Child Trafficking in India

Right To Protection

Decoyed Lives

www.tehelka.com

Unprecedented migration is feeding child trafficking like never before, reports DIVYA GUPTA

PHOTO: SHAILENDRA PANDEY

SEX WITH a virgin will cure men of STDs and HIV/AIDS: this common, if ludicrous, myth is just one example of the cultural complexity and otherwise enormous challenge of child trafficking in India.

The instant connection, while talking about child trafficking, is with sexual exploitation. In reality, the reasons run into an ever-expanding list – marriage, adoption, labour, entertainment and sports (beer bars, circus troupes, camel jockeys), begging, drug peddling and smuggling.

Experts across India acknowledge, sometimes sheepishly, that the statistics on child trafickking are at best, highly varied, and at worst, highly underreported. In 2006, the National Crime Records Bureau put the total number of child (below the age of 18) trafficking cases at 5,638. That same year, the Nithari killings of children sparked national outrage. The government admitted that at least 30,468 children had been reportedly missing across the country.

Mohammad Aftab, a child protection expert with Save the Children, makes a direct link between migration, agrarian neglect, the drying up of rural livelihoods and the increased incidence of “disguised” child trafficking in India. “The amount of displacement that has taken place in India in the last 15 years has never happened in human history,” he says.

One of the worst “source” states for child trafficking, West Bengal, is illustrative of this trend. Manabendra Nath Ray, state programme manager for West Bengal with Save the Children, says, “It starts in the villages and ends in the cities and happens through well-organised networks. Most people fall for the lure of money, jobs or marriage prospects.” He recalls the story of 12-year-old Bindu from East Midnapore District. Bindu fell into the trap because her mother required an operation, which her family could not afford. A close relative promised her a job in Delhi to help pay for it. In the next four years, Bindu was sexually exploited as domestic labour in Delhi and Bengaluru, trapped by a placement agency to act as a trafficker herself and finally rescued by the Jai Prakash Institute of Social Change.

Ray reveals the biggest challenge of their work: “Child trafficking has become a socially and culturally acceptable thing.” For a family that earns Rs 500 a month, even a one-time bait of Rs 5,000 can be an overwhelming temptation. But it would be simplistic to think that poverty is the only driver. Most parents are not aware that they are sending their children into harm’s way until it is too late, says Ray. They realise only when their kids stop sending money or stop calling. “They don’t have any idea of the grim reality of city life,” says Ray. West Bengal also bears out other telling linkages. Two-thirds of all trafficked children are girls. Eighty-six percent of those are primary school dropouts or have never been to school. The issues are similar in other big “source” states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh.

THE ONLY Indian law governing child trafficking, the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, does not clearly define “trafficking” and is limited to only sexual trafficking, says noted child rights expert Enakshi Ganguly Thukral. The only government scheme for prevention of child trafficking named “Ujjwala”, put in place in December 2007 is “not grounded yet” says Aftab. Finally, experts argue that child welfare has simply never been a priority for law enforcement agencies, which are critical to curbing child trafficking.

‘Our challenge is child trafficking has become a socially acceptable thing,’ says an expert

And yet, there are uplifting success stories in both India and beyond – political advocacy that has led to a tightening of laws in the US, Mozambique and Bolivia, Apne Aap (self-help) through small social and economic cooperatives; Prerna (inspiration) through its pioneering work to assist victims of organised crime, Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood Movement) through strong campaigns and Save the Children through all-inclusive village committees.

Bindu had fire in her belly. She planned an escape many times but didn’t succeed. When she finally found her window, by sheer chance, she burst into tears and pleaded, “If you can protect me, then I can cooperate.” But in the world’s largest democracy, luck should not have to be the main determinant of freedom, particularly for its most defenceless citizens.

CASE STUDY

They Gave Lime Powder For Stomach Aches And Filled Our Wounds With Matchstick Powder, Then Lit Them

PHOTO: SAVE THE CHILDREN

WHEN I was eight years old, I went to the forest with my friends to graze the goats. Two men came there, gave us sweets and offered to take us to Madhepura to see a movie and eat in a restaurant. We went out of greed to eat good food. When we arrived in Madhepura and asked to watch the film, they took out a knife and threatened to slit our throats if we said anything.

From there they took us to Mirzapur and sold us to the malik (boss). We worked there for five years weaving carpets.

The malik made us work day and night. We had to wake up at 4 in the morning and after washing up we would start working. We used to work in the basement till 12 in the night. If the electricity continued we were made to work through the night.

For food, they used to give us some rice and watery dal. They didn’t give any clothes, just a pair of underwear, a vest and one towel. For sleeping they would give us a bora (sack), and to cover ourselves they would give the malik’s wife’s old saris.

One night while I was weaving I fell asleep with the knife in my hand. Then the malik came in great anger, snatched the knife from me and struck me twice in the chest. There he filled matchstick powder in the wound and lit it. While I was screaming he held me down. They wouldn’t even let us cry.

