Dear Las Vegas Superbum,
I am posting this note to you on my blog in hope that it might make some positive difference in our struggle.
Saw the article in City Life and also saw your letter. And right now,
I am in the middle of reading your blog. Tears come to my eyes to see you posting like it is. There are not too many who have the guts to speak out in this city. I'm talking about you. Bravo! And you and your friends will always be in my prayers that you may stay safe.
I have been banging my head up against the wall wondering what
I should be doing. I feel that I am not doing enough. I know that food and hydration is most important to stay alive. And I am so anxious about the cold weather being here, and wondering where the heck I'm going to get blankets and coats.
Dream Center will be giving out blankets and coats and Thanksgiving Dinner on November 18th at 1:00 pm. And then there is the Stand Down coming to Cashman Field on November 8th. But we need these things NOW !
Mostly I have been working with folks one on one. Trying to send them in the right direction to Social Services, etc. to obtain whatever they can- like rent vouchers. Then the hard part is finding a landlord who takes them.
For some folks who have absolutely no paperwork, it is pretty much impossible to get identification. No identification means no shelter, no job, no public assistance.
About a week ago, I went over to St. Vincent's with a homeless friend who was ready to take the plunge. However, he could not get in because he did not have a state issued photo identification.
I am also very upset that the DMV will not honor jail release papers as a way to obtain a Nevada State Photo ID. Many homeless are arrested at one time or another for all sorts of non-violent offenses. They are finger-printed and when released they are given a release form with their picture on it. So, why can't this document be used for identification?
Yesterday I was reading an old newspaper article about a protest on the Strip in 2001. I'm trying to find it but can't at the moment. But basically what it said was Brother David was part of a protest that was asking the MGM to finance a winter shelter. I'm going by memory here so I may get some of the facts wrong. But anyway, hopefully you'll get the gist of the article. MGM was saying that the cost of the shelter (or tent city or whatever) was too expensive for them to finance. The cost was something like $50,000 per month.
Call me naive, but don't you think we can put together something for less than that? ANY kind of shelter from the cold winter or from the summer sun would be better than NO shelter at all.
Okay, so after doing more reading today, I am reminded that this struggle in Las Vegas (the war on the homeless) has been going on for years. With all the efforts of homeless advocates, has anything gotten better? This is a serious question and I invite you (beg you) to reply. What has worked? And what has not worked?
I was interviewed the other day by Teresa Yuan from FOX 5 Local News. She asked me, "If you could, what would you tell the neighbors?"
I told her that this is not just a city issue. This is a city, county, and state issue. If neighbors don't want a bunch of homeless and poor people hanging out in city parks (even though they have a RIGHT to be there) then they should be calling the city, county, and state demanding more resources for the poor.
Speaking about the city only here:
"The City Council unanimously decided to sell Cox Communications 7.69 acres of land for use as a parking lot for $1.
Officials called it an economic incentive to retain jobs and have the company's regional headquarters in West Las Vegas."
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Jul-20-Thu-2006/news/8597271.html
If the City Council can UNANIMOUSLY decide on selling SEVEN plus acres to a corporation for ONE DOLLAR for parking as an economic incentive then don't you think that the City of Las Vegas can RENT us some buildings and property for say Five Dollars a year for safe, affordable permanent housing for the homeless? Aside from being moral and humane, this would also be an economic plus for our community!
Well, have to end this rant here. I don't have anymore time today to post. So, to all of the advocates who have done this for years, and to the newcomers, and to the community which includes the homeless and poor, please post or e-mail me your ideas.
www.activistsinlasvegas.blogspot.com
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Homeless feeding ordinance UNconstitutional
UNCONSTITUTIONAL ORDINANCE: Homeless feeding ban rejected
Judge throws out case against California man
By LYNNETTE CURTIS, REVIEW-JOURNAL
A Las Vegas Municipal Court judge on Wednesday threw out a case against a California man who was cited in August under a new ordinance that bars the public from feeding homeless people in city parks.
In dismissing the misdemeanor case against Patrick Band, Judge George Assad said the ordinance was unconstitutional because it was vague and denied equal protection of the law.
The city attorney's office said it filed an appeal of the decision Thursday morning.
To read the full article:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-27-Fri-2006/news/10470992.html
Mom's Comment: Wouldn't you think that the taxpayers would be really upset that the City of Las Vegas is spending all their money fighting to criminalize poverty and homelessness.
It would cost the taxpayers a whole lot less if the city put that money toward solutions.
Taxpayers should be calling the city council, the mayor, the county, and the state to demand more resources and sensible solutions to homelessness. Remember, this is not just a city responsibility. It is the responsibility of ALL of us to find solutions.
And it's important to remember that at one time or another, we ALL pay taxes- even the homeless and the poor. So we all have the right to complain to our government if we feel our taxes are being foolishly spent.
Judge throws out case against California man
By LYNNETTE CURTIS, REVIEW-JOURNAL
A Las Vegas Municipal Court judge on Wednesday threw out a case against a California man who was cited in August under a new ordinance that bars the public from feeding homeless people in city parks.
In dismissing the misdemeanor case against Patrick Band, Judge George Assad said the ordinance was unconstitutional because it was vague and denied equal protection of the law.
The city attorney's office said it filed an appeal of the decision Thursday morning.
To read the full article:
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Oct-27-Fri-2006/news/10470992.html
Mom's Comment: Wouldn't you think that the taxpayers would be really upset that the City of Las Vegas is spending all their money fighting to criminalize poverty and homelessness.
It would cost the taxpayers a whole lot less if the city put that money toward solutions.
Taxpayers should be calling the city council, the mayor, the county, and the state to demand more resources and sensible solutions to homelessness. Remember, this is not just a city responsibility. It is the responsibility of ALL of us to find solutions.
