Comments on Many Voices for Darfur: Many Voices for Darfur

Did you know that the only reason that the UN hasn...

2008-03-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that the only reason that the UN hasn’t done anything in Darfur is because a country keeps on getting in the way. This country is China. China gets in the way because China gets most of there oil from Sudan and if troops and help go Darfur oil supply for china may go down. So the question is should China, who has halted efforts to stop the genocide in Darfur, be able to host the Olympics?

The reason why China is so important in this whole picture is because they have so much influence on Darfur, and if we use that influence in the right way then we could put a lot of pressure on the Sudanese Government. Also, the whole reason why China is hosting the Olympics is because they are trying to prove to the rest of the world that they are good enough for the Olympics. So, if we boycott the Olympics then China will do more stuff about Darfur. Also Steven Spielberg has pulled out of the Olympics as artistic director. He says that China had failed to use its influence on Khartoum over Darfur.

The fact that the world has even let this Genocide happen is astonishing for some people. Its astonishing because after the holocaust people said that they would never let this happen again. So if we boycott the Olympics then we will be fulfilling the promise of not letting another genocide happen. So instead of reading about Darfur, go out and do something, and Even if you have Boycotted the Olympics there is so much more you can do.

-Kalman, 8th grade, MD

Dear U.S leaders,As you may know, the situation in...

2008-03-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Dear U.S leaders,

As you may know, the situation in Darfur and Chad is bad, and at the moment is somewhat getting worse. Recently Sudan's oil wealth has grown tremendously, in the region of Darfur, and to be sure that they obtain this area, the Sudanese government sent the Janjaweed into the region of Darfur to secure land that is rich in oil. The Janjaweed are not paid by the Sudanese government, but it is more of a voluntary affair, and they were sent into Darfur to clear and secure the region for the government. They dropped bombs on the villages, burnt the villages, raped women and girls, and killed men, boys, and babies. Over the past 4-5 years, the Janjaweed have killed close to 500,000, and nearly 2.5 have been driven from their homes and forced to relocate. The refugees have been moving into neighboring Chad, to the refugee camps their. The camps have filled up fast, and the food they receive is not worth eating, but they have no other choice. The camps only receive food once a month if they are lucky, and fire wood is becoming harder, and harder to find. There is no medical assistance, and is an impossible place to live in.

The Janjaweed however have now moved from Darfur into Chad, and have started attacking the camps, and death numbers continue to rise. The only problem with this whole situation is that the Sudanese government denies sending the Janjaweed, and continues to deny it. Efforts have been made to send troupes into Darfur and Chad to try and contain the Janjaweed, but Sudan and China have been making the matter difficult. Sudan is China’s leading oil supplier, and to assure good partnership, China has been on their side for quite some time. The U.N has recently agreed to send about 26,000 African only troupes into the region to try and help the refugees. Many people have just now started to take action, but why now why not when it started, like in Iraq. Many people are trying to make a difference, but only now? 4 years later, 500,000 deaths later we have decided that we are going to start taking action, but it might be too late. 1,000’s of generations that were to come will not come because of the deaths. Sure we can stop it, but we might have come too late for all those who are dead, dying, who are homeless, and don’t have much hope.

A general response to witnessing Darfur By. Thomas...

2008-03-07T18:35:00.000-08:00

A general response to witnessing Darfur
By. Thomas from Maryland

After witnessing the atrocities in Darfur I have found that the world needs to devise some sort of plan or help for that general area. Of course all countries have their problems but the difference between Darfur’s problems and with our country is that theses problems are how wide spread and destructive the problems are and how helpless they are. In Darfur the problems range from the lack off food too the daily acts off terrorism from the local Janjaweed militia. The worst part of the entire situation is that the people of Darfur have no power over their fate the only things left for them to do is to endure these hardships. That’s why America and more of the countries blessed with security and comfort to help the less fortunate.

