Jubilee! 37 More Cosponsors!
October 26th, 2007 at 9:51 am | posted by Virginia SimmonsDuring the last two weeks, ONE members sent more than 48,000 letters and made 4,200 calls to their members of Congress urging them to support the Jubilee Act.
Before we took these thousands of actions, there was a Jubilee bill in the House with just 52 cosponsors, and no companion bill in the Senate.
Now, after Jubilee USA and ONE’s campaigns, 27 more representatives have signed on to cosponsor the Jubilee Act in the House, the Senate has introduced a companion bill and 10 key senators have signed on to cosponsor it.
You can see the full list of representatives and senators who have shown their support by cosponsoring here and here on Thomas.loc.gov.
If your representative or either of your state’s senators are signed on, please thank them using our online tool.
If your representative’s or either of your senators’ names aren’t on the list, there’s still plenty you can do to encourage them.
1.) Write a letter to your members of Congress.
2.) Call their office. All the talking points you need are here.
3.) Write a letter to the editor to your local paper about unjust debt in the developing world and the Jubilee Act.
4.) Schedule a meeting with your representative’s state or DC office. Email giveyourtime@one.org for all the resources you’ll need.
Use the comment thread below to let us know if your representative and senators have signed on yet - and to add your ideas or questions about how to get their support for this critical bill.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:08 am
It is so exciting and rewarding to be part of the important efforts for debt cancellation here in DC. At Jubilee, we thank you SO MUCH for contacting your member of Congress expressing your support for the Jubilee Act. We are at 79 co-sponsors in the House and counting… the momentum continues to amaze me!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I spoke with Rev. David Duncombe, who last week ended his 46-day fast, during which he visited Congressional offices and urged them to support the Jubilee Act. I mentioned the list of Jubilee Act sponsors we now have – which continued to increased as he left DC to return to his Washington state home. He was excited to hear about the actions that ONE members are taking and the ongoing work that’s making a difference. We really can’t say thank you enough for your dedication and the pressure you’re putting on our leaders to eliminate the crushing debts that burden impoverished countries.
There’s always more work to do, though. Here are some other things you can do to take action!
1. OK. So, maybe you’re reading this blog for the first time and you’re excited by the progress that’s being made, but haven’t taken action yet. Well, what are you still sitting there for? Go take action! Get informed, then call your members of Congress about the Jubilee Act! Info here: http://www.one.org/blog/category/jubilee-act/. When you’ve hung up the phone, send a letter to U.S. Treasury the IMF and urge them to Cancel Liberia’s Debt here: http://www.one.org/liberia/.
2. Schedule a meeting in your member of Congress’ (MOC) district office. A lot of times we think that we must visit our senators and reps on Capitol Hill, but the reality is that most of us can’t make it to Washington, DC. If you visit your MOC’s website on www.house.gov or www.senate.gov, they should list the Washington DC and local district office’s contact information. Ask to speak with the scheduler and schedule a meeting to discuss the Jubilee Act.
3. If you’re Representative has already cosponsored the Jubilee Act (HR 2634) in the House, ask them to also support the Haiti Debt Relief Resolution (HRes 241), which moves to cancel Haiti’s debt immediately! If they support the Jubilee Act, they should also sign on to the Haiti Resolution. For more info about the Haiti Resolution, visit: jubileeusa.typepad.com/blog_the_debt/2007/10/they-support-th.html
4. Educate yourself about the debt issue. Don’t stop with just taking action, debt affects so many issues. There are gender, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, oil/climate change and trade implications (among many others) to the debt issue. So, deepen your debt knowledge. It’s a matter of life and debt. More info here: http://www.jubileeusa.org/truth-about-debt/debt-related-issues.html. If you’d like to read up about the Jubilee Act, visit www.jubileeusa.org/jubilee-act.
5. Tell your friend about the action you’ve taken and urge them to take action as well.
5. Visit the Jubilee USA website at www.jubileeusa.org, our Blog at jubileeusa.typepad.com to stay updated on what’s happening w/ the Jubilee Act in the House and Senate and the campaign to pressure U.S. Treasury and the IMF to immediately cancel Liberia’s debt.
October 26th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Dear Congressmen,
There is no more convincing way of proving the great heart of America than having Americans sharing from their privilges with those that don’t have a word in their vocabulary that descibes something even closer to what a privilige is.
Please listen but please don’t stop there and take action. You have the power exercise it and sleep better at night.
Miriam C. Laracuente
October 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Why don’t these politicians see that you can’t get blood from a stone? By forgiving their debt they are helping these countries to get back on their feet to become productive members of the global economy, and it will benefit all involved through trade and prosperity worldwide. What is so hard to understand about that?
October 26th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
In his book; “An End Of Poverty” by Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, points out quite convincingly, that it is to our own economic interests to relieve crippling debt to countries struggling to feed their own people.
