FDA-Designate Crawford's FEC Files
A corner of hell may have been a bit chilly this week when Democratic Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton, Patty Murray and Tom Coburn of the GOP, all announced their opposition to Lester Crawford as head of the Food and Drug Administration, but for different political and medical reasons.
The Democratic senators oppose President Bush's nominee to the health agency because of the FDA long delay on approving over-the-counter birth-control, while Coburn is unhappy with the agency's refusal to force condoms makers to print information on the devices saying they don't stop all sexually transmitted diseases.
That the two blue state liberals would ever join in concurring with their red state opponent on anything to do with healthcare or the FDA guarantees rough days ahead for Crawford and Bush's domestic agenda, with gallons of ink hope to spill on Crawford.
What I'd like to see included in the mainstream media mix as his nomination moves through Congress are a few stories about his political donations over the years.
Not because it will come as any great surprise to learn he's donated $9,100 to Bush and GOP causes, but because it's vital voters and lawmakers understand the extent of his political contributions over the years.
Examine this article that appeared in The Independent in Britain on Bush' recent appointment of Robert Holmes Tuttle to be the US ambassador to Court of St. James, with the headline "Bush Donor Named as New US Ambassador," for an example of what I'd like to read on Crawford in the American press.(Source: The Independent.)
After Googling for any coverage about Crawford's donations to Bush and the GOP, nothing of substance came up, except these Federal Election Commission records from NewsMeat.
^^^
NewsMeat's FEC File on Crawford
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR.
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
F.D.A./DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
BUSH, GEORGE W (R)President
BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
$1,250
04/14/04
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR.
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
F.D.A./DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
BUSH, GEORGE W (R)
President
BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC
$750
10/30/03
CRAWFORD, LESTER M
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE (R)
$2,000
04/09/02
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
GEORGETOWN UNIV
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE (R)
$1,500
06/22/00
CRAWFORD, LESTER
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN SENATORIAL COMMITTEE (R)
$1,000
08/23/99
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
GEORGETOWN UNIV
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE (R)
$500
06/23/99
CRAWFORD, LESTER M
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITYBUSH, GEORGE W (R)
President
BUSH FOR PRESIDENT INC.
$500
04/26/99
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR
CHEVY CHASE, MD 20815
ASSOC OF AMERICAN
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE (R)
$250
07/31/97
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR
BETHESDA, MD 20815
ASSOC OF AMERICAN
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE (R)
$350
05/06/96
CRAWFORD, LESTER M DR
BETHESDA, MD 20815
ASSOC OF AMERICAN
REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE (R)
$1,000
06/02/95
CRAWFORD, LESTER DR
WASHINGTON, DC 20003
NFPA
FOOD PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (FPA-PAC)
$250
11/05/91
Reports, proud muckraking, photos, videos and musings from the veteran LGBT and AIDS human rights advocate Michael Petrelis. Based in San Francisco since 1995. Contact: MPetrelis_at_AOL_dot_com. Vote Petrelis for BART Board District 9 in November!
Friday, June 10, 2005
SF STD Report Shows Drops of HIV, STDs
June 10, 2005
Steven Tierney
Director, HIV Prevention
SF Department of Public Health
25 Van Ness Avenue, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Mr. Tierney:
The health department's latest monthly sexually transmitted disease report, which is for January through April 2005, illustrates remarkably good news about STDs in the city.
First, the number of HIV positive infections recorded at City Clinic, the primary health facility for the majority of HIV tests performed in the city, shows 37 antibody test results for the four months of this year. That compares with 49 such results for the same period in 2004, which means there's been a drop in this category.
Second, 2005's year to date statistic for male rectal gonorrhea show 141 cases recorded, while for the corresponding four months last year, the number was 147. Another slight drop of an STD for the city.
And third, the number of adult syphilis cases so far this year is 165, versus 231 at this point last year. Again, a decline of cases.
Since you and the DPH have continually sounded the alarms whenever there have been any increases or surges of any of these STDs, especially for gay men, I am most curious to know why there is only silence from you and your colleagues about these STD declines.
I've looked over the DPH web site for any press releases or announcements about the drops, and couldn't find a single one.
I know this may sound odd, considering DPH is not known for ever informing the gay community and all city residents about positive news regarding declines or stabilization of any STDs, much less three STDs, but wouldn't this June, it being Gay Pride Month and all, be an ideal time for you and other gay men at the DPH to widely inform your gay brothers of these drops, congratulate us for bringing about the declines of several STDs, and strongly encourage us to keep STD statistics down?
Could there be a valid reason or two why you, as a gay man, and the supposedly gay-friendly DPH have not yet made any announcement about the latest dropping STD numbers, patted the sexually active gay male community on the back for the drops or organized town hall meetings to explain the numbers?
Seems to me DPH will go out of its way to scream about increases of STDs, and in the process demonize gay men and gay sexuality, but when your own statistics show declines, deafening silence is the order of the day.
I am respectfully asking you to break DPH tradition and do two things this month. One, issue a statement about the STD drops; two, put on at least one town hall meeting about the newest statistics.
I would appreciate a prompt reply.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Source: SF STD report
June 10, 2005
Steven Tierney
Director, HIV Prevention
SF Department of Public Health
25 Van Ness Avenue, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Dear Mr. Tierney:
The health department's latest monthly sexually transmitted disease report, which is for January through April 2005, illustrates remarkably good news about STDs in the city.
First, the number of HIV positive infections recorded at City Clinic, the primary health facility for the majority of HIV tests performed in the city, shows 37 antibody test results for the four months of this year. That compares with 49 such results for the same period in 2004, which means there's been a drop in this category.
Second, 2005's year to date statistic for male rectal gonorrhea show 141 cases recorded, while for the corresponding four months last year, the number was 147. Another slight drop of an STD for the city.
And third, the number of adult syphilis cases so far this year is 165, versus 231 at this point last year. Again, a decline of cases.
Since you and the DPH have continually sounded the alarms whenever there have been any increases or surges of any of these STDs, especially for gay men, I am most curious to know why there is only silence from you and your colleagues about these STD declines.
