Last week I attended the NC Home Educators (NCHE) conference in Winston-Salem. There were many wonderful speakers and I want to especially thank NC Supreme Court Justices Paul Newby and Robert Edmunds.
Justice Newby gave a stirring lecture on our justice system. It was a well delivered speech on the reason behind the separation of powers and the fact the judges are not to create laws or thwart the will of the people in their rulings.
After the lecture Justices Newby and Edmunds took time to meet with the young people and adults. They proved to be very humble public servants and I'm glad to have the opportunity to meet them.
Justice Edmunds is running for re-election and I encourage you to vote for him. Again, I have met him in person and he is a very capable and humble man.
Thanks again Justices Newby and Edmunds!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Subway Apologizes to Homeschoolers
The following is an email from the AFA. Thanks to all who helped!
Your efforts made a difference!
Today, Subway apologized for excluding home schoolers from its "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest." AFA has verified a newly released apology from Subway by its partnering Scholastic public relations department.
The apology reads:
Regarding your concerns about the Subway contest that excludes home schools from contest eligibility, Scholastic and Subway apologize to all individuals who have taken offense at this. Our intention was never to make independent schooled children feel discriminated against or excluded from this specific promotion.
Throughout the course of the year Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this contest in particular was solely put in place to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of athletic equipment. We do however understand how home- schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing and will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in future promotions.
We appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen in the future.
I want to thank you for taking time to contact Subway. AFA has thanked them on your behalf.
Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution?
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
Your efforts made a difference!
Today, Subway apologized for excluding home schoolers from its "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest." AFA has verified a newly released apology from Subway by its partnering Scholastic public relations department.
The apology reads:
Regarding your concerns about the Subway contest that excludes home schools from contest eligibility, Scholastic and Subway apologize to all individuals who have taken offense at this. Our intention was never to make independent schooled children feel discriminated against or excluded from this specific promotion.
Throughout the course of the year Scholastic runs a number of contests and sweepstakes that are open to all teachers and students. The eligibility of this contest in particular was solely put in place to award a large group of children with the grand prize of $5,000 worth of athletic equipment. We do however understand how home- schooled children could benefit from this type of prizing and will make sure eligibility is open to everyone in future promotions.
We appreciate your feedback and will make sure a similar situation does not happen in the future.
I want to thank you for taking time to contact Subway. AFA has thanked them on your behalf.
Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution?
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Democratic Demogogery On Oil Prices
Several days ago I caught a few moments of VT Senator Patrick Leahy (D) as he questioned some oil executives on their pay. While I greatly appreciate some of Leahy's comments about how much the average American is being hurt by high gas prices, I must question the Senator on what he's doing about it. What is he doing about it besides questioning oil execs on how much they made last year? I feel that was just a made for TV moment, all show and no substance.
We've been talking about the oil crisis since the Nixon/Ford administrations. What has been done to really make progress and decrease our dependency on oil? Senator Leahy, stop the show and roll up your sleeves and get to work on the problem!
We've been talking about the oil crisis since the Nixon/Ford administrations. What has been done to really make progress and decrease our dependency on oil? Senator Leahy, stop the show and roll up your sleeves and get to work on the problem!
Foxx Cosponsors Energy Bill
The following is a press release from Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
Foxx cosponsors ANWR energy bill that taps 10.4 billion barrels of oil
Bill protects environment and uses oil revenue for alternative energy R&D
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx today cosponsored The American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act (H.R. 6107), a bill that would allow for the production of oil on 2,000 acres of northern Alaska. This legislation would reduce oil prices by allowing the U.S. to tap an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil and use the resulting revenue windfall to fund a wide array of existing renewable energy initiatives.
“America has been held hostage by Middle Eastern oil for too long,” Foxx said. “This bill allows us to develop America’s largest untapped oil field and cut our dependence on foreign oil. But more importantly it creates a bridge to the future by dedicating the federal oil revenue to research in 18 different renewable and alternative energy programs.”
