DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

This Thursday the 27^th of November many families will be celebrating a USA holiday called Thanksgiving.  I never really understood this holiday and its misplaced attention.  I want a holiday when we can thank our ancestors of this land and the Americas …so that we can recognize all they gave and sacrificed. That might be a good place to begin.

In a way I have a thanksgiving day every day because I appreciate all that I has been given by so many. My appreciation for the wonderful communities to which I belong reminds me that I will forever be grateful for living, learning and on occasion doing.

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEW

            a. the fire inside

            b. good done anywhere

            c. attitude of gratitude

            d. 10 for 10

            e. searching for the truth

THE FIRE INSIDE … THAT MUST BE SHARED

Last Thursday I went to the 10^th Annual Dinner for Homies Unidos to be there Key Note Speaker.  That was sort of scary by the time it got time for me to speak so much had been said that  there was not much for me to say.  And in the end I was left to talk about the FIRE INSIDE. Sue Dinner an old friend and a transplant from South Africa told me smiling JUST SAY THAT THEY HAVE SAID IT ALL AND SIT DOWN… I smiled back at her.. I had a need to say something and all I could think about was the fire inside.

I had heard the testimony of individuals whose lives had been touched and changed by the work of Homies. It was amazing to listen to these voices and stories. Some were a little long but these individuals needed to show how much they appreciated what Homies had done for them. I was impressed by their ability to give strong testimony in public. Hearing the stories brought tears to many.

I too like many of the Homies Unidos Board Members and others working with these Homies are changed as we each share our fires… we look to our Ancestors knowing that part of our fire belongs to them and that we are connected to many. I can tell you that working with gang members and youth at risk that I was to build a bigger fire inside of me that allowed me to be more and do more. And in the process I was able to give of my fire to others.

Now back to the dinner that was held at Immanuel Presbyterian Church where the Pastor is Frank Alton. He has given shelter to Homies Unidos since our beginning in Los Angeles and has stood with us through thick and thin and HU has had some pretty thin times.. But Rev. Frank always remained a good friend. It was great to see him and give him a big hug.

Finally it was time for me to be introduced by RAQ-C a young woman who is a DJ on a Latino Music Station.  Here she was a young sister strong and centered introducing a Veterano. She had a confidence that took me many years to develop and I believe that she will each day be a stronger voice for all of us.  You can catch RAQ-C at WWW.RAQCONLINE.COM (LATINO 96.3). Later I would get to speak with her and was impressed by her respect of her mother and her understanding of the empowerment of women. RAQ-C is from El Salvador and has connected with Homies Unidos. At the end of the evening she happily took one of my Obama shirts to wear and put on her my space location. Later the next day I would get to listen on the car radio as she did her magic over the air.

 

In the hall that night were many who had given so much to help Homies Unidos survive and prosper. I was humbled to be in the presence of so many fine individuals.

 

Now to get to my message of the evening.. All of us I believe have a fire inside … a fire that wants us to be strong and to do good. But society and circumstance and oppression can dampen this fire and in some cases almost extinguish it.  But if we believe in justice and freedom then no one can put out our fire.  The can try but they will not be able to put out our FIRE INSIDE…Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Cesar Chavez, Fannie Lou Hammer, Nelson Mandela, Dolores Huerta, and so many others have had this fire inside that burned high and hot even when they were being oppressed.

 

The amazing thing is that they gave of their fire to others whose fire needed stoking and building.. they shared their courage, their dreams their fire inside  and it allowed the rest of us to build bonfires as lights as signals to all that freedom was coming … it wont  be easy but we have to share our fire with each other and together we can do any thing we need to do.

 

This fire inside I see in Alex Sanchez and Mirna Solorzano is very strong. These two individuals from rivals gangs are working together to keep each others fires alive so that they can share with other Homies. Alex who is now Executive Director of Homies Unidos in Los Angeles is sharing his fire with so many every day.

 

When I first met Alex in 1996 he was a strong gang leader and I could see the fire he had and how he was a warrior and not afraid of anything, over the years I have seen Alex build his fire and his vision so that he could share with others and help us to change the world… Today he is a bonfire for justice and he will not be stopped in his effort to help others find the road to non violence and freedom…and in the process he will share his FIRE INSIDE. And by sharing he will receive fire from others and become stronger …

 

GOOD DONE ANYWHERE IS GOOD DONE EVERYWHERE …

 

It don’t matter where you do good or your reason for doing it.  It is just wonderful that you could do this act of kindness and help others.  We don’t have to wait for a special day or a special moment we just have to do good where we are and wit those around us. Good can be done at any moment by any and everyone.. You don’t need a PHD to do good .. You don’t need to know all the answers to do good … you don’t need to know the language or culture to do good…

 

I think I did a good thing the other day by going to a memorial service and then by writing a poem for the family about their loved one whom they had lost. I didn’t go to the service to write a poem .. it just came to me … and perhaps I done some good…

 

Today my daughter gave me a hug and kiss as she left to go to work …now that was a lot of good that I received. Now I got to do some good for some one…

 

DEVELOPING AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

 

In an upcoming Ahora I want to explore with you the development of an Attitude of Gratitude. Thought I would give you something to think about until I wrote to you next.

 

10 for 10

       A plan to sustain the work of HOMIES UNIDOS

 

You can help us celebrate the work of Homies in Los Angeles by pledging $10 a month for the next year to celebrate their 10 years of work. We know it is not much but every bit helps and can make a difference during these difficult times. And you can get your friends to join us in this effort. If you can give more per month then please give according to your ability.  And if you can only give less then that will also be welcomed

 

Please connect with

 Homies Unidos

1625 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 706

Los Angeles, CA. 90015

 

SEARCHING FOR ALL OF THE TRUTH

I would give up a couple of years of my life to work with new administration to dig up the truth on all the people that we have unjustly placed in prison in Guantanamo and in other dark corners of this world. It is a disgrace for our country to treat people the way we have without regard of international laws or standards. We need to turn over every rock and find the awful truth of what so many allowed in the name of our so called war against terrorism. And if our officers and representatives broke the law then they should at least be fired or tried in a court of law… we can not be silent on this issue

 

My best

 

leno

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

 

Sunday morning, I jumped into my taxi going to Lax airport for my early flight to Miami.  I was wearing my blue shirt that says PRESIDENT OBAMA…YES WE DID…

 

My driver who was on time had an accent which was most pleasant. I later found out he was from Togo in Africa.. Eventually he began talking about Obama and all the hope that everyone had for him. When I got out at American Airlines and upon getting my receipt I asked him to wait a minute.  And then handed him a button with a picture of the new first family (the Obama Family)… and I got a very warm smile and he said

 

THIS IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE TIP YOU GAVE ME

 

He gave me one last smile and then looked at the button and smiled some more.   He just held it right before his eyes and kept smiling.

 

Later inside the airport at the gate a women in line with a child of about 10 told me how much she liked my shirt.  I gave her my card so she could order one and then gave her a first family button. She and her son were happy and she thanked me verbally and with the warmest of smiles.

 

Getting these smiles makes me feel good and it seems I make others happy with something as simple as a button…an Obama button.

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a.     farsi and the phone

b.     middle east and burma forgotten

c.      letter from Colombia.

d.     Letter on Burma

e.      Passing of our circles.

——————————————————————————————-

Couldn’t remember my Farsi but then again I only knew one phrase…

I was sitting there waiting for Rafe Furst to come and rescue me from the luggage area…. Having just arrived in Los Angeles from Miami.. I was a bit tired and knew that Rafe’s flight from Las Vegas would be coming in at 10:30 pm. Another half hour to kill… so I found a comfortable chair and began my wait.

So I began watching people … I saw two attractive women one older than the other with a small boy in tow ..I thought them to be Latinos…I saw them walk by several times ..Each time stopping to try to get the pay phone to connect them with their party …finally they walked over to me and began asking me how to operate the phone .. The woman had a strong accent but I could not place it..… I asked the older woman what number they were calling and they began by saying 0 0 1.. ..And that is what you dial from another country to the USA.. She had a note book and I tried to sneak a peek at it ..She smiled and said that it was in Farsi and didn’t think I could read it.. and then said she was from IRAN…

It was then that I wanted to try out on her the one FARSI PHRASE I was taught years ago by my good friend Alireza Aziz which in Farsi is : Zendeh bad Azadi or LONG LIVE FREEDOM … but given that this woman was trying to make a telephone call . ..I don’t believe it would have been the right thing to say.

 

I pointed to my i-phone and she read me the number and I dialed 818 something … the answering machine picked up and I gave her the phone to leave a message. She thanked me …in 10 minutes this woman was back at the pay phone now knowing she did not have to dial the double 0’s .  She was feeding her change to the machine and not getting any result…

Watching their frustration from my chair I hit re-dial on my phone and to my surprise someone answered.. .I asked the voice to hold telling him I had a family member near by … I called the women and boy over and handed my phone to the oldest woman..   She gave a rapid message to the person at the other end and handed me back the phone and thanked me with a very large smile

Wish I had known some more Farsi … I could have told her about my friend Ali.

———————————————————————————————–

THE MIDDLE EAST, BURMA AND OTHER FORGOTTEN AREAS OF THE WORLD.

The media and the politicos have forgotten many important areas of the world where human rights are violently suppressed. What happened to the many promises of the Bush Administration to develop a peace plan for the Middle East and the promise to apply meaningful pressure on the government of Burma (Myanmar)? These issues along with the Sudan, Congo and others need the attention of the new administration since the Bush administration forgot about them and let the abuse continue.