If anyone ever had a stomach ache they would give us khaini-chuna (lime and tobacco powder) to take with water. And if by God’s grace we recovered then it was okay, but if we died, then they would not go very far to dispose the body. They would put the body in a sack and throw it in the well.

We would not think of running away from there. If I walked ten paces, there would be dalals (supervisors) watching our every step. Then somehow my villagers came to know about this and informed Mr Gurun Mehtoji of Bachpan Bachao Andolan who then conducted a raid. From that factory about 65 children were freed in one go.

I want to give people the message that what has happened to me we will not let it happen to others.

Kalu Kumar is a former trafficked child and bonded child labourer-turned-activist for Mukti Caravan (Liberation Caravan against child labour) – a street-theatre group that travels around rural Bihar raising awareness.

Have you ever seen any of these Stupid Labels?

   stupidfunnythings.com

In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods:

On a childs superman costume:

Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.

(That’s right, destroy a universal childhood fantasy !)

On Sears hairdryer:

Do not use while sleeping.

(Geeez,but that’s the only time I have to work on my hair !)

On a bag of Fritos:

You could be a winner! No purchase necessary.

Details inside.

(The shoplifter special ???)

On a bar of Dial soap:

Directions: Use like regular soap.

(…and that is how ?!?)

On some Swann frozen dinners:

Serving suggestion: Defrost.

(But it’s *just* a suggestion !!!)

On a hotel provided shower cap in a box:

Fits one head.

(Just one ? )

On Tesco’s Tiramisu dessert:(printed on bottom of the box) Do not turn upside down.

(Too late…You lose !!!)

On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:

Product will be hot after heating.

(Are they sure ???)

On packaging for a Rowenta iron:

Do not iron clothes on body.

(But that would save time & ummm whose body ?)

On Boot’s Children’s cough medicine:

Do not drive car or operate machinery.

( Yea… keep sick 5 year olds home from work & off the streets !?!?!)

On Nytol sleep aid:

Warning: may cause drowsiness.

(One would hope !)

On a Korean kitchen knife:

Warning keep out of children.

(Or pets ! What’s for dinner ???)

On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights:

For indoor or outdoor use only.

(As opposed to use in outer space… or underground ???)

On a Japanese food processor:

Not to be used for the other use.

(Ok… now I’m curious.)

On Sainsbury’s peanuts:

Warning: contains nuts.

(Sheeesh… this one speaks for itself !)

On an American Airlines packet of nuts:

Instructions: open packet, eat nuts.

(Oh PUHHHLEEEZE !!!)

On a Swedish chainsaw:

Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals.

Lawsuit Wants Wynn Las Vegas to Butt Out

www.lasvegassun.com

Wynn Las Vegas suit follows similar suit filed against Caesars Palace

A second Las Vegas Strip casino is being sued over allegations that the health of employees is being affected by second-hand smoke.

A suit seeking class action status to represent all affected workers was filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas by Wynn Las Vegas employee Kanie Kastroll against the casino resort and its parent company Wynn Resorts Ltd.

The suit was filed by law firms including KamberEdelson LLC of Chicago, which in July filed a similar suit against Harrah's Entertainment's Caesars Palace hotel-casino.

Attorneys for Harrah's and Caesars have not yet filed their answer to that complaint. That suit has also not completed the significant legal hurdle of being certified as a class action.

Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Resorts had no comment on the Wynn suit Wednesday, citing their policy of not commenting on pending litigation.

The suit alleges exposure to smoke is causing eye irritation, coughing, sore throat, sneezing, shortness of breath, dizziness, wheezing, tightness in the chest, asthma, headache, nausea and ingestion of cancer-causing chemicals and toxins.

The suit claims some Las Vegas resorts have taken measures to minimize second-hand smoke on their gaming floors. MGM Mirage's Bellagio has a high-tech air filtration system designed to minimize such smoke while Las Vegas Sands Corp.'s Palazzo hotel-casino built "smoke-free corridors" in its gaming area and designated 50 percent of its casino floor as non-smoking, the lawsuit says.

"Wynn Las Vegas, however, continues to gamble with its employees' health and welfare in order to cut costs and maintain the status quo," the suit charges, alleging Wynn has not designated certain sections of the gaming area as smoke-free, doesn't allow dealers to have fans on their tables, hasn't monitored the health of employees subjected to smoke and hasn"t helped employees harmed by smoke.

The lawsuit alleges floor supervisors can designate tables as nonsmoking, but only at the request of a patron.

"If a customer asks a dealer "do you mind if I smoke?", Wynn Las Vegas prefers its dealers to answer "no, not at all," even if the tobacco smoke does in fact bother the dealer and causes him or her adverse health effects," the suit charges. "Dealers who tell customers that second-hand smoke bothers them will likely be subject to discipline."

"Employees at Wynn Las Vegas are forbidden from complaining about the amount of second-hand smoke that they are forced to inhale and risk losing their jobs if they voice dissent," the suit charges.

