Readers,
Thursday, July 23rd, I lobbied for Obama's public option-inclusive health care plan with Organizing for America at the Federal Building at 125 south State in Salt Lake. I was chosen to lead the health care lobbying group. After security checks by somewhat hostile guards we were whisked to the Senate conference room, wherein which we (ten or so individuals) met with Senator Robert Bennett's health care aid. Small Business owners, a union representative, and insurance employees made up the contingent who spoke in support of Obama's health care plan- a plan which Senator Bennett's DC aid told me that Bennett doesn't support.
A retired Army veteran, Allan, posited that his wife's health care premiums rose drastically every year and that the costs were becoming too high to bear. He asserted that socialized medicine already existed in Utah- the Millitary's Cobra plan, which he thought highly of. He could've mentioned that Medicare is already a viable public option for older individuals.
Marlyn Smith, an insurance company employee, said that her insurance company-not identified, cut coverage for a baby that developed cancer,a common practice utilized to save money. She also near-laughingly asserted that she was told that she was "uncoverable" because of mild arthritis.
Lewis, a mental health-insurance employee, said that he saw many individuals who were forced to go to the ER due to lack of coverage, a practice which he said costs "$1,000 a visit". Lewis remarked that the number of kids an individual has sometimes determines their coverage eligibility, a fact which he found baffling. He said reform was needed because our current system was ineffectual, cost too much and was inferior to "socialized health care systems."
Jim, the Western Representative for an international Boiler worker's union, said that employees involved in boiler production,who had wive's with cancer, couldn't acquire insurance for their wives. He endorsed single-payer health insurance- health insurance run entirely by the government, without insurance companies. He said that the workers he represents are forced to pay over $8.00 an hour towards their health insurance, a cost that has skyrocketed from $3.45 an hour in 2001.
I couldn't catch everyone's names and stories, because the meeting was rushed and full of journalists. An owner of a small publishing company told me that health care costs were hurting her business and a real estate agent spoke of her consistent troubles with her insurance coverage. Everyone at the table agreed that a viable health care policy needed to include a public option that would be implemented immediately, cover everyone, exclude no-one for pre-existing conditions, and be entirely government run. Bennett's aid seemingly flinched when a public option was mentioned- the likelihood of Bennett supporting the imitative is not high. This meeting demonstrated that some Utah small business owners support Obama's plan and that this support stretched across the spectrum of employment.
As of today, I can't find a single reference to the lobby, even though the Deseret news, and Channels 2 & 5 covered it. I'll post pictures if I can find them.
Also, violence in the Congo continues as the government tries to expel ex-Hutu genocidaires from their country. 35,000 more civillians have been displaced from the fighting. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/07/25/congo.conflict.refugees/
Today was the Global day for human rights in Iran. I took part in a rally at 2100 south and state to support the pro-democracy movement in Iran. A few dozen people showed up and chanted pro-democracy slogans for 2 hours. I lead the chanting via megaphone. I saw many more non-Persian people at this rally. I hope the rally will remind our legislatures, and fellow Utahns, that human rights in Utah are inexorably tied to those in Iran, in fact, all human rights are interconnected.
Thanks for reading,
Cameron
Me
So happy
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
"The election was cooked"
Readers,
Today, several STAND members, including myself, attended the "What is Happening Inside Iran" lecture at the SLC Library. Farideh Farhi, a distinguished professor and author, gave a long, informative, and sometimes circuitous lecture about the internal dynamics of the protests and subsequent crackdown in Iran. I will summarize some of her most important points for the benefit of those who haven't had a chance to hear her speak.
-"The Election [in Iran] was cooked" She said this to express her conviction that the election wasn't simply rigged, tweaked, or manipulated, but was a complete fraud. She firmly asserted that Moussavi (MHM) was elected by the Iranian people, but that his rightful victory was stolen. To back up her claims, Farhi notes that historically a turnout over %60 would go to the Reformists camp and that the turnout in the recent election was %80, so consequently, it is unlikely that Ahmadinejad (MA) won. She mentioned that Reformist candidates in Iran have to win the majority of votes + "4-5 million more" to secure an electoral victory. I thought it was interesting that she didn't mention voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, and other electoral back-handed actions in detail.
