01/27/13 - Day 33 - Wrote to Free Pussy Riot (free)

It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. 

This is Amnesty International's motto.  Amnesty International is an organization that has been around since 1961.  It fights for human rights and tries to shine a light on injustice.  It seems like a pretty legit organization with a great track record.  There are a number of issues that you can take action on through signing petitions, writing letters, or donating money.  An issue that is located on their front page immediately caught my attention. 

Free Pussy Riot!  Pussy Riot is an all female punk band from Russia that on February 21 of 2012 staged a performance at Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior.  It was a protest directed at the church leader's support of Putin.  In March two members of their band were arrested and charged with hooliganism.  Yes, hooliganism is a real crime.  They have been sent to prison for two years basically because the government wanted to make an example of them.  Do not speak out against the government or you will be sent to prison.  Fucking unbelievable. 

Here are two websites:

Take Action to Free Pussy Riot through Amnesty International.

Free Pussy Riot map. 

The Pussy Riot map is cool.  There are a bunch of artists and musicians that have little messages of support posted for the band.  It seems unlikely that Putin would change his opinion because of a letter writing campaign and a map of people that think his fascist actions are total bull shit.  But like the motto says it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

In other news...my band played a weddings expo today.  It was weird.  The weather was crap today (freezing rain) and it kept many people away.  Also we were playing at the very end of the event so people were ready to clear out.  But I did introduce myself and my band to a bunch of propspective clients and wedding vendors that we hadn't previously met.

Have to go to bed early because I have to wake up early and take my drug test for my new job at the APL.  Never been so pumped to pee in a cup.

Money spent so far:  $128.89