I’m one to argue that not enough leaders of color are mentioned in the curriculum. There are leaders in Texas History who have played a major role in the making of Texas, and for these two religious coo-coos to be suggesting that Cesar Chavez and Thurgood Marshall as national figures are not important enough tells me they want to rewrite history in their own image.
Ensuring leaders of color are in our history, to me, is not about “inclusion” (as the sociologists call it), but it is about History. It’s fact. There are even historical cases that affected the making of Texas, such as Hernandez vs Texas, which ensured Mexican Americans could serve on juries and not be considered “white” and easily rejected for the jury pool. There is a lot that is left out of Texas and U.S. History and for these two religious nuts to be included in the making of Texas curriculum is an abomination.
Just as I stated recently, the last Democrat that should be involved in developing comprehensive immigration reform legislation is New York’s Chuck Schumer. After his “it’s OK to call them illegal” commentary, I suspected we were in for some bad legislation. Well, although he is saying there can be reform by the end of the year or early in 2010, the bottom line is that what he is working on is just plain bad for immigrant workers and families.
The lead Democrat steering an immigration overhaul through the Senate said Wednesday he expects to have a bill ready by Labor Day that is more generous to highly skilled immigrant workers than those who are lower skilled and is tough on future waves of illegal immigration.
That’s right, this new bill is filled with jobs for educated immigrants, which shows the Democratic Congress’s failure to ensure equity in college opportunities for students from the United States. The U.S. would not need this type of “reform” if Congress were to pass the DREAM Act. In an instant, 65,000 students will become eligible for legalization and after a completing their college degrees, qualify for these highly skilled jobs.
Schumer still calls himself “pro-immigration” but is seems to be taking the John McCain approach of “closing borders first” and building walls.
Schumer said the way to get the bill done is to be very tough on future waves of illegal immigration. He declared himself pro-immigration and said the U.S. should encourage legal immigration and find some kind of path for people now here to find a way to legal citizenship.
DosCentavos will continue to watch the activity, but it is safe to say that President Obama needs to show some leadership on the issue instead of giving all power to Schumer.
National Immigration Forum released this in a statement:
These piecemeal approaches always backfire and miss the point: we cannot succeed in enforcing laws that are fundamentally broken.We have to have a thorough, top-to-bottom overhaul of immigration that includes worker-verification that works, and addresses all of the genuine ways in which we need to reform our broken system.
Our friends at the Houston Public Library are putting on a show on August 9th at Discovery Green. Here’s the info and the link to the poster so you can print it out and give it out. This should be the first of many events. And DosCentavos.net is a proud media sponsor!
HPL Express Celebrates Tejano Music Month on Aug 9th 2:00pm-6:00pm at Discovery Green Conservancy located across from the George R. Brown convention center and South of Minute Maid Park.
2:30-3:30 Tejano Open Mic: Share a poem, a story, a few words about what Tejano Music means to you, your best Tejano Concert experience or sing your favorite Tejano Song, Karaoke style. To sign up email: CG.Martinez@cityofhouston.net before July 17, 2009.
4:00 pm Learn to Dance Tejano Style – Dance Instruction by Frank Espino
5:00-6:00 Jennifer Marie with special Guest, Tejano Legend Augustin “Guti” Ramirez
3:00 – 6:00 LOWRIDER CAR EXHIBITION
This community event is made possible by:
BNET RADIO
http://www.bnetradio.com/tejano/home.htm
DAVE BIONDI (713) 212-9733
PLAYERS PARADISE CAR CLUB
http://www.myspace.com/playersparadise99
RICARDO GONZALEZ (281) 222-7302
HOUSTON LOWRIDER COUNCIL
http://www.houstonlowridercouncil.com/
RICARDO GONZALEZ (281) 222-7302
JENNIFER MARIE W/ SPECIAL GUEST AUGUSTIN “GUTI” RAMIREZ
But there’s got to be a better strategy than this: a billboard off the MLK Boulevard exit of the South Loop featuring a rendering of the slain civil rights leader next to the all-caps message, “Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican!”
Scary words to the 90+% of African Americans who just voted for Barack Obama, but are they truthful? I simply cannot see what was so “republican” about King. Republicans do enjoy throwing around that one line about “content of character” as a means of disparaging equal opportunity programs. But that’s about as close as I can see their argument can get.
I would have to disagree with Falkenberg, in this day and political era, that MLK’s message is all that “non-partisan.” The Republican Party’s attitudes toward anyone of color that is progressive-minded and believes in equality under the law has become quite disgusting. All anyone has to do is read the latest comments under any Chron article to notice what “real” Republicans are thinking.
So, no, I don’t believe King was a Republican. Was he a Democrat? A Socialist, as one person in the article states? I believe he was an organizer who brought people together behind a message: Equal Opportunity for All. It’s up to the political parties and candidates to prove that they believe in equality.
The ordinance, which applies only to signs on the premises of area businesses that go up after Sept. 1, diminishes the maximum allowable height and square footage of signs by nearly half in certain cases, eliminates roof signs and regulates electronic displays, among other more specific rules that will apply to shopping centers or other multi-tenant locations.
