August 18, 2008 3:07 PM
Pat did a great job telling you about the Long Island Immigrant Alliance event yesterday, so I figured I would share some pictures.
Luis Valenzuela welcomes everyone to the fiesta
Listening to Luis talk about our successes and challenges in Suffolk County the last few months
Assemblyman Phil Ramos talks about Jim's important role in the immigrant community and about his own battles within Suffolk County
Legislator Jon Cooper speaks about how many of his colleagues want to move forward to improve Suffolk County instead of constantly debating devisive bills
The room listens to Leg. Jon Cooper as he speaks about Jim's contributions and hard work
To show his and the County's appreciation for Jim's work, he presents Jim with a proclamation
Luis presents another proclamation from Legislator Ric Montano, who couldn't attend yesterday's fiesta
Jim finally takes the podium and reads the following words from the First Continental Seminar of Justice and Peace on the problems of our migrant brothers and sisters:
We observe significant paradoxes in the absurd treatment of migrants:
1. Having nothing, migrants abandon everything;
2. They set out in search of life but too often find death;
3. In order to exist, they need to become invisible;
4. They are forced to take risky routes but no one takes responsibility for their injury and death;
5. While their death is lamented, nothing substantive is done to avoid it;
6. Although they travel in groups, they are always alone;
7. Although condemned to a clandestine life, they are reproached for living secretly;
8. Although most in need of governmental protection, they receive it the least;
9. They are denied visas and yet imprisoned for traveling without one;
10. They aspire to a better life but are condemned to travel through swamps, desert and mountains to find it;
11. Although they harvest the crops, they are denied food;
12. Although grossly offended, they are told their presence is offensive;
13. Accused of being violent, they are violated in their body, family and human rights;
14. While considered untrustworthy, they are entrusted with other people's children.
15. Forced to migrate, they are accused of having no roots;
16. They are received as workers but denied their wages and recognition as persons;
In summary, immigrants are today's martyrs.
Jim taking a moment
Picture time!
Maryann & myself from Long Island WINS & Johnny and Luis from LIIA
My husband and I with Assmeblyman Phil Ramos and Robert Cooper
Legislator Jon Cooper, Aseemblyman Phil Ramos & Robert cooper
Nice pics Lisa.
By Pat Young August 18, 2008 04:08 PM