Tuesday, March 31, 2009
James Thindwa on Bill Moyers
If you have some time here is a great piece on organizing. Great stuff.
Labels: Hell In Handbasket, Real Democracy
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Institutional Racism by Tim Wise
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Councilor Garduño
Wow I never knew my Councilor had a blog. But here it is - Rey Garduño's Blog.
Monday, March 23, 2009
3/23/09
I was just listening to "progressive" talk radio and they were talking about the financial crisis. Instead of pointing out that the "stimulus" is focused on credit they started with the tired point about living by your means. No discussion about stagnant wages for the last thirty years. No discussion about the drop in union density. No discussion about how rich people are having their losses socialized while regular people are having to move out onto the streets.
Things they didn't mention - paying workers so they can afford things; creating jobs; supporting public education (pre-K to university); and creating affordable home ownership opportunities give wages we do pay. Maybe if they would mention the Employee Free Choice act and we could get more union jobs people could fight for themselves for higher wages because the government is not doing it. They did mention Merrill Lynch using bailout money to send jobs to India - THAT should be pissing us off as much as the AIG problem.
Fun link: AIG not the only company to pay bailout bonuses.
Well, back to my day off!
Thanks for the comment Machi.
KEEP LEFTING!
Things they didn't mention - paying workers so they can afford things; creating jobs; supporting public education (pre-K to university); and creating affordable home ownership opportunities give wages we do pay. Maybe if they would mention the Employee Free Choice act and we could get more union jobs people could fight for themselves for higher wages because the government is not doing it. They did mention Merrill Lynch using bailout money to send jobs to India - THAT should be pissing us off as much as the AIG problem.
Fun link: AIG not the only company to pay bailout bonuses.
Well, back to my day off!
Thanks for the comment Machi.
KEEP LEFTING!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Friday, March 20, 2009
3/20/09 Happy Spring
Well here is another strategy to lose weight. Get some sleep!
Apparently its that simple. It is also the beginning of spring and it is about time. Hopefully I can keep this cheerful thing going on for awhile longer. I'm tired and going to take some days off from work.
Hope it helps!
Apparently its that simple. It is also the beginning of spring and it is about time. Hopefully I can keep this cheerful thing going on for awhile longer. I'm tired and going to take some days off from work.
Hope it helps!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
3/18/09
I love my kids! They can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time.
What impresses me is their ability to think about the world in a big way. The two of them have come to very individual conclusions - which I take as a good sign. I hope I can continue to live in a way that moves things forward and honors them. I really have tried to invest much in them.
I've made my share of mistakes with them, other family and friends. And I'm becoming better at accepting that.
Now I get to focus on the rest of my life getting better at supporting them and making the changes I wanted to make for them. I've learned a lot in the last 20 years. I'm trying to consolidate that learning and make it useful. The Nuestra Familia blog has some of my learnings written out. Mostly in a semi-academic tone. I will keep working at internalizing it and writing closer to talking tone.
I'm feeling fairly good today. Need to keep walking.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
What impresses me is their ability to think about the world in a big way. The two of them have come to very individual conclusions - which I take as a good sign. I hope I can continue to live in a way that moves things forward and honors them. I really have tried to invest much in them.
I've made my share of mistakes with them, other family and friends. And I'm becoming better at accepting that.
Now I get to focus on the rest of my life getting better at supporting them and making the changes I wanted to make for them. I've learned a lot in the last 20 years. I'm trying to consolidate that learning and make it useful. The Nuestra Familia blog has some of my learnings written out. Mostly in a semi-academic tone. I will keep working at internalizing it and writing closer to talking tone.
I'm feeling fairly good today. Need to keep walking.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Familia
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Congratulations!!!
Support Employee Free Choice Act!
MILK
Monday, March 16, 2009
3/16/09
Well it is great weather today. A couple of City Councilors have dropped out of the Mayor's race. I hope that this works for the better and not just a limitation of choices. There is a candidate I like, but don't want to jump on any bandwagons too quickly.
I've been reading a lot from "International IDEA" and it is reminding me to be patient.
Workout wise, still going slow. Hope to start picking it up soon.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
I've been reading a lot from "International IDEA" and it is reminding me to be patient.
Workout wise, still going slow. Hope to start picking it up soon.
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
3/12/09
I'll be in Minnesota freezing for the weekend. That should make me appreciate NM when I get back. It always surprises me how much anxiety I have leaving my family.