Under H.R. 6107, ANWR oil lease revenue would fund existing, congressionally authorized programs that have been not yet fully funded. These programs include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, cellulosic biofuel and marine energy programs.
“The Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act is a comprehensive, problem-solving bill. It intentionally addresses energy supply and energy demand,” Foxx said. “Adding a million barrels a day of U.S. oil will reduce our nation’s demand for foreign oil by increasing American oil supply. And by using the revenues from more than 10 billion barrels of oil to research renewable and alternative energy we can permanently reduce our need for foreign oil and slash our overall oil consumption—without raising taxes on hardworking Americans.”
H.R. 6107 also requires the strictest environmental regulations and restrictions ever to be applied to a major oil development project, ensuring that Alaska’s oil resources are tapped in the most environmentally safe manner possible. By using today’s most advanced technology and by employing strict environmental safeguards the U.S. could have oil production in ANWR and the resulting lower prices at the pump within five years.
Once oil production begins, this oil field is expected to produce one million barrels a day for more than 30 years. According to the Congressional Research Service, ANWR oil development would result in $191.1 billion in new federal revenues.
H.R. 6107 Energy Provisions
· Opens ANWR and brings an additional one million barrels per day online in less than five years;
· Limits the footprint of oil and natural gas development to 2,000 acres;
· Requires the most advanced, commercially-available technology;
· Puts in place the strictest environmental regulations and restrictions ever to be applied to a development project;
· Establishes a Coastal Impact Aid fund to address the concerns of/impact on local Native Communities;
Alternative Energy Trust Fund
H.R. 6107 establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Rents, bonus bids, and royalties revenue resulting from ANWR lease sales would be directed into the Fund to pay for the following renewable and alternative energy provisions authorized - but not funded - under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA):
EPAct2005 Section 210 – Biomass grants
Section 242—Hydroelectric Production Incentives
Section 369—Strategic Unconventional Fuels
Section 401—Clean Coal Power
Section 812—Solar and Wind Technologies
Section 931—Renewable Energy Grants
Section 942—Cellulosic Biofuels
Section 962—Coal & Related Technologies
Section 968—Methane Hydrates Research
Section 1704—Incentives for Innovative Technologies
EISAct2007 Section 207—Advanced Biofuels Production Grants
Section 607—Photovoltaic Cell Demonstration Program
Title VI, Subtitle B—Geothermal Energy
Title VI, Subtitle C—Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy
Section 641—Energy Storage Competitiveness
Title VII, Subtitle A—CCS R, D&D
Section 1112—Capital Grants for Class II & III RRs
Section 1304—Smart Grid Technology R, D&D
Foxx cosponsors ANWR energy bill that taps 10.4 billion barrels of oil
Bill protects environment and uses oil revenue for alternative energy R&D
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx today cosponsored The American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act (H.R. 6107), a bill that would allow for the production of oil on 2,000 acres of northern Alaska. This legislation would reduce oil prices by allowing the U.S. to tap an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of oil and use the resulting revenue windfall to fund a wide array of existing renewable energy initiatives.
“America has been held hostage by Middle Eastern oil for too long,” Foxx said. “This bill allows us to develop America’s largest untapped oil field and cut our dependence on foreign oil. But more importantly it creates a bridge to the future by dedicating the federal oil revenue to research in 18 different renewable and alternative energy programs.”
Under H.R. 6107, ANWR oil lease revenue would fund existing, congressionally authorized programs that have been not yet fully funded. These programs include solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass, cellulosic biofuel and marine energy programs.
“The Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act is a comprehensive, problem-solving bill. It intentionally addresses energy supply and energy demand,” Foxx said. “Adding a million barrels a day of U.S. oil will reduce our nation’s demand for foreign oil by increasing American oil supply. And by using the revenues from more than 10 billion barrels of oil to research renewable and alternative energy we can permanently reduce our need for foreign oil and slash our overall oil consumption—without raising taxes on hardworking Americans.”
