Join your voice and spirit with others: Become a fan of Cesar’s Last Fast

Earlier this summer I invited you to join me at an idea-raiser in support of the film, Cesar’s Last Fast. Now, I’d like to ask you to join me in supporting the film.

Cesar’s story is an important one in American history and influenced the course of civil rights, labor rights, the environmental movement, food and justice issues, to name a few.

There are two things I’m asking you to help us with. They’re both very easy.

Facebook

First, if you are on Facebook, please become a ‘fan’ of the film so we can keep you updated about production, timelines, events, and screenings. We’re building a large community of supporters so that when the release date nears, we can tell you directly where to find the film in your community.

Benefit

Second, if you’re in the LA-area, come on out to our November 7th benefit in support of the film.

I am joining the two wonderful filmmakers, Richard Perez and Molly O’Brien in hosting a very special benefit event that will feature esteemed guest speaker and UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta.

Also joining us that evening is cartoonist, humorist, and radio personality Lalo Alcaraz, along with some very talented Son Jarocho performers.

RSVP right here.

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS

This economic ride isn’t over…

Every day I hear about more organizations that are losing staff, closing offices and cutting back on budget expenses. We are not at the end of this economic crisis, so don’t let others make you feel that we are already on the way up.

You should know that the poor―especially those of color―were the first to feel the rage of the economic storm. And, it should be noted that they will be the last to feel any recovery that might come this way.

At the same time, many economic decisions are being made at every level of government and we must be there with our neighbors and raising our voices and our concerns. If we do not go to these public meetings and hearings then the poor will be forgotten.

If you still have a job then work for those who don’t have paid work… you must be the voice for those whom the powerful would like to make invisible.

Now, For My View of the News

a. Donate today to Social Justice Fund, NW
b. Sister Prejean invites people of faith to raise their voices
c. Tom Hayden’s letter to Eric Holder about Alex Sanchez
d. Joe Wilson is the liar
e. Washington State Judge named Latino Judge of the Year

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Donate To The Social Justice Fund

There are only a few days left until the Social Justice Fund’s annual dinner. Today you can help us to help others. Our money goes to fund progressive work happening on the ground in five northwestern states.

You might be wondering “why should I donate to the Social Justice Fund?” Here are a couple of reasons:

You care about the profound inequality and suffering in the Northwest and Northern Rockies, and you can do something about it. You CAN empower those most affected.

You can help Social Justice Fund NW grant to more than 100 community-based organizations each year. Our approach allows you to assist many different social change causes–human rights, the environment, economic justice, rural organizing, racial justice and women’s rights–all with a single gift.

I know that most of you can send in something, even a $5 donation makes a difference.

So please, reach into your wallet right now, pull out your credit card and donate to the Social Justice Fund. Join with us and make a difference.

From all of us here at SJF, we thank you for giving from your heart.

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SEPT. 26TH: The 31st Annual Social Justice Fund Dinner

People of faith raise their voices at 4:30 pm

If you’re in the Seattle area, we begin our pre-dinner activities with a 4:30 meeting with People of Faith.

We invite anyone who can come to the convention center and join with Sister Helen Prejean in this important dialogue about what role should people of faith play in this economic crisis. This discussion is open to the public at the convention center.

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Tom Hayden’s Letter to the Attorney General re: Alex Sanchez

Eric Holder
United States Attorney General
Justice Department
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530

H.

Dear General Holder and Director Jarrett,

I recently came across a copy of your letter re: Alex Sanchez to a Watts community leader, Noreen McClendon, and want to thank you for taking the time to respond.

It is a new day when the Attorney General listens to residents of Watts and responds to their concerns.

However, I must tell you that the reply by Director Jarrett undermines the sincerity of your administration’s approach.

Its assumptions about the war on gangs is as mistaken as the previous administration’s approach to the war on gangs. The letter simply repeats the indictment of Alex Sanchez for which your agency is responsible. There is no reply to the widespread community criticism of the federal indictment.

Your department’s denial of bail to Alex Sanchez undermines his right to fully participate in his own defense. Your letter charges him with RICO offenses which, it is widely known, is the conspiracy charge prosecutors often bring to ensnare innocent people as to whom they would otherwise have little or no direct evidence of guilt.

