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%.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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.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
- Engaging Impasse with regard to immigration
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?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Challenging Unjust Governments: Outrageous conditions have been tacked on to acclaimed Iranian film director Jafar Panahi's six-year prison sentence. Last month, Panahi was sentenced after being convicted of making an anti-government film without permission and inciting opposition protests after the disputed 2009 presidential election. Urge Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei and his Excellency to overturn the harsh sentences imposed on Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof.
Challenging Unjust Government Systems: President Barack Obama says he wants Congress to implement the largest trade deal since NAFTA – the Korea Free Trade Agreement. It has NAFTA-style provisions that promote job off-shoring and undermine labor, environmental, and other public interest laws that Obama promised to reform as a candidate. Call U.S. Representatives at 202.224.3121 urging them to oppose this trade deal or take other actions here.
Care of Earth: Sign a letter that will be delivered to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and President Obama requesting that they reject approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa.
Other Potential Actions:
U.S. citizens are invited to urge their federal Representative to stand up for the United Nations and the UN programs and agencies that support American and global interests at
U.S. citizens are invited to send a message to federal Representatives urging them to keep the unemployed, those living in poverty, and those struggling to recover from the recession as a priority when it comes to spending. Maintaining spending at 2008 levels leaves the bulk of spending cuts to programs that help communities and states with basic services like healthcare, housing and transportation.
Protect Life Act: This bill will amend the health care reform law to preserve longstanding federal policies on abortion and conscience rights. Co-sponsors of H.R. 358 include Rep. Geoff Davis, Rep. Brett Guthrie, Rep. Hal Rogers, and Rep. Ed Whitfield. A thank you for co-sponsorship and urging of those who have not yet can be made by calling U.S. Representatives or visit here.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming. More information is here (scroll down and look to the left)
Louisville, KY: On January 30 at 4 p.m., there will be an Interfaith Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral (421 South Second Street) to remember the lives of 62 homicide victims of 2010.
Louisville, KY: Individuals are invited to a slide presentation and talk by Terry Taylor of Interfaiths Path to Peace on the topic, “Iran: Up Close and Personal” on January 30 at 7 p.m. in Aloysius Hall of St. Agnes Church (1920 Newburg Road). Terry took a trip in November 2010 as part of a 10-person Citizen Diplomacy team sponsored by the national Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Challenging Unjust Government Systems: President Barack Obama says he wants Congress to implement the largest trade deal since NAFTA – the Korea Free Trade Agreement. It has NAFTA-style provisions that promote job off-shoring and undermine labor, environmental, and other public interest laws that Obama promised to reform as a candidate. Call U.S. Representatives at 202.224.3121 urging them to oppose this trade deal or take other actions here.
Care of Earth: Sign a letter that will be delivered to US Department of Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and President Obama requesting that they reject approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa.
Other Potential Actions:
U.S. citizens are invited to urge their federal Representative to stand up for the United Nations and the UN programs and agencies that support American and global interests at
U.S. citizens are invited to send a message to federal Representatives urging them to keep the unemployed, those living in poverty, and those struggling to recover from the recession as a priority when it comes to spending. Maintaining spending at 2008 levels leaves the bulk of spending cuts to programs that help communities and states with basic services like healthcare, housing and transportation.
Protect Life Act: This bill will amend the health care reform law to preserve longstanding federal policies on abortion and conscience rights. Co-sponsors of H.R. 358 include Rep. Geoff Davis, Rep. Brett Guthrie, Rep. Hal Rogers, and Rep. Ed Whitfield. A thank you for co-sponsorship and urging of those who have not yet can be made by calling U.S. Representatives or visit here.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming. More information is here (scroll down and look to the left)
Louisville, KY: On January 30 at 4 p.m., there will be an Interfaith Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral (421 South Second Street) to remember the lives of 62 homicide victims of 2010.
Louisville, KY: Individuals are invited to a slide presentation and talk by Terry Taylor of Interfaiths Path to Peace on the topic, “Iran: Up Close and Personal” on January 30 at 7 p.m. in Aloysius Hall of St. Agnes Church (1920 Newburg Road). Terry took a trip in November 2010 as part of a 10-person Citizen Diplomacy team sponsored by the national Fellowship of Reconciliation.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Human Trafficking: An opportunity to oppose human trafficking is being offered to the international community. Tell the Super Bowl Host Committee that they have a responsibility to protect the children who will be trafficked to Texas (USA) for the Super Bowl (Click non US near the word, "State" at the website for international action).
