Big Bank Take Little Bank: Inequity in the War on Drugs

by Eco.Soul.Intellectual

The Obama Administration has justifiably been hit with a flood of criticism for pouring money into the failed "War on Drugs." Not only is this new war redirecting needed resources to rebuild the US infrastructure, but everyone knows at this point and time that the "war" is simply for profit, and the war on drugs is about as real as the Toothfairy and Candyman.

Freeway Rick Ross

In Los Angeles, it was revealed some years ago that local police officers were using information gathered from the D.A.R.E. programs to later on slap gang affiliations on youth who were not even in a gang.

And everyone should know about the infamous C.I.A's scheme during the Reagan Era which pumped millions of tons of crack cocaine into South Los Angeles (formerly known as South Central) in the 80s and 90s to fund its drug war in Central America. Ironically, the news reporter Gary Webb who broke the story in the Mercury News in 1995 was found with two bullets in his head several years back. The death was ruled a suicide.

Gary Webb

Thanks to the former prison guard turned thug rapper, Rick Ross for reviving the legendary local drug lord, "Freeway" Rick Ross, and his large contribution in ensuring that black Los Angeles would socially and economically implode.

The question about this funding for fighting drugs should be, "What is the war on drugs covering this time?"

For years, people have been screaming and shouting about the disproportionate sentencing of individuals buying or selling crack cocaine versus cocaine. But that is not the largest disparity, as a recent federal government ruling revealed.

While Pookie, Tom and Mr. Juarvez get jail time for peddling anywhere from a couple of hundred to even a cool million or two, Wachovia Bank, now a part of Wells Fargo, gets a simple fine for laundering billions of drug money on behalf of Mexican drug lords.

In an article on Black Agenda Report:

Wachovia recently completed what amounted to a year-long probation arising from a March 2010 settlement deal with federal prosecutors who were pursuing criminal proceedings against Wachovia for its facilitating of illegal money transfers from Mexico totaling $378-billion…a staggering sum greater than half of the Pentagon's annual budget, which included billions of dollars traced directly to violent Mexican drug cartels.

“The fine amounted to less than two percent of Wachovia's profits.”

The record $160-million fine slapped on Wachovia under terms of that settlement deal included a $50-million assessment for failing to monitor cash used to ship into the US 22 tons of cocaine. (That fine amounted to less than two percent of Wachovia's profits during the prior year.)

Wells Fargo now owns Wachovia. Wells Fargo, federal prosecutors stress, was not involvement in the misdeeds that landed Wachovia in court, where it received a deferred prosecution deal.

As the article reads, Wachovia bank, and might I add was originally started and seed money is from slavery, operated largely from money transfers from Mexico by the drug trade, a drug trade that is a global business.

The drug wars in Mexico and its subsequent trade includes players from Russia, Middle East, Nigeria, India, and of course America. It is easier to funnel drugs through the Mexican borders due to the open border trade system that was established during the Clinton Era and strengthened under the Bush Regime.

The whole issue of border safety and border protection from immigrants who cross the imaginary line is really using poor Mexicans and the various minions in the Mexican Mafia as pawns to cover up the billion-dollar-a-month operation of shipping in shit loads of drugs in a sophisticated network that is funneled by banks and mega-corporations.

Though there are actual law enforcement who think they are doing the right thing and capturing drugs, their strong arm tactics are being exploited as well because the big boys never go to trial. They pay to play.

Judge Blocks Naming of San Antonio, Texas Street After Cesar Chavez

Next month, president Barack Obama will be the first president since John F. Kennedy to visit Puerto Rico. I was shocked to find out that it has been fifty years since a sitting president has visited the island colony. But hey, I guess it can be said that Barack is going all out campaign mode and pandering to err'body and e'ry group he needs votes from in 2012. Gotta give the brother some credit; he's not taking anything for granted and is putting in work. Yes the Republican prospects are a collective joke, but there's work to do.

Speaking of work to be done, surely you know who Cesar Chavez was, right? You know, the brown skinned brother who was an activist for migrant workers from Latin America? Yeah, the brother who posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom which happens to be this country's highest civilian honor? Well, though his legend and accomplishments in the interest of freedom and equality were deserving of such honor and recognition. Apparently for "certain people" in San Antonio, this poses a threat to the "American" way of life as they know it, as they're opposed to a street being named after him.

