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Send Gifts to India!

Interesting, enlightening, uplifting, thought-provoking, informative or just plain funny. Some emails deserve more respect than a 'spam', 'junk' or 'trash' label. So we decided to dedicate a column for all emails that deserve a read. 
If you have an email floating in your inbox that you think deserves a spot in this column, please forward it to contact@nripulse.com with WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX in the subject line. 

AJC's Endorsement of US-India N-Deal

The following is the full text of the letter of support to members of Congress from the American Jewish Committee endorsing the U.S.-India civil nuclear energy agreement. This particular letter is addressed to Senator Lugar, the chairman of the senate committee on Foreign Relations.

The letter was received by email from Steve Goodman, vice president of the Washington Chapter of the American Jewish Committee. 


May 10, 2006

The Honorable Richard G. Lugar
Chairman
Committee on Foreign Relations
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510


Dear Chairman Lugar:

The American Jewish Committee strongly supports the proposed U.S.-India civil nuclear energy agreement, announced during President Bush’s March 2006 visit to India, and urges approval of the enabling legislation, S. 2429. 

We believe the overarching benefit of this agreement is strategic. After almost fifty years of misunderstanding, India and the United States are on a path of rapidly increasing cooperation that includes counter-terrorism and regional security efforts, and touches on many sectors – political, commercial, scientific and educational.

With a population of more than 1 billion and an expanding economy, India offers the United States a stable, democratic partner in Asia, as well as significant trade and investment opportunities. The U.S.-India nuclear agreement will advance this growing relationship, and is profoundly in America’s national interest. 

Enhancements in India’s civil nuclear power capabilities made possible by this agreement can be expected to lessen the country’s historic reliance on Middle East fossil fuels to meet accelerating energy needs – and, offsetting electric generation from indigenous high-sulfur coal, may yield long-term environmental benefits, as well.

AJC regards the proposed agreement as a pragmatic and forward-looking response to the strategic requirements of both the United States and India – one that recognizes the nuclear capabilities of rigorously non-proliferating India, a vibrant democracy, while preserving the essence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a bulwark of peace and stability in the post-War world.

Our confidence in pluralistic and democratic India, in the Administration’s care in crafting this agreement, and in the natural alliance between India and the United States, underlies our support for this timely and prudent step forward in U.S.-India relations. 

We appreciate your consideration of AJC’s views on this critical matter.

Respectfully,
E. Robert Goodkind
David A. Harris

US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement: Email Campaigns

Several Indian American associations have started email campaigns urging Indian Americans to talk/write to their Congressmen/Senators to support the civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and India. The campaigns include sample letters to be sent to Congressmen and Senators, asking for their support.

Reproduced below are emails from Dr. Narsi Narasimhan of Indian Professionals Network (
IPN),  Ram Narayanan (http://www.usindiafriendship.net) and Inder Singh (GOPIO).

Email from Dr Narsi Narasimhan, IPN

Dear Indian American professional:

The agreement reached by President Bush during his visit to India in early
March is a perceived as a good deal for both USA and India. Please reach
the talking points given below.

Attached please find a pdf file put together by US Department of State.

If you talk to a Congressman/Congresswoman or Senator from the Democratic party, please urge them not to use a vote on this to show his/her opposition to Bush. They can pick some other issue to embarrass him, if they want!!! ;-) This is simply too important for Indo-US cooperation and the economies of India and USA.

========================================

India US Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Why good for the US

Ø The overall July 18 agreement represents the high point in the
Indo-US strategic relationship and is the natural result of multi-faceted
ties that India and the US have pursued over more than two decades. The
agreement on civil nuclear cooperation deepens the U.S. relationship with a strategic partner and nurturing and broadening the scope of these ties will help ensure stability, prosperity and peace in Asia and worldwide.

Ø The initiative will open significant business opportunities for
American firms, as they will increasingly help meet India's demand for
civilian nuclear technology, fuel, and support services. US companies stand to benefit from participation in the Indian civil nuclear energy market, the export content of which could be as large as $25 billion in the next several years. This translates into new jobs, incomes and markets for the United States. 

Ø The sustained growth of India, one of the fastest growing consumer
economies in the world, depends substantially on access to reasonably priced alternative energy resources. This initiative promotes increasing reliance by a fast-growing economy on nuclear technology, which is "clean" in comparison to other technologies. Consequently, it eases the upward pressure on global hydrocarbon prices and contributes to US objectives for environmentally sustainable development while pursuing economic growth.

Ø By promoting the growth of the Indian economy, this initiative also
indirectly helps in an expansion of the Indian consumer market, which
represents a vast opportunity for US companies in virtually every field.

Why good for India

Ø India will soon be the largest country in the world by population.
It already has a middle class that numbers approximately 300 million. The
Indian economy is growing at between 7-8% every year, pulling millions of
people out of poverty every year. That growth and progress, however, is
critically dependent on the availability of energy. In view of skyrocketing
hydrocarbon costs and hydropower availability in India reaching its limits,
there are few options for India, except to burn environmentally hazardous
dirty coal in very large quantities. The civil nuclear initiative will help
meet India's surging energy requirements and do so in an environmentally
friendly manner.

