PRESS/SOCIAL MEDIA RELEASE
Police Violently Attack Peaceful Indigenous Blockade in Peruvian Amazon, Killing Many

- Peruvian police reportedly shot indigenous protesters from helicopters -- as they were peacefully protecting their ancestral land.

RENEWED CALL TO PROTEST/TAKE ACTION: Online affinity campaign demanding Peru respect indigenous rights continues at:
http://www.rainforestportal.org/shared/alerts/send.aspx?id=peru_amazon

June 5, 2009
By Rainforest Rescue and Earth's Newsdesk, Ecological Internet
http://www.regenwald.org/international/englisch/index.php
http://www.ecoearth.info/newsdesk/

Peru's police have clashed with Amazon tribes opposed to foreign companies opening oil wells and mines in their rainforests without their consent. Police reportedly shot at protesters from helicopters, killing as many as twelve blockading a road to protect their land. Amazon Watch and Western media report indigenous protesters outside of Bagua, in a remote area of northern Peruvian Amazon, were forcibly dispersed by tear gas and real bullets. Reuters reports 12 protesters were killed, while Agence France-Presse puts it at 9. It may have been worse.

The threat of continued violence is real and imminent. Some 30,000 indigenous people have blockaded roads, rivers and railways for months to demand repeal of new laws that allow oil, mining and logging companies to enter indigenous territories without their consent or even any consultation. Reinhard Behrend, Rainforest Rescue's Director, notes "it is important to realize that our overconsumption in the rich and emerging nations is at the root cause of deadly conflict for rainforests and Indians. We ask people to eliminate their use of industrially harvested timbers, oil and minerals from the world's rainforests, and protest this senseless violence at Peru embassies all over the world."

Indigenous communities complain that some 70% of Peruvian Amazon territory is now leased for oil and gas exploration, putting at risk their own lives and the biodiversity of the Amazon. Some of the controversial laws encouraging foreign investment in the Amazon were passed last year as President Garcia moved to bring Peru's regulatory framework into compliance with a free-trade agreement with the United States.

"The same indigenous abuses suffered historically to access resources by the West continue to this day. All Earth's citizens must demand the Peru government respect indigenous land rights, and pursue locally controlled ecologically sustainable development in the Amazon based upon the benefits of standing trees and intact ecosystems," says Dr. Glen Barry, Ecological Internet's President.

CONTACT: Dr. Glen Barry, glenbarry@ecologicalinternet.org
Reinhard Behrendt, info@regenwald.org

Media Matters: Obama abroad; media conservatives on tour from reality

President Obama's trip to the Middle East and subsequent speech in Cairo were a predictable source of fodder for media conservatives. Then again, Obama's trips abroad tend to bring out the worst from the right: a complete rejection of honest self-reflection, implicit xenophobia and anti-Islamic bigotry, relentless fearmongering, and a desire to portray any critics of U.S. policy as being un-American.

In order to prove their point, the conservative media have routinely cropped Obama's statements, including his honest assessment of U.S. failures under the Bush administration while excluding his critiques of other nations. This gave rise to the "apology tour" theme that Fox News pushed heavily during Obama's trip to Europe in April. That theme was rekindled this week as Fox's Sean Hannity aired an Obama "apology tour" video montage, while Fox & Friends asked if Obama would continue his "'apology-looza'" in Saudi Arabia. This time, however, the theme had broader reach and was repeated by CNN's Lou Dobbs, as well as MSNBC's Chris Matthews. Ironically, the typically abysmal right-wing fringe radio host Neal Boortz defended the president, claiming that he "didn't see any apologia, show of weakness" in Obama's Cairo speech.

When Fox's Steve Doocy claimed that "some" commentators have referred to the trip "as President Obama's Muslim apology tour" (by "some," he apparently meant "Steve Doocy"), he found a way to link the right-wing belief that honesty equals weakness with conservatives' deathly fear of the world's largest religion, Islam, practiced peacefully by well over 1 billion people around the world, as well as millions here in America. Commentator Joe Pagliarulo joined in the fun while guest-hosting Glenn Beck's radio program. Channeling his inner 11th-grade thug, Pagliarulo showed stunning ignorance when he stated that instead of reaching out to Muslims, Obama should have said what he claimed Ronald Reagan would have: "Hey, screw you. We're big and bad, and we are the promoters of peace and independence and liberty around the world. Either get with us or you can go on hating us and we'll enjoy life and you'll live in your cave." And during a discussion of the murder of Dr. George Tiller, the always-sage Ann Coulter made perfectly clear just who the far right thinks Obama was talking to this week, claiming, "Unlike Muslims, pro-lifers actually are peaceful." No wonder, then, that the purportedly bias-free Fox Nation website felt compelled to warn its readers that "Obama Says U.S. Is a 'Muslim Country.' "

Classic right-wing fearmongering was on constant display this week, as Fox News' Dick Morris warned of an impending Holocaust, Hannity claimed that Obama had given Iran the "go-ahead" to build nuclear weapons, Rush Limbaugh stated that Obama is more dangerous than Osama bin Laden, and radio talker Lee Rodgers held out the specter of a "few million dead Americans" finally proving that we are all under the thumb of an "anti-American president."

Rodgers really hit the nail on the head for the right, returning to the central theme of its argument over the past 18 months: The U.S.-born, Hawaii-raised, former senator from Illinois just isn't one of us. While CNN's Candy Crowley implied that the Obama administration wasn't a "stalwart defender" of Israel, numerous conservative media figures did whatever they could to prove that the president is taking orders from Riyadh, all while he is continuing his campaign to sublimate American sovereignty to the United Nations and turn America into a socialist/fascist nightmare.

It was fine with the right when President Bush held hands with the Saudi king as they walked through his palace, but ever since Obama politely bowed to the monarch, the right has been foaming at the mouth. The fixation with Obama and the king continued this week, as Fox's Gretchen Carlson and Doocy cited their initial interaction as the "most important moment" of their meeting. While CNN questioned whether shouts of admiration during Obama's Cairo address would be taken poorly "at home," a blog post at The Weekly Standard asked conspiratorially if the president secretly spoke "the language of the Koran."