The resort sometimes makes accommodations for casino employees who are pregnant, but only at the discretion of individual floor supervisors, the suit says.

The suit seeks an order requiring Wynn "to take reasonable measures to protect its employees from second-hand smoke" and unspecified costs and attorney's fees.

The suit against Caesars Palace noted Caesars and sister properties Bally's and Paris were included in a study released in May by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health finding casino dealers had traces of a tobacco-specific carcinogen in their urine.

The NIOSH report concluded: "Non-poker casino dealers at Bally’s, Paris, and Caesars Palace casinos are exposed to ETS (environmental tobacco smoke) in the workplace air, and have absorbed an ETS-specific component into their bodies, as demonstrated by detectable levels of urinary NNAL (a known lung carcinogen). The increase in NNAL in the urine of most non-poker casino dealers at the end of their work shift demonstrates that non-poker casino dealers are exposed to a known carcinogen in the tobacco smoke at the casinos. Non-poker casino dealers reported a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than to unexposed workers, but the results were not statistically significant. The best means of eliminating workplace exposure to ETS is to ban all smoking in the casinos."

Discussion: 42 comments so far…

1.

By vc

10/21/09 at 9:34 a.m.

Suggest removal

I believe that when you take a job as a dealer you know what the risks are as far as second hand smoke is concerned. If you dont like it you shouldn't be working as a dealer.

2.

By bigb

10/21/09 at 9:41 a.m.

Suggest removal

FIND A NEW JOB!!! You know the risks before you work there. I am anti-tobacco and feel that smokers are the rudest people on the planet, however, if the establishment allows smoking then so be it. I work in the industry and I am surrounded by smoke all day and night. I was well aware that I would be working in those conditions before I began working. If you cant deal with it, learn a new trade or find a new job.

3.

By denro

10/21/09 at 9:44 a.m.

Suggest removal

I believe that smoking should be banned from casino floors.

Workers or patrons in any business should not be subjected to effects of second hand smoke, under any circumstances, period.

I also hope that people that are still tied to nicotine whether by addiction, choice, or both get it worked out and are able stop doing it.

4.

By VegasGM85

10/21/09 at 9:44 a.m.

Suggest removal

Exactly vc & bigb - What next, a suit about bartenders forced to be around intoxicated people... Everyones just trying to get rich quick...

5.

By pickone

10/21/09 at 9:45 a.m.

Suggest removal

vc...isn't it time that we non-smokers have some rights also? You want to smoke? Respect my space and do it in designated areas where I don't have to work or go! Good luck trying to win a lawsuit against the Mighty Wynn.

6.

By bremskraft

10/21/09 at 9:50 a.m.

Suggest removal

It's about frikin' time!

7.

By thekube

10/21/09 at 9:59 a.m.

Suggest removal

Isn't it in the job description before you are hired where they say something to the tune of: must be able to deal with loud noises, smoking, bad air, and things of that nature? Every job nowadays has that clause and they make you sign a piece of paper stating that you are aware of these facts. This plaintiff may not be trying to get rich quick, because 1) she's not Erin Brokovich, who had a sound case and 2) those people had no choice and weren't aware their water was tainted.

8.

By RebelRon

10/21/09 at 10 a.m.

Suggest removal

If the smoke bothers her so much why don't she quit. I'm sure there's a thousand people willing to take her place.

Take a look what happened to the Illinois casinos when they went smoke free. Business went in the toilet. Casinos in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri took the smokers business.

9.

By idabessie

10/21/09 at 10:06 a.m.

Suggest removal

Oh for the love of God when does this debate end? What are the odds any and ALL employees KNEW that there are smoking patrons ( & employees)thru out the casinos of Las Vegas? Nobody forced these people to take jobs where smoking is allowed. Last I checked smoking IS legal regardless of what you crybabies crying foul think. What is this crap about "respect my space" about? I didn't realize nonsmokers had priveleges to 100% non toxic air(good luck finding that air)... when did that one pass? Do me a favor & take your healthy self attitude and make a real idiot of yourself and continue to jog down the streets where the car fumes must be acceptable to you.

10.

By go_rebels

10/21/09 at 10:51 a.m.

Suggest removal

If this idiot wants to make a living in the gaming business, then she has to deal with the vices. Smoking is not illegal in casinos, therefore her lawsuit constitutes a frivolous attempt to extort money from Wynn. What a POS. Every employee hired reads and signs an agreement acknowledging they the conditions of employment, yet some people think the world revolves around there ass. Go get another job, you joke of a human being. What is really funny is they sue about tips and now they want to reduce their tips themselves by eliminating smoking(which will elimate gamblers). I don't smoke and I worked in gaming 28 years. She should be fired for filing a bs lawsuit against a company who provides her with a living.

A message to alll non smokers from a non smoker. You do not have the right to tell other people what to do. You can however find a job where smoking is not allowed. I hope she loses her job, gets black-balled, and ran out of town It is what she deserves. Maybe someone should tell her unemployment is 13.9% and there are plenty of people who would love to work for Steve Wynn.

