By Carlita Campos
For Carlita's Way
That is the quote that is touted by the Statue of Liberty. However today those words no longer ring true, because in the United States the powers that be are trying to close the gates to the huddled masses who yearn for free air. Not to mention revoking the rights of the tired and poor who are already here.
Last year Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law immigration bill SB 1070 which at it core would require all immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times and requires police to question suspected illegal’s as well as detain anyone who cannot prove they are in the country legally. At the present time the White House is contesting the law in the courts for its Constitutionality so it has yet to take effect.
However this law reminds me of the new hit NBC show The Cape only backwards. In the fictional city of Palm City the evil Ark Corporation is trying to control every aspect of the city by first taking over it’s police force and then its prison system thus creating a complete Police State. And know it or not Arizona’s governor has many connections to private prison companies. And according to Corrections Corporation of America, executives believe immigrant detention is their next big market. And it was in the board room that these same executives decided to make their idea into a bill to be presented to Arizona’s congress to be voted on so that Jan Brewer could make it a law. I can only assume that privatizing the police force is next. And let us not forget other cities have already privatized the Fire Departments.
But unlike a fictional TV show where they have the superhero The Cape to protect them from such a dastardly fate here in the real world a Police State could cause irrefutable damage with no one to protect us. And mind you not to just Arizonians but to all people in the United States of color or anything “they” deem unworthy of sharing in what was the greatness of the country.
Imagine, you’re a resident of any Martin Luther King Blvd/Ave/Parkway in the country who has no family to speak of and you’re hanging on the corner hollerin’ at friends using your street language (ebonics) to communicate. Then some cop rolls up on you and says, “I heard you talking with these guys and it didn’t sound like English to me. Can I see your papers?” And instantly you’re thinking what papers? Because remember you were born in “da hood” and not the barrio so papers were irrelevant. But now they’re needed because some eavesdropping cop with absolute power didn’t understand/recognize your speech when you “axed” your dude a question. And because you have no proof of residency other than a drivers license or state ID you’re arrested and placed in a private jail where you are forced to perform menial labor for free until you can prove you’re from MLK Blvd.
And OK imagine you’re not from da hood or the barrio but you’re not American born and you're at your favorite little coffee spot chatting with some other not born in the USA friends in your native tongue and two donut eating cops walk in and overhear your conversation. And because no one is blue eyed or blonde immediately they demand that the entire group show them your papers. And like the folks from da hood you’re thinking what papers? But when you share this with cops they notice your accent and say, “Here in the USA unless you can prove you’re here legally we’re gonna have to lock you up.” And immediately they take you and the rest of your foreign language speaking cabal off to prison.
My question is this, is this the type of country you want to live in? A country that has the right to detain you because they think you don’t belong? Who is to say who belongs, especially when the native American's look more like Mexican's than the European founding fathers. And if that is the type of country you wish to reside in all I can say is I’m glad I have living elsewhere options because gone are the days of, “America America God shed its grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Proceed With Caution...
By Briscoe Pugh
For According to Me...By B
Let us all be careful...
One may interpret the recent uprising and revolution in Egypt in many ways, independent of the inspiration one can derive from such collective conviction and unified action.
What is essential is a focus on what is actually at work in such a movement.
The rush to frame the events of the last few weeks centered around Tahrir Square as the culmination of a particular religious influence or political ideology has been evident from the start...and has come from many of the people we have come to expect this very polarizing rhetoric from. Do not subscribe to this way of thinking.
I have seen/heard commentary from those who support various ideas common to a certain “Party” (whose particular moniker I shall not mention, but will say that there is a beverage somewhere therein) which has suggested that President Obama’s support of protest and dissent by the people against Hosni Mubarak makes him a hypocrite. I have heard it said that he “supports revolution everywhere else, but when it is here, in America it gets no support.”
I find this mildly ridiculous for several reasons:
1) Those who belong to the “Party” I mentioned in no way form a suitable comparison to the peoples’ movement we just witness for reasons of financial backing (Egyptians had none),
2) Media access (state-run media was decidedly pro-Mubarak),
3) Basic motives of those involved:
• Egyptians sought the ouster of a dictator who inherited his office (he was Anwar Sadat’s V.P. before Sadat was assassinated), who has suppressed democratic elections, abducted, imprisoned and murdered dissenters/
• ”Beverage Party” sought/seek the ouster of a democratically elected President to uphold tax policy that benefits the rich, prevent aid to the poor, shrink the size and scope of government most of them depend on anyway).
