A friend at the DCCC blog emailed this link--it brings home the protests in Washington against the Sudanese government--protests that have included the arrest of US elected officials from both parties, as well as religious leaders from many difference congregations, plus entertainers who are able to bring needed attention to the genocide.
Guest Post: Joe Hoeffel on SudanJoe Hoeffel is the Congressman from Pennsylvania's 13th District. He is currently a candidate for the US Senate in Pennsylvania.
Yesterday my wife Francesca and I were arrested at the Sudanese Embassy as part of the daily protests directed at the Sudanese government for the genocide in Darfur Province encouraged by the government of Sudan. Also arrested was activist Dick Gregory who told us he has gone to jail 300 times for advocating his beliefs and protesting government actions. While it was an uncomfortable experience to be handcuffed, and to lose our personal freedom for one hour, the time was well spent listening to Dick Gregory’s experiences and recognizing his continued enthusiasm for progressive issues.
Obviously, our participation in the protest and agreement to be arrested was a small act of conscience, with the arrest pre-arranged and no physical danger or confrontation of any kind. The real danger continues every day in Darfur Province, where the Sudanese government allows the Arab militias to continue their raping, murder, and mayhem against innocent black Africans. This ethnic cleansing, based in part upon racial differences and in part upon religious differences, is continuing and must be stopped. It is a hateful genocide that must be recognized for what it is. It is time for the United Nations Security Council to take whatever action necessary to stop the violence and bring humanitarian relief to the people of Sudan. There is not a moment to lose.
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