Ø It will also decrease India's dependence on foreign oil and gas
imports, often from unstable areas of the world.

Why good for non-proliferation

Ø India's voluntary adherence to existing nonproliferation regimes
represents a net gain for the US, which seeks more partners and influential countries in its campaign to prevent WMD proliferation. India's sterling export control record means that the US will be gaining a tested partner against proliferation.

Ø This initiative brings India into the global nuclear
non-proliferation mainstream. For the first time, India has committed to
take significant steps that will end its 30 year isolation from the global
regime and will increase the transparency of its civilian nuclear program,
improve the safety and the effectiveness of that program, and provide
oversight-again for the first time-over a large majority of Indian civilian
nuclear reactors and the associated upstream and downstream facilities that support these reactors.

Ø India has agreed to a nuclear separation plan that designates 14 of
its 22 thermal power reactors as civilian and to be placed under IAEA
safeguards. This represents 65% of its total installed nuclear thermal power capacity.

Ø India will also negotiate an agreement with the IAEA to place its
civilian nuclear energy program under India-specific safeguards in
perpetuity.

Ø India has agreed to place all future civilian thermal power reactors
and civilian breeder reactors under IAEA safeguards. The 65% figure of
nuclear thermal power capacity under IAEA safeguards will likely only
increase as India expands its civilian nuclear energy sector.

Ø India will also sign an IAEA Additional Protocol, committing it to
report to the IAEA on exports of all NSG Trigger List items. This will help
the IAEA track potential proliferation elsewhere, and encourage other states to adopt an Additional Protocol as a condition of supply.

Ø India has also committed not to transfer enrichment or reprocessing
technologies to countries that are not already involved in these areas. This
is a significant commitment from a country that is not otherwise
treaty-bound to observe such conditions.

SAMPLE LETTER
========================================

>>>> [date]

>>>> The Honorable [name]
>>>> [address]
>>>> Washington, DC 2051[0/5]


>>>> Dear [Senator/Congressman [name]]:

As an Indian-American and proud citizen of the United States, I am writing
to you to ask for your support to civil nuclear cooperation between the
United States and India. Legislation authorizing this cooperation will soon
be considered by Congress. Its passage is essential to the strategic
partnership between the United States and India, to which President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have committed.

Many Americans are coming to understand that the transformed U.S.-India
relationship represents one of the most significant foreign policy
developments of the 21st century. The United States and India, the world's
oldest and largest democracies, are natural allies. They share a commitment to freedom; the rule of law; open markets; technological innovation; and a vital national interest in combating terrorists and terrorist proliferation networks. 

The Government of India has no record of proliferating dual use nuclear
technology to other countries. In the U.S.-India Joint Statement of July
18, 2005, "President Bush conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister
over India's strong commitment to preventing WMD proliferation and stated
that as a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology, India should
acquire the same benefits and advantages of other such states." 

The United States and India are growing ever more important to each other as commercial partners. The growing middle class in India - already as large as the entire U.S. population, at 300 million people - is increasing in
importance as a consumer of American goods and services. This means jobs and prosperity in America. But to keep this trend going, India needs to satisfy the mounting energy demands of a burgeoning modern economy. For India to do this with its domestic dirty coal would mean more pollution in India and unnecessary damage to the global environment. 

President Bush's reception in India earlier this month - like President
Clinton's in 2000 -- was celebratory. There is a palpable excitement and
anticipation of the potential for our friendship and partnership. 

Indian-Americans are a bridge between these two great nations, and as a
community we are eager to support this historic initiative, including the
civil-nuclear agreement.

I thank you for your consideration and support for the U.S.-India civil
nuclear agreement.

>>>> your signature and contact info 

Appeal from GOPIO

If you believe in the future of India and in the economic prosperity of USA, then the increased cooperation between these two countries is vital for the World peace. The recently signed Civil Nuclear Agreement by President Bush & Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi is an important step in that direction. In fact, this cooperative agreement is in the best interest of both countries.

And, if so, I urge you to convince your Congressmen and Senators from your area to support this agreement.

The House Bill #4974 and the Senate Bill #2429 are about this agreement.

The Senate & the House is in recess right now and hence this is the best time for you to contact them in your local area.

Dr. Piyush Agrawal, GOPIO National Coordinator in USA has drafted a one-page letter, appended below, for you to review/revise/modify etc. and to get about 200 signatures (hard copies are more effective than the e-mail types). Send letter copies to Washington DC as well as to the local office in your state. 

We suggest that you take the leadership role, seek a face-to-face meeting, lead a small group of people and present these signed letters to your elected US officials.

If there are any questions for which you need answers, please visit the White House Website http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/03/ for some of the answers.

The passage of the nuclear agreement by the US Congress is very critical. It is therefore very important to educate those who have the power to change the old laws to accommodate new realities. If you want to see the outcome the way you want it, now is the time to pursue it boldly. There is no time for inaction and timidity.

