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/  

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.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Nuclear Weapons: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to work to cut nuclear weapons funding in the FY 2012 budget.

Empowering Peace: Last weekend, in violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Sudanese government invaded Abyei and escalated bombing and aid cut-offs in Darfur. Urge President Obama to demand immediate consequences for Sudan’s attack on Abyei.  

Care of Earth: Urge the Environmental Protection Agency to issue strong health protections against coal-fired power plants’ toxic air emissions.

Promoting Peace: Call U.S. Representatives (toll free 888.231.9276) with regard to the Defense Authorization bill to support the McGovern-Jones Amendment for withdrawal from Afghanistan and to strike the McKeon language that authorizes endless war.

Urge United Nations’ leaders to end the war on drugs and move towards regulation.

Urge President Obama to abandon the free trade agenda that includes the Korea Free Trade Agreement, Panama Free Trade Agreement, and Columbia Free Trade Agreement.

Sign a petition to the Obama Administration demanding an end of D9 Caterpillar bulldozer deliveries to the Israeli military, and an investigation into Israel’s violations of U.S. laws committed with Caterpillar equipment.

Oppose Expansion of Indefinite Detention.

Urge U.S. Senators to support the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) that would protect all creation.

As the FY 2012 budget debate continues, factsheets, prayers and other resources can be found here.

NETWORK, the National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, has a new campaign entitled, mind-the-gap that focuses on the ever-growing gap between the wealthiest and those with the least amount of resources here in the United States. According to the website, “The wealthiest 10% of U.S. population own more than ¾ of the nation’s wealth.”

Louisville: Interfaith Paths to Peace is hosting a Memorial Day Service honoring civilian and military casualties at 11:30 AM on Monday, May 30th at Christ Church Cathedral (421) South Second Street). Access Cathedral from East and enter through rear door that faces 1st Street.

Weekly Justice Highlights

Good News: Reynolds has agreed to meet with FLOC. With recent pressure from farm workers and supporters, Reynolds has acknowledged that it has responsibility to work with other parties, including farm workers, to correct human rights abuses in their supply chain.

Immigrant Youth: On May 11, 2011 Senator Richard Durbin introduced the DREAM Act of 2011, S. 952: a bill to authorize the cancellation of removal and adjustment of status of certain alien students who are long-term United States residents and who entered the United States as children. Urge Senators to cosponsor S. 952.

Tell President Obama that the next step toward fixing our immigration system is to stop deporting DREAMers.

The U.S. Senate has yet to release its version of FY 2012 Budget. A letter for editing was written by NETWORK for sending to Senators.

Urge President Obama to encourage the Environmental Protection Agency to uphold the Clean Air Act and protect Americans from smog when it comes up for review this July.

Stop the assault on safeguards that protect civil rights, the environment, food, children’s toys, workplaces, healthcare and the economy by urging U.S. legislators to oppose the REINS Act.

Urge U.S. Representatives to co-sponsor a bill that would ban ocean factory fish farms in federal waters.

Know anyone graduating from high school or college under the age of 26? Express Congratulations and share a graduation factsheet on healthcare.

A 10-minute video entitled, Repairing the Brokenness: A Faithful Response to U.S.-sponsored Torture. The video addresses the need for accountability for U.S.-sponsored torture from several faith leaders.

A 5-minute video demonstrating how to turn plastic back into oil (in Japanese with English subtitles).

Weekly Justice Highlights

Water: Urge U.S. Senators and Representatives to protect drinking water by passing the FRAC Act (S. 587 and H.R. 1084) that would make companies disclose their fracking fluids.

Promoting Peace: Urge U.S. Representatives to join members from both sides of the aisle in calling for an end to this misguided and costly war in Afghanistan by co-sponsoring H.R. 1735.

Other Potential Actions:
Demand justice for the women in Mexico who were tortured and sexually assaulted by police officers on May 3-4, 2006 in San Salvador Atenco and still no justice has been brought. Write Marisela Morales (Procuradora General de la República) and Arturo Sarukhan Casamitjana (Ambassador).  International Action is available by choice of country.

On May 20, President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet to discuss next steps in seeking peace for Palestinians and Israelis. Urge President Obama to provide bold leadership and insist on a definitive agreement for peace.

Urge Senators to vote NO to any bill or amendment that would establish a global spending cap as part of the FY 2012 Budget and deficit reduction.

Both House and Senate are in need of co-sponsors on bill to provide funding for the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF). Urge U.S. Representatives and Senators to co-sponsor the “Preserving Homes and Communities Act.”

Urge members of Congress to put an end to government subsidies to the oil industry.

Urge Congress to repeal corporate tax loopholes to save public services from FY 2012 budget cuts.

