U.S. Foriegn Policy On Human Rights In Israel - By Ahmad Abuznaid Esq.

One of the United State's longest standing foreign policy positions has become a blatant and indefensible injustice to billions of people all across the world, including millions here in the US. The blind support that our nation has extended towards the state of Israel over the past few decades has become so tied to our everyday lives that it is as if the Israeli flag is embedded within the American one. Support for Israel is a mandated hot topic in every presidential election of recent memory, congressional aid and support has never been higher. At the same exact time, the state of Israel has enforced a brutal military occupation on an entire population, with systems that can only be described as that of an apartheid state, Israel privileges people who have ties to the Jewish faith over all others, mainly the native population. 

The United States is currently supporting the state of Israel to the tune of over $3 billion per year, in addition to other loans, emergency funding, and weapons sales. At a time when the entire world is grieving over the more than 2,000 civilian deaths in Gaza, 500 children, injured thousands, arrested thousands of political prisoners, horrifying demolitions of Palestinian homes/hospitals/schools, and brand new Israeli settlement units being littered across occupied Palestinian territory. Many Americans are disgusted to find that the United States could support such atrocities, but the recent massacres do not tell enough of the daily injustice and humiliation that Palestinians feel due to the 60+ year occupation of their homeland. Also important to mention that America has its own sizable amount of issues that need attention, long term commitment and funding from our elected leadership. 

In annual reports published by the United States Department of State, our officials have repeatedly described a system which openly discriminates against its Arab population in every facet of life for its society. These are native Muslims and Christians who are not given a fair share of life because of their ethnicity, and it is fully documented. Most recently, Tariq Khdeir, a Palestinian American high school student was attending the funeral of his recently murdered cousin Mohammed Khdeir, when he was arrested, and brutally beaten by the Israeli police. Mohammed just days earlier was burned to death by Israeli extremists, but Tariq had two saving graces, first his beating was caught on camera, secondly and perhaps more importantly, Tariq holds American citizenship. It is unacceptable, the fact that America's biggest ally can easily escape these atrocities, we are not only failing to condone the behavior, but the US has reinforced it. The time has come for the US to make its actions louder than its words, millions and millions of Palestinian people have been suffering for far too long. Real US leadership and commitment to justice will allow the Palestinian and Israeli people to finally live together as equal human beings.  

The United States must: cease funding the state of Israel until it agrees to a final peaceful and just settlement with the Palestinians; cease providing weaponry of any kind until Israel's military assaults on Palestinian populations are a thing of the distant past; cease providing blind diplomatic cover at the United Nations and other bodies for the state of Israel, and perhaps just as meaningful, the United states should also commit to being a real partner in the solution for peace. The US has never been a fair and objective partner in the "peace process", it is time that real solutions are brought to the table that genuinely regard Palestinians as human beings and partners entitled to self determination, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Best,  

Ahmad Abuznaid Esq.

Legal & Policy Director

Dream Defenders Inc. 

aabuznaid@dreamdefenders.org

www.dreamdefenders.org

(202) 812-3073
 

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.

Labor Day 2014 Op-Ed by Mike Williams President Florida AFL-CIO

Labor Day 2014 Op-Ed

Mike Williams, President, Florida AFL-CIO

Labor Day is the day when we take a moment to celebrate the achievements of America’s workers. There is much to celebrate. We worked hard and pulled together to increase productivity and profits. We built a wave of economic prosperity that, by the numbers, shows us propelling out of the Great Recession. Unfortunately, this rising tide did not float all boats. Workers across Florida continue to struggle to support their families. Wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, all while big corporations, CEO’s and their shareholders enjoy record profits. The harsh reality remains that hardworking Floridians continue to struggle to put food on the table and gas in the tank. Despite our hard work, our sacrifice and our innovation, too many of us are not reaping the fruits of our labor.

