The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. The 2011 film is directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page.
Down To Earth Magazine published in India. Website is located here.
Food Security: A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger is located here.
Water: An interactive global water stress map is located here. Click on each country to see its water stress ranking, and its water consumption as a percentage of its renewable supply.
The Journey of the Universe book has been released and is now available. A collaboration of Brian Thomas Swimme, Mary Evelyn Tucker, and John Grim, the Journey of the Universe project also includes a film (available late July 2011) and an educational series (available October 12, 2011).
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Human Trafficking: An 18-month FBI investigation discovered that Wyndham-owned hotels (Travelodge and Howard Johnson) were regularly used for child prostitution with the knowledge and even assistance of staff. Sign a petition urging Wyndham Hotel Group to sign an international child protection agreement for travel and tourism companies. (International Action available by clicking on ‘outside US’)
Immigration: Calling for an end to deportations, the Let My People Stay Campaign recently created public awareness at St. Xavier University in Chicago. The campaign calls for an end to deportations of undocumented migrants. Action in solidarity can be taken here (scroll down on right side to take action).
Water: Urge US Senators to co-sponsor the FRAC Act to protect water from hydraulic fracking.
Care of Earth: The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. The 2011 film is directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page.
An Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit was captured when he was 19 by Palestinian groups. His parents have proof their son was alive in October 2009 and this Saturday marks the fifth year since Gilad was first held in secret detention. Urge Palestinian leaders to show proof that Gilad is alive and being treated well.
An interactive global water stress map is available. Click on each country to see its water stress ranking, and its water consumption as a percentage of its renewable supply.
Urge U.S. federal legislators to oppose the Columbian Free Trade Agreement by calling 202.224.3121. Afro-Columbian trade unionists recently visited Washington to share with members of Congress their struggles to better working and living conditions.
The US Bishops send a gentle reminder to fast on first Fridays and to eat meals that cost only as much as is allotted for a family of your size by the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan. This plan is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps). The “cutting back” that is likely to remain “in budget” is considered a form of fasting.
A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger is located here.
Immigration: Calling for an end to deportations, the Let My People Stay Campaign recently created public awareness at St. Xavier University in Chicago. The campaign calls for an end to deportations of undocumented migrants. Action in solidarity can be taken here (scroll down on right side to take action).
Water: Urge US Senators to co-sponsor the FRAC Act to protect water from hydraulic fracking.
Care of Earth: The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. The 2011 film is directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page.
An Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit was captured when he was 19 by Palestinian groups. His parents have proof their son was alive in October 2009 and this Saturday marks the fifth year since Gilad was first held in secret detention. Urge Palestinian leaders to show proof that Gilad is alive and being treated well.
An interactive global water stress map is available. Click on each country to see its water stress ranking, and its water consumption as a percentage of its renewable supply.
Urge U.S. federal legislators to oppose the Columbian Free Trade Agreement by calling 202.224.3121. Afro-Columbian trade unionists recently visited Washington to share with members of Congress their struggles to better working and living conditions.
The US Bishops send a gentle reminder to fast on first Fridays and to eat meals that cost only as much as is allotted for a family of your size by the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan. This plan is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps). The “cutting back” that is likely to remain “in budget” is considered a form of fasting.
A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger is located here.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Good news: The Senate voted to end ethanol subsidies this past week. Individuals are invited to tell Secretary Tom Vilsack to support this position at the G20.
Immigrants: E-Verify allows employers to electronically verify workers’ employment eligibility with government data bases that can be with error. Urge federal legislators to block expansion of E-Verify that does not include comprehensive immigration reform (see directions at top of page).
Call (202.456.111 (charges apply)) or email Vice President Biden urging him to find ways to increase revenue as negotiations continue with regard to the deficit. Encourage him to invest in public works that create jobs that reduce the number on safety-net programs and reduce unemployment benefits. Thus revenue will increase as the newly employed pay income, Medicare and payroll taxes.
