"ANOTHER YEAR?"

Here we go again.
Let's try in 2010
To change our ways
Instead of continually coasting in a daze.

Ignoring the roles politics play
In our day-to-day
Lives, where we strive
To stay alive; Contributing to the hive.

When individual urges
Merge with military surges,
The purpose is skewed.
Leaving us with no idea of what to do.

Put down the remote.
It's not the time to gloat
In Constitutional rhetoric
That approved of second-class citizenship and importing folks in boats.

CHANGING CHANGE

A record number of people packed the Washington Mall last January 20th. If you include television and the internet, the inauguration of America's first Black president was among the most globally observed events in history. Many tears were shed by many people for many different reasons. Some were overcome by the mere fact that someone other than a white male lawyer was about to become the leader of the free world; others simply struggled against the wind that cut through the DC winter sky.

Change had come. Albeit, smaller change than what some had hoped. On that day, it seemed all the problems of the country, and to a large extent the world, were about to be solved. Hope, and its presence inspired one and all. Whether people were inspired positively or negatively didn't matter. Either way, the arrival of change had to be acknowledged. What we have seen since President Obama took the oath of office is a combination of some overly optimistic expectations and some fear that the status quo will no longer be accepted.

In 2009, Barrack Obama became the president based on his promises to change the way Washington works. He also promised to change the way Wall Street worked. It could be argued that changes have been made, but not to the extent that those who voted for the president had hoped.

It's interesting to reflect back to two particular posts from earlier in the year. One is titled THE BEGINNING OF THE END; the other UNDEFINED CHANGE.

In both pieces I discuss the need for US to define the change we want to see. Change is happening, but what are we doing to influence it?

2009 will also be remembered for the passing of a genius, Michael Jackson. There's no doubt the King of Pop was a musical genius, but his technological and humanitarian prowess is not to be overlooked or ignored. Since his death, I have collected all of MJ's music and have been listening to it more than I have listened to it in the last 10 years. Because of Michael's exclusive linguistic delivery, we sometimes fail to comprehend what he is saying. Partly because we can't understand it, but more importantly because we are FEELING it.

Michael Jackson's music will be around forever because of the message within. The truth he sang is universal and can be felt by humans the world over, including those who do not even speak the language of English. This same truth could arguably be what caused him to be portrayed in the manner he was since was first labeled a child molester. Allegations that he was never found guilty of, for the record. Besides that fact, many millions of Americans disregard the decades of work and millions of people he's helped under this guise. As in the song above, Michael was also about change.

Like every one of us, Michael was not perfect and struggled with his personal weaknesses. But when he WORKED, he was focused and groundbreaking. He provided expressions that would at the time, and hopefully will in the future, inspire people to be more humane and love one another. He (moon)walked the walk.



That video was from a march on September 15, 2007. It's been over two years since the people had enough energy to march down Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol building. The anti-war movement has been regrouping and re-energizing. The fight is not easy, and it can't be fought with a remote control from the comfort of you over-used sofa. And considering the first-level opponents in the struggle against eternal war are the US Department of Defense and it's conveniently adopted sister The Department of Homeland Security. These two agencies alone pack a punch of budgets worth $660 B and $55 B respectively.

That is a tremendously difficult task when the people who make up the anti-war movement are working people. To get to Washington, DC on a weekday is a world-altering event for some. The majority of those truly affected by the outrageous amount of money spent on war, are the same ones either fighting the war in the military or fighting in one of the many internal wars here in the "homeland."

I hope that the people of the anti-war movement can be reinvigorated by the growing movement for health care. The combination of the two can significantly help wach cause. Especially when you consider that everyone who lives in America could have free health care based on the same amount of taxes we currently pay. No need to raise them when they can be reallocated if we weren't spending TRILLIONS on two separate wars, with arguably no legitimate missions.

Regardless of strategy, change is going to have to start with the individual. We've all heard the saying "actions speak louder than words." They do. And that's how we need to define this "change" that we are hoping for. The change will be that we will no longer stand for "taxation without representation." We will hold officials accountable. It's obvious that from the beginning of this young country politicians would not regulate themselves. That's the point. The people within a democracy are supposed to be involved and that's what balances out the corruption.

Politics are not irrelevant just because you choose to ignore them. They continue the way the system was designed. If the people are involved, then their wants and needs will be addressed. If they are not, they won't. If our elected representatives were being held accountable by the people they would be talking to the people. Instead, no people are calling them, so they have no choice than to talk to other politicians (and lobbyists). Look where that's gotten us.

WHAT WAS

Similar situations
All across the nation.
Emotional states
Trump rational debate.

Not about Love and Hate;
About twisting your fate
In a way you can't understand.
Not willing to jump when you'll land

In a place you can see
Stability to the point you can't leave.
Weaving in and out of being happy
And thinking you're happy based on what others see.

The end's not the end.
Universally True friends.
Although responsibilities change,
Brains and hearts are eternally stained.

THE REAL MIKE VICK EXPERIENCE

Michael Vick is an Eagle. And although I was working on writing something about his situation, this changed the situation. It's different when it's "your own backyard." I supported #7 through everything from the beginning. I have a different perspective of athletes and owners than most, and I've never owned a dog. Two very important factors. Him becoming an Eagle, as surprising as it was, did not change my view of him. It only added to what I previously thought.

I didn't think he needed to apologize to anyone. Especially in order to play in the NFL. People like to say that "it's just a game" or a "privilege." That's incorrect. It's a BUSINESS first, then a "sport." Not a game. Games are what we played as kids. The NFL is no game and no privilege. The majority of NFL players have overcome adversity that "Joe the Plumber's" of the world cannot comprehend.

An athlete like Vick does not come around very often. His skills and pure athleticism are unparalleled. Smooth, fast, and fluid. He's a natural. He was born with the gift and was put on a pedestal at a young age. And up until 2007, it was business as usual.

Dog owners across the world were outraged! Specifically dog owners. It's great to have a companion that shows unconditional love; I get that. But just because you do, doesn't mean that people who think dogs are animals do not exist. No moral questions should arise out of how you treat dogs. I don't see anyone knocking on the door of "the guy down the street" who ties his dog to the tree through the winter. Or the one who let's them lick out of their beers.

Even the term "inhumane" is used out of context. Shortly after the allegations, NIKE suspended Vick's contract.

As we've said before, Nike is concerned by the serious and highly disturbing allegations made against Michael Vick and we consider any cruelty to animals inhumane and abhorrent.

Apparently, NIKE considers cruelty to HUMANS not only OK, but a business model. And somehow they hold the moral ground.



So the message I'm getting here is that it's OK to operate sweatshops and practice indentured servitude. Just don't kill dogs (you paid for on your property.)

This is what passes for "freedom and justice for all" these days. STOP WATCHING TV! F the court of public opinion.

Read. Please.

Or at least watch something that was not manufactured to get you to buy something. Or think something. Like "dogs >>> HUMANS."

