Politics & Government

Senator Patrick Leahy announces significant new funding for water quality, fisheries and ecosystem restoration work on Lake Champlain during the coming year. The federal dollars, just recently confirmed, are part of the FY2012 budget. Leahy is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the funds he secures for Vermont have long been the main engine for cleanup efforts involving the Lake and its watershed.

Since war broke out in 1998, more than five million people have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and tens of thousands of women and girls have been raped and tortured. A cease-fire was declared in 2002, but foreign militias have continued to terrorize the Congolese population. We believe that ending the violence in East Congo, which is greater than any conflict since World War II, should be a foreign policy priority for the United States. As the most powerful woman in the world, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton must use her influence to stop the suffering and slaughter. Specifically, the “Dear Hillary” Campaign calls for a U.S. Special Envoy to the Greater Lakes Region of Africa. The Dear Hillary Campaign for the Congo aims to create a public outcry to pressure Secretary Clinton and the United States to an active role in establishing peace and security in the DRC. Guests discussing this effort include: Cleophace Mukeba, St. Michael’s student, Kirsten Wilson, St. Michael’s student, Leah Ziegler, St. Michael’s grad, 2011 and Laurie Gagne, Director, Edmundite Center for Peace and Justice, St. Michael’s College; Peace and Justice faculty. More information at: Dearhillarycampaign.wordpress.com

Neighborhood Planning Assemblies (NPAs) are grassroots, neighborhood organizations that were established in each of Burlington's seven Wards to encourage citizen participation in City government. Working as neighborhood advocacy groups, Neighborhood Planning Assemblies help improve communication between the citizens of Burlington and City government through regular meetings scheduled in each Ward. Ward 6 meets the first Thursday of the month. Meeting place: Greek Orthodox Church 600 South Willard Street.

Five University of Vermont student/alumni environmental activists talk about their experiences in the climate change and environmental movement and how they became involved followed by the presenters and students discussing the problems and possible solutions. This video is produced by Arthur Hynes.