Monthly Archives: May 2010

Stace’s Birthday Week Begins!

Posted on May 31, 2010 | Comments Off

Friends,

My 39th birthday is coming up on Sunday and here’s one of these ways I can involved you all in the gift-buying aspect of my day.

Don’t give to me, give to Joe and Mark!

That’s right. I am not in need of any gifts (unless you’re ready to pay off my student loans or buy me a Motor Trike).  What I would like is for my readers, friends (and even my enemies) to invest in the campaigns of my two favorite candidates:

Joe Montemayor for Texas House-District 127

and

Mark Diaz for Judge-Harris County Criminal Court-at-Law #11

Joe Montemayor has been making some strides in HD-127, gaining support from independents and Republicans, alike, while solidifying the Democratic base which I’ve been helping strengthen since I moved to Kingwood. Joe has already received some key endorsements and has a resume which all sides of the political spectrum can embrace:  Retired ICE Agent, Veteran, Community Leader, and Small Business Owner. Let’s keep making strides by giving a little to Joe.

Mark Diaz has served his clients for over a decade, fighting zealously for fairness and justice. As your Judge, Mark will continue the fight, ensuring a sense of fairness that has been missing from our courts, while ensuring the public’s safety.  A product of our Houston institutions of education, Mark knows the needs of our criminal courts and is ready to deliver.

If all you can do is make a b-day wish, then I reserve the right to sign you up as a volunteer!  ha ha!

Stay tuned to more stuff this week regarding my birthday!

Tu amigo,

Stace

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Posted in Uncategorized

NYT Article Adds Fuel to DREAMers’ Fire

Posted on May 31, 2010 | Comments Off

A recent article in the New York Times profiled a “potential Obama ally” as one of Obama’s biggest critics on the issue of comprehensive immigration reform.  DC readers know that Congressman Luis Gutierrez is probably my favorite member of Congress because of his outspokenness on most issues, but in particular, immigration.  The Puerto Rican-born Chicagoan has done a more effective job of defending those targeted by Republicans and taken for granted by Democrats than any other elected official in the U.S.

So, when I started seeing little criticisms from pro-DREAM Act groups through a couple of Facebook threads, I decided to read the entire article to see what was up.  In fact, Gutierrez stated one line he tells the President which he also stated during a speech here in Houston.

“This is the moment for him to act,” Mr. Gutierrez said. “And if we stumble, if somehow we fail, let’s fail together. Let’s fail fighting!”

I completely agree with this statement. We began this debate with a demand for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and that demand should continue–not matter the outcome.  From a political sense, the fight, the battle is just as important.

Meanwhile, various groups who wholly work with th DREAM Act cause were more critical of the line, since they have dropped the CIR battle in favor of what the bigger “maybe.” As in MAYBE we can pass the DREAM Act by itself. One Austin activist stated:

Rep. Gutierrez: “Let’s fail together”. hmm. NO. let’s NOT!!! DREAM Act stand alone needs to pass. Stop holding our DREAMs hostage!!!

Another group stated:

University Leadership Initiative Can we make an EDUCATED decision? DREAM Act now. stand alone… and no, we will not fail together. Rep. Gutierrez, empower dream act youth. Give us a chance at our dreams.

The Chron writes today that the DREAM Act is now at the forefront of the immigration battle–at least in the field, but what about where it counts…in Congress?

Believe me, I wouldn’t mind, but there are political realities in this whole mix.  (1) It is obvious that the Democrats do not want to separate DREAM Act from the entire CIR bill because it may ease the rest of the bill into the supportive hands of a few Republicans. (2) It is obvious that the political will and leadership from Democrats is not there. (3) And it is obvious that the Tea Party and right-wing groups have influenced the Republicans into voting against ANY type of legalization program.

My friend Cesar Espinosa said it best.

“They’re both immigration reform policies and they’re both very explosive, so we’re not sure if Congress will take either of them on,” Espinosa said. “They’re afraid to touch any kind of immigration reform with a 10-foot pole.”

So, I take exception to any misguided criticism of Congressman Gutierrez. When it comes to matters that happen where it counts, he has been the leader and the voice of the cause. He’s been arrested, he’s been criticized by the bigots in the opposing political party and their Tea Party and Supremacist associates; he has earned his leadership status.

