SWOPblogger

Hundreds in Albuquerque Protest Iraq War
By Lloyd Jojola
Albuquerque Journal
January 28, 2007

http://www.abqjournal.com/news/metro/533569metro01-28-07.htm

Hundreds of anti-war activists zig-zagged through the streets of Downtown Albuquerque on Saturday, calling for an end to the Iraqi conflict, hoping a clash with Iran isn't imminent and craving the impeachment of President
Bush.

"I think we are just wrong," Pauline Sargent, 62, said of the country's war in Iraq. "We've made a terrible mistake, and we need to admit it and get out.

"That's all there is to it."

The local demonstration was one of many held across the country, the largest one centering on Washington, D.C.

It comes as the four-year anniversary of the start of the Iraq War nears and as public sentiment about America's involvement sours.

Newsweek on Saturday released the results of a poll that showed President Bush's job approval rating at an all-time low of 30 percent. The survey was conducted after the State of the Union.

"Sixty-seven percent of those polled believe Bush's decision about policy in Iraq and other major areas are influenced more by his personal beliefs regardless of the facts," the magazine announced.

"Public sentiment has changed so much," said Robby Rodriguez of the SouthWest Organizing Project. "I really feel like the country is behind all the demonstrations."

He said the administration has been dishonest about the reasons for the occupation and Congress should be weighing impeachment of the president. The midterm elections, and the subsequent shift of congressional control from the Republicans to the Democrats, sent a clear mandate to withdraw from Iraq, Rodriguez said. That makes Bush's announcement to order more troops into the war zone baffling, he said.

"It's completely divisive," the 31-year-old Albuquerque resident said. "It's not real leadership. It's not what this country wants right now."

Read More:

[Karlos says:]

Bill Richardson.

Presidential Candidate.

Honest take on New Mexico’s “Big Bill”

Straight up, this guy could run the empire. Now, I’m not saying I agree with him on most of the issues our time. He’s an aggressive neo-liberal, “free trader.” Let me tell you what I mean by that before moving on. I’m saying he thinks government should be used to build capital and wealth for corporations and the super rich. I think government should be used in the public interest, with equal distribution of our collective, common resources. So there’s that thing.

But this guy could run the empire.

In an article by Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post, he’s quoted as answering the question of how he would compete with media selected front runners Senators Hillary Clinton of New York and Barrack Obama of Illinois by saying, “I’ll out work them.”

And there’s no doubt about that. This guy is said to work upwards of 20 hours a day.

Seriously.

He’s an over-achieving, over-eating, over-consuming, over-publicized, perceptive politician. He’s a lot like another southern democratic governor we all love to hate.

He’s the Hispanic Bill Clinton.

Not Chicano. Not Latino. Hispanic.

Just not quite as good on TV as the other Bill…yet.

Ok. So there’s that. Vote Governor Richardson for President. He’s the most qualified candidate.

Plus, there's a real good public servant that will take over for him here in New Mexico that I'm sure a lot of folks would rather have as governor.

Some chum for the sharks out there:

While he’s done a lot to secure tax breaks for multinationals and the super rich, Richardson hasn't done enough for working families in the state. Now, they’ll come back at me with all of his well framed politician voodoo, but all news from New Mexico isn't good.

New Mexico’s children are still labeled as the least likely to succeed in the country.

Pajarito Mesa’s children still don’t have water.

New Mexico’s children are still labeled as the least likely to succeed in the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/washington/20070123_STATEOFUNION.html

If folks haven't seen this yet...

It's a State of the Union interactive word finder thingy on NYtimes.com.

Must see.

karlos

NO MORE WAR!

Albuquerque March and Rally
Saturday, January 27th 2007

11:00: Meet at 2nd and Copper (Galleria) for a march to three congressional offices
12:30: Rally at Robinson Park with the Raging Grannies (8th and Central)

Look for the SWOP banner and march with us!

1-22-07

Hi everyone!

So sorry it has taken me so long to write! I tried three days ago but the computers are really really slow and it would not send. I am also sorry to say no pictures this time I will try to work it out to send some in a few days. None the less Nairobi is an amazing experience let me start with my first few days.

