Weekly Justice Highlights

GOOD NEWS: The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013 brought good news on the Iran matter. The legislation did not give any authorization for military force against Iran, nor was there a declaration of war against Iran. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to call Senators urging them to make responsible decisions on Afghanistan in order to ensure the prompt end of the longest war in U.S. history.

Human Trafficking: Urge Walmart to end human trafficking in its supply chain, and allow independent monitors to audit all factories to prevent human rights abuses.

Empowering Women: With two different versions of the Violence Against Women Act and the House charging a breach of origination rules on the Senate passed bill (thus putting the reconciliation process on hold), individuals are invited to urge the U.S. Congress to pass a bipartisan bill that ensures the safety of all victims of violence as soon as possible. 

In keeping with the SCN 1981 Corporate Stand opposing nuclear weapons, individuals are invited to urge President Obama, Senators and Representatives to oppose the continued deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons, particularly in other countries.

Care of Earth and Creation: The international community is invited to urge the Bureau of Land Management to protect key wildlife habitat in the Reserve.

Urge Brazilian President Dilma to stop the catastrophic forestry bill that gives loggers and farmers free rein to cut down huge swaths of the Amazon (International action available)

Your help is needed to urge Mitt Romney to reply to NETWORK’s candidate questionnaire. A message can be adapted. 

End the legal exemption for rapists who marry their victims (often resulting in death and/or abuse of human rights) in Morocco by clicking here.

The Farm Bill contains many programs that feed the hungry, preserve God’s creation and support small family farmers in rural America. Urge Senators to support a Fair Farm Bill especially to oppose cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Urge Kentucky Fried Chicken to stop using rainforest destruction for its “buckets.” (International action available)

Urge Adidas to provide the severance pay owed workers in Indonesia for over a year so that workers can buy food and provide for their families.  (International action available)

U.S. citizens are invited to tell Congress that churches can’t be the only ones feeding hungry people if the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is cut.

As election ads continue to become more frequent in the U.S., patterns of deception (a playlist that illustrates techniques that political ad makers use to mislead) is a great place to check up on those creating ads.

Urge U.S. legislators to pass the End Polluter Welfare Act that would end corporate welfare subsidies to Big Oil companies.

A new documentary entitled, The Big Fix details the events in the Gulf of Mexico and BP’s Macondo offshore oil drilling rig. A major national release in theaters and on Netflix will occur around mid-June. In addition to the actions suggested, individuals may examine their role in this disaster through the demand for goods.

Bardstown: Help support Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Louisville by bringing acceptable recyclable electronics to the St. Joseph Elementary School parking lot (320 West Stephen Foster Avenue) on June 2 from 8 am to 2 pm. For more information, contact Steve Mumford at 502.554.9995 x118 or email smumford@2trg.com