Actually, what they did was to take to the Hill to get Congress to raise some hell over the plight of the children of Northern Uganda, who are caught in the middle of a civil war between the Ugandan government and Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army.
These children are frequently captured and forced to become child soldiers, and many are displaced in an attempt to avoid capture by the LRA. Invisible Children Inc. has brought attention to the crisis through various means, including the film Invisible Children: Rough Cut and events, including the Global Night Commute in 2006 and Displace Me in 2007.
From their website:
Invisible Children is not offering a handout, but instead, a life-long investment in vulnerable youth. We provide them with quality education and valuable life skills that enable them to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country.To achieve this goal we emphasize community involvement and Ugandan leadership. As a part of a global community, we also promote cross-cultural education, and continuously look for ways we can better work together in defending the oppressed and promoting peace.
Of course, they paid a visit to our favorite legislator to urge him to bring some attention to the situation in Northern Uganda. As his supporters know, the Senator focuses on several key issues in addition to the day to day business of the Senate. But they all seem to have a common theme -- the safety, health and future of kids, from healthcare for children here at home to the protection of our 'kids' fighting in Iraq and elsewhere.
Senator Kerry greeted the group in his office and offered his support and this advice:
"The only way you can do it is get people like me and others raising hell about it."
Raise some hell, Senator. It's about the kids.
Comments (3)
Posted by Kerryvisionary | August 21, 2007 11:59 AM
Excellent post on a hugely important issue. The video provided me with a lot of information I hadn't had before, and I agree with you that JK is all about the well-being of the children of America and of the world. Also, GORGEOUS picture of the Senator!
Posted by Connie | August 21, 2007 12:31 PM
Once again, the idea of a peace movement is taking hold with the youth, and who better to understand their enthusiasm, devotion, and power to effect change than our man JK. It's been said that when we, as a people, love peace more than we hate war, then we shall have peace. RFK'S words still reverberate and move me to act. Who will be our head of The Department of Peace when Kerry is President???!!! I can't help it, I'm never giving up on that dream. Thanks, Faith, for your fine post. The fervor of the sixties still lives within me, and I'm as sure today as I was then, that war is not the answer to our problems, and it never was. And...it's just so heartwarming to see the youth once again caring for the welfare of others more than for their own personal wants. Now that's progress.
Posted by wisteria | August 21, 2007 3:59 PM
This is why Kerryvision is so important. It is the site to go to for new information, not only about Senator Kerry but also about important organizations that are involved in making the lives and futures of childen better. Thank you, I was not even aware of this organization until now.
Oh, and they are great video shots of Senator Kerry.