A state district judge sided with local groups protesting the name change, after seven members of San Antonio's city council all voted in favor of the name change. The two white members, the one African American member, and the lone Asian-American all voted against the name change. I suppose for them, having your cities main thoroughfare (which is currently named after a Mexican state) named after Chavez would be too much of a compromise on the historical integrity of the city and the lives of "certain people":

The proposal to rename Durango Street, one of the city's main streets, has divided a city where 61 percent of residents are Hispanic.

"It is very important that we protect the integrity of our history, and that includes objecting to changing street names," said Bill Oliver, who represents the San Antonio Conservation Society, which sued to oppose the name change.

What Barack Obama Didn't Tell You About Those Deportations Down On The Border

I listened to president Obama's speech down on the American-Mexican border in El Paso, TX., yesterday. I was pleased that he actually took the time to address the issue at a time when politicians are focused on deficits and spending as opposed to job creating and economic boost. But I suppose when you're seeking reelection, a little pandering doesn't hurt; especially when it's related to a campaign promise long broken. He did make a good case for reform beyond the usual rhetoric; he made it clear that immigration reform is of economic imperative. Of course this is a point I've discussed before on this site.

I'm of the belief that if more people realized the economic benefit of comprehensive immigration reform, then at least we can see our way forward making positive changes. Unfortunately for the cause, the racist anti-immigration movement spends a lot of money suppressing this notion with nothing but ignorant lies as they push for enforcement of immigration laws, and the tired talk of securing the border. If they had it there way, all undocumented immigrants would be rounded and deported.

And of course it doesn't matter than doing so isn't cost effective; and, providing a path to legalization is. The anti-immigrant movement positions itself as pro-America, when in truth they're pro-racist. This is why I was happy Obama mentioned the  economic benefit. Enforcement is one thing, but the economic contributions to this country should not be ignored.

Speaking of enforcement, and the 70% increase in deportations since president Obama has taken office. Check out the following story which illustrates the "problem" with the ICE's Secure Communities program, and just why said detentions and subsequent deportations via effective policing, is working depending on who you ask or who is doing the pandering to secure reelection:

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), its Secure Communities program "improves public safety every day by transforming the way criminal aliens are identified and removed from the United States."

It's certainly transforming the way at least one alien was identified as criminals. Isaura Garcia is now embroiled in deportation proceedings after landing on the Secure Communities radar.

Her "crime"? Reporting to cops the domestic violence she was suffering.

Rep Luis Gutierrez: Obama Has Discretionary Authority to Advance DREAM Act & Reform

So the DREAM Act has been reintroduced. President Obama spoke about it a few days ago down on the border. But the hopes of it passing anytime soon is slimmer now than last winter when Republicans killed it. But like I mentioned in my last post, the president though asking for our help in advancing this initiative, has thew power himself to stop deportation of people who would qualify for a path to citizenship per the proposed DREAM Act. But obviously "certain people" are of the opinion that the president can't do anymore than he has, which is talk. If the president is as serious as he say he is about immigration reform, he would act on it now. He said he wasn't about separating families. But the reality, is that this is happening.

Caribbean Teachers: The 'Indentured Servants' of the NYC Board of Education

Judith Hall Guyanese-born NYC High School Teacher

As of late, we've seen a resurgence of the labor movement of sorts. Unionized workers all across the country have banded together in a show of solidarity. As they fight to maintain not only their collective bargaining agreements, in most cases, they're also fighting to maintain their dignity hearkening back to Martin Luther King Jr's show of support for Memphis sanitation workers. As these various movements across the country grows, the story of one particular group of workers paramount to the success of our future isn't being heard.

Hundreds of teachers from the Caribbean claim that New York's Department of Education (DOE) lured them to city schools with false promises of green cards and financial aid. In a massive rally on the steps of City Hall in lower Manhattan on Sunday, the teachers, supported by the New York-based Association of International Educators (AIE) and the Black Institute, demanded immediate action and response to what they described as "the lack of support from the DOE, which has resulted in the 10-year uphill battle to get on the right path to permanent residency."

AIE chair, Judith Hall, said that the teachers have been treated as "indentured servants."

"How is this possible when we were chosen because we were the best and brightest our countries had to offer?" she asked.

"This is an egregious situation, and we are demanding redress on the city, state, federal and international levels," she added.

A report released on Sunday by the Black Institute on behalf of the AIE, entitled, Broken Promises: The Story of Caribbean International Teachers in New York City's Public Schools, claimed that the Caribbean teachers were first lured to New York by promises of continued educational opportunities, housing assistance, and a path to permanent residency in the United States.

It said the teachers "uprooted their families in the hopes of redefining a better future."

Recruited by New York City Public Schools, beginning in 2001, the AIE said it was formed by Caribbean teachers, "who continue to feel victimized."