H.R. 6107 also requires the strictest environmental regulations and restrictions ever to be applied to a major oil development project, ensuring that Alaska’s oil resources are tapped in the most environmentally safe manner possible. By using today’s most advanced technology and by employing strict environmental safeguards the U.S. could have oil production in ANWR and the resulting lower prices at the pump within five years.
Once oil production begins, this oil field is expected to produce one million barrels a day for more than 30 years. According to the Congressional Research Service, ANWR oil development would result in $191.1 billion in new federal revenues.
H.R. 6107 Energy Provisions
· Opens ANWR and brings an additional one million barrels per day online in less than five years;
· Limits the footprint of oil and natural gas development to 2,000 acres;
· Requires the most advanced, commercially-available technology;
· Puts in place the strictest environmental regulations and restrictions ever to be applied to a development project;
· Establishes a Coastal Impact Aid fund to address the concerns of/impact on local Native Communities;
Alternative Energy Trust Fund
H.R. 6107 establishes the ANWR Alternative Energy Trust Fund. Rents, bonus bids, and royalties revenue resulting from ANWR lease sales would be directed into the Fund to pay for the following renewable and alternative energy provisions authorized - but not funded - under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA):
EPAct2005 Section 210 – Biomass grants
Section 242—Hydroelectric Production Incentives
Section 369—Strategic Unconventional Fuels
Section 401—Clean Coal Power
Section 812—Solar and Wind Technologies
Section 931—Renewable Energy Grants
Section 942—Cellulosic Biofuels
Section 962—Coal & Related Technologies
Section 968—Methane Hydrates Research
Section 1704—Incentives for Innovative Technologies
EISAct2007 Section 207—Advanced Biofuels Production Grants
Section 607—Photovoltaic Cell Demonstration Program
Title VI, Subtitle B—Geothermal Energy
Title VI, Subtitle C—Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy
Section 641—Energy Storage Competitiveness
Title VII, Subtitle A—CCS R, D&D
Section 1112—Capital Grants for Class II & III RRs
Section 1304—Smart Grid Technology R, D&D
Homeschoolers Not Welcome To Enter Subway Contest
This comes from an email from the American Family Association. I pulled up the information and confirmed that it is very clear that homeschoolers cannot participate.
Subway tells home schoolers: We will not allow you to participate in our contest.
Subway discriminates against home schoolers.
May 27, 2008
Subway, the sandwich restaurant, wants to hear your child's story – unless he or she is home schooled.
The national chain's "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest" offers prizes and a chance to be published on the Subway Web site and in Scholastic's "Parent & Child" magazine but specifically excludes home schoolers.
Subway will probably say they excluded home schools because of the main prize ($5,000 worth of athletic equipment to the winning child's school). But Subway could have given it to a local park, church or school of the winning home schooler's choice.
Subway's Web site promotion not only misspells "Untied (sic) States," but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."
For more information, go to the American Family Association site.
Subway tells home schoolers: We will not allow you to participate in our contest.
Subway discriminates against home schoolers.
May 27, 2008
Subway, the sandwich restaurant, wants to hear your child's story – unless he or she is home schooled.
The national chain's "Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest" offers prizes and a chance to be published on the Subway Web site and in Scholastic's "Parent & Child" magazine but specifically excludes home schoolers.
Subway will probably say they excluded home schools because of the main prize ($5,000 worth of athletic equipment to the winning child's school). But Subway could have given it to a local park, church or school of the winning home schooler's choice.
Subway's Web site promotion not only misspells "Untied (sic) States," but offers the grand prize winner a "Scholastic Gift Bastket (sic) for your home."
For more information, go to the American Family Association site.
Foxx Honored For Conservative Record
From a press release for NC Congresswomen Virginia Foxx
American Conservative Union honors Foxx for conservative record
Group names Foxx as one of 2007’s “Best & Brightest”
WASHINGTON – The American Conservative Union (ACU) today named Congresswoman Virginia Foxx as one of Congress’ “Best & Brightest” for her conservative voting record in 2007. The ACU designates members of Congress as the “Best & Brightest” based on its annual Rating of Congress.
