Raquel Rivera's San Isidro

Raquel Z. Rivera is a singer-songwriter (Las 7 Salves de La Magdalena/7 Songs of Praise for The Magdalene), author (New York Ricans from the Hip Hop Zone, Palgrave Macmillan, 2003), editor of the anthology Reggaeton (Duke University Press, 2009), scholar at the Center for Puerto Rican Studies (Hunter College), freelance journalist, essay and fiction writer, and member of Afro-Boricua music group Alma Moyo.

Raquel's latest work of art is her life in San Isidro of the South Valley, Nuevo Mexico. Here's an excerpt from her blog Cascabel de Cobre:

My brother introduced me to San Isidro Labrador (Saint Isidore the Farmer) some years ago. Jorge Homar carries around a small estampita of the saint in his wallet. A cook and farming enthusiast, my brother is passionate about everything related to growing and preparing food. From the moment I realized the saint was working his magic from inside my little brother's wallet, San Isidro has had a piece of my heart.

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A Blue Texas? Latinos Will Decide

As Latinos tilt Democratic, can Texas stay ‘red’?

That's the question Michael B. Farrell examines in his terrific article in today's Christian Science Monitor. While he doesn't give an answer, he lays out some of the political and demographic trends shaping the outcome. For example:

• Texas' major cities are now controlled by Democrats
• Texas recently joined California, New Mexico and Hawaii as a minority majority state
• Texas Latinos comprise 36% of the population (eclipsing the Anglo pop. by 2020)
• Texas in-migration of Anglos are typically younger, more urban and more progressive than are native Anglo Texans
• Nationally, younger Latinos backed Obama 76% to 19% for McCain
• Texas Anglos is an aging demographic (e.g., 70% of people older than 60 in Harris County/Houston are Anglo, while more than 75% of people younger than 30 are non-Anglo)

Of course, changes in demographics alone will not decide the fate of a political party. After all, immigrant groups have been known to migrate politically as they solidified their middle class status, and the same thing could happen with Latinos and other populations in Texas. It is, in part, how President G. W. Bush managed to get 46% of the Texas Latino vote in '04.

And there's always the possibility -- slim as it may be -- of the party exorcising itself and transforming into a competent, humane and forward thinking option more in-sync with peoples' aspirations instead of their fears.

But actions and words matter. And Republicans of late have been hell bent on scapegoating all of the nation's problems on immigrants -- Latino immigrants in particular. Some of their leading nativist propagandists--Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter, Tom Tancredo, Patrick Buchanan, Michael Savage, and many others--view Latinos in general as a threat.

As a result, Republicans have been steadily losing Latino support. According to Pew, Latino support for the GOP dropped 9% between '04 and '08.

Further dimming their prospects are Republican views on the environment, women's rights, gay rights, labor rights, foreign policy and economics. Harsh conservative views trouble today's younger voters of all stripes -- across the nation as well as in Texas.

Imagine a Texas-less Republican Party. Hard to imagine, right? But nevertheless, likely. Had Texas flipped this year, McCain would have lost by 399 to 137 EVs instead of 365 to 171 trouncing he received. If Texas flips in 2012 or 2016, the damage to the GOP will be even greater if, as expected, 1 or 2 electoral votes are added to its total as per reapportionment.

Barring a catastrophic failure on the part of President Barack Obama and the national Democrats, it's hard to see a scenario whereby Republicans stop Texas from going Blue. They have blown it! Nativism, warmongering and economic incompetence are just not selling points for people looking for brighter futures.

Related: Changing Face of Texas: Population Projections and Implications

Young Latino Voters on the Rise

Over a year ago, I wrote that the new primary schedule would give America's growing Latino voting population a potentially decisive voting bloc. We've seen evidence of this trend in California, Nevada, New York and elsewhere, but it's in Texas, and especially among younger Latinos, that is proving most significant.

Young Latino Voters on the Rise is an article in today's press by AP which examines this timely issue. Here's an excerpt:

The power of that fast-growing slice of the Latino vote may soon be put to the test in Texas, where Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are competing fiercely for the support of Hispanic voters in the state's March 4 Democratic primary.

About 20 percent, of 2.6 million, registered voters in Texas have Hispanic surnames, and about a third of the state's eligible Hispanic voters are 18 to 29.

