Magdaleno

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

 

The news gets more interesting each and every day..So stay tuned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEW

            a. john lewis

          b. housing prices

            c. ohio debates

            d. new videos and songs on obama

            e. united farm workers

            f.  abolition of death penalty in new jersey

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Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis

          Changes and supports now Obama

 

African American Leaders who had early on jumped on the Clinton band wagon  are wakening up to the fact that the people they claim to lead are supporting Obama…Now if they want to continue to be leaders of their people they must get with this new movement.

Now even Latinos in larger numbers are coming out in support of Obama and their so called leaders need to get out in front of this parade or they just might lose their place on the leadership ladder.

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Housing prices continue down.

How low can you go

 

The price of your home has diminished in the past months and will continue to do so unless some miracle happens.  Many home owners are having financial nightmares living with ballooning payments and finding that they have little or no equity in their homes.

And Bush continues to say that we are not in a recession.

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THE OHIO DEBATE 

          Barack looks presidential

It was an interesting debate and was at times a good ping pong game of contrasting details on health plans and NAFTA…

Clinton needed to (in boxing terms) knock Obama to the canvass and hope for a knock out punch.. Neither happened.. Nor did she bloody her opponent. If I were Hillary I would spank the staff who prepared those corny jokes that bombed at the two recent debates.. Obama did an Ali dance around the ring through out the debate….HE FLOATED LIKE A BUTTERFLY AND STUNG LIKE A BEE…

Some had expected a bloody match but I suspect both candidates knew that there was more at stake than their own vanity. Having been on my college debate team I can tell you that Obama won the debate… and won the hearts and minds of many…

Just to remind you that Hilary is a very strong woman whom I still admire and respect.  But for this presidential race I must go with Obama.

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NEW VIDEOS AND SONGS

          These should be shared with others.

Added: February 25, 2008 Category:  News & Politics Tags: Obama   song   politics   Corridos   viva   obama   texas   ohio   gente   trabajadora The Devil You Know (Si se puede (Music solo))  (Here they come! The PuroObama Women) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgSXHlLB978&feature=related Related: Puro Obama (Si Se Puede!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axgDauabQJw&feature=related We Got The Mo, by The Rockabelles, for Barack Obama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_oPtsX2ew Tejanos: Viva Obama! (Corrido,  Mariachi) http://www.amigosdeobama.com/ “Como Se Dice…Como Se llama? (OBAMA, OBAMA)”  [Obama Reggaeton – Lyrics) http://www.amigosdeobama.com/lyrics.htm Obama Si — Tejas ! (Texas Hispanics Vote Different: Obama) “Cumbia del puente Negro” (“Cumbia of the Black Bridge “) We Got The Mo, by The Rockabelles, for Barack Obama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA_oPtsX2ew

 

 

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UNITED FARM WORKERS

UFW launches exciting new Cesar Chavez Internet resource
Visit www.ufw.org/cesarchavez today!

In response to intense interest in a comprehensive resource on Cesar Chavez, the United Farm Workers has just launched a new web resource at http://www.ufw.org/cesarchavez. This simple visual site offers an array of information on Cesar Chavez, including video about the UFW founder, audio from Cesar Chavez’s speeches, Chavez photos and other research materials. Also included is a calendar of Cesar Chavez events across the country and photos and videos of past observances.

This new website also offers the chance to sign the online petition for the National Cesar Chavez Holiday, the grass roots campaign organized by the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday Coalition, an independent organization that the UFW endorses. 

With the approach of Cesar Chavez’s March 31 birthday, now recognized as an official holiday in eight states, please visit http://www.ufw.org/cesarchavez and learn about Cesar’s legacy and the lessons of his life that are still relevant today. It is the perfect resource for use by teachers and students, and to share with children, family and friends. Come visit the site, watch a video, listen to a speech, view the photos and even find a Cesar Chavez event you can attend. Then please take a moment to sign the petition for a National Cesar Chavez Holiday and tell your family members and friends to do the same. Also feel free to download copies of the petition and as you attend a Cesar Chavez event encourage others to sign the petition as well. You can help support the Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday Coalition and all the hard work it is doing.

Viva Cesar Chavez!

 

Jocelyn Sherman
Internet Communications Director
United Farm Workers of America
Jsherman12@aol.com

http://www.ufw.org/

O: 323-263-2800 ext. 215
C: 213-923-4664

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Celebration :::MARCH 1, 2008

          NEW JERSEYANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY

This Saturday evening abolitionists will gather at The War Memorial (George Washington Ballroom) in Trenton, New Jersey to celebrate the abolition of the death penalty in New Jersey.

March 1^st also celebrates International Death Penalty Abolition Day which marks the date in 1847 in which the State of Michigan officially became the first English-speaking jurisdiction in the world to abolish capitol punishment.

 

WE INSPIRE EACH OTHER.

It is interesting that we help each other every day to do incredible acts of courage. I think to myself ,,,if my friends can do this then I can also do it and perhaps a bit mote.. We all have clouds of doubt that try to keep us from finding the sun light and hope that we need to carry on. If you defend human rights it is not always easy and sometimes you will have to struggle a bit to get the work done.

Just look around you …there are many heroic individuals just two steps away ..We don’t always need to look into the past to get inspiration… We can look around us and find enough voices and hearts that will hold us on their shoulders and then later we can hold them on our shoulders.

All of us are leaders …we just need to know how to value other leaders and to work in coalition.

Your brother and some times a leader

          But also a good follower

leno

 

DEAR FRIENDS …HERMANAS Y HERMANOS

 

Today you must join in coalitions that begin speaking about issues that would protect your neighbors. I believe that you can begin by taking on some of these difficult but important issues.

 

1. Unemployment..we need to extend benefits
2. foreclosures on homes. We need to do this immediately
3. wage theft. …help workers get paid what they are owed
4. medical assistance…. We need to find a way to help those who aren’t covered 
5. education… help keep our youth in school…

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

1. surge not working
2. the polls
3. videos of obama campaign
4. Pakistan
5. Buy shirts from activist
6. ohio debate

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THE SURGE IS NOT WORKING

 

 Sure the violence has gone down in some areas but it still rears its head when you least expect.  I have always believed that once that the GREEN ZONE was being hit regularly that this could drive the military to decide to leave.

 

The Iraqi government has not come together and this was the key reason for approving the surge. The military is stretched and veteran soldiers would rather leave than to have such extended tours and almost no time in between to rest and reunite with their families.

 

The next president needs to get us out of this situation. We are losing money and lives and we have nothing to show for this huge investment.