11.

By LasVegas2009

10/21/09 at 10:52 a.m.

Suggest removal

Good luck with the suit. Smokers have a habit of killing people with the second hand smoke who do not want to smoke. Allowing a known hazard in a work environment puts the employer at risk of suit. If the player was cooking Meth at the table im sure the casino would have made them stop. Well smoking is a known killer and affects people as far as 20 feet away with cancer causing chemicals. Like I said before GOOD LUCK with the suit the casinos should make smokers go out side to smoke and come back in once they have the high.

12.

By environprotector

10/21/09 at 10:58 a.m.

Suggest removal

I gave up smoking years ago, but I'm not one of these Nazi non smokers who feel that their space is violated every time someone lights up five blocks away. Employees in the casino business know that they are working in a smoking environment and if they don't want the danger of second hand smoke, then they should work somewhere else. PERIOD!!

13.

By jtrudeau

10/21/09 at 11:05 a.m.

Suggest removal

LasVegas2009 - Problem with your example is cooking meth is illegal from the beginning, but smoking is a 100% legal activity. Can I sue the players with really offensive body odor or stinky farts?

14.

By Crm

10/21/09 at 11:19 a.m.

Suggest removal

Just THINK a little before you pass judgement on innocent people trying to make a living in a smoke filled Casino. After more than 20 years of being a nonsmoker and alcohol free I suffer like EVERYONE in a smoke filled environment with Heart, and Respiratory illness caused by SECOND HAND SMOKE. In the beginning of my dealing career I had No problem with the smoke. After 20 years of breathing other peoples smoke I am having a LOT of health issues. Insurance companies, the surgeon general, the world health organization, the EPA, Doctors and many others KNOW that second hand smoke is a SERIOUUS PROBLEM. We (the Casino Industry) cater to people who are being allowed to Kill innocent workers with their filthy smoking habit and pass it off as entertainment for the reckless. We don't allow people to eat the wonderful meals served in Las Vegas and then dispose of their WASTE at the Blackjack Tables. That's what the bathrooms are for. Even the bathrooms are off limits to smokers. Smokers, PLEASE stop forcing others to breathe your WASTE. You would'nt like it if someone filled your pockets with their human waste.. I PRAY that I live to see this Law suit win and we see reform SOON on this issue. GO LAWYERS !!!

15.

By livinginlv

10/21/09 at 11:26 a.m.

Suggest removal

ok I am a person whom grew up around second hand smoke and could not wait to turn 18 to get out of the house because of it. I think smokers are selfish. If you want to kill yourself fine but others around you should not have to risk getting a disease because of anothers stupid choice to smoke. I am all for no smoking in Casinos you don't have to smoke to waste money at tables or machines. I would vote to ban smoking except in a designated area of all casinos. I think casinos should be made to have smoking rooms with gaming in them and they should be sealed off from the rest of the casino so those that make the lame decision to smoke and someday kill themselves with it can do it without risking everyones health around them.

16.

By silver13

10/21/09 at 11:27 a.m.

Suggest removal

As long as cigarettes are a legal product there shouldn't be any laws against their consumption.

17.

By aprilrayne

10/21/09 at 11:29 a.m.

Suggest removal

I quit smoking - and just like environ stated above - I am not a crazy non smoker either - who demands "non-smokers rights"

everyone has the same rights, non-smoker or smoker

smoking is not illegal - and thanksfully Las Vegas offers smoking area's in which tourists and residents can smoke and gamble and drink (all at the same time) if they wish

las vegas has never been the type of city to discourage addictions, bad habits or excessive leisure activities - in fact, if you read up about it's history, las vegas was always sort of a refuge for people whether they wanted a quick divorce (or marriage) or whether they wanted to participate in "sinful things" which they could not do in any other city

these employees ALL know what they are getting into before get hired - they are the lucky ones who actually have a job

suing their employer for second-hand smoke issues is like my friend suing dominos for making him have to breath the car exhaust fumes while waiting at a red light during his delivery shift...

SIDE NOTE:

if they really are concerned with their health they should look to what they eat - being overweight is more harmful to a person than smoking since it causes a LARGE range of "sure thing" health problems - where as smoking only causes a few solitary health issues which aren't even a "sure thing"

----

Sure smoking is bad for you (so is poor diet, having unprotected sex, gambling, tanning in the sun too much, and drinking) but this is Vegas... deal with it

-besides- in my home town, Burbank, California - you can't even walk down the street or smoke outside in general (in the whole city) - and if you rent most land lords won't let you smoke inside either...

18.

By aprilrayne

10/21/09 at 11:37 a.m.

Suggest removal

Crm - did someone hold a gun to your head and tell you that you HAD to work in a casino?

NO.

Myself and plenty of my friends would LOVE to have a job in a casino at the moment - we just don't have enough experience and it's competitive.