Not much has been done by the Bush folks except to kill folks in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Too many people are suffering due to a misdirected and ineffective foreign policy. And this has to change.

——————————————————————————————————

THE YOUNGEST VOTER…

                   Jonah Alejo Banks age 17 days

Jonah who was born on October 17^th in Pittsburgh to his mother Gabriella Banks a reporter and long time human rights activist.  On Nov. 3^rd Jonah was very agitated and or excited as his mother explained the significance of the next day. It seems when he was still in the womb he moved around a lot as Obama spoke at a Rally in Pittsburg that his mother attended just weeks before his birth. So he already has an active history of supporting Obama.  And perhaps should be considered for a political appointment with the new administration.

On Tuesday Morning November 4^th Gabriella strapped Jonah to her chest in a snuggling pouch and off they went to the polling place. They registered and got their booth where they would do touch screen voting. Jonah was sort of sleeping as Gabriella took him out of the pouch and turned him around so that he might cast his first vote.  Gabriella took his hand in hers and together she and Jonah pressed their fingers on the right box to cast their vote for Obama and Biden. Jonah’s first vote was recorded on Nov. 4^th, 2008.

Jonah then went back into the pouch satisfied with his vote… .. while Gabriella worked her way through the rest of the long and complicated ballot.

Workers at the polling place were delighted to have a baby so young there voting with his mother.  Jonah did not have to prove his citizenship nor show any other form of documentation.

I am told that Jonah was agitated/excited as the election returns came in later that day as his mother and friends watched the television and gave their own running commentaries.

Later that night Jonah Alejo Banks went to sleep knowing that his vote had perhaps made the difference in this most important election. 

This Friday there will be a special naming ceremony for Jonah whom I understand is already a STEELERS FOOTBALL FAN.

I look forward to meeting Senor Jonah in the weeks ahead and thanking him for his vote.

——————————————————————————————————–

A LETTER FROM A FRIEND IN COLOMBIA

Dear all,

I turn 33 on the 24th of November and even though you won’t be able to come to my birthday party because you’re far away, I want to ask you for a present this year: to donate whatever you would spend in a gift for me, to Fusion International, a fantastic organization that since 2004 has worked, very successfully, implementing productive projects with marginalized communities of Colombia.

What I like the most about Fusion is that it challenges a charity model of community work (i.e. distributing food or clothing) and actually employs members of the communities with which it works and accompanies communities (by providing technical support and other services) so they themselves identify their needs and design their own productive and sustainable solutions. Additionally, it was created in Seattle, which for me, is a great way to stay connected to my two homes.

So please, celebrate with me and show me your affection by filling up Fusion’s coffers! You can donate through their website http://www.fusion-international.org, via FACEBOOK causes http://apps.facebook.com/causes/22144?m=618c3fb4&recruiter_id=5575622 or those of you in the U.S. can mail a check to:

Fusion International
700 NW 42nd Street #105
Seattle, WA 98107
USA

BIG HUG TO ALL!!
Andrea Parra
PS. If by any chance you’re in Colombia, my party will be on the 29th, drop me a line if you’ll make it, to give you details

—————————————————————————————————–

LETTER ON BURMA

Hi Leno,

Last night there was a Human Rights Watch dinner, and one of the 2 honorees was a Burmese kid. Of course, Carol and David had a table, and many of us Burma activists were there. We remember how you were one of the earliest people in this country to bring Burma to the attention of the world.

Thank you for your putting Burma on the map.

Much love,

Louise Craig

Los Angeles

 

Note: Louisa is Burmese and is a strong voice for the rights of the Burmese people and she got me involved with Burma in 1989 and I have met many Burmese activists through her. She and Carol Richards have done a lot to keep Burma in our minds and hearts… As you know Aung San Suu Kyi 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner is still under house arrest..she has spent the last 18 years in either prison or under house arrest…We need to keep; Burma in out hearts and in our work.

.

——————————————————————————————————–

The passing of family of friends

                   Missing parts of our circles.  

Sunday I got home from Los Angeles and went immediately from the Airport to the memorial services for Leif Andrew Nissen. Leif was the son of human rights activists Bruce and Karen Nissen.  I got there late but it was good to be there to pray and to meditate. Later I wrote a poem for Leif which I sent on to his family.

Then I got home and opened my e mail and discovered that Larry Kleinman’s father Bernie had passed away. Larry is part of the key leadership of PCUN of Oregon. I enjoyed reading the kind words that Larry wrote as part of his Eulogy for his father. And I hope that Larry will write even more about his father. Larry is a great writer and can capture life in all it’s colorful details.

We must remember that we are all here on borrowed time and we need to make the best of our time here on this earth.

………………………………………………………………………………………………

CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET ????

I am still celebrating the election… singing and shouting the words

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA…

EL PRESIDENTE OBAMA…

Makes me feel good just to say the words .. .Obama my president … now that is better than good can be…

My best

leno

Dear Sisters and Brothers

I just heard from some of my readers and friends who are planning to go to Washington, DC to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama. I am amazed by the numbers of individuals who are planning to be there ( 3-5 million). It is going to be a wonderful MEGA EVENT.  If you can get there it will be unforgettable. I don’t know how the city will feed and house all of these people. Traffic will be a mess but a wonderful mess. You should take a six pack of patience and open it up and share it with others… Being there will be like being on another planet with millions of wonderful new friends. A POLITICAL WOODSTOCK ..

Let me know if you are planning to go or if you will be one of the sane ones that watch it on television… more people will attend and watch on television than ever before.. Me at this point I am undecided … but I think that Margaret and Hania put the INAUGERATION DAY VIRUS INTO MY HEART…

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a.      Georgia

b.      Homies Unidos

c.       Death penalty in Nebraska

d.      Holiday a difficult time

————————————————————————————————————

GEORGIA ON MY MIND (good election … good chance )

                        And to think that we can make a difference

We have a couple of weeks to use our time and energy to help in a most important election in the state of Georgia.  Incumbent US Senator Saxby Chambliss (a very right wing Republican) is fighting for his life in a run off with challenger Democratic challenger Jim Martin. This election is scheduled for Dec. 2^nd.

Chambliss had about 49.8% of the vote and Martin about 46.8% on Nov. 4^th. …In a runoff normally many less show up to vote than in the general election. In order for Martin to win he has to pull out at least 80% or more of those who voted for him Nov. 4^th. It will be a lot of work and it will not be easy.

The Obama campaign has sent in some of its best GOTV get out the vote staff to work on this run-off.  Two key voting blocs that need to be turned out in great numbers are African-Americans and the youth. Every vote will be most important.

We must hook up with the Martin campaign and get lists to call and we must email all of our lists asking people in Georgia to vote. You can also call any and all contacts you have in Georgia… if we all chip in we can make a difference.

HOMIES UNIDOS 10^TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

            LENO TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Time: November 20, 2008 at 7pm
Location: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles
Organized By: Mirna Solorzano

Death penalty distorted Beatrice case
(Journal Star, Nebraska) 11/17/08

“The exoneration of six people who had been convicted for the murder of a Beatrice woman is a shocking example of the justice system going awry.

The wrongful convictions show how the death penalty can distort the search for justice.

The case boggles the mind.

How could the complicated and detailed scenario presented in court testimony turn out to be complete fiction?

One reason is the police interrogation methods used at the time. Investigators supplied suspects suggestions on what could have happened. They showed photos of the crime scene. Under pressure, suspects offered the stories authorities wanted.

And how was that pressure exerted?

By threatening the death penalty.

Four defendants were bullied into confessions when authorities threatened them with the electric chair, according to Attorney General Jon Bruning. Their testimony was used to convict Joseph Edgar White of first-degree murder. The other five pleaded guilty or no contest to lesser charges.

Advances in DNA analysis now show the prosecution’s case was entirely fabricated.

In the first step, the DNA evidence showed no link between the defendants and the crime.

In the second, conclusive step, the DNA evidence proved who had actually committed the crime in 1985.

That turned out to be Bruce Allen Smith, who died of AIDS in 1992 in Oklahoma City.

He had been a suspect early in the case, but authorities turned their attention elsewhere after he was apparently cleared by a blood test done by Oklahoma forensic specialist Joyce Gilchrist.

There’s now reason to suspect the accuracy of that blood test. Gilchrist was fired after allegations of incompetence and untruthfulness. A federal appeals court reversed a death sentence, finding that Gilchrist had provided evidence that she “knew was rendered false and misleading by evidence withheld from the defense.”

The circumstances of the Beatrice case ought to shake the faith of the most hardened defender of the death penalty.

The death penalty was never imposed in the case, but it played a role in sending six people to prison.

An error here, overzealousness there, and before anyone can stop it, the defendants are behind bars, out of sight and out of mind.

For decades, no one questioned the convictions. Then the case unraveled quickly and unequivocally, exposing the imperfection and error that will forever impair any criminal justice system operated by humans.

The next time Nebraska lawmakers once again consider whether to retain the death penalty, they should study this case. The evidence is fresh and convincing. The death penalty should be abolished.”

 

SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS STARTING OUT SLOWLY

 

This holiday season you will be able to get a lot of special deals and those of you with money will be able to take advantage of this situation. But because of the financial crisis most will just be able to dream but not purchase. Many families are limiting their purchasing of holiday items or travel. Every day we hear of more lay offs… people losing their jobs and soon will be losing their homes and their cars and their status in their social circles. It is not an easy nor kind holiday period.

