Not On Our Watch: Students Dial For Darfur!

In an attempt to literally \"speak out\" against the genocide that is occuring in the Sudan, students used their cell phones to call the White House to urge President Bush to implement \"Plan B\" economic sanctions on Sudan. This idea for a school-wide \"phone-in\" was proposed by several 8th grade students who recently attended a presentation on genocide in the Sudan, hosted by actor Don Cheadle and activist John Prendergast. What is Plan B? Earlier this year the Bush Administration announced a new set of strong economic sanctions. These sanctions, known as "Plan B", would put real pressure on the government of Sudan. As the genocide continues, it is time for the President to act. The Plan B sanctions were originally set to be implemented by January 1, 2007. The sanctions include: Restricted access to U.S. dollars for Sudanese Banks that accept payment for Sudanese oil exports. Because all oil transactions are done in dollars, these financial restrictions will limit the ability of the Sudanese government to profit from the oil sector, which serves to fund over 70% of military expenditures. Asset freezes for three individuals, including members of the Sudanese government and Janjaweed militia. These asset freezes would limit the ability of perpetrators to profit from genocide and provide consequences for the continuation of violence. For more information on Don Cheadle and John Pendergast`s campaign to eliminate genocide in the Sudan, click here