Individuals like Michael Vick are used by the media to distract us. The same way "Jackie Robinson, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, John Carlos, Mike “Iron Mike” Tyson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Etan Thomas" were used before. They are EFFECTS; not the cause.

MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL would not want you to know that they pay NO TAXES and are exempt from all fair competition laws. They also wouldn't want you to realize that the salaries paid to players are NOTHING compared to what they make (or don't have to pay) in a year.

Mostly from tax subsidies and using the players and coaches to sell their image.

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 39: THE TRUTH

People have "their reasons" why they disregard politics. You have a "right" to do that, but don't forget the "responsibilities" that come along with your rights. It's easy to ignore the responsibilities in a democracy. And even easier to complain about the effects of the laws passed by those we ignore.

For many, politics seem so far away (in Washington or Harrisburg). But like anything, ignoring it doesn't make it disappear. We feel the effects whether we acknowledge it or not. And I had the pleasure of getting our voice heard by the highest level in our department. Even if disciplinary action doesn't happen, we've sent our message that we will not accept disrespect and sweatshop conditions. Or LYING!

That could not have been accomplished without the cooperation and inspiration of MANY. If a certain coworker would've named her baby Manhattan, instead of BROOKLYN!, things might not have turned out the same. =) The unity and awareness we've built must continue and be built upon.

I used to be in the frame of mind that "ALL politicians are greedy, corrupt liars." And because of this stance, disregarded politics. Then, I joined the military. This experience enlightened me to world of politics. In the end, it was a MAJOR factor when I decided to get out. Since about 1997, I've been following politics very closely. Our apathy has put us at a severe disadvantage. Hopefully, July 2009 has awaken the masses.



The people are the majority. Not the politicians. Proven by the struggle of PA state workers, politicians do not care about us. Moreover, they do not respect our numbers. This is based on our past and present attitude to accept what they do as "boys will be boys." And in particular in my workplace, "girls will be girls."

Even "office politics" should not be ignored or disregarded. My office is a smaller model of government. And right now we are being ruled by a tyrant. We must take the initiative to be informed to stop CURRENT operations and to prevent them in the future. Monday is going to be a new start for everyone. WE GET PAID THAT DAY TOO!

We will overcome this adversity. Many have before us. I would say the mistakes made by those before us was to forget it, instead of to remember it.

WE WILL REMEMBER!!!

"The only thing we've ever learned from history is that we don't learn from history." ~Anonymous

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 36: TIME TO BE HEARD

On the same day the Senate OK's another $61 BILLION for food stamps, caseworkers are fighting to get their own. It's SO unbelievable, I have to say it's UNBELIEVABLY UNBELIEVABLE!!!

We're being treated like children, and it's driving me insane. For your own boss to deprive you of not only your pay, but your federal assistance on top of that, is inhumane. I truly do not have the vernacular to describe the current situation. Everywhere we're told to go for help is a dead end. And even worse, working against you.

Being paid NEXT week is NOT good news! Live off 70% of your pay for a month. And like it. And now the icing on the cake: PA House Democrats Got Paid YESTERDAY!!! WTF!

If anyone feels like this might apply to their personal circumstances, let me know because I'm working on a grievance. This is Article 36, Section 7 (pg 91) of the contract.

"Employees should be treated in a respectful manner which does not embarrass them or demean their dignity. The appropriate forum for addressing incidents which are inconsistent with this principal shall be the Labor-Management meetings under this Agreement."

Our working conditions contribute to our health, and working conditions SUCK! If you file a grievance, you will be included in the meeting. If you feel like I do, and want your voice heard, this is the time.

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 35: BEGINNING OF A LONG WEEK

It's amazing what passes for good news these days. Today, house democrats gave the governor our paychecks. Now he needs to SIGN it. He knows exactly what he needs to veto and it should be done already. And the "business days" is bull$hit too. Business? If there is no penalty, interest or any other of the many TAXES we have been programmed to pay, it's not business!

By not signing the budget TODAY, he's making 77 THOUSAND HUMANS wait one more day for what they NEED. What could the governor possibly be doing that's more important than giving the Commonwealth its legs? We're not even asking for the guts.

For those who shy away from politics, DON'T! You don't have to be a politician; just an educated voter. For most people, the month of July was the greatest amount of adversity they've EVER had to overcome. To balance the universe, that hardship must be matched positively. But it doesn't just happen. You gotta make it happen. It doesn't happen without politics(unfortunately.)

It's a shame and an inspiration at the same time: the (late)power of the people. But many have become more aware. Proof is with the ongoing USDOL investigation. Not even half of the people who have valid complaints filed one. And the DOL no longer wants to handle the complaints. We have a RIGHT to file our complaints and we SHOULD.

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 34: THE OFFICE

Today was a quiet day in the office. I noticed many empty cubicles. The spirit is gone. There might as well be a rain cloud hovering over the building. It's truly a depressing state. It hurts to smile; and it takes so much energy to do so. Maybe somber is a better way to describe the "workplace."

To make it even worse, our office is DARK. There are about 15 lights out in my section alone. Maybe we cannot order the lights because of the missing budget? Regardless the reason, it makes for a dreary climate.

This ideology of "the way things always have been" seems to trump common sense, simple human nature, and science. There is countless evidence that can be found on the State's OWN websites(including SEAP and Live and Work Well) that prove that our working conditions cause health problems.

Even when brought to the management FACE TO FACE, our concerns are ignored.

So tomorrow, in a best-case scenario, the Governor will sign some sort of budget to "allow" us to be paid. All the information I've read says that we'd receive WHAT WE'VE EARNED in 5 (business) days. That would mean next Tuesday, the 11th, we'd receive OUR money. And then receive our regularly scheduled pay check on the 14th.

I repeat, BEST-CASE SCENARIO.

That is still a long way off for most. This B-CS could still be the longest week of one's life. Be sure to file your complaint with the USDOL to ensure you get the "damages" the government feels you deserve. Even though we all know you cannot put a price on the damage.

BE STRONG!

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~ Plato

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 33: AWARENESS

These days we are struggling through will not be forgotten. As unstable and emotionally distressed as people are, we must try to understand our circumstances. When the budget impasse finally comes to an end, we will feel relieved. What must be recognized and not forgotten is the effects of the impasse. It will take some months and others years to recover from the stress that has been caused.

A speedy recovery will be dependent on people's awareness. Many have already realized that this situation affects all those around them. Unfortunately, during challenging times, those the closest to us suffer the most. The best way to reduce the breadth of our hardship is to talk with those closest to us. DO NOT try to deal with it yourself.

According to the American Psychological Association's article "Tools for Tough Times:"

"It's really important for people to get educated on the effects because these things can really sneak up on you," he says. "Your economic situation is bad, you're having these problems in your marriage, and a lot of people don't realize these things are related to one another. If people can come to understand what can happen as a result of these problems, they'll be better equipped to cope with them."

