US Local Elections: Major Fenty Endorses Jack Evans, Evans Swaps to Obama, Kicksoff Reelection Campaign

Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) at a cook out he organized to kickoff his reelection bid, also used the occasion to publicly switch his endorsement of the Democratic Party Presidential candidates from Hilary Clinton to Obama.
Evans took the stage with D.C Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gary to announce his switch. He said he decided to make the switch because his ward (Ward 2) overwhelmingly voted for Obama in the District primary, and he wants to see a Democrat in the White House.
"There is an enormous difference in having a Democrat in the White House and a Republican in the White House," Evans said to supporters at the Kennedy Recreation Center, located in the historic neighborhood of Shaw.
Evans said the venue for the kick off of his reelection bid was strategic, because it represents the challenges the city has faced over the years. The Kennedy Recreation Center, one of D.C’s historic was dedicated in 1968 by Robert F. Kennedy on behalf of his brother, John F. Kennedy following the riots in the wake of Martin Luther King's assassination. It gave a lift to the neighborhood, but after several years, the place became dormant, Evans said of the Recreation Center.
Evans described the ongoing renovation at the playground and the face lift in the surrounding environment as revitalization for the neighborhood.
Evans flanked by Mayor Fenty and entourage told supporters that his vision for the neighborhood aligns with the hope of the people of the neighborhood; that is why he is running a campaign on ‘youth and energy.” He vowed to provide the change needed to revitalized the neighborhood.

Mayor Fenty said unlike others who after getting elected become unavailable to their constituents’, Jack Evans remained accessible for 17 years.


















Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Random Thoughts: Charles Taylor Breaks Prison, En-route to Monrovia

Dearest Mama,

Did you hear the News? Charles Taylor Broke jail and is en-route to Liberia? I am actually breathing heavily. I have been running, running to send you this telegram since I can not get through the telephone lines to Monrovia.

Mama, you are the first person to hear this news from me. Tell all of the family members and close friends to get out, but please, please whatever you do, do not go to Ghana. Given all the problems between the refugees and Ghanaians, the refugee camp outside of the capital of Ghana, Accra is not an option.

I heard that "intelligence" is keeping Taylor’s prison break a secret because they do not want to create chaos and insecurity in Liberia and the sub region. Perhaps the most important reason for keeping Taylor's escape from prison secret is to protect the image and credibility of the International prison security system and the Special Court.

Mama, do you think Taylor is on his way to Liberia? When I reflect on his last statement before his forcible exile, when he concluded that speech: “And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state, ” it is obvious that Taylor first destination, whenever he is out of prison is Monrovia.

Prior to that last phrase, ( And I say, God willing, I will be back...) a vowed he made to return to Liberia, Taylor openly said that he did not want to leave Liberia, let alone the presidency that had given him the power and control he had sought for many years. In Taylor’s own word, "I am stepping down from this office of my own volition. No one can take credit for asking me to step down. I did not want to leave this country. I can say I have been forced by the world's superpower."

Also in his departure message, Taylor said, he was fulfilling an old promise: "If I were the problem, which I know you know I'm not, I would step aside ... I would become the sacrificial lamb, I would become the whipping boy that you should live."

In a solemn voice, Taylor added, "I say to you if I have injured or hurt anyone, I ask you to forgive me. Because for those of you who have injured me, I say to you today, this Sunday afternoon, I forgive you." "What is most important is that you live, and that ... there is peace. These are very, very tough times, but I hope that as the international community is here, that our friend the United States who have been the architect of this 'anybody-but-Taylor-policy' ... that they will bring all of the good for you. I wish you all of the good."

Cahrles Taylor also took time in his farewell message to lash at those he considered against his presidency: "If (the Americans) say they will do nothing as long as I am here, this further threatens your survival as a people. I can no longer see you suffer, you have suffered enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I will always remember you wherever I am. And I say, God willing, I will be back. God bless you, and save the state."

Mama, you remembered that fateful day Taylor steeped down, or that hot sunday Taylor forcibly left Liberia. When ever I think about the day, his speech comes to mind, I am immediately reminded that he relinqished power with the intention of returning with full force. Imagine the efforts, the risk and lives destroyed just to become president.

After I was told about the escape of Charles Taylor, I thought about two distinct incidents; his escaped in 1985 from the House of Corrections in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and his 2006 disappearance from his Seaside villa in Nigeria where he resided after forcibly sent into exile. According to the Massachusetts House of Correction where Taylor was held, on September 15, 1985, he and four inmates escaped from the jail by sawing through a bar covering a window in an unused laundry room. Eventually all four who escaped with Taylor were captured. Taylor fled the United States.Let’s look at what happened in 2006. According to a statement by the Nigerian government, Charles Taylor disappeared from exiled home on March 28. On March 29th, he Taylor was arrested while trying to cross the border from Nigeria into Cameroon.

