THE SAUDA VOICE

(VIDEO & AUDIO) Walking While Black in Florida = Death Sentence

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ORLANDO - By now, it is my hope that all of you know the story of Trayvon Martin, a Florida teenager whose life was violently taken away from him because he was black and "looked suspicious." 

 

On February 28th, 17-year old Trayvon was visiting his father in Sanford, Florida. The two were watching the NBA All-Star game at a home in the gated community of Retreat at Twin Lakes.  During half-time, Trayvon walked to the local 7-Eleven to purchase a bag of Skittles and bottle of Arizona Ice Tea.  On his way back, he was confronted by the self-appointed Neighborhood Watchman, George Zimmerman, a 28-year old Hispanic male. 

 

George Zimmerman

 

Apparently, Mr. Zimmerman had been watching Trayvon for quite some time.  Moments earlier, he called 911 to report a "real suspicious guy" in the neighborhood.  After weeks of community pressure, the City of Sanford finally released the audio tapes.  Take a listen below:

 

 

Despite being advised by 911 NOT to follow or confront Trayvon, Mr. Zimmerman took it upon himself to do so anyway.  Some sort of scuffle ensued resulting in Trayvon crying out for help only to be silenced by a single bullet from Mr. Zimmerman's gun (Yes, he had a gun!) seconds later. 

 

When police arrived on the scene, Trayvon was dead with Mr. Zimmerman claiming self-defense.  One listen to the 911 recordings and witness accounts given on the scene make it patently clear that Mr. Zimmerman was the aggressor in this situation.  However, he was NEVER arrested or charged in the death of Trayvon. 

 

It appears that both Mr. Zimmerman and local authorities are relying on Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law for safe haven on this issue.  In a nutshell, this doctrine grants a person the right to use deadly force if he/she feels threatened and does NOT impose a duty to retreat from such perceived threat if it is possible to do so safely.  The NRA and other gun advocates lobbied for the law and it was ushered in by Republican lawmakers in 2005. 

 

Sadly, this law loosened the pre-existing "Castle Doctrine" that most of us are familiar with.  The Castle Doctrine permits a person to use deadly force if they are attacked IN THEIR HOME.  Florida, through their "Stand Your Ground" law, extended this doctrine to include areas outside the home (read = in public).  So, in essence, all a person has to do is "feel" threatened and he is permitted to take the life of the person he's scared of, however unreasonable that fear may be.

 

The normal standard, found nationwide, is that a person may use deadly force only when threatened with serious bodily harm or deadly force.  Notice the difference?  The standard is much higher than Florida's law, as it should be since it involves the taking of a human life.  Because "feeling" threatened is a whole lot different than "actually" being threatened.

 

As a person of color, I have a huge problem with Florida's law as it currently stands.  Namely because some people feel threatened by me simply because of the color of my skin and the proximity of that brown skin to them.  So, the closer I am to them (like, say, walking beside them on a local street) the MORE they feel threatened.  Such a person should NOT be given license to take my my life based on their irrational fear and possible prejudice.  And that's exactly what Florida has permitted to happen with their "Stand Your Ground" law. 

 

As of the date of this post, Florida authorities have NOT arrested or charged Mr. Zimmerman.  Three weeks later!  As you can imagine, national outrage has grown.  Trayvon's parents demanded answers and action on the part of Florida lawmakers and law enforcement.  Still nothing.  So, Trayvon's parents and much of the national public began calling on federal authorities to intervene, asking them to investigate since nothing was being done on the local and state level. 

 

Check out brief news clip on growing outrage.

Finally, on March 19th, the Justice Department agreed to do just that, issuing the following statement:

 

“The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the FBI opened an investigation into the facts and circumstances of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.  The department will conduct a thorough and independent review of all of the evidence and take appropriate action at the conclusion of the investigation.  The department also is providing assistance to and cooperating with the state officials in their investigation into the incident.  With all federal civil rights crimes, the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids – the highest level of intent in criminal law.  Negligence, recklessness, mistakes and accidents are not prosecutable under the federal criminal civil rights laws.  The Community Relations Service will be in Sanford, Fla., this week to meet with civil rights leaders, community leaders, and local law enforcement to address tension in the community.”

 

It is my sincere hope that we are now on the path to getting justice for Trayvon Martin, a young man whose life was taken far too early.  Let's hope that an arrest and charging of Mr. Zimmerman is right around the corner. 

 

LEARN MORE:

What Everyone Should Know About Trayvon Martin (1995-2012)

 

White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious Like Trayvon Martin

 

Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum Pander to Hate by Reigniting 'Welfare Queen' Stereotype

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With almost spot-on predictability, two contenders for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination have begun using a popular conservative campaign tactic: the "Black Bogeyman" card.  Don't know what that is?  Well, let me explain. 

 

Whenever politicians, traditionally conservatives, want to obtain votes and political ground quickly (usually to prove they are true Republicans) they target the fringe element of their party by appealing to these people's intolerant and racist belief systems.  Typically, the politicians use code words and thinly-veiled "us vs. them" commentary. 

