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What is ‘money?’ Could it be so simple

by Archer Heart

Un billette de 1905 de 20 dólares respaldado con oroA modern, unbacked with gold $20 bill

With foreclosures hitting an all time high and inflation moving steadily upward, one is forced to begin taking a hard look at the cause. President Jackson was the bane of the central bankers with comments like “You are a den of vipers and thieves. I intend to rout you out, and by the eternal God I will rout you out.” And “The bold effort the present bank had made to control the government … are but premonitions of the fate that await the American people should they be deluded into a perpetuation of this institution or the establishment of another like it.”

Could it be that simple? Could the answers to our problems lie at the feet of a small group of unanswerable men who have managed to manipulate an entire nation and world to depend on them to its detriment? How many are aware of the concept of a “central bank”? Those who have gone before knew. Ask your grandparents if we have a central bank. Undoubtedly you will hear an emphatic NO! But listen to the talking heads that weave a web of deceit on the network television and radio stations and they bandy the term about as if it has always been that way, while at the same time they blame you for the fi nancial destruction the nation is facing. “This nation’s central bank” is a title that has been slowly inculcated over the past several years. The matrix of deceit has been used to manipulate people into thinking that they must use the system established by the international bankers. Mayer Amschel Bauer, who founded the Rothschild family had said, “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes the laws” His son, Amschel Mayer Rothschild said, “Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” Another son, Nathan Mayer Rothschild bragged, “I care not what puppet is placed upon the throne of England to rule the Empire on which the sun never sets. The man who controls Britain’s money supply controls the British Empire, and I control the British money supply.”

Without going into the detailed evidence that the UNITED STATES is still a Roman/British colony, since that is not the primary topic of this missive, understand that what the Rothschilds said still has a deep meaning today. Control of this nations “money” supply has been given over to private men who determine how much is issued, who it is issued to and how much is charged for the privilege of its use. The banker’s hidden tax on the use of their private script is known as infl ation. Infl ation is not mandatory, it is manipulated. One hundred years ago a loaf of bread cost a nickel. Today, depending on which part of the country one lives in, a loaf of bread costs upward of two. What has changed?

Does a loaf of bread cost more to produce today than it did a century ago? On the contrary, with the advances in mechanization and mass production available to the modern bakery today the individual manufacturing costs of a single loaf of bread is lower. INSET Black’s Law Dictionary, fourth edition 1953, the reference used in the courts, defi nes a “dollar” as “The unit employed in the United States in calculating money values. It is coined in both gold and silver, and is of the value of one hundred cents. Look in the current editions and you will fi nd the defi nition of dollar has been deleted. Just an oversight?

Automobile manufacturer Henry Ford said, “If the people of the nation understood our banking and monetary system, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning.” Well, it looks like the revolution is coming. The full faith and credit of the U.S. is failing. Too many people are waking up and realizing that we are being lied to and misled. Subtle threats pervade this society. Questions like “You don’t want to lose your benefits, do you?” serve to trick people into submission. That kind of tactic is slowly loosing its ability to keep people in slavery.

The solution to the people’s problems could be just as simple as asking a few basic questions and then holding fi rm in their resolve until the questions are answered honestly. If the targets of the questions refuse to answer then it is our responsibility to hold their feet to the fi re until they do so. Those in a position of authority have a fiduciary duty to deal with us honestly. And if they effuse or fail to do so then it is up to us as “we the people” to do something about it.

As for some of those simple questions, try these on for size. What law, rule, regulation, code or contract provision requires me to use the private currency of a private Federal Reserve banking association to do business or pay a tax or child support or anything? Does the use of those private notes obligate me to any other requirements? When I signed the original promissory note to buy my house or get my credit card or my car, did I create the money?

The problem is that most bankers and attorneys are dishonest when it comes to these types of questions, creating a corrupt system. They cannot and therefore will not show you any law at all. When you ask for full disclosure in the form of the original bookkeeping entries for the transaction you will be met with a stone wall. They will say things like, I don’t know anything about that. Or I’ve never heard anything like that. Or it is very complicated. Or my favourite, I don’t have to.

The average man or woman really can’t be blamed for not comprehending these issues. From our earliest days in school we are programmed to do what we are told and don’t question “authority”. We are told “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” But in 12 plus years of public school not one law book is ever cracked open. When one of the smarter children think to ask any pointed question they are told that it is complicated. Too bad for the child, he just goes away with the question unanswered.