Urge Governor Jerry Brown to sign The Fair Treatment of Farm Workers Act (SB 104) that makes it easy for farm workers to have a union and allows farm workers to enforce the laws themselves (look for SB 104 on web page).
Call President Obama to impose serious consequences on the Government of Sudan, freeze assets of its leaders and their businesses, and expand war crimes investigations by calling 1.800.GENOCIDE (no charge)
Urge President Obama and Congress to stand for human rights and apologize for the terrible mistreatment that Maher Arar suffered in Syria.
Movement for a constitutional amendment is growing to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC. Sign a petition for an amendment (left side of screen).
Sign an open letter to the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency asking to restore Blair Mountain’s status on the National Register of Historic Places and protect it from destruction by mountaintop removal coal mining.
Call and urge federal legislators (202.224.3121, charges apply) to reject Medicaid cuts in any form. Cuts to this program shift costs to states and transfer the burden to people with disabilities and seniors who are some of the most at risk in our society.
Call President Obama (202.456.1111, charges apply) urging him to ensure that the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture issues and enforces the new Packers and Stockyards livestock fairness rule now. The rule would enable family farmers and ranchers to information they need to make sound business decisions and obtain fair prices to keep families operating.
What does it mean to have collective bargaining rights? When workers are not at the table, much can go wrong as this video illustrates.
Congressman Yarmuth and Louisville: This week, the Courier Journal spoke about budget cuts to Kentucky’s only trout hatchery at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery near Jamestown. Contact Congressman Yarmuth at 582.5129 or 933.5863 (local numbers from constituents) to oppose this proposed budget cut because it hurts the economy of Kentucky.
Immigrants: E-Verify allows employers to electronically verify workers’ employment eligibility with government data bases that can be with error. Urge federal legislators to block expansion of E-Verify that does not include comprehensive immigration reform (see directions at top of page).
Call (202.456.111 (charges apply)) or email Vice President Biden urging him to find ways to increase revenue as negotiations continue with regard to the deficit. Encourage him to invest in public works that create jobs that reduce the number on safety-net programs and reduce unemployment benefits. Thus revenue will increase as the newly employed pay income, Medicare and payroll taxes.
Urge Governor Jerry Brown to sign The Fair Treatment of Farm Workers Act (SB 104) that makes it easy for farm workers to have a union and allows farm workers to enforce the laws themselves (look for SB 104 on web page).
Call President Obama to impose serious consequences on the Government of Sudan, freeze assets of its leaders and their businesses, and expand war crimes investigations by calling 1.800.GENOCIDE (no charge)
Urge President Obama and Congress to stand for human rights and apologize for the terrible mistreatment that Maher Arar suffered in Syria.
Movement for a constitutional amendment is growing to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. FEC. Sign a petition for an amendment (left side of screen).
Sign an open letter to the National Park Service and the Environmental Protection Agency asking to restore Blair Mountain’s status on the National Register of Historic Places and protect it from destruction by mountaintop removal coal mining.
Call and urge federal legislators (202.224.3121, charges apply) to reject Medicaid cuts in any form. Cuts to this program shift costs to states and transfer the burden to people with disabilities and seniors who are some of the most at risk in our society.
Call President Obama (202.456.1111, charges apply) urging him to ensure that the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture issues and enforces the new Packers and Stockyards livestock fairness rule now. The rule would enable family farmers and ranchers to information they need to make sound business decisions and obtain fair prices to keep families operating.
What does it mean to have collective bargaining rights? When workers are not at the table, much can go wrong as this video illustrates.
Congressman Yarmuth and Louisville: This week, the Courier Journal spoke about budget cuts to Kentucky’s only trout hatchery at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery near Jamestown. Contact Congressman Yarmuth at 582.5129 or 933.5863 (local numbers from constituents) to oppose this proposed budget cut because it hurts the economy of Kentucky.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
April 2011 to June 2011
Empowering Women: Charges were dropped for Saudi Arabian woman, Manal al-Sharif who was arrested for driving a car where it is illegal to do so. Hillary Clinton and Catharine Ashton (Europe’s top ambassador) both spoke out forcefully in favor of giving women the right to drive.