- In result I just work as a receptionist at a vet hospital, exposed to aggressive animals (and sometimes aggressive people), harmful chemicals for cleaning, radiowaves from X-rays, among other animal carried diseases... They don't offer health insurance and I make a measly 9$/hr

Do you want to trade?

19.

By denro

10/21/09 at 11:44 a.m.

Suggest removal

Crm hit it on the head.

There was a time when people were not present to the effects of second hand smoke, let alone first hand smoke.

Now that we are aware absolutely aware of the impact, it is time to change things.

It seems to me people weighing in otherwise are most likely smokers. defending this nasty, often fatal habit.

20.

By Crm

10/21/09 at 11:50 a.m.

Suggest removal

There will always be the IGNORANT and the LAME excuses for why we should allow something this DEADLY to continue. Driving cars on the road is legal. Running over innocent people with your car IS NOT. We need tighter REGULATIONS and BIG PENALTIES for the SELFISH SMOKERS and the Industries that allow this behavior. Take your smoking habit OUTSIDE. It is the LAW in ALL INDOOR PUBLIC PLACES where Children are present except Casino floors. The cost of health care keeps going up thanks to the irresponsible SELFISH SMOKERS. Should we just step aside and allow theives to STEAL our cars and drive up the Insurance cost or allow Drunks the right to Drive while under the influence of Alcohol?? Alconol is LEGAL too! When YOU become affected by this terrible injustice and step back away from the smoke long enough for your mind to clear then you will SURELY see how bad this habit REALLY is!!

21.

By bigb

10/21/09 at 11:52 a.m.

Suggest removal

If I elect to work to put out oil fires, I am WELL AWARE that the air quality in my enviroment will be very poort. If I elect to work for the sewer department, I am WELL AWARE that there is a very real possibility of coming in contact with human waste that might be communicable. Again, I am very anti-tobacco, anti-smoker, however, smoking is very much so LEGAL. Smoke filled enviroment is like any other occupation that will have possible health risks involved. We all understand that prior to getting hired. Those morons who expect the casinos to have smokers step outside or ban smoking all together are living a pipe dream. The casinos already do what they can to improve air quality, including multi million dollar air filtration/ventilation systems and designated non smoking areas.

22.

By snyderm

10/21/09 at 11:58 a.m.

Suggest removal

I totally agree denro.

It didn't used to be so obvious that second hand smoke was so harmful.

The most recent news about how second-hand smoke can trigger heart attacks is what really concerns me.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12556194...

23.

By LasVegas2009

10/21/09 at 11:59 a.m.

Suggest removal

I think most people defending the casinos case are smokers themselves. Addicted to a substance that you know is killing you must be an awful thing. Still no reason to make the rest of the world suffer because of your stupidity. Smokers are paying $6-$8 a day to commit suicide and think they have the right to force everyone else to live with it. We all know the right thing to do is not smoke, even the cig. manufactures agree smoking kills. Only an idiot would spend money on such a nasty and deadly habit in this economic recession. I see people begging for change at the stop lights and smoking at the same time. They spend enough to buy a house over 10-20 years yet they still do it.

24.

By Aquos

10/21/09 at 11:59 a.m.

Suggest removal

Wouldn't the Nevada State Workers' Comp laws make suing the employer virtually impossible unless gross negligence can be proved on the part of the employer? How do you prove gross negligence when the activity in question is totally legal and unregulated by the EPA? If the workers at the casinos want to pursue this nonsense, let them file workers' comp claims and start with proving their complaints are totally work related.

25.

By atdleft

10/21/09 at 12:10 p.m.

Suggest removal

livinginlv-

That sounds like a fair deal. Let the smokers kill themselves and each other in their own area while the rest of us get a chance to breathe. I'm sick and tired of coughing endlessly while trying to find a part of the casino without so much second-hand smoke.

vc & bigb-

Maybe if our economy weren't so addicted to tourism, perhaps they could find new jobs... But that's not the case. And obvoously, not all the casinos are doing what they can to protect their employees. Why won't Harrah's and Wynn Resorts install filtration systems and designate non- smoking areas? I'm just a paying customer, and I get sick after being exposed to all those lit up cancer sticks.

26.

By Det__Munch

10/21/09 at 12:35 p.m.

Suggest removal

The cost of health care keeps going up thanks to the irresponsible SELFISH SMOKERS.

Beg to disagree with you on this. It is OBESITY that is causing healthcare costs to go up and ALL THE RELATED DISEASES/COMPLICATIONS that are almost 100% guaranteed when you are OBESE. Anything from high blood pressure to high cholesteral and it shows no age limits either. Children are being diagnosed with high bp. high cholesteral and Type II DIabetes - all normal adult problems - because they eat nothing but fast food and get no exercise. You think insurance premiums are high now - wait until these kids hit their early 20's. THAT IS WHO you will be paying those high premiums for. Smoking isn't the culprit. However - those who are obese and smoke are killing themselves - not you!

