Thursday, September 29, 2005
Can we say "Brain Washed"
Drudge posted an article on an upcoming special about Elian Gonzalez -- They quote Elian calling Castro a friend and father figure. .... I could hardly keep my food down when reading that... Its unfortunate this child has been used as a such a political pawn. I pray for him and his happiness and for peace to him and his family. DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2005�
Congress Votes Against Castro Dictatorship
Today the House of Representatives passed the Cuba resolution denouncing the Cuban government with HUGE bi-partisan support. The resolution is in reaction to the July arrests of members of the opposition in Cuba by the totalitarian dictatorship in Havana.
Rep. Diaz-Balart, the sponsor of the measure, stated the resolution demonstrated the solidarity of the U.S. Congress for all Cuban prisoners of consiouness and pro-democracy activists.
With a final vote of 393 to 31, H. Res 388, calls for the immediate release of all prisoners of consiouness and free elections in Cuba, urges the European Union to reexamine its policy toward Cuba, and calls on the representative of the United States to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to ensure a resolution calling upon the Cuban regime to end its humanrights violations.
UPDATED: Here is the list of commies as per request.....
Carson
Clay
Conyers (he use to be on the good side, dont' know what happened.. urr)
Davis (IL)
Farr
Grijalva
Hinchey
Honda
Jackson-Lee (TX)(if i got a penny for everytime she talked i would be rich!)
Johnson, E. B.
Jones (OH)
Kucinich
Lewis (GA)
McDermott
McKinney
Meeks (NY)
Miller, George
Pastor
Paul (he's a libretarian on the Republican party - he has some political issues)
Payne
Rush
Schakowsky
Serrano (Shocker! - NOT yuck!)
Stark
Thompson (MS)
Towns
Velázquez
Waters
Watson
Woolsey
Wynn
Rep. Diaz-Balart, the sponsor of the measure, stated the resolution demonstrated the solidarity of the U.S. Congress for all Cuban prisoners of consiouness and pro-democracy activists.
With a final vote of 393 to 31, H. Res 388, calls for the immediate release of all prisoners of consiouness and free elections in Cuba, urges the European Union to reexamine its policy toward Cuba, and calls on the representative of the United States to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to ensure a resolution calling upon the Cuban regime to end its humanrights violations.
UPDATED: Here is the list of commies as per request.....
Carson
Clay
Conyers (he use to be on the good side, dont' know what happened.. urr)
Davis (IL)
Farr
Grijalva
Hinchey
Honda
Jackson-Lee (TX)(if i got a penny for everytime she talked i would be rich!)
Johnson, E. B.
Jones (OH)
Kucinich
Lewis (GA)
McDermott
McKinney
Meeks (NY)
Miller, George
Pastor
Paul (he's a libretarian on the Republican party - he has some political issues)
Payne
Rush
Schakowsky
Serrano (Shocker! - NOT yuck!)
Stark
Thompson (MS)
Towns
Velázquez
Waters
Watson
Woolsey
Wynn
Hispanics don't know about their resources
Interesting article that once again proves we need to help our immigrant community learn about the resources available to him. Hispanics are a hard working group that only wants to improve their lives, yet they are pushed into the shadows because of current laws and are forced to uneducated decisions. We need to unite and empower our communities. local6.com - News - Man, 27, Poses As High School Student To Learn English
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Delay Update --- Rep Blunt to serve dual roles
Right now GOP leaders are meeting in the Conference figuring out who will lead the party in the House. According an article from Congress Daily Majority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri is expected to serve dual roles, temporarily taking over the duties of Majority Leader Tome Delay.
There were early reports that Drier would take over the reigns of leader but those rumors have now fallen flat. (this may have been caused by some party leaders who disapprove of Drier.) In the hierarchy of House politics, Blunt is the next in line and is the safest and more likely choice. Most people believe Delay stepping down is only temporary.
All decisions must be made by the Speaker who is scheduled to speak now.
UPDATE: GOP Conference just got out. Blunt is now taking over the responsibilities of Majority Leader. No titles are being given, only people will be taken on more on their plates but no changes in power structure will take place. This is also a huge disappointment for Drier whose name was so prevalent as the next Leader, even if temporary. – I guess Lincoln Diaz-Balart will stay as Vice Chair of Rules. We will just have to wait another day to see the rise of Cuban power in Congress…
National Journal's CongressDailyPM
There were early reports that Drier would take over the reigns of leader but those rumors have now fallen flat. (this may have been caused by some party leaders who disapprove of Drier.) In the hierarchy of House politics, Blunt is the next in line and is the safest and more likely choice. Most people believe Delay stepping down is only temporary.
All decisions must be made by the Speaker who is scheduled to speak now.
UPDATE: GOP Conference just got out. Blunt is now taking over the responsibilities of Majority Leader. No titles are being given, only people will be taken on more on their plates but no changes in power structure will take place. This is also a huge disappointment for Drier whose name was so prevalent as the next Leader, even if temporary. – I guess Lincoln Diaz-Balart will stay as Vice Chair of Rules. We will just have to wait another day to see the rise of Cuban power in Congress…
National Journal's CongressDailyPM
Delay indited must resign leadership ----- Diaz-Balart may become new Chairman of Rules Committee
HUGE NEWS TODAY!!!!
Delay has been indited and must resign his post as Majority Leader. Now Hastert will recommend Rep. David Dreier of California step into indicted leader Tom DeLay's duties. Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart is the current Vice Chairman of the Rules Commitee... in the most likely of situations Diaz-Balart would rise to Chairman. This would make him one of the most powerful members of the House and the most important and powerful Hispanic in Congress....
more news to come....
BREITBART.COM - Just The News
UPDATED: Smoking Gun has the inditment documentation
Also from Drudge Report the following report:
Statement from the Office of the Majority Leader
Wed Sep 28 2005 13:03:09 ET
(WASHINGTON) - Kevin Madden, spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (TX) today released the following statement regarding today's announcement by the Travis County (TX) District Attorney's Office:
"These charges have no basis in the facts or the law. This is just another example of Ronnie Earle misusing his office for partisan vendettas. Despite the clearly political agenda of this prosecutor, Congressman DeLay has cooperated with officials throughout the entire process. Even in the last two weeks, Ronnie Earle himself had acknowledged publicly that Mr. DeLay was not a target of his investigation. However, as with many of Ronnie Earle's previous partisan investigations, Ronnie Earle refused to let the facts or the law get in the way of his partisan desire to indict a political foe.
This purely political investigation has been marked by illegal grand jury leaks, a fundraising speech by Ronnie Earle for Texas Democrats that inappropriately focused on the investigation, misuse of his office for partisan purposes, and extortion of money for Earle's pet projects from corporations in exchange for dismissing indictments he brought against them. Ronnie Earle's previous misuse of his office has resulted in failed prosecutions and we trust his partisan grandstanding will strike out again, as it should.
Ronnie Earle's 1994 indictment against Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was quickly dismissed and his charges in the 1980s against former Attorney General Jim Mattox-another political foe of Earle-fell apart at trial.
We regret the people of Texas will once again have their taxpayer dollars wasted on Ronnie Earle's pursuit of headlines and political paybacks. Ronnie Earle began this investigation in 2002, after the Democrat Party lost the Texas state legislature to Republicans. For three years and through numerous grand juries, Ronnie Earle has tried to manufacture charges against Republicans involved in winning those elections using arcane statutes never before utilized in a case in the state. This indictment is nothing more than prosecutorial retribution by a partisan Democrat."
END
Delay has been indited and must resign his post as Majority Leader. Now Hastert will recommend Rep. David Dreier of California step into indicted leader Tom DeLay's duties. Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart is the current Vice Chairman of the Rules Commitee... in the most likely of situations Diaz-Balart would rise to Chairman. This would make him one of the most powerful members of the House and the most important and powerful Hispanic in Congress....
more news to come....
BREITBART.COM - Just The News
UPDATED: Smoking Gun has the inditment documentation
Also from Drudge Report the following report:
Statement from the Office of the Majority Leader
Wed Sep 28 2005 13:03:09 ET
(WASHINGTON) - Kevin Madden, spokesman for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (TX) today released the following statement regarding today's announcement by the Travis County (TX) District Attorney's Office:
"These charges have no basis in the facts or the law. This is just another example of Ronnie Earle misusing his office for partisan vendettas. Despite the clearly political agenda of this prosecutor, Congressman DeLay has cooperated with officials throughout the entire process. Even in the last two weeks, Ronnie Earle himself had acknowledged publicly that Mr. DeLay was not a target of his investigation. However, as with many of Ronnie Earle's previous partisan investigations, Ronnie Earle refused to let the facts or the law get in the way of his partisan desire to indict a political foe.
This purely political investigation has been marked by illegal grand jury leaks, a fundraising speech by Ronnie Earle for Texas Democrats that inappropriately focused on the investigation, misuse of his office for partisan purposes, and extortion of money for Earle's pet projects from corporations in exchange for dismissing indictments he brought against them. Ronnie Earle's previous misuse of his office has resulted in failed prosecutions and we trust his partisan grandstanding will strike out again, as it should.
Ronnie Earle's 1994 indictment against Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison was quickly dismissed and his charges in the 1980s against former Attorney General Jim Mattox-another political foe of Earle-fell apart at trial.
