They're at it again, using Improv Everywhere-inspired performance art to raise awareness of the scourge of modern-day slavery. This time, they hit Downtown Disney:
Human trafficking is driven by money. Reduce the market by reducing demand. Reduce demand by increasing awareness.
Technorati Tags: humantrafficking, slavery, trafficking
Aid to Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) is only just beginning a week after the fact, but the junta is not allowing foreign aid workers to enter.
But! I went to the World Vision site and learned that they have have over 500 staff workers there. I'm betting that many of them are Burmese, because they've been working there for decades and have a relationship with the government.
So let's not let the junta stop us -- let's donate money to World Vision. Your employee will likely match your gift, doubling your contribution. Who is with me?
Inspired by Improv Everywhere freezing in Grand Central Station, Solitonic Just One activists use humor to raise awareness of human trafficking:
thefreezeproject.com
Technorati Tags: humantrafficking, trafficking, slavery
As I recover from this nasty cold/flu/thing, I feel a rant coming on.
Eliot Spitzer! You have perpetuated this image of prostitution as a high-class institution, full of mystery only available to the initiates. Did it not strike you that you are increasing the demand? As MomLogic asks, "What does a woman do to you for $4,300 a 'session'?"
People of the press! Your fascination with the possibility that the prostitute will gain fame from this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Did it not strike you that by projecting this image of glamour, you are increasing the supply? Follow the example of the New York Times and clearly identify "high-class prostitution" as an oxymoron!
Fools! Thanks to you, another "John" will kiss his family good-bye to leave for an important "business trip" to Thailand -- or simply arrange for an "escort" right in the suburbs. Another desperate girl will be lured by promises of love and comfort, only to find herself beaten, raped, tortured until her will is crushed.
And being well-informed fools, you probably know that the modern-day slave trade dwarfs that of the past. It's just better hidden, and by your actions, you have served their purposes.
I dare Spitzer and the press to sit down and watch Lilja 4-Ever. It's easy, just put it in your Netflix queue. Organize viewing parties -- heck, I'll host one if you want. I dare you.
Technorati Tags: slavery
I cannot absorb the news; it just seems like a world apart. So it was helpful for me to see this photo essay and read the captions. People. Faces. Stories.
I mean, this is Kenya, for crying out loud!
Pray.
(hat tip: Mike Todd)
"The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity."
Amen!
Today is the first International Day of Non-Violence, marking the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It seems fitting on this day that we stand with the people of Burma: sign this petition to make your voice count.
To Chinese President Hu Jintao and the UN Security Council:
We stand alongside the citizens of Burma in their peaceful protests. We urge you to oppose a violent crackdown on the demonstrators, and to support genuine reconciliation and democracy in Burma. We pledge to hold you accountable for any further bloodshed.
"Blessed are those who make peace…" (Gandhi spent two hours a day meditating on Jesus's teachings!)
Uhh. This was the message left on our phone today:
"Heyyy, hope I got your number down right, 'cause this doesn't sound like it could be you. How embarrassing would that be? Anyway, I'm gonna make this quick, because my husband will be home soon and I don't wanna get caught. So, I can definitely meet you in the hotel lobby like we discussed tonight, but make sure to leave me the time on my secret lovenest email. Umm, in case you don't remember, my profile number is _____. I have to admit, I'm really nervous, but I really want to meet you. Umm, oh and I remembered what you said about pictures so I put one up so that you know what I look like, and um, I guess I'll see you tonight! Bye, hon."
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