When Joe Scarborough declared Obama to be "perhaps the greatest challenge Osama bin Laden has faced" since 2001, he gave the week one of its only moments of sanity and perspective. Unfortunately, he stood alone, and it was Fox News' Martha MacCallum who embodied the remarkable and dangerous lack of thought among those in the right-wing media establishment when she asked why we would "have to reach out to the Muslim population" when "we were the ones attacked on September 11th."

Other major stories this week:

The murder of Dr. George Tiller

Dr. George Tiller, a doctor whose clinic legally performed late-term abortions, was shot to death as he entered his Kansas church this past weekend. In 1985, Tiller's clinic was bombed, and in 1993, he was shot by an anti-choice activist in both arms. Following news of his murder, Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry released a statement saying in part: "George Tiller was a mass-murderer. We grieve for him that he did not have time to properly prepare his soul to face God."

As Media Matters noted, on the February 2, 1992, edition of CBS' 60 Minutes, Lesley Stahl reported: "While Terry insists he has never committed any violent acts himself, this footage, taped by the staff of the Boulder Abortion Clinic in Colorado, shows him asking his followers to pray for either the salvation or the death of the clinic's doctor." 60 Minutes then aired video of Terry stating, "But pray that this family will either be converted to God or that calamity will strike him." Stahl added, "The doctor he's talking about is Warren Hern, who runs the clinic. He's been a major target of pro-life groups for years because he's one of only three doctors in the country who specialize in late-term abortions."

Coverage this week of the murder varied.

A report in USA Today falsely suggested that Tiller indiscriminately aborted viable fetuses. Its June 1 story reported that Tiller was a "controversial figure" whose clinic "performs abortions after the point when a fetus is considered viable." But USA Today did not report that Kansas law permits the abortion of viable fetuses when the doctor performing the abortion and a second doctor agree that the "abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman" or that the pregnant woman would be irreparably harmed -- physically or mentally -- by giving birth.

The right-wing media police at the Media Research Center's NewsBusters blog complained that media reports of Tiller's death failed to describe him as "controversial," even though several outlets described him just that way, including the previously mentioned USA Today article. To make its point that Tiller was in fact "controversial," NewsBusters cited a Kansas City Star "timeline of major events in George Tiller's career." The first entry in the timeline was the 1986 bombing of Tiller's clinic. The second was the 1991 blockade of his clinic by anti-choice protesters, leading to more than 2,500 arrests. The third was the 1993 shooting in which Tiller was hit in both arms. The fourth entry was a 1998 letter Tiller received threatening to contaminate his clinic with anthrax. The fifth was another illegal protest outside Tiller's clinic. The sixth and seventh were proceedings that found no wrongdoing by Tiller. And that was it; that's the whole list. Calling Tiller "controversial" just because conservative anti-choice terrorists tried to, and finally did, kill him is insulting and suggests some justification for his murder. Calling Tiller "controversial" blames the victim. In subsequent posts to its website, NewsBusters would go on to fault the media for "do[ing] nothing to help their audience understand why [Tiller] was targeted."

Following Tiller's murder, Media Matters unearthed video of a Bill O'Reilly producer's 2007 ambush interview of Tiller and 2006 "confrontation" with Tiller's attorney. Additionally, Media Matters posted a 2006 rant from O'Reilly's radio show, in which the Fox News host said, "[I]f I could get my hands on Tiller -- well, you know. Can't be vigilantes. Can't do that. It's just a figure of speech."

Salon.com's Gabriel Winant wrote regarding O'Reilly that there was "no other person who bears as much responsibility for the characterization of Tiller as a savage on the loose, killing babies willy-nilly thanks to the collusion of would-be sophisticated cultural elites, a bought-and-paid-for governor and scofflaw secular journalists. Tiller's name first appeared on 'The Factor' on Feb. 25, 2005. Since then, O'Reilly and his guest hosts have brought up the doctor on 28 more episodes, including as recently as April 27 of this year. Almost invariably, Tiller is described as 'Tiller the Baby Killer.' "

Responding to the widespread criticism, O'Reilly falsely claimed he had only "reported what groups" were calling Tiller. Reading an email from a viewer who asked, "Mr. O'Reilly, how can you be sure that reciting 'Tiller the baby killer' over and over again did not inflame the assassin?" O'Reilly responded, "The doctor was involved in a criminal case. I reported what groups were calling him. I reported accurately." In fact, O'Reilly has not only "reported" on the term's usage by "pro-life groups," but also repeatedly referred to Tiller as "the baby killer" himself. To put a finer point on the criticism, during a June 2 broadcast of The O'Reilly Factor, Patricia Ireland caught O'Reilly red-handed referring to Tiller as "Dr. Killer."

Fanning the flames further, O'Reilly referred to his critics as "pro-abortion zealots and Fox News haters" who "attempt[ed] to blame us" for Tiller's murder. He also hosted a panel of anti-choice guests asking whether "the far left is exploiting this, trying to shut guys like me up."

BREAKING NEWS: Michael Savage tells the truth!

Well, for about a third of a sentence, anyway. Still, it's a start. Here's right-wing radio host Michael Savage, as quoted by the San Francisco Chronicle:

"I'm going to make an allegation that I can't support: these out of context soundbites came from Media Matters, funded by George Soros, whose goal is to wipe out conservative voices in America,'' he told the Chronicle. "If it turns out they're continuing to do this, they're next on my list. I'm not going to tolerate them trying to get me killed."

What has Savage, the third-highest-rated radio host in America, so upset this time? He thinks Media Matters is responsible for his being banned from the United Kingdom.

Savage is now threatening to sue Media Matters, which would be consistent with his history of suing his critics. His lawsuits don't tend to be successful in court, but maybe they help him feel like he has regained the "manhood" that he says the government "stole" from him. In any case, Savage has a long and despicable history of making baseless and false allegations; it's nice to see that, for once, he admits he's making things up.

Previously:

• Savage claims Media Matters is "trying to get me killed"
• Savage advocated "kill[ing] 100 million" Muslims; called alleged Duke rape victim a "drunken slut stripping whore"

Is Fox News making money off of its Al Gore lies?

