Efforts to stop genocide in Sudan

Re “Clooney leads Darfur mission,” Dec. 12

One has to wonder how, hidden in the pages of Iraq horror stories and political name-calling and fighting, there is a genocide going on that has claimed more than 200,000 lives. None of our political leaders seem to be overly concerned that, since 2003, more than 2.5 million people have been displaced and forced from their homes. Women are being beaten, raped and tortured in front of their own children. People are being killed in an ethnic conflict started by Sudanese President Omar Bashir while trying to crush the opposition. These innocent people are being terrorized and killed in mind-boggling numbers, and our government and those of other world leaders seem to be looking the other way.

I find it amazing that Oscar-winning actor George Clooney seems to be one of the few concerned enough that he is trying to raise awareness. Clooney is traveling with a small group hoping to make pleas with world leaders to help stop the violence and ask for international peacekeeping forces to step in to protect these innocent people. Not trying to downplay his abilities or passion, I do have to ask: Is that all we can do -- send an actor to deal with this real and very serious problem?

AMANDA TULLY

Huntington Beach