Countries that use scant resouces to pay off debt rather than feed their people, are more susceptable to civil unrest because a starving, uneducated, and unemployed populace is ready to embrace any radical group seeking power and more predisposed to placing blame on other citizenry based upon their ethnicity, religion, or tribal affiliations.
This then breeds societal degradation, more input of foreign aid, terrorism, civil wars, refugee camps, more input of foreign aid, and the cycle continues. Relieving debt allows Liberia to focus on feeding its people, building its infrastructure, educating its children and caring for its sick. Relieving debt is akin to watering a seed long buried in dry ground. It creates a condition whereby the seed that is unseen to us all suddenly emerges from the ashes bringing new life to those around it.
I pray you will consider relieving this debt. It is not only to their advantage, but yours and mine as well.
John Rowe
Tacoma, WA
October 26th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
Dear Congressmen,
If Americans could just spend one week living in the conditions that many others in poor nations are forced to lived each and every day, I’m convinced we’d be taking action more quickly to help them.
Let us share our priviliges with them and pass this bill.
Hunger Hurts.
Melina Balboni
October 26th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
I think it is important for all of us to remember that there are those who benefit tremendously from having countries in debt. Grossly unfair trade practices imposed on indebted nations pour money into the pockets of the few.
While efforts to gain the attention of politicians both here and abroad have helped persuade lawmakers to consider this necessary step, there are still those who are applying their own pressure to keep things as they are. It is, therefore, vital that we expose these nefarious exploiters of the human race. Name them. Call them on their greedy, destructive behavior and insist that they stop in the name of all mankind.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
The analysis from Jeffrey Sachs that John cited is also echoed by Bill McKibben in his book “Deep Economy.” Local communities in Liberia and elsewhere have known for centuries how to provide food and shelter, but heavy debt forces them to pursue policies that lead to deforestation and other environmental damage, making them even more dependent on loans in a vicious cycle. If we relieve the crushing debt burden, then they do not need to pursue quick profits, and can instead use farming techniques that have always worked in their communities. It’s the right thing to do for those people, and for the planet as a whole.
David Lobron
Newton, MA
October 26th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
I don’t understand how the debt cancellation could not be more benefitial than asking struggling countries for money that they don’t have. If we cancel their debt, more money can go into improving the country and its economy. This in turn would improve the quality of live of the people, which would also improve productivity. Improved productivity would mean increased production and business which could in turn mean more resources and money from that country. It seems, to me, that supporting the development and success of a country is much more benefitial than just watching it suffer and continue to ask for it to pay off its debts.
Beyond economical reasonings for helping impovershed countries, there are benevolent and humanitarian ones. We are all fellow humans and living beings just trying to make it in this world. Many of us are just fortunate to be in productive and stable societies and I believe that since we have this blessing, it is our obligation to help those that ended up with the short end of the stick. Please do all that you can to help, even if it is as simple as writing a letter or talking to people about it. Remember, knowledge and awareness are our strongest tools.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
We are All the children of an affluent Creator. We need only open our eyes to see the glorious evidence of a planet teeming with beauty, infinite opportunties to bless others, the warm expansive affection willing to take action with resources of the heart and mind. These are just some of the gifts given impartially to each of us to express to those in need. Our innate desire to give and to share is made manifest by our actions.Tragically, the global distribution of material wealth is not impartial, not in the hands of each individual citizen of the world.Although, we give as we are able whether modestly or grandly. But we do not have the power to irradicate the suffering of our poorest brothers and sisters. So, we look to those whom we have chosen to speak for us as elected representatives. You have that power. Please support the Jubilee Act.
Thank you!
October 26th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
The above comments are spot on; I add my voice to what’s been said and encourage the debt to be forgiven.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
With weath and privilige comes great resonsibility. God blessed those who have such things to be more socially aware and help those around them who are less able. He did not give them these blessing so that they may become blind to the sufferings of others around them. With all the food that gets wasted here everyday we could feed the starving of the world. With the money that is horrded we could help others to regain their dignity and by forgiving the debt of the poor countries we could give them the means to become selfsaficient. I don’t believe it was intended for the rich to get richer while the poor get poorer. While we trample on our brothers we creat the anger, hate, violence, gread and wars that pleage our world. It is time for those with the ability to make things right, and for those of us who have a voice to speak out against the injustice that we see every day. Where have gone backwards as a society in the last ten + years. We must make it right again.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
It is important to remember that the Jubilee Act is not something meant to be beneficial for the United States. If it becomes something that brings with it selfishness, it loses all meaning. The Jubilee Act is meant to produce unconditional forgiveness of debt. Therefore, if our purpose for proposing this goal is to allow for a higher quality of trade that we can participate in, all is lost. Keep this in mind and keep up the good work!