However, it doesn’t have to. If we could start teaching our children to ask questions, and then demand answers, within a generation, the corruption could be reduced drastically.

Vote this June 3rd, but put pressure on your congressperson to abolish the Federal Reserve Bank

by Marvin J. Ramirez

Gerardo SandovalGerardo Sandoval

As June 3rd election approaches, there are a few items we must take into consideration when all we go to stamp our vote. And this is to remember our compromise with our community and those leaders who have worked so hard within the current corrupt legal and politacal system, to make a difference in the lives of Latinos and other disenfranchised minorities and low-income people.

Our current and only Latino in the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is leaving office at the end of his last term. California law allows him to serve only two terms in office.

However, as a veteran public servant, Gerardo Sandoval has demonstrated his commitment and wants to continue working for the people.

Sandoval wants to keep serving the community. So, he is running seriuosly to become a judge.

“The courts touch every aspect of our lives from health care to business opportunities to crime,” says Sandoval, who complains that there are 67 judges in San Francisco, but only two Hispanic judges.

Until a few years ago, there were four aHispanic judges in San Francisco, which means we have gone from 8 percent to 4 percent, even if the population of Hispanics in San Francisco is 15 percent (20 percent if you count the undocumented), according to a statement released by Sandoval’s office.

Sandoval told El Reportero that he is aware of the corruption that reigns in the court system.

He recognized that most judges lean in favor of corporations, and not for the ordinary people. He promised that this would not happen with him.

I believe Sandoval should be given the opportunity to make a Latino presence in such an exclusive club. We recommend that you vote for Sandoval for Judge.

We also recommend that you vote No on Prop. 98, which will allow landlords to expel senior citizens and low-income families from their rent-controlled houses and apartments in order to raise their rents. It will permit the eviction of thousands of Latinos, and give way to people with more money to move in those units.

And I heard from many in the community, that Prop. 99 will help offset the effects of Prop. 98, in case it wins. Please vote Yes on Prop. 99.

Even though I encourage to vote, and you should, just remember one thing: nothing is going to make our lives any better, unless we all pressure our politicians to ask for the abolition of the Federal Reserve Bank, which is the cause of our financial misery. The Federal Reserve Bank is a private corporation that prints our currency (the dollar bills), and then loans it to the government with interest. That’s why we have such a huge national debt. All the money that we pay to the IRS, goes to the Federal Reserve Bank, which then lends it back to our government with interest.

Why can’t we have our government printing our own money, instead of having a private bank printing it and so control our lives?

­

Latino Museum and César Chávez bill go to President’s desk

by Alex Meneses Miyashita

César ChávezCésar Chávez

The U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills April 9 that recognize the Latino contribution to this country.

The 91-117 vote on the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 008 now sends the bill to president’s desk for final approval. The Senate passed the bill April 10.

One bill honors Latino labor rights activist and union leader César Chávez and the other one recognizes the entire Hispanic community through the creation of a national museum.

The Cesar Chavez bill, sponsored by Rep. Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), allows the Department of the Interior to explore significant lands in the life of the labor rights leader for potential inclusion in the National Park System.

“Through this effort, we can leave a legacy of his work so future generations better understand the importance of his sacrifice to improve the lives of othens,” Solis stated.

The museum bill, sponsored by Reps. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) and lleana Ros Lehtinen (R-Fla.), would establish a commission to study the viability of building a Latino Museum in Washington, D.C. and strategize a potential plan of action. The commission would report to Congress within 4 months of the bill becoming law.

We have the opportunity to make significant progress in ensuring that visitors to our nation’s capital gain a more complete understanding of all the groups who have helped make America a better place,” RosLehtinen stated.

Latino leaders fear upheld Supreme Court decision will prevent voting

by Alex Meneses Miyashita

A woman protests the stereotyping of undocumented people as 'illegals,' during a May Day march in San Franciso: (photos by Marvin J. Ramirez)A woman protests the stereotyping of undocumented people as ‘illegals,’ during a May Day march in San Franciso (photos by Marvin J. Ramirez)

Latino organizations decried the U.S. Sup­reme Court’s decision April 28 backing an Indiana law that requires voters to show a government-issue photo ID to vote.

