There seems to be this sense among even well-meaning Americans that Africa is this black hole of murder and mutilation that can never be fixed, no matter what aid is brought in.

Once you've created a connection of empathy, rational arguments can play a supportive role.

Write letters to your editors, write to your members of Congress, and write to your news stations.

The trails are a reminder of our insignificance. We come and go, but nature is forever. It puts us in our place, underscoring that we are not lords of the universe but components of it...So when the world seems to be falling apart, when we humans seem to be creating messes everywhere we turn, maybe it's time to rejuvenate in the cathedral of the wilderness - and there, away from humanity, rediscover our own humanity.

We all might ask ourselves why we tune in to these more trivial matters and tune out when it comes to Darfur

I try to be careful about wording. One of the things I've tried to combat in my blog is the notion that journalists are arrogant and unconcerned with the readership.

In general, talking about human rights tends to be very persuasive for people who care about human rights.