http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=80733
London fundraisers linked to stoning of 13-year-old
Girl who tells Shariah court of rape is convicted, executed for 'adultery'
Posted: November 11, 2008
9:14 pm Eastern
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
LONDON – Britain's MI6 intelligence service has identified a group that raises funds with impunity in London as the organization whose militia members in Somalia imposed a death sentence on a 13-year-old rape victim, according to a report from Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin.
Known as the Shabaab, the ruthless militia is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department. The group's leadership was targeted by missile strikes earlier this year.
However, MI6 has revealed that the group operates without restriction in London, funding the fierce guerrilla war against Somalia's long-time enemy, Ethiopia, which invaded Somalia last year.
Until last week, the war attracted little attention in the West. All that changed after a Shariah court in the Somalia southern town of Kismayo handed down a brutal punishment.
A 13-year-old girl, described in an intelligence report as "little more than a pretty child," was sentenced to be stoned to death by the all-male court.
Joseph Farah's G2 Bulletin is the premium, online intelligence news source edited and published by the founder of WND.
It imposed the sentence on Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow after she had complained to the local Shariah court that she had been gang-raped by, among others, her cousins.
But the court found her guilty of adultery and sentenced her to death by stoning.
She was taken from the courthouse to a local sports stadium. There she was buried up to her neck in sand and then stoned in front of a 1,000-strong crowd, the number the local soccer team attracts.
-------------------------------
MY COMMENTS:
This young girl bravely spoke out about the horrible rape she suffered and she is punished with death? Is this what Shariah law stands for? Is this JUSTICE? I'm disgusted...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=121797745642029900
Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Drop in numbers seeking drivers licenses pegged to new state law
By Steve Law
The Portland Tribune, Aug 6, 2008
Christopher Onstott, Tribune File Photo / Portland Tribune
With a passport and Brazilian drivers license in hand, Roberual Goncalues De Silva waits his turn in 2006 to apply for an Oregon drivers license at the popular DMV office at SE Powell Boulevard and 90th. A new state law requires Oregon drivers license applicants to prove they are in the state legally.
The number of Spanish-speaking people taking Oregon’s driving test plummeted in February, just as Gov. Kulongoski’s executive order took effect requiring test-takers to provide valid Social Security numbers.
In the Portland area and statewide, there was a jump in people taking the driving test in Spanish in the two months after Kulongoski issued his November order – but before it took effect Feb. 4, according to new data from the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division. The number of people taking the test in Spanish fell more than 80 percent after his order took effect.
State officials can’t think of any other reason to explain the pattern besides the governor’s order, said David House, DMV spokesman.
Critics of illegal immigration hailed the new data.
“I think that’s reflective of the fact that at one time Oregon had an open door for illegal aliens to get their drivers’ licenses from all over the United States,” said Jim Ludwick, president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform.
Oregon had been one of a handful of states that didn’t require drivers license applicants to prove they were here legally. Oregon also grants licenses for eight years, longer than many states.
Ludwick and others lobbied state officials for years to tighten state procedures, arguing that Oregon’s loose standards made the state a mecca for illegal immigrants anxious to obtain photo IDs.
Kulongoski came around to that view last year, arguing state requirements needed tightening to prevent identity theft and other public safety problems.
“Previously Oregon had been a magnet for individuals from other states coming in and obtaining drivers’ licenses,” said Jillian Schoene, Kulongoski spokeswoman. “I think the changes in the law have been effective.”
Kulongoski put the heat on the Oregon Legislature to approve his plan, by making the executive order take effect the exact day a one-month special legislative session began on Feb 4. Lawmakers complied by passing Senate Bill 1080, which requires license applicants to provide proof they are here legally.
That law took effect July 1, so its full impact is not clear yet, House said. So far, the law is slowing the issuance of drivers licenses, because it requires all applicants to present more documents to prove their identity and legal presence here.
“I’m going to give Gov. Kulongoski credit,” Ludwick said. “He’s the one who issued an executive order and basically forced the Legislature to go along with the process.”
For most of 2007, about 150 people a month took the test in Spanish at the bustling Portland DMV office on 8710 S.E. Powell Boulevard. That bumped to more than 200 a month in December and January, after Kulongoski announced his pending executive order. Then the number fell to 28 people in February, when the order took effect.
The story was the same elsewhere in the Portland area and statewide. At the main Hillsboro DMV office, 398 people took the test in Spanish in January, and then only 69 in February. In Gresham, 215 took the test in Spanish in January, and only 20 in February. Statewide, 4,542 took the test in Spanish in January and 665 in February.
The DMV’s data does not show a clear drop in the number of people taking the drivers test in English, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese or Japanese. The number of people taking the test in Spanish has remained low each month since February.
“Only one language group declined; all the others remained pretty static,” Ludwick observed.
The DMV data provides dramatic evidence of the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants to the Portland area. People requesting the drivers test in Spanish amounted to one-third of all test-takers at the Hillsboro DMV from August 2006 through January 2008, one-fourth of those in the Gresham DMV and about one-seventh of those at Portland’s Powell Boulevard DMV.
Ludwick predicted the new state law will reduce methamphetamine trafficking and identity theft in Oregon.
Immigrants rights advocates said the law will harm Oregon’s economy by making it more difficult for undocumented workers to get to their jobs. However, the law’s impact is gradual, because many illegal immigrants have licenses until they expire, and there was a surge of people getting licenses before the executive order took effect.
“That means that little by little, they’re not going to do their work,” said Marco Mejia, Portland-area director of the American Friends Service Committee immigration program. That will have a dramatic impact on Oregon farms, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that rely on immigrant labor, Mejia said.
Ultimately, he said, the law will drive up the cost of food for Oregonians. “The effect is going to be totally negative to the overall community,” he said.
------------------
OTHER'S COMMENTS:
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Ultimately, he said, the law will drive up the cost of food for Oregonians. “The effect is going to be totally negative to the overall community,” Mejia said.
This is because wages will go up. Those who are working hard will finally be able to demand a decent wage, decent working conditions and rights like the rest of us enjoy. There will be no overall negative effect on the overall community, just on the community of illegal immigrants. Now Portland will have to decide what they will do when pull over a driver with no license, no proof of identity and thus no proof of US citizenry.
There is no reason why one segment of immigrants should receive preference over another. As shown by DMV's numbers, most immigrants follow the laws and come here legally. i.e. the number of Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese had no significant decline.
The next step is the SSN match rule. This will cut down on fraud and theft. Any person who uses a SSN that is not theirs is perpetuating theft and fraud. The SSN belongs to someone else. The SSN is not only used to obtain a job, but also to rent and apartment, buy a car and borrow money.
Ah, before you call me some racist, backwoods hillbilly, let me enlighten you.
I just spent 15 months struggling through the system, separated from my Peruvian wife, to obtain a US visa for her so that she can come here live with me. When I moved to her country 4 years ago I obtained a visa at the port of entry, of course I was not permitted to work and it was almost impossible to obtain a work permit.
Please focus your energy on reforming the immigration system, especially USCIS. This is the most insular US agency I have ever dealt with. They make the IRS look like angels. You have to go through 3 separate government agencies to obtain a visa to the US (USCIS, State Department and FBI). I actually had a USCIS respond to me that they are a normal agency and work on their own terms.
Comprehensive immigration reform is the only answer, in the mean time the laws have to be followed.
