News And Press Releases


Read what the media is saying about the work of the American Values Network:


Click on a title below to read press releases by the American Values Network:

March 20, 2012 – AVN Supports Sen. Moran’s Bill On Arms Trade Treaty
March 20, 2012 – Republican Budget Driven by “Moral” Teachings of Atheist Ayn Rand
February 23, 2012 – 100 Top Christian Leaders Say Faith Attacks On President Obama Weaken Christian Witness
February 9, 2012 – Tea Party Jesus, The One Leader CPAC Can Follow
January 19, 2012 – Full Video of Tea Party Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mall” Released
January 17, 2012 – Animated Video: What If Jesus Had Been In the Tea Party?
October 7, 2011 – Faith and Military Leaders Say Victor Bout’s Trial Highlights Need for Arms Trade Treaty
September 12, 2011 – Ad Campaign Targets Rep. Mack For Undermining America’s Moral, Security and Fiscal Priorities
May 10, 2011 – New Memo Highlights Disconnect Between Key GOP Leaders and Christian Base
March 14, 2011 – American Values Network Lands Top National Award Along with 3 Other Awards for Excellence
December 15, 2010 – Christian Leaders Condemn Kyl/DeMint Attempt to Use Christmas to Derail New START
April 14, 2010 – Judge’s Decision Means More Children will Die in Vieques and Threatens the Safety of All Americans
September 23, 2009 – TIME Magazine Highlights Health Crisis on Vieques Following New Revelations About Weapons Testing
September 18, 2009 – American Values Network Announces National Advisory Committee
August 24, 2009 – American Values Network Launches “Thank You” Radio Spots Thanking Members of Congress for Leadership on Energy Bill
August 11, 2009 – 350K is a Great Start, Now Let’s Roll!!
July 29, 2009 – American Values Network Releases White Paper: Vieques Today, A Sea of Broken Promises
July 2, 2009 – It Is Time To End The Pain On Vieques
June 23, 2009 – American Values Network Launches Colorado Media Tour
On Passing Energy Bill and Why It Matters to National Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 22, 2012

AVN Supports Sen. Moran’s Bill On Arms Trade Treaty
Moran Bill Will Have No Impact on ATT, But Helpful For Politicians Beholden To The NRA

Arlington, VA – The American Values Network (AVN) announced its support of the bill introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran, which forbids the U.S. from negotiating an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) that violates the Second Amendment. If passed, Sen. Moran’s bill would have no real impact on policy or the ATT negotiation process since the ATT will have no bearing on domestic gun laws. But the bill would remove the red herring the NRA has been using for fundraising purposes that could potentially threaten the ultimate outcome of this important treaty.

The charter that set the rules for the ATT negotiation explicitly forbade inclusion of any provisions that infringes upon U.S. gun rights. The Obama Administration has said it will not consider any treaty that violates the 2ndAmendment. And the U.S. Bill of Rights cannot be trumped by any foreign power or treaty. So Senator Moran’s bill will not alter the ATT negotiation process in any way.

“Senator Moran’s bill is a bit redundant, somewhat akin to passing a law saying no military funding can be used to bomb U.S. cities,” said Eric Sapp, AVN’s Executive Director. “But if it helps Senators like Jerry Moran join our military and faith leaders in supporting an ATT that will dramatically reduce the sale of illegal weapons to warlords committing genocide and terrorists killing our troops, we’re fully behind it.”

The Arms Trade Treaty would be the first international treaty of its kind to regulate the international sale and transfer of arms between legitimate state actors. The U.S. is currently recognized as having the gold standard when it comes to international arms sales, but other states are less able (or willing) to self-regulate, which creates legal loopholes being exploited by a thriving international black market.

The treaty’s potential to save lives, stem violence in conflict zones, and level the playing field for U.S. arms manufacturers who must operate within strict U.S. laws has earned it support from key military leaders, the World Evangelical Alliance, the Vatican, National Council of Churches, National Association of Evangelicals, and numerous other faith groups. Over 3500 American churches recently participated in a day of Prayer and Fasting for the Arms Trade Treaty.

Sen. Moran’s bill comes as courts prepare to sentence notorious arms smuggler Viktor Bout in New York on April 5. Bout, who is the real life basis for the movie The Lord of War, was able to operate for over two decades exploiting loopholes in international arms trade laws. He supplied weapons to many of the world’s war criminals, terrorists, and warlords, and was only finally arrested during a sting operation in which he agreed to sell weapons to terrorists intent on killing U.S. soldiers.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican Budget Driven by “Moral” Teachings of Atheist Ayn Rand
Video that Made Glenn Beck Backtrack on Rand, Discussed by Colson and Olasky, Viewed by nearly 400,000 Americans Re-released

Arlington, VA— Responding to the release of the 2013 GOP budget, which will gut protections and programs for our senior citizens and the most vulnerable in society, the American Values Network (AVN) has reissued its groundbreaking memo, “Ayn Rand vs. Christianity: A Fight for the Soul of America.” GOP budget champion, Rep. Paul Ryan has publicly spoken about his admiration for the atheist and anti-Christian philosopher, Ayn Rand, and cites her as the reason he got in to politics.

In addition to the memo, AVN has produced a video highlighting the wide and prevalent support for Rand within the Republican party. The video intersperses quotes from actual interviews Rand gave in which she said she is “against God,” and the “creator of a new code of morality . . . not based on faith,” with praise for her from prominent GOP and conservative leaders. Rep. Ryan is quoted as saying, “Ayn Rand, more than anyone else, did a fantastic job of explaining the morality of capitalism, the morality of individualism.”

“Ayn Rand’s anti-Christian teachings are anathema to what most Americans believe. Most people of faith think we have a duty to care for the least and last and Rand’s America is not one they would want to raise their children in. Yet Republicans are basing their budget on her teachings,” said Burns Strider, President of the American Values Network. “People of faith need to know what Ayn Rand believed and who her champions are in Washington so they can see how her teachings are being applied in government.”

After the video’s initial release, conservative icons Chuck Colson and Marvin Olasky came out publicly condemning Rand for her anti-Christian views. Glenn Beck came out attacking the ad and had previously stated, “You’ve got to love Ayn Rand. She’s great.” But after listening to the ad on air, he was forced to backtrack saying, “I think Ayn Rand . . . because she hated religion so much, became a bigot.”

