Ending Mountaintop Removal Mining is AlterNet's Top Take Action Campaign of The Week

By Byard Duncan, AlterNet. Posted June 23, 2009.

Let Gansler know how important his decision is. Urge him to do the right thing and recognize same-sex marriages in Maryland.

V -- Find a Sustainable Means of Food Production

America's food system is in crisis. Years of gruesome practices, energy inefficiency and environmental abuse have led us to a fork in the road. Will we be able to meet the challenge of creating a new, environmentally sustainable means of food production? Will we be able to incorporate the latest techniques of animal husbandry, soil conservation and renewable energy into a viable solution for a hungry America?

With your help, we can. Join Food Democracy Now, a "grassroots movement initiated by farmers, writers, chefs, eaters and policy advocates who recognize the profound sense of urgency in creating a new food system that is capable of meeting the changing needs of American society as it relates to food, health, animal welfare and the environment." Be one of nearly 100,000 Americans who want to etch a new path.

VI -- Free Laura Ling and Euna Lee

Two American journalists reporting from the China/North Korea border have been sentenced to 12 years in a labor prison for what North Korean authorities called a "grave crime they committed against the Korean nation."

Laura Ling and Euna Lee were working for California-based Current TV when they were arrested March 17 for an illegal border crossing. Earlier reports that indicated they were being tried for espionage were false, the New York Times has reported. The sentence, handed down by a North Korean court June 8, has drawn much criticism from the United States.

In addition to accomplished journalists, Ling and Lee are sisters, friends, mothers and daughters to many. Their sentence is outrageous and should not be tolerated. Join thousands of others who have signed a petition urging North Korea to release them.

VII -- Pledge Your Support for Women's Health Providers

With the slaying of Dr. George Tiller at the center of a new surge in right-wing hate crimes, the fight for women's reproductive rights remains extremely important. We must be strong in our support for those courageous enough to continue providing safe, legal abortion services. More than that, we must support these doctors, nurses and health care workers in their continuing fight to for what's right.

Please join Ms. Magazine's pledge to thank and support abortion providers. You can do it here.

VIII -- Join Obama's Fight For Reasonable Health Care

On May 28, President Barack Obama told volunteers from Organizing For America that a public health care option needed to happen sooner than later. If the necessary legislation isn't pushed through this summer, he warned, it will not happen at all during his presidency. Obama's comments are an indication that a remedy to our broken health care system is within reach.

But it's also up to us to make sure the issue gets all of the attention it deserves. Tell your senators and representatives that a public health option is absolutely necessary.

IX -- Tell China to Release Dhondup Wangchen and Golog Jigme

Just after completing a documentary about Tibet's response to the Beijing Olympics in March 2008, Tibetan filmmakers Dhondup Wangchen and Golog Jigme were taken into custody by Chinese police. Golog Jigme, who had been brutally tortured, was eventually released back to his monastery, only to be recaptured in March 2009. Dhondup was never released.

Make your voice heard: Tell the Chinese authorities that they must free these two filmmakers.

X -- Save California's State Parks

On July 1, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning to slice the state parks budget in half. Then, in 12 months, he's looking to eliminate funding for state parks altogether. This means that 220 state parks will shut down -- 80 percent of California's entire system.

The economic consequences of this move will be dire. In addition to sucking much-needed tourism revenues from local businesses, the decision will lay off thousands of state park employees, many of whom have put in years of service.

Join the Sierra Club in stopping this outrageous move. Tell the governor and state legislators you want to keep the parks open.

See more stories tagged with: coal, coal mining, massey energy, take action, mountains, mountaintop

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from Take Action! Sign up now »