Wednesday, October 31, 2007
SWOP homepageTIDD's, TIF's, Taxes...We're all in bed with developers now
The headline of Eric Seimer’s piece in the Tribune yesterday, “City Councilor Michael Cadigan’s Bill Could Aid Developers” is a touch disingenuous. The fact of the matter is that the NM legislature aided developer’s in a big way last year when it passed enabling legislation allowing the creation of Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs). The Albuquerque City Council followed suit quickly and passed an ordinance allowing municipal TIDDS, and then Bernalillo County passed their own TIDD legislation just last month.
What is a TIDD?
We've written about this before on SWOPblogger, but it's so complex that it warrants revisiting. Such districts allow developers to take a percentage of that developed area’s Gross Receipts Taxes for the duration of the TIDD, which could be decades. The State, City, and County legislation all allow up to 75% of gross receipts tax to be given to the developer. We can expect to see the formation of TIDDs in other areas of the state in the coming year as well.
The rationale?
TIDDs utilize a concept known around the country in development/finance/planning circles as Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF historically is meant to promote economic development in a given area, and up to now it’s been primarily used in blighted areas. Indeed, the rationale in New Mexico is that an infusion of public dollars is warranted if it spurs economic development.
In a TIDD, the public tax money given to the developer is to be used to pay off the costs of the infrastructure that the developer had to build. Historically, and in developments without TIDDs, infrastructure has always been paid for by the developer. So, in essence, this is a massive shift of public tax money to private development. The HUGE problem is that New Mexico legislation has enabled the creation of TIDDs in “Greenfield” areas…vast expanses of empty land that 30 years from now may be mini-cities in their own right.
Think about it for a moment. If the major land development in the state in the next 30 years is covered by TIDDs, what happens to the State’s general fund, which serves all residents of the state? In Albuquerque/Bernalillo County what happens in 20 years when the gross receipts taxes collected outside the TIDD is insufficient to meet the demands of the greater city/county? These are very serious questions.
If Cadigan’s attempt to remedy this situation is flawed, it’s because he’s attempting to amend the legislation to make it “better” rather than eliminate it entirely.
The City, the County, the State…should all seriously rethink this transfer of our public tax revenue to developers. Those of us who feel strongly that this is massive public support of sprawl development are caught in a difficult spot. We’re told there aren’t votes to roll it back so we need to get on board with improving the legislation to ensure that TIDD development agreements include mandates for the creation of such things as mixed used and workforce housing, transit oriented byways, and the recruitment of a certain percentage of small businesses.
Let’s be clear: the thing to do is to not create TIDDs in the first place.
But if they are going to be created, we are obviously becoming "owners" of the development ourselves. And in that case we have even more of a right than we currently have as a community to demand that a development be designed to meet our broader collective needs. Cadigan’s bill may change over time, but the end result will make the ordinance a much stronger guide for the city planners who will be haggling over the details with developers. The City Council should get on board with it, and the County and State should follow suit...short of the best, and right, solution, which is to roll back this legislation in the first place.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
SWOP homepageMSNBC Debate blogging: Richardson running for vice president
Leading up to and during tonights debate, Big Bill started defending Clinton from "attacks" by the Obama and Edwards campaigns. Is he running for Vice President? Looks like it to me. MSNBC was running a statement from Richardson on the ticker right before the debate. I mean, that kind of message doesn't move anyone to vote for you. It seems aimed at Hillary.
And he doesn't seem to want the Senate seat.
Just a thought. What do people think out there?
I know, I know. I should be talking about issues, not tactics. Sometimes I just can't help myself!
And he doesn't seem to want the Senate seat.
Just a thought. What do people think out there?
I know, I know. I should be talking about issues, not tactics. Sometimes I just can't help myself!
Labels: 2008 Presidential Election, Bill Richardson
SWOP Youth Gain Equal Access
After a long hard battle with the APS School Board and Administrators, the SouthWest Orgainizing Projects Youth Rights Campaign, has been granted access to visit Albuquerque area high schools to present the truth behind hightened military recruitment in our public schools. Thanks to the hard work of our youth, our students and community will have more resources available to help them make informed decisions about higher education and military enlistment. The SWOP Youth have become regular attendees at the School Board meetings, and have put pressure on the Board to ensure that other organizations beside Military Recruiters have access to students.
The SWOP Youth feel that it is extremely important that high schools students are given alternatives to the military. Recruiters promise our youth wealth and education, but the reality is that those promises are rarely fulfilled. Many students enlist because of the promise of education. Students are told that the military is the only way to pay for education (especially for poor families) but there are plenty of financial aid and schlorships available where students can recieve help for education costs. Now this will all change because the SWOP Youth will be giving our students all the information they need to be able to continue their education without risking their lives.
To celebrate, the SWOP Youth will be having cake at the Youth After School Program this afternoon at 211 10th St SW @ 3:00pm
Labels: APS, Equal Access, miltary recruitment, SWOP, youth
Monday, October 29, 2007
SWOP homepageNM Youth are both Present and Future
There are many that believe the negative stereotypes of our youth. Then there are young women like Shayna Lewis of Santa Fe that will stand in front of those people and tear apart the stereotypes. Shayna, a 19 year old native of Santa Fe, was appointed by Mayor David Coss and the Santa Fe City Councilors to the Planning Commission, which oversees real estate development projects and apply rules for land use on new developments. While she has attended her first couple of commission meetings, she has done so in the midst of controversy as some folks have questioned her background experience and asked for her removal from the commission.