The memo is a collection of Ayn Rand’s own teaching and statements about what the goals and purpose of her morality and thinking were—goals that stand in absolute contrast to Judeo-Christian morality and explicitly condemn the teachings of Christ. It also includes numerous quotes by Republican leaders and conservative pundits praising her, as well as Scripture references for the Bible’s teaching on the various subjects she addresses.

Read the full memo and see the video here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2012

100 Top Christian Leaders Say Faith Attacks On President Obama Weaken Christian Witness

Washington, DC (February 23, 1012) — Over 100 prominent evangelical, mainline, and Catholic pastors, theologians, and denominational heads have joined together to condemn the misuse of faith as a “political weapon” and refocus the debate on the issues that affect “the most vulnerable among us.” In an open letter, these Christian leaders call on public officials, the media, and their fellow Christians to discontinue pushing falsehoods about President Obama’s faith and the so-called “war on religion” and return to the teachings of Jesus and the prophets. This letter also recognizes the importance of humility and repentance — especially during Lent.

For the full text of the letter and the latest signatories, please click here.

**Note: Since letter was posted for signing yesterday, over 100 Christian pastors and leaders have signed, and the signature count continues to grow by the hour.

As Christian leaders, pastors, and most importantly followers of Jesus Christ, we are greatly troubled by recent attempts to use faith as a political weapon.  From Rick Santorum’s claim that the President’s theology is “not a theology based on the Bible,” to Franklin Graham’s implication that the President may be a Muslim, to the drum beat of false claims about Obama’s so-called “war on religion,” these cynical attempts to use faith as a weapon of political division are bad for our country and especially harmful to the Christian witness.

We can disagree about what it means to be a Christian engaged in politics, but Christians shouldn’t bear false witness. And the teachings of Jesus and the prophets call us in our imperfection to put the most vulnerable among us ahead of our self-interest. As the President said at the last Easter Prayer Breakfast, Jesus “took on the sins of the world – past, present and future – and he extended to us that unfathomable gift of grace and salvation through his death and resurrection.” This gift of grace should remind Christians to enter the public square with a spirit of humility and respond to all we’ve been given (and forgiven) by serving our neighbor and protecting the vulnerable. That’s how we strengthen our witness. Using faith as a partisan tool weakens it.

No politician or government will ever reflect God’s will perfectly, but we prayerfully call on political leaders and members of the media to return to the issues Jesus and the prophets were most concerned about and to stop using faith as a weapon to advance partisan politics and self-interest.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2012

Tea Party Jesus, The One Leader CPAC Can Follow
AVN’s Video Highlights Values Divide Among Extreme Rightwing Voters

Washington, DC – As conservatives today descend on Washington for the annual CPAC conference, the animated video Tea Party Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mall,” created by the American Values Network (AVN), continues to draw widespread attention as a jarring commentary on the true values guiding conservative leaders.

This conference of the extreme right comes on the heels of an eventful night in the race for the GOP Presidential nomination where it was made clear that conservatives remain dissatisfied with the current field and continue to search for a leader to rally behind.

AVN’s video highlights many of the divisions leading to the current disarray within rightwing politics.

“Leaders on the right have worked to wed social conservatives with Ayn Rand Tea Partiers hoping to restore a party in disarray,” said Burns Strider, President of the American Values Network. “These rightwing leaders want unity for their own political goals; they want unity where there is none. They can preach, but they can’t deliver. And, the result is a primary nominating contest with shifting, restless voters who can’t find what they want because it doesn’t exist.”

Featured by NPR, USA Today, Christianity Today, and the Washington Post, Tea Party Jesus (TeaPartyJesus.org) reveals a reality that many at CPAC try to hide–the religious values informing their voting stand in contrast with the values of the Tea Party.  Rather than argue why Scripture is incompatible with Tea Party values, the ”Sermon on the Mall” puts the rhetoric of the Tea Party directly in Jesus’ mouth and relies on the visceral reactions of viewers to make its point.

Many of CPAC’s speakers this weekend, including keynote speaker Former Gov. Sarah Palin, are featured prominently in the video as Tea Party Jesus’ “disciples.”

Mitt Romney is also portrayed in the video as a repeatedly shunned would-be-disciple.  Last week, Gov. Romney made headlines for his statement, “I’m not concerned about the very poor.”

“Conservatives can be true to themselves and the teachings they claim leads and inspires them, such as caring for the least and last, or they can follow Ayn Rand the Machiavellian atheist, but they can’t serve both,” said Strider. “CPAC social conservatives have no one to follow because they have allowed their values to be high jacked by leaders more interested in a party than a nation, in electoral victory than a strong moral reality. Tea Party Jesus is all they have.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2012

Full Video of Tea Party Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mall” Released
AVN Depicts What Jesus Might Sound Like If He Were a Member of the Tea Party

Washington, DC – Following the strong response to a series of trailers released earlier in the week, the American Values Network (AVN) announced the release today of it’s much anticipated first animated video, Tea Party Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mall.”

The video comes as many over the past week – from Evangelical leaders meeting in Texas, to Ralph Reed’s tent revival – have sought to consolidate the Tea Party and Evangelical wings of the GOP base behind any candidate but Mitt Romney.  “The Sermon on the Mall” pointedly challenges the assertion that Christian values are compatible with the doctrines of the Tea Party – a point demonstrated by GOP crowds booing the Golden Rule during Monday night’s debate.

“Where the Tea Party promotes an ideology of selfish individualism before the common good, the Gospel reflects the belief that our neighbor makes us stronger,” said Eric Sapp, AVN’s Executive Director.  “We felt the most effective way to draw that contrast would be to allow the audience to hear the rhetoric of the Tea Party coming from Christ’s mouth, and let their emotional reaction make our argument for us.”

A parody of the “Sermon on the Mount,” found in the Gospel of Matthew, the “Sermon on the Mall” exposes the hypocrisy of trying to conflate Tea Party and Christian voters for the purposes of creating a political base by rewriting familiar admonitions of Jesus to reflect the actual words and actions of the Tea Party.   The video uses Tea Party quotes, signs, and policy positions to rewrite Jesus’ famous sermon, and lets Christians decide for themselves if the language and policies of their political leaders sound right coming from the mouth of their Lord and Savior.

