In the past months I had noticed that my clothes were shrinking and this has had me most worried. Is the shrinking of my clothes affected by a change in the climate.. Or is it the clothes dryer that is shrinking everything I own… Everything has gotten tighter. Nothing fits well..I have gone on the internet to see if others were suffering the same as me.

I know that those who make appliances plan for them to only last for a limited period of time.. Thus the machine will begin breaking down and soon you will have to purchase a new one. so I began to think that perhaps the Clothing Manufacturers were putting something in the clothes so that after a year that they might begin to shrink…I was and am worried .or could it be other circumstances that would make my clothes fit tighter .. Could somebody have exchanged my clothes for a size smaller..???

Thinking this was possible I quickly went to my closet to check out all of the sizes of my shirts and pants…

Then one day my friend Heri came to visit .. took one look at me and said LENO YOU ARE GETTING FATTER..

WHAT? I questioned.

SI, MAS GORDO.. MUCH FATTER! JUST LOOK AT YOUR FACE AND YOUR STOMACH… YOU LOOK AS IF YOU ARE GOING TO GIVE BIRTH

BUT I HAVENT HAD SEX I said and smiled at her

LOOK IN THE MIRROR she insisted

So I went to the Mirror and asked MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL WHOSE THE FATTEST OF THEM ALL

The mirror showed me the awful results.. A chubbier face and a very large stomach

I was in shock!!!! There in the mirror I saw my baked potatoes, salt, chips, steak, burritos and tamales.. They had slipped down my mouth and decided to take up residence in my body

What a shock!!!! I could not blame the clothes that were getting smaller… it was me that was getting larger…

I will be on a fast in DC for four days at the end of June to protest the Death Penalty. This will take place on the steps of the Supreme Court… But before then I must begin cutting out some items that are making me larger. I also decided to go swimming more often. Perhaps this will help..Oh yes I will also drink more water and eat more Jalapenos.

HOW ARE YOUR CLOTHES??? ARE THEY GETITNG SMALLER??

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

1. What to do
2. Bugleme
3. Initiative 1098
4. Planting for Peace
5. World coalition against the death penalty

What to do..WITH BP

This is the most horrific disaster of our time and we can’t figure out what to do .. For years we did not regulate the industry and now we are paying for years of neglect. The republicans have led the charge to give these polluters a free license to destroy our world…

Some of the most disturbing images is of birds suffering covered with oil.. what we don’t see is what gives me the biggest night mares is at the bottom of the gulf and in the various currents that will destroy ocean animals and plant life for years to come . Not to mention the marsh lands and poisoning the people who work and live near the gulf.

I wonder why we have not heard from the government of Mexico? Why are they silent when their beaches and fishing industry will also be damaged?

The effects of this Oil Tsunami will be felt for years both by the environment and the economy.

Some small businesses will receive some compensation for their losses but the workers of these businesses will probably not receive anything.. They will just have to sit and starve. When Crops have been devastated by a storm Farmers have crop insurance or get aid from the government but the farm workers get nothing… And the same will happen to the workers who will lose their place of employment due to the BP DISASTER.

The White House needs to do more and/or let us know what is being done. We don’t and shouldn’t trust BP.

Perhaps we should camp outside the homes of the officers of BP and outside their office building.. And perhaps we should follow their family members where ever they go and remind them that their parents are destroying an important part of our world.

Bugleme ..Its new and exciting way to communicate

I want to introduce you to a new and exciting program called Bugleme. By joining up on this system you can get my actual voice and get a backstage pass into my activities on a regular basis. I will be telling you what I am doing and in many cases asking you to help me to work on behalf of Human Rights. Please go to the Web page listed below and accept the one month free trial period. Once you have received some Bugles let me know what you think. Below is the link for you.

http://magdaleno.bugleme.com/celebrity/home

Why Faith Leaders Support Initiative 1098

sponsored by Washington Association of Churches and Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington

As people of faith we are called to protect the vulnerable, to change systems that are unjust, and to create a world in which everyone is treated fairly and equitably. Washington State’s tax system fails on all of these values. That is why the Religious Coalition for Tax Reform is organizing support for Initiative 1098.

We have a chance right now to put our faith values into practice. After decades of inaction — as our state falls further and further behind in our ability to fund core priorities — Bill Gates Sr. and many other faith and civic leaders are stepping forward to help lead a campaign to enact real tax reform in Washington State. This proposal will not just make our tax code fairer, empower small businesses, and create jobs; it will raise more than $1 billion per year to fund core education and health care priorities – priorities the faith community values.