“The conservative values of small government and individual freedom consistently inform the way I vote in Congress,” Foxx said. “It is an honor to be recognized by the ACU for my conservative record on the issues that have come up for a vote in the past year.”
Those members of Congress who scored 100 percent in the ACU Rating of Congress were named to ACU’s “Best & Brightest” list. Only 62 members of the House of Representatives received this honor.
The group’s 2007 vote rating took into account 25 votes on a wide variety of issues including earmark reform, border security, free speech, national energy policy and tax cuts. ACU Chairman David A. Keene presented Rep. Foxx with the award, noting that she has been “a stalwart defender of the conservative vision of individual liberty and limited constitutional government.”
The American Conservative Union was founded in 1964 to advance the goals and principles of conservatism at the national level. The ACU’s congressional vote scorecards are widely recognized as the gold standard of conservative ratings by conservatives across America.
Group names Foxx as one of 2007’s “Best & Brightest”
WASHINGTON – The American Conservative Union (ACU) today named Congresswoman Virginia Foxx as one of Congress’ “Best & Brightest” for her conservative voting record in 2007. The ACU designates members of Congress as the “Best & Brightest” based on its annual Rating of Congress.
“The conservative values of small government and individual freedom consistently inform the way I vote in Congress,” Foxx said. “It is an honor to be recognized by the ACU for my conservative record on the issues that have come up for a vote in the past year.”
Those members of Congress who scored 100 percent in the ACU Rating of Congress were named to ACU’s “Best & Brightest” list. Only 62 members of the House of Representatives received this honor.
The group’s 2007 vote rating took into account 25 votes on a wide variety of issues including earmark reform, border security, free speech, national energy policy and tax cuts. ACU Chairman David A. Keene presented Rep. Foxx with the award, noting that she has been “a stalwart defender of the conservative vision of individual liberty and limited constitutional government.”
The American Conservative Union was founded in 1964 to advance the goals and principles of conservatism at the national level. The ACU’s congressional vote scorecards are widely recognized as the gold standard of conservative ratings by conservatives across America.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Political Humor
My Dad sent me this joke, it's very funny!
There are less than eight months until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans. To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice. It's time that we all came together, Democrats and Republicans alike.
If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day.
If you support Obama or Hillary, please drive with your headlights off at night.
There are less than eight months until the election, an election that will decide the next President of the United States. The person elected will be the president of all Americans, not just the Democrats or the Republicans. To show our solidarity as Americans, let's all get together and show each other our support for the candidate of our choice. It's time that we all came together, Democrats and Republicans alike.
If you support the policies and character of John McCain, please drive with your headlights on during the day.
If you support Obama or Hillary, please drive with your headlights off at night.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Foxx Honored With Award
This post is from a press release for NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
U.S. English gives Foxx its “A in English” award
Foxx honored for efforts to preserve the role of the English language
WASHINGTON, D.C.—United States Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-5) has been recognized by the group U.S. English for her dedication to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Rep. Foxx was one of a select number of House members honored with an “A in English” award based on her support of official English legislation in the 110th Congress.
“The English language is a strong force that unites us as a nation and I am proud to work to preserve its place in our American life,” Foxx said.
“I am pleased to present this award to Congresswoman Foxx for her efforts to unite our diverse nation under the common language of English,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English. “At a time when there is renewed interest in preserving what unites us as a nation, we are grateful to Rep. Foxx for her dedicated and enthusiastic support of this issue.” (see pictures here and here)
The “A in English” award was given to Representatives who received “A” grades on the U.S. English legislative scorecard for the 110th Congress. Legislation that factored into the decision included co-sponsorship of H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, as well as a series of Congressional votes on reducing multilingualism in government and allowing employers the flexibility to enact English-in-the-Workplace policies. A full listing of the votes and grades can be found at http://www.usenglish.org.