Where the real Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Tea Party Jesus blesses the “mean in spirit.”  Signs held in the video by crowds listening to the sermon reflect actual signs and cheers that have appeared at Tea Party events, including portrayals of the President as Hitler, and the sentiment “Let him die,” a reference to the Tea Party GOP debate when crowds applauded the idea of letting a man without health insurance die.

In addition to the video and trailers, AVN launched the website TeaPartyJesus.org.  The site contains a fully cited script, including links to actual signs and quotes used in the video.  It also has tongue-and-cheek cast bios for Tea Party Jesus and his “disciples” Ayn Rand, Glenn Beck, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Paul Ryan, Rick Perry,Rick Santorum, Rush Limbaugh, and Sarah Palin, as well as wannabe disciple Mitt Romney.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2012

Animated Video: What If Jesus Had Been In the Tea Party?
Video puts Tea Party words in Jesus’ mouth and asks Christians is this the witness He’d want

Washington, DC – American Values Network (AVN) unveiled the website and trailers today for its first-ever animated video, “Tea Party Jesus’ Sermon on the Mall.”   In response to conservative efforts to blur the distinctions between the teachings of Christ and Tea Party politics, this new project by AVN and its production company, Faithful Media, depicts what the Sermon on the Mount might have sounded like if Jesus had really been a member of the Tea Party.  The tongue-in-cheek trailers are the first of several leading up to Thursday’s video release.

Watch the Trailers Now by Clicking Here.

Along with the trailers, AVN launched the movie website teapartyjesus.org, with pictures and descriptions of the cast of Tea Party Jesus’ political “disciples” featured in the video.  The website also has a fully-cited script for the video.   Rather than presenting arguments for why Tea Party teachings are counter to Christ’s, the video uses Tea Party quotes, signs, and policy positions to rewrite Jesus’ famous sermon, and lets Christians decide for themselves if the language and policies of their political leaders sound right coming from the mouth of their Lord and Savior.

“The Ayn Rand/Tea Party ideology should be anathema to Christians, but some Republican leaders are trying to combine the two for political gain,” said Eric Sapp, AVN’s Executive Director.  “Rather than argue the point, we chose simply to show Christ spouting Tea Party positions, trusting in the viewers’ own emotional reaction to that discordant experience to make our point and encourage Christians to ask if this is really the witness Christ wants.”

Flanked by his “disciples” Ayn Rand, Glenn Beck, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Paul Ryan, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Rush Limbaugh, and Sarah Palin, (with appearances by would be disciple Mitt Romney), Tea Party Jesusprovides a modern twist on ancient truths.  Where the real Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” Tea Party Jesus blesses the “mean in spirit.”  Signs held in the video by crowds listening to the Sermon reflect actual signs and cheers that have appeared at Tea Party events, including ”Let Him Die” and  “Bury Obamacare with Kennedy.”

“Where the Tea Party promotes an ideology that puts selfish individualism before the common good, the Gospel reflects the belief that our neighbor makes us stronger,” Sapp said.  “In addition to their doctrines, the accepted spirit of vitriol and false witness among the Tea Party is not in keeping with that of the Prince of Peace.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2011

Faith and Military Leaders Say Victor Bout’s Trial Highlights Need for Arms Trade Treaty

New York– A group of experts have called for stronger global regulations on arms trade as the trial of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is set to open next week in New York. “Lord of War,” Victor Bout, who was notorious for taking advantage of the patchwork of international weapons trade laws to get guns to America’s enemies and perpetrators of genocide, was arrested on a sting operation in Thailand by under-cover US agents posing as Colombian FARC rebels. He will face charges of conspiring to kill US nationals and providing weapons to a US-designated terrorist organization and faces a maximum sentence of life if convicted.

In a media teleconference ahead of the trial (listen to the full mp3 here), the panel of experts called on the US and the international community to fully back the ongoing negotiations on a future Arms Trade Treaty. There are currently no global agreement on trading weapons and ammunitions.

Excerpts from the press conference are below. All participants in the call are available for further interviews.

Admiral Stuart Platt, defense contractor, combat veteran, and retired US Navy Rear Admiral gave his unequivocal support to further regulations on arms trade:

“The nature of battle is changing. Enemy combatants don’t have uniforms as they hide in the shadows. Our desire as responsible nations not to hurt civilians often exposes our armed forces to take first fire.

“We need to follow the logistic trail of arms, weapons, lethal combat equipments and tools. We need to know where they are going so that our leaders can take action in advance. We need knowledge of the flow of weapons.

“Now for these illegal arms traders today’s gun runners, smugglers, terrorists, these people dwell deep in the devil’s inferno. Our armed forces are more at risk than they should if arms flow freely in the shadowy networks.”

Galen Carey, Vice President for Government Relations for the National Association of Evangelicals explained by the umbrella group for America’s evangelicals (along with the Catholic Church) have been so outspoken in support of a robust ATT and why the concerns by some in America’s gun lobby are unfounded:

“I have seen firsthand the violence, terror, chaos, suffering and death that results from illicit and illegally traded weapons in the hands of gangs, thugs, rebels, and criminal groups. Each of the victims is a human being made in the image of God.

“Innocent people are being killed, communities uprooted, and nations destabilized by murders using illegal weapons that should never have been allowed to fall into their hands.

“Some critics claim – wrongly in my view – that an Arms Trade Treaty would threaten our second amendment rights. In fact, the framework for the treaty negotiations specifically excludes any restrictions on domestic gun sales or ownership. This issue is a red herring. The only people that will suffer under an effective treaty will be gang members, criminals, rebels and terrorists who will have their access to weapons cut off. And that is as it should be.”

Kathi Lynn Austin, an arms expert who has been tracking Bout and various arms networks for over 15 years, said:

“At the end of the Cold War, governments gave over their assets and the logistics to private arms traffickers. From that point on, arms traffickers have been the entrepreneurs of war.

“They have taken the logistical infrastructure that was left to them, and build empires bringing in weapons and other forms of military assistance to client states and different groups, including terrorists. In exchange these groups have taken out a lot of the natural resources in those countries.

“Despite bringing a lot of evidence over the years and documenting very explicit deals – in violation of United Nations arms embargos – there has been a failure to criminalize this activity. Very few arms traffickers have been held accountable or brought to justice.”

