News, Politics and Issues
A Flare-Up in the Quiet War over Caribbean Rum
Articles - News, Politics and Issues
The battle between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands erupted last fall after Congress stuck $192 million in rum tax rebates for the U.S. territories into the $700 billion financial bailout package.
The rum provision was small potatoes but highly symbolic. Opponents of the bailout bill derided the rebate as a subsidy for rum-makers. Liquor industry interests howled that the money went to the territorial governments, not the rum-makers. When Congress passed the bailout, the furor died – but politicking over the obscure rebate program continues.
First Presidential Debate and Latin America
Articles - News, Politics and Issues
The focus of the presidential debates last night was supposed to be on foreign policy. All of the issues mentioned affect Latinos in the United States and likely those in other countries. But in major debates, I also try to look at how the candidates look on issues more specific to Latinos and Latin American or Hispanic countries.
This year, there was next to no mention of Latin America. While many complain about "losing Latin America," it looks like the trend of ignoring positive connections with Latin America will continue.
Letter from Barack Obama to Puerto Rico
Articles - News, Politics and Issues
Barack Obama wrote a letter to the people of Puerto Rico to express his views on Puerto Rican status, citizenship, jobs, health and their place in America.
FBI Files Reveal Years of Surveillance of SOA Watch
Articles - News, Politics and Issues
Declassified FBI Files Reveal Years of Surveillance of Peaceful Demonstrations by FBI's Counterterrorism Division
ACLU and School of the Americas Watch filed for documents; much information blacked out, some pages not released
The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Georgia today released new evidence that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting counterterrorism investigations into School of the Americas Watch (SOA Watch), a faith- and conscience-based human rights group. SOA Watch, which organizes yearly nonviolent demonstrations calling for the closure of the School of the Americas, a controversial training school for Latin American soldiers located at Fort Benning, charges that the files demonstrate a clear attempt to stifle political opposition.
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Homeland Security Detains Katrina Victims
Articles - News, Politics and Issues
Editorial Note: After making explicit statements saying it was safe for immigrants (documented and undocumented) to come forward and recieve assistance after the hurricane Katrina disaster, the government has started detaining immigrants instead of assisting them.If immigrants can't come forward and recieve medical andother care, this creates a public safety hazard and continues to sress the lives of many people trying to recover from our largest recovery effort.
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