What can we do? In America normal people believe that they have no way to help or to affect the out come of this smudge on the face of the world that the genocide, well sadly no it isn’t true normal people can do a lot to help clean up. For one thing normal people can let it be known, many people are still oblivious to the genocide in Darfur. Another great way to help is to donate, the people in Darfur have no means of obtaining any sort of help or money besides donations and those people need all the help they can get. So if you believe that you’re helpless then you need to open your eyes and help.

I agree with manyu people that the best way to sto...

2008-03-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

I agree with manyu people that the best way to stop this genocide is to stop the Janjaweed I think that we should write letters to either our formor or futuer president or darfurs president explaining the situation why we think this is wrong and ask is they can help stop the janjaweed If many people wrote to him than maby he would think about doing something about it if many people were aware of this problem here and in other countries than maybe this genocide may stop. What do you think?

I don’t know where to start there is so much going...

2008-03-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

I don’t know where to start there is so much going on in
Sudan right now. Let’s start with the Janjaweed; the definition is a man with a gun on a horse or devil on horseback. The Janjaweed were used to be known for going to non-Arab farms and stealing cattle. The Janjaweed started to become much more aggressive in 2003, after two non-Arab groups, the Sudan Liberation Army and the Justice and Equality Movement, rebelled against the Sudanese government. In response to the uprising, the Janjaweed militias began pillaging towns and villages were members of the African tribes from which the rebel armies drew strength. That’s how the first genocide of the 21st century started and it’s been the longest in the history of the world. It also leaves 200-400,000 have been killed, and about 2.3 million have been forced from there homes. Some people were lucky enough to escape with there life, and now they tell the story of how they were treated. This one man named Abdo, tells a story of how he escaped with his life but others weren’t so lucky. He tells about how they caught him, tortured him by beating him and putting chilly powder in his eyes.
America and the rest of the world have the power to stop this horrible thing but they just sit back and watch the horror unfold.

If I had to explain what was being done to help to...

2008-03-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

If I had to explain what was being done to help to a kid in Darfur I would say "not enough." We can and should be helping the people in Darfur. The US has the ability, but for some reason we allow people to continue to be tormented. We can stop this, and it is our responisbility to.

The Invisible Children in Darfur needs help becaus...

2008-03-07T16:33:00.000-08:00

The Invisible Children in Darfur needs help because they are brainwashed into killing people in the street daily, while forced to kill, and not even at their own will. And is they don't kill, they will be tortured, and I think we should help them, because kids are not suppose to go around and act so violently.
Sincerely, LOve,

Bao, 7th Grade, Spicewood, Texas

link_New_LeaderI'd recently watched a documentary ...

2008-03-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

link_New_Leader

I'd recently watched a documentary about Invisibel Childred, and I thought It was very sad how they were all captured and tortured in Darfur. I'm here to post My "VOICE" to speak for all those unheard, and are afraid to be heard, the Invisible children. And I demand that the leader(s) of Darfur come and do something about this, because here in the U.S, it is NOT right, in our beliefs that such torture is going on. And to know that I'm sitting here in my brother's room, while various kids are suffering and dying in so many cruel, bloody ways. Something NEEDS to be done, as soon as possible for these unfortunate kids, who are are the children of GOD. Many people take lives as an advantage, yet, when we complain about our day, at least we should know that there's people suffering worst than we are, with out bad hair days and low paid jobs. And when you ask those people there what they want, some of the kids has asked for an education, something we take advantage of over here in the U.S. While other kids ask for i-pods and toys, no these kids need help, our help. I think that their leader in Darfur should let down his postion to someone who actually cares about thier country. They are in need of a REAL LEADER now.
Sincerely,

Phuong, 9th Grade, Texas

Dear Omar al-Bashir,I honestly think that you shou...

