Dear friends across India, <http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?cl=1006702480&v=8795>
Anna Hazare has committed to fast-unto-death -- unless the government agrees to consider a *powerful law to rid India of the scourge of corruption.* But dirty politicians are trying to squash it. Let's stand with him and *ramp up the pressure on Prime Minister Singh* to endorse the bill and clean up politics. *Sign now and send this email to everyone*: [image: Sign the petition!]<http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?cl=1006702480&v=8795> <http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?cl=1006702480&v=8795>Right now, *Anna Hazare*, a 73-year-old Gandhian, sits fasting in the burning sun, and he *will stay until death* -- unless the government agrees to consider a powerful law that *could rid Indian politics of the scourge of corruption. * This “Modern Mahatma” is taking the utmost act of courage and determination to push through a bill that would give an *independent body the power to punish corruption -- even in the Prime Minister’s office*. Across the country a movement has exploded, driving a media storm of pressure that’s engulfing Singh. But dirty politicians are desperately trying to water down or kill the law. For the first time in forty three years, we have the chance to change the way politics is done. Let's join together and *stand with Anna Hazare to tackle corruption and clean up Indian politics*. We have no time to lose -- sign the petition to be delivered directly to Prime Minister Singh and reported to the media, and *forward this email to everyone:* http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?vl<http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?cl=1006702480&v=8795> Hazare is championing a citizen-developed bill called *“Jan” Lokpal that will create an independent body, selected by judges, citizens and constitutional authorities, with enough power to investigate and punish all politicians*. No minister or bureaucrat will be able to influence its investigations. Since 1968, when this bill was first introduced, greedy politicians have thwarted its passing. Now the government is pushing for a watered down Lokpal with no hope of ending fraud, vice and dishonesty -- it gives politicians overriding power to decide who will be investigated, and is a complete sellout. Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Singh to endorse the "Jan" Lokpal. Members of the opposition party have begun to make the right noises in support of Anna Hazare. And even the National Advisory Council, a powerful advisory body to Sonia Gandhi have come out in favour of the bill. But corrupt politicians and vested interests are doing all they can to kill it. Anna Hazare has set the example. But only a national citizens movement can *ramp up the pressure to get Singh to endorse “Jan” Lokpal and save Hazare's life. Sign the petition and forward it to everyone now:* http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?vl<http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_anna_hazare/?cl=1006702480&v=8795> Corruption in politics has become a plague across our country, it is draining our resources and demoralizing our nation. This bill would go a long way to deterring those that steal and undermine the public good. Last year, the Avaaz community in Brazil won an important victory -- against the odds millions of people came together and pushed through a historic anti-corruption law. India has a proud history of people power overcoming oppression -- today if we all stand with one voice we can fight this corruption that is poisoning our political system. With hope, Saloni, Shibayan, Ricken, Ben and the whole Avaaz team. More information: India Today, "Lokpal vs Jan Lokpal: A study in contrast": http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/134429/latest-headlines/lokpal-vs-jan-lokpal-a-study-in-contrast.html The Hindu Business Line, "Anna Hazare on fast-unto-death demanding Jan Lokpal Bill": http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/article1602555.ece Times of India, "On day Anna Hazare begins fast, NAC too calls for lokpal debate": http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/On-day-Anna-Hazare-begins-fast-NAC-too-calls-for-lokpal-debate/articleshow/7880511.cms Tehelka, "Social activists come together to show flaws in Lokpal Bill": http://tehelka.com/story_main49.asp?filename=Ws050411ACTIVISM.asp Anna Hazare's fast against corruption strikes huge chord http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/anna-hazares-fast-against-corruption-strikes-huge-chord-96593 ------------------------- *Support the Avaaz community!* We're entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way -- donate here<https://secure.avaaz.org/en/donate_to_avaaz/?cl=1006702480&v=8795> . ------------------------------ * Avaaz.org is a 7-million-person global campaign network* that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here <http://www.avaaz.org/en/highlights?footer>, or follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/Avaaz> or Twitter<http://twitter.com/Avaaz> . This message was sent to [email protected]. To change your email address, language, or other information, send a message to [email protected], contact us via this form<http://avaaz.org/en/contact/?unsubHTML>-- or simply click here to unsubscribe<https://secure.avaaz.org/act/?r=unsub&cl=1006702480&[email protected]&b=1218&v=8795&lang=en> . To contact Avaaz, please *do not reply to this email.* Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact <http://www.avaaz.org/en/contact?footer> or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US). -- With best wishes S Chander