October 26th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
The real roots of terrorism are poverty and ignorance. By forgiving the debts of impoverished nations, we have the power to allow those countries to provide their children better education and better lives.
All evil needs to prosper is people who will stand by silently. I will not be silent any longer.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
We can become as loud as necessary…. to be heard… we can not let mans inhumanity to man be the blueprint of our decade.
_C
October 26th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
Let us also keep the pressure on our senators and congressman to act on the crisis in Darfur as well as the insurance crisis for children and families in this nation. Amazing we have money for what we want it for, when we want it, but not the things the public votes for. Our senators and congressman need reminded, they are our employees, not the other way around.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Do you think the problems the last two generations (and now mine) have faced are brand new? Of course not. They are unfinished business left by THE PEOPLE’S representatives and now it’s going even further. Must we leave it for our children and maybe their children to intervene and do the right thing? I don’t think so. I agree that ‘with wealth and privilege comes great responsibility’. We have the power to change so much but this country is turning into a greedy, money- and power-hungry nation. WE elected THEM into power yet they consistently ignore our cries. These campaigns among many others wouldn’t be beneficial if it weren’t for its members. KEEP TRYING!
October 26th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Believe it or not, I found the answers to all of these questions! They are, have been, and forever more exist here: Matthew chapter 6 in the Bible.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
I applaud Rev. Duncombe’s continuing efforts, the ONE campaign leadership and ONE members’ actions. I have sent electronic letters to my Senators and am now working on the 29 Representatives that have not yet considered and/or co-sponsored from Texas. Thanks to you all for inspiration, courage, and support. ONE for all and all for ONE.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I believe that if America government type to focus on our country then going after other country or so call terrorism. I think America government need to prove in his country frist for the of people of the America.
October 26th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
If indeed this nation is based on Christianity, then why not honor the principle set forth in the Bible? Forgiving a debt is a very Christ like thing to do. Let’s set the example and show a little heart to these folks.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Let’s think of this effort as the Marshall Plan of the war on poverty. Following World War II the United States loaned billions of dollars to help rebuild war torn western Europe and then forgave most of the debt. This, along with significant help in liberalizing economic policies and providing technical assistance, helped spur the greatest recovery in history.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Dear Congressmen,
I hope that you will not hesitate to join in and be a sponsor for the companion bill and be on the path of righteousness. When I hear of compassion I am reminded of the actions Jesus took over and over again when he healed people. The bible tells us that Jesus that when Jesus saw those who were sick or disabled, he had mercy on them and ten healed them. When the blind man heard that Jesus was around he shouted ‘Son of David have mercy on me”. It is the same compassion and mercy that lead him o die for humanity on the cross. Please follow on the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and have mercy on the people of the developing world. Be one of the first to sponsor the compassion Bill. Imagine how much an act like that will please our Lord. You have the power. Please do the right thing.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
We already know some of the consequences of not forgiving debt. There are some countries in Africa where, once they had to start repaying old debt, the government could no longer afford to give their children education. These children were then forced into more child labor. Where is our compassion? Does profit always have to be the bottom line here, when we share this earth with populations that are in extreme poverty?
October 26th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
When we consider abuse and how hard it is to overcome, now pile poverty and ignorance because the lack of education, how can a human being even begin to rise above their circumstances. It takes the hand of a caring society to reach those the world considers unworthy and unlovly, to aid in helping them understand that their pleas have been heard. Let them know that we care and are no longer self absorbed but interested in building a world that no one will be without a cup of water or a morsel of food. Together using the gifts and talents that each one of has to even give 1 hour a week to help someone who needs help wow what a inheritance we would leave for the next generation. Just to give the one hour of criticism that we subject others to, what a change we would be able invoke in our world. Please think of what could be done in an hour for someone you see in need.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
I have had the priviledge to go to some of these countries we speak about through the U.S.Army. I have seen first hand what poverty really looks like. How lucky are we to be graced by God and born in the United States. The not so lucky ones, need a lot of help. Now! We hand out at times MRE’s (meals ready to eat) and you should see their eyes, their faces light up and you know you just feed them tonight. I don’t possess miracles in my words. I don’t have the answers to heel everything I would like to in this world. All i have is my voice and oppinion and I will be heard. Relieve these countries of their burdens of moneies owed and let them eat. Let them be healthy. Let them be like you and me. I agree with the ONE Campaign 100%. It is our responsibility to do whats right.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
I have been to countries that have so little, and to much debt. I am in suport of these bills as a voter and it will show when elections come up again.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