We regret the people of Texas will once again have their taxpayer dollars wasted on Ronnie Earle's pursuit of headlines and political paybacks. Ronnie Earle began this investigation in 2002, after the Democrat Party lost the Texas state legislature to Republicans. For three years and through numerous grand juries, Ronnie Earle has tried to manufacture charges against Republicans involved in winning those elections using arcane statutes never before utilized in a case in the state. This indictment is nothing more than prosecutorial retribution by a partisan Democrat."
END
We Kill Commies, We Don't Vote for Them
Yesterday in a very unlikely vote Congress rejected approving the naming of a US postal office in honor of a liberal activist and communist sympathizers, Maudelle Shirek
In a vote 215-190 vote they shot down the Democratic resolution and Republican Congressman made it very clear they were NOT going to honor someone with such radical ideals... WOOHOOO....House rejects naming post office after Berkeley activist
In a vote 215-190 vote they shot down the Democratic resolution and Republican Congressman made it very clear they were NOT going to honor someone with such radical ideals... WOOHOOO....House rejects naming post office after Berkeley activist
Congress Speaks Up Against Castro
Today Congress will consider a resolution condemning the July arrests of members of the opposition in Cuba by the totalitarian dictatorship in Havana. The resolution is sponosored by Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.
This piece of federal legislation comes in reaction to the July 22 events in Havana, Cuba when members of the Assembly to Promote Civil Society, were planning a peaceful demonstration in front of the French Embassy in Cuba and were victims of the members of the Castro's dictatorship government. At least 20 of them were arrested. Among those arrested were leaders Martha Beatriz Roque, Felix Bonne Carcasses and Rene Gómez Manzano. Gómez Manzano and other pro-democracy activists remain in prison.
The resolution should come to the house floor this morning.
UPDATE: The vote for this resolution has been pushed back till Thursday (probably with all the ruckus caused by the Delay situation)
The New York Sun wrote a great editorial.... please read....
The New York Sun Editorial
September 28, 2005
Congress Confronts Castro
Congress is scheduled to vote today on whether to get tough with the Cuban tyrant, Fidel Castro. It is now more than two months since Mr. Castro began his latest crackdown on his citizens. The measure the House is scheduled to vote on today, House Resolution 388, is expected to pass, categorically condemning Castro's regime, his imprisonment of his own people for the crime of wanting democracy, and the European Union's coddling of the despot.
After the crackdown began July 22, the number of dissidents arrested has reached at least 50, of whom more than a dozen remained in jail at last count. They join 61 of the 75 dissidents who were arrested in a similar wave of repression in 2003. A month ago, one of those arrested in July, Rene Gomez Manzano, started a hunger strike ["Cuba's Ganji," August 22].Since then, several others have adopted that form of protest, including a journalist, Victor Arroyo, who is now in the third week of his own hunger strike, and an activist, Felix Navarro. Messrs. Arroyo and Navarro were arrested in 2003.
In statements to The New York Sun in August, spokeswomen for both the White House and the State Department called for an end to the repression in Cuba. Now the House will issue a call of its own. The proposed resolution notes the plight of the jailed dissidents. It also reminds the world that Castro still jails anyone with the temerity to try to leave the island, that he still offers safe harbor to American lawbreakers, and that his regime is still listed by our state department as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The resolution also notes that throughout the latest repression, the European Union has been lifting, not tightening, its sanctions. After the 2003 crackdown, the EU countries had cut off high-level official contact with the regime and had started inviting dissidents to events at their embassies in Havana. The EU lost its nerve earlier this year, lulled by the release of 14 of the detainees arrested in 2003. By July, the French embassy in the enemy capital was inviting Castro's cronies to the very Bastille Day party that sparked the protests that led to the crackdown. A failure of feck is the best hope for despots like Castro, which is why today's vote in the Congress matters.
This piece of federal legislation comes in reaction to the July 22 events in Havana, Cuba when members of the Assembly to Promote Civil Society, were planning a peaceful demonstration in front of the French Embassy in Cuba and were victims of the members of the Castro's dictatorship government. At least 20 of them were arrested. Among those arrested were leaders Martha Beatriz Roque, Felix Bonne Carcasses and Rene Gómez Manzano. Gómez Manzano and other pro-democracy activists remain in prison.
The resolution should come to the house floor this morning.
UPDATE: The vote for this resolution has been pushed back till Thursday (probably with all the ruckus caused by the Delay situation)
The New York Sun wrote a great editorial.... please read....
The New York Sun Editorial
September 28, 2005
Congress Confronts Castro
Congress is scheduled to vote today on whether to get tough with the Cuban tyrant, Fidel Castro. It is now more than two months since Mr. Castro began his latest crackdown on his citizens. The measure the House is scheduled to vote on today, House Resolution 388, is expected to pass, categorically condemning Castro's regime, his imprisonment of his own people for the crime of wanting democracy, and the European Union's coddling of the despot.
After the crackdown began July 22, the number of dissidents arrested has reached at least 50, of whom more than a dozen remained in jail at last count. They join 61 of the 75 dissidents who were arrested in a similar wave of repression in 2003. A month ago, one of those arrested in July, Rene Gomez Manzano, started a hunger strike ["Cuba's Ganji," August 22].Since then, several others have adopted that form of protest, including a journalist, Victor Arroyo, who is now in the third week of his own hunger strike, and an activist, Felix Navarro. Messrs. Arroyo and Navarro were arrested in 2003.
In statements to The New York Sun in August, spokeswomen for both the White House and the State Department called for an end to the repression in Cuba. Now the House will issue a call of its own. The proposed resolution notes the plight of the jailed dissidents. It also reminds the world that Castro still jails anyone with the temerity to try to leave the island, that he still offers safe harbor to American lawbreakers, and that his regime is still listed by our state department as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The resolution also notes that throughout the latest repression, the European Union has been lifting, not tightening, its sanctions. After the 2003 crackdown, the EU countries had cut off high-level official contact with the regime and had started inviting dissidents to events at their embassies in Havana. The EU lost its nerve earlier this year, lulled by the release of 14 of the detainees arrested in 2003. By July, the French embassy in the enemy capital was inviting Castro's cronies to the very Bastille Day party that sparked the protests that led to the crackdown. A failure of feck is the best hope for despots like Castro, which is why today's vote in the Congress matters.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Library of Congress to show Motorcycle Diaries (aka serial murder babbling)
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington D.C…. the city is a buzz with politically correctness trying to pay homage to the diverse Hispanic community…. From September 15 – October 15 Mariachi’s will be have extra employment, warm fajitas will be ramped and anything related to anything Latin will be popular….. yet, whatever liberal idiot over there at the Library of Congress decided to pick Motorcycle Diaries as the ideal movie to showcase the Hispanic Culture needs to go read a book … come mierda!
Thankfully our South Florida Delegation in Congress – Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, are outraged that they are highlighting the life of a murder, torturer, psychopath, communist and who has made so many suffer.
UPDATED: Thanks to the letter, the LOC will no longer show the movie!! YEAH!
Thankfully our South Florida Delegation in Congress – Lincoln and Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, are outraged that they are highlighting the life of a murder, torturer, psychopath, communist and who has made so many suffer.
UPDATED: Thanks to the letter, the LOC will no longer show the movie!! YEAH!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Get to land Hermanos!!
Developing story.... Cubans offshore, only 5 miles away from Florida shore, trying to get to dry land to be allowed to stay in the US. Live coverage on the web on NBC 6
NBC 6 Webcast
UPDATE -- unfortunatly 10 Cubans were captured only TWO miles off shore!!!!!!
damn wet foot - dry foot policy! stupid Clinton!
NBC 6 Webcast
UPDATE -- unfortunatly 10 Cubans were captured only TWO miles off shore!!!!!!
damn wet foot - dry foot policy! stupid Clinton!
Viva Baseball! -- TONIGHT --- September 23 on Spike TV
Viva Baseball!!
Turn on the TIVO, set your VCR or whatever you have but tonight at 9 PM be ready to watch one of the best baseball documentaries ever!!
“Viva Baseball” a movie by Dan Klores shows how Latinos shaped America’s favorite pastime – baseball. Starting from the early part of the 1900s to present day the movie does justice to so many talented Hispanic players who made baseball the great game it is today. It shows their struggles and battles and triumphs in American society and in the game. It makes you love and respect these major leaguers more then ever and makes you even prouder to be Hispanic.
Yesterday I was invited to a special screening of the movie in Washington DC with Hall of Famers Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda and the family of Roberto Clemente, his wife and two sons. Various members of Congress were part of the crowd, including Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Ken Salazar and unfortunately for me, Rep. Jose Serrano, among others.
No matter what Spanish country you are from you take so much pride in these Latin All Stars. From a Cuba perspective its especially wonderful, as the film rightfully credits Cuba as the country who spread baseball to the rest of the region. It also shows Castro in the correct light, as a horrible dictator, destroying baseball, separating families and destroying everything in his path.
It was even more wonderful knowing that Serrano was there, watching his little friend Castro shown in his real form, a communist dictator and harsh tyrant.
In addition the soundtrack to the movie is a gift to any Cuban enthusiast; I could just imagine my grandma in her prime in Havana dancing to the songs….
Yesterday was probably one of the greatest days of my life, I was in the presence of these baseball all starts. My father had told me stories of these dynamite athletes and I now, because of the movie, had a new wonderful appreciation of their legacy. As the movie ended, they all had tears in their eyes. I got to shake the hands and tell them of my gratitude and what an honor it was to meet them. My smile was ear to ear. I could hardly muster the right Spanish words to talk to them. They were so happy to hear me in their native tongue thanking them for their work, their commitment to our culture and baseball.
