Clark Green

Public Charge

“It’s hard not to feel like we are turning our backs’ on our own history

If these people are willing to risk their lives

to travel 3,000 miles

and apply for asylum at our borders, we owe it to them to at least look over their application

because at some point

someone

was willing to look at ours.”

That was Hasan Minhaj’s closing of his Netflix show “Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj” Sunday’s episode ”Immigration Enforcement”.  This past Thursday’s holiday of Thanksgiving Day is split by US citizens (natural-born and otherwise) as while it is important to be thankful, it’s also important to note how people came to be in the US and what they did once they arrived. Christopher Columbus’s arrival and the first Thanksgiving is not how it is portrayed to and by children, every year and many have grown to understand the importance for not pretending atrocities of generations past did not occur. Until next week, Tuesday, December 4th, you may make your thoughts, comments, appeals, data contributions and anything else about the amendments to public charge established in May 1999.  The two main parts of the changes are (1) that new immigrants (temporary or permanent) must prove that they will not become a public charge while residing in the US, and (2) any immigrants currently in the US who want or need to change their status or duration of stay will need to show similar proof in order to stay in the US.

My question is why, currently there are programs that immigrants may and may not use and regulations about when certain services may become available to them. Making them stricter or creating a fear as illustrated in the second part of the change doesn’t create a larger problem for current immigrants that already go without, but it will create a problem for the rest of the US population. Lessening the services of food stamps and healthcare access when they are already vulnerable will allow any small issue to become a greater threat. Health and wealth are compounding issues, primary care is preventive care and a few extra dollars to start up and get you settled after a traumatic escape, journey and experience can make all the difference for decades to come. Following the events of this weekend with the beginning of asylum seekers from Honduras, running from the gangs and violence this country stands against makes this even more important and defining. Please understand, they just want what we want. To live, for their children to live and have the best chance of a happy life.

Earlier this year, the Miami Herald spoke to a woman who resides in Florida but whose mother lives in Cuba. Her mother, a 70-year-old woman, doesn’t want to live in the US but uses the Visa to visit her daughter and grandchildren. As her Visa was set to expire she reapplied—but was denied, not only unable to get a new Visa but the six months she had to remain on her current Visa before it expired were then cancelled. There is no reason for this, people who speak, act, look, eat and just are different from you are not out to get you. I know it’s long and a lot to read, but please read thru what you can and share your opinion with our Department of Homeland Security (per a few specific instructions) about the changes overall or to amendments that you believe is what is best.

Public Charge Comment Section and Amendment Changes 

Fred and George

Fred and George are the final of this short thread of sad characters and unfortunately, it’s all because of their ending. We all lose people, but to lose someone your age adds an effect to your life afterwards because it’s a shock and reminder that you to can die, at any moment. For that death to be someone who you not only looked liked and was your sibling when you were so young, they weren’t referred to Fred and George because they’re twins, but because they were twins who spent all of their time together, and just understood each other so well. 

Fred and George were born on April 1st, seriously JK, perfect! Regardless of their pranks and humor, everyone loved them because they were great guys to have around. They were smart, brave, funny, nice, friendly, athletic; they had everything going for them, including each other and themselves. While thinking back on them makes me sad because Fred died and George nor anyone else thought one would be without the other, when I reread the books or see the movies I am able to go back into that world and enjoy them. Enjoy them both. While they looked alike and acted alike, they were different. Both kind, George was more compassionate and worked slow and Fred jumped the gun a bit more, taking risks. But they helped balance each other and showed how working with others helps bring you forward. 

What I also loved is that they always did the right thing with their humor. They didn’t cross over the line too much and they knew when things were serious and when they had to focus. They were open with forgiveness, confident in their skills and what they could do with those skills and didn’t put anyone down. They were examples of good friendship, and just did everything right; knowing when to stop ‘having their fun’ and showing up for what was needed in the final battle. 

