Tuesday, May 31, 2005
SWOP homepageWhere Is This Generation's Deep Throat?
W. Mark Felt says he's "Deep Throat," one of the nation's most storied whistleblowers, in the latest issue of Vanity Fair.
I suppose the jury's still out on this one, with Woodward and Bernstein both issuing statements that neither denied nor corroborated the story. (since the original post, the Washington Post confirmed Felt as the source with the deep throat.)
But as we're living with the most secretive, paranoid administration ever - including the Nixon Administration - a few questions quickly pop to mind: Where are today's "Deep Throats?"
And with Newsweek's recent troubles with anonymous sources and the administration's vengeful response, who is going to print what whistleblowers say?
Local Secrets
Locally, whistleblowers have been treated poorly - not only by companies and gov't agencies whose secrets are revealed, but by the press too. No red herring offered by the accused seems to be left uncovered, yet whistleblowers' claims receive scant attention.
I suppose the jury's still out on this one, with Woodward and Bernstein both issuing statements that neither denied nor corroborated the story. (since the original post, the Washington Post confirmed Felt as the source with the deep throat.)
But as we're living with the most secretive, paranoid administration ever - including the Nixon Administration - a few questions quickly pop to mind: Where are today's "Deep Throats?"
And with Newsweek's recent troubles with anonymous sources and the administration's vengeful response, who is going to print what whistleblowers say?
Local Secrets
Locally, whistleblowers have been treated poorly - not only by companies and gov't agencies whose secrets are revealed, but by the press too. No red herring offered by the accused seems to be left uncovered, yet whistleblowers' claims receive scant attention.
Definition of the Week: Mainstream
Mainstream: Fictional body of water where every politician seems to swim.
MSM: 5 or so companies who own the means to distribute nearly everything we see, read or hear.
MSM: 5 or so companies who own the means to distribute nearly everything we see, read or hear.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
SWOP homepageMinimum Wage Increase: Prepared Remarks for City Council Meeting
2 minutes for public comment:
Good evening President Winter, Councilors. I'm Karlos Schmieder, communications organizer for SouthWest Organizing Project. I live in Councilor O'Malley's district.
A minimum wage increase is long overdue and ultimately inevitable.
An increase (and even more so a real living wage) fits right in with SWOP’s economic justice and economic development work over the last 25 years. As one of the poorest states in the union, the message from political and economic leadership in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and around the state has been jobs at any cost. For Albuquerque Economic Development Corp., the Chambers' of Commerce and the politicians that do their bidding, New Mexico has been for sale, sometimes to the lowest of bidders. Corporate handouts and backroom deals have limited our development, determined our lives and relegated us to the bottom of the barrel.
As a result, New Mexico, despite all the economic development talk from politicians, still ranks poorly in per capita income, our low wages are still touted as a reason for companies to locate here, our education and health care systems are under-funded and under-valued, and working families continue to struggle to pay the bills.
SWOP has continuously organized and advocated for policies that increase wages, that build wealth in working, low income and communities of color and that pull NM and Albuquerque out of its economic slumber so young people who have grown up here can continue to live here and raise a family.
SWOP’s youth group – currently in Chiapas, Mexico on a cultural exchange – is actively working to build a positive agenda for young people in the city to affect city elections in the fall. They are particularly interested in a wage increase as young people are some of the lowest wage earners in the state.
Some will argue tonight that raising the minimum wage will hurt our economy’s competitiveness to attract jobs.
In reality, having such low wages hurts our competitiveness in attracting good paying, clean and dignified jobs. Companies who want to pay their employees livable wages and offer benefits just can't compete with those that don’t.
In the end, not only is this an issue of values put forth before the council tonight, but it’s an economically and politically smart move. Antonio Villaraigosa was just elected mayor Los Angeles partly because he spoke in favor of livable wages for jobs tied to development, subsidies and tax breaks.
Minimum Wage Increase Now! Invest in New Mexico's potential. As an elected body, it's time to stand up and say "We Value Hard Work!"
Good evening President Winter, Councilors. I'm Karlos Schmieder, communications organizer for SouthWest Organizing Project. I live in Councilor O'Malley's district.
A minimum wage increase is long overdue and ultimately inevitable.
An increase (and even more so a real living wage) fits right in with SWOP’s economic justice and economic development work over the last 25 years. As one of the poorest states in the union, the message from political and economic leadership in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and around the state has been jobs at any cost. For Albuquerque Economic Development Corp., the Chambers' of Commerce and the politicians that do their bidding, New Mexico has been for sale, sometimes to the lowest of bidders. Corporate handouts and backroom deals have limited our development, determined our lives and relegated us to the bottom of the barrel.
