Thursday, November 29, 2007
Action needed
Last week you may have seen that the world's leading scientists published their most authoritative warning on the climate crisis to date. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon responded immediately saying the effects are "so severe and so sweeping that only urgent global action will do. We are all in this together. We must work together."
A few weeks from now in Bali, Indonesia is our chance. Government leaders from around the globe will gather to take heed of the scientists' findings and to craft an international treaty that will halt global warming. A treaty that will be a platform for dozens of clean energy solutions that can provide essential services to developed and developing countries alike. The time is now.
Please click here to send a message to a leading member of the US government delegation to the Bali Climate Change Conference urging him to agree to a treaty that addresses the scientists' recommendations -- a treaty that will cut global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy Earth.
This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue. Together we can chart a course that will make our children proud and provide a healthier future for them and for their own children. Left unchecked, however, we will have so violated our responsibility to future generations that no court of law or place of worship could look at humankind without making a harsh judgment.
UN Secretary-General Ban said about Saturday's IPCC report, "These scenes are as frightening as a science fiction movie. But they are even more terrifying because they are real..." With an eye toward the upcoming government meeting in Bali, Ban said, "The world's scientists have spoken clearly and with one voice. I expect the world's policy makers to do the same."
"Slowing and reversing these threats is the defining challenge of our age...It contains one overarching message for all of us: that there are real and affordable ways to deal with climate change."
Please click here to send a message to the US government delegation to the Bali Conference urging adoption of a treaty that addresses the scientists' recommendations.
Cathy Zoi
CEO
Alliance for Climate Protection
www.climateprotect.org
A few weeks from now in Bali, Indonesia is our chance. Government leaders from around the globe will gather to take heed of the scientists' findings and to craft an international treaty that will halt global warming. A treaty that will be a platform for dozens of clean energy solutions that can provide essential services to developed and developing countries alike. The time is now.
Please click here to send a message to a leading member of the US government delegation to the Bali Climate Change Conference urging him to agree to a treaty that addresses the scientists' recommendations -- a treaty that will cut global warming pollution by 90% in developed countries and by more than half worldwide in time for the next generation to inherit a healthy Earth.
This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral issue. Together we can chart a course that will make our children proud and provide a healthier future for them and for their own children. Left unchecked, however, we will have so violated our responsibility to future generations that no court of law or place of worship could look at humankind without making a harsh judgment.
UN Secretary-General Ban said about Saturday's IPCC report, "These scenes are as frightening as a science fiction movie. But they are even more terrifying because they are real..." With an eye toward the upcoming government meeting in Bali, Ban said, "The world's scientists have spoken clearly and with one voice. I expect the world's policy makers to do the same."
"Slowing and reversing these threats is the defining challenge of our age...It contains one overarching message for all of us: that there are real and affordable ways to deal with climate change."
Please click here to send a message to the US government delegation to the Bali Conference urging adoption of a treaty that addresses the scientists' recommendations.
Cathy Zoi
CEO
Alliance for Climate Protection
www.climateprotect.org
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Insight on Darfur from President Carter
President Carters recent trip to Darfur illustrates that unfortunately once again the peace agreement is not being honored but things are stabilizing-- you can follow along at his website: http://www.cartercenter.org/news/trip_reports/sudan_2007.html
Concerning Darfur, there are about 2.2 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in 69 camps, removed from their home areas, plus 4 million that need assistance (all Darfurians are Muslims), being helped by 12,500 aid workers. The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed by the GOS and only one rebel group (the leader now works for the government). The recent decision for the UN and AU to hold peace talks in Tripoli, Libya, beginning October 27 is both slightly promising and the cause of increased violence. The earlier assumption that six rebel groups might attend has now expanded to as many as 28, with new ones being formed with a desire for status and possible rewards. They are launching attacks on one another and the general population to obtain money, vehicles, fuel, and weapons. A rebel leader named Abdul Wahid is living in luxury in Paris and refuses to be involved in the peace talks. Note: This arrangement does not yet provide for non-combatants to be represented at Tripoli, but only armed rebel groups.
We then met with Abdul Mohamed (Ethiopia), who is conducting some discussions among the disparate groups of Darfurians
10/6
Results: Although only time will reveal the results of this first project of the Elders, there are some potential benefits:
a) Additional attention brought to the plight of the people of Darfur, with special emphasis on the needs of women and children;
b) A clearer description of the remaining obstacles to implementing the crucial Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement;
c) Emphasis on the need for implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, with a call for the peaceful citizens of Darfur to be represented in Tripoli talks as well as rebel groups who live by the gun;
d) Agreement for weekly meetings between representatives of the GOS and humanitarian groups;
e) Pledges from the GOS to provide $300 million in funds to repair damage to Darfur plus help for Displaced Persons to return to their homes and resume normal lives;
f) Pledges from all sides to proceed with plans for a census followed by elections to restore democracy in Sudan, with approval for The Carter Center (and hopefully others) to monitor this process;
g) We offered the services of the Elders in helping to resolve any future deadlocks between GOS and SPLM re the CPA;
h) We became more familiar with the overall situation in case our influence is needed during the peace talks in Tripoli.
