Senate hopeful Hoeffel arrested in Sudan protest (PA vs. Specter)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.post-gazette.com/breaking/20040720hoeffelp6.asp

U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel was arrested today outside the Sudanese embassy, becoming the third congressman in a week charged with protesting what they described as genocide in the African nation.

Hoeffel, a Democrat from suburban Philadelphia, was joined by his wife, Francesca, and comedian-turned-activist Dick Gregory in the highly choreographed midday arrest amid a crowd of about 30 protesters singing, “We Shall Not be Moved.”

“What is happening in the Sudan is genocide,” said Hoeffel, a member of the House International Relations Committee who is running for the U.S. Senate this year against Republican Arlen Specter.

“It’s government-sponsored genocide, and ethnic cleansing — partially based on race, partially based on religion,” Hoeffel said. “It is wrong and it is time to call it for what it is: hateful genocide.”

[havocmom]

1. And it is time to act

while there are still some people alive.

The Nation online has a quick, easy way for you to send a message to Sec. of State Powell on this issue.
http://capwiz.com/thenation/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=6074336

Time is lives in this case. We can save 'em or ignore 'em. America used to be known for standing up for the oppressed. Here is a chance to redeem some of the reputation tarnished by bushco picking the wrong fights. This is one case where intervention is necessary. Please ask your Congressmen and the UN to step in.

[Kire]

2. Join the Yahoo! group

Rep. Joe Hoeffel, D-Penn., is arrested by US Secret Service police during a demonstration at the Sudanese Embassy on Tuesday, July 20, 2004 in Washington. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the Darfur region of Sudan, where Arab militiamen have launched a campaign to force black Africans from their homes. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)


Join the Yahoo! group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HoeffelforSenate/

[gottaB]

3. "Hoeffel said he decided to protest after seeing Rangel’s arrest on CNN"

Lack of awareness is part of the problem. I'm glad to see our political leaders stepping up.

Specter's campaign is talking trash. If they were really concerned with the crisis, they would commend their rival for raising public awareness. That wouldn't stop them from blowing from their own horn.