This man has given more to this country than most of us.

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From the Huffington Post:
One of the most-photographed heroes of the Boston Marathon has been Carlos Arredondo, 52, who most famously pictured helping a man in a wheelchair who has lost part of his leg in the explosion. In other videos and images, he's seen running toward the blast and pulling away debris to help those who were hurt. But as Christina Costantini points out for Univision, Arredondo -- the father of a Marine who lost his life in Iraq in 2004 -- originally came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. According to a 2005 story in the Washington Post, Arredondo was born in Costa Rica and came to the United States without authorization when he was 19. In 2004, his son, Alex, died while serving in the Iraq War.
He gave America his son. Literally. He helped save many American lives yesterday. He is an American, by virtue and sacrifice if not legally. Perhaps our Congress, and one political party in particular, can see way to end their bigotry, obstruction, and demonization and see fit to make this man a documented citizen. Look at this video, and how violently he is shaking and trembling... God bless you Carlos.

Tuesday Open Thread [4.16.13]

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The news is focused on the Boston Marathon bombing, and for so much ink being spilled, there is precious little new information. So 2 bombs, 3 people dead, more than 150 sent to the hospital with injuries. There's no one in custody yet, law enforcement of all kinds are at the scene and working to ID the bomber and apparently they are getting tons of tips. And right on cue, the right wingnuts are spinning up their conspiracy theories -- this one claiming that the bombing is meant to frame the tea party and expand the TSA. Just so you can be certain that there is a national tragedy, the Westboro RatBastards have already pledged to picket funerals from this.

General Assembly Pre-Game Show: Tuesday, April 16, 2013

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Marriage equality is on the fast track. How fast? HB 75 (Smith) was introduced last week while the General Assembly was out of session, and will be considered in the House (House) Administration Committee this Wednesday, 2:30 pm, House Chamber. It is at least possible that the full House could consider the bill as early as this Thursday.  For those of you who have not yet checked, here are the sponsors and co-sponsors of HB 75: Prime Sponsor: M. Smith; Additional Sponsors: Rep. Schwartzkopf & Rep. Longhurst & Sen. Sokola & Sen. Blevins; Co-Sponsors: Reps. Barbieri, Baumbach, Bolden, Brady, Heffernan, Keeley, Kowalko, Mulrooney, Osienski, B. Short, Viola, D.E. Williams, K. Williams; Sens. Henry, McDowell, Peterson, Poore, Townsend. Thanks to each and every one of you. By my count, there are sixteen House members as sponsors. 21 votes are needed for passage. I know, or at least suspect, that there are silent commits from some below the Canal. However, there are a few notable absences, and I would encourage you to contact them if you are one of their constituents: Charles Potter, 1st RD: He has been a strong advocate for civil liberties, there are many marriage equality supporters in his north Wilmington district, but he has not yet taken a position; Deborah Hudson, 12th RD: She has generally been a moderate on social issues and, again, there are many marriage equality proponents in her Chateau Country district; John Mitchell, 13th RD: He was 'almost' Speaker, and he could wind up there someday...if he does the right thing; James 'J. J.' Johnson, 16th RD: He represents part of the City of Wilmington and has an overwhelmingly D majority district; Mike Ramone, 21st RD: It's possible that Ramone has already announced his support, as he has increasingly cast more and more progressive votes; Joe Miro, 22nd RD: This Pike Creek R has lots of marriage equality proponents in his district. Keep in mind that each of these representatives could well be 'gettable' on this vote. When you contact them, be positive. Encourage them to support HB 75. If they commit to supporting the bill, thank them and let them know that you have their backs. With some of the potential 'silent' commits,  HB 75 has a great chance to pass the House, perhaps with a strong mandate.