And it's important to remember that at one time or another, we ALL pay taxes- even the homeless and the poor. So we all have the right to complain to our government if we feel our taxes are being foolishly spent.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Law Enforcement Abuses on the Poor
Due to the most recent SHOOTING of a homeless person because he was throwing rocks at a female city marshal and a Nevada Highway Patrol person, I thought I would like to post something that I witnessed. Seems only right. I don't think that I should keep it to myself anymore.
Tues., July 3, 2006 I had a planned meeting with a wonderful woman (who shall remain nameless in this blog) for 3:45 pm. She was concerned about a homeless man that she had met. She made arrangements to meet with him at McDonald's on S. Las Vegas Blvd. to see if we could offer him any assistance.
This day, I decided to drop off some food at the two parks before my meeting. Out of convenience for myself, I dropped off some food at Circle Park first and then headed over to Baker Park. As I was driving east on E. Saint Louis, I saw a marshal's car drive into the Baker Park parking lot. Even though there are usually under 20 people at this park at one time, I didn't want any unnecessary confrontation with the marshal. I figured the marshal was just doing his/her usual check in on the park. So I drove past the park and then turned around and headed back to the park.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw the marshal under the canopy talking with a couple of homeless folks. I decided to go over (without the food) to legally observe.
Woman marshal's license plate number: 45997
Male marshal's license plate number: 46855
At one table there were two white homeless (or needy) men. At the next table was a Hispanic man with a young girl about 7-8 years old. Standing away from the tables was another white homeless (or needy) man.
The white, female marshal (with blond hair tied back and up) was talking with "Hessie" and "Salinas" and at the same time she was writing notes in her little notebook.
I nodded hello to the marshal and said, "Marshal" and then I asked her what time the park opens now with school not in session. (I was trying to find out why she was there.) She told me 7 am but some days it might be later because a daycare uses the school. She said I would have to call and ask the city. I thanked her.
Both Hessie and Salinas look like they are "of color". I stood about 4-5 feet away from Hessie and the same distance from the marshal. I asked Hessie, "what did you do?" Hessie said, "I didn't do anything."
The marshal screamed, "Just shut your big fucking mouth or you are going to jail! Two city employees said they saw you chasing a man with a shopping cart."
As soon as the marshal started using the F word, the two white men got up from the table and walked away about 20 feet and sat down on the ground.
The marshal then said, "See, even they do not want to be around you!"
Hessie asked her, "Does that make you feel good talking that way?" She responded, "You've got a big fucking mouth."
She then got on her radio and called for "back-up".
Then she asked him for his social security number. He got through the first five numbers and had a hard time with the rest. He said to her, "You have it right there in your hand." She yelled again, "You've given me four fucking different numbers. What's your social security number?" So Hessie pulled out his wallet and took out a piece of paper with his social security number on it and told her the number.
Then the marshal asked if he had been drinking. Hessie said he didn't drink. There were two open beer cans on the bench. The marshal said, "Well, I don't really know if there is any law against drinking in this park so I won't cite you for that. But I am going to tell you that you must leave the park now."
Then she asked, "What are you doing in this park anyway?" Hessie said, "Im just here waiting for my mama to bring me some food. I have no warrants or felonies. I am an officer and was in Afghanistan for 10 years." She told him, "Just leave the park now."
I walked with Hessie and Salinas to the parking lot. And then a second male marshal pulled in. The other homeless/needy came to my car and took the food and water from me to take to the picnic tables. Hessie and Salinas left. I stayed a few minutes longer, and then left.
Here are my questions and comments. I was very disturbed by the marshal's verbal abuse. Her language and yelling was definitely, in my opinion, a "crime against the public peace." NRS 203.010 The whole time I observed, Hessy was more respectful than the marshal. I do not know if this is the usual and accepted behavior for on duty city marshals. But, in my humble opinion, this marshal's conduct was very unprofessional.
Does she have the right to freedom of speech? Yes, I feel that she does. But, ya know, my friend (who shall remain nameless in this blog) did NOT have that same right to freedom of speech when she was arrested for disturbing the peace for cussing at a law enforcement officer.
AND she was found guilty after a trial with Judge Toy Gregory. The officer who focused in on her and arrested her for disturbing the peace was not even in the court room during trial. And his partner officer answered the majority of the questions by the defendant's lawyer with: "I don't recall" and "I don't know."
Guilty by intimidation. And unfair, in my humble opinion.
Tues., July 3, 2006 I had a planned meeting with a wonderful woman (who shall remain nameless in this blog) for 3:45 pm. She was concerned about a homeless man that she had met. She made arrangements to meet with him at McDonald's on S. Las Vegas Blvd. to see if we could offer him any assistance.
This day, I decided to drop off some food at the two parks before my meeting. Out of convenience for myself, I dropped off some food at Circle Park first and then headed over to Baker Park. As I was driving east on E. Saint Louis, I saw a marshal's car drive into the Baker Park parking lot. Even though there are usually under 20 people at this park at one time, I didn't want any unnecessary confrontation with the marshal. I figured the marshal was just doing his/her usual check in on the park. So I drove past the park and then turned around and headed back to the park.
When I pulled into the parking lot, I saw the marshal under the canopy talking with a couple of homeless folks. I decided to go over (without the food) to legally observe.
Woman marshal's license plate number: 45997
Male marshal's license plate number: 46855
At one table there were two white homeless (or needy) men. At the next table was a Hispanic man with a young girl about 7-8 years old. Standing away from the tables was another white homeless (or needy) man.
The white, female marshal (with blond hair tied back and up) was talking with "Hessie" and "Salinas" and at the same time she was writing notes in her little notebook.
