Justice may be arriving in the PA hate crime case.

The U.S. Department of Justice use indictions by a federal grand jury connected to a racially motivated killing and alleged police corruption in Shenandoah, PA. The indictments were reached on December 10, 2009. The new federal cases were charged under a hate crime statute that makes it a federal offense to interfere with a person's housing rights on the basis of race through threat or force.

"The people charged are two former high school football players and police officers, including Shenandoah's police chief. Some of the statements made during the attack allegedly included "f--cking Spic" and "Tell your f---king Mexican friends to get the f--k out of Shenandoah." Mr. Ramirez, who suffered a coma, died two days after the attack without ever regaining consciousness. Blunt force trauma to the head was the official cause of death according to the medical examiner, who also ruled it a homicide."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-levin-jd/pennsylvania-burning-feds_b_393324.html

NE Court of Appeals: Illegal immigrant entitled to benefits

Kudos to NE Court of Appeals----An illegal immigrant injured on the job is entitled to state worker compensation benefits, according to a Nebraska Court of Appeals decision released Tuesday.

-09-0339, Odilon Visoso, a/k/a Adam Rodriguez v. Cargill Meat Solutions (Appellant)

Check out this Blog that tracks Hate-Crimes

http://raciality.blogspot.com/

Horrible and brutal HATE CRIME in Puerto Rico

On November 14, 2009, the body parts of a gay 19 year old man, Jorge Steven Lopez, was found a few miles away from Caguas, along an isloated road. Mr. Lopez was a very well-known person in the gay community of Puerto Rico. When found, he was partially burned, decapitated, and dismembered, both arms, both legs, and the torso.
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-357813


To read more about this story:
http://www.progressivepuppy.com/the_progressive_puppy/2009/11/puerto-rican-gay-teen-burned-decapitated-dismembered.html

Neda's mother speaks to CNN---she speaks of her "Angel"

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/11/05/neda.mom.speaks/index.html

Ms. Maryam Sabri tells about being repeatedly Raped in Iranian Prison

Ms. Maryam Sabri Talks About Being Repeatedly Raped in Irans Prison (English Subtitle) Another brave and courageous young Iranian woman comes forward to tell VOA about her 2-week jail time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYmhv8kSVvg&NR=1

MUST SEE, a brave Female student leading protest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFNSaKlwrP4

IRAN, Stop Child Executions and Release Innocent Prisoners

Are you ready for the truth in IRAN? If so then Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix9g8J07qWU

BIG THANKS TO THESILENTDOVE FOR THIS AMAZING VIDEO!

Behnood Shojaei executed on International Day against Death Penalty

"Iranian regime’s henchmen hung 21-year-old juvenile offender Behnoud Shojaie on Sunday in Tehran’s Evin prison after four years in prison for crime committed in August 2005, when he was 17, state-run news agency IRNA reported. Iranian regime executes more juvenile offenders than any other nation - eight last year and 42 since 1990."

http://www.onlydemocracy4iran.com/

NSBA's 5th Annual Legal Diversity Summit

*Invitation *

On behalf of the Nebraska Minority Justice Committee you are cordially invited to participate in Nebraska’s Fifth Annual Legal Diversity Summit. The Summit will be held on October 9, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Omaha (3321 South 72nd Street) at 11:30 a.m.

Please register below:http://www.nld.affiniscape.com/displayemailforms.cfm?emailformnbr=120974&event=275539

Beginning of the End - Iran for Freedom

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCyE_3bglu8&feature=player_embedded

ENGLISH SUBTITLE - Freedom Slogans are the Heralds of Freedom. -

NEVER FORGET NEDA and all the other Iranian martyrs...here are their written voices!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4y5x6ieDI0

Beaten, robbed, a victim of hate

Attackers threatened President and family, as the attackers beat, strip and rob a develpomentally disabled man, Derrick Thomas.

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/61452677.html?page=1&c=y

Neda Agha Soltan - Sogand (The Pledge) Poem ( شعری برای ندای عزیز )

ENGLISH SUBTITLE - Tribute to Dear Neda... We promise that we shall make your dreams come true. ندا جان روحت شاد. ما تو را و آرزوهایت را فراموش نخواهیم کرد

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc-Tka891VM

I confess support for Iran (group confession)

Must see video of confession for supporting the Iranian people struggle for FREEDOM!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRijrZX-ZYI

Clearly a Federal hate-crime

WATCH this video! - Fickin' Unbelievable ...... this is clearly a federal hate-crime against a woman in GA that needs to be prosecuted as such!

An Army Reservist, Tashawnea Hill, was kicked and punched on her head and body by a white man, Troy D. West, on Sept. 9 as he screamed racial and gender slurs at her outside a Cracker Barrel in Morrow, about 15 miles southeast of Atlanta, police said. Troy D. West, 47, became enraged when Hill told him to be careful after he nearly hit her 7-year-old daughter while opening the restaurant's door, police said. Many witnesses confirm Ms. Hill's allegations againt West.

http://www.wsbtv.com/video/20932093/index.html

Quote of the Week

"Because we have suffered, and we are not afraid to suffer in order to survive, we are ready to give up everything - even our lives - in our struggle for justice." - Cesar Chavez

NSBA's 5th Annual Legal Diversity Summit

*Invitation *

On behalf of the Nebraska Minority Justice Committee you are cordially invited to participate in Nebraska’s Fifth Annual Legal Diversity Summit. The Summit will be held on October 9, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Omaha (33...21 South 72nd Street) at 11:30 a.m.

Please register below:
http://www.nld.affiniscape.com/displayemailforms.cfm?emailformnbr=120974&event=275539

NE Law Tip of the Week:

"Section 25-824 provides generally that the district court can award reasonable attorney fees and court costs against any attorney or party who has brought or defended a civil action that alleges a claim or defense that a court determines is frivolous or made in bad faith."
Larmar Co. v. City of Fremont, S-08-590, 278 Neb. 485 (9/4/2009)

Obama's 1st year sets record for Hispanic nominations

President Barack Obama has appointed more Hispanics to high office than any president ever has in the history of this country. I beleive it reflects the growing political clout of Hispanics, the nation's largest minority group. Remember to register to VOTE and VOTE everytime you get an opportunity. Things will change for the better when we make them change!

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2009/08/31/20090831hispanics0831.html

N.C. native wrongly deported to Mexico

Federal investigators ignored evidence the man is an U.S. citizen, documents show. http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/917007.html

This dude is an U.S. born citizen and NOT even of Mexican descent----WOW, I guess I better start carrying my birth certificate or brush up on my Spanish!

NE Law Tip of the Week:

"Early Leaving Incentive Program” (ELIP) moneys should have been considered marital property and included in the property division.
Simon v. Simon, 17 Neb. App. 834 (2009) A-08-1292,

Gay Man's Title VII Suit is revived by 3rd Circuit

The U.S. 3rd Circuit has ruled that an effeminate gay man must be allowed to pursue a Title VII claim alleging that he was targeted for harassment because he failed to conform to "gender stereotypes." The Circuit Court decided that a lower court erred when it declared that plaintiff Brian Prowel's sex discrimination claim was nothing more than "an artfully pleaded claim of sexual orientation discrimination."
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202433449001&src=EMC-Email&et=editorial&bu=Law.com&pt=LAWCOM%20Newswire&cn=NW_20090831&kw=3rd%20Circuit%20Revives%20Gay%20Man's%20Title%20VII%20Suit

Son to his Father - Teddy Kennedy remembered by his son

Edward Kennedy, Jr., remembering his father, "I love you dad and I always will. I miss you already."

