LA Unified employees facing layoff on July 1st
Date:6/8/2010 11:18:32 P.M. China Standard Time From: [email protected] LA Unified employees facing layoff on July 1st. We need your URGENT support! Plant Managers, represented by Teamsters Local 572, are critical to ensuring kids’ safe schools. Try to make an informational Teamsters meeting 12pm, Saturday June 12, at Teamsters’ union hall, Local 572, 450 E Carson Plaza Drive, Carson, CA 90746. Help us save these positions! Only a very modest time commitment is requested – and much of your help can be done remotely, via email and phone. For more information, call Adriana or Connie: (310) 515-0601; or email [email protected] or [email protected] . More than 500 elementary plant manager positions will be axed in the latest “cost-cutting” measure at LAUSD – but here’s the really crazy thing: The layoff plan will actually COST the District 19 million dollars! Natalia Garcia UCLA Labor Center 213-480-4155x220 [email protected] Re-Posted from Al Jazeera
Kidnapped by Israel, Forsaken by Britain By Jamal Elshayyal Firstly I must apologise for taking so long to update my blog. The events of the past few days have been hectic to say the least, and I am still trying to come to grips with many of the things that have happened. It was this time last week that I was on the top deck of the Mavi Marmara, and first spotted Israeli war ships in the distance, as they approached the humanitarian flotilla. Little did I know how deadly and bloody were the events that soon began to unfold. What I will write in this entry is fact, every letter of it, none of it is opinion, none of it is analysis, and I will leave that to you, the reader. After spotting the warships at a distance, (at roughly 11pm) the organisers called for passengers to wear their life vests and remain indoors as they monitored the situation. The naval war ships together with helicopters remained in the distance for several hours. At 2am local time the organisers informed me that they had re-routed the ship, as far away from Israel as possible, as deep into international waters as they could. They did not want a confrontation with the Israeli military, at least not by night. Just after 4am local time, the Israeli military attacked the ship, in international waters, and totally unprovoked. Tear gas was used, sound grenades were launched, and rubber coated steel bullets were fired from almost every direction. Dozens of speed boats carrying on average of 15-20 masked Israeli soldiers, armed to the teeth surrounded the Mavi Marmara which was carrying 600 or so unarmed civilians. Two helicopters at a time hovered above the vessel. Commandos on board the choppers joined the firing, using live ammunition, before any of the soldiers had descended onto the ship. Two unarmed civilians were killed just meters away from me. Dozens of unarmed civilians were injured right before my eyes. One Israeli soldier, armed with a large automatic gun and a side pistol, was overpowered by several passengers. They disarmed him. They did not use his weapons or fire them; instead they threw his weapons over board and into the sea. After what seemed at the time as roughly 30 minutes, passengers on board the ship raised a white flag. The Israeli army continued to fire live ammunition. The ships organisers made a loud speaker announcement saying they have surrendered the ship. The Israeli army continued to fire live ammunition. I was the last person to leave the top deck. Below, inside the sleeping quarters, all the passengers had gathered. There was shock, anger, fear, hurt, chaos. Doctors ran in all directions trying to treat the wounded, blood was on the floor, tears ran down people’s faces, cries of pain and mourning could be heard everywhere. Death was in the air. Three critically injured civilians were being treated on the ground in the reception area of the ship. Their clothes soaked in blood. Passengers stood by watching in shock, some read out verses of the Qur’an to calm them, doctors worked in despair to save them. Several announcements were made on the load speakers in Hebrew, Arabic and English - "This is a message to the Israeli army, we have surrendered. We are unarmed. We have critically injured people. Please come and take them. We will not attack." There was no response. One of the passengers, a member of the Israeli Parliament wrote a sign in Hebrew, reading the exact same thing; she held it together with a white flag and approached the windows where the Israeli soldiers were standing outside. The pointed their laser guided guns to her head, ushered her to go away. A British citizen tried the same sign only this time holding a British Flag and taking the sign to a different set of windows and different set of soldiers. They responded in the same manner. Three hours later, all three of the injured were pronounced dead. The Israeli soldiers who refused to allow them treatment succeeded where their colleagues had earlier failed when they targeted these three men with bullets. At around 8am the Israeli army entered the sleeping quarters. They handcuffed the passengers. I was thrown onto the ground, my hands tied behind my back, I couldn’t move an inch. I was taken to the top deck where the other passengers were, forced to sit on my knees under the burning sun. One passenger had his hands tied so tight his wrists were all sorts of colours. When he requested that the cuffs be loosened, an Israeli soldier tightened them even more. He let out a scream that sent chills down my body. I requested to go to