As a result, New Mexico, despite all the economic development talk from politicians, still ranks poorly in per capita income, our low wages are still touted as a reason for companies to locate here, our education and health care systems are under-funded and under-valued, and working families continue to struggle to pay the bills.
SWOP has continuously organized and advocated for policies that increase wages, that build wealth in working, low income and communities of color and that pull NM and Albuquerque out of its economic slumber so young people who have grown up here can continue to live here and raise a family.
SWOP’s youth group – currently in Chiapas, Mexico on a cultural exchange – is actively working to build a positive agenda for young people in the city to affect city elections in the fall. They are particularly interested in a wage increase as young people are some of the lowest wage earners in the state.
Some will argue tonight that raising the minimum wage will hurt our economy’s competitiveness to attract jobs.
In reality, having such low wages hurts our competitiveness in attracting good paying, clean and dignified jobs. Companies who want to pay their employees livable wages and offer benefits just can't compete with those that don’t.
In the end, not only is this an issue of values put forth before the council tonight, but it’s an economically and politically smart move. Antonio Villaraigosa was just elected mayor Los Angeles partly because he spoke in favor of livable wages for jobs tied to development, subsidies and tax breaks.
Minimum Wage Increase Now! Invest in New Mexico's potential. As an elected body, it's time to stand up and say "We Value Hard Work!"
Monday, May 23, 2005
SWOP homepageWeb Poll: Minimum Wage Increase
Do you believe in racial and gender equality and social and economic justice?
Vote in our webpoll to the right and tell the politicos you want to vote on a minimum wage increase in the fall.
Martin Heinrich has introduced a bill in the city council to send a minimum wage increase to the voters in October's city elections.
Do you support the increase? Against it? Would you like to see the increase reflect a real living wage? Vote in this week's webpoll.
Vote in our webpoll to the right and tell the politicos you want to vote on a minimum wage increase in the fall.
Martin Heinrich has introduced a bill in the city council to send a minimum wage increase to the voters in October's city elections.
Do you support the increase? Against it? Would you like to see the increase reflect a real living wage? Vote in this week's webpoll.
ABQlivingwage.org, Albuquerque Living Wage Coalition's website, has info - as does Martin Heinrich's homepage.
Friday, May 20, 2005
SWOP homepageWill Work For Living Wage - Minimum Wage Increase
On Wednesday May 25, 2005, at 5PM, the City Council is holding a special hearing downtown at city hall to debate sending a minimum wage increase to the voters in the upcoming October City Elections. A big thanks goes out to abqlivingwage.org and the ABQ Living Wage coalition for their work to bring this to the Council's attention. SWOP is calling a member meeting on Tuesday May 26, 2005, at 6 PM at the SWOP office (211 10th Street SW) to strategize about what we want to contribute to the debate and to make signs for Wednesday’s council meeting.
· Meet at the SWOP office at 6pm Tuesday May 24th to make signs and to develop our message for those who intend to speak.
· Meet at the SWOP office at 4:30pm on Wednesday May 25th to go to the meeting, or meet us there at 5:00 to get a seat and sign up to speak.
A minimum wage increase (and even more so a real living wage) fits right in with SWOP’s economic justice and economic development work over the last 25 years. As one of the poorest states in the union, the message from political and economic leadership in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and around the state has been jobs at any cost. This has translated into low wages, high poverty rates and struggling working families.
SWOP has continuously organized and advocated for policies that increase wages, that build wealth in working, low income and communities of color and that pull NM and Albuquerque out of its economic slumber so young people who have grown up here can continue to live in the state and raise a family.
SWOP’s youth group is actively working to build a positive agenda for young people in the city to affect city elections in the fall. They are particularly interested in the wage increase as young people are some of the lowest wage earners in the state. Follow http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0518-25.htm for information on young people and low wages.
This minimum wage increase is similar to federal minimum wage legislation proposed last week in the US House of Reps and Senate. Follow http://www.commondreams.org/news2005/0518-24.htm to view a press release about federal legislation.
In solidarity,
Karlos Schmieder
Communications Organizer
SouthWest Organizing Project
karlos@swop.net
“empowering disenfranchised, working communities to realize racial and gender equality and social and economic justice.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
SWOP homepageDefinition of the week: Solidarity
Solidarity: Not to be confused with charity, solidary is different groups of people coming together around common interests, common values and common goals. In the international context, this means that the movement here in the US for racial and gender equality and social and economic justice is inextricably linked with global movements for self-determination, control of natural resources and dignity.
Route 66 May Be "No Cruising" Zone
Politicians have been criminalizing young people as scapegoats for political gain...for as long as they've done the same to immigrants.
Yes, Route 66 may be a "no cruising" zone if Marty Chavez signs a bill passed by council last night that will give city councilor's and APD the authority to prohibit cruising - defined as going up and down the same street more than 3 times in a 2 hour period - in certain areas during certain periods of time.