Challenging unjust corporate systems: Send a message to the CEO’s of chocolate companies in Ivory Coast (who are on the brink of war) urging them to back democracy and peace by publicly committing to work only with President Alassane Ouattara’s democratically elected government (International Action is available).
Care of Earth: At the end of 2010, the Department of the Interior decided to establish a system that would identify and protect irreplaceable and unique wild lands in the Western United States. Write Secretary Ken Salazar a thank you for his efforts (Kenneth Salazar, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240).
Care of Earth: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to protect mountain communities and the health of Appalachian citizens by vetoing the largest sing mountaintop removal coal mining permit in West Virginia history, the Spruce No. 1 Mine. Thank the EPA for taking this bold step and urge Federal Legislators to follow the EPA by making the protections permanent.
Other Potential Actions:
Call and urge members of Congress to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts of Haiti. A voice resolution is being made so you may call 1.646.452.9493 (enter pin number 3804) to state your name and where you are from. Then, state that we need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti. This nationwide voice resolution will be shared with members of Congress. Written action is available.
Just days after the hugely successful action at Northwest Farm Credit Services where Ruby Ridge workers turned in over 32,300 signatures, Ruby Ridge dairy has now renewed their threat to take legal action against many of these workers and the UFW. Send an email to CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services to take immediate action and use their influence to ensure that Ruby Ridge doesn’t continue retaliating against these workers at
Urge Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to abolish the death penalty.
Join a solidarity protest as a National Day of Action on January 25 at noon on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut (Mazzoli Federal Building) to challenge late 2010 raids, questioning by FBI agents, being subpoenaed before a Grand Jury and reactivation of subpeonas on activists who oppose the war.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming (scroll down and look to the left).
The story of “One Family in Gaza” by acclaimed independent filmmaker Jen Marlowe is a 23 minute documentary of courage and resilience.
The Catholic Health Association has partnered with Practice Greenhealth to promote a new electronic resource—the Environmental Sustainability Getting Started Guide. The booklet shares practices and resources from across Catholic health ministry and other leaders in environmental stewardship.
Challenging unjust corporate systems: Send a message to the CEO’s of chocolate companies in Ivory Coast (who are on the brink of war) urging them to back democracy and peace by publicly committing to work only with President Alassane Ouattara’s democratically elected government (International Action is available).
Care of Earth: At the end of 2010, the Department of the Interior decided to establish a system that would identify and protect irreplaceable and unique wild lands in the Western United States. Write Secretary Ken Salazar a thank you for his efforts (Kenneth Salazar, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240).
Care of Earth: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to protect mountain communities and the health of Appalachian citizens by vetoing the largest sing mountaintop removal coal mining permit in West Virginia history, the Spruce No. 1 Mine. Thank the EPA for taking this bold step and urge Federal Legislators to follow the EPA by making the protections permanent.
Other Potential Actions:
Call and urge members of Congress to continue supporting the rebuilding efforts of Haiti. A voice resolution is being made so you may call 1.646.452.9493 (enter pin number 3804) to state your name and where you are from. Then, state that we need to keep our promise and stand with Haiti. This nationwide voice resolution will be shared with members of Congress. Written action is available.
Just days after the hugely successful action at Northwest Farm Credit Services where Ruby Ridge workers turned in over 32,300 signatures, Ruby Ridge dairy has now renewed their threat to take legal action against many of these workers and the UFW. Send an email to CEO of Northwest Farm Credit Services to take immediate action and use their influence to ensure that Ruby Ridge doesn’t continue retaliating against these workers at
Urge Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to abolish the death penalty.
Join a solidarity protest as a National Day of Action on January 25 at noon on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut (Mazzoli Federal Building) to challenge late 2010 raids, questioning by FBI agents, being subpoenaed before a Grand Jury and reactivation of subpeonas on activists who oppose the war.
On February 11 – 13, faith communities are invited to preach and discuss the issue of global warming (scroll down and look to the left).
The story of “One Family in Gaza” by acclaimed independent filmmaker Jen Marlowe is a 23 minute documentary of courage and resilience.