BTW - I am an exsmoker, but I don't begrudge others from doing it especially in a casino environment. But I never have even as a smoker and never will tolerate smoke in my face!!

(Gosh, I missed everyone!)

27.

By youhopeirot

10/21/09 at 12:37 p.m.

Suggest removal

Im gonna sue the people my who made my toothbrush because the bristles keep wearing out :\

28.

By jaesun

10/21/09 at 12:47 p.m.

Suggest removal

i'm going to sue Nike because they led me to believe I can jump like MJ, but couldn't after I bought the shoes.

Who do I sue for the air pollution caused by cars?

29.

By wizardofOz

10/21/09 at 1:40 p.m.

Suggest removal

This is just the tip of the smoking "Addiction Iceberg".

People smoke LIKE CHIMNEYS in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, (and as do about 60% of the old people over 60 who live HERE) .

Casinos WANT losers, and LOSERS SMOKE.

Cigarette companies simply moved their cigarette addiction-machinery offshore when they got their butts whacked here in the US.

And if CANCER STICKS were introduced as a "new" product, today, the cigarette people would have to run to keep their death-product-butts out of JAIL.

30.

By oldvegas

10/21/09 at 1:42 p.m.

Suggest removal

Does the fire department protect firefighters from fire and smoke? Does the police department protect policemen from bullets and give them gloves to handle criminals? Do construction workers get hardhats? Dealing is a trade like any other and dealers are human beings like everyone else. They deserve safety. There is a happy medium and it will not be found by greedy corporations who do not care about their workers or by greedy lawyers. Some may not like this but the only answer is a third party, someone who can look out for the interests of the industry and its workers. A Union just like firefighters, policemen and other workers have. A dealers Union can solve this problem.

31.

By Txtea

10/21/09 at 2:08 p.m.

Suggest removal

idabessie, Love it so very true. If you recall people a few years back there was the Silver City Casino. Smoke Free the place was allways dead? So if there are so many non smokers gambling and working makes you think what happened too it.

32.

By cisea

10/21/09 at 2:30 p.m.

Suggest removal

Non-Smokers shouldn't gamble and probably don't. Gambling is a risky behavior and so is smoking. (So is walking across the street for that matter.) Leave people alone and let them enjoy the casino experience. If that includes me smoking while I watch my savings disappear that's my business. Oh, non-smokers and casino employees complaining here's a suggestion, why don't you and the employees get your money together and buy you own casino (non-smoking) and see how long the doors stay open?

33.

By oldvegas

10/21/09 at 2:51 p.m.

Suggest removal

Everyone has lost focus here. The conversation is about people dying, not being uncomfortable but DYING!

34.

By wizardofOz

10/21/09 at 2:55 p.m.

Suggest removal

-And-

This is the SAME crappy pro-smoker arguments we had about smoking on AIRPLANES until the FAA stepped in and BANNED SMOKING OUTRIGHT on all flights.

End of story.

35.

By nevadaappleslices

10/21/09 at 3:19 p.m.

Suggest removal

No one held a gun to your head to work there, it was your own choice! You could work somewhere else. So suffer the consequences of your own choice. Frivolous!!

36.

By skerlahdee

10/21/09 at 3:19 p.m.

Suggest removal

Smokers banned from Colorado casinos in July. It seems to be working out ok. Smokers take it outside, or use the designated smoking areas which are open-air but have heaters to make it more comfortable now that winter is setting in.

My guess is that the smokers get a patch from their doctors to reduce the need for smoke breaks.

Ban smoking in public places, please.

37.

By serious

10/21/09 at 3:34 p.m.

Suggest removal

The Silver City Casino on the Strip went to a totally non-smoking casino several years ago, and it closed within 12 months. It was located next to the Peppermill Restaurant, and our Casinos try to have non-smoking areas, tables, and slot rows.

38.

By CaptJack

10/21/09 at 3:50 p.m.

Suggest removal

Ban it indoors. There's no sense in letting a tiny minority of people affect the health of everyone around them.

I don't smoke and I don't want to be around smokers. And when I used to smoke (10 years) I was courteous about it. I didn't smoke in crowds and I rarely smoked indoors.

Ban it.

39.

By MJB-

10/21/09 at 4:11 p.m.

Suggest removal

Cool... Let's sue California for their second hand forest fire smoke. At least I can avoid the tobacco smoke by staying out of casinos.

40.

By RussC

10/21/09 at 4:27 p.m.

Suggest removal

This law suit is totally rediculous. Non smokers do have rights. They have the right not to enter an establishment where smoking is allowed. They have the right to refuse a job where in their working environment, smokers will be present. I know for a fact that there are companies who won't even hire people who do smoke. Go work for them and keep these frivilous law suits from clogging up the courts.

41.

By CynicalObserver

10/21/09 at 4:39 p.m.

Suggest removal

I wish these guys would sue the South Pointe.

I was there last Thursday night and again on Sunday night, and the smoke was so thick on the casino floor, in adjacent restaurants, and in the hallway to the hotel tower, I got a terrible pain in my throat which didn't end until about 10 minutes after leaving the South Pointe.