The bill, sponsored by Councilor Craig Loy, was passed 6 -2 with Griego and Gómez against.
SWOPblogger posted pictures of young people protesting the ordinace in early May.
For educational purposes, copied and pasted below is a ABQ Journal article from today...
SWOP has defined youth criminalization as: any rule, law, ordinance or policy that defines young people as criminals and further reinforces negative perceptions of young people.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Neighborhoods May Say No to Cruising
Journal Staff Writer
"No-cruising areas" could be coming to a neighborhood near you, thanks to a measure approved Monday by City Council.
Councilors voted 7-2 to adopt a measure that gives the council authority to designate areas where cruising is prohibited at certain times.
Supporters described the measure as a tool that police can use to provide relief in neighborhoods hard hit by endless rounds of vehicles cruising their streets.
"We need something in some areas of town and nobody has come up with anything better," said Craig Loy, a retired police captain and bill sponsor. Loy also said the city should consider designating areas where cruising would be allowed.
Opponents said the measure criminalizes a social activity practiced by generations of young people.
"It's telling our kids that they are criminals for getting in their cars and cruising with their friends," said Councilor Eric Griego. He and Councilor Miguel Gómez voted against the measure.
"This is criminalizing youth behavior," Griego said. "I think it's an incredibly dangerous road we're going down."
Griego and Gómez also said the measure would allow police to target young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Under the ordinance, a vehicle is considered to be cruising if it passes the same traffic-control point three times within a two-hour period.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said police will likely use a technique similar to one used in other cities where officers work in pairs to list license plate numbers in a computer. After the same number occurs three times, the computer alerts the officers, who then have probable cause to stop the vehicle.
City Attorney Bob White said the ordinance is modeled on those that have survived constitutional challenges in other cities.
The ordinance now goes to Mayor Martin Chávez for his signature.
Yes, Route 66 may be a "no cruising" zone if Marty Chavez signs a bill passed by council last night that will give city councilor's and APD the authority to prohibit cruising - defined as going up and down the same street more than 3 times in a 2 hour period - in certain areas during certain periods of time.
The bill, sponsored by Councilor Craig Loy, was passed 6 -2 with Griego and Gómez against.
SWOPblogger posted pictures of young people protesting the ordinace in early May.
For educational purposes, copied and pasted below is a ABQ Journal article from today...
SWOP has defined youth criminalization as: any rule, law, ordinance or policy that defines young people as criminals and further reinforces negative perceptions of young people.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Neighborhoods May Say No to Cruising
Journal Staff Writer
"No-cruising areas" could be coming to a neighborhood near you, thanks to a measure approved Monday by City Council.
Councilors voted 7-2 to adopt a measure that gives the council authority to designate areas where cruising is prohibited at certain times.
Supporters described the measure as a tool that police can use to provide relief in neighborhoods hard hit by endless rounds of vehicles cruising their streets.
"We need something in some areas of town and nobody has come up with anything better," said Craig Loy, a retired police captain and bill sponsor. Loy also said the city should consider designating areas where cruising would be allowed.
Opponents said the measure criminalizes a social activity practiced by generations of young people.
"It's telling our kids that they are criminals for getting in their cars and cruising with their friends," said Councilor Eric Griego. He and Councilor Miguel Gómez voted against the measure.
"This is criminalizing youth behavior," Griego said. "I think it's an incredibly dangerous road we're going down."
Griego and Gómez also said the measure would allow police to target young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Under the ordinance, a vehicle is considered to be cruising if it passes the same traffic-control point three times within a two-hour period.
Police Chief Ray Schultz said police will likely use a technique similar to one used in other cities where officers work in pairs to list license plate numbers in a computer. After the same number occurs three times, the computer alerts the officers, who then have probable cause to stop the vehicle.
City Attorney Bob White said the ordinance is modeled on those that have survived constitutional challenges in other cities.
The ordinance now goes to Mayor Martin Chávez for his signature.
Monday, May 16, 2005
SWOP homepageLou Dobbs Airs Local CAFTA Protest
Last week, leaders from Central American countries came to Albuquerque as part of a tour to promote the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). SWOP participated in a protest here in ABQ at the National Hispanic Cultural Center against CAFTA. Lou Dobbs aired footage of the protest.
Of course, Lou partly used the footage to promote his ant-immigrant stance. Sorry Lou, we don't agree with punishing the victims of trade policies that are written by and for transnational corporate interests.
Pasted below are key segments and transcripts of the program.
Key segments (which were accompanied by video footage of the Abq demo and press conference!)
- “However, CAFTA is facing rising opposition in Congress because of large part -- small but vocal groups of protesters all over the country are making their views known.... From Miami to Albuquerque, protesters are taking to the streets to oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement.”