As all of America will....Teddy you will be sorely missed but our Dream lives on. RIP


http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/08/ted_kennedy_jrs.html

RIP - Senator Edward Kennedy

RIP, the great liberal lion has passed - Edward Kennedy joins John, Bobby and Martin in heaven #kennedy

Iran confronts rape, murder & torture allegations

"Troubling news of kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder is flooding out of Iran.
Neda Aqa Soltan was murdered point-blank in the streets of Tehran for the whole world to see; while Sohrab Arabi was killed far from any global attention and his body given to his mother quietly to bury, as was the tortured body of Mohsen Ruholamini. These names have assumed symbolic significance for many more innocent young men and women murdered by the custodians of the Islamic Republic with a wanton disregard for the lives and liberties of its own citizens. Not just murder, but the rape of young men and women also is on the shameless roster of the Islamic Republic. . .Hamid Dabashi beleives the allegations of murder, rape and torture are testing Iran's Islamic Republic as never before."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/08/22/dabashi.iran.morality/index.html

Hamid Dabashi is the author of "Iran: A People Interrupted." He is Hagop Kevorkian Professor of Iranian Studies and Comparative Literature at Columbia University in New York. His Web site is http://www.hamiddabashi.com/.

Iranian boy who defied Iranian hardliners exposes his prison rape ordeal

". . . Reza’s ordeal began in mid-July when he was arrested with about 40 other teenagers during an opposition demonstration in a large provincial city. Most were too young even to have voted. They were taken to what he believes was a Basiji militia base where they were blindfolded, stripped to their underwear, whipped with cables and then locked in a steel shipping container. That first night Reza was singled out by three men in plain clothes who had masqueraded as prisoners. As the other boys watched, they pushed him to the ground. One held his head down, another sat on his back and the third urinated on him before raping him.
“They were telling us they were doing this for God, and who did we think we were that we could demonstrate,” Reza said. The men told the other boys they would receive the same treatment if they did not co-operate when interrogated the next day. . ."
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6805885.ece

Testimony of an innocent man, Farhad M., among us there were some whose colons had been ripped because of rape.

Report from Farhad M., who was imprisoned from July 9-27, 2009, he witnesses other men who were raped. On the 18th of Tir (July 9), I was walking not far from Fatemi street. The street was busy, but no one was chanting at that time. It was about 5:30 when two guys in plainclothes approached me from either side. It was interesting that at that moment I had no sense of being part of a demonstration and was just walking normally in the street. Still, I was nabbed and put into a car and left there until about 9 pm. Everyone in the car was blindfolded the whole time, and then we were driven somewhere. Three days later, I figured out that we had been driven to Motahari Street. There we were randomly assigned to an interrogator. My interrogation went on until 1 am, but I was not asked any questions. I was beaten with a cable and with other things without being asked a single question. Unfortunately, I had things in my backpack that made things worse for me: films of demonstrations on my mobile phone and a notebook of writing for my weblog. After three days, I was transferred to Evin. Others were sent to Kahrizak. I was lucky to be sent to Evin where I was kept in solitary for one week. Twice a day, I met with an interrogator. They did everything to get me to confess. To demonstrate to me that they had no belief in anything, they even burnt the Koran in front of me. When I was put in the cell with others, I understood that what happened to be was much better than what happened to the others. I was not raped.

Among us there were some whose colons had been ripped because of rape. In any case, I understood that all my conversations during the past three months had been recorded, and that they had everything. When they arrest someone and get their telephone number, they look at all of their email, all of their facebook activity, and all of their weblog activity. Because I had political posts on facebook, in my weblog, and in private correspondence, the accusations in my file are extremely serious: breaching national security and plans to overthrow the government, for which the worst punishment is execution. If you confess you get a lighter sentence, but still you have to have patience and wait for your court date, which has not been announced.
http://www.voteforiran.com/2009/08/the-arrest-beating-and-interrogation-of-farhad-m/

Iran conservatives reject prisoner rape claims

Iran's powerful conservative camp rejected on Wednesday claims that election protesters were raped in custody and issued a stern warning to opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi for raising the allegations. However, others highlight jail rapes and abuses, "a number of detainees have said that some female detainees have been raped savagely. Young boys held in detention have also been savagely raped," Karroubi said in a letter dated July 29... "
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20090812/twl-iran-politics-unrest-575b600.html

Pictures of Iranian Innocents that was murdered

85 year old protester--such an Iranian Lioness!

A 85 year old protester demands her vote back and says she wants to take it back fr0m Khamenei. A Must SEE...check it out!!!!! Pure Courage!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnTmQ7OFNBA

IRAN VATANAM SONG NEDA AGHA SOLTAN X-ELEMENTZ IRAN july 30 8 mordad 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px9tCJPj0wg

Protest for Freedom is alive and going stronger

Videos - Tehran July 30, Apadana district----Remembering the innocents who have died.

http://bit.ly/2qLKX

&

http://bit.ly/NN7wc

Latest Videos from Iran

http://enduringamerica.com/2009/07/30/latest-iran-video-the-%E2%80%9C40th-day%E2%80%9D-memorial-30-july-part-2/

IRAN: People block roads in Tehran 7/30/09

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghX6LJz4Wd8

Song written in memory of Neda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHTrtXncuCg

Worldwide Protests for Iranian Freedom

WORLDWIDE PROTESTS IN 100 PLUS CITIES FOR IRAN FREEDOM FIGHTERS TODAY
http://united4iran.org/

Iran Threatens Strike on Israel's Nuclear Facilities if Attacked

"If the Zionist Regime (Israel) attacks Iran, we will surely strike its nuclear facilities with our missile capabilities," Mohammad Ali Jafari, Guards commander-in-chief, said. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,534800,00.html?mrp

Iran opposition urge clerics to act over detainees

TEHRAN (Reuters) - "Iran's opposition urged senior clerics on Saturday to help secure the release of people arrested following June's disputed presidential election, after a protester died in prison. A reformist website said the son of an adviser to defeated conservative candidate Mohsen Rezaie had been killed in a Tehran prison after being detained in post-election unrest."
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE56O14120090725

"Angel of Iran"

Master sculptor, Paula Slater, was so shocked by the graphic and violent video of the senseless shooting death of Neda, an innocent beautiful young Iranian woman, Slater turned her sadness into Art.

More pictures of Iranian people fighting for Freedom

http://twicsy.com/i/yFZG

Iranian women risk everything when protesting!

"Women who demonstrate against the government in Iran are risking more than we can imagine. Demonstrators against the regime in Iran are faced with the death penalty. this includes demonstrators who are well under eighteen years of age. But Iran makes justice run through the twisted labyrinth of Shaaria law as it is interpreted by Iran's corrupt theocracy. How twisted is it? Consider this. according to the Jerusalem Post, girls who are virgins may not be executed, no matter what their crimes. So how do you execute a girl who is a virgin? Very simple. You have a prison guard marry her. When he consummates his "marriage" to the condemned, then she can be executed the following morning."
http://www.rantrave.com/Rant/Legal-and-Official-Rape-in-Iran-Prisons.aspx

Pictures of Iranians fighting for their freedom!

http://twitpic.com/photos/madyar

Iran opposition leader & wife visit slain man's family

"Mir-Hossein Mousavi and his wife are swarmed by supporters near the home. Mir-Hossein Mousavi and his popular wife, Zahra Rahnavard, visited the family of Sohrab Aarabi in Tehran, paying tribute to the teenager whose death and whose mother's desperate weeks-long quest to find her son have emerged as a symbol of the protest movement against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad."
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran15-2009jul15,0,4420908.story

Iran Executes 13 It Calls Sunni Rebels

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Iranian authorities executed 13 members of a Sunni Muslim rebel group by hanging Tuesday morning in a prison in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan, the Iranian state news agency reported.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/middleeast/15iran.html?hp

Social Activism in Iran will be More Difficult

In an interview with Rooz, Iranian women’s rights activist Parvin Ardalan discusses the post-election events and the role of the women’s movement. http://www.roozonline.com/english/news/newsitem/article/2009/july/10//social-activism-will-be-more-difficult.html