First of all, everyone should check out the Grassroots Global Justice delegation blog at ggjwsf.blogspot.com where you can find more info and pictures!

Well the first few days were so overwhelming. We had orientation then on the second day we went to a site visit in the what folks around here call "slums" of the city. There are many slums, about 1/4 of a million people live in them where an average weeks pay is about 500 shillings equal to about 7 US dollars. We visited Karagocho (not sure if I spelled that right) where at first I was devastated to see the conditions they live in, 10x10 shacks built of tin, metal, wood; whatever materials are around. In these houses about 8-10 people live with no sanitation, electricity and so on. The streets are filled with sewage and trash because a dump site is in their backyard.

My devastation soon changed after meeting the people and hearing about their programs. They have organized their own schools, recreation programs, art programs, cultural programs, health care, and radio. I can't explain in an e-mail how much I learned about what organizing really is about. This was true empowerment. People can provide service, and advocate or donate money but the real change happens when the people come together and change their environment themselves. They still live in terrible conditions but they are creating their own solutions around many of the same issues we are working on: environmental justice, education, health, and women’s issues. I guess the basics of organizing span continents but so do the issues.

We have met many people and organizations that I have learned so much from. I will have to tell you all more when I get home.

The Social Forum started with a little disappointment. There was major confusion about the opening march and the GGJ delegation missed it. It was no fault of GGJ, the local committee organizing the Forum has major flaws. The first day of workshops was also a little rough. Today ROCKED though! GGJ did a workshop about movement building in the US with 10 panelists and some small group work. Celia spoke for SWOP on youth and electoral work and I facilitated the workshop. It went so well and the youth we met are now meeting again tomorrow to further discussion forming a strong global youth movement.

There are so many things to tell you all about and so little time plus the computers are on a 20 second delay where whatever I typed doesn't come up until like half a minute later, it is very difficult. I am gonna wrap up even though I have so much more to say. Again I will try to write again very soon! I miss you all.


Mónica Córdova, Youth Coordinator

SouthWest Organizing Project


1-19-07

Hey Guys,

Our trip to the safari was canceled so I have some extra time. The site visits have a real kick to experience. The slum Korogocho was again difficult to put into words. All I can do is pass on some facts. A shanty town pretty much fulfills the description. Living spaces are 6X6 to 10x10 accommodating 7 people! No services so of course no bathrooms. Cars go thru there but not very often. Mostly just a lot of people milling a round. The pathways which are a better term than streets are rimmed with people setting up stalls to eek out a subsistence of sorts. They say 85% of the people work in Nairobi. The land was government trust land but people have to pay rent for the so called structures, which were put up in some cases by outside owners. Driving in was weird because it felt like we were gawking at their poverty. A lot of piles of garbage were piled to the side next to the road. What I am assuming was raw sewage flowed to the side of the road. Saw only one pipe of flowing water. They said the human waste is dumped into the river. Right across the river was a huge city dump together with illegal dumping as well.

Hooking up with the community organization totally changed the experience. They have organized self help projects to provide employment for instance to teenage boys and young adults. Their businesses consist of providing services that the city does not provide. Like garbage collection, public toilet maintenance, setting up shower stalls, and providing security for the area and selling water all at minimum prices. They are working on setting up a recycling business i.e. cleaning up plastic bags from the dump and then selling them to recyclers (talk about cleaning up and eliminating the dumpsite creates a dilemma for them in this regard.) After the tour through the area and discussions with the different groups we were treated to a cultural performance, music dancing, drumming... all of this was really uplifting and inspiring. People were very warm and welcoming. I think they were so glad to see people from outside their slum come to visit them. Their comment was the people from Nairobi never come to their area. All in all a very heartwarming experience but heavily saddening that people are forced to live in these conditions. They said a policy of government exclusion is what has created their difficult and hard existence. About 300,000 people live in this particular slum and there are others slums larger and worse apparently. The 'informal settlement" has grown up only over the last 40 years.