I nodded hello to the marshal and said, "Marshal" and then I asked her what time the park opens now with school not in session. (I was trying to find out why she was there.) She told me 7 am but some days it might be later because a daycare uses the school. She said I would have to call and ask the city. I thanked her.
Both Hessie and Salinas look like they are "of color". I stood about 4-5 feet away from Hessie and the same distance from the marshal. I asked Hessie, "what did you do?" Hessie said, "I didn't do anything."
The marshal screamed, "Just shut your big fucking mouth or you are going to jail! Two city employees said they saw you chasing a man with a shopping cart."
As soon as the marshal started using the F word, the two white men got up from the table and walked away about 20 feet and sat down on the ground.
The marshal then said, "See, even they do not want to be around you!"
Hessie asked her, "Does that make you feel good talking that way?" She responded, "You've got a big fucking mouth."
She then got on her radio and called for "back-up".
Then she asked him for his social security number. He got through the first five numbers and had a hard time with the rest. He said to her, "You have it right there in your hand." She yelled again, "You've given me four fucking different numbers. What's your social security number?" So Hessie pulled out his wallet and took out a piece of paper with his social security number on it and told her the number.
Then the marshal asked if he had been drinking. Hessie said he didn't drink. There were two open beer cans on the bench. The marshal said, "Well, I don't really know if there is any law against drinking in this park so I won't cite you for that. But I am going to tell you that you must leave the park now."
Then she asked, "What are you doing in this park anyway?" Hessie said, "Im just here waiting for my mama to bring me some food. I have no warrants or felonies. I am an officer and was in Afghanistan for 10 years." She told him, "Just leave the park now."
I walked with Hessie and Salinas to the parking lot. And then a second male marshal pulled in. The other homeless/needy came to my car and took the food and water from me to take to the picnic tables. Hessie and Salinas left. I stayed a few minutes longer, and then left.
Here are my questions and comments. I was very disturbed by the marshal's verbal abuse. Her language and yelling was definitely, in my opinion, a "crime against the public peace." NRS 203.010 The whole time I observed, Hessy was more respectful than the marshal. I do not know if this is the usual and accepted behavior for on duty city marshals. But, in my humble opinion, this marshal's conduct was very unprofessional.
Does she have the right to freedom of speech? Yes, I feel that she does. But, ya know, my friend (who shall remain nameless in this blog) did NOT have that same right to freedom of speech when she was arrested for disturbing the peace for cussing at a law enforcement officer.
AND she was found guilty after a trial with Judge Toy Gregory. The officer who focused in on her and arrested her for disturbing the peace was not even in the court room during trial. And his partner officer answered the majority of the questions by the defendant's lawyer with: "I don't recall" and "I don't know."
Guilty by intimidation. And unfair, in my humble opinion.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Citation for feeding the indigent- Suzie
Wed., October 11, 2006 Went to court to support Suzie in case of feeding the homeless. Went to the fifth floor because that is where it usually is. No one was there. Robert's name was on the docket but Patrick and Suzie's names were not on the docket. Called Lee and she told me that Allen had Robert's case postponed until October 25th. I called Suzie's cell to find out where she was. She was on the sixth floor, Dept. 4.
On the fifth floor a young woman asked me if I was there for the homeless advocates' case. I said yes and asked her who she was with. She told me that she was working for the judge handling the case but the judge didn't tell her what court room. So I told her the sixth floor and we headed up there. Suzie was there waiting outside the locked court room doors as were others. We talked.
Deputy City Attorney Jonathon?? told Suzie her options. Then Officer Latham handed out papers to everyone to sign. One paper had the complaint. The other paper had to be signed and state whether you are pleading not guilty, no contest, or guilty. The Deputy City Attorney also gave Suzie another option, verbally. The option is a submittal. With a submittal, there is no plea at all but agree to "stay out of trouble for six months" and not break the law "like" feeding the homeless. If you stay out of trouble for six months, the charges are dropped. We could not get Jonathon to explain thoroughly what happens if you DO get into trouble within the six months.
Judge Bert M. Brown was very nice to Suzie and explained all the options. He also took the time to explain to her that this was a matter that was going to Federal Court, and if the law is deemed unconstitutional, her charges would be dismissed.
No public defender because the city is not looking for jail time. Judge said he found no reason to dismiss the charges at this time. With a submittal, if you get into trouble "like this" within six months, the first conviction stays on the record. I asked Jonathan, what do you mean a conviction? You are automatically guilty if you take a submittal and get into trouble again? He said, well it's not really a conviction...
Judge said that if you get into trouble again within the six months, the city will still not ask for any punishment for "this" case. Jonathan half-assed agreed with the Judge.
So, Suzie took the submittal and the judge said that if she stays out of trouble that she does not have to reappear in court.
For the record, I was and am very upset that no one was at court except for me to
support Suzie. So much for solidarity. :<
On the fifth floor a young woman asked me if I was there for the homeless advocates' case. I said yes and asked her who she was with. She told me that she was working for the judge handling the case but the judge didn't tell her what court room. So I told her the sixth floor and we headed up there. Suzie was there waiting outside the locked court room doors as were others. We talked.
Deputy City Attorney Jonathon?? told Suzie her options. Then Officer Latham handed out papers to everyone to sign. One paper had the complaint. The other paper had to be signed and state whether you are pleading not guilty, no contest, or guilty. The Deputy City Attorney also gave Suzie another option, verbally. The option is a submittal. With a submittal, there is no plea at all but agree to "stay out of trouble for six months" and not break the law "like" feeding the homeless. If you stay out of trouble for six months, the charges are dropped. We could not get Jonathon to explain thoroughly what happens if you DO get into trouble within the six months.
