The end of civilization as we know it!

This funny video comes to us from Vote for MMP. Only 2:16 long. If you like it, rate it 5 stars and favourite it. We've only got a week left 'til the referendum.

Just in case you need more information, here's Ten Reasons to Vote for Mixed Member Proportional (MMP).

H.R. 2003 SUCCESSFULLY PASSES THE HOUSE!!

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- SHORT AUDIO CLIP FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR
- Excerpts from Congressman Chris Smith Speech
- Congressman Honda's speech in support of HR2003 - VIDEO
- EMBASSY of Ethiopia on House Passage of H.R. 2003
- House of Representatives Passes Human Rights Bill (VOA)
- House Seeks Reform in Ethiopia (AP)


- Read H.R. 2003 in English
- Read H.R. 2003 in Amharic
- EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT H.R. 2003, BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK!
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U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSED H.R. 2003 TODAY AT 12:58 EASTER STANDARD TIME

(Coalition for HR 2003)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2003 (Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act of 2007) on a unanimous vote at exactly 12:58 Eastern Standard Time.

Donald Payne delivered an impassioned speech on the floor of the House urging members pass the bill. He outlined the long train of human rights abuses that have taken place in Ethiopia over the past two years. He said the people of Ethiopia deserve democracy and human rights and a government of their choice.

Congressman Chris Smith, similarly delivered an impassioned speech and recounted Zenawi’s arrogant lecture that he planned to imprison all of the opposition leaders. Smith joined Payne in insisting that the U.S. demand of the Ethiopian government accountability for the aid that it receives and compliance with human rights laws.

All Ethiopians should take this opportunity to thank Congressmen Donald Payne, Chris Smith, Tom Lantos and Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer for their support in getting this legislation passed. When we needed their help, we called upon them . NOW IT IS TIME TO CALL AND SAY: “THANK YOU.”

The Coalition will issue further statements on action in the Senate soon.

Coalition for HR 2003
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There was also a separate hearing at the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health which focused on Human Rights and Humanitarian Conditions in the Ogaden and Somalia. Kinijit VP Birtukan Mideksa And Dr. Berhanu Nega were among those who testified at this hearing.

-VIDEO - hearing at the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health
-Full text of the Prepared Statement of Birtukan Mideksa
-Full text of the Prepared Statement of Dr. Berhanu Nega
-Testimony by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi E. Frazer

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Sending Good Vibes for Alabama

I'm thinking of starting a new charity. I think I'll name it Magic Wands for Montgomery. Or maybe
Bunnies for Birmingham.

This is necessary because, sadly for Alabamians, the sale of sex toys has been illegal in Alabama for 9 years (something that is unlikely to change following The United States Supreme Court's recent refusal to hear the case).

An adult-store owner had asked the justices to throw out the law as an unconstitutional intrusion into the privacy of the bedroom. But the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, leaving intact a lower court ruling that upheld the law.

Sherri Williams, owner of Pleasures stores in Huntsville and Decatur, said she was disappointed, but plans to sue again on First Amendment free speech grounds.

"My motto has been they are going to have to pry this vibrator from my cold, dead hand. I refuse to give up," she said.

Alabama's anti-obscenity law, enacted in 1998, bans the distribution of "any device designed or marketed as useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs for anything of pecuniary value."

So this is a call to all women to take pity on the women of Alabama, cruelly denied the pleasure of a pocket rocket. Our sisters need us! Send good vibes for Alabama.

Via Boing Boing.