Pro-reform clerical body protests Iran elections

A pro-reform clerical group protested against the official results of Iran's June 12 presidential election, in a statement made available to AFP. Blasting the official electoral watchdog, the Guardians Council, the Assembly of Qom Seminary Scholars and Researchers said it no longer had the "right to judge in this case as some of its members have lost their impartial image in the eyes of the public."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hTtgj7mLM7SrkOrKyukLC-o_RPfQ

Arrested, beaten and raped: an Iran protester's tale

"Afshin, a shopkeeper from south-west Iran, alleges that one of his friends was beaten and repeatedly raped after being arrested at an opposition rally after last month's disputed election. He gave this account to Esfandiar Poorgiv, a journalist and academic. It is published here as part of the Guardian's project to trace those killed and detained during the unrest. The Guardian has been unable to independently verify the account."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/01/iran-protest-arrests-afshin-friend

U-TOO Blog listing of the killings & beatings in Iran

Check it out! http://u-too.blogspot.com/#iranelection

The Green Brief #9 - NiteOwl - Why We Protest

..."As reported yesterday, no massacre can be confirmed to have occurred in Baharestan square. Readers have sent me several photographs of bodies with gaping wounds that might suggest the use of axes - I have confirmed ISOLATED use of axes in the previous report -, however, all of the photos have been from past protests. As of yet, the claim by Mainstream Media that there was a massacre at Baharestan cannot be confirmed."...
http://iran.whyweprotest.net/news-current-events/2449-green-brief-9-niteowl.html

List of Killed and Arrested in Iran - English

http://iran.whyweprotest.net/missing-persons/2346-list-killed-arrested-english.html

Khamenei Speech to Parliamentarians June 24 (Excerpts English)

In a meeting with members of the parliament, Khamenei against defended the elections and said that the Islamic regime and people would at any cost not be forced! He added that in the current situation, he has emphasized the rule of law. He continued to say that if there was no law, then dictatorship will prevail. He added that if the law was not followed than things will get complicated, thus, the law must be adhered. He said that if not followed, then the legality of any elections in the future will be questionable. He added that the law must pass down from the top down, the people at the top must adhere to the law and if they don't, then the ordinary people cannot be expected to do so. He called on the representatives of people in the parliament to cooperate with the government and not make it difficult for them to run society day to day. He added that this doesn't mean the government shouldn't be criticized if it is wrong, but rather if there is anything, it shouldn't be taken up with the government in a 'friendly' way. He added that representatives should place the betterment and issues of their respected areas in context with the betterment of the country.

These are excerpts from Khamenei's speech to parliamentarians today, June 24 in Tehran. I saw it on the BBC's Persian website and translated it AS QUICKLY and as BEST as I could. Please pass around - NiteOwl

UPDATE on Iran

http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=66&Itemid=293

HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVITIES IN IRAN

http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=66&Itemid=293

Iran updates

http://tehranbureau.com/iran-updates

A Hate-Crime in Iran

In the manner in which Neda was targeted and murdered by the Iranian government’s agents is a clear indication that this is a Hate-Crime. Neda was killed because she represented all that the Iranian government fears.* *Neda was wearing western clothes and not traditional clothing was she was shot in the heart by a sniper. Remember women’s rights had been a hot issue during the election.

Bahman JENABI was a 18 years old student who was killed last week in Tehran by Basij force

Ashkan Sohrabi was a 18 years old student who was killed last week in Tehran by Basij force

Song written in memory of Neda

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqF7186UJx8&feature=channel_page

Violence and Widespread Arrests in the township of Amol

12:07
Thursday June 18, 2009
Like other regions of the country, the township of Amol in the province of Mazandaran has become filled with demonstrators protesting the results of Iranian presidential elections.
As in other locations, these demonstrations have faced severe and violent responses from the Security Forces and interference from government-backed militias. Reports have emerged that the Security Forces have arrested many young demonstrators and reformist campaign workers. The latest of these clashes occurred this morning.
In its local news agency, a paramilitary group known as Hezbollah has threatened activists such as Jamileh Salar, Bahareh Shahidi, Hojatoleslam Musa Rajai, and Mr. Mahdavi, the former Friday prayer Imam of the city. This group has also announced that it has detained the son of the former Minister of Roads and Transportation of president Khatami’s administration. The location and numbers of these detainees as well as the number of injured are not disclosed. http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1296:violence-and-widespread-arrests-in-the-township-of-amol&catid=66:304&Itemid=293

Flagrant Attacks on Kian Amani, an Iranian Photojournalist

شنبه ، 30 خرداد 1388 ، 12:10
Friday June 18, 2009
The Security Forces and plain-clothed government agents subjected Kian Amani, a prominent Iranian photographer and photojournalist of CHN news agency, who has also performed freelance work for foreign news agencies, to a flagrant attack and bodily injury. The attack occurred while he was engaged in photography from the demonstrations on Gandhi Street at 9:00 PM on Tuesday.
The paramilitary plain-clothed agents were armed with batons, chains, and machetes. They approached Mr. Amani and broke the lens of his professional camera. When he objected, the agents attacked Mr. Amani with knives and severely injured him. Despite his grossly apparent injuries, the agents continued to subject Mr. Amani to beatings. Concerned bystanders subsequently took him to a hospital.
The restrictions on activity of journalists in Iran have occurred while hundreds of foreign journalists and photographers have been forced out of Iran due to nonrenewal of their visas. Many news agencies have been warned not to provide coverage of the ongoing demonstrations. The government of Iran through severe censorship of newspapers and media, placement of significant restrictions on Internet access and blacking of texting, has practically left no room for any coverage of the ongoing people’s demonstrations and the events surrounding them.

http://hra-iran.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1297:flagrant-attacks-on-kian-amani-an-iranian-photojournalist&catid=66:304&Itemid=293

Troubled Week in Iran

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/06/a_troubled_week_in_iran.html

Iran Update

Read All About It! Green Brief 6
http://tinyurl.com/ov9g28

Neda Agha-Soltan – A Cold-blooded Murder

World unites for democracy in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UnXP89jlcc

This is NEDA

Torture in the streets of Khorramabad Iran

Stripped and the torture begins on the streets in Iran!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npdISZUtdmU

Iran's Agents Murdering Students

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npdISZUtdmU

Night Rally Now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCpL4xRQlS0

No Burial Services for NEDA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHv-VF9CdNY

Iranians being killed in streets of Tehran

Iranians being killed in streets of Tehran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp5sDdb6rE4&feature=channel_page

NEDA burial site

gravesite

More Information Iran

http://azadi4iran।info/

Monday News in Iran

Hundreds of protesters crowded Tehran's Haft-e Tir Square on Monday, despite warnings from the government, eyewitnesses said.Six people were seen arrested at the square.Hundreds of Basij militia -- some in plainclothes -- and riot police were trying to disperse the crowd and managed to clear a crowded pedestrian overpass near the square, the witnesses said. Two helicopters circled overhead.There were lots of Internet postings on Twitter and Facebook about a 4 p.m. (7:30 a.m. ET) vigil at Haft-e Tir Square for a young female protester identified as Neda. Her death, which was caught on camera, has become a rallying cry for many protesters.At Monday's rally in the square, one witness said a male protester in his 20s was chased into an alley by two members of the pro-government Basij militia. A group of protesters chased the Basijis away and then the crowd could be heard chanting "Do not be scared. We are all together."
http://bknews।lmdconline।com/

Iran's Citizens Arrested

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mousavi1388/

DEATH in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkL1GZpOeo

Iran Today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM_O7FTyTZE

Horror in Iran

http://imagehost.in/out.php/i10924_iran.JPG

Protest Song

Iranian Demonstrator students Song created Friday after the प्रयेर्स
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUjm_f6V_Uo&feature=channel_page

