WINTER SOLSTICE 1995 - Issue Number 34

Legislative Update:

Mr. President: Don't Abandon America's children!
From Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund she has led for over 30 years,comes an alarming breakdown of ravages in store for the nation's children should the Republican-led cuts in welfare and Medicaid funds prevail. They include: the loss of basic health care for 7 million children, and repeal of childhood immunization guarantees: food and nutrition programs cut for 14 million low-income children: a $4.5 billion cut in programs for abused and neglected children, affecting foster care, adoption and other critical services.

In contrast, they point out "The richst percent of individuals get a tax break of $12,000 a year;1 percent of richest corporations get a $121 billion tax break over 10 years; and the Defense Department gets $243.3 billion-- $6.9 billion more than the Pentagon asked for.

Suggested Action:
Call President Clinton or email today to veto this unjust and immoral assault on the nation's childrenthe dedicated Children's Defense Fund urges. The White House Comment Line number (202)456-1111. Call today!

Outcry Against Nigeria
An enraged world community has condemned Nigeria in response to the execution of nine human and minority rights activists which inclided the brutal hanging of opposition figure, well known playright Ken Saro-Wiwa. At least eight countries, including the U.S., recalled their ambassadors from Nigeria. The 52 member Commonwealth which includes Britain and former colonies, suspended Nigeria and threatened expulsion within two years but stopped short of imposing oil sanctions.

Since taking power in a military coup in 1993 Gen. Sani Abacha has ruled with extreme brutality and repression. The General has enriched himself and many senior military officials becoming multi-millionaires by control of the oil sector.

Mr. Saro-Wiwa, as leader and representative of the Ogoni People's Movement, to obtain a more equitable share of oil revenues and environmnental protection of this oil-producing region, contended that "he was framed because of his opposition to military ruler Gen. Abacha and the oil industry which accounts for about 80% of Nigeria's foreign income." Wash. Times 11/13/95

Human rights groups, Trans Africa and environmental groups including Greenpeace have condemned the Nigerian government that itself holds no legitimacy and continues to commit human rights violations. Demonstration and vigils around the country will press the Clinton Administration and Congress to impose economic sanctions including an embargo on Nigerian oil.

Suggested Action:
For more information on the campaign to restore the rule of law and justice to Nigeria contact Trans Africa (202) 797-2301, 1744 R.St., N.W., Washington DC 20009

Links:
Journal of The Coalition Against Dictatorship in Nigeria

Thanks to Women Strike for Peace for this excellent, up to date information
110 Maryland Ave., NE Suite 302
Washington DC 20002
(202) 543-2660

Return to the Index of Synapse 34, Winter Solstice 1995