Urge President Obama to require corporations disclose campaign spending.

Sign a petition to President Obama that reads, “Count me as a person of faith for clean air. I am standing alongside people of all faith traditions urging your leadership on this issue. Stop Congress from blocking the EPA from doing its job, protecting the public from dangerous air pollutants.”

Faith leaders are being asked to sign a letter that urges the Obama Administration to adopt economically just policies expanding debt cancellation to more poor countries in need, and establish binding standards of responsible lending and borrowing.

Weekly Justice Highlights

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: As people of faith committed to fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice, individuals are invited to sign on to a statement on why we need to protect programs for the poor entitled, Circle of Protection.

Challenging corporate systems: Urge U.S. legislators to take action to support the Environmental Protection Agency’s tough new Mercury and Air Toxics rule that will protect Americans and hold corporate polluters accountable.

Other Potential Actions:
Sign a petition to President Obama that reads, “Count me as a person of faith for clean air. I am standing alongside people of all faith traditions urging your leadership on this issue. Stop Congress from blocking the EPA from doing its job, protecting the public from dangerous air pollutants.”

Urge U.S. Representatives to sign two important letters relating to human rights in Latin America. The first is to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to pressure the Honduran government to end human rights abuses in Honduras. The second is to President Obama requesting him to issue an executive order closing SOA/WHISC.

Urge U.S. Representatives to vote NO on legislation that aims to weaken environmental protection by throwing out drilling safety standards here in the U.S. (Click on take action to protect coasts)

Sign a petition to U.S. legislators demanding an end to 501©3 nonprofit status for U.S. organizations that provide funding to promote the construction of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank (Scroll down).

Call Senators (202.224.3121, charges apply) asking them to support farm ownership loans at the program level of $600 million, and direct farm operating loans at program level of $1.05 billion. Beginning farmers need access to affordable credit for the purchase of land, livestock and equipment and for annual operating expenses.

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May 6, 2011 – April 6, 2012: On the first Friday of each month for the next year, Catholics are invited to take part in “First Fridays for Food Security” by limiting meal spending to the amount allotted for a family of their size in the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan. This food plan is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps).  Although this information comes from a U.S. perspective, we pray with those around our world who are food insecure.

Louisville: Paula Gonzales will speak at Kentucky Interfaith Power and Light Annual Awards Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on May 13 (First Unitarian Church, 807 South Fourth Street). Tickets are $25/each and include an organic meal. She will present a workshop Climate Change and Faith on May 14 from 9:30 to 4 p.m. (Fourth Avenue United Methodist Church, 318 W St. Catherine St.) Tickets are $45. For additional information or tickets contact 502.210.8920

May 2011

What Would Our World Look Like If Nature Had Rights?

During the Earth Day celebrations last month at the UN, Maude Barlow, Shannon Biggs, the United Nations and other activists were asking, “what if Mother Earth had rights?”

Maude Barlow and Shannon Biggs among others were in New York that week to promote the release of a book titled, The Rights of Nature: The Case for a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth (published jointly by The Council of Canadians, Fundacion Pachamama and Global Exchange).

A day earlier, the UN General Assembly discussed implementing new international standards that afford rights and legal standing to nature and ecosystems.

This movement for an international declaration for rights for Mother Earth originated out of the failure of the 2009 climate change summit in Copenhagen. About 32,000 participants gathered in Bolivia to discuss what next in April 2010. It is out of this gathering that the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth was born along with a call for the United Nations to adopt it.

Since then, there are 125+ cities that have recognized the legal rights of nature. Pittsburgh became the first major city to recognize the legal rights of nature. According to Barlow, “Bolivia is set to pass these legal rights and Ecuador has adopted a resolution protecting nature. India has declared that its rivers are sacred and have rights.”

According to an excerpt from The Council of Canadians website, this is an effort to bring together the voices of acclaimed authors, progressive thinkers, political leaders and environmental and community activists from around the world who share their passion for such a Declaration with the focus on the above question.

In placing the rights of nature above those of corporations and our current neoliberal systems, a major paradigm shift is required. Currently, nature is viewed as human property. In the U.S., legislation protects many rights yet none relate to nature and ecosystems. Since the BP oil spill a year ago, not one law has been passed in favor of nature’s rights. To view nature as having rights is to take into account what anyone does to harm nature and ecosystems. To adopt this mentality and bring a legal case before the courts would allow lawyers to represent ecosystems.

Efforts such as these to “balance our economic and development systems” are directly related to the limitations Earth has and human species actions that destroy Earth. As human species continue to consume, individuals are beginning to experience what happens when we hold no value for Earth and deny Earth rights.