Concerned groups claim that the ruling, decided on a 6-3 vote, disenfranchises voters and primarily affects people of color, elderly citizens, the indigent and those with disabilities.

They maintain for many of these people the requirement is not as simple as it sounds, that the bureaucratic hurdles in order to obtain proper ID could be huge. The state provides free voter identification cards for those without government-issued IDs, but critics claim it would still impose burdens on many.

The state will be able to apply its ID law during this week’s primaries.

The ruling’s detrimental impact on Latino access to the electoral process will likely be felt not just in Indiana.

“Other states will now be encouraged to adopt similar requirements,” states the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.

The Oklahoma Senate is debating a similar proposal, although the sponsor of the bill put a hold on it last week, unsure there were enough votes for it to pass. Less severe than the Indiana law, it would validate other forms of identification such as utility bills or bank statements.

Supporters of photo ID requirements argue the purpose is to prevent voter fraud.

Justice John Paul Stevens wrote Indiana’s intent to prevent fraud was “amply justified.”

Nina Perales, southwest regional counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said the state “has no evidence of voter fraud to justify its onerous policy.”

Indiana is the seventh state to require a photo ID to vote.

The others are Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. Missouri had the law but it was overturned by the state’s highest court. Eighteen other states require some form of ID.

­Federal law requires all states task for some form of identification from first time voters registering by mail who did not verify their identity.

The American Civil Liberties Union, which took on the case against the state of Indiana, called that state’s law the “most restrictive” voter identification one in the nation.

The National Conference of State Legislatures explains that while every state has “some sort of recourse” for voters without identification to vote, in Indiana and Georgia voters can cast a provisional ballot but must return shortly afterwards with a photo ID for their ballot to count. Hispanic Link.

Chávez urges $1bn poverty fund

by the El Reportero’s news services

Hugo ChávézHugo Chávéz

President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, called on European and Latin American nations to set up a fund of $1bn to help provide food and medicine for the poor.

Chavez said on he was willing to commit $365m of the country’s oil income to the fund, as global food and energy prices continue to rise.

“[The fund] will allow us to produce, buy and distribute food and medicines to the homes of the poorest families,” he said at a news conference in Caracas.

Explosive summit Chavez made the announcement ahead of his expected appearance at a summit of European and Latin American leaders in Peru that begins on Friday, where he says he will present his aid plan.

Uruguay to Sign New Cooperation Accords with Cuba

Montevideo, May 18 (Prensa Latina) A government delegation from Uruguay is visiting Cuba to celebrate a meeting on Foreign Offices and other economic, industrial and scientist-technique cooperation on Monday and Tuesday.

Both parts hope to sign several agreements of collaboration and to ratify or strengthen others in commercial, energy and oil prospecting, health and adult”s education areas.

Ministry of Social Development Sub-secretary Ana Olivera told Prensa Latina that one of the objectives will be to strengthen cooperation in the island, spreading the campaign of alphabetization in Uruguay, based on Cuban method “Yo si puedo”.

Interpol authenticates Farc data

On 15 May Interpol confirmed the integrity of the computer data found at the camp of Raúl Reyes, the second-in-command of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (Farc) who was killed on 1 March.

Significance: According to Interpol, its investigators, “found no evidence that user files were created, modified or deleted on any of the eight seized Farc computer exhibits following their seizure on 1 March 2008 by Colombian authorities”. The implication is that all the documents so far leaked by the Colombian authorities to domestic and international media – many of which have been sensational – are genuine Farc documents.

Ecuador investigatory commission ready

The civic-military Commission that will investigate an infiltration of the Ecuadorian intelligence services is ready now, military sources confirmed.

The announcement, which has been repeated by military sources, was made by Defense Minister Javier Ponce, who highlighted that this group will investigate the military and police intelligence.

On the civil-society side, this commission is composed of Gustavo Vega and Adrian Bonilla, while Justice and Heritage Ministers Gustavo Jalhk and Doris Solis, respectively, and Presidential Advisor Jose Luis Cortazar shape the government side.

These representatives are expected to present a report in a 60-day period, starting on May 15, about penetration of the foreign intelligence services in similar departments of the Armed Forces and National Police.

Uribe extradites senior AUC leaders to US: where now for justice and peace?

President Alvaro Uribe ordered the extradition of 14 of the most senior leaders of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) to the US this week where they will face drug-trafficking charges.