I feel very sorry for the employees.

Don't the people who run these casinos realize that lacking an adequate ventilation system, they will end up losing business to a casino down the road?

Feds to issue new medical marijuana policy

www.news.yahoo.com


By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer Devlin Barrett, Associated Press Writer – 41 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Pot-smoking patients or their sanctioned suppliers should not be targeted for federal prosecution in states that allow medical marijuana, prosecutors were told Monday in a new policy memo issued by the Justice Department.

Under the policy spelled out in a three-page legal memo, federal prosecutors are being told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state law.

The guidelines issued by the department do, however, make it clear that federal agents will go after people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes.

The memo advises prosecutors they "should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana."

The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.

"It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana, but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement.

By the government's count, 14 states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

California stands out among those for the widespread presence of dispensaries — businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services. Colorado also has several dispensaries, and Rhode Island and New Mexico are in the process of licensing providers, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that promotes the decriminalization of marijuana use.

Advocates say marijuana is effective in treating chronic pain and nausea, among other ailments.

Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice.

The memo spelling out the policy was sent Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The memo written by Deputy Attorney General David Ogden emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law.

"This is a major step forward," said Bruce Mirken, communications director for the Marijuana Policy Project. "This change in policy moves the federal government dramatically toward respecting scientific and practical reality."

At the same time, officials said, the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity.

In particular, the memo urges prosecutors to pursue marijuana cases which involve violence, the illegal use of firearms, selling pot to minors, money laundering or involvement in other crimes.

And while the policy memo describes a change in priorities away from prosecuting medical marijuana cases, it does not rule out the possibility that the federal government could still prosecute someone whose activities are allowed under state law.

The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. attorneys in the states that allow medical marijuana. It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources.

Medical marijuana advocates have been anxious to see exactly how the administration would implement candidate Barack Obama's repeated promises to change the policy in situations in which state laws allow the use of medical marijuana.

Soon after Obama took office, DEA agents raided four dispensaries in Los Angeles, prompting confusion about the government's plans.

___

On the Net:

Justice Department memo on medical marijuana: http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/192

Drug Enforcement Administration: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/

Marijuana Policy Project: http://www.mpp.org/

Balloon Boy's Family About to Get POP'd - Charges Will Be Filed

news.yahoo.com

Richard Heene holds his son six-year-old Falcon as he talks to reporters outside their house in Fort Collins Reuters – Richard Heene (L) holds his son six-year-old Falcon Heene as he talks to reporters outside their house …

By DAN ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer Dan Elliott, Associated Press Writer – 31 mins ago
Sheriff: Charges will be filed in balloon saga

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – A Colorado sheriff said he was pursuing criminal charges in the case of a 6-year-old boy who vanished into the rafters of his garage while the world thought he was zooming through the sky in a flying saucer-like helium balloon.

The boy's parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, met with Larimer County investigators for much of the afternoon, but Sheriff Jim Alderden didn't say who would be charged or what the charges would be.

Alderden didn't call Thursday's hours-long drama a hoax, but he expressed disappointment that he couldn't level more serious charges in the incident, which sent police and the military scrambling to save young Falcon Heene as millions of worried television viewers watched.

"We were looking at Class 3 misdemeanor, which hardly seems serious enough given the circumstances," Alderden said. "We are talking to the district attorney, federal officials to see if perhaps there aren't additional federal charges that are appropriate in this circumstance."

He said deputies were seeking a search warrant for the family's home, and there would be more information at a news conference Sunday.

After the sheriff went inside, Richard Heene and his wife walked out. As reporters yelled questions, all Heene said was, "I was talking to the sheriff's department just now." He then walked to his car with his wife and a friend, and they drove away.

The Heenes were expected to speak to reporters outside their home later Saturday, after a strange day that began with Richard Heene knocking on the windows of journalists camped outside his home and promising a "big announcement." A few hours later, he did an about-face when he told reporters that they should leave questions in a cardboard box on the front doorstep.

As Heene walked away, a reporter shouted, "Can you tell us once and for all if this is a hoax?"

"Absolutely no hoax. I want your questions in the box," Heene said, waving a cardboard container before going back into his home.

A circus-like atmosphere formed outside, including men holding signs and occasionally yelling "balloon boy." One sign read, "Put balloon boy on TV: America's Most Wanted."

Other gawkers carried aluminum-foil stovetop popcorn makers that resembled the silvery balloon launched from the family's backyard Thursday, with 6-year-old Falcon Heene believed to be onboard.

While Richard and Mayumi Heene were at the sheriff's office, the couple's three sons remained home, apparently being watched by sheriff's officials. Authorities wouldn't comment on what was happening.

Alderden had said that he wanted to re-interview the family after Falcon turned to his dad during a CNN interview and said "you said we did this for a show" when asked why he didn't come out of his hiding place. Then Falcon got sick during two separate TV interviews when asked why he hid.