- “Salvadoran president Tony Saca angered demonstrators in Albuquerque when he dismissed them as uninformed. Protesters countered, they understand CAFTA all too well because they lived through its predecessor, NAFTA, which has left an 11-year legacy of environmental degradation, lost jobs, and increased illegal immigration.”
CNN
LOU DOBBS TONIGHT
Aired May 12, 2005 - 18:00 ET
DOBBS: At the White House today, President Bush met with leaders of six countries included in the Central American Free Trade Agreement. The president said they all agreed CAFTA will promote democracy, peace and prosperity in Central America and the Dominican Republic. The president said CAFTA will create prota (ph), a more level playing field for American farmers, and he said it will bolster manufacturing in our hemisphere.
However, CAFTA is facing rising opposition in Congress because of large part -- small but vocal groups of protesters all over the country are making their views known. These groups are lobbying traditionally pro-free trade lawmakers to vote against CAFTA and those formerly for free-trade. Congressman and senators are starting to have second thoughts.
Casey Wian reports.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: CAFTA! CAFTA! We don't have to!
CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: From Miami to Albuquerque, protesters are taking to the streets to oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement. This week they have been shadowing a 10-city CAFTA U.S. promotional tour featuring Central American presidents, and sponsored by major U.S. corporations such as Citigroup and Coca-Cola. Scores of grass roots groups from across the political spectrum have mobilized to fight CAFTA saying it will destroy jobs in Central America and the United States.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These corporations, they portray themselves as all-American brands and all-American clothing, but when you look at it they really -- rarely have anything made in America.
WIAN: The director of a critically acclaimed 2004 documentary on the loss of American jobs, this year wrote a book critical of CAFTA. Greg Spotts has scant financial support and no organization. Still, he's influencing the debate.
GREG SPOTTS, DIRECTOR "AMERICAN JOBS": We're attacking CAFTA like a hive of bees would attack a grizzly bear. You know, a lot of small forces loosely organized. And I think what drives everybody is a moral conviction that people here and in Central America should be paid fairly for the work that they do.
WIAN: An opinion shared by Don White at the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador. His group has targeted and helped persuade dozens of lawmakers who voted for previous free-trade agreements to oppose CAFTA.
DON WHITE, CISPES: Our objective is to never have it come to a vote, because we do not believe that President Bush wants the humiliation of a CAFTA vote on the House floor and then be voted down.
WIAN: Salvadoran president Tony Saca angered demonstrators in Albuquerque when he dismissed them as uninformed. Protesters countered, they understand CAFTA all too well because they lived through its predecessor, NAFTA, which has left an 11-year legacy of environmental degredation, lost jobs, and increased illegal immigration.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WIAN (on camera): As Esteban Torres (ph), a former congressman and supporter of NAFTA put it, we owe it to all those who could be adversely affected by CAFTA to demonstrate that we have learned from our past mistakes. CAFTA opponents say they are confident the agreement will be defeated, despite what the Congressman Dreier just told you, Lou.
DOBBS: Thank you very much, and thank you for adding that point, Casey. Casey -- Casey Wian, from Los Angeles.
Espinosa Solidifies Candidacy
With close to 60% of nearly 300 votes, Judith Espinosa has shown she is a candidate to reckon with in the city's October mayoral election.
While the SWOPblogger web poll was admittedly unscientific (and "over votes" occurred - see comments from original post), it was targeted at SWOP supporters and city progressives by email.
Early returns had Griego ahead on Wednesday night, with the lion's share of Espinosa's votes coming on Thursday. As has been noted, the portion of Espinosa's votes that came from a network of computers at UNM pushed her over the top. Otherwise, the vote was really close between the two highest vote-getters, Eric Griego and Judith Espinosa.
Marty Chavez somehow pulled 3 votes and David Steele is still lagging in the name recognition department, not garnering a single nod.
No republican has yet announced a candidacy in the nonpartisan race.
In the past, splitting progressive votes has led to lost elections. And still could, particularly if a republican that can pull some votes enters the race.
But this election is slated for a run-off if no one candidate garners at least 40% of the overall vote, a number hard to come by in this city if history is any indication.
Mayor Chavez, despite recent decent poll numbers and a large war chest, hasn't reached that plateau in his two previous mayoral wins.
So what's all this say for Espinosa and Griego?
They're both still in the race, and they need to raise some funds to compete with Chavez.
While the SWOPblogger web poll was admittedly unscientific (and "over votes" occurred - see comments from original post), it was targeted at SWOP supporters and city progressives by email.
Early returns had Griego ahead on Wednesday night, with the lion's share of Espinosa's votes coming on Thursday. As has been noted, the portion of Espinosa's votes that came from a network of computers at UNM pushed her over the top. Otherwise, the vote was really close between the two highest vote-getters, Eric Griego and Judith Espinosa.