''If they turn out in bigger numbers than they have in the past, it could be a real turning point. It's this very large and growing untapped pool,'' said Roberto Suro, a founder of the Pew Hispanic Center and a journalism professor at the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication.

Full Article Si, Se Puede!

Cumbia de Obama - New Music Video!

What's so much fun is to see the explosion of excitement and creativity that so many young people inspired by Senator Barack Obama are bringing to the public square during this primary season.

Here's yet another terrific Latino-produced video featuring Senator Barack Obama--this one with a Cumbia beat. It was sent to me by Sasha Costanza-Chock and produced by losobamaleros.

BTW: I love the intoxicating rhythms and sounds of the Cumbia.

Oh -- And wouldn't it be fun to finally have an American presidente con ritmo.

Sasha says ¡Clickalo! Me, too. ¡Clickalo!

Yes, We Can!

Obama Texas Mashup

This YouTube by txriotgrrl gives viewers a sense of what many Texans at the grassroots are doing in support of change and the Obama campaign.

Nice beat. Easy to dance to. Filled with hope. I give it a 10.

Texas Latina Calls for Obama Volunteers for San Antonio GOTV

If Hillary is winning the Texas women, Latinos--and, of course, most Latinas, how is it that I keep coming across so many pro-Obama Texan Latinas?

Jeannette is yet another young woman doing her part to get Senator Barack Obama elected president of the United States. Unlike the "telenovela sheeple" preferred by the party hacks feeding off the Clinton wagon train, Jeannette is an inspired, active and smart young woman who's investing her time and talents to the cause of uplifting Tejanos, Texas and America.

Here's a message from my new friend Jeannette:

We need volunteers for get out the vote in San Antonio. Please help!!! Viva Obama! Contact Jeannette at jeannette998@sbcglobal.net thanks!!!

Yes, Viva Obama!!!! Viva Jeannette!!!! Viva Tejas!!!!

Obama Song Portait: We Are The Change

A link to this video was part of Anne Villa's comment in response to today's Houston Chronicle story entitled Poll: McCain and Obama lead in Texas. I reposted for American Taino readers to feel a bit of the pride, joy and excitement Senator Barack Obama's presidential candidacy has brought to people everywhere including young Latinos such as Anne Villa of Texas.

I love the video producer's tag line: We are the Hope for the Future - YES WE CAN!

Enjoy. Si, Se Puede!

I am so proud of Obama, so thrilled that I'm alive to experience this point in our history. I can't wait until he is President; I look forward to the fresh, healing breath of air he will be for our country and the rest of the world. Hard as the media etc keeps trying (on Morning Joe, Pat Buchanan advised Hillary she should 'drop a bomb on him'!) they can't stop him - because they cannot stop the hopes and ambitions of the American people; those hopes and ambitions are what Barack is going to empower. Finally, we the COMMON people will also have someone in our corner - all across America we are COMING TOGETHER despite all the fake bomb scares Barack's adversaries can contrive.

CHECK THIS OUT AND GET EVEN MORE FIRED UP:
NEW - on YOUTUBE "OBAMA SONG PORTRAIT: WE ARE THE CHANGE by Bjarne O."

As the composer, Bjarne O., writes:

"I combined Latino Rhythms, Chinese Erhu, African- and Native-American Voices with the Contemporary Symphonic Orchestra - in the great spirit of Unity - for this Song in support of Obama's great and true message: "Our Time Has Come; We the People are the Change we've all been waiting for. We are the Hope for the Future - YES WE CAN."

Imagine Obama--Yes We Can! (David Archuleta American Idol)

This clever video by SyliCast brings together the awesome voice of American Idol favorite--and Latino--David Archuleta, a timeless and evocative hit of the Beetles, and the phenom that is Obama. Pretty nifty combo. See her YouTube channel for many more creative and provocative pieces.

(BTW: SyliCast, aren't all Latinas supposed to vote Hillary? You're dangerous to the status quo.) Imagínese! Si, Se Puede!

Con Obama Una Nueva Oportunidad

Texas State Rep. Ana E. Hernandez for Obama

Texas State Representative Ana E. Hernandez is yet another Texas Latina for Obama.