Challenging Unjust Governments: India’s government signed a written submission to all of Anna Hazare’s demands after she declared a fast unto death until the government agreed to let civil society draft a powerful new anti-corruption law.
Human Trafficking: Hilton Hotels have signed a code of conduct on the rape trade and employees will be trained to spot and prevent the horror of sex slavery of women and girls.
Care of Earth: In April the Senate defeated a series of pro-polluter amendments that would have gutted the Clean Air Act and to varying degrees block the Environmental Protection Agency from protecting Americans from dangerous air pollution.
Care of Earth: U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the protection of more than 1 million acres of public lands bordering Grand Canyon National Park from new mining claims and mineral exploration for the next 20 years.
Protecting Human Species: The U.S. House passed a ban prohibiting the patent of a human organism. The Senate version already passed did not contain the ban. A conference committee will reconcile the bills and alerts will be sent if more action is needed.
Confronting Unjust Systems: The U.S. FY 2011 budget passed in mid-April preserves nearly all funding for key programs fighting poverty in the developing world.
Confronting Unjust Systems: In May, the U.S. Senate rejected both Ryan’s Budget bill and Senator Toomey’s budget bill that would hurt low- and moderate- income people, cost millions of jobs, threaten the U.S. fragile economic recovery and leave millions without vital medical coverage.
Confronting Unjust Systems: In May, U.S. tobacco giant, Reynolds acknowledged that it had a responsibility to work with farmworkers to address human rights in their supply chain. It is important to continue the pressure for further action.
Challenging Unjust Governments: The U.S. Senate voted to end subsidies for corn ethanol in June.
Single Payer Healthcare: The U.S. state of Vermont became the first state to enact universal health care for all when Governor Peter Shumlin signed into law H. 202, “An act relating to a single-payer and unified health system.
Promoting Fair Trade: A New York rally entitled, “Raise the Bar, Hershey” had so many people show up to promote fair trade from Hershey that the space for the rally needed to be expanded. This rally included students learning about social justice in their classrooms.
Challenging Unjust Governments: India’s government signed a written submission to all of Anna Hazare’s demands after she declared a fast unto death until the government agreed to let civil society draft a powerful new anti-corruption law.
Human Trafficking: Hilton Hotels have signed a code of conduct on the rape trade and employees will be trained to spot and prevent the horror of sex slavery of women and girls.
Care of Earth: In April the Senate defeated a series of pro-polluter amendments that would have gutted the Clean Air Act and to varying degrees block the Environmental Protection Agency from protecting Americans from dangerous air pollution.
Care of Earth: U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced the protection of more than 1 million acres of public lands bordering Grand Canyon National Park from new mining claims and mineral exploration for the next 20 years.
Protecting Human Species: The U.S. House passed a ban prohibiting the patent of a human organism. The Senate version already passed did not contain the ban. A conference committee will reconcile the bills and alerts will be sent if more action is needed.
Confronting Unjust Systems: The U.S. FY 2011 budget passed in mid-April preserves nearly all funding for key programs fighting poverty in the developing world.
Confronting Unjust Systems: In May, the U.S. Senate rejected both Ryan’s Budget bill and Senator Toomey’s budget bill that would hurt low- and moderate- income people, cost millions of jobs, threaten the U.S. fragile economic recovery and leave millions without vital medical coverage.
Confronting Unjust Systems: In May, U.S. tobacco giant, Reynolds acknowledged that it had a responsibility to work with farmworkers to address human rights in their supply chain. It is important to continue the pressure for further action.
Challenging Unjust Governments: The U.S. Senate voted to end subsidies for corn ethanol in June.