Those who will suffer silently during this harsh period it will be the children, the seniors, the disabled, and the bed ridden who will suffer the most. We must find a way to share what little we have with them as we begin this extended holiday season of November and December.

I look forward to many baked goods, home made items or perhaps just a warm hug for this holiday season.

As they say … give and you shall receive…

My best

Leno

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers

I just heard from some of my readers and friends who are planning to go to Washington, DC to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama. I am amazed by the numbers of individuals who are planning to be there ( 3-5 million). It is going to be a wonderful MEGA EVENT.  If you can get there it will be unforgettable. I don’t know how the city will feed and house all of these people. Traffic will be a mess but a wonderful mess. You should take a six pack of patience and open it up and share it with others… Being there will be like being on another planet with millions of wonderful new friends. A POLITICAL WOODSTOCK ..

Let me know if you are planning to go or if you will be one of the sane ones that watch it on television… more people will attend and watch on television than ever before.. Me at this point I am undecided … but I think that Margaret and Hania put the INAUGERATION DAY VIRUS INTO MY HEART…

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a.      Georgia

b.      Homies Unidos

c.       Death penalty in Nebraska

d.      Holiday a difficult time

————————————————————————————————————

GEORGIA ON MY MIND (good election … good chance )

                        And to think that we can make a difference

We have a couple of weeks to use our time and energy to help in a most important election in the state of Georgia.  Incumbent US Senator Saxby Chambliss (a very right wing Republican) is fighting for his life in a run off with challenger Democratic challenger Jim Martin. This election is scheduled for Dec. 2^nd.

Chambliss had about 49.8% of the vote and Martin about 46.8% on Nov. 4^th. …In a runoff normally many less show up to vote than in the general election. In order for Martin to win he has to pull out at least 80% or more of those who voted for him Nov. 4^th. It will be a lot of work and it will not be easy.

The Obama campaign has sent in some of its best GOTV get out the vote staff to work on this run-off.  Two key voting blocs that need to be turned out in great numbers are African-Americans and the youth. Every vote will be most important.

We must hook up with the Martin campaign and get lists to call and we must email all of our lists asking people in Georgia to vote. You can also call any and all contacts you have in Georgia… if we all chip in we can make a difference.

HOMIES UNIDOS 10^TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER

            LENO TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Time: November 20, 2008 at 7pm
Location: Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles
Organized By: Mirna Solorzano

Death penalty distorted Beatrice case
(Journal Star, Nebraska) 11/17/08

“The exoneration of six people who had been convicted for the murder of a Beatrice woman is a shocking example of the justice system going awry.

The wrongful convictions show how the death penalty can distort the search for justice.

The case boggles the mind.

How could the complicated and detailed scenario presented in court testimony turn out to be complete fiction?

One reason is the police interrogation methods used at the time. Investigators supplied suspects suggestions on what could have happened. They showed photos of the crime scene. Under pressure, suspects offered the stories authorities wanted.

And how was that pressure exerted?

By threatening the death penalty.

Four defendants were bullied into confessions when authorities threatened them with the electric chair, according to Attorney General Jon Bruning. Their testimony was used to convict Joseph Edgar White of first-degree murder. The other five pleaded guilty or no contest to lesser charges.

Advances in DNA analysis now show the prosecution’s case was entirely fabricated.

In the first step, the DNA evidence showed no link between the defendants and the crime.

In the second, conclusive step, the DNA evidence proved who had actually committed the crime in 1985.

That turned out to be Bruce Allen Smith, who died of AIDS in 1992 in Oklahoma City.

He had been a suspect early in the case, but authorities turned their attention elsewhere after he was apparently cleared by a blood test done by Oklahoma forensic specialist Joyce Gilchrist.

There’s now reason to suspect the accuracy of that blood test. Gilchrist was fired after allegations of incompetence and untruthfulness. A federal appeals court reversed a death sentence, finding that Gilchrist had provided evidence that she “knew was rendered false and misleading by evidence withheld from the defense.”

The circumstances of the Beatrice case ought to shake the faith of the most hardened defender of the death penalty.

The death penalty was never imposed in the case, but it played a role in sending six people to prison.

An error here, overzealousness there, and before anyone can stop it, the defendants are behind bars, out of sight and out of mind.

For decades, no one questioned the convictions. Then the case unraveled quickly and unequivocally, exposing the imperfection and error that will forever impair any criminal justice system operated by humans.

The next time Nebraska lawmakers once again consider whether to retain the death penalty, they should study this case. The evidence is fresh and convincing. The death penalty should be abolished.”

 

SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS STARTING OUT SLOWLY

 

This holiday season you will be able to get a lot of special deals and those of you with money will be able to take advantage of this situation. But because of the financial crisis most will just be able to dream but not purchase. Many families are limiting their purchasing of holiday items or travel. Every day we hear of more lay offs… people losing their jobs and soon will be losing their homes and their cars and their status in their social circles. It is not an easy nor kind holiday period.

Those who will suffer silently during this harsh period it will be the children, the seniors, the disabled, and the bed ridden who will suffer the most. We must find a way to share what little we have with them as we begin this extended holiday season of November and December.

I look forward to many baked goods, home made items or perhaps just a warm hug for this holiday season.

As they say … give and you shall receive…

My best

Leno

 

Dear Sister and Brothers

We now have a kitten in our house that is called Estrella (star) who compliments a white dog named Luna (moon).  Two weeks ago I saw the food and water dish placed in my room along with a litter box… Thus Estrella is locked into my room at night. During the night she decides to attack my feet, hands and often will try to lick the brown off of my face.

At times she tunnels under my blankets playing with my legs and back .. And often falls asleep close to my head ….twice last night I began to roll over on her when I heard a meowing protest. 

When she is not running wild around the house she comes to explore the clutter on my desk and has a habit of watching my fingers runs across my computer key board.  It is then that she decides to walk across my key board and on occasion decides just to sit there interrupting my work … and that is probably a good time to take a break.

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS  

a.    Separate church and state

b.    winning elections one voter at a time

c.     migrants sending less money home

d.    mother africa

=======================================

SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE

Yesterday I participated in one of the thousands of demonstrations across this county demanding human rights for all and this includes the right to marry.  The electoral actions taken in Arizona, Florida and California to deny a segment of our society the right to publicly express their love through marriage were wrong.

The Mormon Church led the charge in behalf of other Evangelical churches to fund (possibly illegally) drives to deny the right or idea of marriage for the gay community.

I don’t want this community to have more rights than me… but I do expect them to have every right that the rest of us can experience. It’s not too complicated… one constitution and the same rights for everyone…

The Fort Lauderdale demonstration was lively and most colorful. ..There was a lot of energy in those chanting and cheering and many cars driving by gave their approval.

One of the easier chants was SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE… and I would add SEPARATE CHURCH FROM HATE. .. .

Jack Lieberman of progressiverags.com will soon have buttons and shirts with this message.

———————————————–

WINING THE ELECTION ONE VOTER AT A TIME

Several weeks ago I reported to you that I had given a young man at the auto service window at the local McDonalds an Obama bumper sticker when he commented on the Obama sticker on my car’s steering wheel.  At the time he smiled and delighted that on an early Sunday morning customer would give him something like a political bumper sticker. ..

Well this morning I was there in my van once again wanting my coffee … As he was handing my coffee and change he asked:

AREN’T YOU THE ONE WHO GAVE ME THE OBAMA BUMPER STICKER

YES, IT WAS ME …I responded

WELL BECAUSE OF YOU I RESEARCHED THE CANDIDATES, AND DECIDED TO VOTE FOR OBAMA…AND JUST LOOK AT WHAT HAS HAPPENED….

By now he had full face smile … as proud as a voter can be

WAIT A MINUTE ..I implored as the line of cars grew behind me in the drive up line..

Turning his head he said into his headset BE WITH YOU IN A MOMENT

His customers were lining up probably not too patient…

I dug into my box of Obama items and pulled out a button for him

Again he said OH THANK YOU ..THANK YOU… and if you can believe it, his whole body was some how also participating in the smiling by this point.

I had given him a button with the picture of the OBAMA family which said

THE NEW FIRST FAMILY…

So I believe I have sent him off on yet another journey…

This brief moment at McDonalds also gave me hope …and spurned me on to do even more.

I am sure that all of you have similar stories where you have helped to move people forward on the important issues of our time and all these drops of humanity make rivers of possibilities that eventually can change our world.

—————————————————–
Migrants sending less cash home, UN warns

By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER Associated Press Writer

Nov 14th, 2008 | GENEVA — Migrant remittances, a vital source of income for poor countries, could decline by up to 6 percent next year due to worsening economic conditions around the world, the U.N.’s trade chief said Friday.

Supachai Panitchpakdi, head of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, also warned that rich countries’ investment in the developing world will dry up as a result of the expected global downturn. He said the decline would be somewhat less than the 40 percent drop predicted by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Development.

On remittances — the cash sent home by migrants living and working abroad — Supachai said the magnitude of the decline is still unclear, but estimated it will range between 1 percent and 6 percent in 2009.

Remittances provide a key form of finance for poorer countries. They totaled well over $300 billion worldwide last year, according to the World Bank.

Mexicans send back billions each year from the United States while Filipino and Indian expatriates also pump much-needed cash into their home economies. In countries such as Haiti, Honduras, Lebanon and Moldova, over a fifth of gross domestic product is attributable to remittances.

“We are likely to witness new debt crises, not in the usual highly indebted, poor countries but in developing countries or economies in transition,” Supachai told a meeting of the body’s trade and development board.