the bathroom, I was prevented, instead the Israeli soldier told me to urinate where I was and in my own clothes. Three or four hours later I was allowed to go. I was then marched, together with the other passengers, back to the sleeping quarters. The place was ransacked, its image like that of the aftermath of an earthquake. I remained on the ship, seated, without any food or drink bar three sips of water for more than 24 hours. Throughout this time, Israeli soldiers had their guns pointed at us. Their hands on the trigger. For more than 24 hours. I was then taken off the ship at Ashdod where I was asked to sign a deportation order, it claimed that I had entered Israel illegally and agreed to be deported. I told the officer that I, in fact, had not entered Israel but that the Israeli army had kidnapped me from international waters and brought me to Israel against my will; therefore I could not sign this document. My passport was taken from me. I was told that I would go to jail. Only then were my hands freed, I spent more than 24 hours with my hands cuffed behind my back, with nothing to eat, and barely anything to drink. Upon arrival at the prison I was put in a cell with three other passengers. The cell was roughly 12ft by 9ft. I spent more than 24 hours in jail. I was not allowed to make a single phone call. The British consulate did not come and see me. I did not see a lawyer. There was no hot water for a shower. The only meal was frozen bread and some potatoes. The only reason I believe I was released was because the Turkish prisoners refused to leave until and unless the other nationalities (those whose consulates had not come and released them) were set free. I was taken to Ben Gurion airport. When I asked for my passport, the Israeli official presented me with a piece of paper and said "congratulations this is your new passport". I replied "you must be joking, you have my passport". The Israeli official's response: "sue me". There I was asked again to sign a deportation order. Again I refused. I was put on a plane headed to Istanbul. Masked Israeli soldiers and commandos took me from international waters. Uniformed Israeli officials locked me behind bars. The British government did not lift a finger to help me, till this day I have not seen or heard from a British official. The Israeli government stole my passport. The Israeli government stole my lap top, two cameras, 3 phones, $1500 and all my possessions. My government, the British government has not even acknowledged my existence. I was kidnapped by Israel. I was forsaken by my country. http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/06/06/kidnapped-israel-forsaken-britain KPFK needs volunteers to take pledges in our phone room. If you have time to donate, please call Jesse at (818) 985-2711 x513 to set up a shift. You can also email your availability to: [email protected].
Come on down and be a part of your station! What: June "Spring into Summer" Fund Drive Who: YOU - Listeners and Supporters When: Wednesday June 9th through June 25th (We need volunteers especially for drive time 5:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:15 pm to 6:15 pm) Where: KPFK phone room in studio A. Why: It's your station, do your part. Details: To coordinate, schedule, or any questions call Jessica Wood 818.985.2711 x513 [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Become A Food Donor During KPFK's Fund Drives During our fund drives local restaurants donate vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous meals for our volunteers. If you'd like to donate, contact Jessica at [email protected] or at 818-985-2711 x513 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RADIO INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES KPFK 90.7fm in Los Angeles is currently seeking interns that are willing to help with the production of several new and existing programs. Responsibilities may include: Research Writing for radio Administration of various social websites Helping to book guests Segment construction And much more! If you have a passion for progressive news, arts and culture and community action, check out www.KPFK.org. Those who can commit to at least one day per week (4-8 hours) for a minimum of 12 weeks are preferred. PLEASE CONTACT Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator Jessica Wood (818) 985-2711 X513 or [email protected] KPFK IS IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF VOLUNTEERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO EXERCISE THEIR TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ASSIST WITH OUR MUSIC PROGRAMMING, YOU MIGHT EVEN RECEIVE COLLEGE CREDIT! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CALL JESSIE AT 818-985-2711 X 513 KPFK STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM: This program provides an important opportunity to participate and contribute to one of the most important and significant news and information organization in the United States and around the world. The KPFK Student Internship Program is designed to provide opportunities to community members of Southern California and the college campuses within our listening area. Due to budgetary cutbacks the community college, CSU, and UC systems have an urgent need for assistance and support of its large student base. KPFK seeks to initiate this important effort through the collaboration with community organizations and our community colleges. KPFK and the Pacifica Foundation will contribute to the development of students and community organizations through education and community radio. Download the application HERE. Jessica Wood Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator KPFK Radio 90.7FM 3729 Cahuenga Blvd. West North Hollywood, CA 91604 Tel.: 818.985.2711 x513 Fax: 818.763-7526 [email protected] Came across this article and found it to be very interesting. Please read and post your thoughts, comments, questions, etc. -s