Marty Chavez somehow pulled 3 votes and David Steele is still lagging in the name recognition department, not garnering a single nod.
No republican has yet announced a candidacy in the nonpartisan race.
In the past, splitting progressive votes has led to lost elections. And still could, particularly if a republican that can pull some votes enters the race.
But this election is slated for a run-off if no one candidate garners at least 40% of the overall vote, a number hard to come by in this city if history is any indication.
Mayor Chavez, despite recent decent poll numbers and a large war chest, hasn't reached that plateau in his two previous mayoral wins.
So what's all this say for Espinosa and Griego?
They're both still in the race, and they need to raise some funds to compete with Chavez.
ABQ Mayor Web Vote Results
Marty Chavez, 3 votes.
Judith Espinosa, 168 votes.
Eric Griego, 115 votes.
David Steele, 0 votes.
Judith Espinosa, 168 votes.
Eric Griego, 115 votes.
David Steele, 0 votes.
Friday, May 13, 2005
SWOP homepageWeb Poll to Close Monday AM
We'll close the poll on Monday morning at 9:30 am and post an analysis. Hopefully we can start a discussion about having progressive values well represented come October.
Thanks for the tremendous response to the poll.
We are being as transparent as possible. Please read and post comments!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
SWOP homepageNot Cheating?
Karlos,
The votes recorded for Judy are valid! The IP address you have listed is the IP address of our firewall. Since we are using Network Address Translation (NAT) all of our outbound computers have the same IP address.
Furthermore, we have identified a bug with your vote counter, depending on your privacy settings in Internet Explorer, you may not see the results after you vote. This will continue until after you hit the refresh button on your browser.
Unintentionally, several votes may be recorded.
Calling this “Cheating” is uncalled for and should be retracted from your blog.
Thank You,
Eric Holm
eric@theholms.org
The votes recorded for Judy are valid! The IP address you have listed is the IP address of our firewall. Since we are using Network Address Translation (NAT) all of our outbound computers have the same IP address.
Furthermore, we have identified a bug with your vote counter, depending on your privacy settings in Internet Explorer, you may not see the results after you vote. This will continue until after you hit the refresh button on your browser.
Unintentionally, several votes may be recorded.
Calling this “Cheating” is uncalled for and should be retracted from your blog.
Thank You,
Eric Holm
eric@theholms.org
STOP CHEATING!
Looks like somewhere around 75 votes for Judy just came in from one computer at UNM.
ID = [Removed by Karlos]
Play fair, folks...
ID = [Removed by Karlos]
Play fair, folks...
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
SWOP homepageIntel's Tax Boost No Surprise
Some surprise! From the ABC business website...
Intel Q1 earnings get surprise tax boost
Reuters
May 11, 2005 — SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp. reduced its tax bill by $24 million in the first quarter, boosting net income by a penny per share above the level it reported on April 19, the world's largest chip maker said on Wednesday.
"Subsequent to our earnings release on April 19, 2005, we recorded a tax adjustment that reduced the tax provision by $24 million," the company said in a quarterly filing with U.S. securities regulators.
More...
Intel Q1 earnings get surprise tax boost
Reuters
May 11, 2005 — SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Intel Corp.
"Subsequent to our earnings release on April 19, 2005, we recorded a tax adjustment that reduced the tax provision by $24 million," the company said in a quarterly filing with U.S. securities regulators.
More...
Web Poll: ABQ Mayor
Do you believe in racial and gender equality and social and economic justice?
Vote in our webpoll to the right and tell the politicos who you want to be mayor.
Not everyone has announced, but there are a few who are raising money - including Marty Chavez, Judy Espinosa, Eric Griego and David Steele.
Marty's announcement is coming Saturday at what I believe was John Kerry's old headquarters here in Albuquerque - 3301 Central NE. He's also scheduled to have a fundraiser at 2526 Carson NW after his announcement.
Marty's poll numbers were high before recent troubles with the evidence room at APD. Has he taken a hit? We know he's got lots of money, but does he have support?
Vote in our webpoll to the right and tell the politicos who you want to be mayor.
Not everyone has announced, but there are a few who are raising money - including Marty Chavez, Judy Espinosa, Eric Griego and David Steele.
Marty's announcement is coming Saturday at what I believe was John Kerry's old headquarters here in Albuquerque - 3301 Central NE. He's also scheduled to have a fundraiser at 2526 Carson NW after his announcement.
Marty's poll numbers were high before recent troubles with the evidence room at APD. Has he taken a hit? We know he's got lots of money, but does he have support?
