A Moral Imperative

I attended a legislative hearing today, where activists, students, and lawmakers testified about the merits of the targeted divestment of Massachusetts state pension funds from Sudan. Testimonies were strong -- here were some statements that touched me.

Eric Reeves, Sudan researcher and analyst: “Is there no threshold beyond which we begin to screen our investments? Morally and financially, Darfur presents a case for divestment that could not be more compelling.”

Mia Farrow , actress and activist: “In this camp, population 125,000, not a blade of grass, not a tree. The women must walk . . . 10 miles to gather firewood. This woman was raped by 20-30 men, who put cigarettes out on her face as she was raped. . . . These children here are literally running from a burning village. . . . Even above the plea for water, even above the plea for food . . . was the plea for protection.”

Timothy P. Murray, lieutenant governor of Massachusetts: “Those opposed say that divestment is the wrong economic policy. . . . But the protection of humanity . . . outweighs a small economic risk.”

Omer Ismail , lawyer and human rights activist: “Darfur is burning . . . it is burning today. . . . The principles of freedom and security that have made this country great are universal. I dream that one day my people of Sudan will have the same freedom and security.”

Kenneth A. Sweder, Mass. Coalition to Save Darfur: “With a world that is economically connected, we can no longer go about our daily business. We can make a difference . . . how can we do anything else?”

Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor once said, “The opposite of life is not death. It’s indifference.”

So don't be indifferent. Do something.