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THE POLLS

 

As of today the polls show that in Texas that Clinton and Obama are in a virtual tie and in Ohio where Clinton held a 21 pt lead just three weeks ago now only enjoys a 9-11 pt. advantage. And it seems that this will get even tighter in the days ahead.  Both candidates are not counting on the polls and are pushing their supporters to get out and vote.

 

For these two states to be a firewall for Clinton she needed to win each by 15-20 pts.

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Obama videos tell the story of a movement

It is a movement that generates songs and art and that is what people are doing for Obama …I remember early on the campaign when the Clinton campaign tried to get the public involved in voting for a SONG FOR THE CAMPAIGN… that sort of fizzled  and we have not heard from their song since then…perhaps there is good music being created by folks for Hilary ..It just doesn’t seem to come to my door…

Here are six Obama videos for you to enjoy

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ky8Hvq-F0U

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0dMxqgS1-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fd-MVU4vtU

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDohR2r9Zlc

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0dMxqgS1-8&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd0QLNUug4I

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KEEP AN EYE ON PAKISTAN

 

George Bush’s favorite dictator lost at his own rigged elections.  President Pervez Musharraf has been Bush’s key ally on the US war on terror.  Many think that he will be eventually be forced to step down. And since he has created many enemies he will have to move to another country.

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Shirts from an activist

 

Jack Lieberman a long time activist has some great Obama shirts on his site which is directly below and I hope you will visit the site and support this activist. Jack sells women’s shirts with a scoop neck which are form fitting and my daughter Aviva loves this style.

 

Last night I brought home our first Obama shirts that I bought from Jack.  Me wearing my XXXL Obama shirt makes me a mega billboard for him.

 

http://www.progressiverags.com/election08.html

The following sites below get you to particular shirts

http://www.radicaljack.com/baob08sh.html

http://www.radicaljack.com/baob08sh.html

http://www.radicaljack.com/voobtsh.html

http://www.radicaljack.com/vobatsh.html

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THE OHIO DEBATE

 

Tonight the candidates debate in Ohio… and I hope

that you can tune in and cheer for your candidate..This could potentially be a very hot time on your television….and it seems like a snow storm is bringing in many inches of the white stuff. It might be as deep as some of the rhetoric of both the candidates and the debate moderators.

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Visit a home bound person

 

We all know someone who is either in the hospital or at home that could sure use a smile and a visit. Go visit with them and take them something they would like to have and listen to them, hold their hand, and share with them.  Give them of your smile and your heart. If you make this visit important you will get more than you give.  Take a moment and enjoy your friends and family.

MY BEST

leno

MY DEAR FRIENDS

After the massive demonstrations in 2006 many immigrants applied for their citizenship. In response the government raised the fees from about$475 to $600 in order to hire more staff. Supposedly so that they could process all these new applications. Now there is a heavy back log and some are receiving notice that they may expect to possibly have to wait for their papers as long as 365 days. This is way beyond the presidential cycle and this would disenfranchise many potential voters many of whom are Latinos and probably not be voting for a party that demonizes immigrants..

I see this as SUPPRESSION of a voting pool and something that needs to be corrected. We need to call our congressional representatives and ask for immediate action…We can not deny these individuals the right to vote because of some governmental inefficiency. To believe in America is to believe we should all be given the right to become citizens and be given that right to vote

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a. viva obama

b. panel of gangs

c. to die or live

d. recession

e. bring em on

f. got shirts

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VIVA OBAMA

Now that we are in Texas we must get into our Mariachi outfits and begin singing to the top of our lungs… the video on this link is something that you will enjoy.

By the way some polls show Obama doing better that Hilary in Texas…and you can help us move more voters by doing more calling. So go to the Obama web page and sign in.

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University of Miami Panel on Gangs

It was a great gathering of representatives who are working with gangs and their issues. As many of you know I was the founder of HOMIES UNIDOS in 1996. And was Executive Director of HU and its offices in Los Angeles and San Salvador until August of 2000.

Presenting were Donna Decesare a photo journalist who did some the ground breaking work on transnational gangs, Miguel Cruz who did the initial study of gangs and violence in 1996 and has since become an expert in this field, Dr. Ernst Marcelin professor at UM and is working on Haitian gang issues…the star of the event was Alex Sanchez Director of Homies Unidos of Los Angeles and former gang leader of La Mara Salvatrucha.

It was great to have these voices here in Miami and the organizer of the event was PHD candidate Jose Flores.

It is good to have these panels to change the minds and hearts of others. Too often the media demonizes gang members…

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To die or to live

I want to ask you to watch one more video .. This one took my breath and reminded how much I love ya all and how important each and ever day is..So please take a moment and watch

LOOKING INTO THE FACE OF THE RECESSION.

Today I met with an immigrant mother from Columbia… she sold her house and moved her with her son hoping for a new life. Now everything is going down the drain her son was in an auto accident and the medical bills to repair his leg costs more than $300,000. Her son will probably lose his apt and she is with out a job and can not help him. There are many in this condition that could lose everything in this recession.

She was begging me for help…as tears rolled down her face .. My heart was breaking… the small amount of money coming from the government will do little to help people in dire straits. With this recession we are creating a new group of poor people and perhaps homeless.

BRING EM ON

ATTRIBUTED TO GEORGE W. BUSH

Well ..Now Hilary is taking pages out of G.W.’s book..Several weeks ago she challenged Barack saying

I AM WATING FOR YOU HERE IN TEXAS

And then the race tightened up in Texas ..So while in Ohio yesterday she again called out her challenge

I AM WAITING FOR YOU HERE IN OHIO

Now these kind of challenges most of us left behind in the play ground or in the barrio … but here is a presidential candidate calling another person out for a RUMBLE..It is a sign that she is reaching for straws… you don’t talk like this if you are winning…

After March 4^th she will run to Pennsylvania and will call out

I AM WAITING FOR YOU HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA

And then after that she will run to yet another location far far away again saying

I AM WAITING FOR YOU HERE IN TRANSYLVANIA…

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GET YOUR OBAMA WEAR AT CAFÉ PRESS

Heidi Hanson of Seattle suggested that when I mentioned that I could not get my shirts from the Obama web site that I go to Care Press.

So I went to their site and ordered shirts for me and my daughter Aviva… so soon I will be wearing my candidates face on my chest.

My best

leno

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

 

Today I ask all the artists, poets, dancers, singers, writers, animators, actors, story tellers to share of ourselves with others. Our communities need the stimulation in order to grow our dreams and our work. Take a moment to CREATE and SHARE..

By doing this you just might inspire someone to fly beyond the moon.

