Roots of Humanity

Am I Not Human: Get Free

2011-12-27T22:24:00.003-05:00

Over the years, the Am I Not Human campaign has sought to raise awareness of human rights abuses with a monthly commitment on the 27th to take action (usually through blogging). With the uncertainty of western freedoms and bills like NDAA and SOPA, the writing on the wall is now appearing in neon ink: We have no choice but to stand and Get Free.

Now is the time to gain independence, prepare and support like-souls in off-grid, independent living and merchantry. Information abounds. Acquire as much of it as you can. Even wikipedia can be downloaded (seriously, look up the link on their site).

I've blogged monthly even after the initial Roots Of Humanity group fell away, but I will now be raising awareness on the 27th beyond the blog. Posts may appear here from time to time to update on issues and actions that can be taken, but you can find more information at Ultraviolet Underground on a regular basis. I do not plan to blog every 27th day of each month any longer. It was hoped a good deal of progress could be made with the blogging aspect of the 'Am I Not Human' campaign, but it has been fairly slow to catch on. I thank all of you who read and participate. The goal now is to focus on potential book and zine projects that can raise awareness hopefully with more efficacy. Updates will be posted about the direction the campaign will take in terms of zines or zine columns and events or days of group action.

I hope everyone knows how serious the importance is to get mentally prepared and seek alternative news outlets. "Program" yourself rather than tune into mainstream programs. Your mind is precious. Care for it. Know who your dollars support (google the companies who make your products and see how they treat the workers and the earth - look them up in the green pages or only shop with transparent, ethical, green merchants). You have power. It's in your focus : your choice.

I'll continue to uphold a focus on human rights on the 27th every month in varying forms as an alternative to blogging (art pieces, events, etc). I hope you will too.

On behalf of us all, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Don't Feed The Monsters

2011-11-27T21:38:00.000-05:00

Whether or not the Occupy movement was initially "seeded" to create conditions that would justify the shadow government and its puppet goverment(s) to attempt martial law, it is changing the international conversation to a focus that can produce an evolution of the condition of the 99 percent from perceived powerlessness and apathy to one of solution and autonomic action. It's making it clear to people of all economic positions that feeding corporate monsters is killing the planet and its inhabitants. If we're to improve our condition, we should have indie merchants on speed dial, and establish bartering systems that can sustain us through these times of transition out of the dungeon of the grotesque-mind as we return to humanity.

In essence, we can't feed the monsters if we expect change. They'll change nothing but the positions of the actors (entertainers, politicians, and whoever else picks lint from their pockets) and props in their international puppet show, but the script will remain the same in their hands. Will it be easy to green ourselves and distance ourselves from the flashing lights and hollow-promises issued from our hypno-boxes and spin-papers? It will be psychologically difficult for some more than others, but starting even with the smallest steps creates actual change.

Here are some ways to make the transition easier:

-Get familiar with DIY alternatives
('Making Your Own' supplies and culinary and hygiene staples cuts puppet strings)

Microcosm publishing (among others) can help.

-Support Indie
(Indie artists, Merchants, and Opensource technology abounds. We've had solutions for quite some time now...)

Ubuntu
Gimp
Openoffice
Scribus
Etsy
Artfire

-Share Information

Movements like Occupy the dollar are ingenious and encourage a departure from the hoarding rat race through the return of shared valuables like: education (even in bits).

I plan to update the Indie list with more resources. If you know of some sparkling ones, your suggestions are welcome in the comments.

On behalf of, and as one of, the 99%, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Occupy Your Heart

2011-10-27T23:38:00.004-04:00

image: Occupy ATL

Too corny? It shouldn't be. For this month's focus, I'm going to keep the Am I Not Human post short and centered. I'm placing the emphasis on centeredness because, that's what we're all lacking. Even as the masses wriggle, shout, and march, we need to look at what aspects of this beast of a western system that we support and how we can discontinue it.

We all have to eat, but our blood, sweat, and tears (at least for many of us) benefit a system that won't think twice about taking out a village of innocents or installing a fake dictator it controls like a puppet until it doesn't need him anymore. Until we can gather the resolve to develop real bartering systems, communities that are sustainable, and the will to fight a very evil giant with our own steel wills, our protests may well lack the center (power) they need.

What we're missing, is our rootedness. We can ask for and demand justice, but we can also build our own community with the many alternative resources available to us. So long as we provide the fuel and consume its products, this system is unlikely to truly hear anything we have to say. It ignored the masses, the pope, the previous execution staff, and the ex- fbi director of the Reagan administration to kill the obviously innocent Troy Davis (to cover up God knows what). It has entirely too much of our power and energy in its grasp.

On behalf of us all I ask us all:

And if so, will we demand through action as well as word to be treated as such?

Shine bright and march on (with focus).

Am I Not Human: Peace

2011-09-27T11:00:00.001-04:00

MyFellowAmerican.us has launched a campaign to help us remember tolerance in a time of doublespeak where media messages, angles, and outright deception have done alot to skew reality. We're focusing on this campaign this month because the ethnic group of anyone can find itself the target of a hate-focus, especially if they happen to be of lands with natural resources to be had... Eyes and hearts open, we send peace thoughts to our muslim brothers and sisters inside and outside of America. Borders are manmade. We are all humans upon the earth, and most of us are seeking peace.

On behalf of muslims and victims of middle-eastern descent who have been harassed, assaulted, and injured by hate crimes, we ask:

Am I Not Human: Police Brutality and Community Outrage

2011-08-27T11:38:00.007-04:00

What is it going to take for concrete measures against police brutality to be taken? Without staunch regulation that acts as a strong deterrent, we can expect more riots like the one that took place in the UK earlier this month to happen again. Community "powerlessness" will soon become communal fury faced with terrors issued from the hands of those who are charged to serve and protect.

Please take a moment to visit the following links and add any word you may have of movements to push for severe regulations that will discourage the abuse of power in uniform (post links in or outside of the states in the comments so everyone can hopefully find resources). At the very least, we all have the power to spread news of resources and organizations who are dedicated to eradicating police brutality.

5 Ways to fight Police Brutality
Petition Against Police Brutality Targeting Disabled People (US)
Stop Police Brutality of the Samburu (Kenya)
Coalition Against Police Brutality (Asia)
Petition Against Police Brutality in Delhi (India)
Petition Against Student-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Police Intimidation and Brutality (US)
Global petition against Rastafarian-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Black-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition against Latino-targeted Police Brutality (US)
Petition Against Racism And Police Brutality (Greece)
Stop police brutality of Namibidian Youth (Namibidia)
An earlier broadcast from RadioProject (US)
Resist Police Brutality (US)
Contemporary Police Misconduct (US)

This is a global problem:

Uganda
Barcelona
Johannesburg
South Asia
China
Tanzania
South Korea
Australia
Arkansas
Vietnam
Egypt
Sydney
East Africa
Syria
Malaysia
Morocco
Austria
Russia
South Africa

Let's put our heads and voices together and find a solution.
On behalf of all innocents who deserve to be served and protected without threat or power-abusive beatings, electrocution (tasers), and murder, we ask:

Please Excuse The Absence of July's Post

2011-08-15T21:28:00.004-04:00

Peace,

I apologize for the absence of July's 'Am I Not Human' post. Things have been challenging on this end after a big move and a robbery (we weren't home and are okay). I have every intention to post a bright light for the August 27th campaign.

Unnecessary setbacks be damned. We persevere.

Blissings 'pon your lights.
-PZ

Am I Not Human: Evidence Of Good

2011-06-27T22:42:00.004-04:00

For this month's installment of the Am I Not Human campaign, we're taking a look at the good news we're rarely shown. Our flames need the recharge that comes with seeing the triumphs as well as the violations we need to take a stand to correct as a collective.

As difficult as it might seem to find, there are victories happening in human rights.
Feel free to share your heartlight-igniting findings in the comments.

Evidence Of Good:

Impassioned Human Rights advocate, Ai Wei Wei, is finally free after being detained since April 3rd (with literally no word from the government about his abduction until recently - his wife and friends were also held for a time for "questioning"). Ai Wei Wei is no stranger to the stifled-voice-by-government approach issued from those disturbed by his candor. He's been detained before and beaten (to the point of hospitalization) for speaking his heart against injustices.

Despite efforts to remove demands for his freedom from websites and placing pressure on campaigners to avoid using his name directly, the international pressure grew quite substantial and weighed heavily over the heads of his captors. Ai Wei Wei is considered a hero in Human Rights. it's very good to see him released from the censorship machine.

More intel is available at SMH: http://www.smh.com.au/world/chinese-artist-ai-weiwei-released-on-bail-20110623-1gg84.htm

President Juan Manuel Santos signed the Victims and Land Restoration law into on the 10th of this month, with the aim of seeing stolen land returned to internally displaced peoples in Columbia. The Law includes financial compensation (reparations), and intended protection from armed bands that have expressed opposition to the legislation.

For over 20 years, more nearly 4 million Columbians have been forced into a displaced position and abused for seeking to having their 16 million acres of land returned. Leaders have also been subject to multiple assassinations for taking a stand in favor of restitution.

While implementing the legislation will be a challenge, to say the least, its existence is a beacon of hope for a disenfranchised people.

Read more at HRW: http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/06/10/columbia-victims-law-historic-opportunity

Uplifting news for negatively-saturated times.
Keep your heads up.
It ain't over 'til it's over.

On behalf of all our global siblings impacted by violations against humanity, we ask:

The answer is yes.

An interview with Troy's Sister Martina Correia

2011-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

Your voice may be the tipping point: http://colorofchange.org/campaign/save-troy-davis-life/

Am I Not Human: It Bears Repeating

2011-05-27T23:01:00.003-04:00

The critical nature of this case has prompted a second call to action for this month's Am I Not Human Campaign.

If you haven't already signed, please support actual justice: http://colorofchange.org/campaign/save-troy-davis-life/

On behalf of Troy Davis, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Free Troy Davis

2011-04-27T22:41:00.006-04:00

It is likely you are already familiar with this case. And this means you may have already signed the petition more than once. You're being asked to signed it again now, alongside the many of us who believe this man is innocent and are standing to disallow him to be sacrificed and put to death without evidence or justifiable cause. There is no evidence linking this man to murder. Police have coerced witnesses in this case. These same witnesses have advised they were forced to give false testimony. Has internal affairs even bothered to investigate the officers who are dishonoring their badges this way?
Where is the justice there? How can so much energy be placed on trying to put an innocent man to death, when it is obvious there is cleanup that needs to take place in a department, where there are officers who dishonor the law they claim to serve, by coercing testimonies in their 'favor'? What are we missing here? What happened behind the scenes we're not being told about that would motivate officers to force untruths out of people and claim they are witnesses? If we don't stand against corruption in the 'justice' system, who will?

Color of Change recently advised:

"The state of Georgia is moving to put Troy Davis to death despite major doubts about his guilt. All but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted their testimony — and many have sworn in affidavits that police pressured or coerced them into testifying or signing statements.

There is still serious doubt as to Troy Davis’ guilt, and by putting him to death Georgia runs the risk of killing an innocent man. Please call on the board to save Troy Davis’ life. And tell others about this -- Troy Davis needs as many of us as possible to speak up. "

The below video was filmed several years ago, and is unfortunately the same message we find we have to deliver today (he should have been freed long ago). Troy Davis is an innocent man. That matters. Free him.

Please take a moment to add your signature in a stand for justice here. A flood of voices communicates our non-compliance with corruption in our civil system. Thankyou.

On behalf of Troy Davis and the others the system has attempted to sacrifice despite their innocence, I ask:

note: Participants of Sunday Mass Meditation, there's now a link to an accompanying .mp3 you can use if you find it easier to work with guided meditation. Thankyou for all of the positive energy you're raising. It makes a difference. Shine bright.

Am I Not Human: Going Within

2011-03-27T23:24:00.001-04:00

There are a number of theories why we're in the state of catastrophe we're in today, but rehashing them again, when you've all been over-exposed to images and thoughts of despair, bloodshed and deprivation, is not the most useful application of time or energy for any of us. We've learned that the enormous amount of money donated to relief efforts for Katrina victims, Survivors of the Haitian earthquake, and countless others I'm sure, have been largely pocketed by the more-prominent organizations that pledge to donate them on our behalf. It doesn't do much for our clarity as we seek direction towards the correct way to do something positive that will impact the catastrophes that have come of greedmonger-rooted abuses of peoples and resources. We have to find a new direction. My increasing belief is that the simplest way is likely the most effective way.
While I remain a staunch advocate that we raise our voices against tyranny, I also know the value of silence, and going within to balance our own and communal energy after we have said our peace.
With the reasons gov pulls out of its hind to go to war, the senseless catastrophe in Japan which added a man-made nuclear nightmare to an already impossible effort to grapple with an earthquake of mammoth proportions, we need to take control of our minds back. We need to meditate, and become acquainted with the very real, scientifically measured ability that masses of people have to reduce war and crime, when focus is projected to distressed areas. We need to begin visualizing justice, and balance. The images of horror that flood our media create a view of the world that claims many villians, when in reality most are media-created, or focused on to the disclusion of outnumbering positive forces. Our minds are used against us, and filled to brim with thoughts of despair, powerlessness and crippling fear. We can stop this. We can turn off our televisions. We can stop funding mass media outlets that report biased news they are paid to report to bury the 'full story'.
I do no believe the government wants us to believe peace is even possible, regardless of the doublespeak that is often used to confuse us into believing that they're actually seeking it on our behalf. They cannot give us something we possess within. Peace cannot be sold to us. Peace cannot be murdered out of or into us. Peace is ours, if we seek it.
And this is exactly why we need to breathe life into it with intention.
It was here before on a mass level. It will come back again.
We're taught, influenced and set-up to act inhumane. We are not naturally like this.

I propose a weekly mass meditation on Sundays, that includes either chanting 'We are at peace. Everyone's needs are met' or something related, a visualization of a peaceful, nurturing life experience for all of the world's diverse peoples, focusing on love and bliss and projecting it to war-torn areas and areas in distress.
I'd say we should do this collectively everyday but I'm realistic that day to day work demands, make this difficult. Purple Mag hosted a monthly mass meditation but a month is a long span of time to wait to do another mass meditation, when we are in times that are in as intense need as this.

If you're with it, please leave a comment. Something more official should be available soon in the way of a video, or mp3, etc that can make the process more easeful for folks who are new to meditation.

On behalf of the world populations struggling under the force of an inhumane few, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Grassroots Activism and V. May

2011-02-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

The above screenshot comes from and interview done with grassroots activist V. May. It's done in a whimsical format, but touches on the very important work, being done in 'innercities'. It seemed appropriate in the increased confusions the world is beset with to focus upon a freedom fighter who is walking the walk to make an impact plenty just talk about.

The full interview can be read in this month's Purple #10 release, but a few key words have been extended here as food for thought as we watch and learn how to take back our communities:

'I was conceived during the tumult of the 1960’s; during the summer of 1968 to be exact. I’ve always felt that I am here to complete some unfinished business.
For some reason, Robert F. Kennedy’s paraphrase of George Bernard Shaw’s famous quote resonates in my soul and reverberates through every fiber of my being, “There are those who look at things the way they are and ask, “Why?” I dream of things that never were and ask, “Why not?”
I have always been hands-on with my activism. I don’t understand complacency. If things can be made better, I don’t understand inertia. '

'My present involvement in the quest for the balancing/greening of my city came about during a trip to the public library. On my way out, I happened to peruse the free community newspapers, weeklies, and event flyers lying on the public information shelf. One of the community newspapers had a story regarding the city of Los Angeles trying to secure a zone variance that would allow a trucking school to operate at the Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site. The Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site is a former landfill that is now zoned open space and is being transitioned back to a recreation area that is to be replete with hiking and equestrian trails, a park, and scenic vistas. Los Angeles is a concrete jungle. It needs more open and green space.
With a little research, networking, and synchronicity, I was able to hook up with others that held my same concerns. The effort to quickly transition the Lopez Canyon Restoration Project site to an industrial and commercial use free open space has blossomed. By reaching out, the effort has garnered many supporters.'

'As the early feminists of the early 1970’s declared, “The personal is the political.” Whether we like it or not, politics affects our personal lives. We have to be ever vigilant if we want to maintain personal freedom.
The section of the San Fernando Valley where I grew up and now reside is the step child of the Valley. This area is oversaturated with Section 8/low income housing, industrial zoned areas, and facilities that other areas do not want. The former landfill was the anchor for this designation. Once it was established, the area was targeted as the spot to put the “undesirables”.
There are some who want things to stay [as] they are. However, there are more that want to see things change for the better.

