A group of DREAM moms confronted (YouTube link) Marco Rubio at the Capitol recently. Asking him all sorts of questions about his wishy-washy support for immigration reform, Rubio was forced to commit his support on camera. As the episode continued, he seemed to be searching for a bottle of water which was no where to be found. The vid is in Spanish (and Rubio responded in Spanish, too) with English subtitles. The funniest part is at the beginning when an aide apologizes for this happening. So much for constituency services.
Dan Patrick’s anti-Ethnic Studies Bill Left Ignored in Committee
After the House equivalent bill which threatened Ethnic Studies in Texas was left to die in the Calendars Committee, it was found that Patrick’s Senate bill didn’t even receive a hearing. After last night’s midnight deadline to bring the bills to the floor, it seems both bills are now dead. No doubt, though, that there is a move toward more legislative control of college and university curricula, now. This won’t be the last battle.
The Texas Tribune reported that a Texas House committee basically turned a resolution supporting comprehensive immigration reform into a political statement against comprehensive immigration reform. In other words, toilet paper.
State Reps. Ana Hernandez Luna and Rafael Anchia had drafted a positive resolution. Unfortunately, they had to draft a LaTeaNo rep. to make it more acceptable to right wingers.
Earlier, state Rep. Jason Villalba, R-Dallas, said that in addition to adding language that specifically criticizes amnesty, the text of the original resolution was also changed to favor a path to “earned legal status” and not citizenship.
I’ve always been of the opinion that if one has to change the message one wants to send, then, one has lost all sense of the message.
“Nobody in this House supports outright amnesty but rather an earned legal status,” Anchia said.
Accepting that the Republicans simply want to exploit workers by not granting them the rights we all have (which is what this is really about) is just plain wrong. This resolution is not a victory. It’s not even a message anymore. You’re just talking the right-wing’s language. Appeasing Republicans has never worked for Democrats.
The Problem With Millionaires
Well, there are too many, but this week we found out and as Kuff posts, some can’t pay their taxes on time. Some say, well, at least Ben Hall is paying them–fines, late fees, and all. I won’t judge him, but maybe the Cinco de Mayo Parade folks should have had as grand marshal a giant photo of average Latin@ taxpayers whose tax investments keep Houston running.
Again, I’ve been away a bit as my mom required major surgery which occurred earlier this week. She came out of it well and is slowly getting back on track. She will require some physical and occupational therapy, but, like I always say, she’s the toughest woman I know. For all of you who sent your well-wishes THANK YOU. Many of you know my Momma from Democratic events–she is the life of the party. One of her dreams while in ICU was about hosting a dinner for Hillary and her husband. Maybe we can make it come true.
Mayor Parker…
…knocked it out of the park today from all the tweets about the State of Houston address. The main message: She is not done making Houston better. What I found most exciting was the announcement of Tweet My Jobs Houston, an online and mobile jobs platform which will publicize available jobs from local companies around Houston. There are other sites many of us have used in the past, but having a centralized platform that is quite “local” will go a long way for folks seeking the best jobs at any level, as well as for companies trying to recruit the best people. I’ll be writing more about it next week.
“Houston is the biggest economic success story in America, but the best can always get better,” said Mayor Parker. “This free and user-friendly online tool is the new way to find a job and hire in Houston. Job seekers will have instant and direct access to thousands of jobs via Facebook, Twitter, email or their mobile phone. Starting today, you can walk down the street and view on your smart phone all the jobs available in your immediate proximity. Likewise, this will greatly simplify the hiring process, providing any employer, regardless of size, with the same fast and free access to the best and brightest recruits available. This is truly a game-changer for Houston.”
Music Break ~ George Jones – Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes
And as Alan Jackson once sang, “Don’t rock the jukebox, I want to hear some Jones.”
…for not being around this week. The familia has been dealing with some health issues regarding our Jefita (mom). I won’t bore you with the details (yet), but I will ask for positive vibes and/or prayers for her. She’s the toughest woman I know, but every little bit counts. Thanks.
Some folks are slamming Leader Harry for not changing the filibuster rules, so, one must ask: Is he saving it for immigration? He only rode to victory on Sherron Angle’s hate. He owes people something. Hell, they all owe a hell of a lot more than what’s being offered, but since the bill was crafted on thick-socked tippy toes, I guess I’m supposed to put up with it.
Anyway…
Rick Perry Gives Thanks…
My heart goes out to the people of West, TX. That said, it looks like the taxpayers are footing the bill for something that occurred at a private business with a not so good record. I would figure fertilizer blowing up and killing/maiming people is right up there with, say, an oil spill by a negligent oil company. No doubt, the people will need help and it is always the government that should be the first responder to those needs. Unfortunately, private businesses that shirk their responsibilities and the politicians that allow it are the cause of more waste than most anything for which we pay.
