Weekly Justice Highlights

In the Spirit of St. Vincent:  In the US, up to 40% of our corn crop will be used for ethanol production this year despite the drought and rising food prices, diverting food for fuel.  Urge U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to stop fueling the food crisis through the promotion of biofuels like corn ethanol that push up food prices across the globe. 

Water:  Tell the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that everyone should know their drinking water is safe and that you desire all companies to provide everyone with accurate information about the purity of the local water supply not just those with internet access (EPA is considering terminating the mailing of these).    

Immigrants:  Tell Governor Jerrry Brown that it’s unacceptable that immigrants and Latinos in California will continue to live in fear of attacks like Arizona’s SB 1070. It’s appalling that 200,000 domestic workers will continue to work without rest or meal breaks. It’s outrageous when abuse of a farm animal is taken more seriously than abuse of a farm worker.     

Individuals are invited to sign a petition for a ban on depleted uranium weapons.  

Share your commitment to Indigenous People around the world by reading and signing the Declaration of Commitment to Indigenous People.  This declaration was presented in a ceremony to six of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers recently.   (International action is available)

Fracking for natural gas is a big issue in South Africa as in many places around the world, the South African Faith Communities Institute website and September newsletter highlights the issue.  Their website and the September newsletter share this information and much more.    

Greenpeace and Amnesty have collaborated on a disturbing document entitled, The Toxic Truth.  In this rather long report, we learn where from and where to this illegal toxic waste is dumped and the lack of investigation in such practices.       

Want to be a leading change maker or encourage others, view the Storyof Change by Annie Leonard.  Check out the quiz after the video to see what type of activist you feel most comfortable being.      

The Jan Satyagraha 2012 March campaign is a large non-violent walk that will be carried out in India and in many other countries across the globe in October 2012. It begins on UN International Non-Violence Day, October 2nd, and will carry on for one month. In India, where the main event is being held, 100,000 people, representing different rural communities, especially tribal, landless and small farmers, will walk in formation together 350 kilometers from Gwalior (near the Taj Mahal) to New Delhi. The people will raise the issue about land being a key asset in development and poverty reduction, and that high levels of landlessness and deprivation need to be reduced for achieving positive national and global development. In effect, land and livelihood rights are instrumental to all people’s freedom.   Information is located here.  

Pax Christi has a page of election resources located here.

Prayer is vital to our election process and discernment for choosing candidates.  Resources exist here.   

Want to have a bit of fun with others or make the debates a bit more exciting?  Network has available a bingo card for the debates.