Clash of Latinos?

NPR battle for Hispanic vote

2008-07-07T18:16:14Z

Crossposted in latinos4obama

Notice how the anti-immigrant stories have been on the slow in the news lately? Must be election time. Time to pander and have the mariachis ready for those whistlestop tours of the the cities of L.A., San Antonio, Chicago, etc.

Of course while pandering to the Mexican-Americans they'll lump everyone else in. Anyway, NPR just put out a show on how we're a hot political property because of our population growth.

Personally, the only power I want is to be able to run Tom Tancredo out on a rail after we tar and feather him.

Anyway, here's the link to the show.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92278856&ft=1&f=1003

While this is a story that pertains to all of us who are voters Democrat, Republican , and third party I invite anyone who is interested to join the latinos4obama community.

El Rescate Perfecto

2008-07-03T12:43:14Z

"Perfect Rescue" of 14 hostages

There was no bloodshed, there wasn't a single shot fired. It was all executed through subterfuge and intelligence work. ROCK!

I can't even begin to tell you what this means for Colombia. I can't even begin to tell you how moved I am by this news. This means so many things... one of the biggest being that the FARC (gran hijos de la chingada) has lost some of their biggest bargaining chips.

I am really proud of the Colombian Army and Intelligence Corps. I am really proud of President Uribe.

I can't imagine what these people went through... I can't even fathom it. It just resolidifies my absolute hatred of the FARC. I have, and have had, several extended family members kidnapped by them. This victory puts Colombia one step closer to being a country that I can go home to without fear. I want to be able to go home when I feel like it.

While this is a HUGE victory on many many levels, let's not forget that there are still 700 people being held hostage by those i'jue putas.

upcoming solo exhibit

2008-06-20T04:28:45Z

Ripley House
4410 Navigation
Houston, Texas 77011
Phone: 713-315-6400
Fax: 713-315-6404

On Saturday, July 12, from 6-10 p.m., Elder Street Gallery will present the "Independence Day" show. More than 40 artists will exhibit in this one-week invitation-only show (on view through Saturday, July 19) displaying a single work of art. One show, one week, one piece -- one celebratory exhibition of the finest artists in the Greater Houston area who truly reflect the spirit of artistic independence.

Artists who have confirmed include Sharon Kopriva, Dan Mitchell Allison, Marcus Mann, Suzanne Banning, Tanna Bennett, Allan Rodewald, Kaneem Smith, David Brown, Alexis Andrei, Lilibeth Andre, Keith Hollingsworth, William Panzer, Lorena Fernandez, Alberto Godoy, Van McFarland, Shelley Shanks, Cintia Rico, Alex Wilhite, MaryAnn Lucas, Lynet McDonald, Richard Varela, Jerrie Glidden, Sue Donaldson, Herb Shapiro, Michelle Graczyk, Julia Sinelnikova, Susan Goettsche, Julie Zarate, Sergio Santos, Solomon Kane, Sorange Castillo, Victoria Lewelling, Alissa Fereday, Ron Gordon, Dune Tencer, Christian Perkins, Aimi Dunn, Michael Huggins, David Weaver and Martin de Vore.

Their work has been seen in the past (and/or present) at such art venues as Redbud Gallery, Ggallery, DIG101 Gallery, Gallery M2, Sippora Gallery, Studio Gallery, H Gallery (Gallery 19), Eastman Gallery, Square Moon Gallery, Winter Street Studios, Garden of the Dragonfly, Mind Puddles Gallery, Bering and James, Earth Gallery, Watercolor Art Society-Houston, Art League of Houston, Lawndale Art Center, Simply Art Gallery, Galveston Art Walk, Via Colori, DaVinci Gallery, Galerie Mado Chalvet, Darke Gallery, Archway Gallery, Houston City Hall, Houston City Hall Annex, the Bayou City and Woodlands Art Festivals and many, many others.

Elder Street Gallery

and i currently have work on display at MECA for this recent event:

June 12-27, 2008

MECA's 2nd Annual Celebration of Frida Kahlo's Birthday Anniversary

A visual art exhibit of original artwork by artists from coast to coast, inspired by Frida Kahlo and spoken word performance. This show is in honor of the artist's 101st birthday anniversary. Please join us for an evening of art and poetry by local poets. Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up and participate in a Frida Kahlo look-alike contest.

