Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Women: Urge Maldives President Waheed to save a 15-year-old rape survivor who is now being whipped in public for “sex outside of marriage." (International action is available)

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Urge U.S. legislators to come to a just plan for funding the government in FY 2014 that increases revenue, cuts Pentagon spending even more, and protects people at the margins of society by ensuring basic needs are met.   

Care of Earth: Urge U.S. Senators to co-sponsor and support S. 332, the Climate Protection Act that sets a rising and predictable fee on carbon emissions that must be paid by producers and urge U.S. representatives to support legislation that promotes energy efficiency and places a cap on carbon pollution.  

Challenging Unjust Corporations: Earlier this month, student guestworkers brought in on visas to work at McDonald’s in Pennsylvania went on strike to blow the whistle on retaliation and labor abuse. The students alleged they had to work up to 25-hour shifts while earning less than the minimum wage, and faced threats of deportation if they spoke up.  Call (1.800.323.4903 OR 1.800.244.6227; NO charges apply) or stop in at McDonald’s and urge them to take responsibility for retaliation and labor abuse at all its restaurants. 

Challenging Unjust Structures: The Monsanto Protection Act (H.R. 933), recently signed by the President, strips federal courts of their power to restrict the use of genetically modified crops that they find have not undergone a complete environmental impact assessment from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.  Urge President Obama to issue an executive order to call for the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods.

Immigration: During Spring recess, let federal legislators know that you care deeply about compassionate comprehensive immigration reform that includes a commonsense path to citizenship; prioritizes family unity and addresses the particular needs of immigrant women; addresses the root causes of illegal immigration, including the brokenness of the current system; and includes funding for integration of new Americans. The Interfaith Immigration Coalition Neighbor to Neighbortoolkit has lots of helpful resources including: talking points, sample scripts, etc.  A message is available for editing is here. 

Promoting Peace:  Urge President Obama to agree on a global treaty to ban selling of weapons to those that commit genocide.   

Urge President Obama and Congress to close Guantanamo as soon as possible.   

Urge President Obama to refuse to sign any budget deal that cuts retirement benefits, and drop your proposal to cut Social Security benefits by using the “chained CPI” to reduce cost-of-living adjustments.   

Urge President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry to move quickly to appoint a Senior Envoy to the Great Lakes Region thus making Congo a higher priority.

Louisville:  The procession of the Stations of the Cross will begin at the Mazzoli Federal Building (7^th and Chestnut) on March 29 at 9:30 a.m. and end around 11:30 a.m. at Founders Square (5^th and Liberty St.)  

Louisville: An all you can eat pizza buffet to benefit the AIDS Interfaith Ministries of Kentuckiana will be held at Clifton’s Pizza Company (2230 Frankfort Ave.) on Monday, April 15 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased in advance for $12 (adults) and $15 at the door and includes free soft drinks.  Purchase tickets at our web site: www.AimKyOnline.org or email our store: AimKyStore@gmail.com

Louisville:  On April 18, Julie Driscoll, SCN and David Horvath will present, “Bridging the Divide/Creating Community with the People of Nicaragua,” at the Fellowship of Reconciliation and Interfaiths Path to Peace third Thursday luncheons.  The luncheon is hosted at The Rudyard Kipling (422 West Oak Street, Louisville) with a buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m.  Tickets are $7 with reservations from Cathy Ford (458.1223) or Polk Culpepper (948.2077) by the Tuesday before the lunch. 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Water:  Urge national parks to go bottled-water-free and say no to the bottled water industry attempts to “set up shop."

Earth Hour:  Join with others on March 23 at 8:30 local time in turning off the lights and observing Earth Hour.  How aware am I of the amount of electricity I use on a daily basis in addition to this one hour?

The March 2013 issue of Stop Trafficking co-sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is available on this website.   

Challenging Unjust Structures: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement continues to be created in secret with corporations benefiting and Americans losing as in prior trade agreements.  Action urging transparency is located here.      