To find the name of your senators and congressman, visit  http://congress.org, type your zip code in the box under Elected Officials and Click: "GO"

Thank you for your support.
Inder Singh
President, GOPIO


SAMPLE LETTER TO SEND OUT TO CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS


[date]
The Honorable [name]
[address]
Washington, DC Zip Code for Senate is 20510 and for the House is 20515]


Dear [Senator/Congressman [name]]:

As an Indian American, I am writing to you to ask for your support to civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and India. 

There are two bills, House Bill #4974 and the Senate Bill #2429 pending for consideration and approval by the US Congress. Their passage is essential to the strategic partnership between the United States and India, to which President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have committed.

Many Americans are coming to understand that the transformed U.S.-India relationship represents one of the most significant foreign policy developments of the 21st century. The United States and India, the world's oldest and largest democracies, are natural allies. They share a commitment to freedom; the rule of law; open markets; technological innovation; and a vital national interest in combating terrorists and proliferation of terrorist networks. 

The Government of India has no record of proliferating dual use nuclear technology to other countries. President Bush, in the U.S.-India Joint Statement of July 18, 2005, conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister of India regarding India's strong commitment to preventing WMD proliferation.

The United States and India are growing ever more important to each other as commercial partners. The growing middle class in India - already as large as the entire U.S. population, at 300 million people - is increasing in importance as a consumer of American goods and services. This means jobs and prosperity in America. But to keep this trend going, India needs to satisfy the mounting energy demands of a burgeoning modern economy. For India to do this with its domestic dirty coal would mean more pollution in India and unnecessary damage to the global environment. 

Congressman Wilson, during the introduction of HR 4974, said on the House Floor on March 16, 2006 "the scope of this proposal reaches far beyond nuclear issues. Improved strategic relations with India will promote non-proliferation, increase our energy independence, provide environmental protections, strengthen our national security, and create thousands of new jobs for American workers." We believe that this proposal is definitely in our (USA) own interest.

I thank you for your consideration and support for the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement.

Sincerely,

(Your Signatures)
(Print Your Name)
(Print your Address & Telephone Number) 

Email from Ram Narayanan of US-India Friendship

Bills to amend the Atomic Energy Act to implement the July 18, 2005 and the March 2, 2006 civilian nuclear agreement between President Bush and Prime Minister Singh, were introduced on Thursday, March 16, 2006 in both the House of Representatives and the Senate . 

Reference numbers of the bill are: 
House of Representatives: HR 4974 
Senate: S 2429. 

Congress is in recess this week and the lawmakers are all back in their constituencies. This is the time to meet your House Representative and your TWO Senators and/or fax and e-mail about your strong wish to have them co-sponsor the bill. 

TEXT OF FAX (AND E-MAIL) YOU CAN CONSIDER SENDING: 

Dear Honorable. : 

Sub: Request to Co-Sponsor bill HR 4974 / S 2429 

A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act to give effect 
to the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement was introduced in the House of 
Representatives (HR 4974 ) and the Senate (S 2429) on March 16, 2006. 

In the House, the bill was introduced by Rep Henry Hyde and Rep Tom 
Lantos, and in the Senate by Senator Richard Lugar. 

I request you to CO-SPONSOR THE BILL AND VOTE FOR IT. 

Sincerely yours, 
__________________________________________

Please send the above or similar fax (and e-mail) IMMEDIATELY to your House Representative and TWO Senators. 

You can get the coordinates of your lawmakers by following the procedure described below: 

Click: http://congress.org

Type your zip code in the box under ’Elected Officials’. Click: "GO" 

You get the pictures of the President , your two Senators and your House Rep. 

Click each of the photographs of your TWO Senators and your House Representative and you get their contact details (phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address). 

Later this week, as a follow up you may want to send a more detailed fax (and e-mail) on why you want your House Representative and your TWO Senators to vote for HR 4974 or S 2429, as the case may be. 

If you wish, you can select from the seven sample template letters at 
http://www.usindiafriendship.net/congress1/nuclearagreement.htm

If you want to write your own letter, you will have ample information to draw upon from the US-India Friendship website at http://www.usindiafriendship.net/ 

Also, you may want to sign the petition put out by USINPAC. Please visit 
http://www.gopetition.com/region/238/8228.html

Cheers, 

Ram Narayanan 
US-India Friendship 
http://www.usindiafriendship.net/
 

Better Safe than Sorry!

This email is supposedly from Shannon LaForge, 
Courtroom Deputy to Judge Robert Junell,
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas 

Because of these recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. 

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do! 
2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or 
purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! 
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives. 
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the 
perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. 
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. 
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage: 
A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. 
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. 
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. 
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.) 
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!) 
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in 
a zig-zag pattern! 
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP. It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting 
women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim. 
9. Another Safety Point: Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 
"Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." 
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever 
you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby. He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. 

Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby.----This e-mail should probably be taken seriously because the Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when 
they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana.  

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