Judge Bert M. Brown was very nice to Suzie and explained all the options. He also took the time to explain to her that this was a matter that was going to Federal Court, and if the law is deemed unconstitutional, her charges would be dismissed.
No public defender because the city is not looking for jail time. Judge said he found no reason to dismiss the charges at this time. With a submittal, if you get into trouble "like this" within six months, the first conviction stays on the record. I asked Jonathan, what do you mean a conviction? You are automatically guilty if you take a submittal and get into trouble again? He said, well it's not really a conviction...
Judge said that if you get into trouble again within the six months, the city will still not ask for any punishment for "this" case. Jonathan half-assed agreed with the Judge.
So, Suzie took the submittal and the judge said that if she stays out of trouble that she does not have to reappear in court.
For the record, I was and am very upset that no one was at court except for me to
support Suzie. So much for solidarity. :<
Women deserve better than abortion,
Feminists for Life
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
From: "Serrin M. Foster"
For over a decade, I have been fielding hard questions. Even before I joined Feminists for Life, people couldn't accept that I was both pro-woman and pro-life.
It is so easy to get caught up in unproductive arguments that pit women against children. This week at the University of Delaware I was asked how we can work with people who disagree with us about abortion. How can we not?
We must see the humanity of every person who challenges us. Look at the question from the perspective of a person who embraces “choice.” See the pain of the woman who was abandoned by those she counted on the most and was driven to abortion. Understand the well-meaning friend who offers a quick fix, not realizing that pain cannot be diminished through abortion. Grasp the embarrassment of a parent who wants to protect a daughter from a grandchild who might “ruin her life.” Feel the fear of a young man who is suddenly faced with fatherhood, and realizes that he is totally unprepared. Recognize the betrayal behind questions from those under age 33 who have never known a day without legalized abortion.
Acknowledge them while offering unwavering hope that we can work together for better outcomes for women and children.
Let's begin
Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions.™
Question #1
“Can you really be a feminist and pro-life?”
Yes. Feminists for Life of America continues the tradition of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other early American feminists who opposed abortion. Our efforts are shaped by the core feminist values of nondiscrimination, nonviolence and justice for all. Established in 1972, Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the challenges women face.
Abortion is a reflection that we have failed women—and women have settled for less.
"When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society—so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged."
—Mattie Brinkerhoff, The Revolution, 4(9):138-9 September 2, 1869
We insist on a world in which women have access to all nonviolent options. Think about the consequences of such a world for the workplace, schools, and society. We encourage woman-centered and parenting-friendly policies including distance learning, which allows a new mom to be with her child while continuing her education and saving on child-care costs; affordable family housing near campus; campus and workplace child care; health care plans for students and employees that include maternity coverage; telecommuting and job sharing; a living wage; and child support when one parent is absent. We have to approach this holistically.
Pro-life feminists demand that society support the unique life-giving capacity of women, so that no woman feels driven to abortion. Women deserve better.
Next week's question: What about rape?
Check out what we've done for women lately.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists
for Life of America
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
Women deserve better than abortion,
Feminists for Life
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
Questions #2
What about rape? What if it was your daughter who was raped?
I would love her and my grandchild unconditionally, and I would do everything in my power to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law.
Out of our desire to save someone from suffering, it is normal to wish we could erase a painful memory such as rape. Unfortunately, the hard truth is that as much as we want to, we can't.
Abortion doesn't erase a memory. Think about it. Could anything ever erase your memory of September 11, 2001?
At my lecture at Vanderbilt University, a medical student told other students that abortion is a second act of violence against a woman who is raped, and said her “abortion was worse than the rape.”
Both victims—the woman and her child—deserve our unconditional support.
Pregnancy can be punishing, but a child is not a punishment. When Julie Makimaa was reunited with her birthmother, Lee Ezell ("Victory Over Violence,"
http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/1998/fall/Fall98.pdf
The American Feminist, vol. 5, no. 3), Julie asked her if it would have been better for Lee if Julie was never born at all.
Lee told Julie that she was the “only good thing to come out of the rape.”
When someone asks about exceptions for rape and incest, we must also consider how that makes those feel who were conceived through sexual assault.
Well-meaning statements can hurt. As one UC-Berkeley grad student said to her pro-choice peers, “I have a right to be here.”
They responded, “We didn't mean you!” She asked, “Who did you think you meant?”
My mother told this story to a coworker who agreed and said, "People never think they are talking to an exception—like me.”
Could you look at someone conceived in violence and tell her that she never should have been born? What if it turned out to be your best friend—or a relative? Would that change the way you felt about her? Would you think less of her mother?
Rebecca Kiessling, http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/2001/winter/Winter00-01.pdf a
young attorney and mother who was conceived through sexual assault, asks “Did I deserve the death penalty?”
Can you imagine if we ranked the value of people based on the circumstances of their conception?
We don't discriminate based on parentage—that's not equality! You are valuable no matter who your parents are, no matter the circumstances of your conception.
People used to value a woman based on who her father or husband was. It is similarly medieval to value a child by the actions of her father. That way of thinking is patriarchal and antifeminist and it should have gone out with the Dark Ages.
Abortion after rape is misdirected anger. It doesn't punish the perpetrator of the crime, or prevent further assaults against other women.
FFL's priority is keeping women safe. Incarcerated sexual offenders should not be allowed pornography, barbells, and early release. We need harsh sentences for sexual assault without possibility of parole.
We need comprehensive support for rape victims who become pregnant. A convicted rapist should never have paternal rights or be able to demand visitation from “his” children while in prison. But if he has the means, he should contribute child support. If a woman is poor and cannot prove the paternity, she could have problems collecting welfare. Small employers could fire her. We need to listen to those who have had children conceived through sexual assault and work for short- and long term solutions that benefit both.
