Author: mopress

“This report presents the first-ever system-wide look at the federal government’s compliance with its own standards regulating immigrant detention facilities, a view based on previously unreleased first-hand reports of monitoring inspections. The results reveal substantial and pervasive violations of the
government’s minimum standards for conditions at such facilities. As a result, over 320,000 immigrants locked up each year not only face tremendous obstacles to challenging wrongful detention or winning their immigration cases, but the conditions in which these civil detainees are held often are as bad as or worse than those faced by imprisoned criminals.”

Get the full report on “A Broken System” from the National Immigration Law Center

In an early morning email, Cindy Sheehan is alerting U.S. activists that American citizens are reportedly being roughly handled by Egyptian police. Among the Americans who have gathered for a peace march into Gaza are at least six North Texans, including one contributor to the Texas Civil Rights Review.

The following press release identifies six Texans who were making plans to be in Egypt by Jan. 27:

The Gaza Freedom March that will take place in Gaza on December 31 is an historic initiative to break the siege that has imprisoned the 1.5 million people who live there. Conceived in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and nonviolent resistance to injustice worldwide, the march will gather people from all over the world to march—hand in hand—with the people of Gaza to demand that the Israelis open the borders.

Marking the one-year anniversary of the December 2008 Israeli invasion that left over 1,400 dead, this is a grassroots global response to the inaction on the part of world leaders and institutions. Participants include Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, leading Syrian comedian Duraid Lahham, French Senator Alima Boumediene–Thiery, author and Filipino Parliament member Walden Bello, former vice president of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini from Italy, President of the U.S. Center for Constitutional Rights Attorney Michael Ratner, Japanese former Ambassador to Lebanon Naoto Amaki, French hip-hop artists Ministere des Affaires Populaires, and 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein.

North Texas will also be represented on the march by at least six people: Roger Kallenberg, a Jewish retired schoolteacher; Rev. Diane Baker, a hospice chaplain ordained in the United Church of Christ; Josh Smith, a businessman from Plano; Candice Bernd, a student at UNT-Denton; and Walt Harrison & Elsa Clasing, photographers & videographers.

When organizers pitched the idea for the march, they hoped to get 1,000 people to come, but the response has been so great that they have had to turn people away because of a lack of accommodations after capping the march at 1,300 internationals. Inside Gaza, excitement is growing. Representatives of all aspects of civil society, including students, professors, refugee groups, unions, women’s organizations, NGOs, have been busy organizing and estimate that at least 50,000 Palestinians will participate.

The international delegates will enter Gaza via Egypt during the last week of December. In the morning December 31, they will join Palestinians in a non-violent march from Northern Gaza to the Erez/Israeli border. On the Israeli side of the Erez border will be a gathering of Palestinians and Jews who are also calling on the Israeli government to open the border.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has endorsed a report by a UN fact finding mission on the Gaza conflict which concluded that Israel has imposed a blockade, amounting to collective punishment, and has carried out a systematic policy of isolation and deprivation of the Gaza Strip. The UN Mission, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, the former chief prosecutor for war-crimes tribunals on Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, said Israeli acts that deprive Palestinians in the Gaza Strip of their means of subsistence, employment, housing and water and that deny their freedom of movement could lead the world court to find that the crime of persecution, a crime against humanity, has been committed.

Readers of the Texas Civil Rights Review may recognize Walt Harrison as the photographer who has contributed photos and videos of the protests that successfully ended family detention at the T. Don Hutto immigrant prison in Taylor, Texas

Here is Cindy Sheehan’s appeal, which opens with a report from Josh Smith:

One of my friends, Joshua Smith, just texted me from Cairo and said that some U.S. citizens on a Gaza protest are being roughly treated by Egyptian police One of my friends, Joshua Smith, just texted me from Cairo and said that some U.S. citizens of the Gaza Freedom March went to the U.S. Embassy today there to try and implore the staff there to intercede on behalf of the March to help get them into Gaza–they were not so warmly welcomed.

Recently, almost 1400 people from around the globe met in Cairo to march into Gaza to join Gazans in solidarity and to help expose their plight after years of blockade and exactly a year after the violent attack in what Israel called “Operation Cast Lead” that killed hundreds of innocent Gazan civilians. So far the Marchers have been denied access (Egypt closed the Rafah crossing) and their gatherings have become increasingly and more violently suppressed.

In my understanding of world affairs, embassies are stationed in various countries so citizens who are traveling can seek help in times of trouble, but this doesn’t appear to be so right at this moment in Cairo.