Scott Stedjan of Oxfam America presented an Oxfam report on the challenges the US government agencies face to stop activities of irresponsible arms brokers.

“If a broker does not violate US law because of its skills in circumventing jurisdiction, US officials will then encourage countries to arrest illegal brokers for local crimes. But this only works if a country has some sort of controls and have defined illegal arms brokering as a crime.

“Our report shows that only 56 countries have made illegal transfer of small arms a crime and only 25 have criminal or monetary penalties associated with illegal arms brokering. The Arms Trade Treaty is a chance for the international to change this. If negotiated wisely it would close the loopholes and would be an essential, though not sufficient, step in putting illegal arms brokering networks out of business”, Stedjan said.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2011

Ad Campaign Targets Rep. Mack For Undermining America’s Moral, Security and Fiscal Priorities

Local Pastor and General Highlight Mack’s Disconnect with National Faith and Military Leaders

Naples, FL – A local pastor and general headline a major radio/print advertising campaign criticizing Florida Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) for his effort to block funding that helps poor communities prepare for and cope with weather-related disasters.  The radio ad, voiced by Rev. Libby Shannon and Maj. General Paul Monroe (ret), and companionprint/on-line ad highlight the consensus among faith and security experts that the programs Rep. Mack is trying to eliminate are vital to America’s moral and national security interests.

“The Catholic Church, National Association of Evangelicals, and National Council of Churches have all said we have a moral responsibility to help the world’s poor cope with a changing climate,” says Rev. Shannon, a Naples, FL native and Presbyterian minister. “Blocking efforts to help the world’s poor cope with climate disasters is morally bankrupt and makes our nation less safe.”

The radio ads begin airing this week at saturation levels throughout Rep. Mack’s 6th Congressional district.  The accompanying print and on-line ads in local publications highlight how Rep. Mack’s effort to defund the U.S. Global Climate Change Initiative in the State Department Authorization Bill flies in the face of recommendations from the Pentagon, CIA, State Department, and Center for Naval Analysis, and ignores church bodies representing America’s Catholic, Evangelical, and Mainline Christians.

“The CIA and Pentagon have said our greatest future threats are likely to come from regions destabilized by climate disasters that become breeding grounds for terrorists,” said Gen. Paul Monroe. “It is fiscally irresponsible to stop making the small investments now that help prevent future disasters that will cost us much more in dollars and human lives down the road.”

This campaign by the faith-based advocacy group American Values Network comes at a time when more than 12 million people are at immediate risk of dying from one of the worst famines even to hit the Horn of Africa.  America’s top security experts have identified such famines, as well as flooding and other natural disasters as “threat multipliers” that, if not addressed, can destabilize entire regions and make them fertile breeding grounds for terrorists.

“It is unconscionable that Congressman Mack would be willing to end life-saving aid to the most vulnerable of God’s children and risk putting Americans in greater danger just to score political points,” said Eric Sapp, Executive Director of the American Values Network. “That is not leadership.  It’s cowardice.”

To View the Print/On-line ad, click here.

To listen to the Radio Ad, click here.

Text of the Radio Ad is below:

Hi, this is Rev. Libby Shannon and this is General Paul Monroe.

Each year, millions of people around the world are threatened by floods, droughts, and famine.  The CIA and Pentagon warn that regions destabilized by climate disasters could become breeding grounds for terrorists.

The Catholic Church, National Association of Evangelicals, and National Council of Churches have all said we have a moral responsibility to help the world’s poor cope with a changing climate.  Furthermore, small investments in preparedness now will help prevent future disasters that would cost much more in dollars and human lives.

That is why it’s inexcusable that Congressman Connie Mack is fighting to cut all U.S. funding to build resilience to extreme weather events in poor countries.

Please call and tell Congressman Mack that our church and military leaders are right:  blocking efforts to help the world’s poor cope with climate disasters is morally bankrupt and makes our nation less safe.  Paid for by American Values Network.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 10, 2011

New Memo Highlights Disconnect Between Key GOP Leaders and Christian Base

Arlington, VA—American Values Network (AVN) released a groundbreaking memo, “Ayn Rand vs. Christianity: A Fight for the Soul of America,” which is one of the most thorough reviews yet of the beliefs of the author and philosopher so many Republican leaders have been praising lately and citing as their inspiration.  Rep. Paul Ryan, author of the GOP budget, said Rand was his inspiration for coming to Washington and is an example of the morality and thinking “that is so needed right now.”

“Republican leaders are praising Ayn Rand and saying her teachings inspire their politics and the values in their budget.  Yet Rand not only rejected Christ, but she condemned all those who believed in him and said his teachings were evil,” said Eric Sapp, Executive Director, American Values Network.  “People of faith need to know what Ayn Rand believed and who her acolytes are in Washington so they can see how her teachings are being applied in government.  Ayn Rand’s America is not one that good and decent people would want for their children.”

The memo is a collection of Ayn Rand’s own teaching and statements about what the goals and purpose of her morality and thinking were—goals that stand in absolute contrast to Judeo-Christian morality and explicitly condemn the teachings of Christ.  It also includes numerous quotes by Republican leaders and conservative pundits praising her, as well as Scripture references for the Bible’s teaching on the various subjects she addresses.

Ayn Rand’s Beliefs:
“[Faith] is a sign of psychological weakness”
“I am the creator of a new code of morality… a morality not based on faith”
“Each man must live as an end in himself and follow his own rational self-interest.”

From an interview with Mike Wallace:
MikeWallace:  “You are out to destroy almost every edifice of the contemporary American way of life, our Judeo-Christian religion, our modified government regulated capitalism, our rule by majority will.  Other reviews have said you scorn churches and the concept of God.  Are these accurate criticisms?”  Rand:  “Yes.”

Read the full memo here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 14, 2011

American Values Network Lands Top National Award Along with 3 Other Awards for Excellence

American Association of Political Consultants Name AVN Best in Nation for Public Affairs TV Ad and Awards for Email, Newspaper and Contrast Advertising

VIEW NATION’S BEST PUBLIC AFFAIRS TV AD FOR 2010, “THE DAISY AD”

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Values Network (AVN) today announced that it received the top national award for best Public Affairs (non-political campaign) TV ad of 2010. AVN’s “Daisy Ad” helped secure passage of the New START Treaty and has now received the gold Pollie from the American Association of Political Consultants.
“Out of the thousands of submissions, AVN’s “Daisy Ad” was named the best,” stated AVN Executive Director, Eric Sapp. “This comes during our first full year of existence so we are indeed honored and especially appreciative of our supporters who make this work possible.”