According to recent national polls, the vast majority of Americans support making English the official language of the United States. Polls conducted by Zogby International, the Winston Group and Rasmussen Reports have all found more than 80 percent of Americans in support of official English policies, with strong majorities among Republicans, Democrats and Independents.
About U.S. English: U.S. English is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English has more than 1.8 million members nationwide.
U.S. English gives Foxx its “A in English” award
Foxx honored for efforts to preserve the role of the English language
WASHINGTON, D.C.—United States Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-5) has been recognized by the group U.S. English for her dedication to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Rep. Foxx was one of a select number of House members honored with an “A in English” award based on her support of official English legislation in the 110th Congress.
“The English language is a strong force that unites us as a nation and I am proud to work to preserve its place in our American life,” Foxx said.
“I am pleased to present this award to Congresswoman Foxx for her efforts to unite our diverse nation under the common language of English,” said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of the Board of U.S. English. “At a time when there is renewed interest in preserving what unites us as a nation, we are grateful to Rep. Foxx for her dedicated and enthusiastic support of this issue.” (see pictures here and here)
The “A in English” award was given to Representatives who received “A” grades on the U.S. English legislative scorecard for the 110th Congress. Legislation that factored into the decision included co-sponsorship of H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act, as well as a series of Congressional votes on reducing multilingualism in government and allowing employers the flexibility to enact English-in-the-Workplace policies. A full listing of the votes and grades can be found at http://www.usenglish.org.
According to recent national polls, the vast majority of Americans support making English the official language of the United States. Polls conducted by Zogby International, the Winston Group and Rasmussen Reports have all found more than 80 percent of Americans in support of official English policies, with strong majorities among Republicans, Democrats and Independents.
About U.S. English: U.S. English is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa of California, U.S. English has more than 1.8 million members nationwide.
From A Founding Father
"Statesmen by dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it
is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles
upon which Freedom can securely stand....The only foundation
of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be
inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it
now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government,
but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty." John Adams
is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles
upon which Freedom can securely stand....The only foundation
of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be
inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it
now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government,
but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty." John Adams
Stallone On Burma
Sylvester Stallone filmed his latest Rambo move in Thailand and Burma and saw some of the tragedies first hand.
House Approves Burma Resolution
NEWS FROM U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH CROWLEY (NY-7)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Angela Barranco 202-225-3965
May 13, 2008 angela.barranco@mail.house.gov
U.S. House of Representatives Overwhelmingly Approves Crowley Resolution on Burma Cyclone Tragedy
Crowley resolution calls on military junta to accept international aid immediately
(Washington, DC) – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved by 410-1 tonight a resolution authored by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) condemning the Burmese military junta for blockading international aid and jeopardizing the lives of millions of Burmese affected by Cyclone Nargis. The resolution (H.Res. 1181) also extends the nation’s condolences and encourages global assistance for the Burmese people. Congressman Crowley, member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and author of the law to award Aung Sun Suu Kyi a Congressional Gold Medal, led the House in a moment of silence in remembrance and delivered the following remarks in support of the resolution:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the people of Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.
“Burma was hit by the cyclone more than 10 days ago, and its impact has been devastating. To date, it has claimed an estimated 100,000 lives, it has robbed more than a million people of their homes, and tens of thousands of people are still missing, while millions more are struggling to survive without access to clean water, food, or shelter.
“Shamefully, the military junta in Burma, showing no regard for the lives of their fellow Burmese, did little to warn the people in cyclone’s path that it was coming. And, they have done little to help people in its aftermath.
“Instead of providing much needed emergency humanitarian aid to its people, the junta pushed forward with an election to pass their sham constitutional referendum.
“At a time when all resources should have been focused on saving the lives of survivors struggling to find food and clean water to stave off starvation, disease, and death, the regime deployed personnel to campaign in favor of their referendum, man polling stations, and fill state television with images of dancing girls urging people to vote ‘yes.’
“Aside from failing to use its own resources to help its people, the junta would not even accept outside resources to aid the devastated communities in the aftermath of the cyclone.