Feminists for Life is a proud supporter of the Violence Against Women Act. In fact, we were the only pro-life group active in the National Task Force on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
After a lecture at a midwestern university where I shared the story of Lee and Julie, a student pulled me aside. She told me that she was raped by her third cousin as a mere thirteen-year-old and had became pregnant. Her parents had helped her have the privacy she wanted during her pregnancy, and then she placed her son with two loving parents.
I asked her, why did she make the decision to have the child—when she was just a girl who had lived through what was arguably the worst of circumstances? She said she would never pass on the violence that was perpetrated against her to her own unborn child. Now that is the strength of a woman!
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What about the life of the mother?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/register.htm
Become a member. http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm
Support our work. http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm
Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists
for Life of America
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
What you are about to read is part of a groundbreaking e-tutorial focused on the hard questions related to abortion.
Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through holistic, woman-centered solutions.
FFL’s president, Serrin Foster, speaks at colleges and other institutions across the U.S.
These are some of the questions she answers again and again.
For those who are just joining the e-tutorial, you may read the questions and answers from previous weeks.
This week, Serrin answers the question:
Questions #3
What about “the life of the mother”?
Since we are both pro-woman and pro-life, we refuse to choose between women and children.
Sometimes doctors advise abortion because they are unaware of other options or because they are pressured by fear of malpractice suits. We believe that physicians and other medical personnel should treat both patients and do what they can to save both lives.
This is what was done before the Roe decision was handed down.
Thankfully, medical advancements continue to save more lives. Situations in which the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother are extremely rare. Late-term abortions are never medically necessary. Emergency C-sections are often the medically appropriate response to save both mother and child. Viability at this stage of the child’s development is generally very good, especially with advances in neonatal care. Babies who weigh just under a pound are surviving!
As for first-trimester scenarios, most are to save the mother from ectopic (“out of place”) pregnancies, which typically occur in the Fallopian tube. Surgeries for ectopic pregnancies are not medically classified as abortions. Since the child has no chance of survival, and the mother can survive if the pregnancy is ended, we must do what we can to save her. To let both die would not be pro-life. At this time uterine transplants to re-implant the baby into the womb are not possible. (But if this becomes a viable option, it would have enormous ramifications for the entire abortion debate, since becoming un-pregnant would not be the same as having an abortion!)
Finally, there are issues related to mental health. While pregnancy can be a stressful experience and sometimes bring on or exacerbate depression, psychological stress should not be “treated” by abortion. Psychiatrists and psychologists need to treat mental health issues directly.
A two-year study on abortion revealed that out of 400 women who had an abortion at a Buffalo, New York, clinic, women who suffered from clinical depression were twice as likely to regret their abortion (30% versus 15%). This surprised doctors who assumed that pregnancy and motherhood would exacerbate their depression. In addition, several large studies (in Finland, Great Britain, Canada and the U.S.) indicate a link between abortion and suicide and psychiatric admissions.
Pro-life feminists are committed to protecting the lives of both women and unborn children. We call for honesty, accuracy and compassion in considering “the life of the mother”—with a focus, always, on life-affirming solutions.
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What if she is poor and/or abandoned?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
NEW! Peace greeting cards just in time for the holiday season.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists for Life of America.
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
What you are about to read is part of a groundbreaking e-tutorial focused on the hard questions related to abortion.
Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through holistic, woman-centered solutions.
FFL’s president, Serrin Foster, speaks at colleges and other institutions across the U.S.
These are some of the questions she answers again and again.
For those who are just joining the e-tutorial, you may read the questions and answers from previous weeks.
This week, Serrin answers
Question #4
What if her partner, friends or family have abandoned her?
Or what if she is poor?
Lack of support often coerces women into abortion. As pro-life feminists, we choose to support and empower women rather than abandon women.
A woman who is pregnant needs to know that there are perfect strangers who will care for her even if the people she counts on the most have let her down. She needs information about child support laws that prohibit coercion by the father either by physical force or by threats to withhold child support.
Universities should support marital and single parenting choices as well as adoption options.
Feminists for Life’s College Outreach Program focuses on resources—housing, child care, maternity coverage in student health care, telecommuting options, financial aid, etc.—so women aren't forced to choose between sacrificing their education or career and sacrificing their children.
We do not eliminate poverty by eliminating poor women’s children. It is degrading to poor women to expect or imply that their children aren't welcome. We believe that poor women deserve the same support and life-affirming alternatives as wealthy women.
A woman who is pregnant needs to know that there are pregnancy care centers listed in the “abortion alternatives” section of the yellow pages that provide direct assistance and coordinate public and private assistance.
Abortion is not an enriching experience. An abortion won't get a woman a better job or get her out of a bad (for example, abusive) situation.
And what has Feminists for Life done?
Feminists for Life has worked to prevent the coercion of women into unwanted abortions. FFL consulted on the groundbreaking Coercive Abortion Prevention Act introduced by Michigan women legislators in 2006. The five-bill package identifies very specific forms of coercion, from financial threats to physical violence, which could result in jail time and/or fines.
FFL has done other work to prevent coerced abortions due to threats to withhold child support, instead encouraging the active support of fathers in the lives of their children.
FFL has sought to educate women and men regarding the rights and responsibilities of fathers. And FFL was the only pro-life group to successfully advocate for the Enhanced Child Support Enforcement Act of 1996, which will help streamline the collection and distribution of child support, establish uniform laws governing interstate child support cases, and expand penalties for child support delinquency.