The association provides them with a support group, as well as the opportunity to combine efforts to find a solution.

The AIE said, in early 2001, when the U.S. economy was booming and there was a teacher shortage, more than 500 teachers from the Caribbean came to New York City schools to work.

After almost 10 years, the AIE said most of the teachers still lack green cards, adding their immigration status "makes it impossible for their spouses and children to work."

The teachers are, therefore, demanding a meeting with Schools Chancellor Cathie Black and legal assistance from the Education Department.

President and founder of the Black Institute, Bertha Lewis, said the Broken Promises report highlights the "hidden nexus of education and immigration reform.

"These teachers were recruited to teach in some the most difficult and poorest school districts.  They did what was asked of them, and they deserve to be treated fairly and humanely," she said, adding, "promises were made, promises were broken; this report calls upon the DOE to keep its promises."

Trinidad-born Antoinette Nesbitt, who came to New York in August 2001, said she is frustrated and outraged by the lack of respect shown to Caribbean teachers.

"Teachers are professional role models for school children every day in the classroom, yet this process of our teachers obtaining green cards has been drawn out over many years because the Department of Education chosen attorneys have classified us as unskilled workers," said Nesbitt, who has been teaching special education at Public School 276 in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn ever since her arrival here.

"This classification is costing us financially. We have to pay visa-related fees annually, and we experience lost income because our spouses and dependents are unable to work," she added, fearing that she and her colleagues would be deported back to the Caribbean if they are laid off because of a lack of green card. (source)

In any discussion centered on education or education reform, it is always noted that our teachers are undervalued. Which is a shame in itself here in these United States of America, supposedly in the wealthiest nation in the world. But to recruit teachers from other countries - the best of the best in their field of occupation - and not hold up on your end of the bargain, only to have them existing pretty much as undocumented workers is just down right ridiculous. It's especially ridiculous in this supposed land of opportunity and the free.

Yet in 2011, these teachers are treated like slave labor, fresh off the Middle Passage. The difference being, they were invited here, and are actually card-carrying union members. It's a shame they're good enough to educate children, but not worthy of being respected as professionals. Instead, by virtue of being from third world countries, they're treated like migrant agricultural workers. As a son of the Caribbean, and also of Caribbean educators who came before me, this is truly disappointing. What's next, undocumented doctors and nurses? One has to wonder, were they recruited from Europe would this be an issue?

Checkout the clip and spread the word, will you?

Debbie Riddle Says: No Hiring Mexicans... Unless it is to cook, clean or mow your lawn!

by Joanna

Last week, this lovely story came out pertaining to a Texas lawmaker who believes that illegal immigration is just an awful, awful menace.... unless of course, the "illegals" stay in their lane and stick to performing menial household duties for rich white folks. Then, she sees no problem, and would even grant exemptions to the penalties for hiring undocumented immigrants to people employ them as household servants.

Texas has long been a hotbed of controversy on immigration issues. And a proposed immigration bill in the Texas state House is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows. The bill would make hiring an "unauthorized alien" a crime punishable by up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine, unless that is, they are hired to do household chores.

Yes, under the House Bill 2012 introduced by a tea party favorite state Rep. Debbie Riddle -- who's been saying for some time that she'd like to see Texas institute an Arizona-style immigration law -- hiring an undocumented maid, caretaker, lawn worker or any type of house worker would be allowed. Why? As Texas state Rep. Aaron Pena, also a Republican, told CNN, without the exemption, "a large segment of the Texas population" would wind up in prison if the bill became law.

"When it comes to household employees or yard workers it is extremely common for Texans to hire people who are likely undocumented workers," Pena told the news giant. "It is so common it is overlooked." SOURCE

Arizona has a New Anti-Immigrant Bill in the Works

by JuJuBe (Joanna)

A new anti-immigrant bill (SB 1611), introduced  by the same man responsible for the infamous SB 1070, has been passed by a state appropriations committee in Arizona this morning. The bill now needs to go to the state House of Representatives and Senate before landing on the Governors desk. The bill is much more far reaching that SB 1070, and has human rights activists and health care professional contemplating civil disobedience.

The bills would deny birthright citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants; make it a crime to drive without a license, punishable by 30 days in jail; ban undocumented students from accessing higher education; require proof of legal status to attend K-12 schools; and require hospitals to inquire about the immigration status of their patients. 

There are also provisions that would increase penalties for government employees who fail to report undocumented immigrants to immigration authorities if they apply for public benefits. SOURCE

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Racist Christmas Songs

Those Gringos Sure Are Funny!

