** Food and Water Watch **
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
Food & Water Watch’s School Milk Campaign wants Congress to make the smart choice for school lunches: Milk free of artificial growth hormones.
The federal nutrition programs are a major provider of milk to our nation’s school-age children. According to the National Milk Producers Federation, nearly 430 million gallons of milk were distributed through the National School Breakfast, Lunch, and Special Milk programs during the 2005-2006 school year. Unfortunately, a significant amount of this milk may have been produced with artificial growth hormones.
Can you sign our petition to ask Congress to state that schools can purchase artificial hormone-free milk and organic milk?
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5915/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1796
--
** Earth Justice **
http://www.earthjustice.org/
Last year, the Supreme Court said the Environmental Protection Agency could regulate CO2 emissions—but the Bush-cowed agency refused. In an infamous memo, then-Administrator Stephen Johnson ordered EPA to ignore CO2.
This week, President Obama stepped in and told EPA that, after 8 years of political interference, it's time to do its job again—starting with CO2 gas emissions, the biggest contributor to global warming.
The issue at hand is a monstrous, 1,500 megawatt coal-fired power plant that EPA is ready to approve—without any CO2 controls—on Navajo land in New Mexico. The Desert Rock coal plant will inundate native communities with health-robbing pollutants that cause asthma and heart attacks, and spew 12.7 million tons of CO2 greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year.
Desert Rock is a centerpiece of Bush-era plans to spread coal power across the land without regard for its environmental havoc.
But, we can stop this from happening, and, thanks to President Obama, the EPA now must listen to what we have to say! This is the chance we all have been waiting for—to be heard!
We only have until February 23rd to speak up...So, please, take action now to help build a groundswell movement in support of controlling this plant's air pollution.
Tell the EPA to impose the strictest-possible CO2 controls—making it the first plant in EPA history to have such limits!
http://action.earthjustice.org/campaign/desert_rock_0109/
Showing posts with label food and water watch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food and water watch. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jan 28, 2009 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Food and Water Watch **
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
The current Salmonella contamination in peanut butter products is the most recent failure of FDA's ability to inspect and regulate our food system. The Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency that is supposed to create a safety net to protect consumers from unsafe food, can't handle the job.
Now is the time to reorganize and create a better agency that can actually deal with food safety. We have a new Congress and a new President who can make real change and overhaul our broken food safety system.
Tell Congress to take action now and fix the FDA and our broken food safety system!
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/741/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26489
--
** National Parks Conservation Association **
http://www.npca.org/
House leaders have proposed to give our economy and national parks a real boost. They've included more than $2 billion dollars in job creating ready-to-go projects as part of their proposed economic recovery package. The proposal would create nearly 50,000 jobs in rural and urban communities nationwide to help our economy and give the national parks the boost they need as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
With your encouragement, we can make sure this proposal moves forward. Write your representative and let them know you support this effort on behalf of our national parks, and make sure they work with their colleagues in the Senate to do the same.
http://act.npca.org/campaign/Stimulus_2009/
--
** The Wilderness Society **
http://wilderness.org/
The Modoc National Forest is a beautiful and serene place, but an overabundance of damaging roads that contribute to noise, erosion and other problems is threatening the forest's health and tranquility.
Tell the Forest Service not to go forward with its plan to add even more roads.
http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/modoc/
--
** Greenpeace **
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa
With the new administration and a new Congress, now is the time for the USA to start leading the global charge against global warming. The world is looking to us for leadership, but time is running out. Members of the new Congress are already working on legislation that will create thousands of green jobs and kickstart an energy revolution while ensuring that we do what climate scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of global warming.
It's up to us to make sure our representatives in Congress support that legislation.
Together, we can stop global warming. But we all have to work together.
http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start/231/
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/
The current Salmonella contamination in peanut butter products is the most recent failure of FDA's ability to inspect and regulate our food system. The Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency that is supposed to create a safety net to protect consumers from unsafe food, can't handle the job.
Now is the time to reorganize and create a better agency that can actually deal with food safety. We have a new Congress and a new President who can make real change and overhaul our broken food safety system.
Tell Congress to take action now and fix the FDA and our broken food safety system!
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/741/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26489
--
** National Parks Conservation Association **
http://www.npca.org/
House leaders have proposed to give our economy and national parks a real boost. They've included more than $2 billion dollars in job creating ready-to-go projects as part of their proposed economic recovery package. The proposal would create nearly 50,000 jobs in rural and urban communities nationwide to help our economy and give the national parks the boost they need as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.
With your encouragement, we can make sure this proposal moves forward. Write your representative and let them know you support this effort on behalf of our national parks, and make sure they work with their colleagues in the Senate to do the same.
http://act.npca.org/campaign/Stimulus_2009/
--
** The Wilderness Society **
http://wilderness.org/
The Modoc National Forest is a beautiful and serene place, but an overabundance of damaging roads that contribute to noise, erosion and other problems is threatening the forest's health and tranquility.
Tell the Forest Service not to go forward with its plan to add even more roads.
http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/modoc/
--
** Greenpeace **
http://www.greenpeace.org/usa
With the new administration and a new Congress, now is the time for the USA to start leading the global charge against global warming. The world is looking to us for leadership, but time is running out. Members of the new Congress are already working on legislation that will create thousands of green jobs and kickstart an energy revolution while ensuring that we do what climate scientists say is necessary to avert the worst effects of global warming.
It's up to us to make sure our representatives in Congress support that legislation.
Together, we can stop global warming. But we all have to work together.
http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start/231/
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dec 17, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Food and Water Watch **
( http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/ )
The USDA recently put out a proposal to deal with the issue of access to pasture for meat and dairy cows being raised as organic. It prohibits the use of feedlots for organic beef and dairy cattle. It’s time for the organic industry to level the playing field for family farmers and make sure that organic animals are raised in ways that meet consumers’ expectations.
Take action now to advocate for strict organic standards.
( http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/741/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26353 )
--
** Jobs with Justice **
( http://www.jwj.org/ )
KeyBank was approved for $2.5 billion as part of the national bailout. But instead of using the money to give relief to those hardest hit in the current economy, KeyBank is using their bailout money to increase corporate profits by buying other banks and underwriting Oak Harbor Freight Lines, a company that has cancelled its retirees health care and violated US and international labor laws affecting hundreds of striking Teamsters in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Listen to an ad about KeyBank here.
Last week, Jobs with Justice Coalitions in Portland and Seattle protested at KeyBank branches as part of the People's Bailout National Week of Action. More actions are planned this week in six cities throughout the country.
Tell KeyBank: We won’t back down until we see justice!
( http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/keybank/ )
--
** Friends of the Earth **
( http://www.foe.org/ )
President-elect Obama and Congress are working to pass a green-jobs economic stimulus package—but it is in danger of being hijacked by the road-building lobby, which wants billions of dollars for unnecessary new roads that would increase global warming pollution.
Transportation is responsible for 30 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 70 percent of our oil consumption. By investing in clean transportation solutions including public transportation and smart growth, the stimulus package can create green jobs and reduce our dependence on oil.
Send Congress this simple message: New Roads = New Pollution. Keep the stimulus clean.
( http://action.foe.org/t/8489/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26352 )
--
** Natural Resources Defense Council **
( http://www.nrdc.org/ )
Each spring, billions of birds descend on the wild Canadian boreal forest to build nests and raise their young. More than half of North America's bird species breed in the boreal, and for many, the ancient forest provides their only nesting ground. A stretch of just a few miles in this vast northern network of forests, lakes, river valleys and wetlands can support as many as 600 breeding pairs of migratory birds.
Yet critical nesting areas in the western boreal are under threat by tar sands production, a new type of oil development. In Alberta, tar sands mining and drilling cause significant bird habitat destruction. Toxic waste ponds result in up to 100,000 drowned and oil-drenched birds every year. And global warming changes already affecting boreal birds are exacerbated by the tar sands, which account for Canada's fastest growing source of global warming pollution.
But the Canadian government continues to allow expansion of mining and drilling for tar sands oil in the boreal forest, anticipating a growth from the current 1.3 million barrels per day to as high as 5 million barrels per day. If this destruction continues at the projected rate, as many as 166 million birds, including future generations, could be permanently lost.
What to do
Tell the Canadian government to protect bird habitat throughout the boreal forest by halting the expansion of tar sands mining.
( http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/nrdcaction_121008 )
( http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/ )
The USDA recently put out a proposal to deal with the issue of access to pasture for meat and dairy cows being raised as organic. It prohibits the use of feedlots for organic beef and dairy cattle. It’s time for the organic industry to level the playing field for family farmers and make sure that organic animals are raised in ways that meet consumers’ expectations.
Take action now to advocate for strict organic standards.
( http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/741/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26353 )
--
** Jobs with Justice **
( http://www.jwj.org/ )
KeyBank was approved for $2.5 billion as part of the national bailout. But instead of using the money to give relief to those hardest hit in the current economy, KeyBank is using their bailout money to increase corporate profits by buying other banks and underwriting Oak Harbor Freight Lines, a company that has cancelled its retirees health care and violated US and international labor laws affecting hundreds of striking Teamsters in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Listen to an ad about KeyBank here.
Last week, Jobs with Justice Coalitions in Portland and Seattle protested at KeyBank branches as part of the People's Bailout National Week of Action. More actions are planned this week in six cities throughout the country.
Tell KeyBank: We won’t back down until we see justice!
( http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/keybank/ )
--
** Friends of the Earth **
( http://www.foe.org/ )
President-elect Obama and Congress are working to pass a green-jobs economic stimulus package—but it is in danger of being hijacked by the road-building lobby, which wants billions of dollars for unnecessary new roads that would increase global warming pollution.
Transportation is responsible for 30 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 70 percent of our oil consumption. By investing in clean transportation solutions including public transportation and smart growth, the stimulus package can create green jobs and reduce our dependence on oil.
Send Congress this simple message: New Roads = New Pollution. Keep the stimulus clean.
( http://action.foe.org/t/8489/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26352 )
--
** Natural Resources Defense Council **
( http://www.nrdc.org/ )
Each spring, billions of birds descend on the wild Canadian boreal forest to build nests and raise their young. More than half of North America's bird species breed in the boreal, and for many, the ancient forest provides their only nesting ground. A stretch of just a few miles in this vast northern network of forests, lakes, river valleys and wetlands can support as many as 600 breeding pairs of migratory birds.
