WNPJ Action Alerts: Week of August 13th

Action Alert 1: Young Afghan peace activists denied U.S. travel visas
Action Alert 2: Call for a nuclear-free world
Action Alert 3: Support challenge to high-voltage powerlines

Action Alert 1: Young Afghan peace activists denied U.S. travel visas
Background:

A U.S.-Mexico "Caravan for Peace" featuring activists from Afghanistan has been stymied at nearly every turn by U.S. officials. First, the U.S. denied a travel visa to Dr. Wee Teck Young (also known as Hakim), a highly respected public health doctor who works with refugees near the Afghanistan / Pakistan border.  After an international outcry, Hakim's visa was granted.  Now, two of Hakim's young colleagues, who are active with the Afghan Peace Volunteers, have had their visas denied after just a few minutes consideration.

Take Action:

Urge the U.S. State Department to grant U.S. travel visas to young Afghan Peace Volunteer members Ali and Abdulhai.  Roots Action has a sample letter ontheir website, or you can write directly to KabulACS@state.gov, KabulNIV@state.gov and usvisa@state.gov.

Contact for more info:

Voices for Creative Nonviolence, 773-878-3815,info@vcnv.org

Action Alert 2: Call for a nuclear-free world
Background:

"Lanterns for Peace" events across Wisconsin and around the world marked anniversaries of the August 1945 U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.  While President Obama eloquently spoke of his vision for a nuclear-free world, he keeps increasing spending on the U.S. nuclear arsenal.  The U.S. currently has 14 Trident submarines, each of which carries enough nuclear weapons to destroy 100 cities. 

Take Action: Call your Congressional representative and Wisconsin Senators Kohl and Johnson through the Congressional switchboard, at 202-224-3121.  Urge them to make U.S. residents and the world safer, by making full nuclear abolition the driving force in U.S. nuclear policy.

Contact for more info:

Physicians for Social Responsibility - Wisconsin, 608-232-9945, info@psrwisconsin.org

Action Alert 3: Support challenge to high-voltage powerlines
Background:

Utility companies have proposed a series of high-voltage powerlines across Wisconsin, including the CapX2020 corridor from Alma to LaCrosse.  The WI Public Service Commission has approved the CapX2020 line and recently rejected 14 petitions from powerline opponents, who question the need for the high transmission lines, their impact on the environment, public health and property values.  Petitioners are planning a legal challenge to the PSC's CapX2020 order, but need to raise money for the legal work.

Take Action:

Donate to the Citizens Energy Task Force (CETF), P.O. Box 3571, LaCrosse, WI 54602, or make a tax-deductible donation to MRR / CETF Fund, at the same address (the Mississippi River Revival is CETF's fiscal sponsor).

Contact for more info:

SOUL of the Kickapoo, soulofthekickapoo@gmail.com, http://soulofthekickapoo.org