Page z, P ortla nd ÜDserver, O ctober 13, I9öö
O P IN IO N
EDITORIAL
GUEST EDITORIAL:
66
Your Vote Counts!”
ontemporary American 100,000 children throughout the
__ homelessness is an out­ nation who are homeless. In fact
rage, a national scandal." This is the report found that children are
the conclusion recently reached the fastest growing group among
by the Committee on Health Care the homeless. The report stated,
for Homeless People of the Na­ “ The growing phenomenon of
tional Academy of Sciences. Con­ homeless children is nothing
gress had asked the Academy of short of a national disgrace that
Sciences to issue a report on the must be treated with the urgency
current condition of the homeless such a situation demands.”
In 1988 there are approximately
in the United States. At a time
750,000
who are homeless in the
when too many people are still
United
States,
many of whom are
unclear about the importance of
the upcoming presidential elec­ from the African-American and
tion, the crisis of the homeless as Latino-American com m unities.
a result of Reagan-Bush policies There is also a large percentage
should be of paramount concern of white Americans who are
homeless. The report predicted
of all voters.
The 242-page report issued by that within the next year, if cur­
the National Academy of Sci­ rent government policies do not
ences is entitled "Homelessness, change, there will be 1.3 to 2
Health and Human Needs.” The million persons in the ranks.of the
members of the committee that homeless.
The Reagan-Bush administra­
issued the report are the leading
tion
since 1981 has cut funding
experts in the fields of public
health, human services and social drastically for emergency support
science. Dr. Bruce C. Vladeck, for the homeless, includinç
president of the United Hospital resources for health care, fooc
Fund of New York, chaired the stamps and emergency shelter.
committee. Dr. Vladeck stated This is in addition to cutting new
"We felt continuously uneasy housing programs for low anc
because of our inability to state middle income families. It ap­
the most basic recommendation: pears that Mr. Reagan and Mr.
homelessness in the United Bush not only do not care about
States is an inexcusable disgrace the homeless but are also deter
mined to increase their suffering.
and must be eliminated."
Dr. Vladeck concluded, “ we
In this nation of wealth the ex­
panding crisis of the homeless is can no longer sit as spectators to
indicative of misplaced priorities the elderly homeless dying of
by the Reagan-Bush administra­ hypothermia, to the children with
tion. There was a tone of anger, blighted futures poisoned by the
which is uncharacteristic, in the lead in rat-infested dilapidated
report on the homeless by the Na­ welfare hotels, to women raped,
tional Academy of Sciences. The to old men beaten and robbed of
reason why the experts on health their few possessions, and to
care in some of the leading hos­ people dying on the streets with
pitals and academic institutions catastrophic illnesses.” The time
across the nation are angry is has come for us to end this na­
because of the perceived insen­ tional disgrace. We w ill all have
sitivity on the part of the federal an opportunity on November 8,
g o v e rn m e n t
to w a rd
the 1988 to vote for a different ad­
ministration. The plight of the
homeless.
It is estimated that presently on homeless as well as the future of
any given night, there are at least the nation is at stakp
6 6
Prisoner Charges ILL Treatment
Dear Editor:
On Oct. 1, 1988, 28 women in­
mates at O.W.C.C. staged a dem­
onstration (sit-in) in the prison
yard. Around 6:15 p.m., the
prison’s tactic team was called in
to remove us. Upon their arrival,
we were threatened with bodily
harm and was told that if we
didn’t lay face down on the
ground, we would be shot!
Now, we may have broken a
rule or two, but that was the point
of the peaceful demonstration: to
draw attention to our problems so
that the general public would
have a better understanding of
the crisis that existed inside the
women’s prison. Before the dem­
onstration took place, the institu­
tion was heading toward a full
scale riot.
So far, prison officials have
refused to pay attention to our
problems and that is why we are
asking the community to support
our cause. Below is a list of some
of the problems we women pri­
soners face.
We are requesting: (1) to have a
clean and proper living space; (2) a
have better medical attention (3)
to receive better and adequate
dental attention (4) to have in­
house rehabilitation just to name
a few.
In the segregation unit, the
situation is this: women are given
1 toothbrush/toothpaste, 1 small
comb, 1 desk, 1 chair, 1 bottom
bunk, 1 top bunk, 1 pillow, 1
styrofoam cup, a roll of toliet
paper, 1 bottle of shampoo, 1 bra
(1st week), 1 nightgown, 1 pair of
thongs, 1 pair of tennis shoes, 1
bath robe, 1 pair of scrubs or
coverall. The cell is 8 ft. by 10 ft.