Tardeada, Pajarito Mothers' Day photos
Above: Tardeada at SWOP office - Friday, May 6, 2005
Above: Tardeada at SWOP office - Friday, May 6, 2005
Above: Tardeada at SWOP office - Friday, May 6, 2005
Above: Pajarito Mothers' Day Fiesta - Saturday, May 7, 2005
Above: Pajarito Mothers' Day Fiesta - Saturday, May 7, 2005
Thursday, May 05, 2005
SWOP homepageA Summer of Culture, Politics and Movement
Office Make Over
SWOP's office has been undergoing a make-over for...well, we'll just say a couple of months. Join us today for an open-house, and first Tardeada (afternoon get-together, potluck) of the summer. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration- that's right 25! - SWOP will host a Tardeada each Friday this summer leading up to our annual Chile Harvest Fiesta in the Fall and anniversary Banquet in January of next year.
Expect lots of history of NM politics and movements, and plenty of culture.
Joaquin Lujan, an organizer at SWOP, is connecting small, traditional water users along the Rio Grande from Polvadera and Magdalena to Espanola and Ojo Caliente - and everywhere in between - to organize to have a voice in the looming water struggle. Along the way he's picking up corridos, dichos and chisme. There really is a great history of a people's movement and struggle for justice and dignity where we live, work and play right here in New Mexico.
If you know what time it is, you'll be there. Check back for updates.
This Friday, Cipriano Vigil will be on hand singing traditional New Mexico music and original "nuevas canciones."
SWOP's office has been undergoing a make-over for...well, we'll just say a couple of months. Join us today for an open-house, and first Tardeada (afternoon get-together, potluck) of the summer. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration- that's right 25! - SWOP will host a Tardeada each Friday this summer leading up to our annual Chile Harvest Fiesta in the Fall and anniversary Banquet in January of next year.
Expect lots of history of NM politics and movements, and plenty of culture.
Joaquin Lujan, an organizer at SWOP, is connecting small, traditional water users along the Rio Grande from Polvadera and Magdalena to Espanola and Ojo Caliente - and everywhere in between - to organize to have a voice in the looming water struggle. Along the way he's picking up corridos, dichos and chisme. There really is a great history of a people's movement and struggle for justice and dignity where we live, work and play right here in New Mexico.
If you know what time it is, you'll be there. Check back for updates.
This Friday, Cipriano Vigil will be on hand singing traditional New Mexico music and original "nuevas canciones."
Upcoming SWOP events!
Lots of stuff going on this weekend at SWOP. Everyone's invited!
What: 2005 World Social Form SWOP Delegation Report Back
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2005
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: La Vega Studio (803 La Vega SW Abq, NM 87105)
Drive west on Avenida Cesar Chavez and cross the river. Turn Left on La Vega and drive south until you see blue mailbox with balloons on your right hand side.
What: SWOP Open House (check out out remodeled office!) and 1st Tardeada of Summer
Date: Friday, May 6 - Tardeadas Fridays all summer.
Time: 5:30 - 7 pm
Location: SWOP office (211 10th Street SW)
1 block south of central on 10th street.
What: Pajarito Annual Mothers' Day Fair
Date: Saturday, May 7th, 2005
Time: 1 -4 PM
Location: Pajarito Mesa - Sandra's House (505 550 9958 if you are lost) Drive south on Coors south of Rio Bravo. West on Pajarito Road. Follow signs. Also, there will be a caravan from the SWOP office (211 10th SW) leaving at noon.
What: 2005 World Social Form SWOP Delegation Report Back
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2005
Time: 6 - 8 pm
Location: La Vega Studio (803 La Vega SW Abq, NM 87105)
Drive west on Avenida Cesar Chavez and cross the river. Turn Left on La Vega and drive south until you see blue mailbox with balloons on your right hand side.
What: SWOP Open House (check out out remodeled office!) and 1st Tardeada of Summer
Date: Friday, May 6 - Tardeadas Fridays all summer.
Time: 5:30 - 7 pm
Location: SWOP office (211 10th Street SW)
1 block south of central on 10th street.
What: Pajarito Annual Mothers' Day Fair
Date: Saturday, May 7th, 2005
Time: 1 -4 PM
Location: Pajarito Mesa - Sandra's House (505 550 9958 if you are lost) Drive south on Coors south of Rio Bravo. West on Pajarito Road. Follow signs. Also, there will be a caravan from the SWOP office (211 10th SW) leaving at noon.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
SWOP homepageIntel's "Innovative" Landscaping
Intel's innovation never seems to stop. First it was Moore's Law, now
it's landscaping. Over a decade of health complaints from surrounding
communties is met with yet another landscaping project. I'd say that's
pretty innovative. Many may remember a proposal a while back that
had Intel spraying perfume to cover up their noxious smell. Intel makes
me sick and I don't even have to breath their emissions everyday.
Posted below is an email from one of Intel's spinners, Heath Foott.
