggressive state-based regulation of immigration to date and a direct challenge to the longstanding constitutional principle that the regulation of immigration is an exclusively federal power. Contact Governor Gary R. Herbert urging him not to sign this legislation or leave a message at 1.800.705.2464 (toll free).

Urge President Obama to reject the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and to focus instead on clean, safe energy alternatives.

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has a Lenten calendar

As the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (healthcare legislation) becomes a reality, concerned citizens are invited to remain vigilant as state budgets challenge implementation. The numerous waivers from the Department of Health and Human Services need to be examined for appropriate implementation and not a delay of implementation or exemption from implementation. States are currently working on Health Insurance Exchanges. Resources can be found here.

Water and Louisville, KY: On March 15th, Tim Guilfoile will be at the Clifton Center to discuss urban and global water issues. Information on training for water testing will also be shared.

KY: To commemorate the 8th Anniversary of the Iraq War, the Louisville Peace Action Community invites individuals to bring signs and friends on March 18th from 3 to 6 p.m. to the corner of 6th and Jefferson (Jefferson County Courthouse). For more information contact Harold Trainer at hatcom1@insightbb.com or 502.387.9490

KY: To mark the Spring Equinox, a Sacred Celebration will be held on March 19th at 7 p.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church (330 N. Hubbards Lane). The event is free and open to the public.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: As the world’s largest retail manufacturer of chocolate, Mars Chocolate takes its responsibility to cocoa farmers very seriously and we are proud to announce that all MARS® Bars manufactured in Australia will now select only cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. This move brings us another step closer to our goal of becoming the first global chocolate company to source its entire cocoa supply from sustainably managed sources by 2020.

Care of Earth: Support the Environmental Protection Agency’s New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) that would limit the amount of carbon big polluters can emit.

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Urge U.S. Senators to protect low and moderate-income Americans through rejection of proposed cuts in H.R.1 that the House passed on February 19. Click to see how the proposed cuts could affect people.

Challenging corporations to engage in Earth Sustainability: Urge Wal-Mart and SuperValu to clean up their act and save the oceans by developing a real sustainable seafood policy at

Death Penalty Legislation in IL: Call 1.312.814.2121 or 1.217.782.6830 (neither are toll-free) to urge Governor Pat Quinn to sign SB 3539, a bill to abolish the death penalty in Illinois.

Other Potential Actions:
Sign a petition to UK leaders urging them NOT to allow Rupert Murdoch to purchase nearly half of British media.

Individuals are invited to sign a letter to Congress calling for U.S. leadership in working for peace in the Middle East at

The Investing in Our Future Act would place a 0.005% micro tax on big-time international currency gambling to raise funds for global public goods. This bill would generate $5 billion/ year for global health, climate change preparation in poor countries and childcare for low-income Americans. Urge Representatives to co-sponsor this legislation.

Watch The Story of Stuff Project’s latest film, The Story of Citizens United v. FEC: Why Democracy Only Works when People are in Charge

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.

Care of Earth and Louisville, KY: Louisville Green Convene will be hosting KFTC members and State Representative Mary Lou Marzian at their upcoming Community Meeting on March 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Clifton Center in Louisville. They will be holding a discussion on our proposed clean energy legislation. This meeting is open to the public and refreshments will be provided by Heine Bros. Coffee.

Action Alert

March 2011
Challenging Corporations to Demonstrate Care of Earth

In SCN efforts to Care for Earth and to challenge unjust practices of corporations, the Charity Federation brings us an update on the United Nations' work at stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In July of 2010, in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1925, MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) took over the peacekeeping mission from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation. This new mission has been authorized to use all necessary means to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.

Conflicts continue to arise as armed groups, including the Congolese national army, battle for control of natural resources and prey on local populations. This ongoing war is exacerbating regional instability, giving rise to some of the most heinous violence and sexual abuse in human history, and displacing hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians.

Congolese mines are often controlled by armed groups and militias. These groups smuggle the minerals out of the country to smelting companies on other continents, which means the origin of the minerals can often be masked even from the company commissioning the product. Last August, Congo’s president announced a ban on all artisanal mining in eastern Congo. The ruling has not been enforced by the country’s national military and has negatively affected the citizens who work in the mines as a main source of income.

