Roomin' House Blues

Toxic pesticide up for re-evaluation.  Stop its use now . I have been a supporter of the cause of farmworkers since I was in high school.  They suffer many indignities, including low wages, backbreaking labor and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Suppose you were at work and your boss sprayed you with toxic bug spray?  Please read the letter below from UFW and take action.    For the last 5 years, we've been tirelessly working to stop the use of methyl iodide, a cancer causing pesticide that scientists call,  "one of the most toxic chemicals on earth."  In March of 2010, the UFW even took legal action joining with other environmental groups. Our hard work is paying off:  The U.S. EPA has announced it will reconsider its decision to allow the use of this toxic pesticide. It has opened a public comment period. On April 28th, the day before the EPA's comment period closes, the UFW and our partners' goal is to turn in a petition with 200,000 sig...

Happy Cesar Chavez Birthday.  I have received a letter from the United Farmworkers Union I want to share with you. March 31, 2011 Dear Joseph, Cesar Chavez speaking at the UFW's 1991 Constitutional Convention in Delano Click here to honor Cesar on his March 31 birthday Happy Cesar Chavez Day! Throughout his life,  César inspired millions of people – from the fields and in the cities-- to commit themselves to the fight for social, economic, and civil rights.  When he was once asked by a union member how he wanted to be remembered,  Chávez replied,  “If you want to remember me, organize!” César knew as you and I do--there is still much to be done. The struggle for a contract with Giumarra (one of the largest producers of table grapes ), injustice in the wrongful death of farm worker Maria Isavel Vasquez Jimenez, and the continuing legislative attacks on immigrants, unions and the poor remind us of the challenges we face this very moment. So today, w...

Here is a little bit I have cut and pasted in from material UFW sent me. If you want to sign the petition it may help the workers at Ruby Ridge Farms.  This Boss Brings a Rifle to Work Workers will hand petition in TOMORROW We've written to you before about the unbearable situation workers face at WA's Ruby Ridge dairy face on a daily basis.  Help workers fight back. The workers are demanding that Ruby Ridge's lender, Northwest Farm Credit Services, take a stance on this issue.  TOMORROW, January 11,   Ruby Ridge workers and their supporters  are going to the the lender's headquarters to deliver thousands of petition  signatures.   So far, there are 20,105 signatures on the workers petition. Help us reach 25,000 before tomorrow's event. This is the situarion at Ruby Ridge dairy. Ruby Ridge is being sued for violation of Washington wage and hour laws, unlawful discharge by firing 1/3 of the workforce and even assault. The workers who haven't yet been ...

Tomorrow I  to a Worksource orientation on the steps needed to try to get into worker retaining on the unemployment ticket. (see prior post: http://roominhouseblues.blogspot.com/2010/12/banging-your-head-against-wall.html ).  Pray for me please, and for all the unemployed.  And if you would, make that through Dorothy Day, Servant of God so she can get her first miracle by getting someone a job or reschooling in this economy and there by get beautified.  If she gets two of us jobs then she is a Saint! Governor Gregorie has deserted Catholic social teaching on more and more things.  First she deserted it to the left by supporting the Washington Death with "Dignity"  initiative, under which disabled and elderly can be manipulated into killing themselves. Now she deserts it to the right.  She is planning to call a special session of the legislature for one day to get an up or down vote on her budget proposal.  It's kind of the bums ru...