2008-03-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Omar al-Bashir,
I honestly think that you shouldn't be allowed to be president of Sudan. Killing people for what they believe in is cruel and wrong. If I were to kill people because I thought what they were doing was stupid, then I would kill anyone who believes in genocide. But I wouldn't because I don't believe in genocide. Please, reach out to your people and make changes to make their lives better. Isn't that what you want? If it isn't...why are you president?

Sincerely,

Lesley

Have you ever heard of Darfur? How about the Janja...

2008-03-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of Darfur? How about the Janjaweed? Genocide? No? Darfur is located in western Sudan, Africa. It is in the middle of a conflict. One group of people are trying to eliminate another group of people. This is called genocide.
The Janjaweed have been one of the main players in this conflict since 2003. The Janjaweed are a group of militia that are killing people in Darfur. In other words, they are the ones causing this terrible genocide. If the Janjaweed capture boys, the Janjaweed brainwash them by saying “ If you fight for me, I will not kill your family.” Of course, the boys care about their families. The Janjaweed's supporters are the Sudanese Government. The Sudanese Government have been giving weapons and gives the permission to kill and burn down people’s houses to the Janjaweed. Although the government claims they are not supporters, they really are. What a big lie!
Since the Sudanese Government gave all this power to the Janjaweed, over 9,000 people have been killed, 200,000 [estimated] are dead of violence and disease, and 2.5 million have been displaced since October 2006. Displaced is when people have to move from their homes and go somewhere else. These people are practically attacked every day. They have no clue as to when the next attack will arrive.
When the UN [United Nations] came to find more information about this conflict, they were jailed or killed. Journalists would go to jail. As you can see, the Sudanese Government does not want anyone to find out any information about this conflict.
A lot of people think about what we can do to save Darfur. The problem is, they don’t do it. United Nations just sends peacekeepers to Darfur. Sure, they provide food and water for these people, but when they see someone about to be killed, they just watch them die. They can’t shoot at the person who is trying to kill an innocent person. They are not allowed to interfere with what is going on. Darfur would probably want the US Army to help them. At least they are allowed to get involved.
Darfur is in trouble and the people need help! As you are reading this article, another person could be dying, or another person’s home could be in the process of being burned. Do anything to help Darfur. The more people that are aware of the terrible situation in Darfur, the more people can help. Maybe letters to the UN, or to our government from as many people as possible, will convince them to send military aid to Darfur! Remember that genocide is not a good thing. Also remember to SAVE DARFUR!!!!

March 7, 2008Dear Omar al-Bashir: There are many ...

2008-03-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2008

Dear Omar al-Bashir:

There are many violent and regrettable things that are happening to many Africans mostly in Sudan. Even though you are use to your ways I think you should change. Millions are dieing and are forced out of their homes, because of what you are personally doing to women, children, and men. I am sure that what you are planning to do to some else, you would not want them to do it to you, or your family and friends. The terrible things you do make everyone in every village unsafe and that will not change until you have taken a new course in life. However, until you stop these horrible actions, more and more people will suffer in your hands. There is always time to change though so I can truthfully tell you that this is one thing you will not regret! I understand that you can’t change your ways over night, but you should still try knowing that by doing so you can make a difference. It might be tough and there will be some bumpy obstacles on the way but you should keep everything in mind and what your future can be like.

Sincerely,
Tiffany

Dear Mr. Bush.Adults and children alike are dying ...

2008-03-07T14:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Bush.

Adults and children alike are dying everyday in Sudan. The genocide is causing children to come home to find their parents missing. When someone is kidnapped, they have two choices: come into the army or die. This all started from religious and some other issues.This is a very serious issue since the president of Sudan is not doing anything. Since we are a very powerful country, I think we can help put a stop to this issue.

Thank You

If I could talk to an eight year old girl in a ref...

2008-03-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

If I could talk to an eight year old girl in a refugee camp in Chad, I would ask these questions. What do you think the U.S.A. should do to help? How would the U.S.A. do it? In Chad do you feel safe? Where do you get water? What are your main goals? I'm sad that I can't talk to an eight year old in Chad, but this is almost good enough.