Uribe decision was prompted because the leaders continued to carry out illicit activities from behind bars.

Scholars, journalists call for anwers on Salazar’s death

by Emily C. Ruíz

Rubén SalazarRubén Salazar

University of Southern California professor Fé1ix Gutiérrez, with backing Chávez llama por un fondo de pobreza de $1 billón Chávez urges $1bn poverty fundfrom other longtime Chicano scholars and journalists, is calling upon Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and County Sheriff Lee Baca to release all documents surrounding the Aug. 29, 1970, death of journalist Rubén Salazar.

“Whatever it takes to get the story out should be done. If that’s a reinvestigation, fine,” Gutiérrez told Weekly Report.

A coroner’s jury conclude only that Salazar who was shot in the head with a tear-gas missile fired by a deputy sheriff, “died at the hands of another.” No criminal charges were filed.

Salazar was killed while he and his KMEXTV news crew were covering the Chicano Moratorium March Against the Vietnam War. Gutiérrez raised the issue as a panelist during an April 22 event at the Los Angeles Times where the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a stamp recognizing Salazar’s pioneering work.

Gutidurez told Weekly Report that Mayor Villaraigosa was in the audience when he made his request but saw no reaction from him. Inquiries by Weekly Report to Villaraigosa’s office as to whether the mayor plans to act on the recommendation were not answered.

Prior to his death, Salazar had expressed to many colleagues that the police were “out to get him.” He contacted the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in mid-August to go on the record about his fears.

Salazar wrote in a Times column a month before he was killed that law enforcement representatives had visited him personally to advise him to tone down his coverage of police activities in the Mexican-American community.

“They warned me about the ‘impact’ the interviews would have on the department’s image,” Salazar wrote in July 24, 1970. “Besides, they said, this kind of information could be dangerous in the minds of barrio people.”

Felix GutiérrezFelix Gutiérrez

Others recounted that his employers at the Times and KMEX-TV were visited by police officials complaining of Salazar’s coverage and suggesting that he be fired.

Danny Villanueva, KMEX general manager at the time, told Weekly Report last September, “When I refused, they said they had a pretty big file on me, too.”

It has been 38 year since the prominent Mexican-American newsman was killed and many who knew him professionally and personally agreed with Gutiérrez’s request.

California Chicano News Media Association executive director Julio Morán, told Weekly Report, “Questions should be answered once and for all. Was he assassinated or not?’

Retired Western regional director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Phil Móntez, a long-time friend of Salazar, said, “It would calm the waters to know.” But who’s still around and willing to talk?” He continued, “It’s been 38 yeans and it doesn’t make sense that they would even consider it.”

Long-time activist Raúl Ruiz told Weekly Report that his book Silver Dollar Death: The Murder of Rubén Salazar, planned for publication this fall, will cover in-depth the circumstances surrounding Salazar’s death. “The best way to honor this man is find out how he died,” Ruíz said.

­Ex-broadcast journalist Bob Navarro, one of the last persons to conduct an in-depth interview with Rubén, said, “I don’t think it’s going to heal very much, “adding, “There’s no question he was being followed.

Gutiérrez concluded, “You need more than a stamp and a day to honor him. How much longer do we have to wait before we can find out the whole story?” Hispanic Link.

­

Day of the Immigrant

by Margine Quintanilla R.

Directamente de Venezuela, el grupo Los Vasallos del Sol dejan a la audiencia: del Area de la Bahía pidiendo más, después de presentarse en el Yerba Buena Gardens el 10 de Mayo. (Photo by Marvin J. Ramirez)Directly from Venezuela, the group Los Vassalos del Sol, leave a Bay Area audience asking for more, after their performance at the Yearba Buena Gardens in San Francisco on May 10. (Photo by Marvin J. Ramirez)

More than 600 immigrants and their sympathizers will meet in the twelfth annual celebration of the “ Day of the immigrant ”.

This event will be celebrated on May 19, in Sacrament C.A. For more information call (510)-981-6250.

Grand Carnaval San Francisco

To the rhythm of samba and music, Latin, afro-caribe and pop, celebrate happiness and life participating in the 30 Anniversary of Carnaval San Francisco.

You will be able to enjoy the pluri-culturalism of different world representations shown in their floats and the exuberance and beauty of their cultural roots. There will the participation of musical groups and performance by the best dance schools.

