Category Archives: Cuba
Clearing My Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 3
August
Ex-WSU Student, Dayton dancer hits big with Obama Impersonation
He’s really good!
July
Young Leaders We Support: 4 New Endorsements
Click this link to find out about some endorsements from WUFPAC.
Committee Members Speak out–Or Stay Mum–On Health Care Reform
Another great resource from OpenSecrets!
Alter: Our Health-Care System is Fine As Is!
June
Will $1.2 Million a Day Convince Congress to Buy Big Pharma’s Rx for Change
This is so true and really makes me think. I could not imagine supporting someone other than myself on $10 an hour…Makes me thankful for my VERY supportive family!
Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege
A nice op-ed about Health Care by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Diagnosis: Reform – Capital Eye
This is an AWESOME and I mean AWESOME one stop shop for tools linking campaign finance and the health care reform debate. Open Secrets gives a nice overview as well as links to articles about members from both parties who have connections with the Health Sector and their opinions about health care reform. Please share this with people you know or at least check to see if your congressmen are connected to the health care sector and remind them who they are supposed to represent.
May
Deep-Pocketed Donors Want Campaign Finance Reform
Latin American Countries Commit US $7 Billion for ‘Bank of the South’
US Implored to Stop Deporting Haitians
Rush Limbaugh: The Man Who Ate The G.O.P.
U.S. Offers Resolution About Cuba’s Re-entry into OAS
April
Politics of Color for Obama in Cuba
An interesting story discussing US-Cuba relations through the backdrop of an Afro Cuban and the African Diaspora.
SLM to Transfer 2,000 Overseas Jobs Back to the US
I’m sorry but Sallie Mae isn’t doing this because ‘its the right thing to do.’ Trust me when I say they have something up their sleeve – don’t be surprised if they try to get lenders based on the fact that their customer service operations are in the US of A. I am biased because I owe almost half the cost of my first home to Sallie Mae.
March
This report discusses Columbia and is also available in Spanish.
Older
Five Basic Facts On the Uninsured
Saturday Night Live: Rachel Maddow Interviews Burris And Blagojevich (VIDEO)
Clearing My Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 2
I’m still working on clearing my inbox. I have made a lot of progress. Here are more older links I have found while doing some Spring…err Summer Cleaning online. This time I will be more organized with the links. Part 3 coming soon…
July
Has American Apparel Gone Too Far?
Check out this post about a recent ad campaign that American Apparel has done. I’m not a fan of it.
Klobuchar Remarks on sexism in Sotomayor hearings
Sen. Klobuchar is one of my favorite senators. I heard her in a hearing last year and appreciated her frankness. I hope she continues to speak for the people and holds on to her unique senate style. This link is a link to Emily’s List’s new Blog Read My Lipstick but a link to the full article is there.
Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan; In US Key Econ Report Due
June
‘Save our CEOs’ Teaser for Michael Moore’s New Film
Susanna Madora Salter, America’s First Female Mayor and Elected Official
May
Former Interrogator Rebukes Cheney for Torture Speech
Article starts slow but a must need read about how the Corn Lobby is at work again…moving from food to fuel production. I wonder if this is why I haven’t seen one of those Pro High Fructose Corn Syrup commercials recently.
Hill Still A Climb For Female Staffers
April
A 19 Cent Raise in 45 years? Women Deserve Equal Pay Now
Cuba: “It’s Time to Talk” Say US Lawmakers
Women, Extremism and Two Key States
The G20 and Latin America: A “Rendezvous With Destiny” or a False Start?
Deal By Deal, China Expands Its Influence in Latin America
What Can Obama Do in Latin America?
Foreign Policy in Focus – Time to Deal With Haiti
Negritudes, la nueva estrategia de Uribe
The US-Columbia FTA and National Insecurity: A Call for Ethical Foreign Policy
Latin America: Summit Reveals a Changing Contient
March
Where to Now?: Women’s Leadership Needs New Direction
Beefy Résumé for a Giant Job: Policing Stimulus Spending
The Body Politic: Cutting Meghan McCain Down to Size
Connecting with Iraqi Entrepreneurs
Obama Responds to Reports of Violence at Border
Unknown
Murders By Columbian Military Increase, WFP Renews Calls to End Funding
Links of the Week 7 August 2009
Top Five
Sotomayor Fans Claim the Phrase ‘Wise Latina’
Congratulations to our newest Supreme Court Justice – Sonya Sotomayor! If I was a Latina I would wear a ‘Wise Latina’ shirt with pride!
Raul Castro: Cuba to Slash Social Spending
“Bacon as a Weapon of Mass Destruction”
Okay watching this almost made me sick. It also made me think of Food Network Star Paula Dean who adds fat and butter to everything oh and she fries it too.
Food Fight! 8-year old girl targets Sasha, Malia
The argument in this article is hard because targeting politicians’ kids is not cool. But the point is valid. Children in ritzy well to do public or private schools get choices. The rest have unhealthy food that is slowly killing them (I’m passionate about the connection between what is put in food i.e. chemicals, excess sugar and preservatives and disease)
Support Afro-Columbian Human Rights
Please visit this page to find out about an unfortunate situation for the African Diaspora in Columbia.
Photo of the Week
Credit - Ed Wexler for US News & World Report
From Delaware’s Carper Pushes Biden’s Plan for a National Park
Politico
White House Council on Women and Girls – Violence Against Women
Dirigentes en Santiago exigen acciones contra la corrupción
El Pais, the newspaper of Spain, has some really good articles. Thanks to Twitter I notice more of them now.
Conservatives Are the Real Joker
Women
issues and lives
This is a very raw post about a woman working on women of color issues abroad. I felt her pain in her message but I have to say I am not sure what I can do to help her. Please read and share your thoughts if so moved.
Help for More Homeless Women Vets
Health
Black People Need Health Food as Much as Health Care
Obama Gives New Swine Flu Guidence for K-12 Schools
Other
African Americans on Facebook or Twitter: Which is Better?
I say Twitter as I feel its more intellectually stimulating. I also think that Twitter helps you connect with your future while Facebook helps you connect with your past.
Between the contested elections in Iran to “Beer-gate” with Barry & Skip these actions along with this video are a reminder that the police, specifically corrupt police, have their own interpretation of “protect and serve.”
Jeremih to send back-to-school tweet to CPS kids
Chicago Public Schools is using technology to get their children to school…interesting idea. Would be interested to see if this had an affect on enrollment.
Attack on Twitter Came in Two Waves
Oldies But Goodies
W Holds Sleepovers; Clinton Pledges a Frat
Who knew that Vanity Fair had good well at least interesting political articles. They actually have an Ex-POTUS feature, where this link comes from. Well I have finally received the memo on Vanity Fair.
Links of the Week 31 July 2009
Top Five
This is a film about Big Oil’s exploitation of indigenous people in South America. I actually did a project about this issue a few years back. Click the link below to learn more and find out where the movie is playing. Click below to watch the film trailer.
Why Can’t Ads Get Black Women Right?
I will say this. Another reason why diversity in business, film and media are needed.
It is so interesting that more and more studies are coming out that vegetarianism and veganism is not just good for your health but good for the environment. Remember H1N1 was not about “dirty pigs” in Mexico, it is a direct result of corporate/mass farming. This article provides practical suggestions like cutting back on meat consumption once to a few times a week.
Sarah Grabs the Grievence Grab Bag From Hillary
A well done piece by Dowd.
Photo of the Week
Official Guidelines
Source: Jorge Cham. PhD Comic
Politico
What will triumph in health care push — reform or recess?
Shaq Denied Entrance to the White House
I’m not surprised but I thought if anyone had a chance it was Shaq. I wonder if he was sore after doing 1,000 push ups. I can only manage 10 at a time-sad but true.
Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan; In US Key Econ Report Due
Can Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett Help Get Health Care Done?
This blog post is from one of the bloggers I enjoy following on Twitter, Pundit Mom. So click the link and subscribe to her posts.
License-Plate Scanners: Fighting Crime or Invading Privacy?
This brings a new meaning to the term “Big Brother Is Watching.”
Other
Height and Happiness: Why Tall People Are Happier
Why Volkswagen is Powering Through the Recession
Oldies But Goodies
Teacher Can We Leave Now? No.
Haiti: Women “More Protected” to Report Sexual Violence
Girl Shunned by Family After Rapes Sparks Outcry
I do not know the whole story but I do know that this is the fate for many girls and women all over the world. Any mistake that “shames” the family is grounds for dis-ownership. One reason why I feel that education for all children is important.
This is an old article written by Harvard Cuban Scholar, Jorge I. Dominguez. It is a very interesting piece that shows just how flawed US Policy has been and why Obama should maintain his current method towards dealing with Iran and the recent controversey over their recent elections.
Links of the Week 17 July 2009
Top Five
(In Order)
Report Identifies Characteristics of Sustainable Nonprofits
Hello From Havana
A very interesting breakdown of the ruling style of Raul Castro that includes his speaking style, sense of humor and policy changes since coming to power in 2008.
Vice Presidency Has Changed Over The Years
Interesting look at the position of the Vice Presidency and what has been done in recent administrations to change that role.
What Gov. Palin Forgot (Sen. John Kerry)
Sen. Kerry discusses a recent op-ed that Gov. Palin wrote showing that global warming is indeed a problem using examples from the state of Alaska.
Solutions: Help Madison Avenue find FauxBama Girls
This is an interesting blog search plus a chance to give little Black and Mixed girls a chance of exposure. Read post for details and disregard dates as this was tweeted this week.
Quote of the Week
“Being white and male is seen instead as a neutral condition, the natural order of things. Any “identity” — black, brown, female, gay, whatever — has to be judged against this supposedly “objective” standard. Thus it is irrelevant if Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. talks about the impact of his background as the son of Italian immigrants on his rulings — as he did at his confirmation hearings — but unforgivable for Sotomayor to mention that her Puerto Rican family history might be relevant to her work.” from A Sotomayor Sense of Justice.
Photo of the Week
Source: Keith Knight via BlackNews.com
If I Lived Inside the Beltway…
I would go to National Geographics DC African Diaspora Film Series from 23-25 July. Only $10 General Admission and $8 for Seniors/Students. Click Here for Details.
Politico
The Future of U.S. Policy in Iraq
The first 30 minutes contain the speech and the rest is question and answer.
Quotes of the Day from the Sotomayor Hearing
These quotes are from the first day of the hearing.
Amtrak unveils first rail car funded by stimulus
The House Releases Its Health-Care Reform Bill
Emily’s List: Read My Lipstick
Emily’s List now has a blog. Check it out.
Other
Top 10: Subtle Ways to Tell Her She’s Fat
I found this article horrendous but I have to admit that a few of the suggestions were clever. Please don’t try these “tips” at home!
Colleges Could See Decline in Number of Large Gifts
PETA Playmates Hit Capitol Hill to Dish Vegan Hot Dogs
Movie Studios Make Strides in Diverting Waste, Recycling Sets
Kmart’s Christmas in July: Inspiration or Desperation?
My vote is for desperation but it is a pretty crafty idea but what are they going to do come November and December to get people in their doors if they have done all their shopping in July?
Oldies But Goodies
Obama Watch Special: Back to Africa
Convention Committees: Sectors & Industries
Another useful document from OpenSecrets.org.
You Want To Run For Office. Now What?
A story about a woman who decided she wanted to run for political office that participated in The White House Project’s political training program for women.
Links of the Week 21 January 2009 – The Purple Gate Edition
My Tunnel of Doom Story
I woke up at 4am that morning and my friend and I left her mom’s house at 5am. When we got to the metro stop there was a line to get into the parking deck, maybe that should have been my first sign of what was to come. We were on a train by 5.30am and we made it to Judiciary Square by 6am. The spirit in the station was AMAZING. Everyone was so excited about the upcoming day in history, we even sang a cheer while waiting to get up the metro escalators. Once we reached street level, we looked around at some vendors, knowing we would have no time after the swearing in, and we made it to our spot in line by 6.30am. As we walked by the two police officers that checked our tickets before letting us down, what I now know is the 395 tunnel, I thought that we would probably go 200 or 300 yards to get to the end of the line. Well I was WRONG. We walked a good quarter mile to get to the end of the line and we could see the highway exit sign for the Senate from a distance.
My friend and I became friendly with our neighbors and got comfortable as we knew we had some time before the gates would open and our line would move. While waiting in line we talked about how we got here, about the police cars who would come up on either side of the line and more (I think we saw some famous ABC news anchor being escorted through the tunnel in a van). We also talked about the large numbers of people coming down the tunnel and guessed how long the line proceeded down 395 going towards VA. Everything seemed fine to us until about 9.00 am or so. We started wondering why our line was not moving as much as we would have thought. We also wondered why the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) was opening the gates so late (My friend and I were in Denver and remembered that the Democratic Party had the gates open to Invesco field for about 4 hours before Obama’s acceptance speech and that was for only 70,000 people compared to 220,000 Inaugural ticket holders). It was also around this time that we got concerned about the number of people in the tunnel and we may have also noticed that people were coming in from the larger North end entrance to the tunnel (we were let in off of the US Capitol exit of 395). We thought there was no way that this many people had purple tickets, especially since the Silver section was the largest ticketed section. There was also friendly hostility from the crowd about line butters and those who were leaving the line, we were for it because we felt that there are people that have been here since before 6am. They deserve to get in before us because they took the time to get in line and it was unfair for people that came down the tunnel after 8am to think they can just cut in line. However, after a few crowd defenses of their areas of the line I started to think, “what would happen if a ‘line butter’ got the wrong person upset and someone threw a punch? That would be utter chaos in this tunnel.” It was around the time that I had that thought that I decided to call 911. (When I lived in Silver Spring, MD I found an older woman wondering around the streets — I assumed she had Dementia or Alzheimer — so I called 911 to tell the police about her. It worked then so I decided that it would work again). While on the phone I told the operator that there were a bunch of people in the 395 tunnel waiting in line for the purple section and suggested that she advise someone to send police to the tunnel for crowd control (The only cops I saw after walking down into the tunnel around 6.30am were the cops in the cars traveling through the tunnel to go wherever they were going). The call was placed at 9.57am. By 10.30am we got really excited because we finally made it out of the tunnel and we continued to walk the line now on street level. However, this is when things really got crazy. As we were walking we heard that the purple gate was closed due to a security breech. My heart sank…shortly before calling 911 I texted some friends who were in other sections to ask them if they knew of anything going on above ground but all they told me was that it was rumored that someone had a stroke on the mall. FINALLY we get to the purple gate area but the mob scene I saw was worse than what was going on in the tunnel. Unfortunately, it was confirmed that indeed the purple gate was closed…this is when my friend and I started to get creative. “Was there another way in? How can we get out of this situation safely?” We ended up climbing a small (I repeat small) fence. There were two cops near by up a set of stairs and they said nothing as they saw a group of about 20 people including myself hop this fence. We go around a corner and we see an entrance. “Yeah…finally we can get in!” Well…so close yet so far. We had come across an entrance to the parade area 
We decided after being in that section for about 10 minutes that we should try and go back to the purple gate area. Upon arrival in front of the gate we start getting updates from those around us. Basically, the purple gate closed (pretty early from what was said) and now there was a group trying to get the gate re-opened. By this point the program had started and you could see folks spirits becoming low. Many people traveled from a distance, my friend lives in CA, and could not get in. I was lucky I was able to crash with friends because I used to live in the area but I could only imagine paying WAY too much for a hotel room and not getting to see the event. There was a guy nearby with TV on his cell phone so I was able to hear the invocation by Rick Warren. I have to say he did a good job. All I wanted that day was to have a view or a glimpse of history. All I wanted to see was Joe sworn in (officially VP Biden – I call him Joe in informal situations because he was my Senator). All I saw was chaos. When the cannons went off signally that the President was sworn in I was really sad. I worked hard on the campaign trail and I did the right thing and got on my Congressional Members lists for inaugural tickets and I was not allowed in due to poor organization. I do not know Senator Feinstein nor those who were on the PIC committee but I wonder who did they consult with about the planning of the event? Did they learn anything from the concert three days before hand?
Did they contact someone from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) about how they dealt with the crowds at Obama’s acceptance speech? Did they ask the DNC people what went right at Invesco, what went wrong and what would you suggest so the same is not repeated at the inauguration? Did they ask the opinions of other groups who have had similar events on the mall – the Million Man March for example? If they did not I wish they would have because I think a lot of the problems could have been avoided if they just would have asked. My final question is this: why did none of the policy officers have any information about what was going on that day? To close I would like to thank those of the armed services that served that day. As I was walking to Union Station to go home I ran into a group of gentlemen who were directing the crowd and traffic. THEY did an excellent job and should be commended for their work.
For the few days after the swearing-in I was sad because I missed it. I was torn inside because I knew I was happy for President Obama but I was mad that I did not see him get sworn in first hand especially since I was there. In the two weeks since, I have reminded myself that everything happens for a reason and hopefully that the recent events with the Purple Tunnel of Doom Facebook Group highlights that – I do hope that the PIC and the JCCIC learn from their mistakes and prevent this type of thing from happening again. Lastly, I have to say many who were affected have asked for some type of monetary or event compensation to occur for their loss but for me, I don’t want it. There is no money in the world that will bring back that moment nor any new event that will replace the one I missed. The only compensation I want is for those in charge of security and logistics to be held responsible for their actions or lack there of on that day.
Purple Gate News stories
Survivors of the Purple Tunnel of Doom
The Facebook group that has been made infamous…and to think it started as a joke.
Out in the cold: Lawmakers get earful on Inaugural disasters
Inauguration Mystery: What caused the Mayhem on The Mall?
Senator Feinstein Issues Statement Following Meeting with Inauguration Officials
Inaugural Committee Apologizes for Ticket Fiasco
The real story is in the comments section of this article. I learned a lot myself and I was there.
Congress’s Top Security Officer Admits Inaugural Security Breach
Obama Administration
Obama Orders Guantanamo Closure
Video
Obama- Whatever I Like
Beyonce – Single Ladies Spoof (Barack Obama)
This won’t be the first song for the first dance, but…
