"Seeking social and economic justice by empowering and keeping safe Oklahoma women and girls." See my related website. Comments and suggestions are welcome and encouraged; flaming is not (see here and here). If you comment via "Anonymous" it is helpful if you'll "sign" your posts.

National Partnership for Women and Families tackles women's issues

Check out the award winning video about women's issues prepared by The National Partnership for Women and Families at http://www.youtube.com/nationalpartnership/.

Come to the Botball Tournament July 11 at OU

Cathryne Stein, President of KISS Institute for Practical Robotics invites you to the double elimination rounds of the International Botball Tournament this Friday, July 11th, at the University of Oklahoma’s Memorial Union from 1:30 -5:30.

Over 55 teams are registered to participate, some from as far away as Poland and Qatar, as well as our very own homegrown Oklahoma champion teams. This robotics tournament is part of a larger Global Conference on Educational Robotics hosted at OU this year. The robots that you’ll see are all autonomous, using artificial intelligence. No remote control is used as the students have learned to program the robots in advance to respond to changing conditions on the playing arena.

The International Botball Tournament is free and open to the public. More information is available at http://www.botball.org/season/2008/GCER/.!

KISS Institute's mission is to improve the public's understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math; develop the skills, character, and aspirations of students; and contribute to the enrichment of our school systems, communities, and the nation. Thanks for the heads up, Cathryne.

Journal Record Announces Beacon Award Finalists

Mary Melon, publisher of The Journal Record, has announced that the newspaper is establishing a new award that pays tribute to businesses/organizations active in the non-profit community. The newspaper recently announced the first year's 28 finalists and will announce the four 2008 winners at an event July 10 in Oklahoma City. The award categories and finalists are:

Charitable Influence Finalists
Organizations in the charitable influence category demonstrate a company culture that encourages and supports volunteerism, charitable giving and community involvement by its members.

Large business subcategory finalists include:
• Chesapeake Energy, Oklahoma City.
• Dell, Oklahoma City.
• Devon Energy, Oklahoma City.
• Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City.
• Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson PC, Tulsa.
• Ihloff Salon, Tulsa.
• Integris Health, Oklahoma City.
• McAfee & Taft, Oklahoma City.
• Norman Regional Health System, Norman.
• U.S. Cellular, Tulsa.

Small/midsized business subcategory:
• 1st Bank and Trust, Broken Bow.
• Capital West Securities, Oklahoma City.
• Cardinal Engineering, Oklahoma City.
• Full Force Marketing and Brand Development, Yukon.
• PL Studios, Oklahoma City.
• Rees Associates Inc., Oklahoma City.

Philanthropic Impact Finalists
Those recognized in the philanthropic impact categories have made a significant charitable contribution to a group or individual in need in the community.

Large business subcategory finalists:
• BancFirst, Oklahoma City.
• Express Employment Professionals, Oklahoma City.
• Home Creations, Moore.
• Ideal Homes, Norman.
• Kimray, Oklahoma City.
• Norman Regional Health System, Norman.
• SandRidge Energy, Oklahoma City.

Small/midsized business subcategory:
• Accel Financial Staffing, Oklahoma City.
• Arden and Associates, Piedmont.
• Crowe & Dunlevy, Oklahoma City.
• Delta Dental of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City.
• The University of Phoenix, Tulsa.

HCR 1008 - Rep Joe Dorman's Aborted Effort to Improve How Oklahoma Reintegrates Prisoners Back Into Society

Oklahoma State Representative Joe Dorman introduced House Concurrent Resolution 1008 last spring which addressed ways to better reintegrate prisoners back into society. Of course, it died in committee because our legislators are afraid of being tagged as "soft on crime."

Oklahoma incarcerates more women per capita than any other state -- or developed NATION. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is bleeding our state of funds that could be spent on education or roads and bridges.

Members of the Oklahoma Legislature need to find ways to reduce the number of people we send to prison, hold in prison too long and see right back in prison because their transition back into society failed. Joe Dorman at least was willing to talk about this important public policy area. Here is some information on his ideas; maybe they'll resurface in 1009.