OPENING RECEPTION:
JUNE 13TH, 2008 ---- 7 P.M.

Admission Free

Location:
MECA
1900 Kane Street
Houston, Texas 77007

Curator: Lizbeth Ortiz

the image used for these special invites is based of a box i made a couple of years ago that i never really did anything with. it was paper mache, with a rusted finish and had embellishments in copper. i attached the doors with small hinges that were altered to look worn and weathered. the inside featured gold leaf on the doors and the interior with overlays of butterfly cutouts. the image of frida is actually a cutout from a postcard book of her work, and the wings are stamped cutouts in sepia tone, attached with dot fixtures to give the illusion of 3 dimensions. there is a handcut piece of copper that i applied a verdigris finish to that is attached to the wall directly behind her head, to give the appearance of a halo of light or illumination. it's a cute little piece. i don't think i have any other photos of it. maybe in the "progression" stages, but those are all on my old computer. i'm sure i burned the images but damn me for not knowing where my old cds are. :P

at any rate, this event is next week. lizbeth surprised me with this, as i had forgotten all about the wee box [i had it at meca for the last frida event in 2007]. she did a great job. and seeing her curate work in the past, i know this will be all the greatness i expect it to be.

----------------
Now playing: Don Drummond - Vat Seven
http://foxytunes.com/artist/don+drummond/track/vat+seven

this friday at MECA

2008-06-12T03:59:20Z

----------------
Now playing: Thievery Corporation - Sleeper Car
http://foxytunes.com/artist/thievery+corporation/track/sleeper+car

_latinoclash @ 2008-06-01T18:03:00

2008-06-01T22:06:27Z

So, if I remember correctly there are a few people in this community from LA. I'm gonna be out there for a week this month for work but I'll have the nights and weekend to myself and I'd like to know some good recommendations of places I should visit? I'd rather ask people who actually live there than consult the internet.

Sorry if this is not latino related..but feel free to suggest and recommend places or events that are culturally related!

_latinoclash @ 2008-05-26T12:57:00

2008-05-26T17:52:09Z

hey y'all! The Difference Engine is going on tour again, this time headed west. we're dancey noisy steampunk from Mobile/Oakland/Honolulu on tour with our buddies Outclassed. They're two bass anarch-core from Pittsburgh! we have most of the tour booked except for two days bewteen Odessa, TX and Phoenix, AZ. If anyone wants to throw a party and let us play, or let us jump on a show, that'd be very very very nice of you, and we will make you doughnuts. we'll play libraries, birthday parties, your living room, bars, your all ages diy space and definitely make friends with your parents.

jun 8 - Sluggo' s (Pensacola, FL)
jun 9 - Picklefish West (Mobile, AL)
jun 10 - Dragon's Den (New Orleans, LA)
jun 11 - Fletcher's House (Baton Rouge, LA)
jun 12 - Superhappyfunland (Houston, TX)
jun 13 - 1919 Hemphill (Ft. Worth, TX)
jun 14 - 180 Grams (San Antonio, TX)
jun 15 - The Roadhouse (Odessa, TX)
jun 16 - (El Paso/Roswell/Las Cruces/Albuquerue/Santa Fe) HELP NEEDED!
jun 17 - (Tucson/Flagstaff) HELP NEEDED!
jun 18 - The Tribe! (Phoenix, AZ)
jun 19 - Chasers (San Diego, CA)
jun 20 - Riverside Jazz & Art Exchange (Riverside, CA)
jun 21 - Relax Bar (Los Angeles, CA)
jun 22 - Long Beach, CA
jun 23 - ZAMI Co-Op (Santa Cruz, CA)
jun 24 - House (Oakland, CA)

get in touch @ tde.booking@gmail.com, www.myspace.com/thedifferenceengine or right here.

I keep meaning to post to this group

2008-05-06T13:51:45Z

because y'all are the only ones who really get what I am about to go through.

So-- I am getting married this year, in Mexico City. My affianced is Cuban. Long story short, we both lived in el DF por un chingo de tiempo y es mas facil para nuestras familias llegar alli que tratar de sacar visa al Gabacho. That and Mexico City is fuckin' cool.