Increased productivity has not led to higher relative compensation. Prices for food, gas, utilities, housing, and other consumer goods have continued to rise. Wages have either gone down and stayed down or remained stagnant. Workers have fewer and yet more expensive benefits. This is no accident. It’s the result of corporate policies designed to increase profits by limiting the costs of labor. It comes in many forms including outsourcing, sending jobs and profits overseas, increasing the ratio of part-time to full-time employees, shifting healthcare costs to employees, ending defined benefit pension plans, reducing employer contributions to defined contribution plans, classifying employees as independent contractors and a slew of other special interest policies all leading to the continued economic marginalization of working families.

Consider the fact that over the past thirty years the average earnings of Florida’s wealthiest 1 percent rose by 116 percent, while the wages for the rest of Florida’s 99 percent of workers dropped by 8. The extremely rich continue to get richer, while the rest of us continue to struggle. The rise in political and corporate attacks on working people has meant that for decades wages have declined or remained flat. The drop in labor union participation over the years has contributed to falling labor standards in Florida and across the country. Good jobs with good benefits have become harder to come by.  

It’s not too late to counteract widening income inequality, reverse diminishing economic opportunity and make Florida’s economy work for all of us, not just the wealthy. We need to insist that politicians stop creating policies that benefit their corporate cronies, and instead enact policies to ease the burden on working families. We need policies that make sure people are paid enough to support their families. We need leaders who support increasing investments in research, education and infrastructure that create good jobs, funded by closing tax loopholes for big corporations.

Working people can no longer afford to be victimized by out of touch politicians. We need an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and big businesses. Workers need a strong voice in their work place and even stronger voices in the halls of the Capitol. This Labor Day let’s celebrate worker achievements, reflect on the struggles ahead and demand change at the ballot box this November.  

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.

Letter To The Editor (Unpublished) - ROPA Seeks To Curb Governmental Oversight

Unpublished Letter To The Editor

Congressman Steve Southerland's proposal to enact a law to curb government "overreach' is exactly the reason why we need federal government oversight of the United States. To be honest without the candy coated rhetoric, Southerland is part of the klan who seek to limit government oversight, especially the EPA, so he and his cronies have free reign to exploit the seas and land and irresponsibly strip them of our shared resources for a quick buck regardless of the circumstances left behind. When federal protections are stripped away, we see across the states an attack on  voter rights, women's choices, labor bargaining power, and environmental protections, all for the interest of the American Legislative Exchange Counsel, who train and reward these corrupt politicians for the benefit of corporate power. Without government oversight, we the people will be manipulated, suppressed, discriminated against, and robbed of our rights, freedoms, and fair pay.

With examples like these around the nation, do not be mislead with their rhetoric and think they can do a better job. Evidence is overwhelming that Southerland, with his government shutdown, cannot be trusted.

Herb Shelton

2115 Longview Dr

Tallahassee, Fl 32303

850-491-8577

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.

Restorative Justice in the community

“Restorative Justice is a way to do justice that actively includes the people impacted by crime---victims, offenders, their families and communities. Its goal is to respect and restore each as individuals, repair broken relationships and contribute to the common good.” Barb Toews, author, educator.

Achieve Higher Ground is a restorative justice service provider that provides support services for crime survivors and victim impact programs for prisoners. And support groups for victims and groups for families of offenders.

                    Vision

Communities that engage practices in the aftermath of crime that empower survivors to transform their hurt into strength and that holds offenders accountable for their choices while creating space for everyone to heal.

                    Mission

To create a safe space where people who’ve endured trauma can heal.

We’ve talked a lot about crime and violence in our community in recent weeks.

It appears to me we’ve done very little talking with each other, more, perhaps talking at each other.

I have a radical notion! Let’s try and do that. Make plans to spend time with folks who don’t look like you. Maybe don’t speak the same language. Not to be helpful or provide services, nor to seek services. Just to spend time and learn from each other.