This brings up the debate of experience on paper and experience on the ground. Shayna has plenty of field experience from growing up in communities of color and from her work with Youthworks, which is a non-profit organization that does river restoration and other services in and around Santa Fe. She has the experience and knowledge of understanding what is best for the COMMUNITY, and not what is best for profit. Her non-formal background should be labeled as a positive as she will bring forward new ideas from our states best resource, the community member. From that background, Shayna is a perfect candidate to sit on that seat and have her communities best interest and needs served.
Shayna continues to have support from Mayor Coss, but I am asking you and the rest of New Mexico to support her in her struggle and to continue to support the youth of color in this state, that are working toward a better New Mexico. Shayna has broken that barrier in Santa Fe, now we need the effect to trickle down I-25 to the Duke City where we need the youth voice to be heard!
This brings up the debate of experience on paper and experience on the ground. Shayna has plenty of field experience from growing up in communities of color and from her work with Youthworks, which is a non-profit organization that does river restoration and other services in and around Santa Fe. She has the experience and knowledge of understanding what is best for the COMMUNITY, and not what is best for profit. Her non-formal background should be labeled as a positive as she will bring forward new ideas from our states best resource, the community member. From that background, Shayna is a perfect candidate to sit on that seat and have her communities best interest and needs served.
Shayna continues to have support from Mayor Coss, but I am asking you and the rest of New Mexico to support her in her struggle and to continue to support the youth of color in this state, that are working toward a better New Mexico. Shayna has broken that barrier in Santa Fe, now we need the effect to trickle down I-25 to the Duke City where we need the youth voice to be heard!
Labels: Mayor Coss, Santa Fe Planning Commission, Shayna Lewis, youth
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
SWOP homepageNO WALL Campaign Begins at the Border
See SWU's PDF Update from the NO WALL campaign...
The SouthWest Organizing Project is one of many Organizations that signed on to endorse the NO WALL Campaign. Saturday Oct 12 , 2007 was the Kick Off of this campaign with actions taking place in many border points. SWOP sent a delegation of 12 members in solidarity including, Sandra, Salvador, Rodrigo, Tomasita, Ulises, Ruben, Hernan, Sylviana, Peter, and Jolina.
Hundreds of marchers protested in El Paso, Texas and CD Juarez, Mexico at the Lerdo International Bridge denouncing the wall that has already claimed over 10,000 lives since 1994. Protestors’ are against extending the WALL OF DEATH 700 miles as proposed by President Bush and Congress.
The Continental Campaign against the Border Wall will organize actions on Nov 2, 2007 on the Day of the Dead to commemorate the thousands who have died crossing the border. Also, Dec 10, 2007 is International Day of Human Rights and Dec 18, 2007 is International Day of Migrants and Farm Workers. Massive Demonstrations against the Border Wall have been scheduled for the 26th of January, a day designated as the World Day of Action by the World Social Forum.
NoWallUpdate.pdf
The SouthWest Organizing Project is one of many Organizations that signed on to endorse the NO WALL Campaign. Saturday Oct 12 , 2007 was the Kick Off of this campaign with actions taking place in many border points. SWOP sent a delegation of 12 members in solidarity including, Sandra, Salvador, Rodrigo, Tomasita, Ulises, Ruben, Hernan, Sylviana, Peter, and Jolina.
Hundreds of marchers protested in El Paso, Texas and CD Juarez, Mexico at the Lerdo International Bridge denouncing the wall that has already claimed over 10,000 lives since 1994. Protestors’ are against extending the WALL OF DEATH 700 miles as proposed by President Bush and Congress.
The Continental Campaign against the Border Wall will organize actions on Nov 2, 2007 on the Day of the Dead to commemorate the thousands who have died crossing the border. Also, Dec 10, 2007 is International Day of Human Rights and Dec 18, 2007 is International Day of Migrants and Farm Workers. Massive Demonstrations against the Border Wall have been scheduled for the 26th of January, a day designated as the World Day of Action by the World Social Forum.
NoWallUpdate.pdf
Monday, October 22, 2007
SWOP homepage
¡Jon Thomas-Weger, Presente!
August 9, 1949 - October 18, 2007
Jon passed away at his home on Saturday October 18, 2007, from a heart attack. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Roxie and daughters Sa'Idi, Rachel and Jerusha and grandson Beau. (photo of Jon at SWOP's Annual Chile Fiesta at Tiguex Park, Albuquerque, on September 30, 2000)
He was a long time SWOP member, supporter and donor and was a letter carrier for 35 years. He was a past president of the Central New Mexico Labor Council and was a tireless union organizer and was a union troubador who performed his songs at many SWOP events over the years. He was also a comrade, historian, world traveler, avid reader and rebel.
He was a Sundance supporter, loved the drum and tended many fires as a fireman. A Lakota ceremony and memorial was held in celebration of his life and struggle on Monday, October 22nd. He stood as a resister to all injustice and likened himself in the most passionate way to a revolutionary. He lived his life according to the Beauty Way. He dedicated his life to the "Salt of the Earth" people.