"Jota"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
I am a Title I teacher who works with the Latino immigrant population. I see the day-to-day pressures that this bill has put on the spouses and children of illegal immigrants (the entire family may NOT be here illegally, and often, the families we have here were originally all legal but let their papers lapse). I have to agree with "jota" above. The system, as it is now, makes trying to follow the rules and go through the steps almost Kafkaesque at times! In the long run, this rule will be a positive thing for many reasons: it will cut down on interconnected crimes like SS# theft (I have been a victim twice, my husband once, made easier because we have a common Latino last name), AND it will force necessary pressure for changes to a system that encourages people to lie or lose work if they want to keep their families together. I cannot tell you how many families I have tried to help renew their legal status before it expired and have had them finally give up in sheer desperation, then disappear into the illegal population. I hate the potential problems in the short-term, and I know there will be plenty of people who will choose to drive without the license because they can't get one. However, the system needs a total overhaul. Let's hope this eventually helps!
"Una maestra de Washington Country "
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
They should abide by the law if they want to live and work in this country. I have to and I am Irish.
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
"They should abide by the law if they want to live and work in this country. I have to and I am Irish."
"BJR"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
The aren't latino immigrants, they are illegal aliens.
If they aren't applying for state licenses, then it means the system is working. They won't be able to apply for benefits, go into bars etc...
Hopefully this will give them the incentive to GO HOME!
" Steveo"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
What took Sleepy Ted so long? Apparently he's enjoying
his "retirement" working at the State Capitol.
"Dale"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Marco Mejia says that the effect will be totally negative. I think this is ridiculous, and the whole "costs will go up" argument is irrelevant as well. If the true LEGAL costs of growing nursery stock or harvesting produce is higher than we are currently paying than the costs should go up.
There are a lot of products that could be sold cheaper if we ignored workplace safety regulations or illegally used materials that weren't up to code, or in many other ways broke the laws that govern how these products should be manufactured and brought to market, but no one seems to advocate that every industry should just ignore the law and only do what is absolutely cheapest at every turn.
However, for some reason, when agriculture breaks numerous laws to cut corners and save a buck, it is presented as if they were engaged in some kind of Robin Hood like moral struggle, and that their breaking the law is a good thing.
It isn't a good thing, it artificially and ILLEGALLY, drives down wages for American citizens and legal immigrants, and creates oppourtunities for criminal activity from ID theft to terrorism so I find it hard to swallow when I am told that something as simple as making sure a person is legally entitled to have a drivers license before we actually give them one is bad for our community
"Don"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
I've got no problem with this regulation. Hopefully people without a drivers license (or insurance) will also stay off the roads as well.
However I don't blame people coming to Oregon looking for better work and a better place to live... if there are employers hiring illegal workers here, we should go after the employers, not the workers.
"yeah well"
(email verified)
Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Drop in numbers seeking drivers licenses pegged to new state law
By Steve Law
The Portland Tribune, Aug 6, 2008
Christopher Onstott, Tribune File Photo / Portland Tribune
With a passport and Brazilian drivers license in hand, Roberual Goncalues De Silva waits his turn in 2006 to apply for an Oregon drivers license at the popular DMV office at SE Powell Boulevard and 90th. A new state law requires Oregon drivers license applicants to prove they are in the state legally.
The number of Spanish-speaking people taking Oregon’s driving test plummeted in February, just as Gov. Kulongoski’s executive order took effect requiring test-takers to provide valid Social Security numbers.
In the Portland area and statewide, there was a jump in people taking the driving test in Spanish in the two months after Kulongoski issued his November order – but before it took effect Feb. 4, according to new data from the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division. The number of people taking the test in Spanish fell more than 80 percent after his order took effect.
State officials can’t think of any other reason to explain the pattern besides the governor’s order, said David House, DMV spokesman.
Critics of illegal immigration hailed the new data.
“I think that’s reflective of the fact that at one time Oregon had an open door for illegal aliens to get their drivers’ licenses from all over the United States,” said Jim Ludwick, president of Oregonians for Immigration Reform.
Oregon had been one of a handful of states that didn’t require drivers license applicants to prove they were here legally. Oregon also grants licenses for eight years, longer than many states.
Ludwick and others lobbied state officials for years to tighten state procedures, arguing that Oregon’s loose standards made the state a mecca for illegal immigrants anxious to obtain photo IDs.
Kulongoski came around to that view last year, arguing state requirements needed tightening to prevent identity theft and other public safety problems.
“Previously Oregon had been a magnet for individuals from other states coming in and obtaining drivers’ licenses,” said Jillian Schoene, Kulongoski spokeswoman. “I think the changes in the law have been effective.”
Kulongoski put the heat on the Oregon Legislature to approve his plan, by making the executive order take effect the exact day a one-month special legislative session began on Feb 4. Lawmakers complied by passing Senate Bill 1080, which requires license applicants to provide proof they are here legally.
That law took effect July 1, so its full impact is not clear yet, House said. So far, the law is slowing the issuance of drivers licenses, because it requires all applicants to present more documents to prove their identity and legal presence here.
“I’m going to give Gov. Kulongoski credit,” Ludwick said. “He’s the one who issued an executive order and basically forced the Legislature to go along with the process.”
For most of 2007, about 150 people a month took the test in Spanish at the bustling Portland DMV office on 8710 S.E. Powell Boulevard. That bumped to more than 200 a month in December and January, after Kulongoski announced his pending executive order. Then the number fell to 28 people in February, when the order took effect.
The story was the same elsewhere in the Portland area and statewide. At the main Hillsboro DMV office, 398 people took the test in Spanish in January, and then only 69 in February. In Gresham, 215 took the test in Spanish in January, and only 20 in February. Statewide, 4,542 took the test in Spanish in January and 665 in February.
The DMV’s data does not show a clear drop in the number of people taking the drivers test in English, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese or Japanese. The number of people taking the test in Spanish has remained low each month since February.
“Only one language group declined; all the others remained pretty static,” Ludwick observed.
The DMV data provides dramatic evidence of the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants to the Portland area. People requesting the drivers test in Spanish amounted to one-third of all test-takers at the Hillsboro DMV from August 2006 through January 2008, one-fourth of those in the Gresham DMV and about one-seventh of those at Portland’s Powell Boulevard DMV.
Ludwick predicted the new state law will reduce methamphetamine trafficking and identity theft in Oregon.
Immigrants rights advocates said the law will harm Oregon’s economy by making it more difficult for undocumented workers to get to their jobs. However, the law’s impact is gradual, because many illegal immigrants have licenses until they expire, and there was a surge of people getting licenses before the executive order took effect.
“That means that little by little, they’re not going to do their work,” said Marco Mejia, Portland-area director of the American Friends Service Committee immigration program. That will have a dramatic impact on Oregon farms, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that rely on immigrant labor, Mejia said.
Ultimately, he said, the law will drive up the cost of food for Oregonians. “The effect is going to be totally negative to the overall community,” he said.
------------------
OTHER'S COMMENTS:
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Ultimately, he said, the law will drive up the cost of food for Oregonians. “The effect is going to be totally negative to the overall community,” Mejia said.
This is because wages will go up. Those who are working hard will finally be able to demand a decent wage, decent working conditions and rights like the rest of us enjoy. There will be no overall negative effect on the overall community, just on the community of illegal immigrants. Now Portland will have to decide what they will do when pull over a driver with no license, no proof of identity and thus no proof of US citizenry.
There is no reason why one segment of immigrants should receive preference over another. As shown by DMV's numbers, most immigrants follow the laws and come here legally. i.e. the number of Chinese, Russian and Vietnamese had no significant decline.