On Thursday, Fox News began promoting a segment on "Gore's green money" for The O'Reilly Factor, asking: "Is Al making tons of cash off global warming fears?"

Given The O'Reilly Factor's track record on the subject, one could guess what to expect from the teased segment.

Just last month, while guest-hosting the Factor, Laura Ingraham said: "It seems that being green does pay big time -- just ask Al Gore. Mr. Global Warming was worth about $2 million or so when he left office in 2001, but after eight years of tirelessly working to save the world, the planet, he's now reportedly -- get this -- worth a whopping $100 million. His financial windfall came up at last week's Capitol Hill hearing."

Ingraham then aired clips of Gore's April 24 congressional testimony that had been edited to remove his statements that he donates the money he makes from his climate-related work to a nonprofit organization.

So, how did the Factor's latest segment on Gore's "tons of cash" turn out?

True to form, O'Reilly smeared the former vice president by stating that Gore has profited from his advocacy of renewable energy and climate change mitigation, while Fox's Megyn Kelly misrepresented congressional testimony Gore gave to suggest that he had lied when he said otherwise.

This week's media columns

This week's media columns from the Media Matters senior fellows: Eric Boehlert discusses Sotomayor, Gingrich, and the demise of our press corps, and Karl Frisch wonders if TheFoxNation.com is the seedy underbelly of Rupert Murdoch's evil, right-wing media empire.

Don't forget to order your autographed copy of Eric Boehlert's compelling new book, Bloggers on the Bus: How the Internet Changed Politics and the Press (Free Press, May 2009).

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EARTH MEANDERS 2.0
Radical Idealism: Come Home to Gaia

Let me tell you about the birds and the bees, and the flowers and the trees. THEY ARE ALL DYING. Global grassroots protest action -- informed by ecological science, impassioned by green rage, and dedicated to sufficient policies to achieve global ecological sustainability -- our last best chance, together, to avoid ecocide.

June 4, 2009
By Dr. Glen Barry, Ecological Internet
Earth Meanders come from Earth's Newsdesk, http://www.ecoearth.info/newsdesk/
http://www.ecoearth.info/earthmeanders/

FOREWARD: For the past two months Ecological Internet has been micro-blogging on Twitter http://twitter.com/ecointernet (as well as at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ecological-Internet/84943913664 on Facebook) regarding requirements for ecological sustainability. Being forced to capture complex ideas in 140 characters has been good for our biocentric writing by enforcing brevity. Ends up the series of one-liners string together relatively well to present a compelling vision of what is necessary to protect Gaia and our beings.

From these terse pronouncements comes a sense of planetary urgency. As we ponder whether there are enough funds for Ecological Internet to continue to use the Internet to facilitate global ecological sustainability, and consider cutting back or every closing (and whether our "public radio" type funding appeals remain a viable funding method), this twitter compilation is one means to make a compelling case for you to support our unique brand of global grassroots eco-advocacy.

Your support broadcasts such biocentric thought and action 24/7 to an ecologically hungry world -- as our portals and writings are used and read by several million people a year. Please enjoy this essay and donate now at: http://www.climateark.org/shared/donate/ . Together we will make it.

For Earth,
Dr. Glen Barry
http://www.ecoearth.info/staff/glen.asp
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(EARTH) - Gaia. Earth is alive. Biosphere is self-regulating. Interactions between ecosystems make Earth habitable. Gaia once vibrant is in mid-death swoon. Humans. Are killing. Gaia. Earth is faced with global ecological collapse, this is an unprecedented emergency, and threatens major upheaval and death of all. Wake up you bloody fools. Earth is dying. We are losing our habitat. Humanity is in deep shit as Earth well past carrying capacity. We and all Gaia's creatures are heading for mass extinction. Radical idealism that profoundly transforms humanity's relationship to natural being is the cure to ecocide.

Things are not as they ought to be. Humans dismantle natural ecosystems that are their habitats because they like making money more than truth, justice, equity and continued shared being. We spew into our air, excrete into water, piss in our oceans and foul the land for a pocket full of mumbles and throw-away consumer junk. All but a few are able to overcome their childhood indoctrination and limited lifespan to see this is not how life was meant to be, that humanity has morphed into a disease upon Gaia. Yet as our atmosphere collapses, water grows dear, and extreme poverty epidemic; more are realizing that something has gone dramatically wrong with the human project.

Gaia, the Earth System, is alive and self-regulating. Gaia is a super-organism, and as such can die. There is no guarantee of continued evolution after ecosystem collapse. Being can end. Humans are one with Earth and as goes Gaia's health goes ours being. Being is fragile. The biosphere is a thin mantle of life upon otherwise lifeless rock. These ecosystems are more than resources, they give life. All Gaia's life including us is crashing. Humans appear hell-bent to destroy life's biological foundation. Earth going bad with industrial agricultural, dead oceans, strip malls, toxic cocktail, climate weirding and logging old forests. Pandemic disease stalks an overpopulated, poverty wracked and ecologically devastated Earth. Factory farms breed disease sold as food. All must change, be restored.

Global inequity in wealth and standard of living is evil. Malignant consumerism devours Earth's being and the only profits to be seen are false. About 2 billion live on under $2/day and 2 billion in relative opulent luxury. These disparities are unsustainable and must end. Our and all creatures' being imperiled as human disease overwhelms all naturalness. Ecological fabric of being unraveling, daily news full of ecosystems failing, yet few put it together. We and our planet are needlessly dying now. Over-consumption from ecosystem liquidation by some while others starve root cause of ecosystem collapse, war and injustice

Continued being depends upon escalating protest action. For humanity's shared survival we must broaden our sphere of love and emotional support to include Gaia, all her creatures and the human family. Time for action is now. There is nothing wrong with Earth System that a good healthy dose of radical idealism can't fix. It's simple: humanity cutting and burning Earth to death. These practices must end. We can and must stop coal, logging, tar sands, industrial agriculture, war and poverty. There exists a global ecological imperative to protect and restore whole Earth as our garden. Either you are committed to stopping ecocide or you are the problem.