From his memorial handout: "Above everything, those who have the capacity to feel at its most deepest level any injustice commited against anyone in any part of the world, that is the most beautiful quality of a revolutionary." - Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
SWOP homepageFresh Faces of SWOP and Fall Program
This fall SWOP has hired two new interns, Orlando Mancha and me, Aurea Cardiel. Both of us participated in the youth program over the summer. We were hired here to learn new skills and bring the skills we already have to contribute to SWOP. Our biggest project will be the Fall Program. Our first assignment was to interview each other so everyone can get a feel of who we are.
1. What interests did you have to be an Intern here?
Orlando: “I loved the summer program so much! It made me feel like I could make a difference and the internship is one step closer to making that difference.”
Aurea: “I come from a politically involved family I guess you could say and we used to be involved in the Chicano movement and our community a lot, but as I got into high school I drifted away from all that and now I want to get back into it. I see this opportunity as a gateway to get involved once again. ”
1. What interests did you have to be an Intern here?
Orlando: “I loved the summer program so much! It made me feel like I could make a difference and the internship is one step closer to making that difference.”
Aurea: “I come from a politically involved family I guess you could say and we used to be involved in the Chicano movement and our community a lot, but as I got into high school I drifted away from all that and now I want to get back into it. I see this opportunity as a gateway to get involved once again. ”
2. What are your favorite colors?
Orlando: “Turquoise because it’s my birthstone and silver because it’s shiny!”
Aurea: “My favorite colors are purple because it’s my mom’s favorite color and red and black because they represent solidarity, rebellion, the blood of those who are fighting in the struggle, and the blood of those who have died in the struggle.”
Orlando: “Turquoise because it’s my birthstone and silver because it’s shiny!”
Aurea: “My favorite colors are purple because it’s my mom’s favorite color and red and black because they represent solidarity, rebellion, the blood of those who are fighting in the struggle, and the blood of those who have died in the struggle.”
3. What do you want to be when you’re older? Why?
Orlando: “I want to be a car designer because I love every aspect of cars!”
Aurea: “I’m not sure yet.”
Orlando: “I want to be a car designer because I love every aspect of cars!”
Aurea: “I’m not sure yet.”
4. Where were you born?
Orlando: “I was born in Albuquerque, NM at the UNM Hospital.”
Aurea: “I was born in Albuquerque, NM at the UNM Hospital as well.”
Orlando: “I was born in Albuquerque, NM at the UNM Hospital.”
Aurea: “I was born in Albuquerque, NM at the UNM Hospital as well.”
5. Describe your neighborhood.
Orlando: “There are a lot of parks. Mostly middle to upper class. There are always cops and the homes are older.”
Aurea: “It’s called the ‘war-zone’. There’s drug dealers, prostitutes, druggies, gangs, etc. The side of the street I live on is all houses, but the rest of the block is apartments. There’s always cops.”
Orlando: “There are a lot of parks. Mostly middle to upper class. There are always cops and the homes are older.”
Aurea: “It’s called the ‘war-zone’. There’s drug dealers, prostitutes, druggies, gangs, etc. The side of the street I live on is all houses, but the rest of the block is apartments. There’s always cops.”
6. What was your favorite toy growing up?
Orlando: “Glo-worms and Golden Books were my favorite!”
Aurea: “Big-wheels!”
This Fall Program is going to be a blast!!! Not only is it fun, but educational as well. I’m not talking about learning what we learn in school like Math or English, we’re learning about Chicano history, the War, media, graffiti, etc. It’s a time for us to get involved in creating social change in our own communities too. Making a change in society and letting the Youth voice be heard! It’ll also be a great place just to hang out and finish any homework you need to get done. Just think, you’ll get to meet new people and learn a few new things. We we’ll be meeting at the SWOP office located at 211 10th St. SW. Our meeting time is from 3 p.m. to 7p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. If you have any questions you can contact Monica or Emma by e-mail: emma@swop.net or monica@swop.net. Or by phone at 505-247-8832. Hope to see you there!!!
Orlando: “Glo-worms and Golden Books were my favorite!”
Aurea: “Big-wheels!”
This Fall Program is going to be a blast!!! Not only is it fun, but educational as well. I’m not talking about learning what we learn in school like Math or English, we’re learning about Chicano history, the War, media, graffiti, etc. It’s a time for us to get involved in creating social change in our own communities too. Making a change in society and letting the Youth voice be heard! It’ll also be a great place just to hang out and finish any homework you need to get done. Just think, you’ll get to meet new people and learn a few new things. We we’ll be meeting at the SWOP office located at 211 10th St. SW. Our meeting time is from 3 p.m. to 7p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. If you have any questions you can contact Monica or Emma by e-mail: emma@swop.net or monica@swop.net. Or by phone at 505-247-8832. Hope to see you there!!!
Labels: interns, youth, youth activities
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
SWOP homepageCorrales Comment 10/12/07: 'Green' Excellence Award to Intel Questionned
An excerpt:
...Joining the dialog last month was a former judge and examiner for the Green Zia awards, Lena Hakim, who said the 2001 award to Intel was the most controversial ever handed out. “I have been an examiner for the Green Zia since its inception, and Intel was the most controversial award, as they had very little physical proof of P2 [pollution prevention],” Hakim wrote on September 10.
“Their application [for the excellence award] was written very well. I have examined Los Alamos National Laboratories, General Electric, McKinley paper and many other applications, but Intel was the most controversial of all because they had few physical examples of P2 efforts.”
