October 10, 2011 -- Catholic News Service
Honduran bishop to run for office because politics 'screwed the poor'
The "Red Bishop" of Honduras says he will run for president of the Central American nation if he gets permission from Pope Benedict XVI.
Bishop Luis Santos Villeda of Santa Rosa de Copan will celebrate his 75th birthday in November and plans to immediately submit his resignation to the Vatican, as required by canon law. Once his resignation is accepted and he is freed from the responsibilities of bishop, Bishop Santos says, he will run for president as a candidate of a progressive faction of the Liberal Party, whose last president, Manuel Zelaya, was deposed in a 2009 coup.
more
August 12, 2011 -- The Canadian Press
Canada and Honduras agree on free-trade deal during Harper's state visit
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras - Stephen Harper brushed off concerns over human-rights abuses in Honduras as he announced Friday the two countries have reached a pact on free trade.
As he did during a state visit to Colombia this week, the prime minister accused opponents of the deal of harbouring protectionist impulses rather than genuine concerns about human rights.
"People who favour protectionism are not, as I've said before, driven by concerns about poverty or human rights. They are driven by desire to protect local interests," Harper said.
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July 6, 2011 -- Michael A. Walsh -- www.nypost.com
'Fast & Furious' gets hotter for Holder
Don't look now, but the real action in Washington this week isn't the parti san wrangling over the debt ceiling but something -- literally -- even more incendiary: Operation Fast and Furious, which seems about to explode right in the face of Attorney General Eric Holder -- and maybe other administration officials, too.
Also known as Project Gunrunner, the Arizona-based operation was supposed to be a sting, under which the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is part of the Justice Department, allowed "straw purchasers" to transfer weapons from gun shops in Arizona to Mexican drug cartels to trace and halt crossborder arms-trafficking.
That's the official version, anyway -- but it's crumbling, fast.
The ATF's acting director, Kenneth Melson, has been singing like a canary to congressional investigators as he pushes back against administration pressure for him to resign and take the fall for something that, at the very least, had to include the US Attorney's Office, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and possibly the Homeland Security Department.
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07/05/2011 -- CHILE -- Agenzia Fides
Cold polar wave: winter campaign to help earthquake victims and the weakest
Concepcion -- The Archbishop of Concepcion, His Exc. Mgr. Fernando Chomali, has launched an appeal to the Chilean people so that they do not forget the poverty of those who still live in villages set up due to the emergency caused by the earthquake and tsunami on 27 February 2010. The Archbishop invited the community to participate in the winter campaign, promoted throughout the month of July, especially to help those affected by the earthquake and now suffer from the cold wave that has hit the country.
In fact, Chile, as the whole area of South America, is suffering a bitter cold wave. Temperatures in the metropolitan region of Santiago, Chile, have fallen to 8.5 degrees below zero, the lowest level so far this year. The local meteorologists reported that the freezing temperatures, which have already caused the deaths of several homeless people in the capital, are caused by the passage of a polar wind accompanied by dry air.
May 18, 2011 -- Anna Mahjar-Barducci
Venezuela: Chavez Trying to Eliminate Opponent
The race for Venezuela's presidential election has already started. Given the fact that Chavez controls the main media outlets, opposition candidates know that the competition will be very stiff and very unfair.
In late 2012, Venezuelans will be called for vote, marking an opportunity for the country to change its course. Hugo Chavez, president for the past 12 years, wants to win by any means; he will use all the power in his hands to smear and put obstacles in front of his opponents.
One of the most popular opponents to Chavez is Henrique Capriles Radonski, 38 years old, and one of the leaders of the centrist party Primero Justicia (Justice First). Capriles Radonski is the governor of the State of Miranda, ranked second in population among Venezuelan states; it also includes part of the capital of Caracas.
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May 11, 2011 -- (Reuters) Patricia Zengerle
President Barack Obama issued an impassioned call for immigration reform in a speech at the U.S.-Mexican border on Tuesday, sending a message to Hispanics whose votes he needs to win re-election next year.
Obama, whose 2012 chances depend largely on the health of the U.S. economy, made the case that immigration reform would have economic benefits for the middle class and for businesses while also improving national security.
Read more:
May 11, 2011 -- cato-at-liberty
Hugo Llorens: U.S. Ambassador or Proconsul in Honduras?
Posted by Juan Carlos Hidalgo
New Wikileaks cables have surfaced on the role of U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Hugo Llorens in the aftermath of the constitutional removal of Manuel Zelaya from power and the subsequent presidential election in that country. Written by Llorens himself, the cables show a disturbing pattern of interference and bullying from the U.S. diplomat in Honduras’s internal affairs.
The cables describe several meetings that Llorens had with Honduras' president Porfirio Lobo after the general election of November 2009. In all instances, Lobo visited Llorens in his office or residence, not the other way around. During the meetings, they discussed the conformation of Lobo's cabinet, as well as the circumstances under which Roberto Micheletti (who replaced Zelaya as president of Honduras) would leave power. Llorens insisted that Micheletti, whom he refers to as the (de facto regime leader,) had to depart well before inauguration day, even though he was the constitutional president of Honduras at the time. On a cable dated January 5, 2010, Llorens recalls telling then president elect Lobo that "if Micheletti continued to thumb his nose at the United States there would be repercussions." He specifically threatened to refuse U.S. visas to Micheletti and his supporters ever again.
Read more:
December 8, 2010 -- Anna Mahjar-Barducci
Iran Placing Medium-Range Missiles in Venezuela; Can Reach the U.S.
Iran is planning to place medium-range missiles on Venezuelan soil, based on western information sources[1], according to an article in the German daily, Die Welt, of November 25, 2010. According to the article, an agreement between the two countries was signed during the last visit o Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Tehran on October19, 2010. The previously undisclosed contract provides for the establishment of a jointly operated military base in Venezuela, and the joint development of ground-to-ground missiles.
At a moment when NATO members found an agreement, in the recent Lisbon summit (19-20 November 2010), to develop a Missile Defence capability to protect NATO's populations and territories in Europe against ballistic missile attacks from the East (namely, Iran), Iran's counter-move consists in establishing a strategic base in the South American continent - in the United States's soft underbelly.
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October 25, 2010 -- news.yahoo.com
President Barack Obama said he was "frustrated" at not managing to push through immigration reform, but told US Latinos in an interview airing Monday that his failure to do so should not stop them from voting in next week's elections.
Obama tried to energize Hispanic voters seen as key to several pivotal elections in next week's midterm congressional and gubernatorial vote, appearing on the popular radio show hosted by Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo in an interview taped last week.
Asked about the widespread disappointment felt by US Hispanics that immigration reform has not yet been realized, Obama answered that he shared that sentiment.
"This is something that I've been committed to for many years," he said.
more
April 15, 2010 -- POLITICO 44
Harry Reid punts on immigration
'We won't get to immigration reform this work period,' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) backed away from a major push on immigration reform in the coming weeks, amid concerns that the issue may be too volatile for an election year agenda already packed with ambitious legislative plans.
The announcement came in the face of earlier indications from third-ranking Democrat Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that immigration could get done soon. Reid told thousands of activists during a rally in Las Vegas over the weekend that the Senate would act on immigration reform "now," raising expectations among his Latino base that Congress would suddenly take up the politically charged issue.
Read more:
August 10, 2009 -- Ginger Thompson
GUADALAJARA, Mexico - Flanked by his counterparts from Mexico and Canada, President Obama on Monday reiterated his commitment to pursuing comprehensive immigration reform, despite his packed political agenda and the staunch opposition such an initiative is likely to face.
Read more:
July 8, 2009 -- By Anita Crane
Obama's immigration 'reform' coming soon....
President Barack Obama invited a group of Senate and House members to the White House for a June 25 meeting on comprehensive immigration reform. Among other things, he announced that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will work with lawmakers and that the federal government will target employers who hire undocumented workers.
Read more:
March 19, 2009
On his very full plate, immigration was one issue that President Obama had yet to take on - until yesterday, when he discussed it with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
At a town hall meeting in southern California yesterday, Obama renewed his support for comprehensive reform, including a possible path to citizenship for law-abiding people who entered the country illegally, along the lines of the bill that stalled in Congress in 2007.
Read more:
July 1, 2008 - On the Issues
Crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants
Obama wants to remove incentives for illegals to enter the country by cracking down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants. Obama has championed a proposal to create a system so employers can verify that their employees are legally eligible to wor in the US.
Obama believes the time to fix our broken immigration system is now. He is in favor of stronger enforcement at the border and at the workplace. He has properly identified the magnitude of the problem, and said that the undocumented populatio is exploding. Obama recognizes that immigration raids are ineffective, netting only 3,600 arrests in 2006.
Obama's priority is to stop the current way of illegal immigration into the United States, and then deal compassionately and fairly with the illegal immigrants who re already living here. If the flood of new immigrants can be slowed considerably, Obama believes that those currently living here, over time, can be effectively absorbed into the population and the economy.
At a town hall meeting in southern California yesterday, Obama renewed his support for comprehensive reform, including a possible path to citizenship for law-abiding people who entered the country illegally, along the lines of the bill that stalled in Congress in 2007.
Read more:
May 9, 2007 -- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007
Full name, the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) was a bill discussed in the 110th United States Congress that would have provided legal status and a path to citizenship for the approximately 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants currently residing in the United States. The bill was portrayed as a compromise between providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants and increased border enforcement.: it included funding for 300 miles (480 km) of vehicle barriers, 105 camera and radar towers, and 20,000 more Border Patrol agents, while simultaneously restructuring visa criteria around high-skilled workers. The bill also received heated criticism from both sides of the immigration debate.
