America Immigration System-An Incurable Ill or A Political Game???

               

The ongoing immigration saga at the Southern border with Mexico which has resulted holding Americans hostage by shutting down the government…now the most extended government shutdown ever in America history, and have left many federal employees without jobs while some are working without pay. The decision to shut down the government rests in the hands of the President! He cynically declared that he owns it, proud of it, and will not blame anybody for this shutdown leaving many puzzled, hurting, and some wondering how further this can go on?

For one, the portrayal of immigrants-legal and illegal as a threat to the national security and the economy is false and the biggest lie of the 21st Century!

The current ongoing hysteria talks about immigrants flocking into the country through the Southern border with Mexico is, but a political game intends to hide the truth to the American public.

A wall at the southern border should indeed remain a non-starter, and Democrats get this right this time, and they should lead the way on this issue since the presidential leadership is currently a rare commodity in Washington DC. If this wall was so crucial, why the Republicans had control of the three Houses of Government for two years, and they did not bring forward this immigration issue they now call for imminent action? Or is it because it was a campaign promise He now realizes that it has the upper hand? Is the border wall saga a new hope after the Republicans found victory in the Senate following the 2018 midterm election which wipes away their lead in Congress?

It is irresponsible and unpatriotic to cause government shutdown by using immigrants and American people as a bargaining tool! The Republicans have committed a political crime…a political corruption that is designed to divide the nation…to make American people take sides, and the worse part, to keep His base/supporters standing by Him at the expense of most Americans who oppose the wall funding!

Let’s face it, the allegations that there is a wave of illegal immigrants forcing their way into the country via southern borders is a one-man-made threat designed to create fear and adverse reactions from the public and to give Him room to keep spreading His lies to forge His divisive policies and self-interests.

The claim that immigrants are hurting Americans, they are taking your jobs, they are criminals, and they cost millions of Americans taxpayers money on social welfare, free healthcare and or education, are all but bogus claims. An informed and educated leader of this nation knows that such an argument is false, one-sided and only narrow-minded people are capable of holding such grudges because the well-researched data shows the truth that never deceives. Before you fall into this toxic rhetoric’s of the conservative-reactionary of the Republican party, take a deep pause, seek the truth, and self-educate to be on the side of well informed to make a wise reaction, judgement, and or constructive discussions and decisions even when you engage into conversations with your counterparts on the social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and alike!

First, factually proven and worth the embrace is that America and immigrants are inseparable-you have never had one without the other! America is a heritage of people of all colors, shapes, sizes, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. Let’s not forget that the greatness of America was found and rooted in the dependence of its diversity.

Former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell defined America coherently as, “America is a nation of nations, made up of people from every land, of every race and practicing every faith. Our diversity is not a source of weakness; it is a source of strength, it is a source of success”.

There is a disconnect about the truth regarding immigrants in the US, both legal and illegal immigrants-how American public understand immigrants in general and the economic and or national security impact of the immigrants in the United States.

It is intriguing to admit, given all the hysteria debates about illegal immigrants caravan wanting to enter the US from the Southern border, that, according to Pew Research Center’s estimate, the number of illegal immigrants living in the USA was lower in 2016 than any time since 2004. This is due to a massive decline in number of new illegal immigrants coming to the country from Mexico although the number of illegal immigrants from Central America-El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala has increased causing the famous “Immigrants caravan invasion” talks orchestrated by President Trump and now holding Americans in hostage with the government shutdown due to wall funding dispute with Democrats.

Also, most unnoticed or uncommonly stated is that a growing share of illegal immigrants were not people who had entered the country illegally but had arrived legally and overstayed their visas. It should also be noted that there is an ongoing problem of nearly a million backloads filed immigration cases currently waiting to be processed! As these immigrants wait for their immigration status to be processed, they are subjected to unfair scrutiny and discriminations as their cases take many years to complete.

According to a more recent data from the federal government, there was a small increase in border apprehensions in 2018. There were about 467,000 apprehensions at the Southern border year 2018 than in any year since 2012. Even with that record, still, the number of arrests in 2018 remained far below the more than 1 million usually captured per year.

As President Trump and Democrats stand their grounds about ways to end the government shutdown, it is worth it exposing how Americans see or view illegal immigrants, as well as their stands towards president’s proposal about the expansion of the border wall and what political leaders should compromise to open that partial government shutdown that is holding Americans hostage.

Facts:

· Less than half of Americans know that most immigrants in the US are here legally. Majority of immigrants in the US are here in the country legally, and therefore they have legal status and rights that allow them to work or receive some social benefits-health care, education, etc. just like their fellow Americans.

· Both Republicans and Democrats voters immensely disagree that illegal immigration is a major problem facing America today-neither data nor history prove that immigration is a big problem in America today. The problem with America immigration today is that the America immigration system is broken and needs immediate reforms.

· According to the Pew Research, nearly 34 million legal immigrants live in the US. Many live and work in the country after receiving legal permanent residence (also known as Green Card), while others receive temporary visas available to students. In addition, 1 million illegal immigrants have temporary permission to live and work in the US through the DACA-Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status-a temporary status given to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the US (citizens from some countries affected by political conflicts or natural disasters) allowed to live and work in the US for limited period of times. So, using DACA for the exchange with the border wall that costs billions of Americans taxpayer money is not economically viable-it’s a lousy deal for the deal makers!

· Majority of the American public, including some Republicans Law-Makers from the southern border states, opposes the wall building at the Southern border with Mexico. The funding amount of 5.7 million dollars is not worth it; it is financially irresponsible, morally wrong, and practically useless. 58% of Americans opposed the expansion of the wall at the southern US-Mexico border. Only 40% of Americans support the wall building according to a January 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center.

· As it stands today, many Americans disapprove the government shutdown, and the way shutdown negotiations are handled. While a little over a third of Americans (36%) approval of the Trump’s/Republicans feels about the wall building negotiations, public views and considers Democrats are handling the Trump government shutdown talks amicably better and positively that favor American people who are hurting by the government shutdown.

· Nearly half of Republicans say US taxpayers would ultimately pay for the building of the wall, while overall, seven-in-ten US adults said the US would eventually pay for the construction of the southern border wall with Mexico but see the wall as unnecessary and unworthy their taxes money.

