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 5

This section goes into the communal councils created in Venezuela. While there was some organic development of this process, it really took off with an official change in electoral power. This is another example of where elections and grassroots can work together to create real community power.

In the sections on communal councils there is some discussion of the improvement over their old neighborhood association structure. This may be of value for people doing work on this level in the US. Neighborhood associations are important but often not inclusive or engaging. There is definitely work to be done on that front.

Culture of Overwork

Working over 45 hours a week can be detrimental to your health. France created 350,000 jobs by going to a 35 hour work week. Shorter work weeks reduces green house emissions. Getting rid of the Culture of Overwork even makes employees happier!

Let's get smart and let's give everyone more time to spend with their friends and families.

Call to Actions!

Dear Raza Unida Familia:

Now with the momentum and hope people feel toward making change we need to take actions to make feelings into reality. We've seen what 8 years of greed and corruption bring us. 8 years of blocking the majority of the population out of any real participation.

So here's three opportunities to connect organizing, voter choice, and running for office together.

1 - Letters to Elected Officials RE: Human Dignity for Incarcerated people
2 - School Board Election
3 - Save the Date for the "Join the Party Party" (1/17/09)

1 - Human Dignity for people Incarcerated: This Sunday (December 21) we are having a Raza Unida meeting to sign letters in support of changing the release method of people incarcerated in Bernalillo County. As you may know Amber Archibeque was dropped off in the middle of the night and overdosed within hours. We are going to do everything we can to make sure everyone gets treated with dignity. We will be signing letters going to City Councilors and County Commissioners.

We will meet at 1517 Cornell Dr. SE (Near Yale and Kathryn. Two blocks east on Kathryn turn south on Cornell. 3rd House on the right.) at 5pm. It is a potluck meeting. We will also discuss the other items in this email.

We are very proud to be supporting Young Women United and Kalpulli Izkalli in this effort.


2 - School Board Elections: These started yesterday. Lorenzo Garcia - long time Raza Unida supporter - is running in District 3. This is our chance to begin to build our electoral muscles and get someone committed to elminating racism on the school board.

We will talk about ways to help him out. Including fundraising - even if you only have one dollar, every penny counts! School is a place where many of us are guided into the correctional system.

Email Lorenzo at lgcrc@aol.com to get involved.


3 - Join the Party Party: Save the date. Bring your friends and family that you'd like to be a part of La Raza Unida. We will provide an overview of the Partido, voter registration, and food!

Saturday January 17, at 5:30 we will celebrate the anniversary of La Raza Unida Party by having our first Join the Party Party. The more active voter-members La Raza Unida has the stronger we will be to make positive changes.

We will meet at 2131B Lead Ave. SE - the back gate. We will have signs posted.

Now is the time to build a caring and strong political force that is based in community. We've all had enough of corporate sponsored politics. Like the name implies - ¡La Raza Unida Jamas Sera Vencida!; The People United will Never be Defeated!

Amor y Rebeldia!

Progressive Freedom (12/03/08)

There is often talked about. Often it is the conservatives telling what freedom is. What would be progressive freedoms?

The freedom for open information - government should tell me the truth.

The freedom to find a good job and make a decent living at it.

The freedom to live in a country free from discrimination and working toward healing the effects of past discrimination.

The freedom to live in a corruption-free political system minimally affected by concentrations of wealth.

The freedom to live in a community where my family and I are as secure as possible and where everyone is treated fairly.

The freedom to live in a poison-free community, free from the pollution of others.

There are many, many more!

adapted from G. Lakoff's "Whose Freedom?"