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New England Burma Roundtable/Septem



New England Burma Roundtable / September 97

Welcome Back Students!!!

September 8, 1997
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1.  Next Burma Roundtable - Tuesday, September 16. 6.30pm
2.  Massachusetts Burma Law Under Multiple Attack!
3.  What We?ve Achieved So Far
4.  What We Need To Do Now
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1. September Roundtable Meeting: Tuesday, September 16, 6:30pm

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, 130 Prospect Street, Cambridge. 
Take the red line to Central Square T stop, or the Number 1 bus. The UUSC
office is on the corner of Prospect and Harvard streets, a 2-block walk
from Central Square. Use the buzzer outside the front door to gain entry
into the building; take the elevator to the first floor.

2. Massachusetts Burma Law Under Multiple Attack!

Attack #1: 
The European Commission and Japan continue to move forward with their
formal complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the
Massachusetts Burma selective purchasing law. Later this month, the
European Union and Japan will conduct their second round of "formal
consultations" with the United States under the WTO dispute settlement
procedures. Under WTO rules, the European Union and Japan must undertake
three rounds of formal consultations before they can request that a dispute
panel be convened.

Attack #2:
Several corporations are strongly considering filing a lawsuit against the
Massachusetts Burma law.  According to the August 28 Journal of Commerce,
several corporations affected by the Massachusetts Burma law and municipal
Burma laws are expected to file a lawsuit alleging that state and local
selective purchasing are unconstitutional.

Attack #3:
Senator Richard Lugar (R, Indiana) and Rep. Lee Hamilton (D, Indiana) are
reported to be about to introduce a bill in Congress that may include a
provision making state and local selective purchasing laws illegal.

3. What We?ve Achieved So Far

In Massachusetts, we have generated scores of letters to Governor Weld,
Attorney General Harshbarger and Massachusetts state legislators. This is
already encouraging our elected state officials and legislators to stand
firm and defend the Burma law.

In response to letters, the office of Attorney General Scott Harshbarger is
actively reviewing legal defenses to the challenge at the World Trade
Organization and the potential constitutional lawsuit. A number of
Massachusetts state representatives and state senators, including Senate
President Thomas Birmingham, have also indicated their strong support for
the law.

In Washington, the presidents of ten unions urged the Clinton
Administration to "vigorously defend" the Massachusetts Burma law.

4. What We Need To Do Now

** Keep Lobbying Our Elected Officials **

Letters work.  Please keep writing!  This email will be accompanied by the
latest action alert for Massachusetts residents and people from
out-of-state. If you have already written, please distribute the
information to your friends, family and coworkers. Between now and the end
of the month, try to generate one more set of letters.

If you live in Massachusetts, meet with your state representative and state
senator or their staff.  A personal meeting shows your legislators that you
really care about this issue. Set up an appointment at the State House or
in your district. 

GET INVOLVED LOCALLY!: One excellent way to support the Massachusetts Burma
law is to enact similar Burma selective purchasing in your home town. If
you live in the cities or states listed below, get active in local efforts
to enact a city-wide Burma ordinance. If you town is not listed, call or
email to find out how you can start a campaign.

Quincy: Helen Poland (617-773-0261; Email: hpoland@xxxxxxx) 
Newton: Ken Parker (617-965-3723: Email: kkparker@xxxxxxx)
Brookline: Karen Hirschfeld (617- 566-4540: Email:
karen.hirschfeld@xxxxxxxxxx)

New Hampshire/Vermont: Donald Johnson (Email: drdonj5219@xxxxxxx)

For more information on how to enact a municipal Burma law, contact:
Simon Billenness
* for the New England Burma Roundtable *
c/o Franklin Research & Development Corporation / 711 Atlantic Avenue /
Boston MA 02111
phone: 617-423-6655, extension 225 / Email: sbillenness@xxxxxxxx
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