I've looked over the DPH web site for any press releases or announcements about the drops, and couldn't find a single one.
I know this may sound odd, considering DPH is not known for ever informing the gay community and all city residents about positive news regarding declines or stabilization of any STDs, much less three STDs, but wouldn't this June, it being Gay Pride Month and all, be an ideal time for you and other gay men at the DPH to widely inform your gay brothers of these drops, congratulate us for bringing about the declines of several STDs, and strongly encourage us to keep STD statistics down?
Could there be a valid reason or two why you, as a gay man, and the supposedly gay-friendly DPH have not yet made any announcement about the latest dropping STD numbers, patted the sexually active gay male community on the back for the drops or organized town hall meetings to explain the numbers?
Seems to me DPH will go out of its way to scream about increases of STDs, and in the process demonize gay men and gay sexuality, but when your own statistics show declines, deafening silence is the order of the day.
I am respectfully asking you to break DPH tradition and do two things this month. One, issue a statement about the STD drops; two, put on at least one town hall meeting about the newest statistics.
I would appreciate a prompt reply.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Source: SF STD report
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Dubya's Porn Producer Pal Gave to GOP...and DNC!
I was tipped off to this story by fellow homosexual Hellenic activist John Aravosis and his site, AmericanBlog.
Joseph Farah, an extreme right-wing leader and writer for the WorldNetDaily site, complains today about a straight porn producer and his star who will meet with President Bush and his chief political strategist next week.
Farah writes:
"Last week, Carl Forti, communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, explained to WND that self-described pornographer Mark Kulkis and his date, porn star Mary Carey, will be attending the two-day event, 'The 2005 President's Dinner and Salute to Freedom,' next Monday and Tuesday because their money is just as good as anyone else's.
"'They've paid their money,' he said. 'No matter what they do, the money is going to go to help elect Republicans to the House.'" (Source: WND )
Mr. Kulkis has given the family values-friendly folks at the RNC $500 this year, showing to a small degree the GOP accepts porn as good for the American family. Why else would the RNC have cashed the checks from Mr. Kulkis if they don't approve of his profession?
But Mr. Kulkis is one porn producer who is obviously bi-partisan and how knows to work both sides of the political aisle.
He gave the Democratic National Committee $300 last year, and like their GOP counterparts, the DNC cashed the check.
Nice to know both major political parties happily accept money from good ol' American porn makers.
My only problem with Mr. Kulkis' political largesse, speaking as a registered Green Party voter, is that he has yet to write out a check to my party!
^^^
www.tray.com
Kulkis, Mark J Mr.
10/12/2004 $300.00
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Kick Ass Pictures/Producer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Kulkis, Mark Mr.
1/26/2005 $250.00
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Kick Ass Pictures Inc./President -[Contribution]
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
Kulkis, Mark Mr.
2/25/2005 $250.00
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Kick Ass Pictures Inc./President -[Contribution]
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
I was tipped off to this story by fellow homosexual Hellenic activist John Aravosis and his site, AmericanBlog.
Joseph Farah, an extreme right-wing leader and writer for the WorldNetDaily site, complains today about a straight porn producer and his star who will meet with President Bush and his chief political strategist next week.
Farah writes:
"Last week, Carl Forti, communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, explained to WND that self-described pornographer Mark Kulkis and his date, porn star Mary Carey, will be attending the two-day event, 'The 2005 President's Dinner and Salute to Freedom,' next Monday and Tuesday because their money is just as good as anyone else's.
"'They've paid their money,' he said. 'No matter what they do, the money is going to go to help elect Republicans to the House.'" (Source: WND )
Mr. Kulkis has given the family values-friendly folks at the RNC $500 this year, showing to a small degree the GOP accepts porn as good for the American family. Why else would the RNC have cashed the checks from Mr. Kulkis if they don't approve of his profession?
But Mr. Kulkis is one porn producer who is obviously bi-partisan and how knows to work both sides of the political aisle.
He gave the Democratic National Committee $300 last year, and like their GOP counterparts, the DNC cashed the check.
Nice to know both major political parties happily accept money from good ol' American porn makers.
My only problem with Mr. Kulkis' political largesse, speaking as a registered Green Party voter, is that he has yet to write out a check to my party!
^^^
www.tray.com
Kulkis, Mark J Mr.
10/12/2004 $300.00
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Kick Ass Pictures/Producer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Kulkis, Mark Mr.
1/26/2005 $250.00
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Kick Ass Pictures Inc./President -[Contribution]
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
Kulkis, Mark Mr.
2/25/2005 $250.00
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Kick Ass Pictures Inc./President -[Contribution]
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
SF Open Meetings Law & Project Open Hand
From: tnolan@openhand.org
To: MPetrelis@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Mr. Petrelis,
There are two ways of speaking to our Board:
1. By letter addressed to Mr. Peter Scott, Board Chair
Project Open Hand
730 Polk St.
San Francisco, Ca. 94109
2. By attending the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting is held at 730 Polk St at Ellis. The public comment section is at the beginning of the meeting following
the welcome, mission statement and minutes of the previous meeting.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Tom Nolan
-
Dear Mr. Nolan:
Thanks for reluctantly inviting me to the board meeting in two weeks..
It is my understanding that San Francisco's nonprofit accountability and sunshine laws require all charities receiving more than $250,000 must open at least two of their board of directors' meetings to the public.
I believe the local statutes also call for wide publicizing of the two board meetings to the clients, donors and general public through postings on the recipient group's web site, letters of invitation published in community papers and informing the city's Sunshine Task Force in writing.
Please tell me how if you have followed these provisions of the statutes and are duly informing and inviting everyone to your group's June 21 board meeting.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
From: tnolan@openhand.org
To: MPetrelis@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Mr. Petrelis,
There are two ways of speaking to our Board:
1. By letter addressed to Mr. Peter Scott, Board Chair
Project Open Hand
730 Polk St.
San Francisco, Ca. 94109
2. By attending the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on Tuesday, June 21st at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting is held at 730 Polk St at Ellis. The public comment section is at the beginning of the meeting following
the welcome, mission statement and minutes of the previous meeting.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Tom Nolan
-
Dear Mr. Nolan:
Thanks for reluctantly inviting me to the board meeting in two weeks..