Salon provides breaking news articles from the Associated Press as a service to its readers, but does not edit the AP articles it publishes.

Amandla …Miriam Makeba    

I like so many I mourn the passing of Mother Africa. Her voice, her songs and her spirits kept Africa in our minds and our hearts

South African singer ‘Mama Africa’ dies at 76

Monday 10 November 2008

South African singer Miriam Makeba died of a heart attack aged 76 on Monday, just after a performance in Italy. “Mama Africa”, an anti-apartheid icon, was known for singing in the clicking sounds of her native Xhosa language.

 

My best

Leno

 

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

 

Ahora is an opportunity for many to express their opinions and to share their thoughts with others… I find that some of my readers don’t always agree with me and often have interesting insights to share… And in the process of reading the words of others we can all learn. So I try to give you the opinions and thoughts of our readers that you can hear the voices of others.

 

I hope that all of you will send in your thoughts and insights… by giving of your ideas you let your dreams fly out of your heart… and you just might inspire others

 

THINK ABOUT IT!!!

 

NOW FOR MY VIEW OF THE NEWS

a.     rebuild Haiti

b.     South African Perspective

c.      Arizona votes badly

d.     Election Photos from Seattle

e.      Bill Richardson Sec. of State ???

f.       Perfect Negro

g.     Cuba and Hurricanes

h.    Homies Unidos Dinner

i.       Dear president Obama

j.       Water your plants

——————————————————————————————–

REBUILD HAITI

                   MISSION POSSIBLE

 

Raising Funds and Raising Hope

Friday 11-14-2008  6:30 pm

Coral Gables Congregational Church

3010 De Soto Blvd.

Coral Gables, Florida, 98108

3o5-448-7421

On Friday November 14^th there will be a fundraiser In behalf of Vounteer Action in the Caribbean and the Americas (FACACA), the Lambi Fund of Haiti, and  Project Medishare. Come and learn more about Haiti and how you can be of assistance. If you can not attend you can always send a check via the Coral Gables Congregational Church, just put REBUILD HAITI in the note part of your check.

If you can…. please help the people of Haiti.

 

Ann Burroughs

                        A South African perspective

No I haven’t, and am thrilled to see it. I’ve seen reference to the blog but this is the first time I’ve seen the link. And I definitely will order a copy of your book.

What a wonderful week this has been – I can’t believe that I’ve had the privilege to have lived through two such transformations. What an extraordinary thing it is for this county as well for the world. It is such a triumph over racism – there is still a lot of work to do, because I don’t believe that we are in a post-racial country, but the symbolism is powerful and so is the faith that people have in the future. It is a hard, hard time, and I do fear that it may take a generation to undo the rabid conservative institutions and deregulation that have brought the economy to its knees. But in the short term, the closing of Guantanamo, the restoration of civil liberties, and the return of the US to the global community of nations will have far-reaching effects. And just the hope, my God, the hope!!!

Can’t help feeling though that we’ve only won by 50% – the gay rights issue has to be resolved and those right wing religious bastards need to be defeated once and for all. But I keep thinking that it is only a battle that has been lost, the war is not over. And it will unify people around this agenda in an extraordinary way. They do have to sharpen up their campaign and make it less celebrity-driven, because as you know so well, for Middle America, anything that is seen to come out of Hollywood is considered aberrant behavior.

Wonderful to see your blog and your book – you have always been in my pantheon of great leaders and its wonderful to see that your voice is as powerful as ever, and that you’ve found this outlet to get it heard. What are you up to these days – I realize that I don’t even know where you are living!

What is your cell – would love to catch up on your news and thinking.

So much love,

 

Ann Burroughs

Los Angeles

 

———————————————————————————————————

ELECTION PHOTOS FROM SEATTLE

 

beloved leno: here is the link to our small collection of election night photos — primarily from the Westin Hotel in Seattle but a few are from pre-westin voting sites we are  one America (formerly hate free zone) has been working hard to get out the votes of new citizens. 

http://www.stormsphoto.com/gallery/6469161_fAJjh

Much love,

MICHELE STORMS         

ARIZONA…voted Badly

 

in AZ they voted badly on “marriage” and immigration…

write “they” as I still vote in CO.

though will continue talking and working and hugging here in AZ.

we have hope… si se puede!

Even in AZ…  As Obama said, it may not happen in two years, it may not happen in one term, but change will come!

Mary Anne Mills

Reporting from Arizona.

————————————————————————————————-

Hola Leno,

Bill Richardson for Secretary of State!

Like the sound of that?  Then encourage everyone you know to spread the word, and create the groundswell that will help America, and the Obama transition team, see that Bill Richardson is the obvious choice to be our next Secretary of State.

Richardson appreciates the role of the Department of State as a vital arm of US foreign policy.
Richardson understands the role of the United States in this increasingly complex world.

Richardson values the work of our allies and multilateral institutions.
And most of all, he appreciates that the world wants an America whose citizens embody her ideals.

Governor Bill Richardson.  Who better to represent our country, and President Obama, in the world?Send this along to everyone you know, write a letter to the editor of your local paper, join the Facebookgroup(http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38674190935&ref=nf)!

Or, go to http://change.gov/agenda/foreignpolicy/

and add your thoughts about how great the Department of State would be under Richardson!

Our country’s standing in the world demands a diplomat of Governor Bill Richardson’s stature!

Peace!
Patricio Sanchez

Berthoud, Colorado

 

PERFECT NEGRO

            LOOKIN FOR GREATNESS

Jackie Robinson, Sidney Poitier, Cliff Huxtable, Colin Powell, Barack Obama. Each arrived as America’s “perfect negro” and each set the stage for the next. Jackie Robinson was far from the first great black ball player, but he was the perfect choice to integrate  a game that had mirrored America’s racism. Sidney Poitier became America’s first black male movie star and memorably played the “perfect negro in  “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”. Then comes the Huxtables, not merely the perfect negro, but the perfect negro family. Colin Powell was the next and first powerful “perfect negro.” At the height of his career he led the Joint Chiefs and could have launched a serious Presidential campaign if he desired to. Finally, Barack Obama, The most “perfect negro” of them all. The standard is high, I predict we will see greatness.

IRA MOSS

SEATTLE

————————————————————————————————–

 

Cuba gets hit by third Hurricane

 

This country has been devastated by the damage created by three Hurricanes that have ravaged that island.  It is time for the US Government to lift the embargo… It is time to be responsive to the needs of the people of Cuba not just to the old politics of a few politicians who want to stand up against communism  yet buy all the products sent to them by China. And are silent on the human rights abuses by this huge country.

 

—————————————————————————-——————-

 

Homies Unidos Annual Dinner

                              November 20^th , Los Angeles, California

Save the date an attend. It is a great a event for a wonderful organization and Leno will be the Key note speaker for the evening. So I you come to the dinner you get a double treat you get to support HOMIES and see and hear leno…you can join me at my table for $60 a head. Let me know if you can join me .. let me know

Immanuel Presbyterian Church

668 S. Catalina St.

Los Angeles, California, 90005    corner of Catalina and Wilshire

 

www.homiesunidos.org

——————————————————————————————–

Dear President Obama;

 

I listened with interest while you talked about the human rights violations in Guantanamo. While we struggle in Detroit with mortgage foreclosures, immigration raids, job loss and massive unemployment, we, the people of Detroit remain hopeful in a new day. Given what has happened in our city with the recent removal of our mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, which came at the most important political moment in our history, we remain optimistic. I work with immigrants in this majority African American city. Every day, Mexican and Central American workers asked me in Spanish, ” Do you think the  Black guy can win? Are you going to vote for Obama?” When i pressed people on why they wanted us (Mexican Americans who can vote) to vote for Obama, they invariably answered things like, “Because he does not seem to hate us…. He seems like a sincere man. He seems to understand the issues and does not use anti immigrant rhetoric to rile the people… He seems to be against the war.” Everyone is hopeful of immigration reform that will remove the yoke of criminal status from international workers. Indeed, our sisters and brothers in California have undertaken a fast for this effort. Most immigrants understand the connection between their plight and NAFTA and their scapegoating and the war. Most understand the tenuousness of life, that their fortunes can change with a traffic stop by police of any agency, that they can go from being mother/father, to inmate in a heartbeat. We say goodnight to our friends with sad finality each and every day, hopeful that we see them again tomorrow. It leaves a hole in our lives to have our community removed in the dark of night. We know each other now, their children are our Godchildren, their presence is often welcome and their absence is often painful. Families are all over the place now. They are in utter chaos due to the headless monster of ICE. Hopefully you can find the head of ICE and put a stop to this terrible reign of terror on us. You are  far too intelligent to waste much time telling you how many thousands of Latino immigrants will be able to vote in the next election, and this special group of NAFTA babies witnessed terrible acts against their parents at the hands of the US government. There is so much to be done, so much healing needed. I am filled with joy when i hear you talk about the situation in Colombia after the lies and attacks perpetrated against the people there. I know there is much to do, but we have witnessed miracles. We have witnessed transformation.

 

This moment in history is filled with irony. A couple of years ago when i was in Caracas for the World Social Forum, Venezuelans stopped what they were doing when the president came on the radio. Everywhere, in the streets, filled with open air markets, people would stop and listen when the president’s voice came on the loudspeaker in public places. The vendors, the people walking would listen to his every word. I imagined a world where i loved my president, where the sound of his voice would be welcome, instead of demoralizing and infuriating. I imagined a world where the people would be proud of their country and its ability to reach for higher ground collectively. President Hugo Chavez talked about the economy like all the people were economists and what it would take for people to be able to get social security at the age of 57, versus at the age of 60, and all the people listened. They could do the math. Here we watch in oblivious wonder while multimillionaires get bailouts th at they say will not save jobs and still they get them We have a long way to go, but we are on the path.