Anyway, we want kids. The other day it occurred to me that my kids will be half Cuban, one quarter Colombian, and one quarter Irish (I'm a halfsie).

Please join me as I lament how screwed I am. They'll be hellians; really fun hellians, but hellians none the less.

Chale.

I work part time at a chain bookstore

2008-05-06T03:04:38Z

and of course we have to wear name tags. There is a certain scenario that keeps playing out that totally bugs me.

Customer: "Do you have X cd by Bette Midler?"
Me: "Let me look it up and see"
Customer: (Stares at me)
Me: (checking computer)
Customer: (reads name tag) "Are you Hispanic?"
Me: (wondering what this has to do with finding Bette Midler cd) "...yes?"

Everytime this has happened the customer has been white and male.

I guess this happens because my features don't look stereotypically Hispanic to White men so when they read my name tag it kind of blows their mind. But I still can't understand how asking a complete stranger what race they are isn't percieved as rude (or at least totally impolite). And given that the whole Customer-Service Always Make the Customer Happy layer to it, I feel like I can't call them out on it for fear of getting written up or some bullshit. So yes, Random White Dudes, I'm Hispanic. Is there anything else personal you want to know, like my cup size? or my legalization status?

Has anyone else gone through anything similar?

May Day--To March or not to March.

2008-05-01T17:08:31Z

What is everyone doing today? Is anyone planning to march, and, if so, what specific cause?

Here in Seattle, there is a march and rally for immigrants rights, which has brought out the Latino population in recent years, but I get a sense that people are not going to come out and march like they did in previous years.

Is there less a sense of urgency with the issue of immigration reform? Are people just tired? If you've marched before, how do you people feel about marching this year? I've marched the last two years, but all the people I marched with last year aren't going. I'm ambivalent about marching, but most likely I will be there.

research paper help

2008-04-18T23:06:50Z

So does anyone know of any Drag Kings in the United States who are of Latin American, preferably Mexican, origin?

Any guidance is highly appreciated. Thank you!

Translation help

2008-04-18T22:04:41Z

I sometimes correspond via snail mail with a friend who doesn't speak English fluently. My Spanish writing skills are very weak. What I end up doing is using Dictionary dot com or Google Translator, both of which are very inaccurate. I cut and paste then I make corrections as best I can.

She doesn't seem to mind and understands what I'm saying. I actually send her printed copies of my original in English and the sometimes comical translation in Spanish.

I just have a couple of questions. When she signs off with "Atte. Mary", what is 'atte' an abbreviation for?

Secondly, is there an online translator that is better than the two I use?
http://dictionary.reference.com/translate/
http://www.google.com/translate_t?hl=en

Gracias to any and all who reply.

I need your support!!

2008-04-18T19:54:00Z

I entered a singing competition thinking I wouldnt make it and I'm a semi finalist!!! I've always been pretty shy and never entered anything but, well I made it this far it would mean a lot for me if you guys could go vote. It will only take a minute of your time. If i get enough votes, I can win a car and audition for objetivo fama :) PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!

http://www.univision.com/content/channel.jhtml?chid=6&schid=10589&secid=11974

You can vote once a day and everytime you vote youre automatically entered in a raffle for 10,000 dollars... so please go vote as often as you can.

I'm "Jessica from IL"

_latinoclash @ 2008-04-07T19:21:00

2008-04-08T03:02:16Z

i hate giving a corporation attention, but i thought the mexican absolut vodka ad ~*controversy*~ was lol worthy.

apparently people are boycotting the company because of this ad.

"During the weekend we have received several comments on the ad published in Mexico. We acknowledge the reactions and debate and want to apologize for the concerns this ad caused. We are truly sorry and understand that the ad has offended several persons. This was not our intention. The ad has been withdrawn as of Friday April 4th and will not be used in the future.

In no way was the ad meant to offend or disparage, or advocate an altering of borders, lend support to any anti-American sentiment, or to reflect immigration issues.

To ensure that we avoid future similar mistakes, we are adjusting our internal advertising approval process for ads that are developed in local markets.

This is a genuine and sincere apology,

By Paula Eriksson, VP Corporate Communications, V&S Absolut Spirits "

the story
absolut blog

are you offended by the ad?