The next step is the SSN match rule. This will cut down on fraud and theft. Any person who uses a SSN that is not theirs is perpetuating theft and fraud. The SSN belongs to someone else. The SSN is not only used to obtain a job, but also to rent and apartment, buy a car and borrow money.
Ah, before you call me some racist, backwoods hillbilly, let me enlighten you.
I just spent 15 months struggling through the system, separated from my Peruvian wife, to obtain a US visa for her so that she can come here live with me. When I moved to her country 4 years ago I obtained a visa at the port of entry, of course I was not permitted to work and it was almost impossible to obtain a work permit.
Please focus your energy on reforming the immigration system, especially USCIS. This is the most insular US agency I have ever dealt with. They make the IRS look like angels. You have to go through 3 separate government agencies to obtain a visa to the US (USCIS, State Department and FBI). I actually had a USCIS respond to me that they are a normal agency and work on their own terms.
Comprehensive immigration reform is the only answer, in the mean time the laws have to be followed.
"Jota"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
I am a Title I teacher who works with the Latino immigrant population. I see the day-to-day pressures that this bill has put on the spouses and children of illegal immigrants (the entire family may NOT be here illegally, and often, the families we have here were originally all legal but let their papers lapse). I have to agree with "jota" above. The system, as it is now, makes trying to follow the rules and go through the steps almost Kafkaesque at times! In the long run, this rule will be a positive thing for many reasons: it will cut down on interconnected crimes like SS# theft (I have been a victim twice, my husband once, made easier because we have a common Latino last name), AND it will force necessary pressure for changes to a system that encourages people to lie or lose work if they want to keep their families together. I cannot tell you how many families I have tried to help renew their legal status before it expired and have had them finally give up in sheer desperation, then disappear into the illegal population. I hate the potential problems in the short-term, and I know there will be plenty of people who will choose to drive without the license because they can't get one. However, the system needs a total overhaul. Let's hope this eventually helps!
"Una maestra de Washington Country "
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
They should abide by the law if they want to live and work in this country. I have to and I am Irish.
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
"They should abide by the law if they want to live and work in this country. I have to and I am Irish."
"BJR"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
The aren't latino immigrants, they are illegal aliens.
If they aren't applying for state licenses, then it means the system is working. They won't be able to apply for benefits, go into bars etc...
Hopefully this will give them the incentive to GO HOME!
" Steveo"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
What took Sleepy Ted so long? Apparently he's enjoying
his "retirement" working at the State Capitol.
"Dale"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
Marco Mejia says that the effect will be totally negative. I think this is ridiculous, and the whole "costs will go up" argument is irrelevant as well. If the true LEGAL costs of growing nursery stock or harvesting produce is higher than we are currently paying than the costs should go up.
There are a lot of products that could be sold cheaper if we ignored workplace safety regulations or illegally used materials that weren't up to code, or in many other ways broke the laws that govern how these products should be manufactured and brought to market, but no one seems to advocate that every industry should just ignore the law and only do what is absolutely cheapest at every turn.
However, for some reason, when agriculture breaks numerous laws to cut corners and save a buck, it is presented as if they were engaged in some kind of Robin Hood like moral struggle, and that their breaking the law is a good thing.
It isn't a good thing, it artificially and ILLEGALLY, drives down wages for American citizens and legal immigrants, and creates oppourtunities for criminal activity from ID theft to terrorism so I find it hard to swallow when I am told that something as simple as making sure a person is legally entitled to have a drivers license before we actually give them one is bad for our community
"Don"
(email verified)
Wed, Aug 06, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Re: Latino immigrants suddenly avoiding the DMV
I've got no problem with this regulation. Hopefully people without a drivers license (or insurance) will also stay off the roads as well.
However I don't blame people coming to Oregon looking for better work and a better place to live... if there are employers hiring illegal workers here, we should go after the employers, not the workers.
"yeah well"
(email verified)
Friday, July 4, 2008
2 Supervisors Are Arrested After Sweep at Meat Plant
http://biz.yahoo.com/nytimes/080705/1194791428859.html?.v=19
2 Supervisors Are Arrested After Sweep at Meat Plant
Saturday July 5, 1:34 am ET
By JULIA PRESTON
Two supervisors at a kosher meatpacking plant in Iowa where hundreds of illegal immigrants were rounded up in May were arrested Thursday on criminal immigration charges.
Federal prosecutors said they had also issued an arrest warrant for a third man described by workers as a plant manager.
The supervisors, Juan Carlos Guerrero Espinoza and Martin De la Rosa Loera, were arrested at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, prosecutors said. They were the first employees who were not rank-and-file workers to be arrested since 389 illegal immigrants were rounded up at the plant on May 12, said Bob Teig, a spokesman for the United States attorney for the Northern District of Iowa.
Federal authorities called the raid the largest enforcement operation by immigration authorities at a single workplace. Unions and immigrant advocacy groups had criticized immigration officials for focusing arrests on workers while taking no action against top managers.
The arrest warrant was issued for Hosam Amara, 43. In interviews after the raid, several workers said Mr. Amara was a floor manager with more authority than line supervisors. They said he was a link between workers on the slaughterhouse floors and meatpacking lines and more senior management.
Agriprocessors, which before the raid was the country’s largest producer of kosher meat, is owned by Aaron Rubashkin. Two weeks after the raid, he removed his son Sholom as chief executive.
Most of the illegal immigrants arrested at the plant were from rural Guatemala. In expedited proceedings, 270 workers were sent to federal prison on criminal charges, most for presenting false documents when they were hired.
In a criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday, federal authorities said Mr. Guerrero was the supervisor of four departments in the Postville plant, including a slaughterhouse called Beef Kill. Workers cited anonymously in the complaint said Mr. Guerrero was running a business obtaining fraudulent immigration documents, known as green cards.
In the days before the raid, the workers said, according to the complaint, Mr. Guerrero told them in a meeting that “they needed new IDs and Social Security numbers to continue working at the company.” Mr. Guerrero collected $200 and a photograph from each worker, promising to provide new documents, the complaint says.
A former human resources employee cited in the complaint said Mr. Guerrero regularly brought in fake green cards for applicants.
A separate complaint says Mr. De la Rosa, a supervisor in Poultry Kill, also told illegal immigrant workers shortly before the raid that they needed new identity documents.
The complaints make it clear that a grand jury investigation of Agriprocessors is continuing.
Union officials said the new arrests did not go far enough.
“The arrest of two low-level supervisors, while a start, barely scratches the surface of this company’s bad behavior,” said Scott Frotman, a spokesman for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which has tried to organize the plant. “What about the allegations of worker abuse? Does anyone really believe that these low-level supervisors acted alone without the knowledge, or even the direction, of the Rubashkins and other senior management?”
On Thursday in Houston, five senior managers of another company that was recently raided, Action Rags USA, made their initial court appearances. Those arrested on Wednesday included Mabarik Kahlon, 45, the owner of the company, an exporter of used clothing, and his partner Rasheed Ahmed, 58. About 160 workers were arrested on June 25 at the company’s plant in Houston.
----------------
MY COMMENTS:
Deport.. Deport... Deport all ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. If you come to the United States LEGALLY then you are welcome... OTHERWISE GO HOME. These scumbags who hire illegals at what should be described as SLAVE wages should have all their assets seized and donated towards the building of the border fence. Being an illegal is a horrible lifestyle and not one anyone should endure. The only way to end this type of abuse is to make sure it can't happen to being with.
