E-Advocate

The mission of this new MySpace is to interview the MySpace users who are making a difference and sharing their insights. Meet the everyday heroes who are breaking the mold, changing lives and bringing good into the world. There will be new editions every three weeks.
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E-ADVOCATE EDITION CONTENTS
OPENING INTERVIEW Josh from the Genocide Intervention Network on the Responsibility to Protect doctrine and the cyclone in Burma.
IN-DEPTH EXCLUSIVE FEATURE Kevin Martin of Candlebox and Rock for a Difference team up to help Partents of Autistic Children.
E-ADVOCATE ACTION OF THE MONTH Through Greenpeace, you can help stop the whaling scandle in Japan.
By Popular Demand Gavin Griffin, Realities for Children, and Above the Rail on charities and the poker boom.
Image of the Month: Lifes a Bluff artwork donated to Jennifer Harman's poker tournament for the Nevada SPCA.
E-ADVOCACY OPENING INTERVIEW- GENOCIDE INTERVENTION NETWORK ON BURMA
Visit the Genocide Intervention Network Action Center to learn more about how you can help nations protect their citizens through accountability.
E-Advocate: What do you hope for at this point in the process of aid and reconstruction for the people of Burma?
Josh: "We sincerely hope that the regime will allow quick entrance of humanitarian assistance and aid workers. As recent estimates indicate that up to 1.million people are at risk as a result of Cyclone Nargis, international assistance must be delivered immediately. We hope that Burma’s neighbors will be able to convince the regime of the need to allow full access to aid personnel from all countries, not just ASEAN members. If this is not possible, we hope that the international community has a plan in place for the non-consensual delivery of aid."
"A similar timely response must be made in terms of reconstruction of the affected areas. Much of Burma’s rice crop has been destroyed and the country’s major rice producing areas have been contaminated by salt water. Without prompt desalinization of these areas and reconstruction of the agricultural infrastructure, there is likely to be a shortfall in the rice harvest for up to three years. This could lead to even more widespread hunger in a country which already has a chronic food deficit."
E-Advocate: "The Genocide Intervention Network challenges countries to follow doctrines and laws that protect their citizens from atrocities. Can you describe that doctrine and whether there is a relation between the Junta’s slow reaction to aid and the “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine of the UN?"
Josh: "We at the Genocide Intervention Network advocate for the doctrine of Responsibility to Protect (R2P). This doctrine provides a basis for international intervention in a sovereign state if the state is unwilling or unable to protect its civilian population from severe harm."
"R2P may be invoked in an instance where state neglect or inability to act causes large scale loss of life among its civilian population. In invoking this responsibility, the international community may intervene, as a last resort, to avert human suffering using proportional means."
"In regards to the situation in Burma, the junta’s slow reaction and refusal to admit skilled Western aid workers or the full amount of humanitarian assistance offered by the international community may well justify intervention under the doctrine of R2P. The Burmese government has failed to protect its civilians from the damaging aftereffects of Cyclone Nargis, the same as it has continually failed to protect its ethnic minority population from a violent counterinsurgency movement in the country’s east. Thus, there is a relationship between the Burmese government’s sluggish reaction to the cyclone and the Responsibility to Protect doctrine advocated by the United Nations."
E-Advocate: "Your organization has been following the situation in Burma before the Cyclone Nargis. When the Cyclone hit in Burma, did you expect the Junta’s reaction?"
Josh: "We had hoped that the Burmese Junta would react in a manner illustrating a commitment to the protection of their civilian population. At the same time, we were prepared for a response such as this, where the regime ignored the needs of its civilians and limited humanitarian access and assistance. The Burmese regime has consistently placed its own desires for power above the needs of its citizenry. This was illustrated by the regime’s concentration on a constitutional referendum instead of disaster assistance to cyclone-affected areas. The 92% approval for the constitution, a number resulting largely from voter fraud and intimidation, highlights the regime’s calculus of the value of its civilian population."
"Since 1962, the governing military junta has jailed dissidents, brutally repressed ethnic minorities and denied its population basic democratic rights. Over the last few years, the regime violently cracked down on pro-democracy protestors during the Saffron Revolution and continues to destroy villages and livelihoods in majority Karen, Karennini and Shan areas. In light of these factors, the reaction of the regime does not come as a complete surprise."
E-Advocate: "Are there any steps which would ensure that what is happening in Burma will not happen again globally?"
Josh: "As the ruling Burmese military regime has consistently ignored the well-being of its citizens in regard to its treatment of ethnic minorities, the government's response to the cyclone further illustrates this disregard for civilians."
"In order to ensure that this will not transpire again, we must increase awareness of the actions and policies similar to those occurring in Burma, because a government that performs in a similar manner is likely to respond to a natural catastrophe in a similar manner."
"The world must hold regimes accountable for their inability or unwillingness to protect their civilians from natural calamities. The international community must also come to a consensus on the manner in which the Responsibility to Protect should be applied to natural disasters."
"Additional support for democratization movements and governmental transparency, both to its citizens and a global audience will also go far in ensuring that such a debacle does not occur again."
E-ADVOCATE IN-DEPTH FEATURE
This interview is with Kevin Martin of Candlebox and Renay from Rock for a Difference.
Candlebox was formed in Seattle, Washington on November 1990. Candlebox had sold more than 4 million copies of their self-titled debut which, after many months of gaining momentum peaked at number 7 on Billboard's album charts. Candlebox was the first successful act on Madonna's Maverick Records, which went on to sign Alanis Morissette, Deftones, and The Prodigy. They are best known for the singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Simple Lessons.”