Now that the landfill is transitioning, some of us are hoping to bring about sustainable and attractive redevelopment without displacement. By decreasing the number of liquor stores, bringing in needed financial, retail, and commercial ventures, increasing community policing, providing positive alternatives for youth, and improving the overall appearance of the community; we hope to create community that attracts civic minded residents while retaining established ones. This community has been hit by the foreclosure crisis and new homes are being built. Consequently, there are homes available for purchase. We hope to create a community that home purchases will love to live in and contribute to.'

On behalf of our sisters and brothers scapegoated into lives conditioned to be caricature, through environments beset with the installation of liquor stores at every turn, poison peddling of other varieties, GMO-laden 'options' in cornerstores devoid of nutrition, and a dire lack of mind-nourishing outlets for healthy personal development, we ask:

Am I Not Human: Black Mother Jailed For Sending Kids To Wrong School District

2011-01-27T05:23:00.001-05:00

So a mother decides she wants her children to have a better education than her district would provide her girls with, and fibs about her residence so they can attend a better school. This school is in a white school district. This mother and her girls are black. Her proposed punishment? A felony conviction.
This mother is also just credits away from her teaching credentials; a job she can't hold with a felony conviction. Guess this Ohio town had to show the Black gal where her 'place' is, in a land stolen primarily for 'white use', and begrudgingly 'shared' with freed-abductee and immigrated people of color.

'Williams-Bolar is black and poor. Plenty of observers in Akron, in Ohio and around the nation have called this further fallout of a history of racism in general and racial apartheid in American schools.
-Madeline Holler

(Click here) Your petition signature says 'you disagree' with Good 'Ol Boy justus.
19, 657 signatures and growing

Read More about this disgusting, a--backwards miscarriage of Justice

On behalf of indigenous peoples everywhere who have had their wealth stolen, only to be treated at nearly every turn as 'the criminal' reflection of real criminals, I ask:

Am I Not Human: Veto HR2751

2010-12-27T18:35:00.001-05:00

During what tends to be a holiday season for several cultures, a bill, attempting for the 3rd time, to make it impossible for all but those with corporate-coin level wealth to grow food, was passed on December 21st.

It would further endeavor to target organic food producers, who this bill has aimed to force to treat harvests with trace amounts of poisonous agents, under the guise of 'Food Safety'. Such a thing would render our food, inorganic. There would no longer be such a thing as truly organic food available for purchase in the US.

I wrote a bit about this last week on UU, but a drive for signatures is imperative, and requires all who are standing up to continue spreading the word and urging action. This is not the kind of bill people will want to find they regret signing 'later', when the horror can be avoided by acting now.

It's one of the most serious issues, second only to air that affects our ability to live, and raise families.
We need food to feed our children. Corporations cannot be trusted to control that. Ever. Currently HealthfreedomUSA is contuining to champion this movement, after some success somewhat softening the bill from its previous nightmarish position, but we cannot relax yet. There are hidden clauses in it that make this bill a real danger, which could have us literally starving for nothing more than the reason of corporate greed.
We're writing to Michelle Obama, a staunch advocate of organic gardening, and healthy eating for children, to relay the importance of a veto of this bill.

An elder asked me recently (mildly paraphrased): 'Don't folks think it's strange that laws were put in place to stop US farmers from growing food awhile back, so our food is imported and more expensive? The food is imported from countries the US has no legal power over. They use pesticides not even lawful in the US, now. Does that sound like food safety? And now a bill's trying to make it so everyday people can't plant seeds if they choose to grow their own food? What do folks think of that?'

What do you think of that?
Are we willing to take the chance that one day, with such a bill, the government could weave a tale about trouble with imports, and without rights to grow our own food, force us to slowly starve, and suffer in the inevitable chaos? I'm not. I'm pushing back. Are you?

Please take a minute (literally) to send your version of the digital template letter to Michelle Obama, urging her to give crucial support to a vetoing of this bill, here.

On behalf of everyone threatened or afflicted with the depravity of corporate food control/poisoning I ask:

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Am I Not Human-The freeing of Aung San Suu Kyi

2010-11-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

art: Shephard Fairey

Spending 15 years under house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel prize winner and political activist--whose goal has long been revolution without violence--was finally released on November 13th 2007, with a fixed eye upon her goal for Burmese democracy. A realist, rather than the optimist some would paint her, Aung is continuing with her goals for the party, with the perseverance necessary to achieve a goal that would change life entirely in Burma, where life under military control has kept the people under an inconceivably oppressive rule.

Impact Mag had this to say of Aung San Suu Kyi's struggle:

"The Amnesty International ‘Burma Campaign’ which had been campaigning for Aung San Suu’s release knows that even now the fight is not over. 2,002 political prisoners still remain in Burma, all under house arrest or detained in prison facilities. Each prisoner is further evidence of repressive rule by the Burmese junta, a regime accused by Harvard Law School of war crimes and crimes against humanity, a regime without freedom of speech and without freedom of political representation. The figurehead of resistance in Burma may be free at last, but many other dissidents will continue to be silenced as long as this regime is in power."

Aung's release is wonderful news, but it is news that should continue to fuel grassroots awareness-raising and action.

On behalf of political prisoners everywhere, I ask:

Related:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9LizSi4zc&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR_e9mvaMMY&feature=fvw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4zs0T335NY&feature=related

http://www.impactnottingham.com/2010/11/aung-san-suu-kyi-may-be-free-but-burma-is-not/

Am I Not Human: UN Affirms Right To Water

2010-10-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

The UN Human Rights Council affirmed the human right to water and sanitation as legally binding at September's end, considering it a right to an adequate standard of living. It's a victory that lays the groundwork for a world where basic resources, which are already free, are available to everyone, as nature intended, hopefully in organic and non-fluoridated forms.

It seemed right posting this for October's focus.
We need to raise awareness about triumphs as much as causes to rally action for, because there are victories. We're not caught in a cycle of unliftable oppression.
Our actions make change.

Am I Not Human: Tapestries Of Hope

2010-09-27T21:11:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, September 28th, filmmaker Michaelene Risley's documentary 'Tapestries of Hope' will air with the intent of exposing the horrors of sexual assault that have been exacted on thousand's of young Zimbabwean girls by men led to believe it will cure HIV/Aids.
More than 100 theaters are screening the film around the country to raise awareness about the 'International Violence Against Women' Act, a bipartisan bill seeking to implement legislation ends violence against women and girls worldwide.

You can lend your voice here:
http://capwiz.com/fvpf/issues/alert/?alertid=16531596&queueid=5764695991

For additional details about the film and bill please visit the source of this story at BoldasLove.us

On behalf of our sisters who have suffered the assault of their bodies, and spirits, I ask:

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Am I Not Human: Turning To the Media to Free Troy Davis

2010-08-27T16:22:00.001-04:00

Amnesty International has reported Troy's appeal has been denied. Our hope now lays in raising alot of news in the media. Where there's a will, there's a way. Please pick up your pen, or engage your keyboard.

Amnesty's Talking Points:

Alert the media! Troy Davis must not be executed!

Federal Judge William T. Moore, Jr., has ruled that Troy Davis did not meet the very high standard to "clearly establish" his innocence at the hearing held in Savannah on June 23-24.

The hearing did not erase doubts about Troy Davis' guilt; those doubts persist, but for the moment, Troy's death sentence stands. Write a letter to your local newspapers expressing your concern that an execution could still be carried out, despite these continuing doubts about Troy Davis' guilt.

• Troy Davis may be back on track for execution following the August 24th decision of a federal judge to reject his petition
• With no physical evidence, Troy Davis had to prove his innocence by relying on witnesses whose credibility was called into question by the judge, yet they were the very people whose testimony put Davis on death row
• The hearing did not resolve doubts about Troy Davis' guilt; no execution should go forward when there is so much doubt and uncertainty
• This case illustrates why the death penalty is fundamentally flawed and should be abolished

Letter-writing Tips
Make it your own. Use these talking points as a guide, but put your letter in your own words. Try to frame your letter as a response to a recent article, editorial, or event covered by your newspaper.

Keep it short. Most newspapers will only accept letters of 150-200 words.

Pick one angle: You likely have many reasons for believing what you are advocating for, but you only have 250 words to tell your side of the story. Pick just one reason and tailor the LTE to fit that choice.

Make sure to give your contact details, including phone number. (Phone numbers will not be published; editors generally call authors to confirm the validity of the letter before publishing.)
to save a copy of your letter and try again with another newspaper.

On behalf of Troy Davis, I ask:

Am I not Human: 'Just-us' and The blood of innocents

2010-07-27T22:37:00.000-04:00

I needed time to allow my feelings to process into something coherent, and productive, hearing the 'verdict' extended to Oscar Grant's murderer, on what I percieve to be a stingingly silver platter.
Everything stopped in the air around me when I learned that Meserhle was slapped on the hand for taking the life of an innocent, despite video proof graphically presenting the cold reality of his actions. How does a copnot know', he pulled a gun instead of a taser, which either way, was completely unwarranted? I know a large portion of the water supply is fluoridated, drugging a hefty amount of us with unregulated levels of this FDA-classified poison, but how stupid do 'they' think we are? Or rather, how docile, and cowed are they counting on us to be?

The state comments of homeland-security allied (homeland-security?!) 'preparedness' against expressions of outrage, bordered on hinted-willingness to lynch the attenders of the peaceful protest of the lawless verdict, were the state given the hair of a chance. And even fully knowing that this country is built of the blood and anguish of innocents in a hall of smoke and mirrors, something went quiet within me. It was too soon after the murder-by-cop of a 7 yr old child while she slept. I couldn't process it. I spoke a bit of my peace in the dimensions of 140, but I couldn't for long, and dsisconnected to stare at the ceiling, and let my psyche protect me from what , at that moment, was impossible to stomach.

The reality, that even in the face of indisputable evidence for anyone with functional grey matter, the 'justice' system didn't care enough to punish a dishonorable, not to mention murderous officer, burned cold. Something in me seized and I was concerned at how sober my reaction was from what would normally be flames erupting.
It opened my throat for more swallowed tears, but this time, I couldn't 'react'. I couldn't say more of the same.
On the heels of the police murder of a 7 year old in our commmunity, while she slept, with all indications that a child was in the home the police shot into, unequivocally discernable as there were visible toys on the lawn, and verbal warnings of the fact, I became still.
I had to go around the place within me where words are a sanctuary, and wait outside.
I'm not accustomed to it.
I would usually rebel at walking around with a knot anger deprived of progressive action, even if that action was only raising awareness, but doing 'the usual' has only delivered the usual result. and I fear that more of the same *will* escalate into the full-on extermination of my people, given the chance.
And I wonder, in full sincerity, how anyone claiming to be human, and even further a protector of humanity can take the lives of innocents, fully knowing it is against the code they swore to uphold. Perhaps they simply do not see people of color, or even, as we've seen from quite a few taser murders, impoverished peoples of Euro descent, as people. It could very simply be the 'better-than' poison at work, that has dehumanized the world to such a hollow state of denial, suggesting the solution is rooted in celebrating commonality, and breaking down the walls of 'separate and divide',to at the very least, have honest discussion about solutions. It's an incredibly complex exercise for peoples of color still recovering from the force stripping of identity by inarguably inhuman methods, who are still seeking ways to celebrate root-identity and somehow reconcile it with integrated, and it can be asserted, compromised identity.
It seems a certainty to me that this conflict has to be resolved once and for all, as this liminal station serves only our own deaths, rather than the rebirths we've sought on a communal level for too long.
The glittering distractions of modern day buffonery will dazzle some, but the realities of our true predicament are glaring, and cannot continue to go unanswered, or worse, answered by the seeming 3 out of 100 of us willing to sign a petition, march for a cause, attend city hall meetings, create communiversities, and the like.
Organizations like @TheImpactPanel are an immensely hopeful sign, but it will take participation for these seeds of healing, and affirmed whole-identity to successfully take root.
I choose to continue to believe in our collective spirit, and even have hope for those who pretend none of this is happening, because truly, nothing happens without a reason. There is always a lesson. That wisdom goes without question. The true matter at hand, is 'What have we learned, and *when* do we apply it?'.
In a society that serves justice on a whim or by forced hand, I wonder if its true that justice can never be, on stolen land, which leads me to ask:

On behalf, of the sane, the *truly* human in a dying world one hopes means a rebirth free of government corruption, I ask:

Note: Please excuse any typos I didn't catch with the red pen. As the pc is having issues *again*, I had to type this on the G1, which was quite the venture, but worth every bit of effort. Shine bright and asante for your patience. Equipment replacements are being arranged for August. Electronics and I have had a strange relationship. Your high thoughts are appreciated.

Am I Not Human: June 2007 Posts

2010-06-27T20:29:00.004-04:00

Marenda, Bohemian Chick, Villager, Ms Lady Deborah, Eddie Griffin (posted food for thought abt delusional 'officials' before campaign day), and PZ ask:

Check current and past reported posts,
by clicking the the yellow button in the sidebar.

Linklist note: Click on the above names to visit the posts. If your post is up, please include it through the yellow button in the side bar. Thankyou for taking the time to focus attention on the human rights crisis', and solutions we can all take action in empowering with our signatures, signs, blogs, wallets, divestments, and the like.
Our mainstream media may ignore the majority of human rights violations in favor of diversion-media, but we have the power to spread the word about what's really happening in the world, in our efforts to power solutions.

This practice of posting campaign links was something Sir Wayne offered as a service in the early days of the 'Roots-Of-Humanity' groups' 'Am I Not Human' campaign. As a reminder of the post-links available through the yellow button in the sidebar, we may be offering this from time to time when there are abundant links on a given month <3

Am I Not Human: The Making Of Girl Child Soldiers

2010-06-27T20:17:00.001-04:00

The systematic dehumanization the world over has targeted its efforts heavily on females, including child females, who have been subjected to rape, forced witness of the murders of their loved ones, and forced service in para-military operations, often funded by Western interests who benefit from the creation of in-fighting in lands with resources desired. Liberia being just one of them.

I offer the following video in the spirit of humanity, as well in caution. Without unity, and the building of better systems for 'the common people', this could take place anywhere in the world. Our 'leaders' have proven repeatedly that there is no true care in Western governments for its people, the natural world, or anything outside of profit and their profit-sharing corporate friends. It is beyond time to wake up as global people, and especially those amongst us with means to make a differnce and raise awareness. We can not turn away from what is happening to our children, our sisters, or our brothers the world over in redeveloping countries, anymore than we can ignore what is happening on the soil we currently reside on. We *are* one, regardless of the illusions that would suggest we're somehow 'safe'.

The destruction of senseless wars has struck peoples in the redeveloping world, in the middle of the night oftentimes, when the people are most vulnerable, without warning, leaving children parentless, and without protection or resources; reducing them to prey for soulless predators who would make soldiers of them.

'Sometimes we had no food, so we'd look for potato leaves in the bush.'
- Mamie, a girl child forced to aid soldiers and endure repeated rape.

Vid Source

If you haven't added your signature to the Child Soldier Prevention Act (S. 1175), please do so now:

http://www.amnestyusa.org/children/child-soldiers/page.do?id=1051047

Thankyou for your consideration.

On behalf of our siblings who have been robbed of their innocence, and all that matters most. I ask:

Coastal Governors Call for Prayer on June 27th

2010-06-25T16:51:00.001-04:00

Gulf State Governors Call for Prayer- not Repentance:
The waters are troubled and not yet healed

By Eddie Griffin

Friday, June 25, 2010

From the Plano Examiner: “UPDATE! More Governor’s Proclaim Call For Prayer This Sunday”

67 days into the Gulf oil spill crisis, four affected State Governors have now issued proclamations declaring this Sunday, June 27th as A Day Of Prayer.

Texas Governor Rick Perry stated-" It seems right and fitting that the people of Texas should join with their fellow Gulf Coast residents and others across the country and around the world to thank God, seek his wisdom for ourselves and our leaders, and ask him for his merciful intervention and healing in this time of crisis."

Alabama Governor Bob Riley said-"Throughout our history, Alabamians have humbly turned to God to ask for His blessings and to hold us steady during times of struggle. This is certainly one of those times."

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour wrote-" Prayer allows us the opportunity to reflect and seek guidance, strength, comfort and inspiration from Almighty God and citizens of Mississippi are urged to pray....."