Today in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00cSHvqTXwI

TODAY in IRAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ_oWNEGhZE

Today in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGahhxAPjTk

Remembering NEDA

IN MEMORY of NEDA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbdEf0QRsLM

Green Brief #4

The Green Brief 4 - NiteOwl
This is NiteOwl AKA Josh Shahryar, no time for formalities, here’s the new brief – sorry I overslept because of lack of sleep. Won’t happen again! ProtesterHelp and Heymans have been instrumental in the writing of this Brief. This is news from Saturday in Iran. 1. There was a protest planned today at Enghelab Square in Tehran. However, the whole square was filled with police. The police attacked, beat down on protesters and dispersed them with tear gas. However, the whole city of Tehran was crowded with protesters. As we reported in the last brief, the IRG had expressly been given the authority by Khamenei to violently crush the protests if any start to take place after Friday.2. Other protests took place in Isfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, Mashhad, Rasht and Ahvaz. Protesters were attacked in all the above mentioned cities as well as in other areas of Iran. The situation seemed to be extremely critical in the cities of Shiraz, Tabriz, Isfahan and Rasht. There were incidents of violence against protesters in Ahvaz as well. Reports have also come in of protesters lashing back at IRG and Baseej with at least one Baseej base in Tehran being burnt by angry protesters. Molotov bombs have been used during the protests on a wider scale than before by protesters. It has also been confirmed that in Mashhad, a very large number Mullahs accompanied the protesters. 3. The government claimed as the protests were continuing that a suicide bomber had attacked Imam Khomeini’s shrine. They also claimed that many people had been injured and killed in the incident. However, sources have not confirmed any such attack. We cannot at this point confirm or deny whether any attack on the shrine took place from all our sources. Iranian TV continues to claim this attack has indeed taken place. MSM might have more on this, but treat it with caution. 4. During the protest, helicopters dropped a strange liquid on protesters that we’re still trying to determine the nature of. It has been claimed variously that the liquid was tear gas. Some sources have told us that people who’ve had the liquid contact their skin have developed burns on those spots. But as of yet, we cannot positively identify it. 5. In Tehran, Baseej and possibly IRG forces burnt down a mosque with protesters trapped inside, according to sources. They could not confirm if any protester had actually died or had been injured during the incident. 6. Even though larger protests have subsided, there are still people out on the streets in Tehran and other cities. It is being claimed by sources that the wave of arrests is continuing even at 1 AM Iran time. Throughout the day, the number of people who were arrested has remained unconfirmed, but sources claim that thousands have been arrested, consensus being on around 3,000 and possibly more. Running the numbers and adding them to our previous number of 5,000 arrested before today, the number of people that have been so far seems to have reached somewhere between 5 and 10 thousand. The number of people killed during the protests is anyone’s guess. Sources have confirmed at least 4 dead in Tehran. But the number could be higher. The government is not releasing any data on that as of yet. 7. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has been the spearhead of all the attacks within Tehran. The Basij is helping them. As we had reported before, the IRG had been authorized by Khamenei to use extensive force if necessary to quell the protests. The police have this time also been active in the suppression of the protests but not to the level of the IRG and the Baseej. The remainder of the military has so far taken no action. 8. It has also been claimed that IRG is soon to take complete control of the capital and possibly the major cities where protests have taken place. This is said to be a measure in order to stop protests from happening in the first place. Confirmation is still not as positive as it is in other cases reported here. 9. Mousavi was present during the protests but was unable to deliver his prepared speech. He said that he is ready to be martyred for the cause of people. Reports of his detention and freedom have come from various sources but it seems that for now he is safe. He has called for a general strike throughout Iran. 10. Reformists and high-ranking Mousavi supporters are now being arrested in massive numbers. Sources claim that the Iranian government wants to completely isolate Mousavi so he has no way of contacting the outside world. However, Mousavi continues to manage to get messages out using his sources. 11. As the injured were shipped to hospitals, many were directly taken away into custody without even reaching the hospital. Sources also confirm that government forces then went to hospitals and picked up the injured, hauling them out and taking them to undisclosed locations. The arrest of injured protesters is so massive that our sources have pleaded with everyone inside Iran to NOT go to hospitals. 12. Several embassies in Tehran opened up their doors to injured protesters. They include the embassies of Slovenia, Dutch, Italian, British, Australian, Romania, Czech Republic, Denmark and Germany. There are rumors of other embassies opening their doors to injured protesters as well; however, they cannot be positively confirmed. It has also been confirmed that the Canadian Embassy has closed its doors and turned away injured protesters and told them they are not accepting anyone. 13. It has also been reported that Baseej, IRG and police have been stationed around the embassy to intercept any protesters who try to enter the embassies. Many people have so far been arrested on route or close to the embassies and taken to undisclosed location. 14. Sources confirmed that the government is taking forced confessions from arrested protesters and linking them to Western nations. The Iranian TV showed confessions of several protesters. One protester claimed that he had been taking orders from sources in the UK. The TV news stories have been so far blaming the UK and Israel for the violence and have hinted at possible involvement by the US government as well. 15. The Iranian Ministry of Interior has taken extreme measures in order to protect its internet services and data from hackers trying to sabotage their systems. Most websites helping Iranian online protesters have pleaded to all hackers not to DDoS any government-run websites or internet services as this would also create severe problems for Iranians using internet as well and quite possibly might cut off connection to them. Here’s a link to information compiled by our most active twitter helper: Please have a look at it and let us know if you can confirm it too

3 students arrested

According to statistics obtained names of three students arrested including gentlemen, Mehdi Pour Nikan, Kaveh Shafiee Einollah and Siavash is that all three have been transferred to Lacan.

Hangings in Iran?

RT @WARNING GRAPHIC:
Requesting confirmation from Iran; five students executed on camera http://bit.ly/tzEcD #iranelection #gr88 #GREEN4IRAN

Freedom for women?

Song sang in Iran by students

My elementary schoolmate.

You are with me and my comrade all the way.

We’ve suffered together....

Read MoreYour tears and sighs are mines as well.

Engraved on this blackboard are our names.

Remaining on our bodies are still the scares of the lash of tyranny and injustice.

This uncultured landscape of ours is covered with weed instead of the green of grass.

Either good or bad, dead is the hearts of all its people.

Your hands and my hands must rip these veils apart.

Who else, except for you and me, could cure our wounds?

My elementary schoolmate.

You are with me and my comrade all the way.

We’ve suffered together.

Your tears and sighs are mines as well.

Engraved on this backboard are our names.

Remaining on our bodies are still the scares of the lash of tyranny and injustice

Pics of the Truth in Iran

Amazing photos of Freedom Heros/Heroines.

Warning: Graphic.

http://tinyurl.com/nthyt7

Men in civilian clothes attacked Day hospital in Tehran

SourceTranslation:Shahab News:

Men in civilian clothes attacked Day hospital in Tehran (Tavanir st at Valiasr st) and it is not clear where they got their orders from. This happenedhours after some of the people wounded and injured in the street violence against protesters were brought to Day hospital by ambulances and by people on Tuesday. Number of wounded and dead were also brought to this hospital on previous days.The attackers who were armed with batons, chains, sticks, sprays and guns entered the emergency room by forcing and threatening the security guards and ordered doctors and nurses not to treat patients injured during the protests. They also called those patients "spies", "traitors", and "enemy's supporters".The confrontation lasted 15 minutes during which the hospital staff tried to keep the attackers from approaching the patients and recognizing their faces. At the end, they seceded in preventing violence.Note that even in the World War II and during Israel and Palestine's war in Gaza, the medical teams have been safe and free to do their job and treat the wounded.

Hamas helping Iran crack heads?

posted at 1:35 pm on June 17, 2009 by Ed Morrissey Send to a Friend Share on Facebook printer-friendly
One might think that the Iranian Guardian Council has enough thug power in the Revolutionary Guard to keep a lid on the Iranian people. The Jerusalem Post reports that the Guardian Council itself doesn’t have that level of confidence. Protestors claimt that Hamas has begun assisting the regime in cracking heads, and have a different view of Israel as a result (via Yid with Lid):
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/17/hamas-helping-iran-crack-heads/

Letter to the Minister of Justice of the Islamic Republic of Iran

We would like you to pay immediate attention to what is going on currently inside the country. We are currently with people who think that their rights have been infringed upon and they have a right to ask for that right to be given back to them. Not only are students being picked up from universities, but now reformist leaders and known political faces are being picked up from their homes without the slightest regard to the laws of this country.