    I hope and expect you might enjoy it. As long as we isolate ourselves in our own silos or tribes it becomes easier to consider other folk as “other” and not understand them and become apprehensive

    There are many opportunities in Tallahassee to step out of our comfort zones. We have universities and a community college. Often events are available to the public. Hang out with young people in sandwich shops near campus. Spoken word poetry has a large following coffee shops have literary nights or music. For those over 50 The Osher Lifelong Learning Center at FSU offers many opportunities to spend time with folks from varying social circles. The Tallahassee Democrat Limelight every Friday lists activities around town. Visit a church from a faith community different from yours. All of the schools have magnificent theatre departments Attend the theatre. Talk about the performance in the lobby with new friends.

I make these suggestions not only to the majority community, but also to the various racial, ethnic, spiritual and sexual minorities in town.

None of these suggestions will bring about a rapid dramatic change. It just might begin a change in perspective. Tallahassee has begun to MOVE. Transformation can happen. It begins with one step.

Restorative justice is as much a lifestyle choice as eating local, recycling, living green and moving. It is a community centered approach to justice that focuses on healing the broken relationships of which crime is a symptom.

Certainly crime must be addressed and with appropriate consequences. Mandatory minimum sentencing makes sentencing arbitrary and often not related to the harm.

Civil citations are step in the right direction. Jailing people for unpaid fines that they are incapable of paying is counterproductive. Community service is feel good possibility. If possible the service could be related to the harm done by the infraction, rather than just something to fill the prescribed hours.

Issues related to reentry from prison are also a part of our community. 85-90% of persons incarcerated return home. Is the community or their families prepared for them? Are they prepared to become productive members of our Tallahassee family?

There are barriers for each of us to step out of our comfort zones. We can tear down these walls.

Step out!

By Agnes Fury Director of Achieve Higher Ground 

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.

The Tallahassee Barristers stand behind Judge Judith Hawkins

TALLAHASSEE, FL—Because of her demonstrated commitment to the citizens of Leon County as well as her judicial competence, The Tallahassee Barristers Association fully supports and stands behind Judge Judith Hawkins in her efforts to remain on the Bench.

We recognize that as a judge, she is held to a higher standard than other citizens, but we also recognize that she has admitted to her mistakes and has requested a second chance.  After concluding their investigation and conducting a trial, the Judicial Qualifications Committee (JQC) recommended the following: (1) a public reprimand (2) a three month suspension without pay; and (3) a $17,000 fine.  At no point did the JQC recommend that Judge Hawkins should be removed from the bench.  In fact, the JQC, in its findings, conclusion and recommendations, stated:

since 1996, she has been efficient and innovative in dispensing justice, and is generally regarded as friendly and caring.  Judge Hawkins’ actions in creating ABC, and paying her judicial assistant’s retirement benefits, were well-intended.  She reaped no personal financial benefit.  Her actions solely stemmed from a desire to perform charitable works designed to better the community.

The threat to remove Judge Hawkins from office is very troubling. The harm of her removal is far outweighed by any possible benefit of the same. To remove Judge Hawkins from the bench only perpetuates the existing need to have our judicial system resemble the community it serves. Diversity on the bench is essential for the proper functioning of any judicial system. We as citizens should take comfort in knowing that the Judge behind that bench cares for those in front of her, that she brings into the courtroom a diverse and unique perspective, that she will be fair and impartial, yet compassionate to those before her. For those that have personally appeared before Judge Hawkins recognize that she is a teaching judge; she wants to ensure that both attorneys and litigants that step foot into her courtroom understand the law and the consequences of failing to adhere to the law. Judge Hawkins is known as the judge of second chances.

In her response to the Supreme Court’s Order to Show Cause, Judge Hawkins asked for a second chance, a second chance that she has provided to so many litigants, citizens, and attorneys that appear before her. We ask that the Florida Supreme Court give her that chance.  To deprive her of a second chance deprives those citizens who elected and reelected her that same benefit.

