Yes We Can! Long IslandMaking Inclusion a Long Island Watchword
Long Island is one of the most diverse places in the United States, yet it is also one of the most segregated places with groups stratified along ethnic and class lines. As a society, we face a choice of following practices in our political, educational and economic lives that keep us apart, fearful and mistrusting, or reaching out to strengthen the bonds among different groups.
Yes We Can! Long Island opts for the latter course. We recognize that diversity harnesses the talents, beliefs and values of all to build stronger communities. We believe all Long Islanders deserve access to quality education, decent housing, job opportunities and the right to live in safe communities.
When barriers are lifted and people can pursue their aspirations without being subject to artificial discriminatory restrictions we will view one another in a different light – as individuals rather than as members of this group or that. And, the society we build will go forward stronger and more united for it.
When is the next meeting of Yes We Can? The Immigration Reform Taskforce of NYCLU would like to share information about this issue.
Selective controlled immigration has been good for America. Uncontrolled non selective immigration would be an absolute disaster. There are at least two billion people, a large fraction of whom are illiterate or otherwise incapble of providing for themselves in our society, who would want to come. Does anybody really think that this country of about 300 million can absorb an influx of two billion disadvanaged people who cannot even speak the language?
Neil
Was there a diversity comittee created ? I would like to have one created. It is that important an issue especially if one stays focused on current events. Please get back to me.
Yes, I agree, but more people expressed interest in Healthcare and Energy/Environment. We also are a new organization, and only can do so much.
We are more then open to starting another committee that will focus on diversity. If you are interested in taking the lead on it, please email marvin@YesWeCanLI.org.
Our great nation was founded and has been repeatedly strengthened by new diverse blood. Many of our great business men, entrepenuers and leaders were immigrants or first generation americans.
In this time of great need we should open our borders to all who wish to come; charge a fee to be paid upon admission for those who can afford it, and loan the fee to those who can’t, giving them a debit card that will provide identification as well as require all income they earn to be credited to the card account and wil be hit with a with loan payment with interest and tax debits as well as provide a means for addresses and identification for required language and civics courses. Failure to meet these minimal requirements would result in cancellation of this new work visa and a trip back to country of origin. Keeping the rules for say10 years, full payment of immigration fee plus passing of sufficiency in english and american civics will result in citizenship. the influx of population will boom the economy, with jobs in the housing, food, service and education fields plus provide labor for those jobs we americans either refuse or cannot aford to do, provide a new tax base to pay for the new immigrant services and high paying jobs in the service and education fields not to mention a great influx in ameican brain power. Our greatest assert is our county and its life style opening it to those who are willing to pay for it will only make us strong. All current Illegals could be treated the same as any newcomer, pay to stay, learn english and civics or go home. they will initially all sign up giving us a track on them, background checks etc. no card no work, no stay.
glenn stephenson