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a.      quesadilla primary

b.      black leaders changing

c.       hillary finished ?

d.      Illinois violence

e.       Farmers sell to Cuba

f.        Gangs at university of Miami

g.      You to could be arrested

h.      Dorinda honored

 

Quesadilla Primary

       Cheese lovers vote on Tuesday

 

Some polls show the candidates only 3-4 pts apart in the Wisconsin Primary.  Thus it is possible if you believe the polls that Hilary Clinton could do very well or perhaps even win.. given our New Hampshire experience we must not go to sleep at the wheel. We all need to work to give Obama a good margin of victory. Wisconsin and Hawaii are on for this Tuesday so we need to work through this weekend for ever vote possible.

 

So get your quesadilla-tortilla chomping friends out to the polls on next Tuesday.  And yes… for you Packers fans you can wear your cheese head gear to the polls..  JUST GET THERE AND TAKE YOUR FRIENDS WITH YOU.

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AFRO-AMERICAN LEADERS CONSIDER SWITCHING..

 

Rep. David Scott has changed his support from Clinton to Obama. And Rep. John Lewis a Civil Rights Hero is also thinking of changing and could soon endorse Barack Obama. Christine Samuels a SUPER DELEGATE from New York recently switched to Obama. And others who had been supporting Clinton are moving to uncommitted.

 

The Clinton Campaign got early endorsements from many Black and Latino Leaders on the assumption that Hilary was the presumptive nominee. But after Iowa that all went out the window. Then came the South Carolina Primary and poor statements made by Bill Clinton and other Hillary spokespersons during at that time.

 

Now many black and Latino leaders wonder if they made the wrong choice. I presume some were looking at cabinet positions, ambassadorships and other plum appointments or special funding for their favorite projects. It is thought that some of these individuals will begin changing each and every week and coming over to Obama Campaign.  But that is on the assumption that the momentum continues for Obama.

 

And the future of that momentum is in our hands… and we can make it grow and flourish.

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IS HILARY FINISHED??????

          Her team is fighting hard to stay alive

         

The Clinton Campaign has some very smart and savvy staff and she has many democratic insiders who know how to run a good campaign. At this point there is a lot of infighting within the Clinton Campaign and this might push them to do some unique and interesting things that could help her. Or they could hurt her if they get too negative.

 

So for us Obama supporters we must continue to work hard and keep bringing in the votes and the money.

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ILLINOIS SHOOTER

          Kills students in a geology class

 

Another person takes his own rage on innocent individuals. It seems that in this country of ours that many individuals who are in pain and angry take out their frustrations out on innocent individuals and damage families and communities. 

 

This is a clear sign that our country needs to find ways to teach people how to deal with anger and how not to consider revenge. Over the years we have cut back on funding for mental health programs and we have more people in need of help than ever before.

 

We also need programs to help the families heal who have lost loved ones in these tragic events… and we also need good laws on gun control..

 

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FARMERS SELLING CROPS TO CUBA

 

The U.S. Trade and Economic Council announced that agricultural products to Cuba by American farmers totaled some $437.7 million.  This trade is of benefit to both Cuba and the farmers in our heartland.

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GANGS AND THE INTERNATIONAL CONNECTION

          UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PRESENTATION Tuesday Feb. 19th

 

This program will feature program specialists, researchers, journalists and a former gang leader Alex Sanchez who is now the Director of Homies Unidos in Los Angeles. Alex was a gang leader of LA MARA SALVATRUCHA and is now a good voice for reason and non-violence.

 

 This panel will look at the issue of gangs in the U.S., Haiti and Central America. Please look at the flyer attached to get further information.

 

Tuesday, February 19, 9:30 a.m.—12:00p.m.

University of Miami, Cosford Cinema,

2nd floor Memorial Building

 

http://com.miami.edu/cosford/directions.php

 

 

YOU TOO COULD BE ARRESTED     

            HOMELAND SECURITY ARRESTS CITIZENS.

 

mtaylor@mcclatchydc.com <mailto:mtaylor@mcclatchydc.com>

             

 

WASHINGTON — A top Immigration and Customs Enforcement official acknowledged Wednesday that his agency has mistakenly detained U.S. citizens as illegal immigrants, but he denied that his agency has widespread problems with deporting the wrong people.

Gary Mead, ICE’s deputy director of detention and removal operations, testified during a House of Representatives subcommittee hearing that U.S. citizens have been detained on ”extremely” rare occasions, but he blamed the mix-ups on conflicting information from the detainees.

Nonetheless, Mead said his agency is reviewing its handling of people who claim to be U.S. citizens “to determine if even greater safeguards can be put in place.”

The testimony before the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law came after immigration advocates told McClatchy that they’d seen a small but growing number of cases of U.S. citizens who’ve been mistakenly detained and sometimes deported by ICE. They accuse agents of ignoring valid assertions of citizenship in the rush to deport more illegal immigrants.

Unlike suspects charged in criminal courts, detainees accused of immigration violations don’t have a right to an attorney, and three-quarters of them represent themselves.

Last month, Thomas Warziniack, a U.S. citizen who was born in Minnesota and grew up in Georgia, was mistakenly detained for weeks in an Arizona immigration facility and told that he was going to be deported to Russia.

Warziniack, 40, was released after his family, who learned about his predicament from a McClatchy reporter, produced his birth certificate.

In another high-profile example, ICE agents in California mistakenly deported Pedro Guzman, a mentally disabled U.S. citizen, to Mexico. Guzman was found months later when he tried to return to the United States.

Mead contended that both Warziniack and Guzman said they were illegal immigrants, and he said ICE agents have to be careful not to release the wrong people.

Guzman and Warziniack had been serving time for minor offenses when their jailers turned them over to immigration authorities.

Although Mead said that Guzman is the only U.S. citizen he knows who’s been deported erroneously, immigration lawyers have said they’ve found at least seven others.

In the past four years, ICE agents have detained more than 1 million people.

House committee members also heard stories of ICE agents interrogating or detaining U.S. citizens in their homes, at their workplaces and on the street.

Marie Justeen Mancha, a 17-year-old born in Texas, said ICE agents raided her family’s home in Georgia in 2006 while her mother was running an errand. Her mother is also a U.S. citizen.

Mancha is one of five U.S. citizens named in a pending lawsuit by the Southern Poverty Law Center that alleges wrongful interrogations or detentions by ICE in southeast Georgia.

Rep. Steven King, R-Iowa, the ranking minority member of the committee, described the cases as isolated and urged the agency not to be distracted from detaining and deporting illegal immigrants.