Cinderella--Grimm

There are a million different ways we can all go into the Disney manipulation, white-washing and ending the loss of the Grimm stories that managed to capture the ‘grandfather tales’ passed down thru generations, previously only spread by word-of-mouth. 

Rook di goo, rook di goo! There's blood in the shoe. The shoe is too tight, This bride is not right! 

But sometimes, the joy of truth is just that it’s funny

i have a reading list longer than my life expectancy

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

20Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore

An important and crucial character, Dumbledore was to us as he was to Harry, a role model, with whom we learned more about character, personal growth and the complexities of human nature than we would’ve learned from him about Transfiguration (had we known him as a Professor and not Headmaster).While Dumbledore had his reasons, our journey with him thru the final book held the most important lessons he could have and I feel should have bestowed upon us. While difficult, by being ashamed we lost out on his wisdom on the loss and guilt of his sister and brother, the complexities of choosing the right path as when Voldemort chose the wrong path, and of course his relationship with Gellert Grindewald. Thru Dumbledore, we see and are shown how our idols, and more importantly our parents, are human and as such, perfectly, imperfect

On the other side, we also learn about how one can be powerful, important but also still childlike as we saw with his obsession with sweets and socks (regardless of what he might have really seen in the Mirror of Erised).This is important because as we age we lose some of our sense of wonder, and are told we must always be mature and un-childlike.

Throughout the series Dumbledore also bestowed wisdom with many fabulous quotes; here are some of the ones that have always stuck out with me

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”

“You will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it”

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light”

"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends"

"We must all face the choice between what is right, and what is easy"

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living and above all, those who live without love"

One I believe is a nod from JK about Harry Potter and the world she created for us

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?"

Here, Harry Potter is comforted by Dumbledore about his journey during the seventh book, his life so far, his relationships with others, answers to some of his most crucial questions and who he wants to be if he chooses to live.  

So thank you JK Rowling for giving us a man from whom we learned so much, and were able to learn from as we grew up, and grew, with him.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Any possibility of Harry having a nice life, died, mercilessly, with this book, starting with him again not being to just be on the sidelines and ending with the full return of Voldemort. Okay, so it starts off with a horrible scene but actually the beginning is quite lovely as Harry writes to Sirius for help because he finally has someone he can write to with his problems that’s like a parent and then following the silliness of the Weasleys sending a letter with about 10 thousand stamps (why did no one give them basics after the phone call and really, Muggle Studies should be mandatory for everyone, is there really that little contact) and then of course, the Quidditch World Cup (see—Muggles).

But quickly the main themes of Harry being cursed (seriously—why did he keep going back) and teenage drama (Ron v. any and all sensibility) took over, but with some new dimensions. This was the beginning of true social justice for Hermione, something that she would stick with the rest of her life, and I love how it a) was for those who weren’t fighting for themselves, and b) wasn’t based on blood status. The choice and dedication she had to fight for equality and for others made sense as it was an extension from her fight the year before for Buckbeak and wasn’t for her, but something for others that was not related to school, but important, and a part of her and would’ve come out eventually, one way or another. In relation to the parallels created, the introduction of Rita Skeeter, her rumors, and the brainwashing of the media we later also see in Year Five are important parallels to our non-magical world. This extends to how we shouldn’t always trust those we believe we should and we should remain skeptical of those we don’t truly know (Alastor Moody, Lugo Badman, Molly Weasley with Hermione and Rita and others). These are lessons that we understand adults have not all mastered. Additional lessons can also be shown in the three tasks. The First Task reminds us to be creative with your knowledge as Krum hadn’t thought of summoning a broom to help him. The Second and Third Task make me think of moral fibre and compassion, and to not let the competition take over what you know is right. 