 

Who would have imagined that we would have a candidate that the people would love, that the whole world would watch in hopeful anticipation that the American people would come out of our priveleged stupor and demand a new day? Who could have imagined that we would go from one of the most despised presidents in the history of the United States to the most loved from one day to the next?

 

We will be with you for these difficult days ahead; you are not alone. We need campaign finance reform, an end to the death penalty in every state in the Union; we need to sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all other agreements that your predecessors have ignored and snubbed. We are a country now more than ever filled with the exiled orphans of US policy worldwide; you will have support to become a world citizen of the highest, rather than the lowest moral authority.

 

As for me and my house: This is our commitment to you:

 

To pray each day for the safety of you and your family, who the whole world loves;

 

To help figure out a way out of the mess we have allowed to flourish in our apathy. We need to ask forgiveness of the world community for the endless aggressions, big and small against all humanity, including us. victims of ruthless US policies against poor people here and around the world. Indeed, this is the day that the Lord has made.

 

Elena M. Herrada

Detroit

—————————————————————————————————–

DID YOU KNOW THAT PLANTS NEED WATER      

 

I forgot to water my plants … thought it would rain but it didn’t… now I have damaged some of my tomato and chili plants and I am upset about my lack of attention.

 

Oh yes… people need love and respect that’s their water.. and when we respect and love others they might just return that recognition…

 

So don’t forget to water your plants and don’t forget to respect and love those around you…everything needs a little nurturing….

 

Sending Water,Love and Respect.

leno

MY DEAR COMMUNITY

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Bush administration in it’s last days  wants to institute even more deregulation of environmental protections that were placed there to protect our communities. This action would be criminal and both republican and democratic elected officials should hear from you. Tell them that our economy and in environment do not need any more of his deregulation.

I had many disappointments this election season amongst them were those against gay marriage and immigrants.. .. in florida they defined marriage as only between a man and a woman… and in California their propostition outlawed GAY MARRIAGE. .. .these efforts were funded by right wing religious groups that continue to deny many their human rights.

In California Latinos and Blacks did not vote the right way and helped to pass this oppressive proposition 8. We need our leaders of color to stand up and help us to educate our communities. We need to stand up for the human rights of everyone. Denying anyone their human rights hurts us all. Some say that those leading the fight against Proposition 8 did not spend enough time or money reaching out and educating the communities of color. We need to organize and educate everyone. We can not take any vote for granted.

In some counties across the country we lost on some anti immigrant resolutions and in others we won the day. This issue like gay marriage has been a wedge issue that the right wing has used against our communities  as they try to keep us divided.  We need to stop the deportations and protect the rights of all to get married.

We have a lot of work to do …and together we can make a difference…

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Let me now continue to share with you some of the hope that lives across this earth… I again would like in this Ahora to recognize the many who were doing so much in regards to the election… . Read and enjoy their voices and feel their spirits.

===============================================================

         

NOW FOR MORE NEWS AND VOICES FROM THE FIELD

Hola hermano,  a report from Woodburn, Oregon

We won important victories here on Tuesday and we had a full house at PCUN and a very spirited and moving celebration, just as in countless locations around the country and the world.
There’s a report in yesterday’s Statesman-Journal, including a photo display (one with Ramon handing out [Cuban] cigars–an anachronism to be sure). Check it out:
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=J0&Dato=20081104&Kategori=ELECTION03&Lopenr=811050801&Ref=PH

Merkley won.  We had a difficult but successful meeting with him on 10/8 and we endorsed him–see attached voter guides which we sent to 6,300 Latino voter households in Marion & Polks Counties.  We helped the Woodburn Mayor beat back a strong challenger from one of our implacable anti-immigrant enemies.  The bad news of the day was passage of an anti-immigrant county ordinance (Arizona-style) in a county northwest of Portland.  The ACLU will challenge it, but it will surely inspire copycat efforts in other parts of rural Oregon.

La lucha sigue.

 Larry Kleinman

——————————————————————–

Photos from Mary Anne Mills in Denver

I have attached two photos to this mailing for you to enjoy. The SI SE PUEDE  bumper sticker in one photo was created by leno’s friend Jack Lieberman who sells shirts, buttons, hats and all items through www.progressiverags.com.. This is where leno gets his Obama materials.

Also if you send in your photos we will set up a file for all to see ..

———————————————————————————————————–

DORINDA MORENO …wearing the colors of hope

CAN YOU IMITATE OBAMA

“len, thinking of you. his speech was amazing , can you imitate him yet???? happy times in america!”

Daisy Dhillon

Jack Storms reports to Ahora

JUAN JAVIER DURAN CALLS IN FROM EL SALVADOR

Juan or SARKO (his gang name) was one of the original members of HOMIES UNIDOS in El Salvador. He was deported from Los Angeles and is been living in San Salvador for now over 14 years. A couple of times I saved his life and a couple of times he saved mine and thus  we are very close… Now he is calmed down (calmado) as we say and no longer an active member of LA MARA SALVATRUCHA.            …no longer part of LA VIDA LOCA.

He called me to tell me how thrilled he and so many in El Salvador were with the election of Obama… His voice had such a happy ring to it as he talked about Barack and the hope Obama has given to so many that I almost broke down in tears… I love to hear such good things from my HOMIES. When I go to El Salvador in December I will take him an Obama shirt. As you may remember I sent numerous shirts and bumper stickers to Haiti long before election day.

Now I have shirts the say PRESIDENT OBAMA…. Just saying the words makes me feel good..so we should all practice saying PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA …and then smile for a long time …and hug some one… IT’S UNBELIEVEABLE.

SARKO with notes from leno

——————————————————————————————————WASHINGTON CAN

                        This is just another example of what organizations were doing across the country….

Leno,

Maru Mora Villalpando and Joshua Welter asked that I share with you some info on our GOTV work. This year we’ve made at least 262,685 phone calls, and
knocked on over 66,921doors.

But it’s not the numbers that tell the real story, it’s the people. This year Washington CAN has been working with young Latin@s in the suburbs of east King County. Every day they go door-to-door, canvassing communities that are largely overlooked and underrepresented. The goal is to identify and contact new immigrant voters and turn them out to the polls–thus increasing the voice, and power, of immigrant communities.

The young people that are doing this work are remarkable. I’ve included two of their stories below. They give us all a lot of hope, and I wanted to share that with you and yours.

 In solidarity,

Tim Lennon
Washington CAN!
Seattle, Washington

Sandy
Sixteen year old Sandy is getting out the vote so that other kids won’t have to go through what she did. When her parents were unable to get citizenship and were deported, she witnessed first hand the lack of respect and honesty our government can have when dealing with immigrants. When she learned that she could help empower immigrants and get their voices heard through their votes, she jumped at the chance. She’s spent the weeks leading up to this election going door-to-door in immigrant communities and communities of color. She’s encouraging infrequent voters from these underrepresented communities to cast their ballots and elect representation that respects their values and will deal with them honestly.

So far, it’s making a huge difference. In the last month, Sandy and her crew have knocked on over 7,000 doors, and spoken with thousands of new and infrequent voters from underrepresented communities. The reception from immigrants and people of color who have long felt overlooked has been overwhelmingly positive. People are constantly telling Sandy how glad they are that she’s talking to them about why it’s important to vote. More importantly, the vast majority of people she speaks with agree that this election is their chance to be heard, and they are going to vote.

Edgar
Edgar is shy and quiet, but he has spoken to more people about the importance of voting than anyone else in Washington CAN’s GOTV drive in immigrant communities. Sunday he set a new personal and crew record, knocking on 70 doors in a three-hour shift, and talking with dozens of voters from underrepresented communities.

Edgar is doing this work for his friends and family and all those in the larger immigrant community that haven’t traditionally had a voice. When he goes door to door in immigrant neighborhoods, he speaks from his values. He tells the people he meets that he is just doing his part to help his community and the best way they can help, too, is by voting.

———————————————————————————————–

Hi Leno,

 

It looks like your efforts proved positive in Florida! I just wanted to thank you again for the Obama goodies and send some pics to show those goodies went to good use. We had a great time here in San Diego on election night (with the exception of CA voters banning gay marriage – luckily, we haven’t heard the end to that one). Anyway, thanks again..

 

Happy November,

Rory Pendergast

 

GETTING WEEPY READING AHORA MESSAGES

 

I got weepy all over again reading these messages from around the world.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I swear everyone I pass on the street has a beautiful little smile on their face. And we all look at each other like we are sharing a little secret. And we are. Joy.
I’m 40 years old and this is the first time I feel proud of who we are and what we can do.

Thank you for sharing the love all over the place.

Sue Johnson

 

hi Leno

You worked so hard and so well to see this moment.   I rejoice with you!

Even though in safely blue Washington I was able to support Cynthia

McKinney.  I hope Barack Obama is all you hope for and more.

I was happy and deeply touched by the surge of pride in the moment, but

sadly do not share the optimism.  When I here Obama talk about taking the

troops out of Iraq and redirecting them to Afghanistan, I feel despair,

not hope.  Only the weapons manufacturers benefit from our foreign policy.

As long as all the money is flowing to Halliburton and Blackwater, what

can be accomplished at home?

