Tag Archives: thoughts on viernes

Thoughts on Viernes…02092018

Posted on February 9, 2018 | 2 comments

He Did What?

Note to all Democratic candidates:  Don’t appear on *ucker Carlson’s Fox News show. He’s a bigot, a liar, and a real asshole. And your critics will accept the premise of his bigoted questions, while you try to make a little 10 minute ad for yourself. The thing is, any candidate would probably reach more future constituents with a web-ad than appearing on the shit-fire that one steps on by appearing on *ucker Carlson.

Anyway…

Republatinos

I was asked, regarding yesterday’s voter registration post, why I didn’t say anything about electing Latino Republicans, instead just talking about Democrats. Apparently, he don’t know me very well. Seriously, though, polling of Latino voters shows heavy support for public education, access to health care, a strong economy with good jobs, and yes, a working immigration system and an end to mass deportations. So, I base my vote, including in a Dem primary, on that criteria. And I’m pretty sure most Latinos (since 65% or so end up voting for the Dem in November) do the same.

So, if you wonder why there aren’t enough Latino Republicans getting elected, ask Republican primary voters why they aren’t putting them on the November ballot. If you want to see more Latino Republicans, then vote in the Republican primary. Ultimately, though, if they (and you) support mass deportations, de-funding public schools, taking away affordable health care from brown people, and low-wage jobs for said brown people, then republatinos won’t even get Latino votes.

The DC Immigration Debate

So, no shutdown, some sort of a budget, and a debate on immigration will start next week. Some bill will be debated and members will get to add all sorts of amendments to it. It’s the amendments that worry me. Amendments are the cause of most derailments of bills. Especially immigration bills.

I expect guest worker crap, literacy exams which citizen-bigots can’t even pass, and pledges to the supreme Cheeto, and other pendejadas. We shall see.

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01262018

Posted on January 26, 2018 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01262018

The Dem Primary

No doubt, the whole DACA/DREAM thing has sorta gotten me off-track. Sure, the national Dems are annoying the heck out of me, but there are local races and local candidates that I really want to end up on the November ballot. Having lunch with one judicial candidate this week, and hanging out with a countywide candidate, has reminded me of the importance of the Democratic Primary.

As I’ve stated, I don’t know if I’m doing a Stace Slate this year, but I do have a list of candidates whom I really like that I think should get all the support. How do I best sell them on here? A blog post can get boring after a few biographical sentences. So, how about some podcasts?

So, starting next week, I’ll attempt some interviews as only I can do them:  Asking good questions and just having good conversations. For 30 minutes. Live! I don’t know how many of these I’ll do, but I already have a few favorite candidates whom I want to interview. So, stay tuned!

The Trump Plan

As an immigration lawyer friend of mine stated, “It’s a trap!” As a DREAMer associate of mine stated, “We will not sell out our families!”

Since El Cheeto was making his demand, the Democrats should have made some specific demands, too. Like the original 11 million. Remember them? I mean, if they’re “fixing” the process for 1.8 million, it shouldn’t be much different for everyone else, right? And it’s a form of negotiation, instead of just saying no, right? I mean, these are the arguments being made for the “victory” that was CHIP, right?

Anyway, it’s an awful plan. Let’s see what he says on Tuesday. Perhaps Dems can walk out en masse when the Trump’s pendejadas begin. Ay veremos.

Natalia LaFourcade – Alma Mia

This tune and video reminded me of my Mom participating in sing-alongs at her nursing home whenever the mariachis would show up for a birthday. Brand new! Check it out.

 

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01192018

Posted on January 19, 2018 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01192018

DACA on the Campaign Trail

I’m glad to see candidates taking a stab at saying something about DACA or DREAM Act or against anything anti-immigrant that the Republicans have thrown at entire groups of people. With El Cheeto (or republicans in Texas) in office, it is hard to pass any legislation that would include anything positive without some big negatives, so the fight must continue–all the way to the ballot box.

That said, I was watching the CD7 Forum put on by Meyerland Democrats, et al, and the question was posed to the candidates that if they would be willing to vote for a government shutdown if DACA/DREAM wasn’t included in any budget vote. The result was interesting (my reaction in bold) and they all support DACA/DREAM/CIR:

  • Fletcher: Work across the aisle, no shut down. (Because that has worked so well, huh?)
  • Alex T – No Shutdown, we need reform. (Y los DREAMers, que?)
  • Laura Moser:  Yes! Fight! (I liked her ánimo)
  • Sanchez:  Yes on shutdown. (Good)
  • Joshua Butler:  Tough decision because of gov’t employees affected, but yes! (Good way to preface it)
  • Cargas:  No Shutdown, “we are better than Republicans” (The fight makes you better than Republicans)
  • Westin:  Yes. (Good)

Today is the day we find out if there is a shutdown.

