Cuerpo Aztlan

OCCYUPY ESPA asked for an article on electoral reform - here is what I sent them.

It is time to reform our electoral system. When you think about quality of life, health, and fairness in our society we can easily blame corporations – and we are justified to do so. Another thing we can blame is our electoral system. Private money, lack of choice, and lack of access are literally making us sick.

Our electoral system is very old – the first of modern European-based democracies. Thinking that it is the best is like thinking a Model-T car is the best because it was one of the first cars. Improvements have been made to vehicles and to democracy. We should use those.

Some of those improvements would help out our economic situation as well. Since those elected to power often set the regulations, or lack of regulations, on our economic system. Given the legit distrust for the electoral system and politicians we need better ways to regulate them – more democratic processes.

One of the most easily to think of given the corporate power in America is the implementation of mandatory public financing for all elections. Imagine if each of the cities standing in solidarity right now were to win this. People power would have a better chance over money power. Now, we can’t pretend that those with money would not look for ways to use that resource to undermine democracy. What would be different is that there would be a system to minimize that.

If this were to be implemented nationally it would have a huge impact. Even locally it would mean that one does not need to be well off to run for office. Currently there is almost no representation by working-class elected officials. If this happens in one city because of this movement that is still progress. If this happens in many cities in one state that will be a shift toward a democratic culture for that state. If this were to happen in ALL of the cities currently it would be an important shift toward national implementation. That would mean that elected officials would no longer have to be millionaires to run for office. I don’t know about you – I would prefer to be “represented” by a union laborer than someone who can spend a million dollars on a campaign.

There is a great deal of research that shows that countries with proportional representation distribute the resources of society better, are happier, and healthier. That is a major shift for US politics. Proportional representation is something that was not thought of at the time of the founding of the US. One thing that could start us along that road locally would be “Instant Runoff Voting.” Also known as “Rank Choice Voting,” this system makes sure that there are not “wasted” votes when there are more than two candidates. Having this seemingly minor reform would transform those who could run.

As it stands now many “progressive” political machines will discourage good candidates from running in order to be able to beat Republicans. This so-called progressive approach actually gives New Mexicans, and Americans LESS CHOICE! That is how dysfunctional our current voting system is. And instead of challenging it liberals and progressives just try to beat it by eliminating choices.

Ending photo ID for voting, easing ballot access laws, and same day voter registration would also help out in creating a more democratic electoral system.

For those of you who vote – again I ask you imagine what it would be like for each of our cities to win instant runoff voting and mandatory public financing.

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Real Democracy

Get out and vote! We're voting as a family in a few!!!



Keep Lefting!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

I joined La Raza Unida because I care about my people. I have a deep love for Chicanas and Chicanos. As I grew personally I tapped into that caring for more and more people. As this caring grew so did my concept of “Raza Unida.”

Caring is the core of Raza Unida. That caring places a responsibility to act – to care for ourselves and for each other. Part of that responsibility is to develop the strength to act on that caring.
Because we care we have a responsibility to do something and that requires us to build the capacity to take action! We have the responsibility to express our values of caring. We have the responsibility to act on those values. And we have the responsibility to build the strength to be caring.

That strength will come from us moving beyond our issues into a broader sense of humanity. This will mean bringing those things we are most passionate about together. Strength will mean putting our values and our people in charge of our world. We've recently seen the potential of putting issues second to unity and power.

Now is always a good time to make government and our society play its most important roles – protection and empowerment. Protection from abuse and oppressions, empowerment to attain our full human dignity. Join La Raza Unida and help us work together for the caring, safe and healthy world we all want to enjoy and leave for future generations!

As for "What do we do now?" Here's an answer that sounds promising - GO BIG!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Movimiento Chicano, Raza Unida, Real Democracy

Happy Halloween!

Dia de Los Muertos event in the South Valley will be on Sunday at 4pm!

In the Obama infomercial he talks about a living wage. Hopefully we see that. Hopefully we will at least index the minimum wage to inflation. And maybe Democrats will prove they are democratic and remove some of the barriers they have put in the way of democracy by opening up elections and voter options!!!

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Real Democracy

As usual, Nader is being blamed for the Dems not being further ahead. Even with Barr pulling votes from McSame. Apparently, Nader is also pulling Republican votes. I've been asking people who is on the ballot here and no one seems to want to know. The head in the sand method seems to be the way people go.

