Arizona is on the verge of creating a dangerous standard

Tell Arizona’s Governor: Don’t Legalize Racial Profiling

When the team at Presente.org reached out to me about the emergency in Arizona with SB 1070, a bill awaiting action from the Gov., I knew you needed to hear about it. The reality in Maricopa County — Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s cowboy mentaility of midnight raids, forced family separation and chain gangs — is about to go statewide. The most troubling aspect of this bill is its sanctioning of racial profiling — stopping someone based on the color of their skin. It reminds me of the old days in America when your skin color determined where you lived, ate, sat, and went to school. Undocumented immigration is a challenge, but racial profiling will not solve it. It puts us on a path back to a dark time in our history.

It’s simply not right, and you can stop it. We can tell Gov. Brewer that SB 1070 is unAmerican and not the way to take on the undocumented immigration challenge. I hope you’ll read the email from Presente.org and take action today!

— Bertha

Imagine driving through the neighborhood you grew up in and being pulled over for no apparent reason. Your crime? Being brown in Arizona.

This might seem unimaginable in the 21st-century United States, but the Arizona State Legislature is on the verge of passing a law that would authorize officers to pull over, question, and detain anyone they have a “reasonable suspicion” doesn’t have proper documentation. The legislation would essentially legalize racial profiling, creating a police state for immigrants.

The bill will be on the Governor’s desk as soon as today.¹ This is a moment for all of us to stand with the people of Arizona against this injustice. Please join us in telling Governor Jan Brewer to do the right thing and veto this bill, and ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://presente.org/ref/ad/31/campaigns/arizona

According to the LA Times, “The bill, known as SB 1070, makes it a misdemeanor to lack proper immigration paperwork in Arizona. It also requires police officers, if they form a ‘reasonable suspicion’ that someone is an illegal immigrant, to determine the person’s immigration status… Immigrant rights groups say it amounts to a police state.” ²

If this bill passes, Arizona is declaring itself an apartheid state, where people who “look” undocumented are treated differently than the rest of the population. Leading police chiefs and sheriffs have even come out against the bill, saying that it will cause immigrants to avoid reporting crimes, and divert officers’ attention from going after violent offenders.³

The future of Arizona is now in the Governor’s hands. Please join us in telling Governor Jan Brewer to veto this bill.

http://presente.org/ref/ad/31/campaigns/arizona

Thank you and ¡Adelante!

Laurie, Favianna, Roberto and the rest of the Presente.org team

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

ThinkProgress.org …

04/21/2010 Nativegrl77

CIVIL RIGHTS — MARYLAND FOSTER AGENCY WON’T ALLOW MUSLIM MOTHER TO FOSTER A CHILD: Contemporary Family Services, a Maryland-based private foster agency that is “authorized by the state to place foster children with families,” has rejected the application of Tashima Crudup, a former foster child herself, to foster a child. A social worker who visited Crudup reported that she was “accepting of religious practices other than their own” and willing “to make arrangements to have a child attend the church of his or her own choice if so requested.” Nevertheless, after clearing an initial screening process and completing 50 hours of training, Crudup’s application was rejected. Why? The “main reason” was because Crudup does not keep pork in her house due to her Muslim faith. In a letter addressed to Crudup, the company said that, even though it respects her “personal/religious views and practices,” it also wants to “ensure that the religious, cultural and personal rights of each foster child” they place are upheld. In an editorial, the Baltimore Sun responded, “There are thousands of kids across the state who desperately need stable homes and loving caretakers; that’s what foster care and adoption officials should be focusing on, not on which meat dish gets put on the table every night.” The ACLU of Maryland, which has taken up Crudup’s case, is suing the agency, alleging anti-Muslim bias. “I have a hard time believing [the company] denies every vegetarian or Orthodox Jewish person a foster care license,” said Ajmel Quereshi, an attorney with the ACLU. The state’s Department of Human Resources, which gave the agency its contract to administer fostering services, has suggested that the company is violating the law. “The law does not permit the agency to make a determination solely on the type of food served in a home,” said spokeswoman Nancy Lineman.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

the Senate and the House … on Wednesday

04/21/2010 Nativegrl77

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF APRIL 21, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

7:34 P.M. –

The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on April 22, 2010. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Smith (NJ) moved that the House do now adjourn.

