Monday, October 20, 2008

The Rise Movement


I went with two friends to visit the Rise Movement's encampment at La Placita Olvera a week ago. I guess I wanted to be present there simply to give support to our immigrant brothers and sisters here in the U.S. The entire camp consisting of about 100 people is fasting from food untill election day on Nov 4th. The Rise Movement calls this action a hunger strike inspired by Cesar Chavez' historic 25 day hunger strike in 1968.

There was a strong positive energy flowing throughout the camp. The campers were very diverse and probably a mixture of citizens and people with no documentation. Though the camp was smaller than I had envisioned I was still very impressed with the movement's organization. Many groups have either come together to create the fast or they have come to support. The Archdiocese of L.A. is one of them.
Immigration reform is one of my strongest convictions right now. At the end of the day, with all details and complications aside, I just want everyone on planet earth to have a job, shelter, food, water and clothes. Ultimately the ground we live on is God's and not ours. I don't believe people should break the law, but I also believe the law should be just. I also believe in God's higher law.

Exodus 22:21
"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt."

Exodus 23:9
"Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt."

Leviticus 19:34
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

We are a nation of immigrants. How then can we oppress other immigrants? Many of our country's largest corporations illegally build plants factories and offices in other countries to exploit the people that live there by paying them far less than they would have to pay an American. If we are oppressing people in their own countries and forcing them to look for a better life elsewhere, how can we mistreat them a second time by abusing them in our immigration policies?

Anyway, I'm too tired to continue writing. It's 1:20 in the morning. Here are a few other pictures I took while at the encampment.





2 comments:

Contemplation and Resistance said...

Greetings. I appreciated your post on The Rise Movement fasts. I just had dinner with some who participated in it. One sister fasted for 21 days!!

I also am a disciple of Messiah and see the clear commandments of seeking justice especially for the marginalized.

I am currently in Ontario (about 50 minutes outside of downtown L.A.)
Maybe we can link up some time.

You can reach me at
www.myspace.com/thejerichosound

or thejerichosound@gmail.com

Peace
Ces

Contemplation and Resistance said...

word.
you got that future classic too?
definitely got to link up.
and you're down with punk rock (flatfoot 56)

seems like we're pretty kindred spirits homey.

surreal has some older material available for free download as well. this brother is one of my favorite mcs also. you probably know he's out in l.a. too aye?
http://www.rappersiknow.com/2008/11/10/surreal-pardon-my-dust/

also...im a part of a hip hop community project in santa ana
representing all elements
check www.theupperground.com
www.myspace.com/saintcitysession

we just closed out this year and had our last session last week.

we'll see what the Father has in store for the future as far as this project is concerned.

-ces