Yet critical nesting areas in the western boreal are under threat by tar sands production, a new type of oil development. In Alberta, tar sands mining and drilling cause significant bird habitat destruction. Toxic waste ponds result in up to 100,000 drowned and oil-drenched birds every year. And global warming changes already affecting boreal birds are exacerbated by the tar sands, which account for Canada's fastest growing source of global warming pollution.
But the Canadian government continues to allow expansion of mining and drilling for tar sands oil in the boreal forest, anticipating a growth from the current 1.3 million barrels per day to as high as 5 million barrels per day. If this destruction continues at the projected rate, as many as 166 million birds, including future generations, could be permanently lost.
What to do
Tell the Canadian government to protect bird habitat throughout the boreal forest by halting the expansion of tar sands mining.
( http://www.nrdconline.org/campaign/nrdcaction_121008 )
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Nov 19, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Food and Water Watch **
The Food and Drug Administration recently released its draft plan for approving animals that are genetically engineered to grow faster, produce more milk, or even produce drugs in their tissues. To make matters worse, the FDA is not requiring that food from GE animals be labeled, so consumers won’t know if the food they buy for their families was produced with this controversial technology.
Tell FDA to ban the use of genetically engineered animals for food.
--
** Environmental Defense Fund **
One of the first, defining decisions facing President-elect Obama's Environmental Protection Agency is whether to heed the Supreme Court and regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.
We have an opportunity right now to shape that decision.
Send an email to the EPA today supporting strong action under existing law to protect human health by reducing global warming pollution.
--
** The Wilderness Society **
In northwest Colorado, you'll find a place with stunning scenic vistas—all of which are at risk of being tainted by noxious air pollution.
At the crossroads of the Green and Yampa Rivers, Little Snake Resource Area is a sweeping landscape of canyon lands and blooming perennial streams, flanked by the stirring backdrops of Mount Zirkel Wilderness and Dinosaur National Monument.
The air here is fresh and clean. But, the Little Snake and surrounding communities could soon be exposed to harmful air pollution due to increasing pressure for oil and gas development.
At the instruction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management has already conducted an air quality assessment of proposed energy development in the region, but the BLM's study fell short. It lacked the depth needed to truly analyze the extent of potential pollution in the area.
Little Snake needs you to speak out. Ensure that northwest Colorado's air quality and scenic views remain pristine for generations to come. Encourage the BLM to do a more in-depth air quality impact analysis now.
The Food and Drug Administration recently released its draft plan for approving animals that are genetically engineered to grow faster, produce more milk, or even produce drugs in their tissues. To make matters worse, the FDA is not requiring that food from GE animals be labeled, so consumers won’t know if the food they buy for their families was produced with this controversial technology.
Tell FDA to ban the use of genetically engineered animals for food.
--
** Environmental Defense Fund **
One of the first, defining decisions facing President-elect Obama's Environmental Protection Agency is whether to heed the Supreme Court and regulate global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act.
We have an opportunity right now to shape that decision.
Send an email to the EPA today supporting strong action under existing law to protect human health by reducing global warming pollution.
--
** The Wilderness Society **
In northwest Colorado, you'll find a place with stunning scenic vistas—all of which are at risk of being tainted by noxious air pollution.
At the crossroads of the Green and Yampa Rivers, Little Snake Resource Area is a sweeping landscape of canyon lands and blooming perennial streams, flanked by the stirring backdrops of Mount Zirkel Wilderness and Dinosaur National Monument.
The air here is fresh and clean. But, the Little Snake and surrounding communities could soon be exposed to harmful air pollution due to increasing pressure for oil and gas development.
At the instruction of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management has already conducted an air quality assessment of proposed energy development in the region, but the BLM's study fell short. It lacked the depth needed to truly analyze the extent of potential pollution in the area.
Little Snake needs you to speak out. Ensure that northwest Colorado's air quality and scenic views remain pristine for generations to come. Encourage the BLM to do a more in-depth air quality impact analysis now.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Nov 17, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** NRDC Action **
The Bush Administration is determined to ram through a new wolf-killing plan before leaving office. This dangerous scheme could allow the Northern Rockies states to kill nearly 1,000 gray wolves in the first year alone.
Please submit an Official Citizen Comment telling the Interior Department to maintain strong federal protection for wolves.
--
** Earth Justice **
Following its recent failed attempt to remove the wolves from the endangered species list, the administration's Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a proposal allowing Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana to kill nearly 1,000 wolves -- at a time when the wolf population is already declining.
Please tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the northern Rockies gray wolves on the endangered species list.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
For the last three years, the USDA has been trying to open the border to Canadian cattle over the age of thirty months. This is significant because older cattle (those over thirty months of age) are considered to be at higher risk for having Mad Cow Disease and therefore pose a greater risk if they enter the food supply. Canada has had 13 cases of Mad Cow Disease, the most recent of which was discovered in June.
Tell USDA to put public health before meat industry profits and not to open the border to older Canadian cattle.
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
The Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, located on 14,097 acres in southwestern Kern County, California, is a crucial wildlife linkage in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Purchased to protect declining California condor foraging and roosting habitat in 1985, the refuge is the place where the last wild female condor was trapped in 1986. It's now an integral part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's condor recovery activities, and supports condor reintroduction, foraging, and roosting opportunities. In addition to the condor, the refuge protects grasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral, pinyon/juniper/oak woodlands, and riparian and wetland habitats. These diverse communities in turn support numerous rare species, including the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rat. Western spadefoot toad, western horned lizards, and the tricolored blackbird also call the refuge home.
While cattle have had unrestricted grazing on the refuge in the past, the Fish and Wildlife Service has recognized that an alteration in the grazing regime would benefit the 9,400 acres of grassland habitat and provide healthier habitat for the recovering condor population. The agency recently proposed a restoration program to enhance the ecological values of the site and includes a modified grazing schedule based on ecological principles to limit grazing during critical times for native plant establishment, especially native grasses.
This important step forward in refuge management is key to maintaining ecologically diverse and functioning habitats for condors. But the current grazing lessee opposes the change in grazing management, and significant efforts have been made to oppose these changes by cattle operators and local elected officials. Your help is needed.
Please send a letter of support for the grassland restoration project and limiting grazing. The Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge was expressly created for condors, not for cows.
The Bush Administration is determined to ram through a new wolf-killing plan before leaving office. This dangerous scheme could allow the Northern Rockies states to kill nearly 1,000 gray wolves in the first year alone.
Please submit an Official Citizen Comment telling the Interior Department to maintain strong federal protection for wolves.
--
** Earth Justice **
Following its recent failed attempt to remove the wolves from the endangered species list, the administration's Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a proposal allowing Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana to kill nearly 1,000 wolves -- at a time when the wolf population is already declining.
Please tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to keep the northern Rockies gray wolves on the endangered species list.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
For the last three years, the USDA has been trying to open the border to Canadian cattle over the age of thirty months. This is significant because older cattle (those over thirty months of age) are considered to be at higher risk for having Mad Cow Disease and therefore pose a greater risk if they enter the food supply. Canada has had 13 cases of Mad Cow Disease, the most recent of which was discovered in June.
Tell USDA to put public health before meat industry profits and not to open the border to older Canadian cattle.
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
The Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, located on 14,097 acres in southwestern Kern County, California, is a crucial wildlife linkage in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Purchased to protect declining California condor foraging and roosting habitat in 1985, the refuge is the place where the last wild female condor was trapped in 1986. It's now an integral part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's condor recovery activities, and supports condor reintroduction, foraging, and roosting opportunities. In addition to the condor, the refuge protects grasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral, pinyon/juniper/oak woodlands, and riparian and wetland habitats. These diverse communities in turn support numerous rare species, including the endangered San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rat. Western spadefoot toad, western horned lizards, and the tricolored blackbird also call the refuge home.
While cattle have had unrestricted grazing on the refuge in the past, the Fish and Wildlife Service has recognized that an alteration in the grazing regime would benefit the 9,400 acres of grassland habitat and provide healthier habitat for the recovering condor population. The agency recently proposed a restoration program to enhance the ecological values of the site and includes a modified grazing schedule based on ecological principles to limit grazing during critical times for native plant establishment, especially native grasses.
This important step forward in refuge management is key to maintaining ecologically diverse and functioning habitats for condors. But the current grazing lessee opposes the change in grazing management, and significant efforts have been made to oppose these changes by cattle operators and local elected officials. Your help is needed.
Please send a letter of support for the grassland restoration project and limiting grazing. The Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge was expressly created for condors, not for cows.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Nov 01, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Jobs with Justice **
Since old and senile John McCain denounced ACORN during the last presidential debate and FOX News began accusing them of criminal activity hundreds – HUNDREDS – of times, ACORN staffers have received death threats in Ohio and Rhode Island. Offices in Washington and Massachusetts have been vandalized. Numerous threatening and racist phone calls have been made to ACORN offices across the country. This, when just two years ago John McCain himself stood in solidarity with ACORN, saying of ACORN's members, "they are what makes America special."
McCain's attacks have to stop. They are wrong. These vicious attacks against ACORN threaten the work that ALL community organizations do, and the results for the hundreds of thousands of people that organizations like ours work with will be disastrous. We will have to suffer the consequences - to ACORN, to the communities in which we work, to our democracy - long after the election is over.
It will take millions of people to shut down the assault and stop the lies. Our friends at Brave New films have made a fantastic video about ACORN, debunking the outrageous lies and more to help.
Please take a moment and add your name to our open letter to the McCain campaign, asking him to just stop. See the letter, and then add your name by completing the form. THANK YOU.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The US Department of Agriculture is considering a petition to allow genetically engineered papaya trees to be commercially grown and sold in Florida. This would be the first time this genetically engineered crop would be grown commercially in the mainland United States. If the agency approves this petition, it would remove all regulatory oversight of this type of genetically engineered tree.
Tell the USDA that consumers don’t want Genetically Engineered papayas!
--
** Credo Action **
Here at CREDO, we're paying close attention to potential voter suppression issues that could affect voters around the country. Today, we're writing to let you know about a problem in New Mexico that could lead to voters being disenfranchised.