It is my understanding that San Francisco's nonprofit accountability and sunshine laws require all charities receiving more than $250,000 must open at least two of their board of directors' meetings to the public.
I believe the local statutes also call for wide publicizing of the two board meetings to the clients, donors and general public through postings on the recipient group's web site, letters of invitation published in community papers and informing the city's Sunshine Task Force in writing.
Please tell me how if you have followed these provisions of the statutes and are duly informing and inviting everyone to your group's June 21 board meeting.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
Monday, June 06, 2005
Human Rights Watch's $28K Donations to Kerry, Dems, PACs
hrwpress@hrw.org
hrwnyc@hrw.org
hrwdc@hrw.org
hrwla@hrw.org
hrw-sf@hrw.org
hrwuk@hrw.org
hrwatcheu@skynet.be
hrwgva@hrw.org
berlin@hrw.org
toronto@hrw.org
crawshs@hrw.org
Dear Human Rights Watch:
Here's some unsolicited advice regarding political donations by some of your executives, researchers, lawyers and the chair of the board of directors: stop writing checks to candidates and political action committees.
I believe your nonpartisan independent credibility is undermined by the fact that Federal Election Commission records reveal in the 2003-2004 election cycle Human Rights Watch leaders donated $28,400 to various Democratic Party causes, political action committees that lean Democratic and Democratic politicians.
Some highlights:
- FEC files show HRW's associate director, Carroll Bogert, and HRW's board chair, Jane T. Olson, along with other HRW employees, donated a combined $9,300 to Sen. John Kerry's campaign for the Oval Office;
- Bogert gave $2,000 to Barack Obama's successful bid for a Senate seat from Illinois;
- Donations to the Democratic National Committee from two HRW staffers totaled $5,000;
- Hillary Rodham Clinton received $250 from one HRW employee;
- One HRW lawyer contributed $1,000 to Dr. Howard Dean's failed effort;
- No donations were made to the Bush/Cheney reelection coffers, the Republican Party or GOP-affiliated PACs;
- Independent and third party candidates got no money from HRW executives and employees.
Although the donations from HRW staff and board chair are legal, I nevertheless think many people would read the list of the giving (see below), and question whether it is wise for a pressure group promoting respect for human rights in the United States and around the globe to give even the appearance of favoring one American political party over another.
Frankly, I feel the same way about contributions made last year by the executive director, board chair and others at Amnesty International's U.S. headquarters.
It does the human rights advocacy community absolutely no good to have HRW and Amnesty leaders making donations only to Democrats and their PACs, indeed, it provides President Bush, his administration and the right with reasons to dismiss your reports and demands for action regarding abuses as part of partisan agenda.
Please reevaluate your policies over political giving by HRW staff, researchers and board members.
A prompt reply is requested and much appreciated.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
^^^
www.tray.com
Adams, Brad
10/12/2004 $228.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
AMERICA COMING TOGETHER
ALLINA, MARCIA
10/4/2004 $250.00
BRONX, NY 10471
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
CAMPAIGN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE FKA BETTY CASTOR FOR U S SENATE
Allina, Marcia
6/18/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Staff -[Contribution]
JERRYS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (JERRYS PAC)
Allina, Marcia
3/7/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
5/30/2003 $200.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
6/27/2003 $800.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
5/12/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
3/17/2003 $250.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
TIM BISHOP FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia
1/21/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Executive -[Contribution]
PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY
Allina, Marcia
12/12/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administration -[Contribution]
ALLYSON SCHWARTZ FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia
10/21/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
ENGEL FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia Ms.
2/3/2004 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Program Associat -[Contribution]
EMILY'S LIST
Allina, Marcia Ms.
8/14/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Program Associat -[Contribution]
EMILY'S LIST
Allina, Marcia Ms.
7/20/2004 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
NEW YORK CHOICE PAC II FKA CITIZENS FOR FAMILY PLANNING II
Allinz, Marcia
8/25/2004 $250.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
MARK THOMAS FOR CONGRESS
ATTINA, MARCIA
5/2/2004 $250.00
BRONX, NY 10471
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
BRAD CARSON FOR SENATE
Bogert, Carroll
10/30/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10128
Human Rights Watch/Associate Direct -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF FRANK BARBARO
BOGERT, CARROLL
4/23/2004 $1,000.00
NEW YORK, NY 10128
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC
BOGERT, CARROLL
6/10/2004 $1,000.00
NEW YORK, NY 10128
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC
Bogert, Carroll
7/22/2004 $750.00
New York, NY 10128
Human Rights Watch -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Brown, Cynthia G
2/10/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10011
Human Rights Watch/Department Direc -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Brown, Cynthia G Ms.