Only road to ecological sustainability is immediate industrial powerdown , and ecological protection and restoration. Time to level with global citizens -- fighting climate change raises energy prices and requires substantial personal sacrifice. The option is apocalyptic planetary disintegration. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an urgent planetary necessity whether or not it creates jobs as techno-optimists claim. Shame on people, and there are many, who put their opulent consumption and luxury ahead of needs of Earth and the poor. Fatal flaw in Western exceptionalism is its use as justification to overconsume. Climate change and sustainability require simpler lives. How much is enough?

Most so oblivious to ecosystem collapse they will only note Earth's demise when they turn on the tap and there is no water, when there is no food, or they gasp for their last breath. Yet, even mainstream media is becoming aware that infinite growth on a finite planet can only lead to ecological collapse. But as we sit cocooned in our drugged comfort, no one is quite sure what to do about it. One third of planet lives in opulence relative to history, and their fellow one third of the human family are starving. Embrace of consumption as meaning of life -- even "communist" China -- means are eating Earth and will wake-up to toxic nightmare. A hard rain's begun to fall, and only personal transformation and social change can make it stop.

Whether we continue to be or not to be is being determined now. There are already too many people living on Planet Earth. Speculative, industrial capitalism is killing the climate, the Earth and our lives. Shame on hipster poseurs and those profiting financially from global ecosystem collapse. Solutions to ecological crises will not be engineered, they come from going back to the land, restoring and living simply on an organic Earth. There can be no economy if there is no ecology. Given industrial capitalism's ravenous resource appetite, should rainforests and climate be bound to failing economic markets? It is the land, always, think of the land. So much has been lost so swiftly. We must protect the rest and restore what has been lost.

Humanity's advancement screwed up by failing to realize soon enough that energy, water and land are scarce and precious. Food shortages caused by climate change, water scarcity, over-population and dead oceans are poised to bring down human civilization and perhaps eradicate all complex life. Food doesn't come from the grocery, it comes from healthy agro-ecological systems within intact climate, water and soils. There can be no economy, much less art, music, beauty or love; without healthy and abundant ecosystems. Humans are destroying our habitat. Most species know not to shit where they live -- it is time for us to relearn this as well. Where will you go when your habitat is gone and you have no water, food or air?

Prophecies of global ecological apocalypse are mundane, true and imminent. Only question remains what willing to do to stop what is otherwise inevitable (or we might as well roll over and all die). Challenge is to unlearn everything we have been indoctrinated with regarding economics, politics, and religion and return to Earth, ecology, community and love. Tragic how few stop to ask why we must destroy Earth. There are other ways to live. We are but one cog in the wheel of life that is increasingly falling apart. It is NOT too late to take climate mitigation measures to avert global heating's worst, but it requires immediate and dramatic emission reduction. Continuing as are will mean assured cruel, apocalyptic end for being. Green rage at senseless end of being is no vice. Feeling Earth's pain and committing to shared survival is virtue.

We need hard working, educated and organized resistance. You can feel energy building- - an ecologically informed movement willing to take sufficient actions to save being is growing. There is still time, just barely, to get back to Gaia's garden. Must pursue sufficient ecological sustainability policies; including ending coal, protecting old forests, reforming industrial agriculture and embracing energy efficiency and renewables. Measures taken to pursue global ecological sustainability by governments, business, citizens and most big NGOs are orders of magnitude insufficient. As long as we draw breath there is hope for humanity and Earth. But we must immediately reduce emissions and protect and restore all ecosystems. Either you understand growth in economies and human population are killing Earth or you don't. Even Obama thinks we can grow ourselves to sustainability. Growth in positive feedback always inevitably kills all!

We need dramatic people power protests, culminating if necessary in an eco-revolution. The movement for global ecological sustainability is greatest challenge of all time. The Internet offers global citizens its last best chance to come together to take the revolutionary actions necessary to save being. Start now, or start later, but sooner or later we will protect all remaining natural habitats and assist them to regenerate. Now is the time. No time left for ecological compromise. Every little scrap of nature must be protected and helped to regenerate and expand. Survival depends on it. Governments are shirking their duty and in effect abdicating. They won't fix their climate mess. If no Copenhagen agreement, may need to be supplanted to save being.

Social change to ecological sustainability begins with personal transformation and ends with informed and empowered action on behalf of being. Those that mine and burn coal and tar sands, log and use old forest timbers and over-use land, water and oceans must be compelled to stop or else. No possibility of renewable energy providing amount of energy now used, much less expected growth. Energy use must decline dramatically. Large intact natural ecosystems are required for global ecological sustainability. Earth can't exist without old forests. Old forest protection and restoration key response to all ecocrises. Their full protection and restoration is global ecological imperative or all life ends. There is no way biomass can fuel industrial society, as terrestrial ecosystems are already collapsing!

It is time to seriously consider a revolutionary response to ecosystem collapse. When will enlightened free thinking global citizens coalesce to take action commensurate to the degree of threat posed by global ecological crises? What if democratic consumption unable to reform itself? What If those destroying Earth for profit won't stop? Then up to us to act swiftly and decisively. Well past time for each of us to intentionally align our very being with Earth's needs. It is well past time to go back to the land and serve Gaia and being. Time to plant, tend and defend your garden -- literally and figuratively.

So much to do, so little time, for Gaia, and her humanity. The meaning of remaining life is ecological protection and restoration. First rule of transformation: stop digging. Industrial capitalism destroys ecosystems, more speculative, techno-industrialism not the answer. Well past time to let Earth rest and regenerate. When pressure removed, ecosystems recover. Today is the perfect day to start/continue your personal transformation, to be one with the Earth, that is, to feel you connection to Gaia.

Reject most you have been taught about humanism and embrace ecocentrism. Have faith in Gaia and her resiliency, even as you take action to protect her, disavowing easy techno-fixes for personal and social change. The time for ever more reports, talking and seeking of consensus is done. The Earth needs passionate advocacy energy and action now or everything dies. We have choices other than allowing Gaia and humanity to die. Tomorrow we could together rush failed authority and be transformed.