· Democrats are divided over whether party leaders should cooperate with Trump or Trump should work with Democrats leaders in the new 116th Congress over the next two years!

· According to September 2018 survey by Pew Research Center nine-in-ten Republicans (91%) say Trump stands up for his beliefs, while 52% of Democrats doubt other personal qualities, such as being a strong leader, being well-informed and being trustworthy.

The majority of American public are unaware or don’t know a lot about legal and or illegal immigrants, and therefore when leaders misinform and or lies about immigrants, they are amplifying fear with the intent to cause adverse reactions towards immigrants, and in turn, immigrants are usually subjected to discriminations, abusive acts, and humiliations.

President Donald Trump and his administration have been the proponent of the immigrants’ assaults rhetoric to forge for his divisive and discrimination policies. He introduced Zero Tolerance Immigration Policy in April 2018. The Zero Tolerance Immigration policy is designed to deter, catch, detain and prosecute all individuals who illegally attempts to enter the Us from the southern border. The separate of families-children separated from their parents and imprisoned them in a wire mesh compartment, and subject them to inhumane treatment-showing them sleeping on the small mats and covered with thermal blankets on the floor, poor sanitation, and medical attention; and two Guatemalans children even died while detained.

These hush and inhumane policy practices of Trump administration are used as a tool to deter the illegal immigrants from attempting to cross the southern border with Mexico even though the majority of them are woman and children who can not pose any danger to the national security. These people are seeking refuge and asylum of which is their rights when they are facing a threat or violence, in their native countries as it is the case with the people arriving at the southern borders from Central America.

This increase of the illegal immigrants at the southern border is also due to more restrictions that have been practiced by the Trump immigration policy at the “legal-ports-of- entry” that their asylum status has been delayed and or denied without the process and or merit.

The Trump’s Zero Tolerance Immigration Policy has been viewed as another immoral act that defies American values, and all that humanity stands for, it is an abuse of human rights! When mothers with their children in their arms dare to trod through the wildness and into the unchartered territory in search of better life, that was the last resort they have. And having to embark on such long and dangerous journey and uncertain future ahead of you; having to endure unknown only to be faced with humiliation and inhumane treatment-snatching away their babies from their arms is not only cruel but also evil and deplorable policy that demands condemnation and must cease.

Now, the America Broken Immigration System

America immigration system is broken! And because of its brokenness, it causes many ills, and has become a political game, because there has never been a will from the politicians to cure the immigration ills once and for all! But make no mistake, it is by design that the immigration system is as it is today-to exploit and then harass and humiliate! For there is no big problem or ills that such a superpower country as America is, is too big to solve!

Now, let’s dig deeper-The the fact that you are an immigrant whether legal immigrant or illegal immigrant you are faced with different sets of treatment standards, and always sub-standards-from workplace, to whatever else you pursue! Let’s call a spade a spade…the anti-immigration/anti-immigrants hysteria repeatedly flared during elections and with every new President at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington DC is a proof that they (politicians) time after time used immigration policy to gain your vote or wants you to take sides!

American Immigration policy is a “political game”! It is well documented and known that America exists and thrives on the diversity-the representation of an intimate snapshot of unique, different and various people, culture and heritage integrate into a “melting pot” society of America. And without this rich mixture of races, cultures, and religions, America would not be the nation that it is today, founded on the beliefs that freedom and equality is the right that should be enjoyed by all Americans whereby intense, different cultures should coexist peacefully but also thrive to become America the great nation of all.

Now having this principle understanding of our America, that the story of America we know today did not emerge from the vacuum! That America has been a destination of immigrants since its discovery as a new land in the western hemisphere. From the time of Pilgrims, Huguenots of the colonial era, to today’s Muslims flee their native places for rights to be and do what they want, and or the Central Americans mothers and children escaping violence and poverty; and here domestically the struggle and the fight against discrimination by the color of your skin or the gender identity; a desire for decent wage and equal pay among racial and gender. Generally, a struggle for a better life of which millions have forsaken their native places for the often dangerous and challenging journey to America, only to be exploited by the system they expected help from to navigate into this new land- destination America; why the politicians continue tormenting the immigrants as if they never and or are not contributing to making America the greatest country ever?

Let us also principally acknowledge that exploitation of immigrants has been going on for many many years because of the broken immigration system. Many experts on immigration don’t see immigrants as a problem or threat to the national security or destruction to the economy. Instead, they sight the broken immigration system which is used by the politicians to forge their political views and unpopular policies that intend to exploit further, intimidate and humiliate. This manifest itself from the way the Immigration and Nationalization Services process the requests for applications for either permanent residence, famously know as Green-Card permit, and or the application for citizenship. There are several categories for immigrants fillings to adjust their status to a permanent residence or citizenship including the asylum seeker process.

Its one thing, to restrict the process when immigrants apply for the adjustment of their immigration status, and another, when their cases remain unsolved/unsettled, sometimes for a decade or two, claiming “overwhelming backloads” of applications.

The immigration system as it is today prey on the immigrants when they collect all the application fees (which are not cheap), almost majority of immigrants spend a minimum of $5,000 and up to $10,000-$15,000 for forms and layers to process their applications to adjust their immigration status! And then, the process takes a decade or so to complete.

In the meantime, that person, that family waiting for their status to be adjusted has/have to survive! So, they get hired of course, at a minimum or below the minimum wage. They do all kinds of available work because they have no luxury to chose what type of work will accept or not accept for the little pay they are forced to take whether you are skilled or unskilled. And yes, here is where it really get into an exploitation scheme, “the jobs that Americans won’t do, but Immigrants do”!!!

According to the Pew Research Center, the US industries, departments and occupations that have high share of illegal immigrants workers include-agriculture/farming-it is estimated about half of the nation’s workers in agriculture are illegal immigrants; construction, leisure/hospitality, business services and other services (child care and senior care), manufacturing, and or contract labor.

