July 22nd demonstrations at Chevron headquarters; local stations to spotlight energy company’s lobby efforts against Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.252)
WASHINGTON–The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) will join with Armenian Americans and human rights activists in kicking off a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about Turkish Government coercion of energy giant Chevron and some five multinational corporations currently lobbying against Armenian Genocide legislation.
The protest will begin on July 22, 2009 at the Chevron headquarters in San Ramon, California and local stations across the U.S., in conjunction with an online letter writing campaign to Chevron CEO Dave O’Reilly urging the company to publicly apologize for profiting from Genocide denial. Details are posted on the Armenian National Committee website – www.anca.org/chevron. Over 1000 activists are already part of a Facebook group taking action on the initiative.
“No company – however big or powerful – should be allowed to profit from genocide or its denial,” said AYF Eastern Region Chairwoman Lauren DaSilva. “Chevron and its partners must be exposed for their outrageous actions and breach of their own stated corporate code of conduct.”
According to their website, the corporation prides itself on running the company the “Chevron Way” — responsibly, ethically and with respect to human rights. However, on June 13th, the Associated Press revealed that Chevron and 5 other multinational energy and defense corporations, including BAE Systems, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, United Technologies and Goodrich have filed disclosure forms with the Senate and House “quietly” lobbying against H.Res.252 the Armenian Genocide Resolution, among a wide array of legislation.
In first quarter of 2009 alone, the six firms have spent some $14 million in Congressional lobby efforts. This is in addition to the over $3 million spent annually by the Government of Turkey to block U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, a cornerstone of their foreign policy priorities. The firms would not respond to press inquiries regarding their opposition to the House resolution.
“Clearly, Turkey will spare to no expense to cover up its dark past, “said AYF Western Region Chairman Vache Thomassian. “Coercing corporations like Chevron to do its dirty deeds is just the latest tactic – exporting genocide denial to our neighborhoods, one gas station at a time.”
Spearheaded by Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), George Radanovich (R-CA), and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Mark Kirk, House Resolution 252 specifically “1) calls upon the President to ensure that the foreign policy of the United States reflects proper understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the United States record relating to the Armenian Genocide and the consequences of the failure to realize a just resolution; and 2) calls upon the President in the President’s annual message commemorating the Armenian Genocide issued on or about April 24, to accurately characterize the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1,500,000 Armenians as genocide and to recall the proud history of United States intervention in opposition to the Armenian Genocide.”
The resolution has the support of over 125 cosponsors, including Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D- CA) and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA).
LOCATIONS FOR JULY 22ND CHEVRON PROTEST AGAINST GENOCIDE DENIAL
California:
11:00am – 1:00pm: Chevron Corporate Offices,
6001 Bolinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA
11:00am – 1:00pm: 1868 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles CA 90027
11:00am – 1:00pm: 466 W. Broadway, Glendale, CA
11:00am – 1:00pm: 233 N. Alta Dena Dr., Pasadena, CA
11:00am – 1:00pm: 1400 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA
11:00am – 1:00pm: 1500 Paramount Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640
12:00pm – 2:00pm: 100 S Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91502
4:00pm – 6:00pm: 6737 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, CA
4:00pm – 6:00pm: 18081 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316-3517
4:00pm – 6:00pm: 8980 Warner Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
6:00pm – 8:00pm: 1020 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA
Florida:
11:00am – 1:00pm: 2626 Lee RD, Winter Park FL 32789
Maryland:
11:00am – 1:00pm: 5001 Bradley Blvd, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Nevada:
11:00am – 1:00pm: 8500 W Charleston Las Vegas, NV
Pennsylvania:
11:00am – 1:00pm: 2090 Sproul Rd., Broomall, PA 19008
If these corporations have violated the law, then let take them to the court. If not, then all we can do is boycut them.
Papken Hartunian
It is heartening that Armenians are raising their voice against the big time deniers. However, I suggest that to really make a dent, you shouyld also mention the work of other organizations working for the same cause.
For example, center for Armenina remembrance has started an online petition campaign against the notorious six, and already has gathered over 3500 signatures from 65 countries.
The opposition is so strong, that the work of multiple groups should be advertized everywhere. There is great strenth in confluence of efforts.
Here’s the Petition site. http://www.centerar.com/petition/
Respectfully,
K.
hey , this is all awe inspiring, impresive. But a demonstration with little inpact. I did not see the news pick up the story. It made a very small impact. However, immagine that we could start a letter campaign urging thousands of like minded people to apply for and obtain Chevron Credit Cards. Rack up a large balance, about $ 10,000+ and then on a specific date present the Chevron company with a choice between making a moral and profitable choice, versus an immoral and financially disastruous choice. But the impact of 50, 000 cardholders owing Chevron $ 500,000,000 all asking for sometning in unison is quite a negociating stance. I am not suggesting anyone commit any crime; just making an observation on power of negociation and negociating from power.
Americans understand money; the Almighty Dollar. We should never forget this and we should use that characteristic to our advantage. Toutch their dollar and Americans will pay immediate attention to you. Also, Americans get threatened very fast. The hair on their backs rise immediately. Let’s take advantage of these two wonderful National traits, combine them, and threaten their dollar. How? Threaten Chevron and BAE Systems and Raytheon and Northrop Grumman and United Technologies and Goodrich and whoever else that denies the Genocide or is inattentive to us, and you’ll be amazed on how quickly they’ll change course. See how quickly they’ll recognize the Genocide and how quickly they’ll become humanitarians. All you have to do is threaten that you will not buy their products and that you will write to all of your friends to boycott their products. It is immaterial if you buy or you don’t buy; just say you will not. And do write to all of your friends, plus a few, at random, from the telephone directory. It wouldn’t cost you anything if you use the internet and it will cost you very little if you use stamps. Formulate your own letter and don’t forget to send a copy to each and every politician whose name you know. And yes, to President Obama, also. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the mighty power of the dollar.
Asbarez and the Armenian Weekly and other similar Armenian media should avail names and mailing addresses of Chevron and BAE Systems and Raytheon and Northrop Grumman and United Technologies and Goodrich and whoever else that is not on our side, plus the names and addresses of local politicians..
That is all it takes. The publicity by itself will bring them to their knees. Mark my word.