The problem: Private investigators have been showing up at the doors of poor and Latino voters - asking them intimidating questions, insinuating that they don't have the right to vote.
Who's affected: New Mexican voters in good standing who have every right to go vote on Election Day - but who may not show up at the polls if they've been frightened in their own homes.
The solution:
1. E-mail Attorney General Mukasey - the Department of Justice is charged with stopping voter suppression and protecting every American's right to vote. A spokesman for the DOJ's civil rights division has said that they are "looking into" this problem, but that's not good enough. We need a serious investigation worthy of these insidious tactics.
2. Pass this site on to every New Mexico voter you know - with only days left till the election, we need to make sure that as many New Mexico voters as possible are educated about this problem so that if intimidators show up at their homes, they'll know the right thing to do: Shut the doors in their faces.
Tell the Department of Justice: Investigate voter intimidation in New Mexico.
Since old and senile John McCain denounced ACORN during the last presidential debate and FOX News began accusing them of criminal activity hundreds – HUNDREDS – of times, ACORN staffers have received death threats in Ohio and Rhode Island. Offices in Washington and Massachusetts have been vandalized. Numerous threatening and racist phone calls have been made to ACORN offices across the country. This, when just two years ago John McCain himself stood in solidarity with ACORN, saying of ACORN's members, "they are what makes America special."
McCain's attacks have to stop. They are wrong. These vicious attacks against ACORN threaten the work that ALL community organizations do, and the results for the hundreds of thousands of people that organizations like ours work with will be disastrous. We will have to suffer the consequences - to ACORN, to the communities in which we work, to our democracy - long after the election is over.
It will take millions of people to shut down the assault and stop the lies. Our friends at Brave New films have made a fantastic video about ACORN, debunking the outrageous lies and more to help.
Please take a moment and add your name to our open letter to the McCain campaign, asking him to just stop. See the letter, and then add your name by completing the form. THANK YOU.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The US Department of Agriculture is considering a petition to allow genetically engineered papaya trees to be commercially grown and sold in Florida. This would be the first time this genetically engineered crop would be grown commercially in the mainland United States. If the agency approves this petition, it would remove all regulatory oversight of this type of genetically engineered tree.
Tell the USDA that consumers don’t want Genetically Engineered papayas!
--
** Credo Action **
Here at CREDO, we're paying close attention to potential voter suppression issues that could affect voters around the country. Today, we're writing to let you know about a problem in New Mexico that could lead to voters being disenfranchised.
The problem: Private investigators have been showing up at the doors of poor and Latino voters - asking them intimidating questions, insinuating that they don't have the right to vote.
Who's affected: New Mexican voters in good standing who have every right to go vote on Election Day - but who may not show up at the polls if they've been frightened in their own homes.
The solution:
1. E-mail Attorney General Mukasey - the Department of Justice is charged with stopping voter suppression and protecting every American's right to vote. A spokesman for the DOJ's civil rights division has said that they are "looking into" this problem, but that's not good enough. We need a serious investigation worthy of these insidious tactics.
2. Pass this site on to every New Mexico voter you know - with only days left till the election, we need to make sure that as many New Mexico voters as possible are educated about this problem so that if intimidators show up at their homes, they'll know the right thing to do: Shut the doors in their faces.
Tell the Department of Justice: Investigate voter intimidation in New Mexico.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Oct 28, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Public Citizen **
While the investment bank Lehman Brothers faced bankruptcy and asked the federal government for a bailout, it arranged to pay executives millions of dollars in bonuses.
The New York Times and Washington Post reported that in September, the bank arranged to approve payments for two fired executives worth $18.2 million, and another $5 million payment for an executive who was leaving voluntarily. Four days later, Lehman went bankrupt, the first of a series of financial shocks that led to a bailout costing taxpayers $700 billion.
In fact, former Lehman Brothers CEO Richard S. Fuld Jr. said in October that a compensation system that paid him about $350 million between 2000 and 2007 was appropriate despite the company's financial woes.
This is infuriating! Write a letter to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee using the easy form below, and tell lawmakers to continue monitoring the actions of Lehman Brothers, fully exposing the irresponsible spending that contributed to our current financial meltdown.
Tell Congress: Stop Wasteful Corporate Spending
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
In response to the Center's petition, the National Marine Fisheries Service is conducting a status review to determine whether three ice-dependent seals that inhabit Alaskan waters warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. This is the first important step toward protection for ringed, bearded, and spotted seals -- all of which are threatened with extinction by the rapid loss of their Arctic sea-ice habitat due to global warming.
Please let the Bush administration know that you support the protection of these seals, and that we must reduce greenhouse gas pollution immediately to slow global warming and save them from extinction.
--
** Earth Justice **
In one of the most important environmental cases of its history, in early 2007 the Supreme Court affirmed what Earthjustice had been saying all along: The Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to fight global warming. The EPA must act immediately and issue regulations that limit global warming pollution.
Tell the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to reduce global warming pollution!
---
** Food and Water Watch **
You want food labels you can trust. “USDA Organic” should be one of them. Industrial fish farmers seek to cash in on the organic label – only you can stop them.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB ) -- at the request of the industrial fish farming industry -- is considering allowing farmed fish to get the organic label even though the practices are anything but organic. This astonishing greenwashing covers up unsustainable practices like feeding wild fish to fish in open net pens in the ocean.
Feeding wild fish to farmed fish not only disrupts ocean ecosystems by wiping out the fish on the bottom of the food chain, but may also increase the amount of dangerous pollutants like mercury and PCBs that end up in the farmed fish consumers eat. And raising farmed fish in open nets can pollute the ocean with massive amounts of waste and exposes wild fish populations to parasites and other diseases.
Neither of these practices is consistent with organic principles that you have come to trust and that require minimal impact on the environment, control of inputs and outputs, and animals to be raised on organically-raised feed.
Tell the NOSB to stop the greenwashing and vote against lowering the bar for organic standards.
While the investment bank Lehman Brothers faced bankruptcy and asked the federal government for a bailout, it arranged to pay executives millions of dollars in bonuses.
The New York Times and Washington Post reported that in September, the bank arranged to approve payments for two fired executives worth $18.2 million, and another $5 million payment for an executive who was leaving voluntarily. Four days later, Lehman went bankrupt, the first of a series of financial shocks that led to a bailout costing taxpayers $700 billion.
In fact, former Lehman Brothers CEO Richard S. Fuld Jr. said in October that a compensation system that paid him about $350 million between 2000 and 2007 was appropriate despite the company's financial woes.
This is infuriating! Write a letter to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee using the easy form below, and tell lawmakers to continue monitoring the actions of Lehman Brothers, fully exposing the irresponsible spending that contributed to our current financial meltdown.
Tell Congress: Stop Wasteful Corporate Spending
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
In response to the Center's petition, the National Marine Fisheries Service is conducting a status review to determine whether three ice-dependent seals that inhabit Alaskan waters warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act. This is the first important step toward protection for ringed, bearded, and spotted seals -- all of which are threatened with extinction by the rapid loss of their Arctic sea-ice habitat due to global warming.
Please let the Bush administration know that you support the protection of these seals, and that we must reduce greenhouse gas pollution immediately to slow global warming and save them from extinction.
--
** Earth Justice **
In one of the most important environmental cases of its history, in early 2007 the Supreme Court affirmed what Earthjustice had been saying all along: The Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to fight global warming. The EPA must act immediately and issue regulations that limit global warming pollution.
Tell the EPA to use the Clean Air Act to reduce global warming pollution!
---
** Food and Water Watch **
You want food labels you can trust. “USDA Organic” should be one of them. Industrial fish farmers seek to cash in on the organic label – only you can stop them.
The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB ) -- at the request of the industrial fish farming industry -- is considering allowing farmed fish to get the organic label even though the practices are anything but organic. This astonishing greenwashing covers up unsustainable practices like feeding wild fish to fish in open net pens in the ocean.
Feeding wild fish to farmed fish not only disrupts ocean ecosystems by wiping out the fish on the bottom of the food chain, but may also increase the amount of dangerous pollutants like mercury and PCBs that end up in the farmed fish consumers eat. And raising farmed fish in open nets can pollute the ocean with massive amounts of waste and exposes wild fish populations to parasites and other diseases.
Neither of these practices is consistent with organic principles that you have come to trust and that require minimal impact on the environment, control of inputs and outputs, and animals to be raised on organically-raised feed.
Tell the NOSB to stop the greenwashing and vote against lowering the bar for organic standards.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sept 27, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Planned Parenthood Action Center **
It is hard to believe that John McCain has actually found someone more anti-choice, more extreme, and even more dangerous than he is for women, for health care, and for our country. But, he did. We are deeply concerned about what lies ahead if McCain and Palin are elected — dissappearing reproductive health rights, dramatically decreased access to health care services for poor people, and a return to the dark ages when it comes to accurate and comprehensive sex education.
Please join us meeting Sarah Palin in St. Louis by signing our open letter stating clearly why she is not your candidate. We need millions of people to sign this open letter — and we'll display signs with the open letter all over the city, representing to John McCain, to Sarah Palin, and to every voter before Election Day the sheer diversity and the enormous number of people who cannot and will not support McCain and Palin and why. It starts with you.
You can add your name here.
http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/palin_openletter/
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The scope of the contaminated Chinese infant formula scandal has widened to include milk-derived ingredients. Some of these ingredients may have entered the United States for use in processed foods.
Please ask the Food and Drug Administration to stop the import of dairy ingredients from China until this situation is under control.
--
** Save Our Environment **
Drilling for oil and natural gas, and mining for coal has already taken a dramatic toll on our country's public lands, wildlife habitat and natural resources.
Now, Congress is considering a proposal to end a moratorium on development of oil shale – a dangerous, new energy source which would threaten two million acres of America's public lands!
Click here to urge Congress to oppose oil shale and support clean energy policies.
It is hard to believe that John McCain has actually found someone more anti-choice, more extreme, and even more dangerous than he is for women, for health care, and for our country. But, he did. We are deeply concerned about what lies ahead if McCain and Palin are elected — dissappearing reproductive health rights, dramatically decreased access to health care services for poor people, and a return to the dark ages when it comes to accurate and comprehensive sex education.