Josh reports, and I also just got off the phone with my good friend and Veterans for Peace board member, Mike Hearington, that about 50 U.S. citizens were very roughly seized and thrown (in at least one case literally) into a detention cell at the U.S. embassy. We are talking about U.S. citizens here being manhandled by Egyptian riot police. According to Josh and Mike (who both just narrowly escaped), it appears that people with cameras are especially being targeted. Another good friend of mine, and good friend of peace, Fr. Louis Vitale is one of those being detained. Fr. Louis is well into his seventies!

Josh posted this on his Facebook wall about his near-detention experience:

We just got away. They were trying to drag me in but we kept moving… And most were dog piling another guy. Then they drug him into the parking lot barricaded riot police zone, lifted him up and threw him over the police and down into the zone. And attacking those taking pictures or attempting to.

When I was talking to Mike he said that an Egyptian told him that all Egyptians are in solidarity with the Marchers and with the people of Gaza/Palestine, of course, but the “Big Boss” (the U.S.) is calling the shots.

Egypt is third in line for U.S. foreign aid (behind Iraq and Israel) and its dictator for life, Hosni Mubarek, is a willing puppet for his masters: the US/Israeli cabal. Israel could not pursue its apartheid policies without the U.S. and it’s equally important for this cabal to have a sold-out ally as its neighbor.

Today also happens to be the anniversary of the 1890 U.S. massacre of Native Americans (Lakota Sioux) at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. It is sad enough that we are also living on stolen land, but also that the Israeli government had good teachers in disposing of its indigenous population!

What are the Israeli settlements on the West Bank, if not stolen land from the indigenous population and what is Gaza if not a mega-reservation? As at Wounded Knee 119 years ago, the Israeli siege and attack on Gaza is nothing more than big bullies shooting fish in a barrel.

Call the U.S. Embassy to demand the release of those detained/that permission is granted for the March to cross into Gaza: Telephone: (20-2) 2797 3300.

Please re-post this alert and spread the word.

Weren’t things supposed to “change” in the Age of Obama?

If photographers were being targeted by police, then we have reasonable cause to be concerned about our contributor Walt Harrison.

Finally, we will pass along this item forwarded to us by another friend of the Texas Civil Rights Review, John Wheat Gibson:

Hedy Epstein, the 85 year old Holocaust survivor and peace activist, announced that she will begin a hunger strike today as a response to the Egyptian government’s refusal to allow the Gaza Freedom March participants into Gaza.

Ms. Epstein was part of a delegation with participants from 43 countries that were to join Palestinians in a non-v
iolent m
arch from Northern Gaza towards the Erez border with Israel calling for the end of the illegal siege. Egypt is preventing the marchers from leaving Cairo, forcing them to search for alternative ways to make their voices heard.

Ms. Epstein will remain outside the UN building at the World Trade Center (Cairo) – 1191 Cornish al-Nil, throughout today, accompanied by other hunger strikers. “It is important to let the besieged Gazan people know they are not alone. I want to tell the people I meet in Gaza that I am a representative of many people in my city and in other places in the US who are outraged at what the US, Israeli and European governments are doing to the Palestinians and that our numbers are growing,” Epstein said.

In 1939, when Epstein was just 14, her parents found a way for her to escape the persecution, sending her on the Kindertransport to England. Epstein never saw her parents again; they perished in Auschwitz in 1942. After World War II, Epstein worked as a research analyst at the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi doctors who performed medical experiments on concentration camp inmates.

After moving to the US, Epstein became an activist for peace and social justice causes. Unlike most Holocaust survivors, one of the causes she has taken up is that of the Palestinian people. She has traveled to the West Bank, collected material aid and now she hopes to enter Gaza.

By Elliot Cole
Community Relations
Texas Civil Rights Project

Each year, roughly three million students graduate from US high schools. Some students enter the workforce directly, while others opt for the armed services. Many, however, choose to go college, developing their potential through academics.

However, 65,000 graduates will never have that option, including tens of thousands in Texas. They are prom queens, honor students, and athletes. They are tutors, class representatives, and valedictorians. Nonetheless, no matter their ability, they will be denied the ability to become doctors, teachers, or to pursue a law degree.

Though they have lived in the US for almost all of their lives, these students have inherited the label of undocumented immigrant, and for that will not be able to pursue upper education. Simply because they were born in another country they are treated as second-class citizens, disallowed from pursuing their respective dreams. This is counter-productive, foolish, and unwarrantable.

On March 26, 2009, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act was introduced in Congress to give those dreams back. The proposed law provides a six-year conditional residency during which undocumented graduates can pursue a two-year degree, attend two years of a four-year degree, or serve two years in the military. An immigrant who completes any of those three conditions and is otherwise in good legal standing at the time will earn a well-deserved permanent residency. Immigrants would not be eligible for federal college grants, but would be able to apply for student loans and work study.