“Working closely with Ross La Terra, CEO of ONCOR Entertainment, Inc., Michael Finley of MJF Public Relations, Kevin Martin gave inspiration to develop the website Rock for a Difference . The mission at Rock For a Difference, is to improve the lives of families living with autism by providing financial support to POAC. It provided this support through a collaboration with Musicians, Performers and Celebrities and by holding special Concert, Theatrical and Sports Related Fundraiser Events throughout the year. Kevin Martin graciously did 2 Public Service Announcements for Rock for a Difference that bring awareness of the disorder and our organization to the public.”
“Candlebox is known for an explosive live show and throughout their career, they have toured with such bands as Living Colour, The Flaming Lips, Our Lady Peace, Rush, Henry Rollins, Godsmack, and Metallica. Candlebox will release its first album in 10 years, "Into the Sun," on July 22 via Silent Majority/ILG records. The first single, "Stand" will be released to Radio in mid-may and Candlebox officially commences their tour in support of the new record in June 2008.”
E-Advocate: “Please introduce yourself, Renay”
Renay: "Hello, my name is Renay, I am a volunteer for POAC (Parent’s of Autistic Children www.poac.net). POAC is a 501c3 foundation based out of Hazlet, NJ. Since its inception, POAC has provided training for thousands of people throughout New Jersey, across the country, and in Europe and South America. To date, thousands of parents, teachers, and other service providers have been trained, the majority at no cost to participants. Many have attended the Five Part Training series, offered FREE to parents and POAC members. In addition, POAC has reached out to colleges and universities and provided course work to students studying to be special education teachers. This organization has also provided training to law enforcement professionals, emergency services providers, and other members of the general community who come in contact with children with autism every day.”
POAC commissioned a play about the trials and joys of raising a child with autism “Day After Day A Rock Opera” (http://www.myspace.com/dayafterdayrockopera). Several of the members talked to a young writer/director named Steve Allen. The parents told their stories to Steve and what resulted was an emotional journey through the lives of three separate families and their daily struggle raising and communicating with their autistic children. This production touches on so many of the challenges faced by all those who love someone with autism. From first getting the diagnosis, to the self doubt and blaming, to the marital strain, the view is unflinchingly real. A DVD will be available soon.”
E-Advocate to Kevin and Renay: Your involvement with charity work is admirable. What is the biggest highlight to your involvement with advocacy?
Kevin: “Knowing that I am playing a small part in bringing a little sunshine into someone's day, that I am helping to raise awareness to the struggles that those less fortunate than myself are dealing with on a daily basis.”
Renay: “It would be all of the people who have been made aware of this disorder, which has become so widespread in our society today, from just a few years ago where no one understood what the word autism meant.”
E-Advocate: What heroes inspired you to take action?
Kevin: “Bono, David Bowie, and Elton John.”
Renay: “My heroes would be the children and parents who fight and work so hard every day to have a normal way of life living with this disorder. Also, Kevin Martin and Candlebox are my heroes for their constant dedication and unwavering commitment from the very beginning.”
E-Advocate: For other bands who are thinking about using their talents to make changes in the world, what would you say to inspire them?
Kevin: “I don't know if there is anything that I could say that would Inspire them to take action but if it's inspiring to say that Fame, in anyway shape or form, is only yours because of the people that have put you there so use it wisely and graciously, spread the word and make a change. It is your responsibility.”
Renay: “Candlebox has been a catalyst for activism. Bands have the opportunity for thousands of people to hear what they have to say. They should be using their platform to make the public aware of changes that need to be made in this world. What kind of world will it be in 20 years from now if these children don’t get the opportunity to be the best they can be?”
E-Advocate: What inspired your involvement with autism as a cause?
Kevin: “Renay Horstman was the first person to bring it to my attention but since then I have learned that i have 3 friends whose children are struggling with Autism. That is when I really started to get involved.”
Renay: “My inspirations are Gianine Menechino, for wanting to do something to give back to the community because she felt so blessed by her daughter Gia’s progress. Gia Menechino for making strides every day and overcoming her obstacles this disorder has placed on her.”
E-Advocate: How has helping families with autism changed you?
Kevin: “Since my wife and I have had our first baby just 4 month's ago I have had so many mothers and fathers reach out to me with information regarding vaccinations, medical concerns, what to watch out for etc. as well as the notes of thanks for helping to spread the word, I'm really so happy to be a part of this.”
Renay: “I take great pride in helping to raise autism awareness. I get many emails everyday and hope I have been able to answer someone’s questions or pointed them in the right direction of getting something they may need.”
E-Advocate: What, to you, are the most important aspects of autism as a cause that others should know?
Kevin: “This is a disease that affects everyone involved and we need to find out what is causing it. Without Universal health care some families, unfortunately, simply cannot afford to fight for their children or for that matter, support their family, get the special schooling that their children need etc. We need to work together to fix this and we need to raise money to help one another.”
Renay: “The rates of autism have changed dramatically over the past 10 years, going from 1 in every 10,000 to 1 in every 150. It is extremely unfortunate that every person knows at least 1 or more people who have children with autism. Early intervention is key in catching that small window and retraining a toddler’s brain to eliminate certain behaviors. It’s our duty to educate the community and raise awareness so these children can get the services they desperately deserve.”