S 1867 - Police State Warning from Anonymous

Another of many reasons to get involved. Please share broadly.

US Closing in on Population

Many have warned for years of a growing police state. It seems that those only slightly concerned may have waited too late.

Please read these articles and share.

Declaring War on Americans

US Senate Declares US a Battleground

These 7 Senators Voted Against S 1867! Support them!

MINISTERS CHAMPION AGAINST HOSTILE CLIMATE AT UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, community leaders will gather to announce plans to ameliorate the racially hostile climate at the University of New Mexico (Albuquerque campus). The Minister’s Fellowship of Albuquerque and Vicinity (MFAV), a 70-year old organization of pastors dedicated to providing religious and community service, have joined with the local NAACP branch to highlight proven injustices against African American UNM employees.

Complaints against UNM include documented cases of the following:

1) Hostile Climate for African Americans;

2) Compensation Disparities;

3) Adverse impact of policies upon African Americans that reduce the number of role models, reduce quality of healthcare, and reduce the same service delivery; and

4) Inequitable distribution of federal funding for minority healthcare research.

A press conference will be held at New Hope Church, 1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NE at
10:00 am, Albuquerque, New Mexico. All members of the press are encouraged to attend as representatives from the Minister’s Fellowship and NAACP will announce the filing of its Title VI Civil Rights complaint against UNM. Additionally, cases of injustice will be shared as well as plans to redress them. The time is overdue for the University of New Mexico to rectify policies and procedures that result in unfair disparities and reduction of service delivery to the African American community. The Minister’s Fellowship and NAACP, along with other community allies will work toward ending the institutional racism at UNM.

For more information contact Bishop David Cooper at 505/881-7780.

Interlocking Issues

It is unfortunate that much of the response from the "occupy" people in dealing with racism, classism, sexism, homophobia and colonialism is the old line of "it shouldn't overshadow THE issue" - corporate greed. Corporate greed feeds off of the divisions created by classism, racism, sexism, homophobia and colonialism. That keeps the 99% divided. And divided it is easy to implement corporate greed.

Part of taking that on will require dealing with the isms as well as changing electoral and economic systems.

For those interested below are the "left" parties recognized in NM.

La Raza Unida de Nuevo Mejico (LRU)
New Mexico Socialist Party (SNM)
New Party of New Mexico (PNM)
Peace and Freedom Party (PAF)
Socialist Labor Party (SLP)
Socialist Workers Party (SWP)
Worker's World Party (WWP)

Dia de La Raza 2011

PRIDE 2011

La Raza Unida stood up for freedom for relationships and sexuality while standing against homophobia, racism, sexism, and classism at the Albuquerque Pride Parade today.

We had a small dedicated and lively group which helped to fire up

the crowd with yells of Viva La Raza and La Raza Unida, Jamas Sera Vencida!

We are clear that homophobia is used like racism, sexism and classism in order to keep us divided. We refuse to be confused about that and will stand in solidarity with all in fighting for justice.

1,000 Women March - Save the Date

1000 Women March:
New Mexico Families on the Rise

Save the Date!

On February 11, 2011 women from communities throughout New Mexico will gather in Santa Fe to make our voices heard by the administration of Governor Susana Martinez.

Beyond Elections Part 9

Beyond Elections Part 6

This section starts by talking about reducing hierarchy and increasing participation. We often wonder why there is such low voter turnout in the US, it seems obvious that our "winner-take-all" electoral system along with the representative nature of politics does not inspire people to participate. People want more power and control over their lives. Decades of using the term "democracy" has raised expectations. And rightfully so!

The discussion about the difference between an elected representative and a spokesperson is a stretch for many of us, but something to consider deeply. The discussion about taking and internalizing and doing the work for democracy is important as well. We have become so accustomed to voting and waiting for the next election that all of this seems odd. But real democracy will be really challenging work.

Beyond Elections Part 3

This video is inspiring. What is most amazing is that some of the most "progressive" voices in the US do not ever discuss opening up democracy. Instead they usually talk about multiple parties acting as "spoilers." If they were truly progressive and truly democratic they would work toward widening and deepening our democratic foundations.

Georgia Prisoners on Strike

Georgia prisoners are on strike. In an incredibly historic action, black, brown and white prisoners in the dreadful prison system of the state of Georgia have gone on a one day strike.

Beyond Elections Part 2

It is amazing that they share this!





If only the supposedly "progressive politicians" would get us to this type of democracy. It is obvious that electoral representation only is not enough!

Alabama Voting Rights Fighter Dies at the Age of 100

Alabama Voting Rights fighter dies at 100.

Annie Lee Cooper fought figuratively and literally for her right to vote. She has been recognized in various ways. She passed on after turning 100.

American Dream?