[Editor's Note: Here's a throwback post that I hope you can enjoy. Oh yeah, racism doesn't stop because of Christmas. Hell, even racist assholes stop to recognize the birth of Jesus just like you do.]

Most of you, probably get annoyed by Christmas music on the radio, in the office, being played 24/7. Wouldn't it totally suck if there was a Christmas music radio station that played nothing but Christmas music all year long? And wouldn't it be really messed up if your boss was raised by elves and he kept the office radio on that station all year long? Yeah, the though that it's not like that, is what gets me through this season at the office every year. Although I hate the music, I'm thankful that my boss wasn't raised by an Amish guy with a weight problem who has a fetish for midgets and reindeer.

My favorite Christmas song on the radio is a classic; come to think of it, they're all classics! But my favorite song every year is "Feliz Navidad". I don't know who sings it but I know its done by a Mexican dude; a pretty nice Mexican dude, I might add. He was so nice, that he saw it fit to sing and record the song in part Spanish and part English - yeah, yeah, sure some of you may think he was probably really trynna get a green card when he did that, and I understand. Now I'll be honest, for a long time I didn't know what Feliz Navidad meant, and actually, every time I heard it, I thought he was saying..."RELEASE NAVIDAD."

Yup, I thought it was a song about a Hispanic dude named Navidad sitting in jail for fence jumping or some other one of the many crimes those "illegal aliens" are known to commit. I always thought it was pretty cool how the dude who sung it remembered his friend at Christmas. Not many people think about people in jail at Christmas time, so I thought it was quite noble of the guy. I mean, he wanted his friend released from jail for the holidays, and I'm sure everyone in jail around Christmas time wishes they were at home with their families.

Stuff White People Don't Like: Sharing the American Dream, & Black Folks Playing God

Ah yeah, I never thought I would say this about Jaun Williams, but then again, I'm the guy who defended him after being dumped by NPR while you people continued to berate him. But as the saying goes, a broken clock is right twice a day. That said, everything Williams said above in the wake of the defeat of the DREAM Act is on point. Yep, the defeat of the DREAM Act is yet another victory for the racist anti-immigration movement. But hey, we've talked about this a time or two on this site before, right? Yep, score one for racism.

I mean why would your elected officials vote yes to giving a path to citizenship for individuals when in truth such a move puts white people at a disadvantage. I mean, when you're told that the DREAM Act will help "illegal aliens" replace "old white men" in the senate. One can only expect said senators to go into survival mode and vote no against a measure that would reduce deficits by $2.2 billion over the next 10yrs. And not only that, over the same time period, according to the CBO, would add $1.7 billion to government revenue.

But they say it's a giveaway or "back-door amnesty" to them "illegals", and of course Amuur'cuh doesn't do deals with criminals. Never-mind the requirement of qualified undocumented immigrant having to obtain a higher education or even the exercising highest form of patriotism alive by serving in the military; yeah, never-mind that. What's important is securing life and liberty for white folks as was intended per the constitution. I mean hell, what would America be if white folks were to "lose their freedom" because of this.

But sharing the dream isn't the only thing hated by white folks in Amuur'cuh. Now I'm hearing that Mississippi governor Haley Barbour's buddies whom he recently praised for keeping the KKK in check - the Council for Conservative Citizens - are a bit pissed off at Idris Elba's role of Heimdall in the upcoming movie Thor. Now mind you, Elba doesn't play the lead role in this movie; but like Thor, he too is a God, and, well, that just ain't right according to the same people who fought school desegregation after Brown v. Board of Education. You know, the same people praised by Haley Barbour who made the civil rights era "not so bad," because of the pretty white girls around?

They've even set up a Boycott-thor.com website:

It seems that Marvel Studios believes that white people should have nothing that is unique to themselves. An upcoming movie, based on the comic book Thor, will give Norse mythology an insulting multi-cultural make-over. One of the Gods will be played by Hip Hop DJ Idris Elba.

Marvel has a history of advocating for the left-wing. In early 2010 they even used their Captain America comic to attack the TEA Party movement. Marvel front man Stan "Lee" Lieber personally funds left-wing political candidates. Now Marvel has inserted left-wing social engineering into European mythology, casting a black man to play a Norse deity.

I would say that somewhere right now there's a Native American somewhere with a tear on his cheek after reading this, but that would be wrong. I mean I can understand the frustration of these white folks over a black man being cast as a God. I mean it's bad enough that there's a black Messiah occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. after all these years. And now you add insult to injury by having a black man desecrate Norse mythology? Yeah, a Hip Hop DJ?!!