So, if I want to donate a 10 ft. yellow dog to the Harris County Democratic Party, can they place it on the roof of 1445?
By now, some of you have received the e-mail that went out to a mass of folks in the Democratic Party regarding 189th District candidate Larry Hinojosa. I received that e-mail yesterday and had worked up something, but decided to begin a check of the rest of the list, as well as verification of what I had received. So, here’s my response to that list.
You know, I consider myself a pretty loyal Democrat. In my 20 years of voting, I have never voted in a Republican Primary, I’ve never voted for a Republican on a General Election ballot, and if one looks at my record, I’ve been a pretty loyal Democratic Primary voter. And this is what the hard-core of the hard-core look at when determining which candidate to give her/his vote in a primary.
Now, it is true, Democrats have not gotten much practice at voting in Democratic Primaries here in Harris County. Save for some low-turnout contested race inside the loop, Democrats seldom have an opportunity to choose from amongst 4, 3, or even two Democrats in countywide contested primaries.
In 2008, we had that opportunity, thanks to all of the judicial seats Democrats sought, but especially because of the Hillary-Obama fight. And it was worth it! We need that same energy for the 2010 primaries because it is a non-presidential year and because we have some “educatin’ ourselves” to do. And the truth is, much of this revolution began in 2006 when folks like Chuck Silverman, Larry Weiman and others ran as Democrats when it wasn’t cool.
As Democratic Primary voters, we usually look to those requisites I listed at the top. We also look at Party involvement, Party contributions, and especially contribution records. Bottom line–Democratic voters don’t take kindly to folks who give to Republicans, even those with excuses, such as, “I donated to a friend,” or worse, “I felt the judge I gave to would rule against me if I didn’t give.”
I have already received my first e-mail from a reader pointing to the donation record of one candidate vying for the Democratic nomination in the 189th Civil District Court. Since 2003, candidate Larry Hinojosa has donated over $7,000 to Republican judges, according to the Texas Ethics Commission website. That includes a total of $1,000 donated in 2006-2007 to one Republican judge whom my friend Larry Weiman ended up defeating in 2008. That he gave Judge Weiman’s 2006 opponent money a few months before November, at least to this Democratic voter, is quite insulting as Larry came close in 2006. On top of that, he seems to have made some sizable donations to Republicans in 2008, including to the Republican who received the help of Paul Bettencourt’s staff and a Republican judge to defeat Goodwille Pierre.
In 2006, Democratic candidate Chuck Silverman came very close to winning the 189th District Court bench. Now, he’s back, seeking the nomination to carry the Democratic flag once again. As a Democrat, he has an impeccable record as an activist and as a precinct chair. He has helped other Democrats get elected, especially in 2008. And he is committed to applying the law equally and fairly to all. More than anything, he ran for judge when it wasn’t the “popular” thing to do; he was willing to earn the scars, campaign passionately and aggressively, and ready himself for 2010.
In doesn’t take a Democrat to be an effective Judge, it takes someone with a commitment to equality under the law, and someone who has represented clients deserving of justice. So, DosCentavos supports Chuck Silverman without reservation and encourages readers to sign his candidate petition, support him, and even contribute to him.
Democratic Primary voters can make their own decisions. But let us remember that Party loyalty still means a lot, especially when we are attempting to beat Republicans! A supposed Democrat giving thousands to a Republican shows, not only a lack of loyalty, but a lack of confidence in the Party during a time in which we were building. Let’s think about that.
UPDATE 9:02PM:
A closer look also reveals that Hinojosa gave $400 to Bill Burke on 10/06. In other words, during the same time that Chuck Silverman was in the middle of challenging Burke.
The Republican-led trial of soon-to-be Justice Sotomayor begins next week. The Republican attacks continue and they will continue race-based attacks in which they point out her memberships in civil rights groups, such as the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Much like Chicanos have the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the Puerto Rican community has a similar legal advocacy group which works to ensure equal rights under the law for that constituency and others of color. Whether it is lawsuits seeking equity in education funding, or as Fox News describes to their Anglo viewers, “she advised in the 1980s that brought several race discrimination lawsuits for minorities who challenged jobs or promotions given to white employees,” these legal advocacy groups serve a purpose–to ensure that America’s Promise remains intact.
Obviously, Fox News and the Republicans are attempting to play to the worse in America, those that whine and moan about non-existent things, such as “reverse racism.” Much like the American Civil Liberties Union, MALDEF and PRLDEF do not take just any case. There must be a viable violation of civil rights or law for them to become involved.
The right-wing in America despise any organization that works for equality, including groups like National Organization for Women, NAACP, and others representing constituencies. The Republicans are digging for gold and settling for whatever excrement that collects in their already dirty finger nails.
Bottom line: Attacks against civil rights groups by the right-wing are no different than the support those in the right-wing give white supremacy groups, such as the Minutemen, Border Watch, and other such groups. Obviously, Fox News supports them, and so do Republicans.
So, Sotomayor was an officer in PRLDEF? Wow! Imagine that. A Puerto Rican attorney that believes in equal rights under the law. Such a concept is scary to the right-wing. The rest of America can ignore the right-wing and support a good jurist.
