Driven as much by presumed political necessity as by xenophobic fears, the immigration issue has grabbed headlines and the talking heads of the media over the past few months. While… return to article
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Reader Comments (15)Page 1 of 1 pagesNice article from brother Mumia.
I think it is also important to emphasize the diversity and complexity of a given society. Black people, brown people, white people - never really exist as totalities. People will differ in opinion depending on their personal perspectives - political, cultural, social, economic, educational, regional, and historical.
Simplifed narratives and explanations are usually formed by those who control the media and how information is disseminated. The masses rarely have a voice; instead, we get snippets to satisfy our lazy thinking habits.
Black people have never been a homogeneous people, so it is inaccurate to say that “black people are opposed to having illegal immigrants in the labor force.” Mexicans will also have varying viewpoints on how to respond to the immigration issue.
It would be unfortunate and misdirected if the debate surrounding immigration descended into a discussion about what Mexican migrant workers are taking from black people.
Once you get into a discussion about poor people, whether they are white, black, brown or yellow, arguing over who should get poor wages and poor healthcare opportunites, you have lost sight of the real issues.
The larger issues surrounding the immigration debate are what really matters. What has been the effect of globalization on the American and Mexican economies? Who benefits from the depreciation of local farming and industry? Who does not benefit?
What is most ironic is that appeals to nationalism are being raised, precisely at a time when global capital is at its highest. The wealthy can sit back and watch their global monetary investments grow, above and beyond the fluid boundaries of any given nation state, while the struggling masses rely on the physicality of their bodies to cross markets and physical boundaries to earn a living. The former are heralded as savvy investors, who gladly benefit from cheap labor abroad, an who will gladly buy clothes made in Bangledesh, the latter as transgressors who seek to undermine our soveriegnty as a nation.
Different cultures are being affected, but it is poor people who are being punished and that’s the real issue.
Posted by Epistrophy on Jul 6, 2006 at 12:13 AM Once again, Mumia Abu-Jamal sees better from behind death row’s cell bars than most of us do walking around “freely.” I hope his words will fall hard upon those who encourage us to fight with our own brothers and sisters like hungry dogs vying for scraps. Is it really so hard for us to aim our anger and blame at those who dole out crumbs to us between courses at their perpetual banquet?
I’m also wondering why In These Times has such a limp bio for brother Mumia. “The subject of great debate” is what I’d expect the F.O.P. to say about him if they were addressing a hostile crowd. And to not list a single one of his books under the “More Information” section? Unbelievable!
It’s fact, not opinion, that ANOTHER MAN HAS CONFESSED to the murder Mumia was convicted for, and it is also a fact that the courts have repeatedly refused to allow that confession to be heard in court. The bench record of Judge Sabo has been documented as favoring the death penalty for Blacks, and his appeals show prosecutorial misconduct at a world record level in his preceedings.
An accurate bio wouldn’t require going into the millions of actions, the fierce legal battles, and the dozens of countries involved in trying to save this man’s life. But to simply call all of this a “great debate” is an injustice in itself. We’ve seen National Public Radio’s cowardice as they backed off of airing Mumia’s brilliant radio commentaries—just because the F.O.P. told them to. If the institutions for free speech and for justice in this country cannot call Mumia’s case what it is, his future, AND EACH OF OURS, is in grave danger.
Posted by Mars on Jul 6, 2006 at 10:28 PM Mars: Nice commentary. Thanks for reminding people of what a farce our criminal justice system can be. FREE MUMIA!!!
Posted by Epistrophy on Jul 7, 2006 at 1:49 AM What a bunch of nonsence, this article is so typical of liberalism.
Question: Why are liberals always on the side of murderers, rapists, child molesters, dictators?
More proof that LIBERALISM IS A MENTAL DISORDER !!!
Posted by tina1 on Jul 7, 2006 at 3:54 AM tina1
Liberalism - A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.
Liberalism has also been applied to free markets and competition - features that conservatives embrace as well.
“Liberalism” in the context of modern-day democracy seems very compatible with our system of government. Yet you refer to this as A MENTAL DISORDER? DICTATORS, RAPISTS, CHILD MOLESTERS?
TRY READING. IT HELPS.
Posted by Epistrophy on Jul 8, 2006 at 12:18 AM Parched soil so often repels first beads of summer rain…
So, in the drought of truth here in america I will repeat:
Mumia Abu-Jamal is not a murderer. Another man has finally confessed to the crime.Furthermore, it is clear WHY the police and courts chose to stack up stories against him in order to put him away: they brought up in court that he was an ex-Black Panther. Why would ancient history be raised unless it was to cement his POLITICAL conviction AND a DEATH SENTENCE?
Sometimes it’s a good idea to actually read and think before broadcasting an opinion. Views are always based on something. And in the present day of mass corporate media, admitted government spying, and proven White House lying, if you don’t base your views on truth when it can be found—then you are bound to simply parrot the press room.