7/14/2004 $1,500.00
New York, NY 10011
Human Rights Watch/Department Direc -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
CHATTREE, RITU R
12/9/2004 $250.00
NEW YORK, NY 10014
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF HILLARY
Cherniavsky, Emma
10/29/2004 $250.00
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Human Rights Watch/Nonprofit direct -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Galaich, Glen
3/19/2004 $250.00
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Human Rights Watch/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Olson, Jane T
5/25/2004 $1,000.00
Pasadena, CA 91106
Human Rights Watch/Co-Chair -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Pokempner, Dinah
5/10/2004 $500.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
PoKempner, Dinah
10/21/2004 $250.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Ross, James
7/3/2004 $200.00
New York, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH/Attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Ross, James
6/24/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH/Attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
7/28/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
4/14/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
7/12/2004 $200.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Waff, Emily
7/22/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10012
Human Rights Watch/Fundraiser -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Whitman, Lois
8/6/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
KERRY VICTORY 2004
Whitman, Lois
10/19/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/19/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/30/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
12/1/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/4/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
9/30/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
ALLYSON SCHWARTZ FOR CONGRESS
Whitman, Lois
3/4/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DEAN FOR AMERICA
Whitman, Lois
11/13/2003 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DEAN FOR AMERICA
Whitman, Lois
9/30/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
LOIS MURPHY FOR CONGRESS
Whitman, Lois Dr Jr
10/19/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[earmarked intermediary out]
MOVEON PAC
Whitman, Lois Dr Jr
10/21/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
WHITMAN, LOIS O
9/9/2003 $500.00
NEW YORK, NY 10024
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois Q
10/11/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
ZIA-ZARIFI, SAMAN
9/14/2004 $300.00
NEW YORK, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
SALAZAR FOR SENATE
hrwpress@hrw.org
hrwnyc@hrw.org
hrwdc@hrw.org
hrwla@hrw.org
hrw-sf@hrw.org
hrwuk@hrw.org
hrwatcheu@skynet.be
hrwgva@hrw.org
berlin@hrw.org
toronto@hrw.org
crawshs@hrw.org
Dear Human Rights Watch:
Here's some unsolicited advice regarding political donations by some of your executives, researchers, lawyers and the chair of the board of directors: stop writing checks to candidates and political action committees.
I believe your nonpartisan independent credibility is undermined by the fact that Federal Election Commission records reveal in the 2003-2004 election cycle Human Rights Watch leaders donated $28,400 to various Democratic Party causes, political action committees that lean Democratic and Democratic politicians.
Some highlights:
- FEC files show HRW's associate director, Carroll Bogert, and HRW's board chair, Jane T. Olson, along with other HRW employees, donated a combined $9,300 to Sen. John Kerry's campaign for the Oval Office;
- Bogert gave $2,000 to Barack Obama's successful bid for a Senate seat from Illinois;
- Donations to the Democratic National Committee from two HRW staffers totaled $5,000;
- Hillary Rodham Clinton received $250 from one HRW employee;
- One HRW lawyer contributed $1,000 to Dr. Howard Dean's failed effort;
- No donations were made to the Bush/Cheney reelection coffers, the Republican Party or GOP-affiliated PACs;
- Independent and third party candidates got no money from HRW executives and employees.
Although the donations from HRW staff and board chair are legal, I nevertheless think many people would read the list of the giving (see below), and question whether it is wise for a pressure group promoting respect for human rights in the United States and around the globe to give even the appearance of favoring one American political party over another.
Frankly, I feel the same way about contributions made last year by the executive director, board chair and others at Amnesty International's U.S. headquarters.
It does the human rights advocacy community absolutely no good to have HRW and Amnesty leaders making donations only to Democrats and their PACs, indeed, it provides President Bush, his administration and the right with reasons to dismiss your reports and demands for action regarding abuses as part of partisan agenda.
Please reevaluate your policies over political giving by HRW staff, researchers and board members.
A prompt reply is requested and much appreciated.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
^^^
www.tray.com
Adams, Brad
10/12/2004 $228.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
AMERICA COMING TOGETHER
ALLINA, MARCIA
10/4/2004 $250.00
BRONX, NY 10471
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
CAMPAIGN FOR FLORIDA'S FUTURE FKA BETTY CASTOR FOR U S SENATE
Allina, Marcia
6/18/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Staff -[Contribution]
JERRYS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (JERRYS PAC)
Allina, Marcia
3/7/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
5/30/2003 $200.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
6/27/2003 $800.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
5/12/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Activist -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Allina, Marcia
3/17/2003 $250.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
TIM BISHOP FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia
1/21/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Executive -[Contribution]
PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY
Allina, Marcia
12/12/2003 $500.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administration -[Contribution]
ALLYSON SCHWARTZ FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia
10/21/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
ENGEL FOR CONGRESS
Allina, Marcia Ms.
2/3/2004 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Program Associat -[Contribution]
EMILY'S LIST
Allina, Marcia Ms.
8/14/2003 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Program Associat -[Contribution]
EMILY'S LIST
Allina, Marcia Ms.
7/20/2004 $1,000.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
NEW YORK CHOICE PAC II FKA CITIZENS FOR FAMILY PLANNING II
Allinz, Marcia
8/25/2004 $250.00
Bronx, NY 10471
Human Rights Watch/Administrator -[Contribution]
MARK THOMAS FOR CONGRESS
ATTINA, MARCIA
5/2/2004 $250.00
BRONX, NY 10471
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
BRAD CARSON FOR SENATE
Bogert, Carroll
10/30/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10128
Human Rights Watch/Associate Direct -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF FRANK BARBARO
BOGERT, CARROLL
4/23/2004 $1,000.00
NEW YORK, NY 10128
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC
BOGERT, CARROLL
6/10/2004 $1,000.00
NEW YORK, NY 10128
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC
Bogert, Carroll
7/22/2004 $750.00
New York, NY 10128
Human Rights Watch -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Brown, Cynthia G
2/10/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10011
Human Rights Watch/Department Direc -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Brown, Cynthia G Ms.