The call for bail and a fair trial for Alex has come from respected gang experts in Los Angeles who are nationally respected, including:

• Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ, founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the United States;
• Connie Rice, Esq., author of Los Angeles’ most recent report on the Rampart scandal and recommendations for gang prevention and intervention programs;
• Robert Garcia, Esq., former federal prosecutor under Rudolph Giuliani and founder of the respected City Project;
• Thomas Parker, former head of the FBI’s Los Angeles office;

And hundreds of responsible practitioners in the field of violence prevention.

The 1,500 pages of transcript your agency has released thus far only proves Alex Sanchez’s claim to be an inactive former gang member, not a conspiratorial MS “shot caller.” There is no credible evidence that he conspired to kill anyone, but plenty of evidence that others conspired to kill him by claiming he was an FBI informant.

The rest of the case is frankly embarrassing, such as the prosecution claim that his chest tattoo proves that his sponsorship of tattoo removal programs is insincere [chest tattoo removals are not provided under the legislation I wrote in the state Senate].

If Alex is innocent, one might ask, why is the government out to put him away for life? One possible answer is that Alex Sanchez was central to the Rampart revelations a decade ago which led an earlier US Justice Department to bring a “pattern and practice” case against the city and police department of Los Angeles.

Those who pursued Alex in this case were all former members of the department’s discredited anti-gang units. This may be a case of Rampart revenge. Or it may be a case of overzealous prosecutors held over from the prior administration out to make a name for themselves based on their misinterpretation of snippets of conversations and their misunderstanding of the way gang intervention works.

This is also a case about the viability of gang intervention programs which are under fire from some quarters for a few recent cases of street workers gone back to their old ways. The prevailing attitude of many in law enforcement is that “once a gang member, always a gang member” because they view intervention programs as an alternative to traditional police methods.

Juvenile justice advocates all over the country are hoping that you take a clear an unblinkered look at the Alex Sanchez case before greater damage is done to the cause for which he stands and to the Justice Department’s mission and image of impartial justice  as it attempts to rebuild after the Bush era.

I am writing as one of many who have followed Alex and written about these issues for a very long time. I would urge that you seek out others in the civil rights community for advice before you pursue the failed strategy of the war on gangs, and commit an unspeakable injustice against Alex, his family, his friends, his colleagues and followers around the world.

Sincerely,
Tom Hayden

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Joe Wilson Is Dishonest

AND IF THERE IS A LIAR OUT THERE, It JUST MIGHT BE HIM

ATLANTA, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson’s oldest son defended his father against a claim by former President Jimmy Carter that the congressman’s outburst during a speech by President Barack Obama was “based on racism.”

Responding to an audience question at a town hall at his presidential center in Atlanta, Carter said Tuesday that Wilson’s outburst was also rooted in fears of a black president.

“I think it’s based on racism,” Carter said. “There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president.”

But Wilson’s son disputed that.

“There is not a racist bone in my dad’s body,” said Alan Wilson, an Iraq veteran who is running for state attorney general in South Carolina. “He doesn’t even laugh at distasteful jokes. I won’t comment on former President Carter, because I don’t know President Carter. But I know my dad, and it’s just not in him.”

“It’s unfortunate people make that jump. People can disagree and appropriately disagree on issues of substance, but when they make the jump to race it’s absolutely ludicrous. My brothers and I were raised by our parents to respect everyone regardless of background or race.”

Carter, a Democrat, said Joe Wilson’s outburst was a part of a disturbing trend directed at the president that has included demonstrators equating Obama to Nazi leaders.

“Those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate on whether we should have a national program on health care,” he said. “It’s deeper than that.”

Wilson’s spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, was formally rebuked Tuesday in a House vote for shouting “You lie!” during Obama’s speech to Congress last Wednesday.

The shout came after the president commented that illegal aliens would be ineligible for federal subsidies to buy health insurance. Republicans expressed their disbelief with sounds of disapproval, punctuated by Wilson’s outburst.

Tuesday’s rebuke was a rare resolution of disapproval pushed through by Democrats who insisted that Wilson had violated basic rules of decorum and civility. Republicans characterized the measure as a witch hunt and Wilson, who had already apologized to Obama, insisted he owed the House no apology.

South Carolina’s former Democratic Party chairman also said he doesn’t believe Wilson was motivated by racism, but said the outburst encouraged racist views.

“I think Joe’s conduct was asinine, but I think it would be asinine no matter what the color of the president,” said Dick Harpootlian, who has known Wilson for decades. “I don’t think Joe’s outburst was caused by President Obama being African-American. I think it was caused by no filter being between his brain and his mouth.”

