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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: stockman_scott who wrote (103787)7/2/2003 3:34:30 AM
From: KLP  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
A bit about the group who sponsored the writer: Quaker Group: Wonder how effective they were with Saddam when he killed the Kurds...and the thousands of other Iraqi citizens in the last 10-20 years? Also, what exactly is this group doing to help the various African countries rid themselves of their dictator/warlords who are also killing thousands....????? Unfortunately, the letters they are sending must not be working.

From their Website...(see google)

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Friends Committee on National Legislation

A Quaker lobby in the public inerest
We seek a world free of war and the threat of war
We seek a society with equity and justice for all
We seek a community where every person's potential may be fulfilled
We seek an earth restored

FCNL, the Friends Committee on National Legislation, is a Quaker lobby in the public interest. FCNL seeks to bring the concerns, experiences and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends to bear on policy decisions in the nation's capital. FCNL's small staff works with a nationwide network of thousands of Quakers and like-minded people to advocate social and economic justice, peace, and good government. Since its founding in 1943, FCNL has witnessed from a basis of spiritual and ethical purpose, as we seek change in both national policy and public opinion.

FCNL's multi-issue advocacy connects historic Quaker testimonies on peace, equality, simplicity and truth with peace and social justice matters which the United States government is or should be addressing. FCNL advocacy encompasses a wide range of national and international concerns. These include

Promote arms control and disarmament initiatives and oppose the expansion of military alliances
Promote nonviolent dispute resolution and the peaceful prevention of armed conflict and genocide, through the United Nations and appropriate governmental and non-governmental organizations
Shift budget priorities away from military spending and toward providing for human needs and a healthy environment at home and abroad
Address economic, social, and racial disparity through such measures as adequate, comprehensive, and universal health care; progressive taxation; affirmative action; educational opportunities; a living wage; affordable housing; and assistance for and empowerment of the most vulnerable of society
Reform the criminal justice system, emphasizing the principles of restorative justice and crime prevention, and eliminate the death penalty.
FCNL's efforts include Capitol Hill visits, congressional testimony, and preparation of educational materials such as the monthly FCNL Newsletter and quarterly Indian Report. Through the distribution of educational and advocacy materials, FCNL staff help Friends and others across the U.S. to participate actively in the legislative process. FCNL has the expertise and flexibility to respond quickly to new initiatives, as well as the patience to work for long term change. FCNL works in coalition with many organizations that share similar concerns. In all its work, FCNL seeks to promote dialog and cooperation among those with varied viewpoints.

FCNL and the FCNL Education Fund are committed to using prudent investing as a means of furthering our social, ethical, and political goals. This commitment extends beyond mere avoidance of companies whose policies we find objectionable; it emphasizes a positive search for corporations whose economic behavior reflects elements of our vision of a better world. Click here to read FCNL's guidelines for socially responsible investing.

FCNL is governed by a General Committee of 240 Quakers, the majority of whom have been appointed by 26 Friends' Yearly Meetings and seven national Friends' organizations. The General Committee meets annually to conduct business. This includes establishing legislative policy and priorities. An Executive Committee and several other subcommittees oversee the program and administration of FCNL between annual meetings. About 20 staff work in Washington, DC. Several other part-time staff work in the field.

FCNL is a public interest lobby, not a political action committee (PAC) nor a special interest lobby. FCNL seeks to follow the leadings of the Spirit as it speaks for itself and for like-minded Friends. Views expressed by FCNL are guided by the Statement of Legislative Policy prepared and approved by the General Committee.

The FCNL Education Fund exists in parallel with FCNL to support the research, analysis and education for which FCNL is known and respected. Thousands of individuals and organizations rely on FCNL's resource materials for both background information on policy issues and legislative details. The FCNL Education Fund is governed by a board appointed by the General Committee of FCNL.

Please click here to read FCNL's 2001 Annual Report. <<<<<<<<



To: stockman_scott who wrote (103787)7/2/2003 8:58:52 AM
From: JohnM  Respond to of 281500
 
Interesting piece, scott. Well argued, carefully written. Thanks for finding it.