NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

[proud2BlibKansan]

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM

APRIL 10, 2006

5-6:30PM

ILUS DAVIS PARK—11TH STREET BETWEEN LOCUST AND OAK, KCMO

NOW IS THE TIME to influence the U.S. Senate’s vote on immigration reform

We need to tell our Senators: Reject H.R. 4437 and anti-immigrant, unworkable policies!

Support solutions that will provide a path to citizenship for hard-working immigrants, reunite families, and restore the American Dream!

Learn about the current debate on immigration and make your voice heard!

For more information, call:

Melinda Lewis, El Centro, Inc.: 913-677-0100 x.119

Lynda Callon, Westside CAN Center: 816-842-1298

KCATA (bus stop information): 816-221-0660

Martha Ramirez (information on carpooling and buses): 816-960-4605

[Big Unit]

1. Senate Failure to Act

The National Day of Action for Immigration Reform is timed very well, given the failure this week of the Senate to pass an immigration reform bill.

[Mabus]

2. As timely as National Preparedness Month in Sept. 2005 after Katrina

From DHS' website:

Homeland Security and American Red Cross Co-Sponsor National Preparedness Month 2005

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
American Red Cross Press Office, Stacey Grissom 202-303-4462
June 9, 2005

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross today announced they will co-sponsor National Preparedness Month 2005, a nationwide effort held this September to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action.

“No community is truly prepared for a disaster until every individual, family and household takes personal responsibility for preparedness,” said American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha J. Evans. “Red Cross chapters across the country are helping people learn how to create a family disaster plan so that each person knows what to do, where to go, and how to contact loved ones.”

Throughout September, Homeland Security and the American Red Cross will work with local, state and federal government organizations and the private sector to highlight the importance of public emergency preparedness. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Representatives Christopher Cox (R-CA) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) have agreed to serve as Honorary Congressional Co-Chairs of National Preparedness Month 2005. In addition, more than 125 national organizations (see attached listing) have already joined the National Preparedness Month Coalition, which will distribute emergency preparedness information, host events and sponsor activities across the country.

rest at link

I guess they were too busy preparing to hold their National Preparedness Month that they forgot what/didn't have time for preparing what they were supposed to do in the event of an actual emergency.

I love the list of activities:

WHY:

The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist threats and to encourage individuals to take action. Excellent photo opportunities of booths and live-onstage demos including:
* Introduction to CPR and First Aid
* Creating a Family Communications Plan and Supply Kit
* Emergency Preparedness Tips for People with Disabilities
* Commuter Preparedness
* Preparedness and Your Pets
http://www.redcross.org/pressrelease/0,1077,0_314_4492,00.html

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. I have been on the fence on this issue

It's a tough one for me cause I work in the Hispanic community. I love those kids and have nothing but great admiration for their families and what they have given up to come here. Yes, I said they have given up, sacrificed, to come to the US. They are not living the life of Riley.

On the other hand, I see the effects of this massive immigration on our local economy and in particular, on our schools. A very good friend of mine who is a contractor is about to go out of business because he is being undercut on labor costs by other contractors hiring illegal day laborers.

We also watch these families struggle to survive in our economy after they send virtually every penny they make back to Mexico. Many can't pay rent and utility bills.

So it is a complex issue.

But after listening to the xenophobic comments from those opposed to this illegal immigration (especially here on DU), I am leaning toward supporting massive amnesty for all illegal immigrants. Bottom line for me is I am not now nor will I ever be a racist or align myself with that kind of thinking.