Luckily the League of Women's Voters has their Online Voter's Guide! Too bad the Greens didn't get on the ballot here.

You can also celebrate the Fair Housing Act here! Thanks to Machi for the idea to post it here.

This has to be one of my favorite quotes from Vicente Navarro:
"...for those wishing to optimize the health of populations by reducing social and income inequalities, it seems advisable to support political forces such as the labor movements and social democratic parties, which have traditionally supported larger, more redistributive policies..."

Now I appreciate the Labor Party's choice of waiting to have 1,000 members before becoming an official political party. But in New Mexico 100 votes in a block could make a difference. For example if a coalition of small parties were able to pull 500 votes, they could use that to try and negotiate with candidates for specific issues.

But I regress...

What people pushing me to vote for Obama understand is that it does make a difference which party is in power. But "in countries with weaker labor movement labor movements and social democratic parties and stronger capitalist classes, such as the liberal Anglo-Saxon countries, there has been a weaker commitment to redistributive policies and worse health indicators."

As long as we continue to vote moderate to conservative we make that a norm. If the Democrats can depend on your vote regularly, then they can focus on chasing more moderate and conservative voters who are "the middle." The tough thing is getting enough resources to people willing to do labor and social democratic party organizing. Solidarity is key - "mortality reductions result from a larger set of related interventions guided by a political party or parties (socialist, social democratic, communist, labor, or whatever name is used to define these labor-oriented social democratic parties) that generate and reproduce a culture of solidarity and opportunity."

A big challenge is where to start. And starting small seems like the only answer at this point. "It is important to stress that even in countries, such as Italy, that have not been governed by social democratic forces, those regions of the country that have been governed by parties following social democratic policies of reducing inequalities and creating employment, such as the former Italian Communist Party (today the Left Democratic Party), have had lesser inequalities and better mortality indicators than other regions."

As Vicente concludes in "The Political Context of Social Inequalities and Health," ...that to reduce income inequalities and infant mortality, it is advisable to support labor base social democratic parties."

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket, Real Democracy

On the personal side, I've been realizing the similarities between my son and myself. I remember what it was like to be a sort of black sheep in the family. Where the other youth encouraged you to be "crazy" then left you hanging when the crap hit the fan. To have the adults really not trust or support you. So I've been working on being gentler with his frustrations in life.

It is good to remember that he's reflecting the difficulties I had, but in a harsher environment in society. The difference is that he has parents at home trying to help out.

I've been working with other neighborhood leaders on improving the area and one thing is replacing the term people use for my neighborhood to "International Neighborhoods District." I found a great document on health. It is called "Understanding the Relationship Between Public Health and the Built Environment." This would actually make a strong argument for voting green - if we wanted a healthy enviroment that is...

This relates to why I think supporting unions and social democratic parties is a health issue. I will post that later or tomorrow. Not necessarily for the green aspect, but for other policies.

Oh, and we gotta talk about this Maverick thing...

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket, Real Democracy

Well the Friday post got me a lot of email. I was hoping for something on the blog comments. But it is still early in the week.

The responses were either positive or "please vote for Obama because it is scary to think of 4 years of McCain." Essentially what I thought might happen. The best one is the myth about my individual vote being key. I'm a poli sci major - it really does come down to blocks of votes. In NM 100 is a big enough block to sway an election most of the time.

In conversations over the weekend it seems like a good strategy for those of us disappointed with the predictable shift to the right that the Dems make after the primaries is to vote third party if there is someone worth voting for, then making sure we get one person who supports Obama but may not be a regular voter, or a new voter out to vote. The goal is to increase progressive votes AND to head off the blame for a possible McSame win! (ugh)

On this one, I do want comments!!!

More tomorrow...

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Real Democracy

If been putting this writing off for awhile. I thought it would be difficult, but the good thing about getting criticism is that it sometimes helps me with writers block.

Why I am still a Raza Unida Voter

In the fall of 2007 I began encouraging Albuquerque Raza Unida gente to begin trying to increase Raza Unida voter registration. Recently, Xenaro Ayala of Partido Nacional La Raza Unida asked me to explain why I was promoting Albuquerque Raza Unida after having taken some time off of LRU organizing.

What I came to realize is health and democracy are both key values for me. Then came the exciting realization that they are related. This was more than a vague idea that I’ve had for a long time. There was research that showed that societies with strong social equality lived longer and healthier lives. And when I realized the role that Raza Unida could play in that I became inspired.