Harpootlian said he received scores of racial e-mails from outside South Carolina after he talked about the vote on Fox News.
”You have a bunch of folks out there looking for some comfort in their racial issues. They have a problem with an African-American president,” he said. “But was he motivated by that? I don’t think so. I respectfully disagree with President Carter, though it gives validity to racism.”

On Wednesday, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele accused Democrats of using the race issue to shift attention away from the health care plan.

“President Carter is flat out wrong. This isn’t about race. It is about policy,” Steele said in a statement.
Carter called Wilson’s comment “dastardly” and an aftershock of racist views that have permeated American politics for decades.

“The president is not only the head of government, he is the head of state,” said Carter, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work to promote human rights and resolve international conflicts. “And no matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect.”

As president, Carter appointed record numbers of women, blacks, and Hispanics to government jobs. Under The Carter Center, Carter and his team of experts work to resolve conflict and promote democracy, among other goals.
Wilson, a former state senator elected to Congress in 2001, is known as a mild-mannered lawmaker with hard-line conservative views. But he has been confrontational in the past.

In 2003, Wilson called it “unseemly” and a “smear” for the mixed-race daughter of Sen. Strom Thurmond, Essie Mae Washington-Williams, to identify the longtime South Carolina senator as her father after his death.

After a public outcry, he reversed course and said he had the utmost respect for Washington-Williams.

As a state senator, he was an outspoken opponent of efforts to remove the Confederate flag from atop the South Carolina Statehouse.

Associated Press writer Seanna Adcox in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this report.

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Washington State Judge is Latino Judge of the Year.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM- The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) honored a Texas judge as its Latina Judge of the Year. And a Washington State Judge as Latino Judge of the Year.

According to a press release, Judge Eva M. Guzman, of the Texas 14th Court of Appeals, is the first Hispanic female appointed and then elected to the Harris County Family Court. 

Guzman is also the first Hispanic woman appointed and then elected to the 14th Court of Appeals.

She was appointed the appeals court by Gov. Rick Perry in November 2001, and took her public oath of office on Feb. 19, 2002.

She was elected in November 2002 to fill an unexpired term and in November 2004 to a full six year term.

Guzman and others were honored at the HNBA Annual Convention and First Judicial Summit in Albuquerque, N.M., Sept. 2-6.

”The HNBA’s mission is furthered by the work and dedication of this year’s Honorees,” stated HNBA National President Ramona E. Romero.

“From the grassroots, to corporate America, to the courtroom their efforts have had a positive impact. It is with great pride that we highlight their contributions to the legal profession, the nation and the Latino community.” 

The Convention, themed “Opening Doors – Abriendo Puertas” gathered hundreds of Latino legal professionals, including judges, government and private sector attorneys, law professors and non-profit lawyers from across the nation to discuss the advances Latinos have made within the profession, including the significance of the historic appointment of HNBA Member Judge Sonia Sotomayor as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Justice Sotomayor is the first Hispanic American and only third woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. 

As Latino Judge of the Year, the organization honored Judge Steven C. Gonzalez of King County (Washington) Superior Court.

His career includes work as Hate Crimes Prosecutor for the Western District of Washington where he charged offenders with hate crimes committed against Muslims and Arab-Americans after 9/11, including arson and attempted murder.

In recognition of extraordinary advocacy for a diverse judiciary and service to the HNBA, the following individuals and law firm were presented with the 2009 HNBA Presidential Advocacy Awards:

• Carlos Ortiz, Esq., General Counsel, Goya Foods, Inc.
• Robert Raben, Esq., Founder & Principal, The Raben Group, LLC
• Professor Jenny Rivera, CUNY School of Law
• Estuardo Rodriguez, Esq., Principal, The Raben Group, LLC 
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 38,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories.

For more information, please visit www.HNBA.com.

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On a Personal Note

Now, for many of you this is not a big deal, but it is for me.

After much deliberation and some swift kicks in the seat of the pants by my family and my doctor (not to mention numerous friends), all who love my tush but think it might be tooooo large, I have taken a radical step:

Yep, today I am joining a 24-Hour Fitness club 5 minutes from my office. That way I can stop before or after work. So now I will not have any excuses for not going in to do something. I will do my best to go in as often as I can. I am starting off slowly and hope to work my way up to some reasonable workouts in the not-so-distant future.

I am organizing my gym bag and my new lock.

