"Elders, global leaders

[mick silver]

http://theelders.org/

[mick silver]

The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

[mick silver]

have you guys seen this group web page before ... We stand with those crying out for freedom
4 Feb 2011Share this:
SharePrint this:Print-friendly version.4 February 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Download this media
release as a PDF

This media release
is also available in:


We are deeply concerned by the dramatic events unfolding across North Africa and many parts of the Middle East. As Elders, we stand with all those crying out for freedom and basic rights. The universal yearning of people to be free, to have their voices heard and to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and communities cannot be extinguished.

As we learned in our conversations with young people during our visit to the region late last year, there is understandable frustration at the persistent inequality and lack of jobs and opportunity in their societies. We commend those courageous youths and ordinary citizens from all walks of life who have demonstrated to the world their desire to better their societies and enlarge the space for popular participation.

We are, therefore, extremely dismayed by the tragic loss of life that has occurred in recent days, and the repressive tactics to which some authorities have resorted in suppressing the protests. We call upon all those concerned – governments, security services, political parties and concerned citizens – to avoid the use of violence and show the utmost respect for the sanctity of human life and for the right of people to campaign for change and reform in their own societies.

To avoid chaos and extremism, the pursuit of political change must always be managed with care. However, concern for national stability, however justified or understandable, cannot be used to repress people’s right to pursue democratic legitimacy and equal opportunities for all. Infringement of basic rights, including against those brave citizens who monitor the observance of human rights and those who seek to disseminate information to others through all forms of communication and media, should be condemned.

Over the coming period, we shall continue to follow closely the course of events in the region. Only those governments that can truly command the support of their people, in societies that respect freedom of association and expression, will ultimately prosper.

[midnight rambler]

What do ya wanna bet that every last one of them is a commie?