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You can help stop trafficking of children

Dear Editor:Oprah Winfrey has issued an immediate call to action to stop child sexual trafficking, a rapidly growing $10 billion industry (the second-largest organized crime ring in history) that affects more than 2 million children around the world and more than 200,000 children in the United States.There is no other issue that so thoroughly dehumanizes us all on every level – from those who are enslaved and tortured; to those who enslave and torture; to those who profit from, condone, ignore, or don’t aggressively act to stop this form of enslavement and torture.Oprah is taking a lead with others to advocate for those who have no voice and she has provided a fast, free, easy way for us all to participate now by going to her website, http://www.oprah.com, to print and mail/fax or copy and e-mail a form letter to each of our leaders urging them to do everything they can by “putting pressure on those nations who turn a blind eye to this growing problem in their own countries, to helping law enforcement in our own country crack down on perpetrators and bring them to justice … to pass House Resolution 972 – the Trafficking Victims Protection and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and the End Demand Act for Sex Trafficking Act of 2005.”I am further asking anyone in our community who has any suspicion, evidence or experience of sex trafficking, rape, incest or battering of any gender at any age to please report the abuse to local authorities and/or get help from our local support group RESPONSE, 925-7233.Though I have been an advocate for many causes for more than 35 years (including co-founder of RESPONSE), contacting my leaders on this issue today, with possibly tens of thousands of others across the country as one voice through the power of Oprah’s celebrity and moral status, may have more impact than any other single action I have ever taken. This is an issue that transcends all faiths and political persuasions, yet, I repeat, it is a thriving industry that is growing fast due solely to lack of action on our part. Sexual trafficking knows no bounds and it could happen to you or yours; yes, even in Aspen. Please post, fax or e-mail your letters now and personally talk with at least two other people you know to do the same to: U.S. Sen. Wayne AllardSD-521Washington, D.C. 20510-0605(202) 224-5941 office(202) 224-6471 faxwww.allard.senate.gov U.S. Sen. Ken SalazarSH-702Washington, D.C. 20510-0605(202) 224-5852 office(202)228-5036 faxwww.salazar.senate.gov U.S. Rep. John T. Salazar1531 LHOBWashington, D.C. 20515-0603(202) 225-4761 office(202) 225-9669 faxwww.house.gov/salazarTricia McKenzieAspen