Please consider helping me
and the 27 other women here. We
need your support. For more in­
formation, please write: Claudett
Hammick #0795, 2605 State
Street, Salem, Oregon 97310.
Thank You, Claudett Hammick
PORTLfi
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C IV IL RIGHTS JOURNAL
Bishop Barbara Harris J
Makes History
LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR:
Bring Black Officer Back To North Precinct
Dear Editor:
With members of the "White
Community” and City Adminis­
trators always so perplexed as to
where they are going to find
qualified Blacks to help the N/NE
neighborhoods fulfill its goal of
self-determination — I was sur­
prised that Lieutenant Charles
Moose was transferred out of our
precinct. With his academic back­
ground and qualifications I would
think that this would be an ideal
spot for Lt. Moose.
Like other parents I am afraid of
gang activity (I have two teenage
sons); but I am equally afraid of
‘mistakes' and ‘overreactions’ of
the white officers that serve here.
Recently my twelve year old son
(he has never been in any kind of
trouble) was thrown to the ground
and searched for no other reason
than the color of his skin. One
school in Portland has specifical­
ly called in Black students to
warn them that they would be
suspended for wearing red or
blue.
Let us remember that South
Africa too has “ reasons” for its
suspension of civil rights based
on skin color.
Although I believe Lt. Moose
would take gang activity very
seriously, I do not believe he
would permit flagrant violations
of in d ivid u a ls’ c o n stitu tio n a l
rights to run rampant through the
precinct.
I hope our other African-Ameri­
can officers will understand that
even though their boss is white,
they are the only hope that our
children (and ourselves) have that
whatever the incident, the police
will not lose sight of our humani­
ty. (Recall, if you will, the elderly
Black woman who did not want to
leave her house and was shot and
killed rather than talked to and
reasoned with by “ fearful white
officers.) These Black officers are
often our only link with the
American precept. That we are in­
nocent until proven guilty.
We all have seen many of N /NE
P o rtla n d ’s ‘q u a lifie d ’ B lack
leaders flocking to major cities
around the country where their
talents are appreciated. It would
seem that City Administrators
who claim to be proponents of af­
firmative action, and who say they
support self-determination and
Black leaders for Black people,
would welcome the opportunity
for Lt. Charles Moose to serve in
the N/NE Portland area.
Sincerely Yours, Elisa Clay
Friends of S.O.S.
Reflections of Transition
Dear Editor:
As you may recall, I first be­
came acquainted with the Afri­
can-American community of Port­
land during a two part interview
with the Portland Observer. The
interview concerned itself with
the illegal and abusive conditions
at the Oregon State Penitentiary.
Regretably, these conditions still
exist. However, I face a much
greater obstacle — ‘‘Transition
back into the African-American
community.”
I have been out of prison for six
months and much has happened.
With the loss of my ever-loving
mother Mrs. Nocline Rhone on
March 31,1988 to cancer, coupled
with the loss of my stepfather, Mr.
Ted R. Rhone Sr., on Sept. 14,
1988, the transition of re-entering
the community has been almost
impossible. Why?
Last Thursday, a messenger
came by to deliver some papers
that stated that our home would
be auctioned off on Jan. 31, 1989.
Since my mother and stepfather
isn't here to handle this matter, I
must attempt to do it. Also, trying
to find a job when you have a
criminal record is like trying to
find a needle in a haystack. Fight­
ing to stay out of illegal drug ac­
tivity without the support and love
of your mother and father is even
harder.
The point I wish to share with
the community is two-fold. (1)
When a Black prisoner is released
from prison, he/she truly need the
love, support and patience of
family, friends, and love ones.
Such support will help each and
every prisoner, upon release, to
make a positive transition back in­
to his/her community. (2) For peo­
ple like myself who has no one to
provide love, support, under­
standing and patience, the
chances of a successful transi­
tion is almost impossible.
My message is: if there are
mothers and fathers who have
sons and daughters in prison,
write to them! Ask them what
their plans are. Offer your sup­
port. Do whatever you can to
help them make a successful
transition.
I am writing because African-
American prisoners must began
to take responsibility for their
actions and their behavior. They
must began to open up lines of
communication with the commu­
nity and make positive contribu­
tions whenever and wherever they
can. Please pray for my success.
ample of Rev. Harris in the areas
of prison reform and criminal.'
justice.
s
e have often explained that
The election of Bishop Harris is
the best way to celebrate
African-American history is a to victory for all women. In too
many places throughout the
continue to make history. For the
world
and in the United S tates,
first time in world history, a
women
are still victimized by the
woman has been elected bishop
sin
of
sexism.
