FYI: One Nation Under God .. Is there Liberty and Justice for all?

[yahoo76]

One Nation Under God ..
Is there Liberty and Justice for all?

Sivaprasad D. Madduri, M.D., Poplar Bluff , Missouri


"I read the article you wrote about the events that took place on June 26, 2008 aboard Southwest flight. I was horrified, upset and angered. It's hard to describe the emotions one feels when reading something of this nature. But alas, after reading the article and thinking about it, what I really wanted to know is, "What is next?"
This is one of the many letters I received and the unfortunate victim mentioned in the above incident was me: a physician from India who immigrated to the United States 38 years ago and had been in private practice in South East Missouri for more than a quarter century.
On June 26, 2008, I traveled from St Louis to Las Vegas to attend AAPI annual convention by Southwest flight 1226. Two hours into the flight, I tried to go to the bathroom ( I take a blood pressure medicine with diuretic that makes one 'go' more often). As I was sitting in row six, I walked to the front lavatory. The flight attendant, named Lora Lee Minton, abruptly stopped me and essentially shouted at me, "Go back! This bath room is occupied, and you cannot stand here."
Shocked and dumbfounded at this unfriendly behavior, I went back and sat in my seat. Two minutes later, I saw the lavatory door opening and I got up and walked towards the bath room again. The same flight attendant (Lora Lee Minton) screamed at me, "I told you not to go to that bathroom," and started pushing me into my seat. I was totally confused at this erratic behavior, and told her that I had been taking medicine and I had to go to the toilet. I even tried to walk past Ms.Minton as I was very uncomfortable.
"I told you not to go," she pushed me into my seat! I was lost. I flew many times but had never experienced a rude and unfriendly behavior like this. Confused and not knowing what to do, I went back and sat in my seat. I saw the pilot came out of the lavatory, walked into the cockpit and closed the door behind him. Later I could use the bathroom.
The sequence of events that followed were more frightening and beyond the scope of any one's imagination. As the plane landed in Las Vegas , I was escorted by two police officers and was handed over to the FBI. The FBI interrogated me at length and for the first time, I was told that the flight attendant, Ms.Lora Lee Minton, reported that I was causing 'disturbance' during the flight. I was also told that when the pilot is out of the cockpit, no one is supposed get up from their seat, till the pilot goes back to his seat. This apparently is a federal law being enforced since 9/11 and no one ever told me, nor was it announced during the flight.
That night I was taken through federal centers for further investigation. I was hand-cuffed, finger printed and was 'processed' as a common criminal. I was told repeatedly that my background was checked and I had no criminal record. Even after checking my back ground and even after confirming it by calling my family members (Our two children that live in St Louis and Houston, Texas ) and my professional partner (urologist from Poplar Bluff, Missouri ), I still had to go through the harassment. I was dragged through Federal court buildings that night with hand and ankle cuffs, left in cells for hours before I was interrogated and was threatened repeatedly with abusive language: 'Shut up,' 'I am going to kick your ass,' to name a few. Finally I was taken to a federal detention center in Las Vegas and was ushered into a large jail cell! I spent the night in jail with 43 prisoners - most of them drug dealers and picked up at street fights!
The next day I went through processing in a federal court building and presented in front of a Federal Judge. The public defender told me that my 'case' was decided and I would be released if I pleaded guilty and paid a fine of $2,500. He also told me that I could refuse to plead guilty, contest the judgment and even could win, but could be taking a long time, cost more and might result in multiple trips to Las Vegas .
Exhausted, depressed and completely deflated, I agreed to what ever the public defender suggested and got out after 24 hours of 'living hell'.
I endured the most horrifying and traumatic 24-hours of my life for a crime I sincerely believe I did not commit. A simple statement by the flight attendant (Lora Lee Minton) in normal tone of voice that I was not supposed to wait in front of the toilet when it was occupied by the pilot, would have saved the ghastly ordeal.
I was told repeatedly by the prison guards, some of the FBI officials (not all of them were rude), the prison inmates who heard my story that the reason I was targeted was because of my skin color (brown) and ethnic background (South Asian, Indian).
When I returned home, I did not feel like lying flat and take the abuse, more so the incident involved not only me but an entire race and ethnic group. I sent my story to local, state and national news papers including all the major Indian news publications. The response was overwhelming: the news papers were very receptive; I received numerous e-mails, letters, phone-calls, sympathy and supportive cards; every one wanted me to 'fight-it-out' and 'not to keep quite and do nothing.'
I did send my story to ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) of Missouri and Nevada , yet I haven't heard from them yet, though I was told that my experience had merit. I contacted attorneys locally as well as in St Louis and was told that they were looking for proper attorneys that specialize in civil liberties cases; I was told by some that I should not have pleaded guilty and should find eye-witnesses that would testify in my favor.
During 30 years of my stay in America , I never felt so threatened nor my rights so violated as I did that fateful night. 'You are not guilty until proven otherwise', the anthem we are made to believe all the time was turned out to be not true; I was guilty until prove my self innocent. I was treated like a guilty person and was never given a chance even to tell my side of the story. Even after the incidence, I am finding it difficult to prove my innocence. I want Southwest Air Lines to realize their mistake and drop charges against me. I did contact Southwest airlines and was informed that they were standing by their stewardess and the issue had no racial profile or bias.
The entire episode reminded me of another famous incidence in the history: when Gandhi and his friends were abused by the British in South Africa , he realized he was 'helpless.' Gandhi later started his 'non-violent protest' against the mighty British which spread like wild fire and made the British bow down on their knees in front of the 'half naked fakir'( what Winston Churchill called Gandhi) and quit India leaving India a free nation.
I sincerely feel that is what we may need to make Southwest realize their mistake. I thank all the friends, acquaintances, and people that even did not know me that were supportive and sent me their mail, letters, phone calls and cheering cards. It is time to let the offender that abused the powers know that we all stand behind one common cause and so similar incident will not happen again. Unified voice and Gandhian protest should make the arrogant authorities realize that what they did was not right.
The following is the address of Southeast Air lines office in Dallas ; who ever feel like joining the cause, please express your opinions and protests to: Mr.Fred Taylor, Customer Service Dept - Southwest Airlines, Love Field, P.O.Box 36611 , Dallas , Tx 75235

