 Edición Semanaria de Noticiero Latino |
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June 2003
June 6th | Listen to the program
ROCKEFELLER LAWS - With contemporary hip-hop tunes, a coalition formed mainly by youths, artists and mothers of prisoners met at New York's City Hall, to demand the recall of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. For 30 years, people found selling small amounts of drugs, have received 15 years to life sentences. Those mainly affected are poor Latinos and African Americans. For this reason, many consider that these laws are racist and only destroy families. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez reports.
TEACHERS PROTEST - Once again, as if it were a tradition, thousands of Mexican teachers are mobilizing in different areas of the country. Their demands are the same as in previous years: better salaries and adequate working conditions. Our correspondent in Mexico, Raul Silva, visited the city of Oaxaca, where he spoke with several teachers about the adverse conditions they face daily, in order to fulfill their jobs in some of the poorest regions of the country.
HYPERTENSION - Hypertension or high blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses, is a frequent problem among Latinos. Even though hypertension is not curable, it can be controlled with discipline and persistence. Silvia Parra details the risks of high blood pressure and lifestyle changes that reduce its adverse effects.
June 13th | Listen to the program
HIGHER EDUCATION - This week, Congress began to discuss the reauthorization of funds assigned by the Federal Law for Higher Education. Thus, several legislators are lobbying in favor of measures that increase funding for Hispanic-serving higher education institutions. Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.
STUDENT ACTIVISTS - A New York City school is helping immigrant students to be accepted into universities. These students, still undergoing the naturalization process, are unable to enroll in universities if they do not pay the high tuition for out-of-state students. Through a special project, this school offers students a course in human rights activism. Marco Vinicio Gonzalez explains how, as part of their lessons, these youths receive hands on knowledge on how to promote legislative measures that will open doors for them in this country.
DEPRESSION - Among Latinos, depression is an illness that is little understood, and that can especially affect immigrants. The detachment from the family or country of origin can submerge even the most successful person in an uncontrollable feeling of sadness, which may seem inexplicable. Silvia Parra offers the testimony of an immigrant who was able to beat depression, but he first had to face the fact that he was suffering from an illness that required professional help.
June 20th | Listen to the program
IMMIGRATION REFORM - Recently, President Bush hailed the arrest of a smuggler accused of causing the death of 19 undocumented immigrants in Texas, stating that his administration has not put the immigration issue aside. The President assures that he is still seeking sensible policies towards immigrants. However, legislators and groups that advocate for immigrant rights, point out that the Bush Administration is not doing enough, while it ignores legislation seeking the legalization of undocumented immigrants. Patricia Guadalupe reports.
POLEMIC EXTRADITION - A Few days ago, Mexico's Supreme Court approved the extradition to Spain of former Argentinean military officer, Ricardo Cavallo. Cavallo had not only residency in Mexico, but also a prestigious post in the federal government, until a Spanish judge requested his arrest and extradition. Cavallo is accused of participating in the torture and disappearance of Spanish citizens during the military dictatorship in Argentina. But as our correspondent in Mexico, Raul Silva reports, even though the case sets an international precedent, it also raises troubling concerns for Mexico's judicial system.
PESTICIDE DRIFT - Teresa de Anda has first hand knowledge about the effects of pesticide drift. More than three years ago, her family and hundreds of neighbors in the agricultural community of Earlimart, in Central California, were poisoned by a pesticide cloud that invaded their homes after being sprayed in a nearby field. After speaking with several neighbors and attending a meeting summoned by the United Farm Workers, Teresa de Anda was convinced that local authorities had failed to respond efficiently, because they did not apply a consistent plan to evacuate the area and provide medical attention to those that were affected. Months later, when Teresa de Anda heard the report submitted by local authorities, her life changed forever after she went from surprise and indignation to activisim.
June 27th | Listen to the program
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION - In a historic decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed that race can be used as a one of many factors to admit minority students to universities and colleges. Those advocating for affirmative action programs say this ruling is a victory that goes further than its use in universities. But opponents, vow to continue to fight against what they consider a form of racism. Patricia Guadalupe reports from Washington, DC.
INSURING FARM WORKERS - California produces more than half of the country's fruits, vegetables and nuts, generating nearly $30 billion per year. However, close to half of all farm workers that tend its agricultural fields live in poverty, furthermore the lack of medical insurance, combined with common ailments among Mexican Americans, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, increase the health risks for thousands of farm workers in the state. In this special report, we explore legislative possibilities for advancement in this field.