As a public health worker I have always looked for ways to deal with social inequality and poverty, which have the greatest impacts on preventable disease and death. Like most people I initially thought about things like Universal Health Care. As I did more research I came to realize that virtually all other industrialized countries had Universal Health Care in some form or another for a long time.

Looking deeper into the subject I began to become clearer and clearer that social justice policies such as full employment, living wages, and universal programs had a larger impact on health than individual behaviors and programmatic services. The fact that we often have so many people on the Dia de Los Muertos altars became more than the semi-vague notion of oppression, it became crystal clear in policies and practices.

I also came to realize by reading writings of Vicente Navarro (especially “What is a National Health Policy”) that one of the questions not asked by US public health workers in looking at healthy areas of the world is the type of government in place. I could see clearly that of these countries only one country has no left candidates elected to national office, the US. He points out that in looking at 30 industrialized countries that there are four general categories: Ex-fascist, Liberal, Christian Democrats and Social Democrats. Health improves as one moves from Liberal toward Social Democrat.

The research shows that our efforts toward social justice are more than fairness culturally or socially, but that within our bodies we carry justice or injustice on a cellular level. Living in a society with strong unions, and a multi-party democracy will actually make my children live longer and healthier lives! When I realized that the countries with policies like Universal Health Care, Universal Education, Pay Equity for Women, and other positive policies are also countries with strong Unions and strong Socialist and Labor parties I realized I wanted to support such a society.

Though La Raza Unida does not identify as a “left” party, the ideals are in alignment. I realized that there is a false argument that says that “voting for anyone other than a Democrat is a wasted vote.” That argument tells me that if I vote against my values I will keep a corporate sponsored party in charge to make my life less worse. I knew from experience that policy makers use previous elections to help them decide who to target for current elections.
It came to me that if there is a block of truly progressive voters who are registered outside of the corporate sponsored parties it would make politicians have to factor that in. This would require people willing to vote third party as often as makes sense. By registering LRU and voting Dem the Democrats will know they can count on LRU voters and ignore them. But if they see a pattern of progressive voting they will need to respond. What politicians respond to right now is the largest group of active voters – the so-called “center.” Both parties try to gain these votes and generally ignore their base in order to do so because they know there are people who vote D or R no matter what.

In Bernalillo County, New Mexico many elections are decided with 100 votes or less. A strong block of 100-500 Raza Unida voters in New Mexico could slow the pull to the right that has been happening with the Democrats since I’ve been able to vote. With 500 or more Raza Unida voters in Bernalillo County we could actually run someone for office.

Of course if other progressive parties began to organize then coalitions could be formed. There would be no need to try and attack the two funded parties. Just by encouraging people to vote for their values we would have an influence. If currently elected officials realize they need to win votes from progressive and radical voters and not expect them automatically they will need to check in with our values as much as they do with the “center” voters.

Is this “the” solution? Absolutely not, it has to go hand in hand with us taking every opportunity feasible to organize and take leadership. We will need to go from neighborhood associations, to PTAs, to community based social justice organizations, and of course unions and political parties.
When we become a large enough voter block we will be taken into account when policies and platforms are developed. When we choose to move beyond that we will be able to move from influence to power. This is what our future generations deserve from us.

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket, Movimiento Chicano, Real Democracy

OK, I think Karlos and I are seemingly in better alignment. That's good. I know I've been in the place to challenge and go at with people - just not in the last 3-4 years. I appreciate the energy and intentions Karlos brings to the table.

He had a good point that my post on the SWOP blog was lacking background and context. I just couldn't believe that the Dems were letting McSame get away with saying they were the Workers' Party!!!!

I think we may disagree on talking about third parties two months prior to election time I think it is always good to talk about real democracy. This is one of the few times people pay ANY attention to any kind of electoral politics. Tough situation.

I will always bring up the connection between strong Unions, Labor and Socialist parties with Universal Health Care, Living Wages, Social Justice, etc... Especially when I know people use the term "progressive" and "Democrat" in the same room. The best one is when people talk about "the revolution" and don't even vote for Kucinich! But I digress....

There are definitely good points made all the way around. I just had another conversation with someone who was asking me to a youth voter registration event. I asked if they would have a list of parties available. The response was familiar - "we can't tell people what party to register with." I find it interesting that we think it OK to NOT educate people while we register them. (I often don't name names on this - rarely even mine, though apparently I'm freakin' obvious to everyone except the Alibi...)