Dedicated Funding for Quality Education and Health Care

Initiative 1098 will raise $1 billion per year to help us build a more vibrant economy and better opportunities for our children. That new revenue will go to a special trust fund dedicated to funding education and health care priorities like reducing class sizes, lowering tuition costs at our colleges and universities, and funding the voter-approved basic health plan and long-term care for vulnerable seniors and people with disabilities.

For more information please contact YES ON 1098 by calling 206-225-4610 or by email at infor@yeson1098.com. Petitions needed before July 2^nd.

World Coalition Against The Death Penalty

This important conference will be held this weekend at the Hastings Law School in San Francisco. For information contact http://deathpenatly.org/june12

Leno along with Michael Radelet, Mike Farrell and many others will be speaking.

PLANTING FOR PEACE

Yep, I got some plants into the ground… I almost had a heart attack digging and planting… I planted cucumbers, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapenos, bell pepper, squash and pumpkins. Now will see how they do.

Why is it called a Peace Garden?? One reason is because I am doing something good and it helps me come to peace with my world when I am out there digging and doing… better than going to a shrink… in about 2 weeks I should get some flowers and then by mid July I should have some production of something…

This is the first time in Seattle where my plants can get a lot of sunlight… and this is good. My roommate Maru and her daughter have their own plot going… and while we are not competing… I do want my plots to do well.. After all somewhere in my life I was a farm worker…

My best

leno

This past week my travels took me to Los Angeles and then on to Tijuana. On Saturday I performed a special wedding for artist Tito Sturcke’s sister’s wedding, visited my niece Carmel and her family and found out her son Davis is a runner … I qualified for the state track meet my senior year in high school in the mile and Davis runs the 400. When I was running the mile I was much slimmer and had a better diet.

Spent a great time staying at the home of my family Rafe and Laura in Santa Monica … had great conversations and spent quality time with Steve their cat. They took me to a vegan restaurant and my pasta and corn bread were super.

On Sunday I convinced Beverley Beverley, who is an old friend and handles my 
Ahora emails, to run with me to Tijuana… we got there and she put me on a forced march through Tijuana as I did some mini shopping. The streets were pretty bare due to the economy and the violence around the drug war. But there were some large groups of Japanese Tourists.

Some years ago outlet malls were placed in what was a barren grass area next to border on the USA side.  Now that area was packed … Lots of shoppers and many from Mexico.  There were lots of police at the entrance to the border, and in Tijuana, and when you left. Getting through the immigration desk was easy. They barely looked at my passport and did not ask what I had in the bag. All bags had to go through a big x-ray machine that passed bags rather quickly and it is doubtful that any person managing this machine could have seen a contraband item.

The most interesting part of being in Mexico was a different sense of freedom and lack of fear. And just so you know the Mexican government and the drug lords have oppressed the border citizens. But at the same time they were not shy about talking, shouting, laughing and singing in loud voices on the streets and shops. In the USA immigrants are more subdued and don’t want to bring attention to themselves for fear of police and ultimately immigration.

A special treat that Sunday night was a late snack and drink with Alireza Azizi a great activist with Amnesty International. He handed me a copy of the video of an event we helped to organize a human rights even at the Pasadena Auditorium in 1992 with about 2,500 Iranians from the Los Angeles Area. This is the largest event produced with people of color for Amnesty International. This production was seen across America, Europe and was broadcast to clandestine outlets in Iran… eventually I will have copies for all to see.  Ali is one of the best human beings in my circle.

I was surprised as I entered my Virgin American plane to hear someone shouting my name … LENO LENO ( in recent months I have flown close to 8 Virgin America flights and my virginity has not yet returned)  I was shocked there on the plane was Lillian Hewko a smart Latina, law student at the University of Washington. She has the most wonderful voice and smile.  It was great to see her. Later that day I saw her again at a program and reception at the Law School. She happily informed me that she had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay where I served as Country Director. And it is good that we have another connection to explore.

There are five Latinos at the Law School and soon we will all meet together to share stories and learn from each other. Meeting people is the best part of this journey through life.  I had several opportunities to go to law school but never did it … but throughout my life I have met so many good lawyers who do incredible work to help others pursue their dreams.

