 November
27 - Atlanta, GA |
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The
Bus came into Atlanta, Georgia Wednesday evening. Some of
the Freedom Bus Riders were interviewed by Radio Free Georgia
(WRFG).
Mire
este sitio en espanol.
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We
stayed at the Taskforce for the Homeless Center at Peachtree
and Pine in downtown Atlanta. This shelter houses over 800
homeless men and women each night. |
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The
Task Force treated us to a terrific, but unexpected meal.
Loretta Ross, of the Center for Human Rights Education, also
prepared us a wonderful meal for the same night! We want to
especially thank Loretta for her generosity and support and
apologize for the mixup. (Don't worry, the food didn't go
to waste. Loretta made sure it went to another homeless shelter
that needed it.) |
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Some
the the Freedom Bus Riders left the bus for a conference
on the FTAA in Cuba.
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KWRU
members Cheri Honkala, Tara Colon, and Jen Cox were
invited by the Martin Luther King Center of Havana.
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Over
1,000 people from over 70 nations were there.
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KWRU
Director and Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign
Spokesperson Cheri Honkala gave
a speech which was received with a standing ovation.
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A
Thanksgiving Day meal was served in Atlanta's stadium. Over
25,000 people are served meals each Thanksgiving - one indication
of the significant homeless problem in Atlanta.
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Tim
Green hosted us at the Taskforce for the Homeless Shelter.
Tim is a veteran of previous Poor People's Economic Human
Rights Campaign actions, including the March of the Americas.
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Cheri Honkala's
Speech to the Second Hemispheric Gathering of Struggle Against
the FTAA
Good
afternoon. I bring you greetings from poor & homeless
people of the U.S. We currently have over 80 million people
living in poverty and 44 million people without any health
insurance. Factories have left the country and are never coming
back. Instead they are going south or wherever in the world
they can to exploit the poor of other countries. This is all
taking place at a time when trade union numbers are dwindling.
And this year marks the 5 year life time limit for needy families
to receive social welfare in our country, which means millions
more will live on the streets. Read
More...
Daily
Prayer for the New Freedom Bus Tour
The Rev.
Noelle Damico, Catalyst, School of Theology, University
of the Poor
Wednesday, November 27
When one of your
children is hungry, you're hungry God. When one of your children
is suffering, you're suffering God. One Who Understands, you
are here at table with us in Atlanta. We hear your voice echoing
in the stories of resistance told by our sisters and brothers
who struggle each day to survive in this city. With you we
rejoice in their expert negotiation of systems that would
prefer the poor dead or disappeared. As we share our experiences,
help us channel savvy into strategies for real social change.
Hungry, suffering God, lend us your uncanny wisdom that subverts
and surprises. Amen.
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About
the Campaign 