Mrs. Clemete was the sweetest women I had ever meet. Her sons were polite and modest. Mr. Cepeda took a liking to me and complemented me on my Spanish and took some time to talk to me. I was in heaven!!!
I even got two baseballs signed by Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichal - One for me, one for my dad.
This morning I talked to my father for half and hour, his excitement was just as exaggerated as mines. We talked about baseball, about American bigotry and the amazing ways that these men, paved the way for all Hispanics to be accepted in all levels of American culture.
The Hall of Fame has only inducted six Latin players, many hundreds have been neglected in history.
Yet for those given that honor --- , Thank you Mr.Roberto Clemente. Thank you Mr. Juan Marichal. Thank You Mr. Luis Aparicio. Thank you Mr. Rod Carew. Thank you Mr. Orlando Cepeda. Thank you Mr. Tony Perez. And thank you to the hundreds of others who made this country better for me to accomplish my dreams.
Please read this article to know more about daily_news_eng.jhtml">Viva Baseball
Also go to the Viva Baseball Web Page
Turn on the TIVO, set your VCR or whatever you have but tonight at 9 PM be ready to watch one of the best baseball documentaries ever!!
“Viva Baseball” a movie by Dan Klores shows how Latinos shaped America’s favorite pastime – baseball. Starting from the early part of the 1900s to present day the movie does justice to so many talented Hispanic players who made baseball the great game it is today. It shows their struggles and battles and triumphs in American society and in the game. It makes you love and respect these major leaguers more then ever and makes you even prouder to be Hispanic.
Yesterday I was invited to a special screening of the movie in Washington DC with Hall of Famers Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda and the family of Roberto Clemente, his wife and two sons. Various members of Congress were part of the crowd, including Senator Mel Martinez, Senator Ken Salazar and unfortunately for me, Rep. Jose Serrano, among others.
No matter what Spanish country you are from you take so much pride in these Latin All Stars. From a Cuba perspective its especially wonderful, as the film rightfully credits Cuba as the country who spread baseball to the rest of the region. It also shows Castro in the correct light, as a horrible dictator, destroying baseball, separating families and destroying everything in his path.
It was even more wonderful knowing that Serrano was there, watching his little friend Castro shown in his real form, a communist dictator and harsh tyrant.
In addition the soundtrack to the movie is a gift to any Cuban enthusiast; I could just imagine my grandma in her prime in Havana dancing to the songs….
Yesterday was probably one of the greatest days of my life, I was in the presence of these baseball all starts. My father had told me stories of these dynamite athletes and I now, because of the movie, had a new wonderful appreciation of their legacy. As the movie ended, they all had tears in their eyes. I got to shake the hands and tell them of my gratitude and what an honor it was to meet them. My smile was ear to ear. I could hardly muster the right Spanish words to talk to them. They were so happy to hear me in their native tongue thanking them for their work, their commitment to our culture and baseball.
Mrs. Clemete was the sweetest women I had ever meet. Her sons were polite and modest. Mr. Cepeda took a liking to me and complemented me on my Spanish and took some time to talk to me. I was in heaven!!!
I even got two baseballs signed by Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichal - One for me, one for my dad.
This morning I talked to my father for half and hour, his excitement was just as exaggerated as mines. We talked about baseball, about American bigotry and the amazing ways that these men, paved the way for all Hispanics to be accepted in all levels of American culture.
The Hall of Fame has only inducted six Latin players, many hundreds have been neglected in history.
Yet for those given that honor --- , Thank you Mr.Roberto Clemente. Thank you Mr. Juan Marichal. Thank You Mr. Luis Aparicio. Thank you Mr. Rod Carew. Thank you Mr. Orlando Cepeda. Thank you Mr. Tony Perez. And thank you to the hundreds of others who made this country better for me to accomplish my dreams.
Please read this article to know more about daily_news_eng.jhtml">Viva Baseball
Also go to the Viva Baseball Web Page
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Lincoln Diaz Balart : Polisario state doomed to be terrorist :: moroccoTimes.com
Morroccan Sahrawi delegation share our hatered for Castro..... read previous blog and this article... Lincoln Diaz Balart : Polisario state doomed to be terrorist :: moroccoTimes.com
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Anti-Embargo Politician Goes to Washington! - well at least trying
A anti-embargo politico is trying to push himself into Congress....
Lobbyist seeks Davis seat
An advocate of opening up relations with Cuba joins a crowded Democratic field.
By ADAM C. SMITH, Times Political Editor
Published September 15, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAMPA - Al Fox, a lobbyist best known for advocating opening up relations with Cuba, has quietly joined the crowded field of Democrats aiming to succeed Jim Davis in Congress.
The 61-year-old Tampa native and Washington lobbyist talked of running months ago, but said he held off while local and national Republicans talked to him about running as a Republican.
"The thinking was, "let the Democrats battle it out,' said Fox, who liked the idea of being in the majority party. "But at the end of the day, there was no way I could tell the national Republican party what they wanted to hear on Cuba."
Fox is founder of the The Alliance for Responsible Cuba Policy Foundation and a strong advocate for ending the U.S. embargo on Cuba. In 2002, he got local attention when he arranged for a Tampa Bay delegation that included then-Mayor Dick Greco to fly to Cuba and meet Fidel Castro.
Fox has said Cuba will be one of several top priorities, and that as a longtime Washington hand he best understands how the system works.
In a congressional district that includes parts of Hillsborough and South Pinellas, Fox faces a tough primary. No Republican is running, but Democrats include Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor; Tampa lawyer Scott Farrell; Tampa lawyer Michael Steinberg; and state Sen. Les Miller.
He quietly filed his campaign papers in late August.
Fox's first campaign reports are due in October.
Lobbyist seeks Davis seat
An advocate of opening up relations with Cuba joins a crowded Democratic field.
By ADAM C. SMITH, Times Political Editor
Published September 15, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAMPA - Al Fox, a lobbyist best known for advocating opening up relations with Cuba, has quietly joined the crowded field of Democrats aiming to succeed Jim Davis in Congress.
The 61-year-old Tampa native and Washington lobbyist talked of running months ago, but said he held off while local and national Republicans talked to him about running as a Republican.
"The thinking was, "let the Democrats battle it out,' said Fox, who liked the idea of being in the majority party. "But at the end of the day, there was no way I could tell the national Republican party what they wanted to hear on Cuba."
Fox is founder of the The Alliance for Responsible Cuba Policy Foundation and a strong advocate for ending the U.S. embargo on Cuba. In 2002, he got local attention when he arranged for a Tampa Bay delegation that included then-Mayor Dick Greco to fly to Cuba and meet Fidel Castro.
Fox has said Cuba will be one of several top priorities, and that as a longtime Washington hand he best understands how the system works.
In a congressional district that includes parts of Hillsborough and South Pinellas, Fox faces a tough primary. No Republican is running, but Democrats include Hillsborough County Commissioner Kathy Castor; Tampa lawyer Scott Farrell; Tampa lawyer Michael Steinberg; and state Sen. Les Miller.
He quietly filed his campaign papers in late August.
Fox's first campaign reports are due in October.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Sheehan gives us another example why she is crazy - "Occupied New Orleans"
After a few weeks of just being another American, Sheedan found a way to push her way back into the lime light. This time she called for Bush to "pull out troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq"
Let's stop and think about this for a second......
finished...
yes, me too... why exactly anyone paying attention to this women. Occupied New Orleans?????
lgf: Mama Moonbat: "Occupied New Orleans"
Let's stop and think about this for a second......
finished...
yes, me too... why exactly anyone paying attention to this women. Occupied New Orleans?????
lgf: Mama Moonbat: "Occupied New Orleans"
Thursday, September 15, 2005
So what he needs to use the bathroom - SHOCKER!
Can someone tell me what the big deal is about this note????? Becuase I don't get it!
So the guy needs to go to the bathroom!... Doesn't everyone need to use the toilet at one point or another????
The President of the US wanted to go to the “lue” and wrote a note to his aide. Ok. It's not like he was doodling or doing a puzzle. I really don't get what all the hoopla is all about! Maybe he thought it was a good time to go to the bathroom, instead of just abruptly getting up, (which would make Condoleezza ponder what was going on) he kinda stated/asked whatever... It’s the toilet not a secret meeting with the devil... Get over it!
Yahoo! News Photo
National GOP Woos Oregon Hispanics
Interesting article showcasing the Republican party’s advancement in the Hispanic community. Throughout the years the GOP has made huge strides in this multicultural group. News
US jobless claims at 10-year high
URGH!! US jobless population at an all time high, the reason Hurricane Katrina….
The Labor Dept. said 71,000 people signed up for benefits last week- 68,000 of those DIRECTLY claimed Katrina. These numbers are significantly higher then after the Sept. 11 terror attack.
In no time the left is going to start blaming Bush and the Republican Party for the effects of this natural disaster -- because CLEARLY Bush developed the hurricane with his personal secret stash of WMDs to directly attack New Orleans, because he hates blacks, and didn’t want to give any more money to the projects (section 8 housing)! CLEARLY!!!
Tada! – Bush’s master plan of getting more Republican states…. now Louisiana is clear of most of the black people and of the highly democrat population of pre-Katrina citizens that don’t’ want to come back and will now be back as Southern Republican state, as we all knew that all the Dems live in NOLA and this was all part of his really big master plan --- these crazy ideas are from the same people that say Bush is an idiot! If he can come up with all of this, he definitely isn’t an idiot! He’s a genius!