*edited the image so as to not mess up your friends page

Cuba Rebelión trailer

2008-04-04T01:24:55Z

I saw this video at a CASA meeting today and thought I should share it. From what I found online the doc should be out sometime this fall.

Boston financier bails out immigrants caught in raid

2008-03-20T07:13:32Z

I think this was a cool article.

So some immigrants got busted during a raid on a textile factory. A rich guy in Boston bailed them out, allowing them to go through the legal system in a chance to work things out (and at least sort things out with their families while things are decided.) The majority of the immigrants, according to the article, are of Maya descent / from Guatemala.

It's amazing how US foreign policy helped execute a genocide against the Maya in Guatemala and yet we have the arrogance to treat them like dirt for trying to better themselves here.

This guy is my hero today. If I had the money I would totally do the same. According to the article, he did it not realizing he was probably going to get the money back.

Anti-immigrant legislation going through in MS

2008-03-09T04:59:42Z

MS Immigrant Legislation: Take Action

Most of us have probably heard the mouthpieces of the racist, xenophobic anti-immigration movement on our radio dials across the state. The sad truth here in MS is that the anti-immigrant movement is better organized, more vocal and has more access to resources (like talk radio). These fear-mongering hosts are watching and pushing our state’s legislative process. Those of us who favor justice, who truly believe in the Human Family and who recognize all those in MS as our neighbors regardless of race, language or documentation status must be just as vocal. The representatives in Jackson follow, at times, the voices they hear from their constituancies, and I fear right now that the voice they’re hearing is not representative of us.
As such, I propose that we watch and listen closely. One right-wing station here in MS, Super Talk Mississippi, tries to advance anti-immigrant legislation while blocking any positive changes, but could be a valuable tool for us as well. My proposal is that we watch their website and their on-air legislative appeals so we can make calls ourselves and more affectively oppose any act of their movement that is contrary to the struggle for justice in our state. Remember, it’s our state too and we must fight for it.
Next, please call your representative and let her/him know how you feel about “the immigration question” with reference to specific acts.
As of today, Saturday the 8th of March, several anti-immigration bills have been passed by our state senate, and one has passed the House to be passed on to Gov. Barber. The bills are outlined at the end of this letter. Please call your representative at the state switchboard at 1-601-359-3770 to inform your representatives how you feel about these measures. In reference to SB 2988, please call Gov. Barbour at 1-601-359-3150 to let him know how you feel about that bill. Also, get involved with groups like MIRA, progressive organizations of faith or whatever is available to you, or start something yourself. Our movement must be in the streets, the offices, the workplace, the courts and the legislative chambers across our state if we are to be affective.
In peace and solidarity,
Enku Michael C. Ide
La mayoría de nosotros probablemente han oído las voces racistas y xenofobias del movimiento contra los migrantes en nuestros radios en todos partes de nuestro estado. La verdad tan triste aquí en Mississippi es que el movimiento contra los migrantes es mejor organizado, más vocal y tiene más acceso a recursos (como los programas del radio). Estos presentares usan la tema para empujar el proceso legislativo y nosotros quienes prefieren la justicia, quien creer varadamente en la Familia Humana que tenemos en común y quien reconocen que todas en Mississippi como nuestros vecinos sin importa la raza, lengua o estatus de documentación deben empujarlo también, pero con el amor. Los representantes en Jackson a veces siguen a las voces que oían de sus distritos y yo tengo miedo que las voces y opiniones escuchadas actualmente no nos representan.
Tales, creo que debemos fijarnos. Uno de los canales derechistas aquí en MS es “Super Talk Mississippi” que trata de apoyar la legislación contra-inmigrante y parar los actos positivos. Canales así nos pueden ayudar también. Pienso que debemos mirar sus sitios de web (y otros similares) y que llamamos nuestros representantes también para contrarrestar los actos de su movimiento que son contra a la lucha para justicia en nuestro estado. Recuerde, es nuestro estado también y tenemos que luchar.
Siguiente, llame a sus representativas y les avisen como sienten sobre la “cuestión de la inmigración” con referencia a los actos legales específicos.
Por hoy, el sábado, el 8 de marzo de 2008, varios actos contra-inmigración han sido pasados en nuestro senado del estado, y uno se pasó por el escritorio del Gov. Barbour. Estos actos específicos se destaco al fin de este correo. Favor de llamar a su representativo al número del estado: 1.601. 359-3770 para avisarles como sienten sobre estos medidos. En referencia al acto 2988, favor de llamar a la oficina de Gov. Barbour al número 1-601-359-3150 para decirle que piensas de esto acto y los restos. También, le una con un grupo como MIRA, organizaciones progresivitas de fe, o cualquier grupo a que tiene acceso. Si no, que lo funde. Nuestro movimiento tiene que estar en las calles, en las oficinas, en el sitio de trabajo, en los juzgados y también en las cámaras legislativas.
En paz y solidaridad,
Enku Michael C. Ide

