Uncle Sam Wants YOU...to save Darfur

"America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause... All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors."
- George W. Bush, Inaugural Address, January 20, 2005

As I have kept you informed, the world is sitting on its hands while women and children are being raped, tortured, and butchered in Darfur. We can, and we must, end this.

One way we can make sure that this does not continue is to let the Congress and President Bush know we really do care. This is also a country that harbors terrorists. Remember? Sudan is the country where OBL trained his "army" for years, before HE was kicked out for being a hot potato. The rest of his men are still there. Guess who's running the government!

This week marks our 100 Hours of Conscience: Voices to End the Violence campaign, starting tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, 2005.

With a minute of silence at 3 p.m. on Thursday, college campuses across North America will usher in four days of community programs to educate individuals, mobilize public opinion, and take effective action. The heart of 100 Hours of Conscience is a letter-writing campaign in which participants express their commitment to the U.S. taking leadership to end the violence. We know it is within the power of our public officials to end the violence; they will take the necessary steps when they understand that we care about this.

Please send a message to President Bush and Congress
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I also want to alert you to very a special event this Friday in Washington. Brian Steidle, a former U.S. Marine and member of the African Union team monitoring the conflict in Darfur, will share his experiences in a stirring program at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Witnessing the atrocities firsthand, Mr. Steidle documented his experience through hundreds of photographs that capture the horrors and destruction vividly and powerfully. His response, of outrage, commitment, and courage, will motivate us all. I hope you join us for his presentation at 2 pm on Friday. Please reserve a spot by calling (202) 314-7868.

You can also hear Brian (and John Prendergast) on NPR's Fresh Air on Thursday. Check here for your local schedule.