Read more:
New law will make Venezuela a dictatorship, warns archbishop
Archbishop Roberto Luckert of Coro, Venezuela said President Hugo Chavez's new law will turn the country into a "constitutional democratic dictatorship."
On Dec. 17, Venezuela's National Assembly approved President Chavez's request to rule by decree for 18 months. The additional power, the president argued, would help him address the damaging floods within the country.
The law comes just weeks before the new National Assembly, elected earlier this year, takes office.
During the elections on Sept. 26, Chavez's ruling party only won 95 of the 165 seats in the Assembly, which is not enough to maintain a majority. Although three Assembly members from other parties are expected to vote with the ruling party, with just 98 votes, Chavez would still fall short of a two-thirds majority needed to get his measures passed.
The new law gives Chavez the power to enact laws on land use, the military and police forces, transportation and public services. He will also have greater control over the treasury and the tax code, urban and rural development, international relations and the emergency response to the flooding.
December 21, 2010 -- CNA STAFF
"All of these laws or norms are part of the Cuban package and the Cuban advisors are trying to impose them on Venezuela," he said. "We are going down the same path as the Castro autocracy that has afflicted that poor country for 59 years," the archbishop warned.
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December 20, 2010 -- commentary
Hope for a Fair Immigration Act
The Senate voted 55 for to 41 against to invoke cloture on the Dream Act. Since a super-majority of 60 votes is required to invoke cloture the Act died by 5 votes.
5 Democrats voted against the Act: Nelson of Nebraska, Pryor, Baucus, Tester, and Hagan. 4 Senators missed the vote - Bunning and Gregg who are retiring from Congress, Mr. Manchin who was at holiday party and Mr. Hatch who an original co-sponsor of Act. 3 Republicans - Lugar, Murkowski and Bennett crossed party lines to support the Act.
This act has been around for years but gets little support for an important reason: The act as written is not fair to immigrants! Many of the young illegal aliens I have met or talked to have jobs. Some have managed to go to college. Only the ones that have gone to college would benefit from the Act without changing their life. The ones working would have to give up their job and go to college or join the armed forces. That is an unnecessary burden dreamed up by politicians. We need a new act. Anyone brought here by their parents who has learned English and has no criminal record should be allowed to apply for permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
There should be no exceptions, no penalties, no lawyers and no discrimination.
November 5, 2010 --
Latino Voters Supported Both Parties This Election
Latinos came out to vote in this election, and the end result was that they flexed their muscles backing winners in both parties.
Latinos are being credited with keeping the Senate in the hands of the Democrats by backing Harry Reid in Nevada, Barbara Boxer in California, and Micheal Bennet in Colorado.
That being said, the GOP fielded three Hispanic candidates for major office while the Democrats did not have a single Latino. GOP Latinos defeated Democrats in Texas, Idaho and in the State of Washington.
Nevada Latinos may have come out to vote for Harry Reid, but they also voted for Latino Republican Brian Sandoval for Governor. The new governor of New Mexico, Susana Martinez, is a Republican, and was supported by Democrat leaning Hispanic voters. Both Martinez and Sandoval are the first Latino Governors of their respective States, and of course we can't forget about Marco Rubio in Florida.
http://www.ilw.com/articles/2010,1105-kolken.shtm
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October 29, 2010 -- By Kevin Kelly -- Catholic Key
A Five-Hour "Tavern Check"
Patrons of a troubled nightclub that was the scene of a joint raid by Kansas City police and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were held inside the club for up to five hours while the federal agents checked their fingerprints on an ICE computer for outstanding immigration warrants, according to a witness.
Speaking to The Catholic Key on the condition of anonymity for fear of further reprisals, a man who was detained and fingerprinted inside the club but charged with no crime said he was not allowed to leave for nearly four hours.
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The Democrat administration:
Has done nothing for immigrants for almost two years.
Deported a record number of immigrants.
Raided clubs to round up "illegal immigrants"
Now in desperation of loosing the Hispanic vote is turning to lies and racial baiting. How low and disgusting can you get?
"Comment: Senior Democrat Warns GOP On 14th Amendment - There is a group of Americans which does not like immigrants, not because they are immigrants, but only because a huge number of immigrants are not white. As the number of immigrants and their children continues to rise in the United States, the proportion of whites in the USA is falling.
This scares the racist group, because they do not want to share political and social power with those with somewhat more melanin in their skin."
October 27, 2010 -- Immigration Daily
more
The Vanishing Hispanic Vote. Why lack of immigration reform could hurt Obama in November
One big factor seems to loom over all others when it comes to measuring Latino voter intent: Barack Obama's pledge in 2008 to tackle immigration reform during his first year in office.
In July 2008 the candidate Barack Obama made a pledge to Hispanic voters.
"For eight long years, we have had a president who has made all kinds of promises to Latinos on the campaign trail, but failed to live up to them in the White House," Obama told a Washington convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). "We need a president who isn't going to walk away from something as important as comprehensive [immigration] reform when it becomes politically unpopular. That's the commitment I'm making to you ... and I will make it a top priority in my first year as President."
Poder360 -- David Adams, Timothy Pratt and Carlos de Cordoba
more Don't let them fool you and use you! What did you get from this administration in almost two years?
Remember how Obama tried to give Honduras to his friend Hugo Chavez!
October 25, 2010 -- news.yahoo.com
President Barack Obama said he was "frustrated" at not managing to push through immigration reform, but told US Latinos in an interview airing Monday that his failure to do so should not stop them from voting in next week's elections.
Obama tried to energize Hispanic voters seen as key to several pivotal elections in next week's midterm congressional and gubernatorial vote, appearing on the popular radio show hosted by Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo in an interview taped last week.
Asked about the widespread disappointment felt by US Hispanics that immigration reform has not yet been realized, Obama answered that he shared that sentiment.
"This is something that I've been committed to for many years," he said.
more "committed to for many years"? In almost two years he has done nothing!
Transcript of President Barack Obama with Univision
October 25, 2010 -- latimes.com
Sotelo asked the president to focus on immigration. When the Spanish-language radio giant suggested that the Obama administration was more dedicated to fixing issues like healthcare than immigration, the president disagreed."
"My cabinet has been working very hard on trying to get it done, but ultimately, I think somebody said the other day, I am president, I am not king. I can't do these things just by myself. We have a system of government that requires the Congress to work with the executive branch to make it happen. I'm committed to making it happen, but I've gotta have some partners to do it," Obama said.
......"They're very important. Immigration reform is one of those issues we're gonna get it done, but I'm gonna continue to need some help from the other side.
EPS: When is it going to happen? You will tell me after this.
POTUS: Well, here's what we're gonna do. We're gonna see how well we do in this election and I think a lot of it is gonna depend on whether we still have some support not only from Democrats, but also Republicans, but they're gonna be paying attention to this election. And if Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, we're gonna punish our enemies and we're gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us, if they don't see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it's gonna be harder and that's why I think it's so important that people focus on voting on November 2.
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Americans are not our enemies!
While Obama sues Arizona, ICE in Kansas City holds immigration raids.
October 25, 2010 -- Kevin Kelly -- Catholic Key
Nightclub raid raises question about police policy on immigration
A joint raid at a trouble spot nightclub on the city's West Side has threatened efforts to build trust between the Latino community and the Kansas City Police Department.
The raid, which occurred shortly before midnight Oct. 24 at the Club Oasis, 2845 Southwest Blvd., was conducted jointly between officers of the police department's vice squad and agents of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
..... Ferguson said she had no issues with police raiding Club Oasis when they have probable cause to believe that criminal activity is taking place. But she also noted that the vast majority of citations and arrests at the raid were not for violations of criminal law, but for violations of civil immigration code.
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October 25, 2010 -- immigrationlitigation
KC Nightclub raided by Immigration -- 20 arrested
OzarksFirst.com: Local authorities will only say there was a police presence, but DHS confirms an immigration compliance check at a Kansas City nightclub. Early this morning, federal agents walked into the Club Oasis, at 28th and Southwest Blvd in Kansas City. Those patrons without proper ID were given citations, and those without ID and a confirmed criminal record, were taken into custody.
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October 19, 2010 -- immigrationlitigation
AND Speaking of the President -- he has broken the Deportation record
From October 2009 through September 2010, 392,862 undocumented immigrants were removed from the United States. A NEW RECORD.
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October 19, 2010 -- immigrationlitigation
NY POST says Obama treats immigrants in AZ & TX differently
-- the Border Patrol in San Diego successfully stopped dozens of illegals from being smuggled into the US by boat -- attempts to gain access to the US via San Diego's beachfront have skyrocketed recently but that's got to be due to the effectiveness of the double fence which was constructed to prevent land crossings. Now human traffickers are forced to try their hand at piloting boats and other maritime vessels to sneak illegals into the country. Meanwhile a program to increase the number of deportations of criminal illegal immigrants has gone into effect in Texas and is seeing good results.
Funny that the Obama administration doesn't want Arizona to help with the enforcement of federal immigration laws but they are supporting just such enforcement in Texas.
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October 5, 2010 -- newsweek.com
Chilean President Grabs Limelight in Miners' Rescue
Whatever else you can call Chilean President Sebastian Pineran arrogant, ultraconservative, a onetime chum of dictator Augusto Pinochet, his enemies have said it all aversion to risk taking is not one of his faults. That fact was made more than clear during the dramatic rescue of the 33 miners, every moment of which Pinera oversaw like a field marshal on the front. No sooner had the miners stumbled from the Phoenix elevator capsule, ending their two months' confinement in a mineshaft 622 meters below the Atacama Desert, than they fell straight into the bear hug of the beaming Chilean engineer in chief, kitted out in helmet and workman's overalls.