OK, so there are a lot of black guys who play for the Minnesota Vikings, but that isn't a concern; besides, they suck this year. What's important is the depiction of white folks as savage conquers and historic accuracy, I suppose. Which when you think of it, might just be the reason they're fighting Idris Elba being in this movie; as well as, the idea of granting a pathway to citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants.

Human Trafficking: Modern-day Slavery in America [VIDEO]

Illegal Immigration is making YOUR kids FAT!!!

by Joanna (JuJuBe)

Well, you all will be happy to know that the supposed "obesity epidemic" among teenagers has NOTHING TO DO with the fact that there are fast food restaurants on just about every corner of every city in the country. It is TOTALLY UNRELATED to the ever increasing number of processed, high fat, low nutrition products available on supermarket shelves. Parents, it is NOT YOUR FAULT that your kid is getting fat, because it is has NOTHING TO DO WITH the chicken nuggets and pizza you are feeding him three meals a day Nope... the truth is... it is all the fault of..... THOSE DAMNED ILLEGALS!!!

Yes, it is true!! Those pesky Mexicans are making American kids fat!!! According the the Center for Immigration Studies, the REAL REASON kids in the US are getting fatter is because of ILLEGALS who are coming in and... gasp... mowing our lawns!! Because the truth is, mowing lawns was what was keeping American kids fit in past generations. Not running around with their friends outside! Not playing sports! Not moving, jumping and playing in real life instead of in a video game! Nope, it was MOWING LAWNS that did the trick!

Barack Obama's "Illegal Alien" Aunt Speaks Out: "The System Took Advantage Of Me"

As if right on cue, with all the recent rhetoric about Barack Obama and his "Kenyan anti-Colonialist" daddy who is somehow running the country from the grave, Obama's "illegal immigrant" aunt Zeituni Onyango has crawled out from under a rock. And in no uncertain terms, she's managed to piss a few people off.

In a recent interview with a Boston's WBZ-TV's Johnathan Elias, she has managed to fire up our right-wing anti-immigration friends and neighbors. By asserting that, "the system took advantage of her," and that the United States has "the obligation to make me a citizen," she has certainly drawn much needed scrutiny of the broken system of immigration.

And you know what? The way the following interview is presented, it's understandable as to why some may be upset, and are of the opinion that her Kenyan-born nephew and illegitimate president, just might have had a hand in her being granted Asylum, and thus being allowed to lawfully remain in the country.

Labor Day: Domestic Workers Are People Too!

Some time ago on this site Eco.Soul.Intellectual highlighted the plight of often invisible Caribbean nannies here in the United States. In particular, the piece touched on the many female undocumented workers charged with the responsibility of raising future generations of Americans.

Much like the stereotypical southern black "mammy" archtype we all know too well and "love", their lives and or livelihood is often unappreciated; and in many cases, for them, their subservience is a way of life having to exist in the shadows as all undocumented workers in this country do.

In many cases, these are workers who are voiceless, marginalized, and are often taken advantage of by their employers. Working long slave-like hours tirelessly as they care for the children and households of well-to-do upper middle class and wealthy families, they rarely garner the respect of the average American worker.

While supplying a service that is premium in a culture where class-ism is the norm, these are women often held hostage. Often, domestic workers are away from their own homes all week, and earn very little.

Being undocumented, employers often exploit the services and also abuse domestic workers with the threat if contacting federal immigration agencies; many of these women live and work for years under these conditions.

Today being Labor Day here in the United States, I felt the need to take the time to spotlight a recent passing and signing of landmark legislation which seeks to improve the working conditions of domestic workers in the state of New York.

These are basic rights that have otherwise been ignored, and taken for granted by employers of domestic workers. The New York Domestic Worker Bill of Rights signed by governor Paterson, sadly establishes a legitimacy to the many women who work as domestic workers and nannies:

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (A01470, S2311A) amends New York State labor law to guarantee basic work standards and protections: time-and-a-half for every hour over 40 hours per week; one day off per 7-day calendar week; a limited number of paid vacation days, holidays, and sick days; protection from employment discrimination; and advance notice of termination..  The bill provides a means of enforcing these standards in court. 

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights applies to all domestic workers in New York State.

Domestic workers are the bedrock of a functioning society, yet they are a workforce in crisis. 

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights takes on a new urgency in the wake of the current financial crisis.  Among New York’s least protected workers, domestic workers are among the first and hardest hit by any economic downturn.  In these times, domestic workers are even more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. 

