Letters to the Editor
LaGinga
Published Letters: 4
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No Child Should Be Left Behind Bars!
[Read the article: Kiddie prisons]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I recently visited Hutto. Four sets of parallel railroad tracks front the T. Don Hutto prison. Locals say there are always parked railcars on the tracks that block the prison from public view. There were only tiny slits for windows where prisoners are held and the outside perimeter was constantly patrolled by “official vehicles.” I’ve seen all the WWII atrocity news footage and photos. I can unequivocally state that a chill ran through me when I stood in front of this prison in Texas on American soil where women and children have lost almost all contact with the outside world. We are no longer the home of the free and the brave. We should be ashamed.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has now turned the most needy and desperate among us into a commodity, a commodity to line the pockets of corporate cronies with taxpayer dollars. The more we demonize immigrants; the more people we can funnel into the private prison system and accelerate the transfer of taxpayer dollars to the private sector. These taxpayer dollars aren’t just wasted; their use is immoral.
This unbelievable situation is unfortunately just another example of the evils of public-private partnerships which have become the darlings of far too many state and national officials.
Texas has become a hotbed of public-private conspiracies. Elected officials are trying to sell our public highways to foreign corporations and they’re working overtime to privatize our water—“Sold! To the highest bidder.”
Public resources become privatized commodities. Money changes hands. Water and roads are important enough, but children? Where do we draw the line in this country? The USA is quickly becoming a country that’s lost its moral compass. It’s time for change. Can we wait until 2008? How long can the children of Hutto wait?
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Fragile Asylum Seekers--Do they deserve prison?
[Read the article: Kiddie prisons]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Many thanks to Bohica and AKA Smith for their most informative posts.
Apparently it boils down to the administration having all these asylum seekers on their hands and then having to do something with them. Lock them up and pay mega bucks to private prisons was the response. This is not surprising. The closer you look the worse it gets.
AKA Smith’s question regarding asylum seekers as having “illegal” status no matter what, caused me to research this topic. I found extremely interesting information at Amnesty International—did ICE intentionally fudge the numbers? Alternatives are clearly spelled out and have been road tested. Why weren’t any of these low cost options pursued before we went directly to the plan of last resort and the most expensive course of action? Visit http://www.migrationinformation.org/Feature/display.cfm?id=296 for an eye opening read.
Is our government run by mean spirited incompetents or are they exploiting the most fragile among us for corporate gain, or both? Whichever way, it has to stop.
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Looking for Substance...
[Read the article: Undecided '08: Should I vote for Clinton or Obama?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I, too, am an undecided voter. But, after the Obama accolades delivered by Caroline Kennedy and other members of America’s royalty, I went looking for the text of Obama's Iowa speech and found a news link that mentioned Obama's extensive use of a teleprompter...Ooops...I thought.
And that ooops eventually led to “What Would Obama Say?” Those stirring words, the words that are inspiring so many young and once young idealists into action and true believer status were written by Jon Favreau. Meet the talented Mr. Favreau at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/fashion/20speechwriter.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
I’ve heard the clarion call for change, but I want some substance...finer details...if you would. I agree whole heartedly that we need change and that we all need to pull together...but, how will these changes be accomplished? That’s the real question. Change is going to be an uphill fight all the way. Does he have a plan? Or, will he develop it as we go along?
Several American presidents have had incredible speechwriters who penned the words that stirred our souls, but there was no substance behind the beautiful words. I need evidence of substance before I can say “he’s my man” or “she’s my woman.” Can it happen? I don’t know.
Could the country again be seduced by strategically crafted phrases and inspirational words? Ted Sorenson was the man behind JFK’s eloquent speeches. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/031107.html Peggy Noonan was Regan’s wordsmith.
Apparently a great speech writer can make a president. If you want to get ahead or get elected, you'd best have great writing skills or hire someone who does.
Several American presidents have had incredible speechwriters that stirred our souls, but there was no substance behind the beautiful words. Obama has a littered path of “Present” votes in Illinois when he should have stood up and been counted on important constituent issues.
Many stones will be turned between now and Election Day. When you start turning stones, you have to expect to find things you'd just as soon not see. Time will tell. But, for now, we really don’t know Mr. Obama.
Until then, I’ll probably join LT Bohica and others of like conviction and support Hillary.
Why? Misogyny! As long as it’s alive and well, there will never be equality for more than half of earth’s population. Indeed, it is time for change.
Unless something comes to light to change my mind, I, too, will probably choose gender over race. We know Hillary. I don’t know Mr. Obama. For now, I’m only hearing the words of Jon Favreau, Obama’s gifted speechwriter. Think about it.