With the support of President Obama and senators and Congress members on all sides of the political landscape, the DREAM Act is as an opportunity. It’s a chance to be fair and to readjust our attitude toward students who have done nothing but strive toward becoming contributing members of society.

The students affected by the DREAM Act have not committed a crime against our country, as some will argue. They are simply the children of illegal immigrants. They know no home other than the United States. It is time we embrace them rather than act as if they did not exist. This is their community, and they will be able to contribute to our society with a college education.

In the current economic struggle, passing the DREAM Act makes even more sense. By introducing an educated group to the workforce, more taxes will be paid, more jobs created, more goods purchased, and more businesses founded. Every year we turn away thousands of students graduating from our high schools who could contribute to this economy. It’s contradictory and senseless.

Some may argue that the influx of these new students to the state colleges would somehow make state universities suffer. In truth, the state school system will benefit from the new student pool, and the bill already has support from university presidents nationwide.

The DREAM Act is an investment in our country’s collective future. With passage of the bill, dedicated graduates will not be barred from an education; they will be able to help their communities — and society as a whole — grow and flourish.

The DREAM Act has backing from all sectors of society, from religious leaders to universities. It has bipartisan backing from coast-to-coast. With the advantages it will provide our state, it should have the support of Texans as well.

* * * * *

The Texas Civil Rights Project, a nonprofit foundation, promotes civil rights and economic and racial justice throughout Texas, attempting to bring about systemic change through education and litigation.

Recent news and writings from Irma and Ramsey Muniz

Jesus Christ – Born to bring Love, Spirituality, Faith, Courage, and Freedom to all Humanity

Dec. 25, 2009

Dear Friends:

Ramsey, our families and I celebrate Christmas with you and share the profoundness of this glorious, spiritual day in our lives. Historically, on this special day, Jesus Christ was born to bring love, spirituality, faith, courage, and freedom to all humanity. Jesus’ suffering, confinement, and crucifixion was and is the reason that humanity shall forever struggle for freedom and love.

We thank you with our hearts for making it possible for my husband, Ramsey, to return to Texas after fifteen long years in exile away from those who love him. This is only the beginning. It was destined that with your assistance, his freedom would become a part of our freedom and that of all humanity on this earth.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

With love,
Ramsey and Irma Alvarez Muñiz

“Learning how to survive can end up being the greatest lesson in learning how to live.”

The Late Dr. Salvador Alvarez
My Beloved Father

www.freeramsey.com

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Loving Spirits are With Ramsey

Dec. 6, 2009

“As a family we must reunite our hearts once again, and there is no right way or wrong way to experience spiritual healing. There is ultimately only a deepening into one’s soul’s journey and one’s ability to live compassionately with all that surrounds us.”

Tezcatlipoca

************

Dear Friends:

On December 13, 2009, Ramsey Muñiz will turn 67 years old, and I send this message for those would like to mail him a card. His address is shown below.

You cannot imagine the transformation that Ramsey is still experiencing. The spirits continue to be with him. When his heart is very heavy and tears of sadness prevail, they all appear to him. The loving spirits of our deceased loved ones make their presence known, provide consolation and wisdom.

Ramsey wakes up after the dreams with the realization of what has happened, and he writes everything that he recalls. His writings are the most beautiful words you can imagine and I am convinced that he is having communications with the spirit world.

Remember that we almost lost Ramsey in 2005, and he went through a most profound near death experience. It is said that some people that go through this type of experience are able to communicate with the spirit world.

Among those that he communicates with regularly are his beloved mother, Hilda Longoria Muñiz, and my beloved father, Dr. Salvador Alvarez. Recently he asked my father how we should pray to him, and the words that he wrote were:

“Beloved father
Fill me with your spiritual love
That I might serve you
That I might serve my beloved mother
That I might be a true messenger of your love.”

Several weeks later, Ramsey recalled the exact conversation that he was having with my father as he was receiving the prayer above. The prayer was actually more specific to our family.

I share the prayer below so that others can pray the same for their families and deceased loved ones. The revised prayer is:

“Beloved father, Salvador
Fill our family with your spiritual love
That we might serve you
That we might serve our beloved mother, Irma Ramos Alvarez
That I may be a true messenger of your family spiritual love.”

I am in awe every time that Ramsey receives this beautiful and divine insight. I invite you to take this information to heart so that we can all experience a spiritual Christmas season with our families.

Shortly you will receive correspondence on the current plans to free Ramsey. We need to free him now! See his mailing address below.

