Saturday, April 30, 2011

Arpaio Loses! District Court Judge David Campbell handed a victory to the Racially Profiled Mora Family!

District Court Judge David Campbell handed a victory to the Racially Profiled Mora Family! The Honorable Judge Campbell found Arpaio and his Goons Violated the Mora's Fourth Amendment right to be free of Unreasonable Search and Seizure. Maricopa County was found to be liable for damages.

"Julian, an American Citizen, (and his Father - a Legal Resident) had committed NO traffic violation, and NEITHER plaintiff was ever charged with a crime," Judge Campbell noted in his decision. He added: "In short, the undisputed evidence shows that when the Deputies stopped the plaintiffs, they had NO suspicion, reasonable or otherwise, that plaintiffs were in violation of the traffic laws or engaged in ANY criminal activity."

The Mora's attorney, Annie Lai said, "Arpaio has carried out these [immigration] raids with total disregard of people's constitutional rights. Today's decision should provide some comfort to the (Latino) citizens of Maricopa County that the MCSO is NOT above the law."

Long time readers may recall my earlier coverage of this Racial Profiling case.
The Moras were caught up in one of the many anti-Latino raids that Arpaio and his masked volunteer goons conducted in Latino neighborhoods in Maricopa County. This "suppression sweep" was conducted in February 2009, that of county contractor Handyman Maintenance Inc. (HMI)

Julian Mora, 66, and his son Julio, 19, were driving toward HMI in Phoenix when two MCSO SUVs cut them off about 100 yards from the business where Julian Mora (Julio's Dad) worked. For no reason (other than their being Brown) MCSO deputies zip-tied both father and son (like animals), transported them to the worksite and made them wait for three hours, without food or water (in zip ties). The zip-ties on Julio's wrists were so tight they left marks. At one point, Julian (the Dad), a Diabetic, needed to go the bathroom. Mr. Mora's requests and his son's, on his dad's behalf, were IGNORED until Mr. Mora finally told deputies he was about to wet himself. A deputy took Mr. Mora to the parking lot, where he was made to urinate (pee on the ground) next to a car.

When nature called on the younger Julio Mora, MCSO goons escorted him to the lavatory but refused to undo the zip tie. Handcuffed in front, as he struggled to unzip his pants, Sousa's bullyboys LAUGHED at Julio Mora, asking, "What's the matter, you can't find it?"

Arpaio and his masked volunteer goons were wrong for treating the Moras this way and the Judge agrees.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Far Right Extremists Belong In Al Qaeda! With their Like Minded Brethren!

Extremists get on my nerves. These are the conspiracy theorists who CLAIM:
. our President is NOT an American, Christian. Instead he is a Muslim, African
. our President was NOT a Brilliant Scholar who graduated from Harvard

If I were to describe them=se Conspiracy Theorist Extremists, in one word, the word would be "paranoia." Back in the beginning of the last century, one well known author termed these paranoid, conspiracy theorists as "those that wear Tin Foil Hats." Why? Because these conspiracy theorists believed the "government was trying to control their minds" and they "needed to wear tin foil hats" in order to thwart "the mind control of those with ESP."

These extremists, those like Trump, Fox News, Republicans, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, and everyone else of their ILK.. Al Qaeda LOVES THEM! They are so ANTI-American! What is WRONG with them! I question THEIR Loyalty to America! They are Racists! They are ANTI-American!

I suggest they go back to wherever they came from, but it is obviously NOT America because they are NOT Loyalists! Go with Al Qaeda! I know they will Welcome You with Open Arms!

God Bless America!
God Bless our President! Barack Obama!
Born in Hawaii USA and an esteemed graduate of Harvard!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

President Obama Displays his Long Form Birth Certificate Making Donald Trump and Orly Taitz Look Like the Racist IDIOTS They Are!

I'm glad our President showed his long form Birth Certificate, even though he didn't have to produce it. This just proves what Idiots and Racists all the Birthers are! I know that Al Qaeda LOVES the Birthers, Donald Frump and Orly Taitz. All so disrespectful. You are playing into Al Qaeda's hands. Shameful.

Our President didn't have to lower himself and provide this to all the Birther Racists and Morons, but he did. Now hopefuly they will ALL SHUT UP! (But they won't)

Let's end this discussion once and for all and Honor our President and come together as One Great Nation Again!

God Bless America and
God Bless our President Obama!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Jan Brewer to Birthers: Shut Up! You Guys are Losers!

Jan Brewer tells the Birthers -- Shut up already! You're a bunch of Losers!
PHOENIX -- Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer says the so-called "birther" issue is a potentially destructive issue for the country. Brewer was interviewed on CNN on Monday about her decision a week ago to veto an Arizona bill that would have required President Barack Obama and other presidential candidates to prove their natural-born citizenship.
Brewer reiterated her veto explanation that the bill was poorly drafted. She also said she believes there's no question that it was directed at Obama though it's clear he was born in Hawaii. She told CNN interviewer John King that the birther issue is leading the nation "down a path of destruction."

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Seeking the American Dream: The Life of a so called "Illeegal"

Brought here as children by their parents....the lives of the so called "illegal immigrants." They know no other country. Their crime: Seeking the American Dream! President Obama, please help them find their pathway to Citizenship!

In the 1980s, a young man in his 20's moved to Alaska. He was a Mexican National with no papers. His parents moved him to the U.S. from very poor economic conditions. The young man chose to move to Alaska to seek his fortune. He mirrored someone else's identity and chose the name Rafael Espinoza. Other than the name change, he always remained crime free. He soon married and had a child.

Still crime free, twenty three years later, in 2003, he applied for a job at the Anchorage Police Department. He even submitted for a Lie Detector test. He passed. Little did anyone know that as a small child, he was brought to the U.S. by his parents who did not have their permanent residency status. He had an exemplary career as a Law Officer from 2005 until 2011.

Then, in 2011, when he applied for a passport, his secret identity was discovered. Rafael Mora-Lopez. Regardless of his exemplary career as a Law Officer, he was found to be a so called "illegal alien." His boss, Chief Mew, during a press conference last Friday, described him as a hard working officer and very professional. Lopez was released on $50,000 bail and must wear a monitoring ankle bracelet. He is facing 10 years in federal prison, if convicted and then would be deported after serving his sentence, to a land he has NEVER known.

Guest Voz -- Prerna Lal: Dream Activist

Readers,

I am sharing with you the story of Prerna Lal. Her story is similar to so many Dream Students. When she was a small child, she was brought into our country legally, by her parents, who were here legally. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she is now in illegal status, struggling to stay here, in the only country she has ever known. ALL of her family is here legally, including her siblings. Here entire family is American. Now, due to questionable legal interpretation issues, she may be deported to a land she has never known.



Prerna is brave, brilliant, patriotic, and strongly determined to stay here. She is fighting deportation with every ounce of strength in her body. She is head-strong and unapologetic. I am proud of Prerna! I hope she wins this fight and helps convince our President why it is so important that he act and act now to support these intelligent and brave "Dreamers."
Mr. President: Help Prerna and others like her. America needs these brilliant students for today and future tomorrows of this great Nation!

I encourage ALL Readers to SIGN THIS PETITION and take action to keep Prerna here!
Guest Voz -- Prerna Lal: Dream Activist
My name is Prerna Lal and I am facing the trial of my life as I sit for my exams at The George Washington University Law School. You may know me as one of the founders of
DreamActivist or from the Immigrant Rights blog here where I have penned hundreds of articles over the past two years to help stop the deportations of several members of our community. I serve as a board member for Immigration Equality and I was the recipient of a Changemaker Award at the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) summit this year.