Since 1994, Feminists for Life has led the revolution on campus to meet the needs of college-age women, who have the highest rate of abortion, and redirect the debate towards action for women.
FFL hosted the first-ever FFL Pregnancy Resource Forum in 1997 and developed creative tools to evaluate and spark discussion about the lack of services for pregnant and parenting students, including FFL's Pregnancy Resource Survey,SM resulting in concrete improvements on top campuses across the country.
FFL has also helped to introduce legislation to put into hyper-drive pro-woman solutions on campus. FFL worked to introduce the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act (2005-06), which, if passed, would provide $10 million in grants to 200 colleges and universities for annual pregnancy and parenting resource forums and a central office to coordinate and promote ongoing resources and support on and off campus.
And on the anniversary of Susan B. Anthony’s birth in 2006, FFL held the first-ever Capitol Hill briefing on the needs of 4.5 million parenting students, and millions of students who become pregnant and need resources and support for marital and single parenting choices and various adoption options.
Feminists for Life also works for low-income women. FFL was the only pro-life group active in a unique coalition of women's groups to successfully fight child exclusion provisions in welfare reform. (The “family cap” was later tested on poor women and teens in New Jersey and proven to significantly increase abortions.) And FFL was the only pro-life and women's group to actively champion the New York state model program to help working poor pregnant women receive prenatal care through the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What if she just doesn’t want it?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
NEW! Peace greeting cards just in time for the holiday season.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists for Life of America.
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
From: "Serrin M. Foster"
For over a decade, I have been fielding hard questions. Even before I joined Feminists for Life, people couldn't accept that I was both pro-woman and pro-life.
It is so easy to get caught up in unproductive arguments that pit women against children. This week at the University of Delaware I was asked how we can work with people who disagree with us about abortion. How can we not?
We must see the humanity of every person who challenges us. Look at the question from the perspective of a person who embraces “choice.” See the pain of the woman who was abandoned by those she counted on the most and was driven to abortion. Understand the well-meaning friend who offers a quick fix, not realizing that pain cannot be diminished through abortion. Grasp the embarrassment of a parent who wants to protect a daughter from a grandchild who might “ruin her life.” Feel the fear of a young man who is suddenly faced with fatherhood, and realizes that he is totally unprepared. Recognize the betrayal behind questions from those under age 33 who have never known a day without legalized abortion.
Acknowledge them while offering unwavering hope that we can work together for better outcomes for women and children.
Let's begin
Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions.™
Question #1
“Can you really be a feminist and pro-life?”
Yes. Feminists for Life of America continues the tradition of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other early American feminists who opposed abortion. Our efforts are shaped by the core feminist values of nondiscrimination, nonviolence and justice for all. Established in 1972, Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the challenges women face.
Abortion is a reflection that we have failed women—and women have settled for less.
"When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society—so when a woman destroys the life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged."
—Mattie Brinkerhoff, The Revolution, 4(9):138-9 September 2, 1869
We insist on a world in which women have access to all nonviolent options. Think about the consequences of such a world for the workplace, schools, and society. We encourage woman-centered and parenting-friendly policies including distance learning, which allows a new mom to be with her child while continuing her education and saving on child-care costs; affordable family housing near campus; campus and workplace child care; health care plans for students and employees that include maternity coverage; telecommuting and job sharing; a living wage; and child support when one parent is absent. We have to approach this holistically.
Pro-life feminists demand that society support the unique life-giving capacity of women, so that no woman feels driven to abortion. Women deserve better.
Next week's question: What about rape?
Check out what we've done for women lately.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists
for Life of America
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
Women deserve better than abortion,
Feminists for Life
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
Questions #2
What about rape? What if it was your daughter who was raped?
I would love her and my grandchild unconditionally, and I would do everything in my power to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law.
Out of our desire to save someone from suffering, it is normal to wish we could erase a painful memory such as rape. Unfortunately, the hard truth is that as much as we want to, we can't.
Abortion doesn't erase a memory. Think about it. Could anything ever erase your memory of September 11, 2001?
At my lecture at Vanderbilt University, a medical student told other students that abortion is a second act of violence against a woman who is raped, and said her “abortion was worse than the rape.”
Both victims—the woman and her child—deserve our unconditional support.
Pregnancy can be punishing, but a child is not a punishment. When Julie Makimaa was reunited with her birthmother, Lee Ezell ("Victory Over Violence,"
http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/1998/fall/Fall98.pdf
The American Feminist, vol. 5, no. 3), Julie asked her if it would have been better for Lee if Julie was never born at all.
Lee told Julie that she was the “only good thing to come out of the rape.”
When someone asks about exceptions for rape and incest, we must also consider how that makes those feel who were conceived through sexual assault.
Well-meaning statements can hurt. As one UC-Berkeley grad student said to her pro-choice peers, “I have a right to be here.”
They responded, “We didn't mean you!” She asked, “Who did you think you meant?”
My mother told this story to a coworker who agreed and said, "People never think they are talking to an exception—like me.”
Could you look at someone conceived in violence and tell her that she never should have been born? What if it turned out to be your best friend—or a relative? Would that change the way you felt about her? Would you think less of her mother?
Rebecca Kiessling, http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/2001/winter/Winter00-01.pdf a
young attorney and mother who was conceived through sexual assault, asks “Did I deserve the death penalty?”
Can you imagine if we ranked the value of people based on the circumstances of their conception?
We don't discriminate based on parentage—that's not equality! You are valuable no matter who your parents are, no matter the circumstances of your conception.
People used to value a woman based on who her father or husband was. It is similarly medieval to value a child by the actions of her father. That way of thinking is patriarchal and antifeminist and it should have gone out with the Dark Ages.