With the artificial June deadline as to when a CIR or DREAM bill could enter into debate for 2010 passage looming large, there will be questions as to where pro-Migrant groups should focus. Frankly, I have not formed an opinion as of yet, as much depends on the Democrats (especially in Texas) defense of those under attack–this has been weak at best.

How Democratic candidates react to the right-wing vitriol will be one fact that could affect Latino participation. While the “insiders” will talk about apathy, I will talk about the reasons for the indifference toward voting.

And to the DREAM Act and CIR crowd, believe it or not, the political side of things will soon become as important as the organizing around CIR. The organizing must continue, and this time, on two fronts–the cause and the political races.

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Posted in Chicano Politics, DREAM Act, Houston Politica, Immigration, LatinoVote '10, National Democrats, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege

Thoughts on Viernes…05282010

Posted on May 28, 2010 | 1 Comment

Debbie’s At It Again

We’re seeing the whites of their…anyway. Debbie Riddle announced she will introduce a Voter ID bill during the next session.  Apparently, millions of dollars wasted by the Attorney General’s office on failed prosecution of false accusations of voter fraud is not enough waste. I wonder how her Hispanic Republinuts would feel being banned from voting for being brown?

I would suggest Rep. Anchia dust off his compromise again. Nothing says democracy like automatic voter registration.

The American Republiban

Yes, Michael Berry seems to have fallen off the deep end from the comfy-ness of his radio booth’s genu-yne leatherette chair. But c’mon folks, Michael Berry blowing up anything is like Dumbya Bush actually showing up for a National Guard weekend.

Seriously, though, talk like that is not only dangerous but cause for Clear Channel to look into their “mental health” benefits package to see if Mike is even covered.  Thankfully, “Obamacare” may cover it, if needed.

Rick Perry–Arthur (Not Author)

So, Rick Perry is going to write a book about being “fed up” with big gum’mint. I wonder if he’ll include his huge corporate slush fund for which he shows no accountability? Or how big Texas gum’mint pays for his digs?

I would suggest the Bill White Campaign write one called “Fed Well–The Story of Rick Perry’s Tax-Funded Gourmet Kitchen.”

Kudos to Chief McClelland; Boos to HCSO

Chief Charles McClelland went to Washington and expressed his concern for the Arizona racial profiling law.  Great!

Meanwhile, I had the honor of doing a Lucha Libre tag-team with America Para Todos’ Cesar Espinosa on Sheriff Garcia’s PR guy regarding 287(g) at this week’s Harris County Young Democrats Immigration Forum.  While the PR guy gave his spin on 287(g) from the moment we were doing introductions, DosCentavos provided some added facts conveniently left out as to the failed and flaw-filled section of the immigration code.

Originally enacted as a means of ridding the U.S. of “criminal aliens” and undocumented folks convicted of major crimes, 287(g) has allowed local law enforcement agencies to redefine the purpose of it without any accountability to its original intent.  Even the Department of Homeland Security released a report on the failings of 287(g) with 33 recommendations on how to provide a “fix” to possible civil rights violations, erroneous data entry, and how to increase the removal numbers of major criminals, since apparently, a study showed that only 9% of those facing removals were convicted of major felonies.  That’s 33 “improvements” in a matter of four years.

This is an indefensible program to which our good Sheriff must say bye-bye.

I’ll have a video on Monday, which will also feature discussions on comprehensive immigration reform, DREAM Act, services provided by Neighborhood Centers (awesomely presented by Sacha Lazarre), and other commentary.

And a big KUDO to the YDs for passing a resolution in support of real comprehensive immigration reform.  Thanks to John G. and his members for being a great and active audience.

Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

I’ll be sneaking through Farmers Branch on my way to Denton County for a dose of familia, hopefully some roast beast of some sort compliments of El Cuñado, and a good cee-gar on the patio.  Hasta next week!

PS:  Congrats To All Who Fought for the DADT Repeal!

My Rep. Ted Poe voted against the repeal. Then again, Ted Poe would attach an amendment to McCain’s Mexican Hunting bill to send the National Guard to Montrose and San Francisco.

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Posted in Thoughts on Viernes

College Preparedness Lacking–Not a New Thing

Posted on May 24, 2010 | Comments Off

While the article in the Chron seems to place the blame on “inefficiency” from colleges and universities, the bottom line is that high school students are graduating with a lack of preparation for the rigors of a college education. And this means the problem is in K-12 education, who them pumps these students into the colleges and universities to figure out how to prep them and graduate them.  This isn’t a new thing, but it’s gotten to a point where ignoring the problem could bite us all on the back side.

