This message was sent to me and I think that it is worth passing on. The VHP is part of the right-wing coalition of "Hindu Fundamentalist" parties in India which have been responsible for anti-Muslim violence and a general shift to the right in Indian politics. AT&T has been kicking them money from long-distance calls. Andrew Sessions University of Wisconsin PS. I wonder who else AT&T is supporting? From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >AT&T recently announced a scheme whereby customers could contribute 5% of >their long distance bill to the VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) of America >directly. Given the VHP's blatantly communal message, it's hardline policy >on the Babri Masjid issue and the fact that the VHP of India was banned by >the GOI in the wake of the Dec. 6 incidents (a ban which was later upheld by >the Supreme Court which overturned the GOI bans on the RSS and Bajrang Dal) >I was very annoyed that AT&T chose to be associated with the VHP in this >manner. I therefore urge you (as I have already urged on the nets) to call >AT&T up and make it clear to them that you are unhappy with their scheme. >If you are already an AT&T customer you may want to point out that you will >discontinue service with them, if you are not already with AT&T you could >always tell them you are not going to become an AT&T customer as long as >they push programs with such unsavoury associations. > >You can call the number which appears in the message below. You are most likely >to reach an Indian operator. I also append another message I received which >shows your efforts may not be in vain. Incidentally it took me exactly two >minutes to register my protest and hang up so it shouldn't cut into your time >in a big way. The protest makes sense because there is a particularly >intense fight to capture the Indian market by all three major long distance >companies. > >Forwarded message: > Ravi, > > I just called AT&T at 1-800-647-9808 Ext 700 and registered my > dissatisfaction with this program. > > Mention the Association Number : 3RAE1166 and the fact that it is banned >in > India. > >Second forwarded message: > >I thought you might be interested in hearing that the calls appear to >have had effect. I have called twice so far, both outside office >hours (since I can't call at any other time), and both times have been >told I'd have my call returned; it didn't happen either time. (I'm an >AT&T customer three times over, and plan to let them know that.) > >Anyway, I tried them again today, and the man asked what I was calling >for. I said it was about the VHP; he inquired whether I was calling >to protest, and when I said that I was, he took down my name and >number saying that was sufficient. Apparently they've had too many >calls on this matter to respond individually. > >Ravi -------------------------------------------------------------------------- To submit an article to the India Alert India Alert-Madison Mailing List, address it to: P.O. Box 1, Union South [EMAIL PROTECTED] Madison, WI 53706 --------------------------------------------------------------------------