ILLEGAL Immigrants Taking A Stand?...Reeewind!

When Arizona's Senate Bill 1070 was passed, I was a staunch opponent. Basically what the bill states (for those of you who haven’t really read it – or don't understand the political mumbo jumbo) is that the police are allowed to challenge the legal residency status of any person who is suspected to be illegally in the United States. In my own opinion the bill allows racial profiling, an issue that African-Americans have dealt with for generations, to be a completely legal action – to be used at the individual police officer's discretion. Many states, businesses, and organizations have united in their efforts to boycott the state of Arizona until the law is reversed. But that is just one piece of the puzzle.

There are many people who come to America seeking a better life than the one they had in their home country. They come with eager hearts, full of ambition, and a pocket full of dreams in hopes that their children will not have to go through what they went through. In most cases, they've come legally – applied for green cards, visas, etc. and eventually after fulfilling all the necessary requirements they became citizens. In other cases, they've come to America illegally. There was a time when I sympathized with families facing deportation because we see how impoverished their communities are back at home – but as I got older I've had a change of heart.

While I do believe that we need to address the issue of immigration in this country – in terms of the application process to become a citizen in this country, I do believe that their still has to be regulations in place to prevent individuals who do not contribute (i.e. pay taxes) from residing within our borders for a long-term period. Paying taxes is a big issue to me because it is our tax dollars that are used to fund social welfare programs to help provide for individuals who cannot otherwise do for themselves.

Another issue that we have with illegal immigration is crime. Not saying that America is a hot bed of political and social politeness – but along with the wave of immigrants coming into the country -- statistics have shown an increase rate of crime. This is an top-priority issue that law enforcement agencies, especially those in the Southwest, have had to deal with more frequently.

Then you have the cheap bastards/companies who employ illegal immigrant for the low-skilled jobs knowing that they can pay them below minimum wage, not worry about providing benefits, or safe working conditions.

Many people also do not think about the impact that illegal immigration has on our federal budget. The Center for Immigration Studies found that in 2002, "when all taxes paid (direct and indirect) and all costs are considered, illegal households created a net fiscal deficit at the federal level of more than $10 billion." This deficit has nothing to do with their unwillingness to work but because of: a. the lack of taxes paid; b. medical expenses; c. social welfare programs (i.e. WIC/Food Stamps), and; d. federal prison & court fees.

And if I can go off on a tangent for a second...

You cannot possible compare this "diaspora" of immigrants to the forced enslavement of Africans in the Americas centuries ago -- it is simply not the same thing.

Overall, politicians on Capitol Hill are going to have to find some common ground on this issue -- the Arizona bill cannot stand as is but immigration reform is needed. As with all policy decisions, there will always be someone who gets the short end of the deal...such is life & its compromises.

I don't want to write a long drawn out blog on this topic, but I would like to know what you all think about all of this.

America – love it, or leave it. In any case, *in my Usher voice* you better have your papers! lol

Feedback time...

Some Recent News Stories
Immigrants Rally Over Increase In Deportations
87 Immigrants Nabbed In DC, Virginia
Legal Battle Looms Over Arizona Immigration Law

For the love of ... BEER

...and I'm back like I never left!

Okay I haven't wrote a blog since my post about the child prostitutes in New York, and I’m sure that left you guys some what depressed. But in an attempt to bring a little sunny-side up to my blog – tonight's topic is about a beverage that I have grown very fond of due to my days at the hillbilly scholastic halls of Georgia Southern University --- BEER!

One night I was up on Twitter (@miabonics) and a bruh from Chicago was talking about wanting to try a new beer; I instantly suggested a beer that one of my professors hipped me to: Blue Moon! Then I tweeted a poem to my poetic muse about beer and she suggested that I do this blog. I'm almost certain I was drunk when I made this up...

oh beer how we love thee. from malted barley, wheat, & maize! the lagers, stouts, and ales. i'll even take draught, but rarely ya hear?!

See what I mean? But I digress. Here is a list of my favorite beers...let me repeat that...MY favorite beers...therefore, if you don’t like it (or beer for that matter) *in my HATEthalamew voice* I don't give a shit!

1. Stella Artois
First of all...the bottle/label is a freaking beauty. Second...Belgians make fine beer & this one tops the list.

2. Blue Moon Brewing: Belgian White
This is a wheat ale...but it's a Belgian wheat ale; therefore, it is made a slightly different than some wheat ales (the main thing being that it is unfiltered – this is explains its cloudy color). It's made with white wheat, oats, coriander, and orange peel.

3. Sam Adams: Summer Ale (April – August)
This is also a wheat ale and I've heard some people say they don't like it because of its seemingly overpowering wheat taste. But to me, the citrus-ly notes pair well with the wheat – makes it a perfect summer drink.

4. Sam Adams: Cherry Wheat
As much as I HATE cherries, I actually like this beer...a lot!

5. Blue Moon Brewing: Honey Moon Summer Ale (May – August)
It took awhile for me to like this because it does have a sweet aftertaste. But I think I really enjoy this beer because of its rarity. Not only is it only available in the summer (duh), but they only make small batches of it – so once it's gone, it's gone!

