Press Attorney General Eric Holder to Bring Torture Architects to Justice

By Byard Duncan, AlterNet. Posted July 14, 2009.

V -- Stand Up for the Uighurs

For too long, the Chinese government has flagrantly violated the human rights of Uighurs, a Turkic, mainly Muslim, people who make up the majority of the population in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in northwest China.

Among other abuses, China has repeatedly blurred the line between its definitions of "activism" and "terrorism" to repress Uighurs. The country has also invoked "war on terror" rhetoric to justify cruel policies and tirelessly pursued censorship campaigns against Uighurs.

We need to let the Chinese government know that its actions are unacceptable. Help send the message that the abuses must not continue.

VI -- Confirm Sonia Sotomayor

This week marks the beginning of hearings that would cement Sonia Sotomayor's place on the U.S. Supreme Court. Some immature jabs from members of the GOP aside, Sotomayor seems to be a shoo-in.

But it's not over yet. Now's the time to contact your senators and tell them that Sotomayor is an excellent choice for the position. Help quash absurd rumors about "reverse racism" and "personal biases."

VII -- Pass the Employee Free Choice Act

One need only look around to comprehend the ravages of unchecked corporate interests. Unemployment is sky high; poverty is escalating at an alarming rate. An economic system with no checks or cooperative controls has crippled our country.

The only solution can come from the ground up. Join the nearly 1 million people who have voiced their support for the Employee Free Choice Act, a piece of legislation that would enable workers to unionize. Together, we can rein in the floundering economy, one job at a time.

VIII -- Stop Indefinite Detention

Obama has said the White House intends to "proceed very carefully" in its re-evaluation of indefinite-detention policies. Too bad his floundering rhetoric indicates just the opposite. It's time to let the administration know that it must put an end to George W. Bush's egregious violations. The White House must not continue to chip away at universal ideals of compassion.

Join thousands of others who are telling Obama that they oppose indefinite detention, whether through executive order or through congressionally approved legislation. You can do it here.

IX -- End Violence Against Pakistani Champion of Women's Rights

In 2002, Mukhtar Mai was gang-raped because of a crime her brother had allegedly committed. Rather than being silenced by this, she fought back -- testifying against her attackers and becoming one of Pakistan's pre-eminent women's rights advocates.

On June 11, her organization was raided by a power company that claimed she had been stealing electricity. According to witnesses, one member of the company said a Pakistani official had ordered the raid.

It's time to let the Pakistani government know that this type of action cannot stand. Tell them that Mukhtar Mai's voice should be heard.

X -- Help End World Hunger

Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have been outspoken in their support for a plan to end world hunger. While Obama has repeatedly stressed the importance of alternative food solutions, Clinton, in a recent Huffington Post editorial, said, "attacking hunger at its roots will directly impact whether we meet our foreign policy goals."

Let's hold them to their word. Let Obama know how important the issue is. Join thousands who have told him that solving world hunger should remain high on the list of his political priorities.

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