darfur | Metaphor

The Save Darfur Coalition [savedarfur.org] is calling for Bush to go to the UN and press for tough multilateral sanctions against Sudan.

I have misgivings.

I agree that tough action is necessary, and that many nations should become involved to help stop the suffering. But I don’t think our president has moral standing here. There was a time when America had moral authority in the world, but that time is not now. This suggestion, that George W Bush step up to end sectarian genocide while he’s waging a sectarian civil war, is a call for pure hypocrisy.

Isn’t it? Am I wrong?

It is the hour – as it almost always is – for moral leadership on Earth. Any nominations?

OK, I’ll sign their petition, but God help Darfur if the Impervious Empirate tries to send the US Army to Sudan.

I got an e-mail today from the office of the press secretary at the white house. It seems I’m subscribed to something there. Beats me. The e-mail consists of a press release:

Today, President Bush Announced The Expansion And Tightening Of Economic Sanctions Against The Government Of Sudan. The United States is now taking the steps the President outlined last month because the government of Sudan continues to violate its numerous commitments to stop the violence and suffering in Darfur.

The press release points out, among many things, that the US has given $1.7 billion for Darfur, and ends as follows:

The United States Will Not Avert Our Eyes From A Crisis That Challenges The Conscience Of The World

· The people of Darfur are crying out for our help – and they deserve it.

· The United Nations Security Council, the African Union, and all members of the international community must reject efforts to obstruct implementation of the agreements that would bring peace to Darfur and Sudan.

· President Bashir should stop his obstruction, allow the peacekeepers in, and end the campaign of violence that continues to target innocent men, women, and children.

OK, that’s all well and good I suppose, though claims have been made in other nations that economic sanctions actually hurt the people more than the government.

It occurs to me to ask who is going to sanction US for the mass killings Bush set in motion in Iraq. Then I think maybe we’re already being sanctioned. The world is turning its back on the dollar, and we are losing – or have lost – the world’s respect.

I saw a bumper sticker today:

Frodo Failed
Bush has the Ring

If you want a copy of the white house email,
leave a comment or send an email to me.