7/14/2004 $1,500.00
New York, NY 10011
Human Rights Watch/Department Direc -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
CHATTREE, RITU R
12/9/2004 $250.00
NEW YORK, NY 10014
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
FRIENDS OF HILLARY
Cherniavsky, Emma
10/29/2004 $250.00
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Human Rights Watch/Nonprofit direct -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Galaich, Glen
3/19/2004 $250.00
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Human Rights Watch/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Olson, Jane T
5/25/2004 $1,000.00
Pasadena, CA 91106
Human Rights Watch/Co-Chair -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Pokempner, Dinah
5/10/2004 $500.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
PoKempner, Dinah
10/21/2004 $250.00
South Orange, NJ 07079
Human Rights Watch/lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Ross, James
7/3/2004 $200.00
New York, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH/Attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Ross, James
6/24/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH/Attorney -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
7/28/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
4/14/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Vandenberg, Martina E
7/12/2004 $200.00
Washington, DC 20009
Human Rights Watch/Researcher -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Waff, Emily
7/22/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10012
Human Rights Watch/Fundraiser -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Whitman, Lois
8/6/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
KERRY VICTORY 2004
Whitman, Lois
10/19/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/19/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/30/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
12/1/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
10/4/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois
9/30/2004 $250.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
ALLYSON SCHWARTZ FOR CONGRESS
Whitman, Lois
3/4/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DEAN FOR AMERICA
Whitman, Lois
11/13/2003 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
DEAN FOR AMERICA
Whitman, Lois
9/30/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Lawyer -[Contribution]
LOIS MURPHY FOR CONGRESS
Whitman, Lois Dr Jr
10/19/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[earmarked intermediary out]
MOVEON PAC
Whitman, Lois Dr Jr
10/21/2004 $500.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
WHITMAN, LOIS O
9/9/2003 $500.00
NEW YORK, NY 10024
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Whitman, Lois Q
10/11/2004 $1,000.00
New York, NY 10024
Human Rights Watch/Attorney -[Contribution]
DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA
ZIA-ZARIFI, SAMAN
9/14/2004 $300.00
NEW YORK, NY 10118
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH -[Contribution]
SALAZAR FOR SENATE
Amnesty's Non-reply Reply
In a message dated 6/6/2005 10:41:10 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, mfeeney@aiusa.org writes:
Dear Mr. Petrelis,
Amnesty International's research is carried out by staff at our
international headquarters in London, virtually none of whom can vote in US
elections or contribute funds to US candidates. That is also where Amnesty
policy is made. Our work is guided solely by international human rights
law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United
States helped create in 1948. The job of the more than 60 national sections
around the world, including Amnesty International USA, is simply to carry
out policy set at the international level. We strive to do everything
humanly possible to see that the personal political perspectives of Amnesty
leadership in the United States have no bearing whatsoever upon the nature
of our findings and the conduct of our work. Moreover, we hold all US
administrations to account for human rights abuses, and criticized the
Clinton Administration on issues ranging from the death penalty to aid for
Colombia to the conduct of the Kosovo War.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Mary Anne
Mary Anne Feeney
Assistant to the Executive Director
Amnesty International USA
mfeeney@aiusa.org
Dear Ms. Feeney:
Thanks for your reply, which really didn't address my concerns about Amnesty International leaders donating money last year to Sen. John Kerry's quest for the White House. I guess your policy allowing executives to contribute to politicians in the United States will continue, causing many people to question Amnesty's alleged nonpartisan status. You also didn't address my concern about why abuses of gay human rights in the United States were excluded from your recent report. I won't be supporting or joining Amnesty anytime soon.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
In a message dated 6/6/2005 10:41:10 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, mfeeney@aiusa.org writes:
Dear Mr. Petrelis,
Amnesty International's research is carried out by staff at our
international headquarters in London, virtually none of whom can vote in US
elections or contribute funds to US candidates. That is also where Amnesty
policy is made. Our work is guided solely by international human rights
law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United
States helped create in 1948. The job of the more than 60 national sections
around the world, including Amnesty International USA, is simply to carry
out policy set at the international level. We strive to do everything
humanly possible to see that the personal political perspectives of Amnesty
leadership in the United States have no bearing whatsoever upon the nature
of our findings and the conduct of our work. Moreover, we hold all US
administrations to account for human rights abuses, and criticized the
Clinton Administration on issues ranging from the death penalty to aid for
Colombia to the conduct of the Kosovo War.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Mary Anne
Mary Anne Feeney
Assistant to the Executive Director
Amnesty International USA
mfeeney@aiusa.org
Dear Ms. Feeney:
Thanks for your reply, which really didn't address my concerns about Amnesty International leaders donating money last year to Sen. John Kerry's quest for the White House. I guess your policy allowing executives to contribute to politicians in the United States will continue, causing many people to question Amnesty's alleged nonpartisan status. You also didn't address my concern about why abuses of gay human rights in the United States were excluded from your recent report. I won't be supporting or joining Amnesty anytime soon.
Regards,
Michael Petrelis
Saturday, June 04, 2005
POZ Writer Mike Barr Declares War on TAG, AIDS Inc
Longtime AIDS activist Mike Barr, a cofounder of ACT UP in New York City and columnist for POZ magazine, has created a new web site that lays out what is wrong the Treatment Activist Group, founded by MacArthur genius grant winner Mark Harrington.
In my not-so-humble opinion about this, Barr is not only declaring war in going public in raising questions about who funds TAG and how the group sets its AIDS research advocacy agenda, but also fires a loud shot at all of AIDS Inc.
Barr's site lays out troubling questions AIDS accountability and transparency advocates have asked about TAG's leadership and the influence of the funding it receives from the National Institutes of Health and Big Pharma.
Oh, and he's made PDF's of TAG's annual reports, showing who donated to the group, charts about their budget, and their IRS 990 forms for the past four years.
Go, Mike, go! People with AIDS and HIV are totally behind you and this fabulous effort to raise necessary questions about TAG and its leaders.
Find the time and read what is posted at this crucial web site: www.taglineputsch.org .
Longtime AIDS activist Mike Barr, a cofounder of ACT UP in New York City and columnist for POZ magazine, has created a new web site that lays out what is wrong the Treatment Activist Group, founded by MacArthur genius grant winner Mark Harrington.
In my not-so-humble opinion about this, Barr is not only declaring war in going public in raising questions about who funds TAG and how the group sets its AIDS research advocacy agenda, but also fires a loud shot at all of AIDS Inc.
Barr's site lays out troubling questions AIDS accountability and transparency advocates have asked about TAG's leadership and the influence of the funding it receives from the National Institutes of Health and Big Pharma.
Oh, and he's made PDF's of TAG's annual reports, showing who donated to the group, charts about their budget, and their IRS 990 forms for the past four years.
Go, Mike, go! People with AIDS and HIV are totally behind you and this fabulous effort to raise necessary questions about TAG and its leaders.