If I go to a salesperson and they don't give me all of my options I feel ripped off! I think it should be the same for party affiliations. People should know all of their choices. Now it is up to us in smaller parties to do some of our own education. But people doing registration can at least give people copies of the list. The different clerks have them. I think I'll print it and take with me when I get trained to be a registrar.

Have a great weekend and keep lefting!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Real Democracy

My understanding is that Labor Day was instated to keep people from celebrating May Day. (I'll look it up when I get a chance.)

The author of this article says that the weak labor movement in the US is part of the reason and rightfully so. The way I see it, the parties in power help or hinder labor movements also. So let's review what having a "liberal" and "conservative" party range in politics have given us.

In the US workers work, on average, 1, 824 hours a year... in Norway... 1,363! 461 hours difference, or almost 58 days!!!

How about pay in the greatest country in the world....
"Germany, France, England, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland -- significantly outpace Americans in terms of pay and benefits. This is not only true for factory workers but also for service sectors workers, such a secretaries, janitors, hotel workers, and retail clerks."

Let's see what else, no universal health care, paid maternity or paternity leave, highest poverty rate AND biggest gap between rich and poor.

There's more in the article. Maybe its time to start changing our system. We don't have to undermine it. It does that very well without us.

KEEP LEFTING!!!

And a fun video for Friday...

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

Here's something I wrote to some legislators - I know it is hard taking this position, but we need money for services.


"I think another important item to bring to the attention of the Legislature is this proposed tax break. How can government operate if it keeps giving away its revenue? Taxes are the dues we pay for roads, schools, and public health. What if everyone's check went into public health? If politicians really want to help working families, they could raise the minimum wage by a dollar which would give some families about $4,000 a year increase and increase tax revenue.

The extra tax revenue and spending from working families would create jobs. Now is the time to be innovative with work hours, work weeks, living wage, and universal health care, universal child care/kindergarten, and public transportation. This is a time for bravery and creativity. Our economy has been mismanaged for too long by skewing policy towards the rich. Give some real breaks to the working people - it can't be worse than corporate tax giveaways have been."

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

Here's an interesting view of the "tax stimulus" that Georgie is breaking out. Again, raising the minimum wage by $1 would be more helpful in the long run. So would progressive taxation. Come to think of it, so would Universal Health Care!!!

But I may be overstating. But the richest guy in the world things this will be a long and deep recession. Add to that the global food insecurity and we're in pretty bad shape. Not to mention if it is causing food riots in various countries and impacting health of poor people in industrialized countries. How bleak can it get? It doesn't have to get that bad, this is an opportunity. Now we can work on food gardens, getting people to get out and walk, push for better wages, progressive taxation, etc. Let the candidates know what you think.

# # #
Over the weekend La Raza Unida and Cambio held a May Day fundraiser. It was great there was entertainment and a panel of speakers. The opportunities that people felt were available in these tough times (and the tougher ones coming up) were issues of mutual aid, localizing, unionizing, and combining services with long-range policy and organizational development.

People seemed to get that third parties were useful for the working-class and were able to talk about the reality that in the US "liberal" and often "progressive" are often still center or right-of-center.

There wasn't a working committee or anything that came from that, but there is a chance to do follow up. We registered some people LRU and will be working it after June 3rd's Democratic primary.

So a quick recap, gas prices going up, food availability going down, housing values going down, unemployment going up, health care costs going up, progressive politics... well that's up to you!

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

Wow. So awhile back I had heard that someone working for Senator Shannon Robinson was parked outside of Tim Keller's house and Tim saw this person drive away as he opened his garage door. I thought that was a little creepy, but probably part of normal politics.

At a funeral for a community leader recently Shannon talked about being challenged for his seat on the State Senate. Not sure how cool that was, but seems like a standard politician again.

This week he showed up at an event an very few people in that particular group knew who he was. Mainly because lots of people don't see him around in the neighborhood. He sometimes talks about his area being impoverished and forgotten, but he also doesn't mention that there is a world of difference from his house and three blocks away. Three blocks away on Indiana SE there are four signs for Tim Keller, why? Because those people have met Tim and most don't know who Shannon is.

This Friday Senator Robinson approached someone who is on the literature for Tim Keller and was asking why they were allowing themselves to be used that way. She told him, "well bring your sign down by my house and we'll put it up." She was told to be careful.

