By William Camacaro (National Co-Coordinator)
In the video we can see the presentation of Vanessa Ramos, who has played a stellar role for all who struggle for freedom, peace, justice, and equality. Since 2007, Vanessa has chaired the American Association of Jurists (AAJ), an NGO in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council focusing on Latin America. AJJ advocates the right to self-determination and independence for the people of Palestine, Western Sahara, and Puerto Rico. AAJ is affiliated with the International Association of Democratic Lawyers and works in solidarity with the National Lawyer Guild.
On May 2nd, in the heart of Manhattan at 172 Norfolk Street, a dedicated community of legal professionals convened. These advocates stand shoulder to shoulder with grassroots movements across New York City, addressing urgent human rights crises. Their work confronts the profound suffering arising from mass atrocities and forced displacements in Palestine, Myanmar, Armenia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Lebanon – a stark contrast to the actions of a government bureaucracy seemingly indifferent to such widespread anguish, prioritizing self-advancement over human consequences.
We are facing a climate of escalating challenges to human life in community and democratic institutions. Policies targeting migrants have led to mass detentions and imprisoning hundreds of migrants in concentration camps in El Salvador and elsewhere. Executive actions have cast a shadow over democratic norms, human rights, and the rule of law. Pardons have been granted to those who assaulted the nation’s Capitol, and executive orders threaten birthright citizenship, erode inclusion and equality, and jeopardize vital social and educational programs.
As the great collaborator of the Trump Administration, Elon Musk, said, “the weakness of Western civilization is empathy.” For that reason, you cannot have mercy when deporting a child with cancer, or when you kidnap immigrants and put them in a concentration camp, or when you eliminate school feeding programs. We are facing a psychopathic government.
In this critical juncture, the united strength of progressive forces is paramount to confronting the specter of fascism already casting its shadow across our cities. Overcoming totalitarianism demands not only solidarity but also innovation and the cultivation of a powerful mass movement capable of dismantling the insidious ideology of white supremacist exceptionalism.
In these times of virulent attacks, organizations like the National Lawyers Guild serve as invaluable allies to social movements leading the charge for justice.
We deeply value the unwavering courage and profound commitment to justice demonstrated by the National Lawyers Guild. Your dedication, shared by lawyers, paralegals, and even principled members of law enforcement, persists despite executive actions that attack your sacred commitment to justice. From our humble perspective, we extend our heartfelt wishes for many more years of impactful work. ¡Hasta la victoria siempre!
From left to right are Vanessa Ramos ( chaired the American Association of Jurists, AAJ) and Justice Debra A. James, who were among the honorees at the National Lawyer Guild celebration event.