Also, AVN’s email campaign around New START was recognized as one of the five best political and non-profit email campaigns of the year. AVN won a silver for Best Contrast Public Affairs TV ad for critiquing Senator Lindsay Graham for his flip-flop on climate. And AVN won a bronze for Best Public Affairs Newspaper Ad featuring local NV pastors encouraging Senator Harry Reid to push climate legislation and ensure any bill included funding to help the “least of these” around the world adapt to climate challenges.

Pollies are given each year by the bi-partisan American Association of Political Consultants in recognition of the best political and non-profit ads and campaigns from the previous year.

“These awards make clear that in a year where progressives often struggled, AVN’s unique approach to messaging, mobilization, and advocacy worked,” added AVN President, Burns Strider. “AVN was one of the most recognized non-profits during the 2010 Pollies, an accomplishment all the more significant for a new and small organization. Our commitment to get the facts out to the American public in ways that resonate and connect is working.”

View the “Daisy Ad” at http://americanvaluesnetwork.org/nuclearweapons/ads/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Christian Leaders Condemn Kyl/DeMint Attempt to Use Christmas to Derail New START

Arlington, VA—Prominent Christian leaders joined together to decry recent statements by Senator Kyl and Senator DeMint that a vote on New START would be “disrespect[ful]” to Christians and “sacrilegious.” These statements follow a joint press conference last week by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and National Association of Evangelicals calling on the Senate to ratify New START before it recessed—a sentiment that has been echoed by the National Council of Churches and other Christian bodies representing believers from across the theological and denominational spectrum.  These leaders argue that Christmas is the perfect justification for the Senate to be working to pass a treaty that is aimed at bringing peace on earth.

“Senator Kyl’s and DeMint’s statements suggesting Christmas is a reason to delay action on a treaty aimed at reducing the threat of nuclear war is a misuse of the Christian holiday.  If anything this time of year should be an encouragement for our leaders to work harder for peace on earth in response to God who wills peace for all.  Peace is major theme of the Advent season and celebration of Christmas.  The National Council of Churches looks forward to being able to celebrate ratification of this treaty to reduce nuclear stockpiles and improve verification.  Any delay would be contrary to our commitment to peace on earth.”
Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary, National Council of Churches

“In the season when “Peace on earth…” was declared at the coming of the Prince of Peace, there is no better time to ratify the new START Treaty that will make peace and our national security more certain.”
Rev. Dr. Joel C. Hunter, evangelical megachurch pastor

“I can think of no more appropriate time of year for the Senate to pass a treaty that promotes peace and good will.  Surely that is the kind of gift that is worthy to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.  For two Senators who have steadfastly opposed this on political grounds to now use Christmas to justify their position is a cynical manipulation of religion in the worst possible way.  It is this manipulation of the Christmas season that is truly sacrilegious.”
Rev. Jim Wallis, Founder Sojourners

“Passing the new START treaty has profound moral implications for human life.  As Christians, we believe that Christmas celebrates the birth of the Prince of Peace. There is no better way to honor this central moment of our faith than to pass this agreement. Any claim that the treaty has not been vetted is simple political gamesmanship. Now is the season to step back from partisanship and act together for security and peace. It is in keeping with our effort to embody the message of Jesus in this holy season, and it is good for our nation and the world.”
Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK

“The American Catholic bishops have called on the Senate to ratify the New START agreement.  To do so now, in this season that for many marks the birth of the Prince of Peace, would be especially poignant.  Senators Kyl and DeMint insist that working on New START over the holidays would dishonor people of faith.  That’s transparent.  Working men and women are at their jobs in this holy season—before Christmas, after Christmas, and for some even on Christmas Day.  I’m convinced the Christ Child specially blesses those first responders, military personnel, health care providers, and other emergency workers who spend His birthday in service to others.   Senators, truly honor Christians.  Stay at your desks until this work to which you have been called is resolved.”
Stephen Schneck, Director, Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies, The Catholic University of America

“Christians can disagree in good faith on the best way to apply our faith in the public arena, but the statements by Senator Kyl and DeMint are the worst examples of faith in politics.  They have been working to kill START for weeks.  A concern for the faithful isn’t driving their arguments or they would have mentioned faith earlier and Senator DeMint wouldn’t be working to push the debate until Christmas.  This is cynical partisan politics masquerading as piety, and our leaders should be above that.”
Eric Sapp, Executive Director, American Values Network

“The attempt by New START opponents to use Christmas for tactical political advantage is profoundly offensive for three reasons. First, this move represents the worst mix of religion and politics. As one who ministers among a rising generation of Christians, I see countless peers walking away from their Evangelical faith because political tactics just like this have sullied the name of Christianity. Our belief motivates us to bring a moral witness to the democratic process — but the cold-blooded use of religion as a political weapon dishonors the Lord Jesus Christ and harms the evangelistic integrity of his church.

Second, the claims made by Treaty opponents are patently unbiblical. The teaching of the New Testament, from Jesus Christ (cf. Mark 2:27) to Paul (cf. Rom 14.5-6), makes clear that the work of righteousness, justice and compassion should never be pre-empted by a legalistic appeal to holidays. And it would be all the more abhorrent if the Prince of Peace’s birth were used to stop a measure to reduce nuclear weapons. Third, those of us who stand within the Just War tradition believe that military service should be exercised as a vocation of peacemaking. The American servicemen and -women deployed abroad will not spend Christmas with their families, nor will they take the day off. Though we wish that all Christians could be with their loved ones this holiday, it should not be too much to ask that Congress not abdicate their duty while so many stand in harm’s way.  I hope and pray that all American Christians, especially pastors, will publicly reject any attempt to use our faith for tactical political gain.”
Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, Founder of Two Futures Project, Chairman of Global Task Force on Nuclear Weapons for World Evangelical Alliance

Contact:  Eric Sapp, American Values Network
esapp@eleisongroup.com
703-863-6403

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Judge’s Decision Means More Children will Die in Vieques and Threatens the Safety of All Americans

American Citizens of Vieques, an island of the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, Live with Disease and Death as a Result of Over 60 Years of U.S. Military Weapons Testing

(ARLINGTON, VA) Yesterday, Judge Daniel Dominguez dismissed the claims of more than 7,000 Viequenses, seeking compensation from the Navy in federal district court for illnesses caused by the toxic contamination of their island following more than six decades of naval bombardment and weapons testing on their island [click here for history]. The dismissal came despite evidence that the Navy violated the Clean Water Act over 102 times, and the toxic substances which violated the CWA had traveled through the food chain and are in the bodies of the plaintiffs making them sick.