I can already hear the floor speeches and the angry squawking on morning television blaming Bush on the lack of job growth, while I will be growling about their lack of common sense! I’m sick of all these stupid conspiracy theories. People have to stop with all the finger pointing and find solutions…
BBC NEWS | Business | US jobless claims at 10-year high
The Labor Dept. said 71,000 people signed up for benefits last week- 68,000 of those DIRECTLY claimed Katrina. These numbers are significantly higher then after the Sept. 11 terror attack.
In no time the left is going to start blaming Bush and the Republican Party for the effects of this natural disaster -- because CLEARLY Bush developed the hurricane with his personal secret stash of WMDs to directly attack New Orleans, because he hates blacks, and didn’t want to give any more money to the projects (section 8 housing)! CLEARLY!!!
Tada! – Bush’s master plan of getting more Republican states…. now Louisiana is clear of most of the black people and of the highly democrat population of pre-Katrina citizens that don’t’ want to come back and will now be back as Southern Republican state, as we all knew that all the Dems live in NOLA and this was all part of his really big master plan --- these crazy ideas are from the same people that say Bush is an idiot! If he can come up with all of this, he definitely isn’t an idiot! He’s a genius!
I can already hear the floor speeches and the angry squawking on morning television blaming Bush on the lack of job growth, while I will be growling about their lack of common sense! I’m sick of all these stupid conspiracy theories. People have to stop with all the finger pointing and find solutions…
BBC NEWS | Business | US jobless claims at 10-year high
Gov. Blanco takes the blame - FINALLY!
Yesterday the Gov of Louisiana, Kathleen Blanco, finally took the blame of all the failures made by the state. Part to apologize, part to save her self from a total political funeral. (some said she was heading for a possible impeachment.) She went on TV and said "The bucks tops here, and as your governor, I take full responsibility." .... she finally had enough "cojones" to do what the President did a few days ago. Gov. Blanco even called the President a friend and partner..... Jeff Blanco has an interesting take on things, check him out.. Louisiana Conservative
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Just because he is too funny not to share! - Carlos Mencia
Yesterday I had the fortunate opportunity to see a show of the amazing comedian Carlos Mencia. Mind you its probably the 5th show I have seen him live (in addition to his new show on Comedy Central.)
The edgy Hispanic comedian, whose parents are Mexican and Honodurian, is one of 18 kids (yes 18!!!! Aye Mama!) His jokes are reflective of the entire Hispanic community and are in no way politically correct - as he says he speaks the truth. He calls all people hailing from a country with the Spanish Language in Latin and Central America and the Caribbean as a "beaner" as we all eat Beans. He understands that the different communities have problems with the labels of Hispanic or Latin or Central American or whatever - so we are all Beaners, but you understand he says it as a joining word.
He is patriotic, honest and refreshing. What you miss on his Comedy Central show is his lessons at the end of his live shows - telling people to be real, for Hispanics to empower themselves, to get an education, and for all the communities to unite. Telling us all we are an amazing, growing and strong force that make great change.
I love Carlos Mencia and happy the rest of the country is discovering this amazing talent!!!
Check him out!! Carlos Mencia
Good Day for Cubanitos Everywhere!
It's official! Miami native Marco Rubio is Speaker of the Florida House!
This young (34 year old) and good looking Cuban-American is a rising star in Florida politics. Son of Cuban exiles, he has been taking center stage for years. During the last Bush Presidential campaign, many more people noticed his energy, eloquence and political power.
I remember being in Washington D.C. and my mother calling me to ask – “Do you know Marco Rubio? He is amazing!!” after she heard him give a speech at a Bush rally in South Florida…. A few weeks later while working on the Bush Campaign in Miami I heard him on the stump. It was then that I understood what the hoopla was all about!
Many campaign volunteers asked about Rubio. They were marveled by his charisma and presence. Most of them hailed from anywhere but Florida and had never heard of him, but they knew they won’t forget him.. During the campaign up-and-coming politicians were always buzzing around the various head quarters and rallies, but when Rubio took the microphone he stood out.
Rubio is the first Cuban-American Speaker of the House and is also, the second-youngest to hold the position. He is the first Miami legislator to become Speaker in 35 years. Rubio takes over for Panama City’s Allan Bense (R).
Gov. Jeb Bush has somewhat tapped Rubio to follow in his footsteps, with his aggressive agenda, taking on controversial issues and pushing people’s buttons.
In an emotional and energetic speech Rubio, broadcasted in Cuba via Radio Marti, accepted his nomination. During his acceptance, Rubio presented his colleagues with “100 Innovative Ideas for Florida's Future” asking them to fill the pages of the hard-bound blank book with ways to make Florida better, so that all Floridians can ``achieve financial security and leave for their children a better life than their own.''
Hear the Radio Marti Clip (Spanish)
UPDATED: Check out 26th Parallel's post on Maro Rubio for an example of the State Rep's style.
Help! Ayuda! - - Rolando Rodriguez Lobaina
I was asked to post this, please help!
Friends
It is my unfortunate duty to write to you today to ask for your help on behalf of a friend to us all, Rolando Rodriguez Lobaina. Although you may not know him, he is a Cuban brother who was arrested last Wednesday by the Cuban National Revolutionary Police (PNR) as he traveled back home to Guantanamo from Holguin. Rolando, along with his brother Nestor, have an organization called the Democratic Cuban Youth Movement, whose centerpiece project is "Universidades Sin Fronteras", that calls for autonomy of all Universities in Cuba. They have always acted in a peaceful and non-violent way to promote their project and achieve their goals. Due to the lack of human rights and the freedom of expression in Cuba their project is considered hostile to the government and its socialist ideology as stated in the Cuban constitution.
Rolando is currently being detained in a prison in Matanzas. He was last seen by his brother, Nestor, but said that "Rolando was in a critical state, thrown on the floor, barely able to speak, threatened of a 'savage beating', and was on the third day of a hunger strike."
Nestor Lobaina was recently released from prison after serving 5 years for "committing acts against the state." Nestor has not heard from Rolando for the past 48 hours and fears for his physical health.
We ask all of you to join us in solidarity with Rolando and his family as they face the ultimate testament of courage in their valiant struggle for the freedom and respect of human rights for all Cuban citizens. There will be many events occurring worldwide to shed light on Rolando's situation. More information is forthcoming but, as a first step, we encourage you to (will only take a minute) and sign the attached letter and send to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C. It is our hope to inundate the mail boxes of all Cuban embassies throughout the world to let them know that Rolando does not stand alone and that we are aware of their systematic repression against their own citizens.
The members of the International Youth Committee for Democracy in Cuba (IYCDC) will be holding simultaneous press conferences in their respective countries tomorrow, Wednesday, September 14, 2005, to draw attention to Rolando's detainment and violation of his human rights. The members of the IYCDC will also fast for 24hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 as a show of support and solidarity for Rolando. We hope you can all join us in our activities and pray for Rolando as he faces extreme physical conditions that we would never have to face in our country. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to email us at info@raicesdeesperanza.org.
Cuban Interests Section :
2630 & 2639 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Email: cubaseccion@igc.apc.org
Fax: (202) 986-7283
Instructions: Please copy and paste the following letter and sign with your name. You can fax, email, or physically mail this letter using the information provided above.
SECCION DE INTERESES DE LA REPUBLICA DE CUBA EN ESTADOS UNIDOS:
ME DIRIJO A USTED COMO MIEMBRO DEL COMITÉ INTERNACIONAL DE JÓVENES POR LA DEMOCRACIA EN CUBA. NOTAMOS CON PREOCUPACIÓN Y ESPASMO LA DETENCIÓN DEL CIUDADANO CUBANO ROLANDO RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA. SABEMOS QUE HA SIDO DETENIDO ARBITRARIAMENTE POR LA POLICÍA NACIONAL REVOLUCIONARIA CUANDO REGRESABA A GUANTÁNAMO DESDE HOLGUÍN.
ROLANDO RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA ES COORDINADOR DEL MOVIMIENTO CUBANO DE JÓVENES POR LA DEMOCRACIA QUE TRABAJA POR LA AUTONOMÍA UNIVERSITARIA EN LA ISLA. ESTAMOS MUY PENDIENTES DE LO QUE PUEDA LLEGAR A PASARLE Y EN VIRTUD DE ESTO ES QUE SOLICITAMOS A SU DELEGACIÓN DIPLOMÁTICA QUE TENGA A BIEN BRINDARNOS INFORMACIÓN ACERCA DEL PARADERO DEL SEÑOR RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA.
CASO CONTRARIO INICIAREMOS ACCIONES EN LA CORTE INTERAMERICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS.
HAGO PROPICIA ESTA OPORTUNIDAD PARA SALUDARLO ATENTAMENTE.
NOMBRE
Thank you for taking a couple of minutes to help Rolando and the Cuban people's struggle. Please feel free to contact us (info@raicesdeesperanza.org) with any queries and we will update you on any information we receive on his condition and events we plan on holding. Please feel free to forward to all those who sympathize with the Cuban people's struggle.
¡Cuba DESPIERTA!
¡Juventud DESPIERTA!