Concerning Darfur, there are about 2.2 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in 69 camps, removed from their home areas, plus 4 million that need assistance (all Darfurians are Muslims), being helped by 12,500 aid workers. The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) was signed by the GOS and only one rebel group (the leader now works for the government). The recent decision for the UN and AU to hold peace talks in Tripoli, Libya, beginning October 27 is both slightly promising and the cause of increased violence. The earlier assumption that six rebel groups might attend has now expanded to as many as 28, with new ones being formed with a desire for status and possible rewards. They are launching attacks on one another and the general population to obtain money, vehicles, fuel, and weapons. A rebel leader named Abdul Wahid is living in luxury in Paris and refuses to be involved in the peace talks. Note: This arrangement does not yet provide for non-combatants to be represented at Tripoli, but only armed rebel groups.
We then met with Abdul Mohamed (Ethiopia), who is conducting some discussions among the disparate groups of Darfurians
10/6
Results: Although only time will reveal the results of this first project of the Elders, there are some potential benefits:
a) Additional attention brought to the plight of the people of Darfur, with special emphasis on the needs of women and children;
b) A clearer description of the remaining obstacles to implementing the crucial Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement;
c) Emphasis on the need for implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, with a call for the peaceful citizens of Darfur to be represented in Tripoli talks as well as rebel groups who live by the gun;
d) Agreement for weekly meetings between representatives of the GOS and humanitarian groups;
e) Pledges from the GOS to provide $300 million in funds to repair damage to Darfur plus help for Displaced Persons to return to their homes and resume normal lives;
f) Pledges from all sides to proceed with plans for a census followed by elections to restore democracy in Sudan, with approval for The Carter Center (and hopefully others) to monitor this process;
g) We offered the services of the Elders in helping to resolve any future deadlocks between GOS and SPLM re the CPA;
h) We became more familiar with the overall situation in case our influence is needed during the peace talks in Tripoli.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Migration returns to Eden
Peace lures wildlife back to south Sudan! What a beautiful sign this is!
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer
Sat Nov 3, 3:32 PM ET
The hippos had fled to other islands in the White Nile, driven away by one of the few forces that can dislodge a large herd of these fierce beasts — an even larger herd of elephants.
And there they were: some 50 elephants, massive black figures peacefully grazing on their newly reclaimed territory on the Nile island of Opekoloe.
"To anyone who thought they'd disappeared forever, it's like magic," said Lt. Col. Charles Joseph, deputy warden of south Sudan's Nimule national park near the border with Uganda, barely containing his excitement as he waded knee-deep through reed-filled water to approach the herd.
Sudan's 22-year north-south civil war — Africa's longest and bloodiest conflict, killed some two million people. It also drove out large numbers of animals.
Now after two years of relative peace, they're dramatically back. Wildlife services estimate 7,000 elephants have returned, along with some 1,500 giraffes and about 500 oryx antelopes, both thought to have left Sudan forever. Lions, leopards and a wide variety of gazelles, some of them unique to Sudan, are being spotted, too.
In a February aerial survey, the U.S.-based Wildlife Conservation Society estimated herds of antelope and gazelle numbered 1.3 million.
"It could well be the largest mammal migration on Earth," said Paul Elkan, the society's south Sudan country director.
The reappearance of the elephants is one of the greatest symbols of southern Sudanese hopes for peace — a source of pride and national identity for the ethnic African southerners dreaming of independence from the north.
But the elephants are returning to a fragile region. The 2005 peace deal between the southerners, mostly Christians and animists, and the Arab-dominated Khartoum government in the north, is tottering — and if it collapses, war could return.
But for now, all was peaceful at Opekoloe island. Elephants cooled themselves neck-deep in the marshy waters, occasionally lifting their trunks to catch the scent of approaching park officials and an Associated Press reporter, the first international journalist to see the elephants since their return.
A small group of fishermen from the Madi tribe native to this region had set up camp on the island's edge. They said the herd had returned to Sudan about a year ago, crossing from Uganda. "We're at peace with them, and they don't mind us," said Charles Molini, the group's chief.
Wardens in Nimule park say about 350 elephants have arrived from Uganda. Earth's largest land mammals, elephants can live for decades and migrate in herds through vast territories.
The southerners' pride in the majestic animals, and their fabled memory, is clear. The wardens insist that only the area's native herds have returned. They say there is no threat of violence chasing the elephants out of neighboring Uganda or Kenya; they just want to come home.
"If they're coming back, it's because they know where their homeland is," said Maj. Gen. Alfred Akwoch, the undersecretary of south Sudan's Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.
