Taking it to the Streets...

NO Justice, NO Peace, is the rallying cry of the National Action Network's , Washington D. C. March on Hate Crimes, led by Rev. Al Sharpton on 11/16/07 at high noon at the U.S. Justice Department building. According to their website, "With hate crimes and noose hangings on the rise across the country, we must have the federal government protect us from local hate and bigotry. From Mychal Bell in Jena, Louisiana, to Sean Bell in New York, it is time for the federal government to intervene, and you can help us achieve this objective." All this just in time for new Attorney General Michael Mukassey fresh from being sworn in earlier in the week. The organizers state they will circle the justice complex "seven times" symbolically in reference to the action taken at the walls of Jericho. For those of you who are bit rusty on your Bible parables, in the biblical story "the walls came tumbling down," after the circling. Unfortunately, I want be able to be with them in person, but I'm with them in spirit. If you want more info, it's all there for the taking at: http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net/

Debate Time in the City: And a one, and a two, it's another Democratic Candidate Debate in Las Vegas, Nevada. In case you miss the other outings it's going be covered wall to wall on CNN moderated by Wolf Blitzer. This time it's all eyes on Hillary juxtaposed to her last appearance which she touted as lackluster. Nationally Clinton is still leading the contenders but margins in Iowa have narrowed with both Obama and Edwards still in striking distance. Meanwhile, I got an E-mail from the Clinton camp asking supporters for a million dollar cash infusion to be in place as HRC hits' the stage tonight. If the stars align correctly this round should start drawing lines in the sand as who will stay and who will have to go. Check you local listing for times and channels. If you watch, lets' hear your observations here first!!

In previous post we announced this year's World AIDS Day theme: "Take the Lead..." and hope that this years commemoration will be most memorable. As usual we are updating with the latest information on the event and encouraging your participation.

December 1st will mark the annual observance of World AIDS Day. Below is the information on the event being held in Central Arkansas. Please use this information to pass on to staff, clients, and anyone else you think would be interested. Thanks in advance for helping get out the word and remember the loved ones we have lost and honor those living with HIV/AIDS today.
Feel free to contact me for any further information David Tucker/Chairperson

WORLD AIDS DAY
DECEMBER 1, 2007
6:30 pm at Open Door Community Church,sponsored in part by
the Arkansas AIDS Foundation.
709 W. Lee, Sherwood
Reception immediately following the ceremony.

The night will include guest speakers, quilt panels, entertainers, candlelight vigil, and the reading of the names.
Please send the names of anyone you would like to be remembered to http://us.f816.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=arkworldaidsday@sbcglobal.net

Editor's Note:

I am happy to reprot that the Federation of International Pride sent us a shout out concerning our post of their Take Action FAX component as a mechanism to reach out to AG Dustin McDaniel on the impending Adoption measure seeking a ballot position in 2008. Even if I can't get a holla from around these parts, other folks don't mind taking the time to acknowledge our efforts to inform, educate and empower. I appreciate the response:

Cornelius,

First and foremost, thank you for contacting us.

I was just given a printout of the form submission you submitted this morning on our website and wanted to thank you for your thoughts regarding Mr. McDaniel and our Fax service.

In our efforts to bring light to situations such as what is happening in your state, we have fax campaigns which allow anyone to send a fax to the offices of individuals we name in our "Take Action" section. We have found that sending a fax is far more effective than letters or emails as one physically has to "touch it."

Additionally, I did want to thank you for encouraging your readers to use the site as it allows individuals to take a stand and allow their voice to be heard anywhere; all they need is a web browser.

I had a quick glance at your website prior to sending you this message, but did not have a chance to fully review the content. I will have a fully in-depth look at everything just as soon as I am out of the morning meetings.

Your work is important and I am happy to see that there is someone such as yourself dedicated to making a difference in Arkansas.

Thank you again for contacting us and do not hesitate to contact me if there are any new developments.

V/R

Lance Blevins

Robert "Lance" Blevins
Director / Founder
Federation of International Pride
4800 Hampden Lane
Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814