“It is sad and unfortunate that the Federal District Court in Puerto Rico has denied justice to our people of Vieques. President Barack Obama pledged that, once in office, he would work to address the health crisis on the island, and I will continue to fight for remedies to the health and environmental crisis in our Island,” said Evelyn Delerme, Mayor of Vieques.

The more than 9,000 American citizens who live in Vieques have a 30% higher rate of cancer, 381% higher hypertension, and 95% higher cirrhosis of the liver than the inhabitants of Puerto Rico’s main island. Hair testing has shown that the vast majority of Viequenses suffer from at least one form of heavy metal poisoning from toxins found in the weapons used on the island.

“I don’t believe it is the law in America that any Government agency can harm American citizens, purposefully hide its actions, and be shielded by sovereign immunity. We will appeal this decision,” said John Eaves, the lawyer representing the island in this case. “The most inalienable of our rights is to life. The court’s decision that the Government can violate its own laws and deprive its citizens of life without fear of accountability stands against the most fundamental principles upon which this nation was founded.”

Judge Dominguez found that the Navy failed to report activities that posed a health risk to the population; that Congress had passed laws saying that the Navy “shall” report those risks to the EPA; and that the Navy’s failure to follow those laws would override the Justice Department’s claim to sovereign immunity. However, the court ruled that despite the fact that the law explicitly required that the Navy “shall” report the health risks, the law left the means by which the Navy did so up to the discretion of the Secretary. In an extreme reach of legal logic, the Judge set the dangerous legal precedent that the Government’s discretion over how to report health risks allowed it to choose not to report the health risks, and that the Navy therefore did not actually violate the intent of the law and that its claim to sovereign immunity stood.

“When Justice is both blind and heartless, it has failed,” said Eric Sapp, Executive Director of the American Values Network. “Our government does not dispute its responsibility for the suffering on Vieques. Instead our Justice Department is seeking to deny justice using legal technicalities. This is a simple question of right and wrong and what America stands for. There is a fund already in place to help these people. It’s time President Obama did right by the Viequenses and directed Justice to stop fighting and give the people the help they deserve.”

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Contact: Eric Sapp/American Values Network/703-863-6403/esapp@americanvaluesnetwork.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 23, 2009

TIME Magazine Highlights Health Crisis on Vieques Following New Revelations About Weapons Testing

Arlington, VA – As Hermogenes Marrero is set to give a critical deposition this week on the Navy’s use of toxic substances on Vieques, a major story in Time magazine highlights the Navy’s contamination of the island and the ongoing health crisis there. Marrero, a former Marine sergeant stationed on Vieques in the early 1970s, says part of his job was to help the Navy test hazardous chemical and biological weapons on the island 10,000 American citizens call home, Time reports.

A recent hair sample study of inhabitants showed that 34% had toxic levels of mercury and 70% or more were contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, and antimony–all of which are found in the weapons tested up-wind and up-current from the civilian population for 62 years.

“The science and moral arguments cannot be questioned. If Americans knew the severity and scope of the problem in Vieques, they would demand immediate action,” states Eric Sapp, Executive Director of the American Values Network. In a piece written in response to the Time article, Sapp asks, “What would you do if you found out that people in your neighborhood had a 30% higher cancer rate, 25% higher infant mortality rate, and 95% higher cirrhosis of the liver rate than the surrounding area?”

Marrero’s deposition is part of a federal suit filed by Eaves Law Firm on behalf of 7,000 residents of Vieques who have been affected by toxins left behind by the Navy. A federal judge is set to rule this fall on whether to uphold the government’s claim of sovereign immunity and dismiss the suit without hearing it on its merits.

To learn more about the history of the health crisis and the studies by Yale, University of Georgia, University of Puerto Rico, etc. documenting the pollutants and health problems, visit:

http://americanvaluesnetwork.org/vieques/

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, September 18, 2009

American Values Network Announces National Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee of Noted National Leaders, Young Americans and Clergy Add Voices and Support to Mission of the American Values Network

Arlington, VA – The American Values Network today announced the formation of its national advisory committee (NAC). The NAC will provide ongoing support, advice and direction of the nascent and quickly growing American Values Network.

“We are honored to have garnered the support of such a nationally renowned group of Americans,” commented American Values Network President Burns Strider. “Our advisory committee is representative of committed and active citizens making a real difference in the lives of their fellow Americans. They add so much to the work of the American Values Network. In the few months since the founding of this network, we are pleased with the response we have received from values voters and our expanding efforts to share the truth wherever light may need shining.”

The American Values Network is currently conducting an ongoing climate change campaign including radio ads in 20 states, messaging to more than 18 million Americans through e-advocacy, building a coalition of religious groups representing more than 100 million Americans and organizing grassroots volunteer and advocacy efforts, including the Frontier Project in the western U.S., to bring attention to climate change issues.

The American Values Network has also been leading the effort to bring attention and help to the American citizens of Vieques, Puerto Rico who have struggled with cancer, birth defects and heavy metal poisoning for decades due to more than 60 years of naval weapons testing on this island.

Also, the American Values Network has been working on refocusing the healthcare debate back on the people most affected, stimulus package issues, educating policy makers that budgets are moral documents and beginning the important work of creating dialogue and platforms that showcase the power and promise of America’s diversity, the crucial importance of civil discourse and finding the common ground that makes us all Americans.

The American Values Network is barely 7 months old.

“The American Values Network is speaking out and organizing on behalf of the left out and left behind,” added NAC member Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. “Most compelling, they are creating a public square which insures honest and civil conversation. I am delighted to offer my voice and support to the American Values Network.”