We take note that •
in the Episcopal Church. The Rev.
the
Episcopal
Church,
after cen­
Barbara C. Harris, an African-
turies
of
struggle
and
debate,
has
American Episcopal priest and
taken
an
important
step
forward
social activist, was recently
in history. It is our hope that all -
elected Suffragan Bishop of the
church
denominations and reli­
Diocese of Massachusetts, the
gious
bodies
will become institu­
n a tio n ’ s la rg e s t E p is c o p a l
tions where women will enjoy
diocese.
equal justice, respect, status and .
A native of Philadelphia, Penn.,
support.
Rev. Harris has been a long time
Already in the wake of the elec­
participant and leader in the
tion
of Bishop Harris, the winds of
struggle for justice and freedom
in the United States and through­ negative reaction are beginning
to blow. The Rev. Eddy Stride,
out the world. At her election in
who is the chairperson of an org­
Boston, Rev. Harris stated that
anization of conservatives and tra­
she will continue to offer her
ditionalists of the Church of
“ gifts as a Black woman and as a
England which the Episcopal
woman priest” in service to the
Church
is affiliated, sees Bishop .
Church and to the cause of just­
Harris’
leadership as “ a very
ice. Rev. Harris commented,
serious
challenge
to many in the
“ Moreover, I would bring a sen­
Church.” Some traditionalists
sitivity to the needs of different
who oppose the ordination of
kinds of people including racial
women as bishops attempts to.,
and ethnic communities, women,
make the argument that because
the incarcerated, the poor and the
the
Christian ministry has primari­
oppressed.”
ly
been
male dominated for nearly
I remember meeting the Rev.
2,000
years
then there should not
Barbara Harris at a conference
be
a
change.
#
sponsored by the Episcopal
We agree that Bishop Harris'
Publishing Company. What im­
leadership will be a "very serious
pressed me most about Rev. Har­
challenge
to many in the Church.”
ris was her candid sense of moral
We
believe
that this is a neces­
responsibility combined with her
sary and positive challenge to the
unique agility as a committed
entire history of the negativity of
social activist. In particular Rev.
sexism and racism in the life of
Harris has acquired many years of
the church universal. We con­
experienced in helping to pro­
gratulate and salute Bishop
mote prison reform in the state of
Barbara C. Harris for her leader­
Pennsylvania and in other regions
ship
and for her continued^
of the nation. We need more
commitment.
church leaders to follow the ex-
by Benjamin F. Chavis. Jr.
W
Proposed EPA Pesticide Rules Reflect
‘Environmental Racism’ Charges UCC
I
n its proposed new rules to
_ protect agricultural workers
from pesticides, the U.S. Environ­
mental Protection Agency has
used inadequate information as
an excuse to adopt “ minimum
standards that put business cost
“ burdens" ahead of farm workers’
health.
This standpoint was taken by
the United Church of Christ’s
Commission for Racial Justice in
comments filed here today in a
rulemaking proceeding of the
EPA.
Labeling the EPA’s posture
toward the predominantly His­
panic farm worker population
Sincerely, John D. Leftridge III
“ environmental racism,” Com­
mission executive director the
Black Prisoner Apologizes To Community
Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
charges: “ Farm workers would
Dear Editor:
probably get more protection if
from my African heart that there
I am Stanley E. Holmes. We
they were placed on the en­
is
no
long
term
fears
or
mental
met at the Uhuru Sa Sa meeting
dangered species list.”
anguish.
Since
my
incarceration,
I
on the night of Oct. 8 of this year.
In other statutes adopted dur­
have
acquired
by
Bachelor's
I would first like to thank you
ing
the last 18 years, if the risk to
degree
in
psychology
and
social
for attending our meeting. Sec­
people
has been uncertain the
science.
ondly, I would like to express my
EPA’s
approach
"has always
I
now
recognize
that
knowl­
deepest appreciation for your
been
to
adopt
options
protective
edge
is
a
master
of
science
and
most needed presentation. Final­
of
human
health,”
the
national
no
dishonesty
or
conceit
what-so-
ly, I would like to extend an
church
agency's
comments
point
ever is permissible. What is re­
apology to our African-American
out.