Hakim said she had also reported abuses of the Green Zia program to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “but they have taken no action.”
Writing for The Santa Fe Reporter this summer, Hakim explained why she had become disenchanted with the Green Zia program. “Green Zia was supposed to be about assisting companies in becoming more sustainable, and instead the types of corporations which apply do it to clean up their reputations rather than seriously commit to green changes.
“The Excellence level should be reserved only to blatantly obvious green companies who are providing absolute sustainable ways to conduct business.
“It was a mistake, in my humble opinion, to grant Excellence to Intel. It takes away from the worthy Excellence award of the Durango-McKinley paper Company. I believe most people in New Mexico were disgusted when NMED gave Intel an Excellence.”
One of those receiving the e-mailings, Fred Marsh, former spokesman for CRCAW, called for Bartlit to resign. “We have always said Intel’s Green Zia awards were just an unearned and shameless payoff from New Mexico politicians who want continued access to Intel’s deep pockets. Our assertions have now been confirmed by a Green Zia judge and inspector.
“Yet Mr. Bartlit continues to staunchly defend Intel’s sham Green Zia award in his chosen role as an Intel cheerleader. The honorable course of action for Mr. Bartlit would now be to resign his CEWG position, to be replaced by someone who could provide CEWG with the unbiased leadership it deserves.”
Read the whole story here.
...Joining the dialog last month was a former judge and examiner for the Green Zia awards, Lena Hakim, who said the 2001 award to Intel was the most controversial ever handed out. “I have been an examiner for the Green Zia since its inception, and Intel was the most controversial award, as they had very little physical proof of P2 [pollution prevention],” Hakim wrote on September 10.
“Their application [for the excellence award] was written very well. I have examined Los Alamos National Laboratories, General Electric, McKinley paper and many other applications, but Intel was the most controversial of all because they had few physical examples of P2 efforts.”
Hakim said she had also reported abuses of the Green Zia program to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “but they have taken no action.”
Writing for The Santa Fe Reporter this summer, Hakim explained why she had become disenchanted with the Green Zia program. “Green Zia was supposed to be about assisting companies in becoming more sustainable, and instead the types of corporations which apply do it to clean up their reputations rather than seriously commit to green changes.
“The Excellence level should be reserved only to blatantly obvious green companies who are providing absolute sustainable ways to conduct business.
“It was a mistake, in my humble opinion, to grant Excellence to Intel. It takes away from the worthy Excellence award of the Durango-McKinley paper Company. I believe most people in New Mexico were disgusted when NMED gave Intel an Excellence.”
One of those receiving the e-mailings, Fred Marsh, former spokesman for CRCAW, called for Bartlit to resign. “We have always said Intel’s Green Zia awards were just an unearned and shameless payoff from New Mexico politicians who want continued access to Intel’s deep pockets. Our assertions have now been confirmed by a Green Zia judge and inspector.
“Yet Mr. Bartlit continues to staunchly defend Intel’s sham Green Zia award in his chosen role as an Intel cheerleader. The honorable course of action for Mr. Bartlit would now be to resign his CEWG position, to be replaced by someone who could provide CEWG with the unbiased leadership it deserves.”
Read the whole story here.
Monday, October 15, 2007
SWOP homepageKUNM Tonight: Disguising Racism as Patriotism at UNM
Javi sez...
Check out KUNM 89.9FM tonight, Monday October 15th, 2007, at 8:00PM MDT for a half-hour live interview with several UNM students about the recent weeks of deliberation, both on campus and nationally, following the tearing down of a Mexican flag on the UNM campus one month ago. Reportedly, a student tore down the Mexican flag, which was flying in celebration of Mexican Independence day, because it wasn't accompanied by an American flag.
Last Sunday, local bikers held a rally to raise money for that student's legal defense fund. Concurrently, subsequent discussions have surfaced deeper questions about acts of hatred and Anglo-American superiority over people of color. Many students on campus are demanding further action from the University to address and prevent such actions of hate and to talk about the diguising of racism as patriotism. Tonight's Espejos de Aztlan discussion will focus on the latter.
Espejos de Aztlan has been on-air since 1979 and is part of the Raices Colectiva which conducts programming on news, culture and music from a Latino perspective on KUNM 89.9. For more information or to submit input about Espejos de Aztlan, please visit the "Raices" link at http://kunm.org/culture/.
Listen to tonight's program on line at www.kunm.org.
Check out KUNM 89.9FM tonight, Monday October 15th, 2007, at 8:00PM MDT for a half-hour live interview with several UNM students about the recent weeks of deliberation, both on campus and nationally, following the tearing down of a Mexican flag on the UNM campus one month ago. Reportedly, a student tore down the Mexican flag, which was flying in celebration of Mexican Independence day, because it wasn't accompanied by an American flag.
Last Sunday, local bikers held a rally to raise money for that student's legal defense fund. Concurrently, subsequent discussions have surfaced deeper questions about acts of hatred and Anglo-American superiority over people of color. Many students on campus are demanding further action from the University to address and prevent such actions of hate and to talk about the diguising of racism as patriotism. Tonight's Espejos de Aztlan discussion will focus on the latter.
Espejos de Aztlan has been on-air since 1979 and is part of the Raices Colectiva which conducts programming on news, culture and music from a Latino perspective on KUNM 89.9. For more information or to submit input about Espejos de Aztlan, please visit the "Raices" link at http://kunm.org/culture/.