We must all keep at the front of our consciousness that this revolution sprang forth as true movements do. This was a reaction to massive discontent from a large segment of people who are denied basic, human considerations by a few whom have proven that their main goal was to remain in the seat of authority which they have abused for so long.
So...let us be very careful when citing such a movement for our own purposes, unless we seek to claim solidarity against real (not imagined or politically contrived) oppression.
I also believe that the Egyptian people themselves (who valiantly stood for themselves against a regime they’d feared for so long) must be extra careful right now and going forward.
Their movement was just and needed...but the people need strong, articulate voices and the same unity in developing a more proactive form of governance as they had in resisting the one they seek to change.
Care must also be taken with the military presence in this time of transition in Egypt.
Any gaps in or lack of assertive, representative leadership to voice the concerns and needs of the people themselves is extremely dangerous, even with a transitional military government in place. A lengthy political process that the masses don’t see wield tangible results could lead to further protests and the likelihood of the temporary regime to assert a more markedly “military” mandate against the people in response. It is my hope that they stay on the path and lead the rest of the Arab world by example.
Let’s watch. Let’s learn. Let’s examine how a true “grassroots” movement acts to change their circumstance.
For According to Me...By B
Let us all be careful...
One may interpret the recent uprising and revolution in Egypt in many ways, independent of the inspiration one can derive from such collective conviction and unified action.
What is essential is a focus on what is actually at work in such a movement.
The rush to frame the events of the last few weeks centered around Tahrir Square as the culmination of a particular religious influence or political ideology has been evident from the start...and has come from many of the people we have come to expect this very polarizing rhetoric from. Do not subscribe to this way of thinking.
I have seen/heard commentary from those who support various ideas common to a certain “Party” (whose particular moniker I shall not mention, but will say that there is a beverage somewhere therein) which has suggested that President Obama’s support of protest and dissent by the people against Hosni Mubarak makes him a hypocrite. I have heard it said that he “supports revolution everywhere else, but when it is here, in America it gets no support.”
I find this mildly ridiculous for several reasons:
1) Those who belong to the “Party” I mentioned in no way form a suitable comparison to the peoples’ movement we just witness for reasons of financial backing (Egyptians had none),
2) Media access (state-run media was decidedly pro-Mubarak),
3) Basic motives of those involved:
• Egyptians sought the ouster of a dictator who inherited his office (he was Anwar Sadat’s V.P. before Sadat was assassinated), who has suppressed democratic elections, abducted, imprisoned and murdered dissenters/
• ”Beverage Party” sought/seek the ouster of a democratically elected President to uphold tax policy that benefits the rich, prevent aid to the poor, shrink the size and scope of government most of them depend on anyway).
We must all keep at the front of our consciousness that this revolution sprang forth as true movements do. This was a reaction to massive discontent from a large segment of people who are denied basic, human considerations by a few whom have proven that their main goal was to remain in the seat of authority which they have abused for so long.
So...let us be very careful when citing such a movement for our own purposes, unless we seek to claim solidarity against real (not imagined or politically contrived) oppression.
I also believe that the Egyptian people themselves (who valiantly stood for themselves against a regime they’d feared for so long) must be extra careful right now and going forward.
Their movement was just and needed...but the people need strong, articulate voices and the same unity in developing a more proactive form of governance as they had in resisting the one they seek to change.
Care must also be taken with the military presence in this time of transition in Egypt.
Any gaps in or lack of assertive, representative leadership to voice the concerns and needs of the people themselves is extremely dangerous, even with a transitional military government in place. A lengthy political process that the masses don’t see wield tangible results could lead to further protests and the likelihood of the temporary regime to assert a more markedly “military” mandate against the people in response. It is my hope that they stay on the path and lead the rest of the Arab world by example.