Lone elephant elders were first spotted exploring their old territories, and, Akwoch noted, "When they see the region is at peace and that no one shoots them, they bring back their whole family."
The north-south war, which is separate from the bloodshed in Sudan's western region of Darfur, ended with a peace agreement which gave southerners a role in a national unity government, created an autonomous southern government and promised a 2011 referendum on the South's independence.
However, southerners accuse Khartoum of violating the peace deal and — in a dramatic step — the former rebels of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement quit the government last month to demand the pact's fulfillment.
Pagan Amum, the SPLM's secretary general, said the south is tired of fighting and will work to avert a new clash. "We want this land to re-flourish, and people to be able to enjoy it at last," he said.
Southern officials are hoping for tourism to help fund their cash-strapped state. The autonomous government plans to open a safari lodge at Nimule next year and hopes to draw 1,000 tourists in the first year.
Authorities then plan to reopen a dozen national parks or game reserves throughout south Sudan, a vast, subtropical region nearly the size of France whose human population of 8 million is vastly outnumbered by wild animals.
Not all animals were killed or chased out by the war. Large herds took refuge from the battles and from poachers in an impenetrable zone of swamps in south Sudan's heartland known as the Sudd.
Col. Paul Adot, Nimule's chief warden, vows to protect the elephant herds from poachers in the 400 square-mile park. The 190 wardens — many of them former SPLM soldiers — share 20 automatic rifles, one jeep and two motorcycles.
Adot is staunchly Christian and complains about decades of efforts by Khartoum to impose Arab and Islamic ways on the south. He said he was an SPLM officer and his father was tortured to death in the war.
Wildlife, he said, has been his passion since childhood, listening to village elders tell stories of the animals.
"There was the elephant, the hare, and nasty mister hyena," he chuckled. "We have always lived side by side with the animals."
Overlooking Nimule Park's vast savannah, he pointed toward the bend in the river where the elephants grazed. "We want to make sure they stay," he said.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press.
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU, Associated Press Writer
Sat Nov 3, 3:32 PM ET
The hippos had fled to other islands in the White Nile, driven away by one of the few forces that can dislodge a large herd of these fierce beasts — an even larger herd of elephants.
And there they were: some 50 elephants, massive black figures peacefully grazing on their newly reclaimed territory on the Nile island of Opekoloe.
"To anyone who thought they'd disappeared forever, it's like magic," said Lt. Col. Charles Joseph, deputy warden of south Sudan's Nimule national park near the border with Uganda, barely containing his excitement as he waded knee-deep through reed-filled water to approach the herd.
Sudan's 22-year north-south civil war — Africa's longest and bloodiest conflict, killed some two million people. It also drove out large numbers of animals.
Now after two years of relative peace, they're dramatically back. Wildlife services estimate 7,000 elephants have returned, along with some 1,500 giraffes and about 500 oryx antelopes, both thought to have left Sudan forever. Lions, leopards and a wide variety of gazelles, some of them unique to Sudan, are being spotted, too.
In a February aerial survey, the U.S.-based Wildlife Conservation Society estimated herds of antelope and gazelle numbered 1.3 million.
"It could well be the largest mammal migration on Earth," said Paul Elkan, the society's south Sudan country director.
The reappearance of the elephants is one of the greatest symbols of southern Sudanese hopes for peace — a source of pride and national identity for the ethnic African southerners dreaming of independence from the north.
But the elephants are returning to a fragile region. The 2005 peace deal between the southerners, mostly Christians and animists, and the Arab-dominated Khartoum government in the north, is tottering — and if it collapses, war could return.
But for now, all was peaceful at Opekoloe island. Elephants cooled themselves neck-deep in the marshy waters, occasionally lifting their trunks to catch the scent of approaching park officials and an Associated Press reporter, the first international journalist to see the elephants since their return.
A small group of fishermen from the Madi tribe native to this region had set up camp on the island's edge. They said the herd had returned to Sudan about a year ago, crossing from Uganda. "We're at peace with them, and they don't mind us," said Charles Molini, the group's chief.
Wardens in Nimule park say about 350 elephants have arrived from Uganda. Earth's largest land mammals, elephants can live for decades and migrate in herds through vast territories.
The southerners' pride in the majestic animals, and their fabled memory, is clear. The wardens insist that only the area's native herds have returned. They say there is no threat of violence chasing the elephants out of neighboring Uganda or Kenya; they just want to come home.
"If they're coming back, it's because they know where their homeland is," said Maj. Gen. Alfred Akwoch, the undersecretary of south Sudan's Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.
Lone elephant elders were first spotted exploring their old territories, and, Akwoch noted, "When they see the region is at peace and that no one shoots them, they bring back their whole family."
