Ask China to Help Darfur

As we know, the Olympics will be held in Bejing in 2008. China holds a lot of power in the Darfur situation, and as the host of the Olympics it's time for China to exhibit the Olympic spirit.

"Olympism is a philosophy of life, exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles."
(Olympic Charter 2004, Fundamental Principles, paragraph 1)

While athletes representing their countries will compete for medals in the Olympics, people of Darfur are competiting for their lives.

If you believe China should do all it can to help the people of Darfur, visit the site below to sign the petition and don't forget to visit savedarfur.org to find Olympic Torch Relays in your area.

http://action.savedarfur.org/campaign/china_must_act

Thanks for your help

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Aid Workers Killed in Darfur

"More than 60 aid vehicles have been hijacked this year by Darfur's various warring parties, and 12 humanitarian workers have been killed. Aid groups and U.N. agencies have pulled out nonessential staff from several areas because of the violence." (The Associated Press 10/17/2007)

The people of Darfur who haven't been killed, have been driven from their homes, and are living in refugee camps under constant threats of violence. They are unable to farm and provide the basic needs for themselves; the survivors depend on food aid.

Without aid the number of deaths in Darfur will rise at an alarming rate. The people who have dedicated their lives to helping others need to be protected.

Help is scheduled to arrive in Darfur in January, but that may be too late.

Desmond Tutu Speaks on Darfur

"Tell your governments to get cracking."  (Tutu savedarfur.org)

"Darfur is one of the most awful places in the world."  (Tutu savedarfur.org)

Another day passes without peace in Darfur. 

Another day passes and families are unable to go home. 

Another day passes and the people of Darfur continue to suffer.

Another day for an opportunity for you to make your voice heard. 

Sign the global petition to end the violence in Darfur.

October 24, 2007 this petition will be delivered from Amnesty International to the White House.  Thanks for your support and time.

Peacekeepers Killed in Haskanita

On Sept 30, 2007 there was an attack on the Haskanita base in northern Darfur where 23 peacekeepers are now missing, and ten are dead. This attack comes about a month before peace talks are scheduled to take place on Oct 27, 2007 in Libya.

The Haskanita base is guarded by 150 troops which was severely undermanned against the 1,000 man rebel force that attacked. The attack has left some wary of providing support to the region. Nigeria may reconsider it's aid to the region based on this latest violent outbreak.

Just when it seems there is hope nearing the situation in Darfur gets deadlier.

TV Guide

With the new fall season upon us it may be hard keeping track of new shows or finding your favorite shows on the new lineup.

The TV Guide with its new design is the only tool you need to keep up with television.  Check out the new design for yourself, and see how informative and easy it is.

Also visit tvguide.com for online access to your favorite television shows.

Angelina Jolie in Iraq

Say what you will about Angelina Jolie, it's uplifting to see a celebrity use their fame and fortune to not only talk about the injustices of the world, but actually experience their plight first hand.

Angelina is shown below in Iraq. 

Life in Darfur

Living in the United States it's hard to imagine what life is like in Darfur. Even during the best times, life in Darfur is difficult with constant drought, and challenging farming conditions. The people are accustomed to living in the only place they know. When the government began using more money for the military, and Northern Darfur, the people in the south asked for equity.

The reply from the government was the unleashing of the Janjaweed who went about raping, and killing the Dafurians. The women and girls must venture out to wells to get drinking water for the village while trying to avoid the Janjaweed. Men do not go for water for fear of being murdered.

The fact is, no one should live in fear of getting his or her basic needs met.

A great website that shows a glimpse of what life is like for the people of Darfur can be found at, <u>http://www.darfurisdying.com</u>.

China, The Olympics & Darfur

The Olympics being held in Beijing has caused many to protest China's involvement in the genocide in Darfur. Some feel this is the perfect opportunity to pressure China into ceasing its support of the Sudanese government and army. Some question if the Olympics is the right form to stage political protest.

The Olympics is about sportsmanship, and world competition. Joey Cheek a US Olympic Medal Winner delivered a petition with 40,000 signatures to the Chinese Embassy. On the eve of hosting the biggest international festival in the world, China must be conscious of its image. The world is coming to China and so are the critical eyes who wonder why China has not done more for the victims in Darfur.

"The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity." (The Olympic Charter)

Joey Cheek's organization is wherewillwebe.org

Olympic Torch Relay

Darfur

The Story of the Genocide in Darfur

The Who:   The people of Darfur, more specifically the agrarian farmers.

The What:  Genocide

The When:  2003-Present

The Where:  Darfur a region the size of Texas in western Sudan.

The Why:  The 6 million Darfuris are some of the poorest in Africa. In an effort to get the government to spend some of the revenues from the sale of the countries oil, the rebel groups tried to demand better conditions from the government and were meet with fierce opposition from militias, the Janjaweed.