I just paid $800 to the State of California in business taxes. And I’m expected to appear in an Immigration Court in San Francisco for this trial. That is some heavy taxation without representation. To make matters more complicated, my entire family is American and they have done nothing to deserve this treatment.
My only grandparent alive is a U.S. citizen. She voted for President Obama in the last election and is now wondering why he is trying to deport her granddaughter. My legal permanent resident parents brought me here when I was a minor. Even my older sibling is a U.S. citizen. We grew up in this country. My entire family lives here. I am an American and this is my home. I urge you to
take action to keep me here.

I would qualify for a green card immediately if USCIS did not have a questionable (and much litigated) re-interpretation of the
Child Status Protection Act, a legislation that was passed by Congress to prevent children of U.S. citizens and legal residents from aging-out of family, employer and diversity visa petitions. A nation-wide class action lawsuit is pending on this matter in the Ninth Circuit, but instead of holding petitions in abeyance till the lawsuit is resolved, USCIS cannot wait to deport qualifying young people away from their homes.

I would have also benefited from the passage of the federal DREAM Act, a piece of legislation that would put certain immigrant youth on a pathway to citizenship. Just this week, 22 Senators called on President Obama to use his authority to stop deporting
DREAM Act-eligible youth like myself. The letter read, "We would support a grant of deferred action to all young people who meet the rigorous requirements necessary to be eligible for cancellation of removal or a stay of removal under the DREAM Act, as requested on a bipartisan basis by Senators Durbin and Lugar last April."

Even if you do not support immigrant rights, it makes no sense for the government to spend thousands of dollars and several years in litigation in an effort to remove me from my home. In response, my colleagues at Change.org have created a petition to top immigration officials to stop this wasteful and ridiculous prosecution.
You can read more and sign the petition here.

My queer and law school friends are also outraged and are throwing together a fundraiser in support of me (and the DREAM Act) on May 6 in Washington D.C. Check
here for more details.

Your support is invaluable to me. Please sign, facebook, tweet and reblog the petition so that I can keep my family together and continue making worthwhile contributions to this country.

Prerna Lal is co-founder and Online Coordinator of DreamActivist and a board member of Immigration Equality. She is currently attending George Washington University Law School

Thursday, April 21, 2011

President Obama -- While WE Latinos Support You, We ASK that You Support one SMALL percentage of the Dream Act! Do this One SMALL Thing! PLEASE!

President Obama met with Humanitarian, Democratic and Hispanic Leaders on Tuesday to discuss Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). Latinos and Democrats praised President Obama for his attempts to try and jump-start passing a CIR bill. The bill would:
1. Secure the Border
2. Punish Exploitive Employers
3. Provide a Pathway of Citizenship for the 11M here that are Crime Free and contributing to Society

These leaders acknowledge the President's uphill battle against the Republicans/TeaPartiers who are opposed to the bill. Many remain skeptical that it will go anywhere before the presidential election next year.

They asked the President to use his authorities, which he already has under current immigration law, to defer deportations of students who are eligible for legal status under the Dream Act.

“We know that immigration reform is doable, but it is just rather difficult given the makeup of Congress,” said Representative Charlie Gonzalez, Democrat of Texas, who is chairman of the Hispanic Caucus in the House. “We are asking the President if he could provide some sort of relief to innocent people who are the most impacted by the inequities of the immigration system.”

Religious and civil rights groups have also asked Mr. Obama to expand waivers that would make it easier for undocumented immigrants who are immediate relatives of American citizens to fix their legal status without having to leave the United States.

Additionally, Senator John Kerry, Democrat of Massachusetts, and 11 other lawmakers sent a letter asking the Obama administration to postpone deportations of immigrants in same-sex marriages with American citizens. The administration recently decided that it would no longer defend in the courts a law barring the federal government from recognizing those marriages.

Some Hispanic lawmakers, in the most ambitious requests, have said the President should halt deportations of illegal immigrants whose children are American citizens. An estimated four million young citizens have at least one parent who is an illegal immigrant.

Some Latino leaders point to the fact that under the Obama administration, immigration authorities have carried out record numbers of deportations, with nearly 400,000 immigrants removed in each of the last two years, which is higher than under the Bush Administration. The deportations are drawing increasingly irate protests from Latino communities.

But Republicans in Congress SAY the administration has not done enough to remove illegal immigrants, and they oppose ANY action by President Obama that would offer what REPUBLICANS call a “stealth amnesty.” President Obama “should not selectively enforce the law,” said Elton Gallegly, Republican of California, who is chairman of the House Judiciary immigration subcommittee. “Amnesty — whether universal or selective — only encourages illegal immigration.”

As far as CIR is concerned, President Obama is at a crossroads right now. He has, within his powers, the ability to enact waivers to legalize students who were brought here as children, provide them waivers to complete their education and allow them to get in line and apply for citizenship. THIS IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK!

PLEASE MR. PRESIDENT! LISTEN TO "WE THE PEOPLE." ALLOW THESE VERY TALENTED STUDENTS WHO WERE BROUGHT HERE AS CHILDREN TO BE PROVIDED A WAIVER TO COMPLETE THEIR EDUCATION; AND ALLOW THEM TO GET IN LINE TO APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP AND TO SERVE THEIR COUNTRY IN THE MILITARY IF THEY CHOOSE. MR. PRESIDENT, THIS IS NOT TOO MUCH TO ASK OF YOU!

More Bad News for Paul Ryan: New Poll says 80% of Americans OPPOSE Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid!!! And 72% OPPOSE Tax Cuts for the Rich!

A new McClatchy-Marist poll finds that Americans oppose cuts to Medicare or Medicaid by a WHOPPING 80 percent. Included in these numbers: Republicans (by 73%) and Independents (by 75%) . In fact 75% of Teapartiers OPPOSE cuts to Medicare / Medicaid!

The President is RIGHT! Ryan's plan is Massively Unpopular!


Also, 72% of Americans are AGAINST Ryan's proposed Tax Cuts for the Rich! Interestingly, 64 percent of voters support raising taxes on incomes above $250,000 to pay down the deficit, with 63 percent of independents backing this approach.

Polls are proving: REPUBLICAN AND TEAPARTY VOTERS ARE FINALLY UNDERSTANDING THE REPUBLICAN BIG BUSINESS AGENDA is AGAINST "WE THE PEOPLE!" -- WHAT WE DEMOCRATS HAVE BEEN TRYING TO TELL THEM FOR YEARS!!! THE POLLS ARE PROVING IT!

I think we are going to see Lots of Backpeddling by Many Republicans off of their core agenda and off of the Birther issue. I would LOVE to see the AMERICAN PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AND DEMAND OUR POLITICIANS SUPPORT:
1. TAX INCREASES FOR THE RICH (especially for those who earn over $1 M)
2. DEMAND BUSINESS BRING THEIR OFF-SHORE WORK BACK TO AMERICA OR PAY a stiff Penalty
3. DEMAND CONGRESS FOCUS ON JOBS JOBS JOBS TO IMPROVE OUR ECONOMY!

