CORRECTION / Unemployment up again / Here come the Feds / more

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CORRECTION I summarized an article from AP and the Pioneer Press regarding a 14-state federal prosecution for “modern-day slavery” of immigrant workers. The article, and my summary, erroneously said that a Mankato roofer was implicated in the case. Here is the correction from the Pioneer Press:
A headline in Thursday’s Pioneer Press should not have said that a Mankato roofer was implicated in a labor scheme involving immigrant workers. In fact, Kato Roofing was a client of a labor-leasing company that has been indicted in relation with the scheme. But Kato Roofing has not been implicated or associated in any way with the federal investigation and Kato Roofing officials emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. Continue Reading

Sex offenders, courts and corrections

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Working together created an omnibus public safety policy bill all House members can support.“It strengthens the requirements on predatory offenders, it eases mandates on state agencies and it provides some needed assistance to local agencies in times of emergency,” said Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center), who sponsors HF1301. The House passed it unanimously (134-0) April 20, the same day the Senate passed its version, SF993, sponsored by Sen. Mee Moua (DFL-St. Paul). A conference committee is expected to work out the differences. House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) said the bill shows what happens when “the majority can be bipartisan in its outlook of a bill.” He said the bill was “OK starting out,” but was bettered with the adopted amendments, including those from his caucus. Continue Reading

Criminal justice system is used to control and weaken Blacks

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Racial profiling just one of several strategies employed
The struggle against racial profiling is directly linked to the historic freedom struggle of Black people. From 1619 to 1865, the struggle for freedom was against racial slavery, and from 1865 to 1968 it was against racial segregation. In this post-civil rights period, the main struggle is against the criminal justice system and the prison industry. Opinion: Criminal justice system is used to control and weaken Blacks
Throughout American history, the government has created institutions that functioned to maintain White privilege and supremacy, resulting in the continuing oppression of Black people. One major arm of the government that is used to control Blacks is its criminal justice system. Continue Reading