When Is Enough Enough?
Posted by Michelle Moquin on August 26th, 2010
Conflict Minerals 101
Readers: Surprisingly this is the first time that I have seen this video. Knowing exactly how we acquire these minerals and exactly which ones we use every day, and knowing that every day women are killed because we have to be connected to the world, is really sickening.
We need to connect, no doubt. I am aware that without my computer I wouldn’t be able to connect with all of you. It is important. But how important is it to get a new cell phone every time the new model comes out? How important is it to get a new computer every few years? And many do this just to keep up with the Joneses….impress their friends…brag.
Remember when things seem to last forever? Remember how we used to pride ourselves by saying how old something was and yet it still worked as if it was new? I want to go back to those days.
And not only do we have to be conscious of our purchases but the manufacturers need to get off their high tech horses, think past the profits, and consider the plight of women. Yes, I am speaking to you Apple. I love my MAC, but I love women more.
Shouldn’t everyone feel that way? Shouldn’t corporations do the right thing and put a stop to this murdering over minerals? You would think. But obviously if it is happening, and it is big time, they care little about the precious lives of women, and more about the piece of metal called “profit”.
Just this morning I received an e-mail from Apple: “New Mac. Free ipod touch – Last chance.” Just another way to tempt people to buy what they don’t need all because it is free. Women are dying because Apple is giving things away. Just how many women will die today so that you can have a free ipod?
I have said it before, that the corporations won’t change unless we stop supporting them by not purchasing their products. The lives of women are in our hands. How about keeping them out of our pockets and purses, and picking up a pen and writing a letter.
And how about explaining to your child why they’re not going to get a new computer this year? How about sending your child off to begin the school year with a little something different than most of the other kids? Send them off with their old computer and cell phone. Show your kid how un-cool it is to be carrying a conflict computer that is killing women and girls, and show them how cool they could be knowing that because they aren’t buying into the latest and greatest, THEY ARE SAVING LIVES. Now that is something to brag about.
Besides saying “No” to the “new”…there is another way – the no conflict way. Demand it.
Take Action
Commit to Purchase Conflict-Free Electronics
Help us increase demand for conflict-free electronics. Urge the 21 biggest electronics companies to make their products conflict free. The message is clear: “If you take conflict out of your cell phone, I will buy it.”
Help Us Grow the Conflict-Free Movement
Urge your friends to join you in coming clean for Congo. When the public cried out about blood diamonds, governments and the diamond companies listened. This could be even bigger. Your voice matters. Spread the word.
Urge Your School to Go Conflict-Free
Urge your school to go conflict-free. Get your school to pass a resolution that publicly calls on electronics companies to make conflict-free computers and printers for your campus.
- Download and print this take action post card to share with your friends.
Conflict Minerals Language in Regulatory Reform Bill
Last week Enough and activists around the United States applauded the Senate’s passing of the Wall Street Reform bill which included language that will help curb the trade in conflict minerals that are fueling the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the deadliest in the world. Today President Obama signed that bill into law, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to bringing peace to eastern Congo.
Readers: What do you think? When is enough, enough? I say right NOW. Blog me your thoughts, comments, rants…whatever.
Zen Lill: Ouch – not much you can do about a broken toe – HOPE it heals quickly.
General Info: This is good – thanks.
Larry: You nailed it.
Jackson: Thanks for sharing. That is good info to know.
That’s it for today. Have a beautiful day! xoxo
Lastly, greed over a great story is surfacing from my ‘loyal’(?) readers. With all this back and forth about who owns what, that appears on my blog, let me reiterate that all material posted on my blog becomes the sole property of my blog. If you want to reserve any proprietary rights don’t post it to my blog. I will prominently display this caveat on my blog from now on to remind those who may have forgotten this notice.
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: We all know what this means by now :)
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August 26th, 2010 at 11:35 am
HI Mischa, no – it’s a fracture on nthe mend, not much to do but tape it and not put in a shoe more than necessary…actually did this a month ago, just wanted to make sure it was doing ok since it hurts still and it’s been so long.
Women of MM blog, I do want to tell you though that this doc was very surprised by my bone density, esp given that I have a thalassamia (Meditaranean anemia, a blood disorder) which apparently should leave me with a higher fatigue rate (not) and more prone to osteoporosis way before my time or anytime (not and not) so you see now why I make the case for exercise so strongly, when I did my reading on bone density it listed many things you could do walking, biking, etc…but the highest on the list was weight training at least 3x’s a week so of course me being me I do it 4-5x’s a week. This doc wants me to go get a bone density test just so he can report findings, maybe I will maybe I won’t, I try to stay away form docs unless I must go bc I can research better natural alternatives for most things.
Notice I haven’t given you anything new in terms of eating and exercise in a month? I did it purposefully, it is almost a year since we began the ZL thing, think it was around labor Day (I tend not to remember exact dates, not sure why) and I wanted to see who would report in and tell me that 1. they’re still doing the progream, 2. how much weight loss ocurred and more importantly, the weight stayed off…so any takers? I promise I’ll get back on task if I hear from at least 3 of you originals…Caroline plus 4, Anna and cghamarros, Maple, Stacey…? Anyone?
Xur, I’m thankful you put out the word for us humans, I for one, appreciate the effort.
Caio for now, Luv, Zen Lill