Born to be a slave in Niger

[forgethell]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/4250709.stm

Slavery continues to blight the lives of many millions around the world. Although officially abolished in some countries two centuries ago, people trafficking, bonded labour and child labour still exist



Slavery in Niger is not an obscure thing, nor a curious relic of the past, it is an intrinsic part of society today.

A Nigerian study has found that almost 8% of the population are slaves.




They treat the slaves like their cattle.




If we want to win some elections, and support freedom, and fight racism, what better issue for the Dems???

[kamqute]

1. I know--it's awful

But I think you know, if you think about it, that you will NEVER get Americans to give a crap about anything that doesn't directly and clearly hurt them. Why do you think the key, winning elements of our platform were things like 'that Iraq money could have been used for so much HERE AT HOME'--not 'to fight hunger in the world' or 'to facilitate nonviolent conflict resolution' or 'world debt relief' or 'environmental upgrades' or anything--not even anything for our own destitute; housing assistance or penal reform or daycare. Nope, always education or healthcare or civil engineering or port security or something. You will not get a reaction out of the American people on something like that unless you first can change their mentalities. I think that's a worthy goal. I don't mean to be hostile or put you down or anything, but I really don't think an international issue will help.

[forgethell]

3. I don't see

much fuss about it from the "enlightened" Europeans, either. This is just human nature. But perhaps I don't understand you. What were the winning elements of our platform?? Is that President Kerry shooting journalists in Iraq?

Anyway, a just cause is a just cause. Did MLK stop his fight because he spent a few nights in jail? Where are Jesse Jackson, Charlie Rangel, & Al Sharpton on this? Why is Al joining with PETA to preserve chickens when a real issue is out there?

I don't think ignoring this will help, either.

[Stop_the_War]

2. TERRIBLE!!!!!!

[AVID]

4. I wonder what Niger's crude oil exports total?

A few promising wells and maybe * would take notice.