Darfur

Late last night, I was feeling yucky, and I wanted something to take my mind off the pain while I waited for the medicine to kick in. So I dropped onto the couch and flicked on the tv, not really caring what I was watching. It turned out to be a PBS documentary about cows. Yes, cows. Dairy cows in England, holy cows and India, beef cows in Colorado, etc. That wasn't too interesting, but it worked as a distraction. Anyway, then they came to the Mosai (sp?) people in Africa. Somehow, they learned about the 9/11 attacks and felt great sympathy and sorrow for the people in NYC. One clan decided that they would send cattle, which in their culture, is the greatest gift of friendship and support (not to mention, their livelihood). Now, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the greatest need of the people of NYC was not cattle...but they desperately needed comfort and support. To know that an ancient, nomadic people on another continent not only knew about their pain but wanted to help? I bet that brought tremendous comfort.

Now, I realize that the Mosai have nothing to do with Darfur...but their generosity got me thinking. See, I've been very frustrated because I want to do something to help the people in Darfur, but I really don't know what to do. Fundraisers and benefit concerts are great and everything, but they don't go anywhere towards solving the problem. We could (and as a country, do) throw billions of dollars at the refugee camps forever...and not get any closer to a solution. Granted, the refugee camps need money to keep people fed and provide medical treatment, and I believe we are right to give. We cannot just let all of those people starve to death or die from easily treated infections. However, just keeping those people alive isn't enough. They lost their homes, their families, and more villages continue to be decimated every day. Hundreds of thousands of people sitting in refugee camps...that's not a country so much as a prison.

Anyway, the Mosai's gift of cattle after 9/11 really touched me. They didn't necessarily know what to do to help, but they did something. They are a primitive, nomadic tribe and have likely never met anyone from NYC, probably never been on an airplane or in a building with more than one story...but they heard of a tragedy, felt compassion and acted. I realize that I need to stop being passive and find out what I can do to stop the genocide in Darfur.

So...I'm doing a bit of research. Here's a good place to start: Examining the Tragedy in Darfur at Relevant magazine. (I really like this magazine. When I get a paycheck, I'm going to subscribe again.) That article gives resources for learning and taking action. I'm still working on both.

One of the websites mentioned is Enough, which provides monthly updates on the situation and "talking points" for letters to political officials.

So...in a few weeks, ask me what I'm doing to help Darfur. Really. I want the accountability. If you have ideas, want to do something with me, or already have a project to help Darfur, let me know!