2 Supervisors Are Arrested After Sweep at Meat Plant
Saturday July 5, 1:34 am ET
By JULIA PRESTON
Two supervisors at a kosher meatpacking plant in Iowa where hundreds of illegal immigrants were rounded up in May were arrested Thursday on criminal immigration charges.
Federal prosecutors said they had also issued an arrest warrant for a third man described by workers as a plant manager.
The supervisors, Juan Carlos Guerrero Espinoza and Martin De la Rosa Loera, were arrested at the Agriprocessors plant in Postville, prosecutors said. They were the first employees who were not rank-and-file workers to be arrested since 389 illegal immigrants were rounded up at the plant on May 12, said Bob Teig, a spokesman for the United States attorney for the Northern District of Iowa.
Federal authorities called the raid the largest enforcement operation by immigration authorities at a single workplace. Unions and immigrant advocacy groups had criticized immigration officials for focusing arrests on workers while taking no action against top managers.
The arrest warrant was issued for Hosam Amara, 43. In interviews after the raid, several workers said Mr. Amara was a floor manager with more authority than line supervisors. They said he was a link between workers on the slaughterhouse floors and meatpacking lines and more senior management.
Agriprocessors, which before the raid was the country’s largest producer of kosher meat, is owned by Aaron Rubashkin. Two weeks after the raid, he removed his son Sholom as chief executive.
Most of the illegal immigrants arrested at the plant were from rural Guatemala. In expedited proceedings, 270 workers were sent to federal prison on criminal charges, most for presenting false documents when they were hired.
In a criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday, federal authorities said Mr. Guerrero was the supervisor of four departments in the Postville plant, including a slaughterhouse called Beef Kill. Workers cited anonymously in the complaint said Mr. Guerrero was running a business obtaining fraudulent immigration documents, known as green cards.
In the days before the raid, the workers said, according to the complaint, Mr. Guerrero told them in a meeting that “they needed new IDs and Social Security numbers to continue working at the company.” Mr. Guerrero collected $200 and a photograph from each worker, promising to provide new documents, the complaint says.
A former human resources employee cited in the complaint said Mr. Guerrero regularly brought in fake green cards for applicants.
A separate complaint says Mr. De la Rosa, a supervisor in Poultry Kill, also told illegal immigrant workers shortly before the raid that they needed new identity documents.
The complaints make it clear that a grand jury investigation of Agriprocessors is continuing.
Union officials said the new arrests did not go far enough.
“The arrest of two low-level supervisors, while a start, barely scratches the surface of this company’s bad behavior,” said Scott Frotman, a spokesman for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, which has tried to organize the plant. “What about the allegations of worker abuse? Does anyone really believe that these low-level supervisors acted alone without the knowledge, or even the direction, of the Rubashkins and other senior management?”
On Thursday in Houston, five senior managers of another company that was recently raided, Action Rags USA, made their initial court appearances. Those arrested on Wednesday included Mabarik Kahlon, 45, the owner of the company, an exporter of used clothing, and his partner Rasheed Ahmed, 58. About 160 workers were arrested on June 25 at the company’s plant in Houston.
----------------
MY COMMENTS:
Deport.. Deport... Deport all ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. If you come to the United States LEGALLY then you are welcome... OTHERWISE GO HOME. These scumbags who hire illegals at what should be described as SLAVE wages should have all their assets seized and donated towards the building of the border fence. Being an illegal is a horrible lifestyle and not one anyone should endure. The only way to end this type of abuse is to make sure it can't happen to being with.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Dems want control over U.S. oil flow
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=67490
Dems want control over U.S. oil flow
Hinchey joins Waters, says 'We should own refineries'
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
Rep. Maurice Hinchey
The itch to control the U.S. oil industry is spreading among Democrats in Washington, with Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., joining in the chorus to nationalize the energy company assets.
"We (the government) should own the refineries," Hinchey said today, according to a Fox News alert. "Then we can control how much gets out into the market.
WND earlier reported when U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., during a grilling of oil executives by a panel of U.S. House members, threatened to nationalize the industry if executives were unsuccessful in bringing pump prices for gasoline down.
A report by Fox News, captured in a clip posted on YouTube.com, showed Waters challenging the president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, to guarantee the prices consumers pay will go down if the oil companies are allowed to drill wherever they want off of U.S. shores.
Hofmeister replied: "I can guarantee to the American people, because of the inaction of the United States Congress, ever-increasing prices unless the demand comes down."
The Shell exec said paying $5 at the pump "will look like a very low price in the years to come if we are prohibited from finding new reserves, new opportunities to increase supplies."
Waters responded, in part, "And guess what this liberal would be all about. This liberal will be about socializing … uh, um. …"
The congresswoman paused to collect her thoughts.
"Would be about, basically, taking over, and the government running all of your companies. …"
The oil executives responded, according to Fox News, by saying they've seen this before, in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela.
Fox reported today the latest statements from Hinchey came as Democrats responded to President Bush's call for Congress to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling.
Democrats also said the reason the Appropriations Committee markup, where the vote on an amendment to lift a ban on offshore drilling was to be, was cancelled so that representatives could focus on a supplemental Iraq spending bill.
Hinchey, one of the more ardent opponents of off-shore drilling, simply said Congress will do what is "in the best interest of the American people. Not major corporations."
------------------
MY COMMENTS:
LMAO!!!! HA! Caught ya didn't they Maxine... Ohhhh... too bad... She meant socializing, don't even try to play it off. Your big mouth got you caught didn't it! Ya, we know what you want Maxine... AND IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!
Dems want control over U.S. oil flow
Hinchey joins Waters, says 'We should own refineries'
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
Rep. Maurice Hinchey
The itch to control the U.S. oil industry is spreading among Democrats in Washington, with Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., joining in the chorus to nationalize the energy company assets.
"We (the government) should own the refineries," Hinchey said today, according to a Fox News alert. "Then we can control how much gets out into the market.
WND earlier reported when U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., during a grilling of oil executives by a panel of U.S. House members, threatened to nationalize the industry if executives were unsuccessful in bringing pump prices for gasoline down.
A report by Fox News, captured in a clip posted on YouTube.com, showed Waters challenging the president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister, to guarantee the prices consumers pay will go down if the oil companies are allowed to drill wherever they want off of U.S. shores.
Hofmeister replied: "I can guarantee to the American people, because of the inaction of the United States Congress, ever-increasing prices unless the demand comes down."
The Shell exec said paying $5 at the pump "will look like a very low price in the years to come if we are prohibited from finding new reserves, new opportunities to increase supplies."
Waters responded, in part, "And guess what this liberal would be all about. This liberal will be about socializing … uh, um. …"
The congresswoman paused to collect her thoughts.
"Would be about, basically, taking over, and the government running all of your companies. …"
The oil executives responded, according to Fox News, by saying they've seen this before, in Hugo Chavez's Venezuela.
Fox reported today the latest statements from Hinchey came as Democrats responded to President Bush's call for Congress to lift the moratorium on offshore drilling.
Democrats also said the reason the Appropriations Committee markup, where the vote on an amendment to lift a ban on offshore drilling was to be, was cancelled so that representatives could focus on a supplemental Iraq spending bill.
Hinchey, one of the more ardent opponents of off-shore drilling, simply said Congress will do what is "in the best interest of the American people. Not major corporations."
