 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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February 2003
February 7th | Listen to the program
UN REPORT - Before the UN, Secretary of State, Colin Powell, presented evidence against Iraq. Powell spoke on alleged Iraqi implications with the development of weapons of mass destruction and links to terrorist groups. However, member nations of UN’s Security Council, including three countries with veto power, consider that despite information’s usefulness, it still does not justify war. These countries, including Mexico and Russia, also call on more time for UN weapons inspectors. Marco Vinicio Gonazlez reports from New York.
BILINGUAL BATTLE - Through a special election, a conservative coalition backed by millionaire Ron Unz, successfully recalled a Latino leader on California’s Santa Ana School Board. Nativo Lopez was accused of inefficiency, corruption and of violating laws against bilingual education. However, Lopez assures that he was defeated for backing the educational rights of poor Latino families. Ruben Tapia shares details from Los Angeles.
RURAL UNREST - Claims from Mexico’s small farmers against country’s opening to foreign agricultural products under NAFTA are being expressed by large demonstrations, such as the one celebrated several days ago in Mexico’s central plaza, the Zocalo. President Vicente Fox assured that there was no crisis in the country’s agriculture, a statement that he soon modified. Several of the country’s main unions have expressed their intentions to support small farmers by staging a national strike if necessary. Raul Silva reports.
February 14th | Listen to the program
NEW LOBBYISTS - Dozens of health care workers met with legislators in Sacramento urging changes to a new law restricting women from traveling abroad with their children without approval from the spouse. Women worry about domestic abuse cases. The visit to California's capitol is part of a project to develop savvy public policy lobbyists out of community health promoters. Marc Breindel was at the capitol and files this report, voiced by Delia Saldivar.
DISSAPEARANCES IN MEXICO - Mexican human rights groups call on the Fox administration to give a progress report on a special probe into the disappearances of hundreds of dissidents during the 70s and 80s. A special prosecutor is investigating former high officials linked to cases of torture and disappearances. Raul Silva reports.
DIABETES - Diabetes, called a silent killer, is the fifth cause of death in the U.S. Latinos are among the worst affected by the epidemic, which is growing at alarming rates. In this news report, patients of diabetes share with reporter Marco Vinicio Gonzalez changes they have made in their lifestyle to keep blood-sugar levels under control.
February 21st | Listen to the program
CONTROVERSY CONTINUES - Miguel Estrada’s the District of Columbia’s, DC’s Court of Appeals, gains force for the second time. President Bush first nominated Estrada in 2000, however, Democrats controlled the Senate and were able to block the appointment. Republicans are now determined that Estrada’s confirmation will be the first now that they have a majority in the Senate. Manuel Miranda, advisor for Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-TN), shares views of Estrada supporters, while Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA) expresses opinions of groups opposing Estrada’s appointment.
MORE MURDERS - This week, residents of Ciudad Juarez discovered the bodies of five young women who were kidnapped and murdered. These crimes are in addition to the more than 300 that have taken place during the last decade in this city. Most of these crimes remain unpunished. To make matters worse, similar crimes have recently been reported in yet another border city: Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. In response, residents of Nuevo Laredo, like those in Ciudad Juarez, have established a civil organization that seeks to avoid more murders. Our correspondent, Kent Paterson reports.
SMOKE FREE MOVIES - While world health officials and activists develop a global agreement for tobacco control, tobacco companies still have powerful allies. One of them is the Hollywood film industry, this, according to a well known anti-tobacco activist, who proposes to regulate the film industry in order to achieve movies free smoke and hidden propaganda. Silvia Parra reports.
February 28th | Listen to the program
NEW LATINO CONGRESSMEN - For the first time, new Latino congressmen, both Republican and Democrats held a joint press conference in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting was to present a common agenda, but that included only one topic: immigration. Furthermore, the two Republicans announced that instead of joining the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. They have formed their own group: the Hispanic Conference. Patricia Guadalupe reports.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE - More than 80 Latinos who worked at Southern California airports face an uncertain future. These workers were detained in a series of raids that took place in August of last year, known as Operation Tarmac, said to be part of the war on terrorism. Though most of the workers were released, 50 remain without work permits, surviving only with help from families and solidarity groups, while they wait to appear in immigration and civil courts.
JUNK FOOD AND TOBACCO - Young anti-tobacco activists in San Francisco extend their work to convenience stores in the “barrios.” They have noticed that the same stores that sell cigarettes, also offer a disproportionately high number of “junk food” products. In response they are informing residents of the risks of smoking and of eating these food products. They are also working with storeowners in an effort to convince them to offer alternative healthy products, like fresh fruit and vegetables.