24 helicopters, thats all!

I know I haven’t written about the conflict in Darfur for a while. Partially because I don’t know what to write, It seems I’ve tried to say everything that I could to get the point across…People are still dying at an unfathomable rate, For no reason at all.

I’ll say it again,

-Over 450,000 innocent civilians are dead
-3 million are displaced
-3.5 million rely on food aid

I received an email from the Save Darfur Coalition updating me on some things going on. So I thought I would share them.

On December 31, a hybrid United Nations-African Union command officially took control of the peacekeeping mission for Darfur. But the mission is already in danger of failing. Few new peacekeepers have actually been deployed because of obstructions by the Sudanese regime, and world leaders aren't providing critical equipment essential to the peacekeepers' success.

Right now, this peacekeeping mission does not have ANY of the 24 helicopters it needs to protect the people of Darfur.

President Bush must do everything in his power to secure commitments from world leaders.

In a region as vast as Darfur, helicopters are essential for the peacekeeping effort. This effort cannot succeed without helicopters for transport, reconnaissance, and security.

Countries in NATO collectively have 18,000 helicopters, and many other nations have the capacity to contribute as well. But no one has yet contributed any to the U.N.-A.U. peacekeeping mission. World leaders are failing to match their words with actions and are turning away from genocide. Again.

President Bush must further his commitment to Darfur and press other nations to step up to the plate and follow through on their commitments.

We are spending $250,000 every minute in Iraq - Which is a whole other story. If you really think about that…$250,000 every minute is enough to send roughly 2 ½ kids to college for 4 years! And we are spending that in less time than it will take you to read this post. Our Governments priorities are obviously very out of whack.

It is obvious this money isn’t going to be spent on the children of this nation. Why? I wish I knew. All the people of Darfur need is 24 helicopters which we could help pay for with about half a days worth or war money.

I urge you to contact the Whitehouse and tell Mr. Bush and the U.S. Government to help the people of Darfur by finding these helicopters.

Send your emails to - Comments@Whitehouse.gov
The Direct line to the Whitehouse is - 202-456-1111

Do what is right! Take a Stand for people who cannot stand on their own!

Thanks,

-Zak