Re-posted from Spots in the Sky Attention Tea Party: We are radicals, progressives and anarchists who have transforming this land on our mind. April 23, 2010 On the importance of identifying and pro-actively confronting the emerging reactionary movement in the United States. If I were not the aforementioned bogeyman I would definitely be somewhat afraid. See, Glenn Beck is right, we are everywhere and we really do want it all. When I say want it all I mean all of the issues on the table. No compromising anymore. If you own a corporation that pollutes, we want to cut right into your profit, take it away and turn your shop green. You know what, scratch that, we think your workers deserve most of that profit. Sorry, maybe you’ll have better luck next time. It gets worse. No compromise at all in terms of gay marriage. Do you want to know the interesting thing about gay marriage for many of us? Of course we want civil rights for everyone, no compromise there either. But generally we have a strong disdain for religion, most likely your religion. Speaking only for myself, I am fully, 100 percent aware that allowing gay people to be accepted as members of our society shakes your organized religious experience to its core. Great. The Tea Party and what it stands for Reactionary movements are always around, at certain periods in history more active than not. Pick any of these currents from around the world, the social and political aim is always the same; “defense of the existing social norm and traditional power in society.” It makes sense then that these movements will be most active during times of upheaval and change. It is at these times when the old, traditional foundations of society are being shook. The Tea Party along with other socially conservative elements are utilizing the language of reaction, it certainly does not take long to find it. Even the more moderate, umbrella organizations have the basic creed of “defending a constitutionally limited government” and “free market.” This is nothing new of course, politicians and the more privileged among us always defend the free market indefinitely. They have the most to lose when it is threatened. As unwavering support for the free market is a defense of the economic status quo, agitation for a constitutionally limited government is a defense of the social one. A convenient way of refusing to accept social change for a limited time until federal and state power is wielded by the right. The absolute rejection of progressive ideals through campaigns of intimidation and fear. The defense of God and Nationalism by those who benefit, this is the Tea Party and more so, it is the face of the reaction. Beyond the Liberal and Democratic Party consensus I should make clear that the grassroots Tea Party groups and individuals not only speak the reactionary language, they represent it. From the inception of this movement the left was quick to write it off, claiming that it was Astroturf. A fictional representation of the Republican party base that only existed due to corporate money and free television publicity. How incredibly disingenuous and naive! In a short amount of time the United States has gone through massive upheaval both in social and economic terms. To think that a massive loss of wealth, and beginnings of United States loss of global dominance will not cause a rift in society is not only foolish but dangerous. Are Television and Radio stations actively promoting the reactionary agenda? Yes. Are there big business and rich conservative supporters behind the Tea Party movement? Of course. Does this mean it is fictional? No. These are simply the people who make up the movement along with many other individuals who intend to defend their interests. We need to apply this to all liberal critiques. Of course there are racist, homophobic, sexist and all sorts of close minded individuals in the tea party movement. The defense of tradition, god and country will attract people who want to defend these values. Although, this does not mean the countless liberal commentators who claim the movement is the new KKK or dominated by those obsessed with race is true. Claiming it to be is just an easy way to cast aside the actual implications of a broad based social movement determined to move backwards. It may also be amusing to focus on the seemingly inane statements coming from the figureheads and members of the reactionary movement. Simply, can we afford to ignore this political force because they say things that are illogical? If we are so aware of history, we should clearly know this is a poor idea. The arguments that people like Glenn Beck make, who many on the right revere, are not intended to make good points or convince the masses. In fact, these arguments give voice to a segment of American society that cannot truly say for differing reasons, what is on their mind. The Democratic Party is a really big part of the problem. The Democrats have managed to convince way to many people that they represent left leaning interests. Even anarchists who understand the implications of electoral politics fall for it time and time again. This phony-progressivism