”ICE does not aim to harass and detain U.S. citizens,” he said.

But Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., the chairwoman of the committee, said that after hearing such stories, she feared an “overzealous government is interrogating, detaining and deporting its own citizens.”

Nancy Morawetz, who runs an immigration rights clinic at New York University, said getting proof of citizenship is one of the biggest stumbling blocks for detainees, especially when they’re shipped to a facility far from home.

In 2006, the Vera Institute of Justice, a New York nonprofit organization, identified 125 people in immigration detention centers who immigration lawyers believed had valid U.S. citizenship claims.                                          

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Annual Sacramento Community Diversity Event Becomes Northern California Women of Color Day/Diversity Event

 

Honoring Ancestors, Remembering Heritage on March 2^nd.

 

2008 Honorees include:
.Gilda Baeza Ortego, Silver City, NM; Sra. Marisa de Leon, Eugene, OR;  Summer Hill,  Clovis;  Mother Ruth Jones, Oakland, CA; Jennie M. Luna,  San Jose;  Dorinda Moreno, San Francisco Bay Area;  Martha A. Rodriguez, San Francisco;  Cordia Wade, Sacramento;  Dr. Pat Washington, San Diego;. Brenda Elenes, Las Vegas, NV; Gabrielle Wilson, KPFA 94.1 FM, Berkeley;  Dr. David Covin, Sacramento; Physicians For Social Responsibility, Sacramento;  John L. Sullivan Auto Group, Roseville.

 

It is great to see a good friend DORINDA MORENO being honored at such a wonderful event.  We must continue to recognize  all those who do good work in the community…

One way to honor Dorinda is to GET THE VOTE OUT FOR OBAMA…

MY BEST

leno

Dear Sisters and Brothers

 

MO and Obama

It was great a day on Saturday Feb. 9^th as I flew into National Airport in Washington DC and was greeted by an old friend Maureen Herman. I call her MO….and while it was great to see her smiling face my eyes quickly went to her wonderful blue t-shirt with the logo of Barack Obama Campaign… later I would go to the Obama web site but they were all sold out in the shirt sizes that I wanted to purchase for myself and my daughter Aviva. But I did get bumper stickers.

It was so great to be greeted at the airport by an Obama supporter who is a good friend .. And oh by the way MO is a great voice for youth at risk and is a former Peace Corps Volunteer from Paraguay.

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

 

a.      the economy

b.      Conrad the homeless

c.       Obama nation

d.      Money and debates

e.       FIRM  .immigration

f.        Sugar factory explodes

g.      Barbara Sproul

THE ECONOMY

            Is not good for the working poor

The pain felt by the working poor is incredible.…ever day I open the paper to a bit of more bad news… but if I want the real story all I have to do is go to neighborhood where the working poor live… and there is where you will find the pain and very little of the promise… this economy and the government policies are destroying our families and our communities…

At the same time much of our government has been privatized. Taken out of our hands and put into the hands and pockets of the corporate giants..

Our government does not protect our consumers.. The FEDS lower the interest rates for banks but the banks have not lowered the interest rates to credit card holders.  Today predatory lenders are stalking the working poor during this difficult time.. They are lenders who suck life from the poor and then harvest every penny.

You must find you voice and speak out about the economic injustices in your community.

CONRAD THE HOMELESS PERSON

This past weekend I was going down the escalator trying to catch the DC METRO (subway) when a homeless guy Conrad sold me the newspaper of the homeless.  He then proceeded to tell me he was a poet and that his poem had been in their newspaper.

We talked for a moment and I gave him a signed copy of my book. I am sure that when I get to read Conrad’s poetry that I will be humbled by his words..

OBAMA NATION…

          It is growing, it is diverse and it is strong..

The OBAMA NATION is growing and it is growing with in ever sector of America. And as it grows the strain on Clinton Campaign is greater than it’s ever been and insiders are now biting at each other… blaming each other for recent losses.. Clinton gets rid of her Campaign manager Patty Soliz Doyle is but another sign of the strains on the staff and donors of the Clinton Camaign..

Last night Obama won easily in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC and this helps the OBAMA NATION to grow even more as many more were attracted to this movement.

The money and debates

While Obama continues to out raise Clinton in dollars and numbers of supporters you begin to ask the question about PUBLIC FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS… we continue to try to regulate this issue and yet the lack of resources for good candidates leaves them out of the process…

It might be nice to have a dollar limit for all races… or that we the people would finance the campaigns .. This would make the campaigns be more creative in their approaches and it just might give average Americans many who would be great if elected a chance in the process…

But if we need to raise lots of money this year then we got to raise it for Obama.

The frontrunner never offers to do more debates .After 18 debates you play to your strengths… if you have momentum you do not want to spend precious time debating.

So why is Hilary asking for so many debates…?? She has lost her momentum and is trying to keep Obama out of the large arenas where thousands flock to hear this voice for change.

HILARY CHANGES HER STAFF

by Bill Bradley  PAJAMAS MEDIA

Call it another Bad Bay at Black Rock for the “inevitable” Hillary Clinton and her once dominant Democratic presidential campaign. After being swept by Barack Obama in all four contests of Semi-Super Saturday, Clinton has just had a Sobering Sunday, which ends with a blast from the past of the Clintons’ 1990s controversies.

First, she fired her longtime campaign manager, Patti Solis Doyle, the first Latina to manage a major presidential campaign. Replacing her is Hillary’s White House chief of staff, Maggie Williams. She’s African American. But she’s not the first black woman to manage a big presidential campaign, with Donna Brazile having picked up that honor in 2000 with Al Gore

FIRM CONFERENCE

Sponsored by the Center for Community Change

IMMIGRANT RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS

I was lucky to be able to attend this conference and to reconnect with old friends and made many new friendships…I saw many friends from Seattle and I got homesick for the northwest.

It was great to see the wonderful work being done by others and to see so many younger individuals with so many good ideas…I was inspired by what I saw and know that we shall win this struggle.

One amongst many of the old friends that I saw there was a strong and creative woman, Andrea Black who directs THE DENTENTION WATCH NETWORK … She keeps our eyes on these detention centers and the humble workers that they house there as they try to deport them.  I am proud of her work on this most important issue.

Sugar Factory explodes in Georgia

Many people were killed and a community lost its economic anchor.

Bad oversight and lack of standards old machinery and bad habits…These accidents happen because there is not monitoring done by the Department of Labor.