This book was long, and had a lot, but most importantly it stood as the midpoint, the break between young Harry Potter and older Harry Potter as the coming years would get even darker, and the lessons he learned this year and previously (along with the friendships he gained) would be more valuable in coming times than expected. Unrelated, the beginning chapter of this was so anti-Harry Potter, it had no magic, was complete mysterious and dark but not overdone, it was beautiful and sucked me in so much; truly showed how JK Rowling was a brilliant writer even outside the magical world she created. Also, would’ve loved a scene with Hermione showing Draco she captured Skeeter, once again showing how completely brilliant she is in having figured it out, also, badass!!

National Foster Care Month

Today is the last day of Foster Care Awareness month. As with all of these awareness days or months, Foster Care Awareness month is more about setting aside a specific time for agencies to learn more and focus promotion on a particular hardship or disease as these are ongoing issues that relate to hundreds to millions of people in the world every day

The US Foster Care system is rarely discussed, even during foster care awareness month as many don’t really understand the depths of its existence and may only know of its possible existence by what is shown on television. Due to the media being the main provider of introduction and information about foster care and the foster care system, Maia Mitchell and Zuri Adele from the current Freeform series Good Trouble (spin-off of The Fosters) discuss the disservice many of these introductions due to children in Foster Care (sorry, Tumblr wouldn’t link to it)

https://www.facebook.com/GoodTrouble/videos/316204539278544/

But social media and television isn’t all bad, depending on whose using it and how connected they are with the true foster care system. Meghan Walbert is an author that shares her family’s journey as a foster family, bringing to light the confusing pain and brightest joys brought by her foster children to her, her husband and their biological son (http://www.phasethreeoflife.com/). Earlier this month, the Comedy Central Show Jim Jefferies brought attention to Kids in the Spotlight with Modern Family’s Ty Burrell and reminded viewers that what you see in the media isn’t always true and how helping children and young adults in the foster care system can create on of the largest impacts not only in their individuals lives by bringing showing them visibility and care, but that those who do not receive the resources they need to grow are more likely to become homeless, be inducted into gangs and have long-term health problems.

The NBC show This Is US along with The Freeform series The Fosters has brought attention to not only the foster care system and the children in the foster care system, but also the older children in foster care—some of whom may never get adopted and lose what little government support they have once they age out of foster care at age 21.

Unfortunately, actions taken this month are both highlighting and increasing the chances of children who will age out of foster care. Earlier this week, the state of Oklahoma in a lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals reported that another outcome of the opioid epidemic was a dramatic increase in the need of their foster care system. Connecting to the research done by Freakonomics writers, not all children go into Foster Care but the new abortion restrictions will create some increase dependency on the foster care system, but increase crime rates as those who are not ready to have children or cannot provide the necessary resources will harm the individual, the family and the community for generations.

Back to Jim and Ty, research has shown that small actions such as Ty’s acting classes, donations, and most importantly visibility, respect and validation of existence can all create a positive impact and other ways to help children and parents in the foster care system

Let's be honest, reading books and buying books are two completely different hobbies.

That’s what i’m talking about

Trayvon Martin

When I think of Trayvon Martin, this is the image I see in my head. The kid in the hoodie, the young boy, the typical teenager. He was one of the first I heard about as US civilians and officers started to receive more public backlash against the murdering of Black teenagers, Black youth, Black men, Black America.

There is a lot I could say about Trayvon Martin, and the impact his death had on his community, the US and the world--but it’s not fair. It’s not right. He should not have had this impact from his death, the choice of how he should live his life and the impact his life would have on the world were choices stolen from him by his murderer and those who let his murderer go free. 

Today I think in pain about his parents, who have pushed forward his spirit and his loss trying to give something back to their son that they should still have with them. It’s been 7 years, and the part that is the worst, the part that sticks with me today is that he is physically gone. Skin cells take an average of 7 years to live and replenish. After 7 years today I will continue to hold his soul and say his name, but after today even those who tried to save his life will not have had physical contact with his body at any point in their history. Any hugs or kisses from his family, hi-fives from his friends, all are gone. But will not be forgotten. 

Rest in Peace young man