From Flood to Freedom Fighting

Roxana Saberi’s situation right now is looking grimmer by the day. She’s been on a hunger strike for over a week, and there seems to be little hope of intervention by the U.S. government. Under Iranian law, she may or may not have been guilty of the accusations against her, but this isn’t about politics. This is about caring for human life. When our property was on the line during the flood we are still recovering from, we rose as one and fought the river back. Now, when the life of a community member is on the line, will we not do the same?

From flood to freedom fighting, Fargo can overcome adversity. Let us make a spectacle of unfathomable proportion, so that our demonstration may dwell in the thoughts of the world. It is time to let the masses know that Fargo-Moorhead will not let this happen lightly. That is why we, in cooperation with other various organizations, particularly the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, have planned a home town vigil on the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Main Avenue, this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to wear yellow ribbons, yellow armbands, or yellow clothing of any sort. Speaking at the vigil will be the President of Concordia, Congressman Pomeroy, a representative of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, a representative of the North Dakota Broadcasters Association, various media, and other friends and advocates.

A special thanks to those who are supporting Roxana’s plight: ND Human Rights Coalition, Concordia College, North Dakota Newspaper Association, North Dakota Broadcasters Association, KVLY / KXJB Tv / Valley News Live, KFGO, People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP), The Flag, FM Extra, Red River Women’s Network, and many more.

On a side note, it seems there is a community in California who also have one of their locals imprisoned in Iran. There is talk that they will host a similar demonstration at the same time in the hopes that our unified voice will be even stronger.

 

Final Push to Free the 23:

On a similar note, the remaining members of the Cass 23 are awaiting trial on May 7. This is the last chance for these men to receive justice. Lured by the false promises of a company called Signal International, they came to the United States to find themselves without the green card they were promised, underpaid, and in slave-like conditions.

They had a choice between legal temporary residency in indentured servitude, or illegal status on the run. These men chose the latter. Many of them spent their life savings on this scam, some even acquiring loans from shady loan-sharks.

They can’t go home and face the consequences there, but they can’t work if they stay here. The trial on May 7 will determine their fate. They could be deported, sent packing both broke and broken-hearted to an even worse situation.

There will be a prayer vigil/rally for these men at Olivet Lutheran Church, Friday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m. This is the final push to convince the powers that be to intervene. Our current immigrations policy is broken, and by beating legislators over the head with it, we might just accomplish something.

 

 

Best Bets Party Update:

Our Best Bets Party is shaping up to be a truly entertaining event. Playing will be Women, South Moorhead Scratch Dungeon, members of Inside Out Strings, The Great Remainder, and more to be announced.

The secret results of our Best Bets contest will be revealed and celebrated. There will be food, there will be friends, there will be good times to be had by all. Thank you to everyone who voted. We couldn’t have done it without you. Enjoy the fruits of your voting labor, and come to the Aquarium Thursday, May 7, at 8 p.m.

 

 

Happy May Birthdays…
Happy May birthdays to the following:  Marc Johnson, Kelly Smith, Colt Bergeron, Lindy Bixby, Sean Thorfinnson, Naomi Nakamoto, Phyllis Spooner, Jeff Poitra, Scot Kelsh, Dean Hulse, Kim Mahli, Bud Sinner, Chris Jacobs, Anita Morgan, Jeff Kleven, Megan Gette, Rob Hurrell, Jon Johnson, Britta Trenbeath, Mike Strand, Matt Enke, Ann Hunter, Margaret Strand-Thorfinnson, Jodi Stenvig, Stacy Strand, Gary Score, Gail Norland, David R. Graham, Dick Dolan, Travis Toliver, Toni Thordarson, Janeen Kobrinsky, Katie McCleery, Jim Mihelich, Sham Dolce, Rick Dietz, John Aventi, Rosemarie Myrdal, Donna Adams, Mike Miller, Kathleen McMerty, Kristin Rudrud, Susan David, Ryan Legvold, David Unhjem, Wil Linebaugh, Loni Skar, Nicole Hofer, Ed Jasek, Dave Mahar, Kit Miles, Robin Nelson, Pete Herrera, Sharon Wermedahl, Renee Danz, Tim Vo, Rudy Sigmund, Roger Stiner, John T. Wesley, and John T. Goff.