Find the time and read what is posted at this crucial web site: www.taglineputsch.org .
NYT Omits Amnesty Leaders Donations to Kerry
Byron Calame
Public Editor
The New York Times
Dear Mr. Calame:
I believe today's Times article on the war of words between Amnesty International and the Bush administration omitted some important facts.
The Times reports that "Amnesty has fired right back, pointing out that the administration often cites its reports when that suits its purposes. 'If our reports are so 'absurd,' why did the administration repeatedly cite our findings about Saddam Hussein before the Iraq war?' wrote William F. Schultz, executive director of the group's United States branch, in a letter to the editor being published Saturday in The New York Times. 'Why does it welcome our criticisms of Cuba, China and North Korea? And why does it cite our research in its own annual human rights reports?'" (Source: NY Times )
What the Times failed to additionally report is that Mr. Schultz donated $2,000, the maximum amount allowed by the Federal Election Commission, last year to Bush's Democratic opponent, Sen. John Kerry.
And Mr. Schultz was not the only Amnesty leader contributing to Kerry's campaign for the White House in 2004. The chairman of the group's board of directors, Mr. Joe "Chip" Pitts, along with other top officials of Amnesty, gave money to Kerry. Indeed, all donations from Amnesty executives went to Democratic Party candidates and causes, something not mentioned in the Times.
The Times can verify these donations at www.tray.com.
While I am a supporter of Amnesty and its human rights work around the world, including its advocacy on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens, I find it troubling the rights group risks its nonpartisan reputation by allowing donations to politicians and political action committees. To put it mildly, there's more than an appearance of impropriety with such contributions by Amnesty leaders.
I wish that Mr. Schultz had mentioned his donations to Kerry in his letter printed in today's Times, or that the editor had seen fit to append a note about the donations, to give readers the fullest picture possible in this battle between Amnesty and the Bush administration.
On June 1 I wrote a letter to Amnesty asking for an explanation about these donations, which I posted to my blog.
So far, Amnesty has not replied.
In any event, I'd appreciate an explanation from you as to why the Times has not reported on the financial support Amnesty leaders gave last year to Kerry and his campaign for the Oval Office.
A prompt reply is requested.
Sincerely,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
Byron Calame
Public Editor
The New York Times
Dear Mr. Calame:
I believe today's Times article on the war of words between Amnesty International and the Bush administration omitted some important facts.
The Times reports that "Amnesty has fired right back, pointing out that the administration often cites its reports when that suits its purposes. 'If our reports are so 'absurd,' why did the administration repeatedly cite our findings about Saddam Hussein before the Iraq war?' wrote William F. Schultz, executive director of the group's United States branch, in a letter to the editor being published Saturday in The New York Times. 'Why does it welcome our criticisms of Cuba, China and North Korea? And why does it cite our research in its own annual human rights reports?'" (Source: NY Times )
What the Times failed to additionally report is that Mr. Schultz donated $2,000, the maximum amount allowed by the Federal Election Commission, last year to Bush's Democratic opponent, Sen. John Kerry.
And Mr. Schultz was not the only Amnesty leader contributing to Kerry's campaign for the White House in 2004. The chairman of the group's board of directors, Mr. Joe "Chip" Pitts, along with other top officials of Amnesty, gave money to Kerry. Indeed, all donations from Amnesty executives went to Democratic Party candidates and causes, something not mentioned in the Times.
The Times can verify these donations at www.tray.com.
While I am a supporter of Amnesty and its human rights work around the world, including its advocacy on behalf of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens, I find it troubling the rights group risks its nonpartisan reputation by allowing donations to politicians and political action committees. To put it mildly, there's more than an appearance of impropriety with such contributions by Amnesty leaders.
I wish that Mr. Schultz had mentioned his donations to Kerry in his letter printed in today's Times, or that the editor had seen fit to append a note about the donations, to give readers the fullest picture possible in this battle between Amnesty and the Bush administration.
On June 1 I wrote a letter to Amnesty asking for an explanation about these donations, which I posted to my blog.
So far, Amnesty has not replied.
In any event, I'd appreciate an explanation from you as to why the Times has not reported on the financial support Amnesty leaders gave last year to Kerry and his campaign for the Oval Office.
A prompt reply is requested.
Sincerely,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
Friday, June 03, 2005
Wash Times: Amnesty and gays
I hope the leaders at Amnesty International's offices in San Francisco, Washington and New York, who spoke to me on Wednesday about my concerns regarding the lack of information on gay human rights violations in their most recent report on the state of human rights in the United States, get around today to responding to my letter they received two days ago.
Kudos to Amnesty and its report for the sections that did cite abuse of gay human rights elsewhere. For example, this is from the section on Uganda:
"The climate of hostility against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people persisted and discriminatory legislation against sexual minorities remained in force. Security agents continued to harass members of the LGBT community, causing gay rights activists at one of the main universities to fear for their personal safety.
"In October, a radio station was compelled to pay a fine for hosting a live talk show with sexual rights activists. The Broadcasting Council imposed a fine on FM Radio Simba, claiming that the programme was 'contrary to public morality' and breached existing laws." (Source: AI report, Uganda)
Amnesty owes the gay community an explanation about why similar abuses of gays in the United States failed to get into the report.
^^^
June 3, 2005
The Washington Times
Inside the Ring
By Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough
Gumshoe
Michael Petrelis is not the first person who comes to mind when listing critics of Amnesty International.
The San Francisco-based Mr. Petrelis is an acknowledged left-wing activist who supports Ralph Nader.
But Mr. Petrelis did a lot of detective work this week, scouring the public files of the Federal Election Commission and finding that a number of high-ranking Amnesty officials donated to the presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat.
Mr. Petrelis then fired off a letter to the group accusing officials of violating their own bylaws about abstaining from partisan political activity. His main complaint is that Amnesty should pay more attention to hate crimes against homosexuals.
-
June 2, 2005
The Washington Times
Amnesty Leaders Aided Kerry
By Rowan Scarborough
The top leadership of Amnesty International USA, which unleashed a blistering attack last week on the Bush administration's handling of war detainees, contributed the maximum $2,000 to Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign.
