Clarke Votes Against Restricting Iraq & Syria Travel To U.S.
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement after voting ‘No’ on H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Security Enhancement Act, which would restrict travel in the United States by citizens of Iraq and Syria and individuals who have previously visited those nations.
H.R. 158 passed by a vote of 407 to 19. Congresswoman Clarke voted “no.”
In voting against the proposal, Clarke noted that currently, the visa waiver program allows tourists from 38 countries, such as the United Kingdom, Spain and France, to remain in the United States for ninety days without a visa. About 20 million tourists participate in the program each year.
“These restrictions on the visa waiver program are based on the unreliable assumption that people who are citizens of Iraq and Syria or who have visited these nations are involved in illegal activities such as terrorism. The automatic exclusion of these individuals will result in discrimination, alienating people based on their nation of origin and their ethnicity. H.R. 158 sends the message to millions of people that America does not welcome them,” said Clarke.
“In addition, because H.R. 158 requires individuals who want a visa waiver to self-report their travels, the risk exists that individuals who are actually terrorists and intend to harm us could nonetheless avoid detection and enter the United States. H.R. 158 could also negatively impact journalist and humanitarian aid workers who travel to these countries for work. I believe that we have a shared responsibility to secure our nation and prevent terrorists from entering our borders. H.R. 158, however, fails to fulfill that purpose, and risks alienating people who are from the Middle East or who are Muslim by its invidious discrimination.”
Deutch Applauds Police, Says More Cameras Needed
City Councilman Chaim Deutsch (Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach) yesterday commended the NYPD for their swift response and apprehension of the individual believed to be responsible for the recent heinous rape and robberies in a Brighton Beach apartment complex in his district.
“I thank Chief Steven Powers, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, Chief Patrick Conroy of the Brooklyn Detective’s Squad, Deputy Inspector William Taylor of the 60th Precinct, and the NYPD Special Victim’s Unit, for their leadership. I am grateful to the Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol and the 60th Precinct Auxiliary Unit for their collaboration in spreading safety awareness, as well as their assistance in providing added security,” said Deutsch.
“Since the crimes occurred, I have spent numerous hours with the residents of this community discussing extra precaution and safety measures. My office staff and volunteers joined me in distributing hundreds of “safety tips” to educate the public about remaining vigilant, as well as Wanted posters to alert neighbors as to a suspect.
This instance is another example of how vital security cameras can be in the investigation of a crime. The footage that was captured ultimately led to the identification and arrest of a suspect in this case. Security camera often serve as a deterrent, and I encourage property owners and building managers to install cameras wherever possible.”
Williams Mourns Tragic Death Of Community Activist
City Councilman Jumaane Williams (Flatlands, East Flatbush, Canarsie) yesterday released the following statement upon learning of the transition of Theresa McIntosh, as a result of an early morning fire this past Sunday.
“Ms. McIntosh was a tireless community activist working for equal rights for the disabled and also for as an advocate for victims of domestic violence. She was the founder of the Barrier Free Living (BFL) Speakers Bureau and a BFL Freedom House trustee. Her legacy will be remembered in our community,” said Williams.
Williams said McIntosh passed away due to an excess of smoke inhalation following the 2:30 a.m. Dec. 6 fire at East 41st Street and Kings Highway. It took 60 firefighters to put the blaze out in a matter of 10 minutes once the FDNY arrived on the scene, and there was a mangled smoke alarm found in the apartment, which FDNY investigators were unable to determine whether or not it was working when the fire took place, said Williams.
“May we take this as a reminder to make sure that your smoke alarms are in working order. If you do not have a smoke alarm and would like to have one installed and learn more about fire safety, please contact my office and they will inform you about the next fire safety seminar is happening in my district,” said Williams.
“I would like to also extend a thank you to the FDNY for putting out the fire in a prompt matter so that the flames did not spread to other apartments. I also thank the NYPD, Red Cross, and the Departments of Housing Preservation and Development, Buildings, Emergency Management, and others for their well-coordinated, rapid response.”
For more information about the late Ms. McIntosh, please click on this link.
Richardson Celebrates Christmas By Paying Homage To Victims Of Gun Violence
Assemblywoman Diana Richardson (Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens) in partnership with the Beulah Church of the Nazarene will celebrate Christmas in Crown Heights A Community Caroling & Tree Lighting event on Saturday.
The Caroling journey will begin at 5 p.m. and carolers will travel to several sites in Crown Heights where fatal violence has occurred. This event seeks to pay homage to those who have lost their lives due to gun violence, while creating a joyous and peaceful community atmosphere to kick off our holiday season.
WHAT: Christmas in Crown Heights -A Community Caroling & Tree Lighting event
WHO: Assembly Member Diana C Richardson in partnership with Beulah Church of the Nazarene Rev. Dr. Wenton Fyne, Senior Pastor, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, S.O.S Crown Heights
When: Saturday December, 12th 2015
Time: 5:00pm
Where: Beulah Church of the NazNazarene, 1250 Saint John’s place at Troy Avenue
Hamilton Offers Mental Health Training Course
Central Brooklyn State Sen. Jesse Hamilton Hamilton, in response to Mayor de Blasio and First Lady McCray recently launched ThriveNYC initiative, will be launching a series of mental health first aid trainings for the community.
“Many immigrants, particularly in Crown Heights, Flatbush and Sunset Park, are at risk for developing mental health conditions due to assimilative stresses, domestic violence, bullying, separation from their families, and financial strain. This can lead to a slew of adverse consequences, including substance abuse, depression and suicide, which we have repeatedly seen in our communities over the past couple of years,” said Hamilton.
In response to these issues, Hamilton and the Academy of Medical and Public Health Services (AMPHS) will be launching a series of mental health first aid trainings for the community. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses.
Mental Health First Aid is a 8-hour training certification course which teaches participants a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select and implement interventions and secure appropriate care for the individual, the certification program introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common treatments.
Thorough evaluations have proved the CPR-like program effective in improving trainees’ knowledge of mental disorders, reducing stigma and increasing the amount of help provided to others.
The first of this series of trainings will include a 2-day training to be held at in Sunset Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., December 12 and 19.
Please register at the following link; space is limited.