creates an officially sanctioned monopoly on ideas, arguments and strategy. And the official Democratic Party strategy for dealing with the Tea Party is? Move along folks, nothing to see here but a bunch of freaks and weirdos. The reason being is simple, an actual progressive argument against the reactionary majority of the Tea Party would undermine the Democratic Party agenda. Heads up friends, this stuff is serious Right now we have groups of libertarians, conservatives, disaffected voters, business owners, middle and working class people coalescing around right wing ideology. Their leaders are attacking both ideas and groups of people. Progressives, leftists and immigrants along with Health Care and Internet Neutrality legislation are fascistic and Anti-American. The current economic collapse and resulting bank bailouts are to blame squarely on Marxist ideology. Hundreds of thousands of people have joined in street demonstrations across the country under this banner. Organizations that are generally supported by the left such as Acorn have been shut down while many more are under attack. Representatives are already being elected by reactionary currents. The Democratic Party along with Obama has been unable to carry out the change promised due to right wing electoral procedure, propaganda and direct action. There has not been a movement like this in the United States for some time, and it is gaining steam. It is essential to understand that this is something new and different than the normal reaction to a new political administration. The Tea Party does not intend to strengthen the Republican Party, they want to become the Republican Party. Completely possible scenarios nobody wants to think about The reactionary movement has strengthened right wing elements in the United States. In doing so many elected and aspiring politicians have aligned themselves with the Tea Party. As we know, many of these political figures are adopting and promoting even the most incendiary rhetoric. This is not a political ploy for more votes. It is instead the new and emerging voice of the Republican Party. The Tea Party folks may be in the streets, active at town halls and even organizing outside official channels but their strategy is essentially an electoral one. This electoral strategy is made up of multiple tactics: Block all efforts by the Democratic Party that do not benefit the right Influence and intimidate(through loss of votes) elected officials to adopt Tea Party positions Elect new representatives that come from the Tea Party and other reactionary currents This overall strategy seems to be working. The Democrats, due to wishy washy tendencies and outright fear of electoral repercussions have been unable to put forth a clear agenda. This has allowed the right to galvanize and the Democrats to lose supporters, the same supporters that propelled Barack Obama into the electorate. The Democrats are set to lose out in a few short months, when they do, say goodbye to any chance of promised change or reform. This will set into motion a scenario that includes a dissolution of the activist base that was already weary of the Democratic Party line. The gaining voice of the new opposition through official channels will consistently attack progressive legislation, ideas and voices in order to satisfy their supporters. There will be no lightening of rhetoric. Under this scenario there is no way the Democrats hold onto the presidency in 2012. The political conventions will be a true turning point for American democracy. The Democrats, unable to come to terms with themselves will be in complete melt down. Republicans on the other hand, will put forth a right wing agenda that has been witnessed many times throughout history. The defense of god and tradition, the promotion of nationalism and business. A display of the worst aspects of American history and culture. When reaction dominates, everything is at stake Net neutrality is the general theory that Internet providers should stay out of regulating content. Meaning that your cable company is not allowed to tell you that Google is more important than Yahoo. It is a good place to start in terms of issues that are at stake and threatened. Since the beginning of mass availability to Internet access the free flow of information has not only hurt corporate America but has shaken the whole foundation of traditional American society. Is it really surprising that Tea Party figureheads have deemed net neutrality socialist and anti American? It is an incredibly important focal point, not only because it threatens access to information, but it seems far fetched that the Internet could indeed be threatened. Something basic, the unregulated digital world that a generation now takes for granted is under attack. This is indeed part of the program, reel in this free space, bring it under control. As the printing press threatened the ruling classes centuries ago, the Internet threatens them today. The Tea Party has came out decisively against projects and services apart from the free market that help the poor. Don’t be fooled though, the idea here is not to weaken the state and move these services towards capitalist ventures. It instead represents the desire to cut the programs completely. From public education to welfare. Of course we never hear from the right that the military and prisons need a cut in funding. If we cut the defense and prisons budget where would all the poor people who are jobless with no help or recourse go? Do not expect non governmental