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