Still if McCain had won, I might be writing from Canada.

my best to you,

Jean Buskin

Seattle

————————————————————————————————

Yes, Daddy – WE DID IT!!

 

I am so excited for our country and immensely proud of us as a nation.  Part of me wants to flash forward 4 years for a sneak peek, but part of me is scared.  In any case, it’s a great feeling and already I can feel our collective morale increasing and the opinion of the global community raising.  It is beautiful.  I feel privileged to have had a voice, and honored to be a witness to this moving, powerful and momentous time in history.  This girl is “owning” her black! (And, as a bonus, he’s pretty easy on the eyes, too!)

 

Now we just need to work to overturn Prop 8.

 

Love you, Dad.  And Mom, too.

 

Carmela Boswell Farnsworth (leno’s Niece)

California

 

God bless America.  God protect Barack Obama!

 

I WAS IN GRANT PARK!!!

Jennifer says, “I was in Grant Park last night with a front row seat to History. No matter where we came from, we stand now together at a new era – one characterized at the start by HOW President-Elect Obama ran his campaign – the high road. Hooray for Barack!”.

Jennifer Bishop;

Send a T-shirt to Chicago

 

A Guatemalan immigrant who went to grant park along with 245.000 others could not find an Obama shirt to purchase. He saw Greg Rose’s Obama shirt that said SI SE PUEDE .. .So he asked Greg for the shirt and leno being his brother in law will be sending a shirt with SI SE PUEDE on it to Chicago for the Guatemalan..

 

Rafe Furst left today with Laura Rose, Greg’s daughter for a vacation in the Dominican Republic.  He left wearing one of the new shirts that says PRESIDENT OBAMA on top ..then has Obama’s image and then underneath it says  YES WE DID…oh by the way… Laura and Rafe are soon to be married.

 

Rafe will get some interesting looks and comments regarding his shirt at the Miami airport and as he arrives in the Dominican Republic. Leno got plenty of positive support in airports in the months leading up to the election.

 

NEWS FLASH … Rafe just sent leno a note today 11-9-2008 as he was getting on his plane….!!!!

OMG! The reactions are amazing!  Smiles, thumbs up from security personnel, shout outs from random passengers, etc.  I feel like a rock star  I was going to call you already to tell you but then I saw this email.  How funny.  I will pass on your generous offer if the opportunity presents. Signed Rafe

 

Greg Rose (with notes from leno and rafe)

 

Yes it could be done

 

“Si Se Pudo! Viva Obama!”

   

Alicia Bustos Sandoval

Somewhere in California

————————————————————————

 

OPRAH AND WILL SMITH

A great video catch up with it on the HUFFINGTON POST

This is another must view… the honesty and passion are real and wonderful …so please see it and share …just go to the Huffington Post and search for Will Smith

My best

Leno

Dear Sisters  and Brothers

 

SO MANY VOICES… SO MANY DREAMS

 

In this Ahora.. I thought I would share with you the words of others who like you

Were willing to dream and do the impossible…

Where there are good hearts there is hope

———————————————————————————–

Oprah Unleashed! Shouts Of Joy During Post-Election Show (VIDEO)

stumble digg reddit del.ico.us news trust mixx.com

Huffington Post   |   November 5, 2008 04:41

Please check out this Video there … it is a sight to see..

 

NOW FOR THE WORDS OF OUR FRIENDS

————————————————————————————————-

 

yahoo!  si se puede!

just home from the DORR (democrats of the red rocks) celebration.  had a neighbor friend take a snap of the si se puede bumper sticker on another’s friend neighbor’s back!

will send it to you when they send it to me.

love to you, carolyn and aviva,

 

mary anne mills  & mike miller  

Denver

————————————————————————————————–

HE DID IT!! HE WON!!  HOW WONDERFUL TO HAVE SOMEONE WHO REPRESENTS THE BEST IN HUMANITY IN THE HIGHEST OFFICE OF THE COUNTRY; and that OPEN-MINDEDNESS,  SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS, TOLERENCE AND HOPE HAVE  PREVAILED over fear, close-mindedness and extremism!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!! GOD BLESS THE WORLD!!!

 

Zafeiria C. Nomico

Doral, Florida

————————————————————————-

We did it!!!

Josh Norek

 

Querido Leno,

 

It was so nice to receive your email this morning.  I was overcome by emotions last night.  I went to an election party in Vancouver, Canada and was overwhelmed by the pride and the joy that I felt seeing and knowing that Barack would be our new leader.  I cried last night because I was more hopeful, thinking that I didn’t think at the age of

26 would I see the first black president be elected as president.

Amazing.  And to know that we would be celebrating to know that it is possible to solve some of the biggest problems we face in the wake of climate change, economic meltdown, and putting an end to the occupation in Iraq and restoring peace in the world.  I cried out of happiness and was reaffirmed of my commitment to social justice.

Today, I even had the feeling that I wanted to go home, to the U.S.

 

Muchos besos, abrazos, y saludos, compa.  Cuidate mucho and thank you for helping us dream and never to give up on our dreams because they do become real.

 

Raquel Trinidad

Of Los Angeles but studying in Canada

—————————————————————————————–

Thrilling victory on so many levels.especially for the young voters who

 worked hard and made such a difference!  Love to all,

 

Bobbie Ann Brinegar

 

Dear Leno, I cannot fully understand what this means and the role that we had in blazing this trail for Obama.  Sargent Schriver must know that he and all the cadre of volunteers in the ’60′s and ’70′s that started the change that has led us to this day.  I sent an email to Barack to not forget and acknowledge those who led the fight many years ago, watching Jessie Jackson standing in the crowd with tears coming down his face, must now be included in his (Barack) administration, be it as an advisor or diplomat.  Barack must acknowledge Shirley Chisolm, Spike Lee, Opra, Bradley and so many others who never reached the mountain top.  I am humbled that in such a small way I was part of this history during those years of organizing and fighting with the then establishment to do the right thing for all those farmworkers and their families.  Thank you for all that you have and are still doing in this effort of change.

 

Waldie

Boulder, Colorado

—————————————————————————————-

Dream the impossible – how perfect coming from the man of la mancha.

 

I put my thoughts up on my blog again – so moved to hope and faith today!

 

Jean Villamizar

Miami

———————————————————————————————–

Leno, 

 

How are you? In the end, it`s not too bad Florida. turn blue.

How was your meeting with your editor, I hope your book is almost ready or ready now.

 

It`s a great news that Obama was elected, now is a historical moment in the United States and the rest of the world.

 

I hope this is the beginning of many changes in the right direction, specially for immigrants in this country.

Take care Leno and we keep in touch, 

 

Best, 

Cristian Ortez

Miami

 

———————————————————————

Leno,

 

Our movie “Protest Nation” will have within it parts of last night’s celebration at the Obama HQ in Oakland, California. 1,100 volunteers, phone banking from early morning, 2,000 people, celebrating with Barack and Michelle and family and Chicago on screen, with Barbara Lee and Ron Dellums and others speaking here in Oakland–screaming, embracing, circling, dancing into the night, spilling out into the streets, into the park, all night–also Berkeley and San Francisco spontaneously breaking out in street parties, the police at the perimeter, relaxed, helmets off, noshing and talking. Unbelievable energies released. Me personally celebrating with Mito, a Kenyan from the village next to Obama’s, we each promising to meet up again in Kenya…with 9 year old Amaya, who updated us on campaign developments nationally from the Big Screen every hour from five pm to eight pm…the spontaneous high fives and embraces and laughter emanating from every pore of every  thousands of beings in the ballroom at the Oakland Marriott, all in one place, our energies bouncing off the big screens, melding into faces in Kenya and Chicago and New York–wow, the technology (that still just grossly approximates the inner technology of the connection we all possess) served to amp up the outer expression of our inner relief, joy, peace, revelation. Thank you for your ongoing blog, Brother Leno, for the role you have played and continue to play in our miraculous evolution from two leggeds into sacred humans–

 

Coming full circle last night with Obama (and our) victory, our movie started with Ef and I dreaming on the possibilities just over three months ago, with Barack the presumptive Democratic nominee, of a Democratic Barack Obama victory. Taking to the road to be at the Democratic and Republican Conventions, then fifty cities over seventy days culminating in last night, capturing the voices of protest (from the Latin “protestare”, to witness or tell the truth”) throughout America, from outside the Demo Convention in Denver and inside Investco Field with 85,000 others when Barack accepted the nomination, to being run over and cuffed by storm-trooping police at the RNC in St. Paul, to sitting with elders at Wounded Knee, through interviews and/or “protest jams” in Sandpoint, Bellingham, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Mill Valley, LA, New Orleans, Nashville, North Carolina, Washington DC, New Haven, Boston, Woodstock, and more…

 documenting hundreds of hours of voices and music of people speaking truth to power. Finding dozens of stories that are themselves subjects for future tv specials/movies–all supporting the community organizing that must re-commence and continue to build a movement that will support the realization of dreams birthed in this amazing historic presidential campaign!

 

We acknowledge and celebrate the essential nature and prominence of community organizing an–the principles of respect, empowerment and inclusio–that Barack modeled and brought to thousands upon thousands of volunteers, to bring together the most impressive electoral presidential campaign of our lives, and possibly of the life of this fragile and flawed nation. Being proud to be an American (when did that last happen to such a degree?) even with all the painful testimony of native peoples, veterans, active duty soldiers resisting as best they could, young people, women, disabled folks, mayors, congresspeople, 60s activists and artists, present day activists and rappers… the list goes on and on.