Abortion after rape is misdirected anger. It doesn't punish the perpetrator of the crime, or prevent further assaults against other women.
FFL's priority is keeping women safe. Incarcerated sexual offenders should not be allowed pornography, barbells, and early release. We need harsh sentences for sexual assault without possibility of parole.
We need comprehensive support for rape victims who become pregnant. A convicted rapist should never have paternal rights or be able to demand visitation from “his” children while in prison. But if he has the means, he should contribute child support. If a woman is poor and cannot prove the paternity, she could have problems collecting welfare. Small employers could fire her. We need to listen to those who have had children conceived through sexual assault and work for short- and long term solutions that benefit both.
Feminists for Life is a proud supporter of the Violence Against Women Act. In fact, we were the only pro-life group active in the National Task Force on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence.
After a lecture at a midwestern university where I shared the story of Lee and Julie, a student pulled me aside. She told me that she was raped by her third cousin as a mere thirteen-year-old and had became pregnant. Her parents had helped her have the privacy she wanted during her pregnancy, and then she placed her son with two loving parents.
I asked her, why did she make the decision to have the child—when she was just a girl who had lived through what was arguably the worst of circumstances? She said she would never pass on the violence that was perpetrated against her to her own unborn child. Now that is the strength of a woman!
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What about the life of the mother?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. http://www.feministsforlife.org/taf/register.htm
Become a member. http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm
Support our work. http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm
Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists
for Life of America
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
What you are about to read is part of a groundbreaking e-tutorial focused on the hard questions related to abortion.
Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through holistic, woman-centered solutions.
FFL’s president, Serrin Foster, speaks at colleges and other institutions across the U.S.
These are some of the questions she answers again and again.
For those who are just joining the e-tutorial, you may read the questions and answers from previous weeks.
This week, Serrin answers the question:
Questions #3
What about “the life of the mother”?
Since we are both pro-woman and pro-life, we refuse to choose between women and children.
Sometimes doctors advise abortion because they are unaware of other options or because they are pressured by fear of malpractice suits. We believe that physicians and other medical personnel should treat both patients and do what they can to save both lives.
This is what was done before the Roe decision was handed down.
Thankfully, medical advancements continue to save more lives. Situations in which the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother are extremely rare. Late-term abortions are never medically necessary. Emergency C-sections are often the medically appropriate response to save both mother and child. Viability at this stage of the child’s development is generally very good, especially with advances in neonatal care. Babies who weigh just under a pound are surviving!
As for first-trimester scenarios, most are to save the mother from ectopic (“out of place”) pregnancies, which typically occur in the Fallopian tube. Surgeries for ectopic pregnancies are not medically classified as abortions. Since the child has no chance of survival, and the mother can survive if the pregnancy is ended, we must do what we can to save her. To let both die would not be pro-life. At this time uterine transplants to re-implant the baby into the womb are not possible. (But if this becomes a viable option, it would have enormous ramifications for the entire abortion debate, since becoming un-pregnant would not be the same as having an abortion!)
Finally, there are issues related to mental health. While pregnancy can be a stressful experience and sometimes bring on or exacerbate depression, psychological stress should not be “treated” by abortion. Psychiatrists and psychologists need to treat mental health issues directly.
A two-year study on abortion revealed that out of 400 women who had an abortion at a Buffalo, New York, clinic, women who suffered from clinical depression were twice as likely to regret their abortion (30% versus 15%). This surprised doctors who assumed that pregnancy and motherhood would exacerbate their depression. In addition, several large studies (in Finland, Great Britain, Canada and the U.S.) indicate a link between abortion and suicide and psychiatric admissions.
Pro-life feminists are committed to protecting the lives of both women and unborn children. We call for honesty, accuracy and compassion in considering “the life of the mother”—with a focus, always, on life-affirming solutions.
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What if she is poor and/or abandoned?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
NEW! Peace greeting cards just in time for the holiday season.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists for Life of America.
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
PRO-WOMAN ANSWERS TO PRO-CHOICE QUESTIONS™
What you are about to read is part of a groundbreaking e-tutorial focused on the hard questions related to abortion.
Feminists for Life is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through holistic, woman-centered solutions.
FFL’s president, Serrin Foster, speaks at colleges and other institutions across the U.S.
These are some of the questions she answers again and again.
For those who are just joining the e-tutorial, you may read the questions and answers from previous weeks.
This week, Serrin answers
Question #4
What if her partner, friends or family have abandoned her?
Or what if she is poor?
Lack of support often coerces women into abortion. As pro-life feminists, we choose to support and empower women rather than abandon women.
A woman who is pregnant needs to know that there are perfect strangers who will care for her even if the people she counts on the most have let her down. She needs information about child support laws that prohibit coercion by the father either by physical force or by threats to withhold child support.
Universities should support marital and single parenting choices as well as adoption options.
Feminists for Life’s College Outreach Program focuses on resources—housing, child care, maternity coverage in student health care, telecommuting options, financial aid, etc.—so women aren't forced to choose between sacrificing their education or career and sacrificing their children.
We do not eliminate poverty by eliminating poor women’s children. It is degrading to poor women to expect or imply that their children aren't welcome. We believe that poor women deserve the same support and life-affirming alternatives as wealthy women.
A woman who is pregnant needs to know that there are pregnancy care centers listed in the “abortion alternatives” section of the yellow pages that provide direct assistance and coordinate public and private assistance.
Abortion is not an enriching experience. An abortion won't get a woman a better job or get her out of a bad (for example, abusive) situation.
And what has Feminists for Life done?
Feminists for Life has worked to prevent the coercion of women into unwanted abortions. FFL consulted on the groundbreaking Coercive Abortion Prevention Act introduced by Michigan women legislators in 2006. The five-bill package identifies very specific forms of coercion, from financial threats to physical violence, which could result in jail time and/or fines.