organizations or unions to help either, we already know what happens when organizations such as Acorn draw the ire of the Tea Party movement. We can only assume that groups making inroads towards greater civil rights will not fare well. Immigrants are already being scapegoated and attacked. Gays and Lesbians, even with mass support have watched as the little rights they do have are taken away. The right of women to have domain over their bodies has always been under attack. It can be assumed at the very least, that certain states dominated by the new right will have success restricting these rights. The groundswell of reactionary sentiment has been building well before the last election. We quickly forget how right wing ideologues went after Ward Churchill, an American Indian activist and professor. How during the economic collapse, instead of blaming the bankers and big business the right singled out poor people who should have known better. Or the backwards religious zealots across the country campaigning against the teaching of evolution. I am not suggesting we are heading towards a black hole, an inevitable confrontation with an authoritarian anti progressive state. The general state of society is much more positive than it seems. The wealth of information younger generations have had access to has created a situation very difficult for the right wing in society to battle against. The older generation of progressives and radicals who have held it down over the years and gave us guidance are still a force in and of itself. So we come to this juncture; the old society ready to fight for their world and the rest of us, who are ready to move forward. We are radicals, progressives and anarchists who have a new world in our hearts For everyone who has been fighting, struggling, arguing and supporting the new freedoms and ideas springing up over the past decade it is not even a question what side we are on. There has been many dips and turns we have found ourselves in. There are so many people who really get it, who are ready to push forward the changes that we feel are absolutely necessary. We may as a group understand that gay rights, immigrant rights, the environmental movement and anti-prison movement are all connected but no matter how pie in the sky it sounds, our efforts are not connected. And why should they be? For so long business, the Democrats and Republicans have criticized and shut down any organizing outside their realm. It is way past time to quit being shy and engage each other in actual discussion. Radical activists who many see as rigid, professor like and PC need to step outside their box and talk to people who may not agree with all tenets of your philosophy. Those who tout the stereotypical idea of the “activist” need to realize that without direct action, speaking up and organizing outside the Internet we will not be ready for the challenges ahead. And it is a shame that we are so many but at the same time so insulated. Let us move past the dogma, realize that we all come from different places and build on it. When we do that, we are ready. A proactive strategy to engage the Tea Party and build a new response The reaction is not a united entity. Many in the movement are looking for the same answers that we are and that has to be recognized. The Libertarian party types who are there with us when we talk about the surveillance state, prisons and defense are ripe for engagement. As a whole we need to articulate our position and provide an alternative platform. More so, in our writings, arguments and organizing we need to present a clear position as to why the right wing reaction does not make sense for them. It is my personal opinion that as the Tea Party develops into a more cohesive force after the elections, the libertarians who are part of it will drop out. The social conservative and false small government ideology will become much to clear for them. More importantly, the Tea Party has attracted so many regular non party affiliated Americans who are sick of the bank bail outs and two party government. People looking for answers to the problems that nobody is willing to answer for. We can think of it like religion whereas it gives people hope but can also lead down a dangerous path. This path is pushing working class Americans towards anti progressive, nationalist ideology. The blame is shouldered by many who held out hope that the Democratic party would be able to provide an alternative. It has not, it will not, it is time for us to do so. Holding meetings that provide counter arguments and solutions to the reactionary agenda outside the Democratic and Republican spectrum. Writing, discussing and responding in ways that counter the conservative myths as to why the big parties gave bailouts to the rich. If we can handle limited and basic counter organizing we can at the very least slow the momentum of the right. And at best we can peel away sections of the American public to our side. Moving forward towards the long term No matter how it looks, the old society, however hard they fight will lose out in the end. It is up to us to not only defend our ideals but be prepared to put them into practice. If we do not, it may be decades before even our basic hopes and desires become reality. Beyond the Democrats or Republicans, we know the world we must win starts from the bottom. The more of us there are, when millions are on the streets determined to fight for it all, that is when we win. Re-posted from Radical Doula Becoming a Doula by Miriam Zoila Pérez Over