No Justice From California For Dead Farmworker (remember Maria?)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/15/945263/-No-Justice-From-California-For-Dead-Farmworker

How much is the life of a farm worker worth? Is it less than the life of any other human being?

In June 2008, United Farm Workers President Arturo S. Rodriguez asked that question at the funeral for Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez, a 17 year old who died from the heat in the fields . Maria had been working for nine hours that day with little to no water and no protection from the sun, even though it was required by state regulations.

Here's a picture of Maria: ?v=0

Well, we know how much the life of a farmworker is worth to the State of California: not very much. The State wants to plea bargain the charges against the individuals involved so they do no jail time. NONE.

Can you imagine what would have happened had Maria been a white, middle class young woman? Cable news would have been all over it and someone would have paid with serious jail time. But Maria was a 17 year old from Mexico, so she will get no justice. That's white, Anglo privilege at its most basic.

No prison time in teen farm worker's death

The terms the DA appears to be currently offering the people responsible for Maria's death are little more than a slap on the wrist.

* 3 years probation and 40 hours community service for the owner of the labor contractor company?

* 400 hours of community service and a $1000 file for the company's "Safety Coordinator"?

* Even reducing the Safety Coordinator's charge from felony to misdemeanor after he finishes probation?

Simply outrageous! Could you please help the family ensure that District Attorney James Willett hears a strong public backlash!

FULL story & E-action at link.

[Mnemosyne]

1. Who could forget Maria? Sent email and am praying for true justice. Thanks Steve. K&R n/t

[Starry Messenger]

2. k&r

[Kadie]

3. K&R

:(

[Hannah Bell]

4. kr

[Solly Mack]

5. K&R

[Omaha Steve]

6. Kick