This will not only do no good in solving the problems we are facing, but will further exasperate them. The spate of killings during these protests are condemnable. Yet from the peaceful protests we have seen, it seems unlikely that they were the instigators of violence.

We request your assistance in this matter because you have a responsibility towards your people and the Islamic Republic. The continuation of this violence will do nothing but harm, thus, we want every bit of help you can give us in ending this spree of violence that is being carried out against peaceful protesters.

Mir Hossein Mousavi, Said Mohammad Khatami

(Translated by Josh Shahryar)

http://pastie.org/515654

See the Truth in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLo_6Qp1eTk

Wear black in respect for those killed in Iran.

Mousavi and Khatami to attend rally tomorrow.

Please wear black in respect for those innocents killed in Iran. Thank you.

Just STAND--Iranian people Standing for Equality

Open Letter: Fatwa Issued for Changing the Vote in Favor of Ahmadinejad

http://www.voteforiran.com/2009/06/open-letter-fatwa-issued-for-changing-the-vote-in-favor-of-ahmadinejad-tehranbureau/

A Tweet from a friend in Iran: "this is our wish to end this way"

Today in Iran

Tear gas and Twitter exposing Ahmadinejad's tactics

Iranians take their protests online! Follow at: http://twitpic.com/photos/madyar

Justice Ginsburg Says She’s ‘Cheered’ by Sotomayor’s Nomination

"As much as I will miss Justice Souter's company," Ginsburg said, "I was cheered by the next banner headline" on Sotomayor’s nomination. Justice Ginsberg further stated,"The nominee will bring to the Supreme Court, as she did to the district court and then the court of appeals, a wealth of experience in law and in life," Ginsburg said. "And I am so glad no longer to be the lone woman on the court."
http://www.abajournal.com/news/justice_ginsburg_says_shes_cheered_by_sotomayors_nomination/

Shawna Forde, Minutemen Leader, Arrested In Double Killing In Arizona

"The trio are alleged to have dressed as law enforcement officers and forced their way into a home about 10 miles north of the Mexican border in rural Arivaca on May 30, wounding a woman and fatally shooting her husband and their 9-year-old daughter. Their motive was financial, Dupnik said."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/shawna-forde-minutemen-le_n_215246.html

South Carolina pol: Sorry for comparing Michelle Obama to gorilla

The Facebook comment has since been deleted, but DePass confirmed to WIS-TV that he made it, apologizing and saying it was a joke about statements Obama has made about evolution.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/us_politics/view/2009_06_14_South_Carolina_pol:_Sorry_for_comparing_Michelle_Obama_to_gorilla/

SCGOP Activist Posts Remark Disparaging First Lady

A prominent S.C. Republican Party activist is in hot water after describing an escaped gorilla at a South Carolina zoo as an “ancestor” of First Lady Michelle Obama.
http://www.fitsnews.com/2009/06/12/scgop-activist-posts-remark-disparaging-first-lady/;
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/11445/this-is-why-the-gop-is-failing-to-win-over-the-mighty-middle

see below,

Broken promises--Ahmadinejad's problem with women

"His broken promises to women voters could cost him the presidency on June 12. A reformist woman and a former member of parliament said in a newspaper article that the president's days are numbered: "The women's movement in Iran is gaining momentum and these elections may be the first step towards Ahmadinejad [being] forced out.""
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/09/gerges.iran.election/index.html

Sotomayor hearing date set for July 13

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/23526.html

"Rape Trees" Found Along Southern US Border

"A new method of marking territory has crossed over into the United States. "Rape trees" are popping up in Southern Arizona and their significance is horrific and disgusting. These "rape trees" are places where cartel members and coyotes rape female border crossers and hang their clothes, specifically undergarments, to mark their conquest and territory." http://www.latina.com/lifestyle/news-politics/rape-trees-found-along-southern-us-border

OH, NO MIKE, you didn't!

"The appointment of Maria Sotomayor for the Supreme Court"—Mike Huckabee. News flash, Mike... We are not all named "MARIA" and we don't all look alike either... but, Mike, you really exposed your true self, didn't you! How unfortunate for you and so telling to all future Hispanic voters!http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0509/Huck_comes_out_firing__at_Maria_Sotomayor.html

Anita Hill Talks About Sotomayor and Her Own Clarence Thomas Testimony

Anita Hill believes that the Obama administration nominee Sonia Sotomayor is a great choice due to her intellect, breadth of experience and respect for the rule of law. Hill was a year behind Sotomayor at Yale Law School and was very favorably impressed with her there, the two were never socially involved then or since.
http://www.abajournal.com/news/anita_hills_talks_about_sotomayor_and_her_own_clarence_thomas_testimony/

New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

New Hampshire Legalizes Gay Marriage Gov. John Lynch signs a bill making New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize sames-sex marriage. http://www.wmur.com/video/19648652/index.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gUUXsl3sakXbS8W1AYb4xSxxEMIgD98JEPVG1

Group: NJ tops list in anti-Semitic hate crimes

New Jersey had more anti-Semitic incidents reported in 2008 than any other state. California was second with 226 incidents reported and New York was third with 207. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hmxKiiSIsM-k7nX2yECb7kGw1qhwD98IJM6G2

Hatch: Sotomayor 'highly likely' to be confirmed, barring surprises

By Lisa Desjardins and Ted BarrettCNN
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The longest-serving Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee told CNN Radio on Thursday that, barring any surprises, Sonia Sotomayor is headed for a Supreme Court confirmation. Judge Sonia Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic on the U.S. Supreme Court. "If there are no otherwise disqualifying matters here, it appears to me she will probably be confirmed," Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said. Hatch was acknowledging the current Senate political landscape. Sotomayor was nominated by a Democrat president, and Democrats could have 60 votes in the 100-member chamber if Minnesota's Al Franken is seated. They now hold 12 of the 19 seats on the Senate Judiciary Committee that will first consider Sotomayor's nomination. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, said Thursday he does not plan to vote to confirm Sotomayor, becoming the first Republican to explicitly state his opposition...
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/28/scotus.hatch.sotomayor/index.html

Fwd: CNN Breaking news - California Supreme Court upholds ban on new same-sex marriages, but lets existing marriages stand. reply STOP 2 unsub

Obama selects Judge Sotomayor for U.S. Supreme Court

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama on Tuesday nominated federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Sonia Sotomayor on Tuesday calls her nomination to the high court "the most humbling honor of my life." Sotomayor would be the first Hispanic and third female U.S. Supreme Court justice if confirmed. Obama announced the nomination Tuesday morning in the East Room of the White House. "Thank you, Mr. President, for the most humbling honor of my life," Sotomayor said. "My heart is bursting with gratitude," she said. She gave special recognition to her mother, who was sitting in the audience. "I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences," Sotomayor said. Obama called Sotomayor "an inspiring woman who I believe will make a great justice." She "has worked at almost every level of our judicial system, providing her with a depth of experience and a breath of perspective that will be invaluable as a Supreme Court justice," he added.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/26/supreme.court/index.html

Fwd: CNN Breaking news - President Obama to nominate Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court, sources tell CNN. reply STOP 2 unsub

The U.S. State Department wants to extend the same benefits to partners

Benefits proposed for same-sex partners of U.S. diplomats. "Historically, domestic partners of Foreign Service members have not been provided the same training, benefits, allowances and protections that other family members receive," the notice says. "These inequities are unfair and must end.".
http://bit.ly/hTWKU

Philadelphia, Mississippi, elects first black mayor

By Ed Lavandera, CNN Correspondent
PHILADELPHIA, Mississippi (CNN) -- James Young still remembers the Ku Klux Klan tormenting his neighborhood. He can still see his father holding a gun on the living room couch ready to shoot anyone who threatened his family. Nothing about Young's childhood ever made him think he could be the mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, the town best known for the killings of three civil rights workers in 1964. That's the way it was for black kids growing up in this crucible of racial hostility -- big dreams were often squelched. Sitting on a sprawling Southern front porch this week, Young broke down in tears about what it means to be elected the town's first black mayor. "When you've been treated the way we've been treated," he told CNN, choking up and then pausing to wipe the tears from his face. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/22/mississippi.black.mayor/index.html

First Black Female Rabbi in U.S.