Anti-Immigration legislation / actos legislativos contra los inmigrantes.
SB 2988 (passed house, going to Gov.)
Mississippi Employment Protection Act
Acto para Proteger el Empleo en Mississippi
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/html/SB/2900-2999/SB2988PS.htm

SB 2564
Bill to deny public services, including the emergency room, to people who can not prove citizenship status.
Un acto para negar los servicios públicos, incluyendo la sala de emergencias en la hospital, a todas que no pueden comprobar el estatus legal.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/html/SB/2500-2599/SB2564PS.htm

SB 2823
AN ACT TO ENACT A STATEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE INTENT; TO CREATE SECTION 97-1-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE THE CRIME OF AIDING AND ABETTING AN IMMIGRATION OFFENSE AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES THEREFOR; TO PROHIBIT OFFICIAL RESISTANCE OR NONCOOPERATION OF SHARING INFORMATION REGARDING IMMIGRATION STATUS; TO PROVIDE FOR COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT BY STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON IMMIGRATION MATTERS; TO REQUIRE VERIFICATION OF CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS OF PERSONS WHO ARE ARRESTED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. Those found “aiding and abetting” undocumented people can be fined up to $5,000 and/or spend 5 years in prison.

Un acto para crear el crimen de ayudar y complicidad un ofensa de inmigración y dar castigos. Las castigadas reciben una pena de $5,000 y/o 5 años en el prisión.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2008/html/SB/2800-2899/SB2823PS.htm

SB 2984
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 71-3-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT AN EMPLOYER OR ITS WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURER IS RESPONSIBLE ONLY FOR MAKING PAYMENT FOR MEDICAL BILLS DIRECTLY TO THE MEDICAL PROVIDER IF AN ILLEGAL ALIEN IS INJURED ON THE JOB, AND TO PROHIBIT PAYMENT TO AN ILLEGAL ALIEN CLAIMANT OR DEPENDENT FOR INDEMNITY OR DEATH BENEFITS RELATED TO AN INJURY ON THE JOB EXCEPT IN CERTAIN INSTANCES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Un acto para negar alguno pago de seguros de vida y seguros médicos a las indocumentadas.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2008/pdf/history/SB/SB2984.xml

SB 3034
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 63-1-60 AND 45-35-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ENHANCE THE PENALTY FOR CREATION OR USE OF FALSE IDENTIFICATION IF THE OFFENDER IS AN ILLEGAL ALIEN; TO CREATE A NEW CRIME OF TRANSPORTING AN ILLEGAL ALIEN; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 97-1-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE THE CRIME OF AIDING AND ABETTING CERTAIN IMMIGRATION OFFENSES AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES THEREFOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Para aumentar el castigo de usar una identidad falsa si la persona es indocumentada y para crear el crimen de dar transporto a las indocumentadas.
http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2008/pdf/history/SB/SB3034.xml

TO ALL MY DOMINICAN..

2008-02-27T22:02:01Z

FELIZ DIA DE INDEPENDENCIA
(HOPED I SPELLED IT RIGHT LOL HAHAHAHAHAHA)

A day like today Duarte,Sanchez y Mella fought for our country to be free from Haiti dictatorship. Even though our people once again were under dictatorship when Trujillo was president.

Once again... HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

I AM SUCK IN SPELLING IF ANYTHING
:0)

Looking for native spanish speakers outside of U.S.