Hernandez was elected in December, 2005 to represent District 143 in the Texas House of Representatives. District 143 covers part of Houston including areas of Magnolia, Manchester, Port Houston, Cimarron and Denver Harbor, the cities of Galena Park and Jacinto City, and portions of Pasadena and Channelview. She serves on the House Committees on Juvenile Justice and Family Issues, Border and International Affairs, and Rules and Resolutions.

Tejanos Por Obama

Obama in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Texas Latinos Tejanos: Viva Obama!!!

Video: Si Se Puede Cambiar (Yes We Can Change)

More Texan-Tejano Love for Obama

More Tejano endorsements of Senator Obama:

"I am the Latino son of immigrants, but, rather than engaging in the contrived politics of division, I want Barack Obama, a black man of mixed ethnicity, to be my president. How's that for the politics of hope?" State Rep Rafael Anchia - Dallas

"I'm endorsing my friend Barack to become the next President of the United States because he is the one candidate who is looking past the partisan rancor and divisive politics of the moment, and instead focusing on a new approach to policy formation in our country." State Rep. Juan Garcia - Corpus Christi

"Part of what drives me is his life story. It's a fascinating life story. It's more than just the issues, it's his values. I think Hispanics and South Texas should really be able to relate to him." State Rep. Pete Gallego - Alpine

“I believe that Barack Obama is a presidential candidate that will make and inspire Americans to take action. To take action for America, to take action in their own lives, to restore faith in government, to restore the world’s perception of America.” State Rep. Eddie Lucio III - San Benito

"Senator Obama brings all these new fresh faces. He has a wider audience. He has the greater potential to engage a greater number of people.’’ U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez - San Antonio

“We like Obama’s position on immigration, driver’s licenses, and education. He is also a big supporter of the DREAM Act. We are very excited about his leadership and we think he is right on the issues of healthcare, the economy, and the War in Iraq.” Steve Salazar, Chair, Mexican American Democrats

Rafael Anchía: Obama is preaching the politics of hope - not division

Rep. Juan Garcia endorses Obama!

Mexican American Democrats group endorses Obama

Gonzalez endorses Obama

Texas' Most Repected Latino Leader Endorses Obama

Speaking of the hugely important upcoming primary in Texas....Its most respected Latino--State Rep. Pete Gallego--just endorsed Senator Barack Obama.

Gallego is chairman of the Texas Mexican American Legislative Caucus.

Here's bit of what he had to say:

"I made a determination that it's time to pass the mantle on to a new set of folks at the national level."

"Obama's life story and his values are so much closer to the Latino community than any candidate other than Bill Richardson."

"Part of what drives me is his life story. It's a fascinating life story. It's more than just the issues, it's his values. I think Hispanics and South Texas should really be able to relate to him."

The non-partisan Mexican American Legislative Caucus comprises most Latino members of the Texas House of Representatives. Gallego said he was in the process of contacting other Democrats in MALC to see who they are lining up for in the presidential election.

I wonder who will have more influence with Caucus members, Mr Gallegos or Hillary's demoted Ms. Patti Solis Doyle?

Also, isn't this notable endorsement, the endorsements of other Latino leaders, and the millions of Latinos that regularly vote for African Americans candidates, including, of course, Barack Obama, yet more evidence that the Clinton Campaign's cynical belief that Latinos are too racist to support an African American a truly despicable lie?

Texas Gov. Perry Defends Immigrants and Stops a Wrongly Convicted Man from Being Executed

Two important markers were set in the last 24 hours by Texas' Governor Rick Perry:

1. Gov.Perry upheld the decision of the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole Rules to grant clemency to death row inmate Kenneth Foster--a man about to be executed for a murder he didn't commit.

I'd like to see Gov. Perry lead an effort to re-evaluate Texas' penal code--which is clearly one of the most barbaric in the world.

2. Gov. Perry praised Mexican workers--including the undocumented, criticized the U.S. Congress for failing to pass immigration legislation and asked American politicians to cut the mean talk and grow up. And he said these things while abroad in Mexico!

In these two instances, Gov. Perry has exhibited greater leadership and vision than has been demonstrated by the Republicans currently on the national stage.

My bet is that these moves--especially his pro-immigrant stance--will actually be a huge political plus going forward.

Arizona's English-learners to study English all day

New learners must spend 4 hours a day on English (by Pat Kossan, The Arizona Republic
7.14.07)

Arizona's English-learners spend most of their school day with kids who already know the language.

That changes this fall.

