The People of Libya

[Justpat]

People from all over the world are calling a little pizza joint in Madison, WI sending money to help feed the protesters.

I keep wondering what we can do to encourage the people of Libya? How can we urge them to stay strong and that
we stand with them?

I don't mean to do some gesture exactly like the Ian's Pizza phenomenon, but something to let them know we are
aware of what they are going through.

They are being killed in the streets for wanting a better life.

[bobbolink]

1. I have suggested that there be a website, like was done in the past.

We also need to be pushing for what the Libyan people want.... freezing the assets of G (if what I see in the paper this morning is correct, the US is finally doing that), suspension of all arms shipments, etc.

I also think that Doctors Without Borders is needing some assistance to get supplies set up for the people.

I got more about this from TIKKUN.org

[Justpat]

4. Thanks

[gateley]

7. Doctors Without Borders is a GREAT idea! And thanks to the referral to TIKKUN --

I think I also heard Switzerland is freezing his assets, too - as well as any members of his family. Like Mubarak, he probably has his wealth stashed all over the world, but any dent that can be made in it is good! :hi:

[bobbolink]

11. I think there is something about DWB trying to set up clinics on the borders...

OK, that sounded funny... sigh.... ^_^

From what I understand, he actually doesn't have that much in Switzerland... mostly UK, US, etc.

All of that info gathered in one place would be a help.... that is simply beyond what Catherina can do, even though some of this has come through her tweets.

People feel helpless, and would do anything they could, just to feel better, so a good list would help.

[bobbolink]

12. What I forgot to add... IMPORTANT that all "help" be what the Libyan people themselves WANT.

That is why we need some coordination, and I hope a website would provide that.

What I am most afraid of is what I see too many liberals doing about poverty... they decide *they* know the solution, and without listening to poor people they go off on a tangent with stuff that makes matters worse, not better.

The same with this... it is easy for us, at a distance, to decide what is "needed", and it could be exactly the wrong thing to do. The Libyan people do NOT want military intervention, and what I fear is that it is possible to set all this up to clear the way for an invasion!

A website would help to further discussions about things like that... to help people to understand what is helpful and what isn't.

I hope that makes it all clear as mud. I have mucus on the brain now... :rofl:

[bobbolink]

2. K&R for a very important idea

:kick:

[MedleyMisty]

3. What I'm doing at the moment is following things on Twitter

Retweeting some things to help get their messages out, sending tweets of support when I see one saying that a friend or a family member just became a martyr.

It's not much, but it's what I'm able to do at the moment.

And through following the tweets, you get links to sites where you can donate money for medical aid, petitions to sign, ideas for what the Libyans want you to urge your government to do about it. Catherina's threads with the tweets are a great resource.

Latest one:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x514448

[Justpat]

5. thank you

I need to catch up on Catherina's thread.

[bobbolink]

6. That is great, Catherina's threads are addicting!

However, there are many of us who cannot "tweet"... it would really be nice if there was a website where we can leave messages of support.

Also, if you can gather together what some of those suggested actions are, that would be helpful for those who don't have access to that.

Thanks.

[Justpat]

8. Have to go back to work now

but I'll work on this when I get home and let you know what I come up with.

[bobbolink]

10. That would be terrific!

Just a pat on the back to ya! ^_^ :pals:

[gateley]

9. I bet that means so much to them, thank you. You're an ambassador for the

people of America. Libya, as opposed to Egypt, is an "anti Western" country, so giving them support from the "real people" might make those who grew up believing the US is evil pause for thought. Although they've got more urgent things to deal with now. :hi:

[Justpat]

13. Facebook

Someone has a Facebook page: Libyian Revolution February 17th.

[bobbolink]

14. Yes, that was posted the last time this was mentioned.

Not everyone can or is willing to use Facebook.

What is wrong with an old-fashioned web site?