During this election season, ask candidates running for the Oklahoma Legislature you meet, "If elected, what will you do to reduce Oklahoma's high rate of incarceration -- especially incarcerated women?"

Wear a black ribbon for Lori Kastner who was allegedly murdered by her husband

Police have arrested Lori Kastner's husband for allegedly murdering her; seems he kept changing the story he told the police. Sadly, this is yet another intimate partner murder for Oklahoma. (Note, Kathleen Parker, that this time it was male killing female.)
Read the Tulsa World article here.

Sheryl Lovelady Featured on Flash Point Sunday

The TV [program Flash Point airs on Oklahoma's NewsChannel 4 on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The show's host/moderator is NewsChannel 4 anchor Kevin Ogle. Political insights are offered by former Oklahoma City Mayor, Republican Kirk Humphreys and former State Democratic Party Chairman Mike Turpen. The trio offers commentary and debates on timely issues. Yesterday, the Democratic political consultant featured on the show was Sheryl Lovelady and she did a great job. Way to go, Sheryl!

I never know quite what to make of columnist and male champion Kathleen Parker. Her column in the Sunday Oklahoman on June 29, 2008 was back on her favorite topic - domestic violence is more often women beating up on men than the other way around. For evidence, she cites her own book Save the Males plus the book Violent Partners by Linda Mills. They argue most families experiencing violence won't call the police because of (a) the "must arrest" policy which tears apart families and (b) the fact the police will take away the male - even when he is the victim.

Worthy of note are these observations:

The solution to domestic violence, says Mills, begins with recognizing it as a cyclical, intergenerational family problem that usually begins in childhood. Mills provides some devastating statistics to highlight how early this cycle begins and how hard it is to break the trend once begun: 35 percent of parents hit their infants when they believe they're misbehaving; 94 percent of parents spank their 3-4 year olds for the same reason.

Research shows that children raised by violence are more likely to become violent of be the victim of violence in their own adult relationships -- and so it goes from one generation to the next.

Watch the cable television show Jon & Kate Plus 8 about a couple raising twins and sextuplets; they are heavy users of "time-out" but never once have seen either of the parents swat or otherwise raise a hand to those kids. And they are them most obedient, loving, sweet kids in the world. They are just kids being kids.

Cast Your Vote NOW for Wanda Jackson

Thanks, Mike at OkieDoke, for reminding us that time is running out to submit your nomination for Oklahoma’s Official Rock Song. Like me, Mike is lobbying for artist Wanda Jackson for her song Funnel of Love. Click here to read his persuasive argument. Listen to her song below. Then VOTE HERE.


Recorded version
Live performance
Live performance

Rape Exams No Longer Need Law Enforcement Involvement

From The Journal Record (Oklahoma City) May 21, 2008 (article by Marie Price):

New federal rape-examination requirements do not require victims to go to law enforcement, a circumstance some victims find so traumatizing they choose not to report the crime.

Under the mandate, evidence from victims who undergo the exam at a hospital can be stored for use later, should they decide to press charges.

The new procedure has been given the Jane Doe designation, because in some states the victim is not identified when the evidence is filed away.

Shannon Liew, coordinator of the YWCA of Oklahoma County's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program in Oklahoma County, said that in Oklahoma the exams are referred to as "not-reporting" rape kits.


Frustratingly, The Journal Record limits access but you may be able to read the whole article here.

Mike Korenblit and Respect Diversity Foundation

Members of my Sunday school class take turns lining up speakers and my husband and I have July 13 and July 20. The first Sunday, we are going to co-teach a session on “Immigration: Why It’s Hard to Know What’s Right and What’s Wrong.” We have both been on immigration panels lately and thought we'd share some of what we've learned with our classmates.

Then, on July 20, Mike Korenblit to speak to the class. Mike and his wife,Jjoan, are co-founders of the Respect Diversity Foundation (RDF) in Edmond which seeks to teach tolerance and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to reevaluate their prejudices and biases. Through seminars and workshops led by Oklahoma artists, authors, human rights advocates, musicians, historians and others, students learn about specific diversity issues such as human rights, cultures around the globe, and special needs and how these issues relate directly to them. The foundation also sponsors the Holocaust Art & Education Project, the annual Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit and the Respect Diversity Art & Poetry Contest. We are really looking forward to both Sundays!