This is an absolute must! As the world’s most prosperous country, it is our duty AND PRIVELEGE to help our brothers and sisters, especially those less fortunate. Let’s show the world that America cares and is the leader in the endeavor to assist a nation trying to get back up on its’ feet! Think of this as an investment in humans - a cause that is the worthiest of all causes.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Because “God” (or whatever Universal Life Source/ Divine Force you wish to call that Divine Spirit or Intelligence that permeates ALL Life on planet Earth and our Cosmos) comes in small packages, those who have been blessed with more to give are ultimately being given a supreme opportunity to be True to their Heart of Hearts and consciously choose to have compassion for and share that bounty with those others who reflect the suffering aspect of God, whether near or far. In doing so, one gives ultimately to themselves, for indeed at the subatomic quantum level of reality WE ARE ALL ONE…literally. The poor ARE us, we ARE them. Truly, there is no real separation, it only appears so. And for that very reason we’ve been graced with FREE WILL CHOICE, so as to consciously EVOLVE our species, and our own souls in the process. Hence, it matters not WHY another is where they are. If a debt is keeping other souls from also growing, having the means, the wherewithall to rise above the vicious cyle of poverty so as to also evolve, then are we not all held back? Are we not ALL kept suffering at some level ? In the end, when we meet our own Maker, it will be not only our Choices, but more importantly our INTENTIONS behind those Choices that will speak the loudest on our individual (and therefore) collective evolutionary behalf. It;s about FAITH in the face of ALL odds to the contrary. At the same time, it is really quite simple…GOD IS LOVE…and We ALL ARE LOVE at our very essence. We cannot escape this ONE TRUTH. Hence, Faith is every bit as powerful an energy force to back our dollars. For if we lose Faith in ourselves then we have lost Love alltogether and everyone loses. For the two forces are inseparable. Is it for the Power of Love that we do what we do? Or, for the Love of Power? And this is the one 64,000 dollar question behind every CHOICE one makes in this world. As Human Beings we indeed hold great power to change this world. Change for the better or Change for the worse….again it is We who choose. I pray that Our Individual and Collective Choices will have the courage to come from Heartfelt compassion for our fellow suffering human beings who deserve a break. May those with full pockets realize that same compassion revisited should anyone of them one day find themselves in the same suffering boat. For what goes around indeed comes back around. It simply IS the Law of the Universe, of which we are all a part, by birthright, born into equally.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
My congressman (Fred Upton) has not co-sponsored this legislation. I met with him along with two other ‘ONE’ members last year. Coincidently I decided to focus my comments on asking him to support the Jubilee Act. I about fell off my chair when he told me that he would not be inclined to co-sponsor legislation, even if it was good legislation, if it was sponsored by Barbara Lee, stating that he “doesn’t like” Barbara Lee. Is this elementary school or the U.S. Congress?
October 26th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
As americans,It should not be because it is our privelege and duty,but,because it is the right thing to do. In the long run, feeding and educating those less fortunate cost much less in the long run than Pre-empting, making threats and ending up with COSTLY WARS! One thing to think about, Charity starts at home. We can give all that is asked for to a very unstable occupation of Iraq without any idea if there will ever be a stable out come. However, this administration and enough politicians do not even want to provide health-care youngsters of America.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
As I said in lovely e-mail, Liberia needs the money more than we do. It’s amazing how the wealthiest countries in the world could give the poorer one the standard of living we all want if they just focused on that instead of turning this earth into a dog-eat-dog world.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Rock on, One-ers! We can be the change.
October 26th, 2007 at 4:49 pm
I’m sorry but I disagree with this idea of the United States forgiving those debts, unless we were the ones
stupidly loaning the money. If it is us, these countries owe the money too, then by all means forgive those loans at once. If it is International Creditors that this money is owed to, then we should pressure them to forgive those debts. They were well aware of who and what they were lending money to, and the slim chance of repayment without causing hardship.
Now these International Creditors should be made aware by bigger more powerful and good friends of these countries owing the money, that they made a bad investment, so take their loss like any other banker making a bad mistake.
October 26th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
One of the things I am good as is being an obnoxious son of a bitch. I don’t know if it always gets me my way, but it amost always gets me noticed and it’s earned me an unenviable reputation as an obnoxious son of a bitch. So in that spirit, here is what I suggest, particularly in the light of the fact that One has been blessed to have become the focus of so many world famous luminaries:
1. FOR GOD’S SAKE, MAN, EAT SOMETHING. I love ya and your spirit, and we need you strong and healthy for the fight ahead. Any government that will refuse health care to children is not going to be swayed by the hollow eyes of a starving adult Our government is heartless and heedless and no longer represents the needs of the people, but only the exigencies of its own comfort and privilege. Therefore:
2. Get a list of as many paparazzi-attracting A- and B-listers as you can.
3. Let it be known through whatever underground network is available that Star A will be just outside or just inside the capitol at x hour–just before a big vote or whenever traffic at the main entrance is at its peak–then be there with press releases, literature, megaphone, snarling traffic, preventing staffers and tourists, lobbyists, petitioners, and so forth from free access to the capitol as the paparazzi do their thing. Make sure they get lots of shots of congressmen refusing to take literature, assemble a list, and make public comment on the steps of the capitol, take a delegation (hopefully including your A-lister and all the paparazzi you can acquire, to visit the congressional offices, tying up the hallways, elevators, office entryways, and so forth. Do this for as long as you can keep your stars appearing. Let it be known that if Mr. and Mrs. John Q appear at a certain time, they will have free access to the star, including photos, autographs, handshakes. This clotting phenomenon should grow and families of congresspeople, staffers, and ordinary citizens will begin showing up at the appointed hour to lay hands on Lindsay or Bono or whomever.
