The Torture Memos: Podcast

Our podcast this week focuses on the torture memos that President Obama released a few days ago. Alex joins us to take a fresh look at the issue and how to move forward.

Give it a listen.

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The day after Earth Day

Yesterday was one of my favorite days: Earth Day! But today is the day after Earth Day, so why I am still talking about it?

On April 22nd ever year, it is popular to talk about how great the environment is and how much we should be doing to end climate change, protect endangered species, promote clean energy, and the like. And on April 23rd, we move on to other things and we all pat ourselves on the back for being such good environmentalists on Earth Day.

Along the same lines, greenwashing has also become a hip, new trend, as this Earth Day comic indicates. This is especially true of advertising. Every product and every company is trying to convince us that they are "green". (One of my pet peeves is seeing ads in the metro station from Chevron asking me to go green...I don't need an oil company telling me how to save the environment.) The greenwashing of politicians' speeches is also a growing epidemic. And yet, despite the cacophany of voices claiming to be green, the kind of massive, system change that we need seems far from realization.

The point of all of this is to say that I don't want to just add to the mass of people trying to capitalize on the "green revolution." So I am going to ask us to do something different this year. On this day, the day after Earth Day, I am asking us to take seriously the plea to make every day Earth Day.

Yesterday, Obama made his Earth Day speech proclaiming: "My Administration is also working to achieve a comprehensive energy and climate policy, one that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil, make the U.S. the global leader in clean energy technology, and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. "

The President is encouraging action. And Congress is moving toward action on climate legislation....Finally! A first draft of climate change legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 was released. Now WE must act! The proposed legislation needs to be improved by leaving out the carbon trading and simply capping carbon emissions. Congress also needs to ensure that the revenue from this system is returned to consumers. Take the opportunity today to show that you care about the earth every day by writing your members of Congress, encouraging them to pass climate legislation with these improvements.

Write your letter here!

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Sri Lanka: Time for Drastic Action

The world needs a wake up call, according to James Traub, who directs policy at the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in New York. Despite a Sri Lankan government military operation which reportedly helped at least 35,000 civilians escape from Tamil Tiger held territory, at least 60,000 civilians are still trapped on a small strip of land in northern Sri Lanka. And the Sri Lankan government is said to be preparing for its final assault on the rebels.

As heavy fighting has resumed, civilians are being forcibly held by the rebels. U.N. Emergency coordinator John Holmes says that a bloodbath is about to happen. Why the silence? Where are the condemnations from influential governments, especially the United States?

The legacy of the war on terror, says Traub. The rebels are one of the world's most ruthless insurgent groups, and the State Department labels the Tamil Tigers a terrorist organization. Thus, rather than try to diplomatically end the war between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan government, the Bush Administration actually increased military aid to the Sri Lankan government to defeat the rebels. Perhaps these weapons have enabled the government to nearly defeat the rebels.

What to do? Traub says the U.N. Security Council must take up the conflict in Sri Lanka, and remind both the rebels and the government that there will be consequences for their actions, "in the form of prosecutions for crimes against humanity." The Security Council must also dispatch a special envoy to urge support for a political settlement. This is all great, but also takes time.

The most immediate need is for people to pay attention. Simple condemnations of the violence by leading governments which can influence the Sri Lankan government, especially the U.S., would be extremely valuable. And quickly before a massacre unfolds before our eyes.

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$75.5 billion extra for war! (Podcast)

This week, as Congress returns from spring recess and settles in to work on approving billions more dollars for war, Maggie and I sat down with Emily R. to ask - why?

Listen in as we try to get to the bottom of what $75.5 billion dollars extra for war is really all about.

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debunking myths on lobbying...and my last mtg with the State Department

there are so many...here's round 1....if anyone else wants to chime in please do!

Myth 1: FCNL Lobbyists Only Lobby the Hill

Several of the most exciting meetings I've had since coming to work here have been within the administration, usually at the State Department.

Last week I participated in a wonderful meeting with State Department officials working on Iraq. Since Iraq faded from the headlines, I'm starting to relate to people who work on obscure issues and finally get to meet one of the formal experts on that obscure issue. Like when someone who lobbies for subsidies of bread twistie-tie production finally meets that special person in government who monitors the subsidies that make twistie-ties so cheap for U.S. bread consumers.

(And yes, that is how obscure Iraq is beginning to feel in post-"surge" days.)

