Danielle Duran and Diane Denish

Danielle Duran, my sister, was recently named the Northern Coordinator for the Diane Denish for Governor campaign. Danielle (yes, I'm biased), is a great choice for this position. As a former Española City Councilor, Danielle knows El Norte well. And, being my father's daughter connections to political factions and families throughout the area are complete. But, that's just the beginning of the story.

A Tribute to All the Real Fathers Out There

Yesterday was Father's Day. Here's an opportunity for all you dads to chime in and tell us what you and your family did for Father's Day.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to spend the day with my father. He was off rescuing my mother and sister from Colorado. The car that they were bringing home ended up not working, so - Dad to the Rescue!!! When isn't that man taking care of his family? My sister, my children, and I are blessed to have such a man as the head of the family.

There IS a Difference

Two women are running for New Mexico Governor. One is a lifelong resident of our state. The other is Hispanic, born in El Paso, and has lived in New Mexico for less than twenty years.

Both have turned up the heat. Each has entered the blazing territory on immigrants. One unequivocally toes her party's line. The other chose to speak about the Real ID and driver's licenses for immigrants.

I listened to one of them Wednesday evening, at the Inn at the Delta, in the company of some of northern New Mexico's most influential chicanas. Diane Denish spoke candidly on several issues, including the struggle to differentiate herself from her opponent on the issue of immigrants. Ms. Denish reminded our group that she was one of the first to oppose Arizona's SB1070. Her comments on driver's licenses for immigrants may have focused a certain lens on her campaign, but Diane Denish is NOT Susanna Martinez. She does not toe the Republican party line on immigrants. Nor does she take $450k donations from a Texan, who would like nothing more than to influence New Mexico policy making.

Since when do New Mexicans listen to Texans on how our beautiful state should be run? Never. And, Diane Denish knows this with all her heart! She is a TRUE New Mexican, developing state programs to help small businesses, focusing on the economy through education, and fighting for women's right for equal pay in the workplace.

We DO have a choice - vote for a woman raised in El Paso, who cares nothing for the suffering of her Mexican brothers and sisters in the colonias of southern New Mexico, or vote for a New Mexican, born and bred, who knows and values our way of life. This race is not about ethnicity. This race is not about Bill Richardson. This race is not just about immigrant rights.

This IS a race about who will best care for ALL residents of our proud land, New Mexico! And, I am one Hermana de Diane, who will be fighting to keep Texas out of our government, and keep el orgullo de nuestra gente in by working and voting FOR Diane Denish!

Denish Fundraiser Tomorrow at the Eagles

Come meet and speak with Diane Denish, Democratic candidate for Governor! 6pm, Española Eagles Club, $25/ticket.

Que Viva la Huelga!

Today, my sister and I had coffee and the best raisin roll in the world at Downtown Subscription, in Santa Fe. Living in Española, I often forget that I do not belong to the "majority" ethnicity. I forget there IS such a thing as "whitey". This morning, I shared a space with a whole lotta people who reminded me that whitey is alive and well in northern New Mexico.

There, my sister and I discussed our mom always taking us to events in Santa Fe where we were often the only Chicanas. Consequently, my sister is much more comfortable with middle class/upper middle class/rich white folk. This lead to our musing over being "boojie", or bourgeoise. My sister accepts that she is. I struggle, have always struggled against our middle class upbringing.

My sister reminded me that revolution can only happen when the middle class is sick of itself. I'd finally found my zen! I was PERFECT in my struggle not to be "boojie". If I stopped struggling, there would never be a revolution.

So, I move forward, no longer tormented by the struggle; but, enlivened by it! My sister reminded me, too, that it's the struggle that makes everything worth it! Let's get this party (revolution) started!

The Freedom to Be

Recently, I answered a question I heard posed on tv: If you could have any job in the world, what would you choose? I answered quickly, and silently, 'Open a dress shop - women's fashion'. This surprised me! I thought, 'Still?' This was a dream of mine in high school. Actually, I've always loved fashion! I come from a long line of fashionistas! I was surprised because most of my adult life has focused on community organizing. It seems my heart is somewhere else.

Don't think - just answer the question: If you could choose any job in the world, what would you choose? I hope you'll share that here, in the comments section below this post.