At some point you will own the main entryway and no one will be able to ignore you or your message.
It will require the same amount of discipline as a hunger strike and you might want to have some Washington or Virginia or Maryland based B-listers in abeyance in case your main celeb can’t show up on the appointed day. I’m willing to bet that if you skip a day, the clot will still appear on the chance that someone will show up.
Do a bit of guerrilla theater–if a clueles senator is standing around trying to figure out what the problem is, make it appear that they are the celebrity of the day and interview them accordingly on camera, “Senator Prickpocket, thank you for coming. Can you tell us why you support the One Campaign’s jubilee and tell us one way we can work together to further the cause of reducing the debt load of the third world.” Of course, senators and congressmen have their own entrance, so any elected official hanging about would have to be intensely clueless..
October 26th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Frank Gorman: The huge debt is owed to you and me. It accumulated as a result of giving HUGE piles of money to despots and tinpot dictators, most of which ended up in Swiss bank accounts under the tyrant’s name. But because the debt was in the name of the country rather than the tyrant, we seek payments from the desperately impoverished citizens of the country involved for money they never saw or agreed to borrow or even saw any benefit from (unless you count seeing an obese general dripping with medals being chauffeured about in a solid gold Mercedes as a benefit). Often these loans were used to oppress the people who are now paying crippling taxes to repay the loan–payment for weapons, prisons, bugging devices, secret police, mercenaries, and so forth.
Ironically, if you are an American, you are now joining those oppressed people. The world is lending our government huge amounts of money for the purpose of sending your children to war, keeping you on the straight and narrow worshipping your president, preventing your kids from getting a decent education, paying for the intense surveillance necessary to determine if you are a loyal American or a terrorist. When bush leaves the white house, his debt will remain as his only legacy–he has borrowed more money that any previous president; more money than all previous presidents combined including legendary drunken sailors like Reagan and bush’s old man. And he won’t pay a cent of it, thanks to his “don’t tax the rich” tax laws. You will pay every penny of that debt, along with your children, grandchildren, and probably to the seventh generation (longer if we ever elect another republican president or congress). When you can’t afford a home and can barely afford shoes or food and you’re working solely to pay taxes to service the debt arranged by bush jr, your solidarity with the poor of the third world will be complete, but if you haven’t shown the spine to demand justice for the poor of the third world, don’t expect anyone to have the spine to demand justice for you.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
I can’t see any reason why these debts shouldn’t be forgiven. Most of these countries especially Liberia have met the requirements or let say the various “road blocks” that they needed to meet before these debts can be forgiven. How much is this money in fact? 0.0000001 or less in cut of wasteful spending by the government surpassed this money.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
My representative is David Price and I am surprised he has not co-sponsored. If it helps, his foreign affairs person is Tommy Ross. I e-mailed tommy more than once as well as sending letters. I just think a personal visit would help. I think he is a definite new signer potential.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
What is the name of the companion bill by the Senate? I’m trying to find out where my representatives stand. Letters and or phone calls are prepared along with others that await the information. Thanks!
October 26th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
I want to encourage those who represent me in the Congress (enators Brownback and Roberts and Congressman Moore) to cosponsor the Jubilee Act.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Congratualtions ONE members and Rev. David Duncombe!
Your time and commitment are so appreciated. I cannot think or imagine what the past 40 days must have been like and I’m ashamed to think I have done so llittle in comparison. Thank you for allowing me to do a little part for our bigger picture.