It is not necessarily that they are illegal immigrants and unskilled and therefore they have to do the low-wage-pay jobs, but, they have been squeezed by the immigration system to accept it while waiting for years for their status to be adjusted. Some illegal immigrants may not have the applications in the process, or may as well be unskilled, however, what they do, in the farms to make it possible for the foods you consume daily…or build the roads you drive to and from…or the homes you seek comfort after a long day of hustling…the clean rooms and beds you sleep in when you check into the hotel during your corporate meeting…or your on vacation or honeymoon after your dream wedding…and or the airports workers who facilitate your travels…and many other places-some very sensitive and delicate like caring for your seniors (old and disabled) or your infants and your other children of whom at times even a blood-family members couldn’t care for their own as a stranger could!

Without the immigrants working in those places and on those jobs so-called, “job Americans won’t do,” those places and or those employers could not survive! What immigrants have to toil and endure, the low-pay, the poor working conditions, zero employees benefits; in some instances, they work for weeks even months only later to be told they won’t get paid and of course, you are fired and you can’t do anything! You can’t complain to the authority because you have no rights. If this isn’t a designed exploitation scheme, tell me what it is!

Even though Immigrant endures countless abuses and inhumane treatments in search of survival and better/decent life, they are hard working people. And by the way, the majority of immigrants do pay taxes, they don’t get welfare benefits if they don’t have legal/lawful immigration status, and they contribute to the economy of this nation immensely according to the economic experts. If there is a better life in America for the immigrants who have no legal rights to defend or protect themselves, if the system continues to threaten, intimidate, silence, and of course the cycle of exploitation goes on, but still they endure all, it doesn’t make it right! Immigrants are resilient people, but also they have needs just like all of us and helping them to adjust their immigration status rightfully, and quicker will mean acknowledging them and accounting them as members of American society and fair contributors of the society.

The border wall funding saga is a proof how immigration system is broken and how politicians use immigrants for their political games! President Trump’s demand for border wall has nothing to be proud of! It defies the America values. The wall will be a symbol of divisiveness and discrimination that continue to exist in America.

The border wall is a perfect incurable ill in America immigration politics today. It disregards the rule of law, the respect of the US Constitution and it fosters the violation of human rights. And, not paying Americans their wages or freezing their jobs indefinitely is irresponsible, negligence, and abuse of power of the Presidency’s office. People empowered the President to work with them, to listen, learn, and lead them not to play political games and make people’s lives miserable and uncertain about tomorrow and or what future holds for them after the government shutdown ceased.

The claim by the President and supported by his Republican party that there is a humanitarian crisis at the southern border and that the wall will solve it is a political game that has become an incurable ill! The immigration crisis at the border is a manmade-make-believe crisis that instead of addressing the broken immigration system that delays many immigrants status adjustment applications and denies asylum seekers their rights to enter the country through the legal ports of entry it promotes cruelty, and the wall facilitates that cruelty!

Indeed, the immigration crisis at the southern border is a humanitarian nature that could well be handled by following the humanitarian laws in place as well as ensure that the legal ports of entry are operating under the established laws and regulations. Deregulating the laws and introducing counterproductive rules, and policies such as zero tolerance Immigration Policies are what is wrong with the American Immigration system…it is the incurable ills and the continuation of political games on immigration and immigrants.

The imminent need for Immigration Policy Reform cannot continue hiding in the open-sight! Comprehension immigration policy reform, not the wall is MUST and paramount if the leaders of both parties, Republicans and Democrats are honest and willing to solve this long and overdue America immigration ills that is bringing so much shame and suffering to the nation, affects all Americans, not just legal or illegal immigrants.

Humanity in leadership not only matters, but it is also necessary, and it is required more so during times of political crisis as is now. The quality of the actions of the Presidency’s office rests not on one-man but the entire political system that ensures the proper conduct and the preservation of the integrity the presidency’s office and the integrity of American people.

The Comprehensive Immigration Policy Reform, Not Wall or Party-Politics

If the majority of Americans don’t support the wall at the southern border with Mexico; if the majority of Americans want Dreamers (DACA) to stay and adjust their status towards legal and US citizenship, why the leaders we put into power not listening and responding accordingly?

Twice the Comprehensive Immigration Reforms was tabled in the Senate: 2006- Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, 62–36 and 2013-Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, 68–32; 2006 under the Republican President George Bush and 2013 under the Democrat President Barak Obama. Both times, it was the Republican House of Representatives refused to take actions, to address the Senators’ proposals on the House floor.

Now it’s a time for the people-the American public to demand actions from the 116th Congress. American people are tired of being played by politicians by taking our votes for granted. All that were proposed and discussed in the two previous Comprehensive Immigration Policy Reforms should be tabled again to address all immigration problems once and for all!

The immigrants both legal and illegal are only asking the politicians to see immigrants as human beings worth your consideration. Bring the Comprehensive Immigration Policy Reforms back to the table and solve these American immigration ills sooner than later.

If all the previous Comprehensive Immigration Policy Reforms failed because of the Republican Congress refused to take actions, the 116th Democrats Congress MUST reintroduce and pass the much need immigration policy reforms; because President Trump too, declined to lead instead opted to hold Americans hostage by shutting down the government and disrupt thousands of American families’ lives by playing political games with the unpopular wall.

The current political administration tells and shows about what America immigration politics and American leadership can be! Trump forcing policies that are deserving American people and its institutions is a disturbing political betrayal. He is a reminder to the whole world how democracy can be conned and hijacked and used /manipulated by the few people who harbor radical beliefs and ideas that elicit fear and anxiety among the public, especially among the people of colors, immigrants, and even among the children as they witness adults not leading by examples.

Time is now for Congress to take actions and easy the public anxiety that Trump and his Republicans are cultivating.

COUNTDOWN TO NOV. 6^TH- ONLY 17 DAYS TO MISTERM ELECTION!

Review the Dos and Don’ts of a Voter!

The Dos:

·        Know why your vote matters in this election and cast your vote.

·        Already registered to vote and meet all the voter ID requirement-what you need to bring to vote-photo ID vs. Non-photo ID, know your polling Station, familiarize with voting procedures and rules, types of voting-early voting, in-person voting, Vote in other Language, and voters registration deadlines.

·       Check or update your Voter Registration-Check names and address-how, when, and why to avoid anything that may jeopardize you voting rights and ultimately your vote.