Well I am stopping for now and will continue my report about the following day’s site visits later. Generally all is going really, really well, but I often think about you guys and wish you could have been here with me. For sure, you have to have a similar experience. It is very heart wrenching and at the same time heart warming.

Ilsa Garduño

SWOP Member

wsf 2007

http://ggjwsf.blogspot.com/

Look out for posts from SWOP's delegation!

From DavidSwanson.org

By David Swanson

NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION
A statewide news service for New Mexico
Producer: Eric Mack Phone: 888-471-1722 Fax: 303-253-8905
E-mail: nmns@publicnewsservice.org

January 16, 2007

Study: NM Children "Least Likely to Succeed"

Santa Fe, NM - A recent report (from the Editorial Projects in Education Research Center) deems New Mexico children "least likely to succeed." Local organizers and children's advocates are calling on state legislators to address the problem during the month-long legislative session, which starts today (TUESDAY) at noon. Comments from Rodrigo Rodriguez with the Southwest Organizing Project.

New Mexico kids are the least likely to succeed - that according to a recent study (from the non-profit Editorial Projects in Education Research Center). Rodrigo Rodriguez with the Southwest Organizing Project says the report shows that tax breaks for wealthy New Mexicans and large corporations come at the expense of education and health care for children.

"This is a failing report card for top-down economic policies for the last twenty years that have prioritized tax breaks and profits for some of the richest corporations and richest New Mexicans over the future of our children."

Rodriguez says state lawmakers should address the ranking this month by increasing the minimum wage, providing health care for all New Mexicans and implementing real campaign finance reform so legislators aren't beholden to campaign donors looking for tax breaks. The state legislature convenes for a month-long session today at noon.

The state legislature convenes for a month-long session today at noon - and Rodriguez says lawmakers have an opportunity to turn things around for New Mexico's children...

"This report is telling us what we need to do. We have a choice and an opportunity to invest in our children through education, health care and raising wages for every New Mexican."

Rodriguez says campaign finance reform is also important -- so legislators aren't beholden to campaign donors looking for tax breaks.

Editor's Note: Rodriguez is at 505-620-1476. The report is online at http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2007/01/04/index.html.

NEW MEXICO NEWS CONNECTION
Un servicio de noticias para todo el estado de Nuevo Mexico
Teléfono: 888-471-1722 Fax: 303-253-8905 E-mail: nmns@publicnewsservice.org

Enero 16, 2007

Estudio: los niños de NM con "menos posibilidades de progresar"

Santa Fe, NM - Un reporte reciente (del Editorial Projects in Education Research Center) estima que los niños de New Mexico son los que tendrán "menos posibilidades de salir adelante." Organizadores locales y los defensores de los niños están haciendo un llamado a los legisladores del estado para que se aborde el problema durante el mes de sesiones legislativas, que comienzan hoy al mediodía. Comentarios de Rodrigo Rodriguez del Southwest Organizing Project.

Los niños de New Mexico son los que tendrán "menos posibilidades de progresar." -de acuerdo a un estudio (de la organización sin fines lucrativos Editorial Projects in Education Research Center ). Rodrigo Rodriguez del Southwest Organizing Project dice que el reporte muestra que las exenciones de impuestos para los ricos y para las grandes corporaciones se dan a expensas de la educación y los cuidados médicos de los niños.

"Este es un reporte con una mala calificación de políticas económicas analíticas por los últimos veinte años, que han priorizado las exenciones de impuestos para las ganancias de algunas de las corporaciones más lucrativas de NM, y para los residentes más ricos por encima de nuestros niños."

Rodriguez dice que los legisladores deben abordar la clasificación de este mes por medio del incremento al salario mínimo, proporcionar seguro médico para todos los residentes de NM y la implementación de una reforma de financiamiento de campaña para que los legisladores no estén comprometidos con sus donadores buscando exenciones de impuestos. La legislatura del estado va convenir durante un mes de sesiones legislativas.

Rodriguez dice que la legislatura puede comenzar a abordar el problema implementando una reforma de financiamiento de campaña para que los legisladores no estén comprometidos con sus donadores buscando exenciones de impuestos. Dice que el reporte también proporciona otras soluciones.

