Cry Victory!

A solitary candle surrounded by barbed wire. This familiar image is recognized the world over as the logo of Amnesty International. British human rights attorney and AI founder Peter Benenson explained that the image was inspired by the proverb, “Better to light one candle than curse the darkness.” How often, in our efforts to free prisoners languishing under unjust and cruel conditions, do we feel as vulnerable as that lone candle, its tiny flame almost swallowed up in the vast expanse of darkness? Yet, defying overpowering odds, millions of dedicated activists persist.

Well, AI supporters, this month it’s our turn to raise a thunderous cheer of victory! Poet Liu Xia, widow of Chinese Nobel Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, has been released after eight years of house arrest and is now breathing the air of freedom in Germany. Her husband earned the sad distinction of being the first Nobel laureate to die imprisoned since the Nazi era, and Liu Xia has suffered severe depression during her own confinement. Thanks to letters, emails, and tweets from dedicated and persistent activists all around the world, Liu Xia is now free.

We’re Amnesty International Group 342, and our letters get results. Our millions of tiny candles form a blazing light shining on injustices... and make despotic regimes squirm. Won’t you join our work? We meet the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm in Wegmans café, 50 Foundry Way (at Rt. 29) in Malvern. For more info, contact barbquin at gmail.com. Can’t make it to our meetings? Check out the urgent actions on Amnesty International’s webpage and send your own letter or tweet to set a prisoner of conscience free.

Let your light shine!