For many Chileans, it was one more confirmation that they had put the right man in the Palacio de la Moneda - a take-charge executive dedicated to flag and country right down to dirt level.
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October 5, 2010 -- AP -- Michael R Blood
Lawyer in Whitman flap mum on details, party ties
Republican Meg Whitman's former maid said Tuesday she's not a Democratic pawn in California's race for governor, but her attorney refused again to provide key details about her claims that Whitman employed her for nearly a decade despite knowing she was in the U.S. illegally.
Nicky Diaz Santillan, a Mexican who Whitman says used a fraudulently obtained Social Security card and California driver's license, dismissed claims by the GOP nominee that she was part of a Democratic smear intended to damage Whitman's standing with voters, particularly Latinos.
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Oct. 5, 2010 -- breitbart.com
Defiant Chavez orders land takeover of British food giant
President Hugo Chavez on Sunday vowed to move forward on the nationalization of land owned by a subsidiary of British meat products company Vestey, as he called for "acceleration of the agrarian revolution."
A week after opposition parties were emboldened by a strong showing in legislative elections, Chavez used his first television program since the vote to announce moves to strengthen his self-styled revolutionary government.
"All of the lands of the so-called Compania Inglesa will be nationalized now," Chavez said, referring to the subsidiary of Britain's international food giant Vestey.
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Oct. 5, 2010 -- The Arizona Republic -- Alia Beard Rau
Gov. Jan Brewer filed a motion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit Tuesday opposing efforts by nearly a dozen foreign countries to weigh in on Arizona's new immigration law.
Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Chile have filed briefs to the appeals court in support of the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1070.
Mexico in its brief stated that the country has an interest in ensuring that its diplomatic relations with the U.S. are not frustrated by the actions of individual states. Filings by the other countries stated that they "are gravely concerned that SB 1070 will lead to racial profiling and disparate treatment of its nationals."
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1. Make your immigration laws reciprocal!
2. The Arizona law is basically a mirror image of the US law. An attack on Arizona law constitutes an attack on US law.
3. Do not meddle in US foreign policy if you don’t want the US to meddle in yours.
4. Clean up your governments! Happy citizens do not leave their home countries!
September 30, 2010 -- catholickey.blogspot
Are Democrats Trying to Kill Immigration Reform?
We know that the Republicans whose patron saint believed in a shining city where the doors were open to anyone with the will and heart to get here, have utterly abandoned that principle in fear of tea party rage. But recent legislative moves by the Democrats make it appear they have no intention of passing immigration reform, even as they seek to use it as a campaign issue.
..... So we now have two attempts at immigration reform proposals diverted by attaching planks from a secondary agenda. Whatever one thinks of that secondary agenda, attaching it to already controversial immigration reform proposals is a sure way to sink desperately needed reform.
more Title should be: Democrats are Killing Immigration Reform for Political Gains.
September 29, 2010 -- bumpshack.com
Undocumented Nicky Diaz Santillan Fired After Meg Whitman Found Out
Meg Whitman's former housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan, who worked for the politician for more than nine years, claims she was exploited, disrespected, humiliated and emotionally and financially abused since Whitman found out she was an undocumented worker. Whitman reportedly finally decided to fire Nicky when she launched her campaign for Governor of California.
Nicky, who is being represented by Gloria Allred, claims working for Whitman was a nightmare and said Whitman closed her eyes to her situation as an illegal worker because she was cheap help. Nicky was earning $23 per hour wow! That doesn't sound like cheap help at all. It sounds pretty expensive for an undocumented worker.
more We really can't feel sorry for Nicky Diaz Santillan. $23 an hour is more than many legal housekeepers earn and if she did not like it she should have quit. We do feel sorry for the thousands of illegal aliens/workers who will now be scrutinized and may be deported. We are also sorry for thousands who will find getting a job very difficult.
September 29, 2010 -- poder360
Cuba May Begin Oil Drilling Next Year
Cuba could begin drilling offshore for oil and gas as soon as next year, The Miami Herald reports
The Spanish energy company, Repsol, was contracted to drill the first of several exploratory wells with a semi-submersible rig that is expected to arrive in Cuba at the end of the year, according to Jorge Piñon, an energy expert and visiting research fellow at Florida International University. Quoted in The Miami Herald, Piñon said the rig is expected to drill down 5,600 feet in an area about 22 miles north of Havana and 65 miles south of the Marquesas Keys. Cuba is currently heavily dependent on Venezuela for its petroleum needs. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates Cuba's offshore reserves hold from 5-billion to 9-billion barrels of oil (almost as much as in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska), and close to 1-trillion cubic feet of natural gas
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September 20, 2010 -- ed.
Politics as usual For almost two years the administration has been promising immigration reform and has delivered nothing. They had to do something.
Harry, who never cared about immigrants, did not even try to help. Now that he is loosing at the polls and hopefully loose his job, he comes up with a clever ide:
tack the Dream Act to the defense bill and claim credit for it.
Good try Harry but what took you so long? And what about the other legal or illegal immigrants? When will you do something for them?
September 17, 2010 -- (CNSNews.com) -- Edwin Mora
DREAM Act Ought To Be "Part of a Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package"
Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-Tx.), a former border patrol chief who represents the largest community along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, told CNSNews.com that the DREAM Act is necessary but "it's got to be part of a comprehensive immigration reform package."
Rep. Reyes's comments came a day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced that he would include the DREAM Act as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill expected to be taken up next week.
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September 15, 2010 -- globalpost.com
Until last week, Dilma Rousseff, the candidate hand-picked by Brazil's president to succeed him, appeared to be cruising to an easy first-round victory in an election next month that would make her the first woman to become president in the country's history.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and Dilma Rousseff, whom he has chosen to succeed him, in Campinas on Saturday.
Mr. da Silva in August with Erenice Guerra, his chief of staff, who was forced to resign last week amid an ethics scandal.
Riding the coattails of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who will probably go down as his country's most popular president, Ms. Rousseff extended her lead in the polls enough that she seemed poised to capture a majority of votes in the Oct. 3 election and avoid a second round.
But then a political scandal involving Mr. da Silva's chief of staff who succeeded Ms. Rousseff in the post in April so that she could campaign, exploded onto the headlines here, suddenly threatening to push the election to a runoff and sully the da Silva government's reputation.
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September 15, 2010 -- globalpost.com
Brazil: Lula paves the way for his chosen successor
A little-known politician who has never run for office before will likely be Brazil's next president.
For the first time since Brazil's return to democracy in 1985, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will not be on the presidential ballot. But you wouldn't know it from watching the closing weeks of this year's campaign.
Hand-distributed fliers display candidates shoulder-to-shoulder with the current president. Lula smiles from the sides of Volkswagen buses rigged with loudspeakers to fill the streets with campaign music. Even the main opposition candidate for president, Jose Serra, ran television ads last month linking himself to the country's most popular politician.
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September 15, 2010 -- immigrationdaily
"a sick joke on immigrants"
Comment: A Charade - In a charade designed to pull the wool over the eyes of those who care about immigrants, the current
Democratic leadership has called many meetings in Washington DC this week and next. The cynical architects of this strategy
measure their success in TV airtime and the ballot box in November, not in votes cast by members of Congress when in
legislative session.
From President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Reid and onwards down the ranks of the Democratic leadership, the message is that they will push for enacting DREAM and will introduce a CIR bill.
Must Read
September 15, 2010 -- hispanicbusiness.com
Hispanic Heritage Month Starts Wednesday
Allison Brophy Champion, Culpeper Star-Exponent, Va.
Today through Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, initiated in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The month-long observance celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South American and the Caribbean.
Sept. 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it marks the independence date of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence Sept. 16 and 18, respectively.
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September 9, 2010
August 2011 marks the United Nations "International Year of Youth," a year, in theory, that exists to promote the full flourishing of youth and their participation in society. In reality, however, the "International Year of Youth" threatens to be a stage for “empowering youth” by rejecting traditional views on life, the family, and sexuality.
Advocates on the sexual left are pushing for the expansion and enforcement of youth's “sexual and reproductive rights,” which means access to abortion and contraception, and the rejection of gender for youth. Those who hold these ideas will attempt to encode them into official UN conventions and policies, beginning with the statement issued from the World Youth Conference in Mexico this August.
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Please protect our youth from the UN Please sign and promote the youth statement
September 9, 2010 -- Jill R. Aitoro -- nextgov.com
DHS to develop single, searchable database of immigration records
The Homeland Security Department plans to establish a database of immigration data that will identify fraud in applications for benefits, and provide information to intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
DHS will create a mirror copy of multiple databases the Citizenship and Immigration Services uses to award federal benefits to immigrants and nonimmigrants and develop a single user interface employees use to access the stored information, according to a notice the department published in the Federal Register on Wednesday.
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September 8, 2010 -- Penny Starr -- CNSNews.com
Hillary Clinton: United Nations is ‘Single Most Important Global Institution'
In a speech before the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) on Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton praised the work of the United Nations and said it is "the single most important global institution."
At the CFR in Washington, D.C., Clinton said, "Now the U.N. remains the single most important global institution. We are constantly reminded of its value: The Security Council enacting sanctions against Iran and North Korea. Peacekeepers patrolling the streets of Monrovia and Port-au-Prince. Aid workers assisting flood victims in Pakistan and displaced people in Darfur."