The Mission District parade will take place on May 24, and on the 25 will be the grand parade, leaving from Bryant and 24th Street at 10 a.m.

History of the American folklore

You can do a brief trip for the musical history of the American folklore, and know its culture, rhythm and much more Tim Holt author of songs, writer of chronicles, essays and novels, will present the history of the American Folklore, accompanying this story on ancient ballads.

This presentation will take place on May 22, in the Berkeley’s Public Library bookstore, North Branch located at 1170 Avenue, admittance free and it will be opened on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturdays ofrom 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m, only for 14 year-old or older. For morr information call (510) 981-6107.

“The beauty that was mine”

The AXIS Dance Company, the Dandelion Dance Theater, and the Company Y (Spain), will present their premiere, The beauty that was mine directed by the choreographer Joe Goode.

The event will take place at The Forum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, in San Francisco, on Friday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m, and on Saturday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets at (800) 838-3006, or visit the web page: http://www.sfiaf.org/.

García-Bernal, Ruffalo, and Danny Glover in Blindness

by Antonios Mejías -Rentas

PRIME SPOT: The latest film from Brazilian director Fernando Mereilles will open this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

As expected, Blindness will screen on May 14 as an official entry. It is based on a novel by Portuguese Nobel laureate José Saramago and it stars Gael García Bernal, Day of the Immigrant Mark Ruffalo and Danny Glover.

Meirelles is best known for his 2002 Portuguese-language fi lm Cidade de Deus, for which he received an Oscar nomination. He also directed the 2005 English-language thriller The Constant Gardener.

ON THE BLOCK: Several important works by Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo are part of this spring’s Latin American art auction at Sotherby’s in New York.Ahighlight of the auction is the 1949 Tamayo oil painting El comedor de sandías, which has not been available since 1980 and is expected to fetch up to $2 million. The sale, to be held May 29 and 30 at the auction house’s Manhattan gallery, will also feature works by such heavyweights as Joaquin Torres-Garcia, Fernando Botero and Jesús Rafael Soto.

THROWN OUT: A New York judge dismissed a lawsuit by a TV writer who claimed Jennifer López had a hand in stealing his idea for a show.

Jack Bunick claimed in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that the short-lived UPN series South Beach, that debuted in 2006, was similar to a plot he described in 1999 for a pilot that would have been titled South Beach Miami. The lawsuit named López, UPN and CBS Television among defendants.

Judge Richard Berman said there was inadequate evidence to take the case to trial.

ONE LINERS: At an international Book Fair in Santo Domingo last week, Dominican Pulitzer prize winning author Junot Díaz announced his novel, The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, will have a Spanish-language translation this year. ­Toxicology tests showed that Tejano singer Emilio Navaira was intoxicated when the tour bus he was driving crashed into freeway barrels in suburban Houston in March; the 45-year-old singer is recovering in a Houston hospital singer Mariah Carey unexpectedly married actor Nick Cannon last week, according to uncomfirmed reports and actor Javier Bardem is reportedly dropping out of the film adaptation of the musical Nine, which was expected to go into production this year. Hispanic Link.

Opening of Small Business Assistance Center announced

by the El Reportero’s staff

Dianne FeinsteinDianne Feinstein

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and members of the Small Business Commission, announced the opening of the Small Business Assistance Center.

The center will be lead by Director Brajah Norris and dedicated to serving the needs of small businesses in San Francisco with fewer than 100 employees.

This comes as response to sometimes tedious steps needed to open or expand a business in San Francisco and the myriad of agencies that must often be contacted when locating here, the Small Business Assistance Center will serve as the City’s central point of information and assistance for all city-related small business needs.

Teachers’ jobs saved

Rainy day fund allows district to rescind all certificated layoffs.

Superintendent cautions that this is only short-term fix.

District officials announced that they are rescinding all certificated staff layoffs effective immediately.

The Board of Supervisors passed a resolution yesterday afternoon that declared their intention to approve rainy day funds for the school district. “Our dedicated teachers and certifi cated administrators in good standing can rest assured that they will have a job with SFUSD next year,” said Superintendent Carlos García.

“The budget crisis is still very real. Even with the rainy day fund and other funding that we have been able to divert to next year’s school site budgets, the district is likely to face a $13 million dollar shortfall, almost entirely in categorical funds.”