Reflections/Actions:
• Reflect upon the question, "What would our world look like if nature had rights?" What insights do I gain?
• Read, reflect and share the proposed Universal Declaration of the Rights for Mother Earth.
• How might I encourage my community/city/country to adopt this Declaration?
• It is hoped that this document can stand as a companion to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights someday. In what concrete ways do I currently hold these as companions?
• How have I shaken myself off the "Modern World" dream and changed personal assumptions that lead to consumption of resources?
• Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream is a symposium that works to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on this planet. It is a call from indigenous peoples that complements the movement of Rights for Mother Earth. Joetta Venneman in the Office of Global Ministries has been trained as a facilitator. To learn more or host a symposium, contact her.

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The Financial Transaction Tax

The Financing for Development Committee at the United Nations and the Sisters of Charity Federation are asking membership to support this bill. The Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) would impose a small fee, approximately 0.005% on the sale or transfer of stocks, bonds and other financial assets. H.R. 755, Investing in Our Future Act of 2011 that was recently introduced by Peter Stark and would tax all currency transactions made by or on behalf of a US person above the aggregate value, in excess of $10,000 made during a calendar year. This fee would be inconsequential for the average person investing in stocks, bonds or other assets for a reasonable period of time, but would place a much heavier burden on speculators. According to economist Dean Baker, "It raises money in a way that comes primarily at the expense of speculation....It's a very progressive tax that discourages nonproductive activity."

The money from this bill would be used for:
• Child Care Assistance Trust Fund
• Multilateral Global Health Programs
• Global Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
• Deficit Reduction

Actions:
• To read the bill by typing in the bill number H.R. 755.
• U.S. citizens are urged to contact their U.S. Representative urging her/him to co-sponsor this legislation.
• Non-U.S. citizens are invited to pray for passage of this legislation and the work of advocacy.

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Is the American Dream Disappearing With Decisions About the U.S. Debt Limit and FY 2012 Budget?

Two U.S. events that are already engaging much discussion include that of the debt limit and the FY 2012 budget.

Before any decision is made, individuals would be wise to step back and examine the larger picture of America’s moral vision and the importance of the many systems present in our everyday realities.

What forms America’s moral vision at the beginning of our nation’s history and today? Individuals may state that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution provide evidence of our founding values. In the Declaration of Independence, it states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all (people) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The Constitution begins, “We the People…”

What about Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness?
Is it found in the 40 million Americans living in poverty?
Is it found in the tens of millions living near poverty?
Is it found in the 46 million uninsured?
Is it found in the six million people forced from homes?
Is it found in the corporations who avoid taxes through loopholes?
Is it found in increased spending on weapons and the U.S. military?
Is it found in __________________________ (You fill in the blank)?

Today, there exists, “We, the corporations…, We, the wealthy 0.1 percent of Americans…, We, the media….”
Have our President and legislators become irrelevant?
Who writes U.S. legislation? Who gets it passed?
Where are the intellectual forums for genuine political discussion and debate?
Have individuals become a “Me, the People…”?

Acknowledging the fragmented society I live in, might the “I” need to become part of the “WE” and examine how making a decision affects others in my human community? After all, the debt limit solution and our budget deficits and spending do not occur in isolation of “we, the people.” What “we, the people” desire are facts and informed dialogue from our government, corporations, and the media. With regard to the FY 2012 budget, “we, the people” desire a strong economic recovery and a greater distribution of wealth such that we are able to sustain a strong recovery.

Examining any debt limit or FY 2012 budget and work to reduce budget deficits and spending must take into consideration the larger picture of our American values. Failure to do so leaves the government system unable to protect and empower “we, the American people with rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Reflections/Actions:
• What values do I hold as a member of my country when it comes to legislation?
• As I reflect upon the decisions to be made by U.S. legislators, what actions can I take to nurture and promote the American Dream
- of fairness?
- of happiness?
- of a measure of security for all?
- of the well-being of us, as community?
- for future generations?
• Visit Pay Up Now to send a personal message to those who pay little or no taxes. Is there a way I can avoid purchasing from these corporations/individuals?
• Urge U.S. Senators (202.224.3121 – charges apply) to oppose FY 2012 budget plans that
- cut and/or alter the structure of Medicaid, Medicare, Food Stamps (SNAP) and other safety net programs
- cut safety net programs supporting low-income families especially those struggling to make ends meet
- cap global spending and will cause across-the-board spending cuts
- do not fully fund the Affordable Care Act and preserve the health insurance coverage expansion of 32 million individuals

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Human Trafficking and Nepal

A documentary, “The Cost of Living,” show the plight of Nepali migrant workers trafficked to Gulf countries. Trade unions are pioneering to address this modern day slavery in domestic, construction, and other work in Gulf States.