Dark-Skinned Muslims Acting Like Hispanic SPLC Members
Louie Gohmert is still at it, and today during 30 minute speeches, he went off on the Southern Poverty Law Center for calling the Family Research Council a hate group. Well, when you’re trying to violate the civil and human rights of people, you’re gonna get called a hate group. It’s no different than the right-wing Austin think-tank that wants to ban ethnic studies in Texas. Hate disguised as love for America is still hate. Get over it, Republicans!
MUSIC BREAK: Intocable ~ Te Amo (Para Siempre) – En Peligro de Extincion
Republicans have kind of a fetish thing going on with hangman’s nooses, PDiddie at Brains and Eggs has noticed.
At TexasKaos, Libby Shaw explains the 24/7 embrassment that Ted Carnival Cruz is by exploring his latest forray into the “outer limits” of sanity. Check it out:TX U.S. Senator Carnival Cruz Gets FiliBusted.
Texas Watch reports on a poll that says Texas voters – across all geographic, partisan, and political lines – want stronger legal protections from rogue insurance companies.
Lone Star Ma reminds us that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Jeff Balke clues you in on how to be a journalist.
Jason Stanford mocks the idea that Big John Cornyn has been nudged even farther to the right by his junior Senate colleague.
Nonsequiteuse recaps the gruesomest moments from the testimony on the so-called “fetal pain” bill.
The Guns on Campus bill cleared a Texas House committee yesterday. I’ve got family members and friends who are faculty, administrators, indentured servants (adjunct faculty), custodial staff, and even cops. They’re all against it, including one dude who works where the stabbing by the crazy-haired dude occurred. The only good thing is that colleges and universities have the option to opt-out.
Fletcher’s bill gives the state’s public universities and colleges a chance to opt out of the provision if they first consult with students, faculty and staff. Private universities could opt in. For campuses that still ban weapons, the bill reduces the penalty for a violation by concealed handgun license holders from a felony to a misdemeanor, a crime that would still cause them to lose their license.
The bill goes to the Texas Senate for consideration. The bigger problem is that there is also an open-carry bill being considered that would allow CHL holders to carry a holstered gun. This isn’t the fuc**n’ wild west, people! We’re supposed to be somewhat human nowadays. Here’s another bit of reality: 44% of white people own guns, while 27% of ethnic folks own guns, according to some stat I saw. Given attitudes, I don’t like the odds, either.
Speaking of the Mindless…
Debbie Riddle still wants to get rid of the Harris County Department of Education with HB 945. A hearing is set for the House Education Committee. Call the members of the committee and tell them hands off one of our most important agencies in Harris County. They can all be reached at 512-463-0804.
Chair Rep. Jimmie Aycock
Rep. Alma Allen
Rep. John Davis
Rep. Joe Deshotel
Rep Harold Dutton
Rep. Marsha Farney
Rep. Dan Huberty
Rep. Ken King Rep. Bennett Ratliff
Rep. Justin Rodriguez
Rep. Mike Villarreal
Hearts Nervously Pitter-Patter…
Some holdouts remain in the fight to gain more support for marriage equality. Kuff has the list, but some of our good Texas Congressional folks are on it, and I’m sure their hearts nervously beat at the mention of the topic. The way I see it, a lot of people didn’t like abolishing slavery, but it was the right thing to do. A lot of people didn’t like the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Act, but it was the right thing to do. Even immigration reform has come along and…well, maybe that’s a bad example considering the “border security” BS that Cornyn is selling. Still, CIR is the right thing to do. Can you see the direction in which I am heading? Marriage equality. It’s the right thing to do.
Besides, all these weddings would be job creators! And for couple in South Texas, the Tejano music industry (bands and DJs) would definitely see a a jump in business. Gallego and Cuellar should just go with it!
Music Break – Los Texmaniacs – Eyes of Texas/Deep In The Heart of TX
The Republican-heavy Texas House is known for telling students, the poor, and the sick “NO!” on just about everything. Yesterday, thanks to State Rep. Abel Herrero (D) Corpus Christi, an amendment to the budget was passed that would ban the use of tax money for school vouchers. So, voucher folks…NO!
The real fight will be when Dan Patrick’s tax-giveaway to big businesses who give money for vouchers is debated. Some will say Herrero’s amendment is only about appropriations and not tax giveaways to the wealthy. If at the very least Patrick’s idea dies for this session, I’ll be content.
