Update on A Day for Darfur

Declaring merely a day of action for Darfur is rubbing me the wrong way, we have a lot of work to do and there is no way that progress can be achieved within the span of one day. A blogblast on a dedicated day serves to educate as many as we can and hopefully inspire some engaged civic participation.

I personally take all of the actions that I present here and join most organizations to receive the latest news on issues that concern me. When one signs an open letter to either public servants or corporations you will receive the lovely stock letter reply which thanks you for participating and gives you a sound byte response.

The ones I receive from my Senator John Ensign contain the threat of persecution if I reveal it’s contents, in today’s world I take that threat quite seriously.

The form letters of response I got after signing the open letter to the corporate sponsors of the Olympics in Bejing were pathetic.

From Coca Cola:

Thank you for contacting The Coca-Cola Company. We appreciate your interest in our Company.

The Coca-Cola Company has been sponsoring the Olympic Games since 1928 and believes that the ideals of the Olympic Movement of building a better world through sport, friendship and fair play are more relevant than ever. Our sponsorship allows these positive messages to reach a broader audience and inspire both athletes and spectators.

The Coca-Cola Company does not have a role in the internal policy decisions of sovereign nations such as China and the Sudan. It is our responsibility to conduct our business with the same high standards of corporate responsibility and integrity in each one of the more than 200 countries where we do business. We respect international human rights principles aimed at promoting and protecting human rights, including the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

The situation in the Sudan is complicated and tragic. Our Company applied for and received appropriate U.S. government approval to provide humanitarian relief in the Sudan. We have given $750,000 to the Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide humanitarian relief to people in communities in Darfur who have been displaced or been victims of violence in that region’s long-standing conflict. The funds have provided:

- Primary healthcare, including immunizations and malaria prevention
- Children’s healthcare, including feeding centers
- Food and supplies such as blankets, tarpaulins and kitchen sets
- Water and sanitation facilities

We believe that our role in society is to operate our business responsibly, in full compliance with both local and international laws, and to support the work of responsible NGOs, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and we will continue to help those who have been affected by conflicts and disasters around the world.

From Anheuser-Busch

Dear Danielle,

Thank you for contacting Anheuser-Busch.

For nearly 25 years, Anheuser-Busch has been a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games. Over that time period, many organizations have used the high profile nature of this world-wide event to raise awareness for their causes. We respect the rights of these organizations to voice their concerns and appreciate your comments as well.

Our association with the Olympic Games is to support the athletes who bring the world together in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.

Sincerely,

Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

From Staples:

Thank you for your recent email to Staples expressing your concern about the Darfur issue and
encouraging Staples to urge the Chinese government and the International Olympic Committee to use
their leverage to help end the crisis in Sudan.

As you may know, Staples is not a sponsor of 2008 Beijing Olympics. Rather, we are the exclusive
supplier of office furniture to the Olympics, including the Olympic Committee as well as official
Olympic locations. This is the first time Staples has been involved in the Olympic Games.

As a company that does business around the world, Staples takes very seriously its obligations as a
corporate citizen. However, corporate pressure is no substitute for the coordinated international
diplomacy that is required to resolve the conflict in Sudan.

In recent months the Chinese government has begun to raise the Darfur issue with the government of
Sudan and has finally supported the deployment of a UN peacekeeping force in the region. There have
been some hopeful developments on the international diplomatic front as well. While the conflict
and the humanitarian toll it has taken are far from over, these developments suggest that the best
course for resolving the crisis in Darfur is a vigorous and concerted diplomatic effort.

Sincerely,

Staples, Inc.

The theme here is the same. These megacorporations are trying to dilute the influence they hold. They operate for profit alone for if they did not they would hold U.S. regulatory laws {not enforced enough} and true democratic ideals as supreme and operate under those laws wherever they run their businesses.

Many countries, especially those considered “third world” do not have any assurances toward their people that their health and human value are to be honored and protected against industrial greed. Therein lies the loophole, the argument that regulations send jobs beyond our borders are merely covering up the loophole.

Awhile back I participated in an action toward Starbucks to avoid buying milk products from suppliers who use the growth hormone RGHB. Enough people participated that Starbucks agreed.

Should a boycott be organized toward these companies that deny their influence in stopping the violence in Darfur?

Another heads up from Villager led me to another Muser stepping up the boycott. I highly recommend visiting the Ultraviolet Underground for more information.

Will their position change if enough people flood their inbox with letters?

From SaveDarfur.org I received another call to action surrounding the scheduled peace talks to occur this weekend in Libya. Again I urge you to use your voice and take action.

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