·       Decide whom to vote for-research you candidate to know what they stand for (their positions on the issues) so that you can evaluate good and right candidate to vote for. Who is likely to unite us, than to divide us. Who is likely to bring opportunities you can be part of it-opportunities that impact and improve your livelihood.

·       Vote for candidates that support issues that matters to you, issues that are the reason for your struggle with housing, education, Health Care, Discrimination in the workplace (equal pay and pay increase), violence against women (sexual abuse and gender bias). In doing so, you are demanding solutions; you are using your voting power to change the status quo that neither represents you nor working for you-your ideas and values.

The Don’ts:

·       Don’t register to vote and not vote.

·       Don’t say you are undecided-make decision to vote.

·       Don't give any excuse-Like I am too busy; I have no time, Lines are too long, Polling Stations are too far, I don't have a proper or Qualifying ID. When you don't vote you lower or limit the chances of improving the issues that are at stake in every election, issues that affect your daily livelihood. When you don't vote, your problems remain unsolved and may get worse.

·       Don’t know the issues? Use all the means at your disposal to find out what the candidates stand for-check their websites, their social medias pages-Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, ask your co-worker, your friends, your neighbor; use your Smart Phone to ask questions and find answers-ask, Siri or Alexa!

·      Don’t waste your Right nor your Vote.

In the end, on Nov. 6^th, 2018 election, all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the US Senate will be in contests. For Donald J. Trump administration, this midterm election is the vote of Confidence or No-Confidence on his leadership and the direction he is taking this nation.

For you, us, we the people, is how you or we want to be governed and treated. This election is upon us to weigh the pros and cons of Donald J. Trump’s leadership and exercise our right and duty towards shaping the direction of the country.

If you feel you are not treated equal, it should remind you about-are you a slave or a citizen? It should tell you about your right to vote and be represented rightfully. Just as people from the time immemorial have rejected the government that control its people by divisiveness policies, by instilling fears on its people, and by violating the basic civil and human rights-people were and are still inspired by the ideas about the rights of man with this powerful words Thomas Jefferson wrote on the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that "All men are created equal” that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

We have, therefore, come too far to give up our Rights or to be denied our Rights and who we are as Americans. As a democratic government, let us all come together and vote our voices! The people collective power brings change-election gives power to the people. People have fought for the right to vote, don’t waste your right nor your vote.                                    

 [

Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Choice to Change the Course!

Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Choice to Change the Course!

The confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh as Supreme Court Justice revealed once again a political class that is in a mission to disrupt the political systems and its democratic process like we have never seen before! Voices of the people who elected these partisan leaders-from President, Senators, to Congressmen, and others, have been ignored, and at times been threatened so that they retreat and reside in silence. That my friends are not what the nation's founders envisioned of the America we live today.

In 1776, the United States declared independence because people then had a strong desire to vote-they wanted to have a say in the laws, they tried to have government representatives that will represent them because they were under the British rule.  Also, we know they went to war and fought to defeat the British and formed their new government so that they could vote for their leaders. Don’t you now want the government of the people, by the people and for the people? Don't you now want the leaders you voted for, to represent you and your ideas and values? Don't you want the leaders who will work for all people, not for themselves or the few?

Today’s political atmosphere of the nation reminds us of those old days, and something else-that democracy is free and secure when you relentlessly protect it.

In 1778, the nation’s founders wrote the constitution which is the law of the land. The Constitution stated that the United States was a democracy- a government that will be governed by and for the people. The Constitution also promised many rights and the right to vote was mostly mentioned although they left the voting rights to the states. Ever since the voting rights have evolved and given many groups rights to vote including women and young people; and continue to grow today as some people, especially those who want to accumulate power in the hands of few, the disruptors of democracy would like to take a chance to tamper with the voting rights! To counteract the forces of the few who want to disrupt our political systems and voting rights requires the same strong desire to vote as that of nation’s founder if democracy is to remain alive and protected.  

This election time, women and young people should take the lead in numbers to the ballot because they are the most vulnerable group of people in the society that are susceptible to violence whether its gender discrimination or women sexual assaults or gun violence in schools and inequity in education among groups of students. These groups are often suffered discrimination and often deprived of their power to advance or protect themselves. And when you have leaders who will not hear your voice when you needed them the most and to be fair and equal in treating you, the only power you have is to vote them out!

In 2016 we saw election being taken away from an experienced political and intellectual woman to a non-political experienced, a less intelligent white man with the spectrum of prosperity (billionaire businessman)-whose statements and policies are rooted in racism, with his administration defying and reversing civil and human rights like we never seen in the 21^st Century. Again, the confirmation of the supreme court justice was both an abomination to all women and the judicial system. The unjust treatment Dr. Christine Ford is suffering by coming forward about the sexual assault by a person who is going to administer the laws of the land in the Supreme Court is a concern in the mind of many people who want justice to prevail and indeed, an insult to every woman. In contrary, Brett Kavanaugh, accused by multiple women for sexual assaults, consumed alcohol excessively and lied about it, has aggressive temperament that doesn’t align with judicial temperament,  demonstrated biases and impartiality on his professional decisions, yet, the Senate whose its constitutional role is to nominate and confirm the Supreme Court Justice took side and cease to uphold the judicial process that was just and promoted Brett Kavanaugh by confirming him a supreme court justice, despite the many issues about him that qualified him to be “unfit-for-supreme-court justice". Even the Retired and Former Supreme Court Justice, John Paul Stevens said Kavanaugh is not fit for Supreme court. (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/04/us/politics/john-paul-stevens-brett-kavanaugh.html).

Our current president surrounds himself with his radical non-political groups to pre-select the leaders in key positions including the nominee to the supreme court. Nothing about his selected people like Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh is ordinary-the process wasn’t normal, the hearings weren’t normal, and the confirmation wasn’t normal! And that is what they want us to accept, to merit and to value? We say, no! This is not normal and therefore unacceptable! We are experiencing an unprecedented time in the nation's political history and that my friends, require our remarkable reactions and incredible actions, starting with showing up in numbers to vote on November 6th election.

On Nov. 6^th, 2018 one month from today is a midterm election day-another turn, another chance to make your voice heard, to vote and choose the candidate that cares about you, protect your rights and abide by our constitution that value all people and their ideas regardless of their economic backgrounds, cultures, ethnicity or gender.             

