Darfur

As Zimbabwe undergoes an economic crisis, the people of Darfur continue to suffer in spades.  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) runs refugee camps on the Darfur -Chad boarder.  George Clooney and his father recently visited some of the camps (like or dislike Clooney, he and his father are at least trying to bring this issue to the forefront).  You can view their online diary by clicking on the following website: http://www.theirc.org/where/page.jsp?itemID=28857977

And You Thought Gas Prices Were Bad – Try Buying Toilet Paper in Zimbabwe

The New York Times reported today that in Zimbabwe, inflation has gone up 900%.  According to the New York Times article (5/2/06) How Bad is Inflation in Zimbabwe?, Michael Wines reports the following:

“Well, consider this: at a supermarket near the center of this tatterdemalion capital, toilet paper costs $417.  No, not per roll. Four hundred seventeen Zimbabwean dollars is the value of a single two-ply sheet. A roll costs $145,750 – in American currency, about 69 cents.”

With the Zimbabwe government on the brink of economic collapse, survival items are quickly turning into luxury items.  The government’s answer, as reported by VOA News (found on ZWNews.com), is to print 600 trillion Zimbabwe dollars to help pay for military and civil employees.  In addition, military leaders are now in charge of much of economic policy making.

The country is seemingly spinning out of control as the government tightens its reigns, which perhaps is not the best policy but more of a reaction to the loss of control.  For more coverage on the situation in Zimbabwe, click to The Zimbabwe Situation, an online clearinghouse for news and information: http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/ http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/

A Day of Protests

Today, all around the US, protests were taking place.  A majority of them were immigration protests.  But, in Washington DC, the protests focused on the genocide in Darfur. 

Several cities saw great numbers today in support of better immigration policies, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and New York.  In addition to the protests, people were urged to close their business, or not go to work, in a show of solidarity.  Personally, the only store I noticed closed today was my favorite pizzaria, but I’m not sure if they were closed because of the protests or because they are simply closed on Mondays.  Although, the abandoning work idea seemed a bit thin, the protests attracted a lot of people.

In Darfur, it is estimated that over 200,000 people have been killed and 2 million are living in refugee camps.  The House and Senate have approved billions of dollars in aid to Sudan as well as pushing peacekeeping missions.  Protesters gathered at the National Mall to make it clear that not enough is being done to stop the genocide.  For a full report, log onto PBS’s Online Newshour report: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/africa/darfur/rally.html

I must say, I am glad that Americans are taking to the streets, peacefully, and letting their voices be heard, especially around issues as varied as immigration and Darfur.  So, when will we take to the streets about the Iraqi war, impending situation in Iran, and the corruption in the administration?  Let's keep our voices heard for our country and for the world.   

Iran

I am nothing close to an expert on Iran, but I was very disheartened to read Steve Clemon’s article on a conversation he had with a former foreign minister.  Please link to read it:  www.thewashingtonnote.com.  The situation becomes more delicate with each passing day.

The Sunlight Foundation

The Washington Post (4/26/06) reported on a new organization, The Sunlight Foundation that just opened.  The Sunlight Foundation is meant to bring transparency to government – something sorely needed.  Also a part of the initiative is Congresspedia.  The Sunlight Foundation's goal is:

"… is to use revolutionary power of the Internet and new information technology to enable citizens to learn more about what Congress and their elected representatives are doing, and thus help reduce corruption, ensure greater transparency and accountability by government, and foster public trust in the vital institutions of democracy."

Way to go Micah and all those involved!