The north-south war, which is separate from the bloodshed in Sudan's western region of Darfur, ended with a peace agreement which gave southerners a role in a national unity government, created an autonomous southern government and promised a 2011 referendum on the South's independence.
However, southerners accuse Khartoum of violating the peace deal and — in a dramatic step — the former rebels of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement quit the government last month to demand the pact's fulfillment.
Pagan Amum, the SPLM's secretary general, said the south is tired of fighting and will work to avert a new clash. "We want this land to re-flourish, and people to be able to enjoy it at last," he said.
Southern officials are hoping for tourism to help fund their cash-strapped state. The autonomous government plans to open a safari lodge at Nimule next year and hopes to draw 1,000 tourists in the first year.
Authorities then plan to reopen a dozen national parks or game reserves throughout south Sudan, a vast, subtropical region nearly the size of France whose human population of 8 million is vastly outnumbered by wild animals.
Not all animals were killed or chased out by the war. Large herds took refuge from the battles and from poachers in an impenetrable zone of swamps in south Sudan's heartland known as the Sudd.
Col. Paul Adot, Nimule's chief warden, vows to protect the elephant herds from poachers in the 400 square-mile park. The 190 wardens — many of them former SPLM soldiers — share 20 automatic rifles, one jeep and two motorcycles.
Adot is staunchly Christian and complains about decades of efforts by Khartoum to impose Arab and Islamic ways on the south. He said he was an SPLM officer and his father was tortured to death in the war.
Wildlife, he said, has been his passion since childhood, listening to village elders tell stories of the animals.
"There was the elephant, the hare, and nasty mister hyena," he chuckled. "We have always lived side by side with the animals."
Overlooking Nimule Park's vast savannah, he pointed toward the bend in the river where the elephants grazed. "We want to make sure they stay," he said.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
HR 676
Please support HR Bill 676 for Healthcare for ALL of our citizens like the rest of the civilized world. Congressman Conyers bill is bold and necessary for the basic human rights of the millions of taxpayers who do not have health insurance. And please see "SICKO" documentary now available to rent or buy on DVD.
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane." - - Dr. Martin Luther King
For the past decade, Congressman Conyers has worked tirelessly to draw attention to our nation’s broken health care system and introduced legislation that would give every person the right to health care. Congressman Conyers believes that the solution for many of America’s healthcare challenges is a drastic change of the current U.S. Health Care System. In the 1900 most health care was provided at the home. Doctors made house calls; hospitals were small, with little medical equipment. Today, we live in a society with state of the art medical equipment and more uninsured persons than any other first world nation.
Issues such as managed care, lack of health insurance and AIDS dominate the health news today and despite a booming economy and a tight labor market, these conditions, that one might suppose would have led to an increase in health insurance coverage, only matter to some. It is the Congressman’s hope that Congress will stop ignoring the high number of uninsured children and reauthorize the nation’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, provide access to care for all citizens and make this a right, rather than a privilege.
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane." - - Dr. Martin Luther King
For the past decade, Congressman Conyers has worked tirelessly to draw attention to our nation’s broken health care system and introduced legislation that would give every person the right to health care. Congressman Conyers believes that the solution for many of America’s healthcare challenges is a drastic change of the current U.S. Health Care System. In the 1900 most health care was provided at the home. Doctors made house calls; hospitals were small, with little medical equipment. Today, we live in a society with state of the art medical equipment and more uninsured persons than any other first world nation.
Issues such as managed care, lack of health insurance and AIDS dominate the health news today and despite a booming economy and a tight labor market, these conditions, that one might suppose would have led to an increase in health insurance coverage, only matter to some. It is the Congressman’s hope that Congress will stop ignoring the high number of uninsured children and reauthorize the nation’s Children’s Health Insurance Program, provide access to care for all citizens and make this a right, rather than a privilege.
One tree of Life
As branches of the One tree of Life- We all shall Share and come together. Mother Father God is the roots, the soil, the Sun, the Source of all things,the Lifeforce; Spirit the air we breathe and is all around us, Spirit is the rain that helps us grow strong and mighty.
Us. YOU, me, they, them, WE are the seed in the soil and eventually- the tree.
The strong trunk that all else comes out from. Our service is the branches, the leaves one another. None, not ONE can continue on without the other.
Hand in hand let us see what we can do.
- This came to me tonight and I wished to share it with you out there in this big beautiful world whereever you are. May you have peace in your heart this night and always. Fear not. Come together. Gather yourselves. Listen and find your service because what the world needs now- is you.
Jill
Us. YOU, me, they, them, WE are the seed in the soil and eventually- the tree.
The strong trunk that all else comes out from. Our service is the branches, the leaves one another. None, not ONE can continue on without the other.
Hand in hand let us see what we can do.
- This came to me tonight and I wished to share it with you out there in this big beautiful world whereever you are. May you have peace in your heart this night and always. Fear not. Come together. Gather yourselves. Listen and find your service because what the world needs now- is you.