The Aggie Opt-Out Idea
Can we, as individual taxpayers, decide to what we want our individual tax bills allotted? Frankly, I wouldn’t want any of my money to go to A&M (or even UT). (At least both shouldn’t be the only ones benefiting from the Permanent University Fund.) But that’s not how the game is played. Unfortunately, the lab rats of future governance at Aggieland (the student govt) voted on a “religious freedom opt-out” bill that would allow individual students to not pay for certain things to which their student service fees are allotted. Much like I didn’t have a choice but to “pay” with student service fees for SWT bringing that nutjob Oliver North to campus, I figure this is the same thing. In other words, get over it! I did. Obviously, there is a demand for GLBT resource centers (which really are the only targets, if you ask me). I would hope that the President of A&M would simply shred the damn bill if it is signed by the lab-rat prez–for lack of creativity, if not for obvious bigotry.
After a whole day of amendment voting on the state budget, only 11 Dems and 1 GOPer ended up voting NO. They were the following: Rafael Anchia-Dallas; Lon Burnam-Fort Worth; Nicole Collier-Fort Worth; Joe Farias-San Antonio; Mary González-El Paso; Ana Hernandez Luna-Houston; Abel Herrero-Corpus Christi; Trey Martinez Fischer-San Antonio; Justin Rodriguez-San Antonio.; Chris Turner-Fort Worth.; and Armando Walle-Houston. David Simpson of Longview was the sole Republican. Thanks for standing up for the people.
MUSIC BREAK: Little Joe, Johnny y La Familia ~ Las Nubes
Its meaning explained by my friend, Johnny Hernandez
It was written by a gentleman from Nuevo Laredo by the same name as mine except his is Juan Hernandez not Johnny. I don’t know why he wrote it but I believe the lyrics speak to the reason.
It’s about life, the troubles and suffering of the poor people who deal with the system’s unforgiving double standard treatment of the less affluent in life. It warns us of the harm we cause ourselves in body and spirit when we do drugs, alcohol etc, and how when the man telling the story says he’s ready to give up (which really means all the people) and die, God sends the clouds to refresh and uplift him with the power of the cool rain giving him/everyone hope in life, that brings the “Spiritual” element to the song.
It’s a powerful song and poetry that gives comfort to our souls.
That’s what it means to me and to most of my fellow Chicanos through out the Globe!
I still get chills running through my body when I sing it after all these decades. Paz
…questioning my allegiance to any given political party. Don’t get me wrong, I’m as liberal as they come, and a lot more liberal than apologist progressives. A compelling post in CounterPunch by Professor Emeritus Rodolfo Acuna has me questioning everything about everything. Whether I question the apologist nature of the Democratic Party or the weak negotiating skills of Latino elected and nonprofit leaders, this article seems to have hit a nerve–especially on the weekend in which DosCentavos reaches its eighth year on the internets.
There’s little doubt that very few are paying attention to realities lately (or maybe they aren’t) regarding the great immigration debate. At one point there was no chance of another Bracero program coming to fruition; now, labor and big business are in negotiations over what is acceptable in a guest worker program. What’s worse, Latinos aren’t asking or saying much about it; or worse, not objecting to it. Of course, there’s more that is being ignored in the debate–record deportations, enforcement-heavy ideas, etc.
The question has become so muddled that not even the so-called Latino leadership knows what it wants. Having been invited and having sat at the Democratic Party table as guests of honor, they don’t want to rock the boat –or like my mother used to say quieren quedar bien con todo mundo.
Perhaps Dr. Acuna is correct. So, where does that leave those of us who still want to question everything, yet, really don’t have a place to call our political home? Stuff to ponder as I contemplate the future of DosCentavos.
Those Wetbacks!
Whether said by Gringos (bad Anglos) or newspeople, I hadn’t heard the term “wetback” so much in years! Glad to see Leader Boehner is mad about it. What did he tell Young? “You’re only supposed to say that at the country club, you ninny!!!” Or something like that, I’m sure.
Everytime Republicans try to play nice with Latinos, one of their own screws it up by opening his/her mouth. Most don’t care what they say as they blame it on being products of their time. But this just goes to show that Republicans are trying to attract Latinos using the wrong methods. Talk is cheap (and cheaper as with Young), but policy reaps rewards. I mean, c’mon, Republicans wouldn’t play nice with DREAM Act or CIR, so Obama does an end-run with DACA and Latinos (who vote) see who is actually playing nice–plain as day.
I guess that’s the message for Republicans and Democrats. If you want Latinos to vote for you, then make it about policy, pendejos!
And as I mentioned, DosCentavos is about to turn eight (8) in April. It’s been a hell of a run in so many ways. Readership has gone up and down, as has my political boredom, during the last 8 years. One thing I have found is that my readership goes up when I write about Tejano music and Chicano culture. People are hungry for it, especially as the Dan Patricks of the world go on the offensive with bad laws. Unfortunately, so many “activists” are hungry for attention that they’ll even take a pat on the head from Latino Republicans. The problem is, political parties still don’t seem to get just how to mix both culture and political message. I mean, I know how, but the powers that be are still stuck on appearing to be supportive, rather than just being supportive and understanding. That last one is more important, by the way, and is seldom met.
