Darfur Days

On Friday, I heard an inspiring lecture by John Prendergast (International Crisis Group/www.enoughproject.org) and actor Don Cheadle on the genocide in Darfur.

I will have a proper post on Monday regarding the lecture, but that will be too late to urge everyone to attend a rally on Sunday (tomorrow). This is a crucial moment. President Bush has declared the crisis a "genocide", but has failed to live up to the International Genocide Convention, signed after WWII. His staff has recommended stiff sanctions against the Sudanese government, but Cheney and other members of his Cabinet are arguing against implimentation for various political reasons, including Sudan's intelligence capabilities against terrorists and maintaining good relations with China.

It could either way. Only popular pressure can encourage Bush to make the moral choice rather than the politically-expediant choice.

Attend a rally tomorrow (Sunday, April 29th). Go to SAVE DARFUR/Global Days for Darfur for information on rallies in your area. You can enter your zip code to pull up that information.

Also, if you cannot attend a rally, call The White House comment line this week, to demand stiff sanctions against the Sudanese government.

Here's the number -- (202) 456-1414

Talking Points (courtesy of www.savedarfur.org):

I'm calling because I am concerned about the violence in Darfur, Sudan.

I urge President Bush to implement "Plan B" without further delay.

Nearly two months have passed since the President's January 1st deadline for the Sudan to cooperate - it's time to act.

While calls are best, you can ALSO email the White House and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, urging them to take stronger action. The message will read:

Every day, the 2.5 million people chased from their homes in Darfur face the threat of starvation, disease, and rape, while the few lucky enough to remain in their homes risk displacement, torture, and murder. Therefore, I call on you to do the following:

1. Push for the immediate deployment of the already-authorized UN peacekeeping force.

2. Strengthen the understaffed African Union force already in Darfur until the UN force can be deployed.

3. Implement a fair and lasting Peace Agreement.

4. Increase humanitarian aid and ensure access for delivery.