6. Heineken
You know the deal – this is just the typical party beer

Awhile ago a friend put me on to going to breweries and I went to the Crescent City Brewhouse in New Orleans. If you ever go – be sure to sample ALL of their beers (like me ... trust me, they'll happily oblige): Pilsner, Red Stallion, Black Forest, and Weiss Beer. I plan to go to Capital City Brewing Company in D.C. so I’m accepting offers for date night so we can all get white boy wasted. Happy drinking! :-)

P.S. If you didn't know, I'm 1/4 Irish. My great-grandfather's father (last name O'Nery) -- basically, my mother's great-grandfather -- was Irish immigrant who carved out his little piece of the American dream in Richmond, Virginia. Just a little #factaboutMia since we are talking about alcohol & all. ;-)

Very Young Girls

Thanks to my insomnia I found myself up watching David Schisgall's documentary film about child prostitution and sex trafficking in New York City entitled "Very Young Girls" on Showtime. After watching the film I began thinking about the many females (friends, family, and associate) that I knew who were sexual exploited, who are still being exploited, and I see what it has done to them in terms of their perception of life, love, and self-worth.

I'm sure you've all heard the basic storyline:

Pimp to Girl: You're gonna go out there to that car, ask him if he's a pimp or the police, charge him a price, do what you gotta do and jet.
*30 minutes (or so later)*
Girl: I got $500
Pimp: Hand me the money *counts it*
Girl: Can I get it back?
Pimp: You can't get shit! This is money for me to take care of you. Whatever you need, I'll get – as long as you bring me my money. You're my ho...my moneymaking ho.

Now if this was a Thai, Chinese, Indian, Russian, or Nigerian girl smuggled to the states made to work in some type of brothel she wouldn't be classified as a prostitute – she would be portrayed rightfully as a victim of sexual exploitation & human trafficking. The feds would prosecute her captors and she would be granted protection – as outlined under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. But sadly, many girls who go through the aforementioned scenario are U.S. citizens. And in the states, instead of understanding that many of these girls are forced into this life, these girls are treated like the criminal, not the victim – charged with being a prostitute. My question is – what makes these "international" girls (non-citizens to put it frankly) a victim and these girls from Brooklyn, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, etc. a criminal?

Watching Schisgall's documentary actually brought tears to my eyes because when you listen to those girls tell their story, it really shocking how much they endured at 13, 14, 15 years of age. The documentary also features a nonprofit organization, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS), which was founded by Rachel Lloyd to help young victims of the sex trade. In the documentary Lloyd mentions the fact that the song "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" won a Grammy – but that the true reality is that it is hard out here for these young girls who are constantly raped, sold, physically and mentally abused by men who are old enough to be their father.

I remembered when I was about 13 I had an ex-boyfriend of mines who would offer money if I did something for him. Just out of fear of getting caught, I always turned him down. After awhile I guess he got tired of my "faking" ... the last I heard of him, he had been shot & killed. As I got older – I realized that had I said "yes" my life would have probably turned out completely different. I can count on both of my hands young girls that I knew growing up who might have been dealing with issues at home, issues with their self-esteem, issues with their body image, or just wanting someone to love them – and then came along a snake that fed on all those insecurities and turn them out.

Maybe you can relate, maybe you can't. Either way, I hope that you'll peek the documentary and be compelled to speak out.

Related/Mentioned Stuff You NEED To Check Out:

NY Times Blog: A Look At The Harrowing Lives of Child Prostitutes

GEMS: Girls Educational & Mentoring Services

"Very Young Girls" (2007) - Preview

Church Keeps Me Single...Apparently

Generally I'm okay with opening my mind to other ideas, thoughts, and analysis. The beauty of the human race is that each of us are uniquely created and in a general sense we all look at the world a little differently. However, today I came across a blog that left me a little upset. So I thought well maybe I'm reading it the wrong way, and I shared it via Twitter. Many of my "followers" expressed distaste for the blog and so did some their "followers."

The blog title "The Black Church: How Black Churches Keep African-American Women Single & Lonely" was enough to peek my interest. And the reason I refuse to comment on the author's actual blog is because some of her responses to individuals who refute or disagree with her rubbed me the wrong way – so I'll do what I do best, rant on my own blog page (lol).

First – the reason you should be going to church is to praise, seek, fellowship, and worship God. Your main agenda should not be "I'm going to church to find a husband." And since the author claims that she does not go to church or follow "organized religion" (which is the dumbest term I’ve ever heard), I am going to assume that just maybe (just maaaybe) she didn’t know that.

Second – no REAL pastor is going to tell you that your husband that God has intended for you is going to just plop down in your lap. Just like you had to go out and market yourself to get hired to start your career – you have to market yourself to find a mate, which means having a life outside of church. That is not to say that you act holy & reserved on Sunday and drop it low every other day of the week. But God never said he didn’t want you to enjoy life (if I remember correctly – He said that we shall have life and have it more abundantly).