Here is a great quote I just ran across.
The objective of politics is to deliver beneficial results to people.
- José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
Here is a great quote I just ran across.
The objective of politics is to deliver beneficial results to people.
- José Miguel Insulza, OAS Secretary General
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
3/11/09
Wow, things are just feeling hectic. I'm so burnt by the end of the day it ain't funny. I didn't keep the "be irritatingly happy" thing for the 40 days, but I am still trying. I think that's the intention. Challenging myself a whole bunch on that one.
Very proud of my kids. My daughter is in the Honor Society now. That was sweet. Especially because this principal who I am bumping heads with a lot has to be nice to me in public. Not so much behind closed doors, but I'm not that nice to her there either.
The ability to keep from going off is really challenging at this point. But I think it is the push toward keeping happy that is making me see where I want to be and go. The next step is gathering the energy to make a break with a couple of habits. The first one - the old one! - just appreciating how much I do for my family and my community!
I think the viewership of this blog dropped off. Comments are down. Much of it had to do with two hard weeks at the legislature.
Well, it is time to get back on it! I hear President Obama is doing a new stimulus package. Maybe we can get a working-class stimulus package that will up pay for workers!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Very proud of my kids. My daughter is in the Honor Society now. That was sweet. Especially because this principal who I am bumping heads with a lot has to be nice to me in public. Not so much behind closed doors, but I'm not that nice to her there either.
The ability to keep from going off is really challenging at this point. But I think it is the push toward keeping happy that is making me see where I want to be and go. The next step is gathering the energy to make a break with a couple of habits. The first one - the old one! - just appreciating how much I do for my family and my community!
I think the viewership of this blog dropped off. Comments are down. Much of it had to do with two hard weeks at the legislature.
Well, it is time to get back on it! I hear President Obama is doing a new stimulus package. Maybe we can get a working-class stimulus package that will up pay for workers!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Monday, March 09, 2009
3/9/9
It is raining!!! It smells good and feels good. I was sent an article link to Reimagining Socialism. I only read the first article and haven't read the responses. Sounds interesting.
It sure is time for some different things. One is building a broad culture of participation. We can start with "Alternate Voting" also know as "Instant Runoff Voting." I'll write more about that later this week. I've been reading a book that I order from IDEA a long time ago on electoral systems. While some form of proportional representation may be best, it seems to be too far out for US culture, but IRV would be a minor change that could still have some benefits.
It just seems amazing to me that with all of the unemployment due to people not spending we just keep giving money to rich people who don't spend it. Banks were given money and they aren't loaning. Why not just give it to people who have no choice but to go shopping and let them start rebuilding the economy!?!?!?!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
It sure is time for some different things. One is building a broad culture of participation. We can start with "Alternate Voting" also know as "Instant Runoff Voting." I'll write more about that later this week. I've been reading a book that I order from IDEA a long time ago on electoral systems. While some form of proportional representation may be best, it seems to be too far out for US culture, but IRV would be a minor change that could still have some benefits.
It just seems amazing to me that with all of the unemployment due to people not spending we just keep giving money to rich people who don't spend it. Banks were given money and they aren't loaning. Why not just give it to people who have no choice but to go shopping and let them start rebuilding the economy!?!?!?!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Friday, March 06, 2009
IRV Elevator Speech
Thursday, March 05, 2009
3/5/09 Instant Runoff Voting
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
International District Press Conference
Hello All,
Tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 5th at 10:45 am, at the Talin Market, Mayor Martin Chavez will be having a press conference alongside City Councilor Rey Garduño to mark the Mayors signing of R-09-203 which recognizes the International District.
R-09-203, sponsored by Councilor Garduño, recognizes the area in and around Louisiana Blvd. between Central Ave. and Zuni Ave. as the “International District.” This area includes the communities of La Mesa, Trumbull, South San Pedro, Elder Homestead, Fair West, and the surrounding areas.
If you are able, please come show your support of the International District. Also, pass this message along to your neighbors, friends, and any others that may be interested.
Thanks
Julian Moya
Policy Analyst
City Councilor Rey Garduño District 6
(505) 768-3152
(505) 803-7056
julianmoya@cabq.gov
Tomorrow morning, Thursday, March 5th at 10:45 am, at the Talin Market, Mayor Martin Chavez will be having a press conference alongside City Councilor Rey Garduño to mark the Mayors signing of R-09-203 which recognizes the International District.