4. FIND WAYS TO KEEP MEDICARE AND MEDICAID -- OUR PROMISE TO OUR SENIORS!

Donald Trump Is Backpeddling Off of the Birther Issue -- AND -- He Found NOTHING to support his Birther Accusations!

Donald Trump stormed onto the Presidential Scene, foaming at the mouth, yelling Birther, Birther, Birther: "The President is NOT a Citizen. I'm sending investigators out to Hawaii. Wait til you hear what they've found."

Then, out of the blue, he wrote an op-ed in the USA Today crying, "Why is the media hounding me about the Birther Issue?"

Trump wrote: "I have spoken my piece on this issue," reminding readers that "many people have the same doubts as I have."

Trump says he never wanted to talk about the birth certificate as much as he has. It's the media's fault that the issue has become so central to talk of his potential campaign, he writes.

Many True Americans are SICK of the Donald's pomposity and insults to our President, including Jerry Seinfeld. Seinfeld was supposed to be part of a September 13 Eric Trump Foundation benefit aiding the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Seinfeld's manager said Jerry has become “increasingly uncomfortable” with Trump’s recent questioning of President Obama’s citizenship so he "has respectfully withdrawn from the event."

Wildman Trump was enraged, and The Post quotes a letter from Trump to Seinfeld: "I just learned you canceled a show for my son's charity, because of the fact that I am being very aggressive with respect to President Obama, who is doing an absolutely terrible job as our leader."

Donald, you are burning many bridges in your quest for attention. My advice to you: Apologize for your disrespect to our President and quietly EXIT from the Presidential Race!

John Boehner/Republicans Diss American Latinos

Every year since 2003, the George W. Bush years, there has been a Cinco de Mayo celebration on the Capitol grounds, and every year it has been HOSTED by the Speaker of the House. This year, John Boehner said NO! He is NOT hosting this event.

The question was asked by the leadership of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Charlie Gonzalez. Rep. Gonzalez sent a letter to Speaker Boehner in an effort to convince him do the event. Former speaker Nancy Pelosi even offered to help plan the event. Boehner’s response was an awkward throat-clearing. Basically, Boehner said, No Way Jose, Sorry Charlie! "YOU Should Host Something."

With Boehner's awkward response, the Republican Party once again disses American Latinos.

Note: It wasn’t the best of possible political moves. Cinco de Mayo is a big deal among Latino’s of Mexican ancestry in the US; bigger than it is in Mexico itself. In Washington, on Capitol Hill, the date has served to celebrate all things Latino in America: from politics to culture. It would have been a great opportunity for the top Republican on The Hill, third in line to the presidency, to show a little love toward the voting group he needs to keep his party in power. But he didn’t.

He probably thought no one would notice.

True Americans BOO Paul Ryan's Budget Plan's Tax Cuts for the Rich!




During a town hall meeting in Milton, WI, a constituent who described himself as a “lifelong conservative” asked Rep Paul Ryan about the effects of the growing income inequality in our nation. The constituent noted that huge income disparities contributed to the Great Depression and the Great Recession, and thus wanted to know why the congressman/Republicans were Fighting to CONTINUE and INCREASE the Tax Cuts for the Rich.

Ryan attempted to give his Bogus "We do not want Redistribution of the Wealth" and "Tax Cuts Create Jobs" -- Phony Arguments. The crowd BOO'd these Very, Very Phony Arguments.

After the Boo-ing, the constituent noted that “there’s nothing wrong with taxing the top because it does not trickle down,” Ryan weakly argued that “we do tax the top.” WHY DO THESE REPUBLICANS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH AND THE DECIMATION OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID?

THE GOOD NEWS: WE THE PEOPLE ARE ON TO THESE REPUBLICAN POLITICIANS SUPPORTED BY BIG BUSINESS. WE THE PEOPLE ARE BOO-ING THESE REPUBLICANS!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Finally Some Republican Sanity! Jan Brewer VETOES Birther Bill!

Jan Brewer, in a rare moment of lucidity, VETOED the Birther Bill! When vetoing the bill, she wrote to the Speaker of the AZ House of Representatives:

Dear Speaker Adams,
Today, I vetoed House Bill 2177. HB2177 empower the Arizona Sec of State to judge the qualifications of every federal, state & local candidate at the time of filing..I do NOT support designating one person as the gatekeeper to the ballot for a candidate, which could lead to arbitrary or politically-motivated decisions. In addition, I never imagined being presented wit a bill that could require candidates for President of the greatest and most powerful nation on earth to submit their "early baptismal or circumcision certificates" among other records to the Arizona Sec of sTate. This is A BRIDGE TOO FAR!
This measure creates significant new problems while failing to do anything constructive for Arizona.
Sincerely
Janice K. Brewer
Governor

Thank you Governor Brewer. John McCain congratulated you. You stand with other Republicans including Karl Rove, Tim Pawlenty and others who have refuted the insane Birther perspective. We stand with you in ridiculing Donald Trump, Orly Taitz and any other Birther that disrespects our President! Hopefuly you will keep up this level of sanity and rescind racial profiling bills like sb1070.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Marilyn Davenport - The Face of Tea Party HATE!

Here she is! Marilyn Davenport! The Face of Tea Party HATE! The Face of Vile Racism against Minorities. The Mayberrian Grandmother who condones Racial Hatred! As proof..... She sent out a monkey picture of President Obama's family. She hides behind her grandmotherly smile. She vilely spewed, "Now you know why No Birth Certificate!" She condoned the Los Alamitos Mayor sending out a picture of a Watermelon Patch on the lawn of the White House! She defended Newport Councilman Richard Nichols for saying "with grass you get Mexicans and they will claim the grass is theirs!" This woman, Davenport, screaming / yelling at the recipients of this vile "monkey" email for being a coward for forwarding it to the media. This vile woman who refused to apologize for sending out this racist email. VIEW THE FACE OF THE GRANDMOTHER.. THE FACE OF RACIST TEAPARTY HATE!!!

TEA PARTY's TRUE AGENDA: HATRED OF OBAMA AND LATINOS! ARPAIO GESTAPOS VIOLATE CITIZEN'S 1ST AMENDMENT RIGHTS! (Proof ALL On Video!)

