Ban wants U.N. sanctions for using child soldiers

A UN effort to reduce the use of child soldiers within a number of African countries!

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Michael Pollan: A Thoughtful, Simple Menu

Pollan, author of "In Defense of Food-An Eater's Manifesto," describes his philosophy of eating. His ideas are thought provoking, espeically this mantra: "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants." He loves food and thinks we all should, too. But he challenges us to enjoy what we eat and eat well.

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Mark Winne: The Long Road To End Hunger

Mark Winne, founder of Hartford Food System (www.hartfordfood.org), gives a peek at his new book (Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty). His group seeks to influence policy and programs to end hunger, to ask, "why are people going hungry in this nation?" and to answer with practical solutions to end hunger.

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Portrait of Exploitation: The Real Face of Prostitution by Laura Coltier

This article (click on the title link), published in PRISM magazine portrays the disturbing realities of prostitution in the United States. While there certainly are women who choose to be prostitutes and choose to remain prostitutes, this article suggests that many women do not choose to be or remain prostitutes, and that it literally destroys them. This article is not for the faint of heart, but will potentially challenge some of your assumptions of prostitution in the US.

You may not read an article like this becuase you think either there is nothing for you to do or it's too disturbing, and you already know of enough terrible things in the world. If you are a Christian and believe prayer is important, then you will be able to pray with more knowledge of this situation. You could respond by writing to your representative or senator and let them know this concerns you. You could donate to one of the many organizations that is working to end human trafficking. You could talk about this issue with others and raise awareness so others will act as well. You could organize an event to raise awareness. If you have any other ideas, please post them here so others can be encouraged and inspired to act in whatever way they're able.

Peace.

Bali talks aim to jumpstart climate change fight

Talks begin to design a roadmap to reduce greenhouse emissions and to replace the Kyoto treaty, with all represented nations on board.

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How America Lost the War on Drugs

An interesting article done by Rolling Stones outlining how America Lost the War on Drugs.

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Slate Magazine - Smartest Drug Story of the Year

A brief review of "How America Lost the War on Drugs" by Ben Wallace-Wells' lengthy article in Rolling Stone. If you don't read the longer article, this one still has some thought-proving information.

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Big Brother is watching us all

this does not look good...I feel less safe now than I did before all the increased security measures. This might only perpetuate greater fear than most feel already. Would it actually make us safer, would people being able to see into our homes, through the walls, without our knowledge, make us safer?

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Sudan rubs salt in Darfur's wounds

A man indicted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court has been appointed to co-chair a committe, intended to investigate human rights abuses filed by victims of the genocide in Darfur. Not exactly a step in the right direction...

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"AIDS & African Americans" from ABS World News Tonight: July 7, 202

This is totally shocking! In 2002, according to this news clip, Washington, D.C. had as high a rate of HIV infections as the countries of Nigeria or Uganda!

What do you know about 21st century slavery?

Did you know that last year approximately 700,000-1,000,000 people were trafficked throughout the world? That doesn't include the number of people already held as slaves against their will. It's estimated that 25,000-50,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year. Believe it or not, there may even be slaves living in your neighborhood. Do you know why or where trafficking happens? This essay, "Trafficking, Slaves on the Move," found on the iAbolish web-site, is extremely informational and fairly short. Please read it!

Slavery in the 21st Century

An interview on PBS, On Point, with Gloria Steinem, who wrote the forward to "Enslaved: True Stories of Modern Day Slavery." She's involved with the organization
iAbolish, headquartered in Boston, MA. Slavery is very much alive, and I believe it is almost as profitable as the drug trade (will check and cite source!).

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In this interview she mentions the movie "Trade," coming out in the US on September 21, 2007. PLEASE SEE THIS MOVIE AND TELL OTHERS ABOUT IT!!! Written by Jose Rivera, who wrote the screenplay for "Motorycle Diaries."