The mailing says Congressman Ronald Dellums (D-CA) and Senator Paul Simon (D-IL) have introduced H.R. 21/S. 507, legislation to impose comprehensive economic sanctions against the apartheid regime in South Africa; H.R. 21 125 co-sponsors in the House and S. 507 now has 9 co-sponsors in the Senate. The mailing says among other measures, H.R. 21/S. 507 mandates complete disinvestment by U.S. corporations that are presently buttressing the apartheid economy with millions in tax dollars, reinvestment of profits made in South Africa, and technical expertise; the legislation also mandates a near total embargo on trade with South Africa; both sanctions bills also include language originally introduced...
The mailing says Congressman Ronald Dellums (D-CA) and Senator Paul Simon (D-IL) have introduced H.R. 21/S. 507, legislation to impose comprehensive economic sanctions against the apartheid regime in South Africa; H.R. 21 125 co-sponsors in the House and S. 507 now has 9 co-sponsors in the Senate. The mailing says among other measures, H.R. 21/S. 507 mandates complete disinvestment by U.S. corporations that are presently buttressing the apartheid economy with millions in tax dollars, reinvestment of profits made in South Africa, and technical expertise; the legislation also mandates a near total embargo on trade with South Africa; both sanctions bills also include language originally introduced last year by Congressman Robert Wise (D-WV), which prohibits U.S. oil companies who sell to South Africa from bidding on any federal oil, gas and coal leases. The mailing says as of this date, Senators Charles Robb (D-VA) and Terry Sanford (D-NC), members of the Foreign Relations Committee have not stated their support for the Simon sanctions bill; it is imperative to contact them NOW and ask them to support S. 507. The mailing says it is imperative that anti-apartheid activists continue to press for the strongest sanctions possible against South Africa; as millions in bank loans to South Africa are being renegotiated by U.S. banks, re-investment of profits made in South Africa by U.S. corporations are increasing cash and technology flow, and the Boeing Aircraft Company is making millions in sales to South Africa, "business as usual" with apartheid is continuing. The mailing says thousands still languish in apartheid's jails, uncharged, untried and without any access to lawyers, doctors or relatives; executions of political prisoners continue on Pretoria's gallows, all of the democratic opposition to apartheid remains banned and unable to openly organize for justice, the three year-long State of Emergency continues, the press restrictions prohibit any uncensored scenes of the massive suffering under apartheid, and the probable new South African State President Willem De Klerk, has stated openly that "Democracy is Unjust"; now is the time to renew our support for justice! Mobilize your networks and demand your Senator's support for s. 507 TODAY!!! The mailing includes a list of key Senators to contact. Under WHAT YOU CAN DO the mailing says demand your Senators' and Representative's strong leadership on the Dellums/Simon bill; if your Representative or Senator is staunchly against sanctions, don't give up; visit their local office, call them in D.C., and write letters to local newspapers stating your opposition to your Senator's position; organize a hunger strike of several community leaders, members of your congregation or organization in solidarity with those in South Africa's prisons who are refusing to eat until they are charged or released from jail. The mailing discusses Virginia, North Carolina, F.W. de Klerk, Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), and Senator Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS).