October 26th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Thank you to all for truly putting your efforts acorss, as Susan j says , it really puts a lot of us to shame but I commend you all.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
This morning I was reflecting on the community’s response to the fires and it occurred to me that what is going on here in San Diego seems, on a smaller scale, what is going on in the world at large. The fires have created, in a sense, a “war zone” and it’s interesting to see that when people put aside individual pursuits, and raise their awareness to include the needs of others, how the true nature and spirit of humanity surfaces–that hidden part, encased as it is in personality–which, were these qualities, attitudes and intention expressed on a global scale could, as is being demonstrated throughout San Diego County, solve the massive problems we are all embroiled in (war, hunger, suffering, misery, etc.), how when we simply feed, clothe, and house everyone, and act as if we are one humanity, that seeming insurmountable problems can be solved. It is, on the one hand, unfortunate that it takes a catastrophe of this magnitude to bring these qualities to the surface and allowed to influence our being, and on the other, a blessing, that at least for some, will force a raising of consciousness. Unfortunately, once the storm has passed, many will simply go back to sleep, back to business as usual, and miss the truth and potential blessings for all mankind of what lies within.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
I believe that if we as christians and non christians start agreeing on the same thing and letting congress know how we feel, I believe things will start to get better and if we can be a blessing to those who are in need then they can be a blessing to someone else in the future. For it says in Psalm 72:12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
I’m poor
send me some money and funk everyone else.
I’ve worked 32 years full time and I don’t get anything.
Screw them
October 26th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
i want to make a differnts iand make this world a better and sfer place ti live in and not have to worry About things ANymore i want to be a possite role modle to everone i think that’s what every one need’s
October 26th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
How can we properly care for others, when we ignore the same conditions in our own country?
October 26th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Improve peoples lives at the cost of Americans? Unheard of! Just ask the soldiers in Iraq. They will agree. Hmmm…Liberia probably doesn’t have anything we need like oil or the technology to build that next great video game machine. C’mon Government… give us a reason to feel good about you for once. It’s been a long time…
October 26th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
The phrase that keeps going over and over in my mind is “What fools we mortals be.” We choose and support wars based on greed, lies and deceit instead of peace based on truth and justice. We and other nations exploit the resources of smaler and less powerful nations to the extent they become beholden to the exploiting nations by being forced into debt. In the process, alliances are formed with the power elites of the exploited nations by offering and providing them with more money and more power The winners are the greedy wealthy, profiteering corporations and the politicians who are deep into their pockets. The losers are, of course, all the rest of us. Those who are motivated by power, profits and greed are as opposed to changes in the status quo as are those of us who are opposed to poverty, war, global warming, and all of their horrible consequences. It is becoming more and more clear that our nation is being governed by a one party system in that far too many Democrats in Congress are exhibiting voting behaviors that are indistinguishable from the Republicans. Funding the wars in the Middle East and the recent hearings on the nominee for Attorney General are cases in point. Supporting the Jubilee Act is a golden opportunity for Congressional Democrats to truly distinguish themselves from Republicans. Another place to start is to do all they can to bring about public financing of political campaigns. The current system of campaign financing is at the root of most of our nation’s problems. Most Americans are in favor of debt relief as proposed in the Jubilee Act. It is the profiteering corporations, their greedy wealthy beneficiaries and the politicians they have bought who are opposed.
October 26th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Please cancel the debt owed to us from the poor countries that in no way can afford to pay us back. They need medicines, food & education. Can we please understand and let it go. I know many of us in America are not rich at all…. and we do need to help each other here in our own country. This debt will not hurt us if it is forgiven. Please forgive this debt. We may need help from another country someday and we all need to learn to live together in the world. ONE WORLD. Right?
October 26th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
For just one moment, for just one second, please forget your political status, your current viewpoints, or whatever that may be holding you all back from supporting this adversity we have chosen to face. Make a difference in this work, break the mold that seperates ordinary from extrordinary; be those people that define our noble nation of which basic freedom is our basic structure. Spread the words that express freedom and love around the world and sit back and hear the many echoes heard round the world of coexistence and peace. You select group of people were chosen for a reason to be in our government, now take it and run with it.
October 27th, 2007 at 3:31 am
we need a voice which is described Stieners RE: founder Waldorf Schools and a lot more
Stieners book describes a branch of government that would have the ability to shift capital to businesses that primarily took profits in to promote socail strength and advancement of programs and finance to same if this changed said business did not do funds for profiteering only not supported and company losses doe what you think I like and see my webI want to marry concepts my cite + Stiener +yours and lets move into the development of this branch draftmarriage and all comers welcome RESPONSE_____ABILITY NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Call 360-6322117
email: windmaster@windmastersfoundation.org
site is just being moved and is not much but lot more to be up soon I am peddaling as fast as I am able but the mist on shore clearing and marriage of above is WEGO project please talk if you have wemastering ability need this .org functional asap and have no partners to draft process of concept now I am calling in the troops I may have something ar is this any one elses
October 27th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Thank you for your time and consideration to this heart felt mission. Let’s show our country and others that we truly have the spirit of love and freedom that we claim to have in this country. We have already begun to make a difference and show where our hearts are at in this matter of starvation and poverty, caring and changing. We can reach out in this way and share compassion. We can show we care in ways that will affect so many innocent and helpless people who cannot help themselves. Think of the children, and step up to the plate. Help back up what we stand for in this country and make your voice count. We can turn this around with your help. In the name of love and decency we ask.