Please join us
as we embark on another
Innovative Solution
Intel Corporation
is hosting
official groundbreaking ceremonies
to launch
Intel’s East Slope/Sky
View AcresLandscaping
Project
Tuesday, May 10th, 2005
10:00 a.m.
4100 Sara Road
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Location: Southside of Meadowlark Road
directly behind Intel
Access from Rio Rancho: Hwy 528,
then east on Sara Road to Meadowlark
Access from Corrales:
Corrales Road, then west on Meadowlark
For additional information contact Heath Foott at
505-794-4024
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
SWOP homepageCruisers Lobby City Council - a picture essay
Monday, May 02, 2005
SWOP homepageAnti-Cruising Ordinance Deferred
At the beginning of tonight's city council meeting, Councilor Craig Loy (District 8) had the votes to get his anti-cruising bill passed. After the city's car clubs and cruisers debated with APD and the Downtown Action Team, the council voted to defer the bill by a vote of 6 - 2 until a compromise could be reached.
The bill would have given Albuquerque Police Dept and the City Council the authority to ban people from driving up and down the same street more than three times over a span of a couple hours if APD could show it was necessary in a given area.
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed one regular observer at the council's Monday night meetings.
You heard it here first, the ABQ city council actually listened to public comment and was swayed.
La Familia Car Club, Lo Nuestro Car Club, Burque Knights Car Club and others came out and spoke out against the curfew.
The new APD Police Chief, the Downtown Action Team and a couple of bar owners downtown spoke in favor, saying cruising was the major source of perceived problems with unruliness downtown.
The car clubs, made up of (mostly) young Chicana(o)s, called the anti-cruising legislation unconstitutional, unenforceable and an attack on NM's heritage and culture.
Come back tomorrow morning for pictures and more on this unlikely victory by some of Albuquerque's young people. They should be proud of themselves.
The bill would have given Albuquerque Police Dept and the City Council the authority to ban people from driving up and down the same street more than three times over a span of a couple hours if APD could show it was necessary in a given area.
"I can't believe it!" exclaimed one regular observer at the council's Monday night meetings.
You heard it here first, the ABQ city council actually listened to public comment and was swayed.
La Familia Car Club, Lo Nuestro Car Club, Burque Knights Car Club and others came out and spoke out against the curfew.
The new APD Police Chief, the Downtown Action Team and a couple of bar owners downtown spoke in favor, saying cruising was the major source of perceived problems with unruliness downtown.
The car clubs, made up of (mostly) young Chicana(o)s, called the anti-cruising legislation unconstitutional, unenforceable and an attack on NM's heritage and culture.
Come back tomorrow morning for pictures and more on this unlikely victory by some of Albuquerque's young people. They should be proud of themselves.
SWOP Director at Conference - Sustainability in the Electronics Industry: Major Issues and the Role of Funders
Robby Rodriguez, SWOP's director, is in Palo Alto today at a conference hosted by the Funders Work Group on Sustainable Production and Consumption, Health and Environment Funders Network and the Funders Network On Trade and Globalization.
Rodriguez is on a panel framing the big picture of the electronic industry's impact on society - the economy, our environment, workers, waste, etc. Joining him on the panel are Ted Smith and Sheila Davis of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.
Other interesting panels and topics:
Global Perspectives on the Sustainability in electronics Industry
Green and Healthy Design
Green Chemistry Panel
Waste and Production Impacts
Rodriguez is on a panel framing the big picture of the electronic industry's impact on society - the economy, our environment, workers, waste, etc. Joining him on the panel are Ted Smith and Sheila Davis of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.
Other interesting panels and topics:
Global Perspectives on the Sustainability in electronics Industry
Green and Healthy Design
Green Chemistry Panel
Waste and Production Impacts
Intel and Nike
More Intel Tax news...
Civic Duty Doesn't play on Islands
from the article:
"Intel is complaining that they're looking to move outside this area because we need a better education system," Sheketoff said. "Well, you can't have a better education system unless you pay taxes."
Sounds familiar.
Even Bill Gates is catching on...
Civic Duty Doesn't play on Islands
from the article:
"Intel is complaining that they're looking to move outside this area because we need a better education system," Sheketoff said. "Well, you can't have a better education system unless you pay taxes."
Sounds familiar.
Even Bill Gates is catching on...
Car Clubs to Challenge Councilor Loy's Cruising Ban
Rumor has it that local lowrider and other car clubs are going to be at the ABQ City Council meeting tonight to challenge a cruising ban from Craig Loy, Councilor from district 8.
You'd think the auto industry would be against this as well.
The bill, which could restrict the amount of times a person could drive up and down the same street, is part of an anti-youth agenda of some of our local officials - including Marty and Loy.
With a long slog in Iraq and a seemingly endless 'war on terror' on the horizon, mounting deficits and less and less opportunities to earn a livable wage, young people need support, not more stereotyping.
