I could make several points to argue that it's in our own interest to help Darfur. Turmoil there is already destabilizing all of Sudan and neighboring Chad as well, both oil-exporting countries. And failed states nurture terrorists like Osama bin Laden and diseases like polio, while exporting refugees and hijackers. But there's an even better argument: Magboula, a woman I met at the Kalma camp in Nyala, Sudan.Kristof goes on to document his conversations with Magboula and describe the suffering she and her family continue to endure. Do you care? If you could end the violence in Sudan with an email or phone call, would you send it? Would you make the call? So what are you waiting for? Try it. It won't hurt and, in combination with mine and others, it may very well end the suffering.
* Call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1414 and leave a message for President Bush or send an email to president@whitehouse.gov and ask that he provide logistical support for African Union's peacekeeping efforts in Sudan.
* Tell one person about what you did and encourage them to do the same.
Thankfully, there's more you can do to end the genocide in Sudan.
> Learn more about the situation in Sudan.
> Contact your elected officials or local media to express your concern about policy or (lack of) coverage of events in Sudan.
> Support organizations that are working in Sudan to end the suffering of the people there. People like Magboula.
When, in 10 years, someone asks what you did to stop the suffering in Sudan, make sure you have something positive to tell them. Write now. Right now.
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13 comments:
Here is a short letter I wrote.
And here are Kristof's suggestions on how to make a difference in Darfur.
One more thing: If the link to the editorial doesn't work, try this one.
Thank you for making it so simple. I have sent my email. And wanted to let you know you have gained a supporter for your site and what your doing. I have sent a link to your site to six work friends who don't regularly go to my site.
Excellent, Richard! I am so pleased that you wrote your letter. It's the small things that really make a difference.
Thank you for spreading the word among your colleagues. If everyone does what you just did, imagine the positive changes that would result!
Thanks for reading, Richard. I hope you'll visit again soon.
Finally (for today), here is this week's post from the Coalition for Darfur.
This is an awesome site, I am going to blogmark you.
Glad you like it, JerseyGirl! I hope you'll visit again soon, and please, spread the word.
there's plenty of things in this world to care about... i applaud your efforts here...
Indeed there is, profmarcus, indeed there is. I'm glad you like the site. Thanks for visiting. I hope you'll stop by again soon, and please spread the word.
Thank you Karama for making it easy to make a difference. I am also a big fan of your blog. I sent my letter to the president.
Josita-
Thanks for your support, Josita. Here are more ways you can help:
* Write a letter of concern to the media or your elected officials.
* Support relief organizations that are working to ease the suffering in Sudan.
* Assist Sudanese refugees in the US and elsewhere.
* Learn more about what's happening in Sudan.
* Divest from the Khartoum government.
Other suggestions? Bring 'em on!
Big thanks to Nicholas Kristof for his wonderful opinion piece on my dad and his amazing teachers - New York Times, January 22, 2012
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