Meanwhile, it seems the cost of remedial courses in college is what will be debated in 2011.

Developmental education is one of the biggest stumbling blocks. Fewer than 10 percent of students who require more than a few remedial classes even make it to college-level classes, Troyer said.

“I don’t think it’s logical to say you’re going to get rid of developmental education,” said state Rep. Scott Hochberg, D-Houston, chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee on education. “The question is, how do you minimize the time and cost?”

The Legislature has agreed to change the way it pays for the courses, encouraging colleges to break away from traditional 16-week semesters and tailor learning to students’ needs.

And beginning in 2011, Hochberg said community college graduation rates will be posted alongside state appropriations for each school, bringing new scrutiny to how well the colleges are doing.

Judged by graduation rates, that’s not so well. The Higher Education Coordinating Board reports that 16 percent of community college students who enrolled in 2005 and did not require remedial courses had earned an associate degree three years later. Fewer than half as many who did need the additional work — 7.6 percent — graduated within three years.

Well that’s fine and dandy, but the commitment should be to preparing them before they get to the colleges and universities and this seems to be avoided.

I cannot say I am much in agreement with using community college graduation rates as a means “grading” their success. I attended community college and chose to transfer, rather than taking extraneous courses which wouldn’t transfer into my degree outline. I would hope some distinctions are made, as well as improved tracking of transfers.

The ideas being tossed around have been around for a long time.

• • College readiness tests for high school students, allowing them to improve their skills before starting college.

• • Shorter-term developmental classes, allowing some students to begin college-level work sooner.

• • Required classes teaching study skills, time management and other keys to college success.

• • New teaching methods andclass content.

My first professional job was as an academic advisor for the Texas State University Athletic Department, working with student-athletes–especially those considered high-risk (about 200 or so out of 400). “Good” Athletic Departments provide their athletes with academic services that help students become more well-rounded. At TXST, it was modeled after the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program of the NCAA, and experienced increasing graduation rates.  Of course, this was part of the investment that came in the form of a scholarship. TXST boasted higher graduation rates than the institution because of this commitment to a holistic approach to the college experience. Perhaps if the Legislature used similar models, particularly for those students considered at-risk, the investment would pay off.

Other than the usual defense of Latinos and immigrants from Riddle and Berman, DosCentavos expects higher education to be his #1 issue during the next legislative session.

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Posted in DREAM Act, Higher Education, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege

Gutierrez and Polis Announce Alliance of CIR and LGBT Advocates

Posted on May 24, 2010 | Comments Off

Today, Congressmen Luis Gutierrez (D) IL and Jared Polis (D) CO announced an alliance between immigration and LGBT advocates. Ben Smith wrote in Politico about the alliance.

A guiding principle of American immigration law is “family reunification,” and the system for sponsoring wives and husbands for visas works smoothly and rapidly — enough so that it’s subject to a lot of abuse. But same-sex partners of different nationalities simply have no legal path at all to live together legally in this country. It is (as I wrote about once a long time ago) probably the single most dramatic difference between the rights of married people and same-sex couples.

There’s long been legislation in Congress aimed at addressing this, though the combination of gay rights and easing immigration restrictions has pretty much guaranteed that it went nowhere. If and when immigration reform moves, however, Gutierrez’s support for including gays and lesbians could be important.

DosCentavos has been writing about a stronger alliance between Latinos and CIR advocates with the LGBT community because quite often both have been told to “hurry up and wait.”  It has been evident with comprehensive immigration reform and with Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

While we are all hopeful for a vote on DADT this week, the work must continue to ensure justice for families.

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Posted in Chicano Politics, DREAM Act, Houston Politica, Immigration, La Familia, LatinoVote '10, National Democrats, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Unidos Con GLBT

Guest Post: Latinos Deserve What We’re Getting

Posted on May 23, 2010 | Comments Off

by Carlos Guerra ~ Special to DosCentavos.net

The antics of Joe Arpaio, Arizona’s runaway sheriff didn’t start last month. But that state’s authorization of a racial profiling law — which everyone knows will be used almost exclusively against darker-skinned “suspects” — was our wake-up call. It was followed by Arizona’s banning of ethnic-studies programs and Texas’ wholesale revision of text books.