Jill
Saturday, November 10, 2007
FCC hearing in fog of night
Hello GE readers I'm so glad your still here. STILL working on the podcast, the new You tube video, who has the time in between shuffling kids to piano, archery, dance, and choir, the jobs, the regular workouts which now include pilates and yoga (to keep my sanity of course!) and regular quality family time?!! Well, I am trying. There's so much Emerging in the Emergence as well! And why is it that FREE SPEECH and Big media are at the cornerstone of all this? Well because if we need to awaken others to the social injustices of others and the planet and regaining personal sovereignty through ACTION we certainly need a free and open press! That is why it was given to the PUBLIC trust not the Government trust. Having spent 21 years in radio, I know full well how things have changed and the last stand is upon us now. So inform yourself and pay attention. We are at a critical juncture. Net Neurality- the ability for you to read this blog and any others you wish to is at stake as well as the dwindling ownership of TV, Newspapers and Television. We now get ALOT of our information as Americans from a very, very, very few powerful corporations/ideals. Don't always believe what you see and hear over and over and over again. Trust your gut or better yet- turn it off until the battle is won. Comments are open for posting if you have ?? I'd be happy to answer them as best I can- Jill
Sens. Dorgan and Lott Announce Bipartisan Bill to Halt FCC Rush to Relax Ownership Rules
From Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), November 9, 2007
U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Trent Lott (R-MS) will introduce legislation later today to halt the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “fast march” toward easing media ownership rules.
“We believe localism and diversity of media ownership is vital in a democracy,” Senator Dorgan said. “Our bill recognizes the importance of a wide range of media owners and local content, and requires a process that does not rush past those concerns to open the gates for even more consolidation of media ownership. We believe there is value to local ownership in the media.”
“Communities count on getting their local news from their locally-owned television stations and weekly and daily newspapers,” Senator Lott said. “They know ‘locally-owned’ means they’re invested in their communities and care about their well-being. If the FCC won’t do their job to keep East and West coast media conglomerates from pushing out these local voices, then there is a role for the Congress to play.”
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will announce proposed new rules for media ownership perhaps as early as next week, and have the FCC vote on them by December 18.
“The Media Ownership Act of 2007” would require 90 days for the public to comment on any proposed media ownership rules put forward by the FCC. It would also require the FCC to complete a separate proceeding to evaluate how localism is affected by media consolidation. The bill would require that the public have an opportunity to comment on that proceeding during a 90 day public comment period. The bill states that the localism proceeding must be done separately and be completed prior to a vote on proposed media ownership rules.
Finally, the bill requires establishment of an independent panel on female and minority ownership and for the FCC to provide the panel with accurate data on female and minority ownership. This panel must issue recommendations and the FCC must act on them prior to voting on any proposed ownership rules.
The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), John Kerry (D-MA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
This article is from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). If you found it informative and valuable, we strongly encourage you to visit their Web site and register an account, if necessary, to view all their articles on the Web. Support quality journalism.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sens. Dorgan and Lott Announce Bipartisan Bill to Halt FCC Rush to Relax Ownership Rules
From Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), November 9, 2007
U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Trent Lott (R-MS) will introduce legislation later today to halt the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “fast march” toward easing media ownership rules.
“We believe localism and diversity of media ownership is vital in a democracy,” Senator Dorgan said. “Our bill recognizes the importance of a wide range of media owners and local content, and requires a process that does not rush past those concerns to open the gates for even more consolidation of media ownership. We believe there is value to local ownership in the media.”
“Communities count on getting their local news from their locally-owned television stations and weekly and daily newspapers,” Senator Lott said. “They know ‘locally-owned’ means they’re invested in their communities and care about their well-being. If the FCC won’t do their job to keep East and West coast media conglomerates from pushing out these local voices, then there is a role for the Congress to play.”
FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will announce proposed new rules for media ownership perhaps as early as next week, and have the FCC vote on them by December 18.
“The Media Ownership Act of 2007” would require 90 days for the public to comment on any proposed media ownership rules put forward by the FCC. It would also require the FCC to complete a separate proceeding to evaluate how localism is affected by media consolidation. The bill would require that the public have an opportunity to comment on that proceeding during a 90 day public comment period. The bill states that the localism proceeding must be done separately and be completed prior to a vote on proposed media ownership rules.
Finally, the bill requires establishment of an independent panel on female and minority ownership and for the FCC to provide the panel with accurate data on female and minority ownership. This panel must issue recommendations and the FCC must act on them prior to voting on any proposed ownership rules.
The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), John Kerry (D-MA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
This article is from Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). If you found it informative and valuable, we strongly encourage you to visit their Web site and register an account, if necessary, to view all their articles on the Web. Support quality journalism.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Lasting peace deal?