Dr. Dobson vs Obama on the Bible

Check out Oklahoma Lefty's post "Dobson vs Obama -- The Bible Wars." He points to a new website by a coalition of pastors and other Christians entitled "James Dobson Doesn't Speak For Me." I hope you will check it out - but I can't resist sharing at least a bit of it with you here:

Dr. James Dobson recently attacked Barack Obama for a 2006 speech that Obama gave on his Christian faith. Does he speak for you?

James Dobson doesn't speak for me.

He doesn't speak for me when he uses religion as a wedge to divide;

He doesn't speak for me when he speaks as the final arbiter on the meaning of the Bible;

James Dobson doesn't speak for me when he uses the beliefs of others as a line of attack;

He doesn't speak for me when he denigrates his neighbor's views when they don't line up with his;

He doesn't speak for me when he seeks to confine the values of my faith to two or three issues alone;

What does speak for me is David's psalm celebrating how good and pleasant it is when we come together in unity;

Micah speaks for me in reminding us that the Lord requires us to act justly, to love
mercy and to walk humbly with Him;

The prophet Isaiah speaks for me in his call for all to come and reason together and also to seek justice, encourage the oppressed and to defend the cause of the vulnerable;

The book of Nehemiah speaks for me in its example to work with our neighbors, not against them, to restore what was broken in our communities;

The book of Matthew speaks for me in saying to bless those that curse you and pray for those who persecute you;

The words of the apostle Paul speak for me in saying that words spoken and deeds done without love amount to nothing.

The apostle John speaks for me in reminding us of Jesus' command to love one another. The world will know His disciples by that love.

These words speak for me. But when James Dobson attacks Barack Obama, James Dobson doesn't speak for me.

Corporation Commission Candidate Dana Murphy Picking Up Endorsement

Ouch. OkieDoke has a pretty unflattering blog post about Corporation Commission candidate Rob Johnson (pictured here). Johnson faces fellow Republican Dana Murphy in the primary race. Michael Bates' Batesline blog has great things to say about Dana Murphy and she is picking up endorsements including one from the Oklahoma Conservative PAC. Turns out integrity, honesty and being smart, informed and well qualified for the position actually matters to voters. (Disclosure: Dana is a friend and has supported several of my projects including N.E.W. Leadership and the Oklahoma Women's Legislative Coalition.)

BlogOklahoma on Kate Barnard

BlogOklahoma.us has a nice blog post on Oklahoma's Kate Barnard with lots of useful links, too. You can read the blog post here.

First Woman Nominated for 4 Star General

Feminist Daily News reported the following Wednesday:

Lieutenant General Ann E Dunwoody made history on Tuesday as the first woman to be nominated to the rank of four star general. According to the Chicago Tribune, Lt. Gen. Dunwoody is nominated to head the Army Material Command, which is responsible for delivering all equipment and arms to soldiers. Her nomination must be confirmed by the Senate before she takes office.

CNN, reports that she became the Army’s highest ranking female officer in 2005 when she was promoted to a three-star general and served as the deputy army Chief of Staff for logistics. Among other accomplishments, she has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.

Women are by law excluded from combat duty, which is the typical path to becoming a four-star general. According to CNN, there are currently 57 women serving as active-duty Generals or Admirals. Five of these women hold the rank of three-stars in the Navy. According to the Chicago Tribune there is only one other woman three-star general in the Army.

Media Resources: CNN 6/24/2008, Chicago Tribune 6/24/2008

Feminist.org is a good source for the feminist perspective on national and global events.

Hannah Brenner to Head Center for Women and Law

Hannah Brenner is leaving the Women's Leadership Programs at the Carl Albert Center (including N.E.W. Leadership which works to educate, inspire & empower women to become political leaders). Beginning in late August, she will be Executive Director of the Center for Women and Law at the University of Texas-Austin College of Law. The Center was created by the innovation and generosity of alumnae from the 1976 law school class at UT and will focus nationally on issues faced by women in the legal profession. Congratulations, Hannah!