Let’s watch. Let’s learn. Let’s examine how a true “grassroots” movement acts to change their circumstance.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG LADIES
By Celena Howard The Sassy~Cee~E~O
I offer my hand to the young ladies out here in search of mentorship and guidance. To the young ladies who are not afraid to dream and believe in greatness, those who are filled with hope and optimism and the awareness that with the proper guidance and support their possibilities are endless. I offer my hand to the motherless child as well as the child with the mother who can use a little support, to the young ladies who are willing to trade bad habits and negative thinking for a positive image and optimistic future. I offer my hand to the ladies who have been so inflicted by low self-esteem that they have allowed themselves to be used and abused in order to be accepted. I offer my hand to the young ladies who are so full of themselves that they scoff at those that are in need and turn a deaf ear to those who dare to ask. To the young ladies that have placed themselves so high above everyone else that they are almost impossible to reach, not even realizing that the fall back down to reality is going to be much more painful. I offer young ladies the reassurance that I have made many of their same mistakes and have developed some wisdom and knowledge that could be beneficial if they are willing to receive it. I offer them the reassurance that things are never as bad as they seem at that very moment and that time can heal all things.
I have a desire to help our youth by being a positive role model and mentor. My mission is to make a difference in the lives of young ladies in search of positive motivation and guidance. There are many adults who share my same desire to help and are willing and available to mentor our youth, so young ladies grab the hand of a positive role model, mentor, relative, church member, teacher, or trusted friend and learn, grow and persevere towards greatness. But always remember that GOD has given you two hands. Your other hand is there for you to offer to another young lady looking for the same guidance and support so offer it freely and with heartfelt conviction.
Be blessed and successful on your journey through life.
If you are interested in learning about my Youth Network Program check out the following link for eligibility requirements and program details. http://www.cejapublishing.com/ceja_publishings_youth_network
I offer my hand to the young ladies out here in search of mentorship and guidance. To the young ladies who are not afraid to dream and believe in greatness, those who are filled with hope and optimism and the awareness that with the proper guidance and support their possibilities are endless. I offer my hand to the motherless child as well as the child with the mother who can use a little support, to the young ladies who are willing to trade bad habits and negative thinking for a positive image and optimistic future. I offer my hand to the ladies who have been so inflicted by low self-esteem that they have allowed themselves to be used and abused in order to be accepted. I offer my hand to the young ladies who are so full of themselves that they scoff at those that are in need and turn a deaf ear to those who dare to ask. To the young ladies that have placed themselves so high above everyone else that they are almost impossible to reach, not even realizing that the fall back down to reality is going to be much more painful. I offer young ladies the reassurance that I have made many of their same mistakes and have developed some wisdom and knowledge that could be beneficial if they are willing to receive it. I offer them the reassurance that things are never as bad as they seem at that very moment and that time can heal all things.
I have a desire to help our youth by being a positive role model and mentor. My mission is to make a difference in the lives of young ladies in search of positive motivation and guidance. There are many adults who share my same desire to help and are willing and available to mentor our youth, so young ladies grab the hand of a positive role model, mentor, relative, church member, teacher, or trusted friend and learn, grow and persevere towards greatness. But always remember that GOD has given you two hands. Your other hand is there for you to offer to another young lady looking for the same guidance and support so offer it freely and with heartfelt conviction.
Be blessed and successful on your journey through life.
If you are interested in learning about my Youth Network Program check out the following link for eligibility requirements and program details. http://www.cejapublishing.com/ceja_publishings_youth_network
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Coming Back Soon!
That's right Friends the talented writers of the collaborative blog Unified Scribble will be back. Yes that's right the powerful, insightful and opinionated Scribes of Unified Scribble have taken a break for the holidays. And just like before Unified Scribble will offer poignant stories of triumph over adversity, political, pop culture, health, and lifestyle editorials and commentary.
We're always looking for ways to better your encounter with us and we are excited by you, our readers. Therefore we welcome your reactions and feedback and hope that during your time on our site, you are as inspired by us as we are by you... And don't forget to "Follow"!
Also enjoy your holiday's!
We're always looking for ways to better your encounter with us and we are excited by you, our readers. Therefore we welcome your reactions and feedback and hope that during your time on our site, you are as inspired by us as we are by you... And don't forget to "Follow"!
Also enjoy your holiday's!
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