Listen to tonight's program on line at www.kunm.org.
Friday, October 12, 2007
SWOP homepageMarty Chavez: did we miss the memo?
Oh, is that what that was....miscommunication. hmmm?
Another great post from M-pyre and another big laugh for Marty.
In an interview with Marty, Joe Monahan asked him what he was going to do to win the progressive wing, and Marty's response was that there simply was alot of "miscommunication."
HA!
Miscommunication #1
In the climate of the aftermath of Sept.11 Mayor Marty Chavez at a city council meeting called SWOP a terrorist organization, one "that supports terrorism."
Miscommunication #2
In his successful effort to SHUT DOWN a youth event that would have brought much needed resources to young people on health, education and art, he was quoted in a press conference saying the organizers (SWOP and others) were "ghetocizing the city."
Miscommunication #3
He bulldozed a road through sacred land (petroglyph national monument)
Miscommunication #4
Publicly denouncing the raising of the living wage in 2005 and after much needed pressure including the big voice of Bill Richardson he finally folded a year later.
.......and this doesn't even get in to his questionable ethics which we see time and time again e.g. ABQ PAC.
I'm sorry Marty did we miss the memo?
Marty: we want you to know our door is open, despite all of these moments of "miscommunication" for dialogue.
Another great post from M-pyre and another big laugh for Marty.
In an interview with Marty, Joe Monahan asked him what he was going to do to win the progressive wing, and Marty's response was that there simply was alot of "miscommunication."
HA!
Miscommunication #1
In the climate of the aftermath of Sept.11 Mayor Marty Chavez at a city council meeting called SWOP a terrorist organization, one "that supports terrorism."
Miscommunication #2
In his successful effort to SHUT DOWN a youth event that would have brought much needed resources to young people on health, education and art, he was quoted in a press conference saying the organizers (SWOP and others) were "ghetocizing the city."
Miscommunication #3
He bulldozed a road through sacred land (petroglyph national monument)
Miscommunication #4
Publicly denouncing the raising of the living wage in 2005 and after much needed pressure including the big voice of Bill Richardson he finally folded a year later.
.......and this doesn't even get in to his questionable ethics which we see time and time again e.g. ABQ PAC.
I'm sorry Marty did we miss the memo?
Marty: we want you to know our door is open, despite all of these moments of "miscommunication" for dialogue.
Labels: Martin Chavez
Oh my, those Economic Analysts are at it Again: The Wall Street Journal on the Legacy of Che Guevara
As a colleague recently remarked, you cannot tell the straight press from The Onion anymore.
There are many ways that the corporate media measures the impact of Ernesto Guevara's life and legacy. The treatment offered below is truly unique.
These three Wall Street Journal writers have actually come up with an estimate - based on exactly what methodology they do not say - of how much Che's legacy has cost the regional Latin American economy. According to them, $1.3 trillion per year.
It's bad enough that economics writers do not even know that Che introduced cost accounting into Cuban economic planning during the 1960s. That point alone might give cause to pause the stream of ready made banter suggesting that Che was a utopian out of touch with the realities of his times.
Nor does anyone, for that matter, take into consideration that the man was from Argentina and that this and other factors drew him away from Cuba. The prevailing imagery remains that he was somehow forced to leave the island.
At the very least, their speculations are contrived to lead them to the obvious conclusion that Che has emerged over the years as something larger than life. Yes, his legacy is there.
I for one am glad that folks like these do not "get" another, more significant point. Social and political history counts for something much greater than the power of an individual in the calculus of political will being exhibited by the social movements and electorates of Latin America.
May they continue to consult their crystal balls, and be baffled by so many things hidden in plain sight.
-- El Molestoso
There are many ways that the corporate media measures the impact of Ernesto Guevara's life and legacy. The treatment offered below is truly unique.
These three Wall Street Journal writers have actually come up with an estimate - based on exactly what methodology they do not say - of how much Che's legacy has cost the regional Latin American economy. According to them, $1.3 trillion per year.
It's bad enough that economics writers do not even know that Che introduced cost accounting into Cuban economic planning during the 1960s. That point alone might give cause to pause the stream of ready made banter suggesting that Che was a utopian out of touch with the realities of his times.
Nor does anyone, for that matter, take into consideration that the man was from Argentina and that this and other factors drew him away from Cuba. The prevailing imagery remains that he was somehow forced to leave the island.
At the very least, their speculations are contrived to lead them to the obvious conclusion that Che has emerged over the years as something larger than life. Yes, his legacy is there.
I for one am glad that folks like these do not "get" another, more significant point. Social and political history counts for something much greater than the power of an individual in the calculus of political will being exhibited by the social movements and electorates of Latin America.
May they continue to consult their crystal balls, and be baffled by so many things hidden in plain sight.
-- El Molestoso
Forty Years Later, Che's Shadow Still Hangs Over Latin America
Wall Street Journal
10/11/07
Ernesto "Che" Guevara was executed 40 years ago on Oct. 9 in Bolivia. The Argentine doctor was an ideologue of Third World communism. He believed in armed revolution against Western exploitation and advocated North Korea as an economic example.
Che believed in the creation of a "new man" to implement socialism. In a 1965 speech, he proposed that "the socialist countries have the moral duty of liquidating their tacit complicity with the exploiting countries of the West."