Global Food Crisis Hits Women Hard

Leaps in food prices around the world have the potential to plunge 100 million people deeper into poverty. World Neighbors reminds us that it is the women who are hardest hit. Click here to learn more.

Terry Stuart Forst Is President of Oklahoma Cattleman's Association

Terry Stuart Frost runs the Stuart Ranch, the oldest operating family cattle ranch in Oklahoma. She is the newly elected president of the Oklahoma Cattleman's Association. The Journal Record did a nice spread on Forst June 2, 2008. If you can break into their closed archives, it is worth a read. Try viewing the article here.

Susan Illgen Named Director of Smart Start

Congratulations to Susan Illgen who has been named Executive Director of Oklahoma's Smart Start. Illgen was the 2005 Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year and early childhood director with the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Susannah Rankin State's First Pew Scholar

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation's Susannah Rankin is Oklahoma's first Pew Scholar. Only 20 were named in 2008 and we have one of them right here in Oklahoma City. Very cool. Rankin is a cell biologist whose research could lead to a reduction in birth defects and possibly cancer, too. The honor includes a $240,000 award to help with her research. Go, girl!

Autism Therapeutic School Opening in Oklahoma City

An Easter Seals Autism Therapeutic School will be opeing in Oklahoma City after Labor Day according to Programs Director Wayne Rohde. Children ages 2 to 5 who are eligible for the first day care class of 10 to 12 will be chosen by lottery. Read more here.

More on Autism Interim Studies

The Okahoman has an article summarizing the upcoming studies. Remember how Republican State Representative Ron Peterson managed to block and discussion of mandating that insurance companies include coverage for autistic children? He's elected to not run for re-election. (I'm sure he has an excellent reason - like he wants to spend more time with his family - or that Oklahoma parents are furious over his actions...). Anyway, here's The Oklahoman story. By the way, the unsung hero hereis citizen activist Wayne Rohde who lives in Edmond, OK with his wife Robyne and twin sons Austin and Nicholas (Nick’s Law). Nicholas has been diagnosed with autism. Rohde led the efforts in the legislature this spring to pass "Nick’s Law" that would require autism insurance coverage.

Okie Recipes

Congratulations to the winners of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture's third annual Made in Oklahoma Recipe Roundup. Grand Champion was Machelle Hamilton from Weatherford: her Jalapeno Ranch Beef Wrap recipe won her a $7,000 KitchenAid appliance makeover. The other winners included: 1st Place Entrée, Carmen L. Bradford, Broken Arrow, Choc’ken Fried Chicken; 2nd Place Entrée, Sherry Verser, Bethany, Okie’s Beef Fiesta Cheesecake; 1st Place Dessert, Lori McGrath, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Blueberry Bites; and 2nd Place Dessert, Lori Richardson-Morphew. Go girls! Read about the contest here.

Amazon Scores with These Customer Reviews

Think customer reviews can't be hugely enlightening plus hysterically funny? Check out users' reactions (err, that's ratings) at Amazon's listing for a Denon AKDL1 Dedicated Link Cable for only $500 HERE. Warning: Prepare to laugh 'til you cry. Thank you, Dave [Joho] Weinberger.

News from the US Congress

Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act - Vote Passed (278-146, 10 Not Voting)

The US House Of Representatives voted to provide four weeks of paid parental leave to federal employees who adopt or give birth to a child.

Oklahoma's Representative Mary Fallin voted NO.

Three Oklahoma Interim Studies To Address Autism

News from Republicans in the Oklahoma House of Representatives (after saying a loud,"NO" to parents of autistic children this past legislative session). Too little, too late and all talk but maybe something will be better than nothing! It is Kris Steele's study that promises to actually - maybe - make a difference - someday, maybe.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Republican leadership announced last Friday that three interim studies approved for this fall will deal with autism in Oklahoma.

“Interim studies provide legislators a valuable opportunity to gain broader knowledge of complex issues, and several House members have asked to focus on autism this year,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “I believe these three studies provide the best opportunity for a focused examination.”