So once we recognize our personal situations and deal as best we can with that, we must also remember how we got to this point. We all know that changes must be made, but are not quite sure WHAT needs changed. We must stay calm and level-headed. Emotions are dangerous. Many of the regrets we have in our lives came when we made emotionally-based decisions.

Firstly, WE must make a change. Ignoring politics has gotten us to the point where multi-BILLION dollar bailouts can be approved for banks in minutes. While the people, who are now involuntarily committed to paying for these bailouts, are told there is NO HELP. And it has now moved from 'no help' to withholding what the people have earned. We are paid for OUR TIME; not for the product produced. That is another change we must make. Let's put ourselves FIRST!



It takes a very "special" person to run for elected office. Like many of us, politicians gravitate towards a profession that brings out the best in them. Unfortunately for us, our current political climate rewards lying, corruption, greed, and "scratching backs." We have the power to stop this. Like anything, we must continue to pay attention and exercise our rights as taxpayers and citizens.

For example, we should take away from this budget crisis that ALL of Pennsylvania's elected officials disregarded state workers. NO ONE took a big enough stance to get workers paid and avoid violating federal law.

I'm also very interested in how the US Dept of Labor is going to handle the situation. The most recent information I've heard is that they've requested pay stubs up thru 7/3(7/17 paycheck). Glass half-full: they got enough evidence from these pay stubs to file suit. Glass half-empty: they're waiting to see WHEN a budget is signed (in a very "brush under the rug" sort of way.)

According to papers, 1500 complaints prompted the USDOL to stop accepting additional complaints and add a specific message to Commonwealth employees on their phone system. I hope that does not work against us. 1500 complaints out of 77,000 employees does not look good for our cause. We should continue to contact the USDOL to have our formal complaints filed.

Just understand that filing your formal complaint is the goal of the call. Be calm and rational. We now just want to show our numbers. The same way we did on July 28th.

"In politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing." ~ Mark Twain

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 31: PAYLESS PAYDAY

Epiphanies should be rippling across Pennsylvania this morning. Although the State of Pennsylvania (thru SEAP) does not recognize the budget impasse as a "traumatic event," 33,000 HUMANS woke up to the truth. That very sad truth is a missing deposit parallel to the pay stubs issued by their employers.

To many, this will be the "straw that breaks the camel's back." Some will be paralyzed and not able to function, physically or mentally. They won't make it into work today, in hopes that they will be able to recover over the weekend. But also possessing the fear of disciplinary action, which only makes their condition worse. They are not FIT FOR DUTY.

This week, I've had many universal alignments. Tuesday, during an impromptu interview with PJ Reilly of Lancaster Newspapers, I was able to express the facts of the current working conditions. So much so, that it actually made it to print. I was pleased.

"I hope no one gets hurt before (lawmakers and the governor) decide it's urgent (to pass a budget), because it's human nature for people to go into a desperation mode right now," he said. "The amount of stress this is causing people is not being acknowledged, let alone being serviced."

Wednesday morning(DAY 29), this picture is on the FRONT PAGE. Needless to say, I got a lot of feedback throughout the work day. Mostly positive and some cautious and amazed. To take action is ME. But to many others, there is a fear that exists. I can only hope that my actions can break some of their fears. Because only then will we be free.

Also Wednesday, I received a letter from PA Department of Labor and Industry. It caused many different scenarios to blitz through my head before opening it. Most of these scenarios would not have been options a month ago. BEFORE the impasse.

I opened the letter and it was an Availability Survey for the job I applied for back in May. My light at the end of this CAO tunnel may have an end. My interview is scheduled for 8/7.

Wednesday also included the first "outbreak" in the office. I haven't spoken to either of the individuals involved, but this is what I've heard. I am quite familiar with the current situation of the employee, and the supervisor involved has quite the reputation.

The worker was filling out an application for Food Stamps. Imagine the psychological contradictions involved in filing an application for assistance in the very office you WORK. Then have a supervisor(not your own) who has a history of "bullying" workers tell you to complete the application on your break. He lost it. The completely verbal altercation (allegedly)ended in the POLICE being called.

If a 911 call wasn't placed, this is against DPW policy. As stated in the Workplace Violence Memo sent out the previous day.

If a 911 call WAS made, it reinforces the fact that management DOES NOT UNDERSTAND the size or scope of the problems.



To further reinforce either their misunderstanding, or blatant disregard, Thursday (DAY 30) another encounter. Our Virginia-Slim-smokin'-ED approaches me during lunch(MY TIME) to comment on something I did on MY TIME.

VSSED: "So now that you're famous, with your picture on the front of the paper, you're not going to avoid us now are you?"

I wanted to say you don't have to worry about me avoiding you! But instead I calmly replied "it doesn't seem to be enough."

She then says "I'm confident the budget will be signed and we'll get paid the week of the 10th."

I said "that's still 2 weeks away."

She then said something to make it seem like it was next week.

And I told her "No, it's 2 WEEKS." Walked away.

She inspired me SO much that I'm going to take my letter to all the local restaurants and see if they will donate or offer specials to state workers.

You know, the one that ends:

"While this correspondence creates no obligation on the part of you or your business, appreciate any flexibility you can provide to affected employees during the impasse."

And that's not MY grammatical error. WHO appreciates? Apparently not the person who signed this letter. It didn't mean enough to even proofread.

If there is any doubt to anyone that we are in a Depression, please admit it to yourself now. The GOVERNMENT is not paying its employees. And the money keeps going to the banks!

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 28: WHAT A LUNCH!

Today was hot! And standing in the heat at high noon, yelling at the top of my lungs didn't help. While thousands voiced their outrage in Harrisburg, a little over a dozen of us took to the square of Lancaster.

Work is beginning to tense up. We received a "Workplace Violence" EMAIL today. It contained the policy regarding it. Not a thing about how to prevent it, recognize it, or defend against it. Basically, "we don't tolerate it." Along the lines of "Stop whining!"

Also read today in the supervisor meeting notes that workers who are APPLYING for services in our office have TO TAKE LEAVE for their "interview." Good grief.

Does the State not realize that they are CAUSING the same conditions that they want to punish people for?

I got lucky with the Lancaster Newspapers today. Thanks to Farah for having the camera. And to LNP for putting a mic in front of my face.

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 27: THE AWAKENING

A U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson tells CBS 21 that the purpose of the investigation is to protect state workers rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The department says now that an investigation is under way, there is no need for any more state workers to call and complain.

Sounds like the governor got a little talkin-to over the weekend. He's now THINKING. And more importantly, he thinks we need to "get the government running again."

Tomorrow I will be protesting in Penn Square, downtown Lancaster. Across from the brand new Convention Center, and right outside Central Market. Should be fun!

Some people took tomorrow off to head to Harrisburg too. The momentum's shifting.