A. ALEX SANCHEZ IS OUT
B. LOUISA CRAIG BENSON
C. VALENTINES DAY February 14th..what to do
D. And this brings us to the Abolition of the death penalty.
E. GOING TO PORTLAND

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ALEX SANCHEZ IS OUT

Thursday night Alex Sanchez Director of Homies Unidos in Los Angeles walked out of the Federal Detention Center last night into the arms of his wife Delia and their children.

Alex soon began his rounds of phone calls to start calling supporters to thank them.

In the last weeks WEAREALEX was supported by individuals who upfronted the money to process the property bonds. Now we can all help to raise the money to repay these funds. Please go to wearealex.org for more information about how you can help.

We also want to continue our support for Alex since this trial will be a long process. And while we know that the truth will come out, we will need to work hard to ensure it comes to the surface.

We still need your help…

LOUISA CRAIG BENSON

A longtime human rights activist passes away.

Louisa a Burmese woman from the Karen Ethnic group over the years became a key voice and organizer for human rights for Burma and for our world.

She was my introduction to Burma and Aung San Suu kyi.
I also had the pleasure of performing the wedding of one of her daughters.

Louisa was known around the world and respected for all that she did for so many.

A memorial service and reception will be held in her honor on Saturday, February 27th at 10am at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, California, located at 500 East Colorado Blvd.

If you plan to attend the memorial service, please send a message to Bradford Craig at bcraig77@gmail.com indicating how many will attend.

VALENTINES DAY February 14th..what to do

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine’s Day ― and its patron saint ― is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men ― his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Today there are people who are being killed in many parts of our world and we need to defend their right to their beliefs… and in fact no government should kill any of its citizens.

And this brings us to the Abolition of the death penalty.

So when you give a valentine, flowers, candy, gifts or express your love you should remember that your statement on this day can have more meaning if you understand from where it came.  Just like MLK day celebrations don’t always get it right and forget that MLK was killed and that his life was more difficult struggle because some of us stood on the sidelines and did not push hard enough to protect the human rights of others. And just so you know MLK and his family are abolitionist.
In the Days ahead remember that as you celebrate this wonderful day of St. Valentine that there is much more to this part of the history…

GOING TO PORTLAND

I am going south about 180 miles to the Portland area for some wonderful meetings in behalf of my agency the Social Justice Fund and will get to see some wonderful friends… and perhaps make new friends.. as some of you know I have my INTROVERT SIDE so making new friends at times is hard for me…

My best
leno

Dear Sisters and Brothers

First, some news from Los Angeles:

This past Friday, Elana Zilberg, Barbara Grover, and I were having lunch at Rodeo Grill, a Mexican food court near the Homies Unidos office. We enjoyed the afternoon with Mirna Solorzano (acting Homies Unidos Director) and Delia, Alex Sanchez’s wife.

There we were talking and laughing, when Alex called Delia from lock-up and she handed me the phone.
It was great to hear his voice. He laughed when I told him that I was eating Mexican food on his behalf. In a recent letter he had asked me to represent him at all the food events. He said he was losing weight on the jail food, and he wanted me to eat for him. That’s the least I can do, I figured.

Alex and I began to talk about the conditions where he is being held when the phone connection was lost.
It was so good to hear Alex, and we tried to cheer up Delia. I will make it my job to stay connected with her and Alex throughout this process.

Jack Lieberman of Progressive Rags has designed some shirts and buttons for the cause. If you would like to purchase a shirt or button let me know. T-shirts are $20.00 and buttons $2.00. All the money from the sales goes to Alex’s family to help them survive while Alex is incarcerated. I obviously would hope some of you could buy many of each and give them to good activists.

Now, for my view of the news:
a.    Las Chinches … the bed bugs
b.    Education
c.     Obama speaks to NAACP
d.    What a joke
e.     Sins, Sinners, & Liars.
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LAS CHINCHES …
Sleep Tight And Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite

Seems that visitors to some eastern motels and hotels woke up recently with some interesting bites that itched. After seeing their doctors it was determined that they had been bitten by bed bugs…known in Mexico as CHINCHES.. but Bed Bugs or Chinches are most international and can be found in just about anywhere, including some very affluent neighborhoods.