T Fleming
October 27th, 2007 at 7:58 am
It’s great to be able to work hard and realize the benefits of that effort, nothing wrong with that that I can see. However, if we can’t even give out of our surplus, we are very poor. I really like this effort because it is about giving people a chance to help themselves. Some of these people are stuck in such never ending cycles because of where they happened to be born, or of what tribe, religion whatever. The situation is so desperate, and so preventable, solvable, with so little involved in bringing relief.
A system that enriches a very small percentage of the overall population is self limiting yet the capacity for causing suffering to the defacto engineered underclass is great. When we all work as a team and lend each other a helping hand from time to time, there is almost no limit to what can be achieved and it feels good. Regardless on where we each fall in the political spectrum, let us let our decency and care be heard loud and clear all around the world. Lets stand tall against hate and corruption, greed and terror, fight them with love and compassion, and win.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:27 am
I am in the middle of completing my Fiancee’ Visa application for my girlfriend, Estelle, in Ivory Coast. My deepest fear and frustration is that at the end of the day, both international organizations along with former colonial rulers do not wish to see prosperity and promise for Africans themselves. Immediately to Liberia’s east, Cote d’ Ivoire is being suffocated by a rebellion stoked years ago by Chirac that has had thousands of French soldiers there for over five years now. There looks to be no change under Sarkozy. All this time with this occupation precious natural and agricultural resources are being pumped out of the country for the benefit of French business. In this same spirit of keeping the boot on the throat of an African country showing promise, the IMF in its recumbent fashion will not take the pressure off. This is not isolated to sub Saharan Africa. Working in Korea in the late 1990s, this booming, industrialized country saw its currency the won nosedive. The IMF pounced and introduced overbearing, Draconian measures.
Why such groups have been give the stamp of “the agents of virtue” I’ll never understand.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Why don’t we love the living? Why we cry only about the dead? You holding all the power, of the past, the present and the future, you remember when you started you waned to make a change, so how did you gave up? I understand that there is so many details that sometimes it’s to hard to see the big picture which is very simple - people dying a horrible death and you can save live, DARE TO MAKE A CHANGE.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Please do not put a price tag on human life… There should not even be a discussion, if relieving the debt saves even one life, Just Do It!!!
October 27th, 2007 at 11:42 am
I’d been experiencing the “hard” part of life, working more than forty hours a week and living check to check. Besides, being not able to have any unpredictable circumstance because it will cause to overdraft my account. Therefore, I know we have not control over these unpredictable circumstances, once they appear we just have to deal with them no matter if we can afford it or not. However, I can satisfy my basic needs as having my three meals a day and getting a good shower to get to work every day, now I could not even think about can even satisfy the main basic need of eating at least one meal a day when a lot of us are throwing away every single day tons and tons of food that will satisfy this basic need for those undeveloped countries. In the other hand, I wont understand those few that are part of the human kind that still acting like experimental mouses just running behind the wealth without caring about the scarcity created by such desire. Please, lets show the world that we are more than experimental mouses running behind money and overwealth.
October 27th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I support this action taken by the ONE camaign. Please use your political muscle to change the fate of these less fortunate people and make poverty history. We have free choice. LET’S USE IT!
October 27th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
My congressman is Ric Keller who also has not co-sponsored this bill. However, I am fortunate enough to work w/ his brother. I have requested that he speak to him about this bill & hopefully his name will be added as a co-sponsor soon b/c many of the countries that are indebted to the US could use the money alot more than the US where it probably will not be used for education or healthcare like it will be in the poorer countries.
October 28th, 2007 at 5:19 am
Just do it … always a good phrase to begin with on the debt relief situation!
I am amazed at all the Americans who are starving as well. Something has to
be done and you can help by just signing the declaration.
So pass this to all your friends and family.
God Bless
October 28th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I was thinking about this the other day after reading the story on the IMF. If I was in a loan institution and was asked to cancel a debt in order to allow prosperity and hope to occur in an impoverished country; I would do it because it’s the right thing to do. However, most of these places are going to want an incentive to replace the lost revenue from what they would have received if the the debt at been left in place. So, what’s the incentive we must create in order to entice more to cancel debt obligations? I don’t have the answer yet, but will continue to think of something. Just thought I would throw this out there as a “Food for Thought.”
October 29th, 2007 at 9:23 am
I fully support what the ONE campaign is doing! Watching the movement of the Jubilee Act through 68 cosponsers and now into the Senate has been so exciting. It’s awesome to see how people come together to support causes bigger than theselves.
It is imperative that we cancel these debts. I always wonder what I will say to my children when they ask how we stood by and let so many in the world suffer at our hands. My congressmen (Walburg) has not supported the Jubilee Act but I am hoping to meet with him!
