Californians (and others): I'm asking for more than prayers

[sonrisa]

Please write to our Senator, Barbara Boxer. Please ask that she take action in her role as Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy, and Global Women’s Issues to help free Jason Rezaian his wife, Yeganeh Salehi, and others jailed with them. Jason is a Washington Post correspondent and dual citizen of Iran and the US who was jailed by Iran two weeks ago. He grew up in Marin county and was one of her constituents throughout her time representing the 6th district in the House.

You can write to Senator Boxer at her bay area office:
Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
70 Washington Street, Suite 203
Oakland, CA 94607
[phone]

or contact her directly through her website: (Topic: Foreign Policy. I included his name in the subject line).
www.boxer.senate.gov/en/contact/policycomments.cfm

Jason was a childhood classmate and is a good guy. He deserves our help. I know CEP can move mountains when it cares.

For more information on Jason's situation you can read:

1) Yesterday's New York Times article:

www.nytimes.com/2014/08/05/opinion/haleh-esfandiari-jason-rezaians-arrest-in-iran-is-a-ploy-to-weaken-rouhani.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

2) This blog post from The Economist:

www.economist.com/blogs/pomegranate/2014/08/media-iran

[sonrisa]

Hell, even if you aren't in California. That subcommittee is on behalf of all Americans. The Canadians get a free pass on this one. However, if you are an American click on the link and write her an email.

[NewOrleans]

Tagging ESF, heyjude, and @kirkette to make sure they see it. Good luck.

[ESF]

Thanks for the info. I am writing her right now and will spread the word.

I'm so sorry for your friend. I've been seeing a lot about him in the news, and I hope he gets back soon and safely.

[meshaliuknits]

On it!

[heyjude]

Is this your friend? I'm so sorry.

[sonrisa]

Thank you. I hate that this happened. I'm powerless alone. But if we act together, perhaps she will act, perhaps it can be part of the greater movement to help get them out.

[sonrisa]

Anthony Bourdain wrote an article today about Jason and his wife for the Washington Post. It describes what kind people they are and why they were the last people Iran should arrest.

www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/08/05/these-people-i-interviewed-in-iran-clearly-loved-the-country-so-why-did-it-put-them-in-jail/

[SwimDeep]

I've only ever passed through California (LA airport), but I wrote. I'm going to try to remember to check back with this thread. I'll write again if I need to. Hopefully they're released soon!