                                                                                                                     

This coming election unlike any before will determine how you are governed tomorrow-do you want to maintain that status quo, which means keep the things the way they are today, or you want the change-the administration that works for the common good of all people?

Like many have said, this election is the most important one in our lifetime given the unfamiliar partisan politics under president Donald Trump administration with its divisive policies that have brought the nation to its worse party-politics behaviors ever experienced before.

Remember July 25-28, 2016 when the Democratic Party Convention opened and the whole world eagerly watched with great anticipation given the unusual and unchartered battle between two presidential candidates that were as different as Day and Night-Hilary Clinton, a woman and a lifelong politician who by all means and beyond doubts  was a leading and clear choice (at least that what all the polls showed) but of course, in the end, Donald J. Trump, a billionaire businessman with no experience in government governing and trailed behind as he failed all the three major presidential debates; yet, to the astonishment and disbelief of many people, he won the presidential election.

Since then, our nation has been sharply divided leaving many people angry and with many unanswered questions-what went wrong? Was it that America wasn't ready for a woman president? Was it that people didn't vote for Hilary or didn't turn out to vote? Was our election system hijacked and rigged to suit unfavorable candidate? The candidate whose campaign was nothing but ruthless, pathetic, lies, and scare tactics; at times, it was backstabbing and character assassination-and while all these were in place, he emerged as a winner. America! Where were you when these were happening? We witnessed a yearlong of the presidential campaign like never, which resulted in a president like never before, even after two-years-in office-he is unhinged and a threat to the democracy here and around the world. Also, what we witnessed on the Senate and the Judiciary Committee hearings for Supreme Court Justice was beyond comprehension-the rude behaviors and disrespect of women voices and constitution should concern and alarm everyone. So, where are we now, today? A better America today that was yesterday? Are we moving forward or backward?

How we are governed today is a question in the minds of many Americans. The nation has lost its moral compass and values, the unity and the opportunity that glue us together as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

If we must remain true to ourselves, to the constitution, and to the political institutions and systems in place today, we must resist the politics of today and its leadership-the divisive politics and the violation of civil and human rights. By remembering the men and women who gave it all when fought for freedom, peace, and justice for this nation. We can honor their sacrifice by acknowledging that their battle then was tough, yet relentlessly they fought to secure their freedom and democratic government which now call for us to continue with the founder’s sentiment of preserve the democracy. Their battle then was tough, but ours today isn’t in comparison, yet we ignore and neglect the very civic duty that ensures our freedom, peace and justice-the voting role!

Voting gives people a voice in decisions that affect them. Over the last century, the right to vote has been extended to many social groups and populations, although the struggle for civil and human rights continues in many parts of the world including the United States of America. Why?

Because of the failure of the elected democratic government to support and abide by the laws of the land, like the Trump administration and its political machine reversing laws that are in place for the common good of the nations and its people instead, he is demonizing immigrants and instill policies of racism; the weaponizing victims of sexual assaults as was in case of Dr. Anita Hill and now Dr. Christine Ford, or the  police brutality against black men; the violations of the judiciary process by the white house and the senators during the hearings to nominate and confirm the Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh-totally a breach to our political and judicial systems.

In the current modern society, the politics of few is on the rise (the rise of the disruptors of democracy) and found a way to undermine the democratic institutions and systems put in place by the people, for the people-the unprecedented plan and actions that defies the rule of laws to cause disparities and disenfranchise people.

During the 2000 US Presidential election, the people of the state of Florida voted but witnessed something else-their votes were disproportioned in the way in which the votes were counted, and people learned the many ways to discount votes. It was an alarming moment in the history of voting, and the supreme court decided the presidential winner…another reminder of the importance of having the impartial Supreme Court Justice and the importance of the democratic and free election and secured voting system that work for everyone-all citizens with the rights to vote must be allowed to vote, and their vote must count for their voice to be heard. When people exercise the civic duty of voting, the system must be fair and deliver what it promises-fair election and every vote count!

Former president Ronald Reagan-the 40^th President of the United States of America asserted, "For this Nation to remain true to its people, we cannot allow any American's vote to be denied, diluted, or defiled. The right to vote is the crown jewel of American Liberties, and, we will not see its luster diminished.”

In just one month from today, you will go to the polls stations to vote, to make your voice heard, and to make your choice of the candidate that will represent you and work for you.

So, here is What Lies Ahead for the 2018 Midterm Election.

1.  Your Turn to Vote.

Youth, women, the minority have all the reasons this time to turn-out in numbers. They are the group of people mostly discriminated, and their rights are often denied. Getting out and vote in numbers will be your "ENOUGH" reason to stop this discrimination and the violation of your rights. When we all vote we increase the chance to influence and impact the election and bring changes you want to see. So, all people with voting rights and credentials is a MUST to show up and vote in November 6^th, 2018.

2.  What You Need to Know to Never Waste Your Vote Again.

You need to know that your vote is your voice and your choice. This means voting is both your right and your civic duty. Be on the ‘I know’ side https://www.usa.gov/how-to-vote. The well-informed voters make sure they choose their leaders wisely. They prefer a good candidate who speaks for them and who hears and listen to their voices.

As Nov. 6^th near-up, be sure to get prepared and take part in key decisions. You will soon be bombarded by TV-Ads, Newspapers filled with headlines and catchy phrases-some intended to inform and inspire, and some with misleading information about one candidate, one party, or the other; you might have watched candidates debating and interviewed on TV and social media platforms; not to mention flyers stacked in your mailboxes or hanged on your from doors, and of course the canvasing door-to-door engaging the voters. Make this midterm election a historic election by showing up in numbers and exhibit the power of the vote, the "Let the People Rule" moment as reminded by Theodore Roosevelt when he overcame the power of incumbent during the presidential primaries by telling the bosses everywhere, "Let the People Rule".

Lastly, pick up those phone calls to not get left behind-the callers are reminding you to vote or informing you what to expect or what to do when you encounter problems during election day. Remember, in the end, only you, the voters can choose whom you want and how you will be governed. Choose wisely, know the candidates, (https://wwww.usa.gov/midterm-state-and-local-elections) the stakes are too high in this election!