"Este reporte nos indica lo que tenemos que hacer. Podemos ahora elegir darnos una oportunidad para invertir en nuestros niños a través de la educación, ofrecer seguro medico y aumentar los salarios de cada residente de NM."

La legislatura del estado va a convenir durante el mes de sesiones legislativas que empiezan hoy al mediodía.

Nota del editor: Rodriguez TEL 505-620-1476. El reporte esta en la dirección del Internet http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2007/01/04/index.html

We are excited to be here for the National Conference on Media Reform in Memphis during the weekend when the nation celebrates the Civil Rights Movement by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came to stand in solidarity with sanitation workers, solidifying the interconnectedness of the fight for racial and economic justice. It was this revolutionary act that lead to his murder here in Memphis.

Yesterday, keynote speaker Jesse Jackson pointed out that when we romanticize and reduce Martin Luther King’s message to “I have a Dream” we take away the edge of that struggle, and the struggle that remains today. Jesse instead called it the “Broken Promises” speech, or as MLK called it, a promissory note that bounced. And, Jessie went on to say to us…"here we are as progressives, so many whites, so few black or brown.”

And as we have participated this weekend, we can’t help but think about Jesse’s comment directly to the audience during his speech that the crowd was far too white, and his admonishment that any movement for progressive social change should reflect the diversity of our collective movement. We believe that the “whiteness” of this conference is an outward reflection of a deeper failing: the prevalent belief that a small group of self-selected individuals, or “citizenry,” can make effective demands on a system. The belief that individual, uncoordinated acts can fundamentally affect change is ridiculous. Being representatives of SWOP, a grassroots social justice base organization, we are encouraged by the efforts of others here, such as Youth Media Council, Albuquerque’s own Channel 27 public television, and a regrettably short list of others, who are talking about the importance of collective action. Like us, these groups recognize the necessity of building a base to affect change, but unfortunately there is an almost virtual lack of base building organizations present to hear the message about moving beyond reform and the importance of engaging in media justice work.

We’ve heard the word “grassroots” over and over again. The way people are using grassroots here is the same as the way they use the word “citizenry.” They are speaking about themselves: media activists. This usage lacks a structural analysis, a recognition that our “citizenry” broadly is still highly unequal. We envision in our minds that if the goals of this conference for “citizen control” of the media were achieved, our communities in New Mexico would still be iced out.

As we build the media Justice movement, along with our comrades and allies, we challenge the other sectors of the movement:

· To move from activism to organizing

· To begin to build organizations and not just individual voices

· To move from a reform mentality to a revolutionary mentality

· To build a movement led by the most disenfranchised.

en la lucha,

Tomás and Marjorie
SouthWest Organizing Project

NCMR2007

Tomas and I are at the National Conference for Media Reform in Memphis, and have heard both Bill Moyers and Jesse Jackson speak today.

Here is a quote from Bill Moyers, speaking about the Orwellian use of the word “Surge” to describe increasing troop levels in Iraq:

“Surge…as if it were a current of electricity through a wire rather than blood spurting through a ruptured vein.”

And, here is Jesse Jackson this afternoon:

On the exclusion of black and brown voices from media outlets:
"I’m asked about Michael Richards (by the mainstream media), a broken down comedian, not about Iraq. I have an opinion about Iraq."

On Pelosi and the Democrats taking over congress (paraphrased):
Katrina is not just New Orleans. It’s a metaphor for abandoned Urban America. We need Boldness. Jobs, not just minimum wage. The minimum wage doesn’t matter to the unemployed. There was no mention by the Democrats of Katrina or Wall Street. And you can’t be against a war and have a war budget. That’s like being against Domestic Violence but buying the man a belt.

check back for our thoughts about democracy and a free press later today...
Marjorie

Bush: 'Our Long National Nightmare Of Peace And Prosperity Is Finally Over'

The Onion
January 17, 2001 . Issue 37.01

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28784

WASHINGTON, DC-Mere days from assuming the presidency and closing the door on eight years of Bill Clinton, president-elect George W. Bush assured the nation in a televised address Tuesday that "our long national nightmare of peace and prosperity is finally over."