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The same Socialist Hillary who tried to throw Honduras under the UN bus is now attempting to do the same with the United States.
The UN is the single most expensive failed institution!
US Police vs. Arizona sheriff:
September 1, 2010 -- Hispanic Business
Joe Arpaio is Sued by Justice Department
The U.S. Justice Department has followed through Thursday on its threat to sue controversial Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, saying he has refused to cooperate in a discrimination investigation.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, which covers the Phoenix region, is also named as a defendant. The office is the target of a federal investigation into alleged discrimination against Hispanics.
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September 1, 2010 12:00 A.M.
Arizona vs. the U.N. Human Rights Police
An indignant President Obama complained last week, "I can't spend all of my time with my birth certificate plastered on my forehead." Fine. How about plastering a copy of his presidential oath of office there instead? The kowtowing commander-in-chief is in dire need of a daily reminder that his job is to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States" - not international law or global diktats.
Case in point: Last week, Obama's State Department handed in America's first-ever report to the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights in conjunction with something called the "Universal Periodic Review." In short, the 29-page document is a self-aggrandizing report card touting the administration's far-left domestic and foreign-policy initiatives for the world's approval.
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Hillary Clinton who last year tried to destroy democracy in Honduras is now accusing her own country of violating human rights.
She and the United Nations should be helping Calderon stop the slaughter of migrant workers in Mexico and restoring human rights there. If the UN is no longer capable of doing the job why do we support it?
August 31, 2010 -- By Jerry Markon
The Justice Department filed another lawsuit against immigration practices by Arizona authorities, saying Monday that a network of community colleges acted illegally in requiring noncitizens to provide their green cards before they could be hired for jobs.
The suit against the Phoenix area Maricopa Community Colleges was filed less than two months after the Justice Department sued Arizona and Gov. Jan Brewer (R) over the state's new immigration law. It also comes as the department is investigating Joe Arpaio, the sheriff in Maricopa County, who is known for tough immigration enforcement.
more The US Social Security card is not a photo ID card. It is basically inactive until a work authorization documents is granted.
It is easy to obtain fraudulent drivers licenses using fraudulent IDs. The colleges were right to refuse hiring an applicant who had only one, possibly fraudulent, ID.
We support immigrants and legal aliens but this suit is harassment of a state by the Feds and a waste of taxpayer's money.
Aug 27, 2010 -- Jonathan J. Cooper -- Associated Press
Brewer condemns report to UN mentioning Ariz. law
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer demanded Friday that a reference to the state's controversial immigration law be removed from a State Department report to the United Nations' human rights commissioner.
The U.S. included its legal challenge to the law on a list of ways the federal government is protecting human rights.
In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Brewer says it is "downright offensive" that a state law would be included in the report, which was drafted as part of a UN review of human rights in all member nations every four years.
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August 24, 2010 -- Ben Johnson, Floyd Reports
Obama Hauls Arizona Before the UN Human Rights Council
Apparently Barack Obama is not content to make a federal case out of his immigration feud with Arizona; he just made it an international one.
The president's first-ever report on U.S. human rights to the UN Human Rights Council contains a rich vein of offensive material. So far, one aspect has not been reported: our petty president used the situation to bash Arizona's immigration law - and possibly transfer jurisdiction over the law from Arizona to the UN. Throughout the report, which sounds like an Obama campaign speech, the president discusses "the original flaw" of the U.S. Constitution, America's tolerance for slavery, and his version of our long and despicable history of discriminating against and oppressing minorities, women, homosexuals, and the handicapped. After each complaint, he addresses how he is delivering us from ourselves, patting himself on the back for such initiatives as ending "torture," promoting Affirmative Action, and passing health care legislation.
more report to the UN
August 24, 2010 -- Patrick Goodenough -- (CNSNews.com)
Obama Administration Tells U.N. It's Committed to Closing Gitmo, ‘Fixing' Immigration
In the first ever U.N.-mandated self-assessment of America's human rights record, the Obama administration has informed the world body that it remains committed to closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay and to “fixing our broken immigration system.
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August 11, 2010 -- catholicnewsagency Poll finds Catholic identity of young Latinos decreasing
A recent poll found that, while the majority of Hispanics in the United States identify as Catholics and take morally conservative stances on controversial issues, a significant gap exists between the older and younger generations on the issues of religion and morality.
The poll of 1,500 Hispanics conducted by Univision and the Associated Press (AP) analyzes the cultural attitudes in America's Hispanic and Latino populations. The results of the poll were made public in articles in both English and Spanish.
The article in Spanish, published by Univision, focused on the fact that among Hispanics in the United States, 62 percent identify as Catholic, while 11 percent claimed no religious affiliation. Among that same demographic, 55 percent thought abortion should be illegal, while 39 percent thought that it should be legal. In regards to gay "marriage," 35 percent thought that it should not be allowed while 31 percent were in favor of legalizing it. Univision also reported that, though a majority of Hispanics are Catholic, they are less likely to practice the faith, with only 35 percent of those surveyed attending religious services weekly.
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August 10, 2010 -- By David Agren -- Catholic News Service
Cardinal calls Mexican court decision on marriage 'aberrant judgment
Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera of Mexico City denounced a recent Mexican Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of a same-sex marriage law in the nation's capital as an "aberrant judgment."
The church "cannot stop calling evil, 'evil,'" he said in a statement read after his Aug. 8 homily in the city's Metropolitan Cathedral.
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July 31, 2010 -- (IANS) -- Mexico News.Net
Mexico renews diplomatic ties with Honduras
The Mexican government has said that its ambassador to Tegucigalpa will return to Honduras next week, as it wants to renew diplomatic ties with the Central American nation.
Saturday's announcement came hours after the Chilean government decided to send back its ambassador to that country.
Mexico's Foreign Relations Secretariat (SRE) said there was a 'significant progress' in the situation in Honduras after the June 2009 coup against the then president Manuel Zelaya. Porfirio Lobo is the current president of Honduras.
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July 31, 2010 -- Gustavo Valdes, CNN
Chile resumes diplomatic relations with Honduras
Chile is re-establishing diplomatic relations with Honduras more than a year after a coup sent the Central American country into political crisis, Chile's foreign ministry announced Friday.
In a declaration posted on its website, the ministry said it based its decision on a report released by the Organization of American States noting significant steps towards normal democratic practices and the defense of human rights in Honduras.
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July 30, 2010 -- Jonathan Levin
Mexican Billionaire Drug Lord Loses His Top Ally in Gun Battle With Army
Mexican military personnel killed a leader in billionaire Joaquin "Chapo" Guzman's drug trafficking cartel, signaling the biggest win for President Felipe Calderon in his four-year-old war on organized crime.
The army shot dead Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel yesterday during an operation in the western state of Jalisco, Defense Ministry official Edgar Luis Villegas told reporters in Mexico City. Coronel controlled the so-called Pacific Route for Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel, which sends cocaine to U.S. markets.
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Jul 29, 2010 (disclosed) U.S. Citizenship and immigration Services
SUBJECT: Administrative Alternatives to Comprehensive Immigration Reform
I. Purpose
This memorandum offers administrative relief options to promote family unity. foster economic growth, achieve significant process improvements and reduce the threat of removal for certain individuals present in the United Slates without authorization. It includes recommendations regarding implementation timeframes and required resources.
In the absence of Comprehensive immigration Reform, USCIS can extend benefits and/or protections to many individuals and groups by issuing new guidance and regulations, exercising discretion with regard to parole-in-place. deferred action and the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA), and adopting significant process improvements.
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USCIS can bypass immigration law and lawmakers and reinterpret the law to suit its' needs!
Jul 28, 2010
The United States District Court of Arizona ruled against significant parts of Arizona's and the US immigration laws.
Aliens will no longer have to register or carry id cards as required by federal immigration law.
The administration lost, Arizona lost, illegal aliens lost and US citizens lost.
Instead of helping to solve the problem the administration proved that it could postpone the solution indefinitely.
Jul 27, 2010 -- Foreign Policy
In the first quarter of 2010, Venezuela's economy contracted by 5.8 percent.
Earthquake-ravaged Haiti is the only other country in the Western hemisphere to see its economy shrink so far this year. National oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) produces virtually all of the country's export revenue. The country's cash cow helped Venezuela produce 3.3 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) in 2001. But a massive strike in 2002, the firings of thousands of PDVSA employees that followed, and the president's habit of milking the company for extra revenue have taken a toll. The government claims that it still produces 3 million bpd. Some experts claim the number is closer to 2.6 million. OPEC says Venezuela is now producing closer to 2.3 million.
In June, inflation hit 31.2 percent year on year. Venezuela imports nearly three quarters of its food, but shortages of basic foodstuffs in state-run grocery stores have eroded Chavez's popularity. A scandal erupted this spring when officials discovered tens of thousands of tons of imported food that had been abandoned to rot in state-run warehouses.
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Jul 27, 2010 -- aljazeera.net
Chavez reinforces Colombia border
Colombia has accused Venezuela of allowing Farc rebels to operate from its territory [Reuters]
Venezuela has sent more troops to its border with Colombia amid an escalating row over Bogota's claims that guerrilla fighters are holed up inside its neighbour's territory.
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Jul 27, 2010 -- (AP).- CARACAS, Venezuela
Lawyer from anti-Chavez TV faces prosecution
A lawyer who represents Venezuela's lone television channel that remains critical of President Hugo Chavez has been charged with obstructing justice, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Perla Jaimes tried to prevent police from raiding a home belonging to Guillermo Zuloaga, the president and majority shareholder of the Globovision TV station, the Attorney General's Office alleged in a statement.