Farhi stated that the 2009 election was unique in many ways, one of which being that the debates between MA and MHM were heated, widely viewed, and very personal. She also expressed shock that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini changed the nature of his office and made a very public endorsement of MA and mr. MA's victory. Farhi insists that the government in Iran is schismed and that the protests keep happening, much to the chagrin of the Revolutionary Guards.
I thought that it was especially interesting that reformists are starting to chant "death to Russia" rather than the traditional mantra "death to America". Of note is that, according to Farhi, neither Moussavi or Ahmadinejadwould be willing to stop Iran's nuclear enrichment program and Farhi asserts that it is Iran's right to enrich under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which Iran is party to. Mr. Ahmadinejad and Moussavi differ on their approach to foreign policy, however, with the former preferring a bellicose interaction with the west and the latter preferring a softer approach.
I wish that it were mentioned that Iran and the U.S. are already engaged in a proxy-war for the most part. Iran has been accused of funding a variety of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and evidence points to the U.S. backing of terrorist groups like the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, an anti-Iranian terrorist group.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm#relations
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/US_outsourcing_special_operations_intelligence_gathering_0413.html
Thanks,
Cameron
Today, several STAND members, including myself, attended the "What is Happening Inside Iran" lecture at the SLC Library. Farideh Farhi, a distinguished professor and author, gave a long, informative, and sometimes circuitous lecture about the internal dynamics of the protests and subsequent crackdown in Iran. I will summarize some of her most important points for the benefit of those who haven't had a chance to hear her speak.
-"The Election [in Iran] was cooked" She said this to express her conviction that the election wasn't simply rigged, tweaked, or manipulated, but was a complete fraud. She firmly asserted that Moussavi (MHM) was elected by the Iranian people, but that his rightful victory was stolen. To back up her claims, Farhi notes that historically a turnout over %60 would go to the Reformists camp and that the turnout in the recent election was %80, so consequently, it is unlikely that Ahmadinejad (MA) won. She mentioned that Reformist candidates in Iran have to win the majority of votes + "4-5 million more" to secure an electoral victory. I thought it was interesting that she didn't mention voting irregularities, ballot stuffing, and other electoral back-handed actions in detail.
Farhi stated that the 2009 election was unique in many ways, one of which being that the debates between MA and MHM were heated, widely viewed, and very personal. She also expressed shock that the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini changed the nature of his office and made a very public endorsement of MA and mr. MA's victory. Farhi insists that the government in Iran is schismed and that the protests keep happening, much to the chagrin of the Revolutionary Guards.
I thought that it was especially interesting that reformists are starting to chant "death to Russia" rather than the traditional mantra "death to America". Of note is that, according to Farhi, neither Moussavi or Ahmadinejadwould be willing to stop Iran's nuclear enrichment program and Farhi asserts that it is Iran's right to enrich under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, which Iran is party to. Mr. Ahmadinejad and Moussavi differ on their approach to foreign policy, however, with the former preferring a bellicose interaction with the west and the latter preferring a softer approach.
I wish that it were mentioned that Iran and the U.S. are already engaged in a proxy-war for the most part. Iran has been accused of funding a variety of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and evidence points to the U.S. backing of terrorist groups like the Mujahedeen-e Khalq, an anti-Iranian terrorist group.
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5314.htm#relations
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/US_outsourcing_special_operations_intelligence_gathering_0413.html
Thanks,
Cameron
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Utah reps fail Burma and U.S. covers up massacre
Friends/Family,
To my utter chagrin, I discovered that no Utah Representative signed on the letter calling for the establishment of a special U.N. inquiry into crimes against humanity in Burma, the likes of which have been established for Darfur, Rwanda, and Yugoslavia. 55 Representatives and 60 members of the British Parliament signed the letter- a historic start to ending the brutal war-crimes perpetrated by the ruling military junta, such as the mass use of child soldiers, systematic village burning, rape, looting, torture and the imprisonment of Nobel Peace Prize Laureat, Aung San Suu Kyi. If this inaction by our elected officials infuriates you, as it does me, please write them about this issue.
***The letter and signatories: http://uscampaignforburma.org/congressletter
http://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml - this website provides a thorough list of ***Congress member's names, contact information and committees they are a member of.