President-elect Bush vows that "together, we can put the triumphs of the recent past behind us."

"My fellow Americans," Bush said, "at long last, we have reached the end of the dark period in American history that will come to be known as the Clinton Era, eight long years characterized by unprecedented economic expansion, a sharp decrease in crime, and sustained peace overseas. The time has come to put all of that behind us."

Bush swore to do "everything in [his] power" to undo the damage wrought by Clinton's two terms in office, including selling off the national parks to developers, going into massive debt to develop expensive and impractical weapons technologies, and passing sweeping budget cuts that drive the mentally ill out of hospitals and onto the street.

During the 40-minute speech, Bush also promised to bring an end to the severe war drought that plagued the nation under Clinton, assuring citizens that the U.S. will engage in at least one Gulf War-level armed conflict in the next four years.

"You better believe we're going to mix it up with somebody at some point during my administration," said Bush, who plans a 250 percent boost in military spending. "Unlike my predecessor, I am fully committed to putting soldiers in battle situations. Otherwise, what is the point of even having a military?"

On the economic side, Bush vowed to bring back economic stagnation by implementing substantial tax cuts, which would lead to a recession, which would necessitate a tax hike, which would lead to a drop in consumer spending, which would lead to layoffs, which would deepen the recession even further.

Wall Street responded strongly to the Bush speech, with the Dow Jones industrial fluctuating wildly before closing at an 18-month low. The NASDAQ composite index, rattled by a gloomy outlook for tech stocks in 2001, also fell sharply, losing 4.4 percent of its total value between 3 p.m. and the closing bell.

Asked for comment about the cooling technology sector, Bush said: "That's hardly my area of expertise."

Turning to the subject of the environment, Bush said he will do whatever it takes to undo the tremendous damage not done by the Clinton Administration to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He assured citizens that he will follow through on his campaign promise to open the 1.5 million acre refuge's coastal plain to oil drilling. As a sign of his commitment to bringing about a change in the environment, he pointed to his choice of Gale Norton for Secretary of the Interior. Norton, Bush noted, has "extensive experience" fighting environmental causes, working as a lobbyist for lead-paint manufacturers and as an attorney for loggers and miners, in addition to suing the EPA to overturn clean-air standards.

Bush had equally high praise for Attorney General nominee John Ashcroft, whom he praised as "a tireless champion in the battle to protect a woman's right to give birth."

"Soon, with John Ashcroft's help, we will move out of the Dark Ages and into a more enlightened time when a woman will be free to think long and hard before trying to fight her way past throngs of protesters blocking her entrance to an abortion clinic," Bush said. "We as a nation can look forward to lots and lots of babies."

Soldiers at Ft. Bragg march lockstep in preparation for America's return to aggression.

Continued Bush: "John Ashcroft will be invaluable in healing the terrible wedge President Clinton drove between church and state."

The speech was met with overwhelming approval from Republican leaders.

"Finally, the horrific misrule of the Democrats has been brought to a close," House Majority Leader Dennis Hastert (R-IL) told reporters. "Under Bush, we can all look forward to military aggression, deregulation of dangerous, greedy industries, and the defunding of vital domestic social-service programs upon which millions depend. Mercifully, we can now say goodbye to the awful nightmare that was Clinton's America."

"For years, I tirelessly preached the message that Clinton must be stopped," conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh said. "And yet, in 1996, the American public failed to heed my urgent warnings, re-electing Clinton despite the fact that the nation was prosperous and at peace under his regime. But now, thank God, that's all done with. Once again, we will enjoy mounting debt, jingoism, nuclear paranoia, mass deficit, and a massive military build-up."

An overwhelming 49.9 percent of Americans responded enthusiastically to the Bush speech.

"After eight years of relatively sane fiscal policy under the Democrats, we have reached a point where, just a few weeks ago, President Clinton said that the national debt could be paid off by as early as 2012," Rahway, NJ, machinist and father of three Bud Crandall said. "That's not the kind of world I want my children to grow up in."