Board President Mark Sánchez talked about the need for local and state revenues that will adequately fund education.

Concerns raised about latest video showing downed animals at stockyard auctions

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today urged the Department of Agriculture to conduct an industry-wide investigation, following the release of a video which documented cases of animal cruelty at livestock auctions and stockyard facilities in Maryland, New Mexico, Texas and Pennsylvania. The video, released today by the Humane Society of the United States, comes several months after another Humane Society video documented animal cruelty and illegal activity at the Westland/Hallmark Meat Company’s meat packing plant in Chino, California. In February, the USDA ordered a record recall of 143 million pounds of beef and shut down the plant.

The Latino health crusader who’s not insured

by Janet Murguía

Janet MurguíaJanet Murguía

“I work. I am a productive citizen. But when it comes to insurance, what is out there for me?”

Any of the 15 million Hispanics in the United States who lack health insurance could have spoken these words, but it is even more poignant to hear them from Marytza Sanz, president of Latino Leadership, Inc., a community-based organization in Florida.

Ms. Sanz’s top priority as leader of Latino Leadership is to support Central Florida’s Latino community by increasing its access to preventive health services through improved awareness. Yet in spite of her long-standing mission, Ms. Sanz, who is diabetic, cannot even obtain for herself the quality health care she is making accessible to so many others.

Ms. Sanz’s situation exemplifies the struggles that members of countless Latino families endure. Without regular access to such essentials as insulin, supplies, and regular check-ups, Ms. Sanz cannot easily manage her diabetes. This inability to regulate one’s own health condition is the reason that Latinos suffer a higher risk of developing chronic medical conditions D such as obesity and diabetes D in the first place.

Studies show that language barriers and low health literacy widen the health disparity gap, preventing patients from understanding their doctor’s instructions, leading to dangerous, even fatal, complications as a result of medical error.

Chronic disease sufferers face other barriers to accessing care. For example, most insurance programs would immediately reject someone like Ms. Sanz. The ones that offer minimal coverage demand monthly rates of $800 or more. Many Latinos find it increasingly difficult to pay such astronomical price-tags, effectively barring them from the health care system.

Therefore, it is not surprising that more than one-third of Hispanics do not have health insurance. As a result, many shy away from visiting doctors, obtaining routine health services, and even going to the emergency room.

It is clear that we need to overhaul our health care system to ensure that all individuals can enjoy the healthy, productive lives to which they are entitled. This is why the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and a bipartisan group of more than 100 members of Congress support proposed legislation to make critical health services more accessible to the Latino community.

The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2007, championed by Rep. Hilda Solís (D-Calif.) and the Congressional Tri-Caucus, would drastically improve opportunities for Latinos and other communities of color, reducing current disparities in the health care system by diversifying the workforce, instituting new programs at hospitals that serve these populations, and collecting data related to access to health care.

It will improve communication by increasing funding for language interpretation services and community-based health promotion activities that give families access to vital, easy-to-understand medical information. By establishing an Office of Health Disparities within the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights along with civil rights compliance offices within other agencies, this bill taps into an issue more fundamental to the heart of our national values: the tradition of protecting everyone’s rights by empowering the most vulnerable members of our society.

While such legislation would be good news for Marytza Sanz, it would also significantly contribute toward achieving the goals of her organization, which prioritizes the health needs of children. Currently, legally residing immigrant children and pregnant women are barred from Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) for five years after their arrival in the United States. If passed, this bill would increase health program access for these women and children. We know that a strong, healthy foundation is essential in giving children the best physical, mental and emotional start in life, so we should embrace those measures that bring this reality to more of this country’s youth.

The sacrifices by individuals such as Ms. Sanz for the welfare of underserved communities should not go unrewarded. For her service as a crucial link to health care, she deserves proper coverage so that she may perform her job more effectively, and, most importantly, so she can live her life without constant concern for her own condition.

When providers themselves go uninsured, we know it’s time to address health care’s inequalities. This bill is a golden opportunity for Congress to truly champion the cause of making health care accessible to those who need it most. Hispanic Link News Service.

(Janet Murguía, president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza, the nation’s largest advocacy and civil rights organization, writes a monthly commentary for Hispanic Link News Service. She may be contacted at -opi@nclr.org).