Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Weekly Justice Highlights

Human Trafficking: An 18-month FBI investigation discovered that Wyndham-owned hotels (Travelodge and Howard Johnson) were regularly used for child prostitution with the knowledge and even assistance of staff. Sign a petition urging Wyndham Hotel Group to sign an international child protection agreement for travel and tourism companies.  (International Action available by clicking on ‘outside US’)

Immigration: Calling for an end to deportations, the Let My People Stay Campaign recently created public awareness at St. Xavier University in Chicago. The campaign calls for an end to deportations of undocumented migrants. Action in solidarity can be taken here (scroll down on right side to take action).

Water: Urge US Senators to co-sponsor the FRAC Act to protect water from hydraulic fracking.

Care of Earth: The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. The 2011 film is directed by Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick and John Page.

An Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit was captured when he was 19 by Palestinian groups. His parents have proof their son was alive in October 2009 and this Saturday marks the fifth year since Gilad was first held in secret detention. Urge Palestinian leaders to show proof that Gilad is alive and being treated well.

An interactive global water stress map is available.  Click on each country to see its water stress ranking, and its water consumption as a percentage of its renewable supply.

Urge U.S. federal legislators to oppose the Columbian Free Trade Agreement by calling 202.224.3121.  Afro-Columbian trade unionists recently visited Washington to share with members of Congress their struggles to better working and living conditions.

The US Bishops send a gentle reminder to fast on first Fridays and to eat meals that cost only as much as is allotted for a family of your size by the USDA Modified Thrifty Food Plan. This plan is used as the basis for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps). The “cutting back” that is likely to remain “in budget” is considered a form of fasting.

A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger is located here.

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