Single Payer Healthcare: The U.S. state of Vermont became the first state to enact universal health care for all when Governor Peter Shumlin signed into law H. 202, “An act relating to a single-payer and unified health system.
Promoting Fair Trade: A New York rally entitled, “Raise the Bar, Hershey” had so many people show up to promote fair trade from Hershey that the space for the rally needed to be expanded. This rally included students learning about social justice in their classrooms.
Weekly Justice Highlights
Food Security: The House of Representatives will debate and vote this week on H.R. 2112 – Agriculture Appropriations for 2012. Urge Representatives to speak out against the provisions which would reduce access to food for members of our communities who are living in poverty – particularly children and the elderly.
Empowering Women: This Friday, June 17, women in Saudi Arabia will risk arrest by driving their own car. Help women win the right to go wherever they choose by urging key Saudi and U.S. decision makers
Other Potential Actions:
The situation in Southern Sudan continues to grow worse. Prayer for the Republic of South Sudan: God of Mercies, we thank you for your great love for us. We ask you to guide our leaders in the process of nation building. Grant them wisdom, compassion and fortitude. Loving God, give us courage to reject ethnic resentment as well as ethnic conflicts. Amen.
Urge federal legislators to stop Free Trade Agreements that prioritizes corporations ahead of people.
H.J Res 1, the proposed balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, is currently waiting for markup in the House Judiciary Committee. It is expected to pass the committee this week. Urge Representatives to oppose any balanced budget amendments that come to the floor.
The Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits and Services (“JOBS”) Act (HR 1745 and S. 904), sponsored by Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), would divert the $31 billion in federal funds authorized for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) payments to what they’ve called “better uses,” like tax cuts for corporations. Take action to prevent this.
Urge Senators to support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) that would require new chemicals to be tested for safety before reaching the market and require the EPA to identify chemicals known to be toxic to enforce their removal from products on the market.
The 9th Annual Youth Assembly at the UN will take place at UN Headquarters, August 3-5. This conference will bring together 600 youth leaders (16-24 yrs. old) from around the world and involve them in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. More information is available here.
The Last Mountain is a documentary focusing on the devastating effects of mountaintop coal removal in West Virginia’s Coal River Valley that demonstrates we are all connected to the ecological damage caused by the generation of electricity. With strong support from Bobby Kennedy Jr. and grassroots organizations, awareness is rising in the battle over Appalachian mountaintop mining. It was the official selection of the 2011 Sundance film festival with more information located here. The following are on the website: June 24 – June 30 in BOSTON at Kendall Square Cinema and at West Newton Cinema; July 22 – July 28 in PITTSBURGH with place TBA
Louisville: The Louisville Sustainable Living Fair will take place on June 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Rastetter Street (between Payne Street and Frankfort Ave). This is free and open to the community.
Empowering Women: This Friday, June 17, women in Saudi Arabia will risk arrest by driving their own car. Help women win the right to go wherever they choose by urging key Saudi and U.S. decision makers
Other Potential Actions:
The situation in Southern Sudan continues to grow worse. Prayer for the Republic of South Sudan: God of Mercies, we thank you for your great love for us. We ask you to guide our leaders in the process of nation building. Grant them wisdom, compassion and fortitude. Loving God, give us courage to reject ethnic resentment as well as ethnic conflicts. Amen.
Urge federal legislators to stop Free Trade Agreements that prioritizes corporations ahead of people.
H.J Res 1, the proposed balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, is currently waiting for markup in the House Judiciary Committee. It is expected to pass the committee this week. Urge Representatives to oppose any balanced budget amendments that come to the floor.
The Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits and Services (“JOBS”) Act (HR 1745 and S. 904), sponsored by Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT), would divert the $31 billion in federal funds authorized for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) payments to what they’ve called “better uses,” like tax cuts for corporations. Take action to prevent this.