Yep, those little blood suckers are making a comeback … they travel lightly and don’t know the phrase BIRTH CONTROL … they are pro life and have many babies quickly. They’ll hide in dark and damp places. The edges of mattresses are good places for nesting. Once a couple of bed bugs comes to visit they soon start having sex, (though I have never actually seen a Chinche have sex, I am sure that they do.) and soon they have many babies … and their babies have more babies and so on, and so on, and so on.

Before you know it you have an army of Chinches.. and guess what some are immune to some of our deadliest poisons..  they like cockroaches and others develop immunities and survive. They just might out live us all.

HERE IS A POEM I WROTE IN 1972 TO THOSE CHINCHES OR BED BUGS. First in Spanish, then in English.

La Cancion De Las Chinches

A las chinches
que muerden
en las orejas …
como me aguitan
A los pinches,
que me chingan
con mis sueldos
con mis hijos
A las chinches
que me chupan
la sangre de mI cuerpo
que me tumban.
A los pinches
que me oprimen
con sus mentiras
con sus pendejadas
A las chinches
A los pinches
que nos chupan la vida
hay, que pinches
son estas chinches

The Song of the Bedbugs
to the bedbugs
that bite
my ears …
how they irritate me
to the fuckers
that screw
with my wages
with my children
to the bedbugs
that suck
the blood out of my body
that knock me down
to the fuckers
that oppress me
with their lies
with their stupidity
to the bedbugs
to the fuckers
that suck the life out of us
oh, what fuckers
are these bedbugs

Education: Somehow We Have Our Priorities Mixed Up
In the US today we spend more money per person in prison than we do on education.

We don’t fund the after school programs and we don’t help those struggling with the system. We’re happy to just let them drop out and get in trouble.. then we somehow find the money to jail them …sometimes forever.

It used to be that we honored our teachers. And if we did honor them today and valued the lessons they could give our children then we would pay them top salaries and give them money for class room supplies.

When we skimp on our education we are doing a major disservice to our country and to our future. .

We got money for prison and instruments of war but nothing for our children.

When will we make the change and put our money in the right place.

Obama speaks at the NAACP Convention

WOW! What little I heard of the speech was great. And, the fact that he took up the cause of gay rights was most important. It is so wonderful of y’all to elect a president who can speak well and with so much thoughtfulness.

Here’s what I would add to one of Obama’s speeches .. NOW LET ME JUST MENTION MY CHUBBY CHICANO BROTHERS OUT THERE IN THE WILDERNESS .. I KNOW THAT THIS COUNTRY HAS ROOM FOR YOU AND WE HONOR YOUR HISTORY AND SENSE OF HUMOR .. SO LET US MAKE ROOM IN THIS AMERICA FOR THESE SPECIAL PEOPLE ..

then every one would applaud and the news media would go out looking for us to comment … meanwhile I would be there smiling and LMAO OR LOL

WHAT A JOKE …the Senate Republican opposition
The racial, sexist insults of the Republican senators still stink our senate hearing room .. and through all these attacks…Sonia Sotomayor was cool and smart.  In that politically charged atmosphere she came off smarter, more reasonable and much more humane than her attackers.  Yep, she is a wise Latina, a wise woman, and even a wiser American.

Sins, Sinners, & Liars
The famous C Street address in Washington. D.C. is where elected officials are supposed to receive spiritual guidance. instead it seems that it is a place where they politically try to cover up affairs and pay off the injured parties

Leisha Pickering accuses her husband former U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering of Mississippi of having an affair while he was a resident at the C street house where other so-called Christian Lawmakers live and go for religious direction. For those men having time getting a date I suggest that you go to 133 C street near the U.S. Capitol… and get a room .. everyone who lives there or is associated with this place seems to get some action.

Now back to South Carolina.. Seems that Mark Sanford is lying about some other expenses which show him flying first class on State money instead of the required coach… from our window it seems that he has been flying NO CLASS for some time.
………………………………………………………

The Wedding of William and Marchleen Hoffman

Recently, I once again had the pleasure of performing a wedding.

William came to live with me in Micronesia when I was the Peace Corps Director. While he was there he met Marchleen at my home, they fell in love, now have two children and now legally they are partners for life.

I have worked for years on Human Rights Issues with William’s father, Paul Hoffman, and it was good to be there with the whole family.

My best
Leno

PS: This past Saturday was Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday…AMANDLA!!!

PPS: And the 30th anniversary of the Sandinista victory against Somoza in Nicaragua!!!