AIUSA Remembers Congressman Donald Payne

Amnesty International Expresses Regret over Death of U.S. Congressman Donald PayneContact: Gwen Fitzgerald, gfitzgerald@aiusa.org, 202-509-8194(Washington, D.C.) – Following the sad news today of the passing of U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, Adotei Awkei, Amnesty International's managing director for government relations, issued the following statement: "Amnesty International is deeply saddened by the passing today of U.S. Congressman Donald Payne. The U.S. Congress and millions of people from around the world have lost a human rights champion and an individual of inspiring commitment and integrity. Throughout his 23 years in office, Congressman Payne never said no to the fight for justice and dignity for all. Whether it was drawing attention to conflict minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo, conflict diamonds in Sierra Leone and Liberia, or ending the violence and humanitarian crises in Darfur, Donald Payne was there. When Nigeria was reeling under the brutal dictatorship of the late Sani Abach and Africa's 'Big Men' mercilessly silenced their citizens, Congressman Payne refused to stay quiet, chiding them in his unassuming voice. And when the opportunity presented itself to secure more than $50 billion to prevent, control and treat HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB in Africa, Donald Payne led the fight. While people familiar with the U.S. Congress may foremost associate Donald Payne with Africa, the Congressman was dedicated to ending injustice wherever it arose. From his steadfast opposition to the death penalty, to championing education as a right for all Americans, to advancing peace initiatives to end the sectarian violence in Northern Ireland, Congressman Payne never lost sight of the need to retain compassion and dignity for all individuals. Perhaps the best measure of Congressman Payne's impact was that no one could envision any Africa-related legislation moving forward without the congressman's blessing. Likewise, no activist traveling to Washington, D.C., would leave without first meeting with Congressman Payne and being reassured of his support. Congressman Payne's absence will be difficult to miss. But his legacy remains vibrant and vital, and his work will continue to be a source of inspiration for all." Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom and dignity are denied.###

Busy day on the Hill

I wound up meeting with 10 of NJ's 15 congressional offices yesterday, promoting the DREAM ACT and legislation to prevent violence against women.

I also ran to MA Congressman James McGovern, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and one of the most important champions of human rights in El Salvador. I first met McGovern when I interviewed him for my dissertation--about 11 or 12 years ago! McGovern became involved in El Salvador while working with the late Congressman Joe Moakley on the investigation of the 1989 massacre at the Jesuit Central American University (UCA).

Protect Central Americans Travelling Through Mexico!

Thanks to everyone who has been helping support the DREAM Act by calling Congress. Here is another important opportunity to help immigrants--many of who are robbed, raped, or killed on their way to the U.S. through Mexico.

Please call your Member of the House of Represenatives and urge him to sign a letter to Secretary of State Clinton being circulated by Representative Raul M. Gijalva. It calls on her to regularly incorporate the rights of migrants in Mexico as part of our diplomacy with the Mexican government. You can read a recent Amnesty International news release for background on this important issue!

Scaring the real monsters since 1961!

I created the stencil below on my computer and then carved a foam pumpkin from Michael's.

Help Save Troy Davis!

Please urge members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Progressive Caucus to sign a letter against the execution of Troy Davis. The Supreme Court has allowed this execution to go forward despite substantial evidence that he may be innocent! NJ Congressman to contact include Rep. Payne (202-225-3436) and Rep. Pallone (202-225-4671). They can sign by contacting Scott Goldstein in the Office of Rep. Hank Johnson.

Updated Maternal Mortality Report Available!

The update to Deadly Delivery is available online.

Support the Maternal Health Accountability Act!

Activists around the country are meeting with their local congressional offices to support the Maternal Health Accountability Act! These meetings will have a much bigger impact if Congress also hears about this issue from constituents like you! Please call your Representative's office and urge him to cosponsor HR 894!

Every day, 2 or 3 women die of pregnancy and childbirth related complications in the United States. Amnesty has found that the lack of reliable data contributes to this crisis. HR 894, the Maternal Health Accountability Act, will provide states with grants to collect and analyze this information!