How can these things happen, you ask?

They are doing these things to us because they can — and they can get away with it with impunity because racists and xenophobes know that Latinos won’t do much other than grumble because we vote in such pathetically low numbers.

Instead, prominent Latino organizations will hold news conferences and pass condemnatory resolutions before getting to their real interests: bickering, electing officers and throwing lavish corporately funded socials and conventions before going home meekly to continue their lives as second-class citizens.

If any major Latino “civil rights group” were accused of turning a significant election, there would be no evidence to convict.

Raza, we can no longer wait until MALDEF fights this fight for us again.

It is time for all of us to arise in serious grassroots actions and each of us takes matters into our own hands. It happened before, after Proposition 187 became law in California. It must happen again, on a national scale.

Let’s start by registering everyone we know. And in November, let’s assure that every Latino votes.

We must take our rightful role in this nation by exercising every citizen’s only real power, the right to vote.

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Posted in Chicano Politics, Immigration, LatinoVote '10, National Democrats, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege

SBOE–A Texas Embarrassment

Posted on May 21, 2010 | 4 Comments

Well, not surprisingly, the Republican heavy State Board of Education has re-written History into a right-wing handbook for the ages.  A 9 to 5 vote approved the content for the upcoming printing of school textbooks, leaving out notable Latin@s such as UFW Founder Dolores Huerta and San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros.

Arne Duncan, President Obama’s Secretary of Education said it best.

“Curricula should be written by educators who know the subject matter, know the standards and know what it takes to prepare our children for college and careers in the global economy.”

Instead, intolerant and downright racist Republican politicians have white-washed History.

Minority members could not get support for an amendment that would have focused on discrimination for the creation of two Hispanic civil rights groups — the League of United Latin American Citizens and the GI Forum.

Over the Democrats’ objections, the majority adopted a standard calling for high school students to study “instances of institutional racism in American society.” Cargill said not all Americans should be linked to discrimination.

Democrat for Texas Governor, Bill White responded strongly to the SBOE’s vote.

When people see Texas as a place with political agendas in schools, it hurts our ability to attract entrepreneurs and new businesses.

Instead of politicians spending their time editing textbooks, we need leaders who will push electronic textbooks forward to save money and create a better variety of courses for Texas students.

Fort Bend County’s new Democratic Chair  Steve Brown had this to say.

“Our students aren’t robots, and they should be granted every opportunity to explore history from every point of view. That includes those points of view that may not fit neatly into their particular political prism.”

Joe Montemayor, Democrat for Texas House – District 127 had this to say.

” The SBOE has played politics with the knowledge base needed by our students to succeed in a global and multicultural economy. The Texas House needs leadership in 2011 which will undo this insult to education.”

More reactions will come, I’m sure.

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Posted in Bigots and Liars, Chicano Politics, Higher Education, Houston Politica, K-12 Education, Kingwood Politics, National Democrats, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations

Thoughts on Viernes…05212010

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Comments Off

The Medellin Family Thanks You!

Earlier this week, my momma, Flora Medellin, went into the hospital for a surgical biopsy after some irregularities were found in a mammogram.  Thankfully, it looks like she is going to be OK.  I can say this about my momma, she’s the toughest broad I know and I’m very proud of her for passing some of that toughness to the Medellin kids this week–we needed it!

Of course, given the type of scare, we cannot let this opportunity pass us by, so we’d like to ask you all to make a contribution to Planned Parenthood of North Texas and/or Planned Parenthood of SETexas. Planned Parenthood provides access to affordable healthcare, including breast cancer screenings, for income-eligible women and we must continue ensuring these services are available.

Thank you for all your well-wishes. Momma Flora loves you all!

When College and Family Collides

Lisa Falkenberg has an interesting article looking into low Hispanic college-going rates. The big question is:  Is it cultural?

I agree that it could be part of the equation, but above all, it is economic. The real question is:  How many Latinos are finishing college? In that case, one could say that it is cultural, economic, and in many cases a lack of college preparedness.

As the State Board of Education guts our books as a means of promoting a right-wing and ignorant education, the state of Texas is set to do even more damage to Texas children–and not just Latinos.  Meanwhile, a Republican-led legislature ignores the fact that 1/3 of University students are in some sort of remedial course to make up for deficiencies after placement tests. And what about tuition? And what about financial aid dropping in value?