MUST SEE VIDEO -- PROVES: TEA PARTY RALLIES ARE NOT ABOUT TAXES OR ECONOMY, INSTEAD THEY ARE ABOUT HATRED OF THE PRESIDENT AND HATRED OF LATINOS! In Phoenix on Friday, April 15, the Americans for Prosperty Teapartiers hosted a "Feet to the Fire" Rally in protest of Tax Day in America. The event took place on the House and Senate lawns at the Arizona Capitol. It featured a meet-and-greet with elected officials, including Joe Arpaio and Russell Pearce. While the event was "billed" as a protest against Taxes, speakers like Arpaio never even mentioned the word "tax." Instead, all Arpayaso talked about was challenging President Obama, "illeegals", his raids of Latino Neighborhoods and his torture of prisoners in Tent City. In fact, none of the speakers talked about the Economy or Taxed Enough Already! All they spoke about was their opposition (HATRED) of President Obama and "Illeegals!" Their key note speaker was Sheriff Arpaio. He bragged about: . his credentials, . spoke about his opposition to the President, . the protesters who have protested against him across the country (using very vile language), . his experience battling illeegals, making fun of the President, making fun of the latino protesters, . and he spoke about his new operation "Desert Sky" and how demonstrators wrote to the President about their opposition to this program. -- (He also spoke about his support of Russell Pearce). During Arpayo's diatribe, he made fun of the protestors protesting against him who were not allowed onto the Capital's lawn (because they were brown). They were Latinos, held at bay by his goon squad. While Arpayaso was speaking, a lone Anglo protestor rode in on his bike onto the Capital lawn. During Arpaio's long rant, the bike rider, utilizing his 1st ammendment rights, voiced his opposition to Arpaio's various abuses. The brave protester's first comment was "100 million," referencing an examination that Arpaio's office mis-spent over $100 Million in Jail Funds. Then the brave protester asked, "How many more (millions) are you going to take?" To which Arpaio responded "One hundred and One Million!" The protester, utilizing his 1st Ammendment rights, and appalled by Arpaio's arrogance said, "Thief! Liar!" Meanwhile, Arpaio's goons surrounded this very brave protester! They pushed their chests against him! Taunted him. Then, as the brave protester held up a pamphlet of the Constitution, he was dragged to the ground and assaulted by Arpaio's goons. Then arrested him, filing false charges saying the goons in plain clothing (no uniforms), arrested him! Perhaps the worst escapade of ALL was Arpaio's threat, AFTER this Brave Protester was hauled away by his goons. The fiend, Arpaio said, Just for that, I'm going down to a Latino neighborhood and "I'm going to arrest 100 more!" (EVIL!) (I ask you to view the video and see for yourselves how the heinous Arpaio vowed to arrest the innocents in Latino neighborhoods as REVENGE for this brave protester protesting Arpaio's vicious abuses!) What kind of Gestapo State do we have in Maricopa County! Shame Shame Shame - Arpayaso! They are creating a new level of Hell just for Arpaio!!

Republicans Out to Destroy the Basic Social Compact in America!

REPUBLICANS DESTROYING BASIC SOCIAL COMPACT IN AMERICA: 1. ELDERLY & POOR: END MEDICARE & MEDICAID 2. POOR: END UNEMPLOYMENT & FOOD STAMPS 3. EDUCATION: END PELL GRANTS 4. DEMOLISH UNIONS 5. RACIAL PROFILING IMMIGRATION BILLS 6. LOWER MORE TAXES FOR THE RICH / BIG BUSINESS; END REGULATION NY Times reports: Six months after voters sent Republicans in large numbers to Congress and many statehouses, it is possible to see the full landscape of destruction that their policies would cause — much of which has already begun. If it was not clear before, it is obvious now that the party is fully engaged in a project to dismantle the foundations of the New Deal and the Great Society, and to liberate business and the rich from the inconveniences of oversight and taxes. At first it seemed that only a few freshmen and noisy followers of the Tea Party would support the new extremism. But on Friday, nearly unanimous House Republicans showed just how far their mainstream has been dragged to the right. They approved on strict party lines the most regressive social legislation in many decades, embodied in a blueprint by the budget chairman, Paul Ryan. The vote, from which only four Republicans (and all Democrats) dissented, would have been unimaginable just eight years ago to a Republican Party that added a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. Mr. Ryan called the vote “our generation’s defining moment,” and indeed, nothing could more clearly define the choice that will face voters next year. His bill would: 1. end the guarantee provided by Medicare and Medicaid to the elderly and the poor, which has been provided by the federal government with society’s clear assent since 1965. The elderly, in particular, would be cut adrift by Mr. Ryan. People now under 55 would be required to pay at least $6,400 more for health care when they qualified for Medicare, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Fully two-thirds of his $4.3 trillion in budget cuts would come from low-income programs. 2. In addition to making “entitlement” a dirty word, the Ryan bulldozer would go much further in knocking down government programs to achieve its goals. It would cut food stamps by $127 billion, or 20 percent, over the next 10 years, almost certainly increasing hunger among the poor. 3. It would cut Pell grants for all 9.4 million student recipients next year, removing as many as one million of them from the program altogether. It would remove more than 100,000 low-income children from Head Start, and slash job-training programs for the unemployed desperate to learn new skills. 4. And it would do all that while preserving the Bush tax cuts for the rich, and even expanding them. Regulation of business and the environment would be sharply reduced. 5. The mania for blindly cutting has also spread to statehouses, many with new Republican governors and legislatures. Several states have cut their unemployment benefits below the standard 26 weeks. Gov. Jan Brewer of Arizona has proposed removing 138,000 people from Medicaid. Many recession-battered states, including some led by Democrats, have been forced to cut other services because Republicans have made it so politically difficult to raise taxes. Education, mental health and juvenile justice funds have been particular targets. 6. In Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Maine and Florida, Republican governors have used the smokescreen of a poor economy to pursue a long-held conservative goal of DESTROYing public and private UNIONS. This has nothing to do with creating jobs, of course, and it has shocked many blue-collar voters who are suddenly second-guessing their support for Republicans last November. 7. Several states are also adopting Arizona-style anti-immigrant laws. President Obama, after staying in the shadows too long, is starting to illuminate the serious damage that Republicans are doing. The Republican Vision, he said last week, “is less about reducing the deficit than it is about changing the basic social compact in America.” Other Democrats are also beginning to stand up and reject these ideas, having been cowed for months by the electoral wave. Their newfound confidence will give voters a clearer view of this bare and pessimistic landscape.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Justice for Luis Ramirez: Colin Walsh Admitted His Role and Will Now Serve His Time

Colin Walsh, the young man who told the truth to the Feds regarding the murder of Luis Ramirez, was sentenced to 55 months in Federal Prison today. Viewers who followed the Luis Ramirez story here recall that Walsh was the only young man that told the truth to both Prosecutors and to the Feds. This resulted in the incarceration of both Piekarsky and Donchek for being the actual people who inflicted the blows that killed Luis Ramirez. From the beginning, Walsh said he was sorry. He was brave amidst all of the racial anger that surrounded these trials. Thanks to Walsh, there was Justice for Luis and his children. Now, even as Walsh goes to prison, he says his punishment is fair and it will, in the end, make his life better. Our prayers are with him as he accepts the punishment for his role in this crime. May this help lead to the end of ALL HATE CRIMES! Citizensvoice.com reports: Man involved in fatal Shenandoah beating sentenced to 55 months WILKES-BARRE — One of the teens involved in the fatal beating of an illegal immigrant in Shenandoah in 2008 was sentenced April 6 to fifty-five months in federal prison. Colin Walsh was a witness against two other teens, Brandon J. Piekarsky and Derrick M. Donchak, who were convicted in the beating death of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala. Piekarsky and Donchak have appealed. "I think it's going to make my life a lot better," Walsh said outside the courthouse on April 6. "I'm going to advance and make something better out of this and be a better person because of it. Thank you." The sentencing hearing before Judge A. Richard Caputo was closed to the public and media. "It's a very fair and appropriate sentence and it's about what we expected," said Walsh's attorney Roger R. Laguna Jr. Walsh was released until his reporting date of May 6.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Marilyn Davenport -- Birther, Tea Party Republican Leader OUTED for RACIST Motives of Birtherism!