 

Gotta rap this up for now–we still have some interviews to complete in November and December (maybe yours, Leno, sometime in the next 2 months?) even as we commence post-production on our gift of a documentary film. We hope to add some impressive short bios and videos on our website, protestnation.org, for you to enjoy and share, dear brother.

 

All the best from all of us,

 

Tatanka Kit Bricca

Santa Cruz, California

Producer, Open Book Films & Protest Nation www.protestnation.org

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Thanks for the kudos.  Kudos to you too! 

 

We got shirts but not at all sure Yvette got one.  But they are well cherished now. 

 

We shall celebrate a bit more and then get on with the work of improving the future…

 

Abrazos,

 

Sarah Mahler

Miami

 

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      Too exciting for words.  We watched the news all day today and my kids (3,3,and 5) were chanting O-BA-MA throughout the day and at the kitchen table – too too cute!  they kept saying how they thought that Obama was a nice new president.  I agreed…

A Dutch friend of mine called me and he congratulated me on Obama’s win.  He said the that American people are “ze zijn gek als een deur” – ” they’re as crazy as a door”.  He said that everyone was celebrating like it was carnival…  We felt the energu all the way this side of the Atlantic and the Europeans (not the Russians) are as happy with the outcome as so many of us. 

It’s a truly tremendous day!  I’ve been smiling all day long – now i’m off to bed.

Congrats to you and all your emails – it paid off!

besos, carinos,

 

Kristina Yoseloff

Neatherlands

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In Detroit, in our beleagured, beloved city, the people are walking on air today.

All that was old is  new.

All that seemed tainted in despair is now brilliant and hopeful.

There were none of the usual angry sounds in the streets of downtown Detroit today.

There was no cursing, no horns honking in impatient rage; People greeted each other, stopped to talk to strangers, Asked if it could be a dream.

The woman on the elevator in the Penobscott Building became tearful when i said to her, “The world is forever changed.”

 

It’s a new day.

 

Elena M. Herrada

Detroit

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Yes! Amazing amazing evening! We, our whole film crew, was with the Obama campaign at the Oakland Marriott all yesterday and last night. Filming inside, the phone banks, the celebration, on the streets in Oakland and Berkeley and San Francisco. So much to talk about sometime, when we get together again. We swamped the efforts of Karl Rove and company–even with six million votes suppressed/stolen–we finally  prevailed. Amazing!!!

 

Let’s talk soon– love from me, Carol, Ef and the gang–

 

More Tatanka

Santa Cruz, California

415-570-3219

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Hi Leno,

 

I just wrote on your facebook wall, but I thought I’d write a little bit more. With 93% of Washington DC voting for Barak…the city erupted in celebration last night.  The restaurant/bar we were at … people were screaming, hugging, crying, and overjoyed with the results.  We watched Obama’s speech and I was just moved by the force of his personality, and how wholeheartedly I believe in him and in the possibility for social change. 

 

We walked down to an area full of restaurants and bars (U street) and people were just pouring out of the buildings – celebrating in the streets - playing music – waving flags – dancing – even doing back flips!!!  The aboslute beauty of the moment was hard to process. There was no hate, people weren’t gloating or boasting…it was pure unadulterated joy and elation.  We were hugging each other and anyone around us. Amazing, amazing, amazing!

 

And yet, some people I know have been so negative…and even now, with Barak’s win…they are still pessimistic…saying that he won’t do what he promised.  And I have to wonder, why are they so ready to condemn, why are they so entrenched in an idea that there is no possibility for improvement within our government, why does change and hope represent fear for them?  It makes me sad…but at the same time…a little excited.  Change can happen over years and years…and sometimes in a BIG BANG explosion!!  This is a once in a lifetime experience for our country.   I hope and pray that the excitement doesn’t die and that people realize that Barak needs people to stay active and to PARTICIPATE in the change we want.

 

Thanks Leno for your e-mails…and your constant encouragement to be involved and to work for change!!!!

 

take care,

 

Lara Fedorov

Washington DC

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YES  YES  YES  and well done Florida. 

 

Moira sher

Los Angeles

 

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Hi Leno -

 

I am SOOOO excited too.  Was thinking of you last night.  We were playing this song – have you heard it?  Click on the Cocoa Tea song/video at: http://www.videosundry.com/music-videos/cocoa-tea-barack-obama-reggae-song/

 

I’m so happy that our young Americans are excited about the leader of their country and that it can inspire them to become more involved with their future; that I feel free again and hopeful that we can get our country back on track.  I know it won’t be easy and will take much time, but at least we have an intelligent, motivating, non-corrupt person at the helm.  I cry when I watch black Americans show their emotion.  It’s a wonderful time. Thanks again for all the Obama shirts and buttons you provided us.  I think it helped!  You certainly made a difference in getting a win for Florida! It was easy here in WA.  We’re so happy Chris Gregoire also won…

 

Have a wonderful day soaking in this in… 

 

Muchos besos y abrazos,

 

Jackie Wood

Seattle 

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LENO,

SI SE PUDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cuidate.

 

Guadalupe Lopez

Seattle

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Leno:

 

Last nites ‘magic moment’ was only comparable to what my parents and I felt the election night when JFK won the election back in the 1960′s.

 

My parents,  both passed away now, couldn’t vote, spoke no English, but could understand my excitement in working with Political Association for the Spanish Speaking Organization (PASSO) and the JFK’s campaign “Viva Kennedy Clubs” at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas…yours truly being the first one in my family to attend college. They understood that their hope for a better life was encompassed in my passion in organizing my fellow students and what turned out not to be an easy task.

 

We, calling ourselves Chicanos by than, had been mentored and raised by Dixiecrat politicians and what is still very much a “red” state—TEXAS. Our own community continually voting against it’s own interests, embracing the ‘junk politics’ of the time…’anti-catholic’; JFK being brainwashed by the Pope, etc., etc….

 

Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves, and work towards bettering our communities, giving them hope and being continually vigilant of pols.

 

Thank you for being my friend, your continued friendship and my constant source of hope.

 

Si se pudo…a trabajar…un fuerte abrazo,

 

Tu carnal,

 

Rudy Arredondo

The republic of Takoma ..

Maryland

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I can remember the day when people from Hawaii couldn’t even vote. And remember he is half white…

 

Michael Radelet

Boulder, Colorado

Mikes humor makes me laugh… leno

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I am in Oakland, arguably the most multi-cross cultural city in the america.  Last night’s celebration was so deeply meaningful to me as I shared the moment with a naturally occuring rainbow coalition neighborhood mix. And watched through my own tears america’s new president-elect deliver the perfectly calibrated speech that hit notes of hope, humility, dignity, humor, vision.

But the adjectives pale against the presence, the form of the man delivering the words–his stature and delivery give me hope. Hope that we can believe in ourselves. That I can overcome my own cynicism. That he will sound the bell that signals the start of honest, forward looking americans to move forward and work together. That he will hold that vibration, unyieldingly.

This honeymoon period is an opportunity for all of us to make the biggest commitments we can manage to work with this administration toward cleaning up the mess and setting america on a better trajectory.  We can ride this optimism. Come next summer we can support each other as the drudgery sets in.  But for the moment its time to celebrate and to be proud.

Sorry to gush. sorry its raw. but if i edit it you might not ever get it!!!

love ya Leno. thankyou for every thing you have done to get us here. But mostly for holding a steady vision. I think that has been your greatest contribution. You, Cesar, Barack.  Clear, Steady, True.

Robin  Smith  Trequesser

Writing from Oakland, Ca.

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Hi Leno

 

As someone whose 1st birthday was black Friday in 1929 I am stunned by the similarity between then and now. Of course Roosevelt didn’t get elected until the crisis was several years old and none of the corrective policies were in place yet. To that degree Obama starts from a better place. Does he have the audacity and charisma to act in the Rooseveltian tradition. I certainly hope so.   

 

To me one of the signs that he does is if he takes the necessary steps to close down Guantanamo almost immediately after inauguration.

 

Forever the optimist

Steve Abrams

New York City

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Agreed! History was made.

Carol Sobel

WE HAVE THE LICENCE TO DREAM NOW.

me uno a  la felicidad de muchos y estoy feliz  de vivir este suceso historico.
espero que nuestros suenos se cumplan  durante este tiempo de mandato.
God bless you all who make the difference and influence!!!

monica linconpan

Seattle

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Hi all—

Si se puede! We did it! Even our Idaho elected a Dem. to the House for the first time since 1992!

 

Jaime Hawk

Originally from Idaho but now in Spokane, Wasington

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‘Leno’

By electing our first African-American president our nation has delivered on the promise of “Equality for All.”

 

We must continue to work on lifing up the diversity of our nation

and recognize that diversity of our nation is our strength.

 

Peace and Justice,

 

Roberta Avila

Executive Director

Interfaith Disaster Task Force

610 Water Street

Biloxi, MS  39530

 

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Hey Leno,

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all of the work that you did to help Obama win Florida. I was awed and amazed when I saw that result; and thought immediately of you and the energy you put into making it possible.

Last night I gathered with friends to watch the returns. When we found out that Obama had won we cried out squeals and yells of enthusiasm for his victory and then we cried tears of joy. I cried for a generation of black youth who will grow up with a President who looks like them and shares many of their experiences. I cried for the hope healing international relationships through a President that understand that the United States is just one country on planet earth and that we must respect and collaborate with our global community. I cried for the hope that we will make deliberate progress toward feeding, housing and healing all of the people who live in this country…and ‘spreading that wealth around’ to nations who need our support.