I would venture to say that this is a comprehensive problem, which means it’s a political problem.

Happy Birthday Millie!

Earlier this week, a few of us Kingwood Dems celebrated the birthday of long-time member Millie Watson.  A great Democrat, Millie is among our young-at-heart members and enjoys every event we put on.  We love you Millie!

Poll Finds Latinos Are Not Liked

The AP and Univision did a poll to see which group is discriminated against most.   The numbers are not surprising given the hate-monging from Arizona, Sarah Palin, and Republicans, in general, this isn’t surprising. So, what are you gonna do about it, America?

La Mafia Celebrates 30 Years Of Music

Before the right-wingers think I’m talking about a crime organization, La Mafia is an internationally-acclaimed musical group. With roots in Tejano music, La Mafia was one of these first groups to take a bold step and take their music beyond borders–even making trips to perform for U.S. troops abroad. Oft-criticized by some while revered by millions (just check their record sales), La Mafia has never feared “going there,” and their anniversary show proves that much.

About Sunday’s “Come Together”-style show: “We wanted to bring the spotlight back to San Antonio, to Texas and to Tejano. We want to put Little Joe right next to Cristian Castro, Los Palominos right next to Frankie J because it shows the unity (of Tejano). Because of corporate radio, there are divisions. But this shows our solidarity. I guarantee you when Little Joe hits the stage that stadium is going to go nuts because Little Joe is a god. This is where we’ve been all along.”

Congratulations to Oscar de la Rosa, Armando Lichtenberger and La Mafia.

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Posted in Thoughts on Viernes

DREAM Acts of Civil Disobedience Around the U.S.

Posted on May 20, 2010 | Comments Off

Los Angeles is reporting that Wilshire Blvd. at the 405 has been closed due to students taking to the street in support of the DREAM Act.  There have also been reports from other cities, such as Seattle, conducting actions in support of the passage of the DREAM Act in stand-alone fashion if in fact Comprehensive Immigration Reform cannot be passed in 2010.

You may recall that DosCentavos.net reported exclusively last year at a DNC Press Conference held in Austin as Chairman Tim Kaine stated that the DREAM Act would not be separated from a comprehensive bill.  Well, would-be beneficiaries of the DREAM Act and their supporters are now demanding action.

Today in Houston, FIEL, America Para Todos and other organizations rallied in front of the Mickey Leland Federal Building to ask Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison to support the DREAM Act as a stand alone measure that should be passed this year.

Of course, all of this coincides with a visit from Mexican President Calderon.  After a positive day in the press for both President Obama and Calderon in which both called for comprehensive immigration reform and slammed Arizona for their “misguided” racial profiling law, Calderon today spoke to Congress.

On the Hill, it is reported that Republicans would applaud whenever the issue of “security” was used, but when the idea of legalization and human rights were mentioned, they simply sat on their hands.

Democrats have an opportunity to lead on this issue and the DREAM Act is presenting itself as a means of beginning the overall discussion.  Passed as a standalone bill, the DREAM Act would provide an opportunity for status for the children of immigrants brought here at a young age. In fact, over 65,000 undocumented children graduate from our high schools every year.  Without “legal” status, even a college education will not allow them to become a part of the American talent pool; thus, the DREAM Act would provide for such an opportunity.

Stay tuned for more reports.

For photos of today’s rally at Leland Federal Building, click here.

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Posted in DREAM Act, Houston Politica, Immigration, Mayor Parker, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations

The GOPs Citizenship Classes

Posted on May 20, 2010 | Comments Off

Looks like the Chron picked up on the Democratic press release that called out the guy running for Tax Assessor. The big eye catcher?

Meanwhile, the GOP announced Wednesday the opening of a new east Houston office on May 24.

“This office will serve as a hub for outreach activities, including ESL classes, small business seminars, citizenship classes, campaign coordination activities and other party events focused on sharing our message of conservative values with the east side of Harris County,” the announcement states.

One has to wonder if the GOP will be teaching Homeland Security’s civics requirements or those of the State Board of Education. One method makes you a citizen, the other prepares you to fail (or for a Republican candidacy).

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Posted in DREAM Act, Immigration, Texas Dems 2010, Texas Lege, U.S. Ethnic Relations, Violence Against Latinos