Sara S., 3rd grade, Florida

Dear Mr. President,What exactly is your plan for D...

2008-03-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. President,
What exactly is your plan for Darfur? You have tentatively expressed revulsion at what is going on, but when the call to war sounds you back down. You partly justify the Iraq invasion on the fact that Hussein was killing a few hundred Kurds. You manage to spin that into a full-scale war, but you are afraid to defend millions of threatened Darfuris? To a 9th grader like me, this looks foolish and wimpy. Guess what it looks like to the UK, Germany, or most importantly, China? Foolish and wimpy. We are showing that, contrary to what used to be public opinion, freedom from genocide is only our highest priority in the world when ‘the world’ includes oil fields being sucked up by Exxon Mobile. That may be what you believe or not, but it doesn’t matter; the only thing that matters is that to every other nation it looks like we have a double standard on world freedom. We pressure Britain into sending a full-scale invasion of Iraq to liberate 250 Kurds, but we are incapable of doing anything but implementing weak, ineffective economic embargos. Do you really think that we can do anything against them economically when the Chinese are buying 60% of their oil from Sudan, dropping coins into the pockets of corrupt warlords in Khartoum? We can do NOTHING, except for a military strike. We need to get the support of NATO and the UN, and send in a coalition to liberate the most oppressed poeple in the world. The time for fancy speeches in Geneva and sweet-talking Chinese CEO’s is over; we need a full-scale military invasion of western Sudan. There is no way we can deal with a government as corrupt as Khartoum. Our words just bounce off them, so lets see how they like our missiles.

Dear U.S. Government,Every day, people are dying i...

2008-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Dear U.S. Government,
Every day, people are dying in the Darfur region. The sad thing is, our country is not helping out to the best of our ability. Sure, we have provided quite a bit of humanitarian relief, but we need to take more action. Giving the people of Darfur some aid will be able to sustain them for a bit, but in the end it won’t stop the genocide. Thousands of people have already been killed as a result of the genocide, and a couple million more displaced. Most of these people are innocent civilians, and do not deserve this treatment whatsoever.

This isn’t an issue that will just go away by itself; military intervention might even be needed. We need to learn from our past experiences. About two million people died from the Rwandan Genocide, and we can’t let history repeat itself. The United States will most likely play a big role in the outcome of this genocide, and it’s up to you, as the leaders of our country, to decide what that outcome will be. Violence should not have to be the answer, but it seems like that might be our best option.

Please take the time to consider your options, and to realize how important your decisions are to the future of the Darfur area. Thank you.

Dear President Bush and Government,As you know, th...

2008-03-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Dear President Bush and Government,
As you know, the genocide in Darfur has been taking place for about five years. Over 500,000 people have been killed and millions have gone to refugee camps. This needs to be the year for this to stop. Although the U.S. government has been involved in the crisis from passing Resolution 1769 to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that stopped the civil war in Sudan, there is still much more we can do. I think it is extremely important that the United States call on our allies and discuss plans on how to help. By gathering ideas from other countries, including the United States, this could lead to actions that would benefit the people of Darfur. In addition, it would be useful to try to make peace treaties and compromises with the Sudanese government because they are the ones behind this genocide. Although this would be extremely difficult and might not even be an option, however, it is worth a try. Next, the United States government and other countries need to persuade China to take action. China has a major influence over Sudan because they are allies and China gets oils from the region. Having the United States and multiple other countries boycott the Chinese Olympics would definitely get the Chinese attention and make them focus more on the genocide in Darfur.
In addition, more awareness in the news and around the globe has to be spread on the topic. This would gain more international support and more people would be educated. Secondly, the United States should be taking more action. Many have been saying how terrible this genocide is, but not many have made any serious attempts to stop it. The United States should take action by sending in more troops to act as peacekeepers and protect the citizens. Everyday, a person living in Darfur is fearful for there life and no one should have to live like that. Having troops protect citizens would decrease the amount of killings. Lastly, the U.S. and other countries have to stop this violence by passing treaties, making agreements, making compromises, sending peacekeepers, ect. Five years is too long and this conflict is not going to solve itself. Every country should make it a top priority to stop this genocide within the year.