Jaimes, who could face up to three years in prison if convicted. denied any wrongdoing.
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Jul 23, 2010 -- (CNA).-
UNICEF criticized for sponsoring promiscuous children's television program
Salvadoran columnist Julia Regina de Cardenal has denounced UNICEF for sponsoring a television program that promotes unethical behavior and promiscuity to children.
"Why are international organizations obsessed with investing such sums of money to pervert our children?" she asked in a column for the Salvadoran daily, Hoy. As an example, Cardenal pointed to the money spent on advertising during a television program that "promotes promiscuity, prostitution as a way of earning a living for young women, homosexuality and all forms of sexual disorder."
"The grim message to teens is that sex is a game that must be experienced in the search for pleasure, without any concern for the consequences of physical, psychological, mental, spiritual, social and cultural health," she warned.
more
Jul 23, 2010 -- (CNA).-
Venezuelan president aims to shut down Catholic television channel
Caracas, Venezuela, Jul 23, 2010 / 01:57 pm (CNA).- On the heels of an effort to review the country's accords with the Vatican, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has now set his sights on the Catholic channel, Vale TV, which the Archdiocese of Caracas has operated since 1998.
Chavez has ordered the Minister of the Interior, Tareck El Aissami, to review the granting of Vale TV to the archdiocese by former President Rafael Caldera.
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July 27 (C-FAM) -- aljazeera.net
Mexico inmates "let out to kill"
The Gomez Palacio prison director and three other officials have been placed under house arrest [EPA]
Prosecutors in Mexico have accused the director and guards at a prison of letting inmates out and lending them guns and vehicles to carry out drug-related killings.
The inmates, who are members of drug cartels, were believed to be behind three mass shootings, including the massacre of 17 people at a party earlier this month, the attorney-general's office said on Sunday.
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Jul. 19, 2010 -- Associated Press
Seven other Latin American countries want to join Mexico in supporting a lawsuit challenging Arizona's immigration enforcement law.
Bolivia, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Peru filed separate, nearly identical motions to join Mexico's legal brief supporting the lawsuit filed by U.S. civil rights and other advocacy groups.
A federal judge formally accepted Mexico's filing July 1 but did not immediately rule on the latest motions filed late last week.
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Make it reciprocal!
It would behoove these countries to look at their own immigration laws. While there may be very few people moving to there, the economy is shifting and there will be many more in the future.
If you want the US to change its’ immigration laws, be prepared o change yours. We will expect you to welcome US immigrants!
July 15 (C-FAM) -- By Terrence McKeegan, J.D.
Calls for Radical Autonomy for Youth Ahead of Mexico Conference
Two recently released documents prepared in anticipation of an upcoming youth conference make unprecedented claims for new rights for youth that experts say directly conflict with traditional norms and international law.
The draft declaration which will be considered by governmental participants at the World Youth Conference, to be held at the end of August in Leon, Mexico, calls for a comprehensive development of young people that includes: a humanist education to face ethical challenges and sexuality education. There is also a call to guarantee the highest level of physical and mental health of the youth population taking into account diverse gender contexts, and for providing universal access to reproductive health, including through family planning as a method of reducing maternal mortality in adolescent girls and young women.
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Jul 12, 2010 -- CNA)
Bishops of Mexico call on newly elected officials to work for peace
Imprimir Incrementar tamano de fuente Disminuir tamano de fuente
The secretary general's office of the Bishops' Conference of Mexico has called on the country's newly elected officials to not to rest until justice, peace, equity and fulfillment of life for all Mexicans is an indisputable and palpable fact.
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Jul 8, 2010 -- nypost
The White House says President Obama had nothing to do with the Justice Department's challenge to Arizona's immigration law, insisting the decision was Attorney General Eric Holder's alone.
Please. -- This is a political lawsuit, driven by Obama's drop in the polls among Hispanics and Democrats' hope of bringing out Latinos this fall by hanging an anti-immigrant millstone around the GOP's neck.
The Arizona statute, on the other hand, is chiefly about the rule of law.
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July 7, 2010 -- Zenit.org
Chavez Launches Attack Against Cardinal Urosa
Venezuelan President Asks Pope for Replacement
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is playing with fire, says the semi-official Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano.
The newspaper reported this in reference to the insults the Venezuelan president leveled Monday against Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino, the archbishop of Caracas, calling him a "troglodyte" for trying to "scare people about communism."
more
July 02, 2010 -- Americans for legal Immigration
Judge lets Mexico Have Voice in Suit on Az. Immigration law.
Mexico gets to have a say in one of the lawsuits challenging Arizona's immigration enforcement law.
A federal judge on Thursday granted Mexico's request to be allowed to file a legal brief supporting the challenge. That means the judge will consider the brief Mexico submitted previously.
source
Totally absurd decision! We cannot allow our sovereignty to be eroded by liberal judges!
The inept Mexican government is part of the problem. Happy prosperous people never flee a county!
Jul-01-2010 05:07pm -- poder360.com
Big Investment by BMW
The German automaker will invest 2 billion euros in Mexico to manufacture autoparts and lower costs
The German firm Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag, BMW, announced the investment of $2 billion in the Mexico to fabricate autoparts for his luxury automobiles beginning in 2012. With that measure the automotive firm hopes to cover the North American market and advance its cost reduction plan by over 4 billion euros this year.
source
June 30, 2010 -- Michael Savage -- Washington Post
As Obama steps up border enforcement, advocates rethink their strategy
When President Obama announced last month that he would ask Congress for $500 million and deploy the National Guard to beef up security on the border with Mexico, several advocacy groups in the region that had campaigned for a different approach were forced to confront a disappointing reality: Washington still wasn't listening to them.
source
June 22, 2010 -- ed.
Don't bother us with important things For one and a half years the administration has been promising immigration reform and has delivered nothing. They have to do something. They are too busy to work on immigration reform they must start diversion.
Arizona is the perfect place for a diversion: Attack the border security law!
Problems:
The Arizona law is not about immigration or the immigration law. It is about illegal aliens.
The Arizona law calls for enforcement of the federal law. If enforcement is not legal, the law is not legal.
The feds will accomplish their goal. NCLR and others have already forgotten about immigration reform. They are busy raising money for their agenda
Meanwhile, there are jobs available in Brazil and Canada. Wonder if I could go there without any paperwork and and get a job?
June 22, 2010 -- Yahoo! News.
When, how U.S. might challenge Arizona law
The Obama administration will probably unveil its challenge to Arizona's immigration law next week, administration sources tell ABC's Jake Tapper. The challenge itself isn't exactly news. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton let slip to an Ecuadoran TV reporter this month that the Justice Department was ready to file suit, and a subsequent White House leak confirmed her report.
But the substance of the challenge may be newsworthy. According to Tapper's report, the Justice suit is expected to include objections on civil rights grounds.
Many expected that Attorney General Eric Holder would stick to a so-called supremacy challenge: attacking the law as an unwarranted interference with the federal government's right to police the nation's borders and make border policy. If so, he'll have to prove that the law obstructs, rather than supports, enforcement of federal immigration policy.
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June 21, 2010 -- By Dr. Tim Ball
Obama Is Wrong; Alternative Energy is Not an Alternative
Obama is using the oil spill in the Gulf as an emotional lever to push his cap and trade policy. The spill is a disaster, but exploiting it is truly despicable. It is made far worse when the alternative energies solutions don't work. Increased costs will damage the economy and negatively impact the people he claims to represent. We're in this predicament because of exploitation by politicians and environmental groups who deliberately ignore scientific evidence and corruption in climate science. Options were dramatically reduced by campaigns of fear against nuclear power creating legislation so that it now takes up to 14 years to construct a nuclear power plant.
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June 21, 2010 -- Heritage FOUNDATION
Santos Victory in Colombia: A Vote for Stability, Security and Hope
The impressive run-off electoral victory of Juan Manuel Santos demonstrates that Colombians place great confidence in the former finance and defense minister's ability to guide their nation for the next four years. It was also a vote for continuity with the successful and popular policies of outgoing President Alvaro Uribe. Undoubtedly, Santos has large executive shoes to fill.
Colombia under Santos, who takes office on August 7, will need to strengthen democratic institutions, advance an impartial justice system, put the economy on a high growth track, and battle poverty, while protecting Colombia's security against drug traffickers, common crime, and the narco-terrorism of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, still the largest armed terror group in the Americas.Dealing with neighbors will be a foreign policy priority for Santos.
source
May 26, 2010 -- Poder
Hillary Clinton to Visit Ecuador
President Rafael Correa confirmed today U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Ecuador from June 6 to 8
On Wed., President Rafael Correa confirmed U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Ecuador, June 6-8, to analyze issues of regional and commercial significance. The president said that the U.S. official's visit comes thanks to the work of Arturo Valenzuela, U.S. assistant secretary of state for western hemisphere affairs. "Arturo Valenzuela called me a few days ago and told me Hillary wants to visit Ecuador and I told him she was welcome," Correa said upon his arrival in Argentina where he took part in bicentennial celebrations.
source
NOTE: The governments of the South American Union of Nations (UNASUR) had refused to recognise the government of Honduras
May 19, 2010 -- Yahoo News
In joint press conference, Calderon calls Arizona law 'discriminatory'; Obama says it's 'misdirected'
Twice today, the president of Mexico strongly criticized Arizona's controversial immigration law, following his arrival in Washington to attend a state dinner in his honor tonight. Felipe Calderon's first dig at the law came in a short speech at a welcoming ceremony on the White House south lawn; the second occurred during a joint press conference with President Obama this afternoon.
source
NOTE: Calderon had refused to recognise the government of Honduras
Mr. Calderon:
1. When visiting a foreign country please don't insult the country.
2. Mexico is rich with natural resources. Why are so many Mexicans leaving your country?
3. Why did you support Manuel Zelaya, an enemy of the people of Honduras?
May 19, 2010
matt.org Mexicans and Americans working together
The voice of reason influencing policy to improve US/Mexico relations
Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). Ask the White House and Congress to take action this year!
