E-News: Who's Listening In, Cluster Bomb Ban, and More
E-News: Who's Listening In, Cluster Bomb Ban, and More
Iraq:Faith Groups Call for New Policy
From the Hill:Who is Listening in on your Calls?
Make Peace an Election Year Issue:Question the Candidates on Banning Cluster Bombs
Quote of the Week:U.S. Opposes Cluster Bomb Ban
From FCNL:Friends Help to Choose Legislative Priorities
FCNL in the News:The Radioactive Game (Tom Paine)
War is Not the Answer Photo of the Week:Duluth, MN
January 22, 2008
Iraq: Faith Groups Call for New Policy
Fifteen national groups urged Congress last week to pass legislation that would require the administration to step up diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Iraq and the region and provide regular reporting to Congress. The letter, which FCNL organized, was also signed by the National Council of Churches, Episcopal Church, the Church of the Brethren, the Unitarian Universalists Association, the United Church of Christ, and National Council of Jewish Women.
From the Hill: Who is Listening in on your Calls?
 ©istockphoto.com/Christine Balderas |
The full Senate is scheduled to begin debate Wednesday on legislation that allows the government to monitor telephone calls and emails in the United States. The administration is pressing the Congress to rubber stamp the president's warrantless spying program and grant blank immunity to phone companies that broke the law. FCNL is urging the Senate to restore court oversight to the government spying program and hold accountable the corporations that broke the law. Take action. |
Make Peace an Election Year Issue: Question the Candidates on Banning Cluster Bombs
"In the last 10 years, the U.S. has used cluster bombs in civilian-populated areas of the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq. If elected, will you support legislation in the House and the Senate that would ban the use of cluster bombs in civilian populated areas?" By asking presidential and congressional candidates this question, you can help get past the rhetoric and find out what candidates would be likely to do if elected to represent you in Washington. See FCNL's view on this question and find FCNL's tips on making peace an election issue.
Quote of the Week: U.S. Opposes Cluster Bomb Ban
"A U.S. government official told reporters in Geneva last week that the Bush administration opposes a global agreement that would ban cluster bombs. State Department officials have also told Congress they oppose legislation that would ban the use of cluster bombs in or near civilian areas. If the administration refuses to act, Congress should act by passing the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act."
~ Lora Lumpe, FCNL Legislative Representative
From FCNL: Friends Help to Choose Legislative Priorities
Every two years, FCNL seeks the help of Friends churches and meetings around the country in selecting the legislative priorities that we'll work in the upcoming Congress. This year, we'll be setting priorities for the 111th Congress, which convenes in January 2009. Find out more about how FCNL's priorities are set.
FCNL in the News: The Radioactive Game (Tom Paine)
In early January, the Bush administration released a 1,600-page document outlining its plan to build a new nuclear weapons production line. The cornerstone of the proposal is the expansion of a nuclear bomb factory that would produce 80 new plutonium pits, or nuclear weapon triggers, per year. Read legislative assistant Devin Helfrich's essay on why this is a bad idea.
War is Not the Answer Photo of the Week: Duluth, MN
These signs cheered on runners during a marathon in Duluth, MN.
Photo submitted by: Mary Newcomb
Order your own War is Not the Answer sign and put yourself on the map.