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared-"June 27th as a Statewide Day of Prayer for perseverance."

COMMENTARY by Eddie G. Griffin (BASG)

As surely as I write, I knew the day would come when they, collectively, would call upon the God of Heaven to heal their waters. So, I ask: “Who shall pray, non-believers?” They are all non-believers, because they say one thing and mean another.

Only yesterday, it seems, Governor Rick Perry was calling the BP disaster an Act of God, now he request prayer: to wit, “thank God, seek his wisdom, ask for his merciful intervention, and healing.” Yet he rejects wisdom and denies mercy. Why didn’t he pardon Timothy Cole before his life expired in prison? Oh, but he is so sad that the State of Texas allowed an innocent, college student, and veteran die in prison like a dog. And, the blood of Jamie Scott is now upon the head of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour.

Let me admonish the governors that the oil is here, and it is here to stay for a long while. It is not an inevitable. It is a fact. Leaders accept facts. Prayer, in this case, is an act of desperation, in lieu of the facts. They want a miracle for nothing, without even having to pay the price of their sins.

Merciful Intervention and Healing: What the Governor of Texas ask, is this not what we poured out our tears over? Is this not why we begged and pleaded with Governor Haley Barbour for mercy and compassion upon humanity, for the release Jamie and Gladys Scott from prison? For an $11 robbery in which no one was hurt, these two young mothers, with no prior criminal records and had no direct part in the crime, were sent to prison in the State of Mississippi, sentenced to double life… seventeen years ago. [See Newsweek story]

Now both women who went to prison at ages 19 and 22 years old are grandmothers, and Jamie is dying from kidney failure. Both have consistently maintained their innocence. And, there is no evidence or proof that either took direct part in the robbery, nor heretofore, either had prior criminal record. Why then is the Governor of Mississippi so hard-hearted in this case.

How can they have the audacity to pray for mercy, when they are so unwilling to show mercy? And anyway, June 27th is already reserved as a Day of Blogging for Justice by ROOTS of HUMANITY, and some of us will be blogging for Justice on behalf of the Scott Sisters.

Oil for Justice in Mississippi

2010-06-21T11:05:00.002-04:00

AM I NOT HUMAN

Long overdue Justice may be coming to Mississippi… in the form of oil upon the pristine Gulf casino beaches

There comes a time when a man becomes so angry and frustrated that there is only one place to appeal: And, that is Heaven.

I DECLARE:

I, Eddie Griffin, will not eat or sleep until there is Justice for the Scott Sisters who are in prison, in the State of Mississippi. I may eat tomorrow because Justice may be on its way, in the form of oil upon the pristine Gulf casino beaches where the sin of sins thrives: Injustice.

In 1994, the State of Mississippi sentenced Jamie and Gladys Scott to consecutive double-life terms each for two counts of armed robbery they did not commit. They did not have prior criminal records, vigorously maintained their innocence, approximately $11 was said to have been netted, no one was harmed or injured and no weapon was ever recovered. Witnesses testified that they were coerced and threatened to lie on the Scott Sisters and their unbelievable convictions rest entirely on a combination of contradictory, coerced, and potentially perjured testimony by the victims and two other people charged with the crime who were offered lighter sentences for their cooperation.

For me, it is not an issue of guilt or innocence. It is the magnitude of Crime and Punishment, where punishment is so excessive that it can be called OPPRESSION.

Eddie Griffin (BASG) quietly and discretely petitioned government officials in the State of Mississippi to recognize the legitimate grievances in disparities of justice being practiced inside the courtrooms. Mississippi is not the only southern state that still practices Race Justice.

Our words have had little consolation. But there is some comfort to know that Mississippi will cry to Heaven when the oil hit the coast.

And, when they cry to Heaven and utter of many prayers. Then I would hope and pray for Mercy, first for the Scott Sister, and then to the State of Mississippi, and not in the reverse order.

I need no approval or authority or consent of men. This is personal.

Am I Not Human: Questions

2010-05-27T21:47:00.001-04:00

I've been having discussions lately about humanity, needed anti-violence police to safeguard our communities, the practical applications that have yet to be revealed for community safety, and the needed healing return towards the peace consciousness of the ancient matrilineal cultures.

Utilizing positive-thinking/dreamvision ('I-am-human' affirming) for a loving peaceful world at least once monthly and raising awareness through the 'Am I Not Human' campaign are two efforts, but solid brainstorming is needed on how we can assure community safety and stop the terrorizing on our streets by the police in the force who desecrate their oath to serve and protect (would be very helpful I imagine, if officers who do uphold their oath would speak out against police brutality as well, just as I hope any group placed in a position of power privileged by Western society would speak out against those in their group abusing power, to take down the us/them barriers something serious) and those without power, trying to create power through non-privileged criminality aided no doubt by poverty and stereotype.

War makes more war, and pacification encourages arrogance in the pacified. We know we can't continue with those approaches and see anymore change for the better in the world than they've already failed to influence. If we call for cameras everywhere, we aid big brother's orwellian dream (though I still believe officers should wear cameras that are accessible by community watch and grassroots orgs as a safeguard against police brutality- a suggestion made in the Afrospear sometime ago).
There are always solutions, if there are problems. But it will take dialogue, and interest in finding those solutions for real, coupled with the hardwork of putting them into action. It starts with questions. If we're serious, we'll find the answers.

Golden Maat and the facilitator I spoke with where I live raise points about humanity.
Golden Maat reminded us in her timeline in recent weeks that we've largely forgotten humanity. The facilitator reminded me police are being trained to regard us as non-human.
In turn the actions of their renegades who end up playing the part of the beast, as they approach our community as if it were full of beasts, has us regarding the police as inhuman. It doesn't work, and is imploding on itself.

We've reached a critical place with the recent slaying by police of 7 year old #Aiyana Jones, in her sleep.

SOMETHING has to give.

I applaud Representative John Conyers for his efforts to launch investigation into this murderous style of policing. I applaud those running this petition demanding release of the tape that will disprove the police-coverup of #Aiyana Jones' slaying. If you haven't signed already please stand for humanity by standing for justice and sign.

On behalf of the innocents being slaughtered by those completely misinterpreting the right use of power. I ask:

Am I Not Human: Too Graphic for Youtube. Okay for the eyes of Eastern children, regularly.

2010-04-27T19:33:00.001-04:00

Warning:

The video posted below is beyond graphic. I wouldn't recommend viewing it with a child under the age of 13 in room, as even with explanation, the developing minds in that age bracket could experience some degree of trauma. This video is that graphic. It is as real as the horrors, our Eastern siblings have faced, regardless of age.
I am not however, in disagreement with the graphic nature of the imagery in this video. In this case it is actually necessary to the point. It is truly revolutionary, as opposed to the buzz generating pseudo-depth media we've been subjected to far too often.
Some have said this vid was made without a point. I vehemently disagree. This vid was made without it's point needing to be sub-titled, or announced at the end to assist us in 'getting the point'. Instead, it requires us to think.

M.I.A- Born Free

I left the below comment @ InnyVinny's spot (and hit enter without thinking-then when I finally hit submit on-purpose I realized the pre-typo fix version had already posted). The commentary below, is a little less fragmented and shares my impression of the vid, and how it relates to the violation of human rights the West commits in a business-as-usual fashion:

[Semi-Spoilers herein]

"Kristine's assessment is spot on.
I definitely felt it was a commentary on genocide, clothed in a Euro case of racial profiling (The abuse of the Gingers might be reflecting on the abuse of the Irish, who were even labeled 'Black' at one time, believe it or not).

I think it speaks to those who may be desensitized to seeing bodies of color blown up by landmines or mulilated by schrapnel, by providing a likeness that is closer to home for the proclaimed-majority in the West.

It's a beyond clever way to speak to power, and privilege, police-state hivemind, senseless abuse of power/the frenzy-state of the power-drunk against the helpless.

I am amazed.

Folks speak of other vids recently released 'being deep', even with those that were remakes, and etc.

Nothing comes close to what M.I.A's placed before us. This is revolutionary, and I am completely unoffended by the graphic nature of the vid. The graphic nature was entirely needed to make the point.

We're so cushioned in the West, from what many of our siblings in the East suffer in horrific norms. I'm all for removing the 'softening' of media-extended realities, where reporting on human rights is concerned. It's a decade into the new millennium, and we're in at least 2 completely unnecessary wars right now. How many people even know that in this country? And of those who know, how many care?

Something has to wake the collective up..."

For those of you who make/made it through the vid, what's your impression?

On behalf of all my human siblings suffering unimaginable violations of their humanity. I ask:

Am I Not Human: The Scott Sisters

2010-03-27T20:01:00.005-04:00

How is it possible that even after a signed affidavit by their former accuser, recanting his statement, the Scott Sisters appeals were denied by the Supreme court, and all for a 'robbery' we now know they never committed that amounted to 11 dollars stolen by men allowed to get away on plea deals?

If you're not already familiar with this case which has been dragging on for well over a decade [over 11 dollars they never stole, yes}, the following vid can shed some light.

(note: This vid is a year or so old, but still, unfortunately, relevant)

Were certainly not ignorant of the reluctant-justice in our 'halls of order', having rallied for the release of the Jena 5 who were facing sentences that fell grossly beyond even an imagined scope of proportion, and Troy Davis who even after the recanting of 7 out of 9 accusers who advised officers coerced them into accusing him to begin with was denied justice repeatedly.

But what do we do about it? Outside of thinking high thoughts, and adding our voice to written demands for proportional justice, our only visible choice seems to take action to reform the system itself by utilizing our voices to gain the attention of the commander in chief.

Please utilize the links provided below to do both:

Sign the Petition

I was unable to join the blogging effort on this day
but there are great resources to the Governor and Congressman
that have power to make a change in this case.
Visit here for more intel

Send a letter to President Obama

On behalf of innocents, charged with crimes they didn't commit, or meted out sentences not befitting their crimes, I ask:

Related:

Raye of Hope.org
The enslavement of the poor in American Prisons

Am I Not Human: The roots of Haitian culture versus conversion propaganda

2010-02-27T06:53:00.006-05:00

Naomi Extra put together a writing group awhile back that has recently called for stories that raise awareness about Haitian culture. As part of my Am I Not Human campaign offering I'd like to extend more information about the roots of Haitian culture, to help dispel disinformation and encourage dialogue.

I hope you'll submit a story (here )after you view more information via the links and video provided. I plan to update the post with my tale, after it publishes with Lady Nextra, as well. Please share links to yours.

*

This offering is extended with the hope that we can brainstorm ways that cultural-discrimination, such as that being seen amongst missionaries who claim they will not likely continue to give aid to Haitian Vodou practioners (forced conversion, anyone? How charitable...), can be thwarted utterly. Your ideas for solutions are most welcome in the comments or in your own blog posts that we can visit through the links you extend.

*

Haiti liberated and Rescued Other Nations

(One of the most underknown forces that impacted the end of slavery when it liberated itself as an independent nation)

*

Until Haiti spoke, the church was silent, and the pulpit was dumb. Slave-traders lived and slave-traders died." - Excerpts from Frederick Douglass

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Wyclef speaks to Haitian culture about the Toussaint Film

*

Some Familiar Faces in the Haitian Diaspora

Please continue to donate to trusted relief organizations on behalf of Haiti.

From experience I recommend MercyCorps (they update you on where the money is going).
Please share aid organizations you trust in the comments <3>

On behalf of my underrepresented human siblings in Haiti, facing threats against integral aspects of their culture, and threat of destabilization by government interference all while struggling to survive and recover from a beyond-devastating blow. I ask:

Am I Not Human: Haiti needs Doctors, The West Sends Soldiers

2010-01-27T04:14:00.001-05:00

To date I still haven't wrapped my mind around the devastation the people of Haiti have experienced and seek to heal from. I've made time for the most part daily to send Reiki, prayer, and love over the ethers, hoping it makes even some difference to my human/Haitian siblings struggling to meet the terms of survival in a land impoverished by colonialist agendas and unjust debts, and now the addition of a new highly suspect military occupation it's claimed has arrived to 'help' control lawlessnes and such, when in reality, true help would be medically-related, food-related, etc...

I don't believe in military-occupation. Depopulation-101 tells us historically that most of the 'rebel-based' wars and chaos have been funded by Western interests, no matter who they are able to talk into selling their souls to carry out 'the deeds'. String-pullers are stringpullers.
Our president has even called on historical enemies of Haiti (with serious emphasis on Clinton's past actions) for 'help' (what kind of help, we don't know), which further insults what the survivors of this devastating earthquake --that we're still not sure wasn't influenced by military-drilling/ HAARP 'testing' in the Caribbean-- have in front of them to endure as it is, without the addition of greed/cruelty-influenced interference.

To avoid the crippling kind of anger, I've chosen to look at this as a further opportunity for the world's common-folk to open their eyes to the realities that surround us. If I allow myself to become discouraged, or deeply cynical, my energy will mean nothing in a world that needs folks to shine their lights.
The simple act of refusing to face chaos/hidden chaos-stirring at the hands of government with naive eyes can be the only reason these lessons are appearing on such a large scale.

I won't lecture on the importance of doing something. You already know the importance of action. I will instead hope that you keep your mind open, if it isn't already, to the possibility that very sinister plans are at work to further destabilize Haiti, and keep in mind, voices that refuse to turn a cheek, and know the power of raising awareness (especially when awareness goes viral) can change the world, and in this instance mean the world to the reconstruction and healing of Haiti.

For my human siblings in Haiti struggling to survive, now faced with the concerns a Western military presence poses, while Doctors and aid have had a hard time getting their goodwill to the survivors they wish to extend it to... I ask:

Haitian Granted Temporary Protected Status

2010-01-17T08:27:00.005-05:00

It is a great relief that swift action was taken to ensure the safety of Haitians living here in the US. This came after an urgent request made by Hillary Clinton and Napolitano that Haitian immigrants be protected under temporary protected status. A request calling for an end to maritime interdictions was made as well.

We should all take a moment to thank the President, and as well as request the enforcement of a suspension of the interdiction policy endangering Haitians at this crucial time.

Props to Electronic Village for the intel

If you're a Reiki energy-medicine healer sending positive energy to Haiti,
tag your texts with #ReikiForHaiti or #PranaForHaiti, #MeditationForHaiti and so forth. Positive energy makes a difference.

(Unfortunately delayed) Am I Not Human: Wilt-petaled bloom

2010-01-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

The 26th of November was troublesome for me. I'm dedicated to publishing an Am I Not Human? campaign post on the 27th every month. Like clockwork. I resented the power cord for dying and rendering my pc useless until I could replace it. Major companies wanted at least 69.99 for a 'universal' model I wasn't sure would work, and they advised they couldn't test it in advance because they didn't have demo models. In the end I opted for ebay and found one for 10. Mark-ups are funny aye?. This meant at least a week's wait due to the seller's location. The library was closed, and the internet cafe in town folded earlier last year. I was smartphone-less (I've since commenced shopping for one), and I
I had to make myself content with handwriting my offering.
Thankfully Mom came to the rescue and posted a notice about what was going on and that my post would be delayed. Everything happens for a reason. I want to thank all of you who were able to post and raise awareness to the many human rights causes in need of more voices.

My belated offering for December is short. Some months I'll be posting an artistic message (much like the Am I Not Human artivism issue). I encourage artists out there to do the same. It can capture attention and help remind folks how easily freedoms can be taken. We should never get too comfortable and forget our human siblings who had the rugs taken from under them. We are one, despite illusion.

Wilt-Petaled Bloom

To eat from your cupboards and leave nothing
To salt your lands and poison the sea
To twist your view of spirituality
so as to alter your recognition of Divinity

These are not acts come from humanity
but hollow-conscienced seeds of depravity
grown into mind-clouding grains arranged
in ciphered dining options
upon the plates of the unwitting
Blooms not fit for consumption
strewn in salads of the genetically modified,
carefully coiffed tortured beasts and their clones.
Seeds making for themselves a hollow home,
when grown and consumed.
Stealing logic, choking air from the heart.
Making the silblings of the tormented forget,
that they're related, and probably next;
if these wilted petals continue to decorate world display
masquerading as 'premium offering'
so few seem still-willing to renounce, for
all the amnesia that has taken us.

For my siblings in lands looted; deprived of rightful resources ripped from its girth, barred from technology, or unable to speak on their own behalf for the stifling force of puppet-tyrants pulled by hidden strings leading to another power, I ask:

Thankyou for reading.