The first study was requested by Rep. John Wright and will look at the services already offered in Oklahoma for parents with autistic children to determine which ones are redundant, beneficial or could be refined.

Reps. Susan Winchester and Tad Jones will head another study looking at the possibility of creating a school especially for autistic children, allowing them to receive the specialized treatment and care they need on a daily basis. The school would be modeled after schools like the Oklahoma School for the Blind in Muskogee and the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur.

The final study will be a comprehensive look at different solutions the state can consider when it comes to autism treatment. Led by Rep. Kris Steele, the study will look at what other states are doing, discuss possible options for Oklahoma and will hear from those in the community dealing with this issue firsthand.

“As policymakers, we have an obligation to look at the big picture, and this comprehensive study will allow us to take a broad snapshot of what is being done elsewhere for children with autism in order to see what might translate successfully here in Oklahoma,” said Rep. Steele, R-Shawnee.

Rep. Susan Winchester has worked diligently to get a lab school for the hearing impaired at the University of Science and Arts in Oklahoma in Chickasha, which will educate deaf children while also training teachers around the state to better teach deaf students. Winchester said USAO has shown an interest in modeling a school for autistic children on the same concept.

The lab school would have a training component as well so special education teachers from across the state could come and augment their skills to better teach children with autism. The school would have a residential and commuter element to it, and would be easily accessible to parents from Oklahoma City to Lawton, said Winchester, R-Chickasha.

Currently, the only option for residential placement for children with autism is out of state, far from home and at considerable expense.

The interim study will also look at other options for a school dedicated solely to autism, such as looking at the RISE School of Stillwater which is already working with children with various disabilities.

Research would also be a component of the school studied this fall, said Winchester as lawmakers look for ways to root out the causes of autism and the reason for the growing number of children being diagnosed with the condition.

“This would be a concentrated effort with a variety of educators in the mix to give each child the best education possible,” said Winchester. “A team approach with a multitude of resources is the best way to reach these children before it is too late.”

Rep. Jones said children with autism need specialized care and educational attention that in some instances would likely best be met in a separate school dedicated solely to that cause.

“Like the schools for deaf and blind students, an autism school would meet a very specific need for the growing number of children suffering from this condition,” said Jones, R-Claremore. “We want to look at the issue to determine if such a specialized school would be utilized and beneficial for these students.”

But before lawmakers can know what is needed, they must determine what services are already offered for children with autism in Oklahoma. Rep. Wright’s study will compile information on what is currently offered for these families.

“It is common sense to take an inventory of current services before expanding any offerings,” said Wright, R-Broken Arrow. “We must see what services are available and are being used to get a true idea of the specific needs within the autism community.”

Ask Senator Tom Coburn to Stop Blocking the Breast Cancer Bill

FROM THE NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION -- OKLAHOMA RESIDENTS, YOU CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE!

You know that this year alone more than 250,000 women in this country will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We want to change that statistic. We want to know what causes breast cancer and how to prevent it, so our daughters, friends, future generations will not have to worry about this disease.

One Senator - Tom Coburn of Oklahoma - stands in the way of a vote on a bill that will have the government support research into the environmental links to breast cancer.

Senator Coburn needs to hear from you, Oklahoma residents, that you want him to let the Senate vote on this bill. We are not asking Senator Coburn to support the bill, we are simply asking him to withdraw his objection and allow the Senate to vote on it. That's it.

Call him. Fax him. Send this along to everyone you know in Oklahoma. Below is a bit of additional background information on the bill, the suggested message we are asking you to deliver and contact information for calling and faxing your messages. We are running out of time. Please call and/or fax your message today so Senator Coburn knows his constituents want the full Senate to debate and vote on S. 579.

Email NBCC Field Director Sharon Ford Watkins at sfwatkins@stopbreastcancer.org or call her at 800.622.2838, ext, 581 if you have any questions, concerns or information to share.

Thank you for taking this important action and encouraging others to act also. Your advocacy on this matter truly makes a difference!

BACKGROUND, MESSAGE, PHONE/FAX NUMBERS ---

Background: The Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act (S.579) would set up a national strategy to study the possible links between breast cancer and the environment. It would establish a competitive peer-reviewed grant program through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research that includes collaboration with community organizations. Trained consumers would be involved in the decision-making process.

