Today on CBC's Maritime Noon, Elizabeth May spoke of being in
a "democracy crisis" when we've become so comfortable with the
status quo. Her discussion centered on environmental activism yet
the themes of engagement and effective citizenry are far reaching.
May talked about her work with the federal government and stated one
letter going to Ottawa counts as the "voice of thousands". From her
experience, one letter represented between 5,000 and 10,000 people!
It is important to note that letters need not be elaborate, they can simply
state that you are concerned about an issue. May also said form letters
and e-mail were less effective.
If several of us write to the Minister of Foreign Affairs more attention can
be drawn to the crisis in Swaziland. Please write to
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
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On April 12, South Africans protested in solidarity with the People's
Mr Peter MacKay
Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
(postage unnecessary)
************************************************************************************
On April 12, South Africans protested in solidarity with the People's
United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO). They blocked 5 border
crossings and drew more attention to the "special kind of democracy"
in Swaziland. Tonight PUDEMO has announced that more of this type
of action is to occur.
http://swazilandsolidaritynetworkcanada.wikispaces.com/Opposition+announces+another+border+blockade?token=72e814ee03a7b66fd29ee3accfbb49ac
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On Saturday king Mswati left Sd heading for the UN in New York. His
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On Saturday king Mswati left Sd heading for the UN in New York. His
companions are his latest fiance, a 17 year old girl he chose last year,
and a newly appointed Minister of Health.
"King Mswati III is scheduled to participate in five roundtable meetings
"King Mswati III is scheduled to participate in five roundtable meetings
and five technical discussions on the summit agenda, with the hope of
sharing experiences in HIV/AIDS prevention work with the other countries
and contributing to the summit's ultimate political declaration.
However, analysts have questioned what King Mswati III is going to
However, analysts have questioned what King Mswati III is going to
present before the rest of the world alleging that he is turning a blind
eye to the seriousness of the pandemic ravishing his nation. The
analysts cited the decrease of the ministry of Health and Social
Welfare budget as evidence that King Mswati III's government still
fails to prioritise on improving better health for its people.
“HIV/AIDS is seriously ravishing Swaziland such that many homes
“HIV/AIDS is seriously ravishing Swaziland such that many homes
are now child headed. Government is doing little if any to assist
these children, some as young as 6 years are forced to look after
their fellow brothers and sisters. What does the King and government
assist these orphans... instead lucrative money is diverted to the
King's birthdays to benefit royalty,” said the analysts."
