Darfur - we can make a difference!
dd March 16th, 2007
I’m sure everyone reading this blog is familiar with the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Hundreds of thousands killed and raped. 2 million people displaced from their homes. This genocide is lead and sponsored by the Sudanese government and mainly carried out by their proxy - the Arab militia called the Janjaweed. Dark skinned black farmers and their families are the victims.
I have been tangentially involved in trying to fight this atrocity against humanity by being part of the Darfur Interfaith Network and helping to organize a monthly vigil in front of the Sudanese embassy. On Sunday, a friend and I went to hear Nicholas Kristof, NY Times columnist, who has written more about Darfur than anyone in the print media. He was a very effective speaker but told a very grim story. It’s hard to imagine, but things are getting worse. He discussed a few measures that could be helpful in at least making things better if not ending this conflict. Things like more pressure on the Sudanese government; pressure on China, a Sudanese protector; organizing a joint U.S/European summit on Darfur; having President Bush deliver a prime-time speech on Darfur; imposing stiffer economic sanctions on Sudan, etc.
So, what can we do? Bottom line: we need to get this on the radar screens of this administration and congress. Same thing in Europe for any European readers. The leadership to fight this genocide, especially in today’s political climate, unfortunately won’t come from our elected leaders, that’s for sure. Moral outrage - yeah, right. They’re too busy defending their own misconduct or worrying about how to position themselves for the next election.
But, they do pay attention to a public outcry. And, the good news is that it wouldn’t require a whole lot of effort on our parts. For example,
- What if everyone in the U.S. wrote to the White House and congress demanding more action against this genocide?
- What if everyone wrote a letter or sent an email message to all the European embassies and those of the Arab countries that have been deafeningly silent?
- What if we all contacted print and broadcast media demanding more coverage of Darfur?
- What if there was a vigil in front of the Sudanese embassy that was well attended every hour of every day of every month?
But, we’re also bloggers. What if we all wrote just one post about this genocide? That would help spread the word in the blogosphere, an increasingly important outlet today.
So, please “get off your tushies”, everyone. Take a few minutes of your day - do something. There’s an old adage in the Jewish Talmud that to save one life is to save the entire world. We can do this. DC folks - why not start by joining me at noon for 1 hour on the 4th Thursday of each month in front of the Sudanese embassy? I hope to see you there.
I feel guilt pangs every time I am reminded about Darfur. I wonder how many more people have died while I have been typing away on my computer today? I went to the demonstration last summer and was struck by the fact that many there had spent more money on their matching Tee shirts than thay had on donations to help Darfur. I always get annoyed at one-time demonstrating. But then, I ask myself what have I done since that demonstration and the answer is NOTHING. So I promise to join you in the vigils outside the Sudanese Embassy. I will even offer to take any Bloggers that show up out for coffee afterwards. This show of solidarity is a small thing, but at least it’s something.
Excellent call to action, David! Bravo! If every one of us were as passionate, this world would be a really different place. There are so many injustices currently unfolding, so much work to do. Thank you so much for your work, and for this post. When we say that blessing (at Temple Micah) about blessing the work of those who do good deeds, we’re talking about people like you!
I think I’ve deleted half a dozen attempts at a comment… I don’t know how to change anything. I have written. I did march. I will look at my calendar and see what I can shift on the fourth Thursday of the month; though, I might be out of the country for work. It just all feels so inadequate.
Kristin - I empathize. And, I waver myself too. We all get compassion fatigue and wonder if this is doing any good. But, I don’t think we can just sit idly by and do nothing while so many innocent people are being slaughtered. And if more and more people got involved, I think we can make a difference by sending a message that can’t be ignored. It takes too long, of course, but I think it’s possible. I was part of the Vietnam War protest age that changed the course of U.S. politics. That’s one example of how bottom up people led protests can make a difference.
I would love to see you on Thursday if you can make it. There are other vigils at different times as well. The one I know about is every Wed., from 12 to 1 sponsored by the Darfur Interfaith Network.
David,
A most excellent post, friend. Most excellent !!!
rdg