Posted by Mars on Jul 8, 2006 at 4:11 AM Epistrophy , Mars….Tina is by nature…uninformed , reading as the fundamental framework of Knowledge is something that Neo-Nazist like herself only use to denigrate the larger world community . Europeans at only 9% of the world population…meaning Fascist minded Nazist like Tina are even a smaller % In a post she made sometime ago dealing with welfare vs healthcare…Tina suggested that welfare recipients be jailed for smoking , drinking…and non-adherence to vague ” weight-loss guidelines “set by the State agencies involved…Her nero little xenophobic world cannot tolerate the broader perspective…There use of what is sacred, language, will in the end , be of course her / their downfall….
Brother Mumia is OBVIOUSLY innocent…this is known by people of good faith all around this globe…his written word and courage are sources of strenght for us all….The police officer that was killed was shot with a 44 caliber weapon , he was known as a particularly venomous racist that was in the process of brutalizing Mumia’s brother…Mr. Jamal , who was a cabdriver, carryed a 38 caliber pistol for his own protection , no ballistic tests were do on the 38.,no test were do on Mumia to determine if he had fired on gun ,
Mr.Jamal was also shot by the assaillant….all the man was trying to do was come to the aid and assistance of his brother…and for that act of courage and his polictical activities. he has been on death row all this time The police had stated on numerous occassions their intent too get Mumia off the streets and attempt to stop his organizing…That is something for all of use to consider…especially now ...with prisons for profit…..
Yes…Yes…a thousand times Yes….FREE MUMIA ABU JAMAL.! ! !
Posted by Redhorse on Jul 8, 2006 at 1:03 PM Epistrophy wrote: “Liberalism - A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans…”
The idea that liberalism is a mental disorder is based on what Epistrophy wrote, that it’s founded on the “natural goodness of humans.”
I so disagree!
Some humans are monsters, predators, and must be kept away from society. Not all humans are inherently good, and in fact, most are not, as any parent can tell you. Young children are, by nature, egocentric and selfish, driven by their impulses. Barring mental illness of some sort, these tendencies are trained out of them by loving families and socialization.
However much I disagree with Epistrophy and everything ever published at In These Times I appreciate Epistrophy sticking the issue with Tina 1 and not name-calling her. At least I don’t have to avoid his/her posts and can actually consider what’s being said.
As a free-market Libertarian, I do a lot of eye-rolling reading In These Times, but I want to always consider another’s opinion, which is why I keep coming back. You can’t do that unless there is a respectful exchange of opinions. Wish everyone here could carry on a decent exchange as did Epistrophy.
Posted by oleofritter on Jul 13, 2006 at 5:07 PM Now back to the article…
“In a time of greatest peril, when Africans in the United States were fighting for their freedom from the American forces of slavocracy, two uniquely American communities came to their aid: Native peoples and Mexicans.”
Why no mention of the white Christian abolitionists who led the cause and hid slaves at their own peril? Why no mention the thousands of white soldiers who fought on the side of the north, not just to preserve a union? Why no mention of fellow africans who sold out their brothers in the first place? Why no mention of slavery that still exists in places around the world?
Doesn’t suit Jamal’s cause, but the United States, a mostly white Christian nation, was the FIRST nation EVER to denounce slavery as an abonimation. And white people were willing to die to free black slaves.
Xenophobes? Don’t think so.
Posted by oleofritter on Jul 13, 2006 at 7:31 PM As an ex-Bostonian, I’m very aware (and grateful!) to the white abolitionists for refusing to go along with the program of slavery AND for rejecting the racist ideology that was promoted in order to legitimize slavery. I don’t think that point was ignored in Mumia Abu-Jamal’s article—I think it was just not the point he’s trying to make here.
Racism, distrust, and ignorance ARE serious problems among the various oppressed nations in America. Some of us hate our brothers and sisters for any perceived differences, and often even hate ourselves. And all of this is being USED BY THE SYSTEM during this immigration struggle! Suddenly folks are concerned that a non-citizen gets to bus tables when a Black-American wanted the job? That’s odd: Last time I heard it, folks were blaming us for NOT WANTING THAT JOB and being “lazy, welfare cheats.”
The article is educating African-Americans on specific facts to show that we have had the assistance of these groups before, when WE were under direct fire by the system (not like that has changed but I digress.)
The history of institutionalized racism in this country is so enormous there are vast stories of resistance to uphold, as well as endless chapters to condemn and fight. I think the events he selected for this article do a great job of illuminating the point that people of color in this country have more in common than differences, and thus need to stand united in this time.
And one look at the multi-racial make-up of the MOVE family will tell you that the unity of oppressed nations in this country does NOT mean exclusion of progressive and dedicated white allies.
Posted by Mars on Jul 14, 2006 at 4:49 AM I object to the idea that there are “nations” in this country. People are too quick to group themselves and each other. I don’t have a problem with immigrants per se, but rather with immigrants being a drain on our government.
The government has no money of its own, so the drain is really on every tax-paying American.