***http://www.gpoaccess.gov/crecord - This web site allows you to view how your congress member voted on recent legislation-including human-rights related bills
Even more shocking, is the report by the New York Times that the Bush Administration played a role in covering up the massacre of Taliban Pow's by Pentagon-backed General Dostum, an Afghanistanian warlord. The Times reports that Pow's were placed in containers that lacked proper ventilation and that numerous pows died and those who did not asphyxiate were shot. These actions represent a violation of the Geneva Conventions, and since the U.S. supported General Dostum, the U.S. is in violation of international law. How is the U.S. ever going to convince governments of nations such as China, Sudan, Burma, and elsewhere to stop committing ubiquitous human rights abuses against their own people if we support murderous warlords like Dostum, who have no respect for human rights? In order to restore our influence and soft power around the world we need to end our hypocritical support for dictators and brutual warlords and firmly adhere to international law and respect for human rights. I will write my representatives to help make sure Congrees denounces this action and calls for an investigation- Obama already has, please join me in this endevour. We can not allow the U.S. to violate human rights on this scale.
Picture of Burmese child-soldier from:http://scanned.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/burma-diary.jpg
Thank you for reading,
Cameron
Friday, July 10, 2009
Lobbying at the capital, listening to the movers and shakers
Readers,
I returned from D.C. at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon. I spent the last week attending the Campus Progress Conferences and lobbying congressmembers at the Capital. I had the distinct oppurtunity to listen to influential speakers such as: President Bill Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, John Prendergast-co-founder of the Enough Project, Adam-Sterling- founder of the Sudanese Divestment Task Force, and Katherine Sebelius, amongst other notable individuals. I will provide a summary of their speeches, my interaction with some of them, and my impressions/thoughts from lobbying for health-care reform and the Congo Conflict Minerals Act of 209 (CCMA).
Firstly, I spoke with a Foreign Service Employee from the State Department named Dan. He opened my eyes in regards to several topics. To start, he suggested that non-profit organizations that receive funding from the government, i. e. the IRC, Care, and Save the Children, amongst others, may be prone to avoid certain countries because of ideological reasons, i.e. they may avoid Iran because of strained relations between Iran and the U.S. He mentioned that Oxfam was an exception to this trend. Secondly, he cautioned against joining the UNHCR (a favored organization of mine) because some UNHCR officials (he stressed that this was not the case for all officials) are "lazy...over paid..." and don't "give a damn" about the fate of refugees. He stressed that organizations like USAID have to make extremely difficult and politicized decisions regarding aid distribution, citing the aid axiom that if you provide aid to one tribal group in a divided region you may cause tension between that group and another group who didn't receive the aid for whatever reason. I am sickened and not surprised to learn that aid can be a tool in Realpolitik.
Here are summaries from speeches at the Campus Progress National .
John Prendergast (enoughproject.org
-Emphasised Sister School Program- American schools are paired with 72 impoverished schools in Chad and basketball stars, such as Derik Fisher of the Lakers, help fund the schools in Chad. The program helps American students connect with students a world away while improving the conditions at Chadian schools
-There are 250,00 refugees in Chad at this time
-Emphasised the connection between tin, tantalum and tin and the violence in eastern Congo.
explained the minerals use in cell phones accordingly:
Tin: For use in Circuit Boards
Tungsten: the buzzing sound cell phones emit
Tantalum- Effectively cools off the circuit board
*All 3 minerals, along with Gold, are illegally mined by roving genocidal militias in eastern Congo. Electronic companies pay the militias for the minerals, thus inundating the militias with millions of dollars that the militias use to buy weapons.
* Over 5.4 million have died in the Congo since 1998- making the Congolese war the deadliest since WWII and the worst place in the world to be a woman
*Militias in E. Congo receive $180 million a year from the illegal mineral trade
-The solution: The Congo Conflict Minerals ACT of 2009- passage pending, help support this bill!
Van Jones- Obama's Energy Secretary
-90 % of Scientists agree on global warming (that it is real and exacerbated by mankind)
-Wind Turbine production will create a plethora of jobs, each turbine has 8,000 intricate parts
-He remarked that Obama is as inspired by us as much as we are by him
-He states that China was pouring 12 million an hour into green energy, but that the U.S. will undergo the process in a better way.
