Tell Clinton to Help Free Wangchen and Dhondup

Tashi Dhondup

Dhondup Wangchen

Two Tibetan artists were arrested for peacefully expressing their political opinions.

Tashi Dhondup is a popular singer from the eastern Tibetan region of Amdo. He was arrested following the 2009 release of a CD containing songs which included lyrics calling for the Dalai Lama's return to Tibet and lamenting that "There is no freedom in Tibet."

Plainspoken businessman Dhondup Wangchen bought a small camera and began interviewing monks and yak herders for his documentary film Leaving Fear Behind. He bravely gave a voice to Tibetans living under China's rule. Sadly, after finishing the film, he was arrested and his own voice was silenced.

U.S. Secretary of State Clinton will soon be meeting with Chinese officials. Ask her to press for the release Dhondup Wangchen and Tashi Dhondup, and for respect of the rights to freedom of expression and fair trial in future cases.

Take Action and sign the following petition if you believe in freedom of speech:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/265/664/133/?z00m=19929526

Tell Mississippi It's Time for an Animal Abuse Bill

Mississippi recently was ranked one of the Five best states to be an animal abuser due in part to the state's lenient animal protection laws. Currently, abuse crimes are a misdemeanor in Mississippi. The penalties are limited to a short jail stint and small fines.

Though a tougher bill was passed through the state's Senate, it was defeated - for several years in a row - by the House.

Senator Bob Dearing is pushing for the House Agriculture Committee to debate a bill in 2011. House Agriculture chairman Greg Ward needs to allow the debate. Stricter laws are required to protect Mississippi's cats and dogs.

You must live in the US to sign this particular petition.

Please sign this petition…thank you!

http://animals.change.org/petitions/view/tell_mississippi_its_time_for_an_animal_abuse_bill