The balloon was supposed to be tethered to the ground when it lifted off, and no one was supposed to be aboard. A video of the launch shows the family counting down in unison, "3, 2, 1," before Richard Heene pulls a cord, setting the balloon into the air.

"Whoa!" one of the boys exclaims. Then his father says in disbelief, "Oh, my God!" He then says to someone, "You didn't put the (expletive) tether down!" and he kicks the wood frame that had held the balloon.

Falcon's brother said he saw him inside the compartment before it took off and that's why they thought he was in there when it launched. Heene said he had yelled at Falcon before the launch for getting inside.

Alderden said earlier that he thinks it's likely that Falcon ran off because he was scared of getting in trouble, later falling asleep in his hiding spot. He said he doubted that such a hyperactive boy could be ordered to stay quiet for the five hours he was missing.

Over the years, Richard Heene has worked as a storm chaser, a handyman and contractor, and an aspiring reality-TV star.

He and his family appeared on the ABC reality show "Wife Swap," and the show's producer said it had a show in development with the Heenes but the deal is now off. TLC also said Heene had pitched a reality show to the network months ago, but it passed on the offer.

Despite his attempts to get on TV, Heene insisted Saturday that he didn't know what kinds of questions were being asked about him because he didn't have cable.

"I'm going to place the box out front. Please write your questions down, because friends are telling me they're saying this and that. I have no idea what the news is saying," Heene said.

51% founders: Trafficking humans is a grave concern for women

www.sdnn.com

The worst of human behavior is subjective. Is it violence? Crime? War? What and who is to blame? Greed? Consumerism? Totalitarianism?

San Diego: sdnn-opinion33Certainly we can agree that our most sordid behavior is money motivated and includes criminal conduct. Worldwide the illegal drug trade is the single most lucrative, underground trade in current history. The second largest industry, wrought with profit, is the illegal trade of weaponry, the arms trade. What was once a distant third now explodes in a close tie for second. The third most prevalent and lucrative illegal industry is the trade of enslaved humans. Many see it as the fastest growing illegal industry in the world and already rate it as second only to illicit drugs.

It’s different than the smuggling of humans. Smuggled individuals usually pay someone to transport them into a foreign country and most have their personal freedom once they arrive. In the illegal sale of people and their services, the traffickers intend to exploit their victims, the victims never have a choice to leave and none volunteered to the conditions of forced servitude for no compensation.

Many trafficked individuals are brought from one country into another, although crossing borders isn’t a requirement to be considered trafficking. Most are coerced into thinking they will be given a decent job in exchange for the fee of transportation. Once they are separated from their original communities, they are held captive for the purpose of exploitation, usually being sold into forced prostitution where they share none of the profits. The practice is commonly labeled as human trafficking, sex trafficking and it is - modern day slavery.

Human trafficking is a system of profit for the few, yet no socio-political system can be held responsible. Every continent and race suffers from some of its citizens being enslaved. However, we can chart that the flow of humans is overwhelmingly from places of dire poverty to more affluent communities. This might be from the Ukraine into the U.S., with Mexico as the point of entry.

Although anyone can be a victim to trafficking, it’s most common for victims to be young and female. Developing countries, and those under the hand of war, are the most common countries exploited. Geographies that experience extreme natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, in areas of poverty, are the most common targets of those seeking new recruits. Some abandoned people and children are kidnapped outright - others are starving and desperate to believe there is a better life elsewhere. Professional traffickers normally work in small groups, but many are controlled by organized crime. In both instances, victims are sold and enslaved.

Roughly 80 percent of those trafficked are female. Since many victims are never again found alive, it’s impossible to know the true numbers, but it’s estimated that at least 17,500 foreign nationals and well over 17,500 U.S. citizens are trafficked annually in the U.S. alone. It’s estimated that $9.5 billion are generated worldwide from the sale and forced labor of trafficked humans.

Unlike drug busts or stings that uncover illegal arms, human trafficking rings are harder to find. Victims are moved frequently, often every few weeks, through numerous countries or cities, and in complete hiding, without a trace as to where they came from or where they’re going. Victims sometimes die before being found. Those that escape may not be able to identify their captors in order to prosecute them. Some are so physically and psychologically damaged from the enslavement that they fear testifying because of threats to them and their families - especially when powerful mafias are part of the mix.

And, the cost is high. Many sex slaves are forced to service 10-50 men a day, with no health care or protection from STDs, HIV or birth control. Forced pregnancies often result in forced births, with surviving children groomed to endure the same servitude. Countless victims pay with their lives.

The trafficking of humans is largely an issue of protecting women and children. As a voice for all that affects the success of women in our midst, we, of 51%-A Woman’s Place Is In Politics, will continue to examine the complexities of this alarming issue. We will look to the international dilemmas involved, and expose the local occurrences within San Diego and across to our Mexican neighbors. It may be disheartening. But as one of the quickest growing illegal industries in the world, it is with grave concern that we look into the problem.