Urge Senators to support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) that would require new chemicals to be tested for safety before reaching the market and require the EPA to identify chemicals known to be toxic to enforce their removal from products on the market.
The 9th Annual Youth Assembly at the UN will take place at UN Headquarters, August 3-5. This conference will bring together 600 youth leaders (16-24 yrs. old) from around the world and involve them in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. More information is available here.
The Last Mountain is a documentary focusing on the devastating effects of mountaintop coal removal in West Virginia’s Coal River Valley that demonstrates we are all connected to the ecological damage caused by the generation of electricity. With strong support from Bobby Kennedy Jr. and grassroots organizations, awareness is rising in the battle over Appalachian mountaintop mining. It was the official selection of the 2011 Sundance film festival with more information located here. The following are on the website: June 24 – June 30 in BOSTON at Kendall Square Cinema and at West Newton Cinema; July 22 – July 28 in PITTSBURGH with place TBA
Louisville: The Louisville Sustainable Living Fair will take place on June 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Rastetter Street (between Payne Street and Frankfort Ave). This is free and open to the community.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Empowering Peace: The international community is invited to urge President Obama to start troop withdrawal from Afghanistan next month. Additionally, urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor H.R. 1735, the Afghanistan Exit and Accountability Act.
Care of Earth: CNN has an ad portraying an Exxon Mobil geologist who makes hydrofracking – a dangerous, destructive process used to extract natural gas from rock. Watch the ad and urge CNN to remove the ad.
Care of Earth: Mountaintop removal mining is threatening one of our country's most historic sites, Blair Mountain -- the site of the largest labor uprising in U.S. history. Urge Randy Huffman, Director of the West Virginia DEP to save America's history from mountaintop removal.
Other Potential Actions:
The trial of 21 total opposition figures, seven in absentia, in Bahrain is politically motivated and unjust. Many of the defendants are likely to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, who should be released immediately and unconditionally. Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to speak out about these human rights abuses and to send an observer to the trial.
Urge U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to call for an investigation into the violence of the Sudanese Government attack on Abyei and hold the perpetrators responsible.
Urge U.S. Representatives to support the Housing Trust Fund and work to oppose any attempt to remove the authorization that was passed in July 2008 by editing a message.
Urge CA Governor Jerry Brown to protect farm workers by signing the recently passed Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act (SB 104) that will ensure the laws on the books become the laws in the fields.
FY 2012 Budget remains unresolved. The consistent message to members of Congress is protect the safety-net for our children, elders and those unable to work or find work. Talking points for creating a message are here.
Urge Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to allow Vermont to implement its better health care plan for universal coverage.
Louisville: The Louisville Sustainable Living Fair will take place on June 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Rastetter Street (between Payne Street and Frankfort Ave). This is free and open to the community.
Louisville: On June 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Jefferson Square Park (6th and Jefferson), MensWork is sponsoring a Dad's Rally in an effort to take a stand against dating violence and for gender respect. More information is found at http://www.mensworkinc.com/
Care of Earth: CNN has an ad portraying an Exxon Mobil geologist who makes hydrofracking – a dangerous, destructive process used to extract natural gas from rock. Watch the ad and urge CNN to remove the ad.
Care of Earth: Mountaintop removal mining is threatening one of our country's most historic sites, Blair Mountain -- the site of the largest labor uprising in U.S. history. Urge Randy Huffman, Director of the West Virginia DEP to save America's history from mountaintop removal.
Other Potential Actions:
The trial of 21 total opposition figures, seven in absentia, in Bahrain is politically motivated and unjust. Many of the defendants are likely to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, who should be released immediately and unconditionally. Urge Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to speak out about these human rights abuses and to send an observer to the trial.
Urge U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to call for an investigation into the violence of the Sudanese Government attack on Abyei and hold the perpetrators responsible.
Urge U.S. Representatives to support the Housing Trust Fund and work to oppose any attempt to remove the authorization that was passed in July 2008 by editing a message.