“Immediately after the cyclone hit, the United States Embassy in Burma authorized $250,000 in emergency assistance. President George Bush also swiftly followed by pledging an additional $3 million, the assistance of U.S. Navy assets in the region, a disaster assessment team, and any additional aid that would be needed. And, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Henrietta H. Fore announced an additional $13 million in aid to Burma bringing the total value to U.S. Government assistance to more than $16.3 million.
“Yet, most of these funds and offers have gone unaccepted. To date, the junta has allowed only one plane load of U.S. emergency aid to enter the country and it is unclear if it has reached the survivors.
“While estimates from international humanitarian organization in Burma reveal that more than 1.5 million people are on the brink of death unless aid reaches them immediately, the Burmese military regime continues to deny international aid works entry in the country.
“Yesterday, at a meeting in Rangoon, a Burmese cabinet minister told relief agencies that foreign aid workers are prohibited from entering the disaster zone and must present all of their supplies to the military for distribution.
“The regime does not have the capacity or skills to handle this major humanitarian crisis, yet it continues to deny visas to disaster assessment teams.
“It has allowed only the smallest trickle of international aid into the country. At this point, in the post-tsunami relief operation, the hard-hit region of Aceh was receiving one aid flight every hour.
“In Burma, the regime is only allowing three or four flights a day after not allowing any in the first five days after the cyclone hit.
“Efforts to ensure aid reaches the survivors of Cyclone Nargis are continually hampered by military official who will not allow aid workers, foreigners, diplomats, journalists, or even ordinary Burmese who want to help their fellow citizen’s access to the hardest hit areas.
“Many of the affected communities have received no aid from the regime, or any aid agency.
“To make matters worse, it is being reported that the junta is also selling aid supplies in local markets. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.
“Just yesterday, China experienced its own natural disaster, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. Our hearts are with the victims of the disaster but China, unlike the junta, immediately acted to help the victims.
“Countries that have the capacity to react to a natural disaster and provide aid to its citizens have a moral obligation to do so. China’s actions in the United Nations Security Council to prevent efforts to invoke the ‘responsibility to protect’ in Burma is appalling.
“It is truly saddening, but not surprising, to see the Burmese junta turn a blind eye to its people. The United States along with the international community understands the gravity of this situation, even if the military regime does not.
“Even in the wake of one of the most deadly natural disasters, they refuse to provide the proper humanitarian assistance needed to ensure the health and survival of their citizens.
“Mr. Speaker, the bill before us is about making clear to the people of Burma that we stand with them, and that we will continue to push the junta to accept our assistance to help those in need.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Angela Barranco 202-225-3965
May 13, 2008 angela.barranco@mail.house.gov
U.S. House of Representatives Overwhelmingly Approves Crowley Resolution on Burma Cyclone Tragedy
Crowley resolution calls on military junta to accept international aid immediately
(Washington, DC) – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved by 410-1 tonight a resolution authored by Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) condemning the Burmese military junta for blockading international aid and jeopardizing the lives of millions of Burmese affected by Cyclone Nargis. The resolution (H.Res. 1181) also extends the nation’s condolences and encourages global assistance for the Burmese people. Congressman Crowley, member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and author of the law to award Aung Sun Suu Kyi a Congressional Gold Medal, led the House in a moment of silence in remembrance and delivered the following remarks in support of the resolution:
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the people of Burma for the grave loss of life and vast destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.
“Burma was hit by the cyclone more than 10 days ago, and its impact has been devastating. To date, it has claimed an estimated 100,000 lives, it has robbed more than a million people of their homes, and tens of thousands of people are still missing, while millions more are struggling to survive without access to clean water, food, or shelter.
“Shamefully, the military junta in Burma, showing no regard for the lives of their fellow Burmese, did little to warn the people in cyclone’s path that it was coming. And, they have done little to help people in its aftermath.
“Instead of providing much needed emergency humanitarian aid to its people, the junta pushed forward with an election to pass their sham constitutional referendum.