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama to support a strong Arms Trade Treaty that keeps arms out of the hands of human rights abusers. (International action is available) 

Immigration: Immigration reform is struggling as large numbers of people are opposing reform.  Federal legislators need to hear for each of us.  Urge Congress to create a pathway to citizenship for the aspiring Americans already in the U.S. and protect family unity.   

Urge Members of Congress to increase funding for the United Nations’ Voluntary Fund that includes aiding victims of torture.  

The Senate budget resolution, Foundation for Growth: Restoring the Promise of American Opportunity (S Con.Res.8) introduced by Senate Budget Committee Chair Patty Murray, will face many amendments. Individuals are invited to email and call U.S. Senators  to only support amendments that promote fair methods of paying for our deficit that won't place the burden onto the backs of those at the margins of society. 

Care of Earth:  Urge the Obama Administration to oppose Keystone XL tar sands pipeline that would generate far more greenhouse emissions than conventional petroleum.   

Promoting Peace: With the recent 10^th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq, individuals are invited to urge President Obama to put Iraq back on the agenda by clearly articulating and supporting a long-term strategy of US diplomacy and assistance, including efforts to increase government accountability, strengthen civil society, and improve educational opportunities for the 20 million children of Iraq.

Urge CNN to suspend Candy Crowley and discipline staff responsible for dangerously flawed and apologist coverage of the Steubenville, OH rape. 

Tell your Congressional Representative that it is time to redirect aid for Colombia from a futile War on Drugs to peace and sustainable economies. 

Death Penalty: Sister Ilaria Buonriposi, a Comboni Sister currently working with the Catholic Mobilizing Network, would like to invite you to join a virtual group of folks committed to ending the death penalty in the United States.  If you are interested in, or working to abolish the death penalty in your state and every state, this Google Group would be a wonderful place to share information, exchange organizing ideas, ask questions, and support one another, simply send your name and email address to Sr. Ilaria Buonoriposi at sr.ilaria@catholicsmobilizing.org and include LCWR Death Penalty Google Group in the subject line.

Louisville: The Women’s Leadership Conference on Religious Freedom and Bellarmine University Department of Theology invite you to a panel on Immigration expressing the Catholic Church's position on  immigration reform, the current status of federal legislation and the impact on families and individuals in our community. The event will take place on April 8 beginning at 5 p.m. at Hilary's, first floor Horrigan Hall, Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville KY, 40205.

Louisville:  On April 18, Julie Driscoll, SCN and David Horvath will present, “Bridging the Divide/Creating Community with the People of Nicaragua,” at the Fellowship of Reconciliation and Interfaiths Path to Peace third Thursday luncheons.  The luncheon is hosted at The Rudyard Kipling (422 West Oak Street, Louisville) with a buffet lunch at 11:30 a.m.  Tickets are $7 with reservations from Cathy Ford (458.1223) or Polk Culpepper (948.2077) by the Tuesday before the lunch. 

Louisville:  April is National Fair Housing Month and commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, provides equal opportunity to all who buy, sell, rent, finance, or insure housing. It broadens the real estate market by making all housing and property available to all Kentuckians and protects the individual’s basic right to choose where to live. On April 23, 2013, there will be a “Get on the Bus: the Path Toward Equal Housing Opportunity” event from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage in Louisville, Kentucky.   Event is open to the public and space is limited.  Register online at www.LexingtonFairHousing.com or contact Arthur Crosby at (859) 971-8067, toll-free at (866) 438-8617, or e-mail crosbylfhc@hotmail.com 

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News:  Late in the evening on March 7, the KY Senate passed KY HB 3, The Human Trafficking Victims Rights Act.  The House had passed the legislation unanimously earlier.  The bill now awaits the Governor’s signature.  Thanks to all the prayers, phone calls and visits each of you made to legislators in protecting children and victims of human trafficking.

Immigration:  Individuals are invited to call U.S. Senators and their U.S. Representative (1.202.224.3121; charges apply) urging them to support immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship that prioritizes family unity.  Action is also available here.    