Sudan's former foes agree timetable for peace deal
By Opheera McDoomSun Nov 4, 4:36 AM ET
Sudan's former foes have agreed steps to implement a 2005 north-south peace deal, First Vice President Salva Kiir said on Sunday, indicating the country's worst political crisis in years may soon be resolved.
The announcement raised hopes that ministers from the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) will return to coalition government, ending a political paralysis that set in after they froze the partnership last month.
"The Presidency ... approved a number of principles on which basis presidential decrees will be issued to authorize a timetable and mechanisms of implementation which will resolve all the issues," Kiir said in a statement read by his press attache.
He added work was ongoing to resolve a dispute over the oil-rich Abyei region, but he did not say if or when SPLM ministers, about a quarter of the cabinet, would return to their posts.
Sudan's north-south deal ended Africa's longest civil war which claimed 2 million lives and drove 4 million from their homes.
But the SPLM said they were frustrated at the lack of progress to implement key parts of the peace deal, including withdrawing northern forces from southern oil fields and demarcating the north-south border.
U.S. envoy Andrew Natsios said after meeting both sides he felt optimism and a real drive to implement the deal from the SPLM and the northern National Congress Party (NCP).
"The kind of language I heard was very constructive, very flexible. They realized that there was a problem, they both faced it and they're fixing it," he told Reuters.
Natsios said two outstanding issues were Abyei and the north-south border. But he said progress was being made, adding the border demarcation depended largely on outlining the central Abyei region's boundaries.
Natsios said deadlines had been set to implement the deal by the beginning of next year. "So we will know within two months if these initiatives are implemented," he added.
Kiir said the SPLM was not building up its troops along the north-south border as reported by Khartoum's press, but said the northern army were ready for battle.
"Since July they (the northern army) have been in a state of readiness ... probably because they expected the SPLM to attack them," said Kiir.
The northern troops were supposed to withdraw by July 9 this year according to the deal. Kiir said southern soldiers remained in their camps.
Kiir said a joint six-member committee would be formed to resolve outstanding issues.
Kiir visits the United States this week to brief the U.N. Security Council and travel to Washington.
The dominant northern National Congress Party has blamed the SPLM for derailing peace talks in Sudan's remote western Darfur region which formally opened on October 27 in Libya with none of the main rebel factions in attendance.
Many of the rebels said until the SPLM returned to the coalition the government was not legal and others questioned why, if the north-south deal was not being implemented, they should negotiate an accord with the NCP.
Copyright © 2007 Reuters Limited.
By Opheera McDoomSun Nov 4, 4:36 AM ET
Sudan's former foes have agreed steps to implement a 2005 north-south peace deal, First Vice President Salva Kiir said on Sunday, indicating the country's worst political crisis in years may soon be resolved.
The announcement raised hopes that ministers from the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) will return to coalition government, ending a political paralysis that set in after they froze the partnership last month.
"The Presidency ... approved a number of principles on which basis presidential decrees will be issued to authorize a timetable and mechanisms of implementation which will resolve all the issues," Kiir said in a statement read by his press attache.
He added work was ongoing to resolve a dispute over the oil-rich Abyei region, but he did not say if or when SPLM ministers, about a quarter of the cabinet, would return to their posts.
Sudan's north-south deal ended Africa's longest civil war which claimed 2 million lives and drove 4 million from their homes.
But the SPLM said they were frustrated at the lack of progress to implement key parts of the peace deal, including withdrawing northern forces from southern oil fields and demarcating the north-south border.
U.S. envoy Andrew Natsios said after meeting both sides he felt optimism and a real drive to implement the deal from the SPLM and the northern National Congress Party (NCP).
"The kind of language I heard was very constructive, very flexible. They realized that there was a problem, they both faced it and they're fixing it," he told Reuters.
Natsios said two outstanding issues were Abyei and the north-south border. But he said progress was being made, adding the border demarcation depended largely on outlining the central Abyei region's boundaries.
Natsios said deadlines had been set to implement the deal by the beginning of next year. "So we will know within two months if these initiatives are implemented," he added.
Kiir said the SPLM was not building up its troops along the north-south border as reported by Khartoum's press, but said the northern army were ready for battle.
"Since July they (the northern army) have been in a state of readiness ... probably because they expected the SPLM to attack them," said Kiir.
The northern troops were supposed to withdraw by July 9 this year according to the deal. Kiir said southern soldiers remained in their camps.
Kiir said a joint six-member committee would be formed to resolve outstanding issues.
Kiir visits the United States this week to brief the U.N. Security Council and travel to Washington.
The dominant northern National Congress Party has blamed the SPLM for derailing peace talks in Sudan's remote western Darfur region which formally opened on October 27 in Libya with none of the main rebel factions in attendance.
Many of the rebels said until the SPLM returned to the coalition the government was not legal and others questioned why, if the north-south deal was not being implemented, they should negotiate an accord with the NCP.