The Battle against climate change and movement for global ecological sustainability offer YOU the chance to have your existence matter profoundly to humanity and Gaia. Many brave folks are taking protest action to stop climate change and the whole host of related global ecological crises. It is time to coalesce into a radical, sufficient movement. Together we can make dream of global ecological sustainability, justice and equity reality by committing to escalating protest to achieve sufficient ecological policy. Should our entreaties continue to go unheard, we may need to partake in a stewardship revolution. We are fighting for our very lives folks. Pacifism fine until you realize Earth is dying and being ending. If not willing to fight for shared survival, what is worthy of a fight?

Constantly marvel at miracle of creation and hope you do too. Human habitat depends upon intact, operable biosphere -- we are called to commit to protecting being. Ecologists and anti-capitalists' predictions are repeatedly right, yet ruling elite continue to exclude green thought from power and pursue economic growth at expense of life giving ecosystems. Earth system needs ambitious policy based upon ecology, protest action and if necessary a stewardship revolution. Anything less is giving up. Successful grassroots eco-activism means not waiting for government and big groups to solve problems, but you yourself learning and organizing for Earth. If you care about you and your family's water, air, food and shelter in the future, you will commit now to ecological protest to save being.

It is time to usher in the era of global ecological restoration and protection. Please join movement to achieve global ecological sustainability, the most epic battle ever of good vs. evil, to ensure continued being for all life. Together, we have one last chance to save being and learn to live with Gaia and each other justly, equitably, peacefully and sustainably. Working together, global ecological sustainability starts here now. What a gratifying way to live -- in pursuit of truth and working to support Gaia and family, by which I mean humanity and all creatures. Be strong, seek knowledge and prepare to act. Earth needs courage, wisdom and love. Be, one, with Gaia. Spread the word.

Today, June 4th, marks the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Twenty years ago, the world was shocked and horrified by the images of Chinese tanks opening fire on Chinese students, laborers, and even government workers, who were peacefully protesting for democracy and human rights. Equally as shocking was the Chinese government's denial that the massacre ever happened.

For the past twenty years, China's leaders have done everything in their power to make the world forget Tiananmen Square.

But we will never forget.

Tibetans and their supporters have taken to the streets to show solidarity with the victims of the Tiananmen massacre, their families, and with those Chinese who continue to struggle for democracy and human rights in China, despite the risk of arrest and imprisonment.

Watch Lhadon's speech at the Tibetan solidarity vigil last night in front of the Chinese Consulate in New York City. In Hong Kong today, more than 100,000 people gathered in Victoria Park to commemorate the anniversary and to call for democracy in China.

This commemoration of unprecedented size represents hope that change will come to China and to Tibet.

Here are a few simple ways you can support human rights on this important day:

Visit the SFT blog for video, photos, and articles on Tiananmen Square, including a powerful op-ed by former Tiananmen student leader Wu'er Kaixi.

Watch and share Human Rights Watch's video: "China: Tiananmen's Unhealed Wounds."

June 04, 2009

• Renewed push to ban endosulfan in the United States
• Kenya considers carbofuran ban
• Omnivore's Dilemma back on WSU reading list
• Ontario's Toxic Reduction Act only a first step
• Banned pesticides from China used widely in Viet Nam
• Organic farming applications up almost 80% in Ireland

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been reviewing the pesticide endosulfan since 2007, and on April 29 re-opened a 60-day docket for public comment. Endosulfan is a neurotoxic organochlorine pesticide -- the same chemical class as DDT and other insecticides that were banned in the U.S. decades ago. Organochlorines persist for years in the environment, traveling great distances and accumulating in the food chain as they move about the planet, impacting communities and ecosystems far from where they are used. That's why endosulfan has been nominated for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and why it has been banned already in 60 countries -- from the European Union to Sri Lanka to Senegal. Pesticide Action Network and other groups are calling on the U.S. to finally do the same. EPA's own analysis concluded that endosulfan poses unacceptable risks to the health and safety of farmers and fieldworkers who use it, and that it poisons the environment down stream from where it's sprayed. This antiquated pesticide harms the hormone system, and low levels of exposure in the womb have been linked to male reproductive harm, autism, and other birth defects. Acute poisoning can cause headaches, vomiting, convulsions, and in extreme cases, unconsciousness and death. PAN helped spur EPA's latest review of endosulfan by submitting technical comments backed by 25,000 signatures, and is now working with our allies to double those numbers on a new petition to deliver to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on June 24th. Click here to sign the petition.

shareMORE PAN's endosulfan campaign | Digg This

The Kenyan parliament is being asked to ban carbofuran, a pesticide "that's been blamed for the deaths of hundreds of animals, including many lions," reports Voice of America News. "Kenyan MP John Matutho is introducing legislation to prohibit the use of Furadan [best-known brand of carbofuran] - a cheap but lethal chemical originally manufactured by the US-based FMC Corporation. The [Kenya-based international] conservation group WildlifeDirect supports the ban, which would replace a buy-back program for Furadan." A March 29 60 Minutes program told the story of how Furadan is used illegally by herders to kill lions in Kenya. WildlifeDirect executive director Dr. Paula Kahumbu stated: "This is a pesticide that has recently been banned in the United States. It's also banned in Europe because it's been found to be unsafe to be used even if we follow the label instructions.… It's one of the most dangerous pesticides actually available at the moment." "The chemical attacks the nervous system and only small amounts can kill an animal. It can also be fatal to humans if ingested. 'It takes only a quarter of a teaspoon to kill people,' says Kahumbu. She says lower concentrations can cause neurological problems, such as paralysis and breathing problems." Yet in Africa it is very cheap and can be bought over the counter. Though FMC's buy-back program is getting Furadan off shelves, FMC 's patents have expired, and other companies are now producing carbofuran products. The problem is the same as that with endosulfan, paraquat and many other older pesticides: carbofuran is readily available from Chinese, Indian and Pakistani producers. So only strictly-enforced bans will be effective.