BUDGET HOSTAGE, DAY 26: EVE OF DESPERATION

In March 2003, I was still in the Air Force and stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio. I had a set of orders and plane tickets to Turkey, somewhere along the southern border. There I would be setting up a base "from scratch" in order for the war with Iraq to begin. Although, I was never sent to Turkey I was scheduled three different times to fly out. All three canceled by a call in the middle of the night.

Needless to say, this was a very stressful time in my life. As a result of this experience, I formed an ever-growing discontent with the government. Because of what it personally put me through, and what I've come to find out it puts millions of people through everyday.

July 2009 is now comparable to March 2003. And it has the potential to surpass 03 this week. I am very concerned about how coworkers will react this week. It gets no realer than knowing you will not be paid when your livelihood, as well as your family's, is dependent upon this pay. These conditions, caused by our employer, are going to make good people do bad things. And it will not be their choice; it will be human nature.

Desperation is defined by Merriam-Webster as "loss of hope and surrender to despair." People have definitely lost hope, and I'm confident as this week progresses it will become obvious that folks can't think of anything else other than how they are going to provide for their families. The patience the governor has asked for is wearing thin. If he and his chain-of-command keep ignoring the health issues involved, I'm afraid the patience is going to turn to patients.

I'm sure that I have acquired some sort of "condition" as a result of this impasse. I say that because I am obsessed. And I'm enraged that the lawmakers do not share my obsession. I cannot effectively do my job because I cannot quit thinking about how to make them do theirs. (NOTE: I am aware of my obsession and this is NOT a threat towards anyone.)

The lack of leadership and management is disturbing. I am not "classified" as a worker who should be recognizing warning signs and proactively trying to prevent "traumatic events." But lack of classification should not discount my concerns. Until now, they have been. In a formal meeting on June 17, we requested SEAP to provide us a service. They declined and offered individual assistance.

I've spent a lot of time on their site, along with our other state-provided resource liveandworkwell.com. EVERY article, regulation, powerpoint presentation specifically states: DO NOT IGNORE warning signs.

From an article they have posted on their site titled, "Depression Costs Billions,"

"And many people don't recognize depression as an illness. Symptoms of fatigue and indecisiveness are often seen as personality problems, laziness, or weakness."

From an article by the Mayo Clinic titled "Job Burnout: Understand Symptoms and Take Action"

What are job burnout symptoms?

Ask yourself these questions to see if you're experiencing job burnout signs or symptoms:

* Do you find yourself being more cynical, critical and sarcastic at work?

* Have you lost the ability to experience joy?

* Do you drag yourself into work and have trouble getting started once you arrive?

* Have you become more irritable and less patient with co-workers, customers or clients?

* Do you feel that you face insurmountable barriers at work?

* Do you feel that you lack the energy to be consistently productive?

* Do you no longer feel satisfaction from your achievements?

* Do you have a hard time laughing at yourself?

* Are you tired of your co-workers asking if you're OK?

* Do you feel disillusioned about your job?

* Are you self-medicating — using food, drugs or alcohol — to feel better or to simply not feel?

* Have your sleep habits or appetite changed?

* Are you troubled by unexplained headaches, neck pain or lower back pain?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing job burnout. But because some of these symptoms also can indicate certain health conditions, such as depression, be sure to consult with your health care provider about your symptoms.

PLEASE, everyone be strong.

BUDGET HOSTAGE: DAY 25: THE STATE'S RESPONSE

OK, so I've been spending most of my time reading and doing. Making it impossible to actually sit down and write anything. Out of necessity, the time has come for me to write again. Or else, my head is going to explode.

I'm also beginning to write down what has happened because it is now EVIDENCE in a federal investigation. Since we already have the USDOL's attention, why not take a look at working conditions too.





07.24.2009 USDOL Response to Payroll Records

The letter above is consistent with the governor's interpretation of last year's Commonwealth Court ruling throughout this whole debacle. On 7/17, the governor said "I wish the law wasn't the law." I would feel the same way when I realized that I broke it.

I will never forget July 2009. It has been a month like no other. A true struggle and a call of spirit. I've learned a lot about the law, unions, worker's rights, politics, etc. I've made contact with a lot of great people, who I hope to continue in the fight that workers(and all humans) face. And sadly, a lot of those same people are now just realizing it exists.

Two sources specifically I would like to give a special thanks to are:

Floor9

Nana's House

They've taught me much, and I've never even met them.

ILLEGAL LAW

For those who have ever thought "Send the Mexicans back where they came from," please read my previous essay, "Illegal Is Not A Noun."

On May 1, 2009, 2 White defendants were found guilty of Simple Assault, committed against a Mexican immigrant. To some, this may be seen as a victory in Race relations and an intolerance for discrimination and hate crimes. In reality, this is a supreme injustice and a clear example of the racial inequality within our justice system. The most serious charges were 3rd degree murder, aggravated assault, and ethnic intimidation.

Even the lesser convictions are questionable. Derrick Donchak, 19, who was convicted of "providing" alcohol to minors, in addition to simple assault, is under the legal drinking age of 21(in PA). He received no underage drinking charge. This is particularly puzzling to me, because I happen to have 2 underage drinking charges from way back before I turned 21. Even CNN reports casually about a 19 year-old BUYING alcohol. (not to mention the place that sold it to him) And in the end, being drunk during the tragic beating is used in the defendants' favor.

Before I cover some of the facts of this case, I want to bring to light something said by Mr. Donchak's lawyer, Jefferey Markosky. In debate of whether Donchak's wearing a Border Patrol Agent T-shirt would reflect his stance on immigration, Mr. Markosky states "A T-shirt is not an expression of what your inner beliefs are."

I highly disagree with that statement, and would bet that anyone who owns a T-shirt would too. From my "MEXICO" soccer jersey to the "LA ALHAMBRA" T, with the Arabic writing to the ROOTS concert T. And to my boy, Mike O, T-Shirts are a religion. I'm not saying it's impossible, but you have to feel "some kinda way" to wear a Border Patrol T-Shirt. I WOULD NOT. AND I WOULD NOT BEAT AN IMMIGRANT TO DEATH EITHER. See the correlation?



To many, this is known and accepted. To many more, it's more convenient(and selfish) to ignore it. And that's IGNOREant. Racism will not end without everyone. Racism is so complex that it cannot be overcome without conscious participation. This is not easy. So here's an example of two racial injustices in PA and how they relate to one another.

Firstly, in the Shenandoah case the defendants are White. The victim was Mexican. All-white jury. From press releases, it seems the argument was not whether this gang of drunken teenagers killed Luis Ramirez, but WHICH ONE lunged the fatal kick to his skull.

Another man, 18 year-old Brian Scully, is the one who allegedly thrust the final blow. Curiously, he is facing only juvenile aggravated assault charges. Why should this adult be tried as a juvenile?

Supporters of the defendants say things like:

Listen these are kids we are talking about. No matter how you look at it they ARE NOT COMPLETELY MENTALLY DEVELOPED.

