Los Begas Bound! And Other Bits.

WELL, IT’S BEEN A WHILE since I’ve written, here, and I do it less and less. Most of what I have to say politically, I put out there in the form of video, as was the intention stated in the video Cambiando, made at the end of 2008. Of course I will always be writing, here, there, here and there. I write today to tell you about my impending trip, and a few other things.

1) Netroots Nation 2010. I entered a contest to win a scholarship to attend this annual blogfest, as without these sorts of things, I’d no doubt never go! So I’m happy to say that Democracy for America along with America’s Voice have awarded me a scholarship and I will be there this year in Vegas, from July 22 – 25th. If we’ve spoken and you are going to be there, drop me a line at nezuaATxolagrafikDOTcom (or if you gots mah numba, text me) and perhaps we can meet up for a good soul-healing bout of drunken karaoke or something.

2) Thanks. There’s been a few times that I’ve asked for help from my readers for events like this or when things got tight, and you have come through for me. We’re all hanging on by our fingernails, there’s a lot of blog fundraisers out there (I’m not about to pitch one today), and yet readers have always cared enough to reach out in that way. Usually I thank you privately, and if I’ve ever forgotten, I want to apologize and thank you publicly now for each and every cent or time you’ve done so. I have de-emphasized the Donate button on my blog over the years simply because I didn’t want people to feel there was a nag everytime they came to read. But it’s always there, if you step in something and feel the need to share it.

3) Wolves in green bonnets. My amigos over at newcomm.org have asked me to bring to your attention an important link on their latest investigation and report on how the tireless racist factions of the anti-immigration movement have infiltrated the environmental agenda and dialogue. It’s important stuff.

Who would have thought that the renowned Lester Brown of Worldwatch Institute or Roderick Nash of the classicWilderness and the American Mind would involve themselves in a portion of the environmental movement that dallies with nativists and white nationalists?  Or that the Weeden Foundation, a mainstay funder of numerous environmental groups, might “steer the environmental movement toward a course fueled by bigotry and racism?”

With the release today of “Apply the Brakes: Anti-Immigrant Co-optation of the Environmental Movement,” the Center for New Community has laid these unseemly realities bare, and exposed yet another effort by anti-immigrant forces to corrupt the dialogue on the relationship of immigration to population growth to environmental degradation.  As well, the report maps the ties between anti-immigrant interests and environmental groups nationwide.

4. Mushy-mouth politicians who live in splendor and comfort chastise children who have fallen into the gap of society’s unfair laws for taking it upon themselves to drag the apathetic public eye their way.

Yeah, Dickdurbin the Senator is mad at DREAM Act students for highlighting the government’s inaction, an inaction that causes them great pain, emotional struggle, and societal roadblock.

Tuff titty, Elite Dood. You embarrass yourself with all your noise and even while trying to cover your own ass by saying “For nearly a decade, Sen. Durbin has sponsored the DREAM Act” as well as dropping the implication of threat in saying that the “tide of public opinion has long been on the side of the DREAM Act.”

So what? If they don’t be quiet you’re gonna take away your ineffectual words of support? Dig: YOUR TEN YEAR TIDAL SUPPORT HAS GIVEN THEM NADA. So unless you are willing to engage in action just as bold as they, risking just as much as they? Shut up. Damn, most of the time, Politicians really are such unself aware, silly, unserious assholes.

5. Rock and Roll Remains Righteous.

(LOS ANGELES, CA July 21) Rage Against the Machine will play their first concert in Los Angeles in 10 years at the Hollywood Palladium Friday with all proceeds going to benefit Arizona organizations fighting SB 1070. Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band will also perform.

Benefit concert performers will be joined by long time civil and immigrant rights activists Dolores Huerta, Co-Founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), Chris Newman Legal Director and General Counsel of Legal Challenge to SB 1070, and Arizona grass roots leader Sal Reza of Puente. This will be the Soundstrike’s first official press conference.

Soundstrike participant and Rage vocalist Zack de la Rocha said, “SB 1070 if enacted would legalize racial profiling in Arizona. This law runs counter to music’s essential purpose, which is to unite people and not divide them. We want to thank the artists of conscious that have joined the Soundstrike throughout the world who use their role as artists to stand for civil and human rights.”

Okay, gente. I’m outta here. On a plane in a few. If you’re out Begas way, hit me up. Peace!