Mr. President, Stop this Genocide NOW

Dear Friends: Our friends at the Save Darfur Coalition report that the tragedy in Darfur has reached a critical moment:"Already millions of Darfuris – driven from their homes – are completely dependent on international aid for food, medicine and shelter.  But due to escalating violence, much of that aid can no longer reach those who need it most.  A UN peacekeeping force remains the only hope to bring peace to the region.But the peacekeeping force – already authorized by the UN Security Council – might never make to Darfur if the Sudanese government doesn't agree to let it in. That's why it's so important that our world leaders ramp up the pressure and demand that the peacekeepers are admitted."Yesterday a massive rally in New York captured the world's attention.  Now we need to let the President and the world know that we as people of faith AND as American citizens simply refuse to let the atrocities in Darfur continue.  As one Christian colleague put it, "failing to stop this genocide would constitute a grave sin of omission." On Friday President Bush voiced his frustration over Darfur.  However, we know that the President of hte United States is able to exert far greater pressure than he has.  When you send your letter to the President, copies will automatically be sent to the Vice President, Secretary of State Rice, and the U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. The President must:

• Pressure the Sudanese government to accept the immediate deployment of the already-authorized UN peacekeeping force.
• Strengthen the understaffed African Union force already in Darfur until the UN force is deployed. 
• Implement a fair and lasting Peace Agreement that holds the Sudanese government accountable for their actions.
• Increase humanitarian aid and ensure access for delivery.

Never before has the U.N. authorized a peacekeeping force that wasn’t eventually deployed. Tell our leaders not to allow Darfur become the exception.   Your work has already made a real difference. Now let's speak out once again for those whose lives hang in the balance.  With grateful hearts for all you do,Vince Isner and the FaithfulAmerica.org TeamPS: Please take time to read the latest account of deaths in Darfur as reported by the New York Times Send a letter to the following decision maker(s): President George W. Bush Below is the sample letter:Subject: The Genocide in Darfur is worsening, Mr. PresidentDear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],I am writing as a person of faith and conscience to ask how long will your turn your face from the men, women, and children in Darfur, Mr. President? Every morning we awaken warm and secure, while the 2.5 million people who have been chased from their homes in Darfur face the threat of starvation, disease, and rape. Even the few lucky enough to remain in their homes risk displacement, torture, and murder. You have known about this, have spoken out against it, and have named it what it is - genocide. If there ever was a time for you to take action, Mr. President, it is now. Therefore, I call on you to do the following:1. Use your influence to pressure the Sudanese government to accept the immediate deployment of the already-authorized UN peacekeeping force.2. Strengthen the understaffed African Union force already in Darfur until the UN force can be deployed.3. Insist upon a fair and lasting Peace Agreement that holds the Sudanes! e government accountable. 4. Drastically increase humanitarian aid and ensure adequate access for delivery."To whom much is given, much is required" say the Christian scriptures. You have the power to save hundreds of thousands of lives. I ask that you invoke the moral authority of your faith to apply pressure to the Sudanese government and rally other nations to help end the genocide that, without your help, could well explode out of control in a very short time. Sincerely,Stephen Rockwellcc:Ambassador John R. Bolton Secretary Condoleezza Rice Vice President Richard Cheney