This is actually more of a policy issue in which some people feel their self-proclaimed rights should be financed by others.
My problem—and a lot of other people’s problem—is not that the majority of immigrants are brown-skinned, but that they’re lining up at the government teat. I don’t care if they’re from the cold, white north. Do it legally and pay your own way or use private charity.
Actually, this country could do with an influx of people who are as hard-working and family oriented as the majority of Mexicans are. But after time in a welfare state, Mexican fathers will soon be replaced by a government check and the Mexican family will break down, just as the black family has done over the last 40 years, just as the white family has done. No fathers=crime and poverty.
Posted by oleofritter on Jul 14, 2006 at 2:34 PM First…referring to Tina as a Racist , Nazi , or Xenophobe is a statement of fact….Redhorse is not one too soft soap with nuckleheads…if you are too sensitive….tough-teatee…
Now…as far as ” white christian abolitionist ” , many white folks did help in the struggle to end slavery…but most white abolitionists were basically milk-toastee in there condemnation…there viewpoint of afrikans and the abolitionist movement was more condescending in tone…than revolutionary…maybe that’s why they are not mentioned…Furthermore…the only reason former-slaves were enlisteed in the Union Army was because many ” poor whites ” did not want to abandon their farms and families to fight for a cause many didn’t understand or care about…the issue of the Civil War was not Slavery…it was the market for slave produced products…The Union forces had a hell of a time recruiting and preventing white soldiers from desertions….The great “emancipator ? “Lincolns disposition about afrikan people was of racist deprecation…and stated so…his hand was force by the fact that England…who by the way abolished their slave colonies in the 1830’s…none the less… had no problem buying slave made products from the south…Englands threat too enter the conflict on the side of the south moved Lincoln to abolish slavery and enlist Afrikan freedmen into the Union forces…Without those Afrikans the war was lost to the south….
Posted by Redhorse on Jul 14, 2006 at 10:18 PM continuing….Now you mentioned…christianity…was it not ” the good father ” Bartolome de las Casas when outraged about the treatment of the indigenous population…presented himself before the Emperor Charles in 1518 , petitioning that afrikans be “imported ” for labor….yes…many individuals could be found at fault in the enslavement of human beings for profit…and yes…some were of Afrikan heritage…but again many more fought against the inhuman cargo….What about the many white indentured “servants” that europe supplied…and european Feudualism….no ethnic group is without scoundrels….what is the point in making that statement , the article is about immigration…this is ” moot ” at the very least…....
Ms. Chestnut your so-called facts are more propaganda…of the euro-centered perspective…for a free-thinking Libertarian…that is what the Libertarian movement is about…right….free thought…you appear to have a rather closed mind or should I say closed perspective…
Question….have you ever considered the fact that people of Afrikan decent were in fact the prime movers in their own freedom struggle ?
With your viewpoint as an abolitionist in the 19th century…my hopes for freedom would be best served by qoute ” Stealing myself away ” or doing a ” Denmark Vezey / John Brown ” , type action…
Check the archives of the many Black published Newspapers of that era…look for all the ” slave revolts “...your euro-centered claim too Black folks sovereignty is a arrogant misinterpretation of the historical facts….Good Day….Ms.WinterChestNut…hope your sensitivities weren’t offended….
Posted by Redhorse on Jul 14, 2006 at 11:31 PM WCN….MY apologize for not addressing your last post….again your perspective..”.which you have a universal right to express ” ...appears very nero in scope….The prosperity that ” Free Market Economies ” create is deafly dependent on cheap…” illegal ” labor…as a ” Free Market ” supporter , I’m sure you like a good salad or some fruit with your morning tea or coffee…NAFTA…CAFTA and all other ” Free Market ” synonymic titles are in fact covers for what is commonly refered to as ” Economical Slavery “...The displacement of capital and labor is not perpetrated by labor ; it is displaced by capital…so with all the other problems that labor encounters…necessity dictates that labor has no choice but to move…and with a quickness…no time for legalities here…it’s not in the big picture of things…This Horse believes your beef is with the economic paradigm that you support…
If this confuses you…think ” Fair Trade ” or ” Fair Market ” economies ; this is free thought in a more enlighted perspective…fair thought perspective…maybe…?
Whenever capitalist talk about “Free Market ” anything , what is being stated is that “Capital ” gets hold of resoures for ” Free ” and labor pays in time , money , land and misery…..Slavery is and was a ” Free Market ” enterprise or entity….
If ya don’t like illegal immigrants…ya can’t support “Free Markets “
Further , the issue is news media worthy , base on the fact that Bush don’t want all the attention on Iraq…so he hangs the immigrant issue out on the clothes line along with gay marriage and flag burning and a bunch of other nonsignificant issues that have no real relevance…
Finally, illegals pay more in taxes…above and under the table…to more than compensate for any appearance of teat sucking…..
Posted by Redhorse on Jul 15, 2006 at 12:34 AM Page 1 of 1 pages -
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