Marilyn Davenport, a Tea Party activist and member of the Orange County Republican Party's central committee, sent an email to her fellow TeaParty Republicans depicting President Barack Obama and his parents as chimpanzees. In the body of the email: "Now you know why — No birth certificate!" Davenport responded "Oh, come on! Everybody who knows me knows that I am not a racist. It was a joke. I have friends who are black. Besides, I only sent it to a few people–mostly people I didn’t think would be upset by it." I'm always curious why racists, when outed, always respond this way "....some of my best friends are..." After this story was published, she sent another email to fellow California Republican Teapartiers. In it, she demanded to know the identity of “the coward” who supplied [The OC Weekly] with a copy of her offensive email.


Meanwhile, countless commenters are commenting, "Next time you Repubs want to know why “the blacks” vote Democratic – THIS IS WHY!!! Thanks for showing yourself for who and what you are."


Now that Davenport has been outed for the racist she is, numerous Republicans are backpeddling away from her. Former chairman of the California Republican Party Michael Schroeder says this email is Davenport's third strike. He is calling for her resignation, citing two previous incidents in which Davenport defended the racist actions of two fellow Orange County conservatives.



1. During President Obama's inauguration, when Los Alamitos Mayor Dean Grose forwarded an email depicting a watermelon patch on the White House lawn to several people. According to Schroeder, Davenport defended Grose amidst calls for his resignation.



2. Davenport defended Newport Councilman Richard Nichols when he opposed installing grassy areas at a beach. His reason, according to the L.A. Times: "with grass we usually get Mexicans coming in there early in the morning and they claim it as theirs, and it becomes their personal, private grounds all day."


-- Looks Like O.C. Republicans are equal opportunity HATERS!


They Hate the President! They hate Blacks! and they HATE Latinos!


SHAME!

SHAME!

SHAME!

But at least now they have clearly OUTED THEMSELVES for their TRUE Motivation for Birtherism!

Pure, Raw, Unadulterated HATRED towards Minorities, including our President!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Arpaio Accused Of Misspending Nearly $100 Million

HP Reports: Joe Arpaio's Office Accused Of Misspending Nearly $100 Million PHOENIX — An examination in Arizona's Maricopa County has found that the sheriff's office, widely known for efforts against illegal immigrants, inappropriately spent $99 million from two jail funds over the last eight years to pay for other law enforcement operations – including immigration patrols. The $99 million figure released Wednesday is an update to an estimate made in September by budget officials who said the sheriff's office was believed to have used $60 million and $80 million over four or five years from a jail tax on other purposes.


Since then, officials said they discovered that the sheriff's office had inappropriately spent money from a second jail account. Maricopa County officials also said that Arpaio's office had spent the money on unsuccessful criminal cases brought against two county officials and a judge.


"This is really a disaster for the county," said County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox, who along with another colleague faced criminal charges in cases that were investigated by Arpaio's office and eventually dismissed. The findings by county budget officials discussed at a meeting Wednesday were sent to federal prosecutors who were already investigating Arpaio on abuse of power allegations. The sheriff has gained notoriety in part for his special traffic patrols that target (brown) people who are in the country illegally. The sweeps – Arpaio's most visible immigration enforcement tactic – have drawn heavy criticism from civil rights advocates who accused the police agency of racially profiling countless Latinos.


Arpaio has denied the allegations. Arpaio was not at Wednesday's meeting because he was at the scene of an immigration raid at a business. But interim Chief Deputy Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said there was nothing criminal about the mistake, which he blame on an outdated payroll system. He said the system failed to adequately track when jail officers were transferred to regular patrol.


Message to the DOJ: Please move forward quickly and arrest Arpaio and his goons for their crimes and abuses!

Paul Ryan's Plan OBLITERATES Medicare As We Know It! Breaks America's Promise to the Elderly!

Here is Medicare as we know it today:














Here is Paul Ryan's View of Medicare in the Future which Breaks America's Promise to the Elderly. The Elderly are FORCED to shop around for medical services with a token voucher as Doctors and Hospitals Prices Skyrocket and KNOWING they may be denied due to pre-existing conditions!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

President Obama's Response to the Ryan Budget Plan

President Obama's Response to the Ryan Budget Plan: It is a vision that would see "roads crumble and bridges collapse," young Americans unable to go to college, seniors left uncared for, Medicare ended, and 50 million Americans left without health insurance.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Paul Ryan Thinks Americans Are Stupid About Medicare Advantage Plans!

The Republicans must think that Americans are very stupid. I just heard Rep Marsha Blackburn talk about Rep Ryan's Budget proposal. She said Ryan's Budget proposal was "just like Medicare Advantage and we know they like Medicare Advantage." OBVIOUSLY Rep Blackburn DOES NOT understand the Medicare Advantage program. Medicare Advantage is a program that allows Private Healthcare Companies to offer and manage custom Medicare Plans to Seniors for the Government. These private healthcare companies ONLY provide these programs to very highly populated locations. Understand, these healthcare companies are IN BUSINESS FOR A PROFIT! These companies say to hell to the elderly that live in rural areas or to the sick or to the needy. They are in business for Profit! They are funded BY THE GOVERNMENT to offer these very special rates to Seniors. Seniors pay their $110 (varies based on when they signed up) per month, and, if they are in a Medicare Advantage location, they can sign up for Medicare Advantage. In many locations, they pay another monthly co-pay in order to be enrolled in these plans. Side Note: To the Alert Reporter: Go to "securehorizons.com" and then go to Medicare Advantage Plans, and then put in a Zip Code for Miami, San Antonio or Los Angeles. Please Note that the copay for these residents is Zero Dollars. Ask yourselves why. Talk to local residents who are enrolled in these plans. Then ask how often they are "forced" to participate in tests that are not needed. Also Note: The rates for Medicare Advantage plans ARE MUCH HIGHER for Medicare Advantage plans in High Income Areas. (Reporters: Please also check Silicon Valley Zip Codes and CHECK OUT their co-pays!) If anyone looks at these Medicare Advantage programs holistically, they would understand the problems with them. Also Note: I ask reporters to check out rural areas with NO Medicare Advantage plans. Those who are Left Alone to Fend for themselves. Ask local seniors for their view of Medicare Advantage plans! Study the FACTS!!! Don't take for granted what Ryan or Blackburn are saying! The end result will be: Many Seniors are left with NO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Plans and are left fending for themselves. With Ryan's plan, Seniors will be left with a little voucher in their hands, looking, pleading, for a healthcare company to accept their voucher! Who is going to take care of Grandma in 20 years? The answer: No One! Unless Grandma is Rich and has plenty of dollars to spend. To any Reporters interested: email me at dee_perezscott@yahoo.com and I will send you the links that will provide you additional resources to uncover the facts on what Medicare Advantage really does!

Latinos the Hardest Working Group in the World!

As I've long reported, the top characteristics of Latinos are:

1. Hard Work Ethic

2. Family and Christian Values


Now, a study conducted by an International Organization confirms the "Hard Work Ethic" and "Family Values" characteristics. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 's study indicates that on the question of which member country works the hardest, Mexico (Latinos) comes out on top! While many may assume that countries like Japan or China may come in number one, this study includes hours worked at home and the time spend working and caring for family.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Kids' LOVE Buzz Lightyear's Spanish Language and Dancing! Hurray for Multiculturalism and MultiLingualism

My grandkids and I have been watching movies "On Demand" this afternoon. They love "Toy Story 3" and asked me to play it for them. I hadn't seen it before so we began watching it (Me for the first time.) They LOVED the movie. Their favorite part of the movie was when Buzz Lightyear was switched over to Spanish speaking mode and he began dancing with Jessie. It was just beautiful! I loved the entire movie, but, like my grandkids, I loved the Flamenco dance between Buzz and Jessie the best! All the while, I kept thinking, this is one reason why the restrictionists will NEVER WIN the Immigration Debate! Why? Our kids are Humanitarians and VERY OPEN to multi-culturalism and being multi-lingual!