In no way should they have ever been tried as adults and that is why the jury let them off. I am not only speaking for myself but for just about every male I know when I say there was a time when I was their age that I was in a fight and things got out of hand, however there is a very fine line that sometimes get crossed and this is an example of that.

I understand that there should be consequences for these young men, but in no way should they spend the rest of their lives with out a chance at normalcy.

If they were not white of course they would have been convicted but we live in America. We need to stop sentencing teens as adults. period.

I applaud the jury for their decision, and I hope that when your son or daughter gets in a fight and someone gets hurt that you will understand.

Such a sense of forgiveness and willingness to write it off as "boys will be boys." When truthfully, 3 of the 4 were adults. No doubt this decision will be appealed. And federal charges are already pending.

From Shenandoah, let's go to Lancaster, PA, where a Black 16 yo is being held in Lancaster County (adult)Prison. He's charged with homicide, being charged as an adult, and faces life in prison.

Lancaster County District Attorney, Craig Stedman says "Given the facts, there is no question that the upgrade is appropriate." Although not specifically cited, I would guess the upgrade is appropriate due to the DA's Gang Crime Reduction Initiative(GCRI).

This initiative enjoys all the powers of enforcement, at the same time it admits "the accuracy of the identification of gang affiliation and gang crime is being assessed as well as the effectiveness of gang intervention, prevention and disruption strategies." The GCRI "targets for aggressive prosecution," those who are identified as "gang-affiliated," which it does not have a root definition for.

In the case of Tyler Johns, his only affiliation with gangs seems to be he was harassed by them. Hopefully, the DA does not subscribe to the ideology that killing a gang member in self-defense is "gang-affiliated." Johns prior police record was fighting and curfew violations. No drugs or alcohol involved.

"City police Detective Lt. Charles Schmidt testified that Johns, told him he was frightened of Wright-Carter(victim) from earlier encounters.

Under cross-examination from defense attorney Hobie Crystle, Schmidt testified that Johns told him that in the weeks just prior to the stabbing Wright-Carter, of West Vine Street, shot at him, beat him and was a member of the violent Bloods street gang."

The victim in this case, Kenyon Wright-Carter, 18, was an adult. This detective admits he was told by a child that he was scared of an adult who previously attacked him. And nothing was done. Weeks later, a child is startled to see someone he fears. And with the history of already being shot at, he assumes he has a gun. Seems logical.

The child is literally at a gun fight with a knife. He grabs the knife and swallows his fear. BLACK OUT. What would you do? At 16? When you've already been denied equal protection under the law? When you suffer from Anosognosia?



Tyler Johns'incident happened January 24, 2009, and he turned himself in 2 days later. The men who killed Luis Ramirez, turned themselves in 3 weeks later to a cop who's dating one of their mothers.

Johns' case definitely has a chance of self-defense and temporary insanity. Ramirez's death was NOT self-defense; It was a drunken attack.

While the White 18 y-o, gets juvenile charges, the Black 16 y-o gets tried as an a adult.

The White defendants had an all-White jury. The Black defendant will not have an all-Black jury.

There is a reason our country failed to attend, or even acknowledge the need to, the UN Conference on Racism. There has never been a movement to reverse all the discriminatory laws in this country. Many perceive the Civil Rights Movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, to be the end of the equality fight. This perception ignores the fact that it was only the beginning of the discussion.

It's going to take all good people to care about justice.

R.I.P. Luis Ramirez (and all others killed for being who they are)

TRICKLE-DOWN TRADITION

The World Health Organization defines health as "not only the absence of infirmity and disease, but also a state of physical, mental, and social well-being." I agree and would add that personal health also falls within the parameters of "promoting the general welfare," and "life,liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Constitution and The Declaration of Independence. Two document the majority of Americans lean on when defining their Patriotism.

The complexity of these morally and legally guiding documents is too much for one to comprehend. It's much simpler to latch on to a particular part, or parts, and apply the principles of only those parts to every experience. When, in reality, the intellectually honest approach would be to assess each experience independently and apply the pertinent sections. Not just the ones that you feel comfortable with.

Although promoted within the first words of The Constitution, "Welfare" has a stigma associated with it in 2009. It's a code word now; associated with minorities and hurts many more Whites than it does minorities. Minorities, as the victims, recognize it and are able to adjust to it. While many Whites of the same economic level refuse to acknowledge who their true enemies are. As a result, many Whites who hold the prejudice against an association with "Welfare" do not receive the benefits they qualify for. Mostly because they never apply, out of shame.

The bottom-to-middle percentage of the "Middle Class" is already heading towards poverty, if they're not already there. The income scale has shifted; this must be recognized and responded to. Priorities must be adjusted into an updated view of the world. The jobs that were sent overseas are not coming back. Many are falsely hoping the jobs will come back and things will return to "normal." Normal is not permanent. It changes, and we need to keep up.

We are no longer in an industrial age. But we still teach our children with an industrial teaching model. Manufacturing is gone; basic auto repair is gone; Tele-customer service is gone. Public schools are failing because of lack of technology; telling a child to read 20 pages from a book is like telling previous generations to read from stone tablets. Boring and "out of touch." The same assignment can be given where the child reads three pages on a website, watch the video, or listen to the podcast. For success in the future, basic computer skills are the new minimum requirement. Replacing HS Diploma.

Many Whites, mostly college graduates, will argue against any advantage their skin color and legal classification provides. This is a common defensive reflex I have experienced when discussing Race relations with Whites. The logic used to defend white privilege is to ignore the overall statistics and make it personal. When you're the majority of a population, as white males are in the US, it's easier to accept the status quo without seeing any negative effects. Averages always work in your favor. There's also an unconscious trust Whites have with the government. That trust comes from a history of government assistance; as apposed to non-White males having a general hesitation regarding government decisions.

According to the Food Research and Action Center, Lancaster County, PA's poverty statistics(by Race) were the following:

TOTAL POPULATION FOR LANCASTER COUNTY = 493,910
TOTAL POOR WHITES (100% of FPIG) = 6.7% (28,134 ppl)
TOTAL POOR BLACKS (100% of FPIG) = 30.6% (4,779 ppl)
TOTAL POOR LATINOS(100% of FPIG) = 27.9% (8,935 ppl)

* Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

100% of the FPIG for a family of four is $22,050. That's $10.60/hr, 40 hrs/wk, 52 wks/yr. Even if you're lucky enough to have a job offering 40 hours for 52 weeks, avoiding illness is still very difficult. Especially when insurance is too expensive compared to wages.

Research from Penn State University shows the living wage for Lancaster County for the same family of 4 is $28.18/hr (or $58,614/yr). That's more than double of what the government considers impoverished.