October 29th, 2007 at 10:08 am
Just like lowering taxes is good for our economy, forgiving debt that is a burden on an entire country is good for that county’s economy and the world economy. This will put money in the pockets of governments to invest in road building, water purification and other critical infrastructure that are essential to good health and prosperity. With debt relief there can also be tax relief for the poor people and struggling businesses of 3rd world countries. Putting money into the pockets of families to buy food and other goods is basic economics for a hopeful future. Can you imagine the good that our country could do if we ourselves didn’t have 4 trillion dollars in debt! Half or our GNP is spent on the payment of interest on our own debt! Maybe we need a little forgiveness, too.
October 30th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
There are some who use their power to calculate ways to enslave others by using debt as their means. Slavery has become much more subtle, and it affects us all. We must meet it and stand against it.
One look at some of the sequestering of wealth around the world and right next to it is destitute poverty is enough to show us that common decency and respect for our fellow humanity has been forgotten by some. We must remember our brothers and sisters everywhere. We must find a way and do whatever it takes to make everyone aware of this.
I agree and stand with Eric, who says:
“Please do not put a price tag on human life… There should not even be a discussion, if relieving the debt saves even one life, Just Do It!!!”
We must find our humanity together again. Only then can we will have true Freedom and true Love on earth again.
October 30th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I grew up in Nairobi Kenya and i know first hand what passing of this bill would mean. It is unfortunate that the Arizona senators are not sponsoring this bill… Thanks for all your efforts.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Thanks Juanita, It is nice that you grew up in Kenya. As a former Kenyan I believe that Kenya is one of the best countries but through corruption and IMF we have lost alot of very intelligent and hard working young men. The rich will always control the poor and this is what has happened to ruin Kenya. They say that take this but retrench the whole community, who remains, the same corrupt people we use the little money they are given to help cut down the poverty to enjoy themselves because they know the World DOES NOT care for the poor. Forgiving the existing debt will help the poor countries to help their own dying pooor citizens. Why do people think that we will live in this world forever, why cannot they know that a good world today will bring a better world tomorrow.
October 31st, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Thanks Juanita, It is nice that you grew up in Kenya. As a former Kenyan I believe that Kenya is one of the best countries but through corruption and IMF we have lost alot of very intelligent and hard working young men. The rich will always control the poor and this is what has happened to ruin Kenya. They say that take this but retrench the whole community, who remains, the same corrupt people who use the little money they are given to help cut down the poverty level to enjoy themselves because they know the World DOES NOT care for the poor. Forgiving the existing debt will help the poor countries to help their own dying pooor citizens. Why do people think that we will live in this world forever, why cannot they know that a good world today will bring a better peaceful world tomorrow. We are the richest in the world we can make a difference in the whole world. I pray that this bill passes.
November 1st, 2007 at 5:53 pm
I commend everone who has done something on behalf of those in need. Fast, email, calls, you name it.
Also, after receiving the email that showed this convorsation from Rev. Duncombe, there were only around 27 or so co-sponsors for the Jubilee Act. Now there are over 68!
After I saw the first number, this had already made me want to do something and get the Jubillee Act passed into law.
Let’s do that. We’ve been doing a lot since 04 when this all started. To the Live 8 concert to the G8 Summits. Let’s just make sure that our reps hear us loud to get the Jubilee Act in law!
I know I am.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
I want to start by thanking everyone involved and the initiators of the Jubilee Act. I think that it is not only fairness and justice for poor and overexploited countries in Africa. It is the richest continent, but the evil of racism and murderous occupations have left it distorted, with no foot under its belly. The richest countries keep making it an imperative to keep it this way for where there is desperation, so is there instability. They can create instability, poverty and war at the same time and present themselves as the saviors; the same invisible evil hands. Then shark landing institution, a great many from out country move in and worsen the situation, by landing corrupt dictatorships money for them to buy guns to oppress and kill their people in order to retain power. The money that those dictators get from companies from England, the USA, France, Belgium, China, Switserland, Canada, Spain, Portugal and many more is used to buy products made in the by the same oppressors; talking about a lose lose situation for those poor countries.
It is about time that we see more conscience from those who oppress the poor coutries, and Africa. I support this initiative because it is right that the dept created by conlonial oppression and racism be erased and reparation be made to those who have greatly suffered from it.
Power to the people and long leave the revolution of humane conscience!
November 14th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
I think that each step we take for other people is great, but we still have so much to do all around the world and we could use all the help we can get. The world needs us to stand up for them, they need our help and we need to be willing to give. Thanks very much, Youth With a Mission, www.ywampanama.org
November 26th, 2007 at 5:34 pm
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December 26th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
we may not think we can do much but every little counts. i don’t have money to give but i can always ask representatives to help. freedom of spech is so cool. these people deserve our support. i would like to thank everyone who has supported tgis.