The matt proposal:
* Enhanced border security.
* Undocumented immigrants who want to legalize their status must pay taxes, learn English, and undergo a criminal background check.
* Congress must create a pathway to legalization for the over 12 million illegal immigrants currently working in the United States.
* Undocumented immigrants must pay their dues for breaking U.S. laws by unlawfully entering the United States of America through community service or paying a fine.
Visit their site.
Sign their petition.
May 17, 2010 -- Michelle Malkin
Who is Michael Posner, and why is he apologizing to China?
Actually, I phrased the title question wrong.
Question: Who the hell is Michael Posner, and why the hell is he apologizing to China?!
Answer: Michael Posner is the former head agitator at the transnationalist Human Rights First, who represents the textbook State Department mindset of pandering to the worst America-bashers without hesitation or shame. Foggy Bottom isn't just stuck on stupid. It's stuck on American self-sabotage.
source
May. 15, 2010
No Breakthroughs In US, China Human Rights Talks
The United States and China reported no major breakthroughs Friday after only their second round of talks about human rights since 2002.
The Obama administration wants to push Beijing to treat its citizens better, but it also needs Chinese support on Iranian and North Korean nuclear standoffs, climate change and other difficult issues.
A senior U.S. official (Michael Posner) said that the two-day meeting lays groundwork for more regular talks to soothe an irritant in relations between the two world powers.......
He said U.S. officials did not whitewash the American record and in fact raised on its own a new immigration law in Arizona that requires police to ask about a person's immigration status if there is suspicion the person is in the country illegally.
Unfortunately Mr. Posner didnot read the bill. The law requires the police to ask for identification if the person has violated the law
source
May 11, 2010 -- YAHOO News
UN human-rights experts condemn Arizona immigration law
Six experts affiliated with the United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a scathing statement condemning Arizona's new immigration law as a likely violation of international human-rights accords.
The Arizona law permits authorities to demand immigration papers from anyone stopped, detained or arrested who sparks a "reasonable suspicion" of illegal entry into the United States. The UN statement suggests that provision could be in violation of global accords that are binding in the United States, such as the international convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and a separate convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
source
April 29th 2010 -- BY Michael Mcauliff -- Daily News
Bitter debate ensues as House approves bill that could move Puerto Rico to statehood
Velazquez and Harlem Rep. Charlie Rangel, whose father was Puerto Rican, said the measure was a backdoor move to a statehood vote on the island that has failed three times in the past.
"It is baffling that the statehood option, which lost in 1967, in 1993 and again in 1998, is now allowed to scheme its way to victory," Velazquez said.
Before the debate, the bill had offered three options for change: statehood, independence or an independent "free association" like three other former U.S. territories.
Velazquez argued that if keeping the current status was no longer on the ballot, statehood - always the second choice in the past - would win by default.
She favors a Puerto Rican constitutional convention.
Velazquez managed to win an amendment to add keeping the status quo to the choices.
"We restored some fairness to a badly flawed process," she said
source
April 29, 2010 -- Albor Ruiz
New immigration law turns Arizona into police state
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) asked the relevant questions: "Tell me, how does an undocumented person look? What does an illegal look like? And how far will one go to prove it?"
source
Charlie, please read the bill. It prohibits racial profiling.
It only applies to persons who have been stopped for violating the law.
Please stop racial baiting. Alex
April 28, 2010 -- By Andrew Zarowny
Democrats push vote on HR 2499 to make Puerto Rico 51st State
On Thursday, April 29th, Congress will take up a piece of legislation, HR 2499. The bill, while non-binding, will require Puerto Rico to hold an election on a referendum asking it's citizens,
"Do you want to maintain the status quo?"
Notice that it does not mention statehood? Yes, Congressional Democrats and the Obama Administration are trying to pull another fast one.
In the past 40 years, Puerto Rico has voted three times on the question of becoming a state. Each time they voted it down. In 1998, voters were given four choices,
A) statehood, B) sovereignty, C) modified commonwealth or D) None of the above. Option D got the majority.
In 1967 and 1993, only options A, B and C were on the ballots. The options of independence or a modified commonwealth usually get only about 3% of the vote in 1998. Statehood got 46.6% and 46.7% in 1993 and 1998, only 39% in 1967.
Read more:
We are together on this one!
111TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. R. 2499
To provide for a federally sanctioned self-determination process for the people of Puerto Rico.
HR 2499:
"federally sanctioned self-determination"?
Sounds more like federal determination to deny Puerto Rico its' rights!
Self determination, we believe, should originate from the people of Puerto Rico. Not the US government!
April 28, 2010
Aliens and Immigrants and why the difference is important
Passing of the Arizona "immigration" bill started outcries of discrimination, racial profiling and violating the Constitution. Politicians, civil rights activists and even misguided clergy jumped on the bandwagon and contradicted each other.
Read more:
Arizona Senate Bill 1070:
USIS Manual:
Immigrants Rights and Duties:
NOTE: Illegal aliens are not immigrants!
People who break into a home are not guests!
April 23, 2010
"Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act"
Arizona SB 1070 as Enacted
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Intent
The legislature finds that there is a compelling interest in the cooperative enforcement of federal immigration laws throughout all of Arizona. The legislature declares that the intent of this act is to make attrition through enforcement the public policy of all state and local
government agencies in Arizona. The provisions of this act are intended to work together to discourage and deter the unlawful entry and presence of aliens and economic activity by persons unlawfully present in the United States.
Arizona Senate Bill 1070:
Basically, anyone stopped for a traffic violation or criminal act must some proof that they are here legally. Note that Federal law requires immigrants to carry identification at all times.
Contrary to statements by NCLR, labor unions and some news media, this bill is not racial profiling, it forbids racial profiling.
It is sad that organizations that are supposed to help immigrants and minorities are using this bill to incite racial conflict.
From A Guide for New Immigrants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Your Rights and Responsibilities
As a permanent resident, it is your responsibility to:
o Obey all federal, state, and local laws. o Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times..
April 15, 2010 -- POLITICO 44 Harry Reid punts on immigration
'We won't get to immigration reform this work period,' Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) backed away from a major push on immigration reform in the coming weeks, amid concerns that the issue may be too volatile for an election year agenda already packed with ambitious legislative plans.
The announcement came in the face of earlier indications from third-ranking Democrat Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that immigration could get done soon. Reid told thousands of activists during a rally in Las Vegas over the weekend that the Senate would act on immigration reform "now," raising expectations among his Latino base that Congress would suddenly take up the politically charged issue.
Read more:
Another broken promise?
April 2, 2010 -- AP
Russia offers Venezuela nuclear help, Chavez says
Russia has agreed to help Venezuela draw up plans for a nuclear power plant, President Hugo Chavez said Friday.
Atomic energy was one of many areas of cooperation discussed as Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin made his first visit to the South American country.
"We're ready to start drawing up the first plan of a nuclear power plant, obviously with peaceful aims," Chavez said.
Chavez had announced plans to turn to Russia for nuclear help in the past. He did not give details on how much Venezuela is prepared to invest, or how long it might take.
Read more:
March 31, 2010 -- PODER
The Best in Labor Costs
According to a study by KPMG, Mexico offers the best conditions for setting up industries
In the Alternativas Competitivas (Competitive Alternatives) KPMG 2010 study -- in which 95 cities in 10 countries (with all being developed nations except for Mexico) were studied -- Mexico again took first place for having the lowest labor costs for manufacturing, information technology and research and development. The best global location was the city of Monterrey, and the second was Mexico City. According to KPMG, Mexico is on average 18.2% cheaper when it comes to manufacturing than the U.S. Competitiveness is based upon labor which represents 46 to 60% of total costs to open a manufacturing business.
Read more:
March 25, 2010 --
Fidel Castro Applauds Obama's Healthcare Reform
HAVANA, Cuba - It perhaps was not the endorsement President Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress were looking for.
Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on Thursday declared passage of American health care reform "a miracle" and a major victory for Obama's presidency, but couldn't help chide the United States for taking so long to enact what communist Cuba achieved decades ago.
Read more:
Just as Hugo predicted last year:
Jun 2, 2009
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said on Tuesday that he and Cuban ally Fidel Castro risk being more conservative than U.S. President Barack Obama as Washington prepares to take control of General Motors Corp.
During one of Chavez's customary lectures on the "curse" of capitalism and the bonanzas of socialism, the Venezuelan leader made reference to GM's bankruptcy filing, which is expected to give the U.S. government a 60 percent stake in the 100-year-old former symbol of American might.
"Hey, Obama has just nationalized nothing more and nothing less than General Motors. Comrade Obama! Fidel, careful or we are going to end up to his right," Chavez joked on a live television broadcast.
Read more:
March 10, 2010 -- MATT
Moving Forward on Immigration Reform
Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) applauds President Barack Obama and United States Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for moving forward on reforming immigration.
