Global Day of Action for Iran, San Francisco 7/25/09

People who love freedom stood in front of San Francisco's City Hall today, joining others around the world in solidarity with the people of Iran. Everyone has a story about why they're there: seeing Tibetans and Uighurs here was especially moving to me.

Global Day of Action in Support of Iran, 7/25/09

More info: United4Iran

Can We Face the Truth? If Not, Who Are We?

This is ugly, but hiding or looking away is uglier yet. Physicians for Human Rights makes a strong case that the Bush Administration deliberately thwarted investigations into the massacre of at least 2000 people in Afghanistan in 2001. The Pentagon lied about it; the CIA abetted it; the FBI ordered a Special Agent to shut up about it. At the highest levels of the Bush Administration, officials worked to hide the truth, and, possibly, assisted in the destruction of evidence. When, oh when will enough of us demand an investigation into these acts, these crimes against humanity, these war crimes? And if we don't demand a thorough investigation, who the hell are we as a nation? Please take a look at this very informative video. PHR also made this timeline of events. You can sign the petition to Attorney General Holder here

Persepolis 2.0

If you've seen Persepolis, it's impossible not to recall its scenes, watching events in Iran these days. Now there's this (the illustrations are all from the graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, edited by two Iranians living in Shanghai):

Madadian and Bon Jovi Standing By Iran

"We are one," is their message. And may I boldly add my hope that this same message also reaches the people of Gaza and the OPT, the people of Iraq, of Burma, Tibet, and Darfur? And out and out, to all people, everywhere, who suffer, work and hope for justice and peace.



This link leads you to a free download.

Remember the Displaced on International Refugee Day

(Photo by Ahktar Soomro of Reuters)
Nearly 45 million people across the globe have been displaced from their homes, but, unless they have crossed a border and left their countries, they are not considered refugees, and thus are not entitled to international protection. Their governments, which may or may not be hostile to those displaced, are responsible for protecting and assisting IDPs. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres notes: "it's a very difficult situation in some countries where the government has a very harsh attitude in relation to any attempt ... to deliver protection and assistance to these people." In Sri Lanka, for example, there is growing concern that government camps for IDPs are fast becoming "internment facilities."
A recent survey indicates that there are about 13.6 million refugees in the world--twice that number and more are internally displaced. The same survey finds that Gaza is one of the worst places in the world to be a refugee; Palestinians also comprise the "largest national group that has been displaced for the longest period of time." I hope you've been following Laila El-Haddad's fantastic blog: see her recent photo essay of Palestinian refugees here.

Take AlertNet's Refugee Week Quiz to test your knowledge of refugee issues world-wide. But before you do, go to Gorilla's Guides to learn how to download an album created by 3 Iraqi musicians (and refugees). The proceeds benefit programs serving other refugees in Iraq. You can listen to your new music (as I am, while typing this) and re-experience the interconnectedness of our world.

I Can, You Can; Why Yes, We All Can

million-can-quad
Originally uploaded by Tengrain

The folks at Les Enragés have come up with the great idea of countering the right-wing July 4th Weak-as-a-Tea-Bag demonstrations with a Million Can March, the cans being food cans, donated to your local food bank. Donations to food banks nation-wide are down this year, and demand is way up. Please click on the link for a list of ideas of what to donate and ways of encouraging others to do likewise. I'm in. Will you join too? (Special thanks to Tengrain for the can badge.)