“
Here
(given
an
uncertainty
quired
from
me
as
an
African-
community for the injustice caus­
where EPA admits that poison­
American male is honesty and
ed by the negative consequences
ings are underreported, increas­
modesty.
My
immediate
goal
is
to
of my past behavior.
ing, and do not reflect chronic ef­
give back to my African-American
I have now been incarcerated
fects) the Agency consistently
community
by
obtaining
employ­
for 9 years for three counts of rob­
takes the approach which is least
ment
in
the
field
of
youth
coun­
bery and attempted murder. I have
b u rd e n s o m e ’ to b u s in e s s
seling
upon
my
release.
Already
I
grown from this experience. I now
interests.”
have developed various projects
totally understand how my irre­
Also, while admitting to insuffi­
in hopes of detering our high risk
sponsible behavior has affected
cient
data on toxins and their ef­
youth
from
becoming
involved
in
my community, society and the
fects
on farm workers, the EPA
criminal
activities.
victims. Recognizing the conse­
"has proposed almost no sub­
Please share with the com­
quences of my past behavior now
stantial research to remedy this
munity, my apology.
and the effects that it may have
deficiency,” the Com m ission
caused the victims were dis­
Sincerely, Stanley E. Holmes
noted.
tressful and painful. I hope deeply
Such attitudes stem from a
"lack of com m itm ent... to issues
re la te d
to
fa rm
w o rk e r
protection,” the comments con­
i o all Io hilluin the« Letter« «hiili rouie. (Steeling:
tend. The EPA perception is that
Œlje State I n a r it of H ig h e r E iruriition, b« u irh if of the iiu tlio rih i in it or«trb
“ farm workers ... possess little
anù on recomwcHÎintion of the (Cnllegr J a n ilta , bn» ronfrrreii on
p o litic a l in flu e n c e in th is
country," the church agency
Stanley tu ÿ c ttr Holm es
claimed. "If the EPA told a
the òfgrrr of
middle-class white community
that it would be too ‘burdensome’
B arbrlttr of Srienre in I.lsorliolo^v
to provide information about how
toitb all the K iq lit» anti Privilege« appertaining to that iirgrre.
lawn chemicals may affect expos­
ed children, the Agency would be
facing Congressional investiga­
In testimony tohereof Int hiwr »iib«iT¡be¡> out nume» «n i unger«««»
tions the next day."
C
the «cal of the College 0« tt|» hi ploma at Jflonmoutb. «Oregon,
Reflecting this stance, as­
Dune eleventh, nineteen himhreh nith eighty eight
serted the Commission for Racial
Justice — which issued the first
ffleötern Oregon State College
h trtrrflo t
Jh M i& n ff •< Ike B oa-It
Tort
• f 8
comprehensive national study on
racial patterns associated with
the location of hazardous waste
sites — is a lack of m inority
employees placed by the EPA in
d e c is io n -m a k in g p o s itio n s .- .
Hispanic-Americans make up on- «
|y 1% of substantive policy- ;
making positions in the Agency, :
the comments observe.
The church body criticized the :
rules additionally for:
• "The notable absence of a' ;
comprehensive compliance stan- ;
dard, resulting in virtually no en- :
forcement” in the past and an
absence
of
“ a d d itio n a l
resources” for enforcement of
the new regulations.
• “ Inadequate” reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
• Soft rules on warnings and
information about pesticides pro­
vided to workers and medical
p ra c titio n e rs , plus vaguely-
worded emergency procedures.
• Narrow rules on who is
tested regularly and a lack of
special rules to cover children.
• Assumptions about washing
procedures that are not sensitive
to farm workers’ living conditions.
• The fact that the standards
are inadequate to correct uneven
protection among states.
• The lack of “ meaningful risk
assessment” in EPA decisions.
"EPA appears to be using the
concept of ‘minimum’ standards
to adopt standards which are also
inadequate," the Commission de­
clared. "This goes beyond the
specific issues raised by the rules
themselves, as it is clear that the
necessary funds, personnel and
program support to properly for-
multe, implement and enforce
farm worker pesticide protection
rules is neither available nor forth-
com ing in the foreseeable
future.”
"If this represents the sum
total of farm worker protection
after seven years of study and eN
fort, farm workers could not hope
to see adequate protection until
the middle of the next century,”
the church agency warned.
The 1.7 million member United
Church of Christ is a 1957 unioq
of the Congregational Christian
Churches and the Evangelical and
Reformed Church. The Commis­
sion for Racial Justice Is the
denom ination’s national civil
rights agency.