It would not surprise me if our Neanderthal Dept. of Homeland Security did not blame this explosion of terrorist. And thus Sugar may be off the list of things you can take on the plane…

BARBARA SPROUL

          Candidate for the board of AIUSA

 

Barbara is a long time human rights activist whom I have known for some 30 years.  She offers to the movement a clear mind and heart which are dedicated to the rights of all. I have attached her resume for your consideration.

 

I would appreciate it if you Amnesty International members would vote for her and encourage your friends to do the same.

WHERE EVER YOU ARE YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

You’ll be pleased to know Mr. Leno that I, too, voted from Barack from way over here in Paris…….sent my ballot in absentee. I also contributed to his campaign…….can’t do much door knocking, but my support is there.
JENNIFER KORPINEN ..PARIS, FRANCE

This is a most important primary season and it is not over… so you can make a difference.  Reach out to friends, family and associates in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania.. You can make a difference… Let me know how and what you are doing..

Me… well I am writing ..calling and sending in a few pesos to the campaign. 

You know the mantra …

YES WE CAN

SI SE PUEDE

leno

 

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

I know that you get a lot of emails with a lot of political messages and I hope you get time to read most of them… I feel that I must continue to give you my thoughts on this primary season hoping that we can work together in this time of hope and change.

We must never silence our dreams and we must never give up hope … we must each day plan to do the impossible …

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

 

a.      the coronation

b.      bling…. bling

c.       what to do

d.      believe in yourself

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THE CORONATION DID NOT HAPPEN

                        And the tide is turning against the coronation.

Clinton did not get the super prize on Super Tuesday… Instead she was tied by an underdog who was running the most exciting grass roots campaign in many years…

Since last summer we have been hearing about how Hillary Clinton was the presumptive selected Democratic Nominee… And that it would be foolish for anyone to run against her… Well she forgot to convince Barack Obama and his now growing legion of supporters…

In December polls had her lead in double digits in almost every state and in California by as much as 25 points.  What happened to that magical lead…??? Why didn’t she just sweep across America and run the table…what happened to the coronation?

Some thoughts about the voting gives you hope

The early votes… there were about 4 million early mail in ballot voters in California… This skewed the actual turn out…Clinton had a machine in the state  early  on and had locked up many of the White, Latino and Asian leaders and some key Black politicians.. Little did they know that OBAMA was the voice of change and hope..the voice that we had all been waiting for. .. If they had known this they might not have been so quick to jump into bed with her campaign

Although Hillary pulled good numbers in California it did not keep pace with the growing movement of hope. There was a good grassroots effort mobilized by people of color in California, Colorado and other states in behalf of Barack and it is continuing to grow.. And this will help the Barack campaign in the weeks to come…

The effort by the Obama campaign was incredible on Super Tuesday… Many in December of 2007 had expected him by lose California by as much as 25% points. As the Obama campaign got momentum many of the 4 million early voters in California for example had already cast their ballot ..Some voting for candidates now no longer in the race…Had these 4 million waited a good number of them would have changed their vote and placed it with Obama. Many early voters voted before they could understand how viable Obama was and how much the momentum was building…

With your support and activism this Campaign is going to continue to grow.. And we will prove that YES WE CAN..

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WHO’S GOT THE BLING… BLING

Hilary Clinton it seems had to lend her campaign $5 million dollars in order to buy ads during Super Tuesday. She was out raised by Obama in January and will fall behind again in February. Many of her early donors are maxed out while most of Obama’s donors still can give and will give. Plus Barack’s Candidacy is attracting many new donors and voters….

So who got da money…. ???  We do …and we need to give it to the campaign…

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WHAT CAN WE DO

       How to help

 

There are many steps that we can take and we should do them now and continue these efforts   until this nomination is secured.

a.       Donate

Any size of a donation will help … give as much as you can… if we all do this we can make a huge difference.

b.      Volunteer.

If your state primary or caucus  is coming up then take vacation or sick leave and get out there and campaign…if your state has had its primary you might visit a state and become a on the ground volunteer … join team YES WE CAN ..SI SE PUEDE …

c.       Write letters to your newspaper editors about the hope of this campaign

d.      Keep bloging and sending out messages to your email lists

e.       Learn who are  the super delegates  for your state and begin calling them

f.       Go on the web to the Obama campaign page and learn how to be supportive

My daughter Aviva via the web site was able to call voters in Colorado on Super Tuesday. She called them from here in Miami… oh by the way Colorado is where I was born.

             g.   BUY AN AD IN THE NEW YORK TIMES    … we could each contribute

$25.00 each and get our name by state printed in a nation wide ad that shows support for Obama.. Through this ad the world would see who supports him

h.        Wear buttons, shirts, and put up signs in your yards and on your cars.

This is just a short list that you can amend or adjust but the  most important thing is that we do something…I am sure that you will take even  more creative actions to get him elected.  I had joked that I would run naked down the street if I thought it would get Barack elected…. This idea was quickly voted down by those with more restraint  … but the thought is that we can and should be creative…

While doing all this good work …lets have fun …and perhaps do YES WE CAN block or house parties to energize and organize others to do more…

 

 

TORNADOS STRIKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Numerous tornados tore through several southern states killing more that 50 people and destroying everything in their paths.  I am saddened by this loss and hope that our government does not fail the survivors who need so much help …

 

I wonder if this is just one more sign of the effects of Global warming?

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FORECLOSURE FRENZY

Across the country many are losing their homes and all the equity that had built over so many years. The human toll is incredible … and this will also be a big blow to the tax base and will thus affect money for public services.

The figures for foreclosed properties in Miami-Dade are staggering…here is a look at the numbers for the last three years.. All this data taken in January of each year.

2006    2007    2008

318      551      1,467

This should frighten us all … no matter what political party you belong to …

 

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF            

Look we can change the world ….all we have to do is work a little harder than we did yesterday… we can make history by getting out and participating in this election. Millions more democrats than republicans went to the polls on Super Tuesday and this makes this election season most exciting…

It is time to take control and to create history …want to change the world… get involved..

YES WE CAN

SI SE PUEDE

leno

Dear Sisters and Brothers

 

I am sending you some information about tomorrow and hope that it will get you all out to your polling places or caucuses. You must participate and I hope that you will work and vote for BARACK OBAMA.

 

Through out this country the Democratic turn out has been incredible. And our candidates look like gold compared to those candidates on the republican ballot. And Barack is the main reason for these soaring numbers.

 

But in elections you never count on the poll numbers..you count only those who show up …so take some time… participate and get all your friends to take a stand…

 

The momentum is on the side of Obama and it will continue to grow and flourish with your help .