...Returned from teh land of pc- glitches a.k.a Mirthful 2010

2010-01-08T05:14:00.004-05:00

Peace and Mirthful 2010 ^_^

I have to apologize for my inability to post on the 27th. PC- related equipment failure on a day where the library wasn't even open rendered me unable to post what I'd written for the Am I Not Human campaign.
I did handwrite a short piece, because I take this campaign seriously and have vowed to take action on the 27th of every month until we see some real changes made in international and domestic human rights.
I will be posting my handwritten entry from 12/27 shortly, but wanted to post and advise that my equipment came in the mail and all is well-again in digital land. I plan to read your entries soon, and am investing in a G1 phone in several weeks, in an effort to prevent any future interruptions with my ability to post a blog entry *_^

Shine bright
-PZ

2009-12-26T17:45:00.002-05:00

Due to computer meltdow PurpleZoe is unable to post for the Am I not human ? campaign.
She is working to resolve this difficultie and apologizes that this month post will be delayed, likely for about one week .
She looks forward to reading your post when she can access the internet again.
Thank you
PurpleZoe's Mum.

Am I Not Human: Conflict Minerals

2009-11-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

While some of us are aware of Western culture's hand in stripping the Congo's coltan for use in our wireless devices, a large host of others have no clue that the majority of resources Western culture depends upon have been stolen, and/or barely paid any of their worth as they're taken from the dark continent. So it lights my heart to see the mainstream attention 60 minutes is giving the issue of conflict minerals this Sunday.
The more we become aware of how we come by our luxuries, the sooner we can take action to ensure their is no theft and horror attached to them at the root of acquisition, moving forward. While many are celebrating a holiday that was founded on the genocide of Indigenous Americans (in our home, as a matter of conscience, we had to flip it, make it vegan, and global-culture celebrating for a week rather than focus on the designated day or it's rituals), the majority of the world is paying in blood for yet more frivolity by the privileged few who even in uncomfortable financial times are truly more privileged than imagined.

Be thankful for the information age, and the lightning fast speed of the truth. It will set us all free, eventually.

View the bill seeking to improve transparency and reduce the trade of conflict minerals H.R.4128

Click to read the information page Enough project has put together.

On behalf of our human siblings in the Congo who have been robbed, made to engage in life-threatening labor, and suffer Western-culture orchestrated internal-war horrors I ask:

From Reed What Matters: Am I Not Human? 10/27 Homeless AntiCamping Ordinances

2009-10-28T07:42:00.006-04:00

note: Please take a moment to read this repost from Reed what matters, about Sacramento's Anti-Camping Ordinances, and the people addressing it. Thankyou for raising our awareness Jennifer.

Am I Not Human?: Homelessness & Sacramento’s Anti-Camping Ordinances

It’s been cold out, real cold. I lay in my bed last night with the chills because my husband was hogging the covers. Don’t I have nerve? I could have turned on the heater, or grabbed another blanket easily! What if I didn’t have the luxury of shelter, a heater, extra blankets like many families who are searching for a place just to rest as the shelters fill up!

In recent news, KCRA.com mentioned Sacramento’s Mayor Kevin Johnson spoke publicly about the the city, county and federal government approving funds for Sacramento to “create 269 shelter beds.” That is great, but what is the city going to do about the many families that will still need shelter.

SafeGround Sacramento has a temporary solution and Mayor Kevin Johnson hears their voices. SafeGround Sacramento “called for a moratorium on enforcement of the city’s anti-camping ordinance.” As it stands today our homeless community is awoken when found sleeping on the streets to move or can be sited with a ticket for illegal camping. Imagine that, no place to sleep and you wake up to a ticket you can’t afford all because you have no where else to sleep. SafeGroundSacramento aims to help those who can’t just rest. Johnson hears their voices KCRA.com states he has “said he will have more to say next month about a permanent camping site for the homeless.”

Please reach out to SafeGround Sacramento and learn more about what their mission is by visiting their website (click here). You can see their flight on video by award-winning film maker, Costa Mantis as well by clicking here.

Note: Roots of Humanity ”On the 27thof each month a group of bloggers post on the subject of human rights. The Am I Not Human Campaign was designed to help bring awareness to social issues that you can help to work on solving.”

Thank you Roots for Humanity for calling for such an action! We all should take a stand and let our voices be heard!

My friends if you have a topic you like me to take a stand on with you or if you would like to give honorary mention to someone who is making a difference in a future post please comment below or use our contact us form.

If you enjoyed this post you can read other related post below and you could subscribe to our updates by clicking here. Thank you!

Related Intel:

Please visit the page beyond the yellow button in the sidebar and scroll down to the latest updated links to visit the posts of all of the participators. Ms Lady Deborah for instance introduced information about the Global Writeathon on Dec 10 hosted by Amnesty International. Other posts focus on World Hunger, Homelessness and Eradicating Police Taser Torture.

Am I Not Human: Taser Justice

2009-10-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

The Blogging day on December 4 demanding Taser Justice is timely, and direly needed. The first day of blogging event opened alot of eyes, but there are more minds that need to be aware of the serious lows taser abuses plummet to on what appears to be a regular basis.
The amounts of murders by taser over the past few years and this year alone is astounding. Calls for congressional hearings have been made in the Afrosphere, and we're still waiting. Can we trust officers to stand for justice or is the overwhelming majority of law enforcement intent on killing with unnecessary deadly force? Aren't officers subjected to Mental Health screenings before they're given positions? And if yes, how is it possible so many have taken blood-thirsty action against innocent citizens?

Make sure your demands for justice are heard?
There are a few actions we can currently take. Please visit the information beyond the links to see which you're able to lend energy to:

Sign the petition demanding a congressional investigation into Taser Torture

Join the March for Dignity (to protest the non-punishment decision of Police renegade Stephanie Phillips who murdered Michael Jacobs. A march for 10,000 people is being called and organized.

Join the December 4th Day of Blogging for Taser Justice.

On behalf of the victims of taser torture who cannot ask on their own because they have been murdered, we ask:

Brown Eyed View: Am I Not Human

2009-09-27T06:59:00.003-04:00

note:

Roots of Humanity thanks Ms Lady Deborah of Brown Eyed View for this incredible post focusing on Children's rights and needs. Thankyou for allowing us to repost this on the main blog.
Please also visit Villager who posted a link about Seeking justice for the war crimes in the Gaza conflict and sign the petition.

On the 27th of each month a group of bloggers post on the subject of human rights. The Am I Not Human Campaign was designed to help bring awareness to social issues that you can help to work on solving.

MBEV focuses on human rights issues that involve children. This month I would like to draw your attention to two different children's rights issues.

I AM 60 FEET UNDERGROUND

The International Rescue Committee is working to improve the lives of children and their families. IRC is currently sponsoring a petition to urge President Obama to sign the UN Convention on The Right of the Child.

Can you imagine being 60 feet underground? Working to sift rocks for gold instead of attending school or having the opportunity to play with your friends? In America we have laws that protect children from being exploited. The child featured in the video is 10 years old. There are other children just like her all over the world. Children who need the help and support of the international community to improve their lives.
Please stand up for this child-and others like her.
Sign the IRC petition asking President Obama and the Senate to protect children around the world.Over nearly 20 years, 193 nations have stood up one by one to declare their commitment to protecting children by ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention protects children by defining their basic human rights: the right to live free from violence, protected from exploitation, the right to learn and the right to live a healthy life.

The Convention ensures nations support all actions and policies in the best interests of children.

Only 2 countries have yet to show their support by ratifying the Convention—Somalia and the United States.

This cannot continue.Please sign the petition now so that children no longer pay the price for the United States' delay. (link to the petition)

Homeless Children In America
The second issue that I want to bring to your attention today is Homeless Children in America. It is an issue that we cannot ignore. The impact that it has on the lives of our youngest citizens. I work with children who have been homeless. Every day I see what that situation has already done to their psyche. They are often very insecure and very angry with everyone. When I consider that they are only 3, 4 and 5 years old-it hurts me to my heart.

There is an organization that works on the issue of homeless children in America. The National Center to End Family Homelessness. I am asking that you visit their website and take the time to learn what is going on in your home state around the issue of child homelessness. Take the time to consider what you can do to help families secure adequate and permanent shelter.

Homeless children in America have a youthful advocate who is donating her time and talent to help raise awareness and funds for their cause. Check out entertainment sensation Jamia as she talks about why she is working on behalf of homeless children.

You can link here to hear the finished production of Jamia's song, "Take The Time".

Please visit the Am I Not Human? Campaign blog. You can learn about other human rights issues. There is also information available on how you can participate in this effort to inform and advocate on the different Human Rights issues around the world.<

Am I Not Human: Finding New Ways To Make A Difference

2009-09-27T01:37:00.001-04:00

image: Allafrica.com

3 points struck me deeply, and somewhere inside of myself the night I finished watching it, I committed to finding a way to do more to support our human siblings in re-developing countries struggling to survive, through different methods. Lots of ideas passed through my mind. I thought maybe a 'PeacefulPens collective' could somehow connect with folks providing relief in refugee camps so we could put a face to some of the people suffering and write their stories. Not sure if that was the exact idea, I turned the idea around in my mind thinking maybe it should be a 'HappyEndings' children's story collective that would feature children from the refugee camps in Darfur and other areas in the world, with the proceeds going completely to funding [healthy] education and survival needs, but I want to begin something I'm sure I can finish surely and thoroughly, and am unsure I could handle writings hundreds, or thousands of short stories in a small space of time without assistance, as it can be hard (especially during difficult financial times like these) to find folks willing to offer their assistance with no promise of profit. Enough working pens would be necessary and no child refugee's story should be left out of such a venture.

So for now I've decided that I can have a trusted non-profit collect monies accrued from 2 forthcoming fantasy anthologies and have them donated in full to ensure healthy education, and survival needs are supported for survivors living in refugee camps, looking to start their life anew, with security, and hope.

Have you been giving thought to what you can do that might go beyond petition-signing, and days of blogging (both good and powerful things, but for those who can do more the need is certainly there)?

On behalf of all of my human siblings barred from communication, or denied the technology to express what they've been enduring at the hand of greedmongering and unimaginable inhumanity, I ask:

A promising way to support the healing of the Motherland.

Click for more information.

3 Points

2009-09-13T00:08:00.008-04:00

Peace. Protection. Punishment.

Our voices and ingenuity are still needed. How can we get the attention of politicians that will make a positive difference in the struggle Darfurees and Chadians have faced at the hands of the Janjaweed and the Governing of Omar Bashir that empowers them?

Are you a solid indie game designer? Can you create a game that will attract interest in masses of Americans and other national citizens to take action? Can you write a song that makes a difference, and donate the sales to aid refugees in need? Would you rather write a children's story, or dedicate a collection of art to supporting aid, protection, and education efforts for Darfuri's and Chadians? Will you design greetings cards that remind loved ones that they have the power to save lives in areas where the voices of the people have been assaulted? Maybe you love to bake, and can organize a bake sale and create a special Peace cookie. There are many ideas that will remind your local news, national, and international news that we haven't forgotten what happened in Rwanda, and know what is happening in Darfur, Chad, The Congo, Uganda, and Somalia for that matter. We know we have to make our concern known.

Our job is to raise awareness, write letters to our local representatives, to our President, to make our desire heard. Omar Bashir and those complicit in the inhuman atrocities that have targeted the innocent [likely over the oil in Darfur] must be brought before the International Criminal Court. It is essential to the safety of Darfuri's and Chadians, as well as the rest of the world. If crimes against humanity such as those exacted upon the innocents of Darfur and Bordering Chad are allowed to continue without punishment, these kinds of crimes can easily spread throughout the rest of the world and become seen as commonplace. We have the power to do something now.

What are you going to to do?

I'm over here brainstorming a master-plan for something I can do from my level of creativity, but for right now I can write letters to the government, and keep writing them, at least.

Eventually the government will have to start listening to what the people truly ask for, rather than invade lands criminally themselves. There's alot of clean-up to do and it starts with us.

Click here to watch the film
Visit Tracy Mcgrady's Darfur Dream team website

Am I Not Human: Rape Assaults Both Genders In The Congo

2009-08-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

The tools of war escape the imagining of the average American citizen, but it's a very real threat for our human siblings in many areas of the world, where communities of innocents are under siege as their land is ravaged by militias that are funded by Western, and other Imperialist powers for their resources.

In addition to murdering, and separating people from their families, rape has become an inhumanly frequent matter of international news. In the Congo in particular, an area rich in the Coltan our wireless devices are dependent upon, women have known the threat of rapists bearing arms [with the Eastern Congo considered by the UN the rape capital of the world], but until recently men have either remained quiet about their experiences being raped by other men, or the phenomena has only recently become a reality for them in recent months, with what some consider hundreds of recent cases.

Though I had heard of this in passing, [I haven't spent a tremendous amount of time on the net over this particular Summer season] a recent Kameelahwrites blog post focusing on this crime's new, or newly-revealed face alerted me of the need to be a part of spreading this message, because without knowledge of the horrors our human siblings are experiencing in other parts of the world, we're in danger of fooling ourselves into thinking these issues aren't relevant, or even there. We're in danger of feeling these evils can't touch us, though they are touching our sisters and brothers in ways nothing should ever touch an individual or community.

What is most troubling to me about these evils is the underhanded networking that pulls the strings of these militias, and the way these militias [in alot of cases from the use of drugs- often for child soldiers] are able to distance themselves from their own people and rain unjust horrors down upon them.
It is certain the evils that have plagued Rwanda, The Uganda, The Congo and Darfur, to name only a few, are not in the true control of roaming militias.
The "intelligence" goes far deeper than that, into the direct pockets of those benefiting from the accumulation of resources gathered after the depopulation of the lands that are targeted. It's not a new tactic, and this is what is most upsetting. When and indeed what measure can we take as universal citizens to ensure safety, and basic resources be available to everyone? How do we disconnect the many heads of the greed-feeding network that ravages the human family with soulless regard, and exact strategy?

At present, I say we continue to spread the word. Bring it up at mealtime. Ignore the vibes others may give that it's somehow 'a drag'. Appeal to the selfishness in the community by raising the simple point that these kinds of crimes will eventually be able to strike anywhere. Without strong moves made by the ICC at least, to punish war criminals, who will care if evils that have become all too familiar to lands we may consider far away from us now, come to ours in full-bloom?

We can't afford, for the sake of humanity itself, or for our own personal lives, to pretend we're powerless. That kind of passive response to greed-mongering savagery has only empowered it. I say we at least have to be willing to speak on behalf of those suffering, and share what we can [within reason of course, as we're all struggling to survive] to aid those being stolen from and treated as less than human, or animal for that matter.

On behalf of our human siblings in the Congo [and everywhere else humanity is assaulted by inhumanity] we ask:

Am I Not Human: The Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan Request Protection For Sudanese Civilians

2009-07-27T02:19:00.001-04:00

The Lost boys and girls are children orphaned in the second Sudanese war that erupted between the North and South in '83. By '87 over 30,000 young children were forced from their homes in Southern Sudan during a viciously long civil war, as Northern forces destroyed their villages and murdered their parents.

A trek began for them that covered the area from the Southern Sudan to refugee camps in Ethiopia (and Kenya after the fall of the Ethiopian government). 11,000 survived the trek, with 5,000 registered now as refugees across the US.

Thanking President Obama for arranging an envoy to be present during the handing down of the Abyei Arbitration Tribunal in the Hague's ruling on the oil-related boundaries contested by North and South Sudan, and for renewing support of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the National Network for the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan sent a recent letter of appreciation. In this letter they were also clear in their request that a fully implemented CPA be ensured, so civilians would be protected.

For some time Darfurians, for instance have struggled with a smaller-number-than promised peacekeeping force, and obstacles to receiving proper Aid. It is certain that US promises must be kept, as all the delays that could be afforded have by now been exhausted.

It's clear there are many delicate layers to the conflicts in Sudan, with strong emphasis on Darfur, but it's important we keep ourselves informed as world citizens and lend our support by writing letters to the US government, blogging to raise awareness, supporting Aid organizations and the like. What is happening in the Sudan, most notably in Darfur in recent years, will not be forgotten, and promises made by our government need to be kept, just as the International Criminal Court needs to bring the persecutors of Darfurians to extreme justice.

You can take action for our siblings in the Sudan through the links below. Online it takes little time to make a difference.