Urge CA Governor Jerry Brown to protect farm workers by signing the recently passed Fair Treatment for Farm Workers Act (SB 104) that will ensure the laws on the books become the laws in the fields.
FY 2012 Budget remains unresolved. The consistent message to members of Congress is protect the safety-net for our children, elders and those unable to work or find work. Talking points for creating a message are here.
Urge Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to allow Vermont to implement its better health care plan for universal coverage.
Louisville: The Louisville Sustainable Living Fair will take place on June 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Rastetter Street (between Payne Street and Frankfort Ave). This is free and open to the community.
Louisville: On June 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Jefferson Square Park (6th and Jefferson), MensWork is sponsoring a Dad's Rally in an effort to take a stand against dating violence and for gender respect. More information is found at http://www.mensworkinc.com/
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
June 2011
Genetically Modified Organisms and Food Sovereignty
The Universe Story shares with all species the interconnectedness and sacredness of creation and evolution over the billions of years to present day reality. Christians view the sacredness of the Universe Story as inspired by a Divine Creator that permeates all species. Yet, when the human species changes gene maps to form genetically modified organisms, what are the consequences for all species? What is the cost to food sovereignty?
Data suggests that research on the risks of genetically modified organisms is not transparent to the American public. This is not necessarily true in other countries. Many countries have banned GMOs in foods they consume as a result of these risks. Stephen Bartlett, author of Why the World Needs Food Sovereignty, defines food sovereignty as "the democratic control by communities of producers AND consumers over the agricultural system and markets, from production to food processing to distribution, guaranteeing an equitable and inclusive access to healthy, culturally appropriate food while maintaining the fertility and ecological sustainability of the land and its creatures.” Thus the question, “Do genetically modified organisms used in the food that is consumed by individuals really provide the option for food sovereignty?” Perhaps that depends on whom is making the choices and how it fits these criteria.
According to the documentary, The World According to Monsanto, 90% of GMOs are owned by Monsanto. Monsanto believes that genetically modified organisms result in no more harm than that of the natural (non-genetically altered) seed organism (i.e. principle of substantial equivalence). The corporation does not see genetic engineering as a food safety issue. Yet most of those who study GMOs realize that food, health, and ecosystems are at risk. As a result, food sovereignty is not easily obtained for individuals and communities unable to voice their choices for preference of food (i.e. natural or non-GMO food or GMO food). Furthermore, health concerns find difficulty in making their way into the public through the media who often are told how to present the story through a particular lens. Without further detail, non-fiction stories of industry and government actions used to perpetrate this belief are outlined by Jeffery M. Smith in Seeds of Deception.
Countries in need of food may reject food aid if the food is genetically modified. These countries do not desire to have genetically modified organisms "contaminating" their countries. Scientists have demonstrated GMOs contain toxins, produce allergies, generate new diseases and exhibit lack of control in the genetic engineering process (i.e. risks associated with gene alteration process). Thus this data leaves those who desire healthy, culturally appropriate food without this opportunity. Additionally, what country in need of food desires to intentionally embrace these concerns? As a consequence of this rather political process, scientists who challenge the biotech industry suffer much as a result. Smith creatively shares stories in Seeds of Deception that exemplify how the use of GMOs in the U.S. came about is more political than scientific. In no way is his intent to harm any person but rather to bring the facts to the consumer of food.
Individuals and communities concerned about health, food and ecosystems are highly encouraged to educate themselves on genetically modified organisms that end up in the foods consumed by citizens of our world. Most troubling is that of the process of genetic engineering and its consequences. The World According to Monsanto and Seeds of Deception call individuals to connect the complex issues of genetically modified organisms with nutrition, food sovereignty, health, ecosystems, media, and corporate and government relationships. Moreover, the Universe Story and the SCN mission to care for Earth challenge us to act in ways that nurture the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life such that food sovereignty is available to all.
Reflection/Actions:
• What do I know about genetically modified organisms within my country and what groups are working to oppose their presence?