For me, it’s a no-brainer. Anything that has the Trumps fending for themselves at the White House is a good thing. Possibly good SNL material. But in the political sense, this is all about the fight. How hard Dems in Congress fight for this, instead of feigning bipartisanship for the cameras (and the campaign trail),  will reap rewards at the ballot box. The problem is, some are usually too chicken-shit to take a real stand. I’m sick of it. Shut it down!

Who Else Is Willing To Get Arrested?

Trump and his ilk are threatening arrests of elected officials who stand in the way of deportation forces. Oakland Mayor Libby Shaaf has come out stating that she is willing to be arrested if she is forced to defend “sanctuary” policies of her city. Good! That’s leadership!

The other day, San Antonio PD Chief William McManus released some undocumented folks who were being smuggled into the US to a humanitarian group, and not to ICE. This has right-wing-nuts, like Dan Patrick, calling for his arrest. You did the right thing, Chief! Don’t let the assholes in the police union bring you down!

It’s all about the fight, folks. And if you’re an elected or appointed official, you better be ready to fight.

The Stace Slate

I’ve made public my support of a few Dem candidates, but I’m not sure if I’m making a slate this year. Perhaps a short list. I can’t say I agree much with the slates that have come out, thus far. And if I do one, it won’t require big membership buys (snark!). So, stay tuned.

Los Cenzontles & Los Texmaniacs:  Traicionera (Video)

 

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01122018

Posted on January 12, 2018 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01122018

Shithole

My people have been called worse. And I’m talking about citizens! I’ve witnessed immigrants called much worse, too. And by people in both parties. But I’ve also witnessed policies put in place by people in both political parties that are much, much worse. Sure, it’s scary when El Cheeto adds ugly words to policy. It’s a lot scarier when deportations happen with mean words, rather than with a smile. In the end, though, deportations are still deportations. But a despot can cause more problems and that can only be taken care of in 2018 and 2020.

As a Salvadoran friend put it last night so eloquently, “All countries have shitholes and beauty. What shitholes they have in El Salvador more often than not have a Made In The USA label.”

US foreign policy has created more shitholes than the US wants to admit. The US also created more shitholes domestically based on racist economic policy in the form of tax cuts for the rich. Ultimately, it’s all about the policies. Hell, LBJ threw around some racial epithets like an expert, but at least he passed the Civil Rights Act. (See what I did there?)

 

2 Years

It’s been two years since we lost our Mom, Flora Medellin. The heart still feels like it was grinded up, yet, it’s trying to put itself back together. In other words, it’ll never be the same. But we’ve got selfies, photos, and lots of memories to make us smile more than tear up. As the Dem primaries begin to heat up, here’s a favorite excerpt from her obit, written by sister Toni.

Casting her ballot by mail every election was a priority—even when she was being wheeled in to surgery or recovering from a serious illness. As she grew older and more frail, she would remind her kids to order her ballot by mail as soon as she could because she wanted to cast her ballot and have it counted in case she “didn’t make it” to Election Day.

So, if you are voting by mail, get yours ordered. If you moved and need to update your address or aren’t registered, get it done!

Wall-For-DACA

A bipartisan deal that included walls, enforcement, and relief for 800,000 was rejected by El Cheeto. Just a reminder, this happened right before the “shithole” comment. Trump wasn’t happy that some Senators were concerned about the recent Temporary Protective Status decision, so, he let loose. And wanted to open the borders to Norway, apparently. Cheeto, along with some of the more bigoted Republicans (Tom Cotton) want a meaner “fix,” that still shows some Republican teeth. So, we’ll see how much more they will pare down the deal.

In other words, eyes on the prize, people. We already knew El Cheeto was a bigot.

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01052018

Posted on January 5, 2018 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01052018

No Surprise…No Tejano

After the HoustonRodeo got me to shine my Justin Ropers and attend last year because they brought super group Siggno to the NRG, I am now back in boycott mode because there is NO TEJANO in 2018. I mean, just me personally. I was anticipating something good for the “tejano” day that I trek’d on over to Bryan’s Catalena Hatters to check out the “LBJ”-ish open road-ish custom hats. Thankfully, it was closed and I didn’t go broke. Still, #VaqueroGoals remain for the future as hats go. As much as the rodeo tries, Tejano isn’t dying. Stay tuned!

Steve Brown for CD22 Speaks Out on DACA

As the DACA-fix talk revs up again, I’ve been looking around the internets at local Congressional races to see who is speaking up, especially in the Dem primaries. No doubt, I wasn’t surprised when my friend Steve Brown who is in the Dem Primary to take on CD22’s right-wing incumbent spoke out.

Over 5000 people in Congressional District 22 are eligible for DACA, and the district would lose $150 million in annual GDP should they get deported.