Democrats have the votes to get Sotomayor on the Court, and most seem to agree that she will be confirmed. But the scorched earth game plan of the Republican Party is not only racist, it is a danger to America.
Hey, if you’re an elected official, I have no problem if you show off your name in 100 point-sized letters on your departmental website. But what’s with making sure you and a buddy are listed as YOUR ELECTED DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES IN PRECINCT 0635, yet there are some names missing?
YOUR ELECTED DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES IN PRECINCT 0635
U.S. Senator:
John Cornyn
U.S. Senator:
Kay Bailey Hutchison
U.S. Representative:
Ted Poe
State Senator:
Tommy Williams
State Representative:
Joe Crabb
Harris County Judge:
Ed Emmett
Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector:
Leo Vasquez
Harris County Commissioner:
Jerry Eversole
Harris County Constable:
Ron Hickman
Justice of the Peace Pos. 1:
Judge J. Kent Adams
Justice of the Peace Pos. 2:
Judge Tom Lawrence
State Board of Education:
David Bradley
I see Vasquez on the list. I even see Ed Emmett. The one’s that should be there are my district and precinct elected officials. So if Leo and Ed are on the list, where’s my District Clerk? Where’s my County Attorney?
Clearly, this is just another stab at Leo trying to get more play, while helping Ed, too. Here’s the big secret: They’re both up for re-election in 2010! Hmmm.
Still, the website clearly states it should be my ELECTED DISTRICT representative. Vasquez is not a district rep., and we all know, he sure as hell wasn’t elected! So, what exactly is he trying to pull?
Save for a few right-wing hecklers, the Kingwood Area Democrats had a pretty good 4th of July Parade in Kingwood. The Kingwood Area Dems are celebrating 15 years since their founding and made their presence known once again. It was great that some of our 2010 Democrats made the trip to add to the excitement. KAD continued their annual ritual, handing out over 2,000 U.S. flags to kids and families along the parade route.
Also participating in the parade were Mayoral candidates Annise Parker and Peter Brown, respectively. Mayor Bill White also appeared in the parade.
Mayoral candidate Peter Brown w/ Gary Binderim, Patty Pinkley in background
The annual picnic was also the place to be. Gracing us with their presence were mayoral candidate Peter Brown and candidate for At-Large Position 1 Karen Derr. Among the judicial candidates at the picnic were Paul Simon (295th), Javier Valenzuela (CCL3), Kathy Vossler (28oth) and CCL#1 candidate Steve Reilley (below).
Steve Reilley (center) with Kingwood Democratic Women.
Special thanks to Democratic Party Chairman Gerry Birnberg for making the rounds to various events, including the KAD picnic. It is safe to say that folks are ready to organize and get the job done in 2010.
On this day, I join various groups, including National Council of La Raza, in reminding our elected officials that there are 12 million people waiting to become “official’ Americans who need your help. It’s time for the DREAM Act and it’s time for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Whatever Democrats we lose in the Senate, we’ll gain from moderate republicans to get to the 60 votes. We just need to TRY.
Mayor White vs HPOU…again!
Looks like the HPOU continues their crusade to arrest any and all Latinos. Apparently, only Latinos are wanting to kill cops, if one is to take HPOU seriously. Thanks to Mayor White for standing up to them, sticking to the order, and remaining committed to effective law enforcement practices, rather than reactionary and politically motivated band-aids.
Let’s Take Care of Our Viejecitos
This story of the death of elderly twins from the effects of the sweltering heat saddened me this morning. Many times, economics plays a role in why the elderly do not turn on their A/C, or in this case, even a box fan. We need to do a better job of taking care of our elderly. While there are some good programs locally, there are some who cannot leave their homes. As individuals, we need to do our part and look out for our neighbors and friends during this hot summer.
And perhaps we should be demanding something from our utility companies to ensure that the elderly aren’t stuck in overheated homes because of the high cost of using cooling systems.
Walter’s Break
Many of you received e-mails and other messages regarding college student Walter Lara who was set to be deported. Apparently, Lara didn’t even know he was not a U.S. Citizen, having been brought here by parents who wanted a better life. Such is the story of San Antonio’s Benita Veliz. And it is also the story of thousands more children who have only known the United States as their home. These are American kids–English speakers, intelligent, etc.
I commend the efforts of various groups who put Walter Lara on the map. A mix of legislative meandering, as well as social networking (Twitter and Facebook) helped this kid. Let’s help 65,000 more, and while we’re at it, let’s just help the 12 million others, too!
There Was a Special Session?
Yep, and 30 hours later, it is over. And Voter ID was left out. Whew!
Cuatro de Julio
Doing anything for the 4th? DosCentavos will be hanging out with his Kingwood Area Democrats. We’ll be participating in the Kingwood Parade. What many folks don’t know is that KAD has been around for 15 years now, gathering Dems, enlightening folks, and even changing minds. So, this parade will be special. Even more exciting is our picnic. Go to www.KingwoodAreaDemocrats.org for more information.