------------------
MY COMMENTS:
LMAO!!!! HA! Caught ya didn't they Maxine... Ohhhh... too bad... She meant socializing, don't even try to play it off. Your big mouth got you caught didn't it! Ya, we know what you want Maxine... AND IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!
Haditha Marine prepares to sue Murtha over smear
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=67434
Haditha Marine prepares to sue Murtha over smear
Congressman had accused soldiers of killing 'in cold blood'
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani
With most of the eight Marines charged in the Haditha, Iraq, incident now exonerated, the highest-ranking officer among the accused is considering a lawsuit against Democratic Rep. John Murtha, who fueled the case by declaring the men cold-blooded killers.
In an interview with nationally syndicated radio talk host Michael Savage, the lead attorney for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani said he and his client will look into suing Murtha and the Time magazine reporter, Tim McGuirk, who first published the accusations by Iraqi insurgents.
But the attorney, Brian Rooney, said nothing will happen immediately because he wants Chessani, described as a devout Christian and the father of six homeschooled children, completely "out of the woods" legally before any action is taken. The government, through Lt. Col. S.M. Sullivan, today filed a notice that it would appeal the case to the next judicial level.
As WND reported, a military judge at Camp Pendleton in California yesterday dismissed charges that Chessani failed to properly investigate the Nov. 19, 2005 incident in which 24 Iraqi men, women and children were killed.
Rooney, an attorney for the Thomas More Law Center who served a tour of duty in Iraq himself, is urging citizens to tell their representatives in Congress and military officials that they want the case to come to an end.
"At some point you have to have somebody in the chain of command, whether it's civilian or military, saying enough is enough," said Rooney, who served with Chessani in the second battle of Fallujah.
Rooney told Savage the Haditha case is the largest investigation in the history of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with 65 agents assigned by the government.
The filing of charges against Chessani was approved by Gen. James Mattis, then commander of the Marine Corps Forces Central Command and commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. Mattis has been promoted to commander of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces.
"This is the most important case since Vietnam, if not before," Rooney said. "There's no doubt about it."
He noted the New York Times featured the case on the front page when it was being compared by war critics to the infamous My Lai massacre in Vietnam. But now, with evidence the Haditha accusations were a smear, the story has been relegated to the back pages.
The military judge, Col. Steve Folsom, dismissed Chessani's charges without prejudice, giving permission for the prosecutors to continue trying to build a case that began in December 2006.
Four Marines were charged with murder and another four with not properly investigating the incident.
Defense lawyers contend insurgents deliberately attacked the Marines from hiding places where they surrounded themselves with civilians to use as shields. The defense insisted Chessani promptly reported the events to his superiors and that nobody in the chain of command believed there was any wrongdoing on the part of the Marines.
Libel and defamation
Rooney acknowledged to Savage it's difficult to sue a sitting congressman, but he believes it can be done.
"If he leaves his realm of speaking from the congressman's point of view … then he can be sued for libel and defamation," Rooney said.
The Time magazine story, according to Rooney, was planted by an insurgent propaganda agent. Publishing of the story was soon followed by a May 17, 2006, news conference by Murtha. The congressman announced he had been told by the highest levels of the Marine Corps there was no firefight and Marines "killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
"All the information I get, it comes from the commanders, it comes from people who know what they're talking about," Murtha told reporters at the time.
Murtha's assertions, however, conflicted with results from the military's own investigations. An initial probe by Army Col. G.A. Watt found no indications coalition forces "intentionally targeted, engaged and killed noncombatants." Later, Army Maj. Gen. Aldon Bargewell found no cover-up.
Nevertheless, the Marine Corps eventually brought charges against Chessani and seven other Marines.
But now the cases against Lance Cpls. Stephen Tatum and Justin Sharratt, Capts. Randy Stone and Lucas McConnell and Sgt. Sanick P. Dela Cruz have been dropped. First Lt. Andrew Grayson has been acquitted, leaving only the case of Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich untested in court and Chessani prosecutors facing the hurdles of the appeal process.
WND previously reported a military jury of seven officers acquitted Grayson of all charges.
The ruling by Col. Folsom yesterday followed a previous decision in which he confirmed evidence of unlawful command influence.
The evidence indicated two generals who controlled Chessani's case were influenced by Marine lawyer Col. John Ewers, who was allowed to attend at least 25 closed-session meetings in which the case was discussed.
Throwing Marines under the bus
Rooney acknowledged the Haditha case taken a toll on the Marine Corps.
"There's no doubt it's affected recruiting," he told Savage. "How could you have your sons or daughters join the Marine Corps when you're not sure the government will protect them?"
Rooney was asked by Savage why he thought Murtha, a former Marine himself, accused the officers and enlisted men.
"In my opinion, it's clear it was done during the election cycle, it was done to bolster himself in the party," the attorney said. "He was vying for a leadership position, and if he had to throw some Marines under the bus to do so, that was the cost of power for him."
He hopes soon politicians will weigh in on the case in support of Chessani and the others.
"I would think all politicians, especially politicians that have military records, should say something about this case," he said.
"In a horrible and very complex environment, when you have an enemy that's using women and children as shields, you should always give the benefit of the doubt to the Marine or soldier," said Rooney. "You should never bring him back and put him in front of a court martial."
-----------------
MY COMMENTS:
Murtha is a fat mouthed lib who protests the war in public, but has no problem taking money for contracts in Iraq. Murtha needs to be put back in his place - which frankly should be behind bars.
Haditha Marine prepares to sue Murtha over smear
Congressman had accused soldiers of killing 'in cold blood'
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani
With most of the eight Marines charged in the Haditha, Iraq, incident now exonerated, the highest-ranking officer among the accused is considering a lawsuit against Democratic Rep. John Murtha, who fueled the case by declaring the men cold-blooded killers.
In an interview with nationally syndicated radio talk host Michael Savage, the lead attorney for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani said he and his client will look into suing Murtha and the Time magazine reporter, Tim McGuirk, who first published the accusations by Iraqi insurgents.
But the attorney, Brian Rooney, said nothing will happen immediately because he wants Chessani, described as a devout Christian and the father of six homeschooled children, completely "out of the woods" legally before any action is taken. The government, through Lt. Col. S.M. Sullivan, today filed a notice that it would appeal the case to the next judicial level.
As WND reported, a military judge at Camp Pendleton in California yesterday dismissed charges that Chessani failed to properly investigate the Nov. 19, 2005 incident in which 24 Iraqi men, women and children were killed.
Rooney, an attorney for the Thomas More Law Center who served a tour of duty in Iraq himself, is urging citizens to tell their representatives in Congress and military officials that they want the case to come to an end.
"At some point you have to have somebody in the chain of command, whether it's civilian or military, saying enough is enough," said Rooney, who served with Chessani in the second battle of Fallujah.
Rooney told Savage the Haditha case is the largest investigation in the history of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with 65 agents assigned by the government.
The filing of charges against Chessani was approved by Gen. James Mattis, then commander of the Marine Corps Forces Central Command and commander of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. Mattis has been promoted to commander of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and commander of U.S. Joint Forces.
"This is the most important case since Vietnam, if not before," Rooney said. "There's no doubt about it."
He noted the New York Times featured the case on the front page when it was being compared by war critics to the infamous My Lai massacre in Vietnam. But now, with evidence the Haditha accusations were a smear, the story has been relegated to the back pages.
The military judge, Col. Steve Folsom, dismissed Chessani's charges without prejudice, giving permission for the prosecutors to continue trying to build a case that began in December 2006.