Another very exciting incident of lobbying outside of Congress: FCNL got to have a representative on a conference call with George Mitchell, the Obama administration's special envoy for the Middle East, who is in the Middle East as I write this.


George Mitchell is known as a "peacemaker at large", known as instrumental in negotiating the Good Friday agreement, a key peace treaty in resolving the conflict in Northern Ireland. His new job: "Peace in the Middle East". I hope he takes time to meditate.

Myth 2: Lobbying is by definition convincing people of your position

A lot of lobbying is simply getting information. As a child of the internet-age, I have to say I'm amazed at how much important information simply just isn't on the internet. A lot of our meetings, whether in Congress or the administration, is simply about asking questions and learning from these folks--so we get to be our own press (except without the advantage of being in the right position to publicize the answers all over the world).

From rumors about when the supplemental will be marked up in committee to the gossip on the Hill about what Rep. X REALLY thinks about Iran after making a hostile statement, I am constantly reminded of just how "human" the Hill really is. We all stare at our computers and blackberries (for those who have them) all day, but the juicy and invaluable pieces of info come from the conversations with people.

All the more reason why it is so exciting to occasionally leave the Hill and make your way to Foggy Bottom. Once you get through all the security checks, the mandatory accompanied walk through long narrow hospital like corridors, and finally make your way to the meeting room and take a look around you, there is this feeling of relief. Not because of the high security you just survived--so intensive that a friend of mine who attended the Iraq State Department meeting said that if he were a member of Congress, he would feel offended.

But simply because its fun to see the folks who aren't running in the flurry of political cycles, but rather the folks who stay focused on a country. Whether or not I agree with their positions on what U.S. policy should be toward that country, it is reaffirming to meet people who live and breathe these issues that aren't so tied to the pulse of the media headlines.

Myth 3: Lobbying is just for lobbyists

NO! Here's my main message on lobbying--U.S. politics will truly be revolutionized when lobbying becomes a household (and clean) word. It simply means communicating with your member of Congress and the administration that exists to represent the American people.

It's really just communication--and come on folks--we shouldn't even need a whole new vocabulary word to describe communicating with Congress and the administration.

I remember learning at FCNL's Annual Meeting that the average congressional office only hears from 2% of its constituents ever!

Just sit back and imagine who what sort of very unrepresentative sample of folks would fit into that 2% group. And most people actually lobbying (i.e. making direct visits to congressional offices) are not constituents but paid lobbyists. And people lobbying for bread twistie-tie subsidies are probably more numerous in scope than peace lobbyists.

Myth 4: Lobbying isn't the single most important thing to revolutionize politics in America

For proof--just imagine what it would be like if we raised that percentage of constituents who are ever heard from in their congressional office from 2% to 10%. Now from 10% to 20%. Imagine the new voices and visions. Now 100%!!

Fully imagine that and you will convince yourself without any further evidence offered from me.

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Happy (late) Emancipation Day!

Yesterday was Emancipation Day in DC, which, in the words of Mayor Fenty, recognizes the people who:

despite having been the "First Freed" by the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, their descendents and all residents of Washington, DC remain the only taxpaying citizens of the United States who are denied full representation in the U.S. Congress.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a bit fanatical about my hometown, and it bothers me when my friends and loved ones outside of the District don't seem as passionate about DC voting rights as I do. The idea that a city with a population larger than the state of Wyoming and a 17% poverty rate (according to the US Census) wouldn't have a vote in Congress should outrage anyone.

Luckily, with the 2009 DC Voting Rights Act, we may be closer than ever to granting DC the right to vote. So, please, those of you who have voting rights, exercise them today and tell your representative that DC deserves the vote. You can also send a postcard to President Obama courtesy of DC Vote.

And while you're at it, remind them that the DC Voting Rights act is about granting DC more self determination, not less, and should not be used as an opportunity to take away our right to write our own gun laws.

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Sri Lanka: The Next Srebrenica?

The cease-fire is over, and fighting has resumed in Sri Lanka. If you haven't followed the situation, a nasty war is being fought between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers - a separatist rebel group.

And it appears nearly over. The Sri Lankan government has cornered the Tamil Tigers onto a beach in the north of the country. Unfortunately, nearly 150,000 civilians are reportedly trapped on the same beach as the rebels. While there was a short cease-fire this week to allow humanitarian workers to provide aid to civilians, the government and the rebels have now resumed shelling each other.