I was just asked about being on Tim's literature and I said, sure! Then I was told "we don't want to jeopardize any of your community work." My response? "What's going to happen? Where I live is going to STILL not get any redevelopment, I'm a Raza Unida voter so it's not like I can get punished for party disloyalty." Third party stuff is always interesting, people try to avoid it. Campaigns suck on the fact that there's no way around it that the point is to WIN. I think some more progressive individuals have moved into office lately. I really appreciate the work being done on that.

The only thing next to actually make systemic change that will allow people to have power. Even while the US was "leading" the world it was still behind social democratic countries in health care, workers' rights, open democratic institutions, social equity, etc. I heard a Democrat this week say the only way we are going to get real change in affordable housing is through deep policy change or through a socialist government. Well the policy changes are laid out - universal health care, public financing of higher education, pro-union policies, progressive taxation, living wages, and so much more.

Tomorrow morning on KNME the Unnatural Causes documentary continues. So does a special Extreme Home Makeover for a home done in Trumbull. Maybe Vicente Navarro is right - we're still falling short on health care reform but maybe we just need to go a little bit higher up the tree to the political system...

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

Today was great. Had a good meeting at work this morning. And ran into the guy running for State Senate at a meeting tonight.

I'll have to write more about all of that next week. Also about the passing of a community leader - Ms. Clifton.

I always love when Greens and Democrats ask me to change parties. Like you end up in La RazaUnida Party in a casual way. But most of the time I think it is a compliment - just not one thought through very well. I'm going to double check, but I'm sure that countries that have things like universal health care also have strong Labor and Socialist parties...

Anyway, the guy running for State Senate is great and I'll add a link to him here next week. Tim Keller is his name, and his yard sign will be up in my yard soon. I haven't heard from any of the Socialists running for President so we'll probably just have the one Dem. sign up until November.

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes

My daughter rocked it in her post at the SWOP Blog. I realized that I've done my best as a parent and there pros and cons to that to my familia. One of the pros is my children's view of the world and their commitment to figure things out.

I'm very proud of this and realize how thankful I am for my children, my extended children, and family. I have great friends as well. I'm fairly healthy and I have a great job. My relationships are improving and I think I'm growing a great deal as a person.

One former friend passed recently. She treated me like crap for the majority of the time she knew me, and my best friend watched and supported it. But I still felt some loss. Realizing that we make mistakes and we don't always fix them. Also realizing that we don't always learn how to ask for what we need from people - often taking the easy road to avoid them. So even though this was someone that I had almost no contact with for 20 years, I still wish her well in her transition to whatever comes next.

Another thing I noticed is that a Swopista asked me to link to them, and I don't think they have ever commented on my blog... Hmmmmm. Oh well. I comment on theirs when I get a chance.

Here's my response to my daughter's post:
Wow, you sound like a freakin socialist!!! I can't believe it.

Way to go!!! I'm so freakin proud!!! :)

The one thing people do not pay attention to when they talk about policy changes like taxes, universal health care, and free higher education is that these changes don't come from liberal political parties. The countries that have these things also have strong Labor Parties and often Socialist Parties are in charge of their government.

And that usually happens because they have Ballot Access laws that allow for democracy and participation. Just think if you could only choose between red and blue cars? We wouldn't settle for that, but we settle for two corporate supported parties. They also have strong Union movements. And again, their laws support that. So a good progressive thing to do would be to fight for democracy - change ballot access, voter registration, and union organizing laws.

Aurea, I'm very proud of you!!!!

# # #
While I don't believe that Democrats will be "the" solution, they are much better than extremist conservatives. So I thought it would be good to hear what Senator Obama has been saying. Some of it is very interesting.

On Racism
On Iraq

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Keep Lefting!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Chicano Maximus, Hell In Handbasket

As I get asked over and over, who do I want - Clinton or Obama, I have to think NEITHER! Now, if it is only one of them or McCain on the ballot, they'll have my vote, but if there's another choice, I may go with it! (I know sacrilege!)

But I have to go with this idea
"Full and fair access to the electoral process is a right central to democracy."

I tend to like democracy, and think we should all have it! Just think if you could only choose between red or blue for the color of your car!?! You'd have none of that!!! Choices you'd say. But even "progressives" in this country take that. Sure, there is an occaisional green car, but it gets blamed for bumping other colors out.

No one questions that it is because of faulty structures, it's the fault of the green car....