Monday, April 11, 2011

FactChecker Says Ryan's Budget Proposals Do NOT Pass the Pinnocchio Test!


Ryan's Budget Proposal Highlights:

- Stacks the Deck with a (false) scary-looking graph

- Concocts "made up" scenarios

- 5.8 Trillion Dollars in Tax Cuts for the Rich - Obliterates Medicare! (make the Old / Sick use worthless Vouchers instead!)

- IGNORES CBO Estimates



The Facts

First off, Ryan stacks the deck a bit. His budget presentation shows a scary-looking graph depicting an ocean of red stretching long into the future. The graph is titled, “We are in a Spending-Driven Debt Crisis” and says it is based on “CBO’s Alternative Fiscal Scenario.” But then when you look at one of the papers from the Congressional Budget Office, it turns out that the scary scenario is also based on taxes being too low. In fact, taxes are a big part of the problem. The CBO paper assumes, among other things, that the Bush-era tax cuts are extended forever (as Ryan proposes to do); the alternative minimum tax is indexed for inflation (Ryan says he will deal with this problem) and tax law evolves so that revenue remains at 19 percent of GDP (as Ryan proposes to do.) Ryan also claims that his proposal has the imprimatur of the CBO. The budget document declares: “According to the Congressional Budget Office, this budget charts a path to complete balance. By 2040, the CBO estimates that this budget will produce annual surpluses and begin paying down the national debt.” This seriously overstates the case. Yes, CBO has produced a letter in which it plugged various data, plans and scenarios provided by Ryan’s staff into its budget database. But just as Republicans have repeatedly complained about the cost estimates associated with the Obama health-care law, this document largely reflects the scenarios that Ryan has concocted. And there’s a major caveat emptor: “CBO’s long-term scenarios and the proposal analyzed here are all subject to pressures over the long term that would make them difficult to sustain.”


It said that although debt would shrink relative to the size of the economy, Medicare beneficiaries “would bear a much larger share of their health-care costs than they would under the current program,” payments to doctors would shrink dramatically, states would have to pay substantially more for Medicaid and spending for programs other than Social Security and health programs “would be reduced far below historical levels relative to GDP.” Mysteriously, although Ryan relies on the CBO to vouch for his plan, he appears to ignore CBO estimates that a repeal of the health-care law would lead to an increase in the deficit. Instead, a substantial part of his claimed deficit reduction — $1.4 trillion over the next 10 yearscomes from repealing the health-care law. Where do those numbers come from? Ryan does not (cannot) explain, and his spokesman did not respond to a query. In one of the more dubious assertions, Ryan relies on a (dubious) report from the conservative (extreme right wing) Heritage Foundation to claim that his budget would result in a gusher of jobs. Be wary when politicians rely on analyses from outside groups — particularly partisan ones.


The Pinocchio Test: The Ryan budget plan relies on dubious assertions, questionable assumptions and fishy figures. The ideas may be bold, but the budget presentation falls short of his claim that he is getting rid of budget gimmicks. Ryan gets: Two Pinocchios


Note: The Koch Brothers are heavy contributors to the Heritage Foundation

Saturday, April 9, 2011

TeaParty Governor Walker FIXES Election with Doppelganger!


How corrupt is Wisconsin's Governor Scott Walker? He illegally passed a Union Bashing Bill which is currently being held up in courts due to its illegality. We heard him take a call from who he thought was the Koch Brothers --- grovelling and kissing their feet. Now, after reports for Tuesday's special election gave Democratic-backed challenger JoAnne Kloppenberg an extremely slim lead over incumbent Wisconsin Justice David Prosser, one of his clerk's is now pulling a "Katherine Harris" and has suddenly "found" 15,000 Votes -- most of them Republican! Now, these new votes have reversed the election results and who Prosser ahead. I wonder how long it took Wisconsin's Tea Party Gov Walker and his hoods to create this "Katherine Harris" phony scenario. This reminds me of Bush v Gore 2000 in Florida. Bush's Brother's Sec. of State, Katherine Harris, FIXED that election for a Republican Bush win! Now Harris' Doppelganger Nickolaus is doing the same in Wisconsin. This just proves that Republicans/TeaPartiers will sink to new lows to win elections! Let's hope the official recount discovers their CRIMES and the Wisconsin voters are successful in their Recall of the Republican Senators and Walker next year!

TeaParty Tea'd Off That Goverment Didn't Shut Down!

Tea Party members Michele Bachmann, Rand Paul blast budget deal and John Boehner The Tea Party is steamed over DC's budget deal. While President Obama, Senate majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) hailed Friday night's eleventh hour accord to avoid a government shutdown as "historic," several Tea Party members did not feel the same way. Tea Party queen Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) whined the $39-billion slashing deal a "disappointment." "Millions of Americans expected $100 billion in cuts and "wanted to make sure their tax dollars stopped flowing to the nation's largest abortion provider, and who wanted us to defund ObamaCare," Bachmann cried in a statement. "Instead, we've been asked to settle for $39 billion in cuts, even as we continue to fund Planned Parenthood and the implementation of ObamaCare." Bachmann, who is considering running for President in 2012, voted against a temporary bill to keep the government running while the deal moves through Congress. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) echoed Bachmann's diatribe. He said he feels the aversion of the government shutdown does "not set us on a path to fixing the spending and debt problems our country is facing. (I believe) There is not much of a difference between a $1.5 trillion deficit and a $1.6 trillion deficit-both will lead us to a debt crisis that we may not recover from." Both Paul and Bachmann were clear in their remarks. Anything other than a COMPLETE Government Shutdown is a Republican/Tea Party Failure.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Jon Kyl "Sorry" he LIED about Planned Parenthood!

Jon Kyl Is Sorry If He Gave Anyone The Impression That The Things He Says In Public Are Factual As you may recall, during today's lengthy Pap Smear Armageddon/Government Shutdown 2011 pageant play, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) stood on the floor of the upper chamber, telling the C-Span cameras and gathered attendees that abortion was "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does." THE TRUTH IS, HE LIED! AND NOW HE ADMITS IT! Kyl's office has walked back the statement, in perhaps the most hilarious and cowardly way possible:

This afternoon, CNN brought on Planned Parenthood's Judy Tabar to discuss his comment. During the interview, CNN anchor Don Lemon relayed a statement from Kyl's office walking back the comment, claiming the statement was not meant to be "factual": LEMON: We did call his office trying to ask what he was talking about there. And I just want to give it you verbatim here. It says, 'Kyl's remark was not intended to be a factual statement, but rather to illustrate that Planned Parenthood, a organization that receives millions of dollars in taxpayer funding, does subsidize abortions.' (Kyl LIED and ADMITS He Lied!!)

Republicans' True Agenda in Shutting Down the Government: End Women's Rights! Stop Aid to the Poor! More Tax Cuts for the Rich!


