Support Senate Bill 1245

On July 29, 2011, the US House passed HR440 with overwhelming bi-partisan support calling for the appointment of a “Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia.” Through this position, the United States can regain world leadership in fighting real human rights abuses and turn the tide that has swept some of the worst of them under the carpet of geo-politics.

There is little doubt that bill will pass. The Special Envoy can defend the defenseless and give voice to the voiceless—or recognize only those “flavor of the month” issues that already have garnered their share or more of the world’s attention; or perhaps not even deserve it. The way to make sure the Special Envoy addresses the really important issues and not the politically correct ones is by being prominent in the process and in the Special Envoy’s selection. Success will be pivotal for our own human rights strategies.

Senate bill 1245 is with the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which has 19 members. We need voters in their state to call them and urge them to support and co-sponsor S1245; and make sure it is advanced at the next committee meeting (possibly in September). Note how this will help stop oppression of the Bangladeshi Hindus (who have been reduced from a third of the population to less than eight percent) or other oppressed groups; and please mention my name as someone who is familiar with the region, issues, and people in various governments there.

Click here for information to contact Committee members and a link to contact any other Senators or House Members. If you want more information, contact me. Thank you.