Dear Government Leader of The United States of Ame...

2008-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Government Leader of The United States of America,

As you know there is a major crisis going on in Sudan with Darfur. Some may even call this genocide. International efforts towards this crisis are a very big thing right now. Through international efforts, countries show that they are willing to help others in need even though they are in another country. Down the road, these efforts can create allied countries that can be useful in the long run. This isn’t the only reason why countries should help these people in Darfur. Another reason is because these people are in big need of help. Without help, more and more deaths will occur and the violence will become greater and greater. If a crisis this big goes too long without efforts to stop it, then it could last for a very long time and could get out of control. The U.S. has done a lot to help these people of Darfur and we should continue to help them by giving food, money, protection, and alerting other countries. Eventually these international efforts will be enough to control the violence and put an end to this crisis.

Sincerely,
Cotter
http://www.standnow.org/campaigns/seal

Dear Government Leader,As you know, the situation ...

2008-03-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Government Leader,
As you know, the situation in Darfur has gotten worse than anyone ever anticipated. I acknowledge the steps that we as a country have taken, however they do not seem to be working. I have very strong feelings toward the situation in Darfur, and I would like my country to represent them.

I would like to begin with saying that the steps we have taken are in the right direction. President Bush’s UNAMID plan is a very good plan that could eventually result in a more peaceful region if the right steps are taken. As a citizen, my interpretation of the plan is this: a small number of troops were deployed to the Darfur region in order to help protect the refugees. Although this is a good plan, the plan appears to not be working. The Sudanese government is not cooperating, and the troops are also being attacked. President Bush needs to either put more resources and support into this plan or pull the troops out. Having the troops remain in the situation they are currently in will just be costing the lives of many brave men and women. I think that if the troops are given more support they could do their job more efficiently and be very big contributors to the end of the genocide.

I think that the world should also consider the fact that military action may not be the right approach to this situation. When the Holocaust was happening, the United States allied with Britain and France, and led a full-scale war against Germany. This cost many troops but eventually the Germans were stopped. We could take the same approach, and lead an invasion into Sudan, however I’m sure there are other ways. Violence is not always the answer. We already have most of our troops in Iraq, and I don’t believe our government has the funding or the approval of the public to start another war against the Jangiweed. I think that Bush should also continue to bring sanctions against the Sudanese government. These political actions will continue to hinder their cash flow and weapons flow. I believe that this is the alternative to starting a war. Political actions are our countries best option right now. Bush’s sanctions on May 29, 2007 are a perfect example of what he should continue to do. These are crippling to the Janjaweed’s operation, and we do not lose any lives of our troops.

All in all, I am very proud of the fact that our country and government are acknowledging what is going on in Darfur and the atrocities that the people there are suffering. I’m proud that we are taking the best steps we can to stop the violence. I hope that this letter inspires more ideas and will help the cause.

Thank you,
Ben

Dear President Bush, We think that the United Stat...

2008-03-07T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dear President Bush,
We think that the United States of America should help the crisis in Darfur. It is a tragic problem. People in Darfur are being killed by the Janaweed. The men are murdered and the women are raped. Some are considering it genocide. Towns are being burned to the ground. Innocent people are killed when they have done nothing. We need to help and make the world have peace. Our country should donate some money to companies and organizations to help Darfur. We can help if we just try, people can do little things to help them. This will make peace between the U.S. and Sudan. The country is poor because of the civil war and needs help.

Sincerely,
Anastazia and Hannah

The Darfur conflict has obviously affected many pe...