 

However, occasionally, a few of them get bold and say it how they really mean it.  This usually happens when they're in their comfort zone, a safe environment wherein most, if not all, the people surrounding them look like them, share similar life experiences and hold the same opinions.  Such was the case with Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum this week. 

 

At an Iowa campaign stop on Sunday, former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum told his supporters:

 

"I don't want to make black people's lives better by giving them somebody else's money. I want to give them the opportunity to go out and earn the money."

 

Check out a brief news clip of the remark.

       

Okay, what?  Once again we have a politician reinforcing the grossly unfounded and forever-enduring stereotype that blacks in this country refuse to work (i.e. are lazy).  According to Mr. Santorum and others, we'd rather collect a welfare check every month (i.e. don't "earn" what we have; abuse the system).

This sentiment is a slap in the face to all the hardworking black Americans who get up each morning and earn a living.  A living that feeds, clothes, houses, and all around supports both themselves and their families.  Last time I checked, this was the vast majority of the African American community.  I know it represents my reality and that of my friends, family and loved ones.  So why the continuous lie, Mr. Santorum, if not to pander to hate? 

But, wait.  Mr. Santorum is not alone in his pandering to the lowest of the low in his party.  On Thursday, Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, told a crowd of supporters at a town hall meeting in Plymouth, New Hampshire, that if the NAACP invited him to their annual convention this year:

"I will go to the NAACP convention and tell the African American community why they should demand paychecks instead of food stamps." 

So, what are we to take away from this comment?  Yet again, it presupposes that: (1) all blacks are receiving welfare, and (2) we don't want to work.  For reasons already stated, this statement is beyond offensive.  Politicians should be working toward knocking down racist ideologies and stereotypes NOT reinforcing them. 

SHAME ON YOU RICK SANTORUM AND NEWT GINGRICH

 

STUCK ON STUPID ALERT: 15-Yr Old American Teen Wrongfully Deported to Colombia

How did this happen?

 

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After searching for her missing granddaughter since November of 2010, Lorene Turner finally discovered her whereabouts - Columbia.  Apparently, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) wrongfully deported Jakadrien Turner, 15, in April of 2011.  The question on everyone's mind is:  How did this happen?  Especially to an American teen. 

 

According to Ms. Turner, then 14-year old Jakadrien became distraught over the simultaneous death of her grandfather and parents' divorce.  She ran away from her family home in Dallas and somehow made it to Houston where she was eventually arrested for theft.  She gave a fake name.  Unfortunately, the name she provided matched the identity of a 22-year old illegal immigrant from Colombia with warrants out for her arrest. 

 

Now, here's my question: Knowing it's commonplace for people who come in contact with police to sometimes give a fake name in order to avoid more serious punishment, why didn't ICE confirm this young girl's identity before deporting her to a foreign country? 

 

ICE took Jackadrien's fingerprints, but when they were unable to confirm her identity (probably due to some bureaucratic mix-up or oversight), they deported her anyway - an African American minor who didn't even speak the language.  Red flags should have gone up all over the place.  Not to mention the fact that it should've been impermissible, even illegal, for ICE to deport this child to a foreign country by herself.  If nothing else, the child's family or guardians in her "native" land should have been identified, contacted and transported to an agreed-upon pick up location, either in the U.S., at the Colombian Embassy or at an appropriate Colombian government facility. 

 

There is absolutely no excuse for doing what ICE did.  Anything could have happened to this child.  And, for all we know, bad things did happen to her once she was dropped off on foreign soil to fend for herself.  

 

Lucky for Jakadrien, her family didn't consider her a throwaway like ICE apparently did.  Her grandmother searched for her diligently from the moment of her disappearance, combing social networks and other resources until she came across a clue on Facebook.  That clue turned into the eventual discovery of Jakadrien in Colombia where she was working as a cleaner.  It seems the Colombian government issued the teen a work card upon her arrival in the country. 

 

Check out brief news clips of story (below).

 

The Colombian government has since been informed of the "accidental" deportation and has placed Jakadrien into custody.  She has now spent over a month in detention and it was recently discovered that she is pregnant.  To make matters worse, the Colombian government refuses to release Jakadrien into the custody of her family.  In effect, Jakadrien is in limbo and it is all courtesy of the U.S. government. 

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 

Would ICE have been so quick to deport an underage white teen under the exact same circumstances and characteristics as Jakadrien (underage, no confirmation of identity, doesn't speak language of supposed native country, etc)?

 

Is GOP's Great Black Hope Finally Losing His Luster?

 

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Does anyone else think the only reason GOP Presidential contender Herman Cain is a front-runner and popular among likely Republican voters is because he's black?  I do and credit this sudden open-mindedness, if you will, to the "Obama Effect." 

 

Were it not for the election of President Barack Obama, the Republican Party would NEVER have given Mr. Cain the time of day, let alone considered him a viable choice.  It's as if they said, "Oh my God!  They (the Democrats) elected a black man!  The only way we're gonna beat them now is if we put up a black man, too!" This move is so transparent, it's sickening and offensive. 

