We are fasting in solidarity with those who never have enough to eat and to let our legislators know how important this issue is to us. We are hoping to get the Jubilee Act (House Resolution 2634) passed. This bill would expand debt cancellation n a proven means of fighting poverty n to all the impoverished countries that cannot meet the UN’s Millennium Development Goals because of the costs of servicing their debt
These debts cost lives and they have been paid back, sometimes many times over. Poor countries spend more on interest payments than on social services. The resolution before the House is written to ensure that resources released by debt cancellation reach those who need them most. It demands accountability and transparency from both creditors and the indebted impoverished countries.
Daniel Kemmis, former mayor of Missoula and now a senior fellow at the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, spoke for many of us when he said, “I appreciate the Jubilee network giving each of us a chance to do something about this global challenge.” He said he was donating his $400 property tax rebate to Jubilee USA.
Amy Carter, pastor of Missoula’s University Congregational Church, said, “Our fast is a fast of solidarity calling for debt cancellation so that poorer nations may focus on the needs of their people and not upon the repayment of debts.”
Albert Borgmann, UM Regents Professor, said, “I am fasting because knowing about hunger is not the same as feeling it.”
Ann Moriarity, director of peace and justice at St. Francis Xavier Parish, said, “I fast so I can, in some small way, understand what it feels like to live in poverty. My fast is a choice, but for millions hunger is not a choice. My hope is that my fast will inspire me and others to work harder to end poverty.”
“Jubilee is a call for building right relationships between people and the Earth,” said Barbara Zuuring. “In the world’s poorest countries majorities live without health care, education, adequate housing, or clean water as their governments struggle to pay the debts held by international financial institutions and the World Bank. By fasting I will allow time for reflection and a deeper connection to the Earth and the people in it.”
We are signing paper plates saying we are participating in the fast because we want the Jubilee Act passed. These plates, including one signed by former U.S. Sen. John Melcher, will be hand-delivered to Congress.
Caroline Emmons is a Missoula resident who cares about this issue. She is a coordinating committee member of Jubilee/Montana. Reach her at cemmons8@msn.com and find out how to become part of the fast.
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