-Governement funding for green energy will serve as the impetus to a consumer-driven "green-revolution"
Katherine Sebelius- HHS Secretary
-U.S. spends 2x more on health care per person than any other developed nation and is lacking in results
-12,00 American are loosing their health insurance every day
-4 million more children have health insurance since Obama took office
Nancy Pelosi: HOR Speaker
- 80 % reduction in carbon dioxide emission by 2050
-Accelerated student loan forgiveness for engaging in public service
- A Public- option inclusive comprehensive health care bill will be introduced before the August break ( I would be amazed if this happened, more power to Pelosi though)
-" We will take insurance companies out from between you and your doctor."
Bill Clinton
-Building wind turbines creates more jobs than building coal plants
-We must change our delievery system
-Figure out the "how" in regards to making things more efficient
-Posited that "every storm in Haiti is like Hurricane Katrina"
John Oliver- the Daily Show
-The U.S. has no excuse not to cover every American (health care)
-The British health care system is flawed, but is more fair
-Beck and Limbaugh provide "bone-chilling meandering"
Over 1300 people showed up to the National Conference and some hundred or so people lobbied in the Capital. I personally lobbied the aides of Senators Hatch, Bennett, Wydon, Cantwell and Dirksen. I lobbied for public-option inclusive health care reform mostly- it is a cause I feel strongly about since I have seen the devastating effects of not having health insurance.
The conference was enlightening, it furthered my resolve to engage in the political process by expanding my local communities knowledge on the subject and possibly, running for office myself. My favorite speakers were John Prendergast and Nancy Pelosi, the former's organization is my favorite non-profit and the latter is so passionate about helping the average American.
* I recommend Naomi Wolf's, Give me Liberty, it a great read.Iran Rally-July 11th, 2009
-My friend Dave and I joined the Iranian Solidarity rally today from 11-1 at 400 south and state. A fairly solid number of people showed up (30 or so) and we chanted and held signs. Channel 5 news covered us and some local photographers were present. I lead the chant for a while and lost my voice. I lament the fact that the Iranian crisis and the Honduran coup, amongst other notable stories, have been buried by the overwhelming coverage of Michael Jackson- A man which, though talented, does not deserve this much media coverage. Gandhi, MLK jr, Bhutto- the deserve this kind of coverage.
Well, this is it for now. I will keep you posted, thanks for reading.
-Cameron
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Utah evolves, the A.U. endorses Genocide, DC
Hey,
After a long and very entertaining week I thought I'd blog about some recent events that have heartened and sickened me. I figure I'll speak on Utah issues first, since it hits close to home.
Utah
I) SEX
***Utah legislatures are considering a bill that will give parents the choice between having their children learn abstinence-only education or abstinence-based education with additional information about contraceptives. When I read about this I was flummoxed! The Utah legislature actually believes that it is wise and rational to follow current research and to reject the notion that abstinence-only education works!!! We have evolved folks!
***This informative article by Open Education, proponents of comprehensive sex-education, details a expansive list of research which demonstrates that abstinence-only education not only doesn't keep teenagers from having sex, as compared to another teaching method, but increases the likelihood that the aforementioned population will not protect themselves while having sex. http://www.openeducation.net/2009/01/05/abstinence-only-sex-education-statistics-final-nail-in-the-coffin/ Planned Parenthood (PP) thoroughly documents evidence that suggests Abstinence-only education discourages the use of condoms for those who do engage in sex and leaves the teenager less informed about sexuality in general. Also, P.P. quotes a Surgeon General report that states that comprehensive sex-ed doesn't increase one's likely hood of engaging in sex or in engaging in sex earlier than individuals who were exposed to abstinence-only education. See this site for more info:http://www.ppacca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuJYJeO4F&b=139536
*** STI's like Chlamydia are on the rise in Utah, with recent research documenting a %50 increase in the 5 years leading up to 2007. http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-8277-birds-bees-and-stds.html STI's are a huge problem in Utah and our Representatives need to align their positions with that of the panoply of research that clearly supports comprehensive sex-education. I urge you to contact your Utah legislatures and make sure they know that you want your child, your friend's child, your family members, etc to receive the best information possible to allow them to make a safe and responsible decision when engaging in sexual activity.