shareMORE PANUPS, May 14, on U.S. ban of carbofuran | Digg This

Over the last two weeks, Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma -- the best-selling exploration of hard choices today's conscientious eater must make in the face of our industrialized food system -- sparked a debate over academic freedom and, it is alleged, political influence at Washington State University. Blogs from Grist, TakePart.com, and Pollan's own statements in the New York Times, explored plot twists in the drama. The book was WSU's selection for the fall 2009 freshman Common Reading Program when the university's president, citing the institution's financial crisis, pulled it. However, according to Spokane's newspaper, the Spokesman-Review, "a member of the Board of Regents raised concerns about the work's focus on problems associated with agribusiness." Amidst protests from faculty and students, an honored alum, Bill Maler, who is a food safety personal injury lawyer and himself a former WSU regent, stepped in with a gift: he'll pay for the 4,000 books (though the university had already purchased them), and for a lecture visit by Pollan. A call-in campaign instigated by Food Democracy Now! and other food justice groups seem to have helped as well, and WSU has decided to reinstate the fall program and the selected book. Pollan told the NY Times "he was doubtful that money was the issue. 'The last I'd agreed to was a video conference, if they wanted to save money'.... In any case, he is pleased that the program is back on. Holding a common reading program 'at a land-grant university is especially important...because we are in the midst of this national conversation about the future of food and agriculture, and land grant universities have a critical role to play.'" Several sources note the irony that more students will likely read Omnivore's Dilemma due to the fracas it started. Michael Pollan is featured in the upcoming film, "Food Inc.," being released in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles June 12th, and across the country this summer. 

shareMORE Excerpt from Pollan's In Defense of Food | Digg This

On June 3, the Ontario Legislature heard the third reading of a Toxics Reduction Act, clearing the way to become the first Canadian province to adopt such a measure, reports the government's website. The coalition "Blue Green Canada," a joint project of Environmental Defense and United Steelworkers, applauded passage of the Act, while raising concerns that stronger legislation is needed. "'We look forward to the government creating regulations quickly to strengthen the Act's health and environmental protections, and contribute to the creation of green jobs,'" said Dr. Rick Smith, Environmental Defense's executive director. "A key commitment under the Act is to reduce Ontarians' exposures to toxic substances by requiring businesses that employ 10 or more people and involve 10,000 kg or more of specific substances to report and track harmful chemicals and develop pollution prevention plans." Similar to a Massachusetts law, implementation of these practices is, however, voluntary. "We were expecting far more up-front to deal seriously with the huge quantities of toxic substances companies use, create and release in their manufacturing processes,'" said Wendy Fucile, president of Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. "'At this point, the bill remains all promise when that's needed is urgent action.'" "'This Act is a huge step forward,'" maintained Smith, adding "'We're hopeful the regulations will address critical issues that will really make Ontario a leader in toxics reduction.'"

shareMORE Canada's landscape pesticide bans | Digg This

Illegal pesticides are a major health threat in Viet Nam, Bui Sy Doanh, deputy head of the Agriculture Ministry's Bureau for Plant Protection, told the Thanh Nien News. As is true across the developing world, banned pesticides are easily obtained where resources for enforcement are inadequate. In Viet Nam most of the illegal chemicals originate in China, both fully-formulated labeled products and active ingredients that are remixed and resold, often with little or no information about dangers or proper use. What labels do appear are in Chinese, rendering them useless to Vietnamese farmers (a common problem in other countries with warnings in English or other foreign languages). Doanh said that "'The banned chemicals can damage the plants, farmers and consumers as well as destroy helpful bacteria in the soil, apart from causing other environmental harm." A recent survey found 30-70 percent of the pesticides sold at more than 20,000 small shops were imported from China, including many fakes that were popular among farmers because they are so cheap. "In 2008, nearly seven tons and 2,600 liters of banned [pesticides] were seized by authorities in the southern region."

shareMORE Illegal pesticides in US | Digg This

Ireland's Department of Agriculture reports a 79 percent increase in farmers' applications to convert farms to organic production, the Irish Independent reports. In 2008, 130 applications were received, leaping to 230 in 2009. The jump follows on a 67 percent increase (from 90 to 150) in farms that had their conversion plans approved by the Irish Organic Farmers' and Growers' Association (IOFGA) after the mandatory two-year transition period. The Ag Department, IOFGA and Organic Trust conduct annual "organic farm walks" to introduce farmers to successful production alternatives, and the walks have had high participation in the last two years. "'Farmers can see that there is a market for organic produce and they can get a premium price for it,' said Angela Clarke, certification manager with IOFGA. 'Some farmers are already using very little fertilizer or pesticides, so it is not a big step to go organic for them,' she explained."

shareMORE U.S. organic sales up

Dear JAMES,

WildAlert
Community News
June 2009IN THIS ISSUE:

• Welcome
• Take Action
• Inside Story News
• Support Our Work

Wild faces

Can you name this species?

 

Answer found below.

Trivia Answer

GREEN SEA TURTLE

Global warming could completely eliminate the green sea turtle. Watch our video to learn more about species endangered by climate change.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Tell Your Friends about Wilderness Society News today!

 

 

Travel for less this summer. Apply now and get 2 for 1 airfare when you use our credit card.

Learn more.

 

WELCOME

Dear JAMES,

 

Summertime brings good news. Congress has moved forward on the climate and energy bill that so many of you have supported through your letters and e-mails.

 

On May 21, a House of Representatives committee passed the initiative that would create a robust clean energy industry while requiring polluters to pay for the carbon dioxide they dump into the air. This news clears the way for a full House vote this summer. With your support, we ensured that the bill would also create regular funding to help wildlife and wildlands adapt to the impacts of climate change. Learn more and check out our video on species threatened by global warming.

 

This is a tremendous step forward, but we must continue to work diligently to ensure proponents of climate change inaction don't kill the bill this summer. Your voice will also be essential to this effort. Take action.

 

In other great news, the Obama administration has issued a directive that essentially stops roadless forests from being developed for a period of one year. Read the story here.

I hope your summer is filled with inspiring moments in nature. If you're looking for easy yet wonderful wildlands to visit, check out our Inside Story for our tips on national wildlife refuges.

 

Best wishes,

Kathy Kilmer
The Wilderness Society

 

Inside Story

Easy Trips: Great Wildlife Refuges Within Reach

With gas prices creeping higher and the economy at a low ebb, many Americans are planning summer vacations close to home. If you're looking for easy trips, wildlife refuges are a great choice. With 549 spectacular refuges throughout the 50 states, the National Wildlife Refuge system offers a multitude of choices for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. And most of them are less than an hour's drive from an American city!

