Report: Slavery Alive and Well in Florida

[barbaraann]

By JACKIE HALLIFAX, Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Modern-day slavery is alive and well in Florida, the head of a human rights center said Tuesday as it released a report on people forced to work as prostitutes, farmworkers and maids across the state.

Human traffickers bring thousands of people into the United States each year and Florida is believed to be one of the top three destinations, along with New York and Texas, according to the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University.

Although there have been several prosecutions of human trafficking in Florida, no one knows how many people in Florida are under the control of traffickers, said Terry Coonan, the center's executive director.
...
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=12&u=/ap/human_trafficking

Okay, people, we all know what the ultimate goal of the Bush Dynasty and their cronies is. Let's hope the rest of our country wakes up in time to stop them.

[Taeger]

1. Penalty for human trafficking

We have to get tough on human traffickers. It's modern day slave trading.

I propose the federal death penalty for anyone caught smuggling people in and subjecting them to forced labor.

[barbaraann]

2. That might be a good idea.

And some slavery is offshored/outsourced, too. I can't remember the name of the island where American companies keep workers in virtual bondage--the Marianis, maybe?

[htuttle]

3. How big is Florida?

I mean, it's not a whole lot bigger than Wisconsin where I live, and somehow, through the diligent efforts of our Governor and State Patrol, we are able to ensure that NO SLAVERY EXISTS IN WISCONSIN. It's really not that hard.

So what the hell is up with Florida? How can there be slavery in 2004?

Jeb? Anyone?

Does Wisconsin need to come down there again? Don't MAKE us come down there again! Stop with the slavery!

[barbaraann]

4. Here's a link to the website of a group fighting Florida slavery.

http://www.ciw-online.org/

From looking at Jeb Bush's website, I didn't see that he is even acknowleding that the problem exists.


Boycott Taco Bell!

[noonwitch]

7. Florida is a center for illegal importing based on it's geography

It may be roughly the same size as Wisconsin, but it has a lot more people and probably a lot more crime to investigate, due to the drug trade and other illegal importing.

[barbaraann]

9. That's true, but it's obvious where to find the slaves.

Citrus farms, sex industry, day labor companies, fast food industry, etc. Oh, and maybe Wal-Mart!

[cybildisobedience]

5. is it me?

Or is it that just about every time we read about something awful happening, it's either in Texas or Florida?

[barbaraann]

6. No, it's not just you.

And I think that lately Florida is putting Texas to shame, which is saying a lot!

[donsu]

8. Watching Florida Crumble - anything you can think of gets smuggled

into and out of Florida.

(even though HerbieHerbie, the govs. blimp on a tether on Cudjo Key, is watching.)

[barbaraann]

10. What will Florida look like in ten or twenty years?

It's going to be awful, I think.

[htuttle]

11. It might look just like the rest of the Gulf of Mexico

You know -- underwater.

[barbaraann]

12. Yes. I saw a map of what global warming will do to Florida.

It was about 75% gone.