Being a son of the Caribbean, and having heard countless tales from women who in most cases are without many options when they first migrate to this the vast land of opportunity. Let me just say that this legislation, like any law that seeks to provide an equal footing by recognizing basic human rights, is a major victory for society at large. Check out the following clip to understand:

Orayne Williams: From Kingston, Jamaica; to a Homeless Shelter; Now to College

Anyone one who knows me will tell you that I have a soft spot for the homeless, and downtrodden. Often, I bring to light the everyday madness on this site; but today, here's some reality with an awesome ending.

So, check out the story of Orayne Williams (pictured above), and how he overcame serious odds to be granted a full ride college scholarship just about a month ago. Hopefully you'll find this inspirational:

Homeless high school grad Orayne Williams is getting the ride of his life - a full scholarship to a four-year college.

Abandoned by his family and living alone in a Brooklyn shelter, Williams, 18, excelled at school with a 91 average at Bedford Academy in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The Daily News broke his story on June 15, and since then, he's received more than $15,000 in scholarship money from readers.

Now, Manhattanville College in Purchase, Westchester County, has offered Williams a slot and a promise to cover any expenses he can't pay.

"I was speechless," said Williams. "I didn't think it was going to happen, but it did."

Born into a poor family outside Kingston, Jamaica, Williams was sent to live in Florida alone at age 12. In 2007, he was reunited with his mother and half sister at a Brooklyn homeless shelter.

In November, his mother kicked him out, and city Education Department social worker Wayne Harris found him a spot at a shelter for young men in Williamsburg.

Williams still managed to do well, taking three Advanced Placement classes, earning an A average, and winning a spot at an upstate two-year community college on scholarship.

All that changed after Manhattanville College President Molly Easo Smith read Williams' story in The News. "His hunger for education really meant something to me," said Smith. "It touched a nerve."

Although Smith didn't know if Manhattanville would be able to pay Williams' way, she encouraged him to apply.

Last Tuesday, Smith learned that the school had enough scholarship money available to cover Williams' expenses, which will work out to about $47,000 a year.

She called Harris - and that night the social worker broke the news to Williams at a support meeting for homeless teens. The room erupted into thunderous applause.

"I felt like I hit a 3-point jump shot," said Harris. "I clenched my fist, like, 'Yes!'" (source)

Williams will be moving to Westchester this month to attend the college, where he plans to major in biology. "Of course I'll miss Brooklyn, but I'll be back," Williams said. "Life is just taking its course."

Having worked and volunteered in homeless shelters in recent years, this story really warms my heart. More than anything, what really bugs you when in the shelter environment, are the faces of the many kids you encounter. It's truly a hard-knock-life for many of them, and breaks such as this one doesn't come too often...

Especially for a kid from the Caribbean with similar circumstances.

To understand how poverty affects the education of children CLICK HERE!

The Lies of the Anti-Immigrant Movement & the Silly Negroes who Believe Them

I was invited to do a radio show last night by my man Rock from the blog African American Political Pundit to discuss the issue of immigration reform. It was an appearance I had been looking forward to for several weeks. Hey, anytime I can get the opportunity to speak on one of my favorite issues I get excited. The show started well, but sadly it ended badly. To be perfectly honest, I became frustrated by the level of ignorance that came from a few of the "regular" listeners of his show, that I pretty much walked off the set before the program ended. I probably shouldn't have lost my cool like I did, but as you know, I don't do too well with slave catchers who are willing to support the repeal of the 14th amendment to fight immigration reform.


I can understand bigotry and xenophobia when it comes from white folks on the issue of immigration as I've often discussed on this site. But I gotta tell you, when I hear the same talk from people with whom I share the same color, it is truly depressing. But maybe I give black people (who I think should know better) too much credit for knowing and understanding just how racism has historically played itself out in the tapestry that is American culture. But I get the feeling that some of us would love nothing better than to enjoy relegating another group of people to that of "new nigger" status in America.

Oh how the internalized oppression of my people is astounding as they seek to preserve what they feel to be their limited space in the bucket full of crabs that is black America. If only they would realize that all minorities suffer at the hands of the systematically racist machine that America has and continues to be today. If only they knew that our strength is in numbers and by forming alliances so as to affect change for us all. But as I've said before on this site: being a nigger ain't bad; it's the crabs you have to worry about.

For it is only a crab-ass nigger who would sit idly by and say:

"I ain't worried about them repealing the 14th amendment to fight them illegals... shit, Obama ain't did nuthin for black people so why should I care about them criminals who are taking all the jobs from black folks! Hell, they the ones committing all the crime in the country 'n shit RiPPa!!! Besides, they turning America into a 3rd world country bringing in all those diseases"

Of course I can't remember the last time I saw a group of Negroes camped out looking for work at a Home Depot... which is beside the point, but I digress...