Stanton will become rabbi next month, making her the first black female rabbi in U.S. http://bit.ly/O3364

Female Potential Supreme Court Nominees Targeted in YouTube Attack Ads

By Debra Cassens Weiss
Some conservative groups aren’t waiting for President Obama to announce his choice to fill the seat of retiring Justice David H. Souter. They are taking aim at three potential Supreme Court nominees in attack ads posted on YouTube. The Judicial Confirmation Network has posted the videos on a website called Obama’s Frontrunners, the DC Dicta blog reports. In one video, .... Judge Sonia Sotomayor of the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals apparently believes "the content of your character is not as important as the color of your skin," according to the ad. The ad targets her vote rejecting a challenge by white firefighters who sued after a fire department threw out a promotions test that produced no minority candidates. Supreme Court practitioner Thomas Goldstein, who created SCOTUSblog, told the Tribune that the Internet and blogs have helped distribute information about the possible nominees. "The downside is that there is an equal leveling effect in which totally idiotic wing nuts can go off—that's true on both the far left and far right." http://www.abajournal.com/news/potential_supreme_court_nominees_targeted_in_youtube_attack_ads/

Adopted Children and Life Partner kept From a Dying Partner’s Bedside

By TARA PARKER-POPE
Published: May 18, 2009
When a loved one is in the hospital, you naturally want to be at the bedside. But what if the staff won’t allow it? That’s what Janice Langbehn, a social worker in Lacey, Wash., says she experienced when her partner of 18 years, Lisa Ponds, collapsed with an aneurysm during a Florida vacation and was taken to a Miami trauma center. She died there, at age 39, as Ms. Langbehn tried in vain to persuade hospital officials to let her visit, along with the couple’s adopted children. “I have this deep sense of failure for not being at Lisa’s bedside when she died,” Ms. Langbehn said. “How I get over that I don’t know, or if I ever do.”
The case, now the subject of a federal lawsuit in Florida, is being watched by gay rights groups, which say same-sex partners often report being excluded from a patient’s room because they aren’t “real” family members.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/19/health/19well.html?_r=1&hp

Just Released: Supreme Court Rules Against Female Workers

A Bad Decision in AT&T Corp. v. Hulteen Perpetuates Pregnancy Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace. Ignoring the realities of the workplace and the intent of Congress, the Supreme Court today ruled against female workers in the case of AT&T Corp. v. Hulteen, thereby authorizing the employer, as Justice Ginsburg stated in a strong dissent, to pay them “for the rest of their lives, lower pension benefits than colleagues who worked for AT&T no longer than they did.” The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) submitted an amicus brief in the case. “This decision is an all-too-timely reminder of the importance of having on the Supreme Court justices who understand the real world impact of the law and the need to give life to Congress’s intent to eradicate discrimination,” stated Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of NWLC. “Once again, as in the Ledbetter case, the Court simply did not understand the barriers women faced and continue to face in the workplace. By authorizing AT&T to treat women differently today based on maternity leaves they took in the 1970s, the Court is allowing the perpetuation of pregnancy discrimination in damaging and unjustifiable ways.”
http://www.womenstake.org/2009/05/just-released-supreme-court-rules-against-female-workers.html

Kuwait votes for first female MPs

Kuwait has elected its first female MPs following the oil-rich country's third general election in three years. US-educated Aseel al-Awadhi and Rola Dashti were among winners in the third district, official results declared. The 10 leading candidates from each of Kuwait's five electoral districts are elected to the 50-seat parliament. The emir dissolved the previous parliament in March because it wanted to question his nephew, the prime minister, about alleged corruption. There are no political parties in Kuwait; the prime minister appoints ministers most of whom are unelected. "It's a victory for Kuwaiti women and a victory for Kuwaiti democracy," Ms Awadhi told AFP news agency.
http://bit.ly/1945WA

After Pennsylvania Trial, Tensions Simmer Over Race

SHENANDOAH, Pa. — Ten days ago, shortly after two white teenagers were acquitted of the most serious charges in the beating death of Luís Ramírez, a Mexican immigrant, several white students at the local high school told Felix Bermejo that he would be the next person to get a beating, he says...The trial stemming from Mr. Ramírez’s death ended nearly two weeks ago, but tensions continue to boil in this small Pennsylvania coal town of 5,100 northwest of Philadelphia, where Mexicans and other Latinos have been settling in search of affordable housing and work in the mines or apple and peach farms. “It’s only gotten worse since the verdict,” said a white woman at a downtown store who asked that her name not be used because she was afraid of how her neighbors might react to her having talked to a reporter. “The whole thing has set us backwards, and if the trial had swung the other way, it would have just been the whites who were angry.” Closure in the matter is not likely to come soon. A federal investigation of the crime and the police’s handling of it is under way. The case has also become something of a cause célèbre for national Hispanic organizations, ... “This case is not just about what happened to Luís; it’s about what Latinos nationally are facing,” said John Amaya, a staff lawyer with Maldef, who added that Mr. Ramírez’s death was part of a larger trend of violence against Latinos. He pointed to federal crime statistics that show a 40 percent increase in attacks on Hispanics from 2003 to 2007.....
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/17/us/17penn.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

The Fragility of Gay Iowa

....It's a brand new day here in Iowa since April 3 when we became the nation's third state — and the Midwest's first — to permit same-sex marriage. But during the state's first three weeks of legalized gay marriage (the law went into effect April 27) some things haven't changed. One gay college student I know has gone back into the closet while searching for a teaching job. And public reaction has been mixed to the Iowa Supreme Court's unanimous decision to overturn a state law limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples, a decision hinged on basic fairness and constitutional equal protection.......
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1899032,00.html?xid=rss-nation-cnn

NH governor offers to sign same-sex marriage into law

(CNN) — New Hampshire Gov. Jon Lynch said Thursday that he will sign into law a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed — but only after the state legislature agrees to his terms. "This morning, I met with House and Senate leaders, and the sponsors of this legislation, and gave them language that will provide additional protections to religious institutions," he said in a statement. "This new language will provide the strongest and clearest protections for religious institutions and associations, and for the individuals working with such institutions. "…But following that tradition means we must act to protect both the liberty of same-sex couples and religious liberty. In their current form, I do not believe these bills accomplish those goals."
Lynch said if the state legislature passes the new language, he will sign the bill into law. Otherwise, he will veto the measure. "We can and must treat both same-sex couples and people of certain religious traditions with respect and dignity," he said. "I believe this proposed language will accomplish both of these goals and I urge the legislature to pass it. "http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/05/14/nh-governor-offers-to-sign-same-sex-marriage-into-law/

Christian broadcasters warn of hate crimes bill's effect on religious freedom

The nation's largest group of Christian media professionals warns that the expanded Hate Crimes bill currently before the Senate presents a serious risk of violating free speech rights of religious communicators. The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act was introduced in the Senate last week just as the House passed its version in a 249-175 vote. It is expected to pass the Senate despite the protest from social conservative groups. The legislation is intended by its sponsors to protect homosexuals and transgendered people from violent hate crimes by expanding a list of federally protected groups to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and disability. Parshall said if the hate crimes legislation is made into law, Christian communicators could face prosecution for religious speech through already existing federal incitement and conspiracy laws.
http://www.churchexecutive.com/news.asp?N_ID=1874

Demonization of Mexican and other Latino immigrants is fueling hate crimes and violence against them