That was too much even for communist Cuba. Fidel Castro sent his revolutionary collaborator to foment revolution elsewhere. The Cuban leader preferred to integrate his economy with the Soviet Union's Comecon bloc -- the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance -- rather than try out Che's dream.
During his life, Che had little direct effect outside Cuba, but his legend has done more than sell T-shirts to disaffected rich kids. Che's economically paranoid anticapitalist doctrines have considerable appeal among Latin American electorates.
Many countries in the region have elected governments with Che sympathizers -- from Chile's Salvador Allende in 1970 to Bolivia's Evo Morales and Ecuador's Rafael Correa today. The usual result has been rapid economic disaster and electoral reaction. But the possibility of Che-ist government has made property rights thoroughly uncertain, cutting into long-term growth.
Latin American productivity growth was average by world standards when Che met his end in 1967. But it has since fallen far below that of other countries. Only Brazil and Chile have had a reasonable performance, thanks largely to substantial periods of rightist military rule during which Che-ism was suppressed.
Without the legend of Che, the Latin American annual growth rate might have been one percentage point higher. If so, this revolutionary has cost the region about $1.3 trillion of annual gross domestic product. T-shirts are cheap, but Che has been an expensive icon.
--Martin Hutchinson, John Foley and Simon Nixon
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
SWOP homepageThousands to join call for Humane Borders
Across Texas, border cities unite in protest of proposed US-Mexico WallUpdate 10/15/07: Use the following link to see what happened at the protests along the border...
NO%20WALL%20NO%20MURO%2010.12.pdf
(SWOP will be up in this one too. Call the office for more info: 505 247 8832)
Contact: Ruben Solis
Date October 10, 2007
Office 210.299.2666
Cell 210.378.5699
US/Mexico Border - Community leaders, residents and local organizations will join together to launch the ‘No Wall’ campaign along the Texas-Mexico border this weekend to send a message to the US government and the Department of Homeland Security that constructing wall is not a solution, but will rather worsen the situation for this already impoverished, under resourced region. Joining concerns of Mayors, Chambers of Commerce and religious leaders, Ruben Solis, native of Grulla, TX, explains, “the wall will only hamper a thriving cross-border economy, cut farmers and ranchers off from their land, further divide families and slice through wildlife refuges in one of the world's most ecologically diverse places.”
“The wall is a decision made in Washington, without the input or voices of the local communities and families it will devastate,” added youth organizer Sandra Garcia. “We demand that plans for the wall stop and local leaders participate in designing alternatives.”
Over 80 local, national and international organizations have joined the No Wall campaign representing labor, environmental, faith and women groups. With a deadline of October 15 to submit comments to the government, actions will collect testimonies about the potential impacts of the wall.
12:00pm
El Paso/Cd Juarez
Mx: Don B. Juarez Monument(11am)
US: 9th Ave & Oregon
March to Stanton (Lerdo) bridge
Ruben Solis 210.378.5699
Saturday Oct 13th
12:00pm
Del Rio, TX
Che Lopez 210.378.5132
and
Brownsville, TX
Allison Wilson Hope Park
1300 Levee (Int’l Gateway bridge)
Chavel Lopez 210.378.5548
Che Guevara honored
Probably one of the greatest revolutionaries of all time. He lived his politics and convictions, which ultimately brought him to his death. And as long as he is remembered his spirit and ideas remain alive. Que viva Che!*****************
Che
by Fidel Castro Ruz
Granma (Habana)
October 8, 2007
I make a halt in my daily struggle to bow my head in respect and gratitude
to the exceptional combatant who fell on October 8th, forty years ago; for
the example he passed on to us as leader of his Rebel Army Column, which
crossed the swampy grounds of the former provinces of Oriente and Camagüey
while being chased by enemy troops. He was the liberator of the city of
Santa Clara, and the creator of voluntary work; he accomplished honorable
political missions abroad and served as a messenger of militant
internationalism in eastern Congo and Bolivia; he built a new awareness in
our America and the world.
I thank him for what he tried but was not able to do in his home country,
because he was like a flower prematurely severed from its stem.
He left us his unmistakable style of writing — with elegance, brevity and
veracity — every detail of whatever happened to cross his mind. He was a
predestinate, but he didn’t know it. He still fights with us and for us.
Yesterday, we commemorated the 31st anniversary of the killing of the
passengers and crew of a Cuban airliner that was blown up in mid-flight, and
we are on the threshold of the tenth anniversary of the cruel and unjust
imprisonment of the five Cuban anti-terrorist heroes. We likewise bow our
heads to them all.
It was with great emotion that I watched and heard the commemoration
ceremony on TV.
Fidel Castro Ruz
October 7, 2007
Labels: 40th anniversary Che's commemoration, Che, Ernesto Guevara
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
SWOP homepageOh no...we need a better choice! Please.
This next year is going to be huge for NM. With Domenici's seat open, a huge shift can occur either in a bad way or a worse way with those that have announced their candidacy.Here's what the bloggesphere has to say about those in the running, not in the running, and those that "should" run.
Democracy for New Mexico
M-Pyre
Heath Huassamen Blog
SurveyUSA
Monday, October 08, 2007
SWOP homepageCalling All YOUTH.....