Please join us meeting Sarah Palin in St. Louis by signing our open letter stating clearly why she is not your candidate. We need millions of people to sign this open letter — and we'll display signs with the open letter all over the city, representing to John McCain, to Sarah Palin, and to every voter before Election Day the sheer diversity and the enormous number of people who cannot and will not support McCain and Palin and why. It starts with you.
You can add your name here.
http://www.ppaction.org/campaign/palin_openletter/
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The scope of the contaminated Chinese infant formula scandal has widened to include milk-derived ingredients. Some of these ingredients may have entered the United States for use in processed foods.
Please ask the Food and Drug Administration to stop the import of dairy ingredients from China until this situation is under control.
--
** Save Our Environment **
Drilling for oil and natural gas, and mining for coal has already taken a dramatic toll on our country's public lands, wildlife habitat and natural resources.
Now, Congress is considering a proposal to end a moratorium on development of oil shale – a dangerous, new energy source which would threaten two million acres of America's public lands!
Click here to urge Congress to oppose oil shale and support clean energy policies.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sept 26, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** National Parks Conservation Association **
Endangered species beware. The current administration has decided to use its final 6 months to try and weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a law that was designed to protect some of our most threatened wildlife from extinction.
Tell Secretary Kempthorne to stop the attack on wildlife.
--
** Earthworks **
Conglomerate Mesa -- un-roaded, un-mined and un-grazed -- lies between California's Inyo Mountains and Malpais Mesa Wilderness areas.
Timberline Resources wants to explore for gold there. They have claimed over ten square miles of the area, and talk about a multi- million ounce deposit of 'Carlin-type' gold bearing rock.
The project could lead to a massive open-pit cyanide heap-leach mine. All this on the western slope of the Inyo Mountains, across Owens Valley from the Sierra Nevada and Mt. Whitney.
TAKE ACTION! Tell the BLM an Environmental Impact Statement is needed before ANY exploration can occur.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Contaminated milk products from China have sickened over 50,000 infants and caused the death of four. This is the latest in a string of problems with China's food safety system. Currently, the U.S. does not import dairy products from China, but there are other food products, like chicken, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering allowing in.
Will you ask congress to keep the current ban on Chinese poultry?
--
** Working America **
George Bush, Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke came to Congress last weekend with a request for a $700 billion blank check to bail out Wall Street. Thankfully, our allies in Congress are pushing back against this dangerous and ill-conceived bill.
To ensure that the bill Congress passes is a balanced one, our congressional leadership needs to hear from you.
Contact your member of Congress and their leaders today and tell them "no blank checks" for Wall Street.
Endangered species beware. The current administration has decided to use its final 6 months to try and weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a law that was designed to protect some of our most threatened wildlife from extinction.
Tell Secretary Kempthorne to stop the attack on wildlife.
--
** Earthworks **
Conglomerate Mesa -- un-roaded, un-mined and un-grazed -- lies between California's Inyo Mountains and Malpais Mesa Wilderness areas.
Timberline Resources wants to explore for gold there. They have claimed over ten square miles of the area, and talk about a multi- million ounce deposit of 'Carlin-type' gold bearing rock.
The project could lead to a massive open-pit cyanide heap-leach mine. All this on the western slope of the Inyo Mountains, across Owens Valley from the Sierra Nevada and Mt. Whitney.
TAKE ACTION! Tell the BLM an Environmental Impact Statement is needed before ANY exploration can occur.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Contaminated milk products from China have sickened over 50,000 infants and caused the death of four. This is the latest in a string of problems with China's food safety system. Currently, the U.S. does not import dairy products from China, but there are other food products, like chicken, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering allowing in.
Will you ask congress to keep the current ban on Chinese poultry?
--
** Working America **
George Bush, Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke came to Congress last weekend with a request for a $700 billion blank check to bail out Wall Street. Thankfully, our allies in Congress are pushing back against this dangerous and ill-conceived bill.
To ensure that the bill Congress passes is a balanced one, our congressional leadership needs to hear from you.
Contact your member of Congress and their leaders today and tell them "no blank checks" for Wall Street.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sept 08, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** VoteVets.Org **
One the most disturbing developments we at VoteVets.org have seen this week are media outlets reporting details regarding the deployment of Track Palin to Iraq, Governor Sarah Palin’s son (and don't forget she's also a bad mother of pregnant 17yr old girl.) In a number of outlets, the details of when and where Track will be in Iraq have been reported. This isn’t just a violation of Operational Security (OPSEC), it puts the lives of every troop around him in danger.
It’s time for the Department of Defense to investigate who is leaking these details to the media. And, we need you to co-sign our letter to the Pentagon to get an investigation underway.
We’re all proud of every child of a politician who is serving in uniform – Democrat and Republican. And, their parents deserve to be proud. That’s not the point.
When someone chooses to bolster that story by leaking classified details to the media, it allows the enemy to gain valuable information that allows them to strike at a symbolic target of importance – and all the troops around that target. It’s dangerous, it’s illegal, and it needs to be investigated.
CO-SIGN OUR LETTER DEMANDING AN INVESTIGATION HERE
http://ga3.org/campaign/track/
--
** Food and Water Watch **
In another example of the FDA prioritizing industry interests over consumer safety, the agency recently announced that it will allow fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce to be treated with ionizing radiation. What's worse, consumers may find it impossible to avoid irradiated greens if the FDA also succeeds in eliminating labeling requirements.
Ask Congress to step in and protect consumers.
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5915/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25421
--
** Credo Action **
In her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Vice Presidential nominee, Alaska Governor, and bad mother of pregnant 17yr old daughter, Sarah Palin said, "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a `community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."
Nominally, her words were an assault on Barack Obama's early career as a community organizer on Chicago's south side. But the impact reaches farther than that and is a direct affront to the thousands who have dedicated their lives to making America great.
Community organizing is the heart and soul of American democracy. We are privileged to live in a country where people with the energy and passion to dream of a better world can put in the sweat and shoe leather to build social movements from the ground up. Indeed, if it weren't for the sacrifice of organizers, we wouldn't have many of the opportunities we take for granted today — from the 40-hour work week and the minimum wage to protections for a woman's right to choose and the right of African Americans to vote.
Tell Governor Palin to quit bashing community organizers.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/community_organizers/
One the most disturbing developments we at VoteVets.org have seen this week are media outlets reporting details regarding the deployment of Track Palin to Iraq, Governor Sarah Palin’s son (and don't forget she's also a bad mother of pregnant 17yr old girl.) In a number of outlets, the details of when and where Track will be in Iraq have been reported. This isn’t just a violation of Operational Security (OPSEC), it puts the lives of every troop around him in danger.
It’s time for the Department of Defense to investigate who is leaking these details to the media. And, we need you to co-sign our letter to the Pentagon to get an investigation underway.
We’re all proud of every child of a politician who is serving in uniform – Democrat and Republican. And, their parents deserve to be proud. That’s not the point.
When someone chooses to bolster that story by leaking classified details to the media, it allows the enemy to gain valuable information that allows them to strike at a symbolic target of importance – and all the troops around that target. It’s dangerous, it’s illegal, and it needs to be investigated.
CO-SIGN OUR LETTER DEMANDING AN INVESTIGATION HERE
http://ga3.org/campaign/track/
--
** Food and Water Watch **
In another example of the FDA prioritizing industry interests over consumer safety, the agency recently announced that it will allow fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce to be treated with ionizing radiation. What's worse, consumers may find it impossible to avoid irradiated greens if the FDA also succeeds in eliminating labeling requirements.
Ask Congress to step in and protect consumers.
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5915/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25421
--
** Credo Action **
In her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, Vice Presidential nominee, Alaska Governor, and bad mother of pregnant 17yr old daughter, Sarah Palin said, "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a `community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."
Nominally, her words were an assault on Barack Obama's early career as a community organizer on Chicago's south side. But the impact reaches farther than that and is a direct affront to the thousands who have dedicated their lives to making America great.
Community organizing is the heart and soul of American democracy. We are privileged to live in a country where people with the energy and passion to dream of a better world can put in the sweat and shoe leather to build social movements from the ground up. Indeed, if it weren't for the sacrifice of organizers, we wouldn't have many of the opportunities we take for granted today — from the 40-hour work week and the minimum wage to protections for a woman's right to choose and the right of African Americans to vote.
Tell Governor Palin to quit bashing community organizers.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/community_organizers/
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sept 02, 2008 -- Fight the Right-Wing Wackos Links of the Day.
** Food and Water Watch **
Just weeks after Monsanto decided to divest of rBGH, Eli Lilly has acquired the artificial dairy hormone. Not surprisingly, Eli Lilly is now spreading the same misinformation about rBGH's safety and environmental benefits as Monsanto once did. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Tell Eli Lilly that consumers want rBGH-free milk, and they want it to be labeled plain and simple.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone is a genetically engineered hormone that is injected into cows to make them produce more milk. Besides the documented increase of infections in dairy cows injected with rBGH, which necessitates increased use of antibiotics, there are ongoing questions about links to cancer in humans.
Despite Eli Lilly's claims, rBGH is not a 'vital technology.' It's a questionable technology that has been shunned by several major dairy retailers this year alone. Help us maintain the momentum against the use of rBGH.
Tell Eli Lilly no thanks.
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5915/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25389
--
The Wilderness Society
Increased domestic drilling will not lower the price of gas for American consumers.
So why are our elected officials buying it?
The truth is that any increase in oil production from new drilling would be a tiny portion of world oil production. Our price at the pump wouldn't change — but oil companies would profit at the expense of our most precious wild places.
Did you know that 80 percent of our coastline is already open to oil exploration and drilling? Now, the energy industry has its sights set on places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and Utah's Red Rocks Wilderness. But opening what little land we have left to more drilling won't lower gas prices — it will only put our cherished lands at risk.
Under pressure to help consumers, many of our members of Congress are wrongly giving in to the oil and gas industry's multi-million dollar lobbying campaign to open protected lands and waters to drilling. Will you help us stop the myths by telling your members of Congress to stand firm against voting for an energy policy based on panic?
Click here to send that message immediately!
http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/energyMOC/
--
** World Society for the Protection of Animals **
Every year between September and April thousands of dolphins are brutally killed off the shores of the Japanese coastal towns of Taiji and Futo.