2008-02-22T16:01:34Z

So, for my linguistics final, I am doing a study on spanglish and how much people are able to interpret based on the languages they know. I got plenty of English speakers to fill out the survey on campus but I would like to compare the results with people outside of the U.S. since they will be less familiar with spanglish as a lingusitic phenomenom. I would appreciate it, if you qualify, if you could fill out this survey and email it to me in a Word document by Sunday at the latest to iwechsberg@lawrenceville.org

Thank you!!! (To clarify, these are NOT SPANISH words, they are spanglish. Although there some words on the list that would be Spanish, they have a different meaning in spanglish.)

Lingusitics Survey / Encuesta Lingüística

Age/Edad: ____ Fluent in/ Fluente en: English Español
Proficiency in/ Conocimiento de: English Español Other/Otro ______
Studying/ Estudias: English Español Other/Otro ______

The following words belong to the U.S. vernacular called “splanglish.” Next to each word, write your definition or interpretation of the term. If you do not know it, leave blank. Thank you! (Verbs end in “ar.” No adjectives included.)
Las siguientes palabras pertenecen al vernáculo estadounidense llamado “spanglish.” Al lado de cada palabra, escriba su definición o interpretación del término. Si no lo sabe, déjelo en blanco. ¡Gracias! (No hay adjetivos.)

Aplicar
Aseguranza
Asistir
Avalable
Beiman
Biles
Carpeta
Chaqueta
Chequear
Cora/Cuara
Culer
Cuquis
Esquechu
Floshar
Frizar
Ganga
Huiquene
Introducir
Jangear
Librería
Liquear
Lóquer/Láquer
Machear
Mapo
Marqueta
Mol
Perro caliente
Parquear
Printear
Realizar
Taipear
Tique
Yarda

"Viva Obama 2008" video

2008-02-22T02:42:04Z

Look! Look! They're even writing corridos about him.

_latinoclash @ 2008-02-19T10:11:00

2008-02-19T15:12:38Z

Fidel Castro announced his resignation as president of Cuba and commander in chief of Cuba's military Tuesday, according to a letter published in the state-run newspaper, Granma.

Fidel Castro, shown in an undated file photo, took power in Cuba in 1959 and reigned with an iron hand.

The resignation ends nearly a half-century of iron-fisted rule that inspired revolutionaries but frustrated 10 U.S. presidents.

Castro revealed his plans without notice by publishing a letter in the middle of the night in state-run newspaper Granma.

"I will not aspire to, nor will I accept the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," Castro wrote. "I wish only to fight as a soldier of ideas. ... Perhaps my voice will be heard."

President Bush said Castro's decision ought to spark "a democratic transition" for Cuba.

"The international community should work with the Cuban people to begin to build institutions that are necessary for democracy and eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections," Bush said Tuesday in Rwanda. "The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty."

The full article.

Too bad that at the end of the day all this means is more of the same in Cuba.

Dallas Bath House Cultural Center

2008-02-09T09:19:29Z

El Corazon 2008

over 40 artists works will be on display at Bath House Cultural Center's Corazon 2008 exhibit, opening reception is saturday, February 9th. [click link for more details].

"In Bloom"
15 x 30 "
oil, wax, pigment

Help!

2008-02-07T19:19:31Z

I need songs (especially ranchera/mariachi style) about cities, must be in spanish.

Please and thank you!

Stand up for Barack Obama, because he's standing up for you.

2008-02-01T14:49:07Z

Hola, ¿qué tal? My name is Mark Kraft. Some of you may know me from my work as LiveJournal's first Business Manager, back in the early days before it became a big dotcom. I'm also the guy who developed the idea for LiveJournal's communities, so it's always a pleasure posting in them, because they're such an important part of so many people's lives.

Over the past several years since moving on from LJ, I have become increasingly involved in journalism and activism, especially within my wonderfully diverse community in the Silicon Valley, where Mexican-Americans and Latinos have built an increasingly affluent and influential community alongside those of other immigrants from around the world, such as Vietnamese, Indians, Chinese, and Koreans, creating the products and technologies that help improve our future.