Where is Pete Olson’s leadership in protecting these families?

Instead, the republican Congress is only committed to protecting certain taxpayers. They have proven this by ensuring that the wealthy get wealthier and the poor not only stay poor but are barred access to America’s Promise, a promise that must extend to immigrants and Dreamers.

CD22 is not an easy district for a Democrat. For years, Dems who ran for this post would run to the right on anything immigration related, but still failed miserably. Steve Brown is definitely my kind of candidate and I hope he ends up the Dems’ nominee. Send him a few bucks, too!

Tejano Music in the News

One of my fave local bands is set to release a new album in mid-February. La Fiebre‘s Fiesta on Freddie Records is highly anticipated with single, La Fiesta, already earning some popularity.

Joe Posada, through Q Productions, is working on a concert DVD to be released soon. His most recent production, Zapatos En La Mano, is a DC-favorite and the review of the CD earned a lot of traffic. Get yours from JoePosada.com today.

Be Alguien!!!

So, some folks are trying to get some recognition for a bridge with graffiti. I’m still fighting for Chicano studies and the usual history books to get it right about brown people. So, good luck with your endeavor.

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Thoughts on Viernes – 120817

Posted on December 8, 2017 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes – 120817

Proof of Poverty

As I mentioned yesterday, some fact-checkers in Austin wanted proof of Democratic candidate for Texas Governor Lupe Valdez’s farm worker family roots. No, they didn’t ask for college transcripts, proof of serving in the military or anything like that. They wanted proof of poverty! I was surprised to see that Valdez’s people sent in a couple of photos.

Now, I wish my family had had the money to buy film for the ol’ Kodak 110 to take pics of us in the fields, or cooking meals on coals because we ran out of gas, or using said coals to heat the bathroom so we could bathe for school. Anyway…

Little Brown Trust Fund Boy Gets Opponent

I was happy to find out that Miguel Suazo, an oil/gas lawyer,will file to run for Texas Land Commissioner. Suazo worked with NM Senator Jeff Bingaman, so, he’s no stranger to government service. I look forward to hearing  his story and his plans for the office.

State Senator Borris Miles

I have had the privilege of representing the constituents of District 146 and Senate District 13 for over 10 years.

Because I’ve shown myself to be an effective voice of the people, I have made powerful enemies who will go to any length to destroy and disrupt my service.  I will not continue to address anonymous accusations that attack my personal and professional character as an effective lawmaker.

Sexual harassment is a serious offense and I plan to join my colleagues in the Senate in developing policy that allows all people due process and assurances they may work effectively in a fair and safe environment.

The people expect me to do my best and I will continue to fight for them until they decide otherwise. I will not be deterred.

OK, then.

VOTE ON SABADO (FIND YOUR VOTING LOCATION HERE)

HISD District I – Elizabeth Santos

HISD District III – Jesse A. Rodriguez

HCC District IX – Pretta Vandible Stallworth

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Thoughts on Viernes…02062015

Posted on February 6, 2015 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…02062015

This Week in Bigotry

Anti-Vaxxers are OK; It’s the Illegals who are spreading measles! ~ Apparently, these idiots don’t realize that vaccinations rates are  higher in Latin American (99% in Mexico; 92% in the US) than in the US. But these people prove everyday that facts are too complicated and hate is a lot easier to spread.

Republicans just don’t know when to shut up, as is the case of Molly White. White is the North Texas bigot who decided to pull a Debbie Riddle and demand her brand of US allegiance from US Muslims.

President Obama told the truth about Christianity this week at the Prayer breakfast. Republicans and others had a freak-out. Mostly, these folks don’t like the truth. Beyond Obama’s remarks on slavery and the inquisition, let’s face it, America’s founding is based on “conquest”–the obliteration of native people and their religious practices. Texas is no different, with illegals from Tennessee and other parts coming over here, not following Mexico’s laws (including laws requiring the practice of Catholicism by the immigrants), killing Mexicans, etc. But come March 2, there’s a big celebration commemorating Texas and how “we” beat the Mexicans. Well, it’s history. Why avoid the truth? If the movie Selma told us anything is that History is up for interpretation. It just goes to show that when religion mixes with government, some folks want holy war, and that’s scary.

Vermont wanted to be a little hoidy-toidy and come up with a Latin motto for their state. As in Latin the old language from way-way-way back. Not “Mexican,” not Spanish, etc. Of course, the nativists lost their shit and reiterated their anti-Mexican, anti-Latino, anti-everyone else attitudes. The winner of Let’s Parody the Bigots Contest?