In what are known as "drive" hunts, Japanese fishermen in motorboats encircle pods of dolphins with nets and drive them towards shore. Once the dolphins are trapped in shallow waters, the fishermen kill them using crude, inhumane methods. Sometimes cranes are used to haul animals out of the water by their tails, often while the dolphins are still alive. They are then transported to a nearby slaughterhouse where they are butchered and processed into meat and fertilizer away from public view.
Every aspect of these hunts is extremely cruel and inhumane, from the exhausting drive from the open ocean that can separate family groups, to confinement in a netted cove where the dolphins are trapped and stabbed. Some of the young dolphins are spared this terrible fate, only to be sold into captivity - they spend the rest of their lives in small tanks in aquariums and marine parks where they are used for public display.
The majority of people in Japan and around the world have no idea that the slaughter of so many dolphins and whales continues. Government authorities in Japan know that the world will not tolerate the killing of these beautiful animals, and they go to great lengths to hide these hunts from public view. Fishermen even put up tarps behind which the dolphins are slaughtered, and people are barred from filming and photographing the bloody hunts.
Please write to Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki at the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. and politely request that Japan stop cruel dolphin drive hunts immediately.
http://capwiz.com/wspausa/issues/alert/?alertid=11855146
Just weeks after Monsanto decided to divest of rBGH, Eli Lilly has acquired the artificial dairy hormone. Not surprisingly, Eli Lilly is now spreading the same misinformation about rBGH's safety and environmental benefits as Monsanto once did. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Tell Eli Lilly that consumers want rBGH-free milk, and they want it to be labeled plain and simple.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone is a genetically engineered hormone that is injected into cows to make them produce more milk. Besides the documented increase of infections in dairy cows injected with rBGH, which necessitates increased use of antibiotics, there are ongoing questions about links to cancer in humans.
Despite Eli Lilly's claims, rBGH is not a 'vital technology.' It's a questionable technology that has been shunned by several major dairy retailers this year alone. Help us maintain the momentum against the use of rBGH.
Tell Eli Lilly no thanks.
http://action.foodandwaterwatch.org/t/5915/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25389
--
The Wilderness Society
Increased domestic drilling will not lower the price of gas for American consumers.
So why are our elected officials buying it?
The truth is that any increase in oil production from new drilling would be a tiny portion of world oil production. Our price at the pump wouldn't change — but oil companies would profit at the expense of our most precious wild places.
Did you know that 80 percent of our coastline is already open to oil exploration and drilling? Now, the energy industry has its sights set on places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and Utah's Red Rocks Wilderness. But opening what little land we have left to more drilling won't lower gas prices — it will only put our cherished lands at risk.
Under pressure to help consumers, many of our members of Congress are wrongly giving in to the oil and gas industry's multi-million dollar lobbying campaign to open protected lands and waters to drilling. Will you help us stop the myths by telling your members of Congress to stand firm against voting for an energy policy based on panic?
Click here to send that message immediately!
http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/energyMOC/
--
** World Society for the Protection of Animals **
Every year between September and April thousands of dolphins are brutally killed off the shores of the Japanese coastal towns of Taiji and Futo.
In what are known as "drive" hunts, Japanese fishermen in motorboats encircle pods of dolphins with nets and drive them towards shore. Once the dolphins are trapped in shallow waters, the fishermen kill them using crude, inhumane methods. Sometimes cranes are used to haul animals out of the water by their tails, often while the dolphins are still alive. They are then transported to a nearby slaughterhouse where they are butchered and processed into meat and fertilizer away from public view.
Every aspect of these hunts is extremely cruel and inhumane, from the exhausting drive from the open ocean that can separate family groups, to confinement in a netted cove where the dolphins are trapped and stabbed. Some of the young dolphins are spared this terrible fate, only to be sold into captivity - they spend the rest of their lives in small tanks in aquariums and marine parks where they are used for public display.
The majority of people in Japan and around the world have no idea that the slaughter of so many dolphins and whales continues. Government authorities in Japan know that the world will not tolerate the killing of these beautiful animals, and they go to great lengths to hide these hunts from public view. Fishermen even put up tarps behind which the dolphins are slaughtered, and people are barred from filming and photographing the bloody hunts.
Please write to Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki at the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. and politely request that Japan stop cruel dolphin drive hunts immediately.
http://capwiz.com/wspausa/issues/alert/?alertid=11855146
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Aug 21, 2008: Your Fight the Right-Wackos Links
** Food and Water Watch **
This has been the year of meat recalls. It seems like every time you turn around more ground beef is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. USDA officials have started to talk about a plan to combat E.Coli by irradiating beef carcasses before they are processed.
More reasonable solutions to the E. Coli problem are increasing meat inspections to make sure contamination doesn't happen in the first place, and testing to make sure contaminated meat doesn't leave the plant. However, the beef industry quickly protested when USDA officials recently announced a plan to expand their inspection of E. coli O157:H7.
Irradiation is a band-aid solution for dirty meat, and could be harmful to your health. Food producers need to address the source of the problem - processing lines that are too fast and dirty conditions at plants - not promote an expensive, impractical and ineffective technology like irradiation. Irradiating meat forms chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer and birth defects.
Worst of all, the irradiated carcasses would be further processed, and wouldn't have to be labeled as irradiated, leaving consumers in the dark.
Take action now to tell Secretary Schafer that irradiating beef carcasses is not a solution to E. Coli:
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
Plan Announced to Erase 35 Years of Endangered Species Protection
This week, political hack Dirk Kempthorne, secretary of the Interior, announced devastating changes to the Endangered Species Act, signaling the end of protection for thousands of imperiled species.
The new regulations would:
- Exempt thousands of federal activities from review under the Endangered Species Act;
- Eliminate checks and balances of independent oversight;
- Limit which effects can be considered harmful;
- Prevent consideration of a project's contribution to global warming;
- Set an inadequate 60-day deadline for wildlife experts to evaluate a project in the instances when they are invited to participate -- or else the project gets an automatic green light;
- Enable large-scale projects to go unreviewed by dividing them into hundreds of small projects.
In addition, last week Kempthorne and Bush tried to slip another proposed rule change under the radar that would limit protection of a species only to where it is currently found.
The Center for Biological Diversity is rallying an immense surge of opposition to prevent these changes from taking effect.
Tell Secretary Kempthorne what you think of his plans to pillage the Endangered Species Act.
This has been the year of meat recalls. It seems like every time you turn around more ground beef is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. USDA officials have started to talk about a plan to combat E.Coli by irradiating beef carcasses before they are processed.
More reasonable solutions to the E. Coli problem are increasing meat inspections to make sure contamination doesn't happen in the first place, and testing to make sure contaminated meat doesn't leave the plant. However, the beef industry quickly protested when USDA officials recently announced a plan to expand their inspection of E. coli O157:H7.
Irradiation is a band-aid solution for dirty meat, and could be harmful to your health. Food producers need to address the source of the problem - processing lines that are too fast and dirty conditions at plants - not promote an expensive, impractical and ineffective technology like irradiation. Irradiating meat forms chemicals known or suspected to cause cancer and birth defects.
Worst of all, the irradiated carcasses would be further processed, and wouldn't have to be labeled as irradiated, leaving consumers in the dark.
Take action now to tell Secretary Schafer that irradiating beef carcasses is not a solution to E. Coli:
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
Plan Announced to Erase 35 Years of Endangered Species Protection
This week, political hack Dirk Kempthorne, secretary of the Interior, announced devastating changes to the Endangered Species Act, signaling the end of protection for thousands of imperiled species.
The new regulations would:
- Exempt thousands of federal activities from review under the Endangered Species Act;
- Eliminate checks and balances of independent oversight;
- Limit which effects can be considered harmful;
- Prevent consideration of a project's contribution to global warming;
- Set an inadequate 60-day deadline for wildlife experts to evaluate a project in the instances when they are invited to participate -- or else the project gets an automatic green light;
- Enable large-scale projects to go unreviewed by dividing them into hundreds of small projects.
In addition, last week Kempthorne and Bush tried to slip another proposed rule change under the radar that would limit protection of a species only to where it is currently found.
The Center for Biological Diversity is rallying an immense surge of opposition to prevent these changes from taking effect.
Tell Secretary Kempthorne what you think of his plans to pillage the Endangered Species Act.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
July 29, 2008: Your Fight the Right-Wing Wacko Links
** Common Cause **
Hold Karl Rove in "Inherent Contempt"
It's time for Congress to get serious.
Before they leave for summer recess, the House Judiciary Committee should vote to hold Karl Rove in "inherent contempt" for disobeying a subpoena and refusing to testify.
Tell the Committee and your member of Congress: No one is above the law, not even Karl Rove. Vote for inherent contempt right away to force Rove to testify!
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Nanotechnology: Friend or Foe? Ask Congress to find out.
Nanoparticles are showing up in our everyday household items, but no one knows the long-term consequences of this questionable technology on human health and the environment.
The Senate is currently considering a bill to reauthorize the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S. 3274), and we're asking them to devote more funding to environmental, health and safety research. Contact your Senator now to ask them to put our health and environment before corporate profit.
--
** Humane Society **
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hold a congressional hearing this Thursday, July 31, on two brand new, important animal protection bills: one to track animal cruelty crimes, and one to stop the slaughter of horses for human consumption. We need your help getting these new bills started with a bang, and building as much congressional support as possible between now and the end of the session.
Please take action and urge your representative to combat animal cruelty and protect horses!
--
** Servicemembers Legal Defense Network **
For 15 years, Congress didn't talk about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
But the years of silence are over.
Last Wednesday, the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee met to discuss the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The hearing started what we hope will be an important national conversation about the national security impact of this outrageous law.
Take a look at a clip from the hearing - then send a note to the members of Congress to thank them for holding the hearing:
http://action.sldn.org/theystoodup
--
** Democrats.com **
After more than three years of grassroots pressure from true patriots like you, Congress finally took step 1 towards impeaching George W. Bush for his High Crimes by holding a "non-impeachment hearing" last Friday.
Impeachment Step 2
Tell your Representatives to co-sponsor Rep. Kucinich's 35 Articles of Impeachment:
http://democrats.com/35-articles-of-impeachment
Hold Karl Rove in "Inherent Contempt"
It's time for Congress to get serious.
Before they leave for summer recess, the House Judiciary Committee should vote to hold Karl Rove in "inherent contempt" for disobeying a subpoena and refusing to testify.