Promoting Peace: The second negotiating conference on the ATT will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York from 18–28 March 2013.  Please find a link to the Women’s International league for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) petition  MAKE IT BINDING, which advocates for a legally-binding provision on preventing armed gender-based violence in the Arms Trade Treaty.  Individuals may also urge President Obama to support a comprehensive Arms Trade Treaty. (International action is available)

The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013 (S. 460, H.R. 1010) would raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 in three increments of ninety-five cents in addition to raising the minimum wage for tipped workers from $2.13 by 95cents/year until it is 70% of the regular minimum wage.  Messages for editing are located here for Senate members and here for House members.   

Gun Violence Prevention Weekend is March 15, 16, and 17:  Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence is urging as many congregations and communities as possible to get involved in an event to prevent gun violence. Faiths Against Gun Violence has events and places to add your event.  A toolkit for faith groups is available here.     

The Adrian Dominican Sisters have prepared an update to help individuals understand the different frameworks and principles being proposed with regard to Comprehensive ImmigrationReform.

Louisville:  A Presentation by Glen H. Stassen, Lewis B. Smedes, Professor of Christian Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary entitled, “Just Peacemaking and the Middle East,” will be held on Thursday, March 14 at 7p.m. in Frazier Hall at Bellarmine University.  The presentation is free and open to the public.

Louisville: The Women’s Leadership Conference on Religious Freedom and Bellarmine University Department of Theology invite you to a panel on Immigration expressing the Catholic Church's position on  immigration reform, the current status of federal legislation and the impact on families and individuals in our community. The event will take place on April 8 beginning at 5 p.m. at Hilary's, first floor Horrigan Hall, Bellarmine University (2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville KY, 40205)

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: February 28 saw the Violence Against Women Act (Senate version) passed by the House of Representatives. Please thank representatives who voted for the bill, or express your opinion to those who did not. You can find an alert and message for editing, tailored to the way your representative voted here. 

Promoting Peace: Urge President Obama and the U.S. Government to support the highest possible human rights standards within a new Arms Trade Treaty. (International Action is available)

Promoting Peace: Urge the Obama administration to disclose the secret drone killing memos to the public and follow the “rule book” for the use of lethal force that already exists in international law.(International action is available)

Care of Earth: Ecuador is facing one of its most challenging cases for Rights of Nature as the government moves ahead with a contract for open pit mining in Ecuador. Support the Rights of Nature here. (International action available)

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: Tell U.S. Senators and Representatives how disappointed you are that they were unable to find a just and smart alternative to sequestration that would not jeopardize the economy and the lives of those at the margins. Spending needs to be curtailed, in just and appropriate ways, and additional revenue is also needed. We do not need to protect the finances of those with the greatest wealth and power.

Care of Earth: As we continue our care of Earth in many ways around the world, U.S. citizens are invited to urge President Obama to consider climate change and oppose the Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline.  

Promoting Peace: Despite progress in talks, recently, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced legislation (S. Res 65) that would urge the U.S. to back Israel militarily if it attacked Iran. Fortunately, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) has introduced the Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act (H.R. 783). This important bill supports diplomatic efforts to solve our challenges with Iran. Urge the U.S. Congress to oppose a backdoor to war and support the Administration’s diplomacy with Iran. 

Care of Earth: A diverse coalition is asking for leadership from the White House on a national summit on climate change. Catholics are an important voice on this issue. Individuals are invited to sign the letter from U.S. Catholics, with any credentials you care to add, and forward it to others. The letter is located here.

Individuals are invited to stand with 24 legislators who have promised to protect Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefits.

Urge the FDA to extend the comment period on food safety regulation (rules for the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act) for an additional 120 days. 

Will We have Enough Water? Adapting to a Warming, Water-Stressed World- Sandra Postel recently shared around this topic. Her video is located here. 

KY Residents: Individuals are invited to call their Representatives (1.800.372.7181; NO charges) urging them to put health and the right to breathe clean air first by passing HB 190, smoke-free legislation.