At the same time, I grew up in the rural farmland south of Silicon Valley, near Gilroy and San Martin, and lived alongside strawberry and garlic fields, and mushroom farms, cared for by poor immigrant laborers. My mother had to work early in the morning, so she'd drop me off at Mrs. Seros, a strict but kind grandmother who looked out after me and her grandkids, fixing us fresh tortillas and scrambled eggs with mugs of hot chocolate, getting us on the bus for school together. She lived in a tiny, very crowded house compared to ours, and her grandchildren wore hand-me-downs that Mrs. Seros would oftentimes have to sew up holes in, but they were lucky compared to so many others who usually lived alongside the fields in shacks, and who often had to travel up and down the Pacific coast as the seasons changed, following the jobs. Their lives were a world apart, and unfortunately, their hardships were largely hidden away, seperate from the rest of us.

Politically, I think that a country should look out after its people and can be judged by how it treats its least fortunate. Unfortunately, the Democrats in the US have oftentimes not been much better at caring for its people than the Republicans. However, I think that things are changing. More specifically, I think that *we*, the younger generation, are going to bring about a huge change in this country, because of how we grew up and what we believe in. We grew up with friends who were rich, poor, black, white, latino, asian, etc.. and though we sometimes had our differences, we learned to get along. We were taught that it was wrong to discriminate, that poverty was something that should be fought against, that everyone deserved a chance to succeed, and that we should embrace and appreciate both our similarities and our differences, and share, not fear, each other's cultures.

We were taught all these things, and yet we can see that the reality around us conflicts against what we were taught and what we believe in. Our generation is change. It can see through the cynicism and manipulation that tries to divide us, and can see that what is needed is truth, honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. We need to heal divisions, bring hope where there is cynicism, truth where there is manipulation. We need to sweep away the ugliness, the racism, the lack of compassion, the hopelessness, and the neglect of the past, and bring about real, meaningful, fundamental change.

That's why I support Barack Obama for President. He "gets it". He's lived it. He understands... and he's a brilliant leader who is capable of not only creating laws designed to help fix problems that effect our nation, but also one that doesn't tolerate injustice, and who knows how to go about creating change in the right way.

He *knows* that corporations have too much power in Washington, and that the people have too little. He believes that governments should create laws not in back rooms, but in the open, where the people of the world can see what our leaders are doing and hold them personally accountable.

This is vital if we want real immigration reform... a working system where hardworking Latinos who want to help their families won't have to be exploited by profiteers or left to die in the desert just because they wanted to come to the United States in order to find work to support their families.

Passing immigration reform won't be easy. It will require not only fighting corporate interests, but also fighting those politicians who exploit the economic fears and racism of some voters in order to gain their support. Barack Obama's approach is not only shine a light on the process of how decisions are made, and not only to appeal to Democrats, independents, and Republicans, but also to reach out to the people of the United States, encouraging them to make it clear to their politicians that they want real solutions, and not a failed system of undocumented laborers, sometimes dying to get into the United States, and all-too-often being exploited or suffering in silence once they get here.

Barack Obama knows the United States *needs* proud Latino workers to help our economy. Workers who should be able to come to our country to work with their heads held high. He also knows that those who are already here in the United States need to have the work they have done respected and honored with a path to citizenship, while still allowing those who have done the right thing by going through the complex and time consuming process of becoming a citizen to be at the front of the line. And yes, he knows that it's too hard and too time-consuming for all applicants to become citizens... and he wants to fix that too.

In the '90s, Bill Clinton led the United States through a time of economic growth, driven, in part, by the rapid growth of technology jobs that started around the mid-'70s and that really took off with the growth of the Internet. As a result, many Americans found a better life and better jobs. However, the Clintons also oversaw policies that led to many of those jobs being exported overseas. Barack Obama realizes that we need to reverse this trend, while still staying competitive in the global marketplace.

He wants potential immigrants to know that they're welcome to work in the United States or become a US citizen, and he knows that much more needs to be done to see to it that their workers have greater possibilities and more access to jobs not only in the fields, factories, kitchens, and hotels of the United States, but also in the offices, the data centers, and the engineering departments, not only helping build the United States' high-tech future, but also helping to bring that kind of a future back to other nations, helping improve the lives of all Americans, north and south.