Four Marines were charged with murder and another four with not properly investigating the incident.
Defense lawyers contend insurgents deliberately attacked the Marines from hiding places where they surrounded themselves with civilians to use as shields. The defense insisted Chessani promptly reported the events to his superiors and that nobody in the chain of command believed there was any wrongdoing on the part of the Marines.
Libel and defamation
Rooney acknowledged to Savage it's difficult to sue a sitting congressman, but he believes it can be done.
"If he leaves his realm of speaking from the congressman's point of view … then he can be sued for libel and defamation," Rooney said.
The Time magazine story, according to Rooney, was planted by an insurgent propaganda agent. Publishing of the story was soon followed by a May 17, 2006, news conference by Murtha. The congressman announced he had been told by the highest levels of the Marine Corps there was no firefight and Marines "killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
"All the information I get, it comes from the commanders, it comes from people who know what they're talking about," Murtha told reporters at the time.
Murtha's assertions, however, conflicted with results from the military's own investigations. An initial probe by Army Col. G.A. Watt found no indications coalition forces "intentionally targeted, engaged and killed noncombatants." Later, Army Maj. Gen. Aldon Bargewell found no cover-up.
Nevertheless, the Marine Corps eventually brought charges against Chessani and seven other Marines.
But now the cases against Lance Cpls. Stephen Tatum and Justin Sharratt, Capts. Randy Stone and Lucas McConnell and Sgt. Sanick P. Dela Cruz have been dropped. First Lt. Andrew Grayson has been acquitted, leaving only the case of Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich untested in court and Chessani prosecutors facing the hurdles of the appeal process.
WND previously reported a military jury of seven officers acquitted Grayson of all charges.
The ruling by Col. Folsom yesterday followed a previous decision in which he confirmed evidence of unlawful command influence.
The evidence indicated two generals who controlled Chessani's case were influenced by Marine lawyer Col. John Ewers, who was allowed to attend at least 25 closed-session meetings in which the case was discussed.
Throwing Marines under the bus
Rooney acknowledged the Haditha case taken a toll on the Marine Corps.
"There's no doubt it's affected recruiting," he told Savage. "How could you have your sons or daughters join the Marine Corps when you're not sure the government will protect them?"
Rooney was asked by Savage why he thought Murtha, a former Marine himself, accused the officers and enlisted men.
"In my opinion, it's clear it was done during the election cycle, it was done to bolster himself in the party," the attorney said. "He was vying for a leadership position, and if he had to throw some Marines under the bus to do so, that was the cost of power for him."
He hopes soon politicians will weigh in on the case in support of Chessani and the others.
"I would think all politicians, especially politicians that have military records, should say something about this case," he said.
"In a horrible and very complex environment, when you have an enemy that's using women and children as shields, you should always give the benefit of the doubt to the Marine or soldier," said Rooney. "You should never bring him back and put him in front of a court martial."
-----------------
MY COMMENTS:
Murtha is a fat mouthed lib who protests the war in public, but has no problem taking money for contracts in Iraq. Murtha needs to be put back in his place - which frankly should be behind bars.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Parents warned of 'hate speech' during 'gay' promo
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=62485
Parents warned of 'hate speech' during 'gay' promo
Principal says support for homosexuality approved, but 'condemnation' banned
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: April 25, 2008
12:10 am Eastern
Mass Resistance says hundreds of these pro-"gay" shirts have been distributed free to students in Massachusetts schools on the "Day of Silence"
A principal in a Massachusetts school district with a well-established reputation of promoting homosexuality to students has written to parents to tell them distributing "religious materials" during the school's annual observance of the pro-homosexual "Day of Silence" is not appropriate.
The letter from Michael Jones of Lexington, Mass., High School also confirms "hate speech" is "subject to legal constraints" and messages communicated through slogan T-shirts, buttons or stickers that express "condemnation" are "discouraged." Students with such a message will be counseled by school officials to meet the guidelines of the school handbook, he wrote.
However, groups that have been given his approval are allowed to hand out promotional materials to others and positive messages about the "Day of Silence" such as "Vocal Supporter" and "Silent Supporter" fall under free speech guidelines, Jones said.
The "Day of Silence" is a promotion intended, ostensibly, to make students "aware" of the "discrimination" suffered by homosexuals in society, by having students and teachers remain silent for the day. Such events typically are organized by a school's "Gay-Straight Alliance" group, but the event has been promoted throughout its existence by the special interest group, the massively funded Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
The event is being recognized tomorrow in many school districts around the nation, although in Massachusetts schools are scheduling the promotion on April 30 because of other school calendar issues.
WND previously reported on a concerted effort by dozens of organizations to alert parents to the indoctrination effects of school observances of such a day, with parents being urged to keep their children home from schools whenever the event is held.
"It's outrageous that our neighborhood schools would allow homosexual activism to intrude into the classroom," said Buddy Smith of the American Family Association, one group on that long list of organizations working to provide information to parents.
"'Day of Silence' is about coercing students to repudiate traditional morality. It's time for Christian parents to draw the line – if your children will be exposed to this DOS propaganda in their school, then keep them home for the day," he said.
The letter from the Lexington principal was being highlighted by officials with Mass Resistance, a pro-family group that is battling a long list of anti-Christian influences in Massachusetts schools.
"He describes the Day of Silence in positive, affirming terms – just the opposite of what parents feel. He then portrays it as a calm, free-speech event that is not disruptive to the education process, violates no one's rights, and which does not constitute the school taking a political position on the issue. That's simply not true," the organization said in a website commentary.
"The act of students (and even staff) being silent all day is a clear disruption of the education process," the group said.
Mass Resistance is one of the main groups that has been monitoring the Lexington district ever since officials there signed a complaint that ended up with a father, David Parker, jailed after he objected to the district teaching his young son homosexual behavior.
His case is being prepared for submission to the U.S. Supreme Court now, but in the latest conflict created by the school's homosexual advocacy, WND reported when the district told another worried father the school district could and would teach students about homosexuality when it chose and without letting parents know or giving them an opportunity to withdraw their children from such instruction.
In the current letter to parents, the principal begins talking about graffiti including a "homophobic" remark that he has reported to police.
"I have asked anyone who has information about this incident to talk to one of the deans or other staff members in the school," he advises. "I assure you that the proper steps are being taken to investigate this matter…"
He then goes on to announce to parents the "annual observance of the Day of Silence" will be April 30th.
"He first discusses some unrelated vandalism, then segues into the Day of Silence and its critics. The subtle hint is that there could be some connection," Mass Resistance said.
Mass Resistance also noted the implication that negative responses to the homosexual promotion could be linked to "hate speech."
"He states that 'hate speech' – i.e., criticism of the Day of Silence or homosexuality – is 'subject to legal constraints.' But hate speech is not defined beyond a vague phrase about 'tasteless communication,' 'threats,' or singling out individuals 'for ridicule or condemnation.' Thus, they define what 'hate speech' is," the commentary said.
The principal's comment that the promotion "is not a school-sponsored event," is "profoundly misleading if not outright false," the group said. "It is school-sanctioned. And it is unquestionably organized by some school staff, as anyone who has observed it in the past could see."
"The homosexual club will be distributing pamphlets, stickers, and other materials. Can other groups do so? No. Only groups that are 'properly registered with the administration' and which have 'approval of the administration' can distribute literature," Mass Resistance said.