Federal Election Commission records show that William F. Schulz, executive director of Amnesty USA, contributed $2,000 to Mr. Kerry's campaign last year. Mr. Schulz also has contributed $1,000 to the 2006 campaign of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.
[snip]
I hope the leaders at Amnesty International's offices in San Francisco, Washington and New York, who spoke to me on Wednesday about my concerns regarding the lack of information on gay human rights violations in their most recent report on the state of human rights in the United States, get around today to responding to my letter they received two days ago.
Kudos to Amnesty and its report for the sections that did cite abuse of gay human rights elsewhere. For example, this is from the section on Uganda:
"The climate of hostility against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people persisted and discriminatory legislation against sexual minorities remained in force. Security agents continued to harass members of the LGBT community, causing gay rights activists at one of the main universities to fear for their personal safety.
"In October, a radio station was compelled to pay a fine for hosting a live talk show with sexual rights activists. The Broadcasting Council imposed a fine on FM Radio Simba, claiming that the programme was 'contrary to public morality' and breached existing laws." (Source: AI report, Uganda)
Amnesty owes the gay community an explanation about why similar abuses of gays in the United States failed to get into the report.
^^^
June 3, 2005
The Washington Times
Inside the Ring
By Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough
Gumshoe
Michael Petrelis is not the first person who comes to mind when listing critics of Amnesty International.
The San Francisco-based Mr. Petrelis is an acknowledged left-wing activist who supports Ralph Nader.
But Mr. Petrelis did a lot of detective work this week, scouring the public files of the Federal Election Commission and finding that a number of high-ranking Amnesty officials donated to the presidential campaign of Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat.
Mr. Petrelis then fired off a letter to the group accusing officials of violating their own bylaws about abstaining from partisan political activity. His main complaint is that Amnesty should pay more attention to hate crimes against homosexuals.
-
June 2, 2005
The Washington Times
Amnesty Leaders Aided Kerry
By Rowan Scarborough
The top leadership of Amnesty International USA, which unleashed a blistering attack last week on the Bush administration's handling of war detainees, contributed the maximum $2,000 to Sen. John Kerry's presidential campaign.
Federal Election Commission records show that William F. Schulz, executive director of Amnesty USA, contributed $2,000 to Mr. Kerry's campaign last year. Mr. Schulz also has contributed $1,000 to the 2006 campaign of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.
[snip]
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
June 1, 2005
Amnesty International
U.S. Offices
aimember@aiusa.org
aiusama@aiusa.org
aiusamw@aiusa.org
aiusane@aiusa.org
aiusaso@aiusa.org
aiusala@aiusa.org
aiusasf@aiusa.org
Dear Amnesty International:
It's my understanding that Amnesty bylaws strictly prohibit directors and board of director members from making donations to political candidates and parties, so I can't fathom why William F. Schultz, the executive director, and Joe "Chip" Pitts, chair of the board, contributed money last year to Sen. John Kerry's run for the White House.
According to Federal Election Commission files, both Schultz and Pitts gave the maximum amount allowed by law to Kerry. (Source: PoliticalMoneyLine )
FEC files also show that of all contributions from Schultz, Pitts and other Amnesty directors, the money overwhelmingly went to Democrats and their political action committees. I have appended information from FEC records about the donations at the end of this letter.
My questions for you about these donations are as follows. Did Amnesty recently amend its rules of governance to allow political donations from its directors and board? If the group hasn't made such changes, aren't these donations then in violation of Amnesty's charter?
On another important Amnesty matter, I am pleased your latest report on the state of human rights across the planet is making note of the myriad abuses of civil and human rights in the United States of America by government authorities.
The Amnesty International 2005 report justifiably cites and deplores the state of disrespect for human rights by the U.S. government, for which I applaud your organization. I have absolutely no qualms about what is included in your section on the U.S. and the many violations of human rights committed by government officials and the courts. (Source: Amnesty report on US human rights )
However, the exclusion of the thousands of incidents of hate crimes perpetrated against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, and the attacks on the equal and human rights of these Americans by local, state and federal politicians, is of grave concern to me.
Perhaps you're not aware that the Department of Justice issued its annual hate crimes statistics report in November 2004 and it documented more than 1,400 attacks on queer Americans reported to law enforcement officials. (Source: FBI hate crimes report , page 9.)
Maybe Amnesty International is ignorant about the 2004 report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs on anti-queer hate incidents, which loudly echoes the statistics in the Department of Justice's report. (Source: Anti Violence Projects' stats , under the news section, click on the PDF listing for the 2004 report.)
How could your advocacy group fail to make any note of the findings in these two most current human rights reports?
There's also the issue of the dozens of legislative attempts to repeal or compromise basic human rights for queer Americans by so many city councils, state assemblies and the U.S. Congress?
From gays in the military, to parenting rights, to marriage equality and employment protections, our basic human rights were facing attacks throughout last year, and Amnesty International seems blithely unconcerned enough to cite the political and physical attacks on queers in its new report.
I respectfully request a prompt reply about my concerns regarding the political giving by Amnesty leaders and the omission of queers from your report on human rights abuses in the United States.