Senator Harry Reid said, "Republicans want to shut down the government because they think there's nothing more important than keeping women from getting cancer screenings." Meanwhile, Rep. Paul Ryan submitted a Congressional Budget demanding additional Billions in Tax Cuts for the Rich while dumping Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the Poor! (How Ludicrous) As far as Republicans' disrespect for Women in the current budget negotiations, Republicans have added an addendum to the Congressional Budget. They want to block $70 million Planned Parenthood receives each year under Title X, a program implemented under Republican President Richard Nixon in 1970 to provide contraceptives, cancer screenings, and pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease testing at community health centers across the country. And they want to cut off $293 million the clinics receive through Medicare. Republican lawmakers have LIED and said the money indirectly subsidizes abortions, despite the fact that the federal Hyde Amendment expressly prohibits such use of taxpayer funds. Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz., repeated the Republican LIE today that abortions are "well over 90 percent of what Planned Parenthood does." He later clarified his LIE saying it was inaccurate and was "not intended to be a factual statement." (ridiculous!) Planned Parenthood is the nation's largest abortion provider, but it issued a fact sheet today stating that more than 90 percent of its health care services are preventive, not abortions. The company says no taxpayer funds are used to fund abortions. "It's an outrage to shut down the government over an extreme proposal that would deny millions of women Pap tests, breast cancer screenings and birth control," said Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

National/Global Publications Have Announced the Top 15 Most Beautiful/Sexy Latinas In the World!



Justice for Brisenia: Minuteman Shawna Forde's friend Gunny Bush received Death Penalty!

Immigration Clearinghouse reports: Arivaca Minuteman Murders - Two down One to go - Jason Bush received Death Penalty Not that there was any doubt, but Jason Eugene Bush, Minuteman Shawna Fordes trigger man in the 2009 Arivaca home invasion murders, received the death penalty yesterday by a Pima County jury for the murder of 9-year-old Brisenia Flores and her father Raul. In what has been a very swift yet bizarre trial, on March 25, jurors convicted Bush of two counts of first degree murder, attempted first-degree murder of Gina Marie Gonzalez, one count of burglary in the first-degree; one count of aggravated assault, serious physical injury; one count of aggravated assault, deadly weapon/dangerous instrument; one count of armed robbery; and one count of aggravated armed robbery. (The same charges as Minuteman Shawna Forde was convicted of.) Bizarre in the fact that defense attorneys Richard Parrish and Chris Kimminau never gave opening nor closing statements in the case, instead conceding Bush’s guilt from the gitgo. When it was all said and done, it took the jury less than two hours to find Bush guilty as charged and in the aggravation phase of the trial, the jury returned after only 15 minutes of deliberation finding that Bush was eligible for the death penalty. Factors in that quick decision included the crimes were committed in tandem with other felonies and a minor younger than 15 was one of the victims.


The mitigation phase of the trial, where defense attorneys sought to make excuses for Bush’s action and spare him the death penalty, through testimony from witnesses for hire and Bush’s parents who apparently gave up on him at an early age, was not successful. Defense attorney’s even tried to lay the blame back on prosecution witness, mother and wife of the victims for a victim impact statement she made saying, “I went to bed in heaven and woke up in hell.” They also tried for a mistrial based on some of the statements Gonzalez made, a motion denied by presiding Judge John S. Leonardo. Parrish told the jury, “Some things have to be said about this case that nobody’s had the guts to say.” What he was referring to was revealed shortly afterwards when he continued; “Gina Gonzalez said to you that she went to bed that night in heaven and she woke up in hell. She had a drug dealer husband. She was living in a trailer in Arivaca on five or 10 acres. There was a loaded assault rifle in the nook of the front door. There was a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol near the stove. She knew enough to take that .40 caliber weapon, pull back the slide, undo the safety and shoot at somebody.” Prosecutor Rick Unklesbay, who has been outstanding in the presentation of the prosecution’s case in this trial and the Forde trial that preceded this said; “It’s astonishing and offensive that a defense attorney would stand up here and say that they are not worthy of having the law applied equally to them,” And he was correct. Defense attorneys also accurately suggested that had it only been Raul Flores that was murdered, there wouldn’t have been a trial. Something we have alluded to from the beginning. So it goes in Arizona where the life of a Hispanic is considered worthless by some. He was of course insinuating that the lives of Raul and Brisenia were basically without value because of who they were and the situation they lived in. It took jurors less than 4 hours of deliberation over two days to come to their decision. Bush showed no reaction other than his normal “deer in the headlights look” he’s had throughout the trial at sentencing this morning. Two down, one to go as Albert Gaxiola goes on trial on June 1, 2011. There is no reason to expect any different and outcome as strong evidence also ties Gaxiola to the crime. For more in-depth coverage, check out Rickers Radar Screen which has some pretty decent first person coverage of the trial and it’s players. In particular, following in the footsteps of Laine Lawless, is the report of Jason Bush’s brother Dan, contacting Ricker suggesting there was money to be made for both of them, as he had the “lowdown” on things people couldn’t imagine about his brother. Looking at the photo of Dan with an assault weapon in hand, one can only imagine…………………. Don’t know about y’all, but a 60 day break until the next and final trial is needed for all of us. This afternoon, Bush will be taken, as was Forde, to Arizona’s death row, where he’ll reside for the next 15 or 20 years while his appellate lawyers try to save his worthless axx.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What to Expect if the Government Shuts Down on Friday! (Thanks Republicans!)

What to Expect if the Government Shuts Down on Friday! (Thanks Republicans!)

1. Lost Money: The last shutdown (Gingrich's 1995 shutdown) cost taxpayers $800 million, including $400 million in wages to federal workers who did not report to work. However, during the 1995 shutdown, 800,000 non-essential workers were furloughed without pay for five days. (lost wages; lost taxes paid; delays for All Americans!)

2. Social Security Checks: Expect delayed social security Checks, Claims and social security card issuing. And Don’t Call the Social Security office! In the 1995 government shut down, millions of calls to government offices went unanswered

3. Medicare: A shutdown would delay newly eligible recipients from applying

4. Police & Public Safety: The 1995-1996 shutdown caused delays in case processing, recruitment, testing and hiring, and reportedly suspended cases involving bankruptcy and child-support

5. Environment: A shutdown would result in the stoppage of many government programs involving the environment. During the last shutdown toxic waste clean-up was even suspended

6. National Parks/Museums Closed: A government shutdown will cause national parks to close, turning away millions of visitors and result in a loss of revenue. In addition, federally funded museums would also close as a result of the shutdown.

7. Travel / Vacations / Passports: If the government shuts down passport and visa applications will be delayed with a detrimental impact on the U.S. tourist and airlines industries

8. Veterans Services: Veterans services including health and welfare programs to finance could be cut short in the event of a shut down

9. No FHA Mortgage Loans: While the exact impact is unclear, a government shutdown could result in the delay of FHA mortgage loans that low-and-moderate-income families often depend on

Monday, April 4, 2011

Guest Voz - Fernando Briceno (so called Illegal Immigrant / Now Citizen): People Who Come Here Seeking the "American Dream" & Working are NOT ILLEGAL!


