T

The working group met at Zahra and Mustafa Omar's  home on Saturday, March 14th^th from Noon to 5pm.   Larry Roeder and Mustafa co-chaired the discussion. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I.   Report of the March 14th meeting   AGENDA

1.  After introductions to new members, the following topics were discussed.

• Restoring America's Image   Following a discussion in February of Tim Buchholz's presentation and ideas from Basant, Larry and others, a pilot project was proposed  to examine how foreigners are treated as they enter US ports, especially Dulles Airport.  Whether justified or not, many foreigners complain of their treatment at the border.  The point of this phase of the project is to discuss this with Homeland Security and Dulles airport to garner an understanding of their own perceptions of this problem and to propose possible ideas to reduce tension at the point of entry.  One idea was to use cleared volunteers as "greeters" to welcome visitors before they reach the uniformed immigration officials.  These greeters might reduce tension, especially with foreigners suspicious of armed policeman.  Though soft interventions, this reduce of tensions could lead to a better experience once they reach the point where a passport must be shown and questions asked.  The goal is not to reduce the ability of Homeland Security to do its job, but rather to enhance America's image, and also by reducing tension perhaps even increase effectiveness at the border.  Larry Roeder and Tim Buchholtz agreed to manage this project.  For an update see this link.

• Balancing Human Rights, Economic and Political Stability:  At the last meeting, much discussion was made of Hillary Clinton's human rights statement in China, which had roundly condemned by "china watchers" and many human right bodies.  The fear was that it signaled a return to a cold war approach on human rights, giving more weight to security and economics than human rights.  The group asked Larry to draft a letter to be sent to Secretary Clinton on behalf of the working group.   A draft had been distributed in February and again at the meeting.  All members are asked to comment on it.   Subsequently, one of our members Marcia Carlyn, requested that if it goes out, that it bear the names of those supporting the letter, as she and some others might not.  That's a fair point, so members are asked to comment on both the text of the letter and how they would like it to be handled.

The letter, if sent will be properly formatted.   Here is the main body, which is offered for comment.

We are troubled by your statement in China on the balance between human rights and economic and security development.  “But our pressing on those issues can't interfere with the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis, and the security crisis.” 

Be assured that our criticism is intended in friendship and respect, as constructive and in recognition of the decades of work you have done in the field of human rights, and indeed would like to request a meeting with you to discuss our current human rights policy in general.   What bothers us is that in parsing the words you chose, there is fear in the human rights community and amongst ourselves that they might mean that while human rights will continue to be in the discussion, it is no longer a leg of the stool; in other words, that this administration won’t pursue human rights and economic prosperity on equal time.  

We just lived through eight years of an administration whose distain for human rights caused the world’s opinion of America to tumble.  For us, the Obama election was about correcting this image, which also means reversing an even longer history of our pushing human rights aside for other priorities, especially in the Cold War when national security and trade issues often came before rights.  We believe that America must stand for more than that.  Whether it is in the treatment of entire national populations, remote ethnic groups or prisoners of any origin, we need to make our friends and competitors understand that there are indeed limits which if crossed do deter economic collaboration.  The treatment of people in Darfur comes to mind, so too the people of Tibet and people of political conscience in China.   It does us no good to live in a world of economic stability and growth when human rights are not also allowed to flourish, for only then can man reach its full potential.  What we are asking for is a clear clarification of your statement that certifies that we are on a new road when the development of human rights, economics and security are equal, none a second cousin to the other.  American can and must do both, especially now.

Again, we feel honored that you are our Secretary of State; but it would be useful as citizens to have an informal conversation on this important, complex topic.  Such a discussion would help you understand the view of ordinary citizens and also give us a better opportunity to grasp the direction the Administration is going in, thus help us to more effectively support the Administration.

• Somalia: (facilitated by Mustafa and Zahra Omar   Mustafa followed up his previous discussion on Somalis by inviting (a)  Faduma A. Mohamud (Current Member of Parliament) and ija O. Ali (Former Minister of State and Former Member of Parliament) to speak.  At the conclusion, there was a consensus that the group wanted to learn more about Somalia.  Of particular interest was the new government, which some has described as moderate and only recently came under attack by Al-Queda.  The members encouraged more discussions be held on Somali culture and politics and aim for a specific project that will benefit local Somalis.  This will be led by Mustafa and Zahra Omar.  A powerpoint description of the project can be found on this website at  Somali Project

• Afghanistan:  Afghanistan was not on the agenda; but it was agreed that James Hickman be invited to build on the fine presentation he gave in February.

• Much discussion was done on the Ning site.  It was agreed that more members should take advantage of Ning; but also that we retain a dedicated traditional website and also announce meetings on MBO.  Currently, the traditional site is maintained at http://www.artbyroeder.com/obamacampaign/ObamaHome.htm.   Larry agreed to obtain a dedicated domain for the working group to host powerpoints, videos and other material.   In addition, he also encouraged members to join the Ning site at www.loudouncountyforobama.ning.com .

• Next meetings.  Because the number of topics being handled by the working group is growing and each will require its own time and energy, Larry Roeder will consult with Tim Buchholtz, Mustafa Omar and James Hickman on recommending a suite of future meetings for consideration.  These draft April dates will be announced shortly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

III  Draft Template for Larger Projects

What is the Problem?    Keep it small, definable and something which a grass roots body can deal with.

Define Goals.  These are objectives; but keep them few and well defined.  Sustainable change, something that makes a lasting change, in keeping with the philosophy of the Obama campaign, e.g. through helping a school.

Resources and Constraints  People with drive and enough time, Available venues, Funds.  In the case of the Somali project, are there local Somalis with whom we can meet to discuss their goals.

Strategy to use Resources and Avoid Constraints  More than one?  Which is best?

Structure:  This is really important.  Who does what?  Budget?  Schedule?  Any Freebies?

Monitoring:  By us, donors and the community.

Evaluation:  What was the result?  Who benefited?

Media and Other Reporting.

What next?  More of the same?  Something very different?