There are many ideas about how the United States is doing. One important sample is the idea of the "American Dream." Apparently it is on the decline. Many people have felt that they never had a real chance at the American Dream - now others are catching up to that unfortunate reality.

Immigration Reform 5/12/10

If we want real comprehensive immigration reform we'd have to deal with:

Repealing NAFTA;

Closing down employers who hire people illegally;

Promoting that other countries enforce strong labor standards and protections;

Deal with universal medical and social services;

Eliminate exemptions for minimum wage in farm work and domestic services;

Ensure a living wage;

Create a rational pathway for citizenship;

and deal with racism in a very real way as a country!

The Social Hierarchy of Health

Quotes from an article on Social Hierarchy of Health.

The disease and suffering of disadvantaged people in all countries are a result of the way we organise our societies.

A physician faced with a suffering patient has an obligation to make things better. If a society is making people sick, we have a moral obligation to improve public health and to reduce health inequalities as a matter of social justice.

The social gradient in mortality is a broader issue than that of poverty and health. A study by Marmot of government workers in Whitehall, London, found that while everyone had access to clean water, sanitation, abundant food, and shelter, the risk of dying was related to where they stood in the social hierarchy. In England, the life expectancy gap between men living in rich and poor areas is 11 years and the gap is even bigger in the United States of America between whites and blacks in the same geographical region.

There is a clear relation between a country's affluence and the life expectancy of its population, up to a per capita income of about $5,000. Beyond this, factors like social environment have a greater influence. The excess mortality among the poor in a rich country like the USA is from non-communicable disease and violent deaths.

Power, then, is the key. Control, autonomy, and freedoms might sound like psychological properties of the individual. Power relations in society, as they operate through social institutions and the opportunities afforded to those in relatively disadvantaged positions, are the social causes of degrees of empowerment. Freedom does not imply privileging the rights of some individuals at the expense of the well-being of others. Human rights can be taken as implying an obligation on society to do what is necessary to bring about the important freedoms for everyone.

Another World Is Possible!

This is the cry of many radicals, revolutionaries, and even progressives. But what is meant by that? In the US we have what is essentially a "Republic" where a very few make the laws for the many. This is supposedly what some people want to challenge, but most of us have not lived in a participatory democracy. The best we get are some forms of representative democracy.

Others wish for a democracy that better represents people, that is open to multiple-parties, that isn't influenced by corporate greed and avarice. That would be better, but would it be best?

There is an argument that the size of our society is too large for a participatory democracy. We don't know because it hasn't been tried. But it has been tried in large cities. One of the cities that is leading this as a possibility is Porto Alegre.

Within the structure of a republic style government, municipal government has become more representative in its system of budgeting. While far from perfect, this is a solid move toward community power. There was a movement in the US when there was a Socialist Party. This municipal socialism had an impact in some major cities in the US. The ideological and other forces limited this, but it shows that even in the US alternatives are possible.

How much democracy can we create in the US? In Albuquerque? Within our neighborhood associations, parent organizations, and other public spaces? The challenge is upon us more than ever with the Supreme Court giving corporations immense power over the political system. Only an engaged society will be able to deal with this.

Let's Dare to Practice Democracy!

To Pledge or Not

Since fourth or fifth grade, I've chosen not to participate in the pledge of Allegiance, for a number of reasons. First off, through La Raza Unida Youth Cmte. I learned of what the conquistadores, and other European voyagers did to the people who lived on this continent.

Mostly it was that my father, a veteran, taught me that freedom of speech meant that I had a choice. It was not mandatory. He made sure we learned our history, our rights, and our responsibilities.

Also, the response that teachers had made me more determined to practice my freedoms. Here they are supposed to teach me to be an active member of society and they would tell me that the pledge was mandatory. In fact it is not. My parents would have to meet with principals and teachers almost every school year. My father would often just tell them, "This is her freedom of speech and you are not forcing her to do something she doesn't want. Kids are forced to do too many things already."

This fighting spirit is what makes our communities great. It helped me get through school. And it makes me who I am.

European Policies Soften Blow of Economic Hard Times

With its tidy villages, orderly cities and atmospheric scenery, there are few outward signs that the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, home to historic Heidelberg and the famed Black Forest, is a victim of the current economic crisis.

But with the auto industry here hit especially hard — this is the home of Mercedes-Benz — things are tougher than they have been in decades. Unemployment is up 70 percent in the past year (albeit to a relatively low 5 percent total) and many employees have been forced to cut down their hours.

Misery below the surface, perhaps? Not at the bustling Fuerstenberger home just outside Heidelberg, where little has changed for the family's four children despite neither parent currently working.

Read more...

Labor at the Movies

Presented by the Albuquerque IWW.

3 short movies about current Labor Organizing and a song that changed the world
7 pm Thursday April 30th, 2009
@ The Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center


MORE INFO abq@iww.org or 331-6132