Mama, do you think Charles Taylor is actually capable of breaking jail at the moment? If he broke jail, will he come to Monrovia to assemble his old group, or will he form another group in another area? Do you think his old guys or cronies will give him their support at this time? Lets look at the missus, will they abandon their present connection for the “Pappay”? Is he still the King for the Queens?

Mama, this news is just an April Fool. Today is April Fool, or All Fools Day. Unpack the baggage and tell me what the missus and Pappay children and buddies are doing after reading this April Fool. Were they worried to hear that "Pappay" broke jail, or sad?

always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

What Will Happen If the Temporary Protective Status Is Terminated?

Dearest Mama,
I have been away from this column for some time. In my absence, notes were sent by some fans. I really appreciate the Get Well notes from Kweme Cooper and Emmanuel Barpley. Let them know that the notes warmed my heart.

Mama, I also appreciate your recent visit: traveling from across the Oceans to visit me made a lot. I wish you did not have to leave. I was sad to see you depart. When you bid me farewell, I felt so sad, my heart broke. As Don Williams says, "Some broken hearts never mend," and that is how I feel about your recent departure. So, I hope you stick around as you always did over the years.

Before I can get on another subject, I was wondering whether it is because of reports circulating that those on immigration was about to deport immigration who do not have permanent status, particularly those with Temporary Protective Status? Is that the reason why you left abruptly?

Mama, those with Temporary Protective Status is not illegal immigrants. In the U.S, Temporary immigration status (TPS) is for foreign nationals currently residing in the U.S. whose homeland conditions are recognized by the US government as being temporarily unsafe or overly dangerous to return to (e.g., war, earthquake, flood, drought, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions). According to U.S Citizen and Immigration Services, TPS does not lead to permanent resident status. As the name indicates, it is temporary, granted anywhere from 6-18 months, with extensions.
When I heard that the government was considering terminating the Temporary Protection Status and returning those with such immigration status back to their countries, I feel so sad. If the U.S decides to terminate the TPS, several thousand persons will be affected. Many of those on TPS fled their individual countries because of war, conflicts, and other disasters and sought refuge in the U.S; with the hope of beginning a new life. The refugees and most of those with Temporary Protective Immigration Status were hopeful that the Temporary Protective Status given them would be extended after few years. Now, it is like some of them have just started to settle after many years of labor, and then they have to start preparing for life elsewhere. I am wondering whether all of the people on TPS will actually leave. I am asking if they will leave because if they do leave, where will they go? Will they return to their homeland - the same homeland they had fled; the homeland they have been away from for more than a decade; the homeland where some of them witnessed brutal violence; the homeland where most of their families and friends were killed; the homeland where their properties were destroyed, and their lives were threatened; most of all, their homeland where they no longer have any attachment?

Most of those on TPS have become accustomed to electricity, and other modern technology in their new settlement which is lacking in their home countries. Some of those on Temporary Protective Status have purchased homes, engaged in businesses, and other productive ventures.

In many undeveloped and war ravaged countries, not only is electricity lacking in rural areas, but modern technology is considered a luxury in large cities. In addition to the lack of electricity, internet services and telephone, most underdeveloped countries do not have adequate health care services, and safe running water.

If all of the people on TPS are returned to their respective countries, where will they sleep, where will they work?

It is a known fact that most war ravaged countries lack housing to accommodate even those presently in those countries. Take for example, Liberia. During the war, proprieties were destroyed including private and public housings, leaving most families roaming homeless. In addition to the destruction of building, hospitals in the capital city and also in the rural areas were destroyed, school building and other public and private institutions were looted and either burned or broken down. The massive destruction of public and private properties leaves many people homeless, and in abject poverty.

The United Nations High Commission for Refugees and local media reports indicate that the lack of housing and other facilities is making the resettlement of Liberians displaced in their home country and the reparation of Liberians from neighboring countries a herculean task. For example, most Liberians repatriated from neighboring countries within the West African Sub- region are making the transition in their home country: the lack of housing, jobs and health facilities.