Sincerely,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
^^^
Arriaga, Maria A
2/4/2004 $250.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
LISA QUIGLEY FOR CONGRESS
Arriaga, Maria A
7/29/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Arriaga, Maria A
8/9/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Benesch, Susan
10/26/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
NEXT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Benesch, Susan
10/26/2004 $750.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
NEXT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Benesch, Susan
7/3/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL/ADVOCATE -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Benesch, Susan
8/5/2004 $225.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Refugee Advoc -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
Benesch, Susan
9/16/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/human rights -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
Bothne, Nancy
7/20/2004 $250.00
Chicago, IL 60626
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL/MANAGEMENT -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Schneider, Karen
7/11/2004 $300.00
Bethesda, MD 20817
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
KERRY VICTORY 2004
SCHULTZ, WILLIAM F
3/28/2003 $250.00
HALESITE, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
LEAHY FOR U.S. SENATOR COMMITTEE
Schulz, William F
5/27/2004 $2,000.00
Huntington, NY 11743
Amnesty International/Chairman -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
SCHULZ, WILLIAM F
5/2/2004 $1,000.00
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
KENNEDY FOR SENATE 2006
SHULTZ, WILLIAM
9/13/2004 $250.00
HALESITE, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
SHUTTZ, WILLIAM
10/21/2004 $200.00
HUNTINGDON BAY, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Pitts, Joe
5/28/2004 $1,000.00
Dallas, TX 75201
Baker & McKenzie/Attorney -[Contribution]
MARTIN FROST CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Pitts, Joe III
2/13/2004 $2,000.00
Coppell, TX 75019
Self/Investor/Entrepreneur -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
PITTS, JOE CHIP W
7/29/2000 $500.00
COPPELL, TX 75019
CONSULTANT -[Contribution]
REGINA MONTOYA COGGINS FOR CONGRESS
Amnesty International
U.S. Offices
aimember@aiusa.org
aiusama@aiusa.org
aiusamw@aiusa.org
aiusane@aiusa.org
aiusaso@aiusa.org
aiusala@aiusa.org
aiusasf@aiusa.org
Dear Amnesty International:
It's my understanding that Amnesty bylaws strictly prohibit directors and board of director members from making donations to political candidates and parties, so I can't fathom why William F. Schultz, the executive director, and Joe "Chip" Pitts, chair of the board, contributed money last year to Sen. John Kerry's run for the White House.
According to Federal Election Commission files, both Schultz and Pitts gave the maximum amount allowed by law to Kerry. (Source: PoliticalMoneyLine )
FEC files also show that of all contributions from Schultz, Pitts and other Amnesty directors, the money overwhelmingly went to Democrats and their political action committees. I have appended information from FEC records about the donations at the end of this letter.
My questions for you about these donations are as follows. Did Amnesty recently amend its rules of governance to allow political donations from its directors and board? If the group hasn't made such changes, aren't these donations then in violation of Amnesty's charter?
On another important Amnesty matter, I am pleased your latest report on the state of human rights across the planet is making note of the myriad abuses of civil and human rights in the United States of America by government authorities.
The Amnesty International 2005 report justifiably cites and deplores the state of disrespect for human rights by the U.S. government, for which I applaud your organization. I have absolutely no qualms about what is included in your section on the U.S. and the many violations of human rights committed by government officials and the courts. (Source: Amnesty report on US human rights )
However, the exclusion of the thousands of incidents of hate crimes perpetrated against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans, and the attacks on the equal and human rights of these Americans by local, state and federal politicians, is of grave concern to me.
Perhaps you're not aware that the Department of Justice issued its annual hate crimes statistics report in November 2004 and it documented more than 1,400 attacks on queer Americans reported to law enforcement officials. (Source: FBI hate crimes report , page 9.)
Maybe Amnesty International is ignorant about the 2004 report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs on anti-queer hate incidents, which loudly echoes the statistics in the Department of Justice's report. (Source: Anti Violence Projects' stats , under the news section, click on the PDF listing for the 2004 report.)
How could your advocacy group fail to make any note of the findings in these two most current human rights reports?
There's also the issue of the dozens of legislative attempts to repeal or compromise basic human rights for queer Americans by so many city councils, state assemblies and the U.S. Congress?
From gays in the military, to parenting rights, to marriage equality and employment protections, our basic human rights were facing attacks throughout last year, and Amnesty International seems blithely unconcerned enough to cite the political and physical attacks on queers in its new report.
I respectfully request a prompt reply about my concerns regarding the political giving by Amnesty leaders and the omission of queers from your report on human rights abuses in the United States.
Sincerely,
Michael Petrelis
San Francisco, CA
Ph: 415-621-6267
^^^
Arriaga, Maria A
2/4/2004 $250.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
LISA QUIGLEY FOR CONGRESS
Arriaga, Maria A
7/29/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Arriaga, Maria A
8/9/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20007
Amnesty International/Director -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Benesch, Susan
10/26/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
NEXT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Benesch, Susan
10/26/2004 $750.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
NEXT POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Benesch, Susan
7/3/2004 $1,000.00
Washington, DC 20009
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL/ADVOCATE -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Benesch, Susan
8/5/2004 $225.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/Refugee Advoc -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
Benesch, Susan
9/16/2004 $500.00
Washington, DC 20009
Amnesty International/human rights -[Contribution]
MOVEON PAC
Bothne, Nancy
7/20/2004 $250.00
Chicago, IL 60626
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL/MANAGEMENT -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
Schneider, Karen
7/11/2004 $300.00
Bethesda, MD 20817
Amnesty International/Human Rights -[Contribution]
KERRY VICTORY 2004
SCHULTZ, WILLIAM F
3/28/2003 $250.00
HALESITE, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
LEAHY FOR U.S. SENATOR COMMITTEE
Schulz, William F
5/27/2004 $2,000.00
Huntington, NY 11743
Amnesty International/Chairman -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
SCHULZ, WILLIAM F
5/2/2004 $1,000.00
HUNTINGTON, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
KENNEDY FOR SENATE 2006
SHULTZ, WILLIAM
9/13/2004 $250.00
HALESITE, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
SHUTTZ, WILLIAM
10/21/2004 $200.00
HUNTINGDON BAY, NY 11743
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL -[Contribution]
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Pitts, Joe
5/28/2004 $1,000.00
Dallas, TX 75201
Baker & McKenzie/Attorney -[Contribution]
MARTIN FROST CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Pitts, Joe III
2/13/2004 $2,000.00
Coppell, TX 75019
Self/Investor/Entrepreneur -[Contribution]
JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
PITTS, JOE CHIP W
7/29/2000 $500.00
COPPELL, TX 75019
CONSULTANT -[Contribution]
REGINA MONTOYA COGGINS FOR CONGRESS
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