Click Here To See The American Values Network National Advisory Committee

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 24, 2009

American Values Network Launches “Thank You” Radio Spots Thanking Members of Congress for Leadership on Energy Bill

LISTEN TO AD HERE — AMERICAN VALUES NETWORK

ARLINGTON, VA – American Values Network has launched a local pastor thank you campaign thanking Members of Congress who voted in favor of the House climate bill. The campaign is a continuation of American Value Network’s half a million dollar media campaign built upon faith and military leaders coming together to highlight the moral and national security implications of climate change.

The first of the new ads, “A Spirit of Power,” will run at heavy saturation rates throughout central VA on Christian, country, and talk radio. In the ad, local pastor Rev. Neal Halvorson-Taylor thanks Congressman Tom Perriello for his vote and leadership on the climate bill and for being a leader who is willing to do what is right and best for the district even in the face of big-money opposition.

“These ads are running only days after new revelations that lobbyists hired by the ‘American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity’ sent fraudulent letters to Congressman Perriello, and others, purportedly from senior centers, the NAACP and Hispanic groups asking him to vote against the climate bill,” stated Eric Sapp, Executive Director of American Values Network. “We need honest, strong leadership, like Congressman Perriello, putting the interests of people first in Washington. The narrow special interests will do anything to keep the status quo. Perriello is standing up to them.” POLITICO — STORY ON FRAUDULANT LETTERS

The ad will run in every media market in the Fifth district.

Script: “This is Rev. Neal Halvorson-Taylor. The Apostle Paul teaches that we should not have a spirit of timidity but of strength and love. Yet today, many leaders abandon this Biblical teaching to follow the wide and easy path. But our Congressman Tom Perriello is made of stronger stuff.

Tom knew the big energy companies were spending millions of dollars attacking those who voted for the landmark climate bill. But he also knew the bill would be good for Virginia and America. The climate bill will create good American jobs in our district, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect God’s creation for our children.

Tom voted for what was right. Political party doesn’t matter. When we face big challenges, it’s safer to do nothing and easier to play on people’s fears. But what we need are leaders who demonstrate a spirit of power and do what is right. I know Tom and Tom Perriello is that kind of leader. Paid for by AmericanValuesNetwork.org.”

LISTEN TO AD HERE — AMERICAN VALUES NETWORK

www.americanvaluesnetwork.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What a great start we’ve had at the American Values Network!

In the last several months the American Values Network has raised over $350,000 to launch the largest paid media campaign ever by the progressive faith community toward passing climate legislation.

Our efforts have gained tremendous press coverage, including the Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and have been credited as being instrumental in getting the climate bill passed in the House.

The need for this work could not be more urgent. Just this week the New York Times ran a piece detailing the national security threats posed by climate change and the need for immediate action.

Our radio ads urging Congress to take action have saturated the airwaves in over 10 states and we’ve sent over 11 million emails as part of a massive email campaign (see examples here and here).

AVN also launched an incredibly successful media tour featuring General John W. Douglas, Ret., who spoke about the military dangers posed by climate change.

This work is only possible through the large and small donations of people like you who understand the fierce urgency of now and are willing to act in spite of the cynics and nay-sayers.

In the upcoming weeks we are planning to run ads thanking members of Congress for their politically risky votes for climate legislation, and urging the Senate to take action.

But we need your help for these ads to be heard.

Every $25 we raise puts another ad on the air in a region where it will make a real impact; every $5,000 allows us to send those ads directly to 1.5 million independent and swing faith voters through our email program.

We need your support.

Please consider making a donation today.

Hope, Joy and Celebration,

Burns Strider

President, American Values Network

www.americanvaluesnetwork.org

PS: We look forward to announcing our National Advisory Committee of noted, leading advocates and clergy from across the nation in the coming couple of weeks!

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

American Values Network Releases White Paper: Vieques Today, A Sea of Broken Promises

Washington, DC – A new white paper by American Values Network examines the current situation in the island municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico, USA. Vieques is a small U.S. territorial island located eight miles from the main island of Puerto Rico. The people of Vieques are American citizens who have made tremendous sacrifices for our country’s national security. For over 200 days per year from 1941-2003, the Navy used significant portions of the Island of Vieques for training exercises and munitions testing. During this period, the Navy tested nearly every kind of munitions employed by the military, dropping over 80 million pounds of ordnance on Vieques from 1984-1998 alone. The Navy has refused to disclose the complete list and amounts of all materials sprayed, dropped, tested, or disposed of on the island and surrounding ocean during the 62-years of weapons testing.

The people of Vieques have a 25% higher infant mortality rate, 30% higher rate of cancer, a 381% higher rate of hypertension, a 95% higher rate of cirrhosis of the liver, and a 41% higher rate of diabetes than those on the main island of Puerto Rico a mere 8 miles away. Despite these facts, the Navy denies any culpability and refuses to help alleviate the suffering it has caused.

The health claims of the American citizens in Vieques have been supported by a multitude of groups and faith-based organizations, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), and the American Values Network, among others.

The full report can be downloaded here.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 2, 2009

IT IS TIME TO END THE PAIN ON VIEQUES, THE PUERTO RICO SENATE AND HOUSE ALONG WITH THE UNITED NATIONS AGREES

Keeping Campaign Promises Concerning Vieques is Crucial

WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate and the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, as well as the United Nations, have given their voices and full support to the citizens of Vieques in their struggle with disease, contamination and neglect from the United States Navy.

“The people of Vieques, Puerto Rico are United States citizens. In fact, their young have provided one of the highest percentages of volunteerism for the U.S. military,” said Burns Strider, President of the American Values Network. “Yet, they struggle with disease, illness, contamination, birth defects and many other tragic problems arising from the toxic contamination caused by more than six decades of naval bombardment and other military exercises on their island.”

The people of Vieques have filed claims against the Navy in federal district court in San Juan to address the numerous health matters affecting the residents of this island municipality.

To the surprise of many, the Obama Department of Justice responded with a motion to dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. This decision means that the US government is in fact asking an American judge to deny American citizens — as it is the case of the people born in Vieques, a municipality of Puerto Rico — their day in court and the opportunity for the case to be addressed on its merits.