“At a time when all resources should have been focused on saving the lives of survivors struggling to find food and clean water to stave off starvation, disease, and death, the regime deployed personnel to campaign in favor of their referendum, man polling stations, and fill state television with images of dancing girls urging people to vote ‘yes.’
“Aside from failing to use its own resources to help its people, the junta would not even accept outside resources to aid the devastated communities in the aftermath of the cyclone.
“Immediately after the cyclone hit, the United States Embassy in Burma authorized $250,000 in emergency assistance. President George Bush also swiftly followed by pledging an additional $3 million, the assistance of U.S. Navy assets in the region, a disaster assessment team, and any additional aid that would be needed. And, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Henrietta H. Fore announced an additional $13 million in aid to Burma bringing the total value to U.S. Government assistance to more than $16.3 million.
“Yet, most of these funds and offers have gone unaccepted. To date, the junta has allowed only one plane load of U.S. emergency aid to enter the country and it is unclear if it has reached the survivors.
“While estimates from international humanitarian organization in Burma reveal that more than 1.5 million people are on the brink of death unless aid reaches them immediately, the Burmese military regime continues to deny international aid works entry in the country.
“Yesterday, at a meeting in Rangoon, a Burmese cabinet minister told relief agencies that foreign aid workers are prohibited from entering the disaster zone and must present all of their supplies to the military for distribution.
“The regime does not have the capacity or skills to handle this major humanitarian crisis, yet it continues to deny visas to disaster assessment teams.
“It has allowed only the smallest trickle of international aid into the country. At this point, in the post-tsunami relief operation, the hard-hit region of Aceh was receiving one aid flight every hour.
“In Burma, the regime is only allowing three or four flights a day after not allowing any in the first five days after the cyclone hit.
“Efforts to ensure aid reaches the survivors of Cyclone Nargis are continually hampered by military official who will not allow aid workers, foreigners, diplomats, journalists, or even ordinary Burmese who want to help their fellow citizen’s access to the hardest hit areas.
“Many of the affected communities have received no aid from the regime, or any aid agency.
“To make matters worse, it is being reported that the junta is also selling aid supplies in local markets. Mr. Speaker, this is unacceptable.
“Just yesterday, China experienced its own natural disaster, a massive earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale. Our hearts are with the victims of the disaster but China, unlike the junta, immediately acted to help the victims.
“Countries that have the capacity to react to a natural disaster and provide aid to its citizens have a moral obligation to do so. China’s actions in the United Nations Security Council to prevent efforts to invoke the ‘responsibility to protect’ in Burma is appalling.
“It is truly saddening, but not surprising, to see the Burmese junta turn a blind eye to its people. The United States along with the international community understands the gravity of this situation, even if the military regime does not.
“Even in the wake of one of the most deadly natural disasters, they refuse to provide the proper humanitarian assistance needed to ensure the health and survival of their citizens.
“Mr. Speaker, the bill before us is about making clear to the people of Burma that we stand with them, and that we will continue to push the junta to accept our assistance to help those in need.”
Burma (Myanmar) Tragedy - You Can Help!!
As you may know, a cyclone struck the nation of Burma (Myanmar) on May 3. Thousands were killed, and almost 2 million have been impacted by this tragedy. Unfortunately the military junta in charge has hampered humanitarian aid from reaching those in desperate need.
If you would like to help the victims of this tragedy, please click one of the links below. These are organizations that I know of that can help:
Campus Crusade for Christ
World Vision
US Campaign for Burma
I will have more information on Burma (Myanmar) in some upcoming posts, but I wanted to get this information out. The need is great - please help with what you can.
If you would like to help the victims of this tragedy, please click one of the links below. These are organizations that I know of that can help:
Campus Crusade for Christ
World Vision
US Campaign for Burma
I will have more information on Burma (Myanmar) in some upcoming posts, but I wanted to get this information out. The need is great - please help with what you can.
I'll Be Back
Things had gotten so busy at work that I haven't had time to write any posts! I am trying to catch up today - so look for some new posts today and in the next several days!
Monday, May 5, 2008
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