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes

Economy gets worse, but they don't want to say Recession because then we might act like we're in one.

I was thinking of the challenge that Edwards left about ending poverty. Then there is Kucinich, but I'll look at his platform in the near future. He is still in an election. If I had the power or influence I would do the following.

Starting now, begin to determine the real living wage for each county using a tool like the Bare Bones Budget. In June raise the minimum wage at least $1.

With the Bare Bones Budget begin to develop an idea of what a real living wage is. Assuming the target is $16 dollars. Raise the minimum wage $1 every six months until the $16 dollars is met - but it may be $17 or $18 by then. (The minimum wage may need to be different by State, but finding a legitimate wage that leaves no one in the country working full time and living in poverty is the goal here.) You also hire and train enough public health workers to do this evaluation for each municipality. This creates jobs and gives an independent review of this data. It is not from the business sector, or the business development sector of government and it is not in an anti-business activist sector. Income disparities have a terrible impact on health so this should be a good perspective - doing what is healthy for the population as a whole (I know, "what a concept!")

Once the minimum wage is met. You continue to do the living wage analysis in each municipality. And you adjust based on inflation.

The inflation adjustment keeps working wages from decreasing in reality despite the numbers. And this allows for cities, counties or states to increase the minimum wage if necessary. By creating that flexibility we start to get a better sense of the economy.

The cost of analyzing each municipality may be less than what is spent on Homeland security and will give us about as much safety. Countries with high income inequalities have higher rates of violence.

Meanwhile you shift any tax incentives to small businesses and back toward our schools, fire departments and our environment. Food incentives get shifted to small regional farms instead of global, genetic modification corporate food production.

Giving unions back their teeth and regulating union busting would be another key tactic. Then of course a non-profit universal health care program. Education - Creating more and smaller schools would help as a long-term investment.


Subsidize quality, green housing in every neighborhood to encourage affordable mixed income neighborhoods. Support public transportation, open space, and universal child care.

That would be a good start. We'd probably need to stop for a bar-b-que after that... Maybe for May Day!

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Chicano Chingon, Hell In Handbasket

Live to be 100 - not as hard as it sounds apparently....

Sore from working out. I'll workout again at lunch and then I'm walking some in the afternoon.

My weight is up a little bit, but hopefully I can get back into a healthier range and strengthen up my back. Still going for those big goals in December!

* * *
Some articles...

Would a Third Party do Better?

Elections of Change

Why Campaign Consultant says its time for a Third Party

Keep Lefting!!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

OK, trying to fix up my credit. My hip is doing better, I plan to do upper body workouts next week.

# # #

It's funny to listen to the two major parties tear themselves apart as much as they are tearing each other apart... Maybe that's why we get what we got.

But it is funny to hear the fat dope addict try to slam the Governator, and the whiny-extreme-right-wing commentators saying they would rather vote for Hillary than McCain. But then for the guy spending 35 Million to prop himself up says he's dropping out of the race to keep us safe from terrorists!!!!

Then on "Progressive" radio you get rants on who is Obama bashing or Clinton bashing. There is very little substantive discussion going on. While I'm not the biggest fan of it Democracy Now had a good discussion on the election this week. What is really interesting is what the hell becomes news.

The fact that a former Democrat has jumped to run for President as a Green gets squat for coverage. Last presidential election, there were black candidates for president and vice-president with pro-socialist parties. There have been lots of women running for president for really progressive parties. So when the media says this is the first time that a woman or an African American is running for president - they are LYING!

Oh, and I never did get a list of the "Chicano Movement" organizations supporting Obama. But I did find that MAPA endorsed Kucinich.

KEEP LEFTING!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket

Yesterday ballot access was on my mind. (As you can tell from my post)

Then I had an opportunity to do a presentation to the SWOP youth program on The Impacts of Politics on Health. The presentation was great. Then I was told that at a Bernalillo County Voter Registrar training that the new registrars were told that if someone put a party besides "Republican" or "Democrat" into the box designated for political party that they would be declared as "DTS" - Declined to State party affiliation!

Obviously I think that's a bunch of anti-democratic crap! We can have multiple choices of beer, cheeseburgers, guns, but only two choices for political party?!?!? I'm starting to think we should learn to goose step fairly quickly.

The scary part, from what I was told, it was a Democrat leading the training!

KEEP LEFTING!!!!

Labels: Chicana and Chicano Votes, Hell In Handbasket