To an extent, we've allowed this to happen by our lack of participation. Though the greater extent, of which we did not allow, is powerful and invisible. To be satisfied with what you're given impedes progress in every case. Information must be analyzed and compared to your current personal beliefs. When information is indiscriminately accepted as truth, the author must be identified. Then you will know the reasons someone would repeat their thoughts instead of creating original thoughts.

American Traditions are some times more powerful than its laws. And only a short time ago, did the US recognize women and Blacks as equals. More than property. This NOW in time is critical to the future of the World. There's an incredible burden on the majority of White Americans to recognize and mobilize when it comes to Racial divisions. The progress of Americans and America is deadlocked on Racism and Slavery.

It cannot be accepted as progress when our country is "harshly criticized" by The UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in March 2008. After ignoring the World's request to stop rampant racism in the justice system, in March 2009 we boycott the UN Racism Conference to be held in April 2009.

There are many self-proclaimed experts in many different disciplines who haven't a clue of how to fix what's broken. Fortunately for them, they have the security of education, wealth, and health. They also have a support structure in those of similar economic levels. Color has less of a factor when education levels are comparable. Problems can be solved by cooperation and communication. The lower income/education-level folks are divided first by differences, even in parallel circumstances.

Imagine the 28,134 White poor folks working in unison with the 4,779 Black folks and 8,935 Hispanic folks to address the issues that are affecting all of them equally. It requires critical thought and honest acceptance of facts. Whereas today we seem to be satisfied with blaming one another based on something irrelevant and involuntary. Racism is American History. The truth about Racism needs to be addressed before we can ever hope to live in "Post-racial America."

Instead of a united group of poor people, we have divided groups of Races. This group labeled poor, and "under-privileged" by media and politicians, is the majority. And the majority of this majority are White folks. To unite this group will take a member of the majority. The minorities seem to have been waiting since the Civil Rights Movement for unity.

Dr. King had an approval rating similar to George W Bush in his last years. He was speaking out against poverty, and was organizing the Poor People's Campaign. He had poor folks from the south living in "Resurrection City" on the Washington Mall. Bringing the poor people's struggle to the nation's eye and the government's.

Then he was assassinated. We have yet to recover.

INSPIRATION FROM IGNORANCE

From the "Human Rights Record of the United States in 2008."

"The proportion of U.S. prisoners to its population has hit a new high. The Washington Post reported on July 11, 2008 that the United States has 2.3 million criminals behind bars, more than any other nation in the world. A report issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on December 11, 2008 said that over 7.3 million people were on probation, in jail or on parole at the end of 2007, equivalent to 3.2 percent of all U.S. adult residents or one in every 31 adults. (The United Press International, December 11, 2008). For black men aged between 20-34, one in nine was in jail. (The Guardian, March 1, 2008). The rate of prisoners, higher than any period in the U.S. history, was almost six times the world average (125 in every 100,000 people). According to statistics, the recidivism rate stayed high in the United States. Half the people of previous convictions were sentenced to prison again within three years."


I had an interesting discussion at work yesterday. I walked into a conversation where a few people were talking about the way people dress. Specifically targeting minorities and the Hip Hop culture in general. None of the people talking had much knowledge or understanding of the culture or psychological effects of being a minority in this country. I tried(really, I did) to be silent, in hope it would pass.

Then one man, who is basically on the waiting list for a police officer position, describes an incident during a ride-along he had with an officer. The officer stopped and confronted a man because of the way he was wearing his hat. Adding that the officer asked "Where can I get one of those hats?" Because of the joking manner in which the story was told, I broke my silence.

ME: "Why don't you think that's harassment?"

HIM: "He just asked him a question? No harm done."

ME: "That's profiling."

HIM: "If it would've been a White person, they would be treated the same way."

ME: "That's not true. Don't you think minorities are disproportionately incarcerated?"

HIM: "I read 200 studies that say they're equal."

ME: "I have a hard time believing you read 200 studies and would come to that conclusion. Who did the studies?"

END OF RECESS

This is not the first conversation I've had with this individual, and he's generally a good guy. But I challenge him EVERY time he displays discriminatory dissonance. He will be a police officer in the future. I take it upon myself to plant the seed in him. He's obviously never heard the view of police by those he targets and mocks. He should and will.

As of July 2007, the rate of incarceration by race was as follows(per 100,000):

NATIONAL
WHITE: 412 (.4%)
BLACK: 2290 (2.3%)
HISPANIC: 742 (.7%)

PENNSYLVANIA
WHITE: 305 (.3%)
BLACK: 2792 (2.7%)
HISPANIC: 1714 (1.7%)

That's far from equal in my view.

"DIFFERENCE IS DIFFERENCES"

Certain circumstances
Calculate your chances.
Lifelong romances
Or searching for second chances.

No matter what your plan is,
Planted dead-ends by The Man is
Not to be denied. It enhances
Social structure, at the same time deprives self-pride.

It's hard to breathe underwater
When the author says you squandered
Opportunity away.
Excluding how he led you astray.

From this day forward,
Lean towards the one in the mirror.
Mom couldn'ta been much clearer.
While you pretended not to hear her.

IT DOESN'T ADD UP

There's a lot of people with a little money right now. A lot of workers who don't have jobs. A lot of "outside-people" are staying inside. Homeowners are losing their homes. Senior citizens are seeing their long-term investments disappear. The fat are getting skinny because they have no food. We've definitely entered an era of change.

While many of us are drafting and implementing our own personal recovery plans, it's also important to understand how we fit into the larger plan for the economy. We are capital. If you are alive, you fall within one of the 17 definitions of the word. To not understand capital when living within Capitalism, is somewhat suicidal. In many cases people do take their lives. The majority, though, continue breathing at their economic peril.

W.E.B. DuBois said even before the The Federal Reserve's institution that “To be a poor man is hard, but to be a poor race in a land of dollars is the very bottom of hardships.” There's much to be learned from from the African Diaspora and more importantly the aftermath and progress that followed. Many believe that The Atlantic Slave Trade is ancient history. Many others forget when we put Japanese-Americans in concentration camps in 1942. The African struggle in particular has many teachers, but they seem to be systematically silenced and demonized. The same people that have historically oppressed the Blacks are still in power now. You can't have American history without African-American History.

At the top of the power structure are rich white men. That can't be denied. $250,000 is the marker the president is using for the upper class. As of August 2008, the real median income was $50,233 per year. 1 in 50(or 20% of earners) make $250K+. To give this some perspective, here are some key statistics for Lancaster, PA:

Based on 2 Adults, 2 children

LIVING WAGE = $28.18/hr
POVERTY WAGE = $9.83/hr
MINIMUM WAGE = $7.25/hr

Find your city here

The median income of Lancaster for 2008 was $44,600. This includes the likes of Armstrong CEO making $10M, while cutting jobs at or below the living wage.