4:29 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

4:28 P.M. –

Mr. Bartlett requested the following general leaves to address the House on April 28: Mr. Jones for 5 min, and Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min. Mr. Bartlett requested that Mr. Forbes be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on April 22.

4:09 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H. Res. 1216:: congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives

4:08 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 412 – 0 (Roll no. 216). Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

3:59 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1104:: supporting the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no matter their country of origin or their creed, and to commemorate the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.”

3:52 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 – 0 (Roll no. 215).

H. Res. 1104:: supporting the mission and goals of 2010 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States, no matter their country of origin or their creed, and to commemorate the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week theme of “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.”

3:44 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Roll Call 215 – 2/3 Yea and Nay vote pending. Considered as unfinished business.

S. 1963:: to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans, and for other purposes

3:43 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 214).

3:07 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

3:06 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1276:: recognizing the continued importance of volunteerism and national service and the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

3:05 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:58 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1276. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1270:: expressing support for Mathematics Awareness Month

2:57 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

2:48 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1270. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 1585:: to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education

2:47 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

H.R. 1585:: to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve standards for physical education

2:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1585. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1239:: commending the University of Connecticut Huskies for their historic win in the 2010 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament

2:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:11 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1239. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1182:: congratulating Radford University on the 100th anniversary of the university

2:10 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:01 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1182. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Sablan moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1262:: expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington

2:00 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

1:49 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1262. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Speier moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 855:: expressing support for designation of May 1 as “Silver Star Service Banner Day”

1:48 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

1:42 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 855. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Speier moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Con. Res. 255:: commemorating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and honoring the founder of Earth Day, the late Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin

1:41 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

1:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 255. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Speier moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1281:: celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and recognizing her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for human rights and equality for all people until her death at age 98 on April 20, 2010

1:24 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

1:23 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

H. Res. 1281:: celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height and recognizing her life-long dedication and leadership in the struggle for human rights and equality for all people until her death at age 98 on April 20, 2010

12:27 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1281. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Conyers moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1116:: supporting the goals and ideals of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week

12:26 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

12:04 P.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1116. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Capps moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1216:

congratulating Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin on his tenth year of service as Chaplain of the House of Representatives
12:03 P.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

11:24 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1216. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Capuano moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

S. 1963:

to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide assistance to caregivers of veterans, to improve the provision of health care to veterans, and for other purposes
11:23 A.M. –: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

10:33 A.M. –: DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1963. Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Filner moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
10:32 A.M. –: The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until the conclusion of general debate on all suspensions.

The Senate Convenes: 9:30amET

Morning Business for 1 hour with senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the final 30 minutes.

Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the nomination of Christopher Schroeder to be Assistant Attorney General. There will be up to 3 hours for debate equally divided prior to a vote on confirmation of the Schroeder nomination.

Upon disposition of the nomination, the Senate will consider the nomination of Thomas Valaskie to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. There will be up to 3 hours for debate prior to a vote on confirmation of the Valaskie nomination.

Votes:
121: Confirmation of Christopher Schroeder to be an Assistant Attorney General;
Confirmed: 72-24

122: Confirmation of Thomas Vanaskie, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit;
Confirmed: 77-20

Unanimous Consent:
Adopted H.Con.Res.222, a concurrent resolution recognizing the leadership and historical contributions of Dr. Hector Garcia to the Hispanic community and his remarkable efforts to combat racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States.

Adopted S.Res.483, a resolution congratulating the Republic of Serbia’s application for European Union membership and recognizing Serbia’s active efforts to integrate into Europe and the global community.