The most horrifying part - the rebels are forcing the civilians to stay on the beach. Perhaps they are hoping that - with hundreds of thousands of helpless civilians on the beach - the government won't step up military operations to secure a victory.

This has led Human Rights Watch to declare this area the most dangerous place in the world. It seems - given the chance to finally end the long-standing war with the Tamil Tigers - the Sri Lankan government won't give up the opportunity to defeat the rebels.

Given the civilian's perceived or real allegiance to the rebels, those civilians not killed by the fighting will likely suffer harsh punishment from the Sri Lanka government. In summing up the state of affairs, the question posed by New York Times journalist Robert Mackey's seems fitting: "Is the World Ignoring Sri Lanka's Srebrenica?"

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George F. Will: Off His Rocker

Since moving to the District my opinion of George F. Will has evolved a number of times. For much of the first year I just thought he was a conservative op-ed writer for the Post. I didn't agree with much of what he said, but I occasionally read his stuff over breakfast in the morning.

Last year I revised my opinion of Mr. Will when I saw him on This Week with George Stephanopoulos defending John McCain's ignorance about sending emails. No matter, said Will, he didn't know how either, but really that was what Georgetown interns are for.

Oh dear. It became clear to me that this man was clearly on the decline. Soon he would be irrelevant. But I shrugged and went on my way, occasionally telling the anecdote at parties, but generally focusing on the election, graduate school applications, and my new neighbors the Obamas.

This morning George F. Will was rudely brought back into my consciousness by this piece on denim. It proved to me two things: 1) George F. Will has gone over the edge into full-blown insanity and 2) The Washington Post op-ed page has a sick sense of humor.

The column expounds on the tragedy that is the prevalence of denim on American society today. Where is the self-respect and propriety of yore? Why are intelligent bourgeois people confusing themselves with the lower classes by sporting denim like a common worker?

My thoughts for George: 1) You should check out some of the dark wash trouser jeans ladies are sporting these days. They go great with my pearls. 2) You might want to hide your classist tendencies a little better -- the little people can read the Post on the internet. (That's where Georgetown interns find it, while they're checking your email. And you should see what they wear to basketball games!)

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Are your taxes in?

Mine were done ages ago, thanks to the wondrous grad school application process.  I got a refund, but am still not over how much money goes to the military, and how little goes to things like education, libraries, and oh, you know, representation of my vote in Congress.  As FCNL calculates it, about 43 cents on every dollar goes to the military.

Celebrate tax day by writing to your members of Congress (you lucky non-D.C. residents you) and asking them to invest in programs that will really make our country and world a healthier and more secure place.

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DC Off The Hill: Get Yourself Some Religion!

This week, we continue our series "DC Off The Hill," which celebrates some of the lesser-known (but still wonderful!) sights in Washington, DC. In honor of last week's celebrations of Passover and Easter, this post is about the many beautiful and vibrant worship communities in DC.

One of the first things that struck me when I moved to DC was how dynamic spiritual communities are here. Of course, I love the National Cathedral (and particularly recommend their monthly labyrinth walks), but I think that you can learn a lot about the history (and future) of DC by getting to know other religious communities in the city. Here are just a few communities that are worth getting to know:

1. Friends Meeting of Washington This is a beautiful example of classic Quaker architecture and has a great deal of history behind it (President Hoover use to worship here!). The community is fantastic (and good friends of FCNL!), and I'm sure that they would love an opportunity to share silent worship with visiting Friends (or friends-of-Friends).
2. St. Augustine’s Catholic Church St. Augustine's is the oldest black Catholic Church in DC (the parish celebrated their 150th anniversary last year!) and is lovingly called the Mother Church of black Catholics in Washington. Founded in opposition to the segregation practiced in other churches at the time, St. Augustine's has a strong commitment to social justice. They also happen to have a phenomenal gospel choir and one of my favorite local buildings (pictured above).
3. All Souls, Unitarian I'm a frequent visitor to All Souls and am never disappointed by their powerful preaching, beautiful music and kind faces. Currently, they are displaying "Hiroshima Drawings: Gifts of Peace and Hope" in their community hall. These drawings were given to children at All Souls from children in Hiroshima in 1948, to thank them for collecting art and school supplies for Hiroshima schools. The pictures are beautiful and the story of peace is timeless. Word to the wise: if it's your first time visiting All Souls, the church will treat you to a delicious homemade lunch. YUM!
4. The Historic 6th and I Synagogue This 100 year old synagogue has a wide variety of social justice events, educational lectures and live music concerts happening every day of the week. It was recently named one of the 25 most vibrant Jewish congregations in the country by Newsweek Magazine, and in addition to having a wonderful community, the building itself is also stunning.
5. The Potter's House To quote their website, Potter's House "is a restaurant, a bookstore, a gift shop, a concert venue, a theatre, an art gallery, a gathering place for innocent conversation, work meetings, worship or subversive activism." This is one of many outreach ministries of Church of the Savior, a radical, inclusive, ecumenical community that has done so much for the people of this city. I particularly recommend participating in Taize services at The Potter's House.
6. Islamic Center of Washington Founded in 1944, this is both the center of Muslim life in DC and a powerful advocate for dialog between US leaders and the Islamic world. They have a wide variety of events and classes throughout the year and are always welcoming to visitors.
7. Hall of Remembrance A moving memorial to victims of the Holocaust that is used for community ceremonies as well as personal reflection. Part of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.

