We must not be silent

Posted on Tue, Sep. 13, 2005

EDITORIAL

SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN, not when it comes to genocide. In fact, it is nothing short of complicity. That is why we praise the efforts of local people who have banded together to spread the word about the genocide taking place in Darfur, Sudan.

Their group -- called the Dear Sudan: Love Contra Costa County Campaign -- is committed to helping tell about atrocities going on in Sudan, especially in Darfur, that are being sponsored by the Sudanese government.

The United Nation estimates that more than 3 million people have been displaced or killed.

Demonstrating the sickness of this situation, the Sudanese government used the distraction of the South Asia tsunami last year to step up its campaign of murder. Now, in the wake of Hurricane Kartrina, it wants the United States to retract the term genocide, which would relieve the United Nations of its obligations.

The United States should do no such thing.

The local campaign has vowed not to be silent. We will not be silent, either.

On Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Danville Oak Hill Park an interfaith group will conduct a vigil to raise awareness and promote action to stop the Darfur genocide.

We urge all in the community -- regardless of political stripe -- to come and raise their voices against genocide.

The only way this horror can continue is if the world remains silent. We cannot allow that to happen.

source : www.contracostatimes.com