The title of the Census' press release was "Household Income Rises, Poverty Rate Unchanged, Number's of Uninsured Down." Seems like a sandwich. Positive, Negative, Positive. The negative heart of this socio-sandwich seems to be ignored. I'm no economist(yet), but it should raise some sort of red flag when income rises and poverty doesn't change. It reflects the widening wealth gap. Higher salaries at the top distort averages and medians. Median is the numerical halfway point, e.g., 100 million earners, the median is @ 50 regardless of income. The average is adding all income and dividing by the number of earners.

The media, who are owned by the top 1% of earners, tell us that the rich pay the majority of taxes. That is true, numerically. What cannot be ignored when analyzing who pays taxes, is the huge gap between the actual incomes. In order to make the list of the 400 richest Americans, you would've had to make $1.3 BILLION last year. In 2007, the CEO's of bailed out financial institutions Merryll Lynch and Goldman Sachs earned $83M and $54M respectively. I'm all for rewarding achievement, but these banks failed.

We've arrived at this point by not being "in the know" and dismissing Politics as irrelevant. As a result, we have many laws and systems in place that are in direct conflict with our personal well-being and the common good. It's time to realize we can, and have to, make a difference. The middle class has disappeared, and many do not want to come to terms with this fact.

Any energy spent on arguing about differences amongst those who have so much in common is counter-productive and counter-REproductive. Race, Religion, Sex, Political Party, are just some of the divisive categories in which we're placed. Compartmentalization is a useful tool for those in power.

As Aesop tried to teach us in The Four Oxen and the Lions,

A LION used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell a-quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.
“UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.”

US AND THEM

I have a neighbor named Jim. He owns his home, where he's lived for 71 of his 76 years. 2008 was the first year of his long life that he made more than $10,000. And that was from SSI, the minimum the government provides for those who have not paid enough into the system. He receives food stamps and Medicaid paid, and continues to pay, for his 17 prescriptions and the plastic surgery required after having cancer removed from his face. Jim is White.

When I first met him and told him my name was Jose, he immediately asked me if I was Puerto Rican. After trying to explain the concept of a mixed heritage to no avail, we moved on. He'll still occasionally refer to me as Puerto Rican a year after we've known each other. Jim also likes to use the words nigger and colored when referring to Black folks, to include the president. And without a drop of hate in his voice or demeanor. It's so ingrained in him that he can't see the contradiction of using these words of hate in one breath, and in the next saying how every Black person he's ever actually met has been a good guy. Even the one who married his daughter.

Jim is a Republican and he basically has an IV of the kool-aid strapped to his arm. From segregation through the Reagan-crack years, welfare reform, COPS premiering on FOX, he's been staring at the TV and accepting these stereotypes as the truth. The only common factor between Jim and the Republican party is his skin color. He refers to the Welfare Office as the gift shop, but received a significant amount from an office he hasn't contributed to.

The fact that Jim takes what he's given for granted, while demeaning minorities for receiving the same is a common internal dispute. Jim feels like he "deserves" it, while others don't. He's never earned anything. His home was passed down through the generations. From a time when it was illegal for minorities to own property; Not long after they were actually considered property.

I know Jim grew up in a different era, so I don't hold it against him. He's in his last days; he can live them the way he wants. But he is a window into the past. And his programming needs to be understood, so we can counteract it and progress. He's a good guy; it's the subtle, institutionalized Racism that's the culprit.

Lately, I've been hearing the argument that it's no longer and Black/White thing; it's a class thing. I agree and disagree. It is a class thing. But it's also a Race thing. It's not either/or. It's both. We can't skip race to get to class just because class affects White people. Class cannot be dealt with until the Races are united within. Only then can we fight our true enemies. When we begin to focus on our similarities more than our differences, we will begin to understand and respect one another.

There's definitely a Class war going on, but our collective ignorance of history leaves us confused and frustrated. Targeting those that are in our exact socio-economic positions and keeping us divided. To be conquered by the Bankers.

We've been tricked into believing that (unregulated)Capitalism is good for us. Us, being the bottom 90% on the wealth scale. When everything's for profit, the common good is sacrificed. And as absurd as the phrase "bottom 90%" seems to be, it's the truth. The wealth gap is beyond the average citizen's comprehension. For example, in 2007, CEOs averaged 866 times as much as minimum wage employees.




Ben Franklin said "The inability of colonists to get power to issue their own money permanently out of the hands of George the III and the international bankers was the PRIME reason for the Revolutionary War."

After Woodrow Wilson realized what he had done by signing the The Federal Reserve into existence in 1913, he regrettably said "I am a most unhappy man. I have unwittingly ruined my country. A great industrial nation is controlled by its system of credit. Our system of credit is concentrated. The growth of the nation, therefore, and all our activities are in the hands of a few men. We have come to be one of the worst ruled, one of the most completely controlled and dominated governments in the civilized world. No longer a government by free opinion, no longer a government by conviction and the vote of the majority, but a government by the opinion and duress of a small group of dominant men."

We are on the edge of life as we know it. Although many people, Black and White, have been living in depression-like conditions for years and decades, only now that it has "trickled up" to another class has it sparked such outrage and public disapproval. Alas, the outcry is here. People are awakening to the truths of money and the evil at its root. The Federal Reserve, as a private corporation, lends the US Government money, with interest. Then through taxing the people the debt is paid upon, but never fully satisfied. That's because the Federal Reserve also prints our money, and they never print as much money as they lend.

That's a very remedial explanation of how the Banking system works, but its intricacies are not the main concern. Right now, the concern is the tax money we are promising to pay is being given right back the the Bankers. In effect, never lending us the money in the first place, but requiring us to pay it back. Twice.

There's a difference between a Human and a Person. According to the Uniform Commercial Code, person means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.

We have to stop being People and start being Human.

"WHY NOT US?"

We do deserve better.
Letter to the editor.
Remember that peddler?
Steadier evolving towards the predator.

Time goes by.
Third-eye blind. No lie.
Can't deny when the walls bear flies.
Surprised at the Devil's disguise.

The easy road erodes
At the fork, you thought you chose.
Like when from concrete sprouts a rose
It grows, not without its struggles though.

You can be the best you.
But it don't mean a thing
Unless you open the door
When the doorbell rings.

UNDEFINED CHANGE

The stimulus bill has been signed. People have a little more hope. But not until we start receiving that $13 per week in our paychecks, will we begin to put our guard down. We've been through a lot in the last few years, and we have every right to demand a lot from our representatives right now. Since 2001, those who we've chosen to represent our interests in Washington(and Harrisburg) have been derelict in their duties to the people and the Constitution.

They are not alone. We have not held them accountable, and we were warned by so many. Albert Einstein said "all of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field." The inspiration of President Obama is real, but it's up to us, as the citizenry, to define the change that's fueling our inspiration.

All change is not good. The right changes must be made. For the right people. People like the recently awaken. Many voted for the first time in 2008; many 18,many more 38. Michelle Obama took some undue criticism during the campaign for her statements about being proud of the country for the first time in her adult life. I bet a lot of the 38 year-olds felt the same way. There was a sense of inclusiveness just to vote for the man, let alone elect him.