R-09-203, sponsored by Councilor Garduño, recognizes the area in and around Louisiana Blvd. between Central Ave. and Zuni Ave. as the “International District.” This area includes the communities of La Mesa, Trumbull, South San Pedro, Elder Homestead, Fair West, and the surrounding areas.
If you are able, please come show your support of the International District. Also, pass this message along to your neighbors, friends, and any others that may be interested.
Thanks
Julian Moya
Policy Analyst
City Councilor Rey Garduño District 6
(505) 768-3152
(505) 803-7056
julianmoya@cabq.gov
3/4/09
I hate when crappy life stuff coincides with the reading of crappy theoretical stuff.
I was reading about how non-democratic the Constitution may be. Then I get crap at work for following through on something. I made an error and said we supported something that officially we didn't agree with, but agree with in principle through my job. It is very confusing to work for the community when you get paid by a corporatized non-profit.
I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow.
On a better NOTE musicians can sue people for bad drugs! Corporate drugs! What were you thinking!!!
I went for another walk yesterday. Got sore after about 20 minutes. Tonight will just be stretching and yoga type stuff and then at it again tomorrow!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
I was reading about how non-democratic the Constitution may be. Then I get crap at work for following through on something. I made an error and said we supported something that officially we didn't agree with, but agree with in principle through my job. It is very confusing to work for the community when you get paid by a corporatized non-profit.
I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow.
On a better NOTE musicians can sue people for bad drugs! Corporate drugs! What were you thinking!!!
I went for another walk yesterday. Got sore after about 20 minutes. Tonight will just be stretching and yoga type stuff and then at it again tomorrow!
KEEP LEFTING!!!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Tololoche Bailando
3/3/09
Well I went for a 30 minute walk yesterday! I think it was about 25 minutes before I had any pain. Not bad. It also was good to be outdoors for awhile. Gotta get it together if I'm going to be able to do door knocking in earnest again someday.
Also, I sent to my City Councilor - Consejero Rey - a big request to my congressperson. Hope that goes well. Even though it is just an ask the thought of messing up the paper work stressed me out. It would bother me to lose a shot at getting millions for the International District because of something stupid on a form.
I'll add a quote for the day...
The extent of coverage provided by a country's health services is directly related to the level of development of that country's democratic process (and its power relations).
The United States is the only developed country whose government does not guarantee access to health care for its citizens. It is also the developed country with the least representative and most insufficient democratic institutions, owing to the constitutional framework of the political system, the privatization of the electoral process, and the enormous power of corporate interests in both the media and the political process.
As international experience shows, without a strong labor-based movement willing to be radical in its protests, a universal health care program will never be accepted by the US establishment.
Vicente Navarro
Keep Lifting and Keep Lefting!!!
Also, I sent to my City Councilor - Consejero Rey - a big request to my congressperson. Hope that goes well. Even though it is just an ask the thought of messing up the paper work stressed me out. It would bother me to lose a shot at getting millions for the International District because of something stupid on a form.
I'll add a quote for the day...
The extent of coverage provided by a country's health services is directly related to the level of development of that country's democratic process (and its power relations).
The United States is the only developed country whose government does not guarantee access to health care for its citizens. It is also the developed country with the least representative and most insufficient democratic institutions, owing to the constitutional framework of the political system, the privatization of the electoral process, and the enormous power of corporate interests in both the media and the political process.
As international experience shows, without a strong labor-based movement willing to be radical in its protests, a universal health care program will never be accepted by the US establishment.
Vicente Navarro
Keep Lifting and Keep Lefting!!!
Labels: Hell In Handbasket, Real Democracy
Monday, March 02, 2009
Vicente Navarro
In case you haven't noticed he's my policy guru. A small collection of Vicente Navarro's writings are at http://unjobs.org/authors/vicente-navarro
Labels: Hell In Handbasket
Sunday, March 01, 2009
New APS Board Members Sworn In
Monday at 4:30 p.m. Board Member Oath of Office Ceremony, APS John Milne Community Board Room, 6400 Uptown Blvd., NE
I think it would be great to have a turnout and let the new Board know that community people care and are planning to stay engaged. I doubt that the members being sworn in have forgotten the Anti-Racism Forum.
I think it would be great to have a turnout and let the new Board know that community people care and are planning to stay engaged. I doubt that the members being sworn in have forgotten the Anti-Racism Forum.