Shit, for a minute I forgot that they were black and felt that I was either the lone black dude soon to be kicked off of a reality show, or, a black guy sitting in on Rush Limbaugh's program defending Barack Obama. But I continue to talk or write about this issue mainly because of the misinformation, and disinformation that often shapes or dominates the debate. Often the general public are roped into ill-formed opinions based on lies employed to advance political agendas. But thankfully, there are individuals who are willing to dedicate their lives to truth telling, rather than buying into the bullshit that they're fed, unlike some so-called progressive black folks.

Yep, Let's Repeal the Fourteenth Amendment & Bring Back Slavery Too

Sen. John Kyle (R-Ariz), top GOP Senator calls for repeal of the 14th Amendment to reverse the citizenship status of the children of undocumented immigrants, born in the United States. Yep, and while we're at it, let's just go ahead and make black folks 3/5ths human like the good old days.

Hell, why stop there? Fuck it, just go ahead and pass a whole new amendment that grants white men the right to get their dick sucked by any random minority of their choosing -- especially the ones from Mexico -- on the third Sunday of every month. I mean isn't that a good way to advance the cause that is Americanism?

On Sunday, Sen. John Kyl (R-Ariz.) became the highest-ranking Republican to call for  the repeal of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Appearing on CBS' Face the Nation, Kyl said that he opposes allowing children of undocumented immigrants to be granted U.S. citizenship and wants Congress to hold hearings on the matter.

In doing so, the Senate's no. 2 Republican didn't place himself on the extreme wing of his party's stance on immigration policy. Rather, he joined what is a growing movement that could very well shape the official policy planks of the GOP.

There are already a number of Republican officials who have preceded Kyl in calling for a reworking of the country's citizenship laws. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has proposed the piece of legislation that would repeal the 14th Amendment; he is joined on the House side by Rep. Jack Kimble (R-Calif.).

An aide to Graham said that there had been no formal dates set for hearings or the bill's introduction. "Senator Graham threw this out there on Fox News and it is something that he has been talking about in South Carolina as well," the aide said. But there was growing talk and legislative activity around the concept.

In the House, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.) has introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2009, which would attempt to deny children of illegal immigrants U.S. citizenship through statute rather than a constitutional amendment (thereby lowering the vote threshold). He has 93 co-sponsors for that effort including Rep. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Republican who is in a runoff to be the party's candidate for governor.

Senate candidate Rand Paul (R-Ky.) caused a stir shortly after winning his primary by saying he supported stripping citizenship from children of the undocumented. Former congressman and potential Colorado gubernatorial candidate Tom Tancredo -- one of the staunchest anti-illegal immigration voices in national politics -- has made repeal of the 14th Amendment a major cause.

There are many obscure Republican candidates who have made the same proposal, including Kevin Craig in Missouri and Gary McLeod (an obscure Christian conservative who is challenging -- without much hope -- Majority Whip James Clyburn). (source)

 Yep, that's how you fix the problem that is the broken immigration system of the United States. I mean why even attempt to reform it when all you have to do is to repeal the 14th amendment? Clearly, the only reason "illegal immigrants" are flocking to the United States is for the opportunity to lay in a state of the art maternity delivery room unlike anything south of the border, right? Oh well, it's cheaper than building a fence, I suppose.

Your Tax Dollars at Work: Structural Racism & Mass Deportation of 'Illegal Immigrants'

Now here's something interesting I came across that highlights structural racism, and the deportation of undocumented immigrants. It's a piece written by Tanya Golash-Boza who happens to be an Associate Professor of Sociology and American Studies at the University of Kansas, that was featured over at one of my favorite sites, racismreview.com:

The overwhelming majority of the 12 million undocumented people in the United States are not in deportation proceedings. Some undocumented migrants, particularly East Asians, are very unlikely to ever be apprehended and deported. In 2007, there were about 230,000 undocumented South Koreans in the United States. Only 417 Koreans were deported from the United States in 2007. In that same year, there were about 280,000 undocumented Hondurans in the United States. Yet, 29,737 Hondurans were deported. In 2007, there were slightly more undocumented Chinese and Filipinos in the United States than Hondurans. However, only 408 Filipinos and 766 Chinese were deported. This is indicative of a trend – Latin Americans are much more likely than Asians to be deported.

