Four Spanish Regions Reject Social Cuts by Rajoy
Four Spanish regions today condemned the cuts in health that will be applied as of next Saturday by the conservative government of Mariano Rajoy, including one that leaves illegal immigrants without free health care.
In a joint statement, the regions of Andalusia, Asturias, the Canary Islands and the Basque Country described as regressive the policies implemented by the administration of the rightwing Popular Party during its eight months in office.
Among these backward measures, they mentioned withdrawal of drugs from the state funding system and the implementation of an insurance model already passed in Spain, laying off public healthcare for Spanish citizens and foreigners living in this country.
According to these territories, the solution to the crisis does not entail imposing an economic and social model based on the restriction of basic fundamental rights, such as education and health, or the privatization of the coverage and management of public services.
On the contrary, they argued that maintaining a cohesive society, with an equitable and quality health and education are essential foundations to address the financial meltdown.
More than 153,000 illegal immigrants will lose their health insurance card the coming September 1st, a move with which the Spanish government expects to save about 500 million euros, as part of its drastic adjustments to reduce the fiscal deficit.
Detractors of the unpopular decision argue that the number of illegal aliens is negligible, so withdrawal of medical care saves too little and reaffirms discrimination.
Social organizations and associations defending human rights on Saturday convened a rally outside a hospital in Madrid to protest against the withdrawal of the medical card to immigrants without residence permits.
Hurricane Isaac Weakens to Tropical Storm, Threats Remain
Hurricane Isaac weakened to a tropical storm on Wednesday afternoon with storm surge and inland flooding still threatening, said the U.S. National Hurricane Center on the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s destructive arrival.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tropical Storm Isaac is currently moving on at 6 mph (9.7 kph), with the maximum sustained wind of 70mph (113 kph), and centered about 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana.
But the center warned life-threatening hazards from storm surge and inland flooding still remained.
Although Isaac was much weaker than Katrina, forecasters said the current slow movement and the large size of Isaac could cause hours longer impact on residents living along its path.
Isaac has lashed heavy rains and winds to the state of Louisiana since it made landfall in southeastern U.S. state late Tuesday as a Category One Hurricane.
Early Wednesday, a storm surge has topped a levee in Plaquemines Parish south of New Orleans, the largest city of Louisiana and most-devastated area seven years ago by Hurricane Katrina.
Local officials said they had been working with U.S. Coast Guard to rescue people stranded on top of the levee, and they may have to breach the levee in the flooded area.
Utility companies said more than 500,000 people were left without power across Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The weather condition will persist through Wednesday night or early Thursday, said Richard Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center.
Dozens of families that had ignored mandatory evacuation orders in a low-lying area had to retreat to roofs and sought rescue amid fierce wind and slashing rains, the CNN reported.
The southern U.S. states of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama have been on high alert against the threat of Isaac. Thousands of residents living in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were told to leave their coastal houses since Monday.
Earlier Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama called Governors of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana as well as Mayor of New Orleans, pledging that the federal government was ready to provide local officials with necessary support and resources needed. He also acknowledged the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina provides of the lasting effects these types of storms can have on communities.
Wednesday marks the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005. The hurricane was the costliest natural disaster, and one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. At least 1,836 people died and total property damage was estimated at 81 billion U.S. dollars.
A day earlier, Obama warned residents living alongside the expected path of Isaac of significant flooding and other damages. He urged them to evacuate in time to safe grounds.
Also, Florida, Louisiana and Alabama have already declared states of emergency over the weekend, fearing that Isaac might repeat the disaster that Hurricane Katrina brought to the Gulf coast just seven years ago.
Popol Vuh, an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Guatemala
The Ministry of Sports and Culture of Guatemala declared the Popol Vuh or Popol Wuj (Book of Counsel or Book of the Community, in Quiche language) an intangible cultural heritage, due to its historical, philosophical and spiritual values.
The 286-2012 ministerial resolution is in force as of this week, after being published in the Diario de CentroAmerica official gazette, while the General Leadership of the Cultural and Natural Heritage will dictate the measures to protect, defend, and research that literary piece.
The Guatemalan government declared 40 years ago the Popol Vuh as the National Book of Guatemala, on April 30, 1972.
The text is a compilation of many legends from the Quiche indigenous community in this Central American nation.
Via PL