the years of running this blog (coming up on three!) I’ve often gotten emails asking me about how to become a doula. Here is the nitty gritty run down about where to look and how to get started. So you want to be a doula? Congrats! It’s an amazing journey, and one of the most direct and fulfilling forms of activism I have found. It’s a blessing to be invited into a families birth experience, and empowering to be help parents have the experience they want. First step: Find a doula training. While some folks might say that a formal doula training isn’t necessary, I think it’s a good way to get a foundation in the world of doula work. You learn the nuts and bolts of childbirth, watch some cool videos and do great reading. You also get to be in community with all the other doulas in training and get one perspective on what the role of a doula is. There are a few major training organizations out there, and that’s where I would start. While some of these won’t be particularly “radical” (probably won’t be much mention of abortion rights, race, sexuality, etc) it’s a foundation for you to work from. Then you can build community with like-minded doulas and bring your own radical philosophy to your doula work. Doula training will cost you. Mine was about $500 when I did it four years ago. But don’t let that stop you! You can always ask about scholarships, or try and find an organization to sponsor your training. Mine was covered by my college at the time. For a list of doula organizations that provide trainings (US focused) go here. Step 2: What about Certification? You’ll notice when researching doula trainings that all these organizations also mention certification. DONA is especially certification focused. Certification is the process by which doulas become certified by a national organization–basically another stamp of approval. Certification processes vary, but generally they involve more money, paperwork from a certain number of births (from the mom, doctor/midwife, nurses), required reading and book reports, childbirth education class). DONA has certification details here, and they’ve become even more rigorous in the years’ since I did their training. Certification is all part of the attempt to professionalize and legitimize doula’s and doula work. While I support efforts to legitimize doulas and our work, I am not necessarily an advocate of certification. It’s a cumbersome and costly process. I wrote here about my reasons for not being certified, but the main one is that for me doula work is not a business. It’s a form of activism, something I do as a volunteer, and I have not yet found barriers to my participating in this work as a volunteer without certification. Training is almost always a requirement, but certification has not been. Whether to get certified is up to you, but don’t let it stop you from beginning the journey. You don’t need to be certified to be considered a doula, and you don’t need to work with DONA to feel legitimate in the work you do. Step 3: Get to work! Now that you have done your doula training, it’s time to get into the birth action! I’m a huge proponent of volunteer doula programs, both for new doulas in the making and as a practice overall. These programs (which vary widely) find ways to set volunteer doula’s up with moms who can’t afford to pay for a doula on her own, or might not even know about the services doula’s provide. Some programs set parents up with doulas before the birth, others use an on-call system to connect doulas to laboring parents. These programs are great because you can vary your commitment–if you only have one day a month to offer, no problem! If you want to work with a few births a year–great! They also do the awesome work of getting doula care to folks who wouldn’t otherwise have it. These programs can unfortunately be hard to find, as many don’t have websites or public information. Know a volunteer doula program not listed here? Email me at radicaldoulaATgmailDOTcom and I’ll add it. You can find a full list of volunteer doula programs here. -------------------------------------------------- Miriam Zoila Pérez is a writer, blogger and reproductive justice activist. She works with the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and is an Editor at Feministing. Miriam was trained as a doula in 2004. By MICHAEL MELLO, CINDY CARCAMO and DOUG IRVING 2010-06-03 10:58:48 SANTA ANA – Eight protesters remained in jail Thursday night after being arrested when they chained themselves together and blocked Santa Ana Boulevard to decry immigration enforcement practices and Arizona's controversial immigration law. The protesters declined to give police their names, causing authorities problems when they tried to book them into Santa Ana Jail. Using ropes, duct tape, bolts, and PVC pipes, they had linked themselves together into a circular chain in the westbound lanes of busy Santa Ana Boulevard. Police and firefighters had to use medical scissors and wrenches to free the protesters, who lay on the baking asphalt, looking into the sun. A banner lay on the street in the center of the circle, reading: "Arizona to Costa Mesa, racism ends here." Stickers on the pipes said, "Brown and proud." Some of the protesters either couldn't stand or refused to stand once they were freed. All refused to give police their names, and many even refused to speak to Fire Department paramedics who gave them a once-over before they were loaded into a waiting police holding van. They stayed silent in solidarity with those who are in the country illegally, other