Third – the author cites an article from the PEW Forum on Religion & Public Life and she attempts to break down what the statistics from the article mean for black women. From reading her blog post and reading the actual article, I find it extremely hard to understand how she came up with those interpretations (yeah, Statistics & Research Methods taught me a little something, something ... lol).

Fourth – if you are lonely & single...nine times out of ten...that's your own doing. If you're foolish enough to believe that if you just pray hard enough God will give you a man when you haven’t done anything - baby girl, I hate to break the news to you but that is simply not the case. That's like believing that if you pray hard enough you'll get an A on that exam when you have not studied. Besides if you read the Bible you would know that very rarely did God just give out stuff to people who were not ready to receive it. If you're foolish enough to take the words of your pastor or any human being for that matter then honey you are just as naïve as they come.

Out of everything else in her blog she does correctly address the fact that there are not a lot of Black women who are leaders in the church – but she does not highlight the fact that their numbers are growing. However, this is NOT a unique situation in this country. She is also right when she states that it's not the building that really defines a church, it's the people and the experience. A lot of traditional (I call them "old timey") churches are all about structure and rules. Because of that, many people nowadays attend churches that follow the charismatic movement – in other words they do everything and allow many things that are not allowed/tolerated in the "old timey" churches.

The blog as a whole seems like a misguided attack against church and religion as a whole -- although the author claims that her intentions are not personal (yeah right).

As for me, when it comes to dating/marriage, I don't consider myself narrow–minded (i.e. my future husband does not have to be Black or even from this country). But the one thing I will NOT compromise is my faith. If he has never set foot in a church, read the Bible, does not pray, or believe the same as I do, then I'm sorry – he is not the one for me.

Anyway – that's the end of my rant. I browsed around to look at some of her other blogs and they all seem to echo the same tone. Now you go read the blog and tell me what you think!

Stuff Mentioned:
How Black Churches Keep African-American Women Single & Lonely
A Religious Portrait of African-Americans (PEW Forum article)

Re: Blog

I got a comment on Facebook about my previous blogpost ("Eye for an Eye"). Blogger for some reason would not let him post the comment so I am sharing it with you all. He also has a blog in which he discussed the topic of the death penalty, specifically in St. Kitts (eye-opening story by the way). Anyway -- here's what he had to say:

Hey Mia,

I just tried to post the following comment on your blog. I was unsuccessful. Feel free not to post it if you want. Well written blog. I enjoyed reading it.

Cheers,

Richard

My comments:

Well written post. I wrote an essay my freshman year at Howard about the death penalty. It was the only paper I earned an 'A' on from Dr. Bates, who had to be the toughest English professor at HU. There is no justification for the death penalty whatsoever.
Moral: Your essay addresses this.

Economic: The cost of death row is prohibitive.

Justice: How is it justice when it takes so long. This is not justice and more than that all studies done on the subject show that the family of victims are far better off if the case is closed and life imprisonment is the sentence than if the case drags on and execution is a result. The fact that Larry King was interviewing victims relatives over 20+years after the crime illustrates this.

Deterrent: Hardly! States using the death penalty almost all have correspondingly higher crime rates than those without it. This is the best apples-to-apples comparison since comparing different countries introduces socio-economic variables to crime that cloud the comparison.

I wrote a blog about the use of the death penalty in St. Kitts last year (click here to read).It's barbaric and the blood of Ronnie Gardner is on the hands of every Utahan and maybe even every American, including me. That's what I find most problematic.

Having said this, if I had to choose a method for my own execution, without a doubt, I would choose firing squad. My second choice would be guillotine. Quick. Least painful. People criticize the Saudis for beheading people. I think it's horrific but it is probably more humane than lethal injection and definitely more humane than electrocution or the gas chamber.

At the end of the day, we as a society need to figure out what constitutes justice. In the case of Ronnie Gardner, this was not justice. It was a state-sponsored murder.

Continuing ....

Hey Tamia,

I didn't even comment on the disproportionate use of the death penalty for minorities who commited a crime against whites vis-a-vis other situations as well as for poor vis-a-vis wealthy convicts. Ronnie Gardner actually is a compelling example of this. (Look at the guy's upbringing...tough.) I was at Howard during the OJ Simpson trial. I was telling classmates for months before the verdict that he would be exonerated. People didn't buy my arguement which revolved around the premise that Amerika is first and foremost a classist society. Within each class, the society is stratefied into race/gender/etc. Had OJ been rich and white he would never have been tried aka Jean Benet-Ramsey's parents. Had he been poor and white, he would have been convicted and sentenced to life or something like that. Had he been poor and Black or Latino, he would be on death row right now. Using this, I basically thought he would get off regardless of any evidence presented in court. (While I'm not debating the merits of the OJ case, I was merely using it as an example of the classism that exists in Amerika.)

What boggles my mind is how many in minority communities, especially Black and Latino communities, (as well as poor white communities) support the death penalty. It's like a deer supporting hunting season. Huh? That's just another example of how the right-wing has succeeded in getting people to vote against their own interests in the name of religion and religious fanaticism.

I'm glad you enjoyed the blog on St. Kitts. Thanks for posting my comments.

Cheers,

Richard


...what can I say, another person after my own heart! Thanks Richard!