“But if Obama is as determined as he says to take on the huge issue of eliminating nuclear weapons, surely he can get rid of land mines and cluster bombs now. These weapons – often described as weapons of mass destruction in slow motion – are reviled by tens of millions around the world. The majority of the countries in the world have already banned them. Surely, it is more than time for the United States to join their ranks.”
- Jody Williams, founding coordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in a Boston Globe editorial, April 13
Ban Land Mines and Cluster Bombs
April 17, 2009
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Capital Quotes, Militarism, News Stories | 
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Posted by Mary Stata
Goshen Students Reflect on SOA Protest
April 16, 2009The School of the Americas (SOA) is a combat training center for Latin American soldiers, located in Georgia. Since its inception in 1946, SOA has trained over 60,000 soldiers in counterinsurgency techniques, sniper training, commando and psychological warfare, military intelligence, and interrogation tactics. Graduates of the school are accused of returning to their home countries and committing war crimes against their own people.
Every November, thousands of nonviolent protesters descend upon SOA and hold a vigil. Among the 2008 participants were a group of students from Goshen College. The following are excerpts from their reflections on the experience.
As a Christian, this protest gave me a way to live out and express my beliefs in a positive way. Like our ancestors who were sometimes persecuted and killed for their beliefs, we too must stand up for those who do not have a voice. As Christians, it is our duty to be sources of hope and to be confident and active in working for change. – David Shenk
The experience allowed me to be part of the project of life, a project that emerges when we identify with the oppressed, in solidarity and protest, rejecting the predominant projects of death. All of this was done opting for the nonviolent way of Jesus, the visible and audible instrument for change, composed of 20,000 voices , who became the voices of an oppressed continent. - Daniel Moya
Gathering with thousands of others in solidarity to protest the SOA is not enough, but it is a start. It is something we can do outside the bounds of the government control. It is a way to freely express one’s opinion, to be educated by knowledgeable people about social injustices and to in turn educate others about injustices that occur within the borders of our country that have far reaching affects. – Audra Christophel
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Posted by Mary Stata
Mobilization to End Poverty
April 14, 2009
Plan now to attend the Mobilization to End Poverty, April 26-29 in Washington DC. More than 1500 Christians will gather in a powerful movement committed to the biblical imperative of reducing domestic and global poverty. The gathering, sponsored by Sojourners and World Vision, will include worship, training sessions and advocacy. Featured speakers will include Jim Wallis, Rep. John Lewis, Sharon Watkins, Brian McClaren and many others. President Obama has been invited to address the gathering.
Because Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Central Committee U.S. and MCC East Coast are outreach partners, Mennonites can receive the discounted registration rate of $199 / $150 for students (with lodging available for students participating in the World Vision Summit on the Hill beginning on April 25). To receive information about registering at the special rate contact KathrynR@MennoniteUSA.org. There will be an informal gathering for Mennonites attending the Mobilization during the supper hour on Monday, April 27 at a nearby restaurant. Please email mccwash@mcc.org for more info.
Participants are invited to stay in DC another day and join in the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq.
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Posted by Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach
National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund Lobby Day
April 13, 2009Who: You, fellow war tax resisters, and conscientious objectors
What: Lobby Day 2009: The Wages of Peace, focusing on the spending of wages peacefully gained and put to peaceful use.
Where: National Campaign for a Peace Tax Fund office at 2121 Decatur Place NW, Washington, DC 20008
When: April 19-20
Why: To Petition Congress to pass the Religious Freedom Peace Tax Fund Bill and to assert the rights of citizens whose conscience does not permit physical or financial participation in all war.
RSVP by filling out the online form.
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Posted by Mary Stata
Biden to Shepherd Test Ban Treaty Vote
April 8, 2009A Washington Post article reports that Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg announced yesterday President Obama’s intent to to put Vice President Biden in charge of getting the Senate to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Senate rejected the treaty in 1999 despite ratification of the document by 146 countries – including the United States’ closest allies. Even though the US hasn’t signed the treaty, it has observed a nuclear testing moratorium for the past two decades.
US ratification of the CTBT will reinforce the de facto global nuclear test moratorium and diminish the perceived political value of nuclear weapons. Given President Obama’s recent statements about nuclear disarmament, intent to make this issue a priority for Vice President Biden, and increasing support within the Senate, the prospect for CTBT ratification is better than ever before.
Please sign the Friends Committee on National Legislation’s petition and urge your senators to speak out in favor of nuclear disarmament.
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Posted by Mary Stata
The last 5 percent
April 8, 2009Throughout the borderlands stories abound of wildlife separated from habitat… people separated from their homes, families and friends. All for a wall that most agree will not solve any of our complex borderlands problems.
This stunning 4 1/2-minute video from the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) illustrates the damage being caused along the U.S.-Mexico border by construction of fencing and walls.
The ILCP will be displaying their work on Capitol Hill during the Border Wall Lobby Week, April 26-29. For more information, click here.
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Posted by Tammy Alexander
Congolese Women Protest Violence
April 7, 2009Last week 1,000 Congolese women took to the streets of Buta, in northeastern DR Congo to raise awareness about recent attacks on civilians by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). In addition to condemning the violence, the women sought to pressure the government to resolve the humanitarian crisis caused by the attacks and to appropriately address growing insecurity in the region. Click here to read more about the nonviolent protest.
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Posted by Mary Stata