These are things that Barack Obama truely "gets". He understands technology and what it takes to help it expand, thrive, and empower ordinary people in a way that many other politicians don't. He understands that the old solutions aren't enough anymore, and that they aren't appropriate to where either the US or Latin America needs to go in the future.

Throughout this election, Barack Obama has always made it clear that he was an underdog, fighting against a very powerful establishment, while lacking the kind of long-established political machine that some of the other candidates have had. I think he'd be the first to admit that he's been at a disadvantage up until now at getting his message out to Latinos, in part because he has had to build his grassroots campaign from the ground up, and because he has been so busy fighting for victories throughout the rest of the United States, where Latinos are less represented.

But there's always been one thing that Barack Obama has had on his side. The people. A huge army of volunteers and supporters who have stepped up to contribute their time and their money on a level that no other candidate could match. Throughout the country, we've fought the existing political machine's advantages to a draw, but our army of supporters and volunteers are starting to turn the tide. A few weeks ago, we were down nationally by about twenty percent. Now we're down by a handful, and each day there is a real sense that the gap is closing. The big question is, can we close it in time.

I believe we can.

Barack Obama's campaign has made some really impressive -- and in some ways, unprecidented -- efforts since his victory in South Carolina. In California, thousands of grassroots Barack Obama supporters are reaching out on an unprecidented scale.

We also have some brave politicians who have come forward to help us, like Ted Kennedy, who just spoke to the Latino community of the entire country the other day on Piolín por la mañana, letting Latinos know that only two senators marched for immigrant rights on May 1, 2006... Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama. We also have the former Democratic Presidential nominee John Kerry coming to California to help the campaign. He's speaking tomorrow at San Jose's Mexican Heritage Plaza, reaching out to the community in the run-up to Super Tuesday.

We can now announce that the Obama campaign has more volunteers in California than any Democratic primary campaign in this state's history, ever. Last week, we were trailing in California by over 20%. Today, the race is too close to call, and many are saying that it looks like an Obama upset is likely. I know that we're fired up here... motivated because we believe in Barack Obama and his message of reaching out to people, inspiring hope, and encouraging them to get onboard and to stand up for their communities. As Barack Obama has always said from the beginning, this race isn't about him. It's about us.

That is why I am writing this. I want to reach out to LiveJournal's Latino community and invite all of you to not just vote for Obama if you can, but to step forward and offer to volunteer, right now, to care about this election, and to spread the news to your friends, your families, and your neighbors that a change is coming. A fundamental, revolutionary change where we, as a people, will be finally given a fighting chance to repair the divisions between our countries and our communities that have been broken for so long.

A change is coming, and you are that change, if you choose to be.

I don't care if you live in the United States, or anywhere else. There is something that all of you can do to help, if only to spread the word online within the Latino community that a change is coming.

Please leave a comment if you are interested in helping Barack Obama spread his message of hope, so that we can get others to stand up too, for their families, their communities, and their future.

Can we stand together? Can we win together? Can we fix what is broken and bring our people together?
SÍ, SE PUEDE!

Ear Piercing

2008-01-29T19:05:31Z

I know in most (if not all) hispanic cultures it's standard to pierce the ears of girls as babies. I have memories from when I was young of my mom buying me little studs with butterflies and hearts to match my clothes. It was something she did because you teach little girls to feel pretty, and confident by letting them wear skirts and earrings when you let them loose to play barefoot with the boys.

It pissed me off when I read some comment someone made in another community about being grateful that their mother "had the decency not to have my ears pierced when I was a tiny child." I feel I'm stronger, and more confident than the average american girl and it's largely due to my mom telling me I look good and encouraging me to show myself off for my own sake. To me, holding off ear piercing just seems to say there is something inappropriate about displaying yourself, even in such an innocent way.

"Infarto" thinks rape is funny.

2008-01-22T20:17:04Z

courtesy of feministing.com

This show on Azteca America called "Infarto" set up this young woman had a man terrorize her and "rape" her mother. This was apparently supposed to be funny. I saw this shit on The Soup this weekend and found absolutely nothing funny about it. I simply can't derive anything even distantly resembling humor in convincing a young woman that her mother is being raped. In fact, I found it quite disturbing, depraved, and reprehensible. Seriously, can someone help me understand what the fuck is so funny about this:

Reality TV has officially hit a new low. *sigh*