II) Clubs
*** On a more succinct note, private memberships in utah bars and clubs is no longer mandated by the state of Utah. I applaud this move, because it will attract tourism and instrumentally positively affect the economy of Salt Lake City. Bravo Utah legislatures.
World
I) The AU endorses Genocide
***Recently, the African Union has promulgated publicly that they, as a regional body, will support Sudan against the International Criminal Court's indictment against their dictator in chief Omar-al Bashir. Bashir has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during his current reign as genocidal dictator of Sudan. Institutions and individuals as diverse as the U.S. Congress, Colin Powell, the U.N., the Enough Project, Save Darfur Coalition, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have either declared Bashir's Sudan guilty of genocide or at least genocidal crimes.
*** The AU claims that the west should stay out of Africa's business and to let Africa's many states decide who is guilty of crimes of any sort. This claim lacks credibility and is dubious at the least- Africa in general accepts countless millions of dollars in aid from Western Countries every year, and this aid doesn't take into account the untold logistical support, business development, and other services that western NGO's provide in African States. If the A.U. really is credulous in its claim that the west should not meddle in Africa then I have to wonder if the A.U. would be ok with the consequences of such- the deprivation of billions in aid and tourism, etc. It is clear that the AU doesn't want the ICC to intervene it its affairs because so many African heads of state have blood on their hands- see Mugabe of Zimbabwe- and do not want the ICC to arrest them as well. The A.U. thinly veils this caution by saying that the ICC should suspend it's indictment for the benefit of the Sudanese people- to assist in the fragile peace process. This is a unfunny joke because there is no peace process to speak of, the Gov. of Sudan has time and time again broke the CPA and has continued its indiscriminate attacks on Darfuri civilians and other polices which contribute to the suffering of non-Arab blacks in Sudan. http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/10267
*** African states can still act independently and Bashir may still get arrested, as is obligated under the Rome charter that the 53 member states signed, if Bashir travels to their country. In fact, Zuma- President of S. Africa indicated that he might call for the arrest of Bashir if the dictator travels to the country (see link above). The AU looses credibility if it refuses to extradite Bashir for his massive crimes against humanity in Darfur and South Sudan- I hope that member states will disregard the AU's decision and arrest Bashir if he travels to their respective countries.
II) The Green Revolution
***The "Green Revolution" is still ongoing in Iran as major reformists like Moussavi and Khatami document evidence of massive fraud in the recent election and a group of clerics in Qum follow suit by saying the election was illegitimate and thus that the current government is not legitimate. This is significant because a growing number of clerics are standing up against the previously indisputable word of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The protests are being noticed by the religious establishment in Iran and they are backing the reformists. I commend the clerics of Qum for their brave and just stance and hope a new and fair election is called in Iran. My Persian brothers and sisters deserve a free and transparent Iran. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/world/middleeast/05iran.html
DC
*** On Monday I am flying out to DC to attend the Campus Progress National Conference and Grassroots activism conference. I will hear speeches from Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, John Prendergast(!!!) and many other notable speakers. More importantly, on Thursday I get to help lead a group of individuals who will lobby Senators and Representatives at the Capitol about health care reform, a cause that I am passionate about. I have a new digital camera so I will post pictures and update my blog when I get a chance. I am enthused to go to DC and to hopefully make a bit of a difference.
Keep active, keep thinking, live deliberately.
-Cameron
After a long and very entertaining week I thought I'd blog about some recent events that have heartened and sickened me. I figure I'll speak on Utah issues first, since it hits close to home.
Utah
I) SEX
***Utah legislatures are considering a bill that will give parents the choice between having their children learn abstinence-only education or abstinence-based education with additional information about contraceptives. When I read about this I was flummoxed! The Utah legislature actually believes that it is wise and rational to follow current research and to reject the notion that abstinence-only education works!!! We have evolved folks!