Tony Jimenez
Raices de Esperanza
www.raicesdeesperanza.org
Friends
It is my unfortunate duty to write to you today to ask for your help on behalf of a friend to us all, Rolando Rodriguez Lobaina. Although you may not know him, he is a Cuban brother who was arrested last Wednesday by the Cuban National Revolutionary Police (PNR) as he traveled back home to Guantanamo from Holguin. Rolando, along with his brother Nestor, have an organization called the Democratic Cuban Youth Movement, whose centerpiece project is "Universidades Sin Fronteras", that calls for autonomy of all Universities in Cuba. They have always acted in a peaceful and non-violent way to promote their project and achieve their goals. Due to the lack of human rights and the freedom of expression in Cuba their project is considered hostile to the government and its socialist ideology as stated in the Cuban constitution.
Rolando is currently being detained in a prison in Matanzas. He was last seen by his brother, Nestor, but said that "Rolando was in a critical state, thrown on the floor, barely able to speak, threatened of a 'savage beating', and was on the third day of a hunger strike."
Nestor Lobaina was recently released from prison after serving 5 years for "committing acts against the state." Nestor has not heard from Rolando for the past 48 hours and fears for his physical health.
We ask all of you to join us in solidarity with Rolando and his family as they face the ultimate testament of courage in their valiant struggle for the freedom and respect of human rights for all Cuban citizens. There will be many events occurring worldwide to shed light on Rolando's situation. More information is forthcoming but, as a first step, we encourage you to (will only take a minute) and sign the attached letter and send to the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, D.C. It is our hope to inundate the mail boxes of all Cuban embassies throughout the world to let them know that Rolando does not stand alone and that we are aware of their systematic repression against their own citizens.
The members of the International Youth Committee for Democracy in Cuba (IYCDC) will be holding simultaneous press conferences in their respective countries tomorrow, Wednesday, September 14, 2005, to draw attention to Rolando's detainment and violation of his human rights. The members of the IYCDC will also fast for 24hrs on Tuesday, September 20, 2005 as a show of support and solidarity for Rolando. We hope you can all join us in our activities and pray for Rolando as he faces extreme physical conditions that we would never have to face in our country. If you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to email us at info@raicesdeesperanza.org.
Cuban Interests Section :
2630 & 2639 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Email: cubaseccion@igc.apc.org
Fax: (202) 986-7283
Instructions: Please copy and paste the following letter and sign with your name. You can fax, email, or physically mail this letter using the information provided above.
SECCION DE INTERESES DE LA REPUBLICA DE CUBA EN ESTADOS UNIDOS:
ME DIRIJO A USTED COMO MIEMBRO DEL COMITÉ INTERNACIONAL DE JÓVENES POR LA DEMOCRACIA EN CUBA. NOTAMOS CON PREOCUPACIÓN Y ESPASMO LA DETENCIÓN DEL CIUDADANO CUBANO ROLANDO RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA. SABEMOS QUE HA SIDO DETENIDO ARBITRARIAMENTE POR LA POLICÍA NACIONAL REVOLUCIONARIA CUANDO REGRESABA A GUANTÁNAMO DESDE HOLGUÍN.
ROLANDO RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA ES COORDINADOR DEL MOVIMIENTO CUBANO DE JÓVENES POR LA DEMOCRACIA QUE TRABAJA POR LA AUTONOMÍA UNIVERSITARIA EN LA ISLA. ESTAMOS MUY PENDIENTES DE LO QUE PUEDA LLEGAR A PASARLE Y EN VIRTUD DE ESTO ES QUE SOLICITAMOS A SU DELEGACIÓN DIPLOMÁTICA QUE TENGA A BIEN BRINDARNOS INFORMACIÓN ACERCA DEL PARADERO DEL SEÑOR RODRÍGUEZ LOBAINA.
CASO CONTRARIO INICIAREMOS ACCIONES EN LA CORTE INTERAMERICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS.
HAGO PROPICIA ESTA OPORTUNIDAD PARA SALUDARLO ATENTAMENTE.
NOMBRE
Thank you for taking a couple of minutes to help Rolando and the Cuban people's struggle. Please feel free to contact us (info@raicesdeesperanza.org) with any queries and we will update you on any information we receive on his condition and events we plan on holding. Please feel free to forward to all those who sympathize with the Cuban people's struggle.
¡Cuba DESPIERTA!
¡Juventud DESPIERTA!
Tony Jimenez
Raices de Esperanza
www.raicesdeesperanza.org
Monday, September 12, 2005
Former Miami -Dade Fire Dept Chief will head FEMA
Today Mike Brown formally stepped down as the director for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To replace him the administration has tapped one of our native sons, R. David Paulison.
Paulison is a career firefighter from Miami, Florida with over three decades of firefighting experience. He was chief of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department.
He has plenty of emergency management experience. He was an emergency worker during Hurricane Andrew, he also worked on the the ValueJet Flight 592 Crash in the Everglades and was in charge of Miami-Dade County's emergency management office. In addition, he has led the U.S. Fire Administration.
Paulison is much better prepared to handle the daunting task of leading FEMA. He is a person who has been constantly in the line of fire. He has been forced to deal in high pressure, life saving, emergency situations. His direction comes with much more of a grounded view on how to deal with the countries needs. We can all rest assured Paulison is much more equipped to handle the functions of FEMA then a former horse judge.
Yet, I still don't think that it was all Brown's fault. The blame can be laid on MANY, MANY heads. But someone in the administration had to be sacrificed to the poltical Gods.
Brown’s statements, and actions, after Katrina weren't exactly the politically savvy! t was clear he had to be removed, or moved around at least in order to safe the federal governments reputation. It was clear that the situation called for a take charge kind of person, someone with either a military or first responder experience, had to be set into the New Orleans recovery situation. And that is exactly what happened. They placed Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad W. Allen and USAF Lt. General Russel Honore. (my personal favorite – I felt so relived to see him in his military uniform talking direct and getting things done.) in charge.
Paulison can turn out to be the ideal candidate. America's first responders are our Firefighters and Police Officers. May it be a dirty bomb or an Earthquake, these public servants are the first one on the scene. Having someone that has been in their footsteps and has climbed the ladder from the bottom up will give a lot of weight to the position and the agency in these challenging times. And hopefully regain American’s confidence in the agency.
Brown made the right call by stepping down, or maybe being pushed down, but either way he is out of the picture. He is right when he stated a lot of the focus was being put on him and not enough on the Katrina situation in the Gulf. I don’t' think anyone was really surprised that this happened. I think everyone saw it coming when they took him off the Katrina situation, it was an indication that he would soon be seeing very little of Brown. Maybe this was the administration’s way to save him face, he could step down in stead of an all out public pink slip. Either way we can continue to focus on the recovery efforts.
Thankfully the American people are a very forgiving group. They understand people make mistakes – because they know, they themselves aren’t perfect.
We will all move forward from this stronger and more determined then ever. I think this was a wake up call to all America, we got to get our things in order and be prepared for the worst. What will you do if Armageddon comes to your home town?
P.S….. I bet the new guy knows some good Cuban stories and realizes that if Armageddon does happen, it’s not our fault!
BREITBART.COM - Just The News
Friday, September 09, 2005
The White House gets it!
Miami Herald's PABLO BACHELET wrote this article today. Happy to see people in the White House get it!
CASTRO AID OFFER REPORTEDLY REJECTED
The Bush administration has rebuffed an offer by Cuban leader Fidel Castro to send 1,600 doctors to help in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, three Cuban American Congress members said Thursday.
''We strongly support the decision by the Bush administration to reject the so-called offer from the Castro regime regarding the tragedy,'' said the statement signed by Miami Republicans Lincoln and Mario Díaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Neither the White House nor the State Department would confirm that the administration had in fact rejected the offer. But the office of Lincoln Díaz-Balart, which coordinated the lawmakers' statement, said he stood by its contents and there were indications that the offer was in fact rejected.
''When it comes to Cuba, we have one message for Fidel Castro. He needs to offer the people of Cuba their freedom,'' White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Thursday when asked about the aid offer.
Castro last week offered to send the doctors and 36 tons of medical supplies in what critics said was a political ploy to put the Bush administration on the spot.
CASTRO AID OFFER REPORTEDLY REJECTED
The Bush administration has rebuffed an offer by Cuban leader Fidel Castro to send 1,600 doctors to help in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort, three Cuban American Congress members said Thursday.
''We strongly support the decision by the Bush administration to reject the so-called offer from the Castro regime regarding the tragedy,'' said the statement signed by Miami Republicans Lincoln and Mario Díaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.
Neither the White House nor the State Department would confirm that the administration had in fact rejected the offer. But the office of Lincoln Díaz-Balart, which coordinated the lawmakers' statement, said he stood by its contents and there were indications that the offer was in fact rejected.
''When it comes to Cuba, we have one message for Fidel Castro. He needs to offer the people of Cuba their freedom,'' White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Thursday when asked about the aid offer.
Castro last week offered to send the doctors and 36 tons of medical supplies in what critics said was a political ploy to put the Bush administration on the spot.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Martinez: Cuban aid should be welcomed
I'm officially going to have a sirimba! I'm going to march over to Martinez's Senate office and shake the legislative aide doing Cuba policy and ask him - WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKING!!!!!!!!!!!
The Miami Herald article states "Martinez said Wednesday that the U.S. government should accept Cuba's offer to send hundreds of doctors to treat victims of Hurricane Katrina, provided they are needed and 'reasonably well-trained." "
In addition Martinez advocates the US should accept money and oil from Venezuela. (not sure how I feel about that. what does this loser want in return! - clearly we aren't giving him anything!)
