Debts and Debt Solutions

Luther's Amnesty International begins Jubilee 2000

Date 10/28/1999 12:00 AM | Topic: Opinion

Members of Luther College's chapter of Amnesty International are putting together a week-long letter writing campaign to U.S. senators and members of the House of Representatives as part of Amnesty International's week-long focus on the United States Government.

What the Jubilee 2000 campaign proposes comes from the book of Leviticus in the Bible. It refers to the jubilee year that comes every 50 years when the slaves are freed, land is returned, and debts are cancelled.

Those supporting the campaign ask that the loaning bodies of the world clear the debts of impoverished countries.

Amnesty International believes that with elections approaching, it is the people's responsibility to be aware of the American government's position on these issues.

The letters are a part of an Amnesty campaign called Jubilee 2000. They will be specifically geared toward H. R. 1095, a piece of legislature calling for reduction of various debts and complete clearing of others.

Everyone will have an opportunity to write a letter to their state politicians at tables set up in the Union, Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4, from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m..

Approximately eight Luther students are involved in Luther's chapter of Amnesty International. The event is being co-chaired by Kathy Keyes ('02) and Marie Segre ('00). The group is advised by Norma Harvey, and meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday evenings in the Peace and Justice house behind Olson Hall.

The campaign this letter writing supports is called Jubilee 2000. Jubilee 2000 is a campaign celebrating rebirth, renewal and forgiveness in the face of the destruction and degradation facing the people of today's world.

Most of the world's population is poor and currently living in countries heavily indebted to other countries, the World Bank, or the International Monetary Fund. It becomes increasingly difficult for these struggling nations to support their people when most of their revenue goes toward paying off their debts.

These counties do not have the funding to provide adequate health care, education, or food for their citizens. Many of these countries have already paid off the principle, and are now paying off the interest that has accumulated. In many cases, the debtors have already gotten back the full amount of their loan and are just collecting interest.

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Marie Segre
Chips Staff Writer

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