With the GREAT success of our Summer Social Justice Recreation Program SWOP is excited to announce the continuation of that program into the fall!! This program is meant to introduce youth to the SouthWest Organizing Project and create a deeper understanding of our local struggle. This is an exciting opportunity for youth to learn about social justice and the youth rights campaign in a meaningful and interactive way. We will be exploring our New Mexican roots and learning about the power we possess as young community leaders. SWOP youth are committed to the life of the movement; we will spend time refining our skills as young organizers so we can bring justice to our communities.
Twice a week we will meet to learn about our history and the present condition of our communities. We will be involved in a variety of dynamic and inspiring activities that incorporate art and education into our struggle for justice and equality. We will spend most of our time in the communities we are working to strengthen. We would also love the support of community members so if you are interested in volunteering or leading workshops please let us know! The program will be held every Tuesday and Thursday starting October 16th from 3:00pm-7:00pm. If you know of young people want to understand our local struggle and are committed to creating change join the SWOP Social Justice Recreation Program! You can also pre-register by contacting monica at monica@swop.net or dropping by the SWO
P office on 211 10th St SW 87102.
We will also have a kick off DANCE October 12th from 7:00pm-10:00pm with music, dance and poetry! It will be held at SWOP in one of our new spaces on 211 10th St SW 87102.
Please pass on the information your networks and any teachers or young people you know! For question please call Monica or Emma at 247-8832 or send either of us an e-mail at monica@swop.net or emma@swop.net.
Twice a week we will meet to learn about our history and the present condition of our communities. We will be involved in a variety of dynamic and inspiring activities that incorporate art and education into our struggle for justice and equality. We will spend most of our time in the communities we are working to strengthen. We would also love the support of community members so if you are interested in volunteering or leading workshops please let us know! The program will be held every Tuesday and Thursday starting October 16th from 3:00pm-7:00pm. If you know of young people want to understand our local struggle and are committed to creating change join the SWOP Social Justice Recreation Program! You can also pre-register by contacting monica at monica@swop.net or dropping by the SWO
P office on 211 10th St SW 87102.We will also have a kick off DANCE October 12th from 7:00pm-10:00pm with music, dance and poetry! It will be held at SWOP in one of our new spaces on 211 10th St SW 87102.
Please pass on the information your networks and any teachers or young people you know! For question please call Monica or Emma at 247-8832 or send either of us an e-mail at monica@swop.net or emma@swop.net.
Labels: after school programs, workshops, youth
Thursday, October 04, 2007
SWOP homepageNY Times: Republican Senate Stalwart From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring
The New York Times mentions Mayor Marty as a potential candidate for Domenici's spot in the Senate. Depressing. That sets up the city's progressives, who are often at odds with the Mayor - especially on local issues, with a tough strategy. Can you imagine having to choose between Heather and Marty?Republican Senate Stalwart From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 — Senator Pete V. Domenici of New Mexico, one of the most senior Republicans in Congress and a longtime power on energy and budget issues, is expected to announce on Thursday that he will not seek re-election next year.
Mr. Domenici, 75, is in his sixth term and has served in the Senate for 35 years. His spokesman, Chris Gallegos, declined to comment on the senator’s plans, which were confirmed by close associates who were informed of his decision on Wednesday.
Mr. Domenici has battled a series of health problems and was caught up in the Congressional inquiry into the firings of United States attorneys, including one based in Albuquerque. He had said he intended to seek re-election, hoping to safeguard a seat for Republicans in a state where Democrats have made substantial advances in recent years.
He would become the fourth Republican senator to announce that he will not run in 2008, further encouraging Democrats whose hopes of extending their slim majority have been bolstered by the other impending Republican retirements, in Colorado, Virginia and Nebraska.
Among the potential Democratic candidates for Mr. Domenici’s seat is Martin J. Chávez, the popular mayor of Albuquerque who had said he would not run against Mr. Domenici and has been contemplating a run for governor in 2010. Another Democrat, Don Wiviott, a real estate developer and former business executive, has already declared his candidacy for Mr. Domenici’s seat. Mr. Wiviott is known for building energy-efficient properties with features like cisterns for water recycling.
Representative Heather A. Wilson, a Republican and protégée of Mr. Domenici, is considered a likely candidate. Her decision to enter a Senate race would provide House Democrats with an opportunity to pick up her seat, which has been closely contested in recent elections.
One Republican close to Mr. Domenici said the chief issue in his decision was health and that the senator and his wife had concluded that he no longer had the physical stamina to wage a re-election campaign, especially if the race proved tough. He has arthritis and has appeared increasingly frail.
“The body is starting to deteriorate,” said one Republican ally, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he did not want to pre-empt the senator’s announcement.
Long a Republican force, Mr. Domenici for 22 years was the chairman or ranking lawmaker on the Senate Budget Committee. As a leading Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, he was a strong advocate for nuclear power and helped broker major energy legislation.
This year, Mr. Domenici was ensnared in the controversy over the firings of United States attorneys, a case that contributed to the resignation last month of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.
Mr. Domenici remains the subject of an inquiry by the ethics committee about the propriety of a call he made to the United States attorney for New Mexico, David C. Iglesias, asking about the status of politically sensitive indictments. Mr. Iglesias was among those later dismissed and eventually told Congress he had felt pressure from Mr. Domenici.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
SWOP homepageMessage from Bush: He doesn't care about our kids.
