Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice 202 Harvard SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 505-268-9557   Updated: 4 January 2008 Newsletter January 2008
January 2008 Newsletter Contents Pro-Democracy Actions for Burma and Committing Poetry in Times of War Membership Application	Pro-Democracy Actions for Burma 1) People who wish to form a local pro-Democracy for Burma group please contact Frank Cullen at showbiz@lobo.net to decide where and when to meet. 2) Contact our U.S. Senators (202-224-6621) to request that they co-sponsor S.2257. This bill imposes sanctions on officials of the State Peace and Development Council in Burma [the ruling military junta], amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to prohibit the importation of gemstones and hardwoods from Burma, promotes a coordinated international effort to restore civilian democratic rule to Burma, etc. 3) Contact our U.S. Congresspersons, Heather Wilson (202) 225-6316, Steve Pearce (202) 225-2365, Tom Udall (202) 225-6190 to request that they co-sponsor H.R. 3890. This bill amends the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 to waive the requirement for annual renewal resolutions relating to import sanctions, imposes import sanctions on Burmese gemstones, expands the number of individuals against whom the visa ban is applicable, expands the blocking of assets and other prohibited activities. Americans are ready for real change.
Committing Poetry in Times of War The powerful film Committing Poetry in Times of War is a poetic glance at a New Mexico community's responsea series of teacher firings, taking place in the context of police brutality and restrictive free speech zones - a nation at war abroad and with its people. With its "blood pounding" slam poetry, and its inspiring message of courage and creativity, it encourages us to connect with our imagination and work to change the world around us. Eric Sirotkin co-created the story with the Director Stavros, and now needs help to show that an independent, ground-breaking film, with its important message of free speech and creativity, can be successful. The film has screened in more than 10 film festivals in the US, Canada, South Africa, and this spring in England and Wales, and has won awards. It sends an important message about the creativity of America and the courageous people who did stand up against the war. To see what simple things you can do to SPREAD THE WORD check out the web page at committingpoetry.com. Please send calendar items, comments, and questions concerning this Web document to Web@abqPeaceAndJustice.org .