***This informative article by Open Education, proponents of comprehensive sex-education, details a expansive list of research which demonstrates that abstinence-only education not only doesn't keep teenagers from having sex, as compared to another teaching method, but increases the likelihood that the aforementioned population will not protect themselves while having sex. http://www.openeducation.net/2009/01/05/abstinence-only-sex-education-statistics-final-nail-in-the-coffin/ Planned Parenthood (PP) thoroughly documents evidence that suggests Abstinence-only education discourages the use of condoms for those who do engage in sex and leaves the teenager less informed about sexuality in general. Also, P.P. quotes a Surgeon General report that states that comprehensive sex-ed doesn't increase one's likely hood of engaging in sex or in engaging in sex earlier than individuals who were exposed to abstinence-only education. See this site for more info:http://www.ppacca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuJYJeO4F&b=139536
*** STI's like Chlamydia are on the rise in Utah, with recent research documenting a %50 increase in the 5 years leading up to 2007. http://www.cityweekly.net/utah/article-8277-birds-bees-and-stds.html STI's are a huge problem in Utah and our Representatives need to align their positions with that of the panoply of research that clearly supports comprehensive sex-education. I urge you to contact your Utah legislatures and make sure they know that you want your child, your friend's child, your family members, etc to receive the best information possible to allow them to make a safe and responsible decision when engaging in sexual activity.
II) Clubs
*** On a more succinct note, private memberships in utah bars and clubs is no longer mandated by the state of Utah. I applaud this move, because it will attract tourism and instrumentally positively affect the economy of Salt Lake City. Bravo Utah legislatures.
World
I) The AU endorses Genocide
***Recently, the African Union has promulgated publicly that they, as a regional body, will support Sudan against the International Criminal Court's indictment against their dictator in chief Omar-al Bashir. Bashir has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during his current reign as genocidal dictator of Sudan. Institutions and individuals as diverse as the U.S. Congress, Colin Powell, the U.N., the Enough Project, Save Darfur Coalition, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have either declared Bashir's Sudan guilty of genocide or at least genocidal crimes.
*** The AU claims that the west should stay out of Africa's business and to let Africa's many states decide who is guilty of crimes of any sort. This claim lacks credibility and is dubious at the least- Africa in general accepts countless millions of dollars in aid from Western Countries every year, and this aid doesn't take into account the untold logistical support, business development, and other services that western NGO's provide in African States. If the A.U. really is credulous in its claim that the west should not meddle in Africa then I have to wonder if the A.U. would be ok with the consequences of such- the deprivation of billions in aid and tourism, etc. It is clear that the AU doesn't want the ICC to intervene it its affairs because so many African heads of state have blood on their hands- see Mugabe of Zimbabwe- and do not want the ICC to arrest them as well. The A.U. thinly veils this caution by saying that the ICC should suspend it's indictment for the benefit of the Sudanese people- to assist in the fragile peace process. This is a unfunny joke because there is no peace process to speak of, the Gov. of Sudan has time and time again broke the CPA and has continued its indiscriminate attacks on Darfuri civilians and other polices which contribute to the suffering of non-Arab blacks in Sudan. http://www.ethiopianreview.com/content/10267
*** African states can still act independently and Bashir may still get arrested, as is obligated under the Rome charter that the 53 member states signed, if Bashir travels to their country. In fact, Zuma- President of S. Africa indicated that he might call for the arrest of Bashir if the dictator travels to the country (see link above). The AU looses credibility if it refuses to extradite Bashir for his massive crimes against humanity in Darfur and South Sudan- I hope that member states will disregard the AU's decision and arrest Bashir if he travels to their respective countries.
II) The Green Revolution
***The "Green Revolution" is still ongoing in Iran as major reformists like Moussavi and Khatami document evidence of massive fraud in the recent election and a group of clerics in Qum follow suit by saying the election was illegitimate and thus that the current government is not legitimate. This is significant because a growing number of clerics are standing up against the previously indisputable word of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The protests are being noticed by the religious establishment in Iran and they are backing the reformists. I commend the clerics of Qum for their brave and just stance and hope a new and fair election is called in Iran. My Persian brothers and sisters deserve a free and transparent Iran. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/world/middleeast/05iran.html
DC
*** On Monday I am flying out to DC to attend the Campus Progress National Conference and Grassroots activism conference. I will hear speeches from Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, John Prendergast(!!!) and many other notable speakers. More importantly, on Thursday I get to help lead a group of individuals who will lobby Senators and Representatives at the Capitol about health care reform, a cause that I am passionate about. I have a new digital camera so I will post pictures and update my blog when I get a chance. I am enthused to go to DC and to hopefully make a bit of a difference.
Keep active, keep thinking, live deliberately.
-Cameron
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