Tell the Committee and your member of Congress: No one is above the law, not even Karl Rove. Vote for inherent contempt right away to force Rove to testify!
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Nanotechnology: Friend or Foe? Ask Congress to find out.
Nanoparticles are showing up in our everyday household items, but no one knows the long-term consequences of this questionable technology on human health and the environment.
The Senate is currently considering a bill to reauthorize the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act (S. 3274), and we're asking them to devote more funding to environmental, health and safety research. Contact your Senator now to ask them to put our health and environment before corporate profit.
--
** Humane Society **
The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will hold a congressional hearing this Thursday, July 31, on two brand new, important animal protection bills: one to track animal cruelty crimes, and one to stop the slaughter of horses for human consumption. We need your help getting these new bills started with a bang, and building as much congressional support as possible between now and the end of the session.
Please take action and urge your representative to combat animal cruelty and protect horses!
--
** Servicemembers Legal Defense Network **
For 15 years, Congress didn't talk about "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
But the years of silence are over.
Last Wednesday, the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee met to discuss the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The hearing started what we hope will be an important national conversation about the national security impact of this outrageous law.
Take a look at a clip from the hearing - then send a note to the members of Congress to thank them for holding the hearing:
http://action.sldn.org/theystoodup
--
** Democrats.com **
After more than three years of grassroots pressure from true patriots like you, Congress finally took step 1 towards impeaching George W. Bush for his High Crimes by holding a "non-impeachment hearing" last Friday.
Impeachment Step 2
Tell your Representatives to co-sponsor Rep. Kucinich's 35 Articles of Impeachment:
http://democrats.com/35-articles-of-impeachment
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Your Fight The Right-Wing Wackos for July 24, 2008
** Food and Water Watch **
Today, nearly a billion people are on the brink of malnutrition or even starvation because of the global food crisis. Encouraging local food production is key to resolving the crisis, however, global trade bureaucrats meeting in Geneva this week are pushing yet another misguided trade deal.
Ask Congress to support local production by sending food aid in the form of cash instead of crops.
--
** Apollo Alliance **
Every day, Americans pay more and more at the pump, while oil companies bring in record profits.
Now, those same oil companies and their congressional allies are proposing more drilling - even though nearly every energy expert agrees this is one problem America can't drill its way out of. The oil companies say they're doing it to help lower the cost of gas. But scratch the surface, and you'll find it's the oil companies that truly benefit from new offshore drilling.
Don't let them continue to make money off of high gas prices while working Americans remain dependent on the energy of the past.
Instead, tell Congress we need a real, comprehensive solution to America's energy crisis.
Let's invest in clean, renewable energy and homegrown fuels, that will create millions of high-quality, green-collar jobs and reduce our dependence on oil.
--
** Environmental Defense Fund **
he era of cheap oil is over. Lifting the offshore drilling ban will not bring it back.
The only way to free ourselves from expensive oil is to get off oil. And the best way to do that is to support market-based policies that unleash clean energy innovation.
Take action now -- Tell your members of Congress that you oppose lifting the ban on offshore drilling and that you support energy innovation to get us off oil.
--
** People for the American Way **
The Monkey King Bush administration's at it again -- denying reality that doesn’t fit its political agenda (as it's done with global warming, the war, the economy and so much more).
The press this week reported on an offensive protocol by the Census Bureau for how it intends to handle married same-sex couples during the 2010 Census. The Bureau will NOT count legally married gay couples as married, and will instead EDIT the data submitted by married gay couples to change their status to "unmarried partners."
Please sign on to our petition to the Census Bureau urging them not to do this.
--
Today, nearly a billion people are on the brink of malnutrition or even starvation because of the global food crisis. Encouraging local food production is key to resolving the crisis, however, global trade bureaucrats meeting in Geneva this week are pushing yet another misguided trade deal.
Ask Congress to support local production by sending food aid in the form of cash instead of crops.
--
** Apollo Alliance **
Every day, Americans pay more and more at the pump, while oil companies bring in record profits.
Now, those same oil companies and their congressional allies are proposing more drilling - even though nearly every energy expert agrees this is one problem America can't drill its way out of. The oil companies say they're doing it to help lower the cost of gas. But scratch the surface, and you'll find it's the oil companies that truly benefit from new offshore drilling.
Don't let them continue to make money off of high gas prices while working Americans remain dependent on the energy of the past.
Instead, tell Congress we need a real, comprehensive solution to America's energy crisis.
Let's invest in clean, renewable energy and homegrown fuels, that will create millions of high-quality, green-collar jobs and reduce our dependence on oil.
--
** Environmental Defense Fund **
he era of cheap oil is over. Lifting the offshore drilling ban will not bring it back.
The only way to free ourselves from expensive oil is to get off oil. And the best way to do that is to support market-based policies that unleash clean energy innovation.
Take action now -- Tell your members of Congress that you oppose lifting the ban on offshore drilling and that you support energy innovation to get us off oil.
--
** People for the American Way **
The Monkey King Bush administration's at it again -- denying reality that doesn’t fit its political agenda (as it's done with global warming, the war, the economy and so much more).
The press this week reported on an offensive protocol by the Census Bureau for how it intends to handle married same-sex couples during the 2010 Census. The Bureau will NOT count legally married gay couples as married, and will instead EDIT the data submitted by married gay couples to change their status to "unmarried partners."
Please sign on to our petition to the Census Bureau urging them not to do this.
--
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Your Fight The Right-Wing Wackos for July 22, 2008
** Human Rights Campaign **
It's time to remove the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual troops that allow them to serve openly in the military. A measure to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", called The Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has been re-introduced in the US House of Representatives and has received critical support from your representative.
Tell Congress: Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
--
** Send Karl Rove to Jail **
Karl Rove has made a career out of distorting facts to destroy political rivals. In the case of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, he went even further: he deliberately put a political opponent in prison based on trumped up charges. The GOP couldn’t beat the most successful Democratic politician in recent Alabama history at the ballot box. So instead, at Karl Rove’s direction, the Bush Justice Department used U.S. attorneys to cook up a false criminal case against Siegelman in order to hand the Governor’s Mansion over to the Republican Party.
It’s no surprise that Karl Rove puts politics before due process, democracy and civil rights. That’s why even when faced with a subpoena from Congress, Rove has refused to testify. Unlike Don Siegelman, Karl Rove is breaking the law.
Rove believes that he is not only above the law, but that he controls it. He’s wrong.
Sign our petition. Send Karl Rove to jail.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Whether it's tomatoes, jalapenos, or cilantro, we are in the midst of the largest Salmonella outbreak in the last decade, and the FDA still can't find the source of contamination. This is due at least in part to the inadequate systems FDA has in place for dealing with these sorts of large scale food safety problems.
FDA is currently taking comments on their Food Protection Plan, and we have some very specific suggestions for them. These suggestions include having more FDA inspectors on the ground, having control over where imported food comes from, and having mandatory recall authority.
Submit your comments and demand the FDA to fix their broken system.
--
** National Audubon Society **
Each spring, millions of birds travel thousands of miles from Latin America and the Caribbean to their breeding grounds as far north as the Arctic. Months later, as the temperature drops and winter sets in, these migrants make the long trip back to warmer southern climates. These neotropical migrants face increasing threats—habitat loss, invasive species, disease, and a changing climate. Since its inception in 2002, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has provided millions of dollars for vital conservation efforts, including monitoring efforts, habitat restoration, education, and other projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. But many essential conservation projects remain unfunded.
Please urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor HR 5756, which will reauthorize this vital program with increased funding.
--
** Center for American Progress **
Customs and Border Patrol at the Department of Homeland Security was just given the green light to search and seize laptops at the border, without probable cause, by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. They can deny entry to anyone who refuses to give up their laptops and password. This is an affront to our progressive values of privacy and protection from unwarranted search and seizure.
Join us in demanding that Customs and Border Protection conduct and publish a Privacy Impact Assessment on this policy. People have a right to privacy.
It's time to remove the ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual troops that allow them to serve openly in the military. A measure to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", called The Military Readiness Enhancement Act, has been re-introduced in the US House of Representatives and has received critical support from your representative.
Tell Congress: Repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
--
** Send Karl Rove to Jail **
Karl Rove has made a career out of distorting facts to destroy political rivals. In the case of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, he went even further: he deliberately put a political opponent in prison based on trumped up charges. The GOP couldn’t beat the most successful Democratic politician in recent Alabama history at the ballot box. So instead, at Karl Rove’s direction, the Bush Justice Department used U.S. attorneys to cook up a false criminal case against Siegelman in order to hand the Governor’s Mansion over to the Republican Party.
It’s no surprise that Karl Rove puts politics before due process, democracy and civil rights. That’s why even when faced with a subpoena from Congress, Rove has refused to testify. Unlike Don Siegelman, Karl Rove is breaking the law.
Rove believes that he is not only above the law, but that he controls it. He’s wrong.
Sign our petition. Send Karl Rove to jail.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Whether it's tomatoes, jalapenos, or cilantro, we are in the midst of the largest Salmonella outbreak in the last decade, and the FDA still can't find the source of contamination. This is due at least in part to the inadequate systems FDA has in place for dealing with these sorts of large scale food safety problems.
FDA is currently taking comments on their Food Protection Plan, and we have some very specific suggestions for them. These suggestions include having more FDA inspectors on the ground, having control over where imported food comes from, and having mandatory recall authority.
Submit your comments and demand the FDA to fix their broken system.
--
** National Audubon Society **
Each spring, millions of birds travel thousands of miles from Latin America and the Caribbean to their breeding grounds as far north as the Arctic. Months later, as the temperature drops and winter sets in, these migrants make the long trip back to warmer southern climates. These neotropical migrants face increasing threats—habitat loss, invasive species, disease, and a changing climate. Since its inception in 2002, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act has provided millions of dollars for vital conservation efforts, including monitoring efforts, habitat restoration, education, and other projects in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. But many essential conservation projects remain unfunded.
Please urge your U.S. Representative to cosponsor HR 5756, which will reauthorize this vital program with increased funding.
--
** Center for American Progress **
Customs and Border Patrol at the Department of Homeland Security was just given the green light to search and seize laptops at the border, without probable cause, by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. They can deny entry to anyone who refuses to give up their laptops and password. This is an affront to our progressive values of privacy and protection from unwarranted search and seizure.
