[stop-imf] Action alert on the Presidential candidates and debt cancellation

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Jubilee USA Network

January 2004 Monthly Grassroots Action


Tell the Presidential Candidates: Drop the Debt to Fight Global AIDS!


With the 2004 election season underway, in this month=92s action we will
contact the Presidential candidates about the importance of debt
cancellation as a tool to fight global AIDS. It is important that we educat=
e
all of the candidates about this issue: one of them will be President for
the next four years, which will have a significant impact on our ability to
achieve debt cancellation!



You can send a message from our website at
www.jubileeusa.org/tellthecandidates.htm
<http://www.jubileeusa.org/tellthecandidates.htm>  to of the candidates ,
urging them to learn more about debt and to support cancellation!


Background

Debt cancellation is a critical tool that can mobilize desperately needed
resources for impoverished nations =96 debt cancellation frees up money for
social services, health care, and for the fight against global AIDS. While
all the candidates have committed to fight global AIDS, they have not yet
highlighted debt cancellation as a key tool to achieve this important goal.


The international debt and the harmful economic policies of the World Bank
and IMF in Africa, Asia, and Latin America undermine the fight against
global AIDS.  More than half of African nations spend more on debt payments
to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and rich countrie=
s
than on health care for their citizens. Every dollar spent on servicing the
debt is a dollar not spent on health care, education, or HIV/AIDS treatment
and prevention.


Experts estimate it will take at least $10 billion annually from wealthy
nations to fight AIDS. Africa pays $15 billion each year in debt service. D=
o
the math. Debt cancellation means money to fight the global AIDS pandemic.
Debt cancellation is an important policy initiative that candidates for the
nation=92s highest office should be made aware of.


Take Action


Send an e-mail to all the Presidential candidates about Debt Cancellation!
Visit www.jubileeusa.org/tellthecandidates.htm
<http://www.jubileeusa.org/tellthecandidates.htm>  to send an e-mail to the
candidates to educate them about the power of debt cancellation as a tool i=
n
the fight for global justice and against the global AIDS pandemic! This is
an easy action for others to take as well =96 please forward the e-action l=
ink
to everyone you know =96 let=92s generate hundreds of e-mails!



You can also take action in other ways, including asking questions of the
candidates at campaign appearances, and setting up meetings with campaign
staff in your state! For more ideas and information see,
http://www.jubileeusa.org/jubilee.cgi?path=3D/take_action&page=3Djan2004.ht=
ml
<http://www.jubileeusa.org/jubilee.cgi?path=3D/take_action&amp;page=3Djan20=
04.ht
ml> .


For more information, resources, issue briefings, and educational materials
on debt, debt cancellation, and global AIDS, click on
www.jubileeusa.org/candidates.htm <http://www.jubileeusa.org/candidates.htm=
>


Jubilee USA Network is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are strictly
non-partisan and do not support or oppose any candidate for office. All
materials distributed to candidates are sent to all candidates from all
major parties. This document is for purposes of voter and candidate
education only.


Need to know more about the upcoming elections and how to participate?
Registered to vote? Check out Project Vote Smart at www.vote-smart.org
<http://www.vote-smart.org/> .






+++++++++++++++++++++
Neil Watkins
Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Jubilee USA Network
222 E. Capitol St., NE
Washington, DC 20003
Direct line - (202) 783-0129
Fax - (202) 546-4468
Web - www.jubileeusa.org


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