What motivates us is complex. I love "doing good" for my community - my world. One of the most powerful feelings, though, is to see a woman come into a shop (yes, I've worked at several), find a salesperson who can evoke the woman's vision of her inner beauty, and bring that to light. When a woman feels beautiful she shines; she takes that self appreciation out into her world. Perhaps that is "doing good" for my community - our world!

LANL/NMED HazWaste Burn Permit Public Hearings

Many of you know that I have worked for thirteen years on environmental issues surrounding New Mexico's north-central communities. Recently, I conducted outreach in conjunction with Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety (CCNS), Tewa Women United (TWU), NM Conference of Churches, The Sisters of Loretto, Embudo Environmental Montoring Group (EVEMG), and Honor Our Pueblo Existence (HOPE) in regards to the public hearings on the draft permit to be issued/denied by NM Environment Dept. to Los Alamos National Laboratory.

You could go to CCNS's website to get "our" take on the permit. However, tonight, I found another community member's perspective. I think both should be read and considered.

http://www.nuclearactive.org/news/index.html

http://lanl-the-back-story.blogspot.com/2010/04/nmedlanl-hazardous-waste-permit-hearing.html

Here's the link to read any written comments submitted by the public on the permit:
ftp://ftp.nmenv.state.nm.us/hwbdocs/HWB/lanl/permit/comments/

Finally, here are links to some of the audio comments (edited) given during the public hearing - including mine and news on the permit in general:
http://www.culturalenergy.org/mp3/nmed-openburn-may10.mp3
http://www.culturalenergy.org/lanl.htm

"The Real Susanna Martinez" from the Democratic Party of NM Blog

Today, Diane Denish was at Anthony's at the Delta in Española. She shook hands with each attendee, was warm and friendly, and spoke about her campaign in terms that everyone understood well. The Republicans are on the attack! And, $450,000 was just poured into Susanna Martinez' campaign by a resident of Texas.

Hearing about this donation from Diane Denish, and about Susanna Martinez, made me do a little investigating.

Here are some of the facts listed on the following blog: http://democraticpartyofnewmexico.blogspot.com/2010/06/real-susana-martinez.html

Hope you'll read the entire article and do some fact checking on your own!

* In 2004, Martinez said she wouldn’t plea bargain a DWI case – in fact it was a campaign pledge – and then she broke her promise more than 800 times. She cut plea bargain deals with more than 800 felony DWI offenders since making the pledge, and more than 1,000 in total. [Las Cruces Sun-News, 9/5/04; Albuquerque Journal, 5/19/10; Administrative Office of the Courts, Annual Reports, Third District Court, FY 1999-2009, accessed 5/11/10]
* Martinez boasts about her conviction rate, but in reality, one out of every three district court criminal defendants gets off. [Administrative Office of the Courts, Annual Reports, Third District Court, FY 1999-2009, accessed 5/11/10]
* Nearly 40 percent of felony murder defendants got off and her rape conviction rate is only 57 percent. [Administrative Office of the Courts, Annual Reports, Third District Court, FY 1999-2009, accessed 5/11/10]

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Bday, Mom! I don't think I can tell you how old she is, but I'll be 42 soon and she was 28 when I was born. That lady has more energy than me AND my sister put together! She taught high school English for over 30 years, has 2.75 masters degrees, has traveled the world, is the most loving grandmother to my children, and was amazing the way she raised my sister and me, taught, and constantly was in school! Mom is a marvelous being and I'm so blessed to be her daughter! Felicidades, mamcita!

In celebration of my mother, I interviewed her to find out why she is so healthy and happy. Here is a count-down of her top ten tips for living well longer:

10. Drink wine with your meal, daily.

9. Move, move, move

8. Wear sunscreen

7. Get a massage as often as possible

6. Read, read, read

5. Get outside for some Vitamin D sun

4. Eat oatmeal - it scrubs your blood

3. Laugh every day - it keeps stress at bay

2. Stay connected with your family

1. Do what you love

Campaign Volunteerism, A Local's Perspective

The strongest volunteer action one can take in politics is to choose your candidate and devote your time to her/him. Volunteering for a national organization will get you a social life - but, in this year's election, won't make the difference we need to elect qualified, engaged candidates!