2008-03-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Darfur conflict has obviously affected many people but, not only does it affect the children or the Darfur region, but the Muslim children of the areas that are being attacked and the attackers. Some children are being used to deceive. Some can’t see their parents, and some are left on the street to starve. What’s worse is that over two million refugees are being placed in the hands of others. As a bonus, this conflict affects the future of Darfur, the children, are being convinced violence is the answer. This affects our future because then, if they keep on believing this, there will be even more wars. People are going against their religion and also going against other religions by killing each other and burning down the villages. If we get in to deep, the conflict will not be stopped. The conflict can only be stopped if we all pitch in!

Dear George W. Bush,We are concerned for the peopl...

2008-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Dear George W. Bush,

We are concerned for the people living in the area of Darfur, Sudan who are being killed and forced to leave the area. The reason for all of this is racism and Muslim violence, because they are committing genocide against these innocent people. We believe you should take action by supporting international efforts in order to prevent these horrible actions being done to these poor people. If you support this organization {international efforts}their campaign that has been largely ineffective up to this point may stand a chance at keeping peace in this troubled area.

Yours sincerely,
Paul and Pablo

7th Grade, U.S.A.I agree with a lot of you, in tha...

2008-03-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

7th Grade, U.S.A.

I agree with a lot of you, in that we are not doing what is best for their country at all. However, we have a couple problems of our own:

1. You may not have been aware, however our dollar is failing due to our debt. (Remember, if our dollar falls other currencies fall with it.)

2. We are really not on good terms with the middle east after Iraq, something similar could happen in Darfur.

3. Even if we stop the genocide now, who is to say it won't start back up once we leave Darfur.

4. Lastly, even though helping them is the right thing to do, we don't have to be the "World Police".

Now, I know some of you are not necessarily saying our government should help, but rather our citizens. This might seem like a good plan at first, but think about it, even if your congressman (or whoever you send your letters to.) receives the letters, do they care enough about the topic to change it?

Like stated before, our country has so many other problems, we don't need to add in Sudan's as well. Even though it is a very bad situation in Sudan, we don't need to step in right now.

The bottom line:
Right now, helping Sudan could cause a lot of potential harm to our own country.

I hope you all take these factors into consideration.

- Anton

If I were to talk to a refugee from Chad, I would ...

2008-03-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

If I were to talk to a refugee from Chad, I would tell them that we are spreading the awareness around our middle school. I would also ask our moms to see if we can start a fundraiser around our town. I and my friends will try to put up fliers around town and put a phone number on the paper. So that they can call and donate money or other items that might be of some use.

If I had the power to decide what the USA should d...

2008-03-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

If I had the power to decide what the USA should do..... I would try to finish the war in iraq as soon as possible and than try to stop the problem. Maybe by starting a donation to help the innocent people of Darfur. What ever needs to be done to help them. But you cant help but think of all of the people living without homes and food in our country! Why are we not helping them before we give to the people in Darfur?

A call for actionDear Al Sharpton: Now at this ver...

2008-03-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

A call for action

Dear Al Sharpton:

Now at this very moment as I write this letter, the people of Darfur, located in the far western region of the Sudan, are being driven from their homes, caught in civil war, and at the worst case scenario, brutally murdered. The statistics of this conflict
are astronomical,2 million people have been driven from their homes and an estimated 400,000 people have been killed in this conflict.It should be noted that these statistics are two years old, the actual statistics are said to far exceed these numbers. These people have done nothing to deserve this holocaust they are going through. They are being caught in between a civil war with no end in sight.
The reason I wrote this letter is because I believe that it is important to support
your people, one will often hear that the Jewish stick together and that black people have lost a sense of unity and trust.Right now our people are being put to death, being put out their homes, and being treated like refugees.This is with out a doubt a call for action. I believe in my judgment that you are the person to go to that is able to support our people and speak for our people who have had their voices taken away from them.

Sedrick C, grade 11, Philadelphia, PA