FFL has done other work to prevent coerced abortions due to threats to withhold child support, instead encouraging the active support of fathers in the lives of their children.
FFL has sought to educate women and men regarding the rights and responsibilities of fathers. And FFL was the only pro-life group to successfully advocate for the Enhanced Child Support Enforcement Act of 1996, which will help streamline the collection and distribution of child support, establish uniform laws governing interstate child support cases, and expand penalties for child support delinquency.
Since 1994, Feminists for Life has led the revolution on campus to meet the needs of college-age women, who have the highest rate of abortion, and redirect the debate towards action for women.
FFL hosted the first-ever FFL Pregnancy Resource Forum in 1997 and developed creative tools to evaluate and spark discussion about the lack of services for pregnant and parenting students, including FFL's Pregnancy Resource Survey,SM resulting in concrete improvements on top campuses across the country.
FFL has also helped to introduce legislation to put into hyper-drive pro-woman solutions on campus. FFL worked to introduce the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act (2005-06), which, if passed, would provide $10 million in grants to 200 colleges and universities for annual pregnancy and parenting resource forums and a central office to coordinate and promote ongoing resources and support on and off campus.
And on the anniversary of Susan B. Anthony’s birth in 2006, FFL held the first-ever Capitol Hill briefing on the needs of 4.5 million parenting students, and millions of students who become pregnant and need resources and support for marital and single parenting choices and various adoption options.
Feminists for Life also works for low-income women. FFL was the only pro-life group active in a unique coalition of women's groups to successfully fight child exclusion provisions in welfare reform. (The “family cap” was later tested on poor women and teens in New Jersey and proven to significantly increase abortions.) And FFL was the only pro-life and women's group to actively champion the New York state model program to help working poor pregnant women receive prenatal care through the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Because women deserve better,
Serrin M. Foster
President
Feminists for Life
www.feministsforlife.org
P.S. Next week's question: What if she just doesn’t want it?
"Abortion is a reflection that we have not met the needs of women. Women deserve better than abortion."
REFUSE TO CHOOSE® WOMEN DESERVE BETTER®
............................................
NEW! Peace greeting cards just in time for the holiday season.
Help us systematically eliminate the root causes that drive women to abortion. Join our free e-list. Become a member. Support our work. Thank you!
Feminists for Life is a 501(c)3 organization.
All donations and membership contributions are tax deductible to the extent according to law.
Refuse to Choose and Women Deserve Better are registered trademarks of Feminists for Life of America.
___________________________________________________
This is the information list for Feminists for Life.
Are you a member and is your membership current?
Go to http://www.feministsforlife.org/support/index.htm and join online or donate today!
Feminists for Life - PO Box 20685 - Alexandria, VA 22320
Valley homeless speak about life on the streets,
The Rebel Yell
From their own words
Valley homeless speak about life on the streets
By: J. Kaff
Issue 10/12/2006
The best way to discover how humane a society acts is through viewing its treatment of the helpless: the mentally ill, the elderly and the homeless.
After the amendment and passage of city ordinance 13.36.055 that prohibits "the providing of food or meals to the indigent for free or for a nominal fee …" those that have been forgotten, the homeless, have begun to speak out about their conditions.
http://www.unlvrebelyell.com/article.php?ID=9654
Valley homeless speak about life on the streets
By: J. Kaff
Issue 10/12/2006
The best way to discover how humane a society acts is through viewing its treatment of the helpless: the mentally ill, the elderly and the homeless.
After the amendment and passage of city ordinance 13.36.055 that prohibits "the providing of food or meals to the indigent for free or for a nominal fee …" those that have been forgotten, the homeless, have begun to speak out about their conditions.
http://www.unlvrebelyell.com/article.php?ID=9654
Helping Las Vegas Food Not Bombs
To all of who are inquiring about helping with Las Vegas Food Not Bombs: I don't think anyone regularly takes care of the Las Vegas Food Not Bombs website. The FNB website is not "my" website but I still apologize that I haven't seen your messages until now.
We are still sharing food at Circle Park on Maryland Parkway five days a week. (No food on Wedsnesdays and Saturdays as there are 2 local churches that share food on those days.) Time used to be at 2 pm but now it's anytime between 1 pm and 4 pm. When we have left over food, we go to Jaycee Park on Eastern at the southwest corner of the park.
Sometimes we share in Circle Park. Sometimes we park on a side street across from the park. Depends on who doesn't care about getting cited or going to jail on that particular day.
Anyone who wants to help out can just show up or e-mail me at mom_in_las_vegas@yahoo.com
or visit my blog at activistsinlasvegas.blogspot.com and post a comment.
All donations appreciated: beans, rice, pasta, vegetable oil, paper plates, spoons, forks, paper cups, blankets, coats, socks, bottled water, etc.
We are still sharing food at Circle Park on Maryland Parkway five days a week. (No food on Wedsnesdays and Saturdays as there are 2 local churches that share food on those days.) Time used to be at 2 pm but now it's anytime between 1 pm and 4 pm. When we have left over food, we go to Jaycee Park on Eastern at the southwest corner of the park.
Sometimes we share in Circle Park. Sometimes we park on a side street across from the park. Depends on who doesn't care about getting cited or going to jail on that particular day.
Anyone who wants to help out can just show up or e-mail me at mom_in_las_vegas@yahoo.com
or visit my blog at activistsinlasvegas.blogspot.com and post a comment.
All donations appreciated: beans, rice, pasta, vegetable oil, paper plates, spoons, forks, paper cups, blankets, coats, socks, bottled water, etc.
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