The U.S. government claims “sovereign immunity,” an archaic principle derived from the Middle Ages when the King would say he could do no wrong because what he does is ordained of God.

Fortunately, earlier this week, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives unanimously approved a resolution urging President Barack Obama to instruct the appropriate agencies to take the necessary steps to address both the health claims of the residents of Vieques and the environmental situation of the island.

The actions taken by the Department of Justice have raised numerous concerns among activists and community leaders regarding the administration’s commitment to provide fair compensation to the Viequenses. This is particularly relevant given that many of these community leaders actively supported Obama during both the primary and the general election.

Furthermore, many of the victims feel puzzled by the way the new Administration is responding to the Vieques claims since as a candidate, President Obama made a commitment that his administration would “promote appropriate remedies to health conditions caused by military activities conducted by the U.S. Navy on Vieques” and even sent surrogates and advisors to Vieques to campaign on his behalf.

In fact, the resolution passed by the Puerto Rico House of Representatives includes a clear reminder to the Administration about the contradictions between the DOJ’s actions and Obama’s promises when it states that: “…lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice have filed motions based on the ‘Federal Tort Claims Act’ asking the judge to dismiss the case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. This is contrary to the spirit of the promises made, as well as to the notion of access to justice deserved by a people that were subject to sacrifices in the interests of the national security for so long.”

This House Resolution comes on the heels of another resolution unanimously approved by the Senate of Puerto Rico, which recognizes “the contributions and sacrifices that our brothers and sisters of Vieques, have made in the interests of the national security of the United States of America, as well as the lasting effects of more than sixty years of military exercises endured by the residents of Vieques” and asks President Obama “to provide appropriate remedies for health conditions of the people of Vieques that could be related to the military activities conducted by the U.S. Navy.”

In addition, the Senate resolution notes that in the past “the United States of America has compensated both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who have endured injuries and/or damages comparable to those suffered by the U.S. citizens of Vieques.”

According to the Senate Resolution, “it would be in the best interests of the United States of America to address the losses and ongoing medical and economic needs of the U.S. citizens on Vieques, which could be resulting from the U.S. Navy’s long bombardment and contamination of the island” and that the “the fastest, fairest, and most efficient way to correct the injustice and health crisis is for the U.S. government to resolve the claims pending in the US District Court in San Juan as well as those pending for the Municipality of Vieques before the Secretary of Navy.”

Moreover, the President of the Puerto Rico Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, wrote a letter to President Obama urging his “intervention and attention to the health issues affecting thousands of disenfranchised U.S. citizens in the island municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico.”

As Puerto Rico Senator Jorge Suárez, of the Popular Democratic Party, aptly put it in his July 1st letter to President Obama, there are many people that “hope and trust that you will heed this call, that you will take the necessary steps to allow for the compensation of the affected Viequenses, and that you will thus finally take swift action to put an end to the health crisis among the U.S. citizens of Vieques, people who have borne a very heavy burden in support of our rights and freedoms.”

As a result of more than six decades of bombings, at least four generations of American citizens in Vieques have now been exposed to toxins and heavy metals with devastating medical consequences. Numerous scientific studies have revealed that the rates of serious illnesses among Viequenses, including cancer, hypertension and diabetes, far exceed those on the main island of Puerto Rico. As pointed out by the President of the Puerto Rico Senate, Thomas Rivera Schatz, “in spite of this, nothing is being done by Federal authorities to address the major health problems suffered by our fellow Americans in Vieques. They have borne a very heavy burden in defense of our national security. Even though the bombings stopped in May 2003, they continue to suffer from the toxic chemicals and heavy metal hazards that are the legacy of decades of bombing and military practices in Vieques.”

But those are not the only two allies of Vieques. A Special Committee of the United Nations recently approved a resolution urging the government of the United States to complete the return of occupied land and installations on Vieques Island and “expedite and cover the costs of the process of cleaning up and decontaminating the impact areas previously used in military exercises through means that do not continue to aggravate the serious consequences of its military activity for the health of the inhabitants of Vieques Island and the environment.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 23, 2009

photo
American Values Network Launches Colorado Media Tour
On Passing Energy Bill and Why It Matters to National Security

General John W. Douglas, Ret., this Week Travels Colorado in Initial State Media Tour,
Discussing How Passage of the Energy Bill is Essential to Our National Security

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Values Network today announced a week long media tour of the state of Colorado. General John W. Douglas, Ret., will travel throughout Colorado meeting with media, citizens and political leaders discussing the crucial importance of energy policy to our national security.
“We import more than half our oil from hostile nations. Last year, we paid over $255 billion to countries that are primary funders for terrorists groups like Al Qaeda,” shares General Douglas. “We consume more oil than any other country so by increasing use of domestic, renewable energy and decreasing use of foreign oil we greatly lower the incomes of these foreign nations and that alone enhances our security and makes our families and communities safer.”

General Douglas is retired from the U.S. Air Force where he was deputy U.S. military representative to NATO, director of plans and policy and director of science and technology in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and assistant to the under secretary of defense for acquisition. General Douglas has also served our nation for five years at the National Security Council in the White House and as assistant secretary for the Navy for research, development and acquisition for both the Navy and Marine Corps.

The American Values Network’s Colorado media tour will take General Douglas to Denver, Pueblo, Pagosa Springs, Durango and Grand Junction while holding phone interviews with media in other regions of the state.
“The American Values Network’s Media Tour in Colorado is about raising public awareness of the need to pass the Waxman-Markey Energy Bill pending in Congress,” stated Burns Strider, President of the American Values Network. “Our national security is at stake along with the dire consequences of climate change this bill addresses. Our ongoing work to pass this bill includes a months-long e-advocacy campaign to more than 5.3 million Americans and radio ads that have been running in 8 states.”

The Mission of the American Values Network (AVN) is to enroll, engage, and enable Americans to stand up, speak out, and actively participate in building up the American values of family and community that are the core of our pursuit of a “more perfect union.”  We believe America needs leaders who embrace the values common to all citizens and that guide us in making America a shining beacon of hope and freedom to the world.  The American Values Network and its state affiliates offer citizens a grassroots avenue to active involvement — engaging the issues they care about and the ideals that define our nation.

www.americanvaluesnetwork.org

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