NBCC's grassroots have worked hard for more than eight years to educate members and gain support for this bill. As a result, in the 110th Congress, we have been successful in garnering the support of an overwhelming majority of both the Senate and House for this important legislation. 70 Senators and 271 Representatives have co-sponsored this bill. In February, the bill was passed by the Senate HELP Committee. Since then, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has offered the bill on the Senate floor twice but it did not pass due to the objection of Senator Coburn.

Message to Coburn Needed by Oklahomans: It is critically important that Senator Coburn hear from his constituents! We are asking you to 1) call and/or fax Senator Coburn and deliver the message below and 2) send this message to family, friends, associates and generally as many Oklahoma residents as possible and urge all of them to call and/or fax Senator Coburn's Washington office with the message below:

As an Oklahoma constituent, I am calling to tell Senator Coburn I strongly
support S. 579, the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act and I urge him
to accept the proposed time agreement so the Senate can debate and vote on S.
579 this spring.

Calls should go to Senator Coburn's Washington office and to the attention of Stephanie Carlton at 202-224-5754. Fax your message to 202-224-6008.

Good News From Women's Foundation of Oklahoma

The Women's Foundation of Oklahoma has a million reasons to celebrate, to reflect, to continue, and to thank. One gift from their founder, Merle Chambers, started a movement and established the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma, an endowed fund at Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. They recently wrote to say:

Less than five years later, our generous donors have helped us take another step on the path. Thanks to you and so many others, the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma has created the first $1 million endowment specifically to benefit women and girls in our state.

With a vision of helping create a better today and a brighter future for Oklahoma's women and girls, the first step on the path to a new tomorrow has been paved. Inspired by stories of triumph over struggles, startled by disturbing statistics, and moved by the possibility of changing the status quo, people from across the state have joined the cause.

While we celebrate this first major milestone, remember that our work is not over. We are not finished. We have only begun to impact the lives of women and girls. We have a million reasons to celebrate but the over 1.7 million women and girls in Oklahoma depend on our continued work.

Joe Anna Hibler, Chair
Claudia San Pedro, Chair Elect

Women Who Have Run for US President

From About.com Women's History:

Hillary Clinton in her 2008 run for the Democratic nomination for US President
came the closest so far that any woman has come to winning the nomination of a
major political party in the United States. But Clinton is not the first woman
to run for United States President, and not even the first to run for a major
party's nomination.

Click here to view their list of the female presidential candidates arranged chronologically by each woman's first campaign for the office.

China's Moment of Mourning Reflected in Google Usage

The China Vortex posted this graph of Google usage in China that reflects the moment of silence to remember those lost in the earthquake. Chilling, isn't it. (Thanks, Joho blogger Dave Weinberger, for pointing this out!)

U.N. Security Council Declares Sexual Violence a War Crime

I woke up at 6 am and stuck my tiny FM radio's earpiece in my ear -- thinking I would quickly drift back to sleep. Instead, I heard some really BIG news. I found the morning paper but it wasn't mentioned. Then I turned to Goggle and found only 3 references - one in the LA Times. So I got to break this amazing news to attendees of the 2008 Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Conference today. When I read them the opening sentence (below), people gasped, exclaimed and then broke into applause. This is a BIG DEAL, folks!

"The United Nations Security Council affirmed Thursday that rape and other forms of Sexual violence can constitute war crimes, and called for measures to combat such attacks...

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice introduced the U.S.-sponsored resolution at a special session attended by diplomats from 60 nations...

The resolution established U.N. Procedures to monitor sexual violence in armed conflicts...It also urges the U.N. to impose sanctions on violators.

Advocacy groups pushed the issue back onto the council agenda after China, Russia and South Africa said last year that sexual violence was an unfortunate byproduct of war and one that was addressed by a number of U.N. agencies, but was not a matter of international peace and security."

Read the full article here.

Election Tactics (Zimbabwe's Mugabe Style)

There is nothing like comparison to help put things in perspective. Following Robert Mugabe's campaign atrocities (see also here and, if you have the stomach for it, here) makes me appreciate our mildly messed up election process all the more! Pray for the people of Zimbabwe.