3.  Why Your Vote Matter!

Voting is not only your powerful weapon to use to decide and influence the outcome on the matters that impact your life but is also a means of gaining power. The only way to influence policy or bring about changes people want to see, people must show up and vote. Voting and democracy are crucial in a democratic government because it provides people an opportunity to voice your opinion and vote for what you believe to be right and holds the elected officials accountable for the behavior while in office, to either re-elect them or vote them out.

Moreover, voting prevents a minority from dictating the policies that do not favor the majority. With Trump administration, what we have experienced in his two years in office is a nation divided between the powerful and political class that want to consolidate power into their hands-politics of divisiveness, the growing element of racism, violence rhetoric’s on the streets and in schools, bullying is on the rise the disregard of rule of laws, the violation of human right, and yes, the lies and scare tactics; the leadership that want to empower the 1%  rich people at the expense of the remaining 99% of the people; thus, the glorification of dictatorship and the suppression of individual rights (rights of women to be heard and rights of children to be with their parents); and the list goes on, all intended to confuse, exploit people and dismantle the democratic system that holds and keep the US standing as examples for others to flow.

This current administration is a good reminder as to why your vote matter. It matters when you reject all that Trump administration has exhibited time after time by stepping forward and bring your bargaining power-the voting power' and vote out all those who are deaf to your voices and blind to your ideas and values, and bring back the democratic government that works for all people not just for the few.

Amplifying your voices collectively matters and can make a big difference. It can change the administration and its leadership when we all vote.

Remember, when we all vote we are voting for unity and opportunity. On the issues that make your life better-your voting against tax break for 1% rich that make other programs that help poor and middle-class citizen just get to the next day been underfunded and or defunded-the affordable health care, the education funds for school programs and equity in education not to buy guns for teachers; you are voting against women violence-their you want women voices to be heard when they report being sexually assaulted; you are voting against gender and racial discrimination and the inhumane treatment of immigrants and their children, you are voting to bring back the values that bind us together as people of this nation. So, when we all vote can really be a game changer!

4.  And Now, the Dos and the Don’ts of this Mid Term Elections.

The Dos:

·        Know why your vote matters in this election and cast your vote.

·        Already registered to vote and meet all the voter ID requirement-what you need to bring to vote-photo ID vs. Non-photo ID, know your polling Station, familiarize with voting procedures and rules, types of voting-early voting, in-person voting, Vote in other Language, and voters registration deadlines.

·         Check or update your Voter Registration-Check names and address-how, when, and why to avoid anything that may jeopardize you voting rights and ultimately your vote.

·         Decide whom to vote for-research you candidate to know what they stand for (their positions on the issues) so that you can evaluate good and right candidate to vote for. Who is likely to unite us, than to divide us. Who is likely to bring opportunities you can be part of it-opportunities that impact and improve your livelihood.

·         Vote against things that are not right, issues that are the reason for your struggle with housing, education, Health Care Discrimination in the workplace-equal pay and pay increase, violence against women-sexual abuse and gender bias. In doing so, you are demanding solutions; you are using your voting power to change the status quo that neither represents you not working for you-your ideas and values.

The Don’ts:

·         Don’t register to vote and not vote.

·         Don’t say you are undecided-make decision to vote.

·         Don't give any excuse-Like I am too busy; I have no time, Lines are too long, Polling Stations are too far, I don't have a proper or Qualifying ID. When you don't vote you lower or limit the chances of improving the issues that are at stake in every election, issues that affect your daily livelihood. When you don't vote, your problems remain unsolved and may get worse.

·         Don’t know the issues? Use all the means you must look up your candidates on the internet-their websites, their social medias pages-Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, ask your co-worker, your friends, your neighbor; use your Smart Phone to ask questions and find answers-ask, Siri or Alexa!

·         Don’t waste your Right nor your Vote.

In the end, on Nov. 6^th, 2018 coming election, all 435 seats in the US House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the US Senate will be in contests. For the Donald J. Trump administration, this midterm election is the vote of Confidence or No-Confidence on his leadership and the direction he is taking this nation.

For you, us, we the people is how you or we want to be governed and treated. This election is upon us to weigh the pros and cons of the Donald J. Trump’s leadership and exercise our right and duty towards shaping the direction of the country.

If you feel you are not treated equal, it should remind you about-are you a slave or a citizen? It should tell you about your right to vote and be represented rightfully. Just as people from the time immemorial have rejected the government that control its people by divisiveness policies, by instilling fears on its people, and by violating the basic civil and human rights-people inspired by the ideas about the rights of man with this powerful words Thomas Jefferson wrote on the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that "All men are created equal” that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…Right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

We have, therefore, come too far to give up our Rights or to be denied our rights and who we are as Americans. As a democratic government let us all come together and vote our voices. The people collective power brings change-election gives power to the people. People have fought for the right to vote, don’t waste your right nor your vote.                                    

 [

What drives Graduation rate and Educational Attainment gap between Colleges and among groups of Students?

Every Fall over three million students graduate high school and embark on to colleges and 

universities across the nation and some around the globe as international students to start their postsecondary education. “Obtaining higher education can be an important step towards better occupational and economic outcomes. Lower levels of educational attainment are associated with higher unemployment rates (http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cbc.asp) and lower earnings (http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cba.asp). Although an increasing number of students have enrolled in postsecondary institutions (http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cha.asp) over the last several decades, there are still differences in the characteristics of students who complete various levels of postsecondary education.” National Center for Education Blog (http://nces.ed.gov/blogs/nces/).

It is well noted that America has long championed for education, but in recent decades the signs and the evidence of the decline of education rank as a nation and the educational attainment between colleges and among groups of students in America are not only noticeable but also raises significant concerns.

Looking back in history, in the 19^th Century, America was a leader in requiring young people to attend primary school and later high school. The ranks of high school graduates attending college also grew steadily but slowly.

Although no other country’s universities educated even half as large as a proportion of its young people as America, only 1 in 7 young America went to college by late 1940. After World War II there was a rapid increase in college entre. The share of high school graduates entering college grew steadily from 17% in 1950 to 39% in 1980, 55% in 2000 and 68% in 2011, making America the first nation to make the transition from elite to mass and then to universal higher education. (Derek Bok, Higher Education in America, pp 81).