Music Break ~ Intocable – Fuerte No Soy (XX Aniversario)

 

 

 

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01232015

Posted on January 23, 2015 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01232015

A Little Observation

Looks like the imminently possible announcement of Adrian Garcia’s mayoral campaign has set off a little bit of everything as far as attitudes go on social media. At least from anecdotal evidence, it would seem many of my Latino pals are very much in favor of a mayoral candidacy. On the other hand, many of my non-Latino friends who work hard as Democratic activists have set their attitudes on “groan” because they don’t want to lose the progress that has been made with Garcia in office. Honestly, I can’t blame either group. Like him or not, this is huge, if it does happen.

Ricky Muñoz of Intocable Interviewed by Billboard Mag

Billboard Magazine featured an interview with Ricky Muñoz, founder of the supergroup Intocable, as they are set to release their 20th Anniversary Live album, XX. Based just south of Laredo in Zapata, TX, the band has enjoyed steady climb in the Mexican Regional genre. From their founding, they’ve been called just about anything:  Tejano, Mexican Regional, Grupero, Norteño. What they are is a band that borrows from styles they grew up listening to, including rock themes. They’ve sold out entire stadiums in Mexico, Colombia, and here in the USA. This blogger has been a fan since ’94 when I found their CD at Turntable Records in Austin.

The best response in the interview?

I am a third-generation Texan. My grandparents were born in Texas, my parents were born in Texas, my kids were born in Texas. I feel both [Mexican and American]. For example, during  the holidays, we eat tamales and Mexican food, but when it’s election time, I become a patriotic American and vote and listen.

Check out the rest of it.

Music Break ~ Intocable – Culpable Fui (XX) – Album Release 1/27/15

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…01022015…New Year Edition

Posted on January 2, 2015 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…01022015…New Year Edition

San Antonio Nod- Trey Martinez Fischer

And in the special election for the 26th Senatorial District of Texas, I’ll have to go with Trey Martinez-Fischer. Anyone who fights hard for the people, instead of taking money from the lawsuit reform fat cats (his opponent), gets a tip of DCs sombrero.

The Spanish language ad is my favorite.

A Republican Went To A White Supremacist Meeting?

Since when is this news? Liberals seems to forget when these same GOPers were going to and sending money to the Minutemen and Federation for American Immigration Reform. Yeah, they’re a white supremacist group, too, whose leaders believe in eugenics and other freaky stuff. Hell, they’re all on hate group lists, too. Anyway, just a reminder for all those having freak-outs over that Louisiana dude who accidentally spoke to one.

City of Houston Update

Kuff and Noah have some updates and history as to the latest in City of Houston At-Large 4. In case you haven’t heard, Laurie Robinson has decided to run for AL4 after scuttlebutt of a possible run for AL1. That leaves Dem Chairman Lane Lewis and a I’m sure a few more in the running for AL1. There will be more news as we move closer toward the first-day of fundraising.

Music Break ~  Intocable – Culpable Fui (“En Vivo”)

 

 

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Thoughts on Viernes…12192014

Posted on December 19, 2014 | Comments Off on Thoughts on Viernes…12192014

I hadn’t done one of these in ages. In fact, I haven’t done much blogging as I’ve sorta been out of sorts when it comes to local, state, and national politics. No, not because my side lost, but because if one loses his/her head in the aftermath of November, one will lose focus on more important things. Besides, there will be plenty of fighting against the GOP to do during the Texas Lege, considering the GOP is going so far to the right, they’ll end up falling off the edge of their idea of a flat Earth. Anyway, I’m pretty sure I need to end the year strong, so, here goes.

Valero’s Xmas Present

Houston City Council voted to give away some corporate welfare to Valero as they expand in the East End. This occurred despite opposition from East End Councilman Robert Gallegos. This also occurred despite East End concerns about air pollution caused by the refinery.  This also occurred despite East End folks not hearing anything from Valero about their plans.

Valero, their lawyer, and eleven members of Council didn’t seem to care about all that, either. The revenue cap allows it to happen, they say. De-annexation has nothing to do with emissions, they say. But rewarding a company despite this is quite concerning. The lack of transparency and community input, though, runs this whole deal off the charts. It would seem to me Valero was fine with this, and as well as those who voted for it.

Thanks to my own CM Mike Laster for voting against the welfare giveaway. Something besides the refineries and chemical companies really stinks.

IRS Refund Delays Are Coming; Thanks For Not Voting

Hidden in the online Chron was this story about the coming delays in IRS refunds in 2015 due to budget cuts from the Republican Congress. $350+ million less money means less staff and resources to answer phone calls and check on folks’ 1040s. Basically, Republicans are trying to hurt the Affordable Care Act’s implementation, but really, it will help tax cheats who will enjoy less enforcement. Anyway, when you don’t vote, Republicans in Congress will tell you that you really don’t matter.

Music Break:  Siggno ~ Y A El Si (from Zodiacal/Freddie Records)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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