By. Dr. Shiv Prasad Madduri
Editor, AAPI Journal
Practising Urologist, Poplar Bluff ,Missouri


Article forwarded by...

Dr. Jayesh Shah,Vice Chair, AMA- IMG section

We should not tolerate incidence like this and if we cannot come together as a organization and respond collectively to such discrimination then we really loose our purpose as a organization.

I would appreciate if each of you will spend some time and write a letter displaying your protest to Southwest airlines.

Together we are stronger

BECOME MEMBER OF AMA (www.ama-assn.org) and AAPI( www.aapiusa.net)

[ndny]

difficult to prove his innocence !!

[sanju]

This is a sad story and fully sympathize with Dr. Shiv Prasad Madduri.

But I do have one question about the last line of your post. Why become member of AAPI? This group of uncles join AAPI when they have to look for a match for the ABCD sons or daughters or sometimes get them intern position in the WH/Administration. These jerks at AAPI are always worried about not being able to make 3 million last year as they only made 2.5 million. These AAPI guys show their 32 teeth when taking picture with the lawmaker but never care to tell a lawmaker friend for supporting doctors waiting for green cards or other "brown" colored skin immigrants from their country who are waiting for green card. Now all of a sudden, due to this experience, 1 member of AAPI (out 50000 others) feel that there is discremination. And if he is absolved from this "crime" which he actually did not commit, he will also go back to his block hole arguing why he is not making 3 million instead of 2.5 million. It is clear, AAPI is not doing anything about their own senior members, why ask others to join AAPI????

[sotaz]

LoraLee Minton is on Facebook - in case anybody is interested.

[Better_Days]

Originally Posted by sanju

This is a sad story and fully sympathize with Dr. Shiv Prasad Madduri.

But I do have one question about the last line of your post. Why become member of AAPI? This group of uncles join AAPI when they have to look for a match for the ABCD sons or daughters or sometimes get them intern position in the WH/Administration. These jerks at AAPI are always worried about not being able to make 3 million last year as they only made 2.5 million. These AAPI guys show their 32 teeth when taking picture with the lawmaker but never care to tell a lawmaker friend for supporting doctors waiting for green cards or other "brown" colored skin immigrants from their country who are waiting for green card. Now all of a sudden, due to this experience, 1 member of AAPI (out 50000 others) feel that there is discremination. And if he is absolved from this "crime" which he actually did not commit, he will also go back to his block hole arguing why he is not making 3 million instead of 2.5 million. It is clear, AAPI is not doing anything about their own senior members, why ask others to join AAPI????

Now that was amusing: true but still amusing. Having hung around my share of Pakistani/Indian doctors I can see where you are coming from. Can't expect much help from them. I see that the good Doctor has contacted the ACLU but I do wonder if he ever considered donating to the ACLU before that. (I am, BTW, a proud, card carrying member of the ACLU )

[chanduv23]

Isolated cases are common and these things will happen unless, there is unity in the desi community. Though desis boast about great achievements in US and about the money earned, in reality, desis are shit scared and lack a sense of unity in times of need.

It happened to Dr Shiv Madduri, it can happen to anyone.

[LostInGCProcess]

Originally Posted by chanduv23

Isolated cases are common and these things will happen unless, there is unity in the desi community. Though desis boast about great achievements in US and about the money earned, in reality, desis are shit scared and lack a sense of unity in times of need.

It happened to Dr Shiv Madduri, it can happen to anyone.

I totally agree with you. I also feel sorry for that Doctor who had to go thru this ordeal, but at the same time, I think he should not have taken the plea-deal. Common, he is a doctor for 30 years, might have accomplished all his dreams...he should have had the guts to fight it, spend some on good attorney and sued the airline. What was the point to get afraid when you very well know you did not do anything wrong???
If I were in his place, after all these years, I don't feel "scared' of the system rather i'd fight the system to get justice, especially considering the fact that he is in a top position...at least not an average 'Joe'.