 

Mr. Cain has been taking some hits as of late and I wonder how long his superstar status can protect him.  As of today, the number of women accusing Mr. Cain of sexual harassment stands at four.  Honestly, I didn't give any immediate credence to the allegations when they were first reported.  I felt as if such things were par for the political course and simply reserved judgment for when evidence beyond he said/she said was brought forth. 

 

However, now that we have four women making the same claim, I'm less inclined to give Mr. Cain the benefit of the doubt.  Is it possible ALL four women are lying?  Yes.  Is it likely?  I don't think so.  Something tells me the truth lies somewhere in the middle of what each party says did or did not happen. 

 

Apparently, the Cain camp is finally acknowledging the possible damage these allegations are having on his campaign.  So much such that Mr. Cain's wife, Gloria, is stepping into the spotlight to defend her husband. 

 

Check out Ms. Cain's interview with Fox News' Greta van Susteren Monday.

 

 

As if the sexual harassment allegations weren't enough, Mr. Cain's lack of foreign policy knowledge is painfully apparent and no longer excusable. 

 

See for yourself.

 

 

 

Will Mr. Cain's bid for President be derailed by these latest events? 

Only time will tell.

 

(VIDEO) SHAME ON OAKLAND POLICE: Police Brutality at Occupy Oakland Results in Serious Injury to Iraq War Veteran

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Food for Thought:  First, why was this massive police presence dispatched to "Occupy Wall Street" / "We are the 99%" protests around the nation and not for the Tea Party protests?  Second, why were police departments and local governments around the country attempting to stop these protests and disband these protesters, often with heavy handed tactics and unnecessary force, when they did not do so with Tea Party protests and that movement's protesters? 

 

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On the night of October 25th, Occupy Oakland, a regional installment of the national Occupy Wall Street movement, marched on the streets of downtown Oakland.  Most accounts support the protesters' claim that they were demonstrating peacefully and not throwing bottles and rocks at authorities as the Oakland Police Department alleges - an explanation offered to justify officers' use of unnecessary force on protesters. 

 

Police approached protesters in full riot gear, arresting them as they shot baton rounds, tear gas and flash bang grenades INTO the crowd (not above the crowd), a transparent attempt to intimidate protesters and prevent them from exercising their First Amendment rights - a gross abuse of power by Oakland law enforcement. 

 

Such brutality and disregard for the health and well being of the protesters was not without consequences.  Scott Olsen, 24, an Iraq war veteran and Occupy activist was hit in the head, at close range, with a police projectile, resulting in a skull fracture and swelling of the brain.  He is now in critical condition at Oakland's Highland Hospital and under the care of a neurosurgeon.  Mr. Olsen survived two tours of duty in Iraq only to return home to America and be injured by the very people sworn to protect us. 

 

When a group of protesters came to the aid of Mr. Olsen, who was rendered bloodied and motionless on the ground, police officers continued their assault upon them.  A nearby police officer shot what appears to be another flash grenade or tear gas canister directly INTO the crowd of protesters.  Not only could this action have seriously injured a protester, it could have easily injured Mr. Olsen for a second time.  A video captures the entire incident on tape.  

 

 

 

Occupy Wall Street released the following public statement:

 

It is unconscionable that American government officials would sanction the use of such extreme force against peaceful citizens.

Occupy Oakland has been a public forum, set up on public land, concerned with critical public issues about the nation’s financial crisis, consolidation of wealth and power, and the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in the democratic process.

This brutality carried out on the orders of city government, sends a chilling message to those who want to engage in civic processes to work for social change.

Over a month ago, we went to the doorstep of Wall Street to say "enough!" That message has resonated across the country and around the world. Occupy Wall Street continues to build, and a national movement of peaceful occupations and civic engagement has sprung up in every corner.

Public officials must listen to the grievances of this popular movement. It is absolutely unacceptable to attempt to dissuade civic engagement through the use of brutality, repression and retaliation against movement participants. This is America. All Americans have the freedom to peacefully protest our government. That right defines who we are as a country and a people, and when it is denied, all of America is the poorer for it.

The Mayor of Oakland — and mayors and city governments across the country — should get on the right side of history and honor all Americans' freedom to peacefully assemble and to civically engage.

We call on all concerned people to send Oakland Mayor Quan a message that the actions she sanctioned are unconscionable. We ask supporters to please sign this petition to Mayor Quan ...

Supporters can also call Mayor Quan at (510) 238-3141 to register disapproval.

Tonight in Manhattan, we will hold a march in solidarity with Occupy Oakland (9:00pm. Details to be announced.)

We will continue to build a movement to empower the 99% and to hold Wall Street and government accountable.

 

Learn More About Scott Olsen

See Raw Video of Occupy Oakland Protests from that Night

Make a Donation to Medical Fund Established for Scott Olsen

(courtesy of Iraq Veterans Against the War)

Sign Petition to Stop Police Repression of Occupy Oakland (here and here)