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More reflections from a Jr. Intern

Periodically, FCNL hosts Jr. Interns or long term volunteers here at the office. We are always incredibly lucky to benefit from the hard work and enthusiasm of our Jr. Interns and appreciate the added cheer that they bring to the office. Today we are bidding fairwell to our most recent Jr. Intern, Sean, a high school student from Maryland. Here is his reflection on his time with FCNL:

My name is Sean and I'm a senior in high school, junior interning at the FCNL. At my school, Thornton Friends in Silver Spring, the seniors are required to do a project over the course of two weeks that exposes them to the real world. When I decided to try to intern at the FCNL, I wasn't sure what to expect. I mean, I knew what the FCNL was, but I had no real idea what they did or how they got there.

Through my teacher Mike, I got in contact with Barb Platt, who in turn handed me over to Christine. Ever since we first started talking, Christine has been one of the nicest people I've met to date. In fact, the FCNL has been amazing to me. Not only on the level of me being an intern for them, but as a person in general. The first day I got here, I felt so welcomed and appreciated. It has been the most awe-inspiring community I've ever been a part of, and it's a bit hard to swallow that I'm going and leaving the ability to come in at 9:10, be asked how I've been, and listen to a conversation of others who are also coming in.

Christine and Stephen both tried their hardest to find interesting things for me to do. This effort alone was worth it when they gave me the opportunity to go to an indoor-rally, a meeting about problems in Africa, to talk to lobbyists in the Immigration and Peaceful Prevention of Deadly Conflict fields. I've learned an admirable chunk of information through all these opportunities and am happy that I'll be be to talk to my school about the FCNL, confident I know enough about the organization and people to make a successful presentation.

I wanna thank everyone at the FCNL who made conversation with me and gave me a heart-warming environment to intern in! I would've met more people but, you know, envelopes and address changes. :P

Peace and Thanks,
Sean

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Middle School Dance: Iran Podcast

This week find out why the U.S. relationship with Iran has a lot in common with middle school crushes. Oh, and why we should talk to Iran too.

Enjoy.

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Africa - Not as Bad As it Seems

Yes there are trouble spots. The humanitarian crisis in Darfur is about to get worse. Zimbabwe's economy is still in shambles and its' citizens suffer from repressive security forces. There will still continue to be outbursts of violence in the Eastern Congo. And Somalia - the archetypal failed state - is home to the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.

But, as Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, reminds us today, most of Africa is a success story. Johnson-Sirleaf provides some quick statistics:

"Economic growth rates regularly exceed 5 percent in many nations. Since 2000, 34 million more African children are in school. More than 2 million Africans are on lifesaving HIV/AIDS medicines. Malaria deaths have been halved in Rwanda and Ethiopia, and the disease has been virtually eradicated in Zanzibar. Poverty rates are falling fast, from 58 to 51 percent across the continent in just six years, according to the World Bank."

The key to these gains, according to Johnson-Sirleaf, has been better African leadership, accountability and increasingly effective development assistance. Johnson-Sirleaf's commentary comes amidst pressures on the west to reduce foreign assistance commitments abroad, as well as a new critique of development assistance from an unlikely source - Dambisa Moyo, an Oxford educated African economist.

Moyo says development aid has failed to lift Africa out of poverty. Rather, African countries need access to markets, trade with China, and microfinance. While I haven't read Moyo's entire critique, good sustainable development is typically accomplished through a combination of trade and aid.