The author of the book, Higher Education in America also stated that, in the past 30 years, earnings premium for completing college has tremendously increased. By 2010, the average annual income for adults holding college education degree reached $54,000 compared with $32,000 for those with only a high school diploma. In 2005, 87% of America adults agree that a college education has become an important as a high school diploma used to be, while the percentage of respondents in Public Agenda Surveys who considered a college education to be “necessary for a person to be successful in today’s work world” jumped from 31% in 2000 to 55% in 2009”. Also, the share of ninth and tenth graders are expressing their interest in going to college increased to 80%.

Despite these high educational aspirations, the author also noted that college enrollment figures and graduation rates show clearly how far young people are from fulfilling their ambitions. According to the Department of Education, of every 100 students who begin ninth grade, only 75 graduated from high school, only 51 enter college, and only 29 graduates.  (Derek Bok, Higher Education in America-pp 82).

On the other hand, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that more than 60% of all new jobs created by 2018 will require at least some college education. Director of Center on Education and Workforce at Georgetown University, Professor A. Carnevale even declared that America would experience a skills shortage of three million jobs by 2018 if the number of college graduates does not grow faster.

Reports of a severe shortage of highly skilled employees have continued to appear since the recession that followed the financial crisis of 2008. For example, in 2014 according to the Roundtable’s “action plan,” the Business Roundtable projected shortages of college-educated workers even higher than those anticipated by Professor Carnevale. (Derek Bok, The Struggle to Reform Our Colleges, pp.8-9).

Also, research on college completion also exposed the large and growing income and racial gaps in the rates at which students were graduating from college. Among high school graduates academically qualified for college study, far more students from high-income families completed a bachelor’s degree within eight years than did those from low-income families. This vast and growing difference was accompanied by rising income inequality, which now is a big debate in the 21^st-century economy. Why a four-year college degree should take eight years is a question that the answers may amaze you! However, this is a topic of discussion by itself!

Due to this widening trend in disparities in the education system and the workforce, President Barak Obama declared to the Congress in 2009 that America must regain its historic leadership in the educational attainment of its people. So, he stated that America should increase its 40% of existing college-educated people by raising the share of 25-34-year-olds earning a “quality” college credential to 60% by 2020. This goal, however, will not be attained if the current trend that drives low graduation rate and educational attainment is not addressed seriously and contained.

So, why despite these disturbing and alarming findings the number of students graduating colleges continues to scale down? What is the problem that hinders students’ progress whether to enter college or to earn a college degree? What drives Graduation rate and Educational Attainment gap between Colleges and among groups of Students?

When carefully looked at the forces that drive graduation rate and educational achievement among colleges and groups for students three trends stand out to be the cause that stands on the way and disrupt students from achieving their educational goals and ambitions. The three educational patterns are:

            Equity in education

            Professional Development and

Use of Technology in Education.

Many authors who have written extensively about educational achievement gaps have all pointed fingers on the education system that the problem lies not with particular group of students because of their ethnicity and or socio-economic status but instead on America’s education system that among other things have failed to address the “real-root cause” of the problem which is:

Equity in Education-Every child is capable of learning and achieving success if afforded the learning environment that supports his or her needs. Many capable students from families of limited income have been sidelined by the system and left alone in despair with limited skill and experience to earn an income to support themselves and educate themselves (if at all they are lucky enough to get a stable job). What is the financial opportunity this group has that education system can offer? As it currently is, this group of students is more likely to suffer the educational attainment and graduation gap because of their socioeconomic status-and this including other factors such as ethnic origin or gender should not be an obstacle to achieving educational potential to any aspiring academic student.

Equity in education means fairness and equal treatment of “all children” regardless of their gender, socio-economic status or ethnic background for them to achieve educational potential. It also means inclusion-thus, accessibility, and accommodation of all students. That education resources be shared and distributed according to the needs of each young student. Individualize learning in the 21^st century can be a game changer for our academically aspiring students for it addresses and assures their rights for education. From K-12 schools Choice Programs for all students so that to contain the risks to equity; to upper secondary education by providing options-attractive alternatives, remove red- tapes and dead ends and prevent drop-outs due to educational malpractice!

When a higher education institution forces an aspiring academic student to drop out of college instead of supporting the student in finding means to help the student to continue with the higher learning, it is not only wrong because it denies the student his/her right to education but it purely an educational malpractice in the education systems!

The crisis of college affordability must be dealt with. Not only that some students have outstanding loan debt before they even earn a degree and get a job to pay that loan, but others they do not have access to student loans at all making them earn a college degree an unachievable dream.

College affordability crisis in 2012-2013 caught president Obamas attention, and on fall of 2013 he toured the State University of New York at Buffalo and said,

“At this time when a higher education has never been more important or more expensive, too many students are facing a choice that they should never have made: Either they say no to college…or you do what it takes to go to college, but then you run the risk that you won’t be able to pay it off because you have got so much debt. Now, that is the choice we should not accept. And, by the way, that is a choice that the previous generation did not have to accept.” (Ryan Craig, College Disrupted pp 18).

In his book, College Disrupted, the author also pointed out that many American now say higher education fails to provide students with good value and 98% America adults agree with the statement that “higher education is in crisis.” I completely agree with the author too for I am living it as I write this article, and I have many unanswered questions because I could not navigate the educations systems to get straight and honest answers.

Moreover, as the author did, I am amplifying some of those questions: What is the university’s responsibility to its students after they have accepted them to join their colleges? Do the universities have the role or the education systems for that matter can force the student to drop out of college out of their will? What is the goals and objectives of education if there is any in this situation? Where is its responsibility to America and its students? Isn’t college designed to enhance a student’s future well-being and, in turn, that of society in general? How did it get corrupted to the point where higher education is the cause, rather than the solution, to so many of our collective ills?

As a matter of respect, the education systems and the higher education institutions ought to have a higher level of responsibility to their students and the families who have toiled in raising their children to the level of qualifying them entry to college, only to be failed by the systems when getting there! The systems that were supposed to be helping and serving the all equally to attain their educational endeavor.

 Some higher education institutions could care less about students’ retention and graduation rate as they care about their bottom-line, and we should all be wary about those institutions that are for profits more than ensuring that students have the resources they need and deserve to help them learn effectively.