Ramiro R. Muñiz – 40288-115
FCC Beaumont – Medium
P.O. Box 26040
Beaumont, TX 77720

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Set up your altars, as the spirits are with us. It is US who are dead.

Oct. 31, 2009

Dear Friends:

Below is a letter about El Dia de los Muertos written by my loving husband, Ramsey Muniz, in 2003. it was written during intense pain and suffering. Out of this suffering came profound thoughts about our culture, spirituality, life, and death. When I ask Ramsey where our deceased loved ones are, he states, “They are here. They are alive and it is us who are dead.” I treasure his insight, because one of the spirits that provides comfort and guidance to my husband is my father, the late Dr. Salvador Alvarez. I thank my beloved father for consoling and guiding us now, just as he did during his time on earth.

************

“I write what I live, and I live what I write.”
Ramsey Muniz – Tezcatlipoca

Listen closely, for my destiny is to speak the true history. There is a day that pertains to our religious culture, which connects the earth, heaven, and nature. It is a day when we realize the true essence of cosmic visions, which prove that we are truly a part of Mother Earth, heaven, and the spiritual realm. On this day, the veil that separates the living from the dead is removed, and we are reunited with the loving spirits of our ancestors, forefathers and deceased family members. It is a day of rejoicing, communing, sharing, praying, fasting, and meditating with our ancestors and family members that now reside in “Ilhuicatlitic,” the heavens, because once again we share our ancestral spirituality on earth. It is a day that truly brings us together with our past in worship to our gods and rejoicing as one world, one people, and one nation in our minds and hearts for the past, present and future. It is a day so religiously and spiritually powerful, that even five hundred years ago, priests like Sahagun, Torquemada, Molina, Duran, and others realized the power of Teotleco — the arrival of the gods. They repeatedly witnessed the spiritual ancestral power granted from the past to the present and future raza on El Día De Los Muertos.

“On this day of remembrance, do not judge me by the shackles and chains that confine me in bondage, but by who I am.”

“On this day of remembrance, in this mode of darkness confined and isolated from humanity, I am not afraid nor do I fear the coming of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.”

Ramsey Muniz – Tezcatlipoca
http://www.freeramsey.com

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Survival Through Love

Oct. 23, 2009

Dear Friends:

The letter of love and gratitude received by my husband, Ramsey Muniz,
represents a profound spiritual transformation that he is experiencing.
We thank God for this change. I will be with Ramsey this weekend.

************

Citlalmina:

As I sit in this 6×9 cell my mind and heart travels back into the past, wondering how it was possible for me to survive three years spent in solitary confinement (dungeons) in the Leavenworth United States Penitentiary. Only the Creator and all of our Mexicano gods and goddesses are able to provide the answer. Be that as it may, I will forever share with the world that it was your love!

“Our harmony and power have not lessened. They have increased, and no external force can overcome the beauty and intensity of our “ome.”

Yes, I’m back! Never in my life have I felt so much love. I truly believe in my heart that as my wife God gave you a power of love because of your suffering, pain, grief, sorrow, and sadness with my imprisonment.

Give my tender and profound love to mom always.

************

“No one will do for us what we fail to do for ourselves.”

“One functions spiritually for our ancestors, for ourselves, and for those who come after us.”

“While I swam in a sea of knowledge and intelligence, I lived in a world of oppression and despair for
the last sixteen years of my lif
e.”

“My spiritual face was seen in the colors of the wind
And in the dampness of the earth.
My face is illumination in life and death. I was
The first cry of a new born and the last breath of dying.
My face is the spirituality of Aztlan and the soul,
Mexikayotl, of the universe.”

All my world is caged and confined, yet
My spiritual birth soul runs free.”

“It is not true, it is not true that we have
Come to live here. We came only to sleep – only to dream.

“The clouds have been dispelled and the darkness
In which I have loved for the last 16 years have fled.
The Sixth Sun has appeared and the light of the day
Shines upon my heart after such darkness that shall never appear again.”

www.freeramsey.com

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Visit in Beaumont, Texas

Sept. 29, 2009

Dear Friends:

My mother and I have just returned from the Beaumont FCI. We have been visiting my husband, Ramsey Muniz, for the last three days. After sixteen years of confinement in prisons away from his family and those close to our hearts, it is now our spiritual obligation, within the political/humanitarian realm, to prove his innocence and free him.

They have kept my husband unjustly incarcerated for many years in order to hide the truth, and the time has come for us to speak about his innocence.

We extend our love and gratitude to all who have made it possible for my husband to be close to his family.

Sincerely,
Ramsey & Irma Muniz
www.freeramsey.com