The meeting hosted by the White House last week demonstrates President Obama's commitment to working with Members of Congress on moving legislation forward this year. Senators Schumer and Graham have been working diligently on drafting legislation that is fair for both the U.S. and the immigrant population.
By March 23rd Senators Schumer and Graham plan to introduce the framework of the CIR bill to the public. Take advantage of this week to contact the White House and your Representatives to urge them to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) this year.
source
* Schumer's Seven Principles of Reform
* 2007 Immigration Reform Bill Summary
* Comprehensive Immigration Reform
March 1, 2010
Google Launches Person Finding Tool
The 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Chile has left parts of the country in a state of despair, but Google is doing its part to help out
The search engine giant has set up a person-finder site to help those locate people in Chile, similar to what it did after the Haiti earthquake. Dubbed Person Finder, the tool is a searchable database for those who have information about someone, as well as those trying to locate a loved one; you can search the database or submit details if you have information about a person. The site is available in both Spanish and English, and will prove useful and beneficial to many of the folks who are affected by this disaster.
To use, visit:
chilepersonfinder
March 1, 2010
Earthquake Rescue & Recovery
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is heading to Chile in the wake of a devastating earthquake
Hillary Clinton is heading to Chile as part of a week-long, five-nation tour of Latin America. She'll visit the capital city of Santiago Tues. morning to show U.S. support for disaster recovery operations in the wake of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake, which hit early Sat. morning. The death toll has climbed to more than 800. Rescuers in Chile are pulling people from the rubble and trying to identify the dead. The ground continues to shake following the powerful earthquake, ripping the pavement, toppling buildings and ruining people's homes. While officials deal with the country's emergency, looters seize the opportunity to steal.
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March 1, 2010
Earthquake May Cost $30 Billion
The catastrophe comes days before the president-elect, Sebastian Pinera, assumes the nation's leadership
Damages caused by the earthquake may cost between $15 billion to $30 billion, according to estimates provided by the international consulting firm Eqecat. But that won't be the only challenge authorities will face. The quake comes 14 days before the change of presidential leadership, making the official reaction all the more complicated. While on the one hand, the present government was already in the process of "packing up its suitcases" -- with some authorities already having begun freeing themselves of thier duties --, on the other hand, new authorities have yet to be officially empowered to direct. Pinera's team will have little time for learning on the job. The new government coalition has been in the opposition for 20 years and has practically no experience managing the state which has been completely reformed in the past two decades. But along with little time, they'll also have little resources. The country has been recently buffeted by the worst blows of the economic crisis which has left the national budget with a serious fiscal deficit which reached 4.5%. For 2010, the budget was designed to drastically reduce that deficit to 1% or 0%. Clearly, that was done before the Feb. 27 quake shattered Pinera's ambitious plan for his four years which have yet to begin.
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Feb 28, 2010 -- Andrew Quinn -- REUTERS
Clinton headed for Chile after quake
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flies to Latin America on Sunday for a trip which includes a stop in quake-ravaged Chile and talks in Brazil over Iran's nuclear program.
Officials said Clinton still planned to visit Chile, where she was due to hold talks on Tuesday with outgoing President Michelle Bachelet and President-elect Sebastian Pinera, both grappling with the aftermath of Saturday's devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake.
"We're still going to Chile as planned, though might change what we do there," a senior U.S. official said on Sunday just hours before Clinton's departure.
While Chile will likely dominate the early part of five-day trip, Brazil will be the diplomatic centerpiece as Clinton uses her March 3 stop there to seek support for the drive on the U.N. Security Council to put new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
Brazil -- a non-permanent member of the council -- has been reluctant to get tough on Iran and analysts say Clinton faces a test as she seeks to bring President Inacio Lula da Silva on board in the final weeks before U.N. diplomats unveil the sanctions strategy in New York.
But the trip also marks a fresh U.S. start in Latin America, which saw early hopes for better ties with the Obama administration fade amid disputes over last year's Honduras coup and the continued U.S. embargo on communist-ruled Cuba.
That disappointment was underscored this week when the "Rio Group" including Mexico and Brazil agreed to form a new regional bloc that explicitly leaves out the United States -- a thumbed nose at a power many feel is still too cavalier in its dealings with its southern neighbors.
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February 27, EST
More than 2 million affected by earthquake, Chile's president says
Santiago, Chile (CNN) -- As the sun set in Chile on Saturday, a picture of the immense structural damage wrought by an early morning earthquake had come clearly into focus, with the nation's president estimating that 2 million people had been affected in some way.
More than 300 people were killed, according to Chile's Office of Emergency Management, and 15 are missing.
The carnage from the 8.8-magnitude quake didn't begin to approach that unleashed by January's earthquake in Haiti, which left 212,000 people dead and more than a million homeless, even though it was considerably less forceful, with a 7.0 magnitude.
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February 27, EST
Embassy Statement on February 27 Earthquake in Chile
On Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 3:34 a.m. local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 was recorded off the central Chilean coast. The epicenter was approximately 60 miles northeast of the city of Concepcion, about 200 miles south of Santiago.
Strong tremors were felt throughout Chile, including Santiago and aftershocks continue. For more technical information on the earthquake, please see: United States Geological Survey website.
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Feb-11-2010 -- Poder
More Peruvian Copper --
Peru became the number two copper producer in 2009.
The National Mining, Oil and Energy Society (SNMPE) reported that Peru became the number two copper producer in 2009, replacing the U.S. The mining association's finding was based on the U.S. government's Geological Survey. According to the study, last year Peru produced a total of 1,273,000 metric tons of copper, while in 2008 only 1,270,000 metric tons were produced. Meanwhile, the U.S. produced 1,190,000 metric tons in 2009, representing a fall of 1.3 million compared with the previous year. Presently, Chile occupies first place in the ranking by volume, producing four times as much as Peru. Peru was also the number three country in terms of attracting investment for exploring new mining fields, according to the the last report by Metals Economics Group.
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February 10, 2010 -- Page One Daily News
Illegal immigration down
The number of illegal immigrants living in the U.S. dropped by one million people in two years, according to new estimates by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Government officials believe 10.8 million illegal immigrants lived in the country in Jan. 2009, down from a peak of nearly 12 million in 2007. If the official estimates are correct, not since 2005 has the population of illegal immigrants been as low as it was last year. The report, produced annually since 2005, is the government's official tabulation of immigrants living here illegally.
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Feb-10-2010 -- Venezuela -- Associated Press
Venezuela forges foreign alliances for Orinoco oil
Venezuela's state-run oil company signed a series of multibillion-dollar agreements Wednesday with foreign and domestic firms to develop oil fields in the South American nation's petroleum-rich Orinoco region.
Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said Petroleos de Venezuela will create joint ventures with two consortiums of foreign companies to develop two blocks in the Carabobo area of the Orinoco Belt — one of the world's largest known oil deposits.
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Feb-09-2010 -- Costa Rica -- poder360.com
Chinchilla Elected First Woman President of Costa Rica
With 46.8% of the vote, the Georgetown University grad will be Latin America's fifth female president
In a landmark victory on Sun., Laura Chinchilla was elected as the first woman president of Costa Rica. She obtained 46.8% of the vote, far exceeding the 40% needed to win the election outright without runoff elections. Chinchilla ran on the National Liberation Party ticket. Chinchilla received her master's degree in public policy at Georgetown in the late '80s after graduating from the University if Costa Rica. A social conservative who opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, she campaigned on continuing free market policies in Costa Rica. She is the former vice president and public security minister of Costa Rica, and when she takes office in May, she will be the fifth Latin American female president.
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Feb-09-2010 -- Venezuela -- poder360.com
Heavy Fines -- The government announced its first electricity emergency measures
President Hugo Chavez announced that the electricity emergency will extend itself for the next 60 days and announced fines for those who don't reduce energy consumption. From now on, residences which consume over 500 kilowatts/hour must reduce consumption by 10%. If they don't a 75% fine on their bill will be applied. If the amount of energy consumption goes up, the user must pay double. The government also established a discount program of up to 50% of the value of one's bill for those clients who save 10% or 20% of electricity.
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Feb. 7, 2009 -- COLOMBIA -- Poder
Intelligence Report Classifies Venezuela as "Anti-U.S. Leader"
The National Director of Intelligence, in his annual threat assessment before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said Venezuela continues to fund Colombian insurgents
Admiral Dennis Blair's report details the principle threats to the interests and security of the U.S. worldwide. In addition to mentioning the usual security concerns - Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, Al Qaida and Iraq the report dedicates significant space to Venezuela. In his statement Blair said Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez "continued his covert support to the terrorist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)." Blair also called Chavez one of the U.S.'s foremost international detractors and a potential destabilizing actor in the region - highlighting Chavez's purchases of Russian weapons, close ties to Iran, and his increasingly belligerent opposition to Colombia's defense cooperation agreement with the U.S., which Chavez has called a declaration of war.
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February 4th, 2010 -- Honduras News
EU Looks to Normalize Relations
Spanish Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, stated today that he wants Honduras to join, "as soon as possible," in continuing negotiations between Brussels and the other Central American countries, which are trying to complete an "Acuerdo de Asociacion" (Association Agreement). Spain occupies the Presidency of the European Union (EU) this semester.
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February 4th, 2010 -- Honduras News
Honduras Shows Positive Changes
United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Arturo Valenzuela, has stated, "We are seeing with satisfaction that Honduras is on the necessary track to return to the OAS and receive world recognition for having restored democracy." Mr. Valenzuela addressed the issue of Honduras during a political forum in Madrid.
