Houston 8-20

Thousands Reached Memorial Park Houston on the “Day Without Immigrants”

More people in Houston marched on the “Day without Immigrants” than on April 10th (the U.S. Government Immigration Policy Protest Day). This despite the recent scare imposed by federal raids on undocumented persons at a Houston-Based pallet company.

On the other hand, there were organizations like the Washington, D.C.’s Group of Hispanic Immigrants, who under the banner “You Don’t Speak for Me” condemned the nationwide demonstrations and condemned the undocumented immigrants. They called the marchers’ demand for mass amnesty unfair to those millions who got legal status by the laws of the existing system.

Now, unlike the famous strikes of the past, like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and halting India during the Independence Movement from British Colonial Rule, this boycott or strike was designed to create political conversation. Therefore, most of the workers had planned ahead, got the day off, minimizing the suddenness and abruptness of their walk-off from work. Many workers did lose a day’s pay. Some at the march said they would make the day up later, while others said the sacrifice is an investment for the future.

The AFL-CIO praised the demonstrations as a boon to the labor community, since for them supporting all working people is the core of the labor movement.

Islamic Conference Comes to Houston

The First ICNA-MAS South Region Conference comes to Houston on Sunday, May 28th, 2006 from 10 a.m. until 10- p.m. at the university center on the University of Houston’s main campus. The theme of the Conference is “Rediscover Prophet Muhammad’s (s) Message.” Expected are several renowned speakers, interactive workshops, the world’s largest Qur`an exhibition, special youth and sisters’ programs, and an Islamic Goods Bazar.

For more information, call 1-866-323-1063 or visit www.icnasouth.com

Houston Under Consideration for 2016 Olympics

The United States Olympic Committee met with Houston city and business leaders last week. Officials said they are looking for a bid that is privately financed and puts athletes first. They said they do not want to pay the city directly and do not want taxpayer money used.
Several things have changed since the last time Houston was considered for this honor.
The METRO plans to expand the Rail System, two new Sports Arenas in Downtown and many other fresh amenities and services.

The committee is also considering Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
They will look at all five cities and then make a decision on one of those cities, or none of them.

The committee has until March 31, 2007, to decide if the United States will try to host the 2016 Olympics.

BP’s Texas City Plant: Biggest Polluter in the U.S.

BP Texas City, near Houston, submitted new emissions data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), showing a dramatic increase in toxic emissions between 2003 and 2004. BP’s Neil Geary says, however, that the numbers may be misleading. Geary says this was an “on-paper” calculation and that there was no actual emissions increase at BP’s Texas City refinery during the period.

Sending Out Bricks

There is a group, concerned about U.S. immigration policy, that is trying to get their message across to lawmakers one piece at a time.

The Send-A-Brick Project’s Web site enables visitors to send a brick to lawmakers—and one Texas Senator now has an office full of them. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has received 165, so far. The group’s Kirsten Heffron says the more people on the hill who receive bricks the happier they are—but for right now, they’re focusing mainly on the congressional leadership. Heffron says they want Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert to get the message that the American people, by and large, are completely against illegal immigration, and they’re not for any kind of “legal” status for anyone here illegally. Heffron says those sending bricks are not interested in any new immigration law until the old laws are enforced.

Community Friend Honored

On Saturday, May 20th, 2006 at 8:00PM. at the Westin Galleria Hotel Houston, Rep. Al Green (D-TX) will be honored by the community at an Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Pakistan American Council of Texas (PACT), a registered Political Action Committee. Entrance to the program will be $100 per person.

All the proceeds from the program will go towards the political funds of the congressman and to pay for the organization of the event.

For more information, call 1-866-323-1063 – 281-236-9492 – 713-504-0156.