Given that DHS claims to be making the nation safer through deportation, it is remarkable that they almost never deport people to countries which the U.S. Department of State identifies as sponsoring terrorism – Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Cuba, North Korea, and Sudan. In 2007, for example, 319,382 people were deported. Among these were 49 Iranians, 27 Iraqis, 40 Syrians, 76 Cubans, and 13 Sudanese. (Data were not available for Libya and North Korea.) Instead, deportees are most often sent to countries with which the United States has amicable relations – our allies in the Western Hemisphere. Human Rights Watch reports that 897,099 people were deported on criminal grounds between April 1, 1997, and August 1, 2007, and that 94 percent of these people were from just ten countries, all in the Western Hemisphere – Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica, Canada, Brazil, and Haiti. (source)

After reading the above section, my guess is that immigrants from the south of the border should start flying planes into buildings. Yep, maybe if they did, they'd be seen as less of a threat to national security. But then again, maybe the war on terror is actually working.

Yep, maybe the U.S. needs to invade and occupy Mexico. Shit, it has to be cheaper going to war and exterminating them on their homelands than it is to round them up and deport them. Besides, it's not like we can't stand to have more diversity among convenience store owners...

PIC: ElviraArellano - deported and separated from U.S. born son in 2007.

Racism Goes Paranormal: It's No Longer Racial Profiling, It's a 'Sixth Sense'

Lemme tell you something: I stay away from the paranormal shit. Not that I believe in any of it. But when someone else goes there with it? That's usually my clue to exit stage left. So now I'm conflicted because my arch-nemesis racism has decided to up his game and go all paranormal on a brotha:


Umm, how exactly are "illegal immigrants" groomed, Steve? No seriously, grooming? I mean, are you trying to say that there's a certain smell exclusive to illegal immigrants? If that's one of the "indicators" that influences the "gifted" in sniffing out illegal immigrants, I guess you're right.

Yep, there's nothing racial about that. I mean, that is if you overlook the whole "what type of accent they have," and "what type of shoes they wear," thing. I mean, it's pretty obvious that all illegal immigrants wear Nikes with the upside down swoosh from those Latin American sweatshops, right?

I swear racism gets more clever by the day.

Your Tax Dollars at Work: 15yr old Mexican citizen shot by U.S. Border Patrol in Mexico

I heard about this story a couple of days ago. I decided to stay away from it, because, well, it wouldn't make a difference; nobody cares about the lives of "other" people. Besides, he's just one less potential fence jumper we have to worry about, right? However, in keeping with the tradition of highlighting injustices on this site. I present to you the story of Sergio Adrian Hernandez Güereca and how he lost his life all on your dime. And I present this to you courtesy of the good folks at Democracy Now!, an independent news source like no other:


Part II:


Oh well, shooting and killing children in other countries isn't anything new. The U.S. government has been doing just that for decades, no? Sure, I understand that this kid's death doesn't make up for all the crimes committed in the US of A by "illegal immigrants". But does that really matter when he was killed on his native soil by a foreigner? Does the unnecessary use of deadly force not matter?

Did the Border Patrol have to respond by firing shots?

His death is truly unfortunate; but like I said, nobody cares; not even the union who represents the Border Patrol. In a statement on their website, they labeled the deceased as a criminal. Yep, according to them, he was a part of a coyote smuggling ring. So once again, brown people are reduced to being less than human, labeled as criminals, which gives justification to their lives being taken from them.

Support for HUMANE Immigration Reform

[Editor's Note: I usually refrain from posting material that's not mine, but this is too important not to share. From the outset, I have noted that early polls regarding Arizona’s Racist Immigration law (SB1070) were basically useless. For one, many Americans don’t really stay on top of the news like the rest of us political junkies. Therefore, not that many people actually knew much about SB1070, let alone its constitutional ramifications.

The vast majority of Americans get what little news they devour from the mainstream media. Therefore, a poll two days or even two weeks after the passage of SB1070 might not be measuring a response to the actual law. It might be measuring a concern over immigration, generally speaking.

The people behind SB1070 are documented extremist hate groups who have fought tooth and nail against immigration reform. SB1070 isn't reform, it’s codified racism. The following article attempts to peek behind the curtain and yields some interesting insights]

* * *

"The Immigrant" 1903

Shocker: Most Backers of Arizona Law Support Humane Immigration Reform

by Frank Sharry

With national polls showing majority support for Arizona’s harsh immigration law, you probably think these voters are hard liners determined to rid the country of immigrants and deny a path to legal status for all of the undocumented immigrants in the U.S., right?

Wrong.