And good governance. Without good and accountable leaders, both aid and trade will fail. As Johnson-Sirleaf notes, "today, more than 20 African countries are democracies, up from just three in the 1980's." Liberia is one of these success stories. Along with peacekeepers, aid has been critical to consolidating the peace in a country that suffered from instability and violence just seven years ago.

In fact, Liberia should serve as a reminder that aid is not only critical to poverty reduction and meeting health needs, but also keeping the peace after conflict. But as Johnson-Sirleaf reminds us, reducing aid amidst an economic recession could undue these gains. As a new report by Action Aid suggests that shrinking markets and reduced aid flows will result in a "10% pay-cut" for the continent, the West must not back down on its aid commitments.

As I noted last month, we either pay now or pay more later.

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DC Off The Hill: Go outside!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is this month, which means that tourist season in DC is in full swing. As much as I might have complained during the inauguration, I really love DC tourists. This is by far the biggest city that I've ever called home and I love the culture, character and friendliness of this city. I'm proud of my new hometown and love to share it with others.

However, I am saddened by the number of tourists who travel all the way to DC and never seem to find their way out of the National Mall. While the Smithsonian, the Capitol Building and various presidential monuments are awe inspiring, they don't come close to the beauty of the city I call home.

So, in an attempt to correct this great injustice, for the rest of tourist season I will be hosting a periodic blog series titled "DC Off The Hill." In honor of cherry blossom season, this post will be about the many beautiful outdoor spaces in and around DC where you can appreciate spring flowers without having to deal with the overwhelming crowds of the tidal basin.

1. Mount Vernon Trail This is where my partner and I started our Cherry Blossom tour last week. We started our journey at the Rosslyn metro stop and followed the Potomac River to Roosevelt Island (which is only accessible by foot bridge and has a monument to Teddy Roosevelt). Then, we kept walking and admired the daffodil fields until we crossed the Arlington Bridge and ended with the tidal basin. The whole thing was between 8-10 miles.
2. Malcolm x/Meridian Hill Park This is my favorite place to spend a lazy summer afternoon. It has the sort of old grandeur that city parks rarely posses anymore and you never know who you're going to meet. Last week, I saw a woman wearing a ball gown made entirely out of balloons!
3. Rock Creek Park A huge, mostly unlandscaped wild space that spans both DC and Maryland. A great way to get lost in the forest.
4. The Franciscan Monastery I think this might be the most relaxing space in DC. I particularly love the rose gardens surrounded by mosaics.
5. C&O Canal This is the only reason I ever agree to make the trek out to Georgetown. My favorite touristy activity around here is to take advantage of the canal boat rides that the National Park Service provides for $5 per person. You get to ride in a reburbished 1870's canal boat (pulled by mules!) and listen to historic reenacters talk about the history of the canal. This would be a particularly fun thing to take small children to!
6. The Bull Run-Occoquan Trail When I told my coworker that I was putting together a list of outdoorsy sights in and around DC, she told me I had to mention the blue bells that bloom along this trail, 25 miles from the city. She had fond memories of going here as a child, and I can see why. I'm putting this on my to-do list.

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When it Works

At FCNL, we lobby incessantly on issues ranging from international peace and security to domestic poverty. Sometimes, we never see the fruits of our labor, or it takes years. Other times, we see measurable victories in a short window of time.

Last night, we saw one of these sucesses. FCNL as well as a number of other NGO's and activists provided support for Senators' Kerry and Lugars amendment to restore $4billion in funding to the international affairs budget - which was cut when the Senate Budget Committee marked up their budget resolution last week.

The amendment was adopted by unanimous consent. Not one senator objected. FCNL's senior budget expert Ruth Flower told me it was unexpected. Senate staff predicted it would fail.

Yet, thanks to a barrage of phone calls and emails from citizens across the country - the Senate got the message.

After eight years of the Bush Administration, American's want to restore our image in the world. The best way to do that -- extend economic assistance and strengthen our diplomatic relationships with other nations. And as Senator Kerry put it last night in his floor speech: "It takes money to drive civilian foreign policy."

The Senate and House must still pass their respective budgets, and then reconcile these resolutions, and adopt a final budget.

But while there is still more work to do before we can truly claim victory, this story should serve to remind us that we aren't just wasting our time. Advocacy works!

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