A Yale University friend sent the message below with a note saying,

I have 2 student workers who come from Zimbabwe, Maggie and Batsi. One of
them, Maggie, passed this along to me. It is an account from one of her friends back home, who describes the horrific events that are happening there now. Please take a moment to read this and keep everyone there in your prayers.

Thanks,

Sarah

---------------------------
Dear all,

It has been quite a weekend.

We were made very aware of impending problems on our Mount Carmel farm before it even started. Various letters came in as well as verbal warnings from concerned people all over the district. People were told that Mt. Carmel cattle and potatoes would be dished out to them. The election campaign is being fought on 'one hundred percent empowerment' i.e. taking everything that belongs to people who are not black and giving it to the Party faithful. The Party has got nothing else to offer the people...

People were told if they did not come they would be beaten.

President Mugabe arrived in our little town of Chegutu that afternoon and people were only informed that morning. Everyone had to suddenly go to his rally whether they wanted to or not. He apparently told the people that if the opposition got in it would be war. The unexpected Presidential rally must have thrown the organisation for the Mount Carmel 'programme' [as it was referred to in a letter from one of the organisors].

That evening we only ended up with about 500 of the expected 1500 people that were to come. They were bussed in from all over on tractor trailers, lorries, car and busses. We even had one bus from Shamva hundreds of kms away.

The drums and chanting started soon after dark. Nearly fifty fires were lit all around. The leaders were waving guns around and had everyone doing their bidding. The chanting and sloganeering was military style - all in unison for hour after hour after hour all the way through the night. We could not sleep.

When dawn broke and the birds started to call the chanting broke into a noise that sounded like a terrible swarm of bees on the rampage. We knew that the beating had then started and we prayed. It turned out that anyone who they believed had been polling agents at polling stations was covered in cold water. We had frost that morning and it was cold.

They were then told to beat each other with sticks while the crowd egged them on. The noise went on for a few hours. Some of them had already run away. Those people will not vote; still less be polling agents in the next election because you have to vote in your own ward I understand and they are designating which polling station too so that they can check who you voted for.

They had been searched for any cell phones so that they not relay any atrocities on to anyone. They were told that they would be killed if information leaked out. Everyone is tight lipped about what went on. Today they go through the day mechanically with terror written all over them.

A neighbor, Marius Erasmus, drove past on the main road and was stopped at a road block that they had set up on our road. He managed to get through that but at the next one they put burning logs on his bonnet [automobile hood} and tried to get into the car. A couple of hundred people came out from the packing shed where the indoctrination was taking place. He managed to reverse and turn around and get through the other road block taking some rocks on his windscreen and other places on the car.

Meantime Bruce [Lauras brother] had been at the Chegutu police station trying to get police out. We had been there on five occasions the previous week trying to tell Chief Inspector Gunyani and Inspector Manyota and Assistant Inspector Bupera of what was to take place. We had given two letters for the attention of the officer in charge, Chief Inspector Gunyani.
Bruce waited for six hours at the police station but could not get a reaction to stop the beating and dismantle the road blocks. He saw Chief Inspector Gunyani, Inspector Manyota and Assistant Inspector Bupera amongst others. It is clear that they are under orders not to react.
Our electricity went down and both cell phone networks also ceased to operate. We were left with no communications and our way out onto the main road was sealed off by a road block. We prayed and read psalm 118.

Bruce eventually decided to come out himself. Miraculously, just before he arrived, the road blocks were dismantled and everyone disappeared. Shortly after the guards came to tell us of thieves in the maize - about 30 people were just helping themselves. We caught some of them and chased them off and recovered their booty.

That evening we got a call from Nettie Rogers who was very badly beaten up with her husband six weeks ago by Gilbert Moyo and his gang. They had also had everything from their house and workshops stolen in that raid including even their clothes. Gilbert Moyo was taken into custody by police but was then let out again as a hit man. He 'hit' Billy and Nova Nicholson in the area a few nights ago and they had half an hour to get out of their home and off their farm or end up the same way as Bruce and Nettie had. We do not know what has been looted there yet.