I've been following politics closely since 1997 and intensely(almost impulsively) since 2000. It's a dirty game, was always about money, but now has no choice to be exclusively about money. It seems like the politicians and their partners in finance, oil, and prescription drugs are making a run for it. We cannot allow this to happen.

People who HAVE been awake have been waiting for you to wake up. And help. Most Americans have been massaged or medicated into slumber; free from the responsibilities required by the law of the land that guarantee the rights we hold so dear. No matter how great Barrack Obama, the man and president, is or will be, he's nothing without US. We are the key.

People came to the polls for a reason last year. Change. During the campaign, it was used like wiggling bait. But NOW is the time to finish the sentence, "change is..." President Obama has given the whole country opportunity and now we must seize this moment. Grab it. Mold it. To look like US. Pennsylvania in particular is going to receive more than $6B . We can work with that.

The change we are about to define can also define us as a new people. An America where people can be different, and not deficient. Where we ALL care for one another. Where we celebrate achievements. Respect the histories of every individual. Broad brush strokes have gotten us where we are; it's now time to grab a pencil.

ILLEGAL IS NOT A NOUN!

THAT'S ONE POPULAR VIEW OF "ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION"

Here's another...



A vast kaleidoscope of peoples struggle to get to the US shores everyday, and each one of them has a story. A reason, a goal, a dream, and more specifically The American Dream. Many quest for US citizenships not because of what is here, but for what is not. To not know Freedom, whether it be economic, personal, or any other form, is difficult to comprehend for those who've always had Freedom. And to know there is a place in the world that guarantees Freedom and not try to get there is suicide of the soul.

People of all kinds want opportunity. If there isn't opportunity, the people won't come. Mexican people, regardless of citizenship status, are under intense scrutiny right now. With times being as "tough" as they are, people are scared and unsure about their futures. Just as we see our politicians operate within the "blame game," we also fell the need to blame someone. Those different than ourselves are easy targets because then we can claim that it's not our fault.

Immigration policy is very complex and should not be reduced to "sending Mexicans back where they came from!" For one, this philosophy is currently being applied through The National Fugitive Operations Program. Established in 2003, under The Department of Homeland Security, "to dramatically expand the agency’s efforts to locate, arrest, and remove fugitives from the United States," it has failed to do so. As a matter of fact, the program has proven to be a huge failure. 73% of those arrested had NO criminal records. With such a low success rate, it's hard to argue against the involvement of racial profiling.

This is an excerpt from an article I wrote for Associated Content It's currently in the editing stages and should be available soon.

White Privilege in Black History Month

With our current economic crisis bogartin' the news, we're not hearing so much about Black History Month events this year. I've heard some say that because of the election of Barack Obama, that there is no longer a need for organizations like the NAACP to exist. Members of the media and pundits on their programs like to use the term "post-racial America." And they're attempting to blend this term into everyday language.

Don't believe it! Don't buy into it! There is much for all of us to learn. Good things and bad. Friends go through the ups and downs together because they have that understanding of each other and feel one another's pain. I'd like to share a series of events I've encountered in the past week on a discussion forum. It's not a regular forum I read; I got there through an article I wanted to read. Then I started to read the comments; I immediately registered and here's how it went...

MY FIRST POST (in response to the bold)

I'm sorry, but I didn't spit on any children. Did you? I wasn't calling the cops on my neighbors for being black. Were you?

I didn't either, and I thank you for not doing so. But I believe you are misunderstanding Racism. It's not individual Racism that's at question. It's the systematic and traditional constructs in place.

And I'm sure everyone who gets pulled over has their plates scanned. You make it sound like there are no black police officers; like there is some vast white conspiracy to pull over all black drivers.

You don't have to call it conspiracy, but you can't deny the facts of the disproportionate police brutality on blacks. When was the last time you saw a white guy being beaten by police on the news? While at least 2 black men were killed by police in the last month that I can recall off the top of my head. Is this coincidence?

Your talk of slave trade implies you are still living in the 1850s. Are you aware that it is 2009, and slavery no longer exists in the United States? Do you know any black people that were involved in the slave trade? Then stop commenting on it. You, single-handedly, are living in the past and refusing to move forward.

Your refusal to even discuss the topic shows some kind of denial or lack of knowledge on the topic. It is 2009, and there were several cases of slavery in the US last year. Not to mention the sex slave trade that's a booming business, especially in DC.
Slavery is not ancient. People were born into slavery into the early 1900's. And you can't underestimate the passing of generational wealth, combined with discriminatory laws. These are issues that need discussing.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and derive that you're probably a Democrat. Just a completely random guess. No clues from your ignorance guided me toward that conclusion. *Sarcasm*

I agree with President Theodore Roosevelt's quote: "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americans."

NO RESPONSE

NEXT POST

A black man from a broken family was elected to the highest office in the land. If he can do it, so can YOU. Quit blaming your race on your failures.

One black man out of an estimated 20 million. Do you think that YOU could be president? That doesn't seem realistic to think that since one man(that had to have a lot of things fall in place to get there) can do it, that all can-for any race. I don't think anyone is blaming their race for anything.

NO RESPONSE

NEXT POST

As soon as the Black are willing to give up affirmative action and enttitlement programs that are race based.

What specific race-based programs are you talking about? Most programs are income-based, and by simple population numbers whites outnumber minorities when it comes to receiving govenment assistance. White women are the biggest beneficiaries of affirmative action.


A level field for all the races.
No race based questions on any employment or housing applications.
No extra points for being a minority what so ever.

What extra points are you talking about? The people that fill out applications do not put the questions on them. That is a government requirement, as result of the discrimination that had taken place in our recent history.

Then racism will have no traction and no one can complain!!

Still I doubt that the free pass mentality will shut up anytime soon!!!!

NO RESPONSE

Then, a few days later comes the article, Topic: Blacks in Lancaster. The comments are too long to post, but the following PM I received should pretty much sum it up.

May I make a kindly, well-intentioned suggestion? Everyone who joins TB learns as they go, and takes their share of hard knocks. One of the things a lot of the "regulars" on TB are touchy about is quotes, keeping what they have written separate from our replies to them. They take it personally when they think they have been misquoted or taken out of context.

If you do a "reply" format, it leaves their words in the quote box, and your words outside the box. Makes it easier for readers to sort through as well. As I said, as relatively new myself, and having taken my lumps, one of the older posters sent me a note like this and it lessened misunderstandings.

Not trying to be bossy, just trying to keep the contention to a friendly level, especially on the race threads. (Oy!)

Wow!

I've said many times that DENIAL is a trait of racism. If this doesn't directly reflect this theory, then nothing can. But that's part of the struggle. Nothing worth having is easy. Hopefully, one day we can all look back and laugh about how stupid we acted. But for now, we have much work to do.

This is my community, and this is what's called a friendly level.