[ajaypr]

Originally Posted by LostInGCProcess

I totally agree with you. I also feel sorry for that Doctor who had to go thru this ordeal, but at the same time, I think he should not have taken the plea-deal. Common, he is a doctor for 30 years, might have accomplished all his dreams...he should have had the guts to fight it, spend some on good attorney and sued the airline. What was the point to get afraid when you very well know you did not do anything wrong???
If I were in his place, after all these years, I don't feel "scared' of the system rather i'd fight the system to get justice, especially considering the fact that he is in a top position...at least not an average 'Joe'.

I am not sure if the above situation, must have put the Dr in a No FLY List database for the US Govt.Maybe he's now trying to get his name cleared, as it would be very difficult for him to travel after admitting to the guilty plea.

Any thoughts?

[chanduv23]

Originally Posted by LostInGCProcess

I totally agree with you. I also feel sorry for that Doctor who had to go thru this ordeal, but at the same time, I think he should not have taken the plea-deal. Common, he is a doctor for 30 years, might have accomplished all his dreams...he should have had the guts to fight it, spend some on good attorney and sued the airline. What was the point to get afraid when you very well know you did not do anything wrong???
If I were in his place, after all these years, I don't feel "scared' of the system rather i'd fight the system to get justice, especially considering the fact that he is in a top position...at least not an average 'Joe'.

Usually, when I encounter such a situation (which is common) and if I see it escalating, I will stop arguing or fighting. We are a minority, if one of us raises our voice and even if there are other desis around, no one will be bothered to help. Whenever I meet a cop or someone in duty, I make sure I am polite even if they are not - this includes even security officers at buildings, front desk clerks, or personal assistants etc.. My pediatrician is a desi guy but his secretary is a gori - she is known to pick fights with desis and be rude, and we have all complained to him but I have always seen him being extra nice to her and apologizes to us on her behalf. He has very good business and in reality, he does not care iif it affects a few desi patients

Unless people know that they must not mess with us, they will continue to do so and until the desi community shows that it is a strong community, we will see things like this happen.

[chanduv23]

Originally Posted by ajaypr

I am not sure if the above situation, must have put the Dr in a No FLY List database for the US Govt.Maybe he's now trying to get his name cleared, as it would be very difficult for him to travel after admitting to the guilty plea.

Any thoughts?

I don't think so. Whatever happened to him was more of ego and escalated arguments that lead to his situation

[Keeme]

Originally Posted by sanju

This is a sad story and fully sympathize with Dr. Shiv Prasad Madduri.

But I do have one question about the last line of your post. Why become member of AAPI? This group of uncles join AAPI when they have to look for a match for the ABCD sons or daughters or sometimes get them intern position in the WH/Administration. These jerks at AAPI are always worried about not being able to make 3 million last year as they only made 2.5 million. These AAPI guys show their 32 teeth when taking picture with the lawmaker but never care to tell a lawmaker friend for supporting doctors waiting for green cards or other "brown" colored skin immigrants from their country who are waiting for green card. Now all of a sudden, due to this experience, 1 member of AAPI (out 50000 others) feel that there is discremination. And if he is absolved from this "crime" which he actually did not commit, he will also go back to his block hole arguing why he is not making 3 million instead of 2.5 million. It is clear, AAPI is not doing anything about their own senior members, why ask others to join AAPI????

Well said !

[LostInGCProcess]

Originally Posted by chanduv23

I don't think so. Whatever happened to him was more of ego and escalated arguments that lead to his situation

After reading the story, I think the dude was sitting in the Executive class, and would not go to a different bathroom (in the back of the aircraft), even if was so urgent for him to go.

Yeah!! Looks like ego played a part.

[VivekAhuja]

There was nothing wrong that the flight attendent did (as she could not verify why he needed to go to the bathroom so urgently). There is nothing the FBI or authorities did that wrong because they were just doing their job. Imagine if this Dr. was actually going to do something bad (assumption)!!
I think Dr. should have fought the prove his innocense, everything else in this case is normal.

[texanguy]

I will not gain anything by proving you wrong, but i think southwest flights dont have executive class.

A lot of times, people use restrooms when the flights are on descending path for last 15-20 minutes. Who knows if that might be the case?

I 100% agree with Chanduv, dont try to put up a fight in these situation. You have nothing to gain and lot to lose.

Originally Posted by LostInGCProcess

After reading the story, I think the dude was sitting in the Executive class, and would not go to a different bathroom (in the back of the aircraft), even if was so urgent for him to go.

Yeah!! Looks like ego played a part.

[texanguy]

right on money!
Taking a plea deal kind of dilutes the severity of his case! especially if inconvenience is the only reason cited.

Originally Posted by LostInGCProcess

I totally agree with you. I also feel sorry for that Doctor who had to go thru this ordeal, but at the same time, I think he should not have taken the plea-deal. Common, he is a doctor for 30 years, might have accomplished all his dreams...he should have had the guts to fight it, spend some on good attorney and sued the airline. What was the point to get afraid when you very well know you did not do anything wrong???
If I were in his place, after all these years, I don't feel "scared' of the system rather i'd fight the system to get justice, especially considering the fact that he is in a top position...at least not an average 'Joe'.