In the end, however, the fight for college is the fight for the rights to education that the sons or a daughters of a taxpayer that they too have the right to education. The use and the distribution of the taxpayer’s money should reach and serve each child; and perhaps for those higher institutions that are producing high numbers student dropouts, its time to investigate them thoroughly and demand accurate report on what is going on. On the other hand,  incentivizing (financial premiums) the institutions that are attracting diverse and disadvantaged students and retain them for graduation.

Also, an investment in training ensures that the education system is designed to serve all students not some, a system that motivates learning not demoralize learning. An aspiring academic student should not be forced to withdraw from college because he or she could not afford or because of his or her parents’ migration status. Minorities and migrants’ students face challenges to navigate the system even when they are American Citizens the face unique difficulties, and the educations systems need to respond and react to their needs just as they do to the other groups. Cultural bias should have no place in the education system-serve all and educate all children fairly and equally, for it is their right.!

Professional Development-Not only that professional development impact learning and teaching but also it is a tool for educational achievement. Educators must embed 21^st-century knowledge and skills that demands and measures success in both the students and the educator. Educators also need to stay on top of the latest technology, and the most innovative systems and strategies for learning and teaching, for even the technology itself, is driven and controlled by human minds. For example, there are signs and evidence of discrepancies in tracking students’ progress-early tracking and streaming need to be justified regarding proven benefits, thus, tracking at later stage vs. early stage to prevent inequities and improve outcome. Doing so needs professional skills and knowledgeable personnel. If educators do not have the 21^st-century knowledge base and skills they need, how could they teach the 21^st-century skills?

Fewer resources for educators is a recipe for failure. Critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration; classroom leadership and management and interdisciplinary instructions are the knowledge and skills that every educator need to know and possess; for it will pave the way in straighten and strengthen the links between schools and families in helping the most disadvantaged parents and their children in their learning journey. Such knowledge also helps educators to respond more professionally or effectively to diversity and provide successful inclusion of migrants and minorities students in the education system.

Socio-cultural competence is a learned skill. Teaching standards and teachers quality (knowledge/skills) help students learning and produce high performance. Teaching strategies, reaching out strategy and students retentions lead to schools and students’ success. The student learns more from competent teachers. Schools should have the resources to keep great teachers on the job by providing them with the training they need and the flexibility to teach with technology, creativity, and motivation.

“Providing all children in America with the opportunity for world-class education is critical for their success, and the success of our nation and every child deserve a great teacher.” ~ (U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.org/teacherprep).

Better use of Technology in Education-Technology and its innovative systems within education industry is increasingly becoming a cornerstone in addressing all kinds of students’ learning and outcomes, as it is for educators in teaching in all levels of education from elementary schools to colleges. However, technology by itself is designed and controlled by the people-human mind and therefore likely to be susceptible to some discrepancies in tracking student’s progress and addressing the needs of those students accordingly and or on a timely manner. Technology should be used to reveal many things about students’ performances: from academic records to attendance records. However, if the tracking and the data entry is incorrect, and the end-results are what determines the students’ performance status, this also may not address and or reflect the accurate records of students’ performances hence deprive the students, among other things resources for the students with the most significant needs.

We all want technology to accurately assist in identifying and setting targets for more equity so that we can track schools/colleges with low graduating rate and educational attainment to address the drop-outs before it happens. Human power (knowledgeable and skilled) and technology will eventually be the only source and force that will eliminate the continuing growth of educational achievement gaps in schools and among students’ groups. The education systems need to provide a strong education for all because the 21^st-century economy demands their knowledge and skills. Moreover, through technology, schools, and teachers’ roles are shifting from owners of information to the facilitators and guides to learning and achievement.

Equity for all students is undeniably essential opportunity that all students should have access and benefit. Giving all students a chance to thrive regardless of their socio-economic status and race identity is imperative and inevitable if the mission to promote student achievement and prepare them for global competitiveness is to be achieved. As it is now, more often, minority students (Blacks and Hispanics) are the disadvantaged groups and therefore susceptible to discrimination that leads to the inability to graduate in high school and may not be ready for college or paid jobs.

Consequently, those who persisted and graduate either high school (even with high achievement score) still face obstacles and discrimination to stay in college as they are more likely to be denied student loans that will keep them in college, of which is due to inability to ensure equal access to educational equity.

It is perceived that education plays a crucial role in determining how you spend your adult life-a higher level of education means higher earnings, better health, and longer life. However, for most people, this is still a myth, not a fact until we can be fair and equal in the treatment of one another in all areas of our lives, education for all leading the way!

Therefore, to develop a healthy society, we must first build and improve the learning capacity of young children as the next generation of smart and intelligent people who are fully aware of their place in the society and the environment they live. Moreover, also, how best they can manage and govern it to create friendlier-healthier-society that celebrate their learning efforts and achievements. Empowering young children through education is a no-brainer priority, for empowering our youth through education is giving them a key to unlock many doors of opportunities. Former President of South Africa and the most influential political activist and global icon of our time, Mr. Nelson Mandela, said:

 “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.”

 Through education, you can eliminate gender inequality, decrease poverty, and increase prosperity.  It is through providing education to all children that a child of a farmer can learn and become a doctor, a girl from the rural area can have a chance to become UN Ambassador or a CEO of a multilateral company, or a boy from a single-parent family can rise to become a president of a country.

References:

Books:

·      Bok, Derek. Higher Education in America. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 2013.

·       Bok, Derek. The Struggle to Reform Our College, Princeton University Press. New Jersey, 2017.

·      Craig, Ryan. College Disrupted: The Great Unbundling of Higher Education. Palgrave McMillan, United State, 2015.

Online:

·       “NCES-National Center for Education Statistics Blog.” (http://nces.ed.gov/blogs/nces/)

·       “OECD  2008 Observer-Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Brief”.

Ten Steps to Equity in Education

(https://www.oecd.org/education/school/39989494.pdf)

·       “America Institutes for Research Center”- How Career and Technical Education Can Help Students Be College and Career Ready: A Primer (https://ccrscenter.org/products-resources/how-career-and-technical-education-can-help-students-be-college-and-career-ready)