Copyright © 2007 Reuters Limited.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Was lost and now am found
Hello blog readers--- I hope this finds you all warm and cozy as another year seemingly draws near. Yes I know it's still 8-9 weeks to go but as the final leaves drop to the ground and the temperature begins to dip below freezing at night I tend to ponder the end of another year right about now.
It was just a few weeks ago that I saw the new documentary "God Grew Tired of Us" based on the autobiographical book by "Lost Boy" John Dau. Yet due to the spiritual tremor it has created in my heart it seems more like a few years ago!
There was a benefit at our beautiful local, independent theatre that included screening this awe inspiring film in order to raise awareness and funds for another documentary film being made right now, right here in Fargo. This new, local project chronicles another "Lost Boy" and friend of John Dau, Joseph Makeer. It's called "African Soul, American Heart" and the blog and website are up and running as well. Links are up on the right of the G.E. www.africansoulamericanheart.com
9 Lost Boys were in attendance at this screening and we were treated to some gospel singing in Dinka accapella following the film which had me in tears as well as a brief Q & A session with them followed by a brief meet and greet.
I didn't have a whole lot of extra time but I stayed to asked a question of John Dau and briefly met him,Joseph and Jacob Mayen at the meet and greet in the lobby
as they were all standing together shaking hands. Jacob gave me his email address and the rest I guess as they say is history.
As you know I've followed and written on and produced a Video on the crisis in Darfur so to see these Sudanese men before me was so moving. Their spiritual strength and energy could surely be felt for miles I thought as they sang in their native language.
My intuition told me that the Light was surely coming to them now and that they were so gracefully prepared for this purpose, to shine that Light not on them but on those that are still suffering in their homeland.
John Dau has used the proceeds from the book, the movie and his foundation to build a clinic that serves thousands in his native Duk County. Joseph Makeer
now has a dedicated team of volunteers behind his vision to help finish his documentary in hopes to not just raise awareness but to help the war torn village and the thousands of orphans still remaining that are living in virtual slavery day in and day out while rest of the world goes about it's business. The film crew is leaving for Africa in December. I wish I could join them! My family is sending along a care package of books and a few letters in hopes of beginning a pen-pal exchange with children in the refugee camp.
It's one of those experiences that change you one step further in this process to a new reality. The AHA! That you need just at the right time. I often write that the meek will inherit the earth and as I told my new friend Jacob, surely these beautiful men will be at the front of the line. Their faith, their culture, the stories of Hope despite the horrors of what they endured will surely awaken the hearts of so very many! Jacob is now a Vicar at a local Lutheran church here! SO he gets to share this message on a daily basis. I look forward to attending one of his services and will be sure to write about it here.
As we went trick or treating the other night I told my children "Honestly, it's just not the same for me. I mean it's fun and enjoyable I won't be a spoiler but I just, I see all the candy and it's upsetting when so many suffer." They both understood and sighed- but shrugged, it is what it is. How on earth can we change a culture that refuses to pull back and in fact now hangs Halloween lights like it does Christmas lights? Light up Ghosts and goblins are cute don't get me wrong but it all seems so unnecessary and excessive!
We are a giving society in general and we do have big hearts but the balance of Earth must come not from dependency on charity donations but on a balancing of how we live. A harmonious co existence between us and Mother Earth so that she is able to heal and thrive with the population today and with so many others who are now suffering for their life for security, for FOOD. As Ghandi said, "Live simply, so others may simply Live" And when I see the excesses of our culture and over priveledged expectations of children and adults, GIMME GIMME GIMME not to GIVE I wonder if we'll ever get there.
But Ghandi also said BE the change you wish to see in the world. And I'm so filled with gratitude for the Lost Boys that are here in our midst.Seeing and speaking with these beautiful souls, the Lost Boys, live and in person, is like seeing the eyes of God and I no longer wonder, I know that we will indeed get there.
We should have listened to the American Indian long ago- they lived simply, they lived sacred, spiritual lives that we for the most part did not even try to integrate with our culture or to even understand. The first settlers assumed they were "savages" because they lived so simply! Those settlers ASSUMED that they knew better and more surely then these natives that ran in the wild and missed the opportunity to grow spiritually from the pure wisdom passed on from generations
like perhaps never before or again in our existence.
This time, we have multi media devices to see, hear, listen and understand what pure Faith is when there is nothing, pure Devotion to Spirit in the face of sheer Evil, what HOPE is when you've lost every family member you have and friends have died in your arms over and over all by the age of 9. And yes, what it is to be truly HAPPY while living ever so simply.
I will do my part to help be sure that they are seen and heard because to hear their story and especially to be near them is to be the closest to Spirit I have ever been and it comes at a time when perhaps the world needs this Hope and this wisdom they bring like never before.