Demonization of Mexican and other Latino immigrants is fueling hate crimes and violence against them, and it's time for America's leaders and media to put a stop to it all. The swine-flu scapegoating of Mexicans over the past two weeks by some radio and television talk show hosts reflects the abandon with which many local officials, anti-immigrant groups and even an unthinking mainstream media create popular resentments, dehumanize immigrants and provide justification for the extremists among us to act violently. There are genuine issues to debate openly about legal and illegal immigration, but that doesn't justify language such as CNN's Lou Dobbs calling the virus the "Mexican flu," radio host Michael Savage saying "illegal aliens are the carriers" or radio host Jay Severin referring to Mexican immigrants as "criminaliens." Dobbs earlier propagated stories about illegal immigrants causing a major outbreak of leprosy that were false but that he never retracted....In the case of the swine flu, an epidemic never materialized, but the damage to Latinos' image remains and comes on top of the ugly anti-immigrant campaigns of recent years, wild exaggerations of immigrant crime and mass roundups of suspected illegal immigrants by local and federal authorities. At a time when the nation is overcoming its black-white divisions and an African American is in the White House, the FBI reports that hate crimes against Latinos grew 40 percent over four years, reaching 830 in 2007, the last year measured. Last year, at least three murders of dark-skinned Latinos were driven by what clearly was anti-immigrant, racial hatred. The House of Representatives last month passed legislation known as the Matthew Shepard Act, which would extend federal hate-crimes law to cover crimes motivated by race, religion or national origin, in addition to sexual orientation or disability. The Senate should pass it now to make a statement against Latino hate crimes.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/10/ED9J17HA7P.DTL

Iran to free U.S. journalist, father says

Iran will release imprisoned Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, her father said today. Saberi was convicted last month on espionage charges in a one-day trial that was closed to the public. She was sentenced to eight years in prison. She denies the charges.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/11/iran.us.journalist/index.html

Saudi judge: It's ok to slap spendthrift wives!

Saudi judge: It's OK to slap spendthrift wives. Husbands allowed to slap their wives if they spend lavishly, Saudi judge says. Women in the audience immediately and loudly protested his speech. Newspaper reports judge was trying to explain increase in domestic violence.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/10/saudi.court.wife.slapping/index.html

The shooting death of Johanna Justin-Jinich -- A Hate Crime?

The suspect in the shooting of a Wesleyan University student will be arraigned Friday morning after surrendering to police without incident Thursday evening in neighboring Meriden, authorities said. Police have arrested Stephen Morgan in the shooting death of Johanna Justin-Jinich. Police told the community and university on Thursday that Morgan might have been targeting Wesleyan University and the town's Jewish residents. "Evidence uncovered overnight suggests that Mr. Morgan may be focused on the Wesleyan community campus as well as the Jewish community," said Baldoni, who did not elaborate. A statement from the university alleged that Morgan had written threats against "Wesleyan and/or its Jewish students" in his personal journals.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/08/connecticut.shooting.arrest/index.html

Maine legalizes same-sex marriage

CNN) -- Same-sex marriage became legal in Maine on Wednesday as Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill less than an hour after the state legislature approved it. Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill Wednesday legalizing same-sex marriage. "I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage," said Baldacci, a Democrat. But he raised the possibility that the residents of the state would overturn the law, saying, "Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people."
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/06/maine.same.sex.marriage/index.html

D.C. council votes to recognize same-sex marriage

Washington D.C. City Council voted 12-1 Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages from states that allow those unions.
http://bit.ly/INUGN

Fifty-eight percent of 18 to 34 years olds said same-sex marriages should be legal

CNN poll: Generations disagree on same-sex marriage..young ones more tolerate. Those 18 to 34 years old, 58 percent said same-sex marriages should be legal. That number drops to 42 percent among respondents aged 35 to 49, and to 41 percent for those aged 50 to 64. Only 24 percent of Americans 65 and older support recognizing same-sex marriages, according to the poll. http://bit.ly/9MfJ5

Family of Mexican man wants DOJ to intervene b/c of aquittal of hate crime

White teens acquitted of murder, aggravated assault, ethnic intimidation. Many advocacy groups say that the Verdict sends "extremely dangerous" precedent. Schuylkill County prosecutors alleged the beating was racially motivated but all white PA jury thought otherwise. Family of the dead man wants justice to be served and is asking for the U.S. DOJ to intervene and file federal charges against the white teens.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2009/05/03/beating.verdict.outrage.cnn

Obama likely to pick a woman for Souter seat

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/05/01/toobin.souter/index.html

"ONLY IN AMERICA" Teens acquitted of hate-crime murder

POTTSVILLE, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Two Pennsylvania teens were acquitted of murder, aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation charges Friday in the beating death of a Mexican immigrant last summer. Luis Ramirez died of blunt force injuries after a confrontation with a group of Pennsylania teens. However, a Schuylkill County jury found Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak guilty of simple assault stemming from the death of Luis Ramirez, who died of blunt force injuries to the head after a fight with the defendants and their friends. Donchak, 19, was also found guilty of providing alcohol to the group of teens that encountered Ramirez the night of July 12 on a residential street in the rural mining town of Shenandoah. Prosecutors alleged the teens baited the undocumented Mexican immigrant into a fight with racial epithets, provoking an exchange of punches and kicks that ended with Ramirez convulsing in the street, foaming from the mouth. He died two days later in a hospital in Danville. Piekarsky, 17, had faced a charge of third-degree murder for allegedly delivering a fatal kick to Ramirez's head after he was knocked to the ground. He also was found not guilty of ethnic intimidation, aggravated assault and attempting to solicit a cover-up. An all-white jury of six men and six women heard from several prosecution witnesses, including a juvenile co-defendant and another teen who pleaded guilty in federal court for his role in the fight.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/05/01/pa.immigrant.beating/index.html

Help Pass The Matthew Shepard Act

Judy lost her son, Matthew, to a brutal anti-gay attack – and she has been fighting for ten years for a federal law to give LGBT people the hate crime protections they need and deserve.
Watch her video and then send the letter below to your senators – tell them to take action on the Matthew Shepard Act. We have no time to waste.
http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/hate_crimes_senate

Maine state Senate voted for same-sex marriage

The Maine state Senate voted 20 - 15 in favor of legislation that would permit same-sex couples to marry under state law. The Senate also defeated an amendment to the bill that proposed putting the question of marriage equality for same-sex couples before voters.
The marriage bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/04/maine-senate-votes-in-favor-of-marriage-for-same-sex-couples/

When will we stop schoolyard bullying?

Jaheem Herrera, 11, was frustrated with bullies calling him "gay" and "the virgin" - after he was bullied at school...he came home from school and hung himself.
http://bit.ly/QaOvY

NC Rep. Virginia Foxx Dishonored Matthew Shepard's Death On The House Floor

NC Rep. Virginia Foxx Dishonored Matthew Shepard's Death On The House Floor http://bit.ly/10ASbE

Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act--Roll Call

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll223.xml

THE HATE CRIMES BILL, H.R. 1913, PASSES U.S. HOUSE!!