The group noted last year a student's father was escorted off campus by police for bringing anti-Day of Silence pamphlets into the school for kids to pass out.
"He says that people may wear buttons or stickers expressing their personal views. A few years ago at Lexington High a girl with a one-man-one-woman marriage sticker was assaulted by pro-gay students on the Day of Silence. And others were severely harassed and intimidated. The school did nothing," Mass Resistance said.
And as for the ban on "religious materials," the group said, "We've seen a lot of blatantly anti-religious material distributed by the homosexual groups. The event itself is essentially anti-religious in the eyes of many parents."
"Our message to parents: Continue to fight back!" the group said.
The campaign in which Mass Resistance is participating that calls for parents to keep their children home of the "Day of Silence" for 2008 has collected the support of a long list of prominent organizations.
Matt Barber, a spokesman for Concerned Women for America, said the day "amounts to educational malpractice."
"Our schools are supposed to be places of learning, not places of political indoctrination. It is the height of impropriety and cynicism for 'gay' activists and school officials to use children as pawns in their attempt to further a highly controversial and polarizing political agenda," he said.
Parents, the coalition says, should find out the date a local district is allowing the promotion, then they should "inform the school of your intention to keep your children home on that date and explain why."
Among the groups already promoting the protest are:
Abiding Truth Ministries
American Family Association
AFA of MI
AFA of PA
Americans for Truth
Christian Information Service
Christian Civic League of Maine
Concerned Women for America
Culture Campaign
Defend the Family International
Exodus Mandate
Illinois Family Institute
Traditional Values Coalition
Indiana Voice for the Family
Informing Christians
Liberty Counsel
MassResistance
Mission America
New Generation Christian Center
Parents' Rights' Coalition
Right March
Stephen Bennett Ministries
Values USA
and Watchmen on the Walls
WND also has reported on other fallout from the "Day of Silence."
A case is pending before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in California that challenges a school district's policy there that allows such slogans as "Stop the Hate," "fags," "queers," "that's so gay" and even "I Kiss Boys," but bans "Romans 1:27."
The case stems from punishment handed down by the Poway Unified School District for student Chase Harper, who was a sophomore in 2004 when the school recognized the "Day of Silence."
But when Harper wore a T-shirt with two slogans: "Be ashamed. Our school has embraced what God has condemned" and "Homosexuality is shameful. Romans 1:27," he was ordered either to take the shirt off or spend the day in the school office, where he was photographed, questioned and challenged by a police officer.
A filing submitted on the student's behalf by the Alliance Defense Fund and Advocates for Faith and Freedom, said school districts are not allowed the privilege of such censorship.
Parents warned of 'hate speech' during 'gay' promo
Principal says support for homosexuality approved, but 'condemnation' banned
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted: April 25, 2008
12:10 am Eastern
Mass Resistance says hundreds of these pro-"gay" shirts have been distributed free to students in Massachusetts schools on the "Day of Silence"
A principal in a Massachusetts school district with a well-established reputation of promoting homosexuality to students has written to parents to tell them distributing "religious materials" during the school's annual observance of the pro-homosexual "Day of Silence" is not appropriate.
The letter from Michael Jones of Lexington, Mass., High School also confirms "hate speech" is "subject to legal constraints" and messages communicated through slogan T-shirts, buttons or stickers that express "condemnation" are "discouraged." Students with such a message will be counseled by school officials to meet the guidelines of the school handbook, he wrote.
However, groups that have been given his approval are allowed to hand out promotional materials to others and positive messages about the "Day of Silence" such as "Vocal Supporter" and "Silent Supporter" fall under free speech guidelines, Jones said.
The "Day of Silence" is a promotion intended, ostensibly, to make students "aware" of the "discrimination" suffered by homosexuals in society, by having students and teachers remain silent for the day. Such events typically are organized by a school's "Gay-Straight Alliance" group, but the event has been promoted throughout its existence by the special interest group, the massively funded Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
The event is being recognized tomorrow in many school districts around the nation, although in Massachusetts schools are scheduling the promotion on April 30 because of other school calendar issues.
WND previously reported on a concerted effort by dozens of organizations to alert parents to the indoctrination effects of school observances of such a day, with parents being urged to keep their children home from schools whenever the event is held.
"It's outrageous that our neighborhood schools would allow homosexual activism to intrude into the classroom," said Buddy Smith of the American Family Association, one group on that long list of organizations working to provide information to parents.
"'Day of Silence' is about coercing students to repudiate traditional morality. It's time for Christian parents to draw the line – if your children will be exposed to this DOS propaganda in their school, then keep them home for the day," he said.
The letter from the Lexington principal was being highlighted by officials with Mass Resistance, a pro-family group that is battling a long list of anti-Christian influences in Massachusetts schools.
"He describes the Day of Silence in positive, affirming terms – just the opposite of what parents feel. He then portrays it as a calm, free-speech event that is not disruptive to the education process, violates no one's rights, and which does not constitute the school taking a political position on the issue. That's simply not true," the organization said in a website commentary.
"The act of students (and even staff) being silent all day is a clear disruption of the education process," the group said.
Mass Resistance is one of the main groups that has been monitoring the Lexington district ever since officials there signed a complaint that ended up with a father, David Parker, jailed after he objected to the district teaching his young son homosexual behavior.
His case is being prepared for submission to the U.S. Supreme Court now, but in the latest conflict created by the school's homosexual advocacy, WND reported when the district told another worried father the school district could and would teach students about homosexuality when it chose and without letting parents know or giving them an opportunity to withdraw their children from such instruction.
In the current letter to parents, the principal begins talking about graffiti including a "homophobic" remark that he has reported to police.
"I have asked anyone who has information about this incident to talk to one of the deans or other staff members in the school," he advises. "I assure you that the proper steps are being taken to investigate this matter…"
He then goes on to announce to parents the "annual observance of the Day of Silence" will be April 30th.
"He first discusses some unrelated vandalism, then segues into the Day of Silence and its critics. The subtle hint is that there could be some connection," Mass Resistance said.
Mass Resistance also noted the implication that negative responses to the homosexual promotion could be linked to "hate speech."
"He states that 'hate speech' – i.e., criticism of the Day of Silence or homosexuality – is 'subject to legal constraints.' But hate speech is not defined beyond a vague phrase about 'tasteless communication,' 'threats,' or singling out individuals 'for ridicule or condemnation.' Thus, they define what 'hate speech' is," the commentary said.
The principal's comment that the promotion "is not a school-sponsored event," is "profoundly misleading if not outright false," the group said. "It is school-sanctioned. And it is unquestionably organized by some school staff, as anyone who has observed it in the past could see."
"The homosexual club will be distributing pamphlets, stickers, and other materials. Can other groups do so? No. Only groups that are 'properly registered with the administration' and which have 'approval of the administration' can distribute literature," Mass Resistance said.
The group noted last year a student's father was escorted off campus by police for bringing anti-Day of Silence pamphlets into the school for kids to pass out.
"He says that people may wear buttons or stickers expressing their personal views. A few years ago at Lexington High a girl with a one-man-one-woman marriage sticker was assaulted by pro-gay students on the Day of Silence. And others were severely harassed and intimidated. The school did nothing," Mass Resistance said.
And as for the ban on "religious materials," the group said, "We've seen a lot of blatantly anti-religious material distributed by the homosexual groups. The event itself is essentially anti-religious in the eyes of many parents."
"Our message to parents: Continue to fight back!" the group said.