The Catholic Health Association has partnered with Practice Greenhealth to promote a new electronic resource—the Environmental Sustainability Getting Started Guide. The booklet shares practices and resources from across Catholic health ministry and other leaders in environmental stewardship.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Weekly Justice Highlights
Care of Earth: The U.S. Department of Agriculture is about to approve Monsanto's genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa, despite the fact that it's likely to contaminate other crops, including organic alfalfa. Contamination of organic crops from GE crops can destroy markets for organic farmers. Urge President Obama and the US Department of Agriculture to preserve organic and reject GE alfalfa.
Care of Earth: The Oil Spill Commission recently released the full version of its comprehensive report on the BP oil disaster which concludes that systemic failures throughout the oil industry mean that a similar catastrophe “might well recur.” Urge Congress to implement the Commission’s recommendations to support restoration of the Gulf and protect all U.S. coasts from future disasters.
Water: Members of the U.S. Congress spent $190,000 on bottled water in the first quarter of 2010. Recently the general manager of DC Water and Sewage Authority sent Speaker Boehner a letter urging him to cut expenses, protect the environment and support investment in the nation’s drinking water infrastructure by choosing tap water. Ask U.S. Representatives to support fiscal responsibility by cutting spending on bottled water.
Water: Clay County (Kentucky) is scheduled to have a public hearing on a coal companies’ proposal to mine in the cleanest section of Kentucky River’s South Fork. Written comments to support the community’s petition are being accepted until January 14 at
Other Potential Actions:
Urge the Obama Administration to exert real pressure on Israel to end its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, and to stop preventing the United Nations from holding Israel accountable for what the Goldstone Report documented to be violations of human rights and international law, war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity committed before, during and after “Cast Lead.”
Bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Scientists are saying toxic pesticides are the cause. Four European governments have banned them but they are still for sale in the United States. Urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to join the ban and save the bees from extinction.
Illinois legislators recently passed a bill that is now with the Governor to abolish the death penalty in their state. Individuals are invited to thank the bill sponsors, State Rep. Karen Yarbrough and State Senator Kwame Raoul.
Louisville, KY: An LG& E neighborhood meeting on coal ash organizing will take place on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Millcreek VFW Post 5421 (7111 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40258) 502.448.5421. LG& E plans to build a 14 story tall Coal Ash containment expansion in the area of West Louisville. Anyone concerned about water, air and our neighborhoods is invited. For more details contact Thomas Pearce at 502.614.8172.
KY: If you haven’t called State Representatives about SB6, an immigration bill worse than Arizona SB 1070, please do so at 1-800-372-7181 urging opposition of the bill and tell others to call too.
Care of Earth: The Oil Spill Commission recently released the full version of its comprehensive report on the BP oil disaster which concludes that systemic failures throughout the oil industry mean that a similar catastrophe “might well recur.” Urge Congress to implement the Commission’s recommendations to support restoration of the Gulf and protect all U.S. coasts from future disasters.
Water: Members of the U.S. Congress spent $190,000 on bottled water in the first quarter of 2010. Recently the general manager of DC Water and Sewage Authority sent Speaker Boehner a letter urging him to cut expenses, protect the environment and support investment in the nation’s drinking water infrastructure by choosing tap water. Ask U.S. Representatives to support fiscal responsibility by cutting spending on bottled water.
Water: Clay County (Kentucky) is scheduled to have a public hearing on a coal companies’ proposal to mine in the cleanest section of Kentucky River’s South Fork. Written comments to support the community’s petition are being accepted until January 14 at
Other Potential Actions:
Urge the Obama Administration to exert real pressure on Israel to end its illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, and to stop preventing the United Nations from holding Israel accountable for what the Goldstone Report documented to be violations of human rights and international law, war crimes, and possible crimes against humanity committed before, during and after “Cast Lead.”
Bees are dying off and our entire food chain is in danger. Scientists are saying toxic pesticides are the cause. Four European governments have banned them but they are still for sale in the United States. Urge EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to join the ban and save the bees from extinction.
Illinois legislators recently passed a bill that is now with the Governor to abolish the death penalty in their state. Individuals are invited to thank the bill sponsors, State Rep. Karen Yarbrough and State Senator Kwame Raoul.
Louisville, KY: An LG& E neighborhood meeting on coal ash organizing will take place on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Millcreek VFW Post 5421 (7111 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40258) 502.448.5421. LG& E plans to build a 14 story tall Coal Ash containment expansion in the area of West Louisville. Anyone concerned about water, air and our neighborhoods is invited. For more details contact Thomas Pearce at 502.614.8172.