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Feb. 3, 2009 -- Poder
Obama Administration to Spend Millions on Cuba
The president officially loosened Cuba travel and money remittance policies in 2009, and now plans to spend millions on programs designed to bring about democratic change in Cuba
The Obama administration is proposing spending $20 million on programs designed to bring about democratic change in Cuba, but the funds are under attack from those who say its wasteful in hard economic times, besides being a demonstrable failure after Cuba recently celebrated the 52nd anniversary of its communist revolution.
source: Obviously the $20 million is for travel & entertainment for friends of the administration.
January 29th, 2010 -- Honduras News
Taiwan President to Help Honduras
President of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou will be sharing Taiwan's digital development experience with Honduras, and plans to offer computer hardware and software training services.
President Ma was in Tegucigalpa on Wednesday to attend the presidential inauguration of Porfirio Lobo Sosa, and made the promise during his meeting with President Lobo.
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January 13, 2010 -- Poder
Over 100,000 Dead in Haiti
Port-au-Prince remained in ruins after strong earthquake
The earthquake which struck Haiti, the poorest nation in Latin America, yesterday evening, has left the capital Port-au-Prince beneath a cloud of dust due to the collapse of infrastructure. The seismic disturbance, the worst in two centuries, provoked a tsunami alert for the Caribbean and was also felt in Caracas, Venezuela, where workers were vacated from the financial buildings in the area of Chacao. The earliest information referred to the disappearance of 100,000 persons, as was reported by Haiti's Prime Minister Jean Max Dellerive to CNN and Reuters.
Read more: http://www.poder360.com/dailynews_detail.php?lang=1&date=2010-01-13#GLOBAL#ixzz0cbEcFLYi
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Massive earthquake devastates Haiti
Haiti News.Net Wednesday 13th January, 2010 (IANS)
Port-au-Prince - A magnitude 7 earthquake struck Tuesday evening near this capital of Haiti, blocking roads, collapsing buildings and leaving bodies strewn in the streets.
With spotty communications into the stricken country and Haiti's weak government itself hard hit, international donors were Wednesday organising and the US was mounting rescue and relief efforts.
The quake struck at 4.53 p.m. (2153 GMT Tuesday), some 15 km south-west of the city at a depth of 10 km. Two aftershocks registering 5.9 and 5.5 on the Richter scale followed within the hour, with more temblors later.
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January 13th, 2010 -- hondurasnews.com
Honduras Takes Leave of ALBA
The National Congress of Honduras ratified departure from the Bolivian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA).
The executive decree sent by President Roberto Micheletti was ratified by the majority of Congress with 128 votes in favor, and five not in favor, those being members of the Democratic Unification Party (UD) and the Innovation and Unity Party. Micheletti spoke of leaving ALBA in a Cabinet meeting held on December 15th, and the next day sent a decree to Congress for ratification.
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January 12, 2010 (CNN)
7.0 quake hits Haiti; 'Serious loss of life' expected
A major earthquake struck southern Haiti on Tuesday, knocking down buildings and power lines and inflicting what its ambassador to the United States called a catastrophe for the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation.
Several eyewitnesses reported heavy damage and bodies in the streets of the capital, Port-au-Prince, where concrete-block homes line steep hillsides. There was no estimate of the dead and wounded Tuesday evening, but the U.S. State Department has been told to expect "serious loss of life," department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters in Washington.
"The only thing I can do now is pray and hope for the best," the ambassador, Raymond Alcide Joseph, told CNN.
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January 12, 2010 -- Christian Science Monitor
Chavez vows to punish 'bourgeoisie speculation' after devaluing currency
The move by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to steeply devalue the nation's currency has generated anxiety among citizens, who rushed to stores over the weekend to purchase goods they expect will rise in price. But for economists and analysts, it also underlies the dire economic straits of the oil-rich nation, which already suffers the highest inflation rate in the region and will face a tough recovery ahead.
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January 12, 2010 -- hondurasnews.com
Foreign Countries Will Attend Inauguration
At least 19 countries will send delegations to the presidential handover, as a token of appreciation to the new government, said President Roberto Micheletti.
We understand that there are 19 countries that are willing to recognize the government of Pepe Lobo, and presidents and vice presidents will come,” Micheletti said, without specifying which nations.
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August 2, 2011 -- nationalreview.com
Obama's Administrative Amnesty
The president uses executive-branch authority to circumvent the law.
Speaking at the National Council of La Raza's annual conference recently, President Obama said, "The idea of doing things on my own is very tempting. . . . But that is not how our system works." The president is right to acknowledge that this isn't how our government operates, but it seems the temptation to do things his own way is too much for him to withstand. This is especially true when it comes to our immigration laws.
Although Congress has defeated several amnesty bills in recent years, President Obama now wants to grant a backdoor amnesty to illegal immigrants by using executive-branch authority.
What had once been a rumor fueled by leaked administration memos is, as of last month, official Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy. The director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued two directives on the scope of DHS officers' prosecutorial discretion that could allow millions of illegal and criminal immigrants to avoid our immigration laws.
The memos tell agency officials when to exercise "prosecutorial discretion," such as when to defer the removal of immigrants; when not to stop, question, arrest, or detain an immigrant; and when to dismiss a removal proceeding.
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This presidential decree is an insult to every immigrant who came to this country legally and waited or is waiting for citizenship.
June28, 2011 -- Domenico Montanaro -- NBC News
Impossible DREAM? Dems push DREAM Act again
Democrats have packed the hearing room for the first-ever DREAM Act testimony. More than 200 people are in the room, including many students, who say they are undocumented and pushing for the passage of the bill. The bill would grant a path to citizenship for children brought to the United States illegally.
The bill has little chance of passing the Senate, but Democrats' theory might as well be if at first (or second or third or fourth) you fail, try, try again. It failed in December 2010, 55-41, unable to garner enough support to overcome a filibuster.
And that was when Democrats had a wider majority. Yet Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), an Obama ally, has reintroduced it and has 34 sponsors. Democratic leadership aides acknowledge it has little chance at passage, but today's hearing was congressional Democrats' and the Obama administration's latest push to bring attention to the issue, one they believe benefits them politically.
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A dream for those who can afford to leave their job and go to college or military service. -- A "pretend" show for Democrats who have deported thousands of illegals, have done nothing for immigrants and never really cared about us.
DREAM Act 2011 -- Dream is still a Nightmare
The Dream Act is a bipartisan legislation - pioneered by Sen. Orin Hatch [R-UT] and Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL] - that can solve this hemorrhaging injustice in our society.
Under the rigorous provisions of the DREAM Act, qualifying undocumented youth would be eligible for a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service.
The nightmare: Many immigrants have been employed for years and have attained a good position. To participate in the Dream Act they would have to leave their job and go to college or military service. Many would have no guarantee that they would get their job back.
Please re-write the Act. Stop discriminating against working people.
College is great for some people but would Bill Gates have earned more if he had stayed in college?
For latest info click here
July 4, 1776 - Thomas Jefferson
Preamble to Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Memorize and ponder:
"all men are created equal"
Why do we consider select groups of people a minority?
Why did our government create minority classes?
Do you/would you like to be considered less able/equal?
Make it Reciprocal!
With jobs getting harder to find in the US some American citizens are looking toward Mexico for employment. Mexico has natural resources and could develop nuclear energy. With little hope of new power plants being built in the US Mexico could sell electricity to border states and beyond.
We must be sure that our workers have easy access to Mexican jobs. Our immigration laws must be reciprocal!
Chile Needs Your Help Haiti Needs Your Help Salvation Army
Haiti Divisional Headquarters
P.O. Box 301, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone (509) 510-3671
Donate on line
UNICEF
is seeking donations to the ongoing emergency relief efforts in Haiti and the Caribbean region
1-800-4UNICEF. UNICEF
Mercy Corps established a Haiti Earthquake Fund, PO Box 2669,Portland, OR 97208, www.mercycorps.org, 1-888-256-1900
The Archdiocese of Miami is accepting financial donations to assist with recovery efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti. People may send their donations to Catholic Charities, 1505 NE 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL 33305, Attention Earthquake Victims.
The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) -- the natural disaster relief arm of the OAS -- was asking people who want to donate to visit its special relief website called www.PanAmericanRelief.org.
U.S. Immigration bill: HR-4321 --
Dec. 15, 2009
644 pages covering everything from border patrol to labor laws. It even covers immigration. Problem is that it is complex it is hard to sort out the important points. Please read it:
text of bill
Our letter to NCLR
We find the health reform bills to be totaly inadequate.more
El Salvador Needs Your Help:
Nov. 10. 2009 -- San Salvador -- Xinhua
Strong rains brought over by hurricane Ida have killed 175 people in El Salvador, the Civil Protection office said on Tuesday.
Apart from the confirmed 175 deaths, 60 others remain missing, said Civil Protection director Jorge Melendez, adding that a total of 10,348 people are in temporary shelters.
Most of the victims were children and landslides had been the major cause of the deaths, according to authorities.
Many nations and regional and world groups, including Cuba, Guatemala, Japan, Panama and Venezuela as well as the European Union and the United Nations have offered humanitarian aid to the country. source To Contribute
"Every State has the right to choose, without external interference, its political, economic, and social system and to organize itself in the way best suited to it, and has the duty to abstain from intervening in the affairs of another State. Subject to the foregoing, the American States shall cooperate fully among themselves, independently of the nature of their political, economic, and social systems;"
Charter of the Organization of American States, Chapter II, Principles, Article 3
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