So, if late some night you can’t find me, then presume that I am at the club working out … LOL

And, if I happen to develop a muscle I will take a picture of it and send it your way

My best
leno

PS: Unfortunately, I recently ran over my Iphone with my van.

 When I ran over my cell phone I cracked the glass but it still worked, then when I went to get the glass replaced I discovered that I needed a new phone. And, in the process I have lost everyone’s numbers.

Please call me so that I can re-tag you on my phone. 206-618-9909

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Social Justice Fund invites you to join us at our annual event at the
Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

We are excited to welcome Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking: an eyewitness account of the death penalty in the United States, as our guest speaker for the evening.

Tickets: $75/individual, $100/VIP

Tables of 10 are available for $750/$1000 VIP

Dear Sisters and Brothers

Last night I watched as President Obama made a strong and important speech and reached out to Republicans, Democrats and independents. He asked us to act now that the time for bickering had ended. He gave credit to many Republicans for work they had done over the years and said he was willing to meet with all serious individuals who wanted to work. And he also said that he would not answer to those still playing the games and would CALL THEM OUT.

And he dealt with all the misinformation that the right wing of this country was feeding to some of the confused public.

During President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress tonight regarding health care reform, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) yelled out “you lie”when the President said his health care bill would not mandate coverage for illegal immigrants. Isn’t strange that an elected official takes the town hall tactics of the SCREAMERS and does this at a joint session of congress. This man should apologize since he is the one who is lying.

It is clear that we have got a lot of work to do in the weeks ahead. This is not a time to be silent or shy about where we stand. We must hold elected peoples feet to the fire.

We must let them know that we need a reform of our health system.

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Now For My View Of The News

a. Support the Social Justice Fund
b. Living at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder
c. Learning From a Risk Taker

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Support the Social Justice Fund Northwest

Today I am asking you, my readers, to help me celebrate 31st anniversary of the Social Justice Fund by sending us a contribution.

We would like to help other non-profits to do their good work but in order to do it we need your help.

every dollar counts

If each of you who are to receive this email were to send in just $1.00 we could take 20 more organizers to our annual dinner on September 26th, where they would get to hear Sister Helen Prejean speak and learn from other community organizers.

If each of you gave $10 we could respond in a small way to at least 20 efforts in the Northwest region that need an immediate infusion of funds such as renting a bus, organizing a lobbying day, sponsoring a march, or hosting a planning meeting.

I know that budgets are tight and I respect that … but it’s when things are difficult that we should continue to give. We might have to give a little less, but please continue to give.

You can even send me the keys to your second car, give me the vacation property, or send your partner to volunteer. We will take frequent flyer mileage, and, well, almost anything you can imagine.

Some of you I know can afford $40 or $70 or $100 or more. Some can afford just $10. It all makes a difference. I ask you to consider helping me and the Social Justice Fund this year.

Give from your heart.

If you prefer to send us a check, please send your contributions to
SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND
603 STEWART STREET SUITE 1007
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98101

Thank you

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Living at the Bottom of the Economic Ladder

The Economy is moving forward in some areas but if you are an unemployed person you have not probably felt any of the positive changes. As we know it is the people of color and poor whites who were the canaries in the ECONOMIC COAL MINES that first felt the affect of the down turned economy… and they will be the last to recover.

I would like to see bills in the State Legislatures and in Congress that would address these families who are suffering more than most. This economy can destroy lives and dash the dreams of many. We must invest in these families and seek ways to protect them. These families have lost everything and we should reach out to them through our community organizations, religious groups and, yes, perhaps our government.

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Sharing Thoughts And Ideas About Risk Taking

Today I had lunch with a friend who is leaving her job and is searching for work in the international development world. It is a courageous step and one that I admire. so today over Mexican food we talked about what she might do to get her resume in the right hands and where to look for opportunities. She is the ED at a successful non-profit but feels that there is more to her life than her current work.

One difficult part of her journey is that she will lose her health plan and she has a pre-existing condition that will make it hard to get immediate coverage, plus the cost for coverage by COBRA is out of her and her husband’s budget.

But she feels that she needs to make changes in her life, and I admire her for taking this bold step.

After all, it is the risk-takers that make a difference.

I now have joined on as a member of her team and will be consulting with her as she moves forward. In the process I will learn more about her perhaps something about myself.

Sometimes ya gots to get out of your timid gear and step forward and explore new and interesting opportunities.

Think about it: WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TOOK A RISK?

My best,

Leno