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

 

a.     polling numbers

b.     Maria Shriver

c.      Voice for the voiceless

d.     The greatful dead

e.      Economic crisis in America

f.       Good to be alive

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Zogby Poll: Obama Soars Past Hillary in CA,
Pollster John Zogby: “A very big single day for Obama in California (49%-32% over Clinton) and Missouri (49%-39% single day).

GOOGLE Zogby and get more details on other states.

MORE ANALYSIS

Super Tuesday, when 22 states and American Samoa could decide the Democratic nominee, is one day away and no one knows what is going to happen. A new CBS News/New York Times poll shows Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton dead even nationally. Clinton led by as many as 15 points a month ago. But it’s the biggest prize of the contest, California, where only a week ago Clinton led by 17 points, that has everyone guessing. Taken from TRUTH DIG

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MARIA SHRIVER …

Hannah Strange TIMES ON LINE

Maria Shriver, niece of John F. Kennedy and wife of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California, delivered a media coup for the Obama campaign yesterday with a surprise endorsement of the Democratic candidate at a star-studded LA rally.

Casually dressed and make-up free after attending a daughter’s equestrian competition, California’s first lady joined Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy on stage at UCLA to declare her support for Mr Obama, who she said could unite America across racial, ethnic and other divisions.

“He’s not about himself,” she told a wildly cheering crowd at the university’s Pauley Pavilion. “He’s about the power of us and what we can do if we come together. . . . He is about empowering women, African Americans, Latinos, older people, young people. He’s about empowering all of us.”

“I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California,” Ms Shriver said to increasingly clamorous applause. “Diverse. Open. Smart. Independent. Bucks tradition. Innovative. Inspirational. Dreamer. Leader.”

 

Voice for the voiceless

Editor – I have attempted throughout my life to give a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, encouragement to the discouraged, and options to the cynical and complacent. From Northern Ireland to Sarajevo to Latin America, I have sung and marched, engaged in civil disobedience, visited war zones, and broken bread with those who had little bread to break.

Through all those years, I chose not to engage in party politics. Though I was asked many times to endorse candidates at every level, I was never comfortable doing so. At this time, however, changing that posture feels like the responsible thing to do. If anyone can navigate the contaminated waters of Washington, lift up the poor, and appeal to the rich to share their wealth, it is Sen. Barack Obama. If anyone can bring light to the darkened corners of this nation and restore our positive influence in world affairs, it is Barack Obama. If anyone can begin the process of healing and bring unity to a country that has been divided for too long, it is Barack Obama. It is time to begin a new journey.

JOAN BAEZ

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Grateful Dead to Reunite for Obama Feb. 3 Submitted by Kathlyn
Stone

The lineup: Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir will be joined by Jackie
Greene, John Molo and Steve Molitz. This will mark the first time that
the members of the legendary band have performed together since 2004.
They have agreed to reunite for this one-time-only event in order to
lend support to Senator Obama leading into the crucial “Super-Tuesday”
series of primaries held on Tuesday, February 5th.

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ECONOMIC CRISIS

         

While many so called experts argue about a looming recession,  Blacks, Latinos, and others have been living a recession for more than three years.  And the steps being taken by congress are too little, too late and too misdirected

 

We seem to be able to fund a war, drive up the deficit and further destabilize our economic system but when it comes to our working men and women we have so many excuses about why the right thing can not be done..…the ones to benefit first and foremost from this so called STIMULUS PACKAGE is the lenders, big business and the super rich. And that is wrong… We must continue to fight for a more comprehensive stimulus package that might actually help those most affected.

 

Those of you working in our communities know of the devastation already destroying families and ultimately our communities. You must help us to organize the voice of the poor so that governmental officials as well as foundations will understand the economic crisis that so many are living …and help them to find the real and effective solutions.

 

YOU MUST ALSO VOTE ON SUPER TUESDAY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE…

 

GOOD TO BE ALIVE         

 

Yesterday as I was celebrating a friend’s birthday…   I was reminded how wonderful life can be by just having good people around you ..who can make you smile and appreciate each day that you are alive to receive their sunshine…

 

AND NOW THAT YOU ARE STILL WITH US …TAKE A MOMENT AND VOTE

 

My best

leno

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

Yesterday I got to hear my good friend Paul Loeb give a message of hope and a challenge to a leadership group of students at the Florida International University.  Paul asked the students to make a difference and to know that they could change the world. He asked the students to use their minds and their hearts and to take action and protect the world they live in ..Paul gave them concrete examples of those who have created change in civil rights, human rights and the environment. Visit his web site and find out more about this good man with a vision for change. www.paulloeb.org 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

 

a.      Obama

b.      Ethel Kennedy

c.       El Poilin

d.      La Opinon newspaper

e.       Haitians support Obama

f.        Military suicides

g.      National Farm Worker Ministry

OBAMA ….

Grass roots groups of Latinos, Asians, activists work for Obama

Pushing back against  the advice and endorsements of established leadership .. youth, Latinos, Asians, Blacks, and other community activists are working hard for Obama…

Barack Obama has captured the imagination and hearts of many and they are rushing to support his candidacy.  Obama more than anyone in recent times has brought hope to country that has been living in a valley of despair.

Yesterday Ethel Kennedy the widow of Bobby Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama noting that he is the most inspiring candidate since the time of her late husband. Ethel and Bobby Kennedy for years were great supporters of the UFW ..United Farm Workers Union for many years. And while the UFW and Dolores Huerta have endorsed Hilary Clinton, Ethel has taken another path. A path towards CHANGE and new leadership.

She joins Ted and Caroline Kennedy in endorsing Obama… and they join many grass roots voices that have placed their hopes and dreams with Barack Obama.

 

I ask my friends to work for Barack Obama and give our future a chance…

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CNN) - Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, became the latest member of the high-profile clan to weigh in on the presidential race Saturday, announcing her support for Democrat Barack Obama.

In a statement released by the campaign, she compared Obama to her late husband. “Over these past few years, I’ve watched Sen. Obama inspire Americans from all walks of life to believe in real change and a new sense of hope and possibility. He’s a magnetic force, drawing the nation together for the common good and galvanizing us all to help shape our country’s future.

“Barack is so like Bobby, who struggled for the rights of the poor in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia, traveled to California to stand in solidarity with Cesar Chavez and farm workers, and fought to end another war that cost so many lives.

“Today, we crave a leader with vision who can help us regain our lost humanity and rekindle our inherent generosity. With courage, caring, and charisma, Senator Obama is leading us toward a kinder, gentler world.”

Obama said he was “humbled” to learn of Ethel Kennedy’s decision.