On behalf of our siblings in the Sudan we ask:

You can take action here:
note: Please share any links to actions you know of that we can take to eradicate genocide at the root.

Call for divestment (A major action that impacted the abolishing of Apartheid can be successful in stomping out genocide in Darfur and anywhere else it raises its head)

http://www.standnow.org/

http://www.thedevilcameonhorseback.com/action/

Lost Boys of Sudan- Take Action

10 ways to stop genocide in Darfur

DreamforDarfur.org

note:
If you enjoy Roots for Humanity and would like to blog about Human roghts during campaigns and also to share news you find, contact us at rootsofhumanity at gmail.com

Am I Not Human: Stand For Troy Davis

2009-06-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

How is it possible that in a country that claims to fight for freedom and justice, a man that is likely innocent [after 7 out of 9 witnesses recanted their testimonies against him advising they were coerced by police to testify a certain way] sits on death row after rejected appeals to be seen in court to have new evidence looked over? And why would the state of Georgia refuse to allow the press to see him, though it is his right? It is a twisted rejection of justice that must be undone. I believe with enough of a spotlight upon the State of Georgia, the pressure will bring about the only satisfactory change- a true reexamining of Troy Davis' case and his subsequent and inevitable release.

The NAACP has joined this fight, launching an Iamtroy.com website to collect petition signatures and raise public awareness of his case, alongside Amnesty International who have been fighting for Troy for sometime now. Please take time to familiarize yourself with this case if you haven't already and add your voice to the growing number of voices demanding justice for Troy Davis and others like him who do not belong behind bars for a crime they did not commit.

On behalf of Troy Davis we ask:

We hope to see Troy speaking with the press very soon about his pardon, and release from an 18 yr. imprisonment that was exacted against him without any physical evidence, and with the testimonies of witnesses who recanted in large when they were no longer under the pressure of renegade officers forcing them to make untrue statements against him. It seems to me there are fraudulent law enforcers on several levels that should be locked away for their criminal behavior against the innocent. Hopefully when this is cleared up, they will be made to atone for their crimes.

Help Prevent Child Marriage

2009-06-23T00:47:00.005-04:00

Children as young as eight years of age have been forced into marriage too many times to count. They are more susceptible to being victims of domestic violence, and we can't forget that childbearing when too performed at too young an age actually causes death more often in youth than it does for a women of a more appropriate age (from 20 yrs and older).

The voices of the youth have too often been ignored until unspeakable acts can no longer remain in the dark. It doesn't have to go that far. Concerned adults can stand for the rights of children now. We can make enough noise to make a difference.

Click the image to take action to prevent Child marriage.

Note:
If you're interested in blogging for human rights on Roots of Humanity contact: RootsofHumanity at gmail.com

Shine your light.

Am I Not Human: Human Trafficking

2009-05-27T09:27:00.006-04:00

The silent, vicious underbelly of world society has supported the slave trade of women, and children for the purposes of forced prostitution and unpaid labor to and unforgivable degree of depravity and length of time, but it's voice has been largely ignored by a media that would rather give coverage to under-garment revealing mishaps of famous personalities, and propaganda designed to generate political support for various profit-generating efforts and/or smear campaigns aimed at political parties that completely distract and direct mass attention away from important issues impacting our world.

While we enjoy the fruits of our labors -- though admittedly many of us struggle to enjoy even that, there are voiceless people who have been reduced to slaves, hidden by a corrupt secret market that exploits the innocence of those who have found themselves alone and vulnerable, or who have even been sold to it by their own families.

Fortunately there are voices who refuse to be silenced, and share vital information with the masses who think for themselves and seek news that informs rather than brainwashes, or dumbs down the intellect.

A film documentary entitled 'Call and Response' has been created to bring to light the devastating effects of the evils in this hidden slavery system that has found itself widespread from the West to the East. Created by a musician who happened upon the horrors of sexual slavery during a celebratory weekend, this film is intended to wake us up to the realities that very real, very innocent children and individuals in general are facing in society --even in the 'Free World'.

The trailer for the film certainly may be shocking for some. Please watch this before deciding whether or not to share this footage with the youth in your home.

We hope you'll spread the word about this film, join the mailing lists of sites that focus on undoing this harmful system so you can participate in action alerts, and pray/meditate for a world that holds precious: 'the right to exist' peacefully.

On behalf of the children and individuals subjected to Modern Day Slavery we ask:

Here are some sites you can visit to be place on mailing lists, and inform yourself about actions you can take to help undo this epidemic:

www.EndHumanTrafficking.org
www.NotForSaleCampaign.org
http://www.humantrafficking.org/

Related intel:

PA court champions children by upholding that viewing child pornography is illegal.

Am I Not Human: Police Brutality Am I Not Human

2009-04-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

It bears repeating, as the the number of police brutality incidents seems to be rising. Unchecked, one has to wonder how far police brutality will go? How safe are we as civilians? As a child I was always directed to wave to officers, and feel safe with them in the community. I'm aware there are plenty of good officers who are dedicated to protecting and serving the community, but what of the renegades who endanger innocent civilians through various forms of bullying that on too many occasions have resulted in severe injury and death?

The recent Day of blogging for justice focused on putting a stop to pre-trial electrocution, and measures are being taken by the NAACP to see that police brutality is taken seriously. It lends hope that through the raising of our voices, awareness, and the insistence of our actions we can ensure our communities are served by those who are able to restrain individuals when necessary, without the danger of death becoming a factor, due to negligence or plain malice.

Please raise your voice in this stand for the safety of our communities. Blog your views. Share links to blogs focusing on raising awareness about police brutality. Spread the word persistently.

Was Oscar Grant not human? Was the 16 year male tasered to death recently after a routine traffic stop not human? Was the elderly wheelchair bound woman tased to death (10 times) not human?

There must be a stronger regard for human life, and a respect for the force continuum put in place to ensure tasers are used by law enforcement correctly and safely. Severe consequences need to be a factor put in place to dissuade renegade behavior, and ensure safety for innocent civilians.

Please sign this petition requesting Congressional investigation into brutal police-inflicted Taser torture: http://www.petition2congress.com/2/1822/taser-torture-in-america-call-congressional-hearings/

Thankyou to everyone participating in the Am I Not Human campaign. Your voices are appreciated. I applaud you stand.

The NAACP is investigating Excessive use of tasers by police

2009-04-23T14:43:00.000-04:00

According to Electronic Village:

"The NAACP Frederick County Branch is seeking information and testimony from people about alleged excessive use of Tasers by police. NAACP has been looking into the use of tasers after the death of Jarrel Gray in November 2007 by Frederick County Sheriff’s Office deputy Corp. Rudy Torres."

Thought to be involved in an altercation that included at least 4 or 5 people, in a parking lot in the Gresham Court East housing complex on November 18, 2007, Jarrel Gray, a hearing impaired man was shocked twice by taser and killed.
The supposed justification for this is connected to Officer Rudy Torres' order to four people to show their hands. When Jarrel Gray did not respond by showing his hands he was tasered.
Jarrel was intoxicated, a fact backed up by witness testimonies, but this does not negate the fact that the officers were warned that Jarrel was far too incapacitated to do well with direction. After the first taser shock, there was no sign of movement from Gray, but he was tasered again for no apparent reason 23 seconds later. Gray's hands were beneath him during this time. Officers claimed they thought Gray had 'passed out', but officers didn't check his pulse after attacking him with the taser. His pulse was only checked when emergency personnel arrived on the scene and discovered Gray had gone into cardiac arrest. They proceeded to do CPR on him to no avail, as he died 3 hours later. The cause of death was determined to be a combination of the method of restraint chosen by police on the scene, alchohol intoxication, and Gray's anatomical makeup.

Officer Torres was somehow cleared of wrongdoing, but it won't stand. An innocent life has again been taken by an officer who took an oath to protect and serve. That cannot be discounted. An oath and duty of that magnitude are not made of hollow words. They have to mean something. Gray's family filed a $145 million federal lawsuit against Frederick County, and rightly so.

Is it necessary to taser someone who isn't posing a threat? No. It isn't. Why wasn't Mr. Gray simply handcuffed and brought to the station? Why was electrocution necessary in this situation. I truly do not see a cause for the taser to have been pulled out at all, in this instance.

What of the rules associated with Force continuum?

Officers that act as renegades and do not follow the rules create a major problem in society, to put it mildly. I'm relieved the NAACP is finally taking action. Many, many innocent lives have been taken by renegade officers. It's long been time to find a solution to this dilemma, as it absolutely cannot go on. It is a problem that has plagued the United States and countries abroad.

Tasing Violations of Human Rights

2009-04-22T17:44:00.000-04:00

SARA BENNETT
Amnesty International, USA
5 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(212) 633-4160
sbennett@aiusa.org

RE: Tasing Violations of Human Rights

Dear Sara Bennett:

Please convey to our friends at Amnesty International that on Friday, April 24, the AfroSpear will declare this, “A Day of Blogging for Justice - Standing up against the pre-trial electrocution”, internationally.

It coincide the latest taser death of Michael Jacobs, a mentally ill black man, in my home town of Fort Worth, Texas.

We have a strong local base of support. On today, I had a chance to meet with the Fort Worth Chief of Police Jeffrey Halstead, and community activists representing the African-American community and the family.

We have waged a battle against Taser International, Inc., which started out an unregulated weapons manufacturer. Finally, after the rising sales of taser weapons and rising number of casualties, and numerous court defenses against lawsuits, Taser International finally conceded to issue some Product Warnings.

The warnings are adequate enough to immunize the company against wrongful death liabilities. If police departments around the country use the weapon, as it was designed to be used, in theory, there should be no fatalities.

There has been video footage upon footage of taser abuse and death. The AfroSpear has documented the history in the movement to stop the use and abuse of tasers, and the recordings of actual deaths, where subjects were tasered repeatedly until they expired.

The taser death of Michael Jacobs fit the profile of “Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome”, one of the product label warnings. Because Jacobs’ mental illness, he was more susceptible to dying after a taser shot and retrained.

Signs of Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome include: extreme agitation, bizarre behavior, inappropriate nudity, imperviousness to pain, paranoia, exhaustive exertion, “superhuman” strength, hallucinations, sweating profusely, etc.

The Product Warning label includes, among other things:

Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome Awareness. If a subject is exhibiting signs or behaviors that are associated with Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome, consider combining use of a TASER device with immediate physical restraint techniques and medical assistance. Signs of Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome include: extreme agitation, bizarre behavior, inappropriate nudity, imperviousness to pain, paranoia, exhaustive exertion, “superhuman” strength, hallucinations, sweating profusely, etc.

Muscle Contraction-Related Risks. The TASER device can cause strong muscle contractions that may result in physical exertion or athletic-type injuries. In certain instances this may be serious for some people, such as those with pre-existing conditions and/or special susceptibilities. This may also occur in instances Sudden in-custody death results from a complex set of physiological and psychological conditions characterized by irrational behavior, extreme exertion, and potentially fatal changes in blood chemistry.

The description of Michael Jacobs’ death is classic to the definition above of Sudden In-Custody Death Syndrome.

Product Safety should be an integral part of every police department’s policy on training and deployment of tasers. And when the product safety instructions are ignored, who is liable? And when training is inadequate, who bears the responsibility of a wrongful death?

In the case above, the liability stops at the City of Fort Worth. For wrongful death, they must pay, and pay dearly. Of course, the City holds the Chief of Police responsible, and so does the community.

We are watching and we are blogging.

Prison Reform Becoming A Reality

2009-04-17T14:36:00.005-04:00

Senator John Webb from Virginia has proposed a new law that examines our prison system with sweeping reforms. He will need our help to ensure the reforms actually take place. Would you take a moment to thank him for making this bold and necessary move? There is a quick auto-form you can use through Color of Change.

Click here to participate: http://colorofchange.org/webb/?id=1829-227923

Mumia Speaks With Democracy Now

2009-04-17T14:27:00.002-04:00

Mumia speaks with Democracy now about the denial of his appeal, and his book focusing on Jailhouse Lawyers.

Thankyou Liberator Magazine for the intel.

Genocide Prevention Months begins today. Your voice is powerful.

2009-04-02T20:23:00.002-04:00

Ask your local library to display books about Genocide.

Watch The Last Survivor.

Spread the word through blogs, conversations, twitter, and art.

Donate to aid groups alleviating suffering in lands plagued by genocide.

Join the Am I Not Human campaign on the 27th of every month with your own form of positive activism (blogging, art, meditation/prayer, etc)

Thankyou for caring and taking action no matter the size of the action.

Crossposted at UltravioletUnderground

The Chemical Holocaust Against A Generation of Children

2009-04-02T15:00:00.001-04:00

The field of psychiatry has changed childhood into a disease in the last 30 or so years with various labels, one becoming especially 'prevalent' amongst youth; ADHD. Addressing this dilemma, that only seems to plague children in the West for some odd reason, Dr. Fred Baughman has written a book that outlines what has actually happened and why we need to be very careful who's 'medical' opinions we expose our children to.

Natural news' Mike Adams, the Heath Ranger, writes:

Dear readers,

In the last 30 years, the field of psychiatry has transformed childhood into a disease through the label of ADHD. That's exactly what Dr. Fred Baughman, a pediatric neurologist and fellow of the American Association of Neurologists explores in this downloadable interview from Truth Publishing.

Dr. Baughman is one of the few neurological experts that is willing come forward with the truth about ADHD and the mass drugging of America's children. Have you ever wondered why other countries don't have this explosion of mental illness in their kids? Have you ever wondered why people in your parent's generation didn't have these problems? The answers are all right here in this interview.

Plus, Dr. Baughman shares his latest book on the subject, and a DVD warning to parents about the latest epidemic of childhood diagnosis, who is profiting from it, and how the label could hurt their child for life -- not to mention the risk of heart attack, stroke, drug abuse and all the other side effects that children on ADHD drugs experience.

Read all this and more in "Live with Dr. Fred Baughman," available for downloading now at:

http://downloads.truthpublishing.com/LivewithFredBaughman.pdf

Dr. Baughman shares startling facts such as:

What group wants four out of every ten children diagnosed as ADHD
How brain "disorders" lack an objective standard
Why an ADHD-labeled child will have trouble getting healthcare coverage, getting a job, or getting into the military
How diseases are created by a "show of hands"
How parents, teachers and school districts are getting paid for ADHD diagnoses
How many psychiatric experts are owned by the pharmaceutical industry
The law the Bush Administration put into action that will REQUIRE your child to be screened for ADHD
Adult ADHD "recruiting" centers where 80 percent are diagnosed as ADHD
How the FDA lobbied another country to keep dangerous ADHD drugs on the market after fatalities occured
Why your grandparents were never diagnosed with ADHD
What percentage of kids walk out of their first psychiatric visit with an ADHD diagnosis
How taxpayers foot the bill for every ADHD diagnosis

You'll want to pass this information on to everyone you know with children or grandchildren, so they don't become just another vehicle of profit for the drug industry. The risks are just too great, and too many parents and children have suffered already.

Download "Live with Dr. Fred Baughman" right now and read it for yourself:

http://downloads.truthpublishing.com/LivewithFredBaughman.pdf

Am I Not Human: Darfur

2009-03-27T00:03:00.000-04:00

With aid groups barred from the Sudan, raising awareness is more crucial than ever.

Please add your signature to the many petitions calling for the President to end the genocide in Darfur. Here is one you can sign now

On behalf of the people of Darfur who are barred from communication, as well as lacking access to their technology, we ask:

Projects that have been active in aiding Darfuri refugees, that
can still use your help:

http://www.darfurdreamteam.org/

http://www.mercycorps.org/

http://www.enoughproject.org/

http://www.darfurstoves.org/

Thriving Newspapers Are Grassrooted

2009-03-24T05:14:00.001-04:00

(PSFK) Though pundits everywhere are touting the death of the newspapers everywhere, it surprised us to learn that some are actually thriving, we just might not recognize their names. Despite often being left out of the conversation, many of the country’s ethnic publications continue to buck the industry trend. One in particular, El Diario La Prensa, is not only the nation’s oldest Spanish language publication, but also the fastest growing newspaper in America during two out of the last three years. On The Media recently sat down with executive editor Alberto Vourvoulias to find out the secret behind their success.

It was interesting to see the ways that class factors into this discussion. While El Diario maintains a presence on the web, since most of its readers don’t have desk jobs, print remains the primary source they turn to for their news.

