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Vermonters
Take Political Action and Fast For Haiti Crisis
Tom Luce
June 5, 2004
On June 5th April6Vt Citizens Lobby launched a petition signing and
fasting campaign to convince the Vermont Congressional delegation to
become leaders in the efforts to resolve the grave crisis in Haiti.
12 individuals began the fast that day. Several have continued beyond
this day. One is on a 4th day. April6Vt Citizens Lobby will continue
to seek signatures already automatically gathered from its members-
1100-- and will seek to reaach 2000 names by the end of June. Meetings
with the congressional delegation are being planned. Below is the letter/petition:
Dear Senator Leahy, Senator Jeffords
and Representative Sanders,
We have decided to fast on this day (June 5, 2004) in hopes of persuading
you to take a leadership role in resolving the grave crisis in Haiti.ÝThis
political, economic and social crisis has been brought about in large
part by US interference, and we will not sit idly by as the US supports
violent political repression and an unelected government in Haiti.ÝWe
ask you to co-sponsor bills, create legislation where none exists, and
speak publicly in support of the following:
1. Stop the verbal and physical repression now rampant in the country,
in which the US Marines have been complicit, along with former Haitian
army and paramilitary members, forcing persons to take desperate measures
to save themselves.
2. Reverse the refusal of the US government to grant political asylum
o these persecuted Haitians.
3. Conduct a thorough, expeditious, and impartial investigation into
US involvement in the destabilization and overthrow of President Jean
Bertrand Aristide.
4. Ensure that the US does not apply pressure within the United Nations
and the Organization of American States to stop investigations in said
bodies.
5. Promote a safe space for the Lavalas party to resurface and safely
resume participation in public discourse as they demand a return of
their duly elected President.
We look forward to seeing you take leadership on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Tom Luce, Coordinator
April6Vt Citizens Lobby and
1100 signees as of 6/8/04
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Tom Luce, Coordinator
April6Vt Citizens' Lobby
800+ Vermonters Peacefully Working for Justice Worldwide
30 Park St.
Barre, Vt. 05641
Tel. 802-476-7056
www.april6vt.org
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