All kids still learning English will have to spend at least four of their five or six class hours in new courses in English grammar, phonetics, conversation, reading and writing.

It's a big change in the way the state's K-12 schools will teach English to about 135,000 kids, whose primary language is most often Spanish, but also Navajo, Somali and dozens of others. Many of those kids now get about an hour of English a day.

"More time on task. That's a tried-and-true educational standard," said economist Alan Maguire, who headed a task force that created the state's new language-learning requirements. "If you want to learn how to play the piano, what do they tell you to do? They tell you to practice."

The new model is based on a law passed last summer.

Supporters say the state is finally providing a structured language-learning model that replaces a dizzying variety of instructional methods used with varying success.

But critics warn that it is an expensive plan that segregates English-learners for most of their school day and limits their lessons in core subjects, such as math, science and history. It also will cut back on their socializing with peers.

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Migrantless Arizona output would drop 8.2% or $29 billion

Migrantless Ariz. output would drop 8.2% (by Ryan Randazzo, The Arizona Republic -
7.11.07)

If all undocumented workers were removed from Arizona's workforce, economic output would drop annually by at least $29 billion, or 8.2 percent, according to a report by the University of Arizona Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy.

It also found that Arizona's documented and undocumented immigrants generate nearly $44 billion in output annually.

The study also looked at what would happen to specific industries that lost most non-citizen workers. The figures assumed unskilled citizens would fill some positions.

Without most non-citizen immigrants, the simulations showed:

• $6.56 billion in lost construction output.
• $3.77 billion lost in manufacturing.
• $2.48 billion lost in service sectors.
• $600.9 million lost in agriculture.

"Filling the specific jobs in question would require large numbers of low-skilled workers, and the U.S. education system produces relatively few of them," Gans said. "There simply aren't enough additional workers in Arizona to fill the jobs."

There are an estimated half-million [undocumented] immigrants in Arizona.

Snow in Tucson? It's Still A Lovely Place

Here's another picture of the freaky weather we're having across the country. This one is from outside my brother-in-law's home in TUCSON, ARIZONA!!!!!!

Yes, TUCSON!!!!!

For those not lucky enough to have visited Tucson, please know that it's NOT supposed to snow there.

It's also a wonderful city, and it's worth a visit.

It's a terrific "Latino Heritage" City with Adobe and Spanish-style architecture in its historic section as well as in new construction. It's the quintessential Southern Boomtown with lots of sunny days, expansive out doors recreational offerings and a lively Latino presence. In terms of politics, Tucson is the progressive City in an otherwise conservative Arizona.

Below are some of the great places and events that are are must when visiting Tuscon, the almost always City in of the Sun.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

In searching for the Tuscon Botanical Gardens, I drove by it numerous times because I was looking for something resembling a traditional garden with sprawling lawns and trees with large canopies. But the Tucson Garden is on a main thoroughfare tucked in behind a wall. It's small by botanic garden standards but its truly a gem.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

This museum is a real treat--it features animal and plant life from the Sonoran desert. It's also one of the best designed and most beautifully kept museums.

Mission San Xavier

If you like history and/or religious sites, San Xavier has it all. This place was built in the 1600s as part of the Spanish missions push into the upper reaches of what was once New Spain. It's purpose was to bring Christianity to the Indians of the area. Even today the mission provides a school for Tohono O'odham children.


Pima Air & Space Museum

If you have children, they'll love this place. First, it's huge. Most of the displays literally sit on desert grounds and are fully intact. And there are additional displays inside in a number of buildings. My favorite was the JFK's Air Force One. It's smaller than the photos suggest and the technology is so antique, but it was in that 727 that JFK and LBJ flew.

Sabino Canyon

The Sabino Canyon is a cool place to visit. It sits high in Catalina Mountain and it offers great views, wonderful hiking, swimming holes and a nifty trolley excursion. It also has a fabulous nature and gift store. However, they do warn people to be on the look out for mountain lions.

Tucson Rodeo Parade

The Tucson Rodeo Parade begins the 2 week "La Fiesta de los Vaqueros" or celebration of the Cowboy held annually in February since 1925.

The parade is the country's longest wagon train of wagons, cowboys on horseback, stage coaches, Indian riders, show horses, beauty queens and marching bands.

The parade lasts 2 hours and the crowd numbers in the tens of thousands.