Join us in demanding that Customs and Border Protection conduct and publish a Privacy Impact Assessment on this policy. People have a right to privacy.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Your Fight the Right Activist links for June 5, 2008
** True Majority **
You might have heard that the Supreme Court of California ruled that marriage is a fundamental civil right and must not be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation. Now, on June 17th, California is poised to become only the second state in America to practice full marriage equality. Over the past decade the public has rapidly been embracing equal rights and with this clear ruling we finally have an opportunity to put equality over the top.
Now we're coming out. We support full marriage equality.
We all have our own issues: budget priorities, labor rights, reproductive rights, election integrity, telecom immunity, anti-war, pro civil rights, this list goes on and on. But, this is bigger than that. Marriage equality comes down to human rights. That's why we're circulating this open letter for all progressives to take a second to step back from our respective corners and come out in support of same sex marriage.
Sign this open letter for equality today:
www.TrueMajority.org/Equality
--
** Public Citizen **
When scientific research is altered or suppressed, government contractors waste millions of taxpayer dollars, or national security documents are falsified, witnesses need to know that they can blow the whistle without reprisals endangering their careers and their lives.
Last year, strong whistleblower protection bills were passed in both houses of Congress. Now it's time for Congress to finish the job by passing a final bill.
We will continue to push for strongest possible protections for government employees who blow the whistle on waste, fraud and abuse -- and you can still make a difference.
TAKE ACTION: Demand that Congress pass the strongest possible bill for consumers!
--
** VoteVets **
Yesterday, along with officials from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and two Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are battling the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability claims, I attended a hearing and press conference with the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, on issues regarding PTSD diagnosis and claims.
All of this came about because of the work VoteVets.org and CREW did, to expose an email from a Temple, Texas VA administrator urging psychologists to diagnose veterans with "adjustment disorder" over PTSD, as a cost-cutting measure.
Now, we need the Inspector General to expand its investigation into VA procedure, specifically focusing on how we treat those with mental injuries, including how they are diagnosed, why so many are having claims issues, and a pay bonus program that rewards administrators who quickly move veterans from VA care. You cannot imagine the number of stories I have heard, and others have heard, about veterans not getting the proper diagnosis. Even when they do get it, they have far too many problems getting their just disability payment.
SIGN OUR PETITION TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE VA HERE.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The Chinese government and some big agribusiness players want to export processed chicken from China to the U.S. However, the Chinese food safety system doesn't have the best track record. In the past year alone, American consumers have been exposed to dangerous imports ranging from deadly pet food and blood thinners, to toxic toys and fish. Now is not the time to add chicken to the list of imported products from China.
Now is not the time to allow more food from China. Tell Congress to say "No thanks!"
--
** ACLU **
At the prison at Guantánamo Bay, convictions can be based on evidence derived from torture, hearsay and secret evidence. Many of the accused have been held in secret prisons, denied access to lawyers for years and even tortured.
The Guantánamo military commissions are a serious mistake. It's time to shut down Guantánamo Bay, and move proceedings to a civilian court of law or a traditional military court operating in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice where constitutional guarantees apply.
We must also end indefinite detention without charge. Detainees who are not charged or convicted must be sent to countries where they will not be tortured or abused.
--
You might have heard that the Supreme Court of California ruled that marriage is a fundamental civil right and must not be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation. Now, on June 17th, California is poised to become only the second state in America to practice full marriage equality. Over the past decade the public has rapidly been embracing equal rights and with this clear ruling we finally have an opportunity to put equality over the top.
Now we're coming out. We support full marriage equality.
We all have our own issues: budget priorities, labor rights, reproductive rights, election integrity, telecom immunity, anti-war, pro civil rights, this list goes on and on. But, this is bigger than that. Marriage equality comes down to human rights. That's why we're circulating this open letter for all progressives to take a second to step back from our respective corners and come out in support of same sex marriage.
Sign this open letter for equality today:
www.TrueMajority.org/Equality
--
** Public Citizen **
When scientific research is altered or suppressed, government contractors waste millions of taxpayer dollars, or national security documents are falsified, witnesses need to know that they can blow the whistle without reprisals endangering their careers and their lives.
Last year, strong whistleblower protection bills were passed in both houses of Congress. Now it's time for Congress to finish the job by passing a final bill.
We will continue to push for strongest possible protections for government employees who blow the whistle on waste, fraud and abuse -- and you can still make a difference.
TAKE ACTION: Demand that Congress pass the strongest possible bill for consumers!
--
** VoteVets **
Yesterday, along with officials from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and two Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are battling the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability claims, I attended a hearing and press conference with the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, on issues regarding PTSD diagnosis and claims.
All of this came about because of the work VoteVets.org and CREW did, to expose an email from a Temple, Texas VA administrator urging psychologists to diagnose veterans with "adjustment disorder" over PTSD, as a cost-cutting measure.
Now, we need the Inspector General to expand its investigation into VA procedure, specifically focusing on how we treat those with mental injuries, including how they are diagnosed, why so many are having claims issues, and a pay bonus program that rewards administrators who quickly move veterans from VA care. You cannot imagine the number of stories I have heard, and others have heard, about veterans not getting the proper diagnosis. Even when they do get it, they have far too many problems getting their just disability payment.
SIGN OUR PETITION TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE VA HERE.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
The Chinese government and some big agribusiness players want to export processed chicken from China to the U.S. However, the Chinese food safety system doesn't have the best track record. In the past year alone, American consumers have been exposed to dangerous imports ranging from deadly pet food and blood thinners, to toxic toys and fish. Now is not the time to add chicken to the list of imported products from China.
Now is not the time to allow more food from China. Tell Congress to say "No thanks!"
--
** ACLU **
At the prison at Guantánamo Bay, convictions can be based on evidence derived from torture, hearsay and secret evidence. Many of the accused have been held in secret prisons, denied access to lawyers for years and even tortured.
The Guantánamo military commissions are a serious mistake. It's time to shut down Guantánamo Bay, and move proceedings to a civilian court of law or a traditional military court operating in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice where constitutional guarantees apply.
We must also end indefinite detention without charge. Detainees who are not charged or convicted must be sent to countries where they will not be tortured or abused.
--
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Your Fight the Right Activist links for June 3, 2008
** Food and Water Watch **
A deceptive and questionable technology approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration is making its way onto supermarket shelves. Carbon monoxide gas is being used in meat and fish packaging to create a red color typically associated with freshness. Meat treated with carbon monoxide will retain its color and mask spoilage even when improperly stored for weeks at a time.
The worst part is consumers don't know if their meat has been treated with carbon monoxide, because it doesn't have to be labeled. Thankfully a bill has been introduced in Congress (HR 3115) that would require all meat, poultry, and seafood treated with carbon monoxide to be labeled.
Ask your Member of Congress to support this important legislation and demand to let consumers know if carbon monoxide was used in meat packaging!
--
** Free Press **
In his explosive new memoir, former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan reveals that the mainstream media played a prominent role in "enabling" pro-war propaganda: The mainstream media didn't live up to its watchdog reputation, McClellan writes. "If it had, the country would have been better served."
Our democracy is in peril when mainstream media fail to question the official view and put the interests of ordinary Americans first. This watchdog role is especially critical during a time of war.
Please sign this letter to make media more accountable for selling the war.
--
A deceptive and questionable technology approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration is making its way onto supermarket shelves. Carbon monoxide gas is being used in meat and fish packaging to create a red color typically associated with freshness. Meat treated with carbon monoxide will retain its color and mask spoilage even when improperly stored for weeks at a time.
The worst part is consumers don't know if their meat has been treated with carbon monoxide, because it doesn't have to be labeled. Thankfully a bill has been introduced in Congress (HR 3115) that would require all meat, poultry, and seafood treated with carbon monoxide to be labeled.
Ask your Member of Congress to support this important legislation and demand to let consumers know if carbon monoxide was used in meat packaging!
--
** Free Press **
In his explosive new memoir, former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan reveals that the mainstream media played a prominent role in "enabling" pro-war propaganda: The mainstream media didn't live up to its watchdog reputation, McClellan writes. "If it had, the country would have been better served."
Our democracy is in peril when mainstream media fail to question the official view and put the interests of ordinary Americans first. This watchdog role is especially critical during a time of war.
Please sign this letter to make media more accountable for selling the war.
--
Monday, May 19, 2008
Your Fight the Right Activist links for May 19, 2008
** United Farm Workers **
On April 14, a delegation of workers from Beef Northwest met with Whole Foods' Vice-President Edmund La Maccia and presented a copy of the online petition that you and more than 13,000 people signed. During the meeting, the Whole Foods representative said he was moved by the workers' stories. He said he would contact Beef Northwest and urge that they sit down with the UFW to resolve this issue. He told the workers he'd let us know how Beef Northwest responded.
His promises excited the workers. However, it appears they were only words. To date, Whole Foods is back to ignoring the UFW’s e-mails and phone calls.
Send Whole Foods an e-mail today. It's time for Whole Foods to do the right thing and not just talk.
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
The federal government is once again proposing to allow longline fishing for swordfish in the waters off California and Oregon. Longlining, in which a single vessel can lay out over 60 miles of line and 1,000 hooks at a time, is one of the most destructive fishing practices ever invented. In addition to depleting the oceans of the targeted swordfish and tuna, longlines hook, entangle, and kill tens of thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks. The critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle has been reduced from over 100,000 nesting females to fewer than 3,000 over the past 25 years, primarily due to the impacts of longline fishing.
Swordfish longlining has been banned in waters off the West Coast since 2004, following a successful lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity. Just last summer, the Center led opposition to a proposal to allow an experimental longline fishery in these waters, which are crucial to the Pacific leatherback. Even though the California Coastal Commission has already denied that proposal before, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the permit applicant are once again pushing to allow longline fishing in these waters.
Please let the agency know that you oppose the introduction of this deadly fishing gear to the West Coast by submitting comments on the proposed fishing permit.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Rather than admit to chronic staffing and funding shortfalls, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed outsourcing some of its inspection duties to "third parties." The enforcement of federal food safety standards is too important a job to hand off to the private sector.
Tell the FDA not to shirk its responsibility to protect the U.S. food supply.