Anyway, the whole week I’ve been spending thinking about what to do with DosCentavos. Rebrand? Redesign? Re-quit? Like I said, the end result of politics gets boring when turn-out is less than 20%, yet, we continue to say that all politics is local. If that’s the case, then the politicians need to mean it. Or what Dr. Acuna states will be as true as ever.
Without a doubt, the 2012 Presidential Election is a watershed in Chicana/o History. It is a recognition of our numbers not our skill at playing the political game. In my view, in order to survive thegame,we must play it collectively and have clear principles.
I guess I’ll stick to principles and to hell with everyone else?
Well, with all of this talk of GOP Latino outreach, it seems State Senator Dan Patrick has been the most effective at reaching Latinos–in a very bad way. My post has been getting some constant traffic, but now, national sites like HuffPost, are now featuring stories on Patrick’s anti-ethnic studies bill. But that’s just one method Patrick has reached out. Let’s not forget his rant on his own Facebook site where he offers this bit of paternalistic advice:
I wish these same groups would spend their time and energy supporting my education policy for more choice for the hundreds of thousands of minority students who are dropping out of our schools, or graduating with minimum skills.
The Republicans succeeded in getting Latinos’ attention.
The Astrodome – What Do You Think?
There’s been a lot of talk about what to do with the Astrodome- Fix it? Gett rid of it? What? Many of my friends have a nostalgic view of the facility, but 13 years after its last use and it’s just more and more an eyesore. Those who want to keep it may not realize the cost (or many they do?) of a fixing the place, which some say could be just under a billion dollars. Then there’s the parking/plaza folks who tell us anywhere from $30 million to $128 million. The bottom line is that it currently costs taxpayers $2 million per year just to keep it, and we still owe $30 million on it.
I’ve got some pretty strong opinions that would probably make me lose some friends, but then again, I tend to look at the big picture where I’d rather spend a billion dollars on health care or education. One thing is for sure, whatever the decision, there better be a whole lotta transparency in the contracting process. People will be watching.
MUSIC BREAK: Los Palominos – Unplugged – Me Cai De La Nube on the Radio
Well, Annise Parker earned the nod from the local cops, as well as women’s political powerhouse Annie’sEmily’s List. Annie’s Emily’s List is having a good run, having helped elect and re-elect a whole bunch of great women to the Texas House and Texas Senate nationally, so, I think this one is huge.
The opposition kicked off their campaign this week, and, if I understand correctly, he wants to cut taxes and fees, pump money into corporations (and did I understand “international” ones?), and make Houston “grander.” Well, a lot of that takes revenue, doesn’t it? I’m sure we’ll hear more about this as he rolls out his campaign.
I tend to agree with my friend Mustafa Tameez that there isn’t a case to be made to change Mayors since things haven’t been bad, if anything, I’ve enjoyed Houston a lot more since moving into the big city. I can’t say I’ve agreed with everything Mayor Parker has done, but not to the point where I’d click another name on the ballot.
We’ll see where voters gravitate during this long season.
Editor’s Note: When you have your phone buzzing, your FB messenger popping, and people bothering you with other things, you tend to get a bit fuzzy, so apologies for the error above.
Luis Gutierrez is coming to town
The Illinois Congressman of Puerto Rican descent has been more vocal than most, if not all, of our Chicano members of Congress on the issue of comprehensive immigration reform, and whenever he comes to town, he really revs up a crowd. This time around, though, things seem a bit different with both sides in some kind of discussion. Unfortunately, the human rights factor of the issue continues to take a back seat to deportation/enforcement measures, cheap labor exploitation programs, and the usual vitriol about immigrants from some of the Republicans who refuse to budge. Ultimately, without people moving on the issue, members of Congress cannot do much. They need to hear from the people, and that’s what I’m thinking this event does–rev up the people, get them calling/writing Congress, and keep the message moving. Find out about the event here.
Congressmembers Al Green and Luis Gutierrez
Saturday, March 9 at Noon
Bayou City Events Center * 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045
MUSIC BREAK ~ Los Palominos – Siente El Amor (Urbana Records)
Again, I’ve been away a bit as my mom required major surgery which occurred earlier this week. She came out of it well and is slowly getting back on track. She will require some physical and occupational therapy, but, like I always say, she’s the toughest woman I know. For all of you who sent your well-wishes THANK YOU. Many of you know my Momma from Democratic events–she is the life of the party. One of her dreams while in ICU was about hosting a dinner for Hillary and her husband. Maybe we can make it come true.