This week we start a summer-long series to guide you through some of our nation's wonderful refuges. We start with our "Refuges Within Reach" guide, which offers a sampling of great refuges near major metropolitan areas. Check it out.

In the News

Obama Increases Funding for Special Forests

The Obama administration has proposed to increase funds for a program that protects pristine forests while ensuring the needs of locals are met. This program preserves the places that summer memories are made of! More here.

Breaking News

 

In this Issue:

• Testimony: H1N1 Outbreak, Health Reform & Obesity
• Reports & Issue Briefs: Public Health Spending, Food Safety, & Infectious Diseases
• Briefings: H1N1, Global Germs, Climate Change & Emergency Preparedness
• Legislative Developments: President's Budget Proposal, Omnibus Appropriations Act & American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
  

Testimony

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak

 

On May 13^th, TFAH's Executive Director Jeffrey Levi testified before the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee's Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia.  During the hearing, entitled "Protecting the Protectors: An Assessment of Front-line Federal Workers in Response to the H1N1 Outbreak," Dr. Levi discussed steps the Obama Administration and Congress could take to ensure federal workforce laws took into account pandemic contingencies.  His testimony posed questions regarding each federal agency's last update to its pandemic plan; if agencies were transparent with constituencies about what services would be available during a pandemic; how critical workers would be protected if they were expected to work during a pandemic; and how federal leave policy would affect federal workers during an extended public health emergency. To view his testimony, please visit: http://federalworkforce.oversight.house.gov/documents/20090514113529.pdf.

 

Health Reform

 

On March 31^st, TFAH's Executive Director Jeffrey Levi testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health about the importance of public health and prevention in health reform.  Dr. Levi emphasized two recommendations that are vital to improving the health of Americans and making a reformed health care system more effective: the need for a national prevention strategy and the need for a reliable, stable funding stream for public health programs.  To view his testimony, please visit:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090331/testimony_levi.pdf.

 

Obesity

 

On March 26^th, Richard Hamburg, TFAH's  Government Relations Director, testified before the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry about obesity. In his testimony, Mr. Hamburg highlighted the need for an increased investment in community prevention programs that increase access to nutrition and physical activity, as well as the importance of developing a coordinated, national strategy to combat obesity.  To view his testimony, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/assets/files/TFAHHamburgtestimony.pdf.

 

Reports/Issue Briefs

 

Shortchanging America's Health

 

In March, TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released a report titled Shortchanging America's Health: A State-by-State look at how Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent.  The report found that Midwestern and Southern states received less funding from the federal government than Northeastern and Western states did in fiscal year FY 2008 for disease prevention programs, which can amount to millions of dollars in differences.   In addition, the report examines how the economic downturn could lead to serious cuts to disease prevention and emergency preparedness programs at the state level.  To view the report and learn more about your state's public health spending, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/report/61/shortchanging09.

 

Keeping America's Food Safe

In March, TFAH and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released a report titled Keeping America's Food Safe: A Blueprint for Fixing the Food Safety System at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which examines problems with the fragmented and antiquated current system and proposes ways to improve the food safety functions at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HH to better protect the nation's food supply.  The report calls for the immediate consolidation of food safety leadership within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ultimately the creation of a separate Food Safety Administration within HHS. Because no FDA official has line authority over all food safety functions, consolidation of leadership and a new Food Safety Administration would ensure swift progress on food safety and help reduce foodborne illness in the long-term. To view the report, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/report/62/food-safety-2009.

 

Reducing Infectious Disease in the U.S.

 

In May, TFAH, with support from the Irene Diamond Fund, released a report titled Reducing Infectious Diseases in the U.S.: Focus on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.  The report found that more than three percent of the world's population are infected with hepatitis C, and nearly 33 million people are reported to be living with HIV.  One of the most effective, scientifically-based methods for reducing these diseases -- needle exchange programs -- has become embroiled in politics, based on some long-held misperceptions, creating a serious challenge for the medical community and policymakers.  The view the report, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/report/63/reducing-infectious-diseases. 

 

Briefings

 

H1H1 Flu Outbreak

 

On Monday, May 4^th, TFAH hosted a Congressional briefing, A Wake-Up Call, What We Can Learn from the H1N1 Flu Outbreak.  Speakers included Jeff Levi, PhD, TFAH's Executive Director; Mitchell Cohen, MD, Director, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Thomas Inglesby, MD, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director, Center for Biosecurity; and Lisa Kaplowitz, MD, MHA, Director, Alexandria Health District.  The briefing provided an overview of the challenges that arose from the H1N1 outbreak and what we can learn and apply to prepare for a possible pandemic in the future. 

 

Germs Go Global

 

On April 17^th, TFAH held a Congressional briefing on its recent report, Germs Go Global: Why Emerging Infectious Diseases Are a Threat to America.  The briefing was attended by nearly 80 Congressional and Administration staff and public health colleagues. Speakers included: Jeff Levi, PhD, Executive Director, Trust for America's Health; Scott F. Dowell, MD MPH, Director, Division of Global Disease Detection and Emergency Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and Christine Lubinski, Vice President for Global Health, Infectious Diseases Society of America. Speakers discussed the urgent need for government investment in advanced research and development of medical countermeasures, biosurveillance, and public health preparedness and response. To view the speakers' presentations, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/policy/emerging-infectious-diseases/

 

Climate Change

 

On March 24^th, TFAH convened a meeting to bring together environmental and health groups to discuss climate change and health.  The meeting spurred stimulating discussion on how the two communities can move forward together to impact policy.  It began by reviewing one-on-one interviews that had been taking place throughout January and February.  The group then discussed the public health perspective on climate change, surveillance, preparedness and planning, research, and training.  In addition, the group considered policy options.  As a follow-up to the meeting, TFAH will be drafting a report, as well as a principles document.