I've chosen two candidates to support: Diane Denish for NM Governor, and U. S. Representative Ben Ray, who is up for re-election. This means that after Tuesday, I become a part of two races that promise to be very heated. I look forward to the flame in my heart being turned up a few notches in the pursuit of victory. Yes, that's right, I AM a TRUE BELIEVER.

True Believers make great sacrifice in volunteering for a political campaign - as, our radical hearts are often broken by the fierce nature of politics. Nevertheless, we wouldn't be ourselves if we stayed at home watching "True Blood" instead of walking blocks, phone banking, and assisting at rallies.

National campaigns have a love/hate relationship with True Believers. We are the most dedicated, and most difficult volunteers. We are well informed, well read, well heeled, and well . . . just plain pains in the ass. But, we're worth the trouble, because we dive into an assigned task with great zeal!

Locally run campaigns (that means the director is local) have an easier time working with True Believers. They know the nuances of their volunteers' communities. They know that new voters are NOT going to be energized to vote through random phone calls by zealous campaign volunteers, but through meet-ups, get togethers, and social events that include food and music. They know that being on the ground doesn't mean shipping people in from all over the country or world. And, they know how to engage local leaders who AREN'T elected officials.

So, dear reader, if you have time to volunteer join your chosen candidate's/candidates' campaigns. Be guided by the wisdom of local campaign directors who will use your knowledge and actions to make a difference in YOUR community. Use your energy for TRUE good! Make a REAL difference!

Diane Denish's Future Opponent?

"One Republican running in her party’s primary for governor this year, Susana Martinez, a southern New Mexico prosecutor, has filmed a commercial promoting border security and a promise to revoke the law granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and deny taxpayer-supported scholarships to illegal immigrants." --New York Times, 5/11

An Easy Decision

This post will be brief. It is my opinion that anyone who can read the following article from the Rio Grande Sun and still vote for Yvonne Quintana for District Court Judge, must live in the land of illusion! Link to the article: http://www.riograndesun.com/articles/2010/05/07/news/doc4be1938333d9b845468383.txt

What Comes Around, Goes Around

Today was a good day to remember that we, as human beings, are constantly moving in cycles that change a bit more each time we come around. What's important is that we recognize the cycle and help ourselves to stretch beyond limits during the growing stage.

Watching, listening, and loving are tantamount to our evolution. Dispelling fear as we encounter that which is new is basic to our ability to thrive. Getting bogged down in old patterns breeds corruption and eventually entropy. Help the universe to grow, by growing.

Remaining in gratitude is often a challenge. Seek contentment rather than pleasure. Today was a good reminder!

Welcome!

I come from a long line of community organizers, sometimes known as entremetidos (just kidding). I've worked on community health and education issues all my adult life. I've decided to publish my own blog because it's time that we speak our minds and give each other the opportunity for clear, respectful dialog. It's time that we cut the bullshit that our corporate media feeds our communities and start telling our own truth. So, here we are.

I dedicate this blog to my hero, Dolores Huerta. Her tenacity, courage, and dedication to the cause, community, and family are my inspiration. She spoke her mind, worked tirelessly, involved her family, and always looked great doing it!

The last project I finished was to work on bringing community to the public hearings held by NM Environment Dept. (NMED) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) regarding the 10 year Hazardous Waste Burn Permit, which NMED issues to LANL. I am grateful to and amazed by all those who chose to make comments in favor of changing the permit language to better protect the health of northern New Mexicans and our environment. It takes great courage to speak your mind - and allow your heart to be known- to such Goliath's as those corporations now administering LANL.

I worked on this project as a member of Las Mujeres Hablan (LMH). LMH is a group of nine women representing seven non-profit, community based organizations (most of us are executive directors of our organizations). My organization is Community Service Organization (CSO)del Norte, named so in honor of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez who met and got their start at a CSO in California.

Las Mujeres Hablan members have worked together informally for many years. Formally, for two years. We've had great successes! And, I hope that our work on the burn permit will be one more.

Thank you, reader, for visiting this blog. Together, we'll make the truth known!