-Read More at Liberator Mag

Shouldn't Inter-religious marriages be allowed in Lebanon?

2009-03-09T11:18:00.003-04:00

From care2:

Keep Humanitarian Aid In Sudan

2009-03-06T15:59:00.002-05:00

From Mercy Corps:

On Wednesday, the government of Sudan asked several humanitarian aid agencies, including Mercy Corps, to suspend operations in Darfur, a move that would threaten humanitarian assistance to millions of vulnerable men, women and children.

Mercy Corps provides lifesaving support to more than 200,000 people in displacement camps who have been forced from their homes by the violence in Darfur. Help keep aid workers where they are most needed in Sudan.

Add your name to the petition to ask United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to urge the government of Sudan to reverse its decision.

Please help, by signing this petition, and spreading the word.
Our participation is vital.

http://www.actioncenter.org/take_action/21

Bring Omar al-Bashir to Justice

2009-03-05T17:08:00.002-05:00

SARA BENNETT
Amnesty International, USA
5 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10001
(212) 633-4160
sbennett@aiusa.org

RE: Bring Omar al-Bashir to Justice

Dear Sara Bennett:

It is time to end the atrocities in Darfur and bring the criminal perpetrators to justice. Not even sovereign governments are above world opinion and global standards on humanity. The International Criminal Court (ICC) took necessary action in de-legitimizing the rouge regime in Sudan.

The Obama administration should be made aware that international enforcement of the ICC indictment requires all the nations of the world, including China. The regime could be consider hostile and extreme, in the extent of its ruthless self-perpetuation.

Here is my report.
Sincerely,
Eddie Griffin, International Human Rights Activist

Omar al-Bashir & Janjaweed Charged with War Crime in Darfur

THE HAGUE, Netherlands –

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant Wednesday for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. He is the first sitting head of state the court has ordered arrested.
Al-Bashir's government denounced the warrant as part of a Western conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the vast oil-rich nation south of Egypt.

African and Arab nations fear the warrant will destabilize the whole region, bring even more conflict in Darfur and threaten the fragile peace deal that ended decades of civil war between northern and southern Sudan. China, which buys two-thirds of Sudan's oil, supports the African and Arab positions.

"Every country in the world is on notice that there is a serious risk of genocide occurring in Darfur. Under the [United Nations] Genocide Treaty, states are obligated to take every conceivable action they can to prevent genocide," says Betsy Apple, who specializes in crimes against humanity for the New York-based group Human Rights First.

Background Notes:

Oil companies like China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Chemical and Petroleum Corporation (Sinopec Corp.) go unnoticed in its commercial dealing with the government of Sudan.

China buys Sudan’s oil from Gen. Omar al-Bashir, who came to power in a 1989 coup, and is held in power only by the weapons he buys from China to suppress dissidence and rebellion. The International Criminal Court gave notice of possible genocide in Sudan's Darfur region. The ICC took steps to indict Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for war crimes. The court's chief prosecutor accused Mr. Bashir of masterminding a campaign of rape and murder targeting people in Sudan's violence-wracked Darfur region.

Murder, rape, and pillage are being systematically carried out by Janjaweed militia, which has left over 300,000 Durfurians dead and 2,000,000 dislocated and homeless. A recent BBC report states that in a recent Janjaweed attack upon a convoy left six people dead and 28 wounded. So, we know that the atrocities continue.

The Christian Science Monitor makes the argument that Omar al-Bashir is actually stealing the oil from the people of Sudan, like a thug dictator who plunders his country’s treasury, and that China’s willful complicity is that of knowingly buying stolen and plundered goods. The Sudanese president has since defied the Big Eight and bullied the African Union into silence.

"He is suspected of being criminally responsible ... for intentionally directing attacks against an important part of the civilian population of Darfur, Sudan, murdering, exterminating, raping, torturing and forcibly transferring large numbers of civilians, and pillaging their property," court spokeswoman Laurence Blairon said. If al-Bashir is brought to trial and prosecuted, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Court had previously issued two arrest warrants against Sudanese Minister Ahmed Harun and Janjaweed militia leader Ali Kushayb, which remain outstanding. The Sudanese authorities not only failed to arrest these two men, but have also openly protected them.

Today’s decision follows the request submitted by ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo on 14 July 2008. The Sudanese government has been defying the ICC at every step of the way, including by fuelling an “anti-ICC” campaign within the African Union and the League of Arab States, following the Prosecutor’s request for an arrest warrant against Al-Bashir. Its efforts to obtain a deferral of investigations and prosecutions by the Security Council, in accordance with Article 16 of the ICC Statute, have nonetheless been fruitless to-date.

On 21 November 2008, the ICC Prosecutor requested the issuance of arrest warrants against the rebel leaders who allegedly planned and ordered the 29 September 2007 attack against members of the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMIS) in northern Darfur, Sudan. The judges have not yet decided on this application.

Reference: The Darfur Files at http://eddiegriffinbasg.blogspot.com/search?q=Darfur

From: Roots of Humanity’s AM I NOT HUMAN CAMPAIGN

[Excerpt from http://rootsofhumanity.blogspot.com/search?q=Darfur]

Bush, who hands the reins to successor Barack Obama on January 20, will also talk — in person and by videoconference — with the bloggers “to discuss their use of blogs to push for democratic change and greater freedom,” said Carroll.

Those from Egypt and Venezuela will join in by teleconference, while those from Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran and Myanmar will be in the Roosevelt Room in person, said the spokesman.

The bloggers from China, Cuba, Iran and Myanmar now live in the United States, he said.

Does anyone know who the US-based bloggers are?

Happy Bornday ACCESS Charity

2009-03-04T15:00:00.004-05:00

Three years ago today ACCESS charity was born with a goal to provide the children of the world with education. The ACCESS acronym stands for: Allowing Children a Chance at Education with School Supplies. The members consider ACCESS their chance to bridge the gap in the world.

Enjoy the video.

Commonthreadz Inspirational Campaign For Afrikan Youth Artists

2009-03-03T10:11:00.000-05:00

Commonthreadz is running a campaign that sells tees bearing art created by Afrikan children who have been orphaned. In addition to the power recognition will have on the psyches of these children, Commonthreadz is also collecting the profits, and giving it to the youth artists. It's being said, one teeshirt will feed an orphan for a month. The psychological value alone makes this a cause to support.

Click the image to visit, and spend your coinage on a noble cause.

After Deportation...

2009-03-02T21:16:00.000-05:00

Curious about what happens to the undocumented after their deportation, Citizen Orange joined a soup kitchen run by the Catholic church that exclusively serves deportees.
The soup kitchen requires the presentation of papers confirming deportee status, but as Citizen Orange describes it, is a peaceful place to be that can afford some respite to the battered spirits of deportees contemplating the decisions they're faced with.

Read the entire story over at Citizen Orange

Am I Not Human- Free Tibet

2009-02-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

Pro-Tibet demonstrations took place outside of the UN during Tibetan New Year recently, marking China's 50th year of occupation in Tibet. The day began with a prayer in the morning for those still suffering in Tibet, for the departed, and in general solidarity. A shrine to the Dalai Llama was also erected surrounded by food, Tibetan flags, and candles.

The group, Karma Namgyal, who greeted one another saying 'Free Tibet', intend to demonstrate throughout the year. They hope the US will become more deeply involved by placing pressure on China to clean up its human rights practices.

It is a relief to see a continued raising of voices unified in the intent to see a liberated Tibet. May those who fell, and experienced torture in the struggle, rest in peace.

On behalf of the suffering, and fallen in Tibet we ask: 'Am I Not Human?'

Learn more about how you can help:

http://www.freetibet.org/

http://www.tibet.org/

http://www.savetibet.org/

Thankyou to all who participate in the Am I Not Human campaign.

Be a voice for Darfur

2009-02-22T14:52:00.001-05:00

Blackperspective says:

The authorization for intervention was given a year and a half ago. The countries that voted for it, including the U.S. at President Bush’s direction, simply haven’t followed through on what they voted for.

UNAMID’s own site states that

A joint African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur was authorized by Security Council resolution 1769 of 31 July 2007…authorized UNAMID to take necessary action to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, as well as to protect its personnel and civilians, without “prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan”. UNAMID formally began operations on 31 December 2007.

The African Union troops need more military assets and some air cover; they’re providing the troops. This is plenty doable. It’s not that hard. The world just needs to step up to it’s commitment, and Obama needs to quickly begin to follow through with his.

How to act

1. You can send an electronic post card by going to addyourvoice.org and filling in your information.

2. Call the White House and leave a message at the switch board: 202-456-1414

3. Send an online message via Obama’s White House Site.

Thankyou Blackperspective.net for the intel

Burundi Women Don't Agree With Polygamy

2009-02-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

"In Burundi as in many other African countries, polygamy is well enrooted and seen as a normal social phenomenon. In fact, this phenomenon was largely practised in African traditional society. “In traditional Africa, one man could be married to four women and this gives him social respect,” Ndihokubwayo an elder said. This phenomenon because more vigorously practised with the advent of Islam in African countries. Many social consequences resulted from it. For example, women are divorced without any plausible reason and mothers are abandoned with their kids at home.

Asked to give their position about the phenomenon of polygamy, Burundian women don’t hide their disgust towards this phenomenon. Noëlla Haziyo, a young lady in first year of university, describes polygamy as a way through which our ancestors could satisfy their greed. In way viewing things, she vigorously rejects the idea of bringing a second wife simply because a wife resembles another, as she goes on saying. More striking is the fact that this phenomenon which has existed since long ago does not outgrow itself despite its negative impact on the African society.

Here many agree on the idea that the phenomenon cannot disappear as a long as only women are victims. “I can never understand the reaction of my husband. He let me alone with our children and I haven’t seen him for months and months,” Claudette angrily denounces her husband. “I really regret my marriage with my husband; he doesn’t love me and my children,” she says."

Read More at Baobob connections

Your voice is needed to free a victim of hatecrime charged for defending himself

2009-02-09T03:40:00.002-05:00

How can the victim of a hate crime, who defended himself be charged at all, let alone more excessively than the one assailant of the two who actually received a slap on the hand?
An exemplary student with no prior record, who had every right to defend himself should not be brought up on charges. This is obviously racial targeting and in a time when our Commander in Chief is an African American, it is disappointing to see this degraded mentality attempt to be so bold.

Please sign the petition to have all charges dropped for Jason Vasell (Not to mention the charges need to be dropped WITH apology to him):
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/J4JDismissalofcharges/

Request clemency for Troy Davis

2009-02-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

In prison, despite the recanting of false testimonies by 7 out of 9 witnesses who advised they were coerced to lie by police officers for their own freedom, Troy Davis an innocent man, can be freed by the raising of awareness among us, and the solidarity in making our desire for justice known.

Watch the vid below, and click this link to add your signature to a letter requesting clemency for Troy Davis. You can click the labels for past entries if you're not familiar with this case.

Crossposted at UltravioletUnderground.

Outlawed excerpt

2009-01-30T10:37:00.000-05:00

An excerpt from: 'Outlawed'
warning: the following details disturbing content
in case children are in the room.

Eradicating Rendition

2009-01-29T04:26:00.003-05:00

Will the closing of Guantanamo reach all the way onto all of the Secret prisons and torture sites? Your thoughts are welcome.

Israel Has Done Itself In

2009-01-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

"Why Israel won't survive: The merciless Israeli bombardment of Gaza has stopped -- for now -- but the death toll keeps rising as more bodies are pulled from carpet- bombed neighborhoods.

What Israel perpetrated in Gaza, starting at 11:30am on 27 December 2008, will remain forever engraved in history and memory. Tel al-Hawa, Hayy al-Zeitoun, Khuzaa and other sites of Israeli massacres will join a long mournful list that includes Deir Yasin, Qibya, Kufr Qasim, Sabra and Shatila, Qana, and Jenin.

Once again, Israel demonstrated that it possesses the power and the lack of moral restraint necessary to commit atrocities against a population of destitute refugees it has caged and starved.

The dehumanization and demonization of Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims has escalated to the point where Israel can with full self- righteousness bomb their homes, places of worship, schools, universities, factories, fishing boats, police stations -- in short everything that sustains civilized and orderly life -- and claim it is conducting a war against terrorism.

Yet paradoxically, it is Israel as a Zionist state, not Palestine or the Palestinian people, that cannot survive this attempted genocide.

Israel's "war" was not about rockets -- they served the same role in its narrative as the non-existent weapons of mass destruction did as the pretext for the American-led invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Israel's real goals were to restore its "deterrence" fatally damaged after its 2006 defeat in Lebanon (translation: its ability to massacre and terrorize entire populations into submission) and to destroy any Palestinian resistance to total Israeli-Jewish control over historic Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea.

With Hamas and other resistance factions removed or fatally weakened, Israel hoped the way would be clear to sign a "peace" deal with chief Palestinian collaborator Mahmoud Abbas to manage Palestinians on Israel's behalf until they could be forced out once and for all.

The US-backed "moderate" dictatorships and absolute monarchies led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia supported the Israeli plan hoping to demonstrate to their own people that resistance -- whether against Israel or their own bankrupt regimes -- was futile.

To win, Israel had to break Palestinian resistance. It failed. On the contrary, it galvanized and unified Palestinians like never before. All factions united and fought heroically for 23 days. According to well-informed and credible sources Israel did little harm to the modest but determined military capacity of the resistance. So instead Israel did what it does best: it massacred civilians in the hope that the population would turn against those fighting the occupier.

Israel not only unified the resistance factions in Gaza; its brutality rallied all Palestinians and Arabs."

Read More at Liberator Magazine

Thankyou For Participating

2009-01-27T03:34:00.003-05:00

Click the button to list your entry's link.
Your participation in raising awareness about human rights abuses is amazingly appreciated. Thankyou again.

Am I not Human: Spending Power and Equality.

2009-01-27T03:33:00.001-05:00

Open the borders so aid can reach injured peoples in need as a direct result of the acts of genocide set against Palestinians for 22 days (this time). The imbalances involved in the genocides taking place in our world, have to be checked without further procrastination. Anytime you have thousands of civilians being killed in cold blood, a third of them child citizens, you have a blatant revealing that power gone unchecked has grown full of itself and believes itself superior to natural diversity in nature and humanity.

We have the ability to effect change with our spending power.
Boycott Israel, Divest from all companies benefiting from the genocide in Darfur, and be very aware that affecting the money of tyrants is affecting their 'achilles' heel. When peaceful protests are not as effective as they need to be, you can be sure it is time to employ strategy.

Please enjoy the writings of Roots from a Fallen Tree, to learn of direct companies that can be boycotted, in your stance against genocide.

Thankyou to all who participate on the 27th of the month to raise awareness of human rights abuses and solutions to overcome the abuse of power against 'the common people'.

Related:
An article on the recent Holocaust in Gaza.

Enjoy a nice missile toy courtesy of GiveMeSwank.
It's meant to help us think. No matter how charming the wrapping, corruption is corruption. Malice is malice.

Social Reformer's Call To Action- Humanity 2.0

2009-01-20T00:56:00.000-05:00

"To define Humanity 2.0, we must first define humanity. Humanity is the combined group of people with the qualities that accompany the act of being humane. To be humane is characterized by tenderness, compassion, and sympathy for people and animals, especially for the suffering or distressed."
-Ruben Harries

Read the entire post at TheSocialReformer.com

Crossposted at Roots of Humanity.

Perpetrators playing victim, We see you.

2009-01-12T09:57:00.004-05:00

(Lisa KARPOVA/PRAVDA.Ru)
Does the world need an armed to the teeth, and heaven help us all…nuclear armed…racist apartheid state in the Middle East? In September of 2001, Israel was branded a “racist apartheid” state by thousands of non-governmental organizations attending a forum in South Africa that was part of the UN Conference against Racism. Outraged Israelis walked out of the conference saying that the declaration would delegitimize the Israeli state. They were joined by their American benefactors / protectors.

Indeed, the State of Israel has been delegitimized, not by that conference, but by their own sordid, brutal, fascist behavior quite reminiscent of the Nazis during the war. Homes and vineyards are bulldozed to make way for more and more Jewish settlements, as the Palestinian native population continues to disappear from the map. Lebensraum? Israel has been systematically carrying out genocide, indeed a holocaust, against the Palestinian people…very literally. Most recently, Israel used a weapon of mass destruction known as phosphorous bombs which literally set people on fire. This type of murderous behavior has been going on since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
While Israelis bask in swimming pools, less than 15% of the water is allocated to Palestinians, who must ration water for drinking and cooking. Palestinians are made to pass through numerous humiliating checkpoints just to carry on their day-to-day life. In fact, many are prevented from having employment because of this. Additionally, there are “Jews only” roads.