 

Public Health Emergency Preparedness

 

On March 19^th, TFAH hosted a Congressional briefing on its Ready or Not? 2008 report. The briefing, held in the new Capitol Visitors Center, featured presentations from TFAH's Executive Director Jeff Levi, former White House adviser Bob Kadlec, and Deputy Director for Public Health Emergency Preparedness in California, Betsey Lyman. The briefing was attended by Congressional staff, officials from across the executive branch, and other public health and homeland security partners. To view the speakers' presentations, please visit: http://healthyamericans.org/policy/bioterrorism-and-public-health-preparedness/.

 

Legislative Developments

United States Federal Budget for Fiscal Year 2010

 

President Barack Obama proposed his FY 2010 budget, which called for increased funding for public health programs to help improve the health of all Americans.  Within the budget, the President requested an increase of $259.3 million to improve food safety efforts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in addition to the first proposed increases in several years for funding provided through the Department of Health and Human Services (HH to state and local health departments, as well as hospitals, to prepare for public health emergencies.  The budget also included an increase of $26 million in funding for the Strategic National Stockpile and an increase of $30 million for the Biomedical Advance Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to spark research and development of vaccines, medical treatments, and medical devices for use in public health emergencies and disease outbreaks.  To view the HHS Budget in Brief, please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/asrt/ob/docbudget/2010budgetinbrief.pdf.

 

Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

 

The President signed into law the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-8) on March 11^th.  Overall, the CDC received $6.6 billion for discretionary public health programs, which is an increase of $239 million from FY 2008.  Key health-related highlights from the legislation include: An increase in funding for chronic disease prevention and environmental health programs; an increase in funding for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which provides incentives and guidance for research and development of products to counter bioterrorism and pandemic flu, and additional funding for pandemic influenza preparedness and global disease detection. 

 

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

 

On Feburary17^th, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law (P.L. 111-5).  This legislation is intended to stimulate the economy by providing tax cuts, social welfare provisions, and increased spending in education, energy, health care, and infrastructure.  The stimulus bill provides increased funding for health programs in various departments.  Highlights of health-related funding include:

 

The Department of Health and Human Services

• $1 billion for Prevention & Wellness Fund, including:
  • $650 million for evidence-based clinical and community based prevention and wellness strategies that deliver specific, measurable health outcomes that address chronic disease rates;
  • $300 million to CDC for the Section 317 immunization program;
  • $50 million to States to carry out activities to implement healthcare-associated infection reduction strategies.
• $19 billion for Health Information Technology
• $500 million to Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to address health professions workforce shortages
• $10 billion to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The Department of Agriculture

• $500 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
• A 13.6 percent increase in the value of benefits provided through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the food stamp program)

The Department of Labor

• $250 million for grants for worker training and placement, with priority given to projects that prepare workers for careers in the health sector

The Department of Transportation

• $825 million for Transportation Enhancements, which are 12 eligible activities related to surface transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety

 

Stay tuned for subsequent messages about how you can help advocate for a Healthier America.  Your continued support for the nation's health is very important!

Dear JAMES,

This month flew by as we prepared for the first official, UN-designated World Oceans Day celebration. We asked you to vote for one of our eight Ocean Hero nominees and give Nautica rope bracelets to your friends and family. We also announced an exciting new office in Central America, got an A+ on Charity Navigator's report card, and joined the ranks on Twitter. Read more in this month's Compass.

THE COMPASS, 5/27

Oceana updates from the North, South, East, and West

Oceana Heads to Belize

World Oceans Day Goodies

Charity Navigator Gives Oceana 4 Stars

Chile Introduces Ocean Bill

Oceana Calls for Swordfish Management

New report: Hidden Costs

Now Tweeting

Join Team Oceana for the Nautica New York City Triathlon

Oceana Heads to Belize

Exciting news! Oceana is opening an office in Belize. The new office, which will be headed by Belizean attorney Audrey Matura-Shepherd, will be Oceana's first in Central America. Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, which is the second largest reef system after Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Learn More »

World Oceans Day Goodies

Time is running out to vote for one of our eight fantastic nominees for the 2009 Ocean Hero contest. Voting ends at 11:59 pm on May 30, and winners will be announced on June 8, World Oceans Day. And don't forget to get your Nautica rope bracelets - you and your loved ones can wear your love for the oceans on World Oceans Day and every day.

Go Vote! »

Get Your Rope Bracelets! »

Charity Navigator Gives Oceana 4 Stars

Oceana received the highest possible rating of four stars from Charity Navigator, a leading charity evaluator. Less than a quarter of the charities evaluated have received four stars, a rating that indicates Oceana's ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

Read More »

Chile Introduces Ocean Bill

A bill to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from trawling and other destructive fishing practices was introduced to the Chilean National Congress. The bill was developed and promoted by Oceana, and if it passes, government agencies would be required to identify vulnerable ecosystems in order to later close them from destructive fishing activities.

Read more »

Oceana Calls for Swordfish Management

On European Maritime Day, May 20, Oceana gave a presentation in Rome calling for swordfish management measures in the Mediterranean to avoid complete overexploitation of the stock. At least 20% of the total catch in the Mediterranean is caught by driftnets, a gear that has been banned by the United Nations and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. (ICCAT).

Learn More »

New report: Hidden Costs

Oceana released a new report, Hidden Costs: Reduced IQ from Chlor-Alkali Plants Harms the Economy. The report shows how lowered IQ due to mercury pollution from outdated mercury-cell chlorine factories has cost the American economy millions of dollars in lost wages annually. The study is the first attempt to place a dollar value on the public health and economic costs of this industry's contribution to mercury pollution.

Read More »

Now Tweeting

Oceana has joined the Twittersphere! Follow us at twitter.com/oceana for the latest ocean news and victories. If you're an active tweeter yourself, use the hash tag #worldoceansday on World Oceans Day, June 8. If you use the tag and mention us in your tweets on June 8 we'll try to re-tweet you.

Follow us on Twitter »

Join Team Oceana for the Nautica New York City Triathlon

Oceana has 10 spots remaining on its team for the 9th annual Nautica New York City Triathlon on July 26. Team members will be asked to raise money for Oceana, but benefits include: Nautica VIP tent access, racing jersey, event t-shirt, and a coveted spot in this sold out event. Sign up no later than May 28.

Sign Up »