--
On April 14, a delegation of workers from Beef Northwest met with Whole Foods' Vice-President Edmund La Maccia and presented a copy of the online petition that you and more than 13,000 people signed. During the meeting, the Whole Foods representative said he was moved by the workers' stories. He said he would contact Beef Northwest and urge that they sit down with the UFW to resolve this issue. He told the workers he'd let us know how Beef Northwest responded.
His promises excited the workers. However, it appears they were only words. To date, Whole Foods is back to ignoring the UFW’s e-mails and phone calls.
Send Whole Foods an e-mail today. It's time for Whole Foods to do the right thing and not just talk.
--
** Center for Biological Diversity **
The federal government is once again proposing to allow longline fishing for swordfish in the waters off California and Oregon. Longlining, in which a single vessel can lay out over 60 miles of line and 1,000 hooks at a time, is one of the most destructive fishing practices ever invented. In addition to depleting the oceans of the targeted swordfish and tuna, longlines hook, entangle, and kill tens of thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks. The critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle has been reduced from over 100,000 nesting females to fewer than 3,000 over the past 25 years, primarily due to the impacts of longline fishing.
Swordfish longlining has been banned in waters off the West Coast since 2004, following a successful lawsuit by the Center for Biological Diversity. Just last summer, the Center led opposition to a proposal to allow an experimental longline fishery in these waters, which are crucial to the Pacific leatherback. Even though the California Coastal Commission has already denied that proposal before, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the permit applicant are once again pushing to allow longline fishing in these waters.
Please let the agency know that you oppose the introduction of this deadly fishing gear to the West Coast by submitting comments on the proposed fishing permit.
--
** Food and Water Watch **
Rather than admit to chronic staffing and funding shortfalls, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed outsourcing some of its inspection duties to "third parties." The enforcement of federal food safety standards is too important a job to hand off to the private sector.
Tell the FDA not to shirk its responsibility to protect the U.S. food supply.
--
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Your 5 Minute Activist Links for April 23, 2008
** United Farm Workers **
Multiculturalism is a basic American concept. We value the beliefs, traditions, customs, arts, history and folklore of the diverse cultures reflected throughout our nation. All this is being put at risk in Arizona, where last week the Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to a routine homeland security bill, SB 1108 that would prohibit students at the state’s public universities and community colleges from organizing groups based on race (ie: groups such as MEChA, the Black Business Students Association, Native Americans United, etc.)
According to newspaper reports, Rep. John Kavanagh, (R-Scottsdale), a supporter of the measure called these campus organizations, "'self-defeating' and 'self-destructive' for students."
If you live in Arizona, e-mail your representatives immediately as well as the Speaker of the House. If you live outside Arizona, please e-mail the Arizona Speaker of the House today and let him know the eyes of the nation are on Arizona.
Please take action today. This bill could reach the Arizona House floor as early as this week.
** Food and Water Watch **
Already in 2008 we've seen the largest recall in U.S. history from the Hallmark/Westland meat plant, and this isn't an isolated incident. Whether it was spinach, ground beef, peanut butter, or frozen pot pies, last year was the year of recalls. Throughout all of these recalls consumers had no way of finding out where these recalled products were sold or distributed. Thankfully, we have an opportunity to change that.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has introduced a bill which would require the USDA to tell us which stores and schools received recalled meat.
We've got a good chance of getting this passed, but we need to gain as much support for the bill as possible. Can you ask your member of Congress to become a co-sponsor of this important bill?
** Center for Biological Diversity **
By June 30th, the federal government will make one of the most important decisions in conservation history. If it declares the polar bear to be an "endangered" species, the decision will set off an unprecedented worldwide discussion on global warming.
If the government refuses, desperately needed global action will again be delayed by U.S. stubbornness. Short-term corporate profits will continue to control political agendas and threaten life on earth. All of life on earth.
It will all happen -- or not -- by June 30th. Make it happen. Sign our petition today and pass it on.
** Change to Win **
The incompetent boobs in the Department of Homeland Security is proposing using Social Security "no-match" letters for immigration enforcement. Every year, employers report their employees' Social Security numbers to the government as part of the process of paying their payroll taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) checks those numbers against their database; if they don't match, a so-called "no-match" letter is sent by SSA to the employer.
That works well enough when the issue is just checking the accuracy of Social Security's records. But now DHS is proposing to use this system for something far more critical -- identifying whether a worker is in this country legally. And the Social Security database just isn't accurate enough to be used reliably for that purpose.
Why isn't it? The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration estimates that there are more than 17 million errors in the database -- each of which would trigger a "no-match" letter. And more than 70% of those errors are in the records of legal, native-born American workers.
If you're one of those workers, when the "no-match" letter arrives, it's up to you and your employer -- not DHS or Social Security -- to resolve the "discrepancy". And if you can't get it resolved in time, your employer is required to fire you or risk significant penalties.
If DHS goes forward with this plan, it would cause thousands of people to be fired on an unverified hunch that an error in a database in Washington means that you're not a legal, authorized worker.
The Department of Homeland Security needs to hear from you that this is unacceptable. Tell DHS to Say No to No-Match
Multiculturalism is a basic American concept. We value the beliefs, traditions, customs, arts, history and folklore of the diverse cultures reflected throughout our nation. All this is being put at risk in Arizona, where last week the Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to a routine homeland security bill, SB 1108 that would prohibit students at the state’s public universities and community colleges from organizing groups based on race (ie: groups such as MEChA, the Black Business Students Association, Native Americans United, etc.)
According to newspaper reports, Rep. John Kavanagh, (R-Scottsdale), a supporter of the measure called these campus organizations, "'self-defeating' and 'self-destructive' for students."
If you live in Arizona, e-mail your representatives immediately as well as the Speaker of the House. If you live outside Arizona, please e-mail the Arizona Speaker of the House today and let him know the eyes of the nation are on Arizona.
Please take action today. This bill could reach the Arizona House floor as early as this week.
** Food and Water Watch **
Already in 2008 we've seen the largest recall in U.S. history from the Hallmark/Westland meat plant, and this isn't an isolated incident. Whether it was spinach, ground beef, peanut butter, or frozen pot pies, last year was the year of recalls. Throughout all of these recalls consumers had no way of finding out where these recalled products were sold or distributed. Thankfully, we have an opportunity to change that.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has introduced a bill which would require the USDA to tell us which stores and schools received recalled meat.
We've got a good chance of getting this passed, but we need to gain as much support for the bill as possible. Can you ask your member of Congress to become a co-sponsor of this important bill?
** Center for Biological Diversity **
By June 30th, the federal government will make one of the most important decisions in conservation history. If it declares the polar bear to be an "endangered" species, the decision will set off an unprecedented worldwide discussion on global warming.
If the government refuses, desperately needed global action will again be delayed by U.S. stubbornness. Short-term corporate profits will continue to control political agendas and threaten life on earth. All of life on earth.
It will all happen -- or not -- by June 30th. Make it happen. Sign our petition today and pass it on.
** Change to Win **
The incompetent boobs in the Department of Homeland Security is proposing using Social Security "no-match" letters for immigration enforcement. Every year, employers report their employees' Social Security numbers to the government as part of the process of paying their payroll taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) checks those numbers against their database; if they don't match, a so-called "no-match" letter is sent by SSA to the employer.
That works well enough when the issue is just checking the accuracy of Social Security's records. But now DHS is proposing to use this system for something far more critical -- identifying whether a worker is in this country legally. And the Social Security database just isn't accurate enough to be used reliably for that purpose.
Why isn't it? The Inspector General of the Social Security Administration estimates that there are more than 17 million errors in the database -- each of which would trigger a "no-match" letter. And more than 70% of those errors are in the records of legal, native-born American workers.
If you're one of those workers, when the "no-match" letter arrives, it's up to you and your employer -- not DHS or Social Security -- to resolve the "discrepancy". And if you can't get it resolved in time, your employer is required to fire you or risk significant penalties.
If DHS goes forward with this plan, it would cause thousands of people to be fired on an unverified hunch that an error in a database in Washington means that you're not a legal, authorized worker.
The Department of Homeland Security needs to hear from you that this is unacceptable. Tell DHS to Say No to No-Match
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Your 5 Minute Activist Links for March 18, 2008
** PETA **
Every year in Canada, hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals are mercilessly slaughtered for their skins, and we want you to help get this cruel practice banned by signing PETA's seal petition.
Add your name to the petition urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to end Canada's cruel seal hunt.
** NRDC **
We must halt the brutal killing of Yellowstone’s buffalo by the National Park Service and Montana’s Department of Livestock. It is unconscionable that more than 1,000 buffalo from America’s last wild, free-roaming herd have been sent to the slaughterhouse this winter. Tell the National Park Service to be the guardian of our country’s wild bison.
** Food and Water Watch **
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule that would let factory farms get out of reporting their releases of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic air pollutants caused by the breakdown of animal manure in massive lagoons. We have a right to know what toxic chemicals we're being exposed to.
** AVAAZ **
After decades of repression under Chinese rule, the Tibetan people's frustrations have burst onto the streets in protests and riots. With the spotlight of the upcoming Olympic Games now on China, Tibetans are crying out to the world for change.
Sign the Petition and tell the Chinese government to respect Tibetans demand for change.
Every year in Canada, hundreds of thousands of baby harp seals are mercilessly slaughtered for their skins, and we want you to help get this cruel practice banned by signing PETA's seal petition.
Add your name to the petition urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to end Canada's cruel seal hunt.
** NRDC **
We must halt the brutal killing of Yellowstone’s buffalo by the National Park Service and Montana’s Department of Livestock. It is unconscionable that more than 1,000 buffalo from America’s last wild, free-roaming herd have been sent to the slaughterhouse this winter. Tell the National Park Service to be the guardian of our country’s wild bison.
** Food and Water Watch **
The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule that would let factory farms get out of reporting their releases of ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and other toxic air pollutants caused by the breakdown of animal manure in massive lagoons. We have a right to know what toxic chemicals we're being exposed to.
** AVAAZ **
After decades of repression under Chinese rule, the Tibetan people's frustrations have burst onto the streets in protests and riots. With the spotlight of the upcoming Olympic Games now on China, Tibetans are crying out to the world for change.
Sign the Petition and tell the Chinese government to respect Tibetans demand for change.
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