"You have no idea what it's like to be black and enfranchised," said Marlon Hastings, one of thousands of Miami-Dade County residents whose votes were not counted in the 2000 presidential election. "George W. Bush understands the pain of enfranchisement, and ever since Election Day, he has fought tirelessly to make sure it never happens to my people again."

Bush concluded his speech on a note of healing and redemption.

"We as a people must stand united, banding together to tear this nation in two," Bush said. "Much work lies ahead of us: The gap between the rich and the poor may be wide, be there's much more widening left to do. We must squander our nation's hard-won budget surplus on tax breaks for the wealthiest 15 percent. And, on the foreign front, we must find an enemy and defeat it."

"The insanity is over," Bush said. "After a long, dark night of peace and stability, the sun is finally rising again over America. We look forward to a bright new dawn not seen since the glory days of my dad."

Worst of 2006 - Mayor Shuts Down Youth Project

Oh, Mr. Mayor. Sometimes you just make things more complicated than they need to be. You really didn't need to call the kids from the SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP) “those people” or use big words like “repugnant” and “ghettoize.” You said yourself that their permit to use Civic Plaza for Rock Out With Your Cause Out in August was denied for perfectly legitimate reasons--why attack their form of personal expression?

We know that graffiti, when done illegally on public property, is a weak, disrespectful, shallow act—the kids at SWOP know it, too. You could have held your press conference, pointed to the fact that the permit deadline was missed and been done with it. Instead, you picked a fight with a core of Albuquerque's youth (again), dragged SWOP's name through the mud and didn't look back. You should rethink your decision on a youth department—the future of Albuquerque deserves more respect.

...is that New Mexico offers its children the least opportunity of any state in the country, according to a new study.

San Francisco Chronicle:

"...Children born in California and New Mexico start out similarly disadvantaged, the researchers say.

...But the report shows that once children reach the age of 3, Californians are more likely than New Mexicans to attend preschool and kindergarten, learn math, graduate and go on to higher education, though reading proficiency remains a problem.

Here is how California stands against top-ranked Virginia and bottom-ranked New Mexico on the 13 indicators of success:

-- Children whose parents earn at least a middle income: New Mexico, 45 percent; California, 58 percent; Virginia, 70 percent.

-- Children with at least one college grad parent: New Mexico, 34%; California, 37%; Virginia, 51%.

-- Children with at least one parent working full time: New Mexico, 65%; California, 68%; Virginia, 76%.

-- Children whose parents speak English: New Mexico, 80%; California, 62%; Virginia, 91%.

-- Preschool enrollment: New Mexico, 39%; California, 46%; Virginia, 47%.

-- Kindergarten enrollment: New Mexico, 74%; California, 78%; Virginia, 74%.

-- Eighth-graders proficient in math: New Mexico, 14%; California, 22%; Virginia, 33%.

-- Fourth-graders proficient in reading: New Mexico, 21%; California, 21%; Virginia, 37%.

-- High school graduation: New Mexico, 57%; California, 71%; Virginia, 75%.

-- Young adults enrolled in college or with a degree: New Mexico, 39%; California, 50%; Virginia, 50%.

-- Adults with a two- or four-year college degree: New Mexico, 34%; California, 39%; Virginia, 43%.

-- Adults with income at or above the national median: New Mexico, 43%; California, 54%; Virginia, 57%.

-- Adults with a full-time job: New Mexico, 65%; California, 65%; Virginia, 72%."

New Mexico's children are the least likely in the nation to achieve the American Dream, a new report says.

SF Chronicle: "The real Golden State is Virginia, where children are most likely to become well-educated adults with steady, high-paying jobs, according to researchers from the nonprofit Editorial Projects in Education Research Center in Washington, D.C

Children born in New Mexico were deemed least likely to succeed."

*Not good for Bill's presidential aspirations...
**Not a good report card for years of top down economic policies....
***Not good for the state's children...

...from the SWOP family to yours.