KY: If you haven’t called State Representatives about SB6, an immigration bill worse than Arizona SB 1070, please do so at 1-800-372-7181 urging opposition of the bill and tell others to call too.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Accomplishments on Legislation
October to December 2010
START Treaty: This bill reduces the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals in verifiable ways.
Unemployment Insurance: A 13 month extension for unemployed workers and their families was included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Passed in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, this keeps millions of Americans from falling into poverty and reduces the severity of poverty for millions more.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: This bill reauthorizes child nutrition programs, was enacted on December 13. It provides $4.5 billion over 10 years for better child nutrition through more afterschool and summer meals, higher reimbursements to school lunch providers, improved administration of WIC and meals programs, including easier enrollment of children, and more funding for WIC program improvements.
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: This food safety law will preserve local control for small farms and processing. Included in this bill is a Tester-Hagan amendment applies screens for geography, scale and direct sales to end users to define farms and small processing facilities that would not be subjected to industrial scale regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Rather existing state and local public health and sanitation laws will apply to these small businesses.
Burmese Political Prisoner: Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese prisoner, was freed in mid-November. Suu Kyi is a human rights and pro-democracy leader who had been held in detention or house arrest in Myanmar for 15 of the last 21 years. Amnesty International advocated for this Nobel Laureate over the course of two decades. Although she was recently barred from participating in the first elections her country has held in 20 years, we welcome the news of her freedom.
Smith coal plant in KY: The Smith plant was cancelled in November. The coal-burning power plant proposed by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) was cancelled by the utility. EKPC entered into an agreement with KFTC (KY For The Commonwealth), the Kentucky Environmental Foundation, the Sierra Club, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General and a number of its customers, committing to halt its plans for two proposed coal-burning power plants in Clark County, one that’s already under construction and a second it planned for the future. Additionally, EKPC committed $125,000 toward a collaborative effort in which the public interest groups, EKPC and its member co-ops, and other parties will work together to evaluate and recommend new energy efficiency programs and renewable energy options.
Offshore Oil Drilling: Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar announced in December that there would be no new offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for the next five years.
Glacier National Park and Oil Drilling: Oil companies voluntarily gave up plans to drill on more than 80% of the area near Flathead River Valley. Thousands of signatures were sent to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar and many organized in preparation for hearings and other events.
START Treaty: This bill reduces the U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals in verifiable ways.
Unemployment Insurance: A 13 month extension for unemployed workers and their families was included in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Passed in the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, this keeps millions of Americans from falling into poverty and reduces the severity of poverty for millions more.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act: This bill reauthorizes child nutrition programs, was enacted on December 13. It provides $4.5 billion over 10 years for better child nutrition through more afterschool and summer meals, higher reimbursements to school lunch providers, improved administration of WIC and meals programs, including easier enrollment of children, and more funding for WIC program improvements.
FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: This food safety law will preserve local control for small farms and processing. Included in this bill is a Tester-Hagan amendment applies screens for geography, scale and direct sales to end users to define farms and small processing facilities that would not be subjected to industrial scale regulations enforced by the Food and Drug Administration. Rather existing state and local public health and sanitation laws will apply to these small businesses.
Burmese Political Prisoner: Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese prisoner, was freed in mid-November. Suu Kyi is a human rights and pro-democracy leader who had been held in detention or house arrest in Myanmar for 15 of the last 21 years. Amnesty International advocated for this Nobel Laureate over the course of two decades. Although she was recently barred from participating in the first elections her country has held in 20 years, we welcome the news of her freedom.
Smith coal plant in KY: The Smith plant was cancelled in November. The coal-burning power plant proposed by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) was cancelled by the utility. EKPC entered into an agreement with KFTC (KY For The Commonwealth), the Kentucky Environmental Foundation, the Sierra Club, the Kentucky Office of Attorney General and a number of its customers, committing to halt its plans for two proposed coal-burning power plants in Clark County, one that’s already under construction and a second it planned for the future. Additionally, EKPC committed $125,000 toward a collaborative effort in which the public interest groups, EKPC and its member co-ops, and other parties will work together to evaluate and recommend new energy efficiency programs and renewable energy options.
Offshore Oil Drilling: Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar announced in December that there would be no new offshore drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts or in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico for the next five years.
Glacier National Park and Oil Drilling: Oil companies voluntarily gave up plans to drill on more than 80% of the area near Flathead River Valley. Thousands of signatures were sent to Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar and many organized in preparation for hearings and other events.
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