From MoveOn;
Less than an hour ago, President Bush vetoed health care for children. We only need 15 Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto. Tomorrow, can you raise the heat at our emergency "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" in Albuquerque?
Dear MoveOn member,
President Bush just vetoed health care for children. In only his fourth veto ever, he blocked health care coverage for millions of uninsured-and mostly poor-kids.1 The Washington Post is calling this "the biggest domestic policy clash of his presidency."
Bush is totally out of step with public opinion-even 61% of Republicans support the children's health care bill.3 We need just 15 more Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto.
This is a rapid response event, so some people won't even get this email in time. That means we'll need every last person who can possibly come to help show that the public is upset about this veto. If you're reading this, please come!
Tomorrow, can you put the pressure on at our emergency "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" in Albuquerque?
Where: At the park across the street from the UNM Children's Hospital on Lomas at Yale (in Albuquerque)
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 2:00 PM
Click here to RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40951=11324-1281481-AfR5ad=2
If you have kids, definitely bring them, too!
In the coming days, Congress will try to override Bush's veto with a two-thirds majority-the Senate already passed the bill with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority and the House was close. Our goal is to pressure a few more Republicans to stand up to Bush-enough to pass the children's health bill.
If not enough Republicans buck Bush to overturn the veto, the Democrats have promised to keep sending the bill to Bush, each time increasing the pressure on vulnerable Republicans to support health care for our kids.2 This battle is over the philosophical question of whether or not we should make sure everyone gets health care-and it will set the stage for fights to come.4
Please join us at a "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" to show we're outraged that Republicans are blocking health care for our children-and to set the stage for fights to come:
Where: At the park across the street from the UNM Children's Hospital on Lomas at Yale (in Albuquerque)
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 2:00 PM
Click here to RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40951=11324-1281481-AfR5ad=3
Thanks for all you do.
-Noah, Anna, Jennifer, Marika, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007
Less than an hour ago, President Bush vetoed health care for children. We only need 15 Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto. Tomorrow, can you raise the heat at our emergency "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" in Albuquerque?
Dear MoveOn member,
President Bush just vetoed health care for children. In only his fourth veto ever, he blocked health care coverage for millions of uninsured-and mostly poor-kids.1 The Washington Post is calling this "the biggest domestic policy clash of his presidency."
Bush is totally out of step with public opinion-even 61% of Republicans support the children's health care bill.3 We need just 15 more Republicans in Congress to break with Bush to override the veto.
This is a rapid response event, so some people won't even get this email in time. That means we'll need every last person who can possibly come to help show that the public is upset about this veto. If you're reading this, please come!
Tomorrow, can you put the pressure on at our emergency "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" in Albuquerque?
Where: At the park across the street from the UNM Children's Hospital on Lomas at Yale (in Albuquerque)
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 2:00 PM
Click here to RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40951=11324-1281481-AfR5ad=2
If you have kids, definitely bring them, too!
In the coming days, Congress will try to override Bush's veto with a two-thirds majority-the Senate already passed the bill with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority and the House was close. Our goal is to pressure a few more Republicans to stand up to Bush-enough to pass the children's health bill.
If not enough Republicans buck Bush to overturn the veto, the Democrats have promised to keep sending the bill to Bush, each time increasing the pressure on vulnerable Republicans to support health care for our kids.2 This battle is over the philosophical question of whether or not we should make sure everyone gets health care-and it will set the stage for fights to come.4
Please join us at a "Rally for Our Children's Health Care" to show we're outraged that Republicans are blocking health care for our children-and to set the stage for fights to come:
Where: At the park across the street from the UNM Children's Hospital on Lomas at Yale (in Albuquerque)
When: Thursday, Oct 4 2007, 2:00 PM
Click here to RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=40951=11324-1281481-AfR5ad=3
Thanks for all you do.
-Noah, Anna, Jennifer, Marika, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007
Day after election....it's a good day.
Congratulations to all of last nights winners and to Albuquerque residents who agreed to pass important measures to distribute power amongst the council and the Mayor, provide affordable housing to many ABQ residents, strengthen recall efforts and although street bonds have been controversial in the past, I was happy to see that the very much needed improvements for 86th and Sage were also approved.
Here is some great commentary about yesterday's election day. And we look forward to the work ahead.
M-Pyre
Democracy for New Mexico
Here is some great commentary about yesterday's election day. And we look forward to the work ahead.
M-Pyre
Democracy for New Mexico
Labels: Albuquerque City Council, Albuquerque City Elections
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
SWOP homepageVote Today! Right now, go...right now.
If you haven't done so already; Take a break, take your voter guide by the League of Women voters, and take yourself to your polling location and exercise your civic duty.And if civic duty isn't "sexy" enough, then make your voice heard and make your choice count! Because it does count and it does matter.
If you have already voted. Congratulations! You are what makes democracy better.
Labels: Oct 2nd municipal elections, voting
Monday, October 01, 2007
SWOP homepageThis afternoon: KPFK's Voices from the Frontlines interviews SWOP's Monica Cordova
Click the link below to listen to Monica as she's interviewed about APS.
Monday, October 1, 2007
5:00pm MST
Pacifica Station KPFK
90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara
Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.org
Monday, October 1, 2007
5:00pm MST
Pacifica Station KPFK
90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara
Streaming live on the web at www.kpfk.org