Mama, two days ago someone sent me an e-mail asking what will happen to those who own cars, houses and those who have huge credit card debts? The person wanted to know whether those with huge credit bills will be allowed to leave the U.S without paying those debts. I have not responded to that e-mail because I really don't have the answer. I will have to find out. How can I research that without alerting the credit card companies, is another story. Mama, do you think that by accepting a credit card I will understand the policies?

Mama, if all the people on the TPS return, how will they cope with the lack of the basic social services: health care, education, daycare, etc? Talking about the different skills and education these people have acquired in during their stay in the countries that awarded the Temporary Immigration Status, how will they utilize the skills acquired to contribute meaningfully to society? How will Martha and others who are presently working as nursing assistant employ those skills in countries that lack Nursing Homes? How will Thomas and other continue to use their social work skills in countries that do not provide public assistance to those who need food stamps, low income housing facilities and cash assistance from their governments? What will Nuku and others do once they return to their respective countries and realize that they cannot use their skills to prepare taxes for individuals and families, even if those individuals were employed during the year. Kristo says he doubt that he can continue his night shift job at any of the airline companies back home. Is that true?

Mama, did you hear about the immigration proposals at the national Legislature in the U.S? I learned that several immigration enforcement bills were proposed before Congress. The proposals have some provisions in them that will affect asylum seekers, and the extensions of the time that they spend in immigration jails.
I also learn that some people were lobbying to include immigration enforcement provisions in the 2007 defense authorization bill (H.R. 5122). I will try to get information on this to send you.

Mama, until I can gather information about the credit cards issue and the bills before congress, let me leave political issues and discuss other concerns common to our wellbeing. I heard about the Lassa fever outbreak. Is it true that the fever claimed the lives of almost ten persons in our clan? I thought Lassa was no longer in our clan.

According to one health expert, Lassa is a viral hemorrhagic fever, known to be prevalent in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and parts of Nigeria. Humans become infected with Lassa from contact with rodents that are infected. The virus can also be transmitted from one human to another through direct contact with body fluids.
Mama, if people can get infected through contaminated rodents – mouse, rats, squirrels, etc, what strategies will be used by the health people in our clan to handle this issue? Imagine the number of rodents in our clan. Mouse and rats are competing with human beings for sleeping places, and food in our clan. Last week, Kotokollee said that a mouse was on the family's bed and several cockroaches were in the kitchen pots.

Given the competition for pots, pans and sleeping places between the rodents and our family back home, I wonder where the new arrivals in our clan will fit in the struggle.

Mama, I need to close this note, but before I do so, I want you to know that I have been thinking about you. When will I see you again; when will we hold hands and eat kola nuts together?

Always,
musue

Copyright © Musue N. Haddad

Sleeping With the Enemy: The Silent Destroyer

By: Musue N.Haddad

"Your spouse is considered the nicest person in the community, but when your spouse comes home, your spouse beats you; your spouse terrorizes you; your spouse degrades you, " this is one victim's illustration of the predicament of domestic violence.

Although domestic violence is largely obscured, hundreds of women including pregnant women and new mothers are slain annually in various communities in different parts of the world. In Japan, domestic violence cases jumped 17.2 percent in 2005 to a record 16,888 incidents, with nearly all of the victims being women, the National Police Agency said recently. The figure was up from the previous record of 14,140 cases set in 2004, the agency said in an annual report marking International Women Day.

In the UK, between April 2005 and December 2005 the Crown Persecution service said it dealt with 35,231 cases, according to reports at the TUC's Women's International Women's Day conference, suggesting that cases of domestic violence are increasing in England and Wales. In Sweden, assaults against women have been increasing in recent years, with 22,400 reports filed in 2003.

In Spain, the number of women killed by their partner or ex-partner has continued to increase since 2001. In France, a woman is killed by partner every four days. In the United States, 1,000 to 1,600 women die at the hands of their male partners ever year. The estimated number of deaths due to intimate partner violence in the United States does not include those women and children who die home-less on the streets avoiding batterers, according to experts. In Africa, although very few cases are reported due to cultural practices and perceptions, domestic violence is prevalent.

Although women around the world continue to break political, social, and economic barriers - Angela Merkel chosen as the first female Federal Chancellor in Germany, Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson of Liberia as the first female president in Africa, and Michele Bachelet, the first elected woman President of Chile, women and children continue to be faced with high level of violence.

"Unlike the so-called "war on terror", the "war on women and girls" is not on the global political agenda. It takes its toll in battlefields, bedrooms and backstreets - the greatest hidden human rights scandal of our times, made all the more scandalous by being present in every part of the world and in almost every aspect of life," Amnesty International said in a report published on International Women's Day.