Martinez goes against all other Cuban Americans federal elected officials. For example. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen said: ``I see no need for us to accept the doctors, because we have many U.S. doctors who can meet the medical needs of Katrina's victims. Cuban doctors should take care of poor Cubans who lack proper medical care on the island.''
In the past, Cuba and Venezuela have rejected U.S. offers to send money and assistance after those countries where hit by natural disasters.
The US government has also rejected Iran's offer to send 10 million barrels of crude.
Though the US has accepted about $1 billion in aide, about $350 million are cash donations. (which are much easier to process) The majority of the donations are in kind donations, such as helicoptors, ready-to-eat meals, tents, baby formula and equipment.
Even though President Bush stated that he had not asked for foreign assistance and didn't believe the US needed it on national morning tv, a week later the international support came pouring in. The State Department said they were happily accpting the unprecedented support.
Here is some examples of support.
-Canada: sent 3 warships and one coast guard ship. Canadian divers to help repair the damaged harbor in Pascagoula, Miss.
- Mexico: army convoy and a navy ship stocked with food, supplies, baby clothes and specialists. First time in 159 years that the Mexican Military has operated in US soil. (The Mexico government feel very proud to help a country that assist them so much)
- France: a planeload of tents arrived in Little Rock, Ark., also a plane filled with food for Biloxi, Miss.
- Thailand: food aid and medical supplies from
- Germany: high-speed water pumps
- Isreal: first aid kits
- Netherlands: levee specialists
Accepting this money has symbolic and political implications. Some poor countries have provided $25 thousands. Clearly a small amount, but a symbolic gesture. (and every little bit helps.) Many countries feel proud to help their rich neighbor and show their support. Others believe accepting money from such poor countries is embarrassing. Even though we are happy to see the international support - we can't accept all donations. The US has currently accepted 48 of the 95 offers of assistance. When the US accepts the money, they accept the country. We do not accept the actions of Cuba or the missery of the daily life of the Cuban people.
Cuban's are dieing in Cuba. Fidel just wants to use this for political reasons, not because suddenly he is Mr. Nice Guy. There is nothing nice about Castro or Chavez. He should keep those doctors in Cuba and help the Cuban people, many who have not seen a doctor in months! The US should not, and can not, accept doctors or his so called 25 tons of medical supplies!!!
In reality if these doctors come to the US how many do you think are going back to Cuba. Even at our worst, the US is still better then living in Cuba.
Martinez needs to wake up and realize what he is saying. Who ever is doing Cuba policy in that office is CLEARLY out of touch with his constituency! And Martinez needs to think before he talks!
Walk around Miami and you'll see they all want give Martinez a piece of thier minds. And right now, Martinez is giving me a headache.
In a article in the Boston Globe, there is list of all foriegn donations. (see below). These are only Cash donations.
Kuwait: $400 million in oil and $100 million cash
United Arab Emirates: $100 million cash
Qatar: $100 million cash
Republic of Korea: $30 million cash and in-kind donations
Australia: $7.6 million
China: $5.1 million cash and relief supplies
India: $5 million cash
Ireland: $1 million to Red Cross
Iraq: $1 million cash
Bangladesh: $1 million cash
Azerbaijan: $500,000 cash
Gabon: $500,000 cash
Afghanistan: $100,000 cash
Armenia: $100,000 cash
Bahamas: $50,000 cash
Maldives: $25,000 cash
Sri Lanka: $25,000 cash
Bosnia: $6,414 cash
SOURCE: US State Department
Herald.com | 09/08/2005 | Martinez: Cuban aid should be welcomed
The Miami Herald article states "Martinez said Wednesday that the U.S. government should accept Cuba's offer to send hundreds of doctors to treat victims of Hurricane Katrina, provided they are needed and 'reasonably well-trained." "
In addition Martinez advocates the US should accept money and oil from Venezuela. (not sure how I feel about that. what does this loser want in return! - clearly we aren't giving him anything!)
Martinez goes against all other Cuban Americans federal elected officials. For example. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen said: ``I see no need for us to accept the doctors, because we have many U.S. doctors who can meet the medical needs of Katrina's victims. Cuban doctors should take care of poor Cubans who lack proper medical care on the island.''
In the past, Cuba and Venezuela have rejected U.S. offers to send money and assistance after those countries where hit by natural disasters.
The US government has also rejected Iran's offer to send 10 million barrels of crude.
Though the US has accepted about $1 billion in aide, about $350 million are cash donations. (which are much easier to process) The majority of the donations are in kind donations, such as helicoptors, ready-to-eat meals, tents, baby formula and equipment.
Even though President Bush stated that he had not asked for foreign assistance and didn't believe the US needed it on national morning tv, a week later the international support came pouring in. The State Department said they were happily accpting the unprecedented support.
Here is some examples of support.
-Canada: sent 3 warships and one coast guard ship. Canadian divers to help repair the damaged harbor in Pascagoula, Miss.
- Mexico: army convoy and a navy ship stocked with food, supplies, baby clothes and specialists. First time in 159 years that the Mexican Military has operated in US soil. (The Mexico government feel very proud to help a country that assist them so much)
- France: a planeload of tents arrived in Little Rock, Ark., also a plane filled with food for Biloxi, Miss.
- Thailand: food aid and medical supplies from
- Germany: high-speed water pumps
- Isreal: first aid kits
- Netherlands: levee specialists
Accepting this money has symbolic and political implications. Some poor countries have provided $25 thousands. Clearly a small amount, but a symbolic gesture. (and every little bit helps.) Many countries feel proud to help their rich neighbor and show their support. Others believe accepting money from such poor countries is embarrassing. Even though we are happy to see the international support - we can't accept all donations. The US has currently accepted 48 of the 95 offers of assistance. When the US accepts the money, they accept the country. We do not accept the actions of Cuba or the missery of the daily life of the Cuban people.
Cuban's are dieing in Cuba. Fidel just wants to use this for political reasons, not because suddenly he is Mr. Nice Guy. There is nothing nice about Castro or Chavez. He should keep those doctors in Cuba and help the Cuban people, many who have not seen a doctor in months! The US should not, and can not, accept doctors or his so called 25 tons of medical supplies!!!
In reality if these doctors come to the US how many do you think are going back to Cuba. Even at our worst, the US is still better then living in Cuba.
Martinez needs to wake up and realize what he is saying. Who ever is doing Cuba policy in that office is CLEARLY out of touch with his constituency! And Martinez needs to think before he talks!
Walk around Miami and you'll see they all want give Martinez a piece of thier minds. And right now, Martinez is giving me a headache.
In a article in the Boston Globe, there is list of all foriegn donations. (see below). These are only Cash donations.
Kuwait: $400 million in oil and $100 million cash
United Arab Emirates: $100 million cash
Qatar: $100 million cash
Republic of Korea: $30 million cash and in-kind donations
Australia: $7.6 million
China: $5.1 million cash and relief supplies
India: $5 million cash
Ireland: $1 million to Red Cross
Iraq: $1 million cash
Bangladesh: $1 million cash
Azerbaijan: $500,000 cash
Gabon: $500,000 cash
Afghanistan: $100,000 cash
Armenia: $100,000 cash
Bahamas: $50,000 cash
Maldives: $25,000 cash
Sri Lanka: $25,000 cash
Bosnia: $6,414 cash
SOURCE: US State Department
Herald.com | 09/08/2005 | Martinez: Cuban aid should be welcomed
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
If your in DC and want to help Katrina Victims
The DC Area Red Cross is compiling lists of volunteers to help staff phone banks, enter data or pack emergency supplies over the next couple of weeks. If you want to volunteer, email evanse@redcrossnca.org
Serrano and Grijalva tell State Dept - Let Cuban Doctors Help Katrina Victims
Congress is back in session and the insanity resumes!
Yesterday, Representatives Jose E. Serrano (D-NY) and Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to the State Department asking them to take Cuba's offers of medical assistance and supplies.
Clearly the U.S. can NOT accept this donation for several reasons. One, it would be a slap in the face to take hand outs from a third world country, who claims to have nothing at the US embargo is the blame for everything. Also, more importantly, how in the heck does the Cuban government have the resources to send 1,100 medical personal and 25 tons of medical supplies!!
The Cuban people don't have access to these medical supplies or assistance. Hundreds of letters are sent from Cuba to family in the US asking for simple things like aspirin because they can't find it in Cuba. They don’t even have bedding for beds in Cuban hospitals (well at least for hospitals that attend to native Cubans)...
It was only a few weeks ago Serrano asked the State Department to grant Pastors for Peace entrance into Cuba with humanitarian aide.....So Cuba needs assistance but can send it to thier “best friend” the good old USA too.... ok? .... you tell that to the thousands of Cubans still waiting for their rice cooker, promised to them by Papi Fidel, while they wait without electricity in their dilapidated homes, that the island is “plentiful” with resources. That, instead of helping Cubans, the government is going to give 25 TONS of medicine to the Yankees.... its enough to give everyone in Cuba a Sirimba!!
More correctly did Serrano have further brain malfunction over the summer recess? It only gives you a better idea how out of touch he is about the Cuban reality, or maybe how much in cahoots he is with Castro. ….. que mierda!