The Tallahassee Barristers remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession, to practice and promote improvements to the law and the legal professions, and amongst other things, to enhance the role of Black practitioners of the law. In our view, Judge Hawkins has demonstrated this throughout her career, a career dedicated to public service.

In that vein, The Tallahassee Barristers stands in support of her and believes that there should be no enhancement of the JQC’s initial recommendation for 90 day suspension and a fine of $17,000.00.  Any further action, such as removal, is unnecessarily

 

 

  Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.

Immigration Reform Is Critical To Florida - Elizabeth Ricci (Managing Partner Rambana Ricci P.L.L.C.)

It's been a year since the Senate passed immigration reform. If it adopted, the plan could have ended illegal employment through the use of biometric Social Security cards, boosted enforcement, controlled future immigration to correspond to economic realities, and called for hard- hitting but reasonable path toward legalization not only for the 720,000 undocumented aliens in Florida, but for the 11 million people illegally in the U.S. But the House failed to act. The President recently threatened that if Congress does not act soon, he will tackle the immigration conundrum through his constitutionally granted executive powers. Florida better hope he does. But why is immigration reform important to the Sunshine State? Politics and economics. About 3.5 million immigrants currently reside in our state. The top three countries from which most of our immigrants hail are Cuba, Mexico and Columbia. While Florida ranks third nationally among states in terms of numbers of undocumenteds, half of Florida’s immigrants are eligible to vote. About 15 percent of registered Florida voters are naturalized citizens or first- generation Americans, making out state’s current immigration population an electoral force to be reckoned with. Comprehensive immigration reform could increase wages for all Floridians, grow our state’s economy and increase both Florida’s and the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), making our state’s immigration population even more essential. Immigrants contribute about $20billion in combined sales, property and federal taxes every year. Hispanic consumers make up 15 percent of Florida’s purchasing power, exceeding $100 billion in purchases each year, while Asian consumers spend over $15 billion yearly on Florida’s good and services. Any reform that includes legalization of unauthorized immigrants and the creation of workable channels for prospective legal immigration would add a minimum of $75 billion to Florida’s GDP and $1.5 trillion in cumulative U.S. GDP over a decade. In the first few years, increased personal income would produce enough additional consumer spending to sustain 750,000 to 900,000 jobs nationwide, plus an additional $4.5 billion to $5.4 billion in tax based revenues. Immigrants make up 24 percent of our state’s labor force. If immigrants were granted the labor rights of their legal counterparts, it would mean increased wages for all workers in industries that employ large numbers of immigrants. As a result, American workers’ pay would increase- an average of about $162 annually for lesser-skilled workers and $74 per year for higher-skilled workers- because the wage floor for all workers would rise. Right now, employers of illegal workers undercut their competitors and do not pay their fair share of taxes, thereby worsening working conditions of all workers, illegal and legal alike. Don’t be fooled. More foreign workers does not mean fewer jobs for Floridians. An economy with more workers does not mean lower pay or higher unemployment- just a bigger economy. (Just because Florida is bigger than Fresno does not mean, in and of itself, that workers in Florida are worse off than workers in Fresno.) In fact, there is little credible evidence that high immigration rates coincide with high unemployment rates at either local or state levels. Moreover, immigrants’ jobs are not interchangeable with American workers’ jobs due to cultural, educational and geographic differences that play major roles in who applies for what jobs. The political and economic importance of immigration to our state is indisputable, and two out of three of Americans agree that a comprehensive immigration reform is better for the economy than a deportation – only solution. With Congress’ failure to work together, the President’s threat to fix an abysmally broken system that would undoubtedly improve Florida’s political and economic landscape should be welcomed. * Elizabeth Ricci is a managing partner of Rambana & Ricci P.L.L.C., Immigration Attorneys in Tallahassee. She has appeared on CNN, CBS, Fox, Al Jazeera and has been quoted in the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. Contact her at Elizabeth.ricci@rambana.com or follow her on Twitter @LizIsNeXt.

Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Minority Outreach Solutions.