Call in to ask a poverty question on Worldview today!

Here's an immediate opportunity for some Chicago media advocacy. The WBEZ program, "Worldview" will be talking about foreign policy tomorrow and they are actively inviting listener questions. This would be a good opportunity to call in and ask a question about global poverty and/or poverty-focused development assistance and what part they play in US foreign policy.

A question might point out that in November 2007 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates declared a need for “a dramatic increase in spending on the civilian instruments of national security" which included foreign assistance and development because this would make it less likely to need military force to solve crisis problems. We could ask the panelists to comment on how we are doing almost a year later on those civilian instruments, particularly poverty-focused development assistance. Or we could ask the panel how they think US lack of commitment to the UN Millennium Development Goals might be affecting our foreign relations.

Even if you can't call in, several poverty questions submitted via email or the hotline can help the chances of one question getting asked!

See details below...

Worldview Wants to Hear from You
Friday, September 26, noon-1 pm
Tune in, and call in, tomorrow as Worldview takes a look at America’s place in the world.

Host Jerome McDonnell and guests will discuss the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and will focus on issues including U.S. policy in Latin America and Russia.

Leave us a message on the Worldview Listener Hotline at 312-948-4880 or call in live during the show. Or e-mail us at worldview@chicagopublicradio.org during Friday’s show to participate in the discussion.

Day of Fasting and Prayer for MDGs

Today is a day of fasting, prayer and witness for the Millennium Development Goals. The Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation offer this prayer to use today and I think it's a good one...

Most loving God,
as your desire for mercy for the poor is unrelenting,
may we be unrelenting in our pursuit of mercy for all;
as your compassion for the suffering of the poor knows no limit,
may our hearts overflow with compassion for all;
as you long for justice for the poor, may we strive for justice for all.
Open our eyes to the structures of oppression from which we benefit,
and give us courage to accept our responsibility,
wisdom to chart a sound course amid complexity,
and perseverance to continue our work until it is finished.
Breathe your life-giving Spirit afresh into your Church
to free us from apathy and indifference;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tell Jim Lehrer to ask a Global Poverty question!

Only two questions about global poverty have been asked in the history of modern presidential debates.

It's a shocking figure and in 2008, we need debate moderator Jim Lehrer to ask John McCain and Barack Obama "Just ONE question" on their plans to fight global poverty this Friday.

I just took action with the ONE Campaign and you can too, here:

Ask ONE question, please, Jim!

You can point out that poverty focused development assistance is one of the “civilian instruments of national security” promoted by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and thus very relevant to national security and foreign policy.