U.S. Press Release :: Serrano and Grijalva: State Dept. Should Let Cuban Doctors Help Katrina Victims
Yesterday, Representatives Jose E. Serrano (D-NY) and Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) sent a letter to the State Department asking them to take Cuba's offers of medical assistance and supplies.
Clearly the U.S. can NOT accept this donation for several reasons. One, it would be a slap in the face to take hand outs from a third world country, who claims to have nothing at the US embargo is the blame for everything. Also, more importantly, how in the heck does the Cuban government have the resources to send 1,100 medical personal and 25 tons of medical supplies!!
The Cuban people don't have access to these medical supplies or assistance. Hundreds of letters are sent from Cuba to family in the US asking for simple things like aspirin because they can't find it in Cuba. They don’t even have bedding for beds in Cuban hospitals (well at least for hospitals that attend to native Cubans)...
It was only a few weeks ago Serrano asked the State Department to grant Pastors for Peace entrance into Cuba with humanitarian aide.....So Cuba needs assistance but can send it to thier “best friend” the good old USA too.... ok? .... you tell that to the thousands of Cubans still waiting for their rice cooker, promised to them by Papi Fidel, while they wait without electricity in their dilapidated homes, that the island is “plentiful” with resources. That, instead of helping Cubans, the government is going to give 25 TONS of medicine to the Yankees.... its enough to give everyone in Cuba a Sirimba!!
More correctly did Serrano have further brain malfunction over the summer recess? It only gives you a better idea how out of touch he is about the Cuban reality, or maybe how much in cahoots he is with Castro. ….. que mierda!
U.S. Press Release :: Serrano and Grijalva: State Dept. Should Let Cuban Doctors Help Katrina Victims
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
Hotlines/ Websites for Missing Persons and Volunteers
HOTLINES AND WEBSITES FOR MISSING PERSONS, VOLUNTEERS, AND DONATIONS HURRICANE KATRINA
We have compiled the following list of websites and phone numbers from the Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi state websites.
Please bear with the emergency personnel and rescue teams and realize that it may be difficult to get through because of downed communication lines, and the overwhelming life-saving measures that are taking place. If you are aware of additional phone numbers or website that may be useful, please let us know. We will update this list as more information becomes available.
Louisiana (see http://www.louisiana.gov/wps/portal/)
To report missing persons, please call the American Red Cross at 1(866) 438-4636.
Louisiana Governor Blanco's hotline: 800-469-4828
Louisiana Evacuation Office: 225-925-7514
Louisiana State Police: 225-925-7708 or 7709
Shelter Information:
Red Cross- 1(866)(438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information
Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers.
To donate cash, please call:
American Red Cross 1-800-435-7669 English
1-800-257-7575 Spanish
Operation Blessing 1-800-436-6348
America's Second Harvest 1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services 1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA 703 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee 1-800-848-5818
Church World Service 1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope 417-823-8998
Lutheran Disaster Response 1-800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service 717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response 888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 1-800-872-3283
Salvation Army 1-800-725-2769
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583
For further information: please visit the website for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at:
http://www.nvoad.org/
Mississippi (see www.mema.ms.gov )
Red Cross 1-866-Get Info (Missing Persons)
To report missing persons, please email missingpersons@seoc.ms.gov
Use this form: www.mema.ms.gov/missing.person.form.gov
Red Cross 1-800-Help Now (Donations)
MDOT traffic hotline: 601-352-7017
Volunteers
Medical personnel:
Doctors call: 601-987-3079;
EMTs call: 601-576-8085;
Nurses call: 601-497-8022
____________________________________________________________________________________
Non-professional volunteers: contact Red Cross, Salvation Army other established volunteer organizations.
Alabama (http://www.governor.state.al.us/hurricane_katrina/katrina2.htm)
Alabamians who want to volunteer for disaster relief efforts can sign up over the Internet through the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The website where Alabamians can sign up to volunteer is www.servealabama.gov/
American Red Cross
1-866-GET-INFO
For assistance, to volunteer or to assist click here:
http://www.redcross.org/
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
205-280-2200
Click below for your county EMA contact information:
http://207.157.116.10
Alabama Department of Transportation
Emergency Road Closure Information and Evacuation Updates:
1-888-588-2848 or 1-334-353-6650
http://www.dot.state.al.us/docs
Attorney General
1-800-392-5658
To report price gouging contact the Consumer Affairs Office:
http://www.ago.state.al.us/
Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation
1-800-367-0955
Facilities and Health Care Information
Other:
B'nai B'rith International, 2020 K Street, N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006; or online by going to www.bnaibrith.org and clicking on the link for disaster relief.
United Jewish Communities, P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, N.Y., 10113, attention: Hurricane Katrina. Mark the memo section of checks with "Katrina." Phone: 1- 877-277-2477
Union for Reform Judaism can be made at www.urj.org/give. Information on the Disaster Relief Fund can be found at www.urj.org/relief.
International Aid Global Headquarters
17011 W. Hickory
Spring Lake, Michigan 49456-9712, USA
Phone: (616) 846.7490 Fax: (616) 846.3842
Toll Free: (800) 968-7490
24-hour Donation Line: (800) 251.2502
The website is www.internationalaid.org
We have compiled the following list of websites and phone numbers from the Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi state websites.
Please bear with the emergency personnel and rescue teams and realize that it may be difficult to get through because of downed communication lines, and the overwhelming life-saving measures that are taking place. If you are aware of additional phone numbers or website that may be useful, please let us know. We will update this list as more information becomes available.
Louisiana (see http://www.louisiana.gov/wps/portal/)
To report missing persons, please call the American Red Cross at 1(866) 438-4636.
Louisiana Governor Blanco's hotline: 800-469-4828
Louisiana Evacuation Office: 225-925-7514
Louisiana State Police: 225-925-7708 or 7709
Shelter Information:
Red Cross- 1(866)(438-4636)
Special Needs Shelter Information
Triage Phone Numbers:
Alexandria: 800-841-5778
Baton Rouge: 800-349-1372
Slidell/Hammond: 866-280-7724
Lafayette: 800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 866-280-2711
Monroe: 866-280-7287
Houma/Thibodaux: 800-228-9409
Here is a list of phone numbers set up solely for cash donations and/or volunteers.
To donate cash, please call:
American Red Cross 1-800-435-7669 English
1-800-257-7575 Spanish
Operation Blessing 1-800-436-6348
America's Second Harvest 1-800-344-8070
Donate Cash to and Volunteer with:
Adventist Community Services 1-800-381-7171
Catholic Charities, USA 703 549-1390
Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee 1-800-848-5818
Church World Service 1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope 417-823-8998
Lutheran Disaster Response 1-800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service 717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response 888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 1-800-872-3283
Salvation Army 1-800-725-2769
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief 1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
United Methodist Committee on Relief 1-800-554-8583
For further information: please visit the website for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at:
http://www.nvoad.org/
Mississippi (see www.mema.ms.gov )
Red Cross 1-866-Get Info (Missing Persons)
To report missing persons, please email missingpersons@seoc.ms.gov
Use this form: www.mema.ms.gov/missing.person.form.gov
Red Cross 1-800-Help Now (Donations)
MDOT traffic hotline: 601-352-7017
Volunteers
Medical personnel:
Doctors call: 601-987-3079;
EMTs call: 601-576-8085;
Nurses call: 601-497-8022
____________________________________________________________________________________
Non-professional volunteers: contact Red Cross, Salvation Army other established volunteer organizations.
Alabama (http://www.governor.state.al.us/hurricane_katrina/katrina2.htm)
Alabamians who want to volunteer for disaster relief efforts can sign up over the Internet through the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The website where Alabamians can sign up to volunteer is www.servealabama.gov/
American Red Cross
1-866-GET-INFO
For assistance, to volunteer or to assist click here:
http://www.redcross.org/
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
205-280-2200
Click below for your county EMA contact information:
http://207.157.116.10
Alabama Department of Transportation
Emergency Road Closure Information and Evacuation Updates:
1-888-588-2848 or 1-334-353-6650
http://www.dot.state.al.us/docs
Attorney General
1-800-392-5658
To report price gouging contact the Consumer Affairs Office:
http://www.ago.state.al.us/
Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation
1-800-367-0955
Facilities and Health Care Information
Other:
B'nai B'rith International, 2020 K Street, N.W., Seventh Floor, Washington, D.C., 20006; or online by going to www.bnaibrith.org and clicking on the link for disaster relief.
United Jewish Communities, P.O. Box 30, Old Chelsea Station, N.Y., 10113, attention: Hurricane Katrina. Mark the memo section of checks with "Katrina." Phone: 1- 877-277-2477
Union for Reform Judaism can be made at www.urj.org/give. Information on the Disaster Relief Fund can be found at www.urj.org/relief.
International Aid Global Headquarters
17011 W. Hickory
Spring Lake, Michigan 49456-9712, USA
Phone: (616) 846.7490 Fax: (616) 846.3842
Toll Free: (800) 968-7490
24-hour Donation Line: (800) 251.2502
The website is www.internationalaid.org
FEMA Press Release -
FEMA Urges Patience While Search Continues for Stranded Victims and Supplies Stream In
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking for patience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Response operations are being conducted over a disaster area of nearly 90,000 square miles - the biggest single disaster response in our nation's history. This is a catastrophic event, and it takes time to get assets to victims over this large area, while we also conduct search and rescue efforts for those who are stranded and without commodities.