Doesn't this violate assembly freedoms guaranteed by the first amendment to the US constitution?
You'd think the auto industry would be against this as well.
The bill, which could restrict the amount of times a person could drive up and down the same street, is part of an anti-youth agenda of some of our local officials - including Marty and Loy.
With a long slog in Iraq and a seemingly endless 'war on terror' on the horizon, mounting deficits and less and less opportunities to earn a livable wage, young people need support, not more stereotyping.
Doesn't this violate assembly freedoms guaranteed by the first amendment to the US constitution?
Grassroots Global Justice Gets a Jolt of Energy
Vision Statement from Grassroots Global Justice: Reaffirmed, April 30, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas at Grassroots Global Justice (GGJ) Member Meeting. The event was hosted by Southwest Workers' Union, a community and worker based organization, with offices in San Antonio.
SWOP was elected to the coordinating committee of GGJ at the event.
Grassroots Global Justice is an alliance of US-based grassroots groups
who are organizing to build an agenda for power for working and poor
people. We understand that there are important connections between
the local issues we work on and the global context, and we see ourselves
as part of an international movement for global justice.
We believe that movement building is grounded in the development of
grassroots organizations and leadership development to achieve local,
national and global justice.
We believe that building relationships of solidarity between and among
organizations in the United States and across the world. We have much
to learn from and share with our international allies.
We believe that as an alliance of US based organizations, we must be
committed to building a strong enough movement to prevent the US
Government and US corporations from suppressing popular movements
and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
We believe in creating opportunities for convergence that facilitate
resource sharing, popular and political education, skill sharing and
dialogue between organizations.
We believe in joint action, that acting together in the US and globally
we have more power to create social change.
We believe by working together Another World is Possible - a world
based on the principles of international solidarity, justice, peace, dignity,
equality, human rights, sustainability and democracy!
Grassroots Global Justice Member Meeting Participants:
SouthWest Organizing Project
Southwest Workers' Union
Tennessee Economic Renewal Network
United Electrical Workers
Jobs With Justice
United Students Against Sweatshops
Tenant and Worker Support Committee
New York City Aids Housing Network
PACE
PODER - San Francisco
PODER - Austin
Poor People's Economic
Human Rights Campaign
Project South
Sage Council
SNEEJ
SouthEast Regional Economic Justice Network
Southern Echo
50 years is Enough
Appalachian Development Project Coalition
Asociacion Tepeyac
Black Workers for Justice
CAAELII
Centro Campesino
Community Voice Heard
Direct Action for Rights and Equality
Environmental Health Coalition
Farm Labor Organizing Committee
Georgia Citizens Coalition on Hunger
Grassroots Global Justice
Just Act
Just Transition Alliance
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth
Labor/Community Strategy Center
Miami Workers Center
NNIR
SWOP was elected to the coordinating committee of GGJ at the event.
Grassroots Global Justice is an alliance of US-based grassroots groups
who are organizing to build an agenda for power for working and poor
people. We understand that there are important connections between
the local issues we work on and the global context, and we see ourselves
as part of an international movement for global justice.
We believe that movement building is grounded in the development of
grassroots organizations and leadership development to achieve local,
national and global justice.
We believe that building relationships of solidarity between and among
organizations in the United States and across the world. We have much
to learn from and share with our international allies.
We believe that as an alliance of US based organizations, we must be
committed to building a strong enough movement to prevent the US
Government and US corporations from suppressing popular movements
and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
We believe in creating opportunities for convergence that facilitate
resource sharing, popular and political education, skill sharing and
dialogue between organizations.
We believe in joint action, that acting together in the US and globally
we have more power to create social change.
We believe by working together Another World is Possible - a world
based on the principles of international solidarity, justice, peace, dignity,
equality, human rights, sustainability and democracy!
Grassroots Global Justice Member Meeting Participants:
SouthWest Organizing Project
Southwest Workers' Union
Tennessee Economic Renewal Network
United Electrical Workers
Jobs With Justice
United Students Against Sweatshops
Tenant and Worker Support Committee
New York City Aids Housing Network
PACE
PODER - San Francisco
PODER - Austin
Poor People's Economic
Human Rights Campaign
Project South
Sage Council
SNEEJ
SouthEast Regional Economic Justice Network
Southern Echo
50 years is Enough
Appalachian Development Project Coalition
Asociacion Tepeyac
Black Workers for Justice
CAAELII
Centro Campesino
Community Voice Heard
Direct Action for Rights and Equality
Environmental Health Coalition
Farm Labor Organizing Committee
Georgia Citizens Coalition on Hunger
Grassroots Global Justice
Just Act
Just Transition Alliance
Kensington Welfare Rights Union
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth
Labor/Community Strategy Center
Miami Workers Center
NNIR