In all countries, few domestic violence killings make headline news. Unlike Laci Peterson's homicide case which became a national headline news for some time in the United States, the deaths of other pregnant women including Yolanda Coles, eight months pregnant and shot in Richmond, Kerry Repp, 29, shot in her bedroom in Oregon, Kathleen Terry 22, run over in Idaho, Tasha Winters, 16, was shot in Indiana the day she told her boyfriend about the baby, Marilyn Hassab, 29 was stabbed to death by her husband in New Jersey, Rebecca Johnson shot in Oklahoma, and many others cases of pregnancy and homicide produced a few community local headlines and then faded.

Domestic Violence is a serious, widespread social problem in America, Africa and other parts of the world. Domestic Violence isn't just hitting, or fighting, or an occasional mean argument, according to experts. Advocates say domestic violence is the abuse of power wherein the abuser tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats, intimidation, and physical violence. Actual physical violence is often the end result of months or years of intimidation and control.

Women Empowered Against Violence, Inc. (WEAVE), an organization that provides holistic services to domestic violence victims in the District of Columbia described domestic abuse as a violence that can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuses are not usually seen as criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen all the time or once in a while.

Experts say that in most countries, there are no reliable national statistics on domestic violence because there are no efficient and effective systems to track domestic violence cases. However, in most instances, victims are ashamed or afraid to report domestic violence for fear of being judged or afraid of further reprisal from their batterers.

Margaret Tolbert –Wallace, a Registered Nurse who has interacted with several victims of domestic violence in an interview attributed the increase in domestic violence homicides to bureaucracy hitches that tend to intimidate victims and sometimes the lack of timely support for victims who seek assistance.

"Even after escaping, many victims find it easier to return to their situation either because supports are delayed or they are being judged or marginalized by society," Ms. Wallace said.

Ms. Wallace said some victims who escaped into shelters and transitional homes are sometimes faced with situations of marginalization and control. She described this situation as "a cycle of abuse," which she said ought to be removed in order for victims to have confidence that "there is a world out there that is ready to help them and not subject them to further abuse."

Family violence affects every country in the world, including even the most developed. Women in the richest and poorest level of society find it most difficult to escape violence - the poor because they have no means to escape and are afraid to reach out to institutions in society that probably would marginalize them and the rich because they have too much to lose, Margaret Tolbert Wallace said.

Samantha, (not real name) who has two children left her abusive husband. She said there is a certain level of misunderstanding when it comes to the public's perception of domestic abuse victims. According to Samantha, this comes in the form of judging the victim by asking such questions as: could it be true that such a nice person is a batterer?

While Samantha battled with the public's perception of whether her former husband was an abuser, another victim said she was always assessed critically by others: "Why didn't she leave or fight back? or disengaged from the victim by saying, "I will never accept that."

For Samantha and other victims of domestic violence, programs marking International Women's Day must highlight how victims of abuses are affected particularly children who are exposed to violence, and also educate communities on the implications of assuming that someone is the type of person that is a victim or a batterer.

The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence describes both victims and batterers: "Victims may be doctors, business professionals, scientists or judges, among others. Perpetrators may be police officers, sports heroes, CEOs or college professors or lawyers".

In November 2005, the World Health Organization held its first ever study on domestic violence. In its study, the WHO reveals that intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence in women's lives - much more so than assault or rape by strangers or acquaintances. The study reported on the enormous toll physical and sexual violence by husbands and partners has on the health and well-being of women and children around the world and the extent to which partner violence is still largely hidden.

In the United States, a Resolution, [S.RES.282.IS ] introduced to the Senate in 2005 indicated that approximately 8,800,000 children in the United States witness domestic violence each year. The Resolution furthered that witnessing violence increases the risk of children developing long-term physical and mental health problems, future struggles with substance abuse. The document also highlighted that a boy who witnesses his father's domestic violence is ten times more likely to engage in domestic violence than a boy from a nonviolent home.

President George Bush signed the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 into law on January 5, 2006. The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 contains initiatives to help children exposed to violence, train health care providers to support victims of abuse, encourage men to teach the next generation that violence is wrong, and provide crisis services for victims of rape and sexual assault. H.R. 3402 is part of the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It also continues efforts to improve the law enforcement response to violence against women and provide supportive services, such as transitional housing, to women and children forced to leave their homes because of violence.

Samantha and other women in the United States are hopeful that the signing of the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 by President Bush is a major step towards ensuring that women and children are protected against their batterers and also against being judged and marginalized by society.


Copyright © Musue N. Haddad