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SYSTEM OF A DOWN CALLS ON SPEAKER HASTERT

Politics

Thousands of Fans Respond to Alert on News Section of www.systemofadown.com

Within hours of posting a notice last night on the System of a Down website, thousands of fans from across the United States have sent ANCA WebFaxes urging Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to schedule a U.S. House vote on legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The letters, sent through the ANCA's free WebFax system, urge the Speaker to honor his pledge, made in October of 2000, to hold a vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution. The WebFaxes stress that, "The Armenian Genocide is a clear-cut moral issue.

Our government's failure to stand up to Turkey's denial is an outrage. Today, the fate of this human rights issue rests in your hands. Do the right thing - keep your pledge. Serve U.S. interests and American values by allowing this legislation to reach the floor for a vote at the earliest possible opportunity." On September 15th, the House International Relations Committee overwhelmingly approved legislation properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide. During the course of a three-hour meeting, 21members of this 50-member panel spoke in favor of H.Res.316 and H.Con.Res.195, which were adopted by bipartisan majorities of 40 to 7 and 35 to 11, respectively. Similar legislation was adopted by the Committee in 2000, but was withdrawn by Speaker Hastert, at the urging of President Clinton, only moments before it was to reach the House floor for a vote. In the aftermath of his withdrawal of the measure, Speaker Hastert pledged to hold a vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution, but has, in the five years that have followed, failed to honor this promise.

In May of this year, Mezmerize, the first half of the band's two-part album Mezmerize/Hypnotize, debuted as the number-one selling CD in the United States. On April 24th of this year, System held a sold-out "Souls 2005" benefit concert for the ANCA and other groups working to prevent genocide and counter genocide denial. The band has sold nearly 10 million CDs worldwide. A Google search for "System of a Down" returns over 1.6 million hits. The ANCA, at the invitation of the band, has worked alongside Amnesty International and Axis of Justice at activist tables at concerts to distribute educational materials, secure signatures on petitions, field questions, and promote discussion about the Turkish government's ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide. For information about System of a Down, including a full listing of their remaining tour dates, visit: http://www.systemofadown.com. The full text of the System of a Down action alert is provided below. It can be viewed on-line by visiting www.systemofadown.com and clicking on "NEWS."

9.20.05 - STAND WITH SYSTEM:

U.S. RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS WITHIN REACH

Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House, has it in his power to accomplish one of System's goals - official U.S. recognition of Turkey's destruction of 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923. On September 15th, a major Congressional committee – rejecting attacks from Turkey and the Bush Administration - approved legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The next step is for the full House of Representatives to take a final vote on this legislation. But this is only possible if Hastert lets it happen. The choice is in his hands. By allowing Congress to vote on this legislation, Hastert can end U.S. denial of this crime and open the doors to justice - to the restoration, reparation, and restitution owed to the victims of genocide. By continuing to block a vote on this legislation, Hastert effectively joins in the denial of this crime against humanity, and the denial of justice to an entire nation. Join with System. Click HERE to take action and send a free WebFax urging Hastert to hold a vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution.