Nuestra Gente, Nuestro Futuro (Our People, Our Future)

"It is not enough to teach our young people to be successful...so they can realize their ambitions, so they can earn good livings, so they can accumulate the material things that this society bestows. Those are worthwhile goals. But it is not enough to progress as individuals while our friends and neighbors are left behind."

- Cesar Chavez

I look back at my childhood and the dreams and aspirations I once held. In many respects I hold on to those still. My mother instilled in me a deep desire not to forget. Not to forget who I am and were I came from. For her it was important for me to recognize the struggle and suffering it took for her to bring me here to this country. Today our generation -the generation of sons and daughters born of immigrant parents - can proudly honor their struggle for a better America. In just a few days we will witness history. Generations after us will look back at this moment as one of our greatest. The generation that has struggled for so long to keep loyal to the ideals of an American dream that has been shattered by the corrupt and greedy. Our dear Cesar Chavez said it best, "Our struggle is not easy. Those who oppose our cause are rich and powerful and they have many allies in high places. We are poor. Our allies are few. But we have something the rich do not own. We have our bodies and spirits and the justice of our cause as our weapons." Let us proudly celebrate this great accomplishment of unity.

Yet, we must realize that our struggles and sacrifices are not over. It is now up to us to show the rest of the world what we are made of. To bring to light what we truly represent as Americans. A nation of compassionate people. A light to the world that reflects a great power, the people. May this light shine once again. Let the world see us as Americans united in a common hope, in a common desire, in a common dream.

We must now begin the real work of unity. We must now begin the next phase of this American experience. What we have learned from the last eight years is that we can no longer turn our backs on one another. We must work together in order to accomplish true success. Again Cesar Chavez says it best, "We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community...Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own."

Let us go forward and begin the work that must be done.

Paz y Amor.

Enrique Vergara

henricusv154@yahoo.com

Limbaugh: Powell endorsed Obama because of race

Leave it to the hate brigade to see the world in black and white—quite literally.

Following Colin Powell’s endorsement of Barack Obama, Rush Limbaugh immediately pronounced the decision was based on race. Many of Rush’s fellow travelers soon chimed in. In their minds, the decision was obvious. Both men are black. Therefore, Powell will naturally support Obama.

This assumption begs a question. Why haven’t Condoleezza Rice and  Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas joined this cabal and endorsed Obama? Are they waiting until after the election when President Obama appoints an all-black cabinet? Indeed, if all black public figures march in lockstep, why did Tavis Smiley conduct a public feud with Barack Obama earlier this year after the senator sent a surrogate to the State of the Black Union hosted by Mr. Smiley?

As evidence of their argument, the Limburgers point out that 97% of blacks support Obama for president. So what? The same charges were leveled against John F. Kennedy when Catholics overwhelming supported JFK in 1960. The Rush Limbaughs of that day assured the public that if they elected Kennedy, the Pope would control the White House.    

Fostering a conspiracy theory of black unanimity is bad enough. Attacking the integrity of Colin Powell is even more outrageous.

Suggesting a man like Colin Powell would make his decision based on skin color is a blindness nothing short of bigotry. Throughout his military and political career, Powell has selected men and women for advancement purely on merit. Ask the people who have served with Powell if they feel he has ever shown any racial preference. Even the fact Powell is a black Republican should be a good indication of his impartial judgment. The GOP is hardly a haven for affirmative action.

During his public announcement of Obama’s endorsement, Powell stressed his decision had been difficult. He turned away from his own party’s candidate and explained his reasons in great detail. But Limbaugh and his dittoheads cannot accept the words of a man who has repeatedly proven his honor and integrity. Nope. To them it’s very simple. He’s black. End of story.

Of course, had Powell stuck to the party line and endorsed McCain, would Limbaugh have said it was because both were former military men? I don’t think so. Limbaugh would have lauded Powell as a statesman who simply chose the best candidate.

Limbaugh’s accusation reminds me of a telling moment from this year’s third presidential debate. As McCain continued to pursue Obama’s tenuous connection with one-time radical William Ayers, Obama replied, “Senator, this issue says a lot more about you than it does about me.”

Raul Ramos y Sanchez

Obama Te Ama Benefit - Oct. 23rd

Check out some great sounds and support Senator Barack Obama's run for the White House.

Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 8:00pm to 2:00am

At: Hecho en Mexico

4976 Huntington Drive South

Los Angeles, CA 90032

Hosted by Alysha del Valle of Latino 96.3FM

DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill

Featured bands include...

>>>>Volumen Cero

Miami-based Latin rock band Volumen Cero was formed in the late '90s by musicians from South America who were previously playing under the name of Orgasmic Bliss, releasing an independent album in 1996. A year later, the group's name was changed to Volumen Cero, making its debut while participating in a national contest sponsored by Latin television network Telemundo and becoming one of the finalists. In May of 1998, Volumen Cero's debut album called Andromeda, produced by Richard Coleman, was released. In addition, the band participated in a tribute to British goth rock act the Cure with "Lovesong" and a similar to Caifanes, featuring "No Dejes Que." The growing buzz on the band was strong enough to convince Warner Music Latina to sign them in 2001, leading to the release of the Loces album in the summer of 2002.

>>>>>Los Hollywood

After a year of song writing and pre-production, "Los Hollywood" finally started recording their debut album on January 28th. The drums were recorded at blue plant studios in Los Angeles, CA. A few days later on February 9th the bass and acoustic guitars were recorded in Los Angeles. We came back to San Diego to record electric guitars, keyboards and other arrangements. To conclude, the recording of the vocals took place on Palm Springs, CA on February 25. Mix and Mastering is being done at this moment.

Please RSVP to obamateamarsvp@gmail.com

Price includes complimentary FOOD, DRINK.

PRIZES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.

We'll be selling cool t-shirts, buttons, etc. so PLEASE bring some extra mula for la' causa.

Thanks for your support!