members of their group said. They also carried no identifying documents, also as part of a solidarity movement. Officers arrested them on suspicion of unlawful assembly and refusal to disperse, Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said. He added that the eight would be cited and released if they could be identified by officers. If not, they would remain in jail. Seven of the eight refused to give officers their names to help with identifying them, and refused to allow officers to fingerprint them, Bertagna said. A much larger group of about 60 peaceful but loud protesters helped block the street in front of the federal building for several hours. They chose the spot because it was in front of the chain-link gate Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents use as the intake for those suspected of being in the country illegally. During the protest, police vehicles and fire trucks blocked off Santa Ana Boulevard between Parton and Flower streets. Police directed traffic around the closure. Authorities didn't know about the protest until an officer happened upon it as he drove down the boulevard. "We were given no notice" of the gathering, Bertagna said, noting the protest affected traffic downtown and nearby businesses. "This is a major thoroughfare in the city of Santa Ana." The protesters handed out lists of demands: that Santa Ana declare itself a so-called sanctuary city; that police officers not work with immigration officials; that Costa Mesa repeal its Rule of Law resolution and that Arizona repeal its anti-illegal immigration law. One banner read: "Vengo a Defender los Derechos de la Humanidad'' – "I Come Here to Defend the Rights of Humanity.'' Sarina Sanchez, 21, a UCLA student from Los Angeles, was one of the protesters. She said the group wants Santa Ana to take a firmer stance against the Arizona immigration-enforcement law and wants Santa Ana police to stop collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She said Thursday's protest was led by the youth in the city. "There is a lot of youth here and immigrant families in Santa Ana," she said. She added that the eight arrested by authorities were in the country legally. The demonstration was organized by word of mouth. Phone calls were made and messages sent through social networking sites, such as Facebook. "We see an attack in the communities all over the nation,'' said protester Abraham Medina, a 21-year-old Santa Ana resident who attends UC Irvine. "People are scared to even go to work and come home from work.'' The protesters are not part of any specific group, he said, but represent "the community that has been silenced because of policies that introduce terror in our communities." The protesters scoffed – "Whose street? Our street!" -- after police issued a dispersal warning about two hours after they first blocked Santa Ana Boulevard. Others chanted, "la raza unida, jamás será vencida"—"a race, united, will never be defeated." However, most of group quickly headed for the sidewalk and down the street once 75 police officers closed in. Members of the group would not say if they plan more demonstrations. Thursday evening, about a dozen members of the group waited outside the Santa Ana Jail for the "detainees," as they referred to the arrested protesters. Through phone calls from friends, America Najera said, they got limited news from inside the jail. Najera said the arrested women were being held without water. In addition, she said, two of the protesters were hurt when they were dragged down the street as they were arrested. The pair claimed they have asked for medical treatment and were refused. Bertagna said that's not the case. Many sinks in the jail come equipped with drinking spouts for easy access to water. "If they request water, they get water," Bertagna said. "If they request medical attention, they get medical attention." Re-posted from OC Register Re-posted from Blog for Peace and Freedom
Mexican immigrant beaten to death by US Border Patrol By Bill Van Auken 4 June 2010 Anastasio Hernández Rojas, a Mexican immigrant construction worker and father of five, died in a San Diego hospital Monday after a brutal beating and tasering by US Border Patrol agents at the San Ysidro crossing to Tijuana left him brain dead. The San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office Wednesday ruled the death a homicide, with the beating having resulted in a loss of oxygen to the brain and a heart attack. The 42-year-old worker had lived in the Encanto, California, area since he was 14, his entire adult life. His children, ages four through 20 were all born in the US and are American citizens. He supported his family through work installing swimming pools. Hernández had been detained and deported to Mexico on May 25 after reportedly being picked up by the San Diego police. He was again detained by the Border Patrol while attempting to cross back into the US to reunite with his family on Friday, May 28. Immigration authorities rushed him through the system and were preparing to push him back across the border to waiting Mexican border agents when the incident took place. The Border Patrol claimed that Hernández became violent and that it was necessary to club and then taser him into submission. Witnesses, however, reported that as many as 20 agents pummeled the worker. His brother, Pedro Pablo Hernández, whose whereabouts are unknown and is presumed still in US custody, testified that he and Anastasio were seated on the ground in handcuffs when one of the agents