To date, Federal response activities include:
The sheltering and care of more than 91,000 hurricane victims. FEMA is supporting state partners, the American Red Cross and voluntary agencies, in ensuring that victims of the storms are in safe shelters with essential life-sustaining commodities. As of today, people are in 275 shelters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
Ø The rescue of more than 4,800 people by FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal, state and local rescue teams. All 28 of FEMA's US&R task forces have been deployed in response to Hurricane Katrina. Fourteen task forces and two Incident Support Teams are working in Louisiana and Mississippi and the remaining task forces are enroute. Eight swift water teams from California are also deployed making a total of approximately 1,800 US&R responding to this disaster.
Ø The deployment of nearly 1,200 National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) personnel to support medical facilities and hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi which are not fully operational. Teams are staged near disaster areas for immediate and rapid deployment further into the disaster zone once it is safe to do so. NDMS teams are also coordinating the transport of medical needs victims from New Orleans to Houston.
Ø The coordination of nearly 16,000 law enforcement personnel including National Guardsmen, and federal, state and local police officers being sent to the stricken areas.
Ø Convoys of food, water and ice which are arriving hourly in impacted areas.
Ø The evacuation of thousands from New Orleans to Texas. FEMA has contracted for more than 650 buses to expedite the state-ordered evacuation.
Ø President Bush has authorized 100-percent reimbursement to Louisiana for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance. The government normally pays 75 percent of these costs.
Ø Affected individuals in declared counties can register online for disaster assistance at www.fema.gov or call FEMA's toll-free registration line 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) - TTY 800-462-7585, hours. Individuals are encouraged to register on-line due to the possibility of high call volume. If registering by phone, owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Phone lines are open 24-hours, 7 days a week.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking for patience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Response operations are being conducted over a disaster area of nearly 90,000 square miles - the biggest single disaster response in our nation's history. This is a catastrophic event, and it takes time to get assets to victims over this large area, while we also conduct search and rescue efforts for those who are stranded and without commodities.
To date, Federal response activities include:
The sheltering and care of more than 91,000 hurricane victims. FEMA is supporting state partners, the American Red Cross and voluntary agencies, in ensuring that victims of the storms are in safe shelters with essential life-sustaining commodities. As of today, people are in 275 shelters in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
Ø The rescue of more than 4,800 people by FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) teams, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other federal, state and local rescue teams. All 28 of FEMA's US&R task forces have been deployed in response to Hurricane Katrina. Fourteen task forces and two Incident Support Teams are working in Louisiana and Mississippi and the remaining task forces are enroute. Eight swift water teams from California are also deployed making a total of approximately 1,800 US&R responding to this disaster.
Ø The deployment of nearly 1,200 National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) personnel to support medical facilities and hospitals in Louisiana and Mississippi which are not fully operational. Teams are staged near disaster areas for immediate and rapid deployment further into the disaster zone once it is safe to do so. NDMS teams are also coordinating the transport of medical needs victims from New Orleans to Houston.
Ø The coordination of nearly 16,000 law enforcement personnel including National Guardsmen, and federal, state and local police officers being sent to the stricken areas.
Ø Convoys of food, water and ice which are arriving hourly in impacted areas.
Ø The evacuation of thousands from New Orleans to Texas. FEMA has contracted for more than 650 buses to expedite the state-ordered evacuation.
Ø President Bush has authorized 100-percent reimbursement to Louisiana for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance. The government normally pays 75 percent of these costs.
Ø Affected individuals in declared counties can register online for disaster assistance at www.fema.gov or call FEMA's toll-free registration line 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) - TTY 800-462-7585, hours. Individuals are encouraged to register on-line due to the possibility of high call volume. If registering by phone, owners of commercial properties and residents with only minor losses are urged to wait a few days before calling so those whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged can be served first. Phone lines are open 24-hours, 7 days a week.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Congress will return to Session tomorrow!
Rumors all around Washington have confirmed that Congress will reconvene to approve an emergency supplemental tomorrow. Bush has informed the Bicameral Leadership that FEMA needs additional funds this week.
New Orleans is still in shreds and will be for a long time. Over 1,400 national guardsman are being sent to New Orleans daily. Congress hopes to send about $10 billion dollars for all Hurricane Katrina victims.
article from the Roll Call
September 1, 2005
By Mark Preston and John Bresnahan,
Roll Call Staff
Congressional leaders are expected to cut their summer recess short Friday to approve an emergency aid package in the $10 billion range to help fund relief efforts along areas of the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
President Bush is scheduled to speak with Congressional leaders during a 3:30 p.m. conference call to talk about the emergency supplemental bill, Congressional aides said.
"Disaster relief should be the first order of business of this Congress," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)." Sen. Reid feels this sends the appropriate message that we stand behind these people during this time of need."
The bulk of the estimated $10 billion aid package will be sent directly to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is taking the lead in federal relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and other affected states.
Congressional aides said the emergency supplemental bill is likely to pass by unanimous consent and will serve as a temporary funding measure until a much larger relief package is approved.
"FEMA is currently spending $500 million a day, and under this scenario they will be broke shortly," Manley said. "This $10 billion will give then another 20 days as they continue to assess their needs."
Ron Bonjean, a spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), said the GOP Congressional leadership is committed to helping the victims in the Gulf region.
"We've approached the Minority Leader with a proposal to bring the House back into emergency session to pass emergency funding for Hurricane Katrina victims," Bonjean said.
Ben Pershing contributed to this report.
Copyright 2005 © Roll Call Inc. All rights reserved.
New Orleans is still in shreds and will be for a long time. Over 1,400 national guardsman are being sent to New Orleans daily. Congress hopes to send about $10 billion dollars for all Hurricane Katrina victims.
article from the Roll Call
Congress to Return Friday for Katrina Aid Package
September 1, 2005
By Mark Preston and John Bresnahan,
Roll Call Staff
Congressional leaders are expected to cut their summer recess short Friday to approve an emergency aid package in the $10 billion range to help fund relief efforts along areas of the Gulf Coast devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
President Bush is scheduled to speak with Congressional leaders during a 3:30 p.m. conference call to talk about the emergency supplemental bill, Congressional aides said.
"Disaster relief should be the first order of business of this Congress," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)." Sen. Reid feels this sends the appropriate message that we stand behind these people during this time of need."
The bulk of the estimated $10 billion aid package will be sent directly to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is taking the lead in federal relief efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and other affected states.
Congressional aides said the emergency supplemental bill is likely to pass by unanimous consent and will serve as a temporary funding measure until a much larger relief package is approved.
"FEMA is currently spending $500 million a day, and under this scenario they will be broke shortly," Manley said. "This $10 billion will give then another 20 days as they continue to assess their needs."
Ron Bonjean, a spokesman for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), said the GOP Congressional leadership is committed to helping the victims in the Gulf region.
"We've approached the Minority Leader with a proposal to bring the House back into emergency session to pass emergency funding for Hurricane Katrina victims," Bonjean said.
Ben Pershing contributed to this report.
Copyright 2005 © Roll Call Inc. All rights reserved.
God Bless,....they will survive
Donate today to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Go to the Catholic Charities at or help the American Red Cross
Help our fellow Americans.
In the midst of the largest and worst natural disaster people around the world find it necessary to say that America and New Orleans had it coming. They state we are a country of exaggeration and waste and New Orleans a city famous for booze, lude behavior and gambling… All I have to say is - Preposterous!
If you need a sign, just look to Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter where a Jesus Christ statue proudly stands. No water lay at its feet. It was not toppled to the ground. Even after the worst catastrophe hits its home, it grandly stands on its dry pedestal as a beacon for the faithful. Even Bourbon Street, the headquarters of Mardi Gras, all the streets are dry.
The Jesus Christ statue might have lost two fingers, caused by a falling tree. Yet like the city of New Orleans, it is broken but not destroyed. It may be hurt, but it remains strong and ever present. They will not be forgotten or abandoned. The lord is watching over you and things will work out. Thought it’s hard to understand it now, in this world wind of events and catastrophes, everything happens for a reason and we must look for happiness in the smallest of things.
Help our fellow Americans.
In the midst of the largest and worst natural disaster people around the world find it necessary to say that America and New Orleans had it coming. They state we are a country of exaggeration and waste and New Orleans a city famous for booze, lude behavior and gambling… All I have to say is - Preposterous!
If you need a sign, just look to Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter where a Jesus Christ statue proudly stands. No water lay at its feet. It was not toppled to the ground. Even after the worst catastrophe hits its home, it grandly stands on its dry pedestal as a beacon for the faithful. Even Bourbon Street, the headquarters of Mardi Gras, all the streets are dry. 
The Jesus Christ statue might have lost two fingers, caused by a falling tree. Yet like the city of New Orleans, it is broken but not destroyed. It may be hurt, but it remains strong and ever present. They will not be forgotten or abandoned. The lord is watching over you and things will work out. Thought it’s hard to understand it now, in this world wind of events and catastrophes, everything happens for a reason and we must look for happiness in the smallest of things.
UPDATE:
Just wanted to say I don't support all the looting. I do understand looting for food and water. People need essentials. People are despearate. But those people who have looted televisions, and going into people's homes, this is not acceptable. In fact its despecable. Where exactly are they going to go with electronic appliances when EVERYTHING is covered with water. I agree with Peggy Noonan on this one, read her article at the Wall Street Journal
Louisiana Foundation
The State of Louisiana has set up a foundation to rebuild and help the people of New Orleans... also people can report missing persons here....
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