This presidential campaign cycle has seen a split in the Kennedy family, many of whom generally avoid weighing in on political contests. Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, Rhode Island Rep. Patrick Kennedy and former First Daughter Caroline Kennedy all endorsed Obama at a campaign rally earlier this week, and are actively stumping for the Illinois senator. Ethel Kennedy’s children Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend have both publicly backed Hillary Clinton.

-CNN’s Suzanne Malveaux and Matt Hoye contributed to this report

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Obama’s Piolín boost
by kos
Thu Jan 31, 2008 at 11:14:08 AM PST

Yesterday we noted that yes, Latinos will vote for black candidates
despite arguments to the contrary from the Clinton campaign. Today,
Reuters seizes on the pushback to that narrative. But the fact is,
Hillary has done better amongst Latinos because she has actually done
a far better job in wooing that vote.

Now the question is how much can Obama cut into that Latino
disadvantage on Feb. 5.

Large numbers of Hispanic or Latino voters will head to the polls for
“Super Tuesday” voting on February 5 in states such as California, New
York, New Jersey, Arizona and New Mexico, where public opinion polls
put Clinton ahead in the contest for the Democratic presidential
nomination.

And on that front, this is gold for Obama, with Ted Kennedy getting
royal treatment on the El Piolín radio show today. This is significant
for several major reasons. Hillary is leading Obama in southern
California in huge part because of the Latino vote — helped in large
part by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s support and machine.
Big city mayors are some of the best endorsements a candidate can get
because they have a patronage machine they can activate on behalf of
candidates they support. Yet down in southern California, El Piolín
owns the market and is the largest radio show in the country. Yup,
that’s bigger than you-know-who.

Maids get out of bed and slip on their uniforms, landscapers load leaf
blowers into rusty flatbed trucks before chugging up the freeway and
cooks turn on restaurant stoves to make flapjacks. They, like other
listeners, know [Eduardo] Sotelo as El Piolin, or Tweety Bird, and
they regard him as a Mexican immigrant hero, someone like them, a role
model. Twenty years ago, Sotelo sneaked across the Mexican border into
California by hiding in the trunk of a car, and now his
Spanish-language radio show, “El Piolin por la Mañana,” has made him a
rags-to-riches story, a DJ who beats Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh and
Tom Joyner every weekday morning, according to Arbitron ratings.

Remember the big immigration protests last year? This was the guy who
fueled them nationwide. So he’s not just a fun D.J., he can move
people. And to this crowd, Sen. Ted Kennedy is a HUGE hero — the man
who has been fighting to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the
Senate.

And today, his show was one big love note to Obama, featuring none
other than Kennedy.

The El Piolín radio show [...] gave a BIG buildup for Teddy at 7:40
a.m. California time with a three minute pre-produced bio calling him
“the best senator in America” highlighting Kennedy family history and
his leadership on education, health care and immigration reform.

Blogger Al Giordano blogged the radio appearance, and three particular
points stand out:

Kennedy talks about the fight for immigration reform he waged “and at
my side from the beginning was Barack Obama.” [...]

Kennedy: “Only two senators marched for immigrant rights on May 1,
2006, one in Washington and the other in Chicago. I marched in
Washington and Barack Obama marched in Chicago. He was not afraid to
stand up when others wouldn’t.” [...]

“I’m committed to coming back on the immigration bill and Barack Obama
will be with me. He is the one candidate who has said that he can do
this in his first term. There’s too many people that are living in the
shadows. Men and women of dignity who love their families who love
their faith. I’m on their side and Barack Obama is on their side.”

This was worth millions in free advertising to the Obama campaign and
can move real numbers. In a state were Obama is closing the gap fast
according to the most recent polling, this could be game changing.

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LA OPINION…The largest Spanish language newspaper of Los Angeles

                             Endorses Obama

The Democratic choice is Barack Obama

02 de febrero de 2008

The Democratic Party arrives at the California primary
with a historic choice between two extraordinary
candidates. We believe that of the two, Senator Barack
Obama represents fundamental change in a campaign in
which “change” has become a central theme. Obama’s
approach to immigration and his inspiring vision are
what the country need to break through the current
feeling of political malaise.

There is no doubt that Senator Hillary Clinton would
be an excellent president if elected. She is capable,
competent, disciplined, and hard working. She has
shown herself to be a talented legislator and is on
the right side of the major issues. Her plan for
universal health care is one example of the courageous
initiatives she has proposed as a candidate. And it
would be wonderful to elect the country’s first woman
president.

She has garnered significant Latino support from such
influential and high profile national leaders as Raúl
Yzaguirre, Henry Cisneros and Antonio Villaraigosa.
She has worked tirelessly over many years to represent
the best interests of Latinos and her personal
commitment has been well-documented throughout this
campaign.

Yet, this is a historic moment and tremendous skills
and experience are not enough to inspire a feeling of
renewal in our country after eight long years of
George W. Bush.

As well, we were disappointed with her calculated
opposition to driver’s licenses for the undocumented,
which contrasts markedly from the forceful argument in
support made by Obama. We understand that this is an
extremely controversial issue but we believe there is
only one right position and it is that of the senator
from Illinois. And, while both senators support
comprehensive immigration reform, only Obama has
committed to bringing forward new legislation during
his first year in office.

It is this commitment to the immigration issue which
drove Obama to condemn the malicious lies made during
the immigration debate, to understand the need for
driver’s licenses, and to defend the rights of
undocumented students by co-authoring the DREAM Act.
The senator has demonstrated character by maintaining
his position despite the hostile political climate.

At the same time, there are not huge differences
between the two Democractic candidates on most of the
major issues. Thus, vision makes the difference! Obama
offers an inclusive message of hope that addresses our
country’s historic moment. He has a conciliatory style
that can reverse the vicious cycle of rancor which has
dominated Washington over these past decades and has
paralyzed its ability to come together on major
decisións.

We need a leader today that can inspire and unite
America again around its greatest possibilities.
Barack Obama is the right leader for the time. We know
that he is not as well known among our community and
while he has the support of Maria Elena Durazo,
Senator Gil Cedillo and others he comes to the Latino
community with less name recognition. Nevertheless, it
is Obama who deserves our support.

By deciding between a woman or an African American as
their presidencial nominee, the Democrats are making
history. Barack Obama has the sensibilities of a man
from humble beginnings raised in a multicultural home.
He is the best option for a truly visionary change.

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Arriba con Haiti, Viva Marguerite! Viva Obama!