kicked him in the chest and another kicked him in the leg. He said that Anastasio shouted at the agents to stop, but they only became more violent. The murdered man’s wife, María Hernández, told the media, “What happened is that Anastasio wasn’t going to let them get away with it; I know him.” Initially, the beating could not be seen from the Mexican side of the border, but a woman who was passing through the border transfer area towards Mexico informed agents of the Mexican National Immigration Institute that the US agents were “almost killing someone” on the other side. Then, according to accounts in the Mexican press, Anastasio Hernández crawled to an area where he could be seen from Mexican territory, pursued by the US agents. With dozens of people watching, the agents kicked and used stun guns on him until he stopped screaming and no longer moved. The US Customs and Border Protection agency issued a perfunctory statement declaring that it “regrets the loss of life and awaits the results of a complete investigation into this incident.” Immigrant rights defenders, however, say that the brutal attack is by no means uncommon, and that Border Patrol personnel enjoy impunity in the use of violence against undocumented immigrants. They add that such investigations are generally internal, with no accountability to the public. This latest killing provoked rage on both sides of the US-Mexico border. The Mexican government responded with its usual words of condemnation and indignation, but has taken no action outside of instructing its consulate in San Diego to aid the bereaved family. The Mexican Conference of Bishops charged that the atmosphere for the killing had been created by the whipping up of anti-immigrant reaction, particularly with the passage of the law in Arizona ordering local police to target people on the basis of suspicion that they are in the country without documents. “They are encouraging hatred for Hispanic immigrants and the existence of a climate of violence based on the erroneous idea that their territories are being invaded and locals are being deprived of opportunities,” the conference said. In the town of Mexicali, members of the Mexicali Civic Front briefly blocked the border in protest over the killing. The president of the group, Sergio Tamay, demanded justice for the murdered worker and said that efforts were being made to unite organizations in southern California and Baja California to defend the rights of immigrants, whatever their status. At a press conference in San Diego on Wednesday, immigrant rights groups joined with the family of Anastasio Hernández to condemn the killing. “I only wish that all those who suffered the same fate find justice, that there be justice for all of these deaths and for the death of Anastasio,” said Veronica Hernández, the murdered worker’s cousin. “They didn’t end just that one life, they took away life for all the members of our family.” She continued: “With all that we have suffered, with immigration and discrimination, it is time that we rise up. It is time to say we are here and we have come only to work, not rob anybody. All we want is a better life for our children, for our parents.” Andrea Guerrero of the American Civil Liberties Union in San Diego said that there was no possible justification for the level of violence unleashed against Anastasio Hernández, given that he was in a secure area after already being searched and processed, about to be turned over to Mexican authorities. She said that the killing was not an isolated incident, but a manifestation of a “culture of impunity” within the Border Patrol. “If this kind of incident can happen in the full light of day in front of hundreds of people, what is happening behind closed doors?” she asked. She expressed anger at the Obama White House for failing to ameliorate draconian US immigration statutes or improve conditions in any way for immigrant workers. “This administration made promises about change, but we have seen very little of it here in the border region,” she said. Guerrero stressed that Anastasio Hernández had only two choices: abandon his family and his home of nearly 30 years, or risk his life by coming back across the border without papers. The idea that workers like him can “get in line” and return legally, she said, is a myth. “There are not lines for everybody, and this is a perfect example.” Addressing the death of Anastasio Hernández at a press briefing Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Philip J. Crowley said that the brutal state killing “obviously represents the challenge of securing the border on both sides, and we are very mindful of the fact that [for] those who try to enter the United States illegally, there is a significant loss of life every year along the border as people endeavor to come here.” A report released last month by the Washington-based establishment think tank National Foundation for American Policy found that 4,000 men, women and children have died crossing the border since 1998, when the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton launched a crackdown on the border. This is approximately one person every day. As a result of increased surveillance and repression along the border, the death rate has risen sharply, even as the number of people crossing into the US has fallen. The study found a 64 percent decline in the number of workers entering without documents, alongside a 59 percent increase in immigrant deaths at the border. |
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