March 22 is World Water Day as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. This year is the International Year of Water Cooperation. According to the website, UN Water, “the objective is to raise awareness, both on the potential for increased cooperation, and on the challenges facing water management in light of the increase in demand for water access, allocation and services." 

Water is essential to life and development, both human and economic. Simultaneously, water is limited in some places on Earth. As demands for water increase on many levels, opportunities for cooperation are readily available. According to the United Nations’ publication on water cooperation, “Promoting water cooperation implies an interdisciplinary approach bringing in cultural, educational and scientific factors, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional and economic dimensions. It is a vehicle for building peace and a foundation for sustainable development.” 

What benefits exist for water cooperation? According to United Nations materials, water cooperation:

• Is key to poverty eradication, social equity and gender equality.
• Creates economic benefits.
• Is crucial to preserving water resources and protecting the environment.
• Builds peace.

According to materials promoting water cooperation, access to clean water is a basic human need and is included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDG # 7; to halve the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water). When inclusivity and participatory governance of water and cooperation between different groups who use water is achieved, inequality is overcome thus contributing to poverty eradication, improved living conditions and educational opportunities for the female who often labors for water. With regard to the economy of the community, greater cooperation leads to more efficient and sustainable use of water resources. 

Individuals sharing data and information with regards to water, as well as best practices, and strategies for sustainability, help preserve a community or regional ecosystem that is highly important to long-term development. While water can be a source of conflict, cooperation on water management can help overcome tensions and build trust between those in the community, region or state.

 

Reflections/Actions:

• What does water cooperation mean to me? What does it mean to my sisters and brothers who are living in poverty?
• What examples of water cooperation exist in my community?
• Where can I find more information and facts on water cooperation in my community, nation, on Earth?
• How can I raise awareness of the benefits of water cooperation among others?
• During Lent, take some time to reflect upon water and it's role in all life. A resource on water from the World Council of Churches is available each week of Lent located here.
• How does water cooperation empower individuals to end violence against women (theme for the UN International Women’s Day, March 8)?
• What specific actions do I take with regard to water cooperation? What are my wants vs. needs regarding water? Do I wash a full load of laundry? What temperature is the water? Do I rinse my cup with hot water so as to have a hotter beverage? What does each of these actions speak of with regard to water conservation and water cooperation?
• Help clean or organize a group to clean a body of water in the geographic area where you reside.
• Organize or participate in an art exhibition or videos highlighting the many aspects of water cooperation.
• Educational resources are located here and two videos on water are located here.
• Develop role-plays based on possible water cooperation situations to educate others.
• On World Water Day in the European Union, school children aged 10-15 will carry water in a backpack and walk to raise funds and awareness on global water issues.
• Information on World Water Day and the UN is located here.
• "I was thirsty and you gave me water to drink." (Matthew 25:35b) What does this quote mean to you after reflecting on the theme of water cooperation?

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Climate Change and Renewable Energy Impact

"Climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among others, that occur over several decades or longer." (Source)

Many of us know what the words “climate change” mean and can describe it to others. Yet, according to Anthony Leiserowitz (Director of the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication and a Research Scientist at the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University) who recently appeared on Bill Moyers, “40% of the world has never heard of climate change.” Leiserowitz goes on to share that although individuals may realize and name the effects, such as temperature increases and different precipitation patterns, lacking is the concept of “climate change” to make sense of these experiences and observations.

Fossil Fuels: While there are some skeptics, the challenge for all of us is to understand that carbon dioxide is a gas that can’t be seen as it is being placed into our atmosphere via combustion, cement production, and respiration. Carbon dioxide occurs naturally in the atmosphere, yet too much causes Earth to heat and effects human health.

• Coal, oil and gas are the main fossil fuels that produce carbon dioxide and are present in major ways within the United States, India and many other countries as sources of energy.
• Power plants are the largest contributor, in America, of carbon dioxide at 40% of all emissions that enter the atmosphere of our home.
• According to Elisabeth Rosenthal in one of her recent articles, “Europeans average 10 tons of carbon dioxide a year in air travel while the average American generates 19 tons.”
• In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially acknowledged greenhouse gas pollution (all toxic pollutants caused by humans) as a threat to the health and welfare of Americans.