Bruce and Nettie were staying in a cottage on another farm when Gilbert Moyo arrived with thirty people and said he was taking the farm for Senator Madzongwe. They managed to get to the main homestead with the Etheredge brothers while I went to police with Dirk Visagie.
We spent an hour at the police station but they refused to react as it was an 'issue of land.' I told them that dispossession of one’s home and assault of one’s workers were matters that were important for them to deal with; but after Bruce’s six hour fruitless wait for a reaction that morning I knew we were wasting our time; and so we eventually proceeded to Stockdale to give whatever support we could.

As it happened, an army Major by the name of Indora spoke to Gilbert Moyo and the Etheredges and Bruce Rogers eventually ended up transporting Moyo and his gang back to their base 20 km away on Ranwick farm in the early hours of the morning as the 'hit' had not got official sanction. They got to a road block of 50 ZANU people on the main Concession Hill road but they were allowed through and back without incident.

Such road blocks are now common at night to stop observers and anyone from 'outside' getting to any pungwes and seeing the atrocities that are taking place. A friend’s worker went to their rural area near to the Nyamapanda border post to see his elderly mother last month. In these areas any movement needs official sanction from the Party and written ZANU permits are even required to visit the next ward in many places. I have seen such permits.

The friend’s worker was stopped at a road block and had to wait 2 days to get someone to vouch for him. During that time, four people who had not got anyone to vouch for them were asked if they wore long sleeves or short sleeves. The first replied 'short sleeves'. They cut his right arm off at the top with an axe. The other three replied 'long sleeves'. They cut each of their right hands off.

He said that he saw the hands wriggling on the ground detached from their owners. Those hands can not vote any more. I have heard of many other hands like that.

It seemed macabre that Bruce who was so badly assaulted by Moyo 6 weeks ago was taking him back to 'his' home scott free. Presumably all Bruce’s worldly possessions are now in that place that they took him to. Nettie asked Bruce to look out for their dog which also disappeared on the 6 May; but they most probably killed it. Bruce saw no evidence of it.

There appears to be no sign of any SADC observers out here. A friend said he had seen some sipping drinks and reading the newspapers in the Meikles hotel in Harare over the weekend. Voter registration goes on even now. The old people at Greenways Old Peoples home say they are now off the voters role but the ones that are dead are still on...

Meanwhile the atrocities go on at the all night pungwes and the people tremble with fear. I read that the observers are officially not allowed out after dark because their safety can not be guaranteed. They need to defy that and get out and see with their own eyes these things if they care at all.

We ask you to pray and send brave people and peace keepers to stop the atrocities before they get even worse. Maybe I write this in vain but I write this crying.

With love in Christ who is our Saviour whatever happens,

Ben

Innerworkings Blog Reports on Oklahoma Education

Thanks to Innerworkings for the update on bills passed in the Oklahoma legislature pertaining to common education. Click here to view a recent example.

What's Up

Well, I represented the church at Annual Conference and reported back, decorated for and taught art during my church's week-long Vacation Bible School and tomorrow I deliver the closing talk at the 2008 Oklahoma Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and Stalking Conference. Then it is back to blogging and a month of cleaning up my pitifully neglected websites! Just in time for summer. Yippee.

June 20: Billie Letts to Sign New Novel at Full Circle Bookstore

Oklahoma author Billie Letts will sign her new novel, Made in the U.S.A., on Friday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Full Circle Bookstore in 50 Penn Place, Oklahoma City.

Bestselling author of Where the Heart Is, returns with a heartrending tale of two children in search of a place to call home. Lutie McFee's history has taught her to avoid attachments...to people, to places, and to almost everything. With her mother long dead and her father long gone, 15-year-old Lutie lives in the town of Spearfish, South Dakota with her twelve-year-old brother, Fate, until they are forced to head off to Las Vegas in search of a father who has no known address, no phone number and, clearly, no interest in the kids he left behind. Join Billie Letts at The Full Circle Bookstore and celebrate her much anticipated new novel. For a map to the store, click here for the Full Circle website.