ATLANTA - It's a controversial issue that's currently being debated in Georgia - illegal immigration. In the end, hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants in the state alone could be affected. One man, who admits to being an undocumented worker for more than 20 years, is sharing his story. In 1986, a young Fernando Briceno came to America from Ecuador to play for his country in table tennis. After the tournament in Miami he took a trip to New York and says he fell in love. "I fell in love with the city. You cannot blame a teenager to fall in love with New York City," said Fernando Briceno. But is was after a second trip to the states that he began a secret life-- overstaying his visa and becoming an illegal immigrant. He says he didn't realize what he had done until after obtaining employment. "When I went to get my first paycheck, my boss referred to me as an illegal alien. In my mind I was thinking illegal is Al Capone. Alien, I had just seen the movie with Sigourney Weaver. I was confused what it was. I had to ask a couple of friends what it was," said Briceno. Even with no green card, Briceno held several jobs - including a translator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. "The little English that I do know, I learned on my own - closed captions, reading newspapers," said Briceno. Briceno has written a book, "Confessions of an Illegal Immigrant," he says to debunk the myths about illegals. And while he supports immigration reform, he is against Georgia House Bill 87. The bill authorizes state and local police to verify the immigration status of suspected criminals and requires employers to do the same for prospective new hires. "We are not criminals. If you consider a crime working, then you need to re-think your whole life. Because working is what makes you who you are," said Briceno. Briceno is now a legal U.S. resident living in Atlanta. He proposes making the green card process easier for those illegal immigrants already living here and a national ID to discourage more from coming. But he says the American dream is concept that everyone is trying to materialize. "If you could find some people in the world that could say no, I don't want freedom, no I don't want liberty, no I don't want to pursue happiness, where are you going to find people like that?"

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Advice to President Obama on Winning the Hispanic Vote in 2012

Many pundits are attempting to push the topic that President Obama is losing the Hispanic vote because he has not fulfilled his promise on getting Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) passed. While it is true that many leading CIR advocates are upset that CIR has not progressed, it is difficult to fathom Hispanics voting Republican, especially since many 2012 potential Republican candidates are blindly following Tea Party / Restrictionist extremists and supporting racial profiling bills like sb1070, English Only bills and bills to change Birthright Citizenship -- all bills targetted against Latinos. I don't think these Republicans have a hope of obtaining the large majority of the Hispanic vote. Some Republicans have attempted to recruit Hispanics. These recruiters say Latinos have many of the same values as Republicans. These values include: Christianity and Traditional Families (aka ANTI Gay and ANTI Women's rights). These well-funded groups (funded by the likes of the Koch brothers and Fox News), have deep pockets. They've even funded websites like "Fox News Latino." One glance at the Latino Fox News website reveals their true agenda: Push Republican HINO (Hispanic in Name Only) politicians. One good example is Marco Rubio. Expect to see him on the front page of Fox News Latino on a daily basis. He is their poster boy. This two faced HINO was against sb1070 before his political backers encouraged him to switch sides -- now he is FOR this racial profiling bill. He is also AGAINST CIR, even though he is a Cuban! Continue reading Latino Fox News, this "Roger Ailes" rag, and see their phony attempt to sway Latinos by referencing Church, ANTI-Mexico rhetoric and attacks against popular Latino politicians who are Democrats. The very thought of this website's attempt to brainwash Voting eligible Latinos makes my skin crawl! There are some "so-called" Latino groups that are saying they are Republican Latinos, including groups like "Somos Republicanos." These groups are having a difficult time for two reasons: 1. They do not carry much favor among most Latinos, particularly our younger voters, primarily due to their ANTI-Gay, ANTI-Women's Rights support. 2. They do not carry much favor among many Republicans themselves because, regardless of anything else, "Somos" groups DO support Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) and are AGAINST racial profiling bills like sb1070 and against the rhetoric of extremist politicians like Virgil Peck - the Hate-Filled state rep. who recommended shooting Latinos like "feral pigs." I've read many Restrictionist and Conservative blogs/websites that refer to them as RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) and talk very negatively about them. While I agree with their support of CIR, I think they are dangerous. At least some of the members of these "Somos" type groups are wannabees. They wannabee accepted by their Rich Donors. Many have money themselves. Some are old time politicians with deep pockets. Some have done long-term work for Republicans. Some helped George Bush into power, with long time friendships with Bush's Brain. Some easily give in on key political issues like CIR, like sb1070 and who knows what else. Go to their website. See them arm in arm with the likes of John McCain, Rick Perry and others. These "Somos" types groups are dangerous because they may be able to convince a few Latinos to vote for Republicans who have very ANTI Latino agendas. President Obama, we True American Latinos support you, however, we need something to motivate our base. I personally recognize the change in your method of deportations. You have stopped the deplorable workplace ICE raids and instead moved to target and prosecute abusive employers. You have targetted criminals and gangs versus workers. You have partnered with Mexico in border security and targetting the drug cartels, increasing the number of drug arrests and reducing the flow of weapons back into Mexico. It's a start and clearly there is a long way to go. I recognize that in the Republicans' mountain of "NO's" it has been difficult in getting any version of CIR passed. Given all of this, there are steps you can take to improve the relationship with Latinos and help you with the Latino Vote. Recommendations: 1. Pass the Dream Act now. You can gain support from some Republican members. Find a way to do it and do it this year. If there is a way to do this without a Congressional Vote, do it. One way to get this passed is to explain the process to the voters. The last time you attempted to pass it during the lame duck session didn't work because Republicans were allowed to LIE about what was in the bill. There is NO Free Tuition and there is NO "Amnesty" in the bill! If they attempt to LIE about this again, call them out on it! "THEY LIE!" 2. Ease the Backlog in the Immigration Courts. You don't need Congressional approval on this. Just do it! Find a way! We all know that 40% of the 12M are Visa Overstays. By removing the backlog, you will help that 40% on their way to Legal status. 3. Have Eric Holder move forward on the Arpaio/Arizona case. Have the DOJ release their findings. There is clear corruption in Arizona. Reveal your findings. America needs to know the truth! Lastly, once you are re-elected, if that day comes, PASS CIR the very 1st year. Do it. Just Do It. YES, YOU CAN! Why? Because we ALL know, it is the Right Thing To Do! YES YOU CAN!

If the Government Shuts Down on April 8th, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS!

Republicans are at it again. Their next move? To shut down the government on April 8th. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, will unveil a ridiculous 2012 Republican budget this week that proposes dramatic changes, including shutting down Medicare, deeply cutting Medicaid and more Tax Cuts for the rich AND making these Tax Cuts permanent. Obviously their proposal is unacceptable! What's more -- the extremist Tea Party wants even more cuts and vow to protest the GOP unless they do as they are told! In fact, many of these Tax Party Extremists WANT a government shut down and plenty of existing Congresspeople are afraid of them and are promising to do their bidding. Ryan's proposals are extreme! His proposals include: 1. Privatizing Medicare: Instead of our current process, his proposal includes issuing vouchers to the elderly. In other words, discount coupons so the elderly can attempt to find an expensive insurance carrier who may or may not take them, based on pre-existing conditions. The elderly can expect massive co-pays. 2. Slashing Medicaid: Medicaid, which is authorized only to the catastrophically ill and poor/destitute, will be slashed by as much as $1 Trillion. Imagine the horror! The denial of heart, liver, lung, pancreas and bone marrow transplants that we saw in Arizona are just the beginning! 3. More Tax Cuts for the Rich -- This time Permanent! It is clear, the power behind the Republican party is striving for global corporate fascism to replace nationalism and end the idea of "America" all together. If the government shuts down it will mean tens of thousands of layoffs, NO Government Checks of any kind including: . NO government payroll, . NO government purchases . NO tax refunds! If the goverment DOES shut down there is clearly only ONE Party to Blame! Blame it on the Republicans!

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