Read More from Peter Santilli

Umoja Village

2009-01-07T06:29:00.003-05:00

Observe the power of human determination, the tainted wills of those who wish to oppress it, and the success that comes of fighting against the 'power' of corruption.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-01T01:00:00.001-05:00

We're finding solutions:

Professor pioneers DIY adjustable glasses that don't require an optician

There will be some expansion for the Am I Not Human campaign in 2008 as we seek to post participant articles here at the main blog. We hope you'll enjoy them as we seek to continue celebrating the raising of awareness so human rights abuses have no dark corners to hide in, moving forward.

Please continue to join us on the 27th of each month for the "Am I Not Human campaign", and share the links to your articles by clicking the yellow button in the sidebar to the right, so we can all enjoy one another's human rights focus for the month. You may even have a personal story to tell, or perhaps you've interviewed someone who does.

Have a year that celebrates life, progress, and above all equality and excellence in availability of opportunities for diverse peoples.

Child Maids Posed As Family In The US?

2008-12-30T20:15:00.003-05:00

Huffington Post- IRVINE, Calif. — Late at night, the neighbors saw a little girl at the kitchen sink of the house next door. They watched through their window as the child rinsed plates under the open faucet. She wasn't much taller than the counter and the soapy water swallowed her slender arms.

To put the dishes away, she climbed on a chair.

But she was not the daughter of the couple next door doing chores. She was their maid.

Shyima was 10 when a wealthy Egyptian couple brought her from a poor village in northern Egypt to work in their California home. She awoke before dawn and often worked past midnight to iron their clothes, mop the marble floors and dust the family's crystal. She earned $45 a month working up to 20 hours a day. She had no breaks during the day and no days off.

The trafficking of children for domestic labor in the U.S. is an extension of an illegal but common practice in Africa. Families in remote villages send their daughters to work in cities for extra money and the opportunity to escape a dead-end life. Some girls work for free on the understanding that they will at least be better fed in the home of their employer.

The custom has led to the spread of trafficking, as well-to-do Africans accustomed to employing children immigrate to the U.S. Around one-third of the estimated 10,000 forced laborers in the United States are servants trapped behind the curtains of suburban homes, according to a study by the National Human Rights Center at the University of California at Berkeley and Free the Slaves, a nonprofit group. No one can say how many are children, especially since their work can so easily be masked as chores.

Once behind the walls of gated communities like this one, these children never go to school. Unbeknownst to their neighbors, they live as modern-day slaves, just like Shyima, whose story is pieced together through court records, police transcripts and interviews.

"I'd look down and see her at 10, 11 _ even 12 _ at night," said Shyima's neighbor at the time, Tina Font. "She'd be doing the dishes. We didn't put two and two together."

Thankyou Knowledgium for the heads up.

Am I Not Human Participant Posts

2008-12-30T15:30:00.000-05:00

To streamline the area where you share your links, we've created this post to collect the links you share to your human rights posts offered on the 27th of the month for the 'Am I Not Human' campaign. There's been a wealth of information shared among us and we are truly grateful for your participation. Some of your pieces may be re-posted here on the main blog with your permission, of course and a link back to your original blog.

Thankyou for participating and know your voice is assisting in raising the awareness needed to shed light across the world, until there are no more dark corners for cowards and tyrants that abuse others to hide behind.

We will be attempting to go back and add many previous links, but do encourage you to share your links each month so others can come back to check for them.

Am I Not Human? (Dec 2008)

2008-12-27T23:59:00.005-05:00

We truly appreciate all bloggers and blog readers who support our monthly 'Am I Not Human?' campaign on the 27th of each month. Here is a list of blogs (human rights abuser in parenthesis) supporting the blogging campaign this month:

Electronic Village (United Nations)
From My Brown Eyed View (United Nations)
Lisa C Writes (Somalia)
Living Life Abundantly (Africa)
Sojourner's Place (United States)
Stop Genocide (Zimbabwe)
The Jose Vilson (United States)
thinkbridge (India)
Ultraviolet Underground (Chad)
Why Am I Not Surprised (US)

Please let us know if we've missed any blog posts from this month's campaign!

Am I Not Human: The Relationship between Chad and Darfur

2008-12-27T03:20:00.001-05:00

With the roads between Chad and the Sudan border becoming passable at the end of the rain season, there are worries that conflict will resume, leaving civilians at risk.

A high ranking official in the Chadian government spoke with Enoughproject.org and told them: “We know the rebels are just across the border [in Sudan]. They are coming as soon as the roads are accessible, but we are ready for them, because we monitor their moves.”

An ongoing conflict between the Chadian government and several groups of rebels quickly ignited in violent confrontation in Jan of this year, causing many Chadians to flee in Nigeria and Cameroon. This attempt at a coup (government overthrow) is the 3rd in 3 years. What you is key here, however, is who is supporting the rebels and causing instability in Chad.

The Sudanese government responsible for the scourge of genocide in Darfur, supports the Chadian rebels in an effort to block the Chadian government's support of rebels in Darfur, and no doubt refugees, as well as the deployment of a United nation peacekeeping mission to Eastern Chad.
The effect this has on the people of Chad, as well as Darfur Refugees is unacceptable, especially considering the Chadian government's influence which is said to be far from stainless, and responsible for the consistent disenfranchisement of the people.
Something must be done to ensure the stability and end conflicts.
The Sudanese government must be made to pay a price for supporting coup (usurping/imposition of a new regime) attempts of the Chadian government.
The call for Bashir's arrest, must be fulfilled with an actual arrest. The people of Darfur have paid for the soulless evil of the Sudanese government and the people of Chad have been made to feel its effects as well (as if the effects of their own corrupted government have not been enough).

Please spread the word, and urge your representatives to push for more action to be taken to hold the Sudanese government accountable for genocide, and what is a blatant attempt to spread their influence over more territory..

While I am still learning as I research and read differing viewpoints, I know one thing for sure, action must be taken. Talk upon talk only leaves a window of opportunity for the already cowardly and tyrannical to grow bolder and exact more horrors. The ICC must take action.

Uhurunews has another take on the problems in Chad, blaming French imperialism. You can read about it here: Uhurunews.com

Action. Meditation. Word of Mouth. Prayer. Research. These are all things we can do with the little privilege we've been afforded by the actions of our own less than stainless (understatement) government.

We owe solidarity, because we are one.

Thankyou to all of those who participate in this campaign on the 27th of every month.

Crossposted at UltravioletUnderground

The Universal Declaration for Human Rights

2008-12-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

Eleanor Roosevelt considered the signing of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights to be her greatest triumph. It was signed by the United Nations on December 10, 1948.

Roosevelt once said, "Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world."

Universal Declaration for Human Rights
Preamble
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, therefore, The General Assembly proclaims
This Universal Declaration of Human Rights

as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

I encourage you to review the 30 articles that make up the complete UDHR.

Once we realize that the nations of the world accepted human rights as being inalienable it becomes more difficult for us to sit by idly when we learn about human rights abuses. Our hope is that you will take action!

Please make a note on your calendar to join our blogging campaign, 'Am I Not Human?' on the 27th of each month. We want all concerned bloggers and blog readers to support this effort. It is one way that we can lift up the powerful example set 60 years ago by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations.

Darfuri Youths Raised In Camps Form Opposition

2008-12-23T12:57:00.003-05:00

"(NY Times) Angry Youths Become a Force in Darfur: The sheik was in a panic. The agitated youth in this West Darfur refugee camp, young men and adolescents who traditionally would have deferred to his authority, had gotten wind of his presence at a ceremony also attended by an official with the Sudanese government, their longtime antagonists.

Terrified that the youths would accuse him of treason, the sheik begged United Nations officials to rush to his aid and vouch that he had not even broached the topic of compromise involving his people’s cause.

The youths are known collectively as the “shabab,” the Arabic word for young men. And they have become a vehemently pro-rebel political force in the camps for the 2.7 million people displaced by years of war between the Arab-dominated Sudanese government and rebels in the Darfur region of Sudan.

Increasingly angry and outspoken about their uncertain fate, the generation that came of age in the camps is challenging the traditional sheiks, upending the age-old authority structure of their tribal society and complicating efforts to achieve peace."

Read More

Bush to meet Darfur activist, bloggers

2008-12-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

US President George W. Bush was to mark Human Rights Day by meeting with an activist from Sudan’s troubled Darfur province and speak with bloggers from Belarus, China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, and Myanmar, the White House said. [SOURCE]

First, Bush will meet in the Oval Office with doctor and writer Halima Bashir “to get a first hand account of the horrible conflict and suffering taking place in Darfur,” said spokesman Carlton Carroll.

Bashir, the co-author of “Tears of the Desert: A Memoir of Survival in Darfur,” has spoken out internationally “about the atrocities committed” in Darfur, the spokesman said.

Bush, who hands the reins to successor Barack Obama on January 20, will also talk — in person and by videoconference — with the bloggers “to discuss their use of blogs to push for democratic change and greater freedom,” said Carroll.

Those from Egypt and Venezuela will join in by teleconference, while those from Belarus, China, Cuba, Iran and Myanmar will be in the Roosevelt Room in person, said the spokesman.

The bloggers from China, Cuba, Iran and Myanmar now live in the United States, he said.

Does anyone know who the US-based bloggers are?

The girls of Kenya are fleeing female genital mutilation a.k.a "circumcision"

2008-12-09T03:29:00.002-05:00

Though its against the law in Kenya, traditionalists still practice female circumcision to the horror of what has numbered 200 young girls subjected to the torture each day.
Parents, even when in disagreement with the disfiguring and infection-causing 'rite of passage' have faced pressure from traditionalists, to the extent that some of the parents encourage their daughters to run for shelter during the ritual times between November and December, when it is practiced.

Despite the high infant mortality of newborns born to mothers who have had their genitals mutilated, the practice has persisted, as a rite of passage into womanhood. Many girls have dropped out school in January after the practice thinking of themselves as commodities who will be married off, with no further need of school after the process.

But not all the girls are willing to be tortured for tradition. At least 300 girls have fled Western Kenya to avoid having their genitals mutilated, seeking refuge in churches that are guarded with the aid of police. The girls are in the care of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, two churches that have formed an organization to aid young women in their evasion of the illegal rite of FGM.
The organization has expressed praise for the assistance of the police in their efforts to carry out their mission as providers of sanctuary whose purpose coupled with the protection of the police spell hope in a dismal mess where tradition has, at least until now, defied the rights of women and literally, babies anywhere from infancy to age 15, despite the protection the law is meant to provide.

Let's hope the practice of hacking at the genitals of innocent young women, or older women for that matter is put to a stop. The women's body is designed without error, and should be revered as such. The dangers of patriarchy must be put to rest, if the world in its entirety is to ever regain its sanity.

Crossposted at Ultraviolet Underground

Intel: BBC

Blood Coltan

2008-12-07T16:01:00.000-05:00

Blood Coltan is a full documentary that details the reality surrounding the coltan use in our wireless devices, and the Congolese who have paid the price in blood.

School Violence Correlation with Prescription Drugs

2008-12-03T13:34:00.004-05:00

An online reader writes:

We have an inadequate school system within a culture that is lacking and we medicate ourselves with substances that we really don't even understand. Virtually every school shooting has involved people taking these meds.

Eddie G. Griffin (BASG) investigated the data and found an astounding 2,736 cases of people going berserk while taking or withdrawing from psychotropic prescription drugs. There is a frightening correlation between meds and violence. This now tilts the scales of sanity, which begs to ask: How much of our sanity is influenced by prescribed medication?

See:
http://www.ssristories.com/index.php

'Am I Not Human?' Blogging Campaign

2008-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Please let us know if you plan to participate in our monthly campaign. We seek bloggers interested in sharing information about human rights violations with their blog readers on the 27th of each month.

All of us need to do something. Protest. Meditate. Pray.

In the case of bloggers ... we want you to blog on the 27th of each month. Just share information on behalf of our human siblings in all suffering areas who are either barred from communication by their governments, or lacking in technology to ask: Am I Not Human?

Will you join us?

Am I Not Human? (Nov 2008)

2008-11-27T21:50:00.008-05:00

A Slant Truth (United States)
Eddie G. Griffin, BASG (United States)
Electronic Village (Multiple Countries)
From My Brown Eyed View (Multiple Countries)
Hagar's Daughter (Multiple Countries)
Living Life Abundantly (Haiti)
On The Black Hand Side (United States)
Sojourner's Place (Multiple Countries)
The Jose Vilson (United States)
Thinkbridge (Multiple Countries)
Ultraviolet Underground (Congo)
Why Am I Not Surprised? (United States)

Please let us know if we've missed any blog posts from this month's campaign!

Am I Not Human: Congo

2008-11-27T03:49:00.001-05:00

It wasn't until Congo week that I realized people are dying in the Congo for the shiny wireless devices that have made our lives convenient. The coltan used in wireless devices like cell phones and laptops is a product of the Congo, but the Congolese do not benefit from the sale of it, nor do they even enjoy safety or basic resource needs despite the wealth of their land which is raped savagely by Western interests, while stirred up wars have continued in their region, which act as a convenient diversion for those interested in the valuable resources of the Congo, as is usually the case in similar conflicts.

The Sudan, for instance, is rich in oil, and savage depopulation posed as war becomes a distraction while it is procured and distributed. The list goes on. Track a war between rebels and government and look more closely to see which resources are being lifted by the greedy hands of soulless commerce.

On behalf of the people barred from communication whether by denied technology, their governments or both, we ask:

"Africa is suffering because of the West's policy of "divide and rule""
-http://www.congopanorama.info/

Please help to raise awareness for the Congo: www.friendsofthecongo.org

crossposted at Ultraviolet Underground.

War will never be the seed of peace
-Angela Morelli, Italy

Am I Not Human? Child Soldiers

2008-11-26T19:22:00.004-05:00

The following is cross-posted from the Electronic Village.

I encourage all villagers to find a way to support this blogging campaign held on the 27th of each month. We use this monthly blogging campaign to shine a light on human rights abuses taking place all over the world.

My submission this month was inspired by a television show. I watched the season premiere of "24" a few days ago. I was struck by the use of children as soldiers for the rebels in this show. In fact, the rebels were actually kidnapping children from homes, soccer fields and schools.
The fantasy of television is born from the reality of our world.

It turns out that child soldiers are fighting in at least 17 countries including Angola, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Lebanon, Lib eria, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Uganda.

Boys and girls alike are forced into combat, exploited for their labor, and subjected to unspeakable violence. A UN treaty prohibits the participation of children under the age of 18 in hostilities. But too often, it is not enforced.

Physically vulnerable and easily intimidated, children typically make obedient soldiers. Many are abducted or recruited by force, and often compelled to follow orders under threat of death. Others join armed groups out of desperation. As society breaks down during conflict, leaving children no access to school, driving them from their homes, or separating them from family members, many children perceive armed groups as their best chance for survival. Others seek escape from poverty or join military forces to avenge family members who have been killed.

I rarely compliment President Bush ... but, I'm proud to know that he signed a new law last month that calls for the arrest and prosecution of leaders of military forces and armed groups who have recruited child soldiers.

I encourage all villagers to visit the Red Hand Day website. The folks on that website want us to urge the United Nations to take stronger action to end the use of child soldiers.

The aim of the Red Hand Day campaign is to gather one million “red hands” — the symbol of the global campaign against the use of child soldiers — and present them to UN officials in New York on February 12, 2009, the anniversary of the day the treaty banning the use of child soldiers took effect.

Participating in the campaign is easy:

Use red paint to make a handprint on a sheet of paper, and add a personal message about your desire to end the use of child soldiers; organize others at your school or in your community to do the same;

Upload photos or videos of your event to www.redhandday.org;

Send your red hands by February 2009 to Human Rights Watch, 350 5th Ave, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10118

Will you join this effort? What are your thoughts about using children as soldiers?

Case Study: The Death of Darryl Turner

2008-11-14T11:52:00.003-05:00

Amnesty International is tracking taser abuse as a human rights abuse issue in the United States. Since June 2001, more than 320 individuals in the United States have died after being shocked by police TASERs. Most of those individuals were not carrying a weapon. Amnesty International is concerned that TASERs are being used as tools of routine force -- rather than as an alternative to firearms.