The primary minerals extracted from eastern Congo are essential to the electronics devices that individuals use and depend on every day. These minerals are central to the technologies that have allowed cultures to thrive and that drive businesses, communications infrastructure, social engagement and national security. As a consumer of these products, each of us must take note and question what it is that can be done to care for Earth when challenging these unjust practices.

Reflection/Actions:

• Reflect upon the reality presented in this sharing. What do I consider before I make a purchase that includes natural resources extracted from Earth? How often do I think about borrowing or finding a used product? How might I be able to determine if fair labor practices were used to produce the product? How can I determine what parts of this product can be recycled? How will I share this with others who may not know this information?
• The Enough Project has developed a ranking system in an effort to provide consumers with information needed to purchase responsibly and to encourage companies to continue to move forward in good faith.
• According to Raise Hope for Congo, more than 5.4 million people have died from the continuous wars that ravage the Congo. Raise Hope for Congo urges people to tell companies that they want conflict free products. 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.
• Citizens of the United States can urge federal legislators (202.224.3121) to implement regulations to the Congo minerals law that will reduce and end the illegal mineral trade and fund MONUSCO sufficiently and mandate it to provide civilian security.
• Pray with our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who suffer from armed conflicts, whose natural resources are unjustly taken, and whose daily safety and existence are met with struggles.
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  This year marks the global centenary since the first International Women’s Day event was held. According to the website for International Women's Day, in 1911, more than one million women and men attended rallies. The first international agreement to proclaim gender equality as a basic human right was the Charter of the United Nations signed in San Francisco in 1945. In the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth congregation, one of the recent General Assembly Directives guides attention to that of “becoming a prophetic congregation, living radically, ministering on the margins and addressing the rightful place of women in church and society.”
  
  Reflection/Actions:

• As I reflect upon this directive from the General Assembly, what does it mean for me to empower women to embrace their rightful place in church and society?
• What role does culture have in this empowering?
• How aware am I of the “herstory” in church? In the culture(s) where I live and/or minister?
• What church and social systems have been changed as a result of empowerment?
• Pray together with women, daughters, sisters and friends.
• Integrate gender work into the presentations, storytelling and ministry of which you are part of.
• Get youth involved in support of the Millennium Development Goals especially those that promote gender equality and empower women and girls.
• Visit the United Nations CyberSchoolBus website for International Women’s Day Curriculum."
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The theme for World Water Day is Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge. In recent years, the majority of the world population has shifted from living in the rural areas to that of becoming urban. According to a United Nations Water and Urbanization media brief, most of this growth is the result of more births, the reclassifying of rural areas to be included as part of the urban ones and migration from rural to urban areas. While each region of the world differs greatly in the number of people living in urban areas, there is much strain that is being put on the need for water and sanitation in addition to many other issues. Without adequate drinking water and sanitation, an abundance of diseases keep the realization of the Millennium Development Goals at a distance. These goals include that of reducing child mortality and that of combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Reflection/ Action: In the SCN corporate stand on water, it states that we “oppose actions and policies that deprive humans and other species access to adequate, safe water essential for life.”

• What specific actions have I taken recently that reduce water consumption and promote water as a common good?
• Where have I observed water being wasted? What have I done or tried to do about it?
• What actions related to urban development have hindered access to water?
• What plan of action do I have for informing those who have power to make honest decisions on behalf of the common good? How does this plan involve collaborating with others?
• How aware am I of any planning between cities and communities with regard to water needs in my geographic region?
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U.S. Continuing Resolution for FY 2011

It appears as though another continuing resolution (other than H.R.1) will be passed by the House and Senate giving negotiators until March 18 to write legislation for the rest of FY 2011. According to the Coalition on Human Needs, H.R.1 reflected the “largest cuts, on an annualized basis, in non-defense discretionary funding in history.” Those harmed most by the bill would include children, low-income people, seniors, disabled individuals, college students, poor households in public housing, households in need of heat and veterans to name a few. Many other programs would be terminated. According to the Coalition on Human Needs, more than $65 billion would be slashed in the next seven months.

The proposed continuing resolution that would expire on March 18 is located here. The "new" bill seeks to cut/terminate programs and earmarks. A complete list is located on the House Appropriations website.

Action: Individuals are invited to pray and persevere in staying informed about the legislation. Individuals are invited to contact their federal Senators urging them to stand strong in protecting low-income Americans and others suffering with the recession by opposing legislation with severe cuts to programs for low-income people.