From: zili danto <erzilidanto@yahoo.com>
To: Zili <erzilidanto@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 11:13:35 -0800 (PST)
Subject: HLLN supports Barack Obama – Join us, vote for Barack Obama on Super Tuesday
Standing on truth, living without fear – Supporting Barack Obama’s vision of what can be…

Ezili Danto Note:

Haitians must believe they can overcome the odds to succeed. And, success, some say, is not determined by the cards you are dealt in life, but how you play them.

That is why, playing the cards dealt, HLLN wants to use this occasion to urge support for Barack Obama for President. We endorse Obama because he is the least vested in the Washington political ruling hierarchy.  We endorse Obama because of his courage, empathy, ethics, charisma, remarkable personal journey and, most decidedly because of his stated stances on immigration, the war in Iraq, health care, education, worker’s rights, reforming the criminal justice system, repairing the environment and against corporate welfare and subsidies.

Why? Because we Haitians are in the furnace of that “hope, possibility and change” that didn’t bring us any change, but have Haitians eating all manners of dirt to survive – suffering occupation, hunger, misery, rape, torture, indefinite detention and slaughter. For, President Rene Preval unfortunately has been nothing if not a tool of the status quo – of empire, endless debt, militarization, privatization and deep corporate greed – in Haiti. Yet, at the time he came along, there was no other viable choice for the people of Haiti. Same I think today with the US and the choice of Barack Obama. It may all turn out that Obama’s offer of “hope, possibility and change” ends up looking like President Rene Preval’s “HOPE” because the good old boy’s network is too evil to be challenged by good people. It could well turn out that Barack Obama, like Rene Preval who first got permission to run for President not from the old civil rights guards but from the old US guards looking to stem the deadly damage and hatreds lifted up by Empire’s shock and awe regime changes, will also become for the US, like Rene Preval in Haiti, the “best face” on US imperialism. Still, what choices do we have? Paralysis, cynicism and impasse are for neophytes. The NAFTA-Clintons are not a change from yesterday. Not for the poor and jobless in the U.S. Not for the “tan” women of Juarez, Mexico, nor the Black women of Ouanaminthe, Haiti, – all, tossed around by NAFTA employers like so much garbage.

No tenable choice exist with the remaining status quo candidates so vested in the Washington system that vies to exterminate equal division of resources, equal access, treatment, the poor’s rights and decent folks’ soul and humanity, globally. Barack Obama has no dynasty, no monarch, no oil interests to protect and extend. Not yet. He may do more for the abandoned poor in New Orleans and he seems to embrace, not what the United State is, but a vision of what the U.S. can be.

So, this may be the only time, before he’s more vested in Washington’s system that with a massive people-push and his sheer vision, determination and clear, un-compromised conscience he could help catapult the strong but beaten down and nearly invisible collective U.S. wish to be what we say we are, and herald in an unexpected quantum leap for the US citizenry, and therefore the planet. A leap towards more decency and civility, away from profit-over-people values.

Either way, this is the moment for action. Not debate.

After Super Tuesday, it won’t take much courage to support Barack Obama. So today, when silence could mean indecision, defeatism, fear, complicity or cynicism, we speak to formalize the grassroots work we’ve done outside the public eye, making public HLLN’s support for Senator Barack Obama for president of the United States.

People know us at Ezili’s HLLN for our regular collaboration with an international network of folks well educated in the pain, misery and suffering wrought on by constant U.S. government duplicity abroad and at home, and its grand tradition of promoting death and deceit under the guise of extending equity, democracy, generosity and humanitarian help. But today, at this historic moment, despite
knowing full well the shams involved in the US electoral process, we  are standing on truth, living without fear to endorse the only people’s candidate remaining in this election. HLLN endorses Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to help lead the US towards a more civilized, peaceful tomorrow and authentic change that would bring prosperity and opportunities for all.

We thank HLLN members who’ve participated in our private forums debating this matter and acknowledge the large percentage of our folks who contend that Obama has done nothing good for Haiti so far and that, if elected, Barack Obama will just be the new black face of U.S. imperialism, terror, increased repression, and therefore will end up exacerbating and further retarding the struggle for grass-roots, bottoms-up, revolutionary change, worldwide.

But the HLLN consensus is to go with Barack Obama.

So, we respectfully ask all who are going to the polls this Tuesday, to join us. Listen, not to your fears, but to the silent screams of the disenfranchised women on this planet wishing an end to senseless wars, hunger, rape, death and misery. Vote for Barack Obama.

(The Obamas have no assassination fear -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqfRtcnpUMU ; OBAMA – Yes, we can -
http://www.dipdive.com/ .

Marguerite Laurent, Esq.
Founder and Chair, Haitian Lawyers Leadership Network (“HLLN”)
February 2, 2008

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Military Suicides.

The war in Iraq is destroying our men and women more ways than we will ever know …the most recent

Suicide rates amongst American soldiers has reached its highest level since these records began being recorded about 30 years ago. In 2007, 121 active members of the army committed suicide, which was up 20% over 2006. 34 of the 2007 suicides were in Iraq, while just 27 were in 2006.

Another disturbing thing on the rise are attempted suicides and self-harm amongst U.S. soldiers. In 2007, the number of American soliders who tried unsuccessfully to kill themselves, or who deliberately injured themselves, rose to 2,100 in 2007. That is a significant increase over 500 such cases recorded in 2002.

From the Cleveland Leader

We must end this war ..the toll on our soldier and the people in Iraq is more than is acceptable …not to mention the deficit spending that will affect for many years to come.

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THE NATIONAL FARM WORKER MINISTRY TAKE THIER VOICE AND THEIR PRAYERS TO BURGER KING

Rabbi Rebecca Lillian Board President of South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice  blessed the bitter herbs that were shared by all and that religious leaders later attempted to deliver to administrators of Burger King.. These herbs reminded us of the Israelites deliverance from the bitter bondage of the Egyptians. And on this day it was time to remember the working conditions and waged of farm workers in Florida.

The board of the National Farm Worker Ministry joined the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, South Florida Interfaith Action and South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice at this historic event. Leno Rose-Avila was Emcee of this very moving and religious event. The organizer of this Payer Vigil was Jeanette Smith who wears many hats but on this day she was staff of the Farm Worker Ministry.

We should know that we create history every time we stand up for the rights of the poor…and we should be proud of our stands that we make in behalf of those who deserve our voice and action…

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TAKE A MOMENT AND READ

Reading is one of the most wonderful things in life.. you can share your reading skills with young children and seniors…read the news, read fiction, the sports page…..anything but read… plus if you read enough you just might learn something new that could change your life. …and if you have an interesting book share it with me … I suggest for your new book The Impossible will take a little While by Paul Loeb

So take a moment out of your busy life and read…

My best

leno