I am filled with hope and renewed love for this country.

Arwen bird

Portland

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Amen, bro!

Abe Bonowitz

Maryland

———————————————————————
A TODOS MIS AMIGOS, HERMANAS Y GENTE QUERIDA…QUE APOSTARON POR EL CAMBIO…..LES MANDO MIS FELICITACIONES….

 

ESTOY MUY FELIZ POR TODO LO QUE SE VIVIO AYER…..EN TODA LA US HISTORY CREO QUE NUNCA SE VIO ALGO IGUAL!!!! POR FIN ESE PUEBLO SE LEVANTO Y PIDIO EL CAMBIO!!! OJALA, QUE TODO SEA PARA BIEN…TODO CAMBIO SIEMPRE TRAE ALGO BUENO, O MUCHO DE BUENO…ESTOY FELIZ POR EL MUNDO Y POR TODO LO QUE SE VIENE!!!!

 

Cesleste Meza

Of Paraguay

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Dear Lenny,  Today I plan to buy an American flag to fly in front of my apartment!  I am proud to be an American for the first time in 8 years!  After 4 years of anger and rage and then 4 years of depression, I am feeling elated, excited and hopeful!  Obama’s acceptance speech was awesome, he is awesome.   

Love and light,  Aba Gayle

 

FORGIVENESS-GIVING UP ALL HOPE FOR A BETTER PAST

 

Aba Gayle
PO Box 426
Silverton, Oregon 97381

 

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This is the America I have watched slowly emerging from the rubble of the 60′s culture wars which were so last century. However, I don’t believe that this is truly a post racial America yet. But, Obama is a post racial candidate, and his election informs us that we can now  believe that it is the content of a man’s character not the color of his skin that matters. Obama’s character, is not defined by race, and voters could easily accept his skin color. I think the name Barrack Hussein Obama worked against him more than his race. I believe that if his name was Barry Howard O’Hara, he would have won by a far bigger margin.

IRA MOSS …Seattle\

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Barack Obama, President-elect,

United States of America

 

What a day!  What a campaign!  Barack

Obama has earned the support and respect

of people all over the country, and even

the world. Let’s hope that, under his 

leadership, our country will thrive. 

At the end of his 4-year term, Americans

hopefully will be able to look back at this

day and know that they made the right choice.

 

Mairia and Stan Boswell

Santa Maria, California  

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GANAMOS HERMANO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                      UPI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Veronica de Negri

Dear leno

this article is beatiful!

Now, i wasn’t receiving anything apart from this now!

You said you’re living in florida now?i went to florida last years, to visit a friend and it was great. she is living in stuart!

the Obama victory was something we were waiting for, even here. I think this is the only possibility the world has to change. It ‘s a sunny day here…a good sunny day for celebration!

How are you doing? i saw your daughter pictures on facebook…she is simply beatiful!

I hope everything is ok with you.

You’re always in my heart

Ceci

Modena, Italy

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As I stood in line to vote today, I suddenly and unexpectedly became quite emotional. Tears actually welled up in my eyes as the realization settled in that, for the very first time in 38 years, I felt genuinely proud to be American. 

This may make some people wonder what kind of unpatriotic person I have been all my life.  No, I am not, never have been, and will never be a communist or a socialist. I am a young woman who has always felt fortunate to have been born in the United States and grateful for the privileges that I have been granted as a U.S. citizen.  However, I never felt anything like pride or patriotism toward my country.  I have defended the U.S. government when I thought someone was making an unfair judgment against it, and I have boasted about the many great things about this country.  I have also been very critical of our government at times, and do not deny the many negative facets of what I view as I deterioration in the quality of our culture and society over the past 20 or so years.

Growing up Catholic in Detroit certainly contributed significantly to my becoming an individual who is acutely aware of the social injustices that surround her.  In fact, I believe it played a major role in inspiring me to spend 10 years of my life working in Paraguay to bring more humane conditions and rehabilitation to incarcerated youth.  When I was in Paraguay, I missed people and places like fancy bookstores where I could browse at my leisure while drinking a latte.  Yet, I could never really say I missed the United States.  There are things I would say I love about the U.S., and I admit I always got excited when I was flying back home and reached an altitude where the gridlines, neatly parceled land, and other apparently highly organized infrastructure came into sight through the clouds. I felt happy to be home, but I still did not feel anything resembling genuine pride.

Pride is a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable.  I suppose I always felt that there was too much injustice in this country to feel proud about it.  Today that changed.  I became so excited as I picked up my ballot that I wanted to tell all of the other voters in line how happy I was to be taking part in this historic election.  I could not understand why the other people around me were not more excited. I wanted to shout, “We are about to have the first African American President of the United States!”  How truly exciting!  And yes, to be proud can also mean to be full of vigor and spirit, and that I was as I left my polling place.

For anyone who is not feeling proud today, I urge you to take heed in words: United we stand, divided we fall.   Today I am confident that our nation is taking a first and crucial step toward greater unity, solidarity, and justice for all people at home and abroad. There is still a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, but I find it will be easier for those of us who can share in the magical feeling of pride that I know people of my generation are feeling today.

It is a wonderful feeling to be proud to be American for the first time. In fact I am more than proud, I am full of hope, and for that I am grateful to God.

Maureen Herman

Washington DC

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“Rosa Parks sat so that Martin Luther King could march.
King marched so that Obama could run.
Obama ran so that the future generations can fly!”

                                                  

                                       GREAT QUOTE, DON’T KNOW THE AUTHOR

 

 

My best

Leno

www.magdaleno.org

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS ,,

 

A HISTORICAL MOMENT TO BE CHERISHED

 

Last night we were part of history… through your work, your dreams, and you persistence you helped to begin writing a new chapter in the history of this country.

 

The impact of last night’s election was felt around the world. People celebrated the victory and many wept tears, danced, screamed and smiled late into the night. There were many hugs, kisses, phone calls and emails that connected us all in a special way. We were all swept up on a MAGIC CARPET RIDE powered by an incredible wind called CHANGE.

 

Last night belonged to you as much as it did to Obama, his family and his key campaign staff. This was the largest and most beautiful campaign where any and every one could and did give of their time to make this change possible.

 

I was silenced last night by the image of the NEW FIRST FAMILY …what a wonderful sight. … And soon their girls will have their dog and a new home. Watching the Obama Family along with the Biden (O’biden) Family made me proud.

 

Looking out at the audience in Chicago and those who worked for Barack Obama across the country showed the diversity and beauty of this world of ours.

 

This election was celebrated around the world. And we must continue to celebrate and at the same time get ready to do the hard work of saving this democracy in this time of crisis where we are in two wars and an economy that is the trash can. I believe that Obama can find a way out of this ditch that Bush has put us into.. but Barack will need our help and our sacrifice…It will not be easy … but it can be done…

 

Right now I am so elated about the results … and since I am living in Florida it was so nice to see Florida go Blue…

 

Let us celebrate this moment in history… and share it with our children … let us continue to DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE

 

My humble best

 

Leno

 

PS. Send me your thoughts regarding this election and its importance.

 

 

 

 

DEAR WORKERS OF THE TRUTH

First let me tell you that all of us must hold Barack and his family in our hearts .. Today we discovered that his Grandmother had passed away. And this must be difficult for Barack and his extended family. And I am sure his grand mother is proud of Barack and all those who are supporting him.

Now ..We need to complete our campaign…       

We have one more day of work and we all have to do everything in our power to get everyone to the polls and protect the right of every one to vote.

And raise our flag of SI SE PUEDE!!!

NOW FOR MY VIEW IN THE NEWS

a.   lots of people for Obama

b.    living in a red state by down town diva

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Lots of Family and Friends working for Obama

I am impressed by the work of so many individuals involved with this historical effort… One our readers Dr. Sarah Mahler and her daughter Sophie have been running a great effort out of their home here in Florida and are reaching a lot of folks with their volunteers.

Here at my house we are hosting a film maker from Canada Allison Rose who is volunteering for the campaign and last night she brought over some other campaign staff to eat my refried beans and to talk about the work of campaigns. There is a great forest of people working on this campaign.

Jenny Butler our room mate has made over 100 calls via the Obama web page and that is good. My daughter Aviva did that during the primary.

Even my sister Dolores in My home town of Las Animas, Colorado is dragging people to the polls.

——————————————————————-Monday, November 03, 2008 Notes from or about readers

Living in a Republican State

Florida offers the lowest wages in the country, has the highest cost of living and steepest rent in the country. Middle and lower income families have it exceedingly difficult here, with the rate of families living at or below poverty level at 12.5%. This means that 41% of Florida’s children live at or below poverty. (2000 census)

Just think how that translates into a Republican country! Even with the economy as bad as it is here, Florida remains a red state and a swing state for this election.

Remember to get out tomorrow and vote for change.

Diva out.

DOWN TOWN DIVA of Miami

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McCain-Plain ..Deal from the gutter

 

Friends of this Republican campaign are running ads about Reverend Wright almost every 15 minutes. .. It is shameful what people will do to win in an election.

And we should be proud of the Obama Campaign and how they have been calm steady and professional.

 

DREAM A BETTER WORLD …

 

          We have a chance to make history on Tuesday Nov. 4^th, 2008 by electing Barack Obama and claiming our share of a better future for everyone. We have a chance to make our world a better place to live, work and enjoy.

 

Let us Dream and Do …

 

OH …YES WE CAN

 

leno