The campaign in which Mass Resistance is participating that calls for parents to keep their children home of the "Day of Silence" for 2008 has collected the support of a long list of prominent organizations.
Matt Barber, a spokesman for Concerned Women for America, said the day "amounts to educational malpractice."
"Our schools are supposed to be places of learning, not places of political indoctrination. It is the height of impropriety and cynicism for 'gay' activists and school officials to use children as pawns in their attempt to further a highly controversial and polarizing political agenda," he said.
Parents, the coalition says, should find out the date a local district is allowing the promotion, then they should "inform the school of your intention to keep your children home on that date and explain why."
Among the groups already promoting the protest are:
Abiding Truth Ministries
American Family Association
AFA of MI
AFA of PA
Americans for Truth
Christian Information Service
Christian Civic League of Maine
Concerned Women for America
Culture Campaign
Defend the Family International
Exodus Mandate
Illinois Family Institute
Traditional Values Coalition
Indiana Voice for the Family
Informing Christians
Liberty Counsel
MassResistance
Mission America
New Generation Christian Center
Parents' Rights' Coalition
Right March
Stephen Bennett Ministries
Values USA
and Watchmen on the Walls
WND also has reported on other fallout from the "Day of Silence."
A case is pending before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in California that challenges a school district's policy there that allows such slogans as "Stop the Hate," "fags," "queers," "that's so gay" and even "I Kiss Boys," but bans "Romans 1:27."
The case stems from punishment handed down by the Poway Unified School District for student Chase Harper, who was a sophomore in 2004 when the school recognized the "Day of Silence."
But when Harper wore a T-shirt with two slogans: "Be ashamed. Our school has embraced what God has condemned" and "Homosexuality is shameful. Romans 1:27," he was ordered either to take the shirt off or spend the day in the school office, where he was photographed, questioned and challenged by a police officer.
A filing submitted on the student's behalf by the Alliance Defense Fund and Advocates for Faith and Freedom, said school districts are not allowed the privilege of such censorship.
Vento to candidates: No Geno’s? No guts
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/news_breaking/20080425_Vento_to_candidates__No_Genos__No_guts.html
Vento to candidates: No Geno’s? No guts
By Peter Mucha
On Tuesday, Primary Day, Barack Obama went across the street to Pat's for a cheesesteak.
Same day, Hillary Clinton had a chicken cheesesteak with Italian greens in the Philadelphia suburbs.
To Geno's owner Joey Vento, such decisions showed such a lack of courage that neither Democrat deserves to be president.
"If they don't have the guts to come here and talk about the immigration problem ... they're not capable of running our country," he said.
Tomorrow afternoon, Vento will take on Geraldo Rivera in a soldout debate on immigration at the Inquirer and Daily News Building at Broad and Callowhill Streets. The discussion will be carried live during Dom Giordano's 1-to-4 p.m. show on WPHT (1210 AM, "The Big Talker").
Vento has been something of a national figure since a sign in his restaurant's window started making headlines two years ago.
Still there, it reads:
"This is America. When ordering please speak English."
Last month, the city's Commission on Human Relations ruled in a split decision that the sign did not constitute discrimination.
Geno's doesn't refuse service to Spanish-speaking customers, Vento has said.
The last candidate to stop by Ninth and East Passyunk for a photo op was Republican Rudy Giuliani in October.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, went to Pat's King of Steaks, Ninth and Wharton, where they ordered theirs "Whiz with" - avoiding John Kerry's famed faux pas there four years ago of ordering a cheesesteak hoagie with Swiss.
Hillary Clinton avoided both landmarks, grabbing her chicken steak at Boccella's restaurant while in Conshohocken.
"They're both dummies, as far as I'm concerned," said Vento.
If Obama had stopped at Geno's and just politely listened to Vento's views about illegal immigration, the senator's poll numbers might have shot up 8 points, Vento said.
Obama needn't agree. He could just say, " 'I think I'll take this under advisement,' " Vento said.
"I'm for everything that he's against," Vento said.
Obama's reluctant to wear flag pins, Geno's is full of flags. They differ on abortion. Obama wants to bring the troops home, Vento wants them to finish the mission.
Clinton's gastronomic choice also raised his hackles. "There's no such thing as chicken steak," he said. "... I refuse to sell it. This is beef country. Beef is the backbone of the United States. ... The cattle drives! Rawhide! Clint Eastwood driving the cattle."
"I'm the spokesman for the United States of America," Vento said.
"I'm disappointed in McCain, too, you know," he said of John McCain, the likely Republican nominee.
"What I like about him is he's probably got about 40 percent of conservative left in him," Vento said.
If the Arizona senator stops in, maybe he'd learn a thing or two from Vento and get straightened out, the South Philly politicial whiz said.
"I have no problem with legal immigration," he added. "... You shouldn't be rewarded for not obeying the law."
Vento to candidates: No Geno’s? No guts
By Peter Mucha
On Tuesday, Primary Day, Barack Obama went across the street to Pat's for a cheesesteak.
Same day, Hillary Clinton had a chicken cheesesteak with Italian greens in the Philadelphia suburbs.
To Geno's owner Joey Vento, such decisions showed such a lack of courage that neither Democrat deserves to be president.
"If they don't have the guts to come here and talk about the immigration problem ... they're not capable of running our country," he said.
Tomorrow afternoon, Vento will take on Geraldo Rivera in a soldout debate on immigration at the Inquirer and Daily News Building at Broad and Callowhill Streets. The discussion will be carried live during Dom Giordano's 1-to-4 p.m. show on WPHT (1210 AM, "The Big Talker").
Vento has been something of a national figure since a sign in his restaurant's window started making headlines two years ago.
Still there, it reads:
"This is America. When ordering please speak English."
Last month, the city's Commission on Human Relations ruled in a split decision that the sign did not constitute discrimination.
Geno's doesn't refuse service to Spanish-speaking customers, Vento has said.
The last candidate to stop by Ninth and East Passyunk for a photo op was Republican Rudy Giuliani in October.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, went to Pat's King of Steaks, Ninth and Wharton, where they ordered theirs "Whiz with" - avoiding John Kerry's famed faux pas there four years ago of ordering a cheesesteak hoagie with Swiss.
Hillary Clinton avoided both landmarks, grabbing her chicken steak at Boccella's restaurant while in Conshohocken.
"They're both dummies, as far as I'm concerned," said Vento.
If Obama had stopped at Geno's and just politely listened to Vento's views about illegal immigration, the senator's poll numbers might have shot up 8 points, Vento said.
Obama needn't agree. He could just say, " 'I think I'll take this under advisement,' " Vento said.
"I'm for everything that he's against," Vento said.
Obama's reluctant to wear flag pins, Geno's is full of flags. They differ on abortion. Obama wants to bring the troops home, Vento wants them to finish the mission.
Clinton's gastronomic choice also raised his hackles. "There's no such thing as chicken steak," he said. "... I refuse to sell it. This is beef country. Beef is the backbone of the United States. ... The cattle drives! Rawhide! Clint Eastwood driving the cattle."
"I'm the spokesman for the United States of America," Vento said.
"I'm disappointed in McCain, too, you know," he said of John McCain, the likely Republican nominee.
"What I like about him is he's probably got about 40 percent of conservative left in him," Vento said.
If the Arizona senator stops in, maybe he'd learn a thing or two from Vento and get straightened out, the South Philly politicial whiz said.
"I have no problem with legal immigration," he added. "... You shouldn't be rewarded for not obeying the law."
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