Flag this message 2 days until we go bananas

 I got this from Amnesty International:

Tracy,

It's easier to trade weapons around the world than it is to trade bananas .

I can’t get this fact out of my head. It is ridiculous how easy it is for dictators and armed groups to buy weapons and use them against civilians.

That’s why Amnesty International is going bananas in New York City on Wednesday.

Our activists will educate the public about irresponsible arms trades, and you can help: Buy a $15 crate of bananas, $50 activist kit, or $100 of billboard space that Amnesty International activists will use in Times Square on Wednesday.

World leaders are meeting to negotiate an arms trade treaty in July, so now is the perfect time to demand that the final document protects human rights.

A bulletproof arms trade treaty will:

• Stop the transfer of arms when there is a substantial risk they will be used in violations of human rights and humanitarian law, such as genocide, the use of child soldiers and sexual violence.
• Include all conventional arms and ammunition.
• Be effective, transparent, and enforceable.

Amnesty International will be in Times Square on Wednesday with bananas (organic and fair trade, of course), billboards, and most importantly, petitions that demand an arms trade treaty with strong human rights protections.

Tracy, we have had hundreds of responses since we started this campaign last week – but we still need your help. Buy a crate of bananas, an activist pack, or 100 seconds of billboard space for our public action in Times Square.

Sincerely,

Frank Jannuzi
Deputy Executive Director, Head of Washington DC office
Amnesty International USA

PS -- We'll be sure to let you know how it goes!