• Care of Earth is part of the SCN Mission Statement. How have I challenged myself to live The Universe Story beyond reduce, reuse, and recycle? How is this demonstrated in purchases? Challenging of corporations and governments? Networking with others? Education of self and others? Ways that I connect complex issues to others?
• A Non-GMO Shopping Guide is located here.
• The Institute for Responsible Technology offers the most comprehensive source of GMO health risk information.
• The World According to Monsanto is located in the Media Center at Nazareth. A study guide is here.
• Seeds of Deception and Responsibile Technology are two websites for education on the issue.
• June 5 is World Environment Day. A prayer has been put together by the Carmelite NGO Office.
• June 8 is World Ocean's Day. The annual theme is Youth: the Next Wave for Change, 2011 &2012. Resources for use with students and currricula is available.
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Scarves for the Women in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Upon gathering at the recent Charity Federation Meeting in May, those attending were reminded of the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) who continue to suffer epidemic proportions of rape and other atrocities forced upon them.
In April, an Ursuline sister in the DRC shared at the United Nations the situation in the country at the time. Another sister recently interned at the United Nations. In a brief communication she proposed that those of us at the UN might garner support for fair and just elections that are scheduled to take place in November 2011. It is her belief that a change in government is of utmost importance if positive change is to happen in DRC. She sees government and military working together in the escalation of violence and unrest, especially in the case of violence against women.
One of the two sisters mentioned that the women enjoy wearing colorful scarves as head scarves. The NGO liaisons thought it a colorful, feminine action to collect pretty scarves for the women to wear. This July one of those sisters traveling to DRC will take with her some of the scarves from their Sisters in the United States. This will let the women in DRC know that we are in solidarity with them.
Action: Locate a colorful scarf that can be worn over the head to be shared with the women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Look for details on the SCN Newsline soon or send to Office of Global Ministries (% Joetta Venneman) PO Box 172 Nazareth, KY 40048 by June 15, 2011.
Prayer: “Christ our Peace, our hearts are heavy with grief as we hear of the sufferings of our sisters and brothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo who suffer again from armed conflicts which destroy the peace, safety and very existence of hundreds of thousands of your children. May our hearts and those of all involved in these conflicts heed the words “no more war” and choose instead to work together for a just society where all share in the many gifts of nature and ethnic richness of the Congolese nation. Inspire and move our hearts and minds to act for peace and justice, calling others to be peacemakers and helpers in responding to the needs of the people of Congo. We ask thin in your name and through your befriending Spirit.” Amen. (Source: www.educationforjustice.org)
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World Day Against Child Labor
On June 12, individuals and groups around the world are invited to gather support from local governments, businesses, media and civil society in opposition to child labor. The day has been highlighted since 2002 with the theme this year, “Warning! Children in hazardous work – End child labor.” The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 115 million children are involved in hazardous work. Over half of these children are exposed to the worst forms of child labor. The 2011 World Day Against Child Labor calls for urgent action to tackle the problem. The ILO website has resources that will assist you in taking up this important cause to bring about safely and protection for all children.
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June is Torture Awareness Month
The Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), a United Nations’ treaty created in 2002 requires participating nations to create mechanisms to prevent torture from occurring in detention centers, police stations and prisons. Unfortunately, only 57 nations have ratified the OPCAT as of mid-March 2011. While the United States has signed the Convention Against Torture treaty in 1994, it voted against OPCAT and has not signed nor ratified it. U.S. citizens may print a petition urging President Obama to sign OPCAT and the Senate to ratify it.
Additionally, new resources have been added to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. Among the new items are worship resources, an adult study guide on torture, advocacy resources and a study guide to accompany Reckoning With Torture.
Action: Citizens of all countries are urged to check on the ratification of this Protocol for their own country and urge ratification if it has not been taken. U.S. citizens are urged to download a petition and obtain signatures for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.
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