THE HATE CRIMES BILL, H.R. 1913, PASSES U.S. HOUSE!! FINAL VOTE IS 249 - 175.
http://clerk.house.gov/floorsummary/floor.html

360 + same-sex marriage licenses in Iowa today

Update: 360+ same-sex couples apply for marriage licenses; most in Polk Co. http://bit.ly/17uHyg

Same-Sex Couples Apply For Iowa Marriage Licenses

Two Lincoln, Neb., women were first in line at the Pottawattamie County Recorder’s office in Council Bluffs to apply for their license.
http://www.ketv.com/news/19300841/detail.html

Iowa Begin Issuing Same-Sex Licences

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Same-sex couples are applying for marriage licenses in Iowa today, after the Supreme Court's historic decision to legalize gay marriage.
http://www.kcci.com/cnn-news/19299662/detail.html

Iowa judge to stop performing marriages

At least one Iowa magistrate has decided that he will no longer perform marriages, a response due in part to the Iowa Supreme Court ruling that allows same-sex couples to marry.Third District Magistrate Francis Honrath of Larchwood on Wednesday said he will not be performing marriages."The Supreme Court ruling had something to do with it, but the truth is it's not just same-sex marriage I had problems with," said Honrath, a Creighton University law school graduate who is married and has seven children. More judges are expected to take similar action, which could make it challenging for even heterosexuals to marry, a political science professor, a chief district court judge and a same-sex marriage opponent speculated. District 3 Chief Judge Duane Hoffmeyer said he believes other court officials will also stop performing marriages."It's a discretionary function," Hoffmeyer said. "Some have never done any marriages. It's up to the individual and, to be honest, with everything that's going on, some are still unresolved on whether they will or won't." http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090423/NEWS10/904230387

FBI: Hate Crimes Down Except For Gays and Obama

In a statement from the Human Rights Campaign, President Joe Solmonese says, The FBI’s 2007 hate crimes report shows once again that hate crimes protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are long overdue. We are hopeful that after next week’s election we will finally have a President and a Congress that will enact federal hate crimes legislation into law. This month has been a time to remember hate crimes against LGBT people as we remember the 10 year anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard. Since his death the FBI has documented over 10,000 hate crimes based on sexual orientation. Even with the national attention Matthew’s death brought to the subject and the thousands of other cases there still is not federal hate crimes legislation protecting LGBT people.
http://lezgetreal.com/?p=167&cpage=1

Man Found Guilty Of Murder, Hate Crime In Transgender Killing

GREELEY, Colo. -- The family of an 18-year-old transgender teen burst into tears as they learned that the man who killed her was found guilty of first-degree murder and bias-motivated crime. Allen Andrade, 32, is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison. Sentencing will occur at 4 p.m. He was also found guilty of aggravated motor vehicle theft and identity theft.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching the verdict Wednesday afternoon.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/19250317/detail.html

Why LGBT hate-crimes protections should be Congress' priority

The death of Colorado transgender teenager Angie Zapata is an urgent reminder of the need for Congress to pass a federal hate-crimes statute, writes out U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., a co-sponsor of the bill. "People from all over the country were appalled a decade ago when gay student Matthew Shepard was beaten to death in Wyoming," Polis writes. "We should be even more appalled that in those 10 years, our nation has failed to adopt a federal hate-crimes bill." The murder and hate-crimes trial of the man accused in Zapata's death began this week. Denver Post, The (04/16)

Angie Zapata's family takes the stand

The first few times, it almost seemed like the public defenders were misspeaking.But then, those watching the murder trial of Allen Andrade started muttering under their breaths. Witnesses on the stand continued to correct the attorneys questioning them.Family members and friends echoed repeatedly, “my sister,” “Angie,” one by one on the stand Friday as public defenders Annette Kundelius and Brad Martin questioned them about “Justin.” Jurors next week will decide the fate of Andrade, who is suspected of killing Angie Zapata — legally Justin Zapata — on July 17, 2008. Andrade and Zapata met through an online dating networking site last summer and became fast friends. They agreed to meet, and three days after that meeting, Zapata wound up dead on her apartment floor, her face bashed in by a blunt object.Attorneys on Thursday opened the nine-day murder trial with vastly different theories: The prosecution said Andrade knew for 36 hours that Zapata was biologically male, and he killed her because of an intense hatred for homosexuals. Public defenders have plotted the defense that Andrade was so deceived by Zapata, who was convincingly female, that he snapped and lost control when he learned she had male genitalia.
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=87558843080&h=s9H8Z&u=l7Tb1&ref=nf

U.S. Committee to vote on Hate-Crime Bill

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee will vote on a controversial legislation next week that seeks to add homosexual and transgender people to the list of classes federally protected from hate crimes. H.R. 1913, named the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act of 2009, is expected to be passed by the committee next week and come to the House floor for a vote in the spring, announced Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the original co-sponsor of the bill and an openly gay member of Congress, on his website. An identical legislation (H.R. 1592) was passed by the U.S. House in 2007. The Senate later attached the hate crimes legislation to a high-priority defense spending bill, which included funding for the Iraq War, in a political maneuver to pressure former president George W. Bush to pass the amendment. But Bush said the spending bill and the hate crime legislation were two separate issues and vetoed the bill including the legislation.
http://christianpost.com/Society/Politics/2009/04/house-committee-to-vote-on-hate-crimes-bill-17/

Transgender murder trial: Hate crime charge may be a first

GREELEY, Colorado–The murder trial of Allen Andrade, underway in Greeley, Colorado, is being watched closely across the country. Andrade is accused of bludgeoning to death Angie Zapata, a transgender female, last July. Justin “Angie” Zapata was killed by a man she met over the Internet during the summer of 2008.

Since the defense concedes Andrade is the killer, the question at trial is what level of homicide it is: first-degree murder or some lesser degree. The defense says Andrade killed Zapata in rage after learning that the woman he was with was biologically male. The prosecution says Andrade knew for at least 36 hours before the murder that Zapata was born a male, which supports their theory of a premeditated murder—not an uncontrollable rage. http://insession.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/17/3140/

Follow Angie Zapata's murder trial via Twitter

Light a Candle for Angie Zapata Angie Zapata trial update: They are wrapping up juror selection today and getting ready for opening statements. Lively twitter traffic now from @justiceforangie and the Greeley Tribune reporter from inside the courtroom. Follow the trial live via twitter at http://www.angiezapata.com/. for update see, http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/04/16/transgender.slaying.trial/

NY Governor Paterson Unveils Same-Sex Marriage Bill

Gov. David A. Paterson on Thursday announced he would introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, drawing on the soaring oratory of the civil rights movement to call on the Legislature to add New York to the four states that have already authorized such unions.
Comparing the status of gay men and lesbians to that of African-Americans, Jews, women, disabled people and other groups who were historically excluded from full political and social equality, Mr. Paterson said he would lead the movement to authorize same-sex marriage in the Empire State. “We have a crisis of leadership today,” he declared. “We’re going to fill that vacuum today.”
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/paterson-unveils-same-sex-marriage-bill/?hp

Washington's governor expected to sign DP rights

Expanding domestic partner rights first granted in 2007, the Washington State House of Representatives voted April 15 to pass into law additional rights for domestic partnerships. The bill now heads to Governor Christine Gregoire's desk for a signature.
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir/news/43072067.html

Pottawattamie County, Iowa -- Marriage requirements.

Marriage License Information:To obtain a Marriage License we do not require a blood test. The cost of a Marriage License is $35.00 we do not accept personal checks or credit cards. We do accept cash, money orders or cashiers checks. There is a 3 working day waiting period to obtain the license. The bride and the groom must be at least 18 years of age and have a photo ID, They need one witness that knows both the bride and the groom that's at least 18 years of age with a photo ID. The Iowa Marriage License requires that the ceremony take place within the state of Iowa. Wedding Ceremonies are performed Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. (per judge availability) on the third floor of the court house, except Courthouse holidays. No appointment is necessary. On the day of the ceremony, report to the Clerk's office on the 3rd floor with your marriage license and two witnesses, age 18 or older. There is no fee for this service during regular working hours, however you are free to offer a gratuity if you like. To make an appointment for weddings at locations other than the Courthouse, you may call District Associate Judge Eveloff at 712.328.5864. http://www.pottcounty.com/html/Recorder_Overview.asp#MLI

Afghan 'anti-rape' women attacked in Kabal

Dozens of Afghan women who tried to protest against a new law that they say legalizes rape within marriage have been attacked in the capital, Kabul. Police intervened after supporters of the law threw stones at the women and tried to seize their banners. The law was signed by President Hamid Karzai but is currently being reviewed after criticism from abroad. Its most controversial article says a woman must make herself available for sex with her husband when he desires. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8000209.stm