While none of our global transitions from fossil fuels (i.e. gas, oil, coal) will be easy, it is important that countries and individuals within those countries continue to “diversify their portfolio” with renewable energy sources. Research shows that overall, renewable energies produce drastically less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels and currently comprise about 13% of all energy. Overall, the potential of these technologies to supply services exceeds current demands.

Hydraulic Fracking:

• process used to bring natural gas to the surface for use as energy emits a considerable amount of methane gas.
• According to the Clean Air Task Force, “pound for pound, methane warms Earth over 70 times more than carbon dioxide.”
• According to the EPA, the “leaking and venting of methane from the oil and gas production systems is America's largest source of methane pollution.”
• The Clean Air Task Force states that, “comprehensive methane emission standards would decrease air pollution, health issues and climate change.

Renewables: ”Bioenergies (any fuel that is derived from biomass - recently living organisms or their metabolic byproducts) are by far the most common renewable energy and yet individuals are noticing limitations to these such as food insecurity, the need for reducing even more carbon dioxide in the process of production, land grabbing for growing these plants, and deforestation among others. Other renewable energies include geothermal, ocean wave energy, biomass, hydropower, solar and wind turbines. Current limitations in the renewable energy sector include infrastructure for transmission and distribution of these energies, energy storage technologies (such as batteries), and support for/demand for these energies.

When leaders and policy makers discuss “energy portfolios” for the future of a nation, an important question to ask is, “what are we trying to accomplish?”

• Are you trying to reduce carbon emissions?
• Are you trying to keep future energy rates affordable?
• Are you trying to spur commercialization of renewables?

The responses to these questions, along with others important locally, have a positive impact on climate change not only for home countries, but also for our sisters and brothers around the world, especially those who are poor and vulnerable and our future generations.

Reflection/Action:

• Anthony Leiserowitz invites each of us to stop for a moment and consider what raising the temperature of the human body would do to the system as a whole. Consider temperature increases to the human body. What happens to the human body? Can we not expect Earth to feel changes also?
• President Obama has not made a decision with regard to the Keystone XL. Urge President Obama (1.202.456.1111; charges apply) to say NO to the Keystone XL.
• Urge President Obama and the Department of Energy to evaluate all the impacts of fracking on our communities to export liquefied natural gas to overseas buyers.     
• Bill Moyers has a climate change spotlight page filled with articles, tools, and resources.
• The documentary, Hungry Tide, describes the effects of climate change on one community. A discussion guide is also available.
• The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change has a resource page of materials.
• A diverse coalition-religious and secular, business interests and retired military-has formed to request leadership from the White House toward a national summit of conversations on climate change. U.S. Catholics are invited to sign a letter.
• The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth media center has the film Green is the New Red, White and Blue that explores energy consumption and clean energy. Kilowatt Ours is also located in the media center and explores practical ways to save energy and put money saved toward renewable energy.
• "God destined the earth and all it contains for all people and nations so that all created things would be shared fairly by all humankind under the guidance of justice tempered by charity." (The Church in the Modern World, #69) What concrete actions would decrease my use of oil, gas, and coal?

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U.S. Legislative Updates

The March 1 across-the-board spending cuts scheduled to go into effect have gathered recent media attention. $110 billion in automatic cuts, known as sequestration, will have a wide impact on all non-exempt defense and non-defense discretionary programs as well as Medicare. Fact sheets on sequestration for each state are located here. Additionally, Congress is facing a March 27 deadline when funding for appropriated programs will end because the temporary Continuing Resolution for FY 2013 expires.

• Action: Contact legislators and adapt the message located here.

Comprehensive immigration reform remains on legislators' minds with more disagreements arising as to how to prioritize what must be included in the legislation.  Justice for Immigrants continues to have the latest news on the process. February's Action Alert highlighted the issue. An ecumenical campaign for use by individuals and groups is located here.  

• Action: Updated action is available on the Justice for Immigrants website.