Peace Be with you- I'll be posting an interview with Jacob soon;meantime watch "GOD GREW TIRED" THe story of the Lost boys!!! You can get it on Amazon.com for a mere $10 I'll post links to their websites/blogs on the right. Jill
It was just a few weeks ago that I saw the new documentary "God Grew Tired of Us" based on the autobiographical book by "Lost Boy" John Dau. Yet due to the spiritual tremor it has created in my heart it seems more like a few years ago!
There was a benefit at our beautiful local, independent theatre that included screening this awe inspiring film in order to raise awareness and funds for another documentary film being made right now, right here in Fargo. This new, local project chronicles another "Lost Boy" and friend of John Dau, Joseph Makeer. It's called "African Soul, American Heart" and the blog and website are up and running as well. Links are up on the right of the G.E. www.africansoulamericanheart.com
9 Lost Boys were in attendance at this screening and we were treated to some gospel singing in Dinka accapella following the film which had me in tears as well as a brief Q & A session with them followed by a brief meet and greet.
I didn't have a whole lot of extra time but I stayed to asked a question of John Dau and briefly met him,Joseph and Jacob Mayen at the meet and greet in the lobby
as they were all standing together shaking hands. Jacob gave me his email address and the rest I guess as they say is history.
As you know I've followed and written on and produced a Video on the crisis in Darfur so to see these Sudanese men before me was so moving. Their spiritual strength and energy could surely be felt for miles I thought as they sang in their native language.
My intuition told me that the Light was surely coming to them now and that they were so gracefully prepared for this purpose, to shine that Light not on them but on those that are still suffering in their homeland.
John Dau has used the proceeds from the book, the movie and his foundation to build a clinic that serves thousands in his native Duk County. Joseph Makeer
now has a dedicated team of volunteers behind his vision to help finish his documentary in hopes to not just raise awareness but to help the war torn village and the thousands of orphans still remaining that are living in virtual slavery day in and day out while rest of the world goes about it's business. The film crew is leaving for Africa in December. I wish I could join them! My family is sending along a care package of books and a few letters in hopes of beginning a pen-pal exchange with children in the refugee camp.
It's one of those experiences that change you one step further in this process to a new reality. The AHA! That you need just at the right time. I often write that the meek will inherit the earth and as I told my new friend Jacob, surely these beautiful men will be at the front of the line. Their faith, their culture, the stories of Hope despite the horrors of what they endured will surely awaken the hearts of so very many! Jacob is now a Vicar at a local Lutheran church here! SO he gets to share this message on a daily basis. I look forward to attending one of his services and will be sure to write about it here.
As we went trick or treating the other night I told my children "Honestly, it's just not the same for me. I mean it's fun and enjoyable I won't be a spoiler but I just, I see all the candy and it's upsetting when so many suffer." They both understood and sighed- but shrugged, it is what it is. How on earth can we change a culture that refuses to pull back and in fact now hangs Halloween lights like it does Christmas lights? Light up Ghosts and goblins are cute don't get me wrong but it all seems so unnecessary and excessive!
We are a giving society in general and we do have big hearts but the balance of Earth must come not from dependency on charity donations but on a balancing of how we live. A harmonious co existence between us and Mother Earth so that she is able to heal and thrive with the population today and with so many others who are now suffering for their life for security, for FOOD. As Ghandi said, "Live simply, so others may simply Live" And when I see the excesses of our culture and over priveledged expectations of children and adults, GIMME GIMME GIMME not to GIVE I wonder if we'll ever get there.
But Ghandi also said BE the change you wish to see in the world. And I'm so filled with gratitude for the Lost Boys that are here in our midst.Seeing and speaking with these beautiful souls, the Lost Boys, live and in person, is like seeing the eyes of God and I no longer wonder, I know that we will indeed get there.
We should have listened to the American Indian long ago- they lived simply, they lived sacred, spiritual lives that we for the most part did not even try to integrate with our culture or to even understand. The first settlers assumed they were "savages" because they lived so simply! Those settlers ASSUMED that they knew better and more surely then these natives that ran in the wild and missed the opportunity to grow spiritually from the pure wisdom passed on from generations
like perhaps never before or again in our existence.
This time, we have multi media devices to see, hear, listen and understand what pure Faith is when there is nothing, pure Devotion to Spirit in the face of sheer Evil, what HOPE is when you've lost every family member you have and friends have died in your arms over and over all by the age of 9. And yes, what it is to be truly HAPPY while living ever so simply.
I will do my part to help be sure that they are seen and heard because to hear their story and especially to be near them is to be the closest to Spirit I have ever been and it comes at a time when perhaps the world needs this Hope and this wisdom they bring like never before.
Peace Be with you- I'll be posting an interview with Jacob soon;meantime watch "GOD GREW TIRED" THe story of the Lost boys!!! You can get it on Amazon.com for a mere $10 I'll post links to their websites/blogs on the right. Jill
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