They recently posted a case study about the taser-related death of Darryl Turner.

Darryl Turner, age 17, died in March 2008 after he was shocked by an officer from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina. Turner, who worked in a grocery store, reportedly went home for lunch with two snacks for which he had not paid. His mother told him to return to the store and admit what he had done.

When he returned to work he got into an argument with the store manager. A store video recording of the incident shows that Turner entered the store's customer service area and pushed an object off the counter. He walked out but came back into the room and pointed at the manager. A police officer entered the room with his TASER, which he immediately fired at Turner, who was standing behind the counter with his hands at his side. There was no visible attempt by the officer to talk to the teenager or calm the situation. With the TASER probes in his chest, Turner moved past the officer, after which he reportedly collapsed out of view of the camera.

Downloaded data from the officer's TASER shows that he held the trigger down for 37 continuous seconds until Turner collapsed -- and shocked him again when he was on the floor. Attempts to revive Turner were unsuccessful. The coroner later ruled cause of death to be a fatal disturbance of the heart rhythm due to stress and the TASER shocks. A police investigation subsequently ruled that the officer's initial decision to use the TASER was within departmental procedures, but that holding down the trigger was not justified. The officer was suspended for five days.

New Front Opened In Congo

2008-11-13T00:22:00.001-05:00

KINSHASA (AFP) — Fighting between rebels and pro-government forces opened up on new front in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as southern African nations said they were ready to send in peacekeepers.

As Kinshasa warned it may deploy Angolan troops, raising fears of igniting the volatile Great Lakes region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) said it was prepared to provide assistance to the DRC armed forces.

The clashes on the borders of the two provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu started before dawn on Sunday and prompted thousands of people to flee, the United Nations said.

The fighting that has erupted in August with rebels led by renegade Tutsi general Laurent Nkunda, in violation of a January ceasefire, had so far been limited to Nord-Kivu.

Tomaz Salomao, the head of SADC, told reporters after a summit meeting in Johannesburg that the region backed calls for a ceasefire and the creation of a humanitarian corridor.

"SADC should immediately provide assistance to the armed forces of DRC," he said, reading out the summit's communique.

"SADC will not stand by and witness any destructive acts of violence by any armed groups... and if necessary will send peacekeeping forces," he said.

Salomao said a military advisory team would be deployed immediately to lend advice to the DRC's armed forces, while another team would be sent to evaluate the situation on the ground to determine what other help might be needed.

A military monitoring commission will also be dispatched to monitor DR Congo's border with Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, he added.

Salomao said the DRC armed forces needed help to protect the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

(Read More)

Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

2008-11-12T21:05:00.005-05:00

Amnesty International Executive Director Larry Cox sent us a message earlier today that we thought our Roots of Humanity blog readers would want to see:

UN peacekeepers remain the last hope for hundrds of thousands of affected civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly women and children. The current force is thinly stretched and cannot effectively enforce its mandate of stopping attacks against civilians and protecting humanitarian operations.

"The United States is deeply concerned by the spiraling crisis in the Congo. (...) We urge the Congolese Government, rebel leadership and the neighboring governments to take all possible measures to prevent human rights abuses by troops under their command. We condemn all attacks on innocent civilians and urge all parties to the conflict to ensure that such attacks cease. The cycle of violence and impunity must be stopped."

Powerful statement. The U.S. State Department issued it more than 10 years ago, in August 1998. It did not prevent what became known as “Africa’s first world war” (1998-2003), which was centered in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and involved several neighboring countries.

Today, the humanitarian and human rights crisis in eastern DRC will again spiral out of control – if we do not act now.

At least 250,000 civilians have been displaced by the recent fighting, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from this and previous rounds of conflict to well over one million. Many IDPs remain out of the reach of aid workers, and some humanitarian operations have been suspended because of the fragile security situation. There is a high risk that the situation will escalate into a regional conflict.

Amnesty International works continuously on addressing the underlying causes of conflict, trying to end impunity for perpetrators of the most egregious human rights violations. But, our priority now is to protect civilians through reinforcing the capacity of the UN’s peacekeeping mission (Mission des Nationa Unies en République Démocratique du Congo, MONUC).

A few hours ago, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Alain Le Roy, briefed the Security Council and stressed the difficulties facing the UN peacekeepers. Now, members of the Security Council must act to strengthen the peacekeepers’ capacity.

We must act to guarantee that hope for civilians becomes a reality, not a sound bite. Ask Secretary Condoleezza Rice for her support to strengthen UN peacekeepers in the
Democratic Republic of Congo.

What are your thoughts about the crisis in the DRC?

Amnesty International Issues 100-Day Human Rights Challenge to Barack Obama

2008-11-11T23:34:00.001-05:00

Many of you know that this blog participates in a human rights campaign on the 27th of each month. As such, I read with interest the recent efforts of Amnesty International to urge U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to make human rights central to his new administration. The organization is calling for certain concrete steps in his first 100 days in office that would demonstrate a genuine commitment to bringing the United States into line with its international obligations.

Specifically, they want the new administration to:

Announce a plan and date to close Guantanamo

Issue an executive order to ban torture and other ill-treatment, as defined under international law

Ensure that an independent commission to investigate abuses committed by the U.S. government in its "war on terror" is set up.

These demands are part of a "checklist" of actions Amnesty International is asking the new U.S. President to take during the first 100 days in office.

Personally, I'm in agreement with all three requests ('demands') being made by Amnesty International. As such, I plan to sign their online petition. I invite villagers to click here to learn more.

Bloggers Unite For Refugees

2008-11-10T18:35:00.001-05:00

There is hope.
Enjoy this inspirational video displaying one of the ways hope is being cultivated for Darfur refugees.

Tents:The Patches Project
on Vimeo.

http://tentsmovie.com/

Learn More here:
http://unite.blogcatalog.com/

Crossposted at Ultraviolet Underground

Dying For Western Creature Comforts

2008-11-07T09:29:00.003-05:00

The Independent via Liberator Mag writes:

How we fuel Africa's bloodiest war; What is rarely mentioned is the great global heist of Congo's resources: The deadliest war since Adolf Hitler marched across Europe is starting again – and you are almost certainly carrying a blood-soaked chunk of the slaughter in your pocket. When we glance at the holocaust in Congo, with 5.4 million dead, the clichés of Africa reporting tumble out: this is a "tribal conflict" in "the Heart of Darkness". It isn't. The United Nations investigation found it was a war led by "armies of business" to seize the metals that make our 21st-century society zing and bling. The war in Congo is a war about you.

Every day I think about the people I met in the war zones of eastern Congo when I reported from there. The wards were filled with women who had been gang-raped by the militias and shot in the vagina. The battalions of child soldiers – drugged, dazed 13-year-olds who had been made to kill members of their own families so they couldn't try to escape and go home. But oddly, as I watch the war starting again on CNN, I find myself thinking about a woman I met who had, by Congolese standards, not suffered in extremis.

I was driving back to Goma from a diamond mine one day when my car got a puncture. As I waited for it to be fixed, I stood by the roadside and watched the great trails of women who stagger along every road in eastern Congo, carrying all their belongings on their backs in mighty crippling heaps. I stopped a 27 -year-old woman called Marie-Jean Bisimwa, who had four little children toddling along beside her. She told me she was lucky. Yes, her village had been burned out. Yes, she had lost her husband somewhere in the chaos. Yes, her sister had been raped and gone insane. But she and her kids were alive.

I gave her a lift, and it was only after a few hours of chat along on cratered roads that I noticed there was something strange about Marie-Jean's children. They were slumped forward, their gazes fixed in front of them. They didn't look around, or speak, or smile. "I haven't ever been able to feed them," she said. "Because of the war."

Their brains hadn't developed; they never would now. "Will they get better?" she asked. I left her in a village on the outskirts of Goma, and her kids stumbled after her, expressionless.

(Read More)

The UN urges end to the conflict in the Congo

2008-11-05T14:47:00.002-05:00

BBC writes:

The United Nations Security Council has condemned fighting by Congolese rebels, calling on the governments of DR Congo and Rwanda to work to defuse tensions.

An emergency session of the council expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of the fighting.

Earlier UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate end to the fighting, which he said was creating a "humanitarian catastrophe".

Thousands of people have been fleeing a recent upsurge in fighting in the east.

Earlier, the Tutsi rebel leader whose forces are threatening the city of Goma declared a ceasefire and urged others to do the same.

Read More

Am I Not Human: Censoring Tibet

2008-10-27T14:41:00.000-04:00

Despite the new "relaxed" media rules in China, Tibet is excluded from free media expression. Recently China announced that the relaxing of reporting restrictions on foreign journalists
first exercised previous to the start of the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, are now permanent...As long as you're not trying to interview anyone from Tibet.

According to Liu Jianchao on Oct 17:
"Foreign reporters still need to ask for permission to do reporting in Tibet and other areas that are off-limits to foreign reporters, like some military facilities”.

What news is China trying to suppress that may come out of Tibet?
While journalists have been granted permission to enter low-risk areas, areas where major protesting has occurred (and the killing of at least 13 Tibetans by Chinese armed police), like Ngaba county in the Amdo region, are off limits.

This month I ask on behalf of Tibetans censored from freedom of expression:
'Am I Not Human?"

Nuns have gone missing, and even been beaten in the street for defending their right to practice their religion, and refuse to denounce the Dalai Lama despite China's demands that they do so.
Tibetan filmmakers have been imprisoned for attempting to tell their story. When will China's soul become more important than it's face (the last thing China needs to do is mimic the Western pattern of denial)?

Crossposted at UltravioletUnderground.

Am I Not Human? (October 2008)

2008-10-27T08:50:00.014-04:00

Eddie Griffin, BASG (United States)
Electronic Village (United States)
From My Brown Eyed View (United Nations)
Hagar's Daughter (United States)
Sojourner's Place (United States)
Springer's Journal (United States)
The Jose Vilson (Individual)
thinkbridge (Israel)
Ultraviolet Underground (Tibet)
Why Am I Not Surprised? (United States)

Please let us know if we've missed any blog posts from this month's campaign!

Cell OUT

2008-10-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

Please do not use your phones from 12 noon to 6pm as part of a protest against the raping and pillaging of the Congo for the coltan used in worldwide wireless devices.

Josh M says:

The Cell OUT is an organized cell phone usage boycott from 12pm - 6pm on October 22nd to bring awareness of the Congo conflict over the natural resouces. Coltan, used in many electronic devices has caused many Congolese people to be killed since 1996. Why?

- Nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo since 1996 due to a scramble for Congo’s spectacular natural resources.

- Coltan is a key source of the conflict in the Congo. It is a mineral widely used in numerous electronic devices such as cell phones and game consoles (Microsoft X-Box and Sony Play Station) and is mined illegally in the Congo by rebel militia and foreign forces then sold to multinational corporations.

- The boycott is to bring awareness to the war in the Congo, which started in 1996 and continues to this day with 45,000 people dying each month till today. We would like to invite organizations on college campuses and in the community to support us in our endeavor to raise awareness about the atrocities taking place in the Congo.

What do I do during the Boycott?

- Turn your phone off from 12 noon to 6 pm on Wednesday October 22, 2008. No texting!

- Change your voicemail to this: “Did you know that Congo has anywhere from 64 - 80 percent of the world's reserve of Coltan, a natural resource that is central to the operation of our cell phones? As we benefit from coltan nearly 6 million Congolese have died in the deadliest conflict since world war two as a result of the scramble for coltan and other minerals key to the functioning of modern technology. Join us in solidarity with the Congolese people and turn your phone off for a day”

For more information: www.congoweek.org | www.friendsofthecongo.org

Grazi Josh

Crossposted at UltravioletUnderground.

The Solar Cooker Project

2008-10-20T05:38:00.002-04:00

I have been wondering why solar technology was not being offered to Darfur, but Cooper at Darfur a Hell On Earth has published intel on a project doing just that.

Visit the: Solar Cooker Project

$30 SOLAR COOKER Support Provides: - Donate

* 2 Solar Cookers per family
* 2 Pots
* 2 Pot Holders
* Year supply of plastic bags
* Skills Training for refugee women and girls

Thank you Cooper

The Wealth Of The Congo

2008-10-16T16:34:00.004-04:00

Next week join Break the Silence during Congo week
(congoweek.org)

There will be a film and panel discussion at Howard as well as a talent show dedicated to the people of Congo on Monday October 20. Participate in the 'Cell-out' all day on Wednesday, October 22.There will also be a teach-in on October 24th.

Josh Myers has written an enlightening piece about this:

"An estimated 6 million people have died since 1996. That is 45,000 people per month. This is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here we have yet another example of the devaluing of black or African life and of the necessity of our fight to reclaim the humanity of all African people. Why? Because amid these atrocities, there has up until recently not been a peep heard from the international community. And even now, not many can point to this region on the map let alone tell anyone what is going on. So we will attempt to inform you now.

Lying literally in the heart of Africa, the vast region that comprises the nation-state, Democratic Republic of the Congo is very important to Africa and its future. Leaders and historians such as George Washington Williams, Kwame Nkrumah, and even Barack Obama have researched, wrote about, or mentioned the Congo on numerous occasions. In his work, the Challenge of the Congo,Kwame Nkrumah sets forth a strategic agenda premised on the Congo’s importance to the liberation of the whole of Africa. Set aside as the personal playground, for King Leopold II, the Belgian government was allocated what was now known as the Congo at the Berlin Conference in 1884. As the Congolese fought for their independence, the first prime minister of the Congo, Patrice Emery Lumumba, recognized the need for Congolese people to benefit from the very resources that came from their native land and was extracted on their backs. This caused great controversy from the Western powers, including this country, which plotted to and eventually assassinated Lumumba in one of the more heinous assassinations in the contemporary history of Africa. Lumumba’s vision of a free Congo and a free Africa was too much for the West to stomach. Lumumba was replaced by a more manageable and eventually destructive Joseph Mobutu and the plight of the Congolese further worsened. Mobutu chose to lead the Congo towards its destruction by complying with the mandates of Western imperialism.

The very thing that draws the international economic powers to the Congo is the same thing that prevents or inhibits their action of at the very least exposing the atrocities of the region. These are the vast resources that can be found in the region. The Congo is home to immense mineral wealth in the form of diamonds, gold, silver, copper, zinc, uranium, iron, cobalt, and many more. Its rivers could provide electricity to the whole of Africa, and even half of Europe. Its soil could produce the agricultural potential to feed the entire world through 2050 when the population will be an estimated 9 billion people. Why then are so many Africans malnourished? It is simply the rape of these needed resources that is causing the secondary problems of wars, diseases, and women being raped. As long as this wealth is being used to prop up Western society, the Congolese will continue to suffer. The West has even aided the Congo’s neighboring countries to engage in conflict in order to get their hands on some of the mineral wealth. Congo holds 80% of the world’s reserve of coltan. Where does it go? It is in your pocket or in your bag. Coltan is found in every cell phone, computer, Xbox, Playstation, and many other electronic devices."

Read More

Make Art For Global Solutions

2008-10-06T04:50:00.004-04:00

“Citizens for Global Solutions is holding its 4th Annual Multimedia contest for artists, designers, poets, activists and just about anyone interested in thinking about global issues and making some cool art. The top contenders will be published on our website.

We’re looking for short multimedia pieces (flash animation, spoken word, digital video) that can inspire, amuse and activate people out there who believe that a better world is possible. You are welcome to work alone, in a team, or as part of a classroom project (but the cash prizes remain the same).”

Please read more at the site: Globalsolutions.org
The deadline is November 10th.

Tremendous thanks to Cooper of Darfur: A Hell On Earth for the information.

Am I Not Human?

2008-09-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

We all have the responsibility to inform ourselves of what is happening in our world to our human siblings, and why. After this is accomplished, we have the responsibility to do something. Protest. Meditate. Pray. Do something. You're effort is important to the health of the collective.
Please join us in consistent blogging on the 27th of each month, where we ask on behalf of our human siblings in all suffering areas who are either barred from communication by their governments, or lacking in technology to ask: Am I Not Human?

Let's ask ourselves if continuing to act like this level of suffering isn't present, serves the balance of the world at